Forecasting Winning Success: Weatherman Alan O'Reilly Inspires Students at Carlow County Enterprise Awards Final

Students from Colaiste Eoin Hacketstown, Cathal Cullen, Saoirse Tyrrell, Jessica Doyle, Lilly Murphy creators of Artisan chocolate, have been crowned the winners of this year’s Carlow Student Enterprise Awards, an initiative run by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Carlow.

The Intermediate Category was won by Tullow Community School students Katie Wilson, Julia Berezanska for their Mini Company Lavenda, a company that manufactured lavender products. 

More than 950 students from ten schools across County Carlow participated in the School Enterprise Programme, which commenced last September. Throughout the programme, students received coaching and mentorship from Rosie Dunne, Student Co-ordinator, and teachers to develop their ideas into market-ready products, refine their sales techniques, and perfect their business pitches for the judging panel.

On 4th March 2025, a total of 31 projects had the opportunity to exhibit at the grand final held at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow. The judges were impressed by the creativity, product development, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by all participants.

Presenting the Awards, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Fergal Browne, expressed his admiration for the students, stating, I am genuinely impressed by the exceptional quality of work and dedication that every student has demonstrated in this year's programme. It is evident from the exhibition that students have fully embraced the programme's objectives, leading to highly innovative and creative projects."

Speaking about the programme, Coilín O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said "Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs is essential for the future of our local economy, and Carlow County Councils - Student Enterprise Programme delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland provides young people with the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed—no matter what career path they choose. This programme thrives on partnership, bringing together dedicated principals, teachers, and our Economic Development Team create an environment where students can develop creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. These life skills are the foundation of entrepreneurship and will serve them well in any profession, helping to build a generation of innovative thinkers and leaders”. 

Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise  noted “We are thrilled to present the Green Award to Mark Buggy and Charlie Keogh from St Mary’s Knockbeg College for their project on selling new and used football boots.  As part of the Student Enterprise Awards, recognizing our commitment to sustainability. This honour highlights the crucial role of young entrepreneurs in advancing the green agenda. It emphasizes the need to integrate eco-friendly practices into business, inspiring others to follow suit."

A highlight of the event was an inspirational talk by renowned weatherman Alan O'Reilly, who shared his journey of balancing a full-time career with running a passion-driven business project. Alan emphasized the importance of resilience, adaptability, and work-life balance, inspiring students to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions while managing other commitments effectively.

Additionally, in an exciting new initiative for 2025, the winner of the Innovation Champion Award, Lucais Doherty of Borris College with his company LD Welding Art who manufactured decorative reused metal artefacts.  He now goes forward to be within a chance to be selected to participate in 

“Patch”, a prestigious business accelerator programme for young entrepreneurs. Located in Dublin’s digital docklands, Patch provides an incredible opportunity for students to develop their business ideas with guidance from world-class entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to help innovative student projects reach their full potential beyond the Student Enterprise Programme, offering mentorship and support in a thriving startup environment.

Carlow Student Enterprise Awards category winners will now compete against student entrepreneurs from across Ireland at the National Finals in Mullingar on May 8th 2025, where the overall Student Enterprise of the Year will be crowned.

Full list of winners below: 

www.studententerprise.ie