DLR announces winners of Recycled Christmas Decoration competition

Dublin People 13 Dec 2024
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim O’Leary, Overall Winner, Neala Madden, 4th Class, Our Lady’s Grove, Goastown, Éanna Ni Lamhna. Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce.

The winners of the 22nd DLR Recycled Christmas Decoration Competition were announced at a festive awards ceremony held in County Hall, Dún Laoghaire last night.

Over 30 enthusiastic primary ‘School Champions’ from across the county gathered to celebrate the creativity, sustainability, and community spirit showcased in this year’s competition.

The ceremony highlighted the exceptional talent and commitment of the students who used recycled materials to create beautiful and festive decorations. The coveted ‘School Champion’ Cup was awarded to the overall winner Neala Madden from 4th class in Our Lady’s Grove Primary School, Friarland, for her ‘Festive Transport’ decoration, featuring a VW van with a Christmas tree on top, made from a beautifully decorated upcycled tin can, some string and pipe cleaners.

Cllr. Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted:

“We are thrilled to see so many talented students and budding artists embracing sustainability through their creative decorations. The DLR Recycled Christmas Decoration Competition continues to be a fun, creative way to inspire our community and raise awareness about the importance of recycling and biodiversity, especially in the context of the festive season.”

The event was also graced by renowned environmental commentator, broadcaster, and author, Éanna Ní Lamhna, who captivated the audience with seasonal tales of Irish wildlife and a reading from her new book The Great Irish Biodiversity Book. Her inspiring words underscored the importance of environmental awareness to help safeguard our flora and fauna.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

“Now in its 22nd year, the DLR Recycled Christmas Decoration Competition continues to inspire and encourage pupils from across the county to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in a meaningful way, by reminding us all to reduce, re-use and recycle.”

The celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced by the cheerful sounds of festive music, and guests were treated to a variety of seasonal refreshments, while taking in the inspiring decorations that adorned the venue. The awards ceremony served as a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustainability, creativity, and community, while spreading Christmas cheer.

Event Winners

No. Prizes Name of student Class School  Decoration name
1 1st Neala Madden 4th Our Lady’s Grove Primary School Festive Transport
2 2nd Daniel Randall 6th Our Lady of Good Counsel BNS Santas Grotto
3 3rd Antek Cendrowski 3rd Rathfarnham Educate Together NS Santa Brush
4 3rd Elva O Halloran 3rd Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS Nativity Scene
5 Merit Award-Recycling Message Chloe Codyre 5th Oliver Plunkett Special School Snowy the Snowpile
6 Merit Award- Junior Award Matthew O’Shea Junior Infants Divine Word National School, Rathfarnham Snippi the santa mouse
7 Merit Award-Biodiversity Maya Brennan Lawless 2nd St. Annes National School, Shankill The Christmas Fox
8 Merit Award- Upcycling Molly Ryan 2nd St. Attractas Junior National School Lidoration
9 Merit Award-Innovation Ola Kurzawska 6th St. Andrews College Snowman at home
10 Highly Commended Award Anna Nic Coisteala 4th Scoil Naithí Greamithe Sa Simléar
11 Highly Commended Award Annabelle Miklovic 4th St. Mary’s Woodside National School Christmas Tree
12 Highly Commended Award Caroline Corbett 4th The Harold School, Glasthule Chip the Snowman
13 Highly Commended Award Ellie Cahill 1st Oatlands Primary School Santa Land
14 Highly Commended Award Eloise O’Hanlon 2nd Mount Anville Mountessori Junior School Christmas Wreath
15 Highly Commended Award Emily Adela Lionte 3rd Queen of Angels P.S Bauble Bling!
16 Highly Commended Award Isaac Leith 3rd Harolds Boy’s National School Snowman
17 Highly Commended Award Jack McBride 4th St.Colmcille’s SNS Knocklyon Swirly Snowflake
18 Highly Commended Award Jillian Boitel 5th The Childrens House Primary Christmas Tree
19 Highly Commended Award Julia Beck 4th Rathmichael Parish National School Winter Island
20 Highly Commended Award Lisa Marshall 4th The Childrens House Primary Christmas Decoration
21 Highly Commended Award Maksim Gaiazov 1st Monkstown Park Junior School Christmas
22 Highly Commended Award Marcus Gawley 3rd Sharavogue Junior School Bob+ Stuart the Baubles
23 Highly Commended Award Matthew Gibbons 5th Holy Cross Primary School Snowman portrait
24 Highly Commended Award Max Gillespie 4th St. Brigids BNS Playdoh Christmas tree
25 Highly Commended Award Megan Keegan 1st Our Lady of Mercy Convent School Actimel Tree
26 Highly Commended Award Natalia Ortiz De Las Heras 5th Holy Cross Primary School, Dundrum Gingerbread house
27 Highly Commended Award Oliver Quinn 4th St. Mary’s boys National School Snowflake
28 Highly Commended Award Owen Cannon 1st St. Laurences Boys National School Mini Christmas tree
29 Highly Commended Award Rosa Nic Giolla Mhuire 4th Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille “Crannín” Nollag na Síoga
30 Highly Commended Award Sofia-Rose Gallagher 2nd Loreto Primary School When Santa got Stuck in the Chimney
31 Highly Commended Award Thomas Priest 1st St. Gerards Junior School Christmas Penguin

Related News