Lochlann Kavangh, Most Enterprising Student in Mountbolus NS with pictured L to R: his teacher Michelle Balfe & his mum Lora

Mini entrepreneurs awarded

Published: Thu 23 Jun 2011, 1:46 PM

Last updated: Thu 23 Jun 2011, 2:58 PM

Enterprising students in 24 Offaly primary schools have been rewarded over the past month by Offaly County Enterprise Board, as part of its "Most Enterprising Student" initiative. Now in its 13th year, the scheme is designed to introduce the concept of enterprise to primary school children. Once again, students took to it like fish to water. In fact one young entrepreneur caught and sold fish, while other enterprising behaviour included businesses ranging from handmade cards to free range eggs. Over the past month Offaly County Enterprise Board Business Executive Geraldine Beirne toured schools who had nominated a student as most enterprising. Winning students were given the chance to ask Ms Beirne questions and also received a certificate and a prize pack including a €50 book token. "Every year I am impressed at the level of interest in enterprise by the students," Ms Beirne said. "The range of businesses run by the children and their ability to manage a successful small enterprise never ceases to amaze, with this year being no exception. The skills and self-determination shown by the winners is quite remarkable." The following entrepreneurs were awarded: Jordyn Kavanagh from Lumcloon NS, 4th and 5th class from Scoil Charthaigh Naofa, Aaron McDermott from Scoil Bhride in Croghan, Victor Muojeke from Tullamore Educate Together, Sean Duffy from St Francis Boys School in Clara, Paula Donnelly from Ceann Eitigh NS in Kinnity, Britney Buckley from St Mary's NS in Pullough, Tiarnan Quinn from Scoil Bhride BNS in Tullamore, Lochlann Kavanagh from Mountbolus NS, Joe Crily from Scoil Shinchill in Killeigh, Jack Pilkington from Daingean NS, MElanie Lyons from High Street NS in Belmont, Claire Sheerin from St Manchan's NS in Tubber, John Mahon from St Kieran's NS in Broughall, Jennifer Nolan from Coolderry Central School, Eimear Buckley from Scoil Mhuire in Kilcormac, Keisha Byrne from Mercy Primary School in Birr, Valerie Keogh from Scoil N. Mhuire in Cloneygowan, Eleanor Guinan and Niamh Murray from St Ciaran's Mixed NS in Boher, Emma Mulrooney from Seir Kieran's NS in Clareen, Nicole Davern, Grace Lynch and Emer Ryan from Scoil Bhride in Ballyboy, JP Ganly from Coolanarney NS, Niall Hehir from St Brendan's in Birr and Brandon Scally from Scoil Mhuire Naofa in Rhode. St Francis Boys NS made it double after winning a draw for an interactive SMART whiteboard.