Westmeath students shine bright at IMR awards at Mullingar Park Hotel
Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) hosted its annual Ideas Made Real Transition Year Programme Showcase and Awards Ceremony at the Mullingar Park Hotel from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on May 9.
The event welcomed 360 transition year students from 14 schools across Ireland, showcasing the students' creativity and ability to solve real-world challenges through manufacturing and innovation.
Students from Westmeath schools, including: Castlepollard Community College, CBS Mullingar, Loreto College, Mullingar Community College and St Finians College, all presented projects that they developed, with a strong highlight on the 3d printing challenge.
Students from Mullingar Community College won the Teachers' Choice Award for their project titled ‘Inclino’.
CBS Mullingar also won the Technical Execution and Feasability for their ‘Power Bank’ project.
These projects addressed issues such as accessibility, sustainability, health, and safety, ranging from custom-printed solutions for people with disabilities to safety enhancements for sports equipment.
The programme aims to build both technical skills and creative confidence while promoting teamwork and practical problem-solving aligned to community challenges.
The programme is fully in line with the updated national STEM curriculum, ensuring that students develop essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on and interdisciplinary learning.
Barry Kennedy, CEO of Irish Manufacturing Research, said, “Ideas Made Real represents the next generation of innovators. At IMR, we believe in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry, and this programme does exactly that. Seeing all the students tackle real challenges with creativity and purpose—it's not just impressive, it's hopeful for the future of Irish manufacturing.”
Liz Carroll of IMR said, “What makes this programme so attractive is that it makes STEM accessible to and engaging for all students in a fun and inclusive manner, allowing all talents and capabilities to shine. As in the real world, it is not only technical skills that are required. The teams need idea generators, problem solvers, marketeers, communicators ... there is a role for everyone. It helps show that the world of manufacturing is a credible career option for many.”