Nine–year–old Sarah Dickson from Lurgan, Armagh has been crowned winner of the Electric Ireland Shooting for The Stars children’s writing competition.
Sarah’s story about a girl who danced her way to footballing success captivated the judging panel which was led by Derry Girls actor and playwright Tara–Lynne O’Neill. The story will now be illustrated by a professional illustrator, published in association with Blackstaff Press and then distributed through the Irish FA Shooting Stars network as well as being made available to schools and libraries across Northern Ireland.
Sarah learned that she had won the competition when Northern Ireland Senior Ladies Captain Marissa Callaghan and teammates Toni–Leigh Finnegan and Abbie Magee made a surprise visit to her school, Carrick Primary, Lurgan, Co Armagh.
The competition, organised by Electric Ireland as part of their Game Changers NI campaign which is in partnership with the Irish FA, supports girls’ and women’s football at all levels, received a great response and the judges said they were faced with tough decisions.
Clare McAllister, Northern Ireland Residential Manager Electric Ireland, said of judging the competition:
The competition invited children between the ages of 7–11 who are interested in football and stories, to create their very own story about girls’ football. Joining Clare and Tara–Lynne on the judging panel were illustrator Rory Jeffers and Gail Redmond, Women’s Development Manager at the Irish FA.
Speaking about the process Gail Redmond said:
For more information on the competition and on Game Changers NI please visit Electric Ireland.