03 Mar 2006

Mexico beckons for Computer Whiz Kid

The Department of Computer Science at University College Cork (UCC) initiated a programme, the Munster Programming Training (MPT) in 2004 in order to engage secondary school students in working with IT. Given the lack of IT training provided by schools, the Computer Science staff are attempting to offer a significant introduction into the field, to educate students about what really happens in IT-related work, and to attract good talent into the field.

17 secondary school students from all over Ireland were selected to participate in the All Ireland School Computer Programming Competition which took place in DCU early this year. During a 5 hour final the students had to solve difficult problems about prime numbers, Fibonacci sequences and advanced algorithmic. "We are very proud to mention that 7 finalists from the MPT classes won 4 won medals in both senior and junior sections" said Dr Sabin Tabirca, Department of Computer Science, UCC.

Barry Hurley of Gaelcholáiste Choilm, Ballincollig who won the Gold medal in the senior section will represent Ireland in the International Olympiad in Informatics to be held in Mérida, Yucatán, México in August 2006. Patrick Dunne of Gaelcholáiste Mhuire A.G., An Mhainistir Thuaidh was awarded the Bronze medal.  Patrick will be a reserve for the Irish panel. In the junior section Kate O'Mahony of St. Alloysius, Cork and John Tabirca of St Peter Community School, Passage West won the Silver and Bronze medals respectively. Professor Gregory Provan, Head of Computer Science at UCC said the excellent result of these Cork students reflected the calibre of the Computer Science lecturers at UCC who include Dr Joseph Manning, Dr Kieran Herley, Dr Marc van Dongen and Dr Sabin Tabirca.  He acknowledged their contribution to the success of the MPT Programme. Professor Pat Fitzpatrick, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science congratulated the students and acknowledged the dedicated time and effort of the students to meet the challenges of this prestigeous MPT competition.

At a reception hosted by the Department of Computer Science at UCC for these four students and their school principals, Professor Gregory Provan congratulated the students on their performance and presented prizes. He highlighted the fact that the students' performance is even more important considering that they do not study Computer Science in school. Professor Provan outlined the development plans of the Department of Computer Science and hoped that one day they will study Computer Science in UCC.   

Dr Tabirca, the MPT coordinator, informed students of the June 2006 special week's training in formal lectures and practical tutorials to prepare the Irish panel for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). The IOI is scheduled for August 2006. Barry Hurley is the only student from Cork's schools to participate in this event.  Dr Tabirca wished Barry every success.

194MMcS


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