A talented Loreto Letterkenny student landed the prize for best essay in Ulster in the inaugural Oireachtas Essay Competition.
Leanne Healy (main pic) received her award from Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghail TD, at a ceremony in Leinster House last week.
The event was attended by the winning students, their parents/guardians and teachers. The judges praised Leanne for writing an essay with a ‘strong focus on politics at a local level.’
The prizes were presented by Ceann Comhairle Ó Fearghaíl.
He said that greater engagement by young people with the political system was “vital for the health of our democracy and for our ability to overcome the many challenges we face at home and abroad.”
The new competition was devised by Independent NUI Senator, Rónán Mullen, with the support of An Ceann Comhairle and the Oireachtas Education Unit. It is aimed at Senior Cycle (5th and 6th Year) and AS/A Level students across the Island of Ireland.
Thomas Cannon receiving his award from Sen Rónán Mullen.
Senator Mullen was also in Loreto Milford on Thursday to present an award to student Thomas Cannon for having a highly commended essay.
The judges said of Thomas’ work: “This was a clear critique of the Seanad, was well written, showed initiative in research and was thoughtful throughout.”
Senator Mullen said the “wave of interest” generated by the competition among schools and students would “ensure the continuity of this Competition into future years.”