21 December 2014

Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) this morning, (21 December), welcomed the six winners of the OPW Winter Solstice Children’s Art Competition to Newgrange. Their winning entries granted them access to the Chamber this morning ready to witness the Winter Solstice, but unfortunately the sun was obscured by cloud. Nevertheless, the children had a wonderful morning and soaked up the atmosphere on the day. There is always a festive and anticipatory atmosphere regardless of the weather and whilst clear skies can never be guaranteed, visitors always say that being at the Solstice is a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

There were two winners from the traditional lottery draw also in the Chamber this morning, from Oklahoma, USA and Dundalk, Co. Louth and each thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They were joined at the Monument by a large group of media and onlookers, all seeking to share in the excitement of this unique event.

Speaking this morning the Minister said: “I am delighted to be here this morning to welcome the six children who are this year’s winners of our Winter Solstice art competition. This is such a special prize and even though the sun did not make an appearance, it has been a hugely memorable day for all of us. This is the third year that my Office, the OPW has organised the art competition and it is a pleasure to see the level of interest from schools countrywide with over 600 entries this year. I thank the schools and their teaching staff for their support and encouragement and I congratulate all the schoolchildren on their creativity."

The 6 winning children in the three categories were from the following counties: Dublin, Meath, Louth, Waterford and Wicklow and they were present in the Chamber with a guest at the Solstice event. Later, back in the Visitor Centre, Minister Harris presented each of the children with a specially framed copy of their winning entry.

-Ends-

Editors Note:

Winter Solstice Children's Art Competition:

This is the third year of the Winter Solstice children’s art competition run by OPW. The six winning children were present in the chamber for the Solstice with the remaining attendees being winners of the usual lottery draw. This initiative is aimed at school children to foster an appreciation of our natural heritage and afford them the opportunity to witness a spectacular cultural event.

Winter Solstice:

Winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs either December 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn; the summer solstice occurs either June 20 or 21, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Cancer

Sunrise on the shortest days of the year begins at 8.58am and the light shines into the chamber for 17 minutes. The Office of Public Works opens the monument for the dawn from December 18 until December 23 inclusive and general admission on those mornings is free of charge.

For further information or if you wish to interview Minister of State Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Photos of the event are available from Maxwell Photography - www.maxwellphotography.ie