Two Cork schools among finalists at youth entrepreneur awards 

Two Cork schools were among the finalists at the Foróige Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2025, which were held recently in Croke Park, Dublin.

Developed through the Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme, the event brought together 24 youth-led businesses and more than 120 young people.

Among the finalists were Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig, represented by Eleanor Hamilton.

Her entry was called ‘Cárta Nóirín’, a bilingual card game designed to make learning Irish fun, accessible, and full of grá from the very outset.

Meanwhile, Bantry school Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí was represented by Lisa O’Sullivan, Chloe Daly, and Nadia Ustjanowska. Their idea, Celtic Glassware, gives discarded bottles a new life as elegant, eco-friendly home décor.

Eva-Marie Whelan and Katie Hobson-Shaw from Kilkenny City were crowned the overall winners of the Foróige Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 for their business, Bee Lush, which crafts nourishing lip and lash products using Irish honey and aims to bring nature and self-care together in every jar.

Speaking about the importance of the Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme, Odhrán O’Mahony, chairperson of Foróige, said: “Year after year, NFTE proves just how powerful youth potential really is.

“The creativity, courage, and commitment we’ve seen today is inspiring.

“Programmes like this don’t just teach business skills, they help young people see themselves differently and understand just what they are capable of.

“Through their participation in the Foróige NFTE programme, young people develop self-belief and learn that they can be the architects of their own futures.

“This is something they’ll carry with them for life,” he said.

Foróige NFTE aims to change the lives of young people in disadvantaged communities by enabling them to develop core skills in business and enterprise, while also helping them unlock their individual talents and potential.