The entrepreneurial spirit of County Monaghan’s secondary school students was celebrated at the County Monaghan Student Enterprise Awards 2026, held on Thursday, 26th February in the Hillgrove Hotel. The event recognised the innovation, dedication, and creativity of students who took part in the Student Enterprise Programme, which began in September 2025.
This year’s ceremony offered students a dynamic and hands‑on experience, including a Virtual Reality workshop in the Mini Digi Hub, a 3D Packaging workshop delivered by Creative Spark, and an inspiring Fireside Chat featuring some of Monaghan’s most prominent business leaders; Martin McVicar (Combilift), Barry Cullen (Silverhill Duck), Tara Gartlan (Tara Gartlan Chocolates), and Robert Burns (Monaghan County Council).
Judging on the day was carried out by respected industry figures: Claire McAree (McAree Engineering), Steven Murphy (Old Carrick Mill), and Linda Sheridan (Oide). They praised the exceptionally high standard of projects, noting the creativity and commitment shown by students, their schools, and their teachers throughout the programme.
2026 Monaghan Student Enterprise Programme Award Winners are:
Junior Category
- Winner: Oisin’s Jams and Jellies — Oisin Marron, Patrician High School, Carrickmacross
- Runner Up: Brookies and Bakes — Tess Carron, Alexandra Graham, Erin Smith, Aoife Lynch, Caoimhe Cunningham, Largy College, Clones
Intermediate Category
- Winner: Crinkle Critters — Lily Mae Duffy, Largy College, Clones
- Runner Up: Fresh Aura — Lauren Rice, Hollie McDonald Quigley, Kamila Ciurleviciute, Largy College, Clones
Senior Category
- Winner: WireLessCam — Blake McVicar, St. Macartan’s College, Monaghan
- Runner Up: MultiFeeder — James Boylan & Lorcan Derry, Inver College, Carrickmacross
- Third Place: Crainn Nollaig — Pauric Prunty, Odhran McMeel, Callum Ross, Beech Hill College, Monaghan
Special Awards
- Innovation Runner Up: JCD Darts, Largy College, Clones
- Innovation Winner: KLMN Creations, Largy College, Clones
- Sustainability Award: ABC Bakery, Monaghan Collegiate School
- Best Display Runner Up: Cookyz, Largy College, Clones
- Best Display Winner: Knit Knax, St. Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross
- Digital Marketing Award: Acai Bliss, St. Louis Secondary School, Monaghan
- Enterprise Award: Budrys’s Little Bakery & Farrelly's Comics, Beech Hill College, Monaghan
The Student Enterprise Programme continues to nurture the next generation of business leaders in County Monaghan by providing practical experience, innovation opportunities, and business mentorship throughout the programme. This year’s Senior Category Winner - WireLessCam created by Blake McVicar, St. Macartan’s College, Monaghan will now go forward to represent the county at the National Student Enterprise Awards later this year.
For more information on Student Enterprise in Monaghan, visit the Local Enterprise Office website.
