The future of Irish industry is in safe hands

HUNDREDS of pupils from secondary schools across North Cork have shown off their entrepreneurial flair at a seasonal showcase in the Mallow GAA Complex.

Almost 60 mini-companies from across the region set up their stalls at the venue for the annual Cork North and West Local Enterprise (LEO) Christmas Fair.

From the weird to the wonderful, from the sublime to the downright ingenious, students from first year through to TY showed-off the products they had been working on since the beginning of the academic year in September.

To reward their outstanding innovation, determination and insight, the LEO put up a number of trophies for grabs – with judges being given the almost impossible task of choosing winners in a number of different categories.

As had been expected, competition was fierce, with trophies being presented in a number of different categories including: Best Display, Innovation, Interview, Sales Techniques and Team Spirit.

The Bests Overall award in the junior category went to the ‘Holiday Creations’ team from Davis College in Mallow for their colourful festive decorations.

Such was the large number of entrants in the senior category, judges decided to split the Best Overall award between ‘Picture That’ from Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk and ‘Fantasy Hurling’ from Charleville CBS.

Speaking at the event Kevin Curran, head of the North Cork LEO, said thanks should go to all of the teachers who helped the students with their projects.

“Looking around at the group of inspirational and business focused young people here today, there is no doubt that the future of entrepreneurship in Ireland looks very bright indeed,” he added.

The regional final of the North Cork LEO Schools Programme Competition will take place next March.

TY Pupils from Colaiste Treasa Kanturk at their ‘Take a Tip from a Tooth’ stand at the LEO North Cork Schools enterprise Programme 2016 Trade Fair.

Schools Enterprise Programme co-ordinator Gary Lowe and Joan Kelleher of LEO Mallow and students from the Patrician Academy, Mallow ‘Hurley Holders’ company.

Kevin Curran, LEO Mallow, presenting the Best Innovation award to pupils from Davis College Mallow for their ‘Yo Sound’ product with judges Jarlath White and Helen O’Sullivan.

Kevin Curran of the North & West Cork Local Enterprise Office pictured at the ‘Bug Hotel’ stand at the North Cork Schools Enterprise Programme 2026 Trade Fair in the Mallow GAA Complex.

The team of Transition Year student from Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk that won Best Interview for their imaginatibe ‘Sweeten Up Santa’ project.

Kevin Curran LEO Mallow presenting Best Team Spirit award to pupils from Colaiste an Chraoibhinn, Fermoy for their ‘Winter Wonderland’ stand, with judges Jarlath White and Helen O’Sullivan.