TEXACO ART COMPETITION:HAIRY SPIDERS, galloping horses, blue frogs and scary sea monsters were among the subjects drawn by this year's batch of Texaco Children's Art Competition winners.
Almost 30,000 entries were received but they were whittled down to 161 winners when the prizes were awarded in Dublin yesterday.
The 21 top prizes were revealed last month and Shane Finnegan (17), from Abbey Grammar School in Newry, Co Down, led the list of winners for his still life study of mackerel, inspired by fishing trips with his father John.
Shane, who won €2,000, said he was aiming to capture the way mackerel shimmered when coming out of the water. He plans to spend some of his winnings on a trip to Tokyo, where his picture will soon be exhibited.
Chairman of the judging panel, Prof Declan McGonagle, said the young artist had exhibited “great skill, technique, imagination and maturity”.
Two other students from his school – Niall Murchan and Jonathan Taylor – won special merit awards in the same age category. In fact, Down was the most successful county in the competition, taking four top prizes. But, when special merit winners were included, Dublin was the most successful county with 36 winners, followed by Cork (16), Down (14) and Limerick (9). Some 28 counties were represented by the 161 winners.
Kyle Finneran (7) from Castlerea waved the flag for Roscommon when he won a special merit award for his picture of a cockerel. He said he planned to buy a cockerel to go with his hens Henny, Penny, Foxy and Loxy. “We have only four because our dog killed one,” he explained dolefully.
Asked whether he would like to be an artist when he grew up, he shook his head and said “No, I’m going to be a farmer.”
Maria McStay (7), from St Joseph’s Primary School, Strangford, Co Down, was following in the footsteps of her art teacher mother when she won second prize for her depiction of a proud peacock.
Aleksandra Fudali’s detailed portrait of a girl drew gasps when it flashed on to the screen at the awards. It was her first time to enter, and the 16-year-old said she wasn’t sure about it until she was convinced by her art teacher at St Brogan’s College in Bandon.
It was a red-letter day for Aleksandra, who was rushing back to Bandon last night to receive another prize at her school’s Transition Year awards.
The 161 prize winners ranged in age from 4 years (special merit award winner Bríd Foley from Scoil Bhreac Chluain, Annascaul, Co Kerry) to 18 years.
Daniel Henry (5), from St Joseph’s Primary School, Athlone, was the youngest child to be placed in the top three. He came second in the aged 6 and under category.
Presenting the prizes, Minister for Children Barry Andrews said the competition was always held in the highest esteem at his school. “30,000 applicants around the country and you are the people that have come to the top,” he told the winners. “You should be really proud of yourselves.”
Now in its 56th year, the competition is said to be the longest-running event in the history of art sponsorship. Past winners include artists Graham Knuttel and Robert Ballagh, fashion designer Paul Costelloe, Ictu’s David Begg and former Labour party leader Ruairí Quinn.
This year’s winning pictures will be exhibited around the country in the coming year.
See texacochildrensart.com for the winning pictures and details of the exhibition.
Award Winners
CATEGORY A (16 – 18 years)
1st: Shane Finegan (17), Abbey Grammar CBS, Newry, Down (prize of €2000);
2nd: Aleksandra Fudali (16), St Brogans College, Bandon, Cork (€1000);
3rd: Enda ORiordan (16), Christian Brothers College, Sidney Hill, Cork (€750)
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Keith Blake (17), Presentation Secondary School, Thurles, Tipperary. Eileen OSullivan (17), Ashbourne Community School, Ashbourne, Meath. Eric Henry (18), Bangor, Down. Aoife Garrett (17), Jesus Mary Secondary School, Crossmolina, Mayo. Niall Murchan (18), Abbey CBS Newry, Newry, Down. Jonathan Taylor (17), Abbey Grammar CBS, Newry, Down. Shane Donaldson (16), Methodist College, Belfast, Antrim. Mark Coyle (17), Coláiste Eoin, Booterstown, Dublin. Elizabeth Madden (17), Laurel Hill Secondary School, South Circular Rd, Limerick. Josh Joyce (16), Skerries Art School, Skerries, Dublin. Michaela Cullen (18), St Patricks Academy, Dungannon, Tyrone. Alison Lennon (17), Banbridge Academy, Banbridge, Down. Aedín Donnelly (17), Mount Sackville Secondary School, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Clare Lynch (16), Loreto College, Mullingar, Westmeath. Leanne Reilly (16), Sacred Heart Sec School, Westport, Mayo. Fiona Fahey (18), Liberties College of Further Education, Bull Alley Street, Dublin 8. Adam Kelly (16), St Marys College, Ballysadare, Sligo. Vincent McKenna (17), St Marys Grammar School, Magherafelt, Derry. Ross Mennie (16), St Brigids VS, Loughrea, Galway. Eimear Kinsella (16), Abbey Community College, Ferrybank, Waterford.
CATEGORY B (14 – 15 yrs)
1st: Lara Darby (15), Bangor Academy, Bangor, Down – €450;
2nd: Jingze Du (14), Coláiste Éinde, Salthill, Galway – €350;
3rd: Liam Keighley (14), Gorey Community School, Gorey, Wexford – €250.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Dearbhlá Reid (14), Presentation de la Salle, Bagenalstown, Carlow. Cathy Hogan (14), St Josephs Secondary School, Doon, Limerick. Harry Economos (15), Sutton Park, St Fintans Road, Dublin 13. Megan Byrnes (14), Laurel Hill Secondary School, South Circular Road, Limerick. Claire Le Velly (14), Aquinas Dioscesan Grammar, Belfast, Antrim. Niamh Sauter–Cooke (14), St Kilians German School, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. Dana Relja (15), Bandon Grammar School, Bandon, Cork. Siobhán Gallagher (14), Saint Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill, Cork. Joanne McAlary (15), St Patricks College, Maghera, Derry. Bryony Walters (14), Aquinas Dioscesan Grammar, Belfast, Antrim. Clare Brown (14), Aquinas Dioscesan Grammar, Belfast, Antrim. Zoë Cornelissen (15), Rathfriland High School, Rathfriland, Down. Sean McBrearty (14), Marist College, Athlone, Westmeath. Iza Sikorska (14), Scoil Bhride Convent of Mercy, Tuam, Galway. Jonathan Coleman (15), Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, Monaghan. Aoife Short (14), St Marys College, Arklow, Wicklow. Ruth Cassidy (15), Saint Colmcilles Community School, Knocklyon, Dublin 16. Siomha Murphy (14), St Vincents Secondary School, Dundalk, Louth. Christofer Orsmond (14), Sandford Park, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Niamh Cusack (14), Laurel Hill Secondary School, South Circular Road, Limerick.
CATEGORY C (12 – 13 yrs)
1st: Shania McDonagh (12), Gaelscoil Uileog de Burca, Claremorris, Mayo – €350;
2nd: Sinéad Timlin (13), Jesus Mary Secondary School, Crossmolina, Mayo – €250;
3rd: Celine Earle (13), Gorey Community School, Gorey, Wexford – €200.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Heather Duff (13), Loreto Community School, Milford, Donegal. Samuel Clarke (13), St Columbas College, Whitechurch, Dublin 16. Cliona McElhone (13), St Malachys High School, Castlewellan, Down. Cathy McKeown (13), St Vincents, Dundalk, Louth. Sara Yousif (13), Rice College, Ennis, Clare. Mairéad Cunningham (13), Gorey Community School, Gorey, Wexford. Marie–Christina McManus (13), St Vincents, Dundalk, Louth. Elisha Buckley (13), Mercy Mounthawk SS, Tralee, Kerry. Laura Bermingham (13), Mount Sackville Secondary School, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Niamh Howell (12), St Malachys High School, Castlewellan, Down. Jack Gilligan (12), Strandhill Art Class, Strandhill, Sligo. Roisín OMalley (12), Clifden Community School, Clifden, Galway. Cara Hunter (12), Skerries Art School, Skerries, Dublin. Sylvia Formela (13), Castleisland Community College, Castleisland, Kerry. Neil OBrien (13), Christian Brothers College, Sidney Hill, Cork. Gareth Lacey (12), St Kevins College, Finglas, Dublin 11. Robbie Glynn (13), St Conleths College, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Oliver Gavin (13), St John Bosco CC, Ennis, Clare. Paul McGrath (12), St Kevins College, Finglas, Dublin 11. Rachel Kenny (12), Scoil Naomh Fionán, Falcarragh, Donegal.
CATEGORY D (9 – 11yrs)
1st: Julie Twomey (11), Cloghroe NS, Cloghroe, Cork – €250;
2nd: Shane McCann (10), Tullyallen NS, Tullyallen, Louth – €200;
3rd: Aoife Hamilton (11), Scoil Náisiúnta Baile Mhic Airt, Dúngarbhán, Phortláirge – €150.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Luke Attride (11), Killeshin NS, Killeshin, Laois. Sian Costello (11), Scoil na nAingeal Naofa, Boyle, Roscommon. Philip Motyer (11), Rathfarnham Parish NS, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. Sadhbh Redmond (9), Bennekerry NS, Bennekerry, Carlow. Rebecca Jones (9), Bocombra Primary School, Portadown, Armagh. Beth McAvoy (11), Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry, Down. Gabija Vilkelyte (9), Presentation Senior School, Mullingar, Westmeath. Helen Dyson (10), Artzone, Cashel Rd, Dublin 12. Shona Delaney (11), St Oliver Plunketts NS, Malahide, Dublin. Ruby Barrett (11), Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton, Cork. Polly Maher (11), Oylegate NS, Enniscorthy, Wexford. Niamh Nolan (11), St Colmans NS, Mullingar, Westmeath. Rian Owens (11), New–Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland, Down. Lonan–Francis Manny (11), St Tolas NS, Delvin, Westmeath. Ella OReilly OGrady (10), Glasnevin Eduate Together NS, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Kaylan Downes (11), Christian Brothers Grammar School, Omagh, Tyrone. Evan Regan–OBroin (11), Ballinora National School, Waterfall, Cork. Gemma Henry (9), St Josephs Primary School, Athlone, Roscommon. Rowan Greig (11), St Marys Boys NS, Clones Rd, Monaghan. Sarah McDermott (9), Holy Rosary NS, Wicklow Town, Wicklow.
CATEGORY E (7 and 8 yrs)
1st: Finn OReilly (8), Glasnevin Educate Together, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 – €200;
2nd: Maria McStay (7), St Josephs Primary School, Downpatrick, Down – €150;
3rd: Ború Powell (7), Rossan NS, Carrigallen, Leitrim – €125.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Alannah Walsh (8), Bennekerry NS, Bennekerry, Carlow. Elizabeth Hole (7), Scoil Bhride NS, Mountnugent, Cavan. Alanah McDonagh (7), Gael Scoil Uileog de Burca, Claremorris, Mayo. Toby Clarke–Carr (8), Ratoath, Meath. Alannah Carton (7), St Fergals Junior National School, Bray, Wicklow. David Ozonyia (8), St Josephs NS, Arklow, Wicklow. Kyle Finneran (7), Threen NS, Castlerea, Roscommon. Nuala Rooney (7), Coldwood NS, Craughwell, Galway. Andrew Glynn (7), Taney NS, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Saorla Martin (8), Scoil Neasáin, Baile Harmain, Baile Átha Cliath 5. Dawn Attride (8), Leighlinbridge National School, Leighlinbridge, Carlow. Roisin Kingston (7), Vinefield Studio Saturday Group, Skibbereen, West Cork. Lucy MacRandal (7), St Michaels Primary School, Belfast, Antrim. Gráinne Earley (8), Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn, Tralee, Kerry. Niamh Tobin (8), Scoil Naoimh Éanna, Carrickmacross, Monaghan. David Cosgrave (8), Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil, Glanmire, Cork. Maria Alexander Usovich (8), Artzone, Cashel Road, Dublin 12. Aoibhín Harding (8), Ennis NS, Ennis, Clare. Conor Degan (8), The Afterschool Club, Castletroy, Limerick. Lauren OConnell (8), The Afterschool Club, Castletroy, Limerick.
CATEGORY F (6 ys and under)
1st: Emma McInerney (6), Dunboyne JPS, Dunboyne, Meath – €150;
2nd: Daniel Henry (5), St Joesphs Primary School, Athlone, Roscommon – €125;
3rd: Joshua Mac Aodh Bhui (6), Gaelscoil Eoghain Ui Thuairisc, Carlow – €100.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Andreas Bester (5), Scoil Barra Naofa, Cork. Scarlet Atkins (6), St Josephs PS, Belfast, Antrim. Úna McCarthy (5), Vinefield Studio Saturday Group, Skibbereen, West Cork. Conor McKenna (5), Mount St Michaels Primary, Randalstown, Antrim. Serafina Tynan (6), Gaelscoil de hÍde, Oranmore, Galway. Eva Greene (5), Roxboro NS, Derrane, Roscommon. Leah Brean (6), Scoil Naoimh Éanna, Carrickmacross, Monaghan. Bríd Foley (4), Scoil Bhreac Chluain, Tralee, Kerry. Daniel Rankin (6), Scoil Ghráinne CNS, Clonee, Dublin 15. Eve Drummond–Mackrill (6), Montenotte, Cork. Laurence McLoughlin (6), St Vincents CBS, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. Lucy McGrath (5), St John Of God, Upper New Street, Kilkenny. Elysa Agot (6), Holly Park Saint Patrick GNS, Foxrock, Dublin 18. Tania Sheridan Staunton (6), St Marks JNS, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Nicholas Dolan (6), Belgrove Junior Boys School, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Katie Deane (6), St Kevins NS, Carlow. Paddy Atkins (6), St Josephs PS, Belfast, Antrim. Kacey Tully (5), St Catherines Infant School, Cabra, Dublin 7. Eva OReilly (6), Scoil Naoimh Éanna, Carrickmacross, Monaghan. Muireann OBrien (6), Kilworth, Cork.
CATEGORY G (SPECIAL NEEDS – YOUNG ADULTS CHILDREN)
1st: Deirdre Manny (14), St Josephs Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, Westmeath – €450;
2nd: Cheryl Mulholland (14), Longstone School, Dundonald, Down – €300;
3rd: Aaron Salinger (11), St Michaels School, Glenmaroon, Chapelizod – €200.
SPECIAL MERIT AWARD WINNERS:Kayleigh Houlihan (14), Catherine McAuley School, South Circular Rd, Limerick. Thomas ORourke (10), St Itas Special School, Drogheda, Louth. Alex McKeever (16), St Josephs Special Needs School, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Caitriona Murphy (12), St Pauls NS, Navan, Meath. Kally Bracken (14), New Court School, Bray, Wicklow. Katie Cronin (16), Catherine McAuley School, South Circular Rd, Limerick. George Murphy (15), New Court School, Bray, Wicklow. Martin Harty (13), St Josephs CBS Secondary School, Nenagh, Tipperary. Joanna Clarke (14), St Michaels School, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Aaron OConnell (17), Our Lady of Good Counsel, Ballincollig, Cork. Ben Cornelissen (11), Rathfriland High School, Bryansford, Down. Jamie Murphy (12), St Marys Special School, Rochestown, Cork. Andrew OBrien (17), Waterpark College, Park Road, Waterford. Killian Fitzgerald (17), Catherine McAuley School, South Circular Rd, Limerick. Shaun Kearney (9), St Josephs Special Needs School, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Gavin Gilvarry (15), St Michaels School, Chapelizod, Dublin 20. Murray Whooley (11), St Augustines School, Blackrock, Dublin. Anthony Hynes (13), Stewarts Special School, Palmerstown, Dublin 20. Sajwal Waseem (13), St Johns NS, Temple Street, Sligo. Claire McManus (9), St Michaels School, Chapelizod, Dublin 20.
