Ahead of the curve: Future leaders shine in Young Economist of the Year Awards at UL

Ireland’s future financial leaders brought economics to life today in a spectacular showcase at University of Limerick (UL).

Secondary school students from across the island of Ireland attended UL’s Concert Hall for the Oide Young Economist of the Year Awards (YEOTY), a national event which invites students to explore how economics can empower them to make a positive difference in the world.

Now in its eleventh year, this marked the first time YEOTY has been held in Limerick. The event is organised by Oide, the largest teacher support service in Ireland which is supported by the Teacher Education Section (TES) and the Department of Education (DoE).

This year’s awards ceremony featured more than a hundred entries by student groups from first year all the way up to Leaving Certificate. Students were invited to explore real-life issues through their projects and look at the subject of economics through a different lens, beyond interest rates, demand curves, and recessions. Each project was linked to at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with students encouraged to take a creative approach to problem-solving.

The overall winners of the senior YEOTY Award impressed with their project on ‘Taylornomics’. Martha Burns, Ailbhe Gavin, Chloe Chambers, Kristiana Tsarkova and Amy Wallace of Sacred Heart School in Westport, Co. Mayo claimed the coveted top spot with their exploration of the economic influence of singing sensation Taylor Swift.

Claiming victory in the competition’s junior category were Rockwell College students Daniel Keating, Luke Hanrahan, John O’Loughlin, and Niall Egan, who explored the use of economics to explain changing rituals associated with Irish funerals.

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe congratulated the winners at this year’s awards ceremony.

“The future of economics is in great hands, if students like you keep studying it,” said Minister Donohoe, adding that he was “blown away” by the standard of competition entries.

Jason Cotter, Senior Leader at Oide, praised the participants for their “outstanding contributions” to the competition.

"In hosting the Oide YEOTY, we were astounded by the calibre of entries received. Each submission showcased not only a profound understanding of economic principles but also a remarkable level of creativity and critical thinking. Each year, YEOTY not only provides a platform for academic excellence but also underscores the importance of fostering future economic leaders. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their outstanding contributions.”

Dr Olubunmi Ipinnaiye, Assistant Professor in Economics at the Kemmy Business School and member of the YEOTY judging panel, added: “The Department of Economics is honoured to host this year’s YEOTY awards, the first time in Limerick since inception. The range and quality of projects this year was impressive, which speaks to the students’ interest in Economics, as well as the commitment of their teachers.”