Eason Spelling Bee 2024 Week 6

 

 

We were right back into it, as we headed into the largest spelling bee – Dublin, as well as Kildare and Wicklow. Let’s recap them.

 

Dublin

Dublin has the highest population density in Ireland, so it is no surprise that this is the largest spelling bee county final. We had almost 50 students in attendance on April 16th. In previous years, we went to a hotel for this Bee, but St Louise de Marillac had a hall large enough to accommodate, and it definitely lended itself to the atmosphere. It felt like a real spelling bee.
And of course, Dublin had some of the best spellers the country had to offer. There were some absolutely incredible spellers competing on the day. But, as always, only one can walk away the Dublin county champion. Today, that was Ruairi MacGregor from Our Lady’s Grove Primary School. Ruairi kept his cool all day, and left a winner. His winning word was ‘occupative’. Ruairi loves to read and has read all of The Lord of the Rings and Dune. As a sixth-class student, this is incredibly impressive! We have high hopes for Ruairi for the rest of the competition.

 

 

Wicklow

From Dublin, we went straight to Wicklow for a much smaller, but equally competitive competition. 10 students were competition in Craysfort National School in Arklow, all giving it their best. Mary Anne Harkin from St John’s Senior National School was the winner. After a tense head-to-head round, Mary Anne correctly spelled ‘deliqium’ and was named the winner. She had never heard the word, but was able to break it down and figure it out. We are so proud! We hope she can bring that fighting spirit to the Provincial Final.

 

 

Kildare

Closing out this week, the Spelling Bee Team went to St Brigid’s Primary School in Kildare town for the final. Last year the All-Ireland winner came from Kildare, so it’s no surprise we were expecting big things!
Students from 15 schools around the county arrived ready to compete. And it was no surprise last year’s winner came from Kildare, when we saw the standard on display.
Alas, as always, only one person can be named the County Winner. Today, it was Allana Coogans from Rathmore National School. Allana went head-to-head with another speller four 4 rounds before she was named winner. The toughest word she got correctly was ‘icosahedron’. The audience was so impressed, as were we! Will Kildare be the overall winner once again?

 

 

We want to wish a massive congratulations to all students who will be moving on to the Provincial Finals in May. Everyone fought hard to earn their place and we are so impressed with the level of competency and talent on display from all schools this year