Tullamore College students win prestigious German essay awards

Three students from Tullamore College were invited to the Austrian Embassy in Dublin recently, to receive awards at the prizegiving ceremony for the 2026 Irish-Austrian Society German Language Essay Competition.

Fionnán Murray, a sixth-year student, was awarded first place in the senior category to win the Dr Otto Glaser Trophy and an Apple iPad for his essay on recent challenges in Europe.

Adnan Pehlivan was awarded second place in the fifth year category, winning €100 for his essay on the multi-faceted relationship between Austria and Ireland.

Aida Carroll, meanwhile, was awarded third place in the junior category for her essay on Vienna, and won a voucher from the Ski Club of Ireland for lessons in Kiltiernan.

The Offaly students were invited to Dublin by the Austrian ambassador to Ireland, Melitta Schubert. The annual competition for post-primary students is aimed at promoting German language skills and strengthening ties between the two countries. It is organised by the vice-president of the Irish-Austrian Society, Ulrike Schoeller.

All essays were written in German and the students were accompanied on the occasion by their teacher, Ms McEvoy.