Teachers Aisling Burke and Sindy Meleady flank the Sacred Heart School ‘Steminists’ team at their homecoming. L-R: Aisling Burke, Emily Thunder, Jasmine Matsushita, Olivia Hoey, Rachel Ebenezer, Alice Duffy and Sindy Meleady. Photo: Ger Rogers.

Homecoming for Offaly's robotics champions after triumph in Texas

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Tullamore's all-female robotics team 'The Steminists' became champions on the global stage after bringing home the Judges Award at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas, last week.

The award-winning Tullamore team included five students aged between 12 and 14: Emily Thunder, Jasmine Matsushita, Rachel Ebenezer, Alice Duffy, and Olivia Hoey, supported by teachers Sindy Meleady and Aisling Burke.

Sacred Heart School said it couldn't be prouder of the students, and celebrated with a fantastic homecoming event on Monday. The Steminists returned home to crowds of supporters including friends, family, teachers, local TDs and councillors.

"From the Sacred Heart School all the way to Texas — our incredible students have just brought home the prestigious Judges Award at the VEX World Finals!" stated the school.

"Their hard work, and courage have blown the judges away, and we couldn’t be prouder. This is not just a win — this is history made.

"From the corridors of the SHS to the global stage… our girls have shown the world what Irish talent looks like."

The local students also received a special greeting from President Michael D Higgins on Wednesday of this week, when a message of congratulations on the award win was posted on the president's official page on the social media platform X.

With Coláiste Choilm also competing at the event in Texas, Offaly County Council praised the students of both local schools on their achievements.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr Audrey Hennessey Kennedy extende congratulations to the students who represented their schools, county, and country on a global stage.

Jasmine Matsushita, Emily Thunder and Olivia Hoey lead the way as the Steminists team get a guard of honor through the school. Photos: Ger Rogers.

Offaly County Council commenced its VEX Robotics programme in 2018 and since then has successfully engaged with all schools. The programme is more than building robots, it is about building futures and making sure the young people in Offaly have the skills required for whatever jobs that will exist in the future.

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council Anna Marie Delaney said: “I would like to congratulate Coláiste Choilm and Sacred Heart School on their amazing achievements at the world championship.

“Both have represented Offaly on a global stage, and congratulations to all the students and teachers involved.”

The 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship was held from May 6 to 14 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

The annual event brought together the top VEX IQ Robotics Competition, VEX V5 Robotics Competition, and VEX U Robotics Competition teams from around the globe, celebrated their accomplishments, and crowned champions.

VEX Robotics is described as "educational robotics for everyone," and aims to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) projects accessible and affordable for all students.

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