Tipperary students crowned European Champions at entrepreneurship awards

Young entrepreneurs from Foróige NFTE represented Ireland at the Youthstart European Entrepreneurship Awards held in Berlin this week.

This competition showcased innovative ideas from talented youth across Europe, all vying for the title of European Champion in three distinct categories - Best Business, Best Innovation and Best Social Enterprise.

Young people from Foróige NFTE competed across the three categories, with one winner announced and potentially more throughout the week.

'Stick It', by Annamai Condon and Clodagh Desmond from Loreto Secondary School in Clonmel, was announced as the overall winner in the best business category.

'Stick It' is an affordable device that easily attaches to gear bags, school bags, and bicycles, allowing for hands-free transportation of hurleys, hockey sticks, and more.

It offers a unique solution to a common challenge faced by sports players and students in Ireland.

'Stick It' was announced in May as the overall winner of the Foróige NFTE Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024.

Annamai Condon from 'Stick It' commented on the monumental win saying: “We are so honoured to have won the best business category at the Youthstart European Entrepreneurship Awards. This experience has shown us the power of creativity and collaboration, and we’re excited to continue to grow our business. Thank you so much to everyone who supported us along the way. We’re delighted to be bringing the trophy back to Ireland”

“We are incredibly proud of all our participants and especially of Annamai and Clodagh for their outstanding achievement,” said Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige. “Their innovative project, Stick It, exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit that Foróige NFTE aims to cultivate in young people. The hard work and dedication of the young people involved in each category are a testament to the talent and potential of young entrepreneurs in Ireland.”

“Foróige’s Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship continues to provide invaluable resources and support to help young people realise their entrepreneurial ambitions, fostering a new generation of leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on society.”