The event which is now in it's 71st year has been held at the Herbert Park Hotel
Ovens National School student Hazel O'Brien picked up second prize in the 7-8 year old category
In the 6 years and under section, Donnacha Buckley Moloney from Dromleigh National School took second place after the 5 year submitted his work entitled the Titanic
And with a prize of €1000 and a piece called Still Life with Fruit, 18 year old Brian Daly from Skibereen National School to home 2nd in Category G
Addressing prizewinners, parents and teachers present at a reception held in the Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin today
James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy Limited — praised all of the winners for their skill and enthusiasm and thanked the many teachers from schools throughout Ireland who have given their support to the Competition throughout its 71 year history.
"Once again, from the large volume of entries received and the incredible prize-winning artworks on display today, it is encouraging to see that young people in Ireland continue to view art as a preferred medium through which to exercise their imagination and express their creativity, despite the many other attractions that vie for their attention," Mr. Twohig said.
Final judging was carried out by the Chairperson of the judging panel, Pauline OConnell, Irish visual artist, curator and educator. Supporting her in the adjudication process was a group of preliminary judges, each one a distinguished figure in the world of art in Ireland. They are: Dr. Denise Ferran (artist, art historian, and former President of the Royal Ulster Academy); Eoin Butler (artist and lecturer in visual arts); Marie Connole (artist, teacher and previous Texaco Children's Art Competition winner); Noelle McAlinden (artist, curator and creative adviser) and Tara Butler-Frey (art teacher and ceramic artist).
