The Abbey CBS Newry is naturally delighted at the success of their pupils at the recent ceremony in the RDS in Dublin. Christopher McParland, Shane Fegan and Jonathon McComiskey Secured three awards for their ‘Water for Life’ project, they included: 1st place in the Technology senior group category.

The Dublin Institute of Technology Award that is awarded to the project which best demonstrates an appreciation of entrepreneurship or the potential of developing an enterprise. The INTEL Special Bursary, awarded to individuals who demonstrate innovation in the field of science or technology.

The pupils identified the problem of availability of hygienic drinking water in the Thirld World. The pupils developed a product that uses renewable energy to produce safe drinking water for use in Zambia.

Their technology teacher Mr. T Mooney (Head Of Technology) said “These pupils were great ambassadors for the school and they really enjoyed taking part in such a prestigious competition where friendships and experiences established shall remain with them for a long time.”

Connor Jackson, Andrew Marshall and Ciaran Leonard also attained first place in the Technology Group Intermediate section as well as a special award from the Patents Office. An award given for a project that incorporates the most innovative use of technology, the potential industrial applicability and the potential for commercial exploitation. These pupils developed a product to assist the visually impaired to determine the volume of boiling water in any given container.

Their technology teacher Mr. G. Savage said “These pupils were very committed to this project giving up their Christmas holidays to work in the technology workshop.”

Conor Murphy and Paul Rafferty attained 1st place in the Technology Junior Group category for their development of ‘Dozy-Driver’ a device that tackles the very real problem of a motorist falling asleep behind the wheel!

Their technology teacher Mr. M Rodgers said “This project generated a lot of interest at the competition and the boys are now investigating the possibility of a commercial use.”

Peter McLain achieved 3rd place in the junior technology individual category by developing an electronic learning aid for children with autism while David Toal secured a best display award for his project ‘Life-Line’ a device to increase safety at sailing schools.

Mark McCavitt was highly commended for developing a flashing warning indicator to assist drivers to see school children on dark evenings as they walk home from school.

Fergal Garvey and Darren Treanor achieved third place in the intermediate group biological science section with their study of colonial behaviour in the beadlet anemone. The students investigated the seasonal spatial distribution of the beadlet anemone on the Greencastle Shore and also studied intraspecific aggression within the species. Their science teacher Mrs M Lane (Head of Biology) said “This is a rewarding achievement for all their hard work.”