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International Linguistics Olympiad

The four top students in the individual category of the All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad (AILO) are selected to represent Ireland at the International Linguistics Olympiad.

There they will pit their wits against talented linguists from across the globe in the hope of becoming world champions. Launched in 2003, the annual International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) has attracted competitors from 23 nations.

IOL 2011

American Flag

IOL 2011 was hosted by the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA in July 2011.

Team Ireland comprised:

  • Medhb Campbell, Methodist College, Belfast;
  • Declan Manning, Ballincollig Community School, Cork;
  • Niamh Dhondt, Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny;
  • and Alec Fair, Methodist College, Belfast.

IOL 2010

Swedish Flag

IOL 2010 took place in Sweden. Representing Ireland were:


  • Emma Carrigan, Mount Temple Comprehensive School, Dublin;
  • Imogen Grumley-Traynor, St Kilian's Deutsche Schule, Clonskeagh, Dublin;
  • Cormac Manning, Ballincollig Community School, Cork;
  • and Ellie Cameron, Antrim Grammar School.

IOL 2009

Polish Flag

Ireland first competed at IOL 2009, when the competition was held in Wrocław, Poland. Team Ireland comprised:

  • Kieran Fleming, St Caimin's Community School, Shannon, Co Clare;
  • Ruadhan Treacy and Stephen Ennis, Newtown School, Waterford;
  • and Aislinn McGuire, Mount Temple School, Dublin.