Limerick students sparkle at ideas showcase

STUDENTS from Castletroy College are celebrating after winning a national competition focused on the next big idea.

They joined five other school teams from across the country at a special showcase in Dublin.

The students - working together in a team called The Change Agents were announced as winners in a category focused on tackling the cost-of-living.

They put together a free Fun Fest to promote sport and music among fifth class students of local primary schools.

It received sponsorship from Basketball Ireland and other partners.

Ghinlon Wang, assistant education director at the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland which sponsored the award said: “This winning project successfully addresses financial barriers some families face in supporting their children’s extracurricular activities.

"With the backing of external partners, this event has not only been a resounding success locally but also sparked a vision to become an annual, multi-school event, spreading sports and music awareness across Ireland.”

The team was taught by Martina Murphy.

Team Gem Solutions from St Brendan's Community School, Co Offaly, were announced as the overall winners of this year's B!G Idea creative thinking skills competition.

They designed a Healthy Gems app for students living away from home.
Other winners included Mercy Secondary School, Co Longford and St Leo’s College from Co Carlow.