Saoirse, 8, makes design shortlist

Saoirse Hayes, 8, a student in Scoil Naoimh Eltin, Kinsale, has been shortlisted in a schools competition for her design for a rainforest-themed multi-sensory room.

Multi-sensory rooms to engage all five senses are used for helping children suffering from autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, and anxiety-related conditions.

From just under 1,000 entries received nationwide, Saoirse’s work is one of the top 10 entries to go forward for final judging in the Fyffes primary school design competition, which invited budding young architects to submit ideas that would provide useful extra school space.