National Student Enterprise award for Castleisland Community College Students

CASTLEISLAND Community College 2nd year students, Ellie Horgan, Emma Horgan and Bláithín O’Rahilly won the intellectual property award in the intermediate category of the National Student Enterprise Awards.

The award involved the students being judged on their understanding of IP for business and how they considered the IP issues in relation to their own student enterprise.

For example, how a team researched the uniqueness of their brand, identified IP rights owned by others that they need to request permission for and if and how they looked into how to protect their own IP for their student enterprise.

25,000 students entered the Student Enterprise Award this year and the top 81 students reached the National Student Enterprise Final which took place in Mullingar.

Having won the Kerry Enterprise Intermediate Award Category and Duais na Gaeilge, Léine Lúfar represented Kerry in the national final. This is the second year in a row for the students to win a national student enterprise award.

Last year they won the Kerry Enterprise Junior Award category and Duais na Gaeilge and they went on to represent the county in the national final where they were awarded third place.

Necessity is the mother of invention and when Ellie Horgan noticed her grandfather having difficulty tying his shirts, she designed a shirt that solved the problem. The shirt has discreet, magnetic buttons on the inside, thus making it easier to close.

“We are immensely proud of these entrepreneurial students and their teacher/mentor Laura Leahy who has guided them on their road to success,” said college Principal Teresa Lonergan.

In other Castleisland Community College news its Transition Year students recently dazzled audiences with their high-energy musical production, Back to the 80s.

Under the expert direction of Joe Burkett, with English teacher Annette Steinborn assisting, the students delivered a captivating blend of music and performance that transported attendees back to the vibrant era of the 1980s.

The show, which sold out the Ivy Leaf Theatre for two consecutive nights, featured an array of performances including solos, duets, and group numbers, all showcasing the iconic music and dance moves of the decade. The enthusiastic participation of both students and parents created a lively atmosphere where everyone sang along to classic 80s hits.

The dedication and hard work of the students were particularly noteworthy. Despite some initial shyness, many students stepped out of their comfort zones, embracing the challenge with remarkable courage and commitment. Their willingness to put themselves in the spotlight was a testament to their growth and confidence during TY, culminating in a performance that was not only technically impressive but also deeply moving. The effort and dedication of the young performers were evident as they energetically danced and acted, earning them great acclaim from the audience.

College Principal Teresa Lonergan said there is great credit due to TY co-ordinators Marie O’Shea and Kellie Sheehy who designed a TY programme that allows every student the opportunity to grow in skills and confidence.

“Back to the 80s not only provided entertainment but also a valuable learning experience for the students, immersing them in the culture of a different through performance.

“The success of the musical speaks volumes about the talent and hard work of the students and faculty at Castleisland Community College,” she said.