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TU Dublin’s TrailblazHERâ„¢ programme has celebrated the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers with the announcement of the 2026 TY TrailblazHER Award winners. The awards recognise outstanding Transition Year students from across Ireland who are already making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
The awards ceremony, hosted by RTE 2FM-s Aisling Bonner at the TU Dublin Concert Hall, highlighted students demonstrating excellence in leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, wellbeing, STEM innovation, sport, and community engagement.
2026 Award Winners
Leader of the Year Iona Wynton Coláiste na Sceilge, Co. Kerry Creative of the Year Ciara Ní Rothláin Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh, Co. Dublin Entrepreneur of the Year Mary Ellen Moorehouse St. Mary’s College, Arklow, Co. Wicklow Wellness Ambassador of the Year Liela Ahmed Abdallah, Lojain Ahmed Abdallah, Amala Roney St. Leo-s College, Co. Carlow STEM Innovator of the Year Freya McGaley Naas Community College, Co. Kildare Sportsperson of the Year Sarah O’Gorman Rath Dara Community College, Co. Dublin Phoenix of the Year Peterina Grealis St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Co. Mayo Community Hero of the Year Emmi Brennan Ardscoil na Mara, Co. Waterford TY TrailblazHER of the Year Liela Ahmed Abdallah, Lojain Ahmed Abdallah, Amala Roney St. Leo-s College, Co. Carlow
The ceremony at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus brought together students, teachers, and families to celebrate a generation already creating positive change.
-These awards recognise not just achievement, but potential. The TY TrailblazHERâ„¢ 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. I wanted to highlight the incredible talent within our Transition Year, while allowing them to be role models for younger students,- said Patricia Harrington, teacher at Saint Patrick’s Grammar School, Dublin.
Spotlight on the Winners
Leader of the Year - Iona Wynton (Coláiste na Sceilge, Co. Kerry) Iona has demonstrated exceptional leadership across sport, school life, and her community. From captaining her junior football team to designing the -Bridge the Gapinitiative for young players and parents, she leads with confidence and resilience, also volunteering weekly with Skellig Stars and coordinating school events.
Creative of the Year - Ciara Ní Rothláin (Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh, Co. Dublin) Ciara’s creativity enhances school culture through her artwork for the school musical, yearbook, and principal’s portrait. She gained experience at the Irish Museum of Modern Art and participated in national art competitions, demonstrating initiative beyond the classroom.
Entrepreneur of the Year - Mary Ellen Moorehouse (St. Mary’s College, Arklow, Co. Wicklow) Mary Ellen founded Bee Happy Crafts, a successful mini-company selling handmade crochet products. A proud member of the Travelling Community, she challenges stereotypes while inspiring others through resilience, leadership, and inclusion.
Wellness Ambassador & TY TrailblazHER of the Year - Liela Ahmed Abdallah, Lojain Ahmed Abdallah, Amala Roney (St. Leo-s College, Co. Carlow) This team led -Don-t Let It Get Under Your Skin,- a wellbeing initiative fostering mental and physical health awareness through workshops, campaigns, and peer support. Their project created safe spaces for open conversation and strengthened their school community.
STEM Innovator of the Year - Freya McGaley (Naas Community College, Co. Kildare)
Freya developed an accessibility-focused app for visually impaired users, combining data science skills gained through the Girls in Analytics programme with a personal drive to solve real-world challenges.
Sportsperson of the Year - Sarah O-Gorman (Rath Dara Community College, Co. Dublin)
A national kickboxing champion, Sarah also coaches young children in the -Little Kickersprogramme, exemplifying leadership and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Phoenix of the Year - Peterina Grealis (St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Co. Mayo)
Peterina’s resilience shines through as she balances family responsibilities and school commitments while pursuing her passion for music and climate advocacy.
Community Hero of the Year - Emmi Brennan (Ardscoil na Mara, Co. Waterford)
Emmi’s environmental leadership led to the planting of 474 native Irish trees and the delivery of 56 sustainability workshops, proving that quiet determination can create meaningful change.
About TrailblazHERâ„¢
TrailblazHERâ„¢ is a TU Dublin-led community dedicated to advancing gender equality through school programmes, development initiatives, and enterprise engagement. The TY TrailblazHER Awards are a key part of this mission, celebrating young changemakers and inspiring them to reach for future opportunities. TrailblazHERâ„¢ is proudly supported by leading organisations including Intel, ESB, Fidelity Investments, Jones Engineering, Workday, PwC, and Enterprise Mobility.