New ideas shaping the future
For two days in February, Ballinamore became the centre of STEM innovation in the West of Ireland as STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices brought together over 1,000 students for a national-scale celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. Held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25-26, the event welcomed schools from 11 counties and showcased more than 200 student projects.
Students explored real-world challenges across renewable energy, biodiversity, engineering, agriculture, health, climate science and technology. Many of the projects were driven by powerful questions. Can foods generate electricity? How can we prevent algae bloom in our waterways? Which materials keep heat in the longest? These were just some of the investigations posed by students as they tested ideas, gathered data and analysed results.
Image 1 of 9
Our Magnificent Universe was presented by Scoil Mhuire, Glaslough, Monaghan, in the Intermediate Category. They were Anna, Alec and Paddy.Image 2 of 9
Volcanos: St Aidan’s, Bawnboy. Category: Senior. Students: Catherine McCaffrey, Nellie McGovern, Patrick O’Rourke, Jayden Spilijns, Sofia Nasri and Amelia McGovern.Image 3 of 9
Natural Disaster-Tsunami Scoil Mhuire NS Swanlinba. Students: Charlie and Ruby Coyle, Katelyn Cassidy, and Philip King.Image 4 of 9
How do aerodynamics work? Greaghrahan National School. Category: Senior. Students: Finn McNiffe, Conor Dolan, Marcus Smith.Image 5 of 9
Using Kinetic energy to generate electricity. Scoil Mhuire Lacken students - Mark Brady, Mason Lee, Shea Cullen, Daithí Cullen.Image 6 of 9
Cooking with the Sun: Solar Oven. Killeshandra NS (CofI) participated in the Senior Category. They were Calvin, Harry and Vance Venton.Image 7 of 9
Which is Better, Petrol or Electric? St. Patrick’s NS, Corlough. Intermediate Students - Stephen Dolan, Cillian McGovern, Hayden Malczuk and Danielle Osborne.Image 8 of 9
Who has the best reaction times? Greaghrahan National School, Intermediate Students: Hayley Donohoe, Sophie Gallagher, Ila Magahran, and Kohen Fitzpatrick.Image 9 of 9
Super Soil Showdown was presented by St Brigids NS, Kiloughter, students in the Senior category. They were Méabh, Sophie, Victoria, Aimée, Sarah, Lucy and Ellen.The standard of work was high, but what stood out most was the enthusiasm with which students explained their thinking. Judges from both industry and education travelled from all parts of Ireland to meet the young innovators. They spent time at every stand discussing ideas, asking questions and offering encouragement. Many commented on how articulate and engaged the students were, praising their ability to explain complex concepts with confidence and genuine excitement. For many judges, it was clear that the students were not simply completing projects - they were developing the mindset of future problem-solvers.
Event founder Louise Gallagher said it was especially meaningful to see the event grow to a national scale in her home county Leitrim. “It’s great to see so many young people interested and engaged in STEM. Not every child gets the chance to see industry, innovation and technology up close, so bringing it here to Ballinamore makes a real difference. It’s really important that we provide these opportunities in our region so that no matter where a child lives, they can access high-quality STEM experiences and see a future for themselves in it.”