Donegal doodler wins Google prize

Ruth Deeney's prize-winning Google doodle

A young Irish artist will have her work viewed by millions of internet users this week after winning a contest to have her drawing displayed on internet giant Google’s homepage
Ruth Deeney, a fourth-year student, from Loreto Community School in Milford, will now see her futuristic-themed drawing go online on Wednesday.
She also received a €10,000 technology grant for her school and a laptop for herself and her teacher.
More than 75,000 public votes were cast to select the four finalists in the Doodle 4 Google contest under the theme My Future.
Ruth’s drawing of a fortune teller gazing into a crystal ball was then handpicked for the number one spot by Google’s master doodler Michael Lopez.
Mr Lopez, who treated all 80 regional winners to a creative art class in Dublin, said choosing the top picture had been a tough task.
“I am delighted to return to Ireland this year to once again see the fabulous creativity and talent displayed by young Irish artists,” he added. “Ruth’s doodle will look great on Google’s home page.”
The public now has the chance to view all of the finalists’ doodles, at a special exhibition in Dublin’s Science Gallery which runs until Thursday.
Alice Mansergh of Google Ireland said the 80 regional winners should be very proud of their achievement.
“This is our second year running the Doodle 4 Google competition in Ireland and the standard of doodles from all entrants was again very high,” she said. “It was fantastic to see the support of the general public who voted for their local students and their favourite doodles.”
The three winners in the remaining age categories of the Doodle 4 Google competition are: Ellen Hayden, Scoil Bhride, Ballyboy, Co Offaly; Savannah Bergin, Scoil Rois in Galway; Ciara Hayley, Loreto Community School, Milford, Co Donegal.