Pupil’s mobile device makes national final

An innovative mobile phone attachment designed by a Tulla secondary school pupil looks set to be patented and marketed on Facebook.

Niamh Mulqueen’s simple yet very functional idea was the concept of a ‘Glo-fone’, an inexpensive attachment that enables a mobile phone to be visible in the dark.
It involves attaching a flourescent cover to the phone or a flashing lighted up alternative to make young people more visible to oncoming traffic in badly lit rural areas.
Ms Mulqueen travelled to the Radisson Hotel, Athlone, to represent St Joseph’s Secondary School, Tulla in the Green Dragon Competition.
It is expected the product will be patented and marketed on Facebook. Judges were very impressed with the first year pupil’s idea and her articulate presentation on the day.
Pupils were asked to identify a gap in one of four categories, Environment, Agriculture, Food and Health and Safety and provided with an opportunity to transform their ideas into functional, marketable, and ideally, profitable products or services.
Niamh’s idea, together with her clear and confident presentation, impressed the Dragons so much they want to see her compete at the national final, which will be held in Dublin on March 28 next.
Guided by her teachers, Rita Forrestal and Mairead O’Sullivan, Niamh moved through the various rounds of the competition to successfully reach the final.
Meanwhile, a fashion show fundraiser will be held this Thursday in the West County Hotel, Ennis in association with the Celia Holman Lee Model Agency.
All the money raised goes towards the building of a new secondary school in Tulla, which is a badly needed and worthwhile cause.
It promises to be a great night, with teachers and pupils modelling alongside the professional models. A wine reception will be provided on arrival, exhibition stands and live entertainment throughout the night.
Any parents or local businesses who want to make a donation, place an ad in the programme or donate a spot prize, can contact the school.