“The Thomas F. Meagher foundation were once again thrilled with number and quality of the entries to this year’s awards and scholarship programme 2023. The young people of Ireland clearly understand the meaning and relevance of the Irish tricolour flag’s symbolism in this most special of years – the 175th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish flag.
The message of inclusion and peace was expressed with real creativity in each of the award categories. The number of entries we received far exceeded that of past years and we are very proud of all students for the passion they have shown this year, way beyond our expectations.
We also would like to sincerely thank you – our students’ educators for encouraging your students to take part in the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation annual awards and learn about the history and important message of peace behind the Irish flag.”
Revd. Canon Michael Cavanagh, Chair of the Foundation.
OVERALL / SCHOLARSHIP WINNER – CIARA CORCORAN
COLÁISTE COIS SIUIRE, MOONCOIN, CO. KILKENNY
The overall winning entry is the song: “Irish flag” written and performed by 6th year student Ciara Corcoran. Link to song here
BEST OVERALL ENTRY JUNIOR CYCLE – MAILÍ DE CLÉIR
COLÁISTE CHOLMCHILLE INDREABHÁN, GALWAY
BEST OVERALL ENTRY SENIOR CYCLE – RACHAEL DUFFY
LORETO SECONDARY SCHOOL, BRAY, CO. WICKLOW
“What the Irish flag means to me”. Video entry.
BEST ASD / SPECIAL CLASS ENTRY – EMMANUEL NKULA
KINGSWOOD COMMUNITY SCHOOL, CO. DUBLIN
BEST ENTRY AS GAEILGE – SÍOFRA GOUGH
ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, LUCAN, CO. DUBLIN
BEST ESSAY – ROBERT KEENAN
DE LA SALLE COLLEGE, DUNDALK
“175 years on. What the Irish flag means to me in 2023.”
BEST POEM – DAVÓG O’FLANAGAN
GLENAMADDY COMMUNITY SCHOOL, CO. GALWAY
BEST ARTWORK – DAVID MC PARTLIN
ARDSCOIL RÍS LIMERICK
BEST VIDEO/AUDIO CLIP
FATMA WAEL HASSAN ISMAIL HASSAN ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE LUCAN, CO. DUBLIN
CHAIR SPECIAL AWARD – IRYNA SHUTAK
FINN VALLEY COLLEGE, STRANORLAR, CO. DONEGAL
An incredible interpretation of the meaning of the Irish flag through digital art by Iryna Shutak, second year student. She has recently joined Finn Valley college from Ukraine. Iryna developed her work from inspiration/conception, the sketching and colouring process right through the finished product. She first photographed the local landscape and captured herself looking out the window of the transport on which this image is based. The key message she wants to convey is that Ireland represents safety for her.
BEST MUSIC/DANCE – KARA O’NEILL
FINN VALLEY COLLEGE, STRANORLAR, CO. DONEGAL
This link shows Kara O’Neill dancing. She prepared this dance for the flag day ceremony. The dance was preceded by an overview of the history of Irish dance as an Irish tradition from its inception to its current form. Irish culture has changed throughout the decades to reflect and encompass the influences of a changing society. This Irish dance by Kara celebrates tradition but recognises that change and growth is natural, and it is inclusive. This is what the Irish flag means to Kara.
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA – SHANE CARROLL
NORTH MONASTERY SECONDARY SCHOOL, CORK
HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=H0PZKFUKCBK
