Longford Primary Schools shine at Microsoft Dream Space Showcase
Five Awards presented for outstanding STEM projects
Press Release: Monday, 20 July 2026
Five primary schools from County Longford were recognised with outstanding awards at Microsoft Ireland's headquarters in Dublin as part of the prestigious Microsoft Dream Space Showcase.
Following the success of the Longford Microsoft Dream Space Showcase last March, a number of primary schools from County Longford decided to attend the national event with thirty projects from County Longford students once again demonstrating that innovation, creativity and teamwork are thriving in classrooms across the county.
The Microsoft Dream Space Showcase is an exciting three-day event which celebrates creativity, STEM learning, problem-solving and digital innovation among primary school pupils from across Ireland.
Representing County Longford with pride at this year's showcase were:
- Scoil Eimear NS, Longford
- Colehill NS, Colehill
- St Teresa's NS, Killoe
- St Joseph's NS, Longford
- St Mary's MS, Edgeworthstown
Together, the five schools showcased an impressive 30 student-led projects, highlighting innovative ideas, creative thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. The event provided pupils with a unique opportunity to present their work, collaborate with peers from across the country and experience the inspiring learning environment of Microsoft Dream Space.
The Microsoft Dream Space Showcase is designed to inspire young people to become the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and creators. Through project-based learning, pupils are encouraged to identify issues that matter to them and use technology, creativity and critical thinking to develop solutions. The Microsoft Dream Space project is a key objective of Longford County Council's IT department's strategy and the innovative approach by the Council's IT section to create the environment to allow every post-primary school in County Longford to offer Computer Science as a Leaving Cert subject.
The showcase provides an opportunity for students to present their work to judges, educators, industry professionals and fellow students in a professional environment similar to that experienced by innovators and entrepreneurs.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, "Congratulations to all the primary school children from County Longford who took part in this recent Microsoft Dream Space Showcase. This innovative programme led by Longford County Council is helping to create the leaders and innovators of our future. The aim is to see the students continue to nurture these skills into second level and beyond and ultimately to act as a pipeline into industry."
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council John Brannigan said, "Longford County Council's commitment to pioneering STEAM education has created something unique. We're not just preparing students for future careers; we're also helping to create problem-solvers who can contribute to society. The council's leadership in this space has positioned Longford as a shining example for educational innovation across Ireland."
While the projects showcased impressive STEM learning, the experience extended far beyond the classroom. Students spent months developing their ideas, strengthening skills in teamwork, communication and problem-solving. At the showcase, they confidently presented their work to judges and visitors, answered questions and explained their ideas in a professional setting.
The event also enabled pupils to connect with students from across Ireland, exchange ideas and learn from projects developed by their peers. Their hard work, creativity and dedication were recognised with an outstanding five awards, reflecting the exceptionally high standard of work produced by both students and teachers.
The award-winning projects from County Longford were:
- Future STEM Leaders Award - St Mary's NS, Edgeworthstown - The Aidan Project
- Global Goal Award - St Joseph's NS - Mind Find Assist for Dementia
- Digital Creativity Award - St Joseph's NS - Reptile Humidity Maintainer
- Rural Innovation Award - St Mary's NS, Edgeworthstown - Coding to Communicate
- Forecast for Change Award - St Teresa's NS - When Clouds Appear Your Tech is Here
Longford County Council extended congratulations to all pupils, teachers and school communities involved for their commitment, creativity and enthusiasm in making this year's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase such a remarkable success.
