Budding business owners from across Donegal competed in the closely-fought national final of the Foróige NFTE ‘Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards’ this week.
Slans by Sasha Kolesnyk from St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar, was in the Social Enterprise final.
Sasha Kolesnyk from St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar. Conor McCabe Photography
In the Innovation final were Cozy Quills by Kira McLaughlin from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana (featured image) and R.R.R. by Rihanna Reynolds from Colaiste Colmchille, Ballyshannon.
R.R.R. by Rihanna Reynolds from Colaiste Colmchille, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Conor McCabe Photography.
Elmay Clay by Ella McCarron 16, May Hastings from Deele College, Raphoe, Co. Donegal reached the Best Business final.
Elmay Clay by Ella McCarron and May Hastings from Deele College, Raphoe, Co. Donegal . Conor McCabe Photography.
Over 7,000 young entrepreneurs from all over Ireland have taken part inn a series of local, county, regional and semi-finals, with a total of 186 local competitions taking place, leading to 30 regional finals.
The national awards were held at Richmond Barracks, Dublin where Stick It by Annamai Condon (16) and Clodagh Desmond (16), from Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary was announced as the overall winner.
Speaking at the event Odhrán O’Mahony, Chairperson of Foróige, said; “We know from research, and from countless testimonials from teachers, parents, youth workers and most importantly from young people themselves, that the skills, confidence and experience they gain from being involved in NFTE is often life changing. It lights a spark that changes the way young people think about themselves and their own capability that is quite remarkable. It’s a spark that, once lit, burns continuously through their lifetime so that they can do more, be more and achieve more.