14th May 2026

Young people from across Ireland gathered at Croke Park for the Foróige Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship Final 2026, celebrating the creativity, confidence and ambition of young entrepreneurs from schools and youth services nationwide.

The event brought together 24 youth led businesses and more than 120 young people, all showcasing ideas developed through the NFTE programme. From sustainability and wellbeing to technology, fashion, food and social impact, the standard on display was incredible.

A huge congratulations to Shay McDevitt from St Columba’s College, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal, who was named Foróige Youth Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 for his business SMD Detailing, a professional vehicle detailing service focused on restoring, protecting and maintaining vehicles through expert care and attention to detail.

Congratulations as well to:

• Sophie Keane from Desmond College, Co. Limerick, winner of the Best Social Enterprise Award for Bed Bug Bait Box, a device designed to attract and trap bed bugs by mimicking human characteristics such as warmth and heartbeat.

• Rory O’Leary, Ben Norton, Bill Palmer and Conor O’Leary from Patrician Academy, Co. Cork, winners of the Best Innovation Award for Crius AI, a custom operating system designed to support businesses in the hospitality and construction sectors.

A sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the event possible, including NFTE staff, volunteers, teachers, mentors, judges, supporters and partners. Your encouragement, expertise and commitment helped create an inspiring and memorable experience for the young people involved.

Thank you as well to all of the young people who took part. The ideas, confidence and determination on display throughout the day were a brilliant reminder of the talent and potential of Foróige young people across the country.