Athlone students compete in essay contest remembering local judge Gráinne O'Neill
The Law Society of Ireland has announced the winners of the inaugural national legal essay competition remembering the late Athlone judge Gráinne O'Neill.
Students from Athlone Community College and the Marist College were among the finalists in a competition which was won by Transition Year student Saorla McDonagh Sharkey, of St Vincent's Secondary School in Dundalk.
The announcement of the overall winner was made at an event in the Law Society, Dublin, on Thursday last, March 23.
The competition received over 80 essays from 38 schools across 14 counties. Each student submitted a 1,500-word essay examining the topic, The law and social media: striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsible usage.
Westmeath students David Nolan and Mia Olwill from Athlone Community College; Nathan Kelly and Andrew McGorisk from Marist College, Athlone; and Joshua Salley, from Wilson's Hospital School, were among the 32 finalists attending the event in Dublin.
The chair of the Law Society's Education Committee, Richard Hammond SC, said, "This competition aims to encourage young people to engage with the law and consider their own legal rights, how the law impacts society.
"This competition aims to inspire students’ learning and develop their creativity in an engaging way. We were delighted to welcome our student finalists, their parents, guardians, and teachers, to the home of the Law Society of Ireland at Blackhall Place to celebrate their achievements."
Saorla’s essay was selected as the top entry and won a €1,000 prize, trophy and shield for her school. The judges commended Saorla for her essay's 'unique approach' as she 'carefully put a spotlight on social justice issues to enhance the critical debate of the competing rights.'
Commenting on her win, Saorla said, "I am delighted to be awarded first prize at the Gráinne O'Neill essay competition. It’s very special that I could attend the event with my parents.
"The competition opened my eyes further to the world of law and the balance of legal rights and it has definitely inspired me to consider a career in law."
Hari Chandana Parimkayala, Loreto Secondary School, Wexford was awarded second place and Michael Kerley of De La Salle College, Dundalk, Co. Louth came third.
Gráinne O'Neill, from the Retreat Road, Athlone, was a much-loved local woman who died following an illness in 2018.
In 2014, she became the youngest judge in Ireland when she was appointed to the District Court.
During her life, and especially during her years as a judge, Gráinne worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner.
The essay competition was initiated by The Hon Mr Justice Keenan Johnson of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors' Bar Association, in 2019. This is the first year the competition invited entries from transition year students across the country.
"It's fitting that we can bring Gráinne's legacy to a national platform, and to continue to make a difference to young people, their learnings and their lives," Mr Hammond SC said.