National Success for Three Kerry Schools at Junior Entrepreneur Awards 2026

Three Kerry primary schools have been recognised among the top young entrepreneurs in Ireland after securing major category awards at the Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP) Awards 2026.

The Kerry schools were among just 12 category winners selected nationally, highlighting the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit being fostered in classrooms across the county.

Murhur National School, Moyvane Recognised for Digital Innovation

Murhur National School in Moyvane secured the Digital Maestros Award for Murhur Mysteries, a surprise box filled with fun activities and custom-designed 3D-printed fidgets.

Using Tinkercad software and a classroom 3D printer, pupils designed and manufactured their own products before packaging them into mystery boxes for sale. The project generated a profit of €800, helping to fund the class school tour and treats.

The initiative also provided valuable learning opportunities, helping pupils develop organisational, presentation and teamwork skills while gaining practical experience in digital design and manufacturing.

Pictured with the 3d printer are; Amber Fitzmaurice, left and Katelyn Lynch of Murhur National School, Moyvane, Co. Kerry.

St. Michael's National School, Sneem Wins Go Green Award

St. Michael's National School in Sneem received the Go Green Award for its innovative business, Horsepower Eco-firestarter.

The environmentally friendly fire starter was created using horse manure and sawdust, with pupils carrying out extensive testing to perfect the product. Inspired by a visit from local entrepreneur Brendan Galvin of Sneem Seaweed Baths, the class embraced the challenge of thinking differently and developing a sustainable product with real market appeal.

The students complemented their product development with a strong marketing campaign, producing humorous social media content and eye-catching promotional materials. Working alongside their teacher, Tracy Long, they successfully launched the business, selling their eco-firestarters for €2 each and generating a profit of €354.

Sarah O'Sullivan, Maya Bali, Oisín O'Sullivan and Aisling O'Sullivan 4th, 5th & 6th class in Sneem National School, Co. Kerry who won the Go Green award in the All-Island Junior Entrepreneur Programme 2026 Awards for their JEP business Horsepower Eco Firestarters.

Scoil Mhic Easmainn, Tralee Earns Finance Wizards Award

Scoil Mhic Easmainn in Tralee received the Finance Wizards Award for its successful business venture, Yarn and Bead.

The fifth-class pupils taught themselves to crochet before producing a range of handmade octopus toys and colourful beaded bracelets. Prior to launching the business, the class raised €700 in seed funding through the sale of St. Brigid's Crosses, demonstrating impressive financial planning and enterprise skills from the outset.

The venture proved hugely successful, generating profits of approximately €3,500 and earning national recognition for the students' creativity, teamwork and business acumen.

Pupils Isobel Spring, Farragh Nic Giolla Úir, Hannah Ní Bhóiléir and Sarah Ní Bhrain from 5th class in Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn, Tralee Co. Kerry.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The Junior Entrepreneur Programme continues to play an important role in developing entrepreneurial thinking among primary school pupils across Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has supported JEP since 2020 under its Primary Schools Entrepreneurship Initiative, highlighting the vital role of entrepreneurship in shaping Ireland’s future and the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture from an early age.

Almost 10,000 children participated in JEP during the 2025–2026 academic year, bringing the total number of participants since the programme's foundation to more than 130,000.

Marie Lynch, co-founder and Managing Director of JEP, said:

“JEP has become a rite of passage for children in primary schools. ”They pool their skills and talents to turn an idea into reality and experience real-world success. They forge deeper bonds with each other, and, for many, it is the highlight of their primary school years”.        

Founded in Kerry in 2010, the Junior Entrepreneur Programme has grown into a nationwide initiative that equips young people with confidence, creativity, problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. Through mentorship from local entrepreneurs and hands-on business experience, pupils gain valuable life skills while discovering the possibilities that entrepreneurship can offer. Learn more about the Junior Entrepreneur Programme at www.juniorentrepreneur.ie 

Schools that complete the programme can enter their projects into the JEP awards. Twelve different Category Awards focus on key aspects of the programme, including creativity, teamwork, marketing and finance, as well as important themes such as health, community, sustainability, technology, and social impact.

Congratulations to the pupils, teachers and school communities of St. Michael's National School, Murhur National School and Scoil Mhic Easmainn on their outstanding achievements and for representing Kerry so successfully on the national stage.

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