The Law Society invites Transition Year (TY) students from across the country to enter the Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.

This year’s essay title is: “Hate Crime; the role the law can play in addressing Hate Crime”

For further information email EssayCompetition@LawSociety.ie.

About Judge Gráinne O’Neill

The Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition honours the life and legacy of the late Judge Gráinne O’Neill. In 2014, Gráinne became the youngest judge in Ireland to be appointed. Gráinne died in 2018 following a period of illness but, during her life and especially during her years as a judge, Gráinne worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner.

In four short years, she left a rich legacy of strong, compassionate justice with a profound, empathetic regard for those struggling to make ends meet and to make good in life. Gráinne infused spaces and places with her joyful gratitude for life and desire to make a difference to people and their lives.

She reflected greatly on all matters to do with the law and on best ways to build a fair, just society. She was courageous, creative and deeply committed to doing good work and work of a high standard.

Competition history

The Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition was initiated by Judge Keenan Johnson, Judge of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors’ Bar Association in 2019.

Following two successful years of engagement across Offaly and Westmeath, the Law Society is rolling out this competition at a national level and invites TY students from across the country to enter.

The Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition enables TY students to explore a chosen essay title in a way that will help them be creative and innovative in their thinking and writing.

Past winners

2024

Patrick Galvin, Abbey Community College, Waterford

2023

Saorla McDonagh Sharkey, St Vincent's Dundalk, Co Louth

In the short video below, Saorla shares her experiences of the competition.