Promising Future For Irish Enterprise Showcased at Croke Park

More than 240 students took part in the national final of the Student Enterprise Awards in Croke Park on Thursday last, 14th April. Kilkenny was represented by 'T-Ties' from St. Kieran's College (Senior), 'Smiley Pig Cards' (Intermediate) and 'Sensory Sensations' (Junior), both from Colaiste Pobail Osraí. The groups earned the right to represent Kilkenny by winning their respective categories in the County Final held in March.

The standard of the competition was very high, the overall winner was Tara Houghton of Cross and Passion College in Kilcullen, Co Kildare. Her product was a sticker to create a designer look on high heels, trading as Rosso Solini and making €65,000 since November.

'Sensory Sensations’ picked up the award for Best Display in the Junior Category. The group of 1^st years design and sell reward packs to promote positive behaviour in children, focusing on those with disabilities.

Since last September, around 15,000 students from 400 secondary schools have researched, set up and managed their own businesses through the Student Enterprise Programme with support from their schools and local Enterprise Board.

All of the groups continue to trade and can be found on Facebook. They are as follows:

• T-Ties (Tidy Ties) – An acrylic insert to keep your tie looking neat and tidy, whatever knot you use 

Students: Mihails Nikandrovs, Conor Evans

• Smiley Pig Cards – Beautifully decorated handmade cards for all occasions

Students: Aoife Ní Dhubhghaill, Judith Ní Eara, Emma Ní Cheallaigh, Ciara Ní Mhaolrúnaigh, Aoise Ní Néill

• Sensory Sensations – Reward packs promoting positive behaviour in children, focusing on those with disabilities

Students: Aisling Ní Bhroin, Jilly Ní Dhonnabhain, Aoibheann Ní Chonchubhair

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