Arranmore student named Young Animator of the Year at top animation festival

An Arranmore student has been named Young Animator of the Year at Ireland’s top animation festival.

Eoghan Bonner, a fifth-year student at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada on the island, picked up the prize at the Animation Dingle Festival.

Eoghan’s film, New Utopian Age, was selected as this year’s winner by Orion Ross, the vice president of animation at Disney. 

The animation tells of how when the world is filled with fear and destruction, a young boy writes to a goddess to ask for help to save the Earth.

The entry was chosen as the winner from a final selection of six after students from schools all over Ireland submitted short animated films. 

Eoghan pictured with his parents and sisters along with Orion Ross, the vice president of animation at Disney

As well as having his film seen by Disney, Eoghan got the chance to meet and spend time with Orion Ross.

Eoghan was joined at the festival in Kerry by his proud parents and sisters.

Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada took to social media to congratulate Eoghan: “We are so proud of you, well done from all at GSMD!”