Tourmakeady TY student secures a win in national art competition

A Transition Year student from Coláiste Muire in Tourmakeady is making waves in the art world following her win in the Green-Schools Water Video Competition.

Ballinrobe-based Polina Lisnivska was declared the winner for her entry, ‘Water and Me / Mise agus Uisce’. The 16-year-old produced the piece independently after an initial briefing from her art teacher, Bríd Ní Chába.

“We sat down and explored a range of ideas,” Bríd told The Mayo News. “We looked at topics like Irish Water, mythology, history and culture.”

From there, Polina developed a concept focused on environmental awareness, particularly the impact of littering. The video reflects a teenager’s perspective, aiming to highlight how small changes in mindset can lead to more sustainable habits.

“She presents it through the mentality of a teenager,” Bríd explained. “It’s about encouraging a shift in thinking. It’s very, very simple, we are all a cog, and we are in the wheel of sustainability and our action to improve our environment.” 

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Polina handled every aspect of the production herself, including filming, costumes, music and voiceovers.

“It’s incredible,” Bríd said. “She was balancing work experience while editing the video. Her talent goes beyond just creating the concepts and setting them up, but also all the editing work.”

Ní Chába added that Polina’s ability was evident from the moment she joined the school.

“Polina came to us as part of the recent arrivals from Ukraine following the war. This is where home is going to be,” she said.

“I think it’s great for us to see that she brought her talents here and she can use the resources here and embrace our culture.”

Polina will be formally recognised at the Water Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at the Wood Quay venue in Dublin.