Tullow school crowned winners of environmental innovators programme
From left: BiOrbic education coordinator Conor Haugh, Agri Aware chairman Shay Galvin, with Environmental Innovators 2026 champions Conán Mulvihill and Katelyn Dempsey.
Tullow Community School in Co Carlow were crowned Agri Aware and BiOrbic’s national champions of the Environmental Innovators programme.
The transition year students Katelyn Dempsey and Conán Mulvihill emerged as the overall winners with their project ‘Spray Smart’, a spraying suitability website designed to support farmers in navigating pesticide and nitrate regulations.
The judges were particularly impressed by the platform’s design, innovation, and practical application within the agricultural sector.
Ms Dempsey and Mr Mulvihill developed the website as an accessible tool to help farmers better understand and comply with environmental regulations, to reduce land pollution and river runoff. Connected to EU regulations, the platform updates automatically as new policies and guidance are introduced.
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By bringing key information together in one easy-to-use location, the website saves farmers from having to search through extensive documentation and resources.
There were 10 finalist groups selected from 105 schools to attend the event at Bord Bia Global Hub, where they showcased their projects to leading agri-food stakeholders.
Agri Aware chairman Shay Galvin said: “We are delighted to once again attend a successful Peer Day for the Environmental Innovators programme. This year’s event showcased outstanding knowledge and innovation across 10 finalist projects.
"Tullow Community School were deserving winners, and congratulations to both the students and their teacher on their achievement. Finally, sincere thanks to our partners, BiOrbic, and the supporting agrifood stakeholders who joined us to celebrate the occasion and select our national winner for 2026.”
