This ‘Have you got Maths Eyes?’ competition was a mathematical photography competition that took place in the Clara community. It was organised by the Clara Local Committee. This initiative aimed to bring mathematics to life and build confidence in the everyday use of mathematics. It encouraged people of all ages to engage with their surroundings, discover everyday mathematics, and change their perception of mathematics.

The Clara Local Committee’s mathematical photography competition was formally launched in Clara Library on Friday 28th March. The event was attended by representatives from different sectors of the community, including Niall Kinnarney, Chairperson of Clara Local Committee, and Mary Stewart, County Librarian. Aoife Smith, Teaching Coordinator at the Centre of Excellence in Maths and Science at the University of Limerick, launched the competition.

The competition was open to the entire community and had six categories: 7-10 Years, 11-14 Years, 15-17 Years, Adult (18+), Family, and Community Groups. A Family entry involved collaboration between members of a family, and a Community Group entry involved collaboration between members of a community group. Winners in each category received a One4all voucher and a certificate. Once a photograph was taken, the entrant was required to provide a title, caption, or question to accompany the photograph. The value of the One4all voucher ranged from €15 to €100.

To enter the competition, participants had to follow three steps. Firstly, they had to use either a phone or digital camera to take a photograph of mathematics in their surroundings. Secondly, they had to come up with a title, caption, or question to help others develop their maths eyes. Lastly, they had to complete a Competition Entry Card (Rules of Entry on reverse). The Competition Entry Cards were available from four locations in Clara, including Library, Family Resource Centre, Pettit’s Pharmacy, and Kenny’s Newsagent. The deadline for receipt of entries was 5 pm Friday 9th May 2014, and all entries had to be returned to Clara Library.

An exhibition of all the photographs took place in Clara Library from Tuesday 20th – Thursday 22nd May. The winners were announced at a prize-giving ceremony on Thursday 22nd May. The competition was sponsored by Offaly Local Development Company, St. Vincent de Paul, St Brigid’s Credit Union, and Offaly County Childcare Committee. The Clara Local Committee Maths Eyes Facebook page and the Maths Eyes website, www.haveyougotmathseyes.com, were used as resources for anyone who wanted to develop their maths eyes.

The competition was advertised extensively. Information was available on the websites of the three local schools, and posters were displayed in local businesses. The Tullamore Tribune, Offaly Topic, and Offaly Independent featured the competition in their weekly publications. The Clara Tubber Newsletter and the local Mass Bulletin also featured the competition. Transition Year students designed and painted the two ‘Maths Eyes’ advertisement boards located on the Tullamore and Moate Roads. The competition was also advertised on Midlands 103, the local radio station.