WATCH: St. Bricin's students shine at Young Scientist Exhibition

James O'Reilly and Eoin Slattery's project, The Grass Is Greener with Alpacas earned them second prize in the junior section

Two young from St. Bricin's College in Belturbet are celebrating a triumphant victory at the Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition 2026.

James O'Reilly and Eoin Slattery's project, The Grass Is Greener with Alpacas: Fertilizer Value, Application Methods, and Weed Seed, earned them second prize in the junior section in their respective category.

While most winners at the event walked onto the stage with calm composure, James and Eoin had a different approach. Their moment of triumph was filled with joy and excitement, as they celebrated their victory in style, capturing the moment in a video that radiated pure happiness.

The project itself, which explored the role of alpacas in sustainable farming practices, impressed the judges with its innovative approach and depth of research. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion that both students invested in bringing the idea from conception to fruition. They were quick to express their gratitude, thanking their science teacher, Daryl Dunne, whose unwavering support and guidance played a crucial role in their success. They also extended their thanks to their principal, Jody Ó'Gallachóir, and the entire staff of St. Bricin's College for their encouragement throughout the project.

The Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin's RDS hosted students from across the country, and Cavan and Monaghan were proudly represented by a total of 11 projects.

Nine projects came from Cavan, and two from Monaghan. Each project showcased the impressive innovation and dedication of young scientists in the region, who worked tirelessly to develop their ideas and bring them to life.

Among the standout contributors was St. Bricin's College, with five projects on display at the exhibition. These included: Scroll, Listen, Repeat; Spectators, Safety and Science; From Dolls to Dermis; Optimising Nutrient Retention in Hydroponics; and, of course, The Grass Is Greener with Alpacas.

The success of James and Eoin is a proud moment for St. Bricin’s College which was on the verge of being shut several years ago amidst a proposal to amalgamate it with St Mogue's College in Bawnboy.

It isn't the only local success at this year's Young Scientist Exhibition, with Lewis Mohan from Redhills, a student at Breifne College in Cavan Town, was awarded an outstanding third place in the combined category of Chemistry, Physics and Maths.