A Laois 12-year old has won a top prize in this year's Texaco Children's Art Competition.

Nicholas Oiboh has won a top prize in this year’s 71st Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

Portlaoise student Nicholas Oiboh, student at St Mary's CBS, won a Special Merit Award for his artwork entitled ‘Self Portrait - The Power Of A Paintbrush’.

Staff and students alike have been praising Nicholas for his fantastic achievement, with Nicholas' art teacher Ms Sarah Williams expressing her pride to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: ‘Self Portrait - The Power Of A Paintbrush’ by Nicholas Oiboh

"We are incredibly proud of Nicholas Oiboh, a talented young artist in first year, who has won a top prize in the prestigious Texaco Art Competition," Ms Williams said.

"At just 12 years old, Nicholas has shown exceptional creativity and skill, and his achievement is a wonderful reflection of his dedication and passion for art.

"His success is a source of great pride for our entire school community, and we look forward to seeing his artistic journey continue to flourish," the Portlaoise school's art teacher finished.

Texaco Children's Art Competition was adjudicated by Irish visual artist, curator and educator Pauline O'Connell, who stated that Nicholas ‘displayed high levels of skill and creativity.’

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.

This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Laois and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

Well done to Nicholas on his fantastic achievement!

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