Kinsale Community School is delighted to announce the remarkable success of its students at the 61st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), held at the RDS in Dublin from 9 to 11 January 2025. Officially opened by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, the event showcased the innovative projects of 1,062 finalists from across the country, emphasising the critical role young scientists play in shaping a sustainable future.

This year, Kinsale Community School had an impressive nine projects, representing 15 students, qualify for the prestigious exhibition—an achievement in itself, as only one in four entries are selected to compete at this level. These projects, spanning a range of scientific disciplines, reflect the creativity, dedication, and hard work of our students.

Kinsale Community School students secured significant accolades across various categories:

• Ian Cullinane
  Project: EcoLytix: ML-Powered Environmental Monitoring and Spectral Analysis of Invasive Rhododendron Ponticum

  • Winner of the EPA Award

  • 2nd Place, Senior Individual Biological and Ecological Sciences

• Etaoin Healy Bastow and Eva Grace
  Project: Wound Protection Cage 2.0

  • Winner of Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine Special Award

  • 1st Place, Junior Group Health and Wellbeing

• Ronan Hawkins
  Project: A Comprehensive Predictive Diagnostic System for Radiology

  • 3rd Place, Technology Senior Individual

• Riva O’Reilly and Sadhbh Tuohy
  Project: Ultra-Processed Food and the Effect It Has on Us

  • 3rd Place, Junior Group Health and Wellbeing

The school congratulates all its qualifiers for their incredible efforts in representing Kinsale Community School at the BTYSTE. Each project demonstrates the students’ innovative spirit and commitment to addressing real-world challenges:

• Ronan Hawkins - A Comprehensive Predictive Diagnostic System for Radiology

• Charlotte Galvin - Watt Now? A More Eco-Friendly Electrical Plug

• Ellie Sheedy and Ruairi O’Daltuin - An Analytical Investigation into People’s Behaviour in Relation to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

• Riva O’Reilly and Sadhbh Tuohy - Ultra-Processed Food and the Effect It Has on Us

• Martin Hickey and Roisin O’Riordan - SELF-ish: A Study of the Effects of Egocentrism on the Youth

• Grainne Crowley - Food is Fuel: An Investigation into the Impact That Hunger Has on Performance, Behaviour, and Productivity in School

• John Murphy, Archie O’Callaghan, and Rian O’Neill - SCAT Success or SCAT Scam

• Ian Cullinane - EcoLytix: ML-Powered Environmental Monitoring and Spectral Analysis of Invasive Rhododendron Ponticum

• Etaoin Healy Bastow and Eva Grace - Wound Protection Cage 2.0

Reflecting on this success, Kinsale Community School Principal, Mr. Fergal McCarthy, expressed immense pride in the students: “The achievements of our students highlight their dedication to scientific excellence. The BT Young Scientist Exhibition has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity at Kinsale Community School, and we are immensely proud to contribute to Ireland's scientific legacy.”

The success of our students would not have been possible without the exceptional guidance and support of their teachers, mentors and parents. STEM Coordinator Mr Shaun Holly, alongside Dr Catherine Coughlan and Ms Ellen McCarthy, provided invaluable expertise, encouragement, and mentorship throughout this journey. Their dedication has been instrumental in fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation at Kinsale Community School.

Principal Fergal McCarthy extended his gratitude, saying: “Our teachers’ commitment to nurturing talent and guiding students is a cornerstone of our success. The tireless efforts of Mr Holly, Dr Coughlan, Ms McCarthy, and all involved have ensured our students are equipped to excel on the national stage. On behalf of the school community, I sincerely thank them for their unwavering dedication.”

As the BTYSTE continues to inspire young minds, Kinsale Community School remains dedicated to promoting excellence in STEM education and empowering students to explore their full potential.

Congratulations to all our students, teachers, mentors, and families for making the BTYSTE 2025 a resounding success!