Athboy students combine modern engineering with the ancient ways

Athboy Community School first year engineering students recently had an engaging and interactive school trip that combined modern engineering with ancient craftsmanship.

The trip started out at local firm, Turmec Engineering, an industry leader in engineering waste management solutions. The students were welcomed by Turmec staff Sam Black and Debbie McMahon, former students of the school.

Debbie gave an engaging presentation about her career journey, the company's work, and the importance of engineering in today’s world. Following the presentation, the group was taken on a guided tour of the complex, where they saw firsthand how innovative machinery is designed and manufactured.

Afterwards, the group continued on to meet the award-winning blacksmith known as An Gobha. Transporting them back in time to the Iron Age, as they experienced the traditional art of metal forging. An Gobha, Tom King, also known as the Blacksmith of the Boyne Valley, demonstrated age-old techniques used to craft intricate ironworks. The students watched him skilfully shape molten metal with precision and they even had the opportunity to try their hand at some basic forging techniques.

The day was an incredible blend of past and present, highlighting the evolution of metalwork from the Iron Age to modern industry.