Errigal College success at Enterprise Finals

Student holding a trophy and a representative from LEO and Letterkenny Mayor.

Errigal College had reason to celebrate on Wednesday 8 March 2023 as three of their Transition Year mini companies were successful at the Donegal Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise County Finals in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny. The event was attended by a large number of mini companies from all over county Donegal, with each of them hoping to win the judges over and secure a place in the National Finals.

Student holding a trophy and a representative from LEO and Letterkenny Mayor.
Matthias Uhlich, overall winner of the Donegal Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise County Finals Senior category with his mini company ‘Local Lino Art’, pictured with Donegal LEO Head of Enterprise Brenda Hegarty and Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly.

Matthias Uhlich was crowned the overall winner in the Senior category with his mini company ‘Local Lino Art’, while Joshua Wade came in third place overall with his mini company ‘Wades Wood Designs’. The ‘Green Award’ was won by Luise, Hanna, Viktoria and Antonia for their mini company ‘InsideOut’.

Student holding a wooden guitar.
Joshua Wade, third place winner with his mini company ‘Wades Wood Designs’.

Matthias will now progress to the National Finals in Croke Park on 5 May to represent County Donegal.

Errigal College Principal Mr Danny McFadden, spoke of his pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and their teacher in creating and developing these mini companies. It is a testament to the entrepreneurial culture that we strive to foster here at Errigal College.”

Enterprise teacher, Mr. Evan Gorrell, also commented on the students’ success, saying, “The students have worked tirelessly to turn their ideas into a reality, and we are thrilled to see their efforts recognised in this way. Our enterprise programme provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop their business skills and gain real-world experience. I’d like to thank Ms. Aisling Arnold, of Arnold’s Hotel, who worked as the liaison between Donegal LEO and the participating schools.”

Teacher and student holding a trophy.
Matthias with Errigal College Enterprise teacher Evan Gorrell.

Matthias Uhlich, the overall winner, expressed his delight at winning the competition, stating, “I am beyond thrilled to have been named the overall winner of the Senior category. Winning this competition is an exceptional recognition of the hard work and dedication I have put into creating and developing my mini company. I am excited to represent our county in the National Finals and determined to continue working hard to excel and bring the title back to Donegal.”

The Student Enterprise County Finals was a showcase of the impressive talent and innovation of young entrepreneurs within the county, and the success of the three mini companies from Errigal College highlights the school’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture and providing students with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the business world.

Students holding a trophy with two adults.
‘Green Award’ winners Luise, Hanna, Viktoria and Antonia for their mini company ‘InsideOut’ pictured with Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly and Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal LEO.