Hacketstown students represent Carlow in enterprise awards
Luke McGrath, Daniel Collins and Peter Kavanagh of Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown with Yvonne O'Neill (national co-ordinator for the Student Enterprise Programme), Terri Smith (Local Enterprise Offices Centre of Excellence) and Gareth Evans (chair of the Local Enterprise Offices' Enterprise Education Committee)
THREE transition-year students from Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown have secured a place in the national final of the Student Enterprise Awards with their innovative and sustainable business ‘Timber Tote’.
The team of Peter Kavanagh, Daniel Collins and Luke McGrath developed a handcrafted mobile timber tote made from recycled wood, which is designed to make transporting firewood and solid fuel around the home easier. They developed their idea as part of the National Student Enterprise Programme, which encourages secondary school students to set up, run and grow their own businesses.
Having successfully progressed through the county stage, the team will now represent Co Carlow at the national finals this Thursday, 7 May, in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. There, they will showcase their business and be judged on everything from their business plan to their trading performance.
Until then, the Timber Tote team will continue to refine their product and presentation. With a strong focus on sustainability and practical design, they are hopeful of making a lasting impression on the national judging panel.
Kieran Comerford, head of economic development and enterprise at Carlow Co Council’s local enterprise office, described their product as “innovative, environmentally conscious and responding to a real need in the home”.
Thousands of secondary school students take part in the awards each year, gaining valuable experience in areas such as product development, marketing, sales and financial management.
County council cathaoirleach cllr Ken Murnane also congratulated the students and wished them success in the finals.
