The title for the 2019 competition, quoting Yeats, was: “All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born. Social Media – deadly weapon or a platform for good?”

Fraser Gaine of Summerhill College claimed the first prize, while Shauna McDonagh and Cathy Harrison of Ursuline College came second and third respectively.

High commendations, sponsored by Liber Bookstore, were presented to Lisa McGowan of Coola PPS and Catherine Flanagan of Mercy College.

The contestants were all fifth and sixth year students from schools in the Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim areas. Special guest Anton Savage, director of the Communications Clinic, and broadcaster and competition adjudicator Una Mannion, writing mentor at IT Sligo, presented the prizes.

Caroline McLaughlin, partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors, told Irish Legal News: “The Callan Tansey essay competition recognises the talent of our local students. We extend our congratulations to Fraser Gaine, Shauna McDonagh and Cathy Harrison.”