Local Notes: Kiltimagh student wins national fashion award
Elzbieta Klonowska was the overall winner of the Relove Fashion national award. Picture: John Corless
A student from St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh has secured national recognition in sustainable fashion following a standout success at this year’s Relove Fashion competition.
Fifth-year student Elżbieta Klonowska was announced as the overall national winner at the final held in Dublin City University on April 15th. Her design also claimed the top prize for the Connacht–Ulster region, marking a significant achievement for both the student and her school.
The competition attracted almost 300 entries from across Ireland, with 58 finalists selected to represent 29 local authority areas. From these, 24 award winners were chosen, with Elżbieta’s design emerging as the overall winner.
Speaking to the about the competition, Elżbieta described its focus on sustainability and practical fashion.
“The Relove competition is about making something sustainable. You research sustainability in fashion and then use something that was already used or second-hand and make something new out of it,” she said. “The idea is that it’s wearable, it can be washed and used in real life.”
Her winning outfit was inspired by the character Operetta from Monster High, reimagined through a rockabilly aesthetic. The design featured a structured dress with a layered underskirt and detailed finishing.
“I started with a black jumpsuit and a few other pieces,” she explained. “I put them together into a dress. My mother gave me old curtains and I used them to make a petticoat. I also made a lot of roses to give it volume.”
Materials were sourced from a combination of charity shops, her own wardrobe and online resale platforms.
“I like using things that already exist and turning them into something new,” she said. “That’s what I want to focus on in the future as well.”
The judging panel praised the technical skill and creativity behind the piece. One judge commented that the design stood out due to “the level of craftsmanship and thoughtful repurposing in every element", highlighting the use of reworked materials and the detailed construction of the garment.
Elżbieta admitted that the result came as a surprise.
“I thought I might win a smaller prize like last year, but I didn’t expect to win the whole competition,” she said. “It was a shock when I found out.”
Her success builds on previous experience in the competition, having taken part during her Transition Year.
“I entered last year on my own because I was already interested in fashion,” she said. “I won a prize then and I wanted to try again, especially because I want to go into fashion as a career.”
The process involved submitting the completed design for judging ahead of the final event.
“You send it in a box with a delivery slip and they judge it from there,” she explained. “You don’t see it again until the final.”
Elżbieta, who lives in Knock, said her interest in fashion had developed over time through practical work.
“I was already sewing before the competition, just doing small things,” she said. “This gave me something bigger to work on.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue fashion design at third level.
“I want to study in Limerick,” she said. “There’s a course there that I’m interested in. I’d like to work in fashion design and create pieces for the runway as well as collections people can wear.”
She also outlined a clear focus on sustainability in her future work.
“I don’t want to use new materials if I can avoid it,” she said. “I want to keep using existing materials and make something different from them.”
Elżbieta pointed to established designers as sources of inspiration, including Rei Kawakubo.
“I like designers who do something different,” she said. “I prefer that approach.”
Teachers at St Louis Community School have supported her participation in the competition, and first introduced the initiative to students. Elżbieta said she initially approached friends about taking part but decided to enter independently.
“I just went ahead and did it myself,” she said.
Her achievement reflects a growing interest among young designers in sustainable practices and alternative approaches to fashion. The Relove Fashion competition places emphasis on reuse and environmental awareness, encouraging participants to rethink how clothing is produced and worn.
For Elżbieta, the experience has reinforced her ambition to pursue a career in the industry.
“It’s something I want to keep doing,” she said. “This has helped me see what I can achieve if I keep working at it.”
Her success at national level represents a notable milestone and places her among the leading young designers in the country, with further opportunities likely to follow as she continues her studies.
St Louis Community School has announced the appointment of Ciaran Ryan as its new principal.
Mr Ryan, who is from Ballinrobe, arrives in Kiltimagh from Claremorris where he served as principal of Mount St Michael Secondary School. He takes up the role following the departure of Regina Anderson, who recently left the position to take up a new role with the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board.
Students from St Louis Community School were recognised at an awards ceremony held at the University of Galway on March 5th.
Dylan Keane and Ksawery Kaczynski received recognition for the high standard achieved in their Junior Cycle Gaeilge examinations. Their performance was acknowledged as part of a wider celebration of academic excellence.
Congratulations were also extended to their teacher, Ms Garvin, for her role in supporting their achievement.
Adam Earley claimed victory in Round 12 of the Spring Poker League at Teach O’Hora last week, defeating Enda Ruane in the heads-up stage. Paul Walsh finished third, with Majella Gilmartin in fourth place. The remaining finalists were Douglas Wicks (5th), Brian Quinn (6th), Nicky Cunnane (7th), Gerry Groarke (8th) and Kieran McGee (9th).
The previous week’s game saw Kieran McGee take top spot in Round 11. Thomas MacDonagh finished second, while John Reynolds and Nicky Cunnane secured third and fourth place respectively.
At the top of the league standings, Enda Ruane has extended his lead and now sits on 229 points. Brian Quinn is in second place on 199, with Keith Lydon third on 186. The remainder of the top twelve is Conor O’Hanlon (173), Paul Walsh (165), John Reynolds (164), Michael Higgins (156), Nicky Cunnane (143), Majella Gilmartin (141), Gerry Groarke (140), Alan Sheridan (139) and Kieran McGee (138).
The Spring League continues each Wednesday night in Teach O’Hora, with players competing over fifteen weeks for places in the Grand Final.
There was another enjoyable night at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a good turnout and plenty of competitive spirit across the tables.
First prize went to Tom Walsh and Francis McNicholas, who finished top after a strong run of hands. Second place was secured by Aiden Lydon and Alo Langan, while Michael Costello and Michael Carney took third.
The Last 10 prize went to Jack Pidgeon and Philip Moore, while Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle claimed the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Seamus Larkin, Joe Corry, Aiden McDonagh and Danny Doherty.
Kiltimagh GAA Club is supporting a national blood donation awareness campaign inspired by the late Oisín Kelly, with a focus on encouraging greater participation within the community.
The campaign highlights the importance of blood and platelet donations in medical treatment, particularly for cancer patients, and aims to increase donor numbers, especially among younger age groups.
Locally, attention is now turning to the next donation clinic, which will take place at the Kiltimagh Park Hotel on Thursday, May 14, from 3.50pm to 8.10pm. Anyone aged over 18 is eligible to donate.
Organisers note that only a small proportion of the population currently gives blood, despite the likelihood that many people will require a transfusion at some stage. Members of the public are being encouraged to attend and to invite others to take part.
Preparations are underway at Kiltimagh Knock United for the upcoming U18 Mayo League season, which is expected to begin in late June or early July.
Training will commence on Wednesday, May 6, from 6pm to 7pm at the club grounds. The sessions are open to players born in 2009, along with 2010 players who are in a position to commit to the season. Fixtures are likely to take place on Monday evenings, with final confirmation to be issued.
Further information is available through the club’s social media channels.
Ann Marie Donnelly was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home €600. The draw continues to receive strong support from the local community, with tickets available online as well as through shops and pubs around the town.
The club congratulated Ann Marie on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who take part each week. The funds raised support underage coaching, facilities and ongoing club development.
Ellen Cosgrove from Ballina was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €310. The club continues to have a lucky winner every week, with tickets available online and from most local retail outlets as well as pubs in the area.
The club congratulated Ellen on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who support the draw. Proceeds of the weekly fundraiser go towards the development of teams, coaching and the upkeep of club facilities.
The death has occurred peacefully at Mayo University Hospital of Gerry Walsh of Ballyglass Road, Tullaghaun, Ballyhaunis, and formerly of Faughill, Kiltimagh.
Gerry was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary Ann, and his brothers Jim and Pat. He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Noreen, children Mary, Gerry and Sharon, cherished grandchildren Ella, Saoirse, Rebecca, Matthew, Noah, Ava, Isaac, Dylan, Aron and Kyle, sons-in-law Martin and Rob, daughter-in-law Siobhán, brother Tom, sister Noreen, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Gerry’s remains reposed at Gavin’s Funeral Home, Knox Street, Ballyhaunis on Sunday evening and his Funeral Mass was held in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyhaunis on Monday morning, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
