Waterford students are 'United in Diversity'
Mayor Seamus Ryan with Emma and Sinead, Newtown College, winners in the Senior Cycle Poetry.
The Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Seamus Ryan recently welcomed the winners of the “United in Diversity” schools' competition to Central Library, where the winning entrants were presented with their prizes by the mayor.
The competition was run as part of Waterford Anti-Racism Month 2026. Primary school students were invited to create a piece of artwork that spoke to the message “United in Diversity”. Similarly, secondary school students were asked to submit a poem on the theme.
Waterford Anti-Racism Month takes place each March to extend the marking of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and includes activities coinciding with International Women's Day, St. Patrick's Festival, Seachtain na nGaeilge, French Language Day and other days and festivals of note.
2026 is the fourth year of activities and the initiative is growing year on year.
Addressing guests on the day, Mayor Ryan congratulated the students on their excellent work.
"Today we are celebrating the talent of you, the young people of Waterford, and we hope this exhibition is an inspiration to others, who similarly imagine a Waterford free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, a Waterford that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, a Waterford where difference is valued and celebrated."
The “United in Diversity” exhibition runs until the April 18 at Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford, and will travel to branch libraries around the county from April 20 onwards.
