Art Competition

The Credit Union Art Competition has been a feature of life for young and old throughout Ireland for decades. This competition plays an important role in promoting the culture of art, a vital cog in our national identity.

Art Competition

It’s that time of year again when we’re encouraging all budding artists to take part in the Credit Union Art competition, that takes place across Ireland.

Clonakilty & Dunmanway Credit Union is delighted to launch the 2025 Credit Union Art Competition and is calling on local artists of all ages to take part in one of Ireland’s longest running and most inclusive art initiatives. The competition invites people from all walks of life to express themselves through creativity, with this year’s theme asking them to reflect on “The Future is…”

This year’s theme encourages artists to look ahead with imagination, hope and curiosity. Participants might explore personal dreams and milestones, a better world for the next generation, or how change and progress might shape our lives and communities. Whether bold and futuristic or thoughtful and personal, the theme offers endless possibilities for creative interpretation.

Now in its 42nd year, the Credit Union Art Competition continues to support and promote creativity at every stage of life. From early learners to lifelong artists, the competition celebrates the power of art to connect, inspire and bring communities together.

Clonakilty & Dunmanway Credit Union believes in supporting not only financial wellbeing, but also personal growth and connection through community involvement. The art competition is part of that wider mission, encouraging children and adults alike to think, create and share their ideas with others.

The competition is open to entrants across two categories:

  • General Category
  • Additional Needs Category

Each category is broken down into five age groups (based on age as of 31 December 2025):

  • 7 years and under
  • 8 - 10 years inclusive
  • 11 - 13 years inclusive
  • 14 - 17 years inclusive
  • 18 years and over (Adult)

Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and how well the theme is explored.

All artwork must be hand-drawn or painted. Digital artwork will not be accepted. Local winners will go forward to regional and national stages of the competition.

Teachers, parents, community groups and local artists are all encouraged to get involved and help spread the word. Entry forms and competition details are available to download below or by contacting us directly on Ph 023 883 3842 or email info@cdcreditunion.ie.

The closing date for completed entries is Friday October 24th 2025.

Download Art Competition Entry Form

Art Competition Winners 2024

Congratulations to all the winners.

The prize giving ceremony for the National Level winners takes place on Sunday 26th January in Croke Park, Dublin.

General Category

7 & Under

1st: Sean Sutton, Ardfield NS
2nd: Amber Kinneen, Gaelscoil, Clonakilty
Joint 3rd:

  • Jane Allis, Gaelscoil, Clonakilty
  • Fiadh Powell, Ardfield N.S

8-10 Years

1st: Frankie Murphy, Gaelscoil Clonakilty
2nd: Aine May Wilcox, Gaelscoil, Clonakilty
Joint 3rd:

  • Sara Kozminska, St Joseph's NS
  • Oisin O Riordan, Rathbarry N.S

11-13 Years

1st: Alice Kelly, Timoleague NS
2nd: Aine Deiseach, Gaelscoil N.S
Joint 3rd:

  • Samuel Heffernan, Ardfield N.S
  • Emily Ni Chuipeir, Gaelscoil, Clonakilty

Adult

1st: Kieran Bennett, Clonakilty
2nd: Kala Chung, Clonakilty

Additional Needs Category

7 & Under

1st: Donal McCarthy, Clogagh N.S
2nd: Amelia Harrington, Clogagh N.S

8-10 Years

1st: Ena Barrett, Darrara N.S
2nd: Oscar Grzybowski-Lordan, Knockskeagh N.S

11-13 Years

1st: Maja Grzybowski-Lordan, Knockskeagh N.S
2nd: Rebecca McCann, Darrara N.S
3rd: Olesya Foley, Darrara N.S

Adult

1st: Sarah McNulty, Clonakilty
2nd: Pat Whooley, COPE Foundation, Clonakilty
3rd: Mollie Bryawt, Co Action, Clonakilty

Group

1st: Carechoice Nursing Home, Clonakilty
2nd: Co Action Adult Services, Clonakilty

Art Competition Winners 2024

Chapter Level Results

  • 7 & Under: Sean Sutton, Ardfield NS
  • 8-10 Years: Frankie Murphy, Gaelscoil Clonakilty
  • Group: Carechoice Nursing Home, Clonakilty
  • Adult: Sarah McNulty, Clonakilty

National Level Results

  • 7 & Under: Sean Sutton, Ardfield NS - Winner
  • 8-10 Years: Frankie Murphy, Gaelscoil Clonakilty - Joint Merit
  • Group: Carechoice Nursing Home, Clonakilty - Winner
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