Written Submission for Ireland
Objective
To encourage students to use their journalistic skills to look at a topical issue
which is relevant to Catholic Social Teaching and resonates with Columban mission.
The topic for 2025/2026 is Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is.
The entry form is further down this page. Jump to Entry Form
Rules
Entrants must live on the island of Ireland.
Entrants must be 13-18 inclusive
(they must have turned 13 on or before 31 August 2025).Entries must be made by individuals.
No more than 1 written entry per person.
A piece of writing or image generated by AI technology is not allowed. We may require teachers to verify that submissions are original.
Entries can be articles or poems and must be original content.
Entries must be no longer than 1000 words and a minimum of around 800 words. The minimum word count for poems is more flexible.
Entries must be in English.
Where facts or figures are quoted, they must be credited to the source.
Parental permission is required.
Judges
Dr Toni Pyke PhD, the Justice, Peace and Ecology co-ordinator with the Association of Leaders of Missionary and Religious of Ireland.
Patsy McGarry, was Religious Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times from 1997 to 2023. He is author of five books.
Fr Pat Colgan, Columban missionary who worked in Fiji from 1995 - 2023, with the exception of six years ministry in Hong Kong. Now based in Ireland.
Fr Jason Antiquera, Columban missionary-artist from the Philippines. He was ordained in 2015 and now works in Korea.
Monica Morley, Director of the Family Centre at Knock Shrine. Monica co-presents Faith Alive, a religious radio programme on Mid West Radio.
Judging Criteria
Quality of the presentation.
Definition, clarity and fairness.
A representation of some knowledge of the subject and first-hand experience if possible.
Have kept in mind Catholic Social Teaching.
Originality.
Reporting depth.
Construction.