BUDDING young Limerick scientists took home 12 awards from this year’s BT Young Scientist exhibition. Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh and Castletroy College were the biggest winners with a total of three awards each, closely followed by students from Desmond College who collected two of the prestigious accolades. Hazelwood College, Presentation Secondary School, Coláiste Chiaráin and Ardscoil Ris took home one prize each. Almost 1,200 students from 31 counties took part in this year’s event, which was won by Kinsale Community School in Cork.
Aideen McLoughlin from Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh was awarded first place for a junior individual in the chemical, physical and mathematical category for her study of the pouring characteristics of spouts. Séamas Bulaeir took second place in the biological and ecological sciences for his study of photosynthesis in water plants. The Gaelcholáiste was also recognised for its project on eliminating odours.
Ciarán O’Mara from Castletroy College took two awards for his project on portable solar panel trackers. The college also received the Eli Lilly Special Award in the chemical, physical and mathematical category for the study of naturally occurring antiseptic extracts in plants.
Desmond College won two highly commended awards for projects on Heavy duty hover pads and a self-leveling wheelbarrow.
Hazelwood College came up trumps in the social and behavioural category for its study an attitudes and perceptions towards science in County Limerick. Sarah Little from Presentation Secondary School was highly commended for her project on first impressions in the same category.
Ardscoil Ris was recognised for its ‘app to save a life’ project, while Coláiste Chiaráin scored for its device on improving timing in rowing boats.
Now in its 49th year, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition attracted more than 45,000 visitors to the RDS in Dublin last week.
Colm O’Neill BT CEO with Killian Ryan, Emmett Ryan & Michael Fitzgibbon from Ardscoil Ris, Limerick with their Project Eye on the Ball : An App to save a life at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2013.
Photo Chris Bellew
