LMETB Inter schools art and photography competition

The Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) Inter Schools Art and Photography Competition in its’ ninth year was open to students and learners attending LMETB’s 20 Secondary Schools, three Post Leaving Cert Colleges, three VTOS Centres, nine Youthreach Centres and four Community National Schools.

The Competition is open to any student or learner who wishes to submit a piece of art. There are six categories with a total of thirty-four prizes on offer.

The competition judge is arguably Ireland’s most well-known living Artist, Robert Ballagh. A universal Photography Section is judged by internationally renowned Drogheda photographer, Des Clinton.

The exhibition runs until March 16 at the Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda with 34 pieces of art adorning the gallery walls.

The Competition Organiser, Paul McCann an art teacher at St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda, stated that the reason the competition was founded was to provide an opportunity for budding artists across LMETB’s education providers to showcase their talents and to achieve some recognition for same. He praised the students for their outstanding work entered and complemented their parents, teachers, principals and coordinators for their mentoring and encouragement.

John Halpin, principal of St. Oliver’s C.C. speaking on behalf of LMETB, expressed his delight at the standard of work on show. He praised this competition that gives LMETB student’s an opportunity to be creative and to express themselves and said that this is one of the goals of the organisation underpinned by excellence in education, care, equality, community and respect. He congratulated all involved and complimented the winning entries.

Robert Ballagh unfortunately couldn’t attend the awards night but expressed his delight at the high standard of entries this year. He said that every year the quality of work increases. He apologised for his absence and said that he was disappointed because it gives him great joy when entering the gallery for awards night and viewing the winning entries framed and hanging as an exhibition. He stated that the creative process is a great confidence booster and that submitting and winning, reinforced this confidence boost in the best possibly way. He also mentioned that choosing the winners was an extremely difficult job and that in his eyes every student that entered was deserving of a prize. He congratulated the winners and wished them every success in their future artistic endeavours.

Des Clinton congratulated the winners in the photography category and commented on the enjoyment he gained whilst judging due to the quality of work entered, most of which were taken on smart phone cameras. He mentioned that selecting the winners was a hugely difficult task and complimented many of the entries that just missed out on a prize.

Chair of the Board of LMETB, Wayne Harding officially opened the Exhibition of Winners.

Declan Clarke, principal of Coláiste Ríoga Dunshaughlin called the winning students up for their certificates and prizes.

Paul McCann would like to thank Collette Farrell, Tony Conaghy and all the staff in the Droichéad Arts Centre for their continued support of the competition, Robuck ffrench from Tara Art Supplies who were responsible for the wonderful art pack prizes, and Conor Thorne of Dealg Design, Ardee, for the beautiful framing of the winning entries. Finally, he would like to thank Robert Ballagh and Des Clinton for judging the competition.

Congratulations to all the winners.