Latest news with #Seamus
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
Nanyang Poly student engineers comeback after near-expulsion, wanting to 'throw studies away'
He was at risk of flunking out. But being given a second chance made all the difference for Seamus Liew, who is now one of Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)'s most outstanding graduates. He recently won a gold medal in Mechanical Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) at WorldSkills Singapore 2025 - his first major competition and proudest achievement to date. "Because not only did I do it for myself, I did it for my teachers. I had promised them that I would win something. I also did it for my family and my friends, so winning made me very proud," Seamus told Stomp. Getting here was far from easy, however. Seamus opened up about a dark time in his life, when he had to "put aside" his studies due to personal struggles. He was then in the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), a bridging year at NYP designed to prepare students for their diploma courses. "I actually overlooked a test. I completely didn't see the email. And because of that, I failed one of the modules and had to appeal against being expelled from the programme," he recounted. "That put me in a deeper hole, because I was already dealing with some personal stuff. I felt like giving up and just throwing my studies away. "I asked the director of PFP to give me another chance. He empathised with my situation and gave me that second chance. I took it." Even after graduating with a Diploma in Engineering with Business, Seamus has not stopped upskilling or pursuing his passion. He currently helps out at NYP's Mechatronics department while awaiting enlistment into National Service. Seamus at his NYP workspace. PHOTO: STOMP Seamus, who also has interests in accounting, computing and mechanical design, said perseverance and commitment are key. He added: "Because when I feel like giving up, I also feel motivated to not give up. It's like a loop and I think that is my greatest strength." The WorldSkills Singapore 2025 competition tested that mindset to the limit. "The first day, I went in thinking that I could do it. Turns out I could not, because some of the tasks were intentionally designed to be impossible to complete," Seamus recalled. "It was very daunting and really demotivating for the participants, and I felt like giving up. "However, I remembered my loop. Through it, I gained motivation for the next two days and pushed through." Seamus is a gold medallist at WorldSkills Singapore 2025. PHOTO: NANYANG POLYTECHNIC The aspiring design engineer hopes to next make his mark at the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition and snag gold for Singapore. His mantra? "Don't give up even when things seem impossible." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Irish Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Growth of family-run engineering firm leads to jobs boost for Co. Roscommon
THE GROWTH of a family-run engineering firm in Co. Roscommon has led to a jobs boost for the region. Griffdon Engineering is to create 48 new jobs at its headquarters in Ballaghaderreen, boosting local employment and enhancing skills in the electrical service and maintenance sector. The company has grown considerably since siblings Seamus and Elayne Griffin took over in 2017 from their parents, Martin and Mary Griffin, and it now takes on large-scale projects in Ireland and across Europe. "This is a proud day for Griffdon Engineering, for Ballaghaderreen, and for the wider community," said Managing Director Seamus Griffin. "We are excited to build on this momentum and look forward to what we can achieve — together." Sectors Griffdon Engineering is already a regionally-significant company which has experienced extensive export growth in the critical infrastructure construction sector, particularly in overseas markets. The company delivers on specialised engineering contracts and is working towards more sustainable forms of construction through Off Site Manufacturing (OSM). It also provides services to semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors and ICT firms involved in data centre construction. Griffdon believes further expansion can help it to capitalise on the growing need for support among multinationals in the tech, pharmaceuticals and agrifood industries. Export growth The creation of the new jobs is being supported by Enterprise Ireland's Company Development Fund. Jenny Melia, Executive Director and incoming CEO of Enterprise Ireland, said the organisation aims to support companies to help them create more jobs in Ireland. "Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support this family-owned business as it grows from strength-to-strength by capitalising on the growing trend towards more offsite manufacturing (OSM) and prefabrication in the construction industry," she said. "Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies like Griffdon Engineering to increase their level of innovation, improve their competitiveness and expand their global footprint, with the ultimate goal of delivering export growth and jobs in Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with the company in the future."
The Herald Scotland
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish built ferry replaces ageing ex-CalMac vessel on Irish route
It was brought into service over the weekend but will be officially launched on June 27 with a naming ceremony. The ferry is to serve the island of Arranmore, off the coast of Donegal. The journey between the island and the mainland fishing port of Burtonport had previously been served by The Morvern, a vessel previously owned by Caledonian MacBrayne. Arranmore Fast Ferries was the third owner of the ship since it was sold by CalMac in 1995 after being put into service in 1972 but then deemed to be a 'little too small'. The company has now replaced it with The Arranmore Blu and is one of two vessels to travel the route between Burtonport and Arranmore. The boat had undergone sea trials in December last year and travelled from Bute to Donegal the same month, before undergoing further tests on the Irish west coast. Read More It has been described as being 'meticulously crafted' to cope with the difficult waters of the Atlantic ocean and ensure 'smoother and more reliable crossings' for islanders and those who want to visit the area. Former CalMac ferries have been a regular on the short route between the mainland and the island, which sits around five kilometres off the coast. Ex-CalMac vessels The Canna and The Bruernish were previously used while two other boats from the Clyde, the Renfrew Rose and the Yoker Swan, also travelled the route before The Morvern took over in 2008, and will now be retired from service. The Morvern had undergone a rebuild and lengthening when it was taken over by The Arranmore Ferry group in The company decided to upgrade their vessel in 2020 and approached Bute Boat Builders to provide them with a brand new ship. The Arranmore Blu can carry 100 passengers and has space for 10 vehicles while cutting down the journey time between the two destinations to less than 20 minutes. The Arranmore Ferry company say the 'state-of-the-art vessel represents a significant upgrade for The Arranmore Ferry, promising improved comfort, capacity, and efficiency for residents and visitors alike.' An Arranmore Ferry spokesperson said: 'Recognising the increasing demands of modern transport and larger vehicles, we began planning in 2020 for a new vessel that would offer greater capacity and comfort. 'The Arranmore Blu is the result of those efforts, designed to meet the future needs of our island community.' Bute Boat Builders had previously stated: 'It has been a pleasure to work with Seamus and Louise Boyle of Arranmore Ferry Co, we wish them every success with their new ferry, and look forward to the naming ceremony.'
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Aer Lingus launch new flights from Irish airport to popular sunshine spot that's wine capital of world with 27C heat
YOU can now fly to the wine capital of the world with Aer Lingus just in time for summer. The Irish airline is now flying to Bordeaux in 6 You can now fly to Bordeaux with Aer Lingus Credit: 6 Visit the wine capital of the world from Cork Airport Credit: 6 Bordeaux river bridge at St Michael's Cathedral Credit: GETTY Many frequent fliers rushed to the comments to share their excitement over the news. One avid traveller said: "Fabulous new route." Another couldn't contain their excitement as they commented: "Looking forward to taking that flight in a couple of weeks!" Aer Lingus is now flying this route three times a week to the city in France. READ MORE ON TRAVEL The flights will take off on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The post featured the new crew set to jet off on the newest route to The airline said: "Pictured are today's operating crew on the inaugural service; Captain Seamus, First Officer Laura & Cabin Crew members Lisa, Tracy, Susan and Sarah." Flights start from €72 in late June but as the months go on prices may go up. Most read in Travel Visit this new sun spot with lots to offer this summer from the newest Cork Airport route. Swap Paris for Bordeaux with an average temperature of 27 degrees, it's the ideal Avoid the crowds with this quiet city located in the southwestern region of France. Enjoy some of the finest wines the city has to offer as it has over 9,000 wines of every vintage. Tour one of the 6,000 wineries and vineyards in the chateaux region. No worries if you aren't a big drinker this city has more than just wine to offer. Enjoy the Gothic architecture of the Basilique Saint-Michel or the breathtaking views of the Saint Andre Cathedral. WINTER SALE Meanwhile, Aer Lingus has launched a Travel fans can fly to a number of cities from From And there are flights to Paris from €57 from Shannon Airport. The valid travel period is from October 1 to April 30, 2026. All fares are one way, including taxes and charges. However, passengers don't have long to snap up the best prices as the cheap seats are subject to availability. 6 Enjoy the stunning views of the city Credit: GETTY 6 Vineyards are a staple in the wine country of the world Credit: GETTY 6 La Grosse Cloche, bell tower on the medieval gate in Bordeaux, France
Irish Examiner
19-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Ireland's farmers committing millions of ACRES to improving biodiversity
From bats to birds, small mammals to native trees, more than 54,000 farmers across the country are playing a vital role in improving biodiversity through participation in a flagship agri-environment scheme under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. A quarter of all agricultural land here, 1.1 million hectares, forms part of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). As well as improving water quality, and preserving habitats and landscapes, a key aim of the €1.5 billion scheme is to halt and reverse biodiversity decline. While the scheme involves nature-friendly management of farms nationwide, farmers in high-priority geographical areas are supported by local ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) teams. Leitrim's landscape, for example, is seeing a new chapter in biodiversity conservation thanks to the collaborative efforts of local farmers and the ACRES Breifne Co-operation (CP) team. Suckler farmer Seamus Cornyn, whose land borders Lough Allen near Dowra, offered his farm as an ACRES CP demonstration site, aiming to inspire others to take practical steps for nature. With support from the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership, along with the ACRES Breifne CP team, Seamus recently established a series of 'wader scrapes' — small, shallow ponds designed as feeding grounds for threatened birds like curlew and snipe. These birds, once common in the area, have suffered dramatic declines and are now red-listed in Ireland. Snipes have suffered dramatic declines and are now red listed in Ireland. Photo: Courtesy of ACRES Breifne CP Team Installation of wader scrapes is supported under ACRES 'Non-Productive Investments'. These scrapes encourage invertebrate life, providing essential food for waders, and their muddy margins are perfect for probing beaks. Within days of creating the scrapes, trail cameras captured snipe and other wildlife using the new habitat, illustrating the impact of targeted, well-planned conservation and the crucial role of local teams in supporting farmers to restore biodiversity while maintaining productive land. Meanwhile, farmers in Wicklow and the Mid West are increasingly turning to new technology to help improve the nature value of their farms. In Munster / South Connacht, farmers and the local CP Team, are using static ultra-sonic monitoring surveys and data gathered as part of the ACRES results-based scoring programme to reconnect isolated populations of Lesser Horseshoe Bats to increase genetic diversity and expand the foraging habitat for this protected species. The Burren and Aran Islands are a well-known biodiversity stronghold boasting over 70% of Ireland's native species. The ACRES Burren Aran Co-operation Project Team (BUA CP) works with farmers in managing and conserving the rich ecological, archaeological, geological and cultural heritage of the Burren, Aran Islands and South Galway. Over 60% of the farmers in the area are involved in ACRES covering 940 km2. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, over 17,000 parcels of land were scored by farm advisors to give a measure of environmental quality of the farmland. Results showed 8,700ha of farmland within the ACRES Burren Aran zone scored a 9 or 10 (out of 10), illustrating the exceptional biodiversity in species-rich winterages, meadows, woodland and wetlands managed by farmers in the region. Old Irish Goat. Photo: Courtesy of ACRES West Connacht CP Team. On Achill Island the ACRES West Connacht CP Team is working with locals on a pilot farm project to eradicate Gunnera tinctoria (Wild or Chilean Rhubarb). Invasive species like Gunnera tinctoria take over a site and can outcompete the native species, which negatively impacts biodiversity. Once established, invasive species are difficult to control and require expensive, labour-intensive treatment. It can take years to re-establish native species to the affected areas after an infestation. As part of the ACRES Co-operation approach, a pilot study established last year set out to assess possible options to improve and develop appropriate and environmentally sensitive management solutions to control wild rhubarb on agricultural land in Ireland. The farm study covers an area that has a severe 15-year infestation of Gunnera. Up to now, foliar spraying of herbicide has been the main method of controlling the plant on Achill, but because of its size and large umbrella-shaped leaves, it requires high volumes of herbicide solution, most of which washes off the plant directly into the ground and nearby watercourses. A more environmentally-friendly method is to apply herbicide directly to freshly-cut stems and into the root system but this is not without challenges because the Gunnera growth is dense, and grows to over 2.5m in summer. While the pilot will continue long-term, it is already showing positive results. Targeted grazing by the Old Irish Goat provides an effective method of clearing the Gunnera leaves and stems, preferring to browse on the leaves than on the available grass, opening up the site to allow for easier and safer access to the stems and root system. This reduces the labour and time involved in cutting and treating the stems. Nationwide, farmers in ACRES have so far committed to an array of actions to improve biodiversity including installing nearly 14,000 barn owl nest boxes, leaving 57,000 hectares of grassland undisturbed to support overwintering geese and swans including the Whooper Swan, Greenland White Fronted Goose, Barnacle Goose and Brent Goose, and planting more than half a million native trees including 26,000 traditional Irish apple trees. ACRES is the national agri-environment climate measure under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027. The Scheme is jointly funded by the European Union and the National Exchequer. More information on ACRES is available on the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine website.
