VEX Robotics
The Coláiste Choilm VEX Robotics teams, CC1 {Rurai Dunne (Driver), Ahmed Mukkasabi (Captain), Martin Conroy, Lawrence Lynam, Daniel Mooney, Maksymilian Zeniuk, and Paul Butler} and CC2 {Liam Sheehy (Driver), Darrin Dinson (Captain), Robert Burns, Roy Chen, Kevin McDonald, and Eoin Brophill}, embarked on an intense day of competition, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and determination. The teams were also supported by two experienced 5th-year students, Joshin Joy and Ian Norris, who brought valuable expertise from competing in last year’s All-Ireland VEX Robotics Competition, as well as Albert Jolly, a 2nd-year student who showed great promise as a rising talent and a future key member in Coláiste Choilm VEX Robotics. All under the guidance of the Coláiste Choilm Technology Department, Mr Molloy and Mr Guinan
The day began with both teams facing significant challenges. CC1 struggled to position the rings on their branches, while CC2 encountered persistent issues with their crane arm, which failed to place the rings correctly during the autonomous period. Despite these setbacks, both teams showcased remarkable resilience, implementing temporary fixes that allowed them to get their robots operational just in time for the competition.
As the day progressed, however, both teams continued to grapple with recurring problems. CC2’s crane arm chain snapped multiple times, causing frustration, while CC1’s pneumatic clamp frequently misaligned the rolling goal, impacting their performance. Despite these obstacles, both teams managed to maintain competitive placements, demonstrating their ability to adapt under pressure.
At the same time, another competition was underway – the Robot Skills Challenge. In this event, each team had the chance to compete individually, racing against the clock to score as many points as possible. After fully repairing their robot, CC1 excelled, climbing to the top of the skills table and securing 1st place. This outstanding performance marked a significant step forward in their journey toward qualification.
Both teams advanced to the knockout stage, joining forces to form what seemed to be a dream team. However, the reality was far from ideal. In the quarter-finals, CC2 faced another setback when their chain snapped once again. Undeterred, both teams quickly adapted, devising a strategy to use the arena to their advantage. They skillfully combined their strengths, pushing a rolling goal stacked with rings into the double zone, a clever maneuver that secured a hard-fought and narrow victory.
Unfortunately, in the semi-finals, luck was not on their side. The two teams, having collaborated closely, lost by a mere single ring, resulting in their elimination from the competition. However, the day was far from over and took a turn for the better.
CC1 emerged victorious, earning the prestigious Excellence Award for best overall performance. This award represents the highest honor in the competition and is given to the team that demonstrates excellence across multiple areas. The criteria include outstanding performance in the main VEX Competition and Robot Skills Challenge, exceptional design and engineering of their robot, and the quality of their engineering portfolio. Additionally, their ability to communicate effectively and showcase their teamwork and problem-solving skills during the team interview played a crucial role in securing the award. CC1’s hard work, innovation, and dedication were recognized as they truly embodied what it means to excel in every aspect of the competition.
This outstanding performance not only highlighted their hard work and dedication but also paved the way for CC1, who will now ascend to Cork to compete in the prestigious All-Ireland VEX V5 High Stakes Competition.
