Three Kerry primary schools have been recognised in this year's Junior Entrepreneur Awards.
St Michael's in Sneem, Murhur National School (NS) in Moyvane, and Scoil Mhic Easmainn in Tralee were among the twelve category winners announced today (15 July).
St. Michael’s National School (NS) in Sneem received the Go Green Award for 'Horsepower Eco-Firestarter', an environmentally friendly fire starter made from horse manure.
The pupils sourced horse manure from a local jarvey and sawdust from a student's family.
They sold the fire starters for €2 each and generated a profit of €354.
Murhur National School won the Digital Maestros Award for 'Murhur Mysteries', a range of fidget toys designed and 3D-printed by the school's fifth and sixth class pupils.
The business made a profit of €800, helping to fund the school tour bus and class treats.
Meanwhile, Scoil Mhic Easmainn received the Finance Wizards Award for 'Yarn and Bead', a business producing hand-crocheted octopus toys and bracelets.
Before launching the venture, the fifth-class pupils raised €700 in seed funding by making and selling St Brigid's crosses.
They then taught themselves how to crochet and created a range of handmade soft toys and beaded bracelets.
Their efforts resulted in a profit of €3,500 after costs.
The Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP) is a practical entrepreneurship programme for fifth and sixth class primary school pupils.
It aims to develop confidence, resilience, creativity, problem-solving skills and teamwork, while engaging children of all abilities.
Almost 10,000 children completed JEP during the 2025-26 academic year, while more than 130,000 pupils have taken part since its foundation.
JEP began in Kerry in 2010 with the support of entrepreneur Jerry Kennelly, and was rolled out nationally in 2013.
3rd-6th class Murhur National School, Moyvane, Digital Maestros award in the All-Island Junior Entrepreneur Programme 2026 Luke O’Connor, left and Cian Shanahan with teacher Alma Finucane
Sarah O'Sullivan, Maya Bali, Oisín O'Sullivan and Aisling O'Sullivan 4th, 5th & 6th class in Sneem National School, Co. Kerry Go Green award in the All-Island Junior Entrepreneur Programme 2026 Awards
