TY students to represent Carlow in national final of student enterprise competition
Luke McGrath, Daniel Collins, Peter Kavanagh (Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown), Yvonne O'Neill (National Co-ordinator for Student Enterprise Programme, Terri Smith (Local Enterprise Offices Centre of Excellence), Gareth Evans (Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Education Committee)
Three transition year students from Coláiste Eoin in Hacketstown 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 and more sustainable. 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 county Carlow at the national finals on 7 May in Mullingar, 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 County 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.
Cathaoirleach cllr Ken Murnane O’Connor also congratulated the students and wished them success in the finals.
