The Law Society National Essay competition received over 80 essays from 38 schools across 14 different counties. Each student submitted a 1,500-word essay examining the topic, “The law and social media: striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsible usage.”
Dublin students Saoirse Reilly, The High School, Rathgar and Huriyah Baqer, Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan won merit awards. Cathy Hoi Ying Wan, Alexandra College; Hannah Lyons, Loreto High School Beaufort; Vlad Grosu and Annabell Nabulele, Lucan Community College; and Aodán Jordan, Andrew McGee and Harry Murphy, of St. Vincent’s Castleknock College were also among the 32 finalists that attended the event at the Law Society.
Chairperson of the Law Society’s Education Committee, Richard Hammond SC, said, “This competition aims to encourage young people to engage with the law and consider their own legal rights, how the law impacts society. This competition aims to inspire students’ learning and develop their creativity in an engaging way. We were delighted to welcome our student finalists, their parents, guardians, and teachers, to the home of the Law Society of Ireland at Blackhall Place to celebrate their achievements.”
The Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition honours the life and legacy of the late Judge Gráinne O’Neill. In 2014, Gráinne became the youngest judge in Ireland when she was appointed to the District Court. Gráinne died in 2018 following a period of illness but, during her life and especially during her years as a judge, Gráinne worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner. The competition was initiated The Hon Mr Justice Keenan Johnson of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors’ Bar Association in 2019. This is the first year the competition invited entries from transition year students across the country.
“It’s fitting that we can bring Gráinne’s legacy to a national platform, and to continue to make a difference to young people, their learnings and their lives,” Mr Hammond SC said.
