Heywood Community School come out on top at Battle of Wits County final, going head to head with several Laois schools.

Heywood TY students recently fought a tough battle against other secondary schools to secure the title of Battle of Wits 2025 in Laois. They will now go forward with second placed Portlaoise College to represent Laois at the Regional finals in Athlone on December 4.

Pictured: First place winners Heywood Community School

Third place went to St. Fergal’s College, Rathdowney, who also put up a good fight!

Also taking part this year were Scoil Chriost Rí, Dunamase College, Mountmellick Community School, and Clonaslee Community School.

Battle of Wits is a table quiz tournament for Transition Year students organized by the library services of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, consists of three rounds – the school round, a county final and regional final.

From sport to science and literature to pop culture, the students were challenged on their knowledge of a wide variety of areas, and certain rounds threw the whole competition wide open again for all schools.

Pictured: Second place winners Portlaoise College

“We were delighted to welcome the students from all corners of the county to this entertaining evening, and the response to the initiative was very positive. We really appreciated schools giving their students the opportunity to take part.” Senior Executive Librarian, Suzanne Carroll told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“We hope that even more schools will participate and battle for the county title in 2026!” she said.

The initiative was designed to encourage literacy outside of formal education settings, and support individuals to realise their personal, social, and educational potential.

Pictured: Third place winners St Fergal's College Rathdowney

This initiative is part of Laois County Council Right to Read Network’s Action Plan.

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