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TWO Cookstown High School pupils who developed an innovative app focused on enhancing and personalising the experiences of tourists have been honoured at this year’s Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
Luke Johnston and Daniel Brownlee, who developed the TrailTalk App, which aims to help tourists find experiences that genuinely match their interests, offering personalised results using AI, were awarded the Aer Lingus Future Innovations Award.
They were selected from more than 1,500 entries across Ireland for the award, which was presented by Chief Digital and Transformation Officer at Aer Lingus, Dave O’Donovan.
The app, developed over a 16-month period, impressed judges with its creative, practical and forward-thinking design.
Speaking with the Tyrone Herald, their principal Gwyneth Evans described the pupils’ achievement as a ‘moment of immense pride’ for the entire school community.
“To see both Luke and Daniel receive the Aer Lingus Future Innovations Award Award at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, the largest and most competitive STEM event for young people in Ireland, is simply exceptional,” said Ms Evans.
“Standing out among more than 1,500 projects nationally speaks volumes about their talent, creativity, and determination.
“TrailTalk showcases innovation at its very best: pupil-led, ambitious, and rooted in real-world impact.
“Over the past 16 months, these pupils have shown remarkable confidence, resilience, and maturity, engaging with industry and communicating their ideas with clarity and conviction.
“This recognition from Aer Lingus is richly deserved, and we have no doubt this is just the beginning of an exciting journey for them.”
Following Luke and Daniel’s success at the Exhibition in Dublin, Cookstown High School thanked those who supported their journey, including Cookstown Enterprise Centre, Nigel Eccles, and the Royal Hotel Cookstown for their mentoring and financial support.
