Paul Durcan in action for Donegal against Mayo in the 2012 All-Ireland SFC final
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07 Nov 2025
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07 Nov 2025
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Fatima Memon and Aleena Muddassir with their EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award at the Scifest Regional Final in St. Mary’s College, Derry earlier this year
Two students from Loreto Convent Secondary School, Letterkenny have secured their place in the SciFest National Finals in Dublin, following their impressive scientific research.
Fifth year students, Fatima Memon and Aleena Muddassir impressed judges with their project titled ‘Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)’, which aims to turn organic waste into clean, sustainable energy using bacteria. The project secured Fatima and Aleena the prestigious EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award following the regional finals in St Mary’s College, Derry earlier this year.
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They will now compete against fifty other students from thirty schools nationwide in the national finals for a chance to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
SciFest@College is a programme of STEM fairs for second-level students, taking place in 16 regional colleges across Ireland. For two decades, SciFest has been a platform for second-level students to showcase their creativity, innovation and research skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, partnered with SciFest to develop the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award as recognition of the critical role young people play in shaping a sustainable future. The award celebrates second level students who research and design projects to address challenges posed by climate or energy focused issues.
Wishing the students the best of luck for the national finals, Orlaith Diamond, Head of Sustainability with EirGrid, said: “As the next generation of changemakers, students bring fresh perspectives to the challenges we face surrounding climate change and energy.
The evolution of energy production depends on creative thinking and pioneering solutions in renewables, and it’s inspiring to see young minds like Fatima and Aleena leading the way. We’re proud to stand alongside SciFest in championing STEM education and encouraging young people to speak up, explore and innovate.”
The SciFest National Final 2025 will take place on Friday 21 November at the Marino Conference Centre on Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.
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