By Michelle Crean

Emerging young writers got a chance to dig deep into their imaginations to bring out their scariest stories as part of a local writing competition.

HALLOWE’EN COMP: Pictured at Killarney Community College receiving their prizes for the annual Hallowe’en Post Primary writing competition were winners from St Olivers National School. Front: Julia Brzozowska, Cora O’Sullivan and Jessica McCrohan. Back row: Louise O’Donoghue (Teacher St Oliver’s) KCC Principal Stella Loughnane, Dylan Tucker (Transition Year student KCC), Cian Tobin (Teacher St Oliver’s) and Tara O’Shea (English Teacher KCC). Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

PRIZES: Pictured at Killarney Community College receiving their prizes for the annual Hallowe’en Post Primary writing competition were winners from neighbouring school The Mon. Front l-r were winners James Whelan, Oscar Gao and Denis Zidek. Back row l-r were: KCC Principal Stella Loughnane, Cillian Fitzgerald (Teacher Presentation Monastery), Mike Pfister (Transition Year student KCC), and Chloe Dennehy (English teacher). Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

PRIZE-GIVING: Students and teachers from Killarney Community College, The Mon, Holy Cross Mercy and St Olivers National School, pictured at Killarney Community College for the prize-giving for the annual HalloweÕen Post Primary writing competition. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

Pupils from St Oliver’s, Holy Cross Mercy and Presentation Monastery schools showcased their creativity and writing skills as part of the Killarney Community College primary school writing competition.

This year’s pupils were invited to submit a short story with the theme of Hallowe'en and competition was very stiff with almost 300 entries.

Transition Year students in the college along with their English teachers Tara O’Shea and Chloe Dennehy ran the competition as part of their creative writing module in English.

"The college would like to take the time to thank all of the students who took the time and effort to submit an entry," English teacher, Tara O’Shea, said.

"Huge praise must go to their class teachers for their guidance and encouragement throughout the experience. Standards were exceptionally high," she said.

"The KCC English Department were in awe of their creativity, use of language and general expression to produce spooky short stories worthy of a read around any bonfire on Hallowe'en night.”

On presenting the awards, Principal Stella Loughnane commended all award recipients and the wonderful teamwork of the teachers and students in the community.

“We endeavour to improve literacy levels within our own school and it was great to create links with local primary schools to share a similar vision,” she said.

First prize was a €50 One4all Gift Card for each school while second and third place winners received a bag of Hallowe'en treats.

Congratulations to all award winners:

St Oliver’s
1st Cora O’Sullivan
2nd Jessica McCrohan
3rd Julia Brzozowska

Holy Cross Mercy
1st Michelle Malinowska
2nd Claire Lyne
3rd Liadh Counihan

Presentation Monastery
1st James Whelan
2nd Oscar Gao
3rd Denis Zidek