Tullamore College students bring eco-business to Georgia for Sage World Cup

Tullamore College students Ryan Plunkett and Cillian Farrell will represent Ireland this September at the SAGE World Cup in Georgia.

It comes after the duo took home the top prize at the prestigious Young Social Innovators (YSI) Awards at the Aviva Stadium.

The team will be competing against over twenty other countries from around the world, and will be accompanied by two of their teachers, Ms. Emma Bradley and Mr. Ian Feighery.

Ryan and Cillian impressed judges with their innovative and sustainable project, “Grass Sheets”—a paper made from repurposed grass clippings.

Their idea, born out of a desire to reduce deforestation, carbon emissions, and waste, involved collecting discarded grass from their local pitch and putt club with support from Offaly County Council.

They demonstrated the versatility of their invention by producing paper bags, pouches for wildflower seeds, craft paper, and even a jacket made from their grass paper.

Ms Emma Bradley and Mr Ian Feighery praised the students’ creativity and commitment, noting how the project sparked immediate excitement when it was first pitched in a school corridor.

The students plan to explore further applications for their eco-friendly paper and to continue collaborating with local businesses to expand the project.