Creative pumpkin competition at St Peter Apostle JNS in Neilstown
Original pumpkin creations at St Peter Apostle JNS in Neilstown

Creative pumpkin competition at St Peter Apostle JNS in Neilstown

ORIGINAL creations came out of a pumpkin competition involving junior students and their parents in the lead-up to Halloween.

St Peter Apostle JNS in Neilstown, Clondalkin, ran the competition on Thursday, October 24 for its second year, with “truly remarkable results.”

Seven days earlier, Senior Infant teacher and organiser Lucy Neylon had invited pupils and their parents to create an original Halloween pumpkin together at home.

From Cookie Monster to a duplicate of Dublin’s Richmond Park stadium, a range of impressive creations went on display. Spooky clowns, spiders, and Mexican calaveras all made an appearance alongside movie characters such as The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Jack Skellington, Stitch, and Inside Out’s Anxiety.

Others completely unleashed their imaginations until turning their pumpkins into carousels, ice-cream cups, and houses. “The children were getting ready beforehand because we ran the competition last year too,” explained Claire Doyle from St Peter Apostle.

“They got their ideas online from Google, YouTube, and TikTok.

“They also said it was really fun to make their creations with their families, while parents enjoyed having the opportunity to visit the school and witness all the creations.”

While the competition judges had an “exceptionally difficult task” picking the best original creation, they emphasised that the school was proud of all pupils and that everyone taking part was a true winner.

“It was a humbling experience for the whole school, who then started a big celebration,” added Ms Doyle.

With the competition, the Halloween spirit was officially welcomed into the school and children showcased their costumes on Friday, October 25 to keep the celebrations going.

After two years of “roaring success,” the pumpkin-carving creative competition is likely to become a tradition at St Peter Apostle JNS, who are happy to encourage children and parents taking time to “create” together. 

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