Broughal students are Ireland's top engineering class

Flags, balloons and bunting were in evidence at St Kieran's NS, Broughal, last week as pupils and teachers arrived home from the Xperience Engineering Grand Final in the Helix with the top prize of Engineering Class of Ireland. The gold award was granted for a study of renewable energy by the third to sixth classes and for their model of an Eco Village. After months of dedicated research and construction the pupils and their teachers Esther Lambe and Kate Cormican were thrilled when during an action packed day in the Helix the name of their small two-teacher school triumphed over the 266 schools who took part in this competition. Organised by the Engineers of Ireland group and the Xperience Engineers team this competition aims to develop an awareness and interest in Maths, Science and Engineering. 40 schools from all parts of Ireland were chosen to contest the final. At 9 am on the 10th June bridges, waterwheels, tyres, large and complicated constructions were seen making their way to the Helix to be put on display for the judges. Prior to this after researching, reporting, planning, constructing and refining their knowledge of conservation and renewable energies the pupils of 3rd to 6th classes in Broughal NS put together an Eco-Village made from recycled materials. Working turbines, water wheels, insulated homes, and geo-thermal units were all constructed by these 'Young Engineers'. To enhance their project and to ensure that their knowledge was up to standard the pupils were assisted by engineer, Russel Carratt, Waste Enforcement Officer, Aisling Lambe, Pat Cassidy of Lumcloon Energy and Cyril Morris, Civil Engineer. A visit to Tipperary Institute of Technology and Cloughjordan Eco Village, organised by Rita Guinan, where Clifford Guest kindly took time out not only show the children his willow tree plantation but to provide them with ice-cream was another memorable event. As the pupils of Broughal have an avid interest in technology a computer programming language and a 3D Virtual Eco-Village were also part of the projec James Corbett, Daynuv, assisted the children in the use of Second Life, a software programme for the construction of 3D Worlds. Principal Esther Lambe and the pupils were congratulated by Michael Carroll, Chairperson, Board of Management and the parents as they arrived home with their award.