Arklow Students Honoured In 2025 Texaco Children’s Art Competition

Two talented young artists from Arklow have received national recognition in this year’s prestigious Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

Zack Waldron (17), a student at Arklow CBS, and Éala Ní hAaimhirgín (16) from Gaelcholáiste na Mara were both awarded Special Merit Awards for their entries in the 2025 competition, which continues to be one of Ireland’s most celebrated platforms for young artistic talent.

Now in its 71st year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition attracted a huge number of entries from schools across the country. A special awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 15th at the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin, where prizewinners, their families, and teachers gathered to celebrate.

Speaking at the event, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy (Ireland) Ltd, praised the young artists for their creativity and imagination.

“From the large volume of entries received and the incredible prize-winning artworks on display today, it is encouraging to see that young people in Ireland continue to view art as a preferred medium through which to exercise their imagination and express their creativity.”

The final judging was led by Irish visual artist Pauline O’Connell, supported by a panel of distinguished figures in the Irish art world.

Regarded as Ireland’s longest-running sponsorship of its kind, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition has been a showcase for generations of budding artists since it began in 1955.

For Zack and Éala, the awards are a well-deserved recognition of their talent and hard work, and a proud moment for their schools, their families, and the wider Arklow community.