Students
Orla Benson was a pupil in St. Brigid’s Secondary School, Killarney from 1985 to 1990. After leaving school Orla continued her studies until 1995. In September 1995 Orla was tragically killed in Boston.
At the request of Orla’s parents an award is made each year to a Leaving Certificate student.
The criteria that staff consider when they are voting for the Orla Benson recipient is how the student participated in the life of the school ,their co-operation with peers and staff ,how they used their leisure time in a creative way ,has shown leadership qualities, has shown a sense of humour and is full of the joys of life. Finally above all like Orla gave time and talent to help those in need!

Past Orla Benson Award Recipients

Leah McMahon
Winner
2025

Andrea Murphy
Winner
2024

Ciara Furlong
Winner
2023

Saoirse Coffey
Winner
2022

Caoilinn O’Donoghue
Winner
2021

Niamh Coffey
Winner
2020

Miriam Fleming
Winner
2019

Ciara O’Carroll
Winner
2018

Aoife Farrell
Winner
2017

Karen Parker
Winner
2016

Eimear Courtney
Winner
2015

Dania Qasim
Winner
2014

Emma Murphy
Winner
2013

Aoife Cooper
Winner
2012

Naomi O’Connell
Winner
2011

Jessica Murphy
Winner
2010

Mairéad Cashman
Winner
2009

Fezile Maphosa
Winner
2008

Breda Moran
Winner
2007

Siobhan Duggan & Aoife Brosnan
Winner
2006

Bríd Hogan
Winner
2005

Ann Marie McCarthy
Winner
2004

Laura Daly
Winner
2003

Marion O’Donnell & Josie Horan
Winner
2002

Rhonda Daly
Winner
2001

Lynn Cosgrove
Winner
2000

Joanne O’Doherty
Winner
1999

Muriel O’Sullivan
Winner
1998
