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26 Mar 2026

Laois students beat hundreds of schools through to RTÉ playwright competition final

TY students at St Fergal's College Rathdowney have written a fantastic script

Laois students beat hundreds of schools through to RTÉ playwright competition final

Reporter:

Hannah Cahill

11 Apr 2025 9:23 PM

Email:

hannah.cahill@leinsterexpress.ie

Two Laois students have been shortlisted for RTÉ's All Ireland Drama Festival School Playwright Competition.
A script written by two St Fergal's College students in Rathdowney is one of six scripts that the judges have accepted for the 2025 final. The students have beaten hundreds of other submissions from schools from 14 counties. 
Along with over one thousand euro in prizes from Athlone and Castlerea Credit Union, the winning play will be cast and staged for a live TY student audience on May 6 in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone.

A guest speaker will address the students and it is usual for and RTÉ news team to attend and report on the Awards Day event in the News2day programme.
 
Pictured: St Fergal's College, Rathdowney. Photo: Google Maps
Ms Carol Devine, principal of St Fergal's College, expressed her pride in TY students Caoimhe Coffey and Taylor Fogarty for their fantastic script.
"A huge congratulations to Transition Year students Caoimhe Coffey and Taylor Fogarty, from St. Fergal's College, who has made it through to the final seven in the prestigious All-Ireland Playwright Competition, taking place in Athlone on May 9th," she said.
"This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their creativity, dedication, and talent, supported every step of the way
by their teacher, Mr. Ciaran Comerford.
"We are very proud of the students and all they has accomplished. Their success highlights the strength of St. Fergal's College's diverse and exciting TY programme, which continues to offer students unique opportunities to explore and develop their passions across the arts and beyond.
"Two excellent students who put weeks of hard work and dedication into the plays they’ve have scripted. Both students showcased excellent creativity and writing skills throughout the process. An excellent achievement to receive an award at national level," Ms Devine finished.

Read More: 15 more schools in Laois added to the Hot School Meals programme

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