Hazel Barrett, a student at Presentation Secondary School in Listowel, raised the trophy at a special awards ceremony held at Blackhall Place last Wednesday.

Now in its third year, the annual competition invites TY students from across the country to submit a 1,500-word legal essay on a specific topic.

This year, over 350 essays were submitted by students from 52 schools across 16 counties, each exploring “the role the law can play in addressing hate crime”.

The competition aims to inspire young peoples’ legal learning by encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds to consider contemporary justice issues.

A total of 30 finalists attended the special ceremony in Dublin, where second place was awarded to Alanna Crean of Loreto College in Dublin and third place was awarded to Saoirse O’Connor Buckley of Coláiste Muire in Cork.

Six merit certificates were awarded to Julie Murphy, Scoil Mhuire, Cork; Angelina Sewell, Sacred Heart School Tullamore, Offaly; Honor Geary, Loreto Community School, Donegal; Donncha O’Keefe, Coláiste Choilm, Cork; and Mary Nderesi and Donagh White, both from Lucan Community College, Dublin.

Law Society president Eamon Harrington said: “This year’s topic challenged students to explore how our laws respond to hatred and discrimination in society. Their essays demonstrated an understanding of the role that legislation can play in protecting marginalised groups and promoting inclusion for all in society.

“Through the competition students are encouraged to research, reflect and critically apply their learnings to this complex legal issue. The judges were impressed with the breadth of ideas and considered arguments put forward by students.

“The Law Society remains committed to widening early access to legal education for young people from all backgrounds. Congratulations to all students who entered, and in particular to this year’s finalists and winners.

“We hope many of them will continue their legal education, continue to ask questions and consider a future career in law.”

With her essay having been selected as the top entry, Hazel Barrett won a €1,000 prize and a cup for her school.

The judges commended Hazel, noting her essay stood out for its superb analysis of the law. The judges also agreed the essay highlighted strong independent thinking, was an enjoyable read, and a deserving winner.

Commenting on her win, Hazel said: “I’m honoured to win the overall award this year.

“The competition gave me a chance to learn more about the law and learn how the legal system can be used to protect people and uphold equal rights.

“I’m grateful for my teachers at Presentation Secondary School, Listowel for encouraging our class to take part in the Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition.”