Winners Announced in Columban Schools Competition 2025

Winners have been announced in the Columban Schools Media competition for young people in Ireland and Britain on the subject ‘Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope.’ The competition attracted a record 272 entries across Britain and Ireland, the highest number in the eight years the Columbans have run the competition.

Young people 13-18 years were asked to produce a piece of writing or image that highlighted a community or groups bringing hope in the world in this Jubilee Year, making a difference locally, nationally or globally.

In Ireland, judges were William Scholes (Assistant Editor of the Irish News), Patsy McGarry (Irish Times), Dr Toni Pyke (Justice, Peace and Ecology co-ordinator with the Association of Leaders of Missionary and Religious of Ireland), Fr Paul Glynn (Columban missionary who worked in the Philippines and is now involved in interfaith dialogue in Ireland), and Fr Jason Antiquera (Columban missionary-artist based in Korea).

The article winners in Ireland were 1st place: Odhran McGowan of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena; 2nd place: Eabha Delargy of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena; and 3rd place: Alisa Bargelyte of Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown.

The Image winners were 1st place: Olivia Darcy of Colaiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir, Co Tipperary; 2nd place: Maria Rosa Black of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena; and 3rd place: Marie Gillespie of St Columba’s College, Stranorlar.

Editor and Journalist William Scholes of the Irish News described the winning article by Odhran McGowan as an “eloquent celebration of teachers and that vocation”. Another judge, Dr Toni Pyke, said the article was “a wonderful testament to and recognition of a group of society that doesn’t really get the acknowledgement it deserves. A wonderful reminder of the dedication of teachers in the lives of young people. I like how the author recognises the contribution of CST and how they are able to include this in their narrative. A very well thought out piece, well written.”

The second placed article by Eabha Delargy provided “a nice overview of the St Vincent de Paul’s work”, according to William Scholes. He commended the third placed article by Alisa Bargelyte for its “first person touch and the reflection on the issue of violence against women, while grounding and applying the jubilee theme to ‘real’ life.”

Dr Toni Pyke said the SVP is a lifeline to many individuals and families, and “it’s refreshing that a young person acknowledges their contribution. The linking and interpretation of the jubilee and what this signifies in the context of the work of SVP is excellent, and the ways in which anyone and everyone can support others and “spread the hope”.

In the Images section, Dr Toni Pyke said she chose ‘Flower of Hope’ by Olivia Darcy because of “the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis” and because it included “a reminder that it is our Christian duty and responsibility to take care of the earth – as directed from the very beginning in Genesis.” She added that it is an interesting 3D piece!

The second placed image ‘Help Brings Hope, Hope Brings Help’ by Maria Rosa Black was described by Dr Toni Pyke as “Great artwork. Good insight into the suffering and challenges of diverse communities in modern day life across Ireland. Loved how they have ‘renamed’ the basic essentials in the food box. A reminder that hope is necessary everywhere and that anyone and everyone can help in the smallest of ways to bring hope to many.”

Third placed image, ‘Building Hope Peace by Piece’ by Marie Gillespie was described by Dr Toni Pyke as presenting, “Both sides of the divide in the destruction behind them; the mending of love between the two nations; the reference to hope that can rebuild ‘peace by piece’, which she noted was an “excellent use of the words”. She added, “It incorporates faith, hope and love. It’s a great piece of art work. I’d frame and hang it!”

Responding to news that he had been chosen as a winner, Odhran McGowan of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, who won First Prize in the Articles section said: “I am so honoured to have won 1st place! A huge thank you to the judges for considering me and acknowledging my efforts into my written piece. I would like to recognise the remarkable work carried out by the Columban Fathers who focus on aspects such as justice and peace, and who engage us young people in a series of modern day global and ethical issues. I learned so much about the meaning of ‘pilgrims of hope’ when researching it prior to my piece and hope that more young people such as myself would like to take part in the competition as it is such a rewarding experience! I would like to thank Miss Pickering for recommending the competition to us as this would not have been possible without her.”

Eabha Delargy of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, who won Second Prize in Articles section said: “I am delighted to have won second place in the writing competition. I chose to write about St Vincent de Paul Society as it is one with which I have personal connections. I believe that it does not receive enough recognition for a group that does so much for those in need, whilst helping us as Catholics to lead a good Christian life and spread hope. I hope that my article and others like it can help to raise awareness of the amazing work that St Vincent de Paul society, as well as various other groups across the world, do for all of us, including of course the Columban Fathers.”

Alisa Bargelyte of Presentation Secondary School, Mitchelstown who was awarded third place in the Articles section said: ” I am honoured to be chosen for 3rd place, I learnt so much about the Jubilee years past and present through the essay I wrote. I also saw how passionately Pope Francis writes about hope for a better world.”

Josephine Wade, Head Teacher at Colaiste Dun Iascaigh in Cahir, paid tribute to her student Olivia Darcy who won first prize for her artwork ‘Flower of Hope’. She explained: “Olivia really put a huge effort in.” Olivia was helped by Conor and Tilley. “They are shocked and delighted. The students are in Transition Year. They are donating the flower to our local Catholic Church, St Mary’s, for the remaining time of the Jubilee Year. The flower will be on display beside the altar, which is wonderful.”

Maria Rosa Black of St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, Ballymena, who won Second Prize in Images section said: “I would like to thank the Far East magazine for providing a platform to help spread this message of hope. Many in our communities rely on the work of food banks and I would like to urge readers to demonstrate their support through donating at their own local food bank.  Every donation strengthens the positive impact which hope brings.”

Marie Gillespie of St Columba’s College, Stranorlar who won Third Prize in Images section said: “I am overjoyed and honoured to receive this award. My piece shows the struggles in different communities and how they can connect hope in mind.”

The Columbans thanked all the young people who entered the 2025 competition and the judging panels. Past themes of the competition have focused on Climate Change, Migration, Throwaway Culture, Racism, 21^st Century Changemakers, Peace and Biodiversity. For more information see: www.columbancompetition.com