Press Release: Tuesday 23 June 2026
Minister Murnane O’Connor announces winners of the 2026 Get SunSmart! Art Competition
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has today announced the winners of the fifth annual Get SunSmart! Art Competition.
The competition, which received entries from across the country, was run by Healthy Ireland in partnership with the National Cancer Control Programme in the Health Service Executive (HSE). It forms part of the annual SunSmart campaign, which promotes awareness and adoption of skin-protective behaviours.
The winners for 2026 are:
· Pre-schools – Frances Jean Dalisay Sulangi Age 4 from Cork
· Junior Infants to 1st Class – Amelia Barry Age 7 from Dublin
· 2nd to 4th Class – Raheem Amir Age 9 from Sligo
· 5th and 6th Class – Olivia Tong Age 11 from Westmeath
Depending on their age group, children were asked either to colour in the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5Ss picture or to create their own SunSmart Superhero Squad, using the SunSmart 5Ss as inspiration.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“Congratulations to all our winners on their amazing artwork, I was so impressed with the level of talent and creativity of all the entries. Every one of you should be so proud of your achievements, and I am so grateful to you all for helping to spread the SunSmart message.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 new cases each year. We know that children’s skin is particularly vulnerable to sun damage, and that severe sunburn during childhood can have a huge impact in skin health later in life. That is why I would like to thank all the parents and teachers who encouraged and facilitated the children to enter the competition. Starting these conversations with children can help establish lifelong habits that will protect your children’s skin in the future.”
To be SunSmart, follow the 5Ss of the SunSmart code from April to September, even on cloudy days:
Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared t-shirts.
Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Use SPF 30+ for adults and SPF 50+ for children, and reapply regularly.
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck.
Seek shade, especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm. Use a sunshade on a buggy or pram, and keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.
Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Visit www.gov.ie/getsunsmart to learn more about the 5Ss of the SunSmart code.
More information on the winners and the winning artwork can be viewed here.