TY TrailblazHER Awards
About the Programme
The TY TrailblazHER Awards celebrate Transition Year students across Ireland who are already making an impact - in their schools, their communities, and beyond. From leadership and creativity to wellbeing, entrepreneurship, and community contribution, the awards recognise the many different ways young women are showing up and making a difference.
Each year, the ceremony brings together students, teachers, and families at TU Dublin. The 2026 awards welcomed more than 300 attendees across nine award categories, with nominations from schools across the country.
The TY TrailblazHER Awards are part of the Inspire pillar of TrailblazHER™ at TU Dublin.
Award Categories
- Leader of the Year - Recognises a student who leads with purpose, inspires those around her, and takes initiative within her school or community.
- Creative of the Year - Celebrates a student who uses creativity to connect, inspire, and make an impact.
- Entrepreneur of the Year - Recognises a student who transforms an idea into action and demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking in practice.
- Wellness Ambassador of the Year - Celebrates a student who promotes wellbeing and inspires others to prioritise their physical and mental health.
- STEM Innovator of the Year - Recognises a student who applies science, technology, engineering, or maths to real challenges with creativity and purpose.
- Sportsperson of the Year - Celebrates a student who demonstrates excellence in sport while inspiring others through dedication and leadership.
- Phoenix of the Year - Recognises a student who has shown exceptional resilience, courage, and strength in the face of challenge.
- Community Hero of the Year - Celebrates a student whose contribution to her community reflects care, commitment, and meaningful action.
- TY TrailblazHER of the Year - The highest individual honour of the evening, awarded to the student whose overall impact, ambition, and achievement stands out across all categories.
2026 Winners
- Leader of the Year: Iona Wynton (Coláiste na Sceilge, Co. Kerry)
- Creative of the Year: Ciara Ní Rothláin (Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh, Co. Dublin)
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Mary Ellen Moorehouse (St. Mary’s College, Arklow, Co. Wicklow)
- Wellness Ambassador of the Year: Liela Ahmed Abdallah, Lojain Ahmed Abdallah and Amala Rooney (St. Leo’s College, Co. Carlow)
- STEM Innovator of the Year: Freya McGaley (Naas Community College, Co. Kildare)
- Sportsperson of the Year: Sarah O'Gorman (Rath Dara Community College, Co. Dublin)
- Phoenix of the Year: Peterina Grealis St. Joseph's Secondary School, Co. Mayo
- Community Hero of the Year: Emmi Brennan (Ardscoil na Mara, Co. Waterford)
- TY TrailblazHER of the Year: Liela Ahmed Abdallah, Lojain Ahmed Abdallah and Amala Roney (St. Leo’s College, Co. Carlow)
2026 Finalists
Meet the finalists who made this year's awards possible.
View the 2026 Finalists Booklet
Download the 2026 Booklet
The full record of the 2026 TY TrailblazHER Awards - winners, finalists, categories, and the stories behind them.
Download the 2026 Awards Booklet
Our Partners
The TY TrailblazHER Awards are made possible through the support of our partners.
- Founding Partner: Intel
- Patron Partner: ESB
- Supporting Partners: Jones Engineering, Fidelity Investments, PwC, Workday, Enterprise Mobility
All You Need to Know
- Target Audience Transition Year students in secondary schools across Ireland.
- Eligibility Requirements Open to all Transition Year students. Participation is coordinated through schools, with nominations or submissions made in line with the awards process and timeline.
- Upcoming Awards The 2026 TY TrailblazHER Awards have taken place. Planning is now underway for 2027.
- Interested in Taking Part? Students, teachers, and school coordinators are all welcome to register interest. Fill in the form below and we will be in touch when the 2027 awards open.
Register Interest for 2027
he 2027 TY TrailblazHER Awards are coming.
Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a school coordinator - register your interest now and we will be in touch when nominations open.