Iva, Krista and Ollie Ofmane, Drogheda, with ‘Squirrel’, third in sculpture competition.

Shore success... Unique creations at National Sandcastle and Sculpture Competition

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Iva, Krista and Ollie Ofmane, Drogheda, with ‘Squirrel’, third in sculpture competition.

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Sculpture winner Conor Duff, Bettystown’s ‘Seal and Swimming Pool’.

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Heather, Ruby and Craig, Donegal – ‘Deep Sea Treasure’, second.

John Donohoe

Published: Thu 30 Jul 2026, 2:13 PM

Last updated: Thu 30 Jul 2026, 2:14 PM

The sun brought a record number of people to Bettystown Beach for the National Sandcastle and Sculpture Competition, with a fantastic display across all age groups.

SANDCASTLE WINNERS

Under 5

1st – Jake McKenna, Stamullen – Shells & Castle; 2nd – Ariah Loba, Drogheda – Tiny Circle Castles; 3rd – Ellie Donjerkovic, Navan – Fish & Castle.

Under 8

1st – Kaitlin, Maisie & Millie Perrie, Bettystown – Town & Village; 2nd – Padie, Franky & Cillian, Laytown – World Cup; 3rd – Ciara & Connor O’Brien, Greystones – Aviva Stadium.

Under 13

1st – Josh, Saoirse & Isabelle, Bettystown – Skully; 2nd – Ben & Sade Floyd, Drogheda – Henrietta the Hippo; 3rd – Ella & Elish, Laytown – Turtle Family.

Family

1st – Cashell Family, Mornington – Three Dolphins; 2nd – Campbell Family, Bettystown – Orca; 3rd – O’Sullivan Family, Bettystown – SpongeBob Castle.

SCULPTURE WINNERS

Senior

1st – Conor Duff, Bettystown – Seal & Swimming Pool; 2nd – Heather, Ruby & Craig, Donegal – Deep Sea Treasure; 3rd – Iva, Krista & Ollie Ofmane, Drogheda – Squirrel.

Junior

1st – Caitlin, Joy & Helena, Bettystown – Igloo; 2nd – Apeksha & Akamksha, Kildare – Harry Potter; 3rd – Amy & Cloe, Nobber – Timmy the Turtle.

Special category -

'Under the Sea', Most Imaginative Creation, sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union – East Meath Branch: Isabel, Nicola & Maya from Laytown.