Budding entrepreneurs from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh competed strongly in the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí 2019 National Final in Galway this week.
Eight teams from Gaeltacht schools in Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork competed in the final for the opportunity to be the only team representing Ireland at the 2019 Junior Achievement Europe Company of the Year competition in Lille, France this summer.
‘Number Ninjas’
Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure
‘Number Ninjas’, a mini company from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, scooped the Finance & Marketing award in the national final due to the hard work of their team Liam Mac Pháidín, Cian Mac Aoidh, Dean Ó Domhnaill, Pádraig Ó Fearraigh, Eoghan Ó Néill, Cathal Ó Catha, Stephen Mac Pháidín and Ciarán Ó Rabhartaigh under the stewardship of teacher Emmet MacAoidh. They published a handbook written by students to help students who have difficulties with mathematics.
Eibhlin Ni Bhaoil, Amy Nic Suibhne, Mhichaela Nic Mhinagail and Ciara Nic Eiteagain ‘Toin The Theola’, from Gairmscoil Chu Uladh making briquettes from recycled materials from their school
Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure
‘Tóin The Theolaí’ from Gairmscoil Chú Uladh also made their mark on the final with their innovative briquettes made of recycled materials they collected from around their school. Under the mentorship of teacher Séamus Ferry the team comprised of Ciara Nic Eiteagáin, Eibhlín Ní Bhaoill, Amy Nic Suibhne and Michaela Ní Mhonagail.
Emerging from a very competitive Donegal regional final, ‘Number Ninjas’ and ‘Tóin The Theolaí’ represented their schools and region with great distinction at the national final.
Toin The Theola. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure
Edging out competition from around the country however Save the Seas from Coláiste Cholmcille, Indreabhán, Co. Galway was the winning company who will now represent Ireland at the European JA Company of the Year Competition in Lille, France in July.
More than 750 Transition Year students from Gaeltacht regions in Cork, Galway, Donegal, Kerry, Mayo, Meath & Waterford, enjoyed unique hands-on learning experiences and started their own businesses this year. After regional finals in Kerry, Mayo, Galway and Donegal eight teams were ultimately selected to proceed to the national final.
Mark de Faoite, Director of Enterprise and Employment, Údarás na Gaeltachta, commented: “It was inspiring to witness such enterprising young people at the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí 2019 National Final. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for their business ideas indicates that enterprise in the Gaeltacht areas is in safe hands. Údarás na Gaeltachta are proud to help promote student entrepreneurship in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland and I’m sure we will be seeing more of these young entrepreneurs in the future.”
Helen Raftery, CEO, Junior Achievement Ireland added: “The support of Údarás na Gaeltachta has enabled more than 750 senior cycle students to take part in meaningful real-to-life entrepreneurial experiences across the Gaeltacht areas through Clár na gComhlachtaí this year. We wish to extend a special thank you to teachers and business mentors for their dedication in supporting and developing the entrepreneurial talent of these students who have also gained confidence in many transversal skills such as team-working, negotiation and public speaking – skills which will be invaluable as they progress into the world of work. Congratulations to all the teams that won the right to compete at the regional and national finals.”
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