Monaghan student Rita Regiec from St Louis GNS has won this year's County Monaghan Eason Spelling Bee Final.
After a very hard head-to-head against Conor McGuigan from Scoil Mhuire, the 11 year old won the competition.
There were 12 spelling enthusiasts in total. The St Louis' pupil is currently reading Alex Ryder and is a keen reader.
Rita will now be going on to the provincial finals to represent Monaghan later this May.
The champions from these provincial finals will then go head-to-head in the All-Ireland Final Bee, taking place in June, with the lucky winner being crowned King or Queen Bee.
Group Head of Marketing at Eason, Brendan Corbett, said; "At Eason, we can't quite believe that we are celebrating the 10th year of the Eason Spelling Bee. It's a tremendous achievement and a testament to the bright-sparks of the nation. We're incredibly proud to have created something that allows children to engage in an educational activity that develops their literacy, spelling, confidence and gives them so much enjoyment."
As well as the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee 2023 Champion, the top Bee will also take home a collection of books for their school library, worth €7,500 as well as a personal collection of books worth €500.
Schools that took part: Annie McDermott from Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Cara McCormack from Scoil BhrÃde, Conor McGuigan from Scoil Mhuire, Dáire Daly from St Mary's NS, Emma Meehan from Urbleshanny NS, Lily Conlon from Scoil Naoimh Éanna Killanny, Lousa -Mae Clerkin from St Dympna's, Mary Sherlock from St. Michael's N.S, Rita Regiec from St Louis GNS, Ruby Wilkin from Rockcorry N.S, Caoimhe Nà Chuana from Gaelscoil Ultain and Caoimhe Douglas from Clara NS.
