Gaeltacht Entrepreneurs- Potential Kings Of Europe?

Gaeltacht entrepreneurs from west Kerry will voyage virtually to Europe next week in the hope that their new linguistic board game will crown them the Kings of Europe.

‘Rí na bhFocal’, a fledgling company founded by Liam Ó hÓgáin, Finn Daibhéis and Patrick Saunders from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Co Kerry, will represent Ireland at the JA Europe Company of the Year Competition 2020 next week (July 22-24).

The competition was due to be held in Portugal but as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will now be held online from July 22 – 24.

This is the second time that the winners of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Clár na gComhlachtaí entrepreneurship competition will have the opportunity to participate at the European level of the competition.

Rí na bhFocal is a new interactive Irish language board game for 2 – 6 players that can be adapted to be played by children and adults of all ages.

Gaeltacht Entrepreneurs- Potential Kings Of Europe?

The Corca Dhuibhne entrepreneurs fought off stiff opposition from more than 750 Transition students from Gaeltacht schools from Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry Cork, Waterford and Meath to scoop the national Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí competition in May.

The national final, also held online due to COVID-19 restrictions, gave Rí na bhFocal valuable experience in competing in a virtual environment and they managed to come out on top based on the quality of their innovative business idea and overall performance on the day.

The successful company from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne were mentored by their business studies teacher Trish Uí h-Éanacháin who helped them to develop their business idea along with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Junior Achievement Ireland executives.

Over the 3 day European final Liam, Finn and Patrick will compete for the Company of the Year Award by presenting their product, company, progress and plans to the judges and to other competing junior entrepreneurs from the 27 EU member states.

Rí na bhFocal are also eligible for the Public Choice Award, which will be decided through an online vote.

The winner of the Award is up to the public and voting will open from noon on 17 July until 11 am on 24 July. You can vote for Liam, Finn, and Patrick at www.jacompanyoftheyear.org

Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer with Údarás na Gaeltachta, commented: “We are proud to be sending a team of the calibre of Rí na bhFocal to Europe not only to represent Ireland but also to represent our unique Gaeltacht areas.  Despite the uncertainty of the current situation it is inspiring to witness such enterprising young people participate at the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí 2020 competition against all odds”

He commented that this feat indicates the talent available within Irish speaking schools across the country.

“Their knowledge and enthusiasm for their business ideas indicate that enterprise in Gaeltacht areas is in safe hands. Despite the changes to this year’s European competition, I’m sure Liam, Finn and Patrick of Rí na bhFocal from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne will do very well and we wish them the best of luck”.

 Helen Raftery, CEO of Junior Achievement Ireland spoke about the boy’s achievement, commending the boys for their fortitude during COVID 19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic if nothing else has shown us the indomitable spirit of our second level students and their strength and flexibility in overcoming any obstacles to earn their rightful place on the international stage. That is the story of Rí na bhFocal from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Kerry this year and we wish Liam, Finn and Patrick luck in JA Europe Company of the Year Competition 2020.  Working in collaboration and with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta more than 750 senior cycle Gaeltacht students take part in meaningful real-to-life entrepreneurial experiences across the Gaeltacht areas through Clár na gComhlachtaí annually”.

Ms. Raferty reserved special praise for the different support units who were available to the boys during the creation of their business idea.

“This is not possible without the vital assistance of teachers, principals, parents, and business mentors for their dedication in supporting and developing the entrepreneurial talent of these students. The wide-ranging skills these young entrepreneurs have developed and practised throughout Clár na gComhlachtaí will be invaluable as they progress into the world of work”.

For further information contact: 

Páid Ó Neachtain

Public Relations Executive,

Údarás na Gaeltachta

pon@udaras.ie

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