Pictures by Ciaran Culligan
The entrepreneurial spirit of County Louth was on full display at the 2026 Student Enterprise Programme Final, held recently at The Fairways Hotel in Dundalk, where hundreds of students from across the county came together to showcase their business ideas and skills.
The event highlighted the talent and ambition of young entrepreneurs who developed, marketed and pitched their own ventures as part of Ireland’s largest student enterprise initiative.
Delivered by Local Enterprise Offices and funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, the Student Enterprise Programme engages more than 30,000 students nationally each year.
The programme gives students first hand experience of innovation, financial literacy, teamwork, digital marketing and customer engagement. Since it began in 2003, more than 500,000 students have taken part, making it one of the most impactful enterprise education initiatives in the country.
In Louth, participation remained strong in 2026, with 1,453 students from 19 schools involved. Students developed a wide range of businesses that showed creativity, sustainability, problem solving and innovation.
In the Junior Category, Cillian’s Sausage Rolls, run by Cillian Hand from Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer, was named overall winner. His business impressed judges with its handmade sausage rolls in unique flavour combinations and strong market potential. He will now represent Louth at the National Finals in Mullingar on 7 May.
The Intermediate Category was won by Quapairí from Gaelcholáiste Dhún Dealgan in Dundalk. Students Arden Oakes, Shayne Toner and Cáit Ní Ír created a toasted cheese sandwich and drinks business that quickly became popular within their school community.
In the Senior Category, CTRL Base from Ballymakenny College in Drogheda took the top prize. Developed by Oliver Ginty and Zion Oluwabowale, the business produces a 3D printed gaming controller holder designed as a stylised hand and available in a range of colours. CTRL Base will represent Louth in the Senior National Finals in May.
The judging panel also recognised an impressive selection of businesses in the sub‑categories:
- Innovation Award – Game Savers, De La Salle College, Dundalk
- Best Social Media and Marketing – Charmed, Sacred Heart Secondary School
- Sustainability Award – Bloom and Drift, Ardee Community School
- Best Stand Award – Caked With Love, Coláiste Chú Chulainn
- Best Creative Business – Jolly Logs, Scoil Uí Mhuirí
- Best Creative Product – Crochet Critters, St Mary’s College
- Enterprise Award – Toirleach’s Treatogs, Ó Fiaich College
- Best Gift Idea – Carlingfresh, Bush Post Primary
- Best Junior Stand – Mellow and Co, Sacred Heart Secondary School
- Junior Runner Up – Wax and Wonders, Dundalk Grammar School
- Senior Runner-Up – Craft Masters, St Brigid’s School
- Special Educators Award – Olive Byrne, St Brigid’s School
Across all categories, students displayed remarkable enthusiasm, professionalism, and creativity with product ranges including jewellery, sea glass crafts, wax melts, food innovations, handmade decorations, and sustainable products.
Olive Byrne of St Brigid’s School was presented with the Special Educators Award for her exceptional commitment to fostering creativity, inclusion, and entrepreneurial thinking among her students.
Speaking at the event, Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Louth, praised the efforts of all participating students and commended the winning teams: “The Student Enterprise Programme continues to show that the future of entrepreneurship in Louth is bright, bold and full of possibility. The creativity, resilience and teamwork these students demonstrate would inspire any business leader, and their ideas reflect the values we want to see in the next generation.
Through this initiative, students see that with the right support, they can turn a classroom idea into a real business. The skills they develop from planning and research to selling and teamwork, will stay with them throughout their future careers. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme, and we wish them every success on 7 May, and hope to be there to support them.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added: “The Student Enterprise Programme is a fantastic celebration of the creativity and ambition of young people across Louth. Every year, I’m inspired by the fresh ideas and entrepreneurial spirit shown by our students, who tackle challenges with knowledge, enthusiasm and determination. Their hard work and innovative thinking make me confident that Louth’s future is in good hands.
Programmes like this give students the chance to turn their ideas into reality, develop valuable skills, and lay the foundations for success, whatever path they choose. I look forward to seeing how this year’s winners’ businesses and talents grow in the years ahead.
In addition to the student stands on the day, participants also had the opportunity to engage with a range of interactive educational and enterprise-focused workshops and stations.
The Mini Digi Hub Project delivered hands‑on Virtual Reality (VR) workshops, giving students a chance to explore immersive digital technologies and learn about their real‑world applications.
Creative Spark was also on-site with their mobile FabLab, where students designed and produced personalised laser‑cut keyrings, offering them a taste of modern fabrication tools and digital design.
DkIT, Ó’Fiaich Institute of Further Education, and Dundalk Credit Union were also in attendance on the day, encouraging students to consider their future education and career paths.
