Banco Bosca, Banagher College, Back Row L to R Councillor Aoife Masterson, Andrew Murray, Deputy Chief Executive Offaly County Council, Deputy Carol Nolan, Councillor John Leahy, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, Councillor Fergus McDonnell, Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office.

Offaly students set to shine at National Student Enterprise Final

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Teenage entrepreneurs from Coláiste Naomh Cormac, Oaklands Community College, and Gallen Community School are preparing to represent Offaly at this year’s Student Enterprise National Final on Thursday, May 7.

The students earned their place at the national stage after impressing judges at the Offaly County Final, held on Tuesday, March 3 at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

Almost 100 students from ten secondary schools across the county participated, showcasing a wide range of innovative business ideas.

In the junior category, the top prize was claimed by James Egan, Conor Hickey, and Shane Finnerty from Gallen Community School, Ferbane, with their business JCS Plates, while Katie Lambe from St. Brendan’s Community School, Birr, secured second place with Katie’s Crochet Corner.

The intermediate category was won by Ben Kenny from Oaklands Community College, Edenderry, with The Woody Buddy, and the runners-up were Ava Delaney, Stephanie Clarke Doran, Rhea Watts, Kacey McGarvey, Lexie Pyke, Lexie Delaney, and Kara Ryan from Banagher College for their venture Banco Bosca.

In the senior category, Stephen Newton and Jack Feighery of Coláiste Naomh Cormac, Kilcormac, took first place with their business SJ Lights. Ruairi Keary and Stephen Óg Ryan from Tullamore College were second with Fede Rings, while Kara Farrell from St. Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry, finished third with Kara’s Crochet Creations.

Special awards recognized outstanding innovation and effort. The Most Innovative Product Award went to Pocketful of Sunshine, created by Faye Kavanagh and Jessica Morris from Tullamore College. The Sustainability Award was presented to Caorach agus Croí from Killina Presentation Secondary School, led by Marie Minnock, Eva Minnock, and Katie O’Toole.

The Best Business Report Award was won by Sentez Bon from Tullamore College, while the Best Marketing Award went to Wax on Tap from Killina Presentation Secondary School. The One to Watch Award was given to Cistercian Candles from Cistercian College, Roscrea, and the Best Stand Award was earned by Four Pines Ornaments. Finally, the Merit Award recognized Vita Vo from Coláiste Naomh Cormac, Kilcormac.

Local Enterprise Office Offaly praised all participants for their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged the public to follow the Student Enterprise Programme online at www.studententerprise.ie

For further information, Mary McIntyre can be contacted at 057 93 57480 or through www.localenterprise.ie/offaly

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