Environmental Poster Awards Night
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At the Westmeath Schools Environmental Poster Awards Night last week were, (back from left) Ciaran Jordan, WCC, Lucy Tormey, visual artist and judge, Aoife Moynihan, fleadh committee, the cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy Hill, Grace Murray, winner, Bernie McHugh, fleadh Committee, Pat Keating, WCC, and Ruth Maxwell, WCC; (front) Jo Doolan, Kaleb Deac, Rowan Wright, Fionn Leslie, Finn O’Reilly, Aine Turbitt, Ellie Mae Harney, Dara Fitzgerald, Sophie Kavanagh, Ashleigh Bialka and Niamh Farrell. John Mc CauleyImage 2 of 9
Aine Turbitt, St Cremin’s NS, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 3 of 9
Finn O’Reilly, St Etchen’s, Kinnegad, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 4 of 9
Fionn Leslie, St Fintan’s Lismacaffrey, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 5 of 9
Grace Murray, Castlepollard Parochial School, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 6 of 9
Kaleb Deac St Fintan’s NS, Lismacaffrey, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 7 of 9
Niamh Farrell, St Etchen’s NS, Kinnegad, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 8 of 9
Rowan Wright, St Thomas NS, Rathowen, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyImage 9 of 9
Sophie Kavanagh, St Etchen’s, Kinnegad, with the cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill. John Mc CauleyPrimary School children from the county gathered in Áras an Chontae, Mullingar to receive their prizes for the Environmental Awareness Poster competition last week.
The children created posters based on various environmental themes including litter, dog fouling, graffiti, illegal burning and the need to use a permitted waste collector. However, this year’s competition had a bit of a twist as all posters had to combine the environmental theme with the fleadh theme in advance of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Mullingar in 2020.
The cathaoirleach, Cllr Paddy Hill, addressed the artists and their families, advising them of the importance of having children consider these important topics and to understand the benefits for the environment. He said: "Children are key to making a difference and from the art work on display, it’s obvious that they understand the topics, and this will be reflected in their lifestyle choices."
Lucy Tormey, visual artist and judge for the competition, said: "These students are our inspiration, they are a spark and they need to keep drawing and painting as there is nothing more important that they could be doing or enjoying."
She complimented the high standard of work of all entries and encouraged the students to return to their schools and tell their fellow students to keep creating and not to be afraid to be different in what they do. Dale Treadwell of Naturally Wild regaled the crowd with his seasonal ‘Robbie the Robin’ story before introducing his baby dinosaur to the audience. Baby Dino was on his best behaviour and Dale advised that he might even be back for the fleadh in August 2020!
Bernie McHugh and Aoife Moynihan, members of the fleadh committee, congratulated the winners and invited all those present to get involved in the fleadh.
Cllr Hill presented the winners with €20 shopping vouchers and calendars including images of their winning posters.
Ruth Maxwell, Environment Department, said: "This competition is run as part of the council’s Environmental Awareness Programme, drawing attention to and highlighting the ongoing environment issues taking place in our county on a daily basis.
"This year the fleadh theme was introduced and all students showed great creativity in how they blended the themes."
Ruth concluded by thanking the parents and teachers who supported the children in the competition.
The calendars are free and can be collected from council offices or libraries. Any group or school wishing to get a copies can email awareness@westmeathcoco.ie or phone 044 933 2166 while stocks last.