W2C-015 Kilkenny People-3.txt
Christmas winner for schoolgirl
By Carmel Hayes
A CHRISTMAS card designed by a Kilkenny schoolgirl is now on sale throughout Dublin.

The card, designed by Bevin Grant from Piltown, was professionally printed after she was runner-up in a national competition.

And to mark her achievement, Bevin was presented with a prize by US Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith, at her residence in the Phoenix Park.

The national school student from Tybroughney, Piltown, was one of ten runners-up from hundreds of entries, in the national Irish Times / US Embassy Design a Christmas Card competition.

She was a special guest at a children's Christmas party, complete with a buffet and present-laden Santa, which was hosted by the US Ambassador to announce the national winners. She was personally congratulated by Mrs. Kennedy Smith and was presented with a painting kit.

"I was surprised to win and the day was very exciting," said the delighted 11-year-old, who attends Piltown National School.

Bevin's cheerful design greatly impressed the judges and has now been printed for sale in aid of the children's charities Barnardos and Focus on Children.

The card features a jolly snowman, wearing a red hat, scarf and gloves, who is holding a sheet of Christmas carols.

The cards are on sale from the Barnardos headquarters at Christchurch Square in Dublin and from the organisation's shops in Clondalkin, Liffey street, Rathmines and Dun Laoghaire.

Bevin is now looking forward to sending her cards to friends and relations this Christmas. A keen artist, she has been successful in a range of competitions, particularly at Iverk Show. She is one of five daughters of Una and Jim Grant of Piltown.
