“Our students are engaging with real-world issues, asking meaningful questions and producing research of an exceptionally high standard,” said St Mary’s Secondary School principal Dr Andrea Murphy, as the school celebrated a remarkable 11 awards at the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2026.
A total of 21 students across 10 projects were recognised at this year’s national exhibition, with research spanning climate change, sustainable agriculture, water quality, school wellbeing, river safety technology, and social behaviour.
Among the standout successes were two group projects that won both their category and special awards. In the Junior Group Biological & Ecological Sciences, students Méabh Dorgan, Katie Fitzgerald and Muireann Murphy impressed judges with their project on soil organic matter in North Cork using drone imagery, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
In the Intermediate Group Biological & Ecological Sciences, Alvy Fitzgerald, Anna Duggan and Leah O’Sullivan also claimed a category win and special award for their research on nitrogen-fixing bacteria and sustainable fertiliser use in barley crops.
Technology projects were equally strong, with Holly Fitzgerald, Alison Kerrisk and Maeve O’Reilly taking Junior Group Technology and a special award for their solar-powered SMART buoy to monitor river health. Meanwhile, Layla O’Connor, Delilah Afriyie and Doireann Dempsey wowed judges with their AQUA-D underwater rescue goggles in the Intermediate Technology category.
Individual achievements included Rea Vinovrski, who won Junior Individual Health & Wellbeing and a special award for research into noise levels in Irish schools and their effects on learning and emotional health. Jade Hosford placed second in Junior Individual Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences for her work on “forever chemicals” in local water sources, and Katie Mae O’Neill received a Highly Commended award for astrophysics research on exoplanets.
At senior level, Aoife Cregg, Niamh O’Sullivan and Clodagh Parkin won Senior Group Social & Behavioural Sciences for a project exploring social media and identity, while Aimee Renton represented the school in Senior Individual Social & Behavioural Sciences with her study on financial behaviour and gender.
Dr Murphy praised both students and teachers for their dedication:
“These projects do not happen in isolation. Our teachers give generously of their time, expertise and encouragement, guiding students from shaping research questions to presenting their findings with confidence. It is a true partnership between students and mentors.”
St Mary’s extended congratulations to all students, and thanked the teachers, mentors, and families who supported the projects throughout the journey.
