Minister Naughton congratulates winners of the All-Island Schools’ History Competition
- Published on: 11 February 2026
- Last updated on: 11 February 2026
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton has congratulated the winners of the All-Island Schools’ History Competition.
Learners at both primary and post-primary levels, as well as other educational settings in Ireland and Northern Ireland, were invited to connect historical events with contemporary themes, highlight forgotten local histories and under-represented histories, and encourage participation from across the island of Ireland. These objectives are consistent with the objectives of the Government’s Shared Island Initiative.
Minister Naughton said:
“The All-Island Schools’ History Competition is a wonderful opportunity for young people all over the Island to engage with their local history, think about how past events shape our lives today, and to explore creative ways to celebrate the rich diversity of legacies that we share.
“The level of interest and engagement from schools has been fantastic, and I am very impressed with the high standard and variety of entries. I am delighted to congratulate the winners who worked so hard on their projects, and I commend everyone who entered, students and teachers alike.”
The competition was organised by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with Frances Moss, Director, Drumcondra Education Support Centre and Dr. Caitríona Ní Cassaithe, Assistant Professor in History Education in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University. It was supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport; An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta; and the Heritage Council.
Reflecting on the strength of participation from schools around the country, Frances Moss said:
“The quality of the entries submitted to this year’s competition was exceptional. Students of all ages demonstrated creativity and deep engagement with a wide range of histories, often uncovering histories that had been overlooked or forgotten.”
Caitríona Ní Cassaithe said:
“The submissions showed how history can be active, exciting and meaningful when students are given the opportunity to explore it for themselves.”
Prizewinners
English Language
Primary
Winner
Scoil Mhuire, Glenties – What Caused the Crash of a British WWII Plane in the Blue Stack Mountains, Co. Donegal in 1944?
- Johnny McGlynn,
- Danny Boyle,
- Fabio Ferreira,
- Christopher Kennedy,
- Daragh Gildea,
- Maiia Mashyna,
- Lilly Bonner,
- Varvara Horodestka,
- Danny McGeehan,
- Senan Molloy
Recognition of excellence (Four winners)
Presentation Primary School Tralee - Why should we remember the Palatines who settled in Tralee?
- Fatima Ishaq
- Valeria Onica
- Armaan Abdullah
- Haniya Haniya
- Nabeel Chowdhry
- Malak Ashraf
- Ahmed Khogaly
- Rawda Eldars
- Ezza Jamil
- Lelas Abdallah
- Yusra Ibrahim
Killinure NS, Limerick - The History of Boher Community Centre / Train station.
- Elena Garcia,
- Melissa Bromell,
- Jack Kirby,
- Elena Flanner
Kilkroan N.S. Galway - Our Local History & Heritage Project, 4th, 5th & 6th Class
- Hugh O’Flynn
- Ruby Dolan
- Nora Kenny
- Dylan Mitchell
- Ava Mannion
- Kieran Mahon
- Nadia Bekkal
St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir School - The French Family Window
- Annalise Antochi
- Marlena Doris
- Elise Von Issendorff
- Rebecca Blaj
- Lilli Kretschmer
- Nina Quintero Ryan
- Alexander Shi
- Marleigh Stynes
- Nicolas Blazquez Fukuda
- Cillian El Gueddari
- Gloria Escribano
- Joséphine McKenzie
- Milo Mulkeen
- Rosa lee Nixon O Neill
- Maximus Shi
- Peter Cowell
- Lucy Feeley
- Nicolette Justine
- James Richard Tennant-Gough
Junior Cycle
Winner
St. Mary's Secondary School, Wexford - How Tom Ryan Had An Impact On Irish & Local History
- Peig Morrissey
Recognition of Excellence
Beech Hill College, Monaghan - How did the Civil War Shape County, Monaghan with Bullets and Barracks
- Daina Jurgaityte
Senior Cycle
Winner
St Joseph’s Community College, Mayo - Exploring the Shared Legacy of the Tuam Civil War Executions in 1923
- Leah Honan
Recognition of Excellence
St Leo's College, Carlow - The Hillforts of Baltinglass
- Caitlín Seitz
Irish Language projects
Primary
Winner
Scoil Iognáid Rís, The Mall, Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry - An Traein/ The Train
- Cian Ó Murchú
- Jude Swift
- Cian Ó Dubháin
- Oscar Maitiú
- Alfie Kinvig
Recognition of Excellence
Scoil Iognáid Rís, An Meall, Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry - An Dreoilín/ The Wren
- Daniel Ó Murchú
- Donnchadh Ó Corcoráin
- Paddy Bairéid
- Paddy Bán Ó Brosnacháin
Junior cycle
Winner
St. Mary's College, Cabra, Dublin – Stair Míleata Angla-Éireannach: Conas go féidir linn cuimhneachán a dhéanamh ar stair míleata na hÉireann le linn an 20ú hAois trí shúile mo chlann?/ Anglo-Irish Military History: How can we commemorate Ireland's military history during the 20th Century through the eyes of my family?
- Cian Mac Craith
Recognition of Excellence
St. John's College, Stillorgan Road, Ballinboher, Co. Dublin - Cérbh é Caoimhín Ó hUiginn? / Who was Kevin Higgins?
- Conchúr Mac Eochagáin
Senior Cycle
Winner
Pobalscoil Chorcha Dhuibhne - Meath & Tréigean Muintir an Bhlascaoid Mhóir/ Decline & Abandonment of the People of the Great Blasket
- Cúan Ó Fiannachta
Recognition of Excellence
St Farnans Post Primary School St Prosperous Co Kildare – Cén fáth ar tharla agus ar theip ar Éirí Amach 1798, agus cén fáth ar éirigh leis an Éirí Amach Rathúil?/Why did the 1798 Rebellion happen and fail, while the Prosperous Rebellion succeeded?
- Aoife Quinn