Roscommon students to compete in Student Enterprise National Final
Two Roscommon students who set up an engineering firm as part of their transition year programme in Roscmmon Community College will represent their county at rthe All Ireland Student Enterprise Awards next week.
Michael Hanley from Knockcroghery and Gavin Moran from Two Mile House have been creating quite a stir in the farming community across the Midlands since they established GM Engineering Ros and designed an Anti-Backing Bar to reduce the risk of injury to farmers when they are handling cattle in a crush.
The L-shape design of the Anti-Backing Bar, which includes a rubber pad to prevent it slipping, has received very positive feedback from farmers and agri-suppliers acorss the country, with farmers reporting that they feel much safer using this product when handling their livestock.
Despite the fact that both Michael and Gavin, are just 16 years old, their innovative farming design has already been showcased at a number of events, including a farm walk organised by Dairy Women Ireland and Teagasc; a young farmers discussion group 'breeding season' organised by Northwest Macra and Skillnet, and also outside Roscommon Mart. They have also been invited to showcase their design at the county Roscommon Ploughing Championships on Sunday next, May 5.
The two young entrepreneurs have been inundated with orders for their Anti-Backing Bar, which is priced at €150, excluding shipping costs. They are selling their design via their online website, social media outlets and also through face to face interaction with their target market. They are also in talks with their local agri-suppliers, general merchants and veterinary surgeons, all of whom are eager to stock the Anti-Backing Bar.
Michael and Gavin, both of whom come from a farming background, say that while their first foray into the businees world has been “challenging at times” it has also been “a great experience.” They are very grateful to everyone who has supported them on their journey so far, and say the enterprise module in their Transition Year course has made them “more confident” in following through on an idea, and they would encourage other students to “have a go at setting up a business.”
The All-Ireland Student Enterprise Awards finals take place on Thursday next, May 9, in the Mullingar Park Hotel, which is the first time they have ever been held in the Midlands.
Michael Hanley and Gavin Moran will be among 80 of Ireland’s brightest young entrepreneurial minds who will compete in the finals of the Student Enterprise Programme from the 26,000 or so who began their businesses in September.