Emma on the right track in art competition

A PUPIL from Ballyturn National School showcased her talent recently in an Irish Rail-organised art competition held to mark the reopening of the Limerick-Galway rail service.
The competition was divided into three age categories. Emma Nester from Ballyturn National School was victorious in the 11 to 12 age group, Ciara Horan, Ballymana National School, Craughwell took the top award in the eight to 10 age group and Kirby Dooley, Ballymana National School, Craughwell was the winner of the five to seven category.
On Wednesday, the gifted young artists were presented with their prizes. The theme of the competition was Fun on the Train and judges said they were very impressed with the many entries they received.
The prizewinners were presented with their awards by project manager for the reopening of the Limerick–Galway line, Sinéad Clair and Galway district manager, Gerry Glynn at a special ceremony at Athenry Station. The prizewinners and their family and friends travelled by train to the event.
“Services on the reopened Limerick-Galway rail service have got off to a great start, with passenger numbers expected to grow substantially again for the summer months with lots of local and tourist interest in the new line,” a spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann stated.
The Limerick-Galway direct scheduled service was reintroduced after a gap of 34 years on March 29 last, following an investment of €106.5 million in the reopening of the Ennis to Athenry line.
“The art competition was supported very well by all the local schools and by local children. Entries were received from Ennis, Crusheen, Gort, Craughwell and Athenry. The standard was impressive and showed a great interest in the reopening of the railway line,” the spokesperson continued.