Primary schools across County Carlow have once again shown outstanding imagination and creativity as part of the annual Right to Read Short Story Competition. Carlow County Council – Economic Development & Library Service, in partnership with Carlow County Development Partnership, Carlow College, St. Patrick’s, and Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, is delighted to announce the finalists for 2025.
Now in its third year, the initiative invited 4th, 5th, and 6th class pupils to take part in a literacy programme designed to inspire a love of reading and writing. This year’s theme, “My Favourite Local Business,” encouraged students to explore and celebrate the businesses that shape their community. Pupils were also invited to respond to reflective questions tailored to their class group, prompting thoughtful and imaginative storytelling across the county.
With over €3,000 in prizes, including a €1,000 award for the top school entry, the programme attracted an exceptional standard of submissions. Judges noted the creativity, humour, and heartfelt community pride reflected in the students’ work.
The finalists for each school is:
Ballinbranna NS:
- 5th Class – Stephen Dunne
- 6th Class – Emily McNally
Leighlinbridge NS
- 4th Class – Aoibhinn Bryksa
St Patrick's Rathvilly:
- 4th Class – Rory Cassells
- 6th Class – Yasmin Brown
Carlow NS
- 5th Class – Victoria Bayley
- 6th Class – Liam Whelan
Scoil Mhuire Lourdes:
- 6th Class – Hannah Baird
Ballyconnell NS:
- 5th Class – Oskaras Stonkus
Scoil Molaise:
- 5th Class – Mia Drea
- 6th Class – Eddie Quirke
St Mary's Bagenalstown:
- 5th Class – Sive Foley-Fisher
- 6th Class – Zoe Jenkinson
Grange NS:
- 4th Class: Lucas Jennings
Ballinkillen NS:
- 4th Class – Meabh Doyle
- 5th Class – TJ Doyle
- 6th Class – Ciara Hawkins
Holy Family Askea:
- 4th Class – Joy Emebla
- 5th Class – Faith Walker
- 6th Class – Wendy Ogene
Bishop Foley:
- 4th Class – Tomasz Werpachowski
- 5th Class – Igor Kukielka
- 6th Class – Dario Vieru
St Fiacc's:
- 4th Class – Caoimhe O’Shea
- 5th Class – Ellie Dargan
- 6th Class – Meja Jankauskaite
Ballymurphy NS / St Patrick's:
- 4th Class – Bella Hickey
- 5th Class – Ted Burke
- 6th Class – Ryan Joyce
Hacketstown NS
- 4th Class – John Murphy
- 5th Class – Ava Cahill
- 6th Class – Cara Lawlor
St Brigid's Bagnelstown:
- 4th Class – Jack Coogan
- 5th Class – Kang O’Gorman
Rathmore NS:
- 4th Class – Cruz Bukke
- 5th Class – Aoibheann Dunne
- 6th Class – Carly Kelly
Bennekerry NS:
- 4th Class – Martha Homan
- 6th Class – Michael Li
Brid Naofa NS:
- 4th Class – Jack Coogan
- 5th Class – Kang O’Gorman
Clonegal NS:
- 5th Class – Tomás Osborne
- 6th Class – Kate Walsh
Ballon NS:
- 4th Class – Cathy Kildea
- 5th Class – Ciara Coyle
Tinryland NS:
- 4th Class – Craig Griffin
- 5th Class – Emily Rowe
- 6th Class – Conor Griffin
The winners will be announced at the Prize-Giving Ceremony on Tuesday 9th December 2025 @ 7.00pm in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.
Speaking about the announcement, Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said:
“The imagination and talent shown by young people across County Carlow is truly inspiring. The Right to Read Programme continues to strengthen literacy and storytelling skills while celebrating the spirit of our community. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists.”
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council, added:
“This competition is about more than writing—it's about encouraging young people to express themselves, think creatively, and deepen their connection to local enterprises. The quality of entries this year has been exceptional, and we are very proud of every student who took part.”
John Shortall, County Librarian with Carlow County Council, commented:
“Storytelling is at the heart of literacy development. The library service is honoured to support this initiative, which sparks imagination and fosters a love of reading. Well done to all the shortlisted students.”
The Right to Read Programme forms part of a national framework supporting literacy development both inside and outside the classroom. It aligns with national strategies including DEIS and early childhood education supports, ensuring continuity for families, schools, and communities.
Carlow County Council, through its library and enterprise services, continues to champion literacy and lifelong learning by working closely with schools and community partners across the county.