Limerick Transition Year student's luminous GAA sliotar lights up enterprise contest
Mungret Community College student Cathal Sweeney has generated more than €40,000 in sales for his product
A MUNGRET student, who has generated more than €40,000 in sales for his luminous hurling sliotars has won a national title.
Cathal Sweeney, 16, and in Transition Year at Mungret Community College won the overall prize at the Student Enterprise National Finals.
Featured before on Limerick Live, the glo-ball is made using a phosphorescent material and glows in the dark, meaning it can be used by hurlers in dark conditions.
To enhance further visibility he paired the ball with a UV light that is significantly stronger than a torch, helping maintain a long lasting glow.
The youngster, who is heading into fifth year and Leaving Certificate, came up with the idea after growing fed up of losing his own sliotars on dark, winter nights when pucking in his garden.
He plans to continue to go forward in business.
Cathal triumphed in the contest at the Mullingar Park Hotel, in which 88 projects inspired by young entrepreneurs featured.
Alongside Cathal, Limerick had two more winners at the national finals.
Malachy Wrenn and Aron O’Connor from Pet Slipper at Desmond College in Newcastle West won the innovation award in the junior category.
In the Intermediate Category, Nell McMahon of Golf Align and attending Gaelcholáiste Uí Chonba, also in Newcastle West, won the innovation award.
The council’s head of enterprise Mike Cantwell said: “This is a proud day for student enterprise in Limerick.”
Mayor John Moran said: “This award reflects Cathal’s talent, dedication and hard work to such a simple yet effective idea for our young hurlers to keep honing their craft. It’s a proud moment too for Mungret College, our Local Enterprise Office in Limerick and everyone who is supporting young entrepreneurs in our city and county.”