Amazing businesses created by Carlow secondary school students win top places

Secondary school students from across Carlow showcased their creativity, innovation and business skills at the 2026 Student Enterprise Awards, held last Wednesday.

The event, held in Woodford Dolmen Hotel, showcased talented students from across the county who spent months developing their business plans, designing their products, and practicing their pitches, with the help of their teachers, to bring their products to life.

Over 65 students from schools across the county took part in this year’s programme, representing St. Leo’s College, Presentation College, Tullow Community School, Borris College, St. Mary’s Knockbeg, Tyndall College and Coláiste Eoin.

Students competed across junior, intermediate and senior categories, with prizes awarded to each category winner. Participants developed an impressive variety of ideas, from creative crafts and environmentally friendly solutions to practical and useful services.

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Their talent and enterprise were recognised through a series of awards at both the intermediate and senior levels.

The Tree Kindleers (Joe Langrel, Mattew O’Sullivan, and Lee Cullen) from Coláiste Eoin won the Junior Category.

Grá na Madhra (Mia Johnson, Sophia Kelly, Ruby Lavin, Casey Smith, Muireann Tooher) from Tullow Community School won the Intermediate category and Timber Tote (Peter Kavanagh, Daniel Collins, Luke McGrath) from Coláiste Eoin took top place for the Senior Category.

Timber Tote is a handcrafted mobile timber tote made from recycled wood and designed to conveniently transport solid fuel into the home. Each winning team will represent Carlow at the National Final on 7th May in Mullingar.

There were also stand-out businesses in other categories that were awarded for their efforts: Altimals from Tullow Community School won the Innovation award for their mystery toy boxes that contained figures of uniquely designed original characters.

Their team members, Hanna Dabek and Ada Jane Byrne were delighted with their win. The Sustainability Award went to St Leo’s for their business Lios Gloine which were glass jars repurposed into terrariums.

Team members Alaa Elagab, Naomi Picovici, Phoebe Brennan and Nia Paviliashili were thrilled that their business’ sustainable ethos was rewarded and acknowledged.

Finally, the Craft Award was won by Polymer Pearls from Borris College. Team members Eimear O'Shea and Alla O'Shea were delighted that their alternative use of Borris Lace was recognised, bringing it to new audiences and customers.

In addition, seven Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards were presented.

The winners included:

• Borris College with Resin Craft (Marta Perez Ruiz),
• Presentation College with Úll Blasta (Sam Cope, Seán Nolan, Niall Egan, Paidi Breen),
• St. Leo’s College with Sew Green (Jane Ashmore),
• St. Mary’s Knockbeg with Scintil Annual (Senan Kavanagh, Hugh Wall) and The Boot Lab (Fiachra Moore, Joshua Crosby),
• Tullow Community School with LocalFit (Conán Mulvihill)
• Tyndall College with Crafted Christmas (Wren Stynes, Cred Stynes, Emilia Taraszka).

These students demonstrated exceptional initiative and enthusiasm for enterprise throughout the programme.

Speaking about the event, Dearbhla O'Dwyer, Business Advisor in Carlow County Council's Local Enterprise Office, said:

"The Student Enterprise Awards offers young people the chance to bring their ideas to life, learn practical business skills and gain confidence. The creativity and ambition displayed by these students is inspiring, and we are delighted to come together to celebrate their achievements.

"Events like this not only recognise individual talent but also encourage entrepreneurial thinking that will benefit our communities and local economy for years to come."

Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, added: "It’s fantastic to see the new generation of entrepreneurs in Carlow stepping forward with energy, creativity and determination. The ideas and businesses they are developing today show the bright future ahead for Carlow".

The event highlighted the work and dedication of students who had spent months developing their business ideas and preparing for the competition.

Through the programme, participants gained valuable experience in entrepreneurship while showcasing their projects to judges, teachers, and fellow students.