Students compete in Offaly's answer to Dragons Den

Tullamore Credit Union held the Face the Phoenix live final on Wednesday, January 24, in the Esker Arts Centre Tullamore.

This is the credit union’s version of Dragons Den. Every year, they invite students from the Transition Year classes of the local secondary schools in the area to go head to head and showcase their mini company ideas.

This year’s competition saw entries from Tullamore College, Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan and Killina Secondary School.

The live final had three schools represented Killina Presentation Secondary School, Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan & Tullamore College. `Rudai Deasa`, ` Concept` & `Resin Workshop` represented Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan. `Buzz n’ Bliss`, `Franks Fantastic Feasts`, ` Eternal Blooms` &` Lees’ Leabhar` represented Tullamore College. `Tí Nadur` represented Killina Presentation Secondary School. Each group appeared onstage, made their presentation, and answered questions from the judges.

The judges on the day were Matt Worgan, Risk Manager, Damian McIntyre, Compliance Manager, and Peter Hensey, Board Director, all of Tullamore Credit Union.

One of the judges quoted that it was very difficult to pick a winner as all the students showed very high standards and all the products were of an excellent quality.

1st place went to Marie Claire Marshall, representing Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan, with her business ‘Rudaí Deasa’ – handmade luxury make up & tote bags.

2nd place went to Julia Medrek, with her business `Eternal Blooms` -representing Tullamore College – handmade crochet items.

3rd place went to Maria Finlay, Bella Corble, Ellarose Bairead and Alisha Colsh with their business `Tí Nadur` representing Killina Presentation Secondary School- sustainable bird houses.

A big congratulations to all the students who took part and their teachers who assisted with the competition this year. The credit union looks forward to another contest in 2025.