Cherry Orchard Youth Service wins first ever H2GP

Cherry Orchard Youth Service has booked its place at a world final in Switzerland after winning Ireland’s inaugural Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP).

Organised by Kinia, the event took place at the National Arena on Thursday, April 23. The 3.5-hour endurance race was won by the ‘Handbrakers’, who completed 366 laps to claim victory.

The event marked the culmination of a STEM education programme in which students designed, built and raced hydrogen-powered remote-control cars.

The winning team consisted of Jack O’Rourke, Kyan Rafter, Reece Appleby, Kyle Smullen and Nathan Byrne (all pictured above)

Five teams from across the country qualified for the national final after winning their regional H2GP Sprint race.

Six prizes were awarded on the day, including first, second and third in the endurance race, as well as innovation and team spirit awards.

The Cherry Orchard group also claimed the Pitstop Award, recognising how quickly and efficiently teams refuel and return their car to the track.

They will now go on to represent Ireland at the world final in Switzerland in June.

Dublin was also represented by ‘Ecomotion Donabate’ from Donabate Library, which received the Team Spirit Award for demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship, collaboration and resilience.

The Hydrogen Grand Prix is a global racing series aimed at developing the next generation of engineers and clean energy innovators.

Through hands-on learning, students gain practical experience in renewable energy technologies while designing and racing hydrogen-powered cars.

Speaking at the event, Marianne Checkley, CEO of Kinia, said:

“Today was a great success and we want to commend all the teams and their teachers.

“An incredible amount of time was put in from each team and they should all be very proud of their achievement of being involved in the first ever H2GP PRO national final.

“Massive congratulations to the Cherry Orchard Youth Service team, they did their youth service proud.

“The teamwork, collaboration, ingenuity and problem solving on display was very impressive and a huge amount of credit is due to the teacher/STEM officer and our Education team at Kinia, who provided support to each team right up to the final.

“We are very grateful to the Department of Transport for hosting us at the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills event.

“Ireland’s first national hydrogen final took place today and the winners now represent this country at the world final in Switzerland.

“A year ago, most of these young people had never heard of a fuel cell. Today, they are Ireland’s clean energy ambassadors.

“Congratulations to all the young participants who built and raced hydrogen powered cars today.

“They won’t just be witnessing a digital and green transition, they’ll lead it.”