SEVEN of Donegal’s brightest science students have arrived in the United States to take part in the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship finals in Dallas, Texas.
After passing the regional qualifiers last February in Letterkenny, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair’s robotics team achieved a remarkable victory by winning the VEX Robotics All-Ireland Championship in Cork at the end of last month.
Under the guidance of their teacher, Keith Ó Fearraigh, the team members are Yanto Carrothers, Mollaí Ní Shearcaigh, Muireann Ní hÁicéid, Cerry Magner, Pádraig Mac Suibhne, Áine Ní Fhearraigh and Corrthaigh Ó Dochartaigh.
Their project will now be judged against 880 other robots from around the world in Texas with the winner being announced on Saturday. It has already been calculated that Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair has the 5th highest ranking team in the world.
Prior to jetting off yesterday morning, teacher Keith Ó Fearraigh explained to the Donegal News that the Gweedore robot has no less than 8 motors programmed into a central computer.
“They have built an excellent robot and the World Championship is a unique opportunity for the students to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion for robotics,” he said.
“I want to thank all the companies and businesses in Donegal that supported the project with donations and sponsorships so that our team can travel to Dallas and represent the county on an international stage,” added Mr Ó Fearraigh.