A 'toast' to Swinford students' prize-winning dress

THE school community in Scoil Muire agus Pádraig, Swinford, is celebrating its success in the 2019 Junk Kouture final in the 3 Arena last Thursday night.

Three students, Niamh McHugh, Laura McLoughlin and Cathal Gavin, along with their teacher Mr. Micheal Kelliher, secured the Most Unusual Material prize.

This is not surprising as the dress, which was expertly modelled by Niamh, was made of bread courtesy of O’Hara's Bakery in Foxford.

The competition, which is sponsored by Bank of Ireland, attracted over 4,000 entries this year. There were 80 finalists and 11 prizes were awarded on the night.

Scoil Muire agus Pádraig's entry, entitled 'I'd like to make a toast', was a popular winner due to the simplicity of the idea and the exquisite craft which was involved in making the original vision a reality. This was clearly recognised by the panel of judges which included Doireann Garrihy, Louis Walsh and Stephen McLoughlin.

Scoil Muire agus Pádraig has received messages of support and congratulations from near and far. The transition year students on their tour to Barcelona sent their own unique acknowledgement to their fellow students who were the only representatives from the west of Ireland to secure one of the prestigious awards.

The celebrations will continue as Scoil Muire agus Pádraig looks forward to Wellbeing Week which will begin this week with an exciting range of activities and guest speakers.