THE Curragh continues to make a major effort to engage its local community and last weekend the racecourse presented awards to essay writers, artists and photographers, who entered competitions organised by the track.

Five budding artists were invited to the track to paint a scene, while racegoers peered over their shoulders. The winner of the inaugural Artist of the Curragh competition was Ross McHale, who is studying painting in the National College of Art and Design.

Ross has lived his entire life on the Curragh, just beside the racecourse. He grew up exploring the beauty of the area and says it continues to inspire him - the deep history and natural wonder of this area appears often in his paintings. His prize is a €1,500 commission from the racecourse.

Roisin Grassick was adjudged winner of the inaugural Hoofbeats & Heartbeats competition. Her portrait of retired racehorse Laurel Creek and two of Michael Grassick Snr’s grandchildren earned her a prize from Bermingham Cameras, and there was also an award for runner-up Lauren Hamilton.

The next generation were catered for with a story-writing competition, which was opened to children from local schools who attended the recent HRI Racing Juniors day at the track.

The finalists were Noah Glavin and Oisin Byrne (Allen National School), Hannah Mae Manly (Scoil Na Naomh Uilig), Layla Brannigan (Scoil Mhuire), Emma Snell (Scoil Bhride Athgarvan) and Nour Hassan (Educate Together).