Devin McEvoy from Ballylinan National School who will be representing Laois in the Leinster final of the Eason Spelling Bee competition after winning his way through the county final of the competition.
By Joe Barrett
Seven primary schools in Laois sent out their top spellers to take part in this year’s county finals of the annual Eason Spelling Bee competition.
The magnificent seven were Sean Hyland from Saint Fintan’s Boy’s National School in Mountrath. Vanessa Mascarenhas from Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix. Kate Ryan from Clough National School. Amber Lily Truszkowske from Presentation Primary School, Portlaoise. Caoimhe Brennan representing Holy Family Senior School in Portlaoise. Jack Coughlan from Scoil an Fhraoich Mhóir (The Heath) and the county final winner Devin McEvoy who came out tops from Ballylinan National School.
Devin soared to the top of the leader board following the tense competition with his six fellow spelling enthusiasts.
He now goes on to carry the Laois flag in the Leinster Provincial Spelling Bee in May. The champions from the provinces will go head-to-head in the all-Ireland Final Bee, taking place in June 2023, with the lucky winner being crowned King or Queen Bee.
Devin said that he is an avid reader, and his favourite author is David Walliams.
Celebrating its tenth year, the Eason Spelling Bee provides a fun, educational outlet for primary school pupils, encouraging them to expand their vocabulary and develop their confidence.
Group Head of Marketing at Eason Brendan Corbett said: “At Eason, we can’t quite believe that we are celebrating the 10th year of the Eason Spelling Bee competition. It’s a tremendous achievement and a testament to the bright sparks of the nation. We’re incredibly proud to have created something that allows children to engage in an educational activity that develops their literacy, spelling, confidence and gives them so much enjoyment.”
As well as the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee 2023 Champion, the top Bee will also take home a collection of books for their school library, worth €7,500 as well as a personal collection of books worth €500.
You can keep up to date on how our Laois representative Devin progresses and with all the 2023 Spelling Bee buzz on www.easons.com/spellingbee
