The Law Society is inviting transition-year (TY) students from across the country to enter this year’s Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.

Students have been asked to submit a 1,500-word essay examining the topic: “Climate Change Mitigation: the role the law can play in addressing the climate crisis”.

The competition aims to encourage young people to engage with the law and consider their own legal rights, and how the law impacts society.

It honours the life and legacy of the late judge Gráinne O’Neill, who became the youngest judge in Ireland when she was appointed to the District Court in 2014.

She died in 2018 after a period of illness but, before and during her years as a judge, worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner.

Prizes

The overall winner of the competition will be presented with the Gráinne O’Neill Perpetual Memorial Trophy (to be held for one year by their school) at a celebratory ceremony hosted by the Law Society.

Memorial medals, certificates and cash prizes will also be awarded to the top contestants.

Last year’s winner, Saorla McDonagh Sharkey of St Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk, said that the competition had opened her eyes further to the world of law and the balance of legal rights.

To enter visit the Law Society website.