Kerry young scientists 'represent the very best of what we stand for'

Sisters return to school following success at Young Scientist and Technology exhibition

Sisters Ciara, 17, Laoise, 12 and Saoirse Murphy, 15, winners of the 61st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, with their parents Teresa and Seamus. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Balloons and large photo banners were mounted at the entrance of the "Pres Tralee" to welcome home the three sisters from Ballymacelligott
who scooped the overall trophy at the BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition. 

Ciara (17) Saoirse (15) and Laoise (12) Murphy are in fifth, third and first year in Presentation Secondary School. They won for their ACT (Aid Care Treat) project designed to support emergency healthcare responses through data sharing.

It is the second time the all-girls school has won the award and Emer Jones, past pupil and now Cambridge graduate and researcher, and winner of the 44th title, was back in her old school hall for the occasion, along with her seven-month old baby boy, Oscar.

There was a round of applause for Emer who scooped the award in 2008 and then teacher Kay O’Mahony.

Mairéad Finucane, principal, and teacher Helena Madigan at Presentation Secondary School with Ciara, Laoise and Saoirse Murphy. Picture: Domnick Walsh

“Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise represent the very best of what we stand for," she said. “The future is bright because of young women like you."

While having their names announced as winners was indescribable, making it to Dublin from a snow bound Kerry last week was one of the biggest challenges, the sisters revealed.

Interviewed live in the assembly hall, Ciara the eldest of the three sisters said “chaotic, exciting, life-changing” were the words she would use to describe their momentous achievement.

She wanted to thank all who supported them over the past two years, their family, the whole school, and the media.

When their names were announced as winners, the feeling was “surreal”. There is now the EU Contest for Young Scientists in September and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, in July to prepare for.

Proud parents Colin and Siobhán Markey pictured with their son Tomás as he returns to St. Brogan’s college in Bandon carrying his BT Young scientist trophies where he was named the best individual award winner. Picture: Chani Anderson

“We are just so honoured and privileged, especially as three sisters,” Ciara said.

She and Saoirse were runners up last year in the group category and this year they were joined by Laoise.

“Laoise will take the credit. She’s guarding the trophy closely,” Ciara joked.

They have already received offers to further develop the app and will be “100%” taking these up to ensure the app achieved its maximum potential in saving lives. They will be working closely with the stakeholders the Gardai, the HSE and the Ambulance Service, and the Department of Health.

Over the past year they have developed a fully functional technological app, accessible by the emergency services combining medical and personal information, Saoirse explained.

The idea for the app emerged after a relative collapsed after completing an ultra marathon in 2022 and needed emergency treatment.

Their science teacher Helena Maddigan said the achievement had been the highlight of her career.

“Nothing fazes these ladies. They have the right attitude especially in developing an app to serve their community,” she said.

Laoise the youngest said she was looking forward to Japan especially and “‘making more memories as sisters.”