STEM has become an important part of the educational curriculum at all levels across Ireland. Recently in Longford, this was evident as the Junior Cycle VEX IQ Robotics Competition took place in St Mel's College, enabling student teams from seven post-primary schools and one primary school to compete in battles of engineering wits, coding and teamwork collaboration.

Schools on the day travelled from all corners of County Longford, and were joined by schools from Athlone, Mullingar and as far as Ballyshannon in County Donegal.

VEX IQ is a STEM program organised by Longford County Council's IT Department designed to enhance students' digital skills, foster engagement in STEM education and encourage greater participation in subjects such as design, science, coding and ICT skills.

Participating schools create teams of students from 1st to 3rd year to take part and build a robot from a VEX IQ kit. The robot must be designed and built to carry out the tasks of this year's game, 'Mix and Match'. Students and their teachers learn about robot building, engineering, coding and improving their robot design throughout the process.

The atmosphere in St Mel's College was electric with teams strategising, cheering and competing in real-time. There was music, countdowns and the thrill of the clock ticking down.

A total of ten teams from eight schools participated, namely:

St Mel's College, Longford

Meán Scoil Mhuire, Longford

Moyne Community College, Longford

Cnoc Mhuire Granard

Ardscoil Phádraig Granard

St Finian's College, Mullingar

Marist College, Athlone

Holy Family NS, Ballyshannon, Donegal

The awards on the day went to:

Excellence Award: St Mel's College

Teamwork Champions: Scoil Mhuire Longford & St Finian's Mullingar

Design Award: Scoil Mhuire Longford

Robot Skills Champion Award: Marist College Athlone

Judges Award: Holy Family NS Ballyshannon, Donegal

Four teams from the event secured places at the Nationals, which will take place in MTU Cork on Wednesday, 25 February.

Longford's Digital Strategy and the Midlands Pathway Plan both place education and future skills at their core. The county is facing a clear shortage of qualified people across key sectors, and these plans aim to close that gap by encouraging more students to pursue studies and careers in computer coding, digital design, engineering disciplines, ICT, the sciences and robotics. Together, they set out a practical route to build a stronger skills pipeline, support local talent, and ensure that Longford is ready for the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

The VEX IQ equipment and this event is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.

The day's activities were supported by Christine Collins (Broadband Officer, Longford County Council), Siobhán Grealy (STEM Engagement Officer, Longford County Council), and all the staff from The IT Department in Longford County Council.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "To continue to compete in a fast-paced industry, Longford needs people with these valuable skills. Events such as the VEX IQ will develop and make Longford students more skilled, more sustainable and better equipped to enrich life in our communities and help retain rural populations."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, "Events like these spark a culture of innovation, teamwork and hands-on learning. The post-primary participation in this competition not only strengthens STEM education but also builds a future-ready workforce and inspires the next generation of problem-solvers and creators."

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