Irish Junior Science Olympiad
Wednesday 31 October 2007

Minister Pat Carey TD with Dr. Paraic James and the IrJSO Medal Winners

Over 110 students took part in the Irish Junior Science Olympiad (IrJSO) in DCU on Saturday 13th October. These students were the high achievers in both Science & Maths in the 2007 Junior Certificate Exams. They were taking part in a competition to select the Irish team that will represent Ireland at the 2007 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) on 2nd-11th December in Taipei, Taiwan.

Dr. Paraic James, IrJSO Pedagogical Leader, designed a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The test began at 12.00 noon and ended at 3.00pm. The closing ceremony, attended by Minister Pat Carey TD took place at 4.00pm.

All participants were presented with a Certificate. The top three students received gold medals, the next three silver and the next three bronze. The gold & silver medal winners were selected to represent Ireland at the 2007 IJSO. The bronze medal winners are on the reserve list. Throughout November the team will continue to do assignments. The team will participate in an intensive three-day residential training programme in DCU prior to their departure to the IJSO.

• Gold Medal Winners
• Killian Donovan Gonzaga College, Sandford Road, Dublin 6
• Dermot Gillen Colaiste Mhuire, Athluain, Co. na hIarmhi
• Paul Stewart Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

• Silver Medal Winners
• James Stewart Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
• Anna Lawless Rathdown School, Glenageary, Co Dublin
• Rachel McNamara Laurel Hill Sec. School, South Circular Road, Limerick

• Bronze Medal Winners
• Stephen Kerr Templeogue College, Templeogue, Dublin 6w
• Ramia Jameel St Joseph’s Convent, Mount Sackville, Chapelizod
• Ciaran Deasy St Aidan's Comm. College, Ballincollie Road, Co. Cork

Before presenting the awards Minister Pat Carey TD congratulated all the finalists, their parents and their teachers. He spoke of the importance of science in the school curriculum and to the wider community. He encouraged the students to develop their interest and expertise in science still further by continuing their studies to PhD level. He was also very appreciative of the work done be the staff of DCU in bringing the Olympiad to a successful conclusion and he wished the team his best wished in Taipei.