A Portlaoise student has beaten off competition from all over Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales to be crowned the 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist UK and Irish Champion.
Andrew Coyne, 16, from Portlaoise has now won a trip to Disneyland California in July to represent Ireland in the MOS World Championships.
Andrew, Samuel Duffy (who finished second overall) and Jack Donoghue represented Portlaoise CBS and indeed Ireland at the MOS regional championships.
Andrew and Jack won the MOS All-Ireland Championships in May, with Andrew winning in PowerPoint and Jack winning in Excel.
St Mary’s CBS had three qualifiers for the UK and Irish finals, which is a first for any school or university across the UK and Ireland.
“This is an incredible achievement by Andrew and one for both Andrew and the school to be very proud of,” Portlaoise CBS said.
“We wish him all the best in the finals next month.”
Prodigy Learning, who sponsored the event paid tribute to Andrew, as well as Cavan student, David Weir, who claimed the Adobe Championship.
“Huge congratulations to both champions and to all the top MOS and ACP finalists who competed in the UK and Ireland Championship Finals this week,” a Prodigy Learning representative said.
“The competition was stronger than ever this year, it really was the best of the best competing.
“These elite students would not be participating in the UK and Ireland Championship finals without the effort and support of teachers, lecturers and family members.
“Thank you all so much for the hardwork and dedication to delivering valuable digital skills and giving students the best opportunities.
“Congratulations to both Andrew and David on their fantastic achievements.”
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