Sacred Heart School team 'The Steminists'.

President extends well wishes to Tullamore's all-female robotics team

Published: Tue 13 May 2025, 10:04 AM

Last updated: Tue 13 May 2025, 10:44 AM

Tullamore's all-female robotics team The Steminists have received a message of support from President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins amid their trip to Dallas, Texas for the VEX Robotics World Championships.

The Steminists began competing at the competition yesterday (May 12), with the competition continuing until Thursday (May 14).

The team includes five students aged between 12 and 14, including students Emily Thunder, Jasmine Matsushita, Rachel Ebenezer, Alice Duffy, and Olivia Hoey, supported by teachers Ms Sindy Meleady and Ms Aisling Bourke.

The VEX Robotics programme is a series of competitions and educational resources targeted at encouraging young students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts, with different levels for various age groups including VEX IQ for younger students and VEX V5 for older minds.

In the letter of support, President Higgins encouraged the Sacred Heart School students to "deepen your inquiry, and to remain steadfast".

"In demonstrating such outstanding skill in engineering, coding, design, and strategy, your success to date is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, creativity, and teamwork.

"It also serves as a powerful reminder of the immense potential that lies in the minds and hands of our young people, particularly young girls, when given the opportunity to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

Sacred Heart School have extended their gratitude for all the "heartfelt support" from the community.

"We are beyond honoured to receive a letter from the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins wishing our Robotics Team the best of luck in Dallas at the VEX IQ World Championships as the first ever all female Irish team.

"The team have landed safely and began competing on Tuesday (May 12). Once again, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this once in a lifetime trip possible."

Read President Michael D. Higgins full letter below: