Following their success at the ESAT Science and Technology Competition at theRDS, Dublin in January, the Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School Technology Department consolidates its position as one of the top departments in the province when they returned back to Newry on Thursday last from the ‘Seagate Young Innovators’ Award ceremony with six major prizes. Organised by Sentinus, this competition based in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast attracted over 500 pupils from 130 schools from all over Ireland. 120 judges gave up their time to get involved in what has grown to be the biggest science and technology event in the United Kingdom.

10 pupils from the Abbey Grammar were involved with 6 projects. They competed in the ‘Young Engineers for Britain’ Section. This is a national competition run by Young Engineers and is open to young people between the ages of 11 and 19 years. It aims to raise awareness of engineering and technology by encouraging pupils to develop innovative and creative project work with an industrial relevance. Judges of the competition commended the Abbey Grammar both for the large numbers of pupils and projects entered and the high standard of work, (as most schools usually enter just one/two projects into the competition).

‘Signal Express’ won two major awards. This project was first in the 11-14 years group category and also picked up one of the ‘special awards’ receiving a beautiful crystal trophy for the BT Award for Communication of Ideas. This project was an eye catching display that modelled a school technology workshop and demonstrated how a teacher could shut off power to the machines using a remote control. The two boys that impressed the judges with this project were Darren Marshall and Keith Mooney. Mr. Tony Mooney, Head of Technology assisted the boys.

‘H2 Sensor’ also won a ‘special award’. This project won the FM Environmental Award for Creative Engineering Solutions for the Environment. It was designed and manufactured by Rory O’Rourke, Ryan O’Hare and Sean Donnelly. This device sensed the high levels of Hydrogen Sulphide gas in slurry tank/cattle shed. It warned the farmer and extracted the gas. Mr. Gerard Savage assisted the boys with this project.

Michael Stanyer’s ‘Forklift Load Differential Display’ was highly commended by the judges and received a lot of interest both from the judges and from the public. This is a sensing device that indicates if the load on the front of the forklift is balanced in dangerous situations. This will activate the intelligent counter balance system. Mr. Tony Mooney assisted Michael with this project.

Vincent O’Rourke’s ‘Farm Alert’ project won the Abbey’s third ‘special award’. He won the JCP Consulting Award for the Built Environment. This is an article of clothing that a child on a farmyard wears. It transmits a radio signal to the operator of a moving vehicle to alert them that they are in close proximity and thus avoiding a serious accident. Mr. Gerard Savage assisted Vincent with his project.

The innovative project ‘Hotpot’ was awarded first place in the 15-16 years group category. This is an aid for the visually impaired person to indicate that something is cooked or reaching different temperature levels. This project was designed and manufactured by Gavin Myers and John McAteer. Mr. Mark Rodgers assisted the boys with this project.

James McClean also won his section at the Odyssey event. His project ‘Natural Aid’ was awarded first place in the 11-14 years individual category. His device assists people who suffer from bowel problems. As people sit on the toilet this artefact helps posture by raising the level of feet. Mr. Mark Rogers assisted James with this project.