Two young technology fans also planning Toy Show debut

Joining a trio from Midland Drama Schools on Friday night's Late Late Toy Show will be two enthusiastic young men from Birr's newly formed Coder Dojo. Eleven year old Derry McDermott and six year old Luke Lally are regular participants in the local computer programming club for young people, and they're both set to meet Toy Show host Ryan Tubridy to explain a few things to him on Friday night. Speaking this week Derry said he's been having great fun practicing with the toys he will review on the show. He's particularly pleased with the kind of toy he's been given to review too. "It is really brilliant that I've the opportunity to demonstrate some toys in the technology segment," he explained. Meanwhile Luke is keeping the identity of his toys under wraps until his television debut. Birr Coder Dojo mentor Bill Larkin said a huge emphasis in the Birr club has been placed on science, engineering and technology. "Young people attending Coder Dojo Birr have been involved in rocket launches, lego robotics - first lego league, and now the Late Late Toy Show," he said. "All of us in Coder Dojo Birr are honoured that two of our young participants were selected for the technology segment within the Toy Show. It is recognition and testament to work done by each of the volunteer mentors teaching young people every week. "We are honoured that the RTE Late Late Toy Show selected some of our young people to participate in this year's Toy Show," he continued. "It is truly remarkable that within ten weeks of starting Coder Dojo in Birr, we have grown from start-up to the Late Late! On behalf of all the mentors in Coder Dojo, we wish Luke and Derry the very best of luck."