Longford students showcase STEM skills at VEX IQ Robotics Competition

Students from four post-primary schools in County Longford took part in a VEX IQ Robotics Competition at The Temperance Hall, Longford Town, bringing together teams for a day of design, coding and problem-solving challenges.

The event provided a fun and practical learning experience, where students worked in teams to design, build and programme robots while developing communication and critical thinking skills.

Skills Award – Helena Heaney, Christine Collins, students from Meán Scoil Mhuire, Siobhán Grealy & Kelley Keogh(Westmeath CoCo)

VEX IQ is an educational robotics programme delivered by Longford County Council’s IT Department. It introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through hands-on design, build and coding tasks, while also strengthening teamwork and creativity.

Programmes such as VEX IQ play an important role in encouraging interest in STEM and helping young people build skills for the future.

Judges Award – Templemichael College – Christine Collins, Helena Heaney, students from Templemichael College, Siobhán Grealy, Kelley Keogh(Westmeath CoCo) & teacher Justin Quinn

Participating schools included:

• Lanesboro Community College
• Meán Scoil Mhuire
• St Mel’s College
• Templemichael College

Throughout the day, students took part in a series of robot challenges, showing creativity and determination as they competed with and learned from each other.

The VEX IQ equipment has now been rolled out to all nine post-primary schools in County Longford. The programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027, supporting STEM education and digital skills across the county. The programme is strongly supported by Longford County Council’s ongoing commitment to STEM education and digital skills development.

Design Award – Longford County Council IT, Helena Heaney, Christine Collins, Kelley Keogh(Westmeath CoCo), students from Lanesborough Community College, teacher Emmett Dolan & Siobhán Grealy

Congratulations to the winning teams:

• Design Award: Lanesboro Community College
• Judges’ Award: Templemichael College
• Teamwork Champions: Meán Scoil Mhuire & St Mel’s College
• Excellence Award:  St Mel’s College
• Skills Award: Meán Scoil Mhuire

Speaking after the event, representatives from Longford County Council praised the students and the impact of the programme.

Excellence Award Winners: St Mel’s College; Christine Collins, Broadband Officer, Longford County Council, Helena Heaney, Longford County Council IT, Kelley Keogh, STEM Engagement Officer, Westmeath County Council, Siobhán Grealy, STEM Engagement Officer with Longford County Council, Paula Feeney, St Mel’s College, students from St Mel’s College and teacher Fergal Counihan.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “It is very encouraging to see such strong participation from schools across the county. Initiatives like VEX IQ give young people the chance to try new skills, work together and build confidence in a supportive environment.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan said, “This programme shows what can be achieved when practical learning is supported in schools. Students are gaining real experience in coding, design and teamwork that will stand to them in further education and employment.”