DLR announces winners of Recycled Christmas Decoration competition
Dublin People 13 Dec 2024The 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 |