Date: 20 Apr 2026
Donegal Primary School Road Safety Art Competition 2026 Winners Announced
Donegal County Council, the Donegal Road Safety Working Group, and Finn Harps Football Club have announced the winners of the 2026 Primary School Road Safety Art Competition. This year’s theme, “Crossing the Road Safely”, received over 900 entries from primary school students across County Donegal.
The artwork submitted by Vironika Shpyl a senior student in Sessiaghoneill N.S. has been chosen as the overall winner of this year’s competition. The winning student receives an art supplies hamper and tablet, while their school receives sports training equipment and a coaching session with Finn Harps F.C. coaches. The winning image will be featured as signage promoting road safety at Finn Park and will also be displayed at Kernan’s Supermarkets.
Pamela Smullen, Road Safety Officer, Donegal County Council, thanked all the students and their schools for their participation: “This year’s competition saw a huge number of entries, the artworks delivering strong knowledge and messages about staying alert near roads, crossing safely, wearing helmets and reflective clothing when cycling and walking. The road safety art competition provides a platform to discuss road safety in classrooms across the county and raises awareness of how the small habits we create can keep us safe on and near the roads. By introducing key messages early, it can help shape lifelong habits. I would like to thank all the students who took part, and the teachers and schools for supporting this important road safety initiative and Finn Harps F.C. for their continued partnership.”
Kevin McHugh, Head of Finn Harps Academy stated, “Finn Harps FC are delighted with the response, this year saw an increase in the number of entries and competition continues to grow. He expressed Finn Harps. F.C. enthusiasm for the partnership in working alongside the Donegal Road Safety Working Group and Donegal County Council to promote road safety awareness. At our Academy we are looking at instilling good habits, so they become the norm, with this competition promoting awareness we are also looking to do the same in-terms of road-side safety/pedestrian crossings, making sure we are not distracted with our phones, wearing high vis clothing and the importance of wearing proper helmets when on bikes or scooters"
In addition to the overall winner, category prize-winners will receive art hampers for their creativity and strong road safety messages. The runner up prize-winners in various categories were from the following schools:
- Murroe N.S, Dunfanaghy
- Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Leitir Ceannain
- Cloughfin N.S. Ballindrait
- Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Illistrin
- St Aengus NS, Bridgend
We extend sincere thanks to all students and schools who engaged with this important road safety initiative.
