Mayo student's Civil War project scoops history award

LEAH Honan, a Leaving Certificate student from St. Joseph’s Community College, Charlestown, has won the senior category award in the All-Island Schools’ History Competition for 2025.

She attended the awards ceremony at the Department of Education where her project was appraised by Dr. Caitríona Ní Cassaithe, Assistant Professor in History Education in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University.

The project titled ‘Exploring the Shared Legacy of the Tuam Civil War Executions in 1923’ delves into the circumstances surrounding the execution of her great-granduncle Sean Newell at Tuam Military Barracks on April 11, 1923. He was one of six young men executed by National Army forces in the latter stages of the Irish Civil War.

The project sheds light on the overlooked connection between events in Tuam and imprisoned female members of Cumann na mBan from Killala, who were forced to witness the executions. She explores the shared legacy of Civil War wounds with descendants of these women.

Leah attended the ceremony with her history teacher Ann Leydon and was interviewed by Bryan Dobson, a member of the Government Commemoration Committee.

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton congratulated the winners.