Archie is Kilkenny champion speller

Easons has announced Archie Farrell as this year’s winner of the County Kilkenny Eason Spelling Bee Final.

Archie who is a pupil at St. John of God’s national school in Owning, south Kilkenny, soared to the top following a tense competition in which he faced 20 fellow spelling enthusiasts.

Archie will now go on to compete in the Leinster Provincial Spelling Bee in May. Archie is an avid reader and loves to read books by his favourite author, David Walliams.

 Celebrating its tenth year, the Eason Spelling Bee provides the opportunity for students across Ireland to get off their devices, improve their spelling skills and expand their vocabulary.

 Marketing Manager at Eason, Elizabeth Blake, 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 2020 Champion, the All-Ireland Champion Speller 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.

This year 900 schools nationwide will compete against each other in a bid to win the coveted prize.  Eason is partnering with Today FM for the fifth year and, this summer, Alison Curtis will host the Provincial and All-Ireland Spelling Bee Finals.