The Law Society of Ireland has named Kerry Transition Year (TY) student Hazel Barrett from Presentation Secondary School, Listowel, as the winner of the national Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition 2025. The winner was announced at a special ceremony held at the Law Society in Dublin on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Now in its third year, the annual competition invites TY students from across the country to submit a 1,500-word legal essay on a specific topic. This year, over 350 essays were submitted by students from 52 schools across 16 counties, each exploring the topic: “The role the law can play in addressing Hate Crime”.

The competition aims to inspire young peoples’ legal learning by encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds to consider contemporary justice issues.

Thirty finalists attended the special ceremony in Dublin. Alanna Crean, Loreto College, Dublin, was awarded second place and Saoirse O’Connor Buckley, Coláiste Muire, Cork came third. Six merit certificates were awarded to Julie Murphy, Scoil Mhuire, Cork; Angelina Sewell, Sacred Heart School Tullamore, Offaly; Honor Geary, Loreto Community School, Donegal; Donncha O’Keefe, Coláiste Choilm, Cork; Mary Nderesi, Lucan Community College, Dublin; and Donagh White, Lucan Community College, Dublin.

President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said, “This year’s topic challenged students to explore how our laws respond to hatred and discrimination in society. Their essays demonstrated an understanding of the role that legislation can play in protecting marginalised groups and promoting inclusion for all in society.

“Through the competition students are encouraged to research, reflect and critically apply their learnings to this complex legal issue. The judges were impressed the breadth of ideas, and considered arguments put forward from students.

“The Law Society remains committed to widening early access to legal education for young people from all backgrounds. Congratulations to all students who entered, and in particular to this year’s finalists and winners. We hope many of them will continue their legal education, continue to ask questions and consider a future career in law,”

Winning words

Hazel’s essay was selected as the top entry and won a €1000 prize and a cup for her school. The judges commended Hazel for essay, noting it stood out for its superb analysis of the law. The judges also commented on the essay being a very enjoyable read. The judges agreed the essay highlighted strong independent thinking and it was a deserving winner.

Commenting on her win, Hazel said, “I’m honoured to win the overall award this year. The competition gave me a chance to learn more about the law and learn how the legal system can be used to protect people and uphold equal rights. I’m grateful for my teachers at Presentation Secondary School, Listowel for encouraging our class to take part in the Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.”

About the competition

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 when she was appointed to the District Court. 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.

The competition was initiated by The Hon Mr Justice Keenan Johnson of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors’ Bar Association in 2019. The Law Society has hosted the national competition for the past three years.