Team Ireland success at International Chemistry Olympiad July 2019

The Irish Chemistry Olympiad team put in a tremendous performance at the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO2019) held in Paris  in July, and in particular team member Brian Durkan who won a bronze medal at the prestigious event.

DCU's School of Chemical Sciences played a key role in preparing the team for a competition which attracts 320 students from over 80 countries for the week-long event.

The four students to represent Ireland were chosen following selection processes organised at DCU between March and May.

Over 100 Leaving Certificate and A- level students attended the initial selection process at DCU in March.

The School of Chemical Sciences at DCU also organised further training for the team as their laboratory skills are tested alongside some very challenging theoretical problems from many disciplines of Chemistry, including Organic, Physical, Inorganic and Analytical chemistry.

The four students representing Ireland at this event were:

Brian Durkan, St. Muredach’s College – Ballina, Co Mayo

Oisin McCullagh, St Patrick’s College Maghera – Maghera, Co Derry

Mark Crawford, Dalriada School – Ballymoney, Co Antrim

David Conneely, St. Joseph’s College – Nun’s Island, Galway

Many thanks to all the schools in Ireland who participated in the National IrChO 2019 competition and to their Chemistry teachers for their support.

Assoc. Professor Odilla Finlayson (Chemistry Olympiad Co-ordinator) also wishes to extend thanks to the staff of the School of Chemical Sciences at DCU for their support and assistance with training, including Dr. Mercedes Vazquez, Dr. Pat O’Malley, Prof. Vickie McKee and laboratory technical support provided by John McLoughlin.

A sincere thanks also to mentors Dr Cormac Quigley (GMIT) and Dr. Brian Murphy (AIT) for their input into the training and preparation of the team. Financial support was also provided from the Department of Education and Skills (North-South Co-operation Section) in running this event.

Further information available here