Community College Students in National Bond Trader Finals

The Castleisland Community College students with their teacher, Veronica O'Hanlon. Included are: Rachel O’Connor and Amy Galwey, Johnathan Hillard, Michael Cunningham and Niall Brosnan.
The Castleisland Community College students with their teacher, Veronica O’Hanlon. Included are: Rachel O’Connor and Amy Galwey, Johnathan Hillard, Michael Cunningham and Niall Brosnan.

On Wednesday, April 20th Castleisland Community College students and their teacher Mrs. O’Hanlon attended The Bond Trader Challenge competition. The event was organised by Bank of Ireland and held in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney from 5pm. to 8-30pm. on that evening.
The competition consisted of teaching students a number of different economic concepts such as the laws of supply and demand.
Interest Rates and Inflation
They also learned the relationship between interest rates and inflation and the importance of economic indicators when buying and selling bonds and shares through a fun interactive game.
It began with an introduction to the world of markets and trading and then how to trade with these bonds and shares based on different sample scenarios.
The students had to respond to real market scenarios and make decisions on how to manage their own bond portfolio.
Eight Different Rounds
The fifth year students involved included: Johnathan Hillard, Michael Cunningham, Niall Brosnan, Rachel O’Connor and Amy Galwey.
The competition had eight different rounds and the students won round two. They were leading at half time and by the final round were announced the winners out of a total of 14 different teams from around the county.
Mini IPad
Each student won a mini iPad, the school won a framed signed Munster jersey and also a trophy. The students now progress to the national final in Dublin on this Thursday, April 28th.
Principal, Carmel Kelly and the college management congratulated the students and Mrs. O’Hanlon on reaching the national final and they acknowledge the huge achievement it is for all of them.