Young Kildare student meets European Parliament president after winning Brussells trip

A 6th class student from Co Kildare received an award in Brussels this week from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola after being named a winner of MEP Nina Carberry’s annual essay competition.

Luke Hynan, a student at Gaelscoil Nás Na Ríogh in Naas, was the proud winner of the prize.

MEP Carberry’s competition invited fifth and sixth class pupils from across the Midlands North-West to answer the question: “If you were an MEP, what would you do to make your community a better place to live?”

With hundreds of entries submitted, Luke’s essay stood out for its creativity and thoughtful approach.

Luke’s entry impressed MEP Carberry with its practical ideas, particularly his focus on improving local sports facilities, making classrooms more engaging and active for pupils, and encouraging schools to take part in volunteering activities that help keep the local area clean.

As part of his prize, Luke and his parents travelled to Brussels this week, where they visited the European Parliament and met MEP Carberry, who praised Luke’s creativity and strong interest in community issues.

The visit offered a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the work of MEPs and highlighted the important role young people play in shaping their communities.

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Speaking about the competition, MEP Carberry said: “The ideas and imagination shown by students like Luke is really inspiring. It’s so important that young people have their voices heard and take an interest in what is happening in their communities.

“You never know, we might see Luke as an MEP in Brussels in the not-too-distant future!”

The competition is part of MEP Carberry’s ongoing efforts to promote the work of the EU across Irish schools.