Northside student wins national carbon monoxide safety competition

(Pictured is Anne Moore, Sustainability Manager, Gas Networks Ireland, Claire Lunney, deputy principal, Scoil Chaitriona Cailini Primary School, Imelda Whelan, principal, Scoil Chaitriona Cailini Primary School, Sophie O’Driscoil, 5th class Energize Poster Competition winner, Scoil Chaitriona Cailini Primary School, Katie Doyle, 5th class teacher, Scoil Chaitriona Cailini Primary School and Aoife Kelly, Junior Achievement Ireland. Pic Orla Murray Coalesce)

Sophie O’Driscoil from 5th class in Scoil Chaitríona Cailíní National School, Coolock, won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.

In September, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition.

Students who completed the Energize Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programme were eligible to enter.

The competition received hundreds of amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Sophie’s poster which features a drawing of Tommy McAnairey, the well-known fictional animated canary balladeer who raises awareness of carbon monoxide safety on behalf of Gas Networks Ireland; and includes a quote from Tommy “Get yourself a carbon monoxide alarm, or you might just wake up dead”; that was deemed the winner.

Speaking as she presented Sophie (pictured above) with an iPad for use in her school classroom, Gas Networks Ireland’s Sustainability Manager, Anne Moore said:

“Science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, so we’re big supporters of STEM education.

“Congratulations to Sophie and all in Scoil Chaitríona Cailíní National School for winning term one of the 2021/22 Energize poster competition.

“We are delighted that 3,400 students from 100 schools nationwide engaged with Energize last year.

“Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and will be able to spot the warning signs in the future.”

The Energize programme delivers science to primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging lessons to cultivate interest in the subject so students continue with it to second level education. Carbon monoxide awareness is an important element of the programme.

JAI, which last year marked 10 years in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, now runs its successful STEM education programme, Energize, online. The resources from the programme are also available free to download at www.jai.ie to support learning at home.

Sophie’s teacher, Katie Doyle said:

“My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum.

“The programme enables pupils to understand career possibilities in STEM areas and encouraged them to continue with science in second-level education.

“We are delighted that Sophie has won this award.

“All our sixth-class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety messages related to carbon monoxide with wonderful creativity.

“Thanks to JAI, Gas Networks Ireland and all who support the programme.”

To have Energize delivered in your school, please contact JAI at [email protected].