James Flanagan, a student at Ballybay Community College, Ballybay, Co Monaghan was declared runner-up of Mental Health Ireland’s national photographic project at a ceremony in Trinity College, Dublin, on Saturday (April 9th, 2011).

 Pictured was Mental Health Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Brian Howard with James Flanagan, Ballybay Community College, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan

 James’s design, was chosen from entries received from second-level students from all over Ireland. The theme of the Project was Positive Mental Health. James was presented with her award, a trophy, by Mr Michael Hughes, Chairman of Mental Health Ireland. 

James’s photograph shows a boy and his dog lying in the grass relaxing. It is set in front of a beautiful lake. The caption on it reads “Best Friends”.  Thérèse Coveney of Mental Health Ireland said “The judges loved James’s picture. The message in it is very simple. A young boy and his pet out in the countryside having a happy time together. This depicts Positive Mental Health in a very simple and effective way”.

The winner of the 2010-2011 National Public Speaking event, which drew nearly 200 entries from schools and colleges nationwide, was also decided on Saturday night. This year’s winning team is from Summerhill College, College Rd., Sligo who faced teams from Athlone Community College, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow in the national finals.