Organised by the Law Society of Ireland, the annual competition aims to inspire young peoples’ legal learning by encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds to consider contemporary justice issues.

This year, the competition received almost 140 essays from 48 schools across 16 different counties. Each student submitted a 1,500-word essay examining the topic: “Climate Change Mitigation; the role the law can play in addressing the climate crisis.”

Barry MacCarthy, president of the Law Society, said: “The solicitors’ profession is changing, and the Law Society is committed to supporting legal education for the next generation. With this year’s essay focused on climate change, the students offered passionate, engaging and reflective essays.

“This competition encourages students to consider the law and helps them understand how the law can impact issues that are close to their hearts and areas of their daily lives. We hope this essay competition will inspire students from across the country to continue their legal education, nurture their curiosity for justice issues and to consider a future career in law.”

Patrick’s essay was selected as the top entry and won a €1,000 prize and a cup for his school. The judges commended Patrick for his essay’s superb analysis of the law, saying “it was clear he was passionate about the law and the subject matter making him a deserving winner”.

Commenting on his win, Patrick said: “I am so grateful to have won the top award at the Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition. I have learned so much about the law, and how it impacts and helps climate issues. The competition allowed me to consider these issues deeper.

“I would like to thank my teachers and school, Abbey Community College, Waterford for their encouragement in entering, and my parents for their support.”

Jack Wu, Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone, Sligo was awarded second place and Ella Mae Gavigan, Wilson’s Hospital School, Westmeath came third.

Two merit certificates were awarded to Conal McMahon, Saint Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla, Clare and Evie Quigley, Loreto College, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.