The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
St Brendan’s celebrates scientific achievement
THE Dromhall Hotel hosted a celebration of achievement in science for the students of St Brendan’s College who gathered last Thursday evening to reflect on what has been a hugely successful year.
And the special guests of honour on the night were the pupils themselves, while their parents, science teachers and the Board of Management were also in attendance. Professor Donal O’Shea was there too, to salute the team effort that exists between students and their mentors.
The group includes highly successful students whose projects did extremely well in major national competitions in 2017-18 such as The BT Young Scientist, SciFest, and The Irish Science Teachers’ Association Senior Quiz, while chemistry student Daniel O’Sullivan is looking forward to representing Ireland in Ljubljana, Slovenia in April at The European Union Science Olympiad (EUSO).
Chemistry teacher Marie Lawlor said the occasion showcased all that is positive about the students and their interaction with science. “They are just wonderful students and we’re very proud of them as it’s great to see them compete on a national stage.”
Back in January’s BT Young Scientist Competition, Harry and James Knoblauch and Oran O’Donoghue’s project won the ‘Social and Behavioural Sciences’ group, as well as overall runner-up in the Best Group category. Also flying the flag for St Brendan’s in the BT event were students Colm Looney, Darragh Fleming and Ethan O’Neill who won The National Parks and Wildlife Services Award for their study on the risks posed by high deer numbers to road users.
“St Brendan’s is the kind of school that encourages dedication in pupils and each student’s strength is encouraged. There is just so much going on at the school and when a student shows an interest they are accommodated,” Marie added.