Local schools pen their peace essays

March 1977

MARGARET Watson, of the Belfast Peace Movement, presents awards in Dundalk to successful entrants in the Peace Essay Competition. Altogether, £100 in sponsored prizemoney is handed out for the 14 best essays by local schoolchildren.

The competition is organised by the Dundalk branch of the Irish Housewives’ Association in an effort to get young people thinking and talking about peace.

There is a huge response, and a team of judges spends a week sifting through an estimated 500 entries.

At a reception in the Imperial Hotel, Mrs. Watson says that violence is a modern and fashionable way to get what one wanted, but it is very much harder to work in a peaceful way. However, it is much more satisfying and a lot less selfish.

Seamus McGuinness, chairman of Dundalk UDC, asks her whether enough people are condemning violence.

She replies it is not enough to condemn. The advocates of violence should be told ‘Don’t die for Ireland, but be constructive and work for the country.’ Winners and competition sponsors: National Schools (Chas. McCann & Sons Ltd.) - 1. Margaret Mullaney, De La Salle; 2. Adrian Chapman, De La Salle; 3. Tom Quigley, Stonetown; 4. Hugh Marron.

Vocational School (S&S Ltd.) – 1. John Hoey, 2. Antoinette Carroll, 3. Marie Morgan, 4. Patricia Smyth.

Secondary Junior (RF Martin Ltd.) – 1. Jennifer Moore, St. Vincent’s; 2. Catherine Duffy, St. Mary’s College; 3. Joseph McConnon.

Secondary Senior (Evan Henry Ltd.) – 1. Michele Callan, St. Vincent’s; 2. Anne Kilgallen, Grammar School; 3. Alan McClenahan.

Highly Commended: Inez Toal, Realt Na Mara; Tom Hughes, Friary; Finbar Gallagher (Friary); Maureen Lambe, Catriona Rafferty, Christine Casey (all St. Louis); Tom Fanning (CBS).