The 2014 NNI Press Pass awards took place on March 24th 2015 at the Convention Centre with Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan TD presenting the winning Transition Year students with their trophies. The awards marked the culmination of the third annual National Newspapers of Ireland Press Pass initiative, which is sponsored by the Irish League of Credit Unions.
The overall winner of the 2014 NNI Press Pass competition was Ciara McArdle from Pobalscoil na Trínóide in Youghal with a thought-provoking article on technology.
Minister hails “very positive” Press Pass initiative
Speaking at today’s NNI event, Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan congratulated the winners of this year’s Press Pass competition and commended the newspaper industry for giving secondary level students access to newspapers.
“Press Pass is a very positive initiative that has the potential to improve students’ reading and writing skills while also encouraging them to examine and discuss the events that are shaping the news media agenda,” the Minister said. “The entries into the competition are of a very high standard and demonstrate that a love of writing and appreciation of the power of language and images is valued among transition year students.
“NNI is to be praised for having devised this initiative, and for providing both newspapers and supporting materials free of charge to schools,” the Minister added.
The 2014 NNI Press Pass was again sponsored by the Irish League of Credit Unions, whose President Martin Sisk attended today’s awards ceremony.
“We’re very proud to be associated with such a worthwhile initiative as Press Pass, which can play a vital role in boosting young people’s literacy skills,” said Mr Sisk. “Credit Unions have a long history of helping young people in various ways and we are delighted to partner with NNI in making a positive contribution to the education of future generations.”
Newspapers in education
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Dublin’s Convention Centre today, NNI Chairman Vincent Crowley said that NNI Press Pass shows how newspapers can be used as a real-life educational tool in classrooms.
“Research has clearly shown that reading newspapers can help students to develop not only their reading and writing skills but also their critical thinking and social awareness,” he said. “These are skills that help people throughout their lives and their careers, it is understandable therefore that so many schools and students around Ireland have been very keen to take part.
“This year’s national writing competition generated a large volume of entries of a very high standard,” Mr Crowley said. “Today’s awards give us a glimpse of the future of Irish journalism and help to ensure that newspapers – across all platforms, print and digital – remain the relevant, agenda-setting and trusted force they are today,” concluded Mr Crowley.
The overall winner of NNI Press Pass 2014 was Ciara McArdle from Pobalscoil na Trínóide, Youghal
The other category winners were:
For more information please contact:
Ann Marie Lenihan
T: 01 668 9099
E: amlenihan@newsbrands.ie
Ciara McArdle from Pobalscoil na Trínóide, Youghal
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1st Place: Ella Curtin, St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom
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2nd Place: Eóin Connelly, Pobalscoil na Trínóide, Youghal
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3rd Place: Orlaith Moyles, Dunshaughlin Community School
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1st Place: Aisling Eaton, Our Lady’s College, Drogheda
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2nd Place: Bobbi Nic Eoin, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Daingean Uí Chúis
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3rd Place: Lucy Ághas, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Daingean Uí Chúis
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1st Place: Eanna O’Cosgora, Coláiste Iognáid, Galway
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2nd Place: Aoife Osborne, Schoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Blarney
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3rd Place: Elmarie O’Brien, Coláiste an Chraoibhín, Fermoy
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1st Place: Donna Fitzgerald, Coláiste na Sceilge, Cahirciveen
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2nd Place: Cara Woods, St Joseph’s Convent of Mercy, Navan
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3rd Place: Maeve McWalter, Mount St Michael Secondary School, Claremorris
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1st Place: Orla Doheny, Rosemont School, Enniskerry Rd, Sandyford, Dublin 18
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2nd Place: Michael Janik
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3rd Place: Grace Kenny, Gorey Community School, Esmonde Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford
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