PICTURES: Fairtrade Limerick school poster competition champions sustainability

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Limerick schools have been taking an avid interest in the concept of sustainability, which has been showcased during an event hosted by Limerick City and County Council to mark the end of the month of ‘Fairbruary’.

Students from Limerick schools who participated in the Fairbruary 2026 school poster competition, together with those undertaking the Global Citizenship themes of the An Taisce Green Schools programme, have added their voices to demands for a fair global trade system.

The concept of the system is one that puts people, not profit, at the heart of what we place in our shopping baskets.

As part of the awareness programme, students created posters centred on the Fairtrade message of promoting fair trading practices between Ireland and developing countries.

The intention is to support the Global Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN – in particular Goals 1 No Poverty, 2 Zero Hunger, 5 Gender Equality and 17 Partnerships for the goals.

Fairtrade is co-owned by the farmers’ representatives to ensure Fairtrade is working for farmers in securing fair prices for their produce. 

Students and their families visited Limerick City and County Council Chamber in Dooradoyle on Tuesday 24th February 2026 to continue to promote the Fairtrade message. 

Posters, were created by pupils of all ages, ranging from 6 up to 18. The posters are intended to illustrate what Fairtrade means to the pupils.

Cllr Gregory Conway deputising for Mayor of Limerick John Moran commented:

“The passion and enthusiasm we see in young people advocating for Fairtrade today is phenomenal. I want to congratulate all of the winners and thank everyone who participated. Their ongoing work reminds us that fair prices and ethical partnerships are essential to a more equal world. Choosing Fairtrade means that there is care given to how the product was produced, who produced it and what benefit they get as a result.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery said:

“I want to thank the Limerick City Fairtrade Committee for all their hard work and continued dedication to Fairtrade, as well as their overall support for this really creative initiative.  The work of the Fairtrade movement supports communities in a sustainable way and it is important to note that many of the farmers representatives who co-own it are women. The work of the Fairtrade movement is now more important than ever as we strive to achieve global sustainability.”

Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly added:

“Limerick has been a Fairtrade city for more than twenty years and that is largely thanks to the work of the volunteers of the Limerick Fairtrade City Committee who are supported by Limerick City and County Council. We intend to continue to promote Fairtrade through initiatives like this competition. The students' posters reflect a shared belief that fairness and equality must guide our future and I want to thank the students for their dedication to this project.”

Dolores O’Meara, Chairperson Limerick Fairtrade City group, said:

“The issue of climate change is becoming more critical every year.  We have seen the devastation in our own county over the last few months from the unrelenting rain.  Towns have been flooded, houses damaged, furniture destroyed, some losing their workshops, garages and livelihoods.  Farmers and gardeners will be late getting seeds and plants into the ground and this will have an impact on the harvest.  Our government has financial programmes in place to help these people get back on their feet.  Imagine what it must be like for the farmers of the developing world where they have this every year – either intense rainfall that floods their fields and washes their coffee bushes and banana trees down the mountain or extreme drought that causes plants to wither in the ground and animals to die from dehydration.  We, the consumers, are the only hope they have of getting back on their feet. When we buy a product that is traded fairly, we are supporting these farmers to survive through the hard times.  So look for the product with the FAIRTRADE logo and BUY it.  This Fairbruary, we are calling on people throughout Ireland to shop fair for a month and buy Fairtrade products.”

[1]Winners of  Fairtrade Limerick Schools’ Poster Competition February 2026

1st Prize            :             Ola Kakar,  Laurel Hill Secondary School

2 nd Prize           Emily Sweeney, Castletroy College

Joint 3rd Prize     Marie O Connell, Laurel Hill Secondary School

                             Farrah Martin, Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh , Roxborough

Highly Commended:

An Mhodhscoil, OConnell Ave

Alex Rainsford

Ruby Ní Chearúil

Edon Ní Bhriain

Knockea NS, Co Limerick

Ailbhe Ryan

Elena O Riordan

Alex Martin

Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh , Roxborough, Co Limerick

Colm Lane

Rachel McKenna

Heidi Quaid

Penny Sheehan

Our Lady of Lourdes NS , Rosbrien

Paul Roche

Michael Muozoba

Ijego Amadi

Domeena Daijo

Catherine Payyapilly

Lucyanna Oyibo Igbenigun

Corpus Christi N.S, Moyross

Conor Lynch

Skyler Kelly

Jessi Anne Griffin – Jackson

SENIORS

Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally

Zahra Zaidi

Elizabeth Melna

Caoimhe Gully

Avalilly Allen

Castletroy College, Limerick

Íde McIntyre

Fianait Curtin

Khloe Murphy

Katelyn Bowler

Luke McDermott

Laurel Hill Secondary School, Limerick

Aliona Hannigan