Entrepreneur awards honour former Taoiseach's memory

Former Taoiseach Sean Lemass is being immortalised in a state award scheme for entrepreneurial school kids, it emerged today.

The prize, unveiled on the 50th anniversary of his appointment to office, aims to boost business skills and interest among children.

Mr Lemass was instrumental in founding Aer Lingus, Bord na Móna and other state bodies and Taoiseach Brian Cowen said his work should serve as an example.

“It is fitting that the name of Sean Lemass, who did so much to develop Ireland as an open, enterprising and modern economy, should now be associated with promoting entrepreneurial skills among students who represent our next generation of ingenuity and talent.

“His example should act as an encouragement to all students to consider careers in enterprise.”

The award will be presented to the overall winner of the annual Student Enterprise Awards.

Born in 1899, Mr Lemass served as a young volunteer in the 1916 Rising, later opposed the Treaty and fought in the Four Courts during the Civil War.

He succeeded Eamon de Valera as Taoiseach in June 1959 and is remembered for building up Ireland’s industry and infrastructure, founding bodies such as Bord na Mona, Aer Lingus and Irish Shipping.

The aim of the award is to get more students involved in entrepreneurial activities, encourage more schools to take part in enterprise award schemes and to raise their profile.

Sean Haughey, Mr Lemass’ grandson and junior Minister, welcomed the scheme.

“He is a founding father of Ireland as a modern economy, and helped lay the foundation for the growth and development which transformed Ireland in the 1960s and in subsequent decades,” Mr Haughey said.

“As such he is an excellent role model for any entrepreneur.”