WATCH: Joyous scenes as BT Young Scientist winner returns to Limerick school

THERE were jubilant scenes in Croom on Monday morning as Seán O'Sullivan returned to his school after being crowned winner of the BT Young Scientist competition. 

The 5th year Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom student won the competition on Friday evening with his project VerifyMe: A new approach to authorship attribution in the post-ChatGPT era.

The Pallaskenry native's family, teachers and schoolmates were all on hand to welcome him back along with his golden trophy.

Seán's dad Gerard is the principal of Coláiste Chiaráin and said it was a proud day for him, both as a principal and a father. 

Mayor of Limerick Gerald Mitchell attended the homecoming alongside councillors from the local area with the guests of honour being Seán's grandparents. 

Catriona Tierney, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board welcomed Seán back to the school where he received a standing ovation.

Limerick student 'forever grateful' as family and school celebrate BT Young Scientist win

ETB Chief Executive, George O’Callaghan, congratulated Seán on his success: "I would like to commend Seán and the entire Coláiste Chiaráin school community on this outstanding achievement.

"It’s wonderful to see Seán’s dedication to work and commitment to innovation in such a new technology area being recognised with this prestigious award.

"It’s a special moment too not just for the school, his teachers, his mentor and his fellow students but also for his dad, principal Gerard O’Sullivan. I extend my congratulations to Gerard, along with Seán’s mum Tara and his siblings Tom and Sarah."

Seán will now represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) taking place later this year in the European City for Science 2024 - Katowice, Poland.