Randalstown student Eimear McGuckien wins national Credit Union art competition

A talented local student is celebrating national recognition after her artwork claimed top honours at one of Ireland’s most prestigious youth art competitions.

Ballymena Causeway Credit Union has marked a proud moment for the local community after Eimear McGuckien was crowned first place winner in the 11–13 Additional Needs category at the Credit Union Art Competition National Final, held at Croke Park in Dublin on Sunday.

Eimear’s artwork progressed through the local and regional stages before earning its place on the national stage, where it impressed judges with its creativity, colour and powerful expression. Competing against entries from across the island of Ireland, her piece stood out among thousands of submissions to secure the top national prize in her category.

Eimear is a pupil at St Benedict’s College in Randalstown, where students enjoyed remarkable success in this year’s competition. The school produced an impressive 11 first- to third-place winners at Credit Union level across Year 10 and Year 11 students, under the guidance of Head of Art & Design, Mrs McElhone.

The Credit Union Art Competition is one of the largest and longest-running youth art competitions in Ireland, offering young people an opportunity to express themselves creatively while building confidence and pride in their work. Each year, thousands of students take part, with only a small number progressing to the national finals.

Eimear travelled to Croke Park with her family to attend the celebration event, where she was joined by Ballymena Causeway Credit Union staff members Sianeese and Harry, who attended in support of her achievement.

Speaking after the event, Gary Pollock, Business Development and Marketing Manager for Ballymena Causeway Credit Union, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Eimear and her achievement. The Credit Union Art Competition is about more than art - it’s about confidence, creativity and giving young people a platform to shine. Seeing a local student succeed at national level is a wonderful moment for her, her family, her school and our wider community.”

Ballymena Causeway Credit Union continues to support local schools and youth initiatives across Ballymena, Antrim, Randalstown and the Causeway Coast, recognising the importance of encouraging creativity, self-expression and opportunity for young people of all abilities.

Eimear’s success represents not only a personal milestone, but a moment of shared pride for her school and the wider community, celebrating the talent and dedication of a young artist whose work has now been recognised on a national stage.

Those interested in taking part in the 2026 Credit Union Art Competition are encouraged to follow Ballymena Causeway Credit Union on social media for updates and entry details.