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.

Art Competition Winners 2026

Congratulations to all the winners of our 2026 Art Competition.

The winning entries will be on display in the Clonakilty & Dunmanway offices later this week.

7 Years and Under

1st Place: Emily Williams – Ardfield N.S
2nd Place: Joseph Allis – Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileain
3rd Place: Eve Forde – Ahiohill N.S

7 Years and Under (Additional Needs Category)

1st Place: Martin O'Neill – Darrara N.S
2nd Place: Dara McCarthy – Darrara N.S
3rd Place: Neela Dineen – Darrara N.S

8–10 Years

1st Place: Teddy Murphy – Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileain
Joint 2nd Place: Daniel O'Regan – Barryroe N.S
Joint 2nd Place: Olan McInerney – Timoleague N.S
Joint 2nd Place: Lucy Ni Neill – Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileain
Joint 3rd Place: Nell Lehane – Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileain
Joint 3rd Place: Karen McCarthy – Ardfield N.S

8–10 Years (Additional Needs Category)

1st Place: Thomas O'Mactire – Gaelscoil Mhichil Ui Choileain
2nd Place: Orson Woods – Clogagh N.S
3rd Place: Lily Lordan – St Josephs N.S

11–13 Years

1st Place: Avisa Singh – Mount St Michael Sec School, Ross
2nd Place: Yeva Halkina Drapeza – St Marys Central School, Ballineen/Enniskeane
Joint 3rd Place: Maeve O’Mahony – St Josephs N.S
Joint 3rd Place: Eleanor May McEvoy – Darrara N.S

11–13 Years (Additional Needs Category)

1st Place: Rebecca McCann – Darrara N.S
2nd Place: Kyle Harrington – Clogagh N.S
3rd Place: Isabella McCann – Darrara N.S

14–17 Years

1st Place: Alannah Connolly – Mount St Michael Sec School, Ross
2nd Place: Molly Rice – Mount St Michael Sec School, Ross
3rd Place: Jennifer Lyons – Mount St Michael Sec School, Ross

Adult (Additional Needs Category)

1st Place: Tommy Brady – Horizons, COPE
2nd Place: Sarah McNulty – Clonakilty
Joint 3rd Place: Maeve O'Driscoll – Horizons, COPE
Joint 3rd Place: Brenda O'Donovan – Horizons, COPE

Group Adults (Additional Needs Category)

1st Place: Residents of Care Choice – Clonakilty
2nd Place: CoAction Adult Day Services – Clonakilty