Science students aim for international olympiads

LEADING science students in a number of Cork secondary schools are setting their sights on international successes after a haul of gold, silver and bronze medals at a science fair.

Mark Moriarty, from Christian Brothers College, Cork was awarded the overall trophy and gold medal in physics while Brian Walsh, from St Colman’s College, Fermoy was presented with the overall trophy and gold medal in computer programming.

They competed at the 15th IBM/DCU Irish Science Olympiad at Dublin City University where more than 250 secondary school students competed.

The competitions aim to further their interest in science and technology.

In total, 10 Cork students received medals. They included: Emer O’Connell from St Angela College (silver in biology); David McCarthy from Midleton CBS and Jared Auty from St Coleman’s College, Fermoy, who both earned silver in computer programming; Katie O’Mahony from St Aloysius’ School who received bronze in computer programming and Stephen Murphy, Presentation Brothers College with a bronze in chemistry. Also Andrea Bickerdike from Ashton School with a bronze in biology; Paul McGarry (under 17) from St Peters Community School, Passage West with a gold in computer programming and Ruairí Kenny from Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál in Blarney (under 17 silver in Computer programming).

The winners have a chance to represent Ireland at the International Science Olympiads later this year.

The top four students from each subject will be invited to compete. Success could result in Irish Gold Medal winners receiving a €2,500 IBM university scholarship; silver medal winners receiving a €1,250 scholarship and bronze medal winners, a €750 scholarship.