TRIO HEADING FOR THE FINAL
CLERMONT Campus in Rathnew was a hive of activity last Tuesday as enterprising students from 14 schools across County Wicklow showcased their enterprises at the County Final of the Student Enterprise Programme.
Co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Office, over 1,100 secondary school students took part in the programme this year, making it the largest Wicklow programme ever.
There were a record 34 entries in the Senior Category at the final, with businesses as diverse as dog accessories (from Loreto Secondary School, Bray) to wonderful designs using horeshoes (from Arklow CBS).
In addition to their business and marketing skills, companies are judged on the quality and content of their business report, a three-minute presentation on the day and the quality of their display in the exhibition hall.
This year was the first time that first years took part, with enterprises from Colaiste Craobh Abhann in Kilcoole and North Wicklow Educate Together in Bray competing to represent Wicklow at the National Finals in Croke Park on May 3.
The overall winner in the junior category was ‘Yum Yum’ from Colaiste Craobh Abhann in Kilcoole and in the senior category was ‘ Too Good To Be Shoe’ from Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew, which is an innovative business making wine racks, coat racks and more from horesehoes
Wicklow will be represented in the intermediate category by Cillian Scott, a second year student from Colaiste Chill Mhantain, with his enterprise Scott Engine Tables.
The award for Most Innovative Idea was won by ‘Grip It’ from Loreto Secondary School in Bray, the Best Presentation award went to ‘Breathe’ from Colaiste Craobh Abhann and the ‘Best Stand Display’ went to ‘D – Is For Dog’ from Loreto Secondary School in Bray.
The award for Best Market Research went to ‘Dazzling Doors’ from St David’s Holy Faith Secondary School in Greystones and the Most Innovative Sales Strategy was presented to ‘Sammies Story’ from the Dominican College Wicklow. Best Quality Product was a really tough category this year and was won by Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew with their entry ‘Pebble Art Design’.
The judges gave a Special Commendation to Colaiste Chill Mhantain’s entry ‘PanPact’ with the award for Best Social Media Campaign going to ‘Element Events’ from East Glendalough. Second runner-up went to ‘Mmmm’ from Colaiste Brid Carnew and first runner-up was awarded to ‘Wicklow Bed and Mattress Disposal’ at Colaiste Chill Mhantain.
Cllr Pat Fiztgerald, cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, and Bryan Doyle, Chief Executive at Wicklow County Council, attended the final and presented the awards to the winners.