Carlow County Council’s "My Festive Family Experience" art competition has garnered an incredible response, with over 1,600 entries submitted by primary school students across County Carlow. This initiative, which invited children to express what the festive season means to them, has demonstrated a remarkable level of creativity and enthusiasm from young artists in the community as part of the Féile Lonrach - My Festive Family Experience Art Competition Winners and #shoplocalshopcarlow.
The judging panel faced a challenging task of selecting winners from such a high volume of outstanding entries. Ultimately, over 31 winners were chosen to receive a share of €1,550 in Love Carlow Vouchers. The prizes will be delivered to schools in the new year, marking a celebratory start to 2026.
Cllr. Ken Murnane , Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council commenting on the competition’s success, said: “We are delighted to see such amazing support from teachers and principals across the county. Their encouragement has played a vital role in inspiring children to participate and showcase their talent. Collaborating with schools has been an enriching experience, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the future.”
The competition, which ran from November to December, invited young artists to submit their entries via special Santa’s boxes located in Tullow, Bagenalstown, and Carlow Town.
Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise expressed his pride in the initiative: “The "My Festive Family Experience" art competition highlights the creativity and spirit of our young people. The overwhelming response demonstrates the importance of providing platforms for artistic expression and community engagement. Congratulations to all the participants and winners!”
Carlow County Council extends its gratitude to everyone who participated, with special thanks to parents, teachers, and schools for their invaluable support in making this competition a success. My Festive Family Experience was part of the #shoplocalshopcarlow competition run in association with County Carlow Chamber & Carlow Tourism.
Competition Drawings.pdf (size 8.6 MB)
School Name | Winners | Teachers |
BAILE AN CHUILINN NS | Martha Kehoe Age 12 | Rebecca Smith |
GAELSCOIL EOGHAIN UÍ THUAIRISC | Hollie MacMatuna Age 7 - Aoife Nic Gearlann Age 12 - Jack de Brun Age 12 - Montoya Perez Age 8 | Ms Noirin, Concholar, M Brian |
HOLY FAMILY B N S | Shane O Shea Age 12 - | Ms Doheny |
Holy Family Girls N S | Lara Age 8 - Kiara Zanchi Age 4 -Yasmine Rabiai Age 5 - Yasminr Noor Age 12 - Abigial A. Ayaneleye Age 11- Jasmine Noor Age 12 -Chioimma Ezeifeai Age 11 - Ayah Meal Age 11 - Ava McDaniels age 7 | Ms Maher Ms Kavanagh Ms Doheny Ms Murphy , Ms Quirke, Ms Keogh |
S N Cluain na nGall | Harry Beirnes Age 9 - Eva Dinsdale Age 12 | Mrs Zoe Sheriff, Ms Cowley |
S N FHOIRTCHEIRN/FHININ | Lucy Keogh age 7 - Ellen Keogh Age 9 - | Ms O Dwyer |
S N PEADAR AGUS POL | Florence Fennelly age 4 - Blaithin Maher age 6 - Raysso Julianne age 9 - Ealbha O Byrne age 10 | Edel Kehoe, Ms Mc Caffery, Ms Thomas, Ms Nolan |
SCOIL NAIS MHICHIL, NEWTOWN NS | Rian Fenlon age 10 | Ms Dunne |
SCOIL NAIS MHUIRE DRUMPHEA NS | Lily O Rourke Age 11 | Mrs M Fitzgearld |
ST MARYS N S | Ellie Brennan Age 8 | Mrs Smyth |
Rathvilly Ns | Ton Kehoe Age 10 | Ms Donegan |
St Fiaccs | Caragan O Shea Age 5 - Emilia Boncyr Age 7 - Freya Sweeney Age 11 | Ms Doyle, Ms Hutton, Ms Sheil, |
BALLYCONNELL N S | Holly Keogh Age 6 | Ms Kavanagh, Ms Mulvehill |
