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Nine Design and Technology students from St. Colman’s College, Violet Hill, Newry displayed their A Level Engineering and Product Design projects to the judges at the prestigious Sentinus Young Innovators competition. The event held on Tuesday 14th June, in the Odyssey arena Belfast is the largest showcase of its kind in the United Kingdom and provides students with an opportunity to present their design solutions and manufacturing skills to teams of expert judges and their peers.
Staff and pupils at the College were delighted to learn that;
Mark Mc Evoy (Dromore) was presented with the Queens University of Belfast Award for Product Design by Dr. Paul Herman. He received a Crystal trophy, Certificate and prize of £125 for his MULTI-LIFT product.
Marks prototype is designed for use with all contemporary tractor front loaders. Constructed from heavy guage steel the MULTI-LIFT utilises a hydraulic boom to allow the tractor operator to load / unload ½ ton bags of fertilizer without leaving the cab. It also provides the facility to lift a variety of heavy loads and place them with precision. The combination of CAD / CAM, the range of skills and the quality of finish impressed the judge’s. Much comment and interest was shown in the MULTI-LIFT during the event.
Following Mark’s award were the nominations for the Young Engineers chosen to represent Northern Ireland in the UK National BIG BANG / Young Engineers Fair scheduled for next March in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
We were very pleased to learn that three College students were nominated to attend with their products.
Mark Mc Evoy with the MULTI-LIFT,
Darryl Brannagan (Castlewellan) with his LAMB ADOPTION UNIT
Darryl’s Product is designed to assist in overcoming the common problem of lamb rejection. Manufactured from mild steel the unit is incorporated into a pen allowing the ewe to be restrained for a short time to allow her to bond with the newborn lamb. The unit is robust yet portable and holds the animal comfortably.
Conor Brown (Hilltown) with his CALF CRUSH.
Conor’s product is designed for holding calves securely to enable medication to be carried out by one person. Constructed from mild steel the crush incorporates a head restraint and has removable side panels and wheels for portability.
Presenting the nominations the Director of Sentinus Mr. Brian Campbell congratulated all three students on their achievement and reinforced his interest in promoting STEM subjects in schools.
Also highly commended for their work by the judges were,
David O’ Connell (Dundalk)
‘Quick Attach’
Heavy section steel accessory which when fitted to the three point linkage of a tractor allows convenient attachment to a range of farm equipment.
Eamon Doyle (Rathfriland)
‘BinMate’
A trailer constructed from mild steel which allows two full wheelie bins to be picked up and transported over a distance for collection.
Niall King (Killean)
‘Grit King’
A product constructed from mild and stainless steel which spreads grit or rock salt on pathways to prevent icing.
Aaron Morgan (Kilcoo)
‘Bin Clamp’
A product constructed from mild steel which helps overcome the problem of empty bins being blown over by the wind. The clamp allows access to the bin whilst securing it.
Niall Rooney (Newry)
‘Calf Crush’
Niall’s product is designed for holding calves securely to enable medication to be carried out by one person. Constructed from mild steel the crush incorporates a head restraint and holds the animal securely and in comfort.
Shane Colgan (Lurgan)
‘Wheel Mate’
A product designed to enable car wheels to be sprayed horizontally thus helping prevent undesirable runs in paintwork.
With reference to all the College entries this year the Chairman of Engineering Judges remarked that it was “refreshing to see students addressing real life opportunities for design and producing fully functional working solutions”.
All nine students are also congratulated on their high standard of workmanship / commitment and ability to confidently convey their ideas to the judges by their teacher Mr. Robert Barton, Head of Design and Technology at the College.
