In the 12-13 years age category, Kerri Doherty (13), a pupil at Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, won third prize for her artwork entitled ‘In Memory of Granny’. Kerri’s work was described by final adjudicator Professor Gary Granville as “a loving close-up image”.

In Category G, reserved for entries from young artists of all ages with special needs, second prize was won by 14-year-old Leanne McBrearty, a pupil at Finn Valley College, Stranorlar, for her work entitled ‘Covid Punch’. Leanne’s artwork was said by Professor Granville to be “a good humoured pencil drawing, giving us a window into the lives of young people in 2022”.

Leanne McBrearty, a pupil at Finn Valley College, Stranorlar, with her work ‘Covid Punch’. Leanne picked up her prize at a ceremony in Trinity College, Dublin.

A previous winner, Leanne won a Special Merit Award in the same category of last year’s competition.

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955. This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Donegal and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

From May 31 to June 30, Belfast’s Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is hosting an exhibition of the top 126 winning paintings in this year’s contest.

Admission is free of charge.