NEWS
Cookstown-based Rea Sound AV is the first Northern Ireland company to be shortlisted in two categories of the prestigious UK AV Awards 2025, set to take place in London on November 7. Facing competition from projects across Europe, the US and Asia, the local business has been shortlisted for Themed Entertainment and Attractions Project of the Year with a system delivered for McConnell’s Distillery Belfast. It is also in the running for Public Sector Project of the Year for its work with Mid Ulster District Council Chamber and meeting rooms. The UK AV Awards celebrate excellence across design, integration and customer experience for global projects throughout the public and private sectors. Rea Sound AV’s work with Mid Ulster District Council has redefined how council meetings are conducted. By creating a streamlined and user- friendly system, the company has made complex processes such as hybrid meetings, voting and live streaming simpler, faster and more efficient. A partnership with McConnell’s Distillery in Belfast saw Rea Sound AV deliver a world-class visitor experience that blends history, storytelling and CO TYRONE FIRM SECURES DOUBLE SHORTLISTING AT UK AV AWARDS
L-R: John Jordan, Engineers Ireland, winner James Swift and Joe Walsh, Siemens Ireland.
PROJECT HARNESSING SURPLUS ELECTRICITY WINS STUDENT ENGINEER AWARD
A hydrogen-powered energy storage system designed to harness surplus renewable electricity and convert it into clean, reusable power has been awarded the Siemens Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Award 2025 by Engineers Ireland. Atlantic Technological University Galway graduate James Swift’s prototype system triumphed in the competition. Held on October 22, it showcases projects by third- level engineering students that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and commercial potential. Five finalist teams were invited to present their projects, which ranged from biomedical devices to energy innovations, to
a panel of judges at the competition final in Engineers Ireland. Joe Walsh, Director and General Manager of Siemens Ireland, said, “Encouraging young people into STEM fields and helping them develop the skills for a digital future is vital for Ireland’s continued success. “Digital technology is transforming every aspect of engineering, and it is inspiring to see students embracing innovation and creativity in their projects. Every year, I am struck by the creativity and determination shown by the students who take part in the awards.” www.engineersireland.ie
The Dowds team.
brand engagement. www.reasound.com
Six team members from Co Antrim contractor Dowds ran in the Dublin Marathon on October 26 to raise funds for Concern Worldwide. Davy Gordon, George Mimnagh, James Dowd, Cathal McGarry, Karl McFalone and Damian McCamphill took on the challenge in support of the charity dedicated to tackling extreme poverty and supporting vulnerable communities around the world. Every donation helps provide life-saving aid, access to education and long-term development in some of the world’s poorest regions. Established in 1978 by John Francis Dowds and Hector Dowds, Dowds Group opened new headquarters in Ballymena in 2024 following a £3m investment in the site. It has more than 210 employees and operates an office at King’s Cross in London. Supplying building services, construction, facilities management and energy solutions, its diverse portfolio of multi-million-pound projects includes Ulster University Belfast, Nightingale Hospital in Whiteabbey and Southlakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon. Recent years have also seen the firm picking up prestigious contracts in GB, including the Royal College of Music in London, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Coventry University. www.dowdsgroup.com DOWDS TEAM RUNS DUBLIN MARATHON FOR CONCERN WORLDWIDE
Rea Sound AV has delivered a world-class visitor experience at McConnell’s Distillery in Belfast.
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 11
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