Our class formed a company called WOOFF!, to produce and market How to Take Care of Your Puppy, a book of accessible, step-by-step guidelines on basic care and handling for a young dog, writes Emma Mulligan, Loreto College, Cavan

The idea came from an article we read in The Irish Times, in October last year, that highlighted cruelty to dogs. Many of us in transition year have puppies, so we were inspired to produce a booklet that would educate other puppy owners.

We were among seven schools that got through to the national final of Junior Achievement Ireland's Student Innovation Awards. All seven of us were put through our paces by the judges over two demanding days at the RDS, in Dublin. The judges commented on the dedication and professionalism of our company. They particularly praised our company report and our drama presentation, which highlighted the problem that had inspired us to form our company.

We were delighted when we were chosen as winners, and we gladly accepted the national award on behalf of the transition-year class and our school. Our company would not have succeeded without the teamwork that saw every girl in transition year work together.

Learning to work as a team was challenging at times, but we feel we have acquired a valuable life skill.

We will be proud to represent our class, our school and our country at the Junior Achievement Young Enterprise European Company Competition final, in Switzerland in August.