Take a Tour of 2025’s All-Island Schools History Competition Winning Projects
- Published on: 14 May 2026
- Last updated on: 14 May 2026
This competition is now closed, and this webpage has been updated to showcase the winning and recognition-of-excellence entries from the department’s 2025 competition.
Students were invited to submit an entry individually, as part of a group, or as a class project. They could choose from a range of themes, with each description serving as a starting point to explore topics from local, regional, or national history, and how these are remembered today through commemoration. Further details on the showcased entries are available in the section below.
2025 Winner Primary Gaeilge
- School: Scoil Iognáid Rís, Dingle, Kerry
- Project- An Traein/The Train (Video)
Dingle Train Station opened up the lines of transport and communication with other locales – a transformative development for the area. But it wasn’t without its dangers… This project examines the origins of the station and remembers notable events.
2025 Winner Primary English
- School: Scoil Mhuire, Glenties, Donegal
- Project: What Caused the Crash of a British WWII Plane in the Blue Stack Mountains, Co. Donegal in 1944?
A local mystery that has remained unsolved since tragedy struck during World War II. How and why did a British plane crash in the mountains so far from where it was supposed to be flying? An intrepid investigation aims to solve the case…
2025 Winner Junior Cycle Gaeilge
- School: Coláiste Mhuire, Cabra, Dublin
- Project: Conas is féidir linn stair mhíleata na hÉireann sa 20ú haois a chomóradh 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? (Video Presentation)
Family histories and backgrounds are often richer and more diverse than we imagine at first glance. This project looks at the achievements of various family members with military careers at different times, in different places and under different banners.
2025 Winner Junior Cycle English
- School: St. Mary's Secondary School, Wexford
- Project: How Tom Ryan had an impact on Irish and Local History
History is not just distant events carried out by names in books, but is created by real people, like old family members. This project takes a deep dive into a long-deceased relative who played a role at a pivotal time in Irish history, bringing his story back to life.
2025 Winner Senior Cycle Gaeilge
- School: Pobalscoil Chorcha Dhuibhne, Kerry
- Project: Meath & Tréigean Muintir an Bhlascaoid Mhóir/ Decline & Abandonment of the People of Great Blasket (Essay)
These days, the rugged and imposing Great Blasket Island is uninhabited, but that wasn’t always the case. Inspired by a deeply personal connection, this project tells the story of how and why families moved away in the mid-20th century, and what we can learn from the rich culture and history of its people.
2025 Winner Senior Cycle English
- School: St Joseph’s Community College, Mayo
- Project: Exploring the Shared Legacy of the Tuam Civil War Executions in 1923
Sometimes in the aftermath of tragedy, an air of silence can fall over those left dealing with the pain. This project shines a light on a series of executions carried out during the Civil War and invites us to hear the voices of the women who bore witness to them.