Double New Year celebrations for one National School in Offaly

PUPILS and teachers at St Cynoc’s National School, Ferbane have been named both Junior and Senior County Winners respectively of the prestigious national art competition, Someone Like Me.

The achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held in Dublin in late January, where they will join pupils and teachers from 50 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national senior and junior titles.

The Junior County winner from St Cynoc's was from the Junior Special Class and their teacher is Sheila Brady. Project Description: “I see you” Colourful artwork with individual eyes and embedded characters.

In the Senior Category the winning entry came from 3^rd Class under their teacher Ms Quigley. In their project pupils created their own individual stars all surrounding a slogan “You shine bright”.

An initiative of the National Disability Authority, this year marks the 10^th anniversary of the competition which has seen thousands of primary and special school pupils across Ireland develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities through the medium of art as part of the ongoing process to create a more accepting and inclusive society.

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Congratulating St Cynoc’s National School on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the ongoing commitment of Ireland’s primary and special school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland.

“Over the last ten years, the Someone Like Me Art Competition has created a national conversation about visible and non-visible disabilities, helping to raise awareness and, ultimately, effect positive attitudinal change within society.

“Because of this, the competition is an important part of the work of the National Disability Authority and has become a highlight in our calendar. It gives us the opportunity to meaningfully and creatively engage with primary and special school pupils and teachers alike in a way that will benefit society not just now, but for generations to come.”

“Selecting the county winners was not an easy task for the judges and choosing an overall senior and junior winner will be an even harder job. And, while I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, all pupils and teachers should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society.”

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St Cynoc’s National School will now go on to compete with 50 other schools from around the country for the overall Someone Like Me junior and senior awards which will be announced at the national awards ceremony to held at Dublin City Hall on Wednesday January 28^th 2026. Speakers at the event will include James Casserly, a young disability advocate, with the national awards to be presented by the Minister of State attending cabinet with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins T.D.

The competition, which offers a range of prizes to the value of over €1,000, was open to all primary and special school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and more. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos.