News
DCU student from Lissivigeen helps develop Ireland’s first solar-powered racing car
The unveiling event took place at the Stokes Building on DCU’s Glasnevin campus, where supporters, alumni, and staff from the university’s five faculties gathered to celebrate the team’s success.
DCU Solar Racing has proudly unveiled Ireland’s first-ever solar-powered racing car, designed and built by an interdisciplinary team of students from Dublin City University (DCU). Among them is Killarney student Rian Gill, the son of Joan and Pat, who played a pivotal role as a systems engineer and head of manufacturing for the project.
Rian's responsibilities included overseeing the development of the car and coordinating project tasks to ensure the 30-member student team worked efficiently.
Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser this week, the third-year engineering student shared: “As the head of manufacturing, I acted like an operations manager. My job was to lead the manufacturing team and ensure we operated as efficiently as possible. It has been an incredible experience so far. The team consists entirely of students, so to have developed a full-scale prototype that is now ready for production is a huge achievement for everyone involved.”
This accomplishment represents a significant milestone in the team's preparations for the prestigious Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2025. The solar-powered car will face the ultimate test in a 3,000-kilometre race across the Australian outback.
The unveiling event took place at the Stokes Building on DCU’s Glasnevin campus, where supporters, alumni, and staff from the university’s five faculties gathered to celebrate the team’s success. Attendees heard from the students involved in the design and construction of the solar car, as well as from the team members who will drive it in the grueling race from Darwin to Adelaide.
“The next step is to fully manufacture the car by April, so we can ship it to Australia in August, in time for the event,” Rian explained. “The race itself will pose its own challenges, especially with the intense heat. There won’t be any air-conditioning, as it would add too much weight, so nine of us from the project will take turns driving the car over the distance. I’m hoping to be one of them. The car’s interior could reach temperatures of up to 47 degrees Celsius, so it will be tough, but I’m sure it will be an amazing experience.” The former St. Brendan’s College student added.
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is one of the world’s most demanding innovation and engineering competitions, focusing on green technology, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility. It serves as a platform for some of the brightest young minds globally to tackle the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions. The race features three distinct classes, each representing different design philosophies and the diversity of energy-efficient vehicles in today’s market.
The students have already raised over €125,000 to support the development of the car and they are very much open to talking to other businesses who might be interested in supporting the project. For more information you can email info@solarracing.ie
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
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