On Thursday 04 March last, after many months’ of work setting up and running a business under the guidance of the Carlow County Enterprise Board. Transition Year students from around the County had their day in the sun.  The best mini company businesses showcased their products and services at the Institute of Technology Carlow.The overall winner was Wood Orientalz from Carlow Vocational School. Orientalz, a business run by promoters James Kinsella and Catherine Earl, produce handcrafted wooden products, bowls and boxes for decorative, functional and oriental display. James and Catherine were delighted with their achievement and will now go on to represent the County at the National Student Enterprise Awards Final in Tullamore, later in the year.

From their inception 15 years ago, the County & City Enterprise Boards were assigned the responsibility for the development of an enterprise culture at County level, not least among the schools and colleges. Carlow County Enterprise Board has supported a number of enterprise schemes in schools over the years. Despite its small geographical size, County Carlow is always one of the counties to watch out for at the National Finals. Carlow were the outright winners in 2005 and hopes are once again high for 2009.

In congratulating Orientalz, Michael P. Kelly. CEO, Carlow County Enterprise Board remarked on yet another year of high standards and creativity among the students.  He emphasised the importance of education particularly in the current economic climate. An educated community with the capacity and confidence to take risks will contribute to creating much needed employment and restoring confidence in our economy. In this regard, County & City Enterprise Boards are committed to working with schools to reflect the increasing sophistication of business requirements.

Other winners on the evening were; S.R.W., St Mary’s College Knockbeg, DE Events, Tullow Community School, Slated, Borris Vocational School and Keytime, St Leo’s College Carlow.

The following schools received merit prizes, Presentation De La Salle College Bagenalstown, Gaelcolaiste Carlow, St. Mary’s Academy CBS Carlow. and Colaiste Eoin Hacketstown.