Intel hosted the Kildare Final of the STEPS to Engineering K’Nex Challenge on Friday 9th June. In total 84 students represented 41 schools from Kildare and the surrounding areas. Pupils from 500 schools are competing in regional finals of the Challenge around the country. The Kildare pupils had won their place in the regional final by winning the competition at the class room stage. A number of engineers from Intel judged in nine local schools.

At the regional final they faced another challenge using their imagination, creativity and ingenuity to design and make a new model using a specially created K’NEX kit. The models were judged by Padraig O’Connor and Susan McEvoy from Intel along with Colm Murray from Greencore Malt.

Ann Kelleher, Intel Fab 24 Factory Manager, who presented the prizes to the pupils, congratulated the children on the fantastic models that they had built and said that she hoped to see many of the children return to Intel as future employees in ten years time. Ann also gave the pupils a special gift from Intel.

Margie McCarthy, STEPS to Engineering manager said, “The STEPS to engineering K’NEX challenge brings the wonderful and exciting world of engineering into the lives of the young pupils taking part. Engineering plays a part in everything around us from roller coasters to buildings, mobile phones and exciting new technologies. This competition is all about opening up young people’s eyes to how important engineering is in their lives.”

The winners of the Kildare Final were Ronan MacNamara and Evan Malone from Scoil San Carlo Senior in Leixlip. The runners up were Kimberley Edwards and Lily Guinness from Killashee Multidenominational NS in Naas. Both teams will compete in the National Final on 20th June in The Helix in DCU.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom