WATCH: Rosenallis NS thank Laois locals for their assistance in travel to world championships
This touching story gained national attention, with the students set to represent Ireland next week
Rosenallis NS students made history as the first Leinster school to be crowned All Ireland champions in the VEX national robotics competition on February 26.
Having been crowned Irish champions, the eleven students aged from nine to twelve were then tasked with sourcing over €118,000 to pay for their travel to the world championships.
Laois locals rallied around these children, with businesses and individuals raising a whopping €124,000 within a matter of days.
The school's robotics team can now go on to represent Ireland with pride at the VEX Robotics World Championships in St Louis, Missouri this next week.
Students Ciara Dunphy, Luke Somers, Ollie McEvoy, Katie Murphy, Grace Murphy, Hannah Ormonde, David Goodwin, David Moyles, Aisling Guinan, Bobbee Friel and Lauren Kenny will all fly out with one parent each, along with principal Rory Walsh, teacher Aaron Mackessy and Laois County Council STEM Officer Seanie Morris.
The students are incredibly grateful to all who have sponsored their trip, and wished to thank those who assisted them in this journey.
They were also thoroughly impressed with their Rosenallis Robotics Team jerseys, which they proudly donned on our visit to the school.
The school community have been overwhelmed and deeply moved by the generous donations from individuals across Laois, from funds within voluntary committees to young children donating pocket money.
Watch our video above of the Rosenallis students gearing up this week for their amazing trip to St Louis, Missouri.
The Leinster Express / Laois Live will bring you updates on our Rosenallis champions as they come!