Representatives from Meán Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory, after winning the award at the RDS.MEÁN Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory, has achieved major national success after being named Overall Senior Winners at the Young Environmentalist Awards 2026, held at the RDS in Dublin on May 12th.
The school’s environmental group, MSLT Go Wild, also secured the Senior Award for Biodiversity for their project on the conservation of the Ringed Plover, a vulnerable coastal bird species found along the West Kerry shoreline.
Their project combined education and conservation, focusing on raising awareness of the challenges facing the species while also promoting practical action to protect its breeding habitats locally.
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The initiative was praised by Martha Farrell of the Maharees Conservation Association, who highlighted the students’ engagement and teamwork.
“We were delighted to work with this inspiring group of Meánscoil Nua an Leith Triúigh students, their Principal Karen Blennerhassett and staff member Maura Cronin,” said Martha.
“They demonstrated a clear understanding of the project from the outset, the importance of collaboration, and great respect for all who supported them. Their creativity and determination have strongly highlighted the plight of the Ringed Plover, which is under real pressure as it attempts to breed along our coastline. We are delighted to see this work recognised nationally and to acknowledge the support of Analog Devices, MTU and the PHAROS Project.”
The school acknowledged the significant contribution of PHAROS Project, MTU and Analog Devices, whose funding supported the development of the project, along with guidance from Breeding Waders EIP Officer Sarah Barry, NPWS Ranger Brid Colhoun, and Ger Scollard of the Irish Wildlife Trust Kerry.
Special recognition was also given to the Maharees Conservation Association, particularly Martha Farrell and Aidan O’Connor, for their expertise and continued support, as well as local Maharees students who contributed valuable insights during a consultation session.
The school also celebrated the success of a second group, Shore Line Shapers, who received a Highly Commended Award for their Eco-Art presentation.
Meán Scoil Nua an Leith Triúigh was represented at the national finals by Ciara O’Connor, Emma Miebach Aherne, Ethan Chambers, Saoirse Brosnan and Maddison Clifford, with the TY team including Jarlath Malachy Wruck, Darragh Goodwin, Beatrice Dowling, Aoife Flynn and Grace Boland.
Principal Karen Blennerhassett said the school community was “immensely proud” of the students’ achievements, describing the success as a reflection of their dedication, teamwork and environmental commitment.
The school extended its thanks to the Young Environmentalist Awards for recognising and celebrating young environmental leadership nationwide, calling the achievement a “proud milestone” for the Castlegregory school community.
