Clever clogs! Cork school clinches STEPS Young Engineers Award – for the second year running!

Barryroe National School in Bandon, Co. Cork, has done it again, taking home the top prize at the Engineers Ireland STEPS Young Engineers Award for the second consecutive year.

The national competition, which saw over 12,000 primary school students register in 2025, challenges children to dream up engineering solutions that can make life better in their communities. More than 270 volunteer engineers, trained through the STEPS programme, visited participating 3rd and 4th classes nationwide to support students’ ideas.

This year’s winning creation, Sole Extenders, is an ingenious shoe prototype with a built-in hydraulic lift designed to help people safely reach high shelves without the need for stools or ladders. Developed by team The Engines – third-class pupils Saoirse Twomey, Willow Frankish, Jack Kelly, Edward Casey, Byron Hourihane and Cathal O’Regan – the device aims to reduce injury risk and boost independence.

Drumcrave National School in Stragelliff, Co. Cavan, was named runner-up for its forward-thinking project, TTS Community Water Supply. Created by Tech Titans – Amber Kelly, Evan Lee and Rían McManus Kearns – the team impressed judges with a timer app that tracks household water usage, connects to real-time local water-supply levels, and alerts users to shortages. Designed to raise awareness, reduce bills and encourage more mindful water use, the project showcases how young engineers can empower entire communities to adopt more sustainable habits.

Left to right: Runners-up of the Young Engineers Award winners 2025-2026, Evan Lee, Amber Kelly, Rián McManus Kearns of Drumcrave National School in Stragelliff, Co. Cavan

Praising this year’s entrants to the STEPS Young Engineers Award, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineering is about applying science to real-world problems and designing solutions that help people. It is wonderful to see the students at Barryroe National School excel once again with such a creative. Congratulations to all of this year’s entrants for their imagination, teamwork and dedication. The future of Irish engineering is indeed in good hands.”

The winning and runner-up schools receive an engineering workshop from Designer Minds, and all finalists receive a trophy, medals and framed certificates. All participants receive a certificate of achievement and an online show.