Law Society announces Louth student as winner of inaugural National Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition
The Law Society of Ireland has announced the winners of the inaugural National Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition, with Transition Year student Saorla McDonagh Sharkey, St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk, Louth, taking the top prize. The announcement was made at an event at the Law Society, Dublin on 23 March 2023.
The competition received over 80 essays from 38 schools across 14 different counties. Each student submitted a 1,500-word essay examining the topic, “The law and social media: striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsible usage.”
Chairperson of the Law Society’s Education Committee, Richard Hammond SC, said, “This competition aims to encourage young people to engage with the law and consider their own legal rights, how the law impacts society. This competition aims to inspire students’ learning and develop their creativity in an engaging way. We were delighted to welcome our student finalists, their parents, guardians, and teachers, to the home of the Law Society of Ireland at Blackhall Place to celebrate their achievements.”
Saorla’s essay was selected as the top entry and won a €1000 prize, trophy and shield for her school. The judges commended Saorla for her essay’s ‘unique approach’ as she ‘carefully put a spotlight on social justice issues to enhance the critical debate of the competing rights.’
Commenting on her win, Saorla said, “I am delighted to be awarded first prize at the Gráinne O’Neill essay competition. It’s very special that I could attend the event with my parents. The competition opened my eyes further to the world of law and the balance of legal rights and it has definitely inspired me to consider a career in law.
“I would like to thank my teachers, especially Mr Thompson for encouraging me always in English and Mr Henry my TY Coordinator. I am proud to represent my Secondary school St Vincent’s Dundalk.”
Thirty-two finalists attended the event in Dublin. Hari Chandana Parimkayala, Loreto Secondary School, Wexford was awarded second place and Michael Kerley of De La Salle College, Dundalk, Co. Louth came third. Four merit certificates were awarded to Huriyah Baqer of Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Dublin; Carys Hudner of Moville Community College, Donegal; Saoirse Reilly of The High School, Dublin; and Eimear McCarthy of Coláiste na Toirbhirte, Bandon, Cork.
About the competition
The Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition honours the life and legacy of the late Judge Gráinne O’Neill. In 2014, Gráinne became the youngest judge in Ireland when she was appointed to the District Court. Gráinne died in 2018 following a period of illness but, during her life and especially during her years as a judge, Gráinne worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner.
The competition was initiated The Hon Mr Justice Keenan Johnson of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors’ Bar Association in 2019. This is the first year the competition invited entries from transition year students across the country.
“It’s fitting that we can bring Gráinne’s legacy to a national platform, and to continue to make a difference to young people, their learnings and their lives,” Mr Hammond SC said.
