Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair Crowned All-Ireland Gaeltacht Entrepreneurial Champions with Eco-Paws

Forbacha, Co. Galway – 10 April 2025 – Students from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair , Co. Donegal have been announced as the winners of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Clár na gComhlachtaí National Final 2025. The event was held at the Connemara Coast Hotel in Forbacha, Co. Galway on Thursday, 10 April 2025.

The victorious team will now represent Ireland at the European Junior Achievement Company of the Year Competition 2025, which will take place in Athens, Greece in July. This marks the first time that Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair has claimed the prestigious Clár na gComhlachtaí title.

The winning project, Eco-Paws, is an environmentally-friendly pet bed business established by students Danielle Ní Fhearraigh, Fia Nic Giolla Chomhaill, Brianna Ní Fhearraigh, and Molly Nic Giolla Chomhaill under the guidance of their teacher, Eimear Nic Ghloinn. Eco-Paws manufactures pet beds from recycled rubber tires, creating products that are waterproof, durable, cost-effective, comfortable, and visually appealing.

This year’s competition saw over 450 transition year students from Gaeltacht areas in Cork, Galway, Donegal, Kerry, Mayo, Meath, and Waterford participate in the programme. Following regional competitions, eight exceptional teams were selected to advance to the National Final, showcasing the high caliber of young entrepreneurial talent across Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.

Prior to the final competition, participants benefited from a specialised training session focusing on marketing and communications, enhancing their ability to present their business ideas and proposals effectively. The session also provided information about Irish-language third-level education opportunities at the University of Galway.

Competition was fierce among the eight finalists from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and Kerry. The judges, Sinead Ní Fhatharta from Údarás na Gaeltachta and Cathal Groonell from Iasc Mara, commented on the exceptional standard of entries this year, making their decision particularly challenging. Ultimately, Blas Chonamara from Coláiste na bPiarsach, Ros Muc in Co. Galway was awarded Runner-Up, while the Judges’ Choice award went to FRÁMA from Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Co. Donegal.

Clár na gComhlachtaí is a collaborative initiative between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Junior Achievement Ireland, designed to provide Gaeltacht secondary school students with practical entrepreneurial experience.