"Pure poultry: Pupils' chicken project lauded" - Southern Star 22.01.2026

Pure poultry: Pupils’ chicken project lauded
By Kieran O’Mahony

LIFE is indeed better with chickens – and the fifth and sixth class pupils of Scoil na Mbuachaillí in Clonakilty have proven that after receiving a prestigious Primary Science Fair plaque at the recent Stripey STEAM (Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition) held in the RDS in Dublin.

The West Cork school was just one of nine primary schools in Cork to qualify for and exhibit at this year’s event, making the achievement particularly noteworthy.

The pupils presented a science project that began with the question: ‘Do chickens add to the wellbeing of our school?’ Through extensive research and overwhelming positive findings the project developed into ‘Life is Better with Chickens’.

“As part of the project, the boys conducted surveys involving parents, fellow pupils and teachers and carefully analysed the results and presented their learning through PowerPoint presentations and videos,” said Principal Norma Harte.

“Considerable effort was also devoted to creating the exhibition display, which included original artwork, detailed models of the school’s chicken coop and a range of visual materials which showcased the pupils’ creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

“They even made a video detailing their extensive project which has been shared online and made by Ms Fitzmaurice while the school attended a special word of thanks to Ms Kathleen Ryan O’Shea who co-ordinated the project and worked tirelessly with the pupils throughout the process.

“Participation in the exhibitions provided a valuable opportunity for the pupils to represent Scoil na Mbuachaillí on a national stage and to exchange with schools from across the country. The school is extremely proud of the boys’ involvement and their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, which were evident throughout the project and on the day of the exhibition,” added Ms Harte.

Caption:
Teacher Kathryn O’Shea, Kieran Gannon, Cameron Galway, Harry Lyons, Cillian Quirke, Daniel Dempsey, JJ O’Donnell & Ciarán Dinneen (some of the 26 pupils who took part in the project).