As the school year draws to a close we are excited to join with PEM-Penn Engineering to launch a new Galway-based initiative that challenges local students to trade their devices for discovery. Launching on May 18th, the “Be Inspired This Summer” competition invites primary schools across the county of Galway to showcase their creativity, empathy, and community spirit for a chance to win a high-energy, “phone- free” day of celebration.
PEM-Penn Engineering Galway Support
Supported by PEM-Penn Engineering Galway , the competition aims to reconnect students with their local environment, folklore, and physical well-being. The initiative encourages a return to “old school” fun, emphasising STEM learning and active play over social media engagement.
Showcase Your Spirit
Primary school classes across the city and county of Galway are invited to submit their most inspiring moments this school year to our “Be Inspired This Summer” page. The entry criteria are intentionally broad to celebrate all forms of talent, including:
– Creative Arts: Short stories, school anthems, or collaborative artwork.
– Civic Action: Horticulture projects, empathy initiatives, or community service.
– Physical Excellence: Sporting achievements, trips, class events.
– STEM & Design: Engineering puzzles and innovative problem-solving.
All you have to do is share your “Inspiring School Moments” on www.inspiringyou.ie
Students are also encouraged to enter the “Old School” short story competition, a special category supported by renowned Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney.
A Prize to Inspire
The winning class will be treated to a curated “Be Inspired” festival day in their school on Thursday June 11th. This 3–4-hour celebration features an eclectic mix of Ireland’s finest mentors and creators, designed to spark imagination before the summer holidays. The inspiring guests includes:
Mary Ann Fleming: Director of Penn Engineering Europe: Mary Ann would be delighted to talk you class about her career and exciting
opportunities for future engineers
Kamil Krolak of KamilFilms: Award winning filmmaker and photographer will capture the magic of the day and will take class or team photos for your school.
Lorcan Mitchell of Mitchell Music: Master Drumming Instructor (Team Building), will get you all singing and standing and will be teaching some Irish songs also.
Marie Greaney of Abbeyknockmoy Set Dancers: Marie will get your class moving and dancing to the “Siege of Ennis” and more! creative nature connector and facilitator.
A Vision for a Greener, Brighter Summer
Philip Cribbin, a secondary school teacher and founder of “Inspiring You”, wants children to engage in more real life activities and to use screens and social media less. The competition is a fun way for children to see that the most exciting ‘content’ isn’t on a screen—it’s in the world around them, in
nature, sport, music and stories.
A festival of inspiration and fun in your classroom!
With the support of PEM Penn Engineering and our media partner KamilFilms, we’re bringing a whirlwind of dance, song, and inspirational insights to Galway’s schools to prove that a phone-free
summer is the ultimate adventure.”
How to Enter
This competition is free to enter and officially launches on the 18th May 2026 and closes on Friday June the 5th. Classes can submit their entries here.
Classes can submit links from your school website, social media or upload a short review of their school year through poetry, photography, song, articles and even art works!
The most inspiring entry will be selected and the winning class will receive a visit from the “Be Inspired this Summer” team for a day of sport, fun, music, connection with nature, STEM insights, Gaeilge and some ice cream for your class!
The winning class will be announced on Monday June the 8th with the school visit taking place on June 11th.
Together we can make the world a better place one fun action at a time!
About Inspiring You:
Based in Galway, our platform works to engage empathy, songs, sports, stories STEM learning, and connection with place through folklore and device-free play.
About Penn Engineering
PEM Galway, part of the globally recognized PennEngineering family, proudly supports Be Inspired by PennEngineering by showcasing the innovation, precision, and engineering excellence that have defined the company since 1942. Through industry-leading brands including PEM®, PROFIL®, Sherex®, PennAuto®, Haeger®, and Heyco®, PennEngineering continues to deliver advanced fastening and installation solutions that help customers worldwide overcome manufacturing challenges and drive future-focused innovation.
More information
Contact philip@inspiringyou.ie for media enquiries or further information. You can also follow us on social media @inspiringyouirl.
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