Local schools showcase creativity in support of the Fairtrade movement
Along with those pursuing the Global Citizenship themes of the An Taisce Green Schools program, students from all over Limerick who took part in the February 2025 school poster competition added their voices to calls for a global trade system that prioritises people over profit when deciding what to put in our shopping baskets. During the Limerick City and County Council event, it became clear that Limerick schools are interested in the Fairtrade concept.
Pupils visited Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) Headquarters in Merchant’s Quay on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to continue to promote the Fairtrade message.
The posters the students made as part of the awareness campaign focused on the Fairtrade message of encouraging fair trade practices between Ireland and developing nations.
A volunteer organisation called the Fairtrade Limerick City Committee works to advance Fairtrade in Limerick. With the help of the Limerick City and County Council, Limerick was designated a Fairtrade City in 2005 and was granted this designation again in 2015.
Mayor commends students for their commitment to Fairtrade
John Moran, the mayor of Limerick, who was present at the award ceremony, congratulated everyone who took part.
“The work of the Fairtrade movement is more important than ever as we strive to reduce poverty and achieve a more just global trade network,” Mayor Moran said. “The enthusiasm and dedication of our youth in advocating for Fairtrade is truly remarkable. All the participants and winners have demonstrated exceptional understanding of the issue and I congratulate them on their efforts and achievements. I want to congratulate and thank Chair, Dolores O’Meara and her committee of volunteers for their continued dedication to Fairtrade and for their support for this initiative.”
The role of consumers in supporting Fairtrade
Dolores O’Meara, the chairperson of the Limerick Fairtrade City Group was also in attendance and emphasised the importance of consumer support for Fairtrade products.
“In a world where the richest 1% own 50% of the world’s wealth, it is more important than ever that we, the consumers, support the farmers in the developing world who produce our tea, coffee, cocoa, bananas, and many other food items,” O’Meara added. “We need to help them trade their way out of poverty by purchasing items with the FAIRTRADE label.”
The posters, crafted by pupils aged 6 to 18 from schools across the city and county, vividly illustrate what Fairtrade means to them.
Winners of Fairtrade Limerick School Poster Competition – February 2025.
- 1st Prize Mishaal Khan. Castletroy College, Castletroy
- 2nd Prize Laoise Ní Riain An Mhodhscoil, O’Connell Ave
- 3rd Prize Destiny Iqwal, Castletroy College, Castletroy
Highly Commended:
- Our Lady Of Lourdes Primary School, Rosbrien
- Dylan Sims
- Kaylee Coffey
- Joshua Joby
- Tilly Rose Walsh
- Selena Kinsey Hayes
- Amanda Arun
- Aoife Onyekaba
- Danette Daijo
Corpus Christi Primary School, Moyross
- Scott McNamara
- Carly Tubridy Hanley
- Johnny O’Gorman
- Lilly Mullane
Corpus Christi Art Class, Moyross
- Katie Ann O’Mahony
- Faye Reddan
An Mhodhscoil O’Connell Ave
- Sibéál Caltún
- Elizabeth Relihan
Scoil An Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough
- Lara O Regan
- Anna Hart
Castletroy Community College, Castletroy
- Erin Casey
- Éanna Gallagher
- Cian Hanrahan
- Katarina Kovacevic
- Taine Hogan
- Zuzanna Machowczyk
- Cadhla Heffernan
For more information visit www.fairtrade.ie or www.facebook.com/FairtradeIreland