Carlow Celebrates Young Literary Talent at Short Story Competition Awards Nigh
Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, in partnership with Carlow County Library, proudly hosted the second annual Right to Read Primary School Short Story Competition, celebrating the creativity and imagination of Carlow’s young literary talents.
Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, in partnership with Carlow County Library, proudly hosted the second annual Right to Read Primary School Short Story Competition, celebrating the creativity and imagination of Carlow’s young literary talents.
The Right to Read Campaign is an initiative of Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing literacy skills and creating a love of storytelling among young people. This year, students in 5th and 6th Class were invited to share their favourite local business and describe the career they aspire to in the future.
Opening the awards ceremony, John Shortall, County Librarian, reflected on the collaborative effort:
"This competition provided an opportunity to engage young people with the power of language and storytelling. By focusing on their localities and the businesses that shape them, students created narratives that reflect the vibrant spirit of Carlow."
Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Fergal Browne, commended the competition and its participants, stating "The Right to Read Campaign is not just about literacy, it is about empowering our young people to dream big and explore their potential. Education is the most powerful tool we can provide to help you turn those dreams into reality."
Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor at Carlow Local Enterprise Office, noted the enthusiastic response to the competition, "This competition brings to life the creativity of young minds in County Carlow. Nearly 500 entries from 22 schools illustrate just how engaged and imaginative our primary school students are. It’s wonderful to see how these stories connect their aspirations with the vibrant businesses in their communities."
Patricia Nolan, Executive Librarian, highlighted the importance of encouraging creativity, "At Carlow County Library, we see first-hand how storytelling and literacy can inspire and empower young people. This competition provides an outlet for students to explore their dreams, recognise the value of local businesses, and develop skills that will serve them in the future. Their enthusiasm and talent have been inspiring to witness."
A total of 22 schools participated in this year’s competition, and all received Certificates of Participation. Out of nearly 500 entries, 36 were shortlisted, with the top three winners from 5th and 6th Class announced at the ceremony. Each shortlisted student received a
€20 Love Carlow Voucher, while the top winners were awarded grand prizes:
1st Place: €200 Love Carlow Voucher and trophy
2nd Place: €150 Love Carlow Voucher and trophy
3rd Place: €100 Love Carlow Voucher and trophy
Right to Read 2024 Overall Winners are:
5th Class Overall Winners:
1st Place: Cara Lawlor – St. Joseph's National School Hacketstown (Favourite Business: Woodside Gardens)
2nd Place: Conor Griffin – Fr. Cullen Memorial National School Tinryland (Favourite Business: Delmec Engineering)
3rd Place: Jack Murphy – St. Michael's National School Borris (Favourite Business: Jones Business Systems)
6th Class Overall Winners:
1st Place: Tori Mc Donnell – Carlow National School (Favourite Business: Delta Sensory Gardens)
2nd Place: Adam Hopkins – Fr. Cullen Memorial National School Tinryland (Favourite Business: Carlow's Farmers Market)
3rd Place: Alice Bailey – Ballon National School (Favourite Business: Buggy Curtain Making)
The 22 schools that participated in the competition are:
Holy Family Girls National School Askea
St. Michael's National School Borris
Ballon National School
Ballyconnell National School
Bennekerry National School
Bishop Foley National School
Clonegal National School
St. Mary's Bagenalstown
St. Brigid's National School Grange
St. Brigid’s National School Grange ASD Unit
Carlow National School
St. Joseph's National School Hacketstown
Leighlinbridge National School
Ballinabranna National School
Scoil Molasisa Old Leighlin
St. Patrick's National School Rathvilly
Holy Family Boys National School Askea
Fr. Cullen Memorial National School Tinryland
St. Columba's National School
Scoil Mhuire Lourdes Tullow
St. Brigid’s National School Muinebheag
St. Fiacc's National School
The Right to Read Primary School Short Story Competition continues to demonstrate Carlow’s commitment to literacy development and community engagement, inspiring the next generation of writers and dreamers.
Carlow County Council Local Enterprise Office and Carlow County Library would like to extend huge congratulations to all the finalists and a heartfelt well done to every student who entered the competition. Each story submitted was a testament to the talent and imagination of Carlow’s young writers, and all participants should be incredibly proud of their efforts.