This is the first time in four years that Thomas Gernon has not been busy preparing for the Esat Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
Mr Gernon, who attended Colaiste Ris in Dundalk, won the competition last year for his project entitled, "The Geography and Mathematics of Europe's Urban Centres". "It was a hectic time after I had won," he says. "I had to do press interviews, and hundreds of cards congratulating me came in." Shortly after the competition he met the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
The UCD student says he will miss not being at the RDS tomorrow when this year's exhibition begins. "Every year it was built into my schedule," he says, "especially around Christmas time."
He won six prizes at the competition before winning last year's overall prize, and says none came easily. "It takes perseverance and patience," he says.
The highlights of the past year, he says, include being treated to a civic reception in Dundalk, where he was presented with an old manuscript showing a map of the town. He also enjoyed representing the Republic at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, held in Amsterdam, at which he won the Alumni Award for Excellence.
But Mr Gernon says his years at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition will be missed most because of the opportunity it brought to meet people.
"I met a lot of people and have kept in contact with many. Even when I was in Amsterdam there were a lot of people from all over Europe and we've kept in touch."
Mr Gernon says he would advise students to enter the competition because he learned many important skills by getting involved. "You pick up an awful lot of lifelong skills, such as research techniques and presentation skills."
He says he owes a lot to his geography teacher, Mr Sydney Peck, who encouraged him to get involved. "It's all about encouragement," he says. "If it wasn't for Mr Peck I wouldn't have got involved and I'm very glad now I did."
Although just beginning a science degree at UCD, Mr Gernon hopes to go on to do a masters degree in geology and may, perhaps, study for a doctorate. His career path may eventually lead him towards lecturing or else the search for petroleum oil, he believes.
The Esat Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is open to the public at the RDS, Dublin, from Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance charge for adults is £5; for old age pensioners and students £2.50; and for families, including two adults and two children, £10.