Monaghan pupils shine at Student Enterprise Awards
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Blake McVicar, St Macartan’s College, Monaghan, was the winner of the Senior Category. He is pictured with Mrs O’Shaughnessy, teacher; Cathaoirleach Cllr P.J. P’Hanlon and Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan LEO.Image 2 of 7
Lily Mae Duffy, Largy College, Clones was the winner in the Intermediate Category. She is photographed with her teacher Ciaran Curran; Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon and Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan LEO.Image 3 of 7
Oisin Marron, Patrician High School, Carrickmacross was the Junior Winner. He is photographed with his teacher Linda Healy, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon and Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, LEO Monaghan.Image 4 of 7
Largy College students experiencing VR in the Mini Digi Hub.Image 5 of 7
Some of the speakers at the Monaghan Student Enterprise Awards were Cathal Flynn, Monaghan County Council; Robert Burns, CE, Monaghan County Council; Tara Gartlan, Tara Gartlan Chocolate; Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan LEO; Martin McVicar, Combilift; Barry Cullen, Silverhill Duck and Francis Verling, Student Enterprise Coordinator.Image 6 of 7
Winners at this year’s Monaghan Student Enterprise Awards with their prizes in the Hillgrove Hotel.Image 7 of 7
Guest judges at the Monaghan Student Enterprise Awards were Steven Murphy, Old Carrick Mill; Cathal Flynn, Monaghan County Council; Linda Sheridan, Oide; Claire McAree, McAree Engineering and Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan LEO.The entrepreneurial spirit of County Monaghan’s secondary school students was celebrated at the County Monaghan Student Enterprise Awards 2026, which took place last Thursday, February 26, in the Hillgrove Hotel. The event recognised the innovation, dedication, and creativity of students who took part in the Student Enterprise Programme, which began in September 2025.
The initiative continues to nurture the next generation of business leaders by providing practical experience, innovation opportunities and business mentorship. This year’s Senior Category Winner - WireLessCam created by Blake McVicar, St Macartan’s College, Monaghan will now go forward to represent the county at the National Student Enterprise Awards later this year. Blake is the son of Martin McVicar from local engineering firm CombiLift.
This year’s ceremony offered students a dynamic and hands‑on experience, including a Virtual Reality (VR) workshop in the Mini Digi Hub, a 3D Packaging workshop delivered by Creative Spark, and an inspiring Fireside Chat featuring some of Monaghan’s most prominent business leaders; Martin McVicar (Combilift), Barry Cullen (Silverhill Duck), Tara Gartlan (Tara Gartlan Chocolates), and Robert Burns (Monaghan County Council).
Judging on the day was carried out by respected industry figures: Claire McAree (McAree Engineering), Steven Murphy (Old Carrick Mill), and Linda Sheridan (Oide). They praised the exceptionally high standard of projects, noting the creativity and commitment shown by students, their schools, and their teachers throughout the programme.