A primary school in Galway city and another the county have made it to the national finals of a prestigious art competition.
Pupils and teachers at St Nicholas’ National School, in Waterside, and Sylane National School in Tuam, were named Junior and Senior County Winners respectively of national art competition, Someone Like Me.
Their achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held in Dublin in late January, where they will join pupils and teachers from 50 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national senior and junior titles.
An initiative of the National Disability Authority, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the competition which has seen thousands of primary and special school pupils across Ireland develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities through the medium. The competition’s aim is to influence a more accepting and inclusive society.
Congratulating St Nicholas’ National School and Sylane National School on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney, said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the ongoing commitment of Ireland’s primary and special school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland.
“Over the last ten years, the Someone Like Me Art Competition has created a national conversation about visible and non-visible disabilities, helping to raise awareness and, ultimately, effect positive attitudinal change within society,” she said.
“Selecting the county winners was not an easy task for the judges, and choosing an overall senior and junior winner will be an even harder job. And, while I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, all pupils and teachers should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society.”
St Nicholas’ National School and Sylane National School will now go on to compete with 50 other schools from around the country for the overall Someone Like Me junior and senior awards which will be announced at the national awards ceremony in Dublin City Hall on Wednesday, January 28.
Speakers at the event will include James Casserly, a young disability advocate, with the national awards to be presented by the Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins TD.
The competition, which offers a range of prizes to the value of over €1,000, was open to all primary and special school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and more. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos.
