Budding entrepreneurs from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Árainn Mhór and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, Baile na Finne were very strong competitors at the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí 2020 National Final.
‘Eir Adhmad’, a mini company from Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Árainn Mhór performed very well at Thursday’s National Final due to the hard work of Conor Houston, Michael Bonner, Daire Conlon, Paddy Joe Boyle and Cormac Proctor.
Eir Adhmad are producers of handmade wooden letter holders with the unique Eircode specially engraved into each one. The students had a video endorsement and song from infamous Donegal singer Daniel O Donnell as part of their presentation.
Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore
‘Páistí go 1km’ from Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, Baile na Finne also made their mark on the final with their innovative company, Paistí go 1k, a colourful and informative booklet for children bringing them through an easy to follow 7 day plan with an aim to run 1 km.
The Gairmscoil Chú Uladh team was made up of Niall Ó Dochartaigh, Luke Mag Fhlionn, Caoimhín Ó Gallachóir, Ciara Ní Mhúighe, Sorcha Ní Mhurchú, Jamie Ó Domhnaill and Maitiú Wooton.
Gairmscoil Chú Uladh
Despite their significant efforts the Donegal students were unlucky not to take the title. Edging out competition from around the country however Rí na bhFocal from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Daingean Uí Chúis, Co. Kerry was the winning company who will now represent Ireland at the European JA Company of the Year Competition which was due to be held in Portugal but as a result of the COVID-19 travel restrictions will now be held online in July.
The national final was held online this year and the Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, Minister of State for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Senator Seán Kyne and Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh were on hand to send inspiring video messages to the students during the event.
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.
