The next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers has been celebrated at the 2026 TY TrailblazHER Awards, hosted by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). This prestigious event, held at the TU Dublin Concert Hall, recognized outstanding Transition Year students from across Ireland who are already making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
Recognizing Excellence Across Multiple Categories
The awards ceremony highlighted students demonstrating excellence in leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, wellbeing, STEM innovation, sport, and community engagement. These young women are not just achieving academically but are actively shaping their environments and inspiring others.
Among the notable winners was Liela Ahmed Abdallah, Lojain Ahmed Abdallah, and Amala Roney from St. Leo’s College, Co. Carlow, who received both the Wellness Ambassador of the Year and TY TrailblazHER of the Year awards. Their initiative, “Don’t Let It Get Under Your Skin,” fostered mental and physical health awareness through workshops, campaigns, and peer support, creating safe spaces for open conversation within their school community.
Spotlight on Individual Achievements
Each winner’s story reflects unique contributions to their communities. Iona Wynton from Coláiste na Sceilge, Co. Kerry, demonstrated exceptional leadership across sport and school life, designing the “Bridge the Gap” initiative for young players and parents while volunteering with Skellig Stars. Ciara Ní Rothláin from Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh, Co. Dublin, enhanced school culture through her artwork for the school musical, yearbook, and principal’s portrait, gaining experience at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Mary Ellen Moorehouse from St. Mary’s College, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, founded Bee Happy Crafts, a successful mini-company selling handmade crochet products. As a proud member of the Travelling Community, she challenges stereotypes while inspiring others through resilience, leadership, and inclusion. Freya McGaley from Naas Community College, Co. Kildare, developed an accessibility-focused app for visually impaired users, combining data science skills with a personal drive to solve real-world challenges.
The Impact of TrailblazHER™
The TY TrailblazHER Awards are part of TU Dublin’s broader TrailblazHER™ programme, a community dedicated to advancing gender equality through school programmes, development initiatives, and enterprise engagement. This initiative celebrates young changemakers and inspires them to reach for future opportunities.
“These awards recognise not just achievement, but potential,” said Patricia Harrington, teacher at Saint Patrick’s Grammar School, Dublin. “The TY TrailblazHER™ Awards are about empowering young women to see themselves as the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. These awards showcase the actions of our teenagers and how their actions today impact their tomorrow.”
Supporting the Next Generation
TrailblazHER™ is proudly supported by leading organisations including Intel, ESB, Fidelity Investments, Jones Engineering, Workday, PwC, and Enterprise Mobility. This collaboration between education and industry demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent and creating pathways for young women to succeed in various fields.
The ceremony at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus brought together students, teachers, and families to celebrate a generation already creating positive change. These young women are proving that age is no barrier to making a difference, whether through environmental leadership, athletic achievement, technological innovation, or community service.
Looking Forward
As these TY TrailblazHER Award winners continue their educational journeys, they carry with them not just recognition but also the confidence and networks to pursue their ambitions. The programme creates a pipeline of talent that benefits not only the individuals involved but also their communities and the broader Irish society.
For those inspired by these stories, TU Dublin offers numerous pathways for further study and development. Whether your interests lie in STEM, business, arts, or social innovation, there are opportunities to build on the foundation these young leaders have established.
The 2026 TY TrailblazHER Awards remind us that leadership takes many forms and that supporting young women in their ambitions creates ripple effects throughout society. These award winners are not just preparing for their futures; they are actively shaping the present, proving that the next generation of leaders is already among us, ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges with creativity, resilience, and vision.
