Local student to represent Ireland at International Linguistics Olympiad

Congratulations to Tullamore College student, Naoise Sheridan, who came 1st overall in the All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad held in DCU in March.

Daniel Scally (TY), Robert Maher (5th Year), Oisín Sheridan (3rd Year) and Naoise Sheridan (6th Year) came through preliminary rounds held in schools all over the island in January. More than 3,500 students registered for this year’s contest, and Daniel, Robert, Oisín and Naoise placed in the top 100 to advance to the final. Tullamore College was the only school in Offaly to reach the final.

Competing in individual and team rounds, the finalists solved puzzles that require lateral thinking skills and the ability to think outside the box. They had to analyse the language data they are given to work out the ‘rules’ of the new language. These transferable skills are critical in preparing young people for a wide range of careers in computing, linguistics and language.

Four winners from the competition were selected to represent Ireland at the International Linguistics Olympiad held in Bulgaria in July, including 6th Year student, Naoise Sheridan. The competition takes place between July 21 - 29 in Bansko in Bulgaria. This is a fantastic achievement and we wish him the very best of luck representing Ireland this summer.