Donegal ETB Enterprise Day for schools to make welcome return at ATU Donegal

Donegal Education and Training Board’s Enterprise Day for post-primary students from across the county will make a welcome return after a five-year break.

The aim of the day, which takes place in Atlantic Technological University’s Letterkenny campus on Wednesday, October 22, is to introduce the concept of entrepreneurship in a fun way to young people with the support of entrepreneurs and business people from across Donegal.

Almost 250 students from 17 schools across the county have signed up to participate. Marty O’Reilly, owner of O’Reilly Sports in Ballybofey, is the guest speaker at the event.

The former Donegal football player turned entrepreneur, who was a member of the Donegal Senior Football panel that won the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final against Mayo, has lots of entrepreneurial experience and tips to share with the young people who will participate in the event. He now runs his own sports shop in Ballybofey.

The day involves each team developing a product, from materials provided to them, on which they are judged in a Dragon’s Den-type setup. This includes pitching their product to panels of business judges. Teams are given a business mentor and an ATU business studies student to guide them throughout the day. Marty will speak to them about entrepreneurship success and failure.

The day, which will be guided by Highland Radio’s Lee Gooch, also includes fun activities, ice breakers and team building games with staff from Donegal ETB’s Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.

Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools, Dr Martin Gormley, commented: “We are delighted that Marty has agreed to speak at our Enterprise Day this year. It is great to have one of Donegal ETB’s keynote events for students across the county up and running again, to encourage the key skill of entrepreneurship in a creative and fun way. We really appreciate Marty and a host of other entrepreneurs and business people giving up their time on the day to support the young people.”

Previous winners have included Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny (2019), St Catherine’s Vocational School in Killybegs (2018), Finn Valley College in Stranorlar (2017), Carndonagh Community School (2016), and Deele College in Raphoe (2015 and 2014).

Previous keynote speakers have included Seamus McDaid, McDaid’s Football Special (2019), Nicola McLaughlin, Sequin Cinderella (2018), Stephen McGuire Donegal Daily and Katie McGloin, KT Clothing (2017), Gerard Grant, Tata Consultancy Services, entrepreneur Jenni Timony and Ian Harkin, Lottie Dolls (2016), Billie Dixon. Image Consultant (2014) and Paul McNulty, 3D Issue (2013).

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Keep an eye on Donegal ETB’s social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter and LinkedIn) for updates during the day and follow the hashtag #ETBEnterprise25.