Cork student wins silver at International Maths Olympiad

A Cork student secured a silver medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Australia.

Owen Barron, aged 17, who is a student at Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh in Bishopstown, was among six Irish students who travelled to the Sunshine Coast for the competition, which was held from July 10 to 20.

The competition saw 635 young mathematicians from 110 countries compete to solve six difficult mathematics problems within nine hours, with each student working alone.

Team Ireland, which Mr Barron was a part of, was led by Bernd Kreussler (MIC Limerick), Anca Mustata (UCC), Stephen Buckley (Maynooth University) and Emily Wolfe (UCC) who joined as a volunteer trainer.

Team Ireland achieved its highest-ever country ranking at the competition, coming in 42nd place, marking the first time that Ireland has finished in the top half of the leaderboard.

This year saw Team Ireland secure its highest medal count with two silver and one gold, as well as the highest number of overall points at 127.

This score exceeded Team Ireland’s previous record by more than 40 points.

Commenting on Team Ireland’s success, Mr Barron said that the ongoing support from members of the Irish Mathematical Trust (IMT) enabled the group to achieve their milestone win.

“I find that I improve far more when working in a group instead of alone,” 

said Mr Barron.

“The IMT has successfully organised many camps: This year alone there have been at least six in various locations around the country.

“This support has no doubt enabled me in my success at IMO 2025.”