Photos Jenny Callanan: Azel Mrunal Lobo, who won 1st Prize in the Under 7 Category at the 2026 Drogheda Credit Union Art Competition Awards at The Marcy Hotel.
More than 40 winners and their families gathered at The Marcy Hotel for the Drogheda Credit Union Art Competition Awards 2026.
The awards took place on Tuesday, 20th October, following another strong response to the annual competition, which received more than 1,000 entries.
This year’s theme was ‘World of Colour’, inspiring a wide range of artwork from entrants of all ages and abilities.
The competition was judged by Tony Conaghy of Droichead Arts Centre.
More than 1,000 entries
The annual Credit Union Art Competition gives artists an opportunity to express themselves creatively, with categories ranging from Under 7 through to Adult.
Students from Ballymakenny College were also recognised in the Additional Needs Group category.
Sarah McGee, CEO of Drogheda Credit Union, said the theme had captured the imagination of those taking part.
“The theme ‘World of Colour’ really captured the imagination of our entrants, and the standard of artwork this year was exceptional,” she said.
“Every piece brought something different to the competition. Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners and to everyone who entered.”
Winners progress to next stage
First prize winners in each category will now progress to Chapter Level, where they will have the opportunity to qualify for the national stage of the competition.
National winners will feature on the Credit Union 2028 calendar.
Drogheda Credit Union thanked everyone who took part, along with teachers who encourage students to enter the competition each year.
A special thank you was also extended to Tony Conaghy for once again taking on the task of judging the entries.
2026 Winners
Name Category A Place
Azel Mrunal Lobo Under 7 1st
Orlaith Naughton Under 7 2nd Place
Holly Kind Under 7 3rd Place
Amelia Wojno De Matos Under 7 Highly Commended
Chloe McDonnell Under 7 Highly Commended
Jamie Ward Under 7 Highly Commended
Leona Nekrutenjo 8-10 years 1st Place
Petroiu Alexsander 8-10 years 2nd Place
Saoirse Maloney 8-10 years 3rd Place
Name Category Place
Jack Sheridan 8-10 years Highly Commended
Leiah Paluskzkiewicz 8-10 years Highly Commended
Bláithín Smyth 8-10 years Highly Commended
Evana Mariya Thomas 11-13 years 1st Place
Antoni Korczynski 11-13 years 2nd Place
Juliette Gerrard 11-13 years 3rd Place
Anesu Cynthia Sajanga 11-13 years Highly Commended
Siobhan Suresh 11-13 years Highly Commended
Sophia Sadlier 11-13 years Highly Commended
Doroteja Gelaziute 14-17 years 1st Place
Della Nicoleta Ilisol 14-17 years 2nd Place
Holly Doherty 14-17 years 3rd Place
Luna Sucic 14-17 years Highly Commended
Sophia McMahon 14-17 years Highly Commended
Glory Chari 14-17 years Highly Commended
Aidan Gray Adult 1 st Place
Laura Howard Adult 2 nd Place
Name Category B Place
Rian Molony Under 7 1st Place
Joe Burke Under 7 2nd Place
Joanna Galparsoro Under 7 3rd Place
Dáire Murphy Under 7 Highly Commended
Síofra Molony 8-10 Years 1st Place
Maxim Baroiukov 8-10 years 2nd Place
Maggie Callan 8-10 years 3rd Place
Nathan Butler 8-10 years Highly Commended
Oisin Corrigan 11-13 years 1st Place
Shona Cassidy 11-13 years 2nd Place
Faria Adeel 11-13 years 3rd Place
Name Category Place
Finn Clarke 11-13 years Highly Commended
David German 14-17 years 1 st Place
Bara McKenzie 14-17 years 2 nd Place
Saoirse Cloherty 14-17 years 3rd Place
Penny Louise Harmon Meek 14-17 years Highly Commended
James Moonan Adult 1st Place
Eoin Bolger Adult 2 nd Place
Alexander McDonnell Adult 3rd Place
Jennah O’Reilly Adult Highly Commended
Name Category Place
Additional Needs Group 1st Place Class Condla, Ballmakenny College
Additional Needs Group 2nd Place Class Lúgh, Ballmakenny College
Additional Needs Group 3rd Place Class Setanta, Ballmakenny College
