TILDA Connecting Generations Student Awards 2025

Posted on: 16 October 2025

The inaugural  TILDA Connecting Generations Student Awards took place in Trinity College recently, marking an inspiring celebration of creativity, empathy, and intergenerational understanding. Hosted by Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, the event brought together students, staff, and guests from across Trinity’s schools and disciplines to explore the theme of ageing and connection through writing, film, and art.

Student Holly Ritchie addresses guests in relation to her winning entry

Supported by Elliott and Cathy Masie of the MASIE Learning Foundation and the Broadway/Ireland Connection, who generously sponsored the student prizes, the awards showcased the remarkable talent of Trinity students who drew on personal stories, social reflection, and creative expression to highlight the shared experience of ageing in Ireland.

Submissions were received from a broad range of Trinity departments — including the Schools of Education, English, Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences, Creative Arts, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and History and Humanities — reflecting the widespread support for the initiative across College.

Pictured from left to right: Elliot Masie Professor Joe Harbison, Professor Cliona O'Farrelly, Regis Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Cathy Masie, Dr Mirela Conica, Dr Paul Delaney, Dr Deirdre O'Connor

The evening opened with a showcase of student submissions at the TILDA offices in Trinity Central. Guests and judges had the opportunity to view the creative displays and meet the entrants, who stood beside their work to discuss their ideas. Musical performances from students of the Trinity School of Music added to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Special guests Elliott and Cathy Masie joined the celebration, with actors Dan Lauria and Patty McCormack participating via Zoom from the United States. Together, they praised the creativity, social awareness, and empathy reflected in the students’ work, commending Trinity for fostering such meaningful intergenerational dialogue.

 Elliott Maisie addresses the guests

Following a short deliberation, the judging panel—comprising Cathy Masie, Dr Mirela Conica (TILDA), Dr Paul Delaney (School of English), Professor Cliona O’Farrelly (School of Medicine), and Professor Joe Harbison (School of Medicine)—announced the prize winners.

Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA (pictured above), said:

“The creativity, empathy and insight shown by the students in this year’s TILDA Connecting Generations Awards were truly inspiring. Each piece reflected a deep understanding of the importance of intergenerational connection and the value of ageing as a shared human experience. Heartiest congratulations to both Holly and Charlotte, the main category winners.

“It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and support from across Trinity — with participation spanning so many schools and disciplines. This breadth of engagement reflects the spirit of collaboration that underpins both TILDA and Trinity as a whole.

We are especially grateful to Elliott and Cathy Masie and the Broadway–Ireland Connection for their generous support, which helped bring this initiative to life. The future is bright when creativity, compassion and science come together to challenge ageism and celebrate ageing.”

Award Winners

Two €500 prizes were awarded by unanimous decision of the judging panel:

• Holly Ritchie, PhD Candidate, School of History and Humanities — Winner of the Written Category for her essay “From I know ye to see ye to c’mere till a tell ye”, a deeply personal and community-focused reflection on civic engagement, ageing, and inclusion. 
• Charlotte Connolly, Third Year Biomedical Science, School of Natural Sciences — Winner of the Creative Category for her short film “Islandbridge – June 2025”, capturing the intergenerational spirit and shared rhythm of Dublin’s rowing community.

The judges were so impressed by the calibre and diversity of entries that they also selected five additional pieces as Judges’ Picks (€100 each):

• Edel Chadwick, School of Education — “An Leathanach Buíochais”, an Irish-language essay reflecting on gratitude, mentorship, and the women who shape our lives.
• Zhao Qian, School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Sciences — “Listening to the Silent Light: With an Elderly Poet, I Relearned What It Means to Grow Old”, exploring ageism, language, and cultural perception.
• Makena Freedom Margolin, School of Creative Arts — “#143 Westchester Road”, an original short play portraying the tender complexities of caring for an ageing parent.
• Grace Kaprielian, School of Natural Sciences (Neuroscience) — “The Stories We Share: Connection and Ageing in Ireland”, a narrative essay on the power of storytelling to connect generations.
• Ellen McGinn, School of English — “The Big Fish”, a short film exploring Belfast’s history and renewal through its iconic public art installation.

All participants received vouchers acknowledging their contribution.

Cathy Maise speaking to guests

A Celebration of Community and Creativity

Following the awards, Professor Kenny congratulated the winners and thanked all contributors, judges, and attendees for their support, noting that the evening reflected the heart of TILDA’s mission, to deepen understanding of ageing in Ireland by connecting generations through shared experience, empathy, and evidence.

TILDA extends sincere thanks to The MASIE Learning Foundation for their support, to the students and staff across Trinity College Dublin who participated, and to all who contributed to the success of this inspiring event.

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