Champion Irish Entrepreneurs, from left: Marguerite Herlihy, Clodagh Buckley, Lucy Matassa and Seána Walsh at Presentation Castleisland with their two national awards.
There was delight and excitement last week at Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland as the school welcomed home the Carry Camán first year team who are celebrating a famous win in the National Student Enterprise Programme.
Marguerite Herlihy, Seána Walsh, Lucy Matassa and Clodagh Buckley won first place in the Junior Category of the National Enterprise Final, which took place in Mullingar in Co. Westmeath last Thursday.
The national final is the culmination of a year where over 28,000 students across the country participated in the enterprise programme, with 80 enterprises making it through to the final.
Carry Camán represented Kerry in the Junior Category, having won the Kerry County Enterprise final in the MTU in March.
Hurleys, School and Gear Bags
The team design and produce holders for players to carry their hurleys across their shoulder to training and matches. Clodagh Buckley, who came up with the original inspiration, said that players often struggle to carry their hurleys by hand while also bringing school bags and gear bags.
“We wanted to find a solution to this so we came up with the idea for a hurley holder,” said Clodagh.
The students also tackled the issue of road safety by incorporating high-viz reflective strips on each holder.
Team member Lucy Matassa said that they met with the Road Safety Authority and they have been distributing RSA high-vis vests during their sales events.
Road Safety Message
Presentation Castleisland business teacher, Edward Clarke said that the students recognised how important it is to spread the message on road safety.
“Wearing a high visibility jacket is not hugely popular among teenagers but the students are making their own contribution to solving this as people who wear high viz clothing are 300 times more visible in the dark,” said Mr. Clarke.
Seána Walsh was the lead member on sales and marketing for the enterprise and she said that they tried to raise their profile as much as possible.
“We demonstrated our holder to the Kerry Camogie team, and to members of the Kerry Hurling and Kilkenny Camogie teams,” said Séana.
Camogie Association of Ireland
“We also got in touch with the Camogie Association of Ireland and have been taking orders from friends, students in the school, the local camogie club and also through our online order form,” she said.
Carry Camán were also recognised at the National Enterprise Final for their research on legally protecting their enterprise name and idea, winning the Intellectual Property Award which was sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office.
Team member Marguerite Herlihy thanked everyone who supported the enterprise throughout the year.
“There was a lot of work involved but we made so much progress from when we initially came up with the idea last November. We would especially like to thank Walsh Colour Print and IPS Packaging for sponsoring us with supplies during our enterprise,” she said.
Determination, Ambition and Perseverance
Edward Clarke said the awards were very well deserved: “The students demonstrated determination, ambition and perseverance throughout the project, learning how to sew, developing a marketing strategy, and presenting their business to a panel of judges. It is not often that students volunteer to come in to school over Easter holidays but these girls did. The lessons learned and skills developed will stand to these young business professionals for life,” said Mr. Clarke. The Carry Camán team were also featured on RTE’s Six One News on Thursday evening.
Principal of Presentation Castleisland, Pierce Dargan, congratulated the team for their wonderful achievement.
Attitude and Growth Mindset
“What can be achieved in the space of just a few short months with the right attitude, growth mindset and will to succeed is limitless.
“The girls represented themselves, their families and the school exceptionally well and we are very proud of their achievements.
These students have become successful young entrepreneurs and the programme has contributed significantly to their educational experience in our school. Presentation Castleisland continues to support and give opportunities for students to bring their innovative business ideas to life,” said Mr. Dargan.
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