Laois County Council and Portlaoise Lions Club presented Laois youngsters with prizes in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest on Monday.

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For almost 40 years, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has given children ages 11-13 the opportunity to share what peace means to them through art.

Each year, Lions clubs across the world sponsor the contest in schools and organised youth groups. This year's theme was 'Together as One', with Portlaoise Lions Club organising the contest locally.

Students at each partaking school earned first and second place prizes, with one overall winner across all entries.

Camross NS student Molly Duff took home the overall prize, which was presented to her by Barbara Stanley of Portlaoise Lions Club, Monica Flynn from  Laois Arts Office, Portlaoise Lions Club President Sean Cruise, Julie Bergin with Laois County Council, and Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh.

There was a great presentation for peace poster competition winners, who attended Laois County Hall with their parents on Monday.

Rachel Phelan won first prize from Kolbe Special School, with fellow student Fionn Fitzpatrick earning second place. At Paddock NS, student Rosalie Delaney placed first, with Rosie Phelan Dalton winning the second place prize. 

At Maryborough National School, student Zuzanna Kurasz won first place.

Gaelscoil Thromaire winners were John Callaghan (first place) and Sarah Jane Callaghan (second place). Killenure NS students Corey Lawlor and Loughlann Keenan won first and second place prizes respectively. 

Layla Boland-Groome and Elena Piotrowska from Scoil Bhríde Mountrath were also recognised with first and second place prizes in their school's contest.

Keeva Fitzgibbon and Abbie Cooper of Rushall NS were the pride of their school, earning first and second place prizes.

Congratulations to the deserving winners!

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