Historic success for Longford student Caitlin

This is the first year that Longford has had a main category winner at national level.

Supported by Local Enterprise Office Longford, Caitlin Morris worked under the guidance of her teacher Padraig Doherty to beat off competition from 26 other entries in the intermediate category with her mini enterprise named: ‘Clip Clop Designs’.

The sustainable business repurposes horseshoes to make colourful decorations. Caitlin impressed the judges with a real business acumen and a commitment to excellence that will make her one to watch in the future.

Longford was also represented in the Junior Category by Bronwyn McGarry, Michael Murtagh, Holly McIntyre and Gavin Murphy also from Moyne Community School; and in the Senior Category by Erin Flynn and Rachel Higgins from Ardscoil Phadraig, Granard.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Turlough McGovern paid tribute to Caitlin, her teachers, parents and the team at Longford Local Enterprise Office on the win. “On behalf of Longford County Council, I wish to extend my congratulations to Caitlin, to Moyne Community School and to the Longford Local Enterprise Office team for their dedication to helping students by managing the Student Enterprise Programme so well, year after year.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon also welcomed the historic win, “This county has already proved itself to be a wonderful breeding ground for entrepreneurs. Well done to Caitlin for taking that one step further to win out the main Intermediate Category at national level – the future is certainly bright.”

Head of Enterprise, Longford Local Enterprise Office Michael Nevin said he was delighted to see Longford winning one of the main prizes for the first time. “Caitlin is a very positive role model for her peers and will no doubt inspire many others to get involved in entrepreneurship. The real-life skills involved in setting up and running a mini-enterprise will stand to students in the future regardless of what path they decide to pursue.”

Longford has enjoyed significant success over the years in the national competition. Recent national awards have included Best Endeavour in 2022 for ‘Saoirse’s Bakes and Cakes’ from Moyne Community School; Best Commercial Potential in 2021 for ‘Handy Hooks’ from Ballymahon Vocational School; Best Commercial Potential award 2018 for ‘Reel Easy’ from Moyne Community School and 2nd place in the Senior Category in 2017 for ‘J & S Kitchen Aid’ from Mercy Secondary School in Ballymahon.