Museum of Country Life
Schools Essay Competition Winners
By Bernie Byron
25, Feb 2007 - 10:10

To celebrate National Heritage Week 2006 (26th August - 3rd September), the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life invited upper primary and post primary students to write an essay on the theme of Changing Landscapes. The essay offered pupils the chance to discuss either or both the social and physical changes that have occurred in Ireland over the last 100-150 years.

There was a huge response to the competition, entries were received from all parts of the country and the standards were high. Winning entries were chosen on the basis of best ideas, expression of these ideas, essay structure, spelling, grammar and presentation.

The winners were as follows:

Upper Primary
First:      Laura Ní Chathasaigh (age 11), Gaelscoil Bharra, Cabrach, BÁC 7
Second: Sadhbh Ní Bhroin-Riain (age 12), Gaelscoil Bharra, Cabrach, BÁC 7
Third:     Laura Ryder (age 10), Scoil Raifteirí, Castlebar
              Thomas Coll (age 11), Crimlin National School, Castlebar
Merit:     Cáit Ní Éineacháin (age 11), Scoil Raifteirí, Castlebar

Post Primary
Junior: Stephanie Mulvany, Ursline College, Feniskiln Road, Sligo
Senior: Sarah Corcoran, Ardscoilmhuire, Mackney, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Prizes consisted of books in English and Irish with Gaelscoil Bharra also winning a writing workshop with Irish poet Gabriel Rosentstock.