An Post Education Awards

15 June 2007

20 primary schools from around the country received An Post Education Awards at Barracuda Restaurant in Bray, Co Wicklow this morning in recognition of the artistic and literary efforts of their pupils on the theme of ‘The Secrets of Ireland’s Seas’.

Schools nationwide received workbooks and posters and pupils were asked to submit a piece of art or written composition in keeping with the theme.  A phenomenal 30,000 entries were received for the competition, a number which exceeded the expectations of the organisers by far.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, An Post Chief Executive Donal Connell said:

“Environmental issues are at the forefront of the news agenda and will continue to dominate as we move into an era which will see increasing pressure on our natural resources, both at home and abroad.  I believe it’s important that young people are given the opportunity to investigate these issues for themselves in a manner which will encourage them to express their own ideas about the environment, which is why we concentrated on the seas around Ireland this year.”

The competition was open to all primary school students and included creative writing, freestyle art and colouring-in categories for children of varying age groups.

Prizes include bicycles, Adventure Centre family weekends away and Galway Crystal trophies, and there are also prizes for the winning schools and teachers.

The full list of 2007 An Post Primary School Education Awards winners is as follows:

1. Nikita Ward, St Joseph’s School, Bonnybrook, Dublin
2. Emily McCarthy, Meenkilly NS, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick
3. Elina Timma, Corr Lorgán, Co. Cavan
4. Amy Waldron, Knock NS, Co. Mayo
5. Chloe Doherty, Tiernasligo NS, Urris, Co. Donegal
6. Matthew Gallagher, St James’ National School, Galway
7. Michaela Dunne, Ballyfin NS, Co. Laois
8. Tyler O’Brien, St Canice’s National School, New Ross, Co. Wexford
9. Jodie Kenny, Sacred Heart, Clondalkin, Dublin
10. Éimear Irwin, Leugh NS, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
11. Richard Doyle, St Vincent’s NS, Turloughmore, Co.Galway
12. Seamus Clackett, Scoil an Leinbh Íosa, Carrigans, Co. Donegal
13. Sean William O’Mahoney, C.B.S., Tralee, Co. Kerry
14. Samantha Webb, Drumgossalt National School, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
15. Conor Jordan, Scoil Bhride, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
16. Sarah Donoghue, Killeeneen National School, Craughwell, Co. Galway
17. Mathias Lyne, St. Francis Special School, Killarney, Co. Kerry
18. Audrey Kavanagh, St. Michael’s School, Chapelizod, Dublin
19. Laura Smith, St. Clare’s N.S., Cavan
20. Connor Potts, St. John’s N.S., Sligo