The latest Young Scientist of the Year is the youngest ever and the first from Kerry.
Thirteen year old, Eimear Jones investigated the stability of emergency sandbag shelters used in disaster relief situations. The judges were particularly impressed by the practical applications of the project.
The BT Young Scientist of the Year 2008 is... Eimear Jones.
Eimear Jones is flabbergasted by her win and is joined by her parents Maire and John. Maire Jones admits that they were hoping for a recommendation but the win is wonderful. John Jones says that the win is just an example of how Eimear is willing to take on any challenge.
Other award winners on the night were cousins Edel and Fiona Ryan from county Galway who won best group entry, Henry Glass from Naas was the individual runner-up, and students from Ballincollig in County Cork were runners-up in the group category.
Eimear Jones wins €5,000 and will go on to represent Ireland in the European leg of the competition.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 January 2008. The reporter is Emma O'Kelly.
