A Co Louth student is the overall winner of the 1997 Young Science Writers' Competition, writes Science Editor, Dick Ahlstrom. Ms Iseult Murphy (16), a pupil at St Vincent's School, in Dundalk, was a winner for her age in the fiction category and also overall winner. She received a trophy and £250 for her work, The Sea Monsters of Dan Dealgan, described by the judges as an excellent piece of writing.
Another 18 students in three age groups also won awards for essays in the science fiction, science fact and marine service categories. There were over 500 entries from pupils in schools from North and South in the all Ireland competition, organised by the RDS in association with Technology Ireland and the Provincial Newspapers Association.
Separate prizes were also awarded by the Marine Institute for entries with an aquatic theme. Ms Rachel Flavin from St Joseph's Secondary School, Limerick, won the marine section for a report on a beached whale.
The aim of the competition is to foster a better understanding of science and to encourage young people into scientific studies.