Local man makes 500 face shields for health workers

Ciaran Irvine, of Educate 3D Printing, can usually be found teaching children how to use the cutting edge technology at numerous schools around the city with his business partner Keith Henderson.

The Galliagh man has two siblings working on the frontline during the Coronavirus pandemic and Ciaran decided to put his skills to use making protective equipment when he became aware of a shortage in supply.

“My brother is a virologist in Cambridge and my sister is a nurse in Altnagelvin. I initially thought of printing a face mask, but that wasn’t working too well. After chatting to my brother and sister I began making face shields.

“I was able to collaborate with them to find the best design and got my sister to test them for comfort.”

Since then Ciaran and Keith have made almost 500 face shields which have been donated free of charge to up to 15 different facilities. These include local care homes, the Foyle Hospice, Altnagelvin and Causeway Hospitals and care homes in Donegal.

“I even have the kids helping out,” Ciaran said. “We have a little production line set up to make as many as we can.”

Ciaran has also reached out to others with 3D printers to get them involved in the process and hopes that by next week they can produce up to 150 each day.

He said he has received numerous offers of financial assistance, describing the generous offers as ‘unbelievable’ and revealed Globaltec NI donated 1,000 plastic sheets to enable the manufacture of the visors.