Bravo! Group from Kilkenny school celebrated for 'money muling' project at AIB Student Impact Awards 2026
Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale was recognised for their Financial Senior Small Group project ‘Say No to Money Muling’
A Kilkenny school has been spotlighted in the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards – for the second year in a row – this time, for a project looking at financial exploitation and warning of the dangers of money mules.
In the hotly-contested awards, Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale was recognised for their Financial Senior Small Group project ‘Say No to Money Muling’. The Transition Year initiative targeted financial exploitation and involved developing a sustainable prevention campaign to protect young people from criminal recruitment and long-term financial ruin. The initiative achieved a significant impact, reaching 200 students directly with a potential reach of over 5,000 via shared resources.
AIB last week announced the winners of the nationwide AIB Student Impact Awards 2026, in association with AMLÉ, and the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards. Both prestigious ceremonies were held on the same day at Croke Park, with separate events dedicated to post-primary and third-level.
Speaking about their win, business teacher at Roisín Fitzpatrick Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale said: “We’re super, super proud and really happy for our students. It’s a fantastic achievement for such a small school.
"Last year we had great success with the ‘Smart Money Smart Teens’ book, and with this year’s ‘Say No To Money Muling’ which was such a huge issue.”
Business teacher Orla Meade added: “It is a fantastic achievement, and absolute credit to them - it’s the same group again, so to do it two years in a row is amazing.”
This important award programme powerfully demonstrates AIB’s long-term commitment to empowering young people with real-world experience and practical skills in leadership, problem-solving, and financial literacy.
It champions projects in important areas such as social impact, sustainability & environment, and financial wellbeing, recognising activities that contribute to the betterment of communities, from promoting welfare and protecting biodiversity, to supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing financial understanding among young people.
Speaking about the awards, Elaine Purcell, CMO, AIB, said: “It was a great honour to celebrate Ireland’s brightest young changemakers in the surroundings of Croke Park today. The Future Sparks School Impact Awards is a vital platform that underscores AIB's commitment to empowering young people with the real-world skills they need to thrive.
"We believe creativity is essential to imagining a better way and building it, allowing this next generation to see opportunity where others see challenge. The innovative solutions and dedication on display today fill us with hope for a more sustainable future for Ireland. We are incredibly proud of every student and school making such a positive and tangible impact.”
The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards 2026 marks a significant milestone, demonstrating how young people across all stages of education are making a tangible difference in Ireland today.