WATCH: Limerick pupils enjoy spooky success at National Scratch Final

TWO pupils from Limerick have won a prestigious prize for their coding project at the National Scratch Finals which took place at the University of Limerick this Wednesday.

Mairead Bourke (7) and Ryan Quinn (8) from Garryowen are first class pupils at St John's Girls and Infants Boys School, Cathedral Place in the city.

Their coding project - Winnie the Witch's Birthday Party - was selected as the winner in the Junior Infants to First Class category.

Two other groups from the school were also among the 32 projects from across the country which were shortlisted for the finals which took place at the Kemmy Business School.

Junior Infants to 1st Class Winner is Winnie the Witches Birthday Party, St Johns School, Limerick #winner #Coder

— Tech Week Ireland (@TechWeekIRL) May 15, 2019

In operation since 2010, the National Scratch Competition has established itself among both teachers and students as a leading platform and showcase for Ireland’s aspiring digital creators. 

Scratch is a visual programming language that makes it easy for young people to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art – and share their creations on the web.

"This is the third year that the National Scratch Final has been held in Limerick and the third year that we have been involved in the competition and the third year that we have got projects through to the National Scratch Final which is fantastic. It's great for the children to have something to aim towards at the end of the year and they love to be involved and they love the Scratch," said teacher Marie Keogh, EAL teacher at St John's Girls and Infants Boys School.