Limerick city's Fairtrade City status was celebrated in style at Istabraq Hall, City Hall, Merchant's Quay as the Fairtrade committee joined with students, Limerick City Tidy Towns, former Mayors and former Fairtrade committee members to acknowledge two decades of support for Fairtrade Ireland.
The celebrations took place on Monday 24th November 2025.
As part of the Fairtrade awareness programme, the students created Christmas cards centred on the Fairtrade message of promoting fair trading practices between Ireland and developing countries.
Christmas cards were created by pupils of all ages, ranging from 5 up to 18, and involved schools across the city and county. The cards illustrate what Fairtrade means to the pupils.
Winners of Fairtrade Limerick Schools Christmas Card Competition 2025
Names of Winners of Fairtrade Schools Christmas Card Competition 2025
1st Prize: Catherine Payyapilly, Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Rosbrien
2nd Prize: Ruby Gilmour, Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally
3rd Prize: Ailbhe Kilroy, Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough
4th Prize: Faye Waldron, St John’s NS, Cratloe
Highly Commended:
Our Lady of Lourdes NS Rossbrien
Dominica Thaliyakuzhi Daijo
Ijego Amadi
Stephanie Casey
Layla Hardy
Amrithasiri Nyshadham
Stephany Okasor
St Mary's NS Abbeyfeale
Anton Vechorka
Jimmy Lee O’ Brien
Ardan Brogan
Knockainey NS
Keelin Cassidy
Killian Nash
Joe Corbett
Conor MacNamara
St John's NS, Cratloe
Oscar Browne
Emilia Kennedy
Emma Moloney
Laura Murphy
Ethan McInerney
Evie Gore
Alysha King
Milford NS Castletroy
Brinda Gosh
Chloe O’Sullivan
Aoibh Oyewuwi
Knockea NS, Co. Limerick
Ava Ryan
Freya Leahy
Donoughmore NS, Co. Limerick
Davi Virgolino
Laura Borges
Emily Larkin
Aaradhana Kaushik
Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough
Heidi Quaid
Corpus Christi NS Moyross
Maddie Mulqueen
Madison Woulfe
An Mhodhscoil, Limerick
Alexander Hourihan
Marcus Hourihan
Ardscoil Mhuire, Corbally
Kayla Brown
Lua Vieira
Ava Fox
Amy O’Dwyer
Polina Arluikova
Zara Kiely
Kayleigh Collins
Mia Quinn
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented:
“Limerick’s 20 years as a Fairtrade City is a testament to what we can achieve when we act together for fairness and dignity. We have developed a proud tradition of looking beyond the label to the lives and communities our choices impact every day. I am also inspired by the creativity and commitment shown by our young people in this year’s Christmas Card Competition. It is again amplifying the message that trade should ultimately put people first. As Mayor, I want us to continue to lead by example, ensuring Limerick’s voice for justice and sustainability grows stronger with every generation.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added:
“I would like to thank all of the pupils involved for taking part in this year’s competition and a massive congratulations to the winners! By supporting Fairtrade, you join a movement for trade that values people over profit. Together, our voices are stronger.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly said the Council is delighted to continuously support this initiative:
“Fairtrade is about fairness—ensuring that the people behind the products are treated with respect and rewarded for their work. Every choice adds to a collective voice for change. Your creative card designs bring this story to life and make the message visible to all. Thank you all for your involvement and congratulations to this year’s winners!”
Dolores O’Meara, Chairperson Limerick Fairtrade City group commented:
“It is wonderful to celebrate Limerick’s 20 years as a Fairtrade City. A lot has changed in that time. Limerick citizens have become more aware of the Fairtrade logo and understand that it guarantees a fair price for Fairtrade farmers in the developing world who produce the tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate and bananas that we consume every day. However, we cannot become complacent. We must continue to support Fairtrade farmers to trade their way out of poverty by making our practice to purchase items with the Fairtrade logo.”
Helen O Donnell, Chairperson of Limerick City Tidy Towns, who presented the awards added:
“I am delighted to present these prizes on the 20th anniversary of Fairtrade in Limerick. The Limerick City Fairtrade Committee has made enormous strides throughout Limerick city and county during this time. The importance of supporting Fairtrade produce has significant benefits for small producers and family businesses. I am familiar with Zawadi coffee. It is the first Fairtrade certified coffee owned by smallholder women farmers in Kenya. Men in Kabngetuny cooperative society transferred coffee bushes to their wives and daughters thereby enabling them to own assets that would empower them economically. Zawadi is Swahili for gift!”
