Over 500 Longford pupils showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects at Microsoft Dream Space event

More than 500 primary school students from across County Longford transformed St Mary's Community Campus, in Edgeworthstown into a hub of innovation on Friday, 23 May, as they presented their cutting-edge STEAM projects at the annual Microsoft Dream Space Showcase.

The event, which has grown significantly since its inception three years ago, saw Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD present awards to outstanding young innovators.

The showcase marked the successful completion of an intensive 10-week programme where students collaborated with teachers, Longford County Council's STEM Engagement Officer Siobhan Grealy, and Microsoft's team to develop sophisticated projects addressing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

PICTURES | Over 500 innovative Longford pupils showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects

The event featured extensive collaboration from Longford County Council services including Sports Partnership, Climate Action, Community Safety, Healthy Longford, Sláintecare, Civil Defence, Arts Office, Library, LEO, Tourism, Road Safety, and Fire Services. Industry partners Microsoft, Ericsson, Creative Hut (Lego) and VEX Robotics provided interactive exhibits. Additional exhibits were presented by Comhairle na nÓg/Foróige, HSA, Maynooth University with valuable support from Midlands Ireland Broadband & STEM Engagement Officers.

This year's record attendance underscores the growing impact of Longford County Council's strategic investment in STEAM education, funded through the Government of Ireland and European Union's Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. Creative Ireland is funding the building blocks of creativity for this project. Broadband connectivity for the event was supported by Eurona Arden Broadband.

PICTURES | Living the dream: 300 primary school children participate in Longford Microsoft Dream Space Showcase

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, "What we witnessed at this year’s Dream Space event exceeded every expectation. Longford County Council's commitment to pioneering STEAM education has created something extraordinary. We're not just preparing students for future careers; we're cultivating the problem-solvers who will reshape our world. The council's leadership in this space has positioned Longford as a beacon for educational innovation across Ireland."

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey praised the collaborative effort saying: "Longford’s Dream Space showcase was nothing short of inspirational. The energy, creativity, and sheer brilliance displayed by these students proves that Longford is nurturing the next generation of STEM pioneers. This council's vision to champion innovative education has created ripples that will be felt for generations. When we see 10-year-olds presenting solutions with the confidence of seasoned professionals, we know we've struck gold. The partnership model we've built here should be the template for every county in Ireland."

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Amanda Jolliffe, Microsoft's Dream Space Lead, celebrated the partnership's impact saying, “The energy and creativity on display at Longford's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase 2025 was truly inspiring. It was fantastic to see students presenting innovative solutions that brought the initiative’s Sustainable Development Goals to life through STEM and digital project ideas. Huge credit goes to Longford County Council for their leadership and continued collaboration with the team here at Microsoft Dream Space to enhance STEM education in the region, and to the incredible school communities whose enthusiasm and dedication made the day such a success.”

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The Microsoft Dream Space Showcase continues to build momentum towards its ultimate goal of ensuring all County Longford secondary schools offer Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject, creating a seamless pathway for students to advance their technological capabilities.

The winners

Ballymahon Municipal District
Tech All-Stars: 1st St Mary’s NS, Edgeworthstown (Eco Town)
Most Innovative Project: 1st Scoil Bhríde, Glen (Crows Nightmare), 2nd St Mary’s NS, Edgeworthstown (The Teacher Reacher)
Best Creative Solution: 1st Fermoyle NS (TalkGPT), 2nd St Earnan's NS, Killashee (Killashee Kingdom)
Age Friendly Award: 1st Tashinny NS (Buddy Bit), 2nd Cloontagh NS (MicroFit)
Best Design: 1st St Mary’s NS, Edgeworthstown (Aidan), 2nd Scoil Bhríde, Glen (The Water Agents)
Best Design Prototype: 1st St Dominic's NS, Kenagh (The Tech Masters), 2nd St Mary's NS, Edgeworthstown (The Concussion Sensor)
Best Presented Project: 1st Forgney NS (Micro Moo Bi), 2nd St Earnan's NS, Killashee (Cow Crossing)
Climate Action Team Champion: 1st St Mary's NS, Newtowncashel (Eco Engineers), 2nd Lanesboro NS (The Moisture Mappers)
Management Team Award: 1st St Mary's NS, Edgeworthstown (Zones of Regulation), 2nd Scoil Bhríde, Glen (The Safety Girls)
Most Original Project with real-world application: 1st St Mary's NS, Newtowncashel (Trough Tracks), 2nd St Mary's NS, Edgeworthstown (Hawk Eye)

Granard Municipal District
Tech All-Stars: 1st Scoil Samhthann, Ballinalee (Helmet Heroes)
Most Innovative Project: 1st St Guasacht's NS, Bunlahy (Billy Bear), 2nd St Patrick's NS, Ballinamuck (DefibriBIT)
Best Creative Solution: 1st Sacred Heart PS, Granard (Alarm Alert), 2nd St Patrick's NS, Dromard (The Global Goalers)
Age Friendly Award: 1st Scoil Mhuire NS, Aughnagarron (Helping Hands), 2nd St Teresa's NS, Killoe (Flame Attack)
Best Design Prototype: 1st Scoil Samhthann, Ballinalee (Silent Signal), 2nd St Teresa's NS, Killoe (Farm Safety)
Best Presented Project: 1st Scoil Mhuire NS, Aughnagarron (Forest Fixers), 2nd Killasonna NS (Careful Now)
Climate Action Team Champion: 1st Sacred Heart PS, Granard (Plant Savers), 2nd Killasonna NS (Cold Soil to Green Grass)
Management Team Award: 1st St Patrick's NS, Killeen (MicroMovers), 2nd Scoil Samhthann, Ballinalee (Eco-Wave)
Most Original Project with real-world application: 1st St Patrick's NS, Killeen (Classroom Coders), 2nd St Bernard's NS, Abbeylara (Tariff Titans)

Longford Municipal District
Tech All-Stars: 1st St Joseph's NS, Longford (Sprinkle Smart)
Most Innovative Project: 1st St Joseph’s NS (Pipe It Up), 2nd St Joseph’s (Safe Step)
Best Creative Solution: 1st Scoil Mhuire NS, Newtownforbes (Water Wielders), 2nd Scoil Mhuire NS, Clondra (Water Navigation - Canal Locks)
Age Friendly Award: 1st Scoil Mhuire NS, Newtownforbes (Kingfishers), 2nd St Joseph’s NS (Pet Patrol)
Best Design Prototype: 1st Scoil Mhuire NS, Clondra (Richmond Bridge), 2nd St Joseph’s (Seize the Day)
Best Presented Project: 1st St John's NS, Longford (Trunks, Tech and Territory), 2nd Scoil Mhuire NS, Newtownforbes (The Tecs)
Climate Action Team Champion: 1st St Michael's NS, Longford (Under The Sea), 2nd St Joseph's NS (Recycle and Reap)
Management Team Award: 1st Scoil Eimear NS (Blade Runners), 2nd Scoil Mhuire NS, Newtownforbes (Lightning McQueen)
Most Original Project with real-world application: 1st Melview NS (FlashBell), 2nd St Joseph's NS (Traffic Trouble)