Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr Frank Moran and Deputy Barry Cowen with the students from Tubber National School.

Tubber students to represent Ireland in Robotics championships in Texas

Tubber National School students will represent Offaly and Ireland at The VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas from May 2nd to May 4th next.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Frank Moran called to Tubber National School this week to wish the students well before they head to Dallas and compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship.

“I am extremely proud of what the students have achieved already and that it’s great to see our student competing at a world stage in the whole area of robotics, engineering and coding.

He wished them all the best in America and that everyone in Offaly will be following their progress with interest during the championships.

Cllr Moran also thanked the teachers for all the good work they do on a daily basis with all the students.”

Deputy Barry Cowen added: “There’s great excitement in Tubber National School ahead of the VEX Robotics World Championship and the students are looking forward to what will no doubt be a brilliant experience. It is inspiring to think about the positive impact these students will have on the world around them.

"Offaly has a strong heritage in science and engineering and these students will create the foundations for future prosperity in the county as we move through Just Transition,” the local TD added.

Broadband/Digital Officer with Offaly County Council, Ray Bell said VEX Robotics is just one of a number of exciting initiatives Offaly County Council is supporting to drive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, research and jobs.

"This programme is now in over 70 schools in Offaly. This experience will stay with the students long after their school days are over and all these students have gained a new appreciation for STEM and laying a strong foundation of critical problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Tubber National School first qualified from the Offaly Championships in February this year where they won three awards. They then progressed on to the All-Ireland series held in Cork and following an excellent performance, the team took home the Think Award and the Robot Skills Champion Award ensuring qualification to the VEX IQ Robotics World Championships.