Limerick student states his case for the best law essay

“ENGAGE with the law and consider their own legal rights”, was the aim of the Law Society of Ireland’s inaugural Legal Essay Competition, with one Limerick student making the final. 

Limerick student Liam Hayes who attends Colaiste Iosaef Kilmallock school, was among the 32 finalists that attended the event in Dublin.

The competition is officially called National Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition, to honour the life of a young female judge, who passed away at age 46 in 2018 after a period of illness. In 2014, Gráinne became the youngest judge in Ireland when she was appointed to the District Court.

Irish actor Paul Mescal picks up top prize at prestigious Olivier Awards

The competition received over 80 essays from 38 schools across 14 different counties. Each student submitted a 1,500-word essay examining the topic, 'The law and social media: striking a balance between freedom of expression and responsible usage.'

Chairperson of the Law Society’s Education Committee, Richard Hammond SC, said: “This competition aims to encourage young people to engage with the law and consider their own legal rights, how the law impacts society. 

“The objective is to inspire students’ learning and develop their creativity in an engaging way.”

This is the first year the competition invited entries from transition year students across the country.

“It’s fitting that we can bring Gráinne’s legacy to a national platform, and to continue to make a difference to young people, their learnings and their lives,” Mr Hammond SC concluded.

The competition was initiated by The Hon Mr Justice Keenan Johnson of the Circuit Court, in collaboration with the Midland Solicitors’ Bar Association in 2019.