Two Abbey Grammar students have been awarded the Best Group Award at this year’s BT Young Scientist Competition.

The Dublin awards ceremony on Friday last lauded fourth year pupils Paul McKeever (14) and Bryan Murphy (15) for their industrial safety invention.

The keen scientist developed the ‘Specs Detector’, which is a detection system that prevents heavy machinery such as drills and saws from working unless the operator is wearing safety glasses. They built an ultrasound transmitter and electronics into ordinary safety glasses and built receivers into the machinery. If the glasses are absent the machinery will not operate. They received a prize of €2,400 and a BT Perpetual Trophy.

Principal of the Abbey Grammar, Dermot McGovern congratulated the two students on their success. “This is a fantastic achievement for both Paul and Bryan who have worked very hard and deserve this award,” said Mr McGovern.

A total of 1,586 projects were submitted across Ireland with 520 entries qualifying to compete in the finals.

“I would like to, on behalf of the whole school, congratulate the boys and I wish them every success in the future,” he added.

NI award

The pupils also won the new Northern Ireland award which was presented by the Minister for Education, Catriona Ruane.

“Paul and Bryan’s teacher, Mr Gerald Savage was delighted with how his pupils represented their project he also extended his thanks to Mr Sean Higgins, Abbey technician, for invaluable technical support offered to his boys,” said Ms Ruane.

“The boy’s also won the coveted Analog Devices Student Award, this award is presented to an individual or group for outstanding work exhibited in the Technology category. The prize consists of a trophy plus an all expenses paid trip to America as guests of Analog Devices, visiting San Francisco and LA. In addition Analog Devices will donate €2,500 to the Abbey Technology Department,” added the minister.

By Donal McMahon