Iris O’Gorman from St Mary’s NS in Bagenalstown was crowned Queen Bee at the Eason’s spelling competition in Co Carlow
By Elizabeth Lee
A 12-YEAR-OLD word whiz has just been crowned Queen Bee at this year’s spelling competition sponsored by Eason books. Iris O’Gorman, a sixth-class pupil in St Mary’s NS, Bagenalstown scooped the top prize at the County Carlow Eason Spelling Bee final.
The event took place in The Talbot Hotel, Carlow, where Iris competed against nine other youngsters to take the county title. She’ll now go on to compete against 11 other great spellers at the Leinster provincial final in May.
Iris prepared very well ahead of the Carlow final, working with her teacher Caroline Watchorn and her dad Ruairí, who’s also a primary school teacher. Iris’s mother Sarah Brown works in further education and the family live in Nurney, having moved to Co Carlow from Dublin last year.
“I practiced every day when my dad would read out words from the dictionary for me to spell. I was very nervous doing it, but my winning word was “modulate”, which I’d heard of before and knew how to spell,” a chatty Iris told ***The Nationalist***.
Ten pupils from across Co Carlow battled it out in this year’s spelling competition run by Easons book shops
The students who took part in the Co Carlow Spelling Bee were David Kepinski from Scoil Phádraig Naofa; Cillian O’Brien, Bishop Foley NS, Carlow; Bill Hayden, Old Leighlin NS; Chelsey Dooley, Scoil Chomhghain Naofa, KIlleshin; Iris O’Gorman, St Mary’s NS, Carlow; Ryan Jennings, St Brigid’s NS, Grange; Seán Cloney, St Patrick’s NS, Rathvilly; George Oros, Holy Family BNS, Carlow; Ben Dunne, Ardough NS; and Cathal Nolan, Ballyconnell NS
Celebrating its tenth year, the Eason Spelling Bee provides a fun, educational outlet for school kids, encouraging them to expand their vocabulary and develop their confidence.
As well as the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee 2023 Champion, the top Bee will also take home a collection of books worth €7,500 for their school library as well as a personal collection of books valued at €500.
The champions from the provincial finals will go head-to-head in the all-Ireland final Bee in June, with the lucky winner being crowned King or Queen Bee.
Kathy McGeeney, principal of St Mary’s NS, said that they are all very proud of Iris.
“Iris is an all-rounder and is confident in her abilities. She’s a naturally good speller and takes part in debating and public speaking. She just has it; she’s definitely one to watch,” said Kathy.
Keep up-to-date with all the 2023 Spelling Bee buzz on www.easons.com/spellingbee and @easons #EasonSpellingBee.
