A group of five civil-engineering students from NUI Galway have raised €1,000 for local mental health awareness charities Jigsaw Galway and Pieta House West. The students hosted an Engineers Ireland West Region table quiz in the Westwood Hotel recently. Engineers, and those training to become engineers, battled it out for a great selection of prizes kindly sponsored by Engineers Ireland, OCC Construction, APS Consulting and the Westwood Hotel.

"We're so delighted to have been selected as one of the charities to benefit from this fantastic fundraiser. All the funds and support we have received is vital, as it enables us continue to provide our free, confidential and non-judgemental service supporting the mental health and well-being of young people [aged 15-25] in Galway city and county," said Justin McDermott, fundraising manager, Jigsaw.

The quiz is an annual event and this year, the engineering students beat the professionals to claim first prize. Dr Jamie Goggins, chair of Engineers Ireland West Region and a senior lecturer in NUI Galway, commented: “It’s great to see enthusiastic engineering students such as John, the two Conors, Huseyin and Michael take initiatives like this to give back to the community. "They are, after all, learning in college how to turn science and technology into things that are tangible and useful to society. This knowledge, together with the work ethic and ethos of these students, will no doubt lead to many positive contributions to society over many years to come during their careers.” The organisers of the event were: • John O’Connell – Killererin, Tuam, Co.Galway • Conor O’Meara – Birr, Co. Offally • Michael McElrone – Pettigo, Co. Fermanagh • Conor Croxford – Clifden Co.Galway • Huseyin Guntas – Turkey