'All-Ireland Crystal Growing Competition 2012' - awards announced

The School of Chemical Sciences at DCU, in conjunction with 'The Dublin City of Science 2012' and the Royal Society of Chemistry (Irl region) today announced the winners of the 'All-Ireland Crystal Growing Competition 2012 '. Dr Pat O'Malley in the School of Chemical Sciences, said that the standard of the crystals submitted for the competition this year was outstanding. "It is very heartening to see such a high level of enthusiasm by the students and their teachers in growing the crystals over the last few months, and we would encourage all schools to take part in what has become an annual event".

The competition is aimed at second-level students in their first and second year (Category I), and in fourth and fifth year (Category II).

Information on the competition was posted to over 900 Secondary level Schools throughout Ireland, inviting students to participate. Over 200 schools took part and submitted their best crystal to DCU.

List of winners Crystal Growing Competition 2012:

CATEGORY I

1. Drogheda Grammar School, Co Louth
Teacher: Ronnie Hancock
Student: David O'Loughlin

2. Ballymoney High School, Co Antrim
Teacher: Robin Scott
Students: Jack Finney, Kenny Kane

3. Sutton Park School, Co Dublin
Teacher: Catherine Tattersall
Students: Joe Deegan, Matt Deegan and Kamiel Houben

Highly Commended

Meanscoil Iognaid Ris, Naas, Co Kildare
Teacher: Larry Maguire
Students: Barry Donohue

Loreto Abbey, Dalkey, Co Dublin
Teacher: Ellen Shiel
Students: Ailbhe Noonan, Anna Moran, Lynn Manahan

Balymahon Vocational School, Co Longford
Teacher: Shauna Murray
Students: Patrick Clarke, Hugh Flynn

Colaiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co Wexford
Teacher: Audrey Rochford
Students: Niamh Newens, Aishling Brennan, Jamie Helly

Sligo Grammar, The Mall
Teacher: Brid Armstrong
Students: Fiachra Gallagher-Lawson, Amy McSherry, Amelia Patterson

CATEGORY II

1. Falcarragh Community College, Co Donegal
Teacher: Paula Harney
Students: Hannah Gallagher, Cian McGarvey

2. St Benedict's College, Randalstown, Co Antrim
Teacher: Paul O'Neill
Students: Ryan Bevin, Alison Kelly

3. Rathdown School, Glenageary, Co Dublin
Teacher: Joy Rice
Students: Alisha Walsh, Aifric O'Reilly

Highly Commended

Donabate Community College, Dublin
Teacher: Kerrie Whelan
Students: Rawan Kahatab, Olivia Walsh

Our Lady's Secondary School, Castleblaney
Teacher: Kathryn Higgins
Students: Niamh Brennan, Colleen Carville

Mercy College, Sligo
Teacher Eileen Ferguson
Students: Shelley Kenna, Lynn Folan, Michelle Brannigan

Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary
Students: Emer Rutherford, Megan Wells, Sally-Ann Malone

CBS, The Green, Tralee, Co Kerry
Teacher: Geraldine O'Shea
Students: Gregor Pituck

Our Lady's Grammar School, Newry, Co Down
Teacher: Dr Maeve Carey
Students: Ciara Rocks, Clare Conlon

Further information contact Dr. Pat O' Malley, School of Chemical Sciences, DCU; pat.omalley@dcu.ie