A YOUNG student from Tullow is this week in the European Parliament after winning a prestigious competition that recognises leadership skills. Niamh O'Connor Byrne is among 600 students from all over Europe to attend a special setting of the European Parliament after winning a Rotary Youth Development Leadership Competition.

Seventeen-year-old Niamh is the daughter of Nicholas Byrne and Maire O'Connor, and is both the Carlow and Regional winner of the competition.

The Leaving Cert student at Tullow Community School beat stiff competition from students all over the county to win the county prize following a 15minute interview.

The interview was based not only on personal achievement, leadership skills, work experience, planning and organizational skills but also on the work of the Rotary organization and knowledge of the workings of the European Union.

She was selected to be among the party of 20 Irish representatives to attend the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

- Elizabeth LEE