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On Thursday 23 March 2023, the Law School hosted a celebratory event at Blackhall Place to announce 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 competition was initiated by His Honour Judge Keenan Johnson of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors’ Bar Association in 2019. Under the Law Society’s direction, this is the first year the competition has invited entries from transition year students across the country.

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.”

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 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.

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 2024 competition will be launched in October 2023.

Event gallery

(L to R) Hari Chandana Parimkayala, Loreto Secondary School, Wexford; Saorla McDonagh Sharkey, St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk, Louth; Carys Hudner, Moville Community College, Donegal; Maura Derivan (President, Law Society); Huriyah Baqer, Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Dublin; Michael Kerley of De La Salle College, Dundalk, Co. Louth; Eimear McCarthy, Coláiste na Toirbhirte, Bandon, Cork and Saoirse Reilly of The High School, Dublin.

	Finalists of the inaugural National Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition receiving their certificates and awards at a celebratory reception in the President’s Hall.
	The 2023 winner, Saorla McDonagh Sharkey, St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk, Louth.
	Michelle Mellotte (President Midlands Bar Association), Maura Derivan (President, Law Society) and Judge Keenan Johnson.