Over 800 children from all over the country took part in the children’s farm safety art competition. This was an increase of 33% on last year’s competition. There were five categories in the competition and there were winners from Mayo, Cork, Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Leitrim, Sligo and Longford.

Category one: preschool

  • Molly Donoghue, Kuddz Kidz, Camross, Co Laois.
  • Category one: infants

  • First: Jack Heaney, Cloghans Hill NS, Co Mayo.
  • Second: Amy Murphy, Canon Sheehan Primary School, Turnpike, Doneraile, Co Cork.
  • Third: Katie May Thompson, Ballyadams, Co Kildare.
  • Category two: first/second class

  • First: Poppy Jordan, Sacred Heart, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
  • Second: Padraic Lambert, Sacred Heart, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
  • Third: Lucas Moynihan, Newtowncashel, Co Longford.
  • Category three: third/fourth class

  • First: George Robinson Chamney, Hollywood, Co Wicklow.
  • Second: Emma McGovern, Kilnagross, Co Leitrim.
  • Third: Elodie Maye, Kilnagross, Co Leitrim.
  • Category four: fifth/sixth class

  • First: Riona Hannon, Keash, Co Sligo.
  • Second: Sofia O’Brien, Canon Sheehan Primary School, Turnpike, Doneraile, Co Cork.
  • Third: Caoimhe Egan, Rosenalis, Co Laois.
  • Caroline O’Dowd, a primary school teacher, said: “I teach children from junior infants to second class and every year there are lots of little farmers among my students. These children are out on the farms with their parents, grandparents and other relations on a daily basis. They don’t understand the dangers on the farm because they consider it their playground. I feel the bad habits are being formed at this young age, so it is at this age they have to be taught the need for good safety practices.’’

    Judges Brian and Norma Rohan from Embrace Farm said they thoroughly enjoyed looking at all the entries and were very impressed with the level of knowledge on the issue and the fantastic artwork that was produced. They were delighted to be part of the competition and their hard work was greatly appreciated. A special word of thanks needs to be given to the sponsors of the competition; Patrick Duffy from Think Safely, Farm Safely; Alma Jordan Delaney from AgriKids; and FBD Champions for Change who helped out financially again this year as did the IFA. Without the help of sponsors, this event would not be possible.