Young Meath student meets EU Parliament President after winning Brussels trip

Niall O’Rourke, a 5th class student from Rathfeigh N.S., received an award in Brussels this week from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola after being named a winner of MEP Nina Carberry’s annual essay competition.

MEP Carberry’s competition invited fifth and sixth class pupils from across the Midlands North-West to answer the question: “If you were an MEP, what would you do to make your community a better place to live?” With hundreds of entries submitted, Niall’s essay stood out for its creativity and thoughtful approach.

Niall’s entry impressed MEP Carberry with its practical ideas, particularly his focus on improving road safety, sports facilities in the area, and local walking routes and footpaths.

As part of his prize, Niall and his parents travelled to Brussels this week, where they visited the European Parliament and met MEP Carberry, who praised Niall’s creativity and strong interest in community issues.

The visit offered a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the work of MEPs and highlighted the important role young people play in shaping their communities.

Speaking about the competition, MEP Carberry said:

“The ideas and imagination shown by students like Niall is really inspiring. It’s so important that young people have their voices heard and take an interest in what is happening in their communities. You never know, we might see Niall as an MEP in Brussels in the not-too-distant future!”

The competition is part of MEP Carberry’s ongoing efforts to promote the work of the EU across Irish schools.