The 2025 National VEX Robotics Finals, held at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, was a spectacular event that brought together some of the brightest young minds in robotics from across Ireland. Organised by Dell Technologies, MTU Cork, and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), the event took place on February 26th and 27th, 2025. 

Highlights of the Event 

The competition featured the VEX IQ Robotics Competition's "Rapid Relay" season, where teams from middle and elementary schools showcased their innovative robotic designs and programming skills. The event was a culmination of months of hard work, with qualification events held across the country leading up to the national finals. 

Winners and Achievements 

One of the standout moments was the victory of a small Donegal Gaeltacht school, Scoil Taobhóige, Cloghan, which was crowned the Robotics All-Ireland Champions. This achievement highlights the incredible talent and dedication of students from even the most remote parts of Ireland. 

An all-female team also won at the national VEX robotics competition say they hope to inspire younger girls to get involved in STEM. The girls, from Sacred Heart secondary school in Tullamore, Co Offaly, are among a number of teams who will represent Ireland at the world championships in the United States in May. They are the first all-female team to represent Ireland at the competition.  

The Impact of Robotics Competitions 

Events like the National VEX Robotics Finals play a crucial role in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among young students. They provide a platform for students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The competition also encourages students to pursue careers in technology and engineering, which are vital for the future growth and innovation of our society. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate the achievements of all the participants, we look forward to seeing how these young innovators will continue to push the boundaries of technology and robotics. The National VEX Robotics Finals not only showcase the talent present in our schools but also inspire future generations to engage with STEM fields. 

Congratulations to all the teams who participated, and best of luck to all winners as they prepare to represent Ireland on the world stage!