The Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D., today presented prizes to seven Leaving Certificate students who were monthly winners in the annual Comórtas Aiste Foinse Microsoft (The Foinse Microsoft Essay competition).
The Taoiseach praised the students saying, "the standard is very impressive not just in terms of the fluency but in terms of the imagination and the ideas of the students in their essays. Our youth are vital for the future of the Irish language and the knowledge shown by these students and their obvious commitment and love for the language is very encouraging."
Comórtas Aiste Foinse Microsoft is launched each October and the first winner is announced in November. (An average of 300 entries are received each month) Each monthly winner receives a copy of Microsoft's Learning Suite software.
The Taoiseach commended Foinse and Microsoft for their work in promoting and fostering the Irish language through the competition which complements the students' own studies and offers further the incentive of prizes for their writing skills.
The seven winners were Cáit Ní Dhagg, Eibhlín Ní Fhionnlaoigh, Eimear Ní Earcáin, Enya Ní Shíthigh, Peter Corboy, Sinéad Ní Mhuirí and Colm Mac Grianna (school details below).
Ends
Full details of winners
Cáit Ní Dhagg
Meánscoil Naomh Mhuire an tAonach
Co Thiobrad Árann
Eibhlín Ní Fhionnlaoigh
Meánscoil Bhríde,
Maighean Rátha,
Port Laoise
Co Laoise
Eimear Ní Earcáin
Coláiste Fhlannáin Naofa
Inis
Co an Chláir
Enya Ní Shíthigh
Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne
An Daingean
Co Chiarraí
Peter Corboy
Coláiste Pheadair Naofa
Cnoc an tSamhraidh
Loch Garman
Sinéad Ní Mhuirí
Scoil Leoin Naofa
Baile Cheatharlach
Co Cheatharlach
Colm Mac Grianna
Coláiste Naomh Adhamhnáin
Leitir Ceannainn,
Co Dhún na nGall