Right to Read Competition Finalists Announced

More than 350 primary school students from across County Carlow participated in this year's Right to Read creative writing competition, with finalists now selected from schools throughout the county.

Carlow County Council's Library Service and Local Enterprise Office are delighted to announce the finalists in the 2026 Right to Read Creative Writing Programme, an initiative designed to promote literacy, creativity and lifelong learning among primary school students across County Carlow.

The programme, aimed at 4th, 5th and 6th Class pupils, encouraged young people to explore their imagination through reading and writing while developing vital literacy, communication and creative thinking skills. As part of the initiative, participating schools engaged with a series of educational and inspirational videos created by acclaimed Irish author Caroline Busher. Through these videos, Caroline shared her passion for storytelling and provided practical advice on crafting compelling stories, developing memorable characters and building engaging plots.

The enthusiastic response from schools throughout the county resulted in over 350 entries being submitted, highlighting the creativity, talent and imagination of young writers across Carlow.

Congratulating the finalists, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr Tommy Kinsella, praised the high standard of entries received. "The Right to Read Programme provides a wonderful opportunity for young people to discover the enjoyment and benefits of reading and writing. The creativity and imagination shown by students across the county has been truly impressive. I would like to congratulate all participants and especially our finalists on their achievements. Initiatives such as this help foster a lifelong love of learning while encouraging confidence, creativity and self-expression."

Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise with Carlow County Council, highlighted the importance of literacy in supporting future opportunities."Strong literacy skills are fundamental not only to educational success but also to employability, entrepreneurship and personal development. Through this collaboration between the Library Service and Local Enterprise Office, we are helping young people build confidence, creativity and communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. The exceptional quality of submissions demonstrates the talent and potential that exists among young people across County Carlow."

The finalists and their families, teachers and schools will be invited to a special prize-giving ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 19 November 2026, where category winners will be announced.

Prize-giving ceremony for finalists, Thursday 19 November 2026. Representatives from Carlow County Council, participating schools, teachers, parents and students will be in attendance.