KCS All Together in Lifesaving
Two pupils of Kinsale Community School, Oisin Coyle of 5th year and Shane Collins of TY have collaborated with staff to produce vital visors for the medical profession at this critical time.
This unique and innovative project was launched earlier this week by Oisin who enlisted the technological expertise of Shane from transition year and his brother Dylan in second year. The students approached Mr McCarthy about the possibility of making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Oisin independently undertook research into the production of the visor and showed his design plan to Shane and they collaborated to make it a reality. The students also enlisted the expertise of the staff of KCS who actively supported this being Maria Brosnan, Aaron Bowen, Jamie Torpey, Adrian O’Connor and Aaron Bowen. Many thanks also to Brian Pentony for assisting during the week and all the staff for their support.
The production which involved strict social distancing consisted of five 3D printers being set up in the Microsoft Digital Hub. The printing process of headband pieces was overlooked by Oisin, Shane and Mr Clancy. Each individual piece of equipment takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to manufacture. Remaining staff formed segregated assembly lines to create the plastic visors/shields. Cutting equipment was used to attach the shields to headpieces before attaching elastic to complete the process. Local juvenile liaison officer Garda James O’Mahony also arrived to offer his practical support.
School Principal Fergal McCarthy, who co-ordinated the initiative, stated that he was: “Proud of the ingenuity and selfless dedication of the two students and the staff involved”. Mr McCarthy already donated PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) on behalf of Kinsale Community School to local hospitals and nursing homes. KCS actively supports and encourages everyone to adhere to government and HSE advice to safeguard lives at this time.
Everybody at Kinsale Community School is so proud of the ingenuity and inspiration which Oisin and Shane have demonstrated. Stay safe #KCS4Life #WeAreAllInThisTogether
Links to Recent Articles:
Irish Times - Cork Secondary Students make face shields for medics
Cork Beo - Cork students doing Ireland proud as they roll out PPE production in KCS
Irish Independent - ‘They stepped up to the plate’ - secondary students making PPE equipment for medics fighting coronavirus
Breaking News - Cork students 3D printing face shields for front line staff
