The Law Society is inviting transition-year (TY) students from across the country to enter this year’s Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.

Students have been asked to submit a 1,500-word essay examining the topic: “Hate crime: the role the law can play in addressing hate crime."

The competition aims to encourage young people to engage with the law and consider their own legal rights, and how the law impacts society.

It honours the life and legacy of the late Judge Gráinne O’Neill, who became the youngest judge in Ireland when she was appointed to the District Court in 2014.

She died in 2018 following a period of illness. During her life and, especially, during her years as a judge, she worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner.

Trophy

The overall winner of the competition will be presented with the Gráinne O’Neill Perpetual Memorial Trophy (to be held for one year by the school) at a celebratory ceremony hosted by the Law Society.

Memorial medals, certificates, and cash prizes will also be awarded to the top contestants.

Last year’s winner, Patrick Galvin, said that the competition had enabled him to learn “so much about the law, and how it impacts and helps climate issues”.

Details about how to enter are on the Law Society website. The closing date is 22 November 2024.