JACK MOONEY OF SHIMNA COLLEGE, NEWCASTLE NAMED AS MERIT WINNER IN LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL PEACE POSTER CONTEST

Jack Mooney, a year 9 student at Shimna College, Newcastle is one of 23 young artists selected from more than 600,000 participants worldwide as a merit winner in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest. Lions International sponsors the annual programme to give students ages 11-13 the opportunity to express their vision of peace. The poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Together as One.”

“Ballynahinch Lions Club peace poster coordinator Audrey Slater, said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of all the students from Shimna College, Assumption Grammar School, St. Colman’s in Ballynahinch, and St. Louis Grammar School in Kilkeel who submitted artwork. “It’s obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. Their talent and their vision of the world is truly inspiring.”

As a merit winner, Jack Mooney will receive a cash prize of $500. Newcastle Lions Club President Beth Cairnduff said “Our Lions club is so proud of Jack. We’re excited that his art is not just being recognized, it’s also being shared with others around the world,”. His winning entry, representing Ireland, was displayed in New York at the annual “UN meets the Lions Day” in New York. His certificate from the International Lions President will be presented to him this week by Ireland Lions District Governor Marian McGreevy. Jack will officially launch this year’s contest with the theme of "Harmony in Humanity".

Lion  President  Beth  Cairnduff, Ballynahinch  Lion Audrey Slater, Jack  Mooney - Shimna College, DG Marian  McGreevy  and Melanie Skelcher - Head  of  Art  &  Design  - Shimna College