Artist Bernadettescoops top prize

Competition entrants were able submit a drawing or painting depicting the scenery, wildlife or history of the park.

“I have always been fascinated by these ancient neolithic and megalithic structures, dolmens, etc. which dot our landscape,” explained Bernadette. “We take them for granted. Little is known about them or their true purpose. There is an air of mystery about them which draws me.

“I decided to paint a picture of The Giant’s Ring, properly called Ballynahatty, covered in snow. It is a henge structure near Shaw’s Bridge. I love painting snow. I paint mostly landscapes so it the only chance I get to use the colour purple, the colour that shadows on snow often are when you look closely.”

The award ceremony was held in the Lock Keeper’s Cottage but Bernadette didn’t know she had won until the prizes were given out on the night.

“The winning picture, another of mine and other entries were exhibited in the Lock Keeper’s Visitors’ Centre. The day it was put on display a gentleman inquired about buying it and the painting has since been sold.

“I very much enjoyed painting it. I love painting strong light, even exaggerating it a little though I often feel it is an onerous task trying to replicate the beauty of nature,” she added.