Winner announced for Donegal’s 2026 Primary School Road Safety Art Competition

The artwork submitted by a student at a Ballybofey national school has been chosen as the overall winner for the 2026 Primary School Road Safety Art Competition.

Vironika Shpyl, who is a senior student at the Sessiaghoneill NS, has been chosen as the overall winner.  Vironika will now receive art supplies, a hamper and a tablet, while the school receives sports training equipment and a coaching session with Finn Harps coaches. The winning image will be featured as signage promoting road safety at Finn Park and will also be displayed at Kernan’s Supermarkets.

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  Murroe NS, Dunfanaghy, Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Leitir Ceannain, Cloughfin NS, Ballindrait, Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Illistrin, and St Aengus NS, Bridgend.

This year’s theme, “Crossing the Road Safely”, received over 900 entries from primary school students across Donegal.

“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,” Pamela Smullen, Road Safety Officer, Donegal County Council, said.

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“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.”

The overall winner, Vironika Shpyl, along with Gevevieve Robb (Vice Principal Sessiaghoneill NS), Garda Inspector Freda McCague, Pamela Smullen, Road safety officer Donegal County Council, Aisling Dignam, Finn Harps Academy, Kevin McHugh, Finn Harps Manager, Garda Brenda Healey and Vironika's teacher, Ms Gildea

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. 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 roadside 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"

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme