BARRYROE National School has won the STEPS Young Engineers Award for the second consecutive year.

A group of third class pupils called ‘The Engines’ created a ‘Sole Extender’ that will help people safely access items that are out of reach.

Pupils Saoirse Twomey, Willow Frankish, Byron Hourihane, Edward Casey, Jack Kelly and Cathal O’Regan impressed judges with their ingenuity.

The Engines team described their wining project: ‘We believe that our sole extender invention will not just help little people but can be useful for everyone. We designed a thick sole that contains a scissor lift. We used two syringes to demonstrate hydraulic action. When the syringe is pushed the lift rises, but when the syringe is pulled the lift lowers.’

There was a special video message from Sinead Burke - writer, broadcaster, and disability activist.

Sinead said: ‘Earlier this year I got some incredible letters from you all. It has been such a treat to watch the progress of your amazing project.  All of my work is about trying to design better solutions... I want to congratulate you all for the incredible work that you have done and for winning the STEPS award.’

Class teacher Niamh Murray told the Southern Star: ‘Everyone took part in the brainstorming and came up with numerous concepts. It’s amazing the ideas that come from young minds when given the opportunity. They enjoyed the whole process and there was an energetic buzz in the classroom during engineering time. The winning project is a genuine attempt at aiding accessible design and making life easier for people. I think the most  important thing is that this has inspired a group of third class pupils to aspire to make a real difference.’

Principal Orla Whelton said: ‘This is the second year in a row that múinteoir Niamh and her third class pupils have won a national competition. We are so honoured.’