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.

Arts, in particular, bring life to the imagination, allowing thoughts to become reality, no matter who you are or where you come from. In line with the culture and ethos of the credit union, everyone is welcome. The Credit Union Art Competition caters for all ages ranging from 7 years & under to 18 years & over, across all corners of the island of Ireland. This competition requires entrants to draw or paint posters using pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt tip marker, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Posters are required to be either A3 (420 x 297 mm) or A2 (594 x 420mm) and landscape orientation. Portrait orientation entries will be disqualified from adjudication.

Categories:

There are two categories represented in the Credit Union Art Competition:

• General Category
• Additional Needs Category.

The Additional Needs Category encourages participants with physical or intellectual disabilities to submit entries in free expression without the restriction of the competition’s official theme if they wish.

This category also allows for group entries. All group entries will be judged together – while no age categories apply.

Judging process

The Credit Union Art Competition consists of three stages.

• Stage 1 is run solely by local credit unions around the country.
• Stage 2 moves on to Chapter level, which consists of 23 different regional finals around the country.
• Stage 3 of the Competition is the National Final, which is judged by independent artists on behalf of the Irish League of Credit Unions.To be considered for judging at any level, entries must follow the below briefs:
• All entries must be submitted in either A3 (420 x 297mm) or A2 (594 x 420mm) and landscape orientation. Portrait oriented entries will be disqualified from adjudication.
• Name, address, month and year of birth and other details (where applicable) must be clearly printed on the entry form and then attached to the back of the entry. Any entries bearing incomplete entry forms may not be considered.
• The entry can be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, wood block or any other method may also be submitted. No computer aided design (CAD) may be entered. No pieces of art under glass, as we cannot be responsible for same.
• Stage 1 and Stage 2 will be judged by local credit unions, who may enlist the help of local artists. Stage 3 – National Final, will be judged by three high profile artists who look for originality, creativity and inspiration throughout the pieces.

Our Additional Needs Category will be judged by an artist who specialises in teaching art for people with disabilities. Entries to the Additional Needs Category are invited from children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Entrants in this category are not required to use the theme.

Art Competition Winners 2024

Congratulations to all the winners.

The prize giving ceremony for the National Level winners takes place on Sunday 26^th 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