WATCH: Maynooth University Design Student Wins National James Dyson Award

Wednesday, 10 September 2025 11:32

By Tara Flanagan

Maynooth University Graduate Zoë O’Sullivan

Zoë O’Sullivan’s device empowers people with lymphoedema to carry out vital therapy themselves

A Maynooth University design graduate has won the Irish leg of this year’s James Dyson Award for her invention, Lymphia — a device that allows patients to carry out lymphatic drainage therapy at home.

Zoë O’Sullivan designed the handheld tool to help people with conditions such as lipedema and lymphoedema, who often rely on costly compression devices or frequent physiotherapy sessions.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is disrupted, causing swelling. It most commonly affects the arms and legs, but can also impact other parts of the body.

Lymphia uses small steel balls to precisely stimulate lymphatic vessels, enabling patients to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage independently.

O’Sullivan was inspired by a friend with lymphoedema and her own recovery from breast reduction surgery, during which she experienced fluid retention and saw the benefits of drainage therapy.

Welcoming her award O'Sullivan said "I am thrilled about winning the national Dyson award for Lymphia. It feels great to have my work acknowledged and so highly praised, and I am grateful for the awareness it will raise about lymphoedema and breast cancer.”

The €6,000 prize money will go towards funding a patent application.

Lymphia is now set to progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award.

The international top 20 shortlist will be announced on October 15th and the international winners on November 5th.

More from Local News

Kildare Among Worst Affected Counties As 54,000 Lose Power Nationwide

Met Éireann’s Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings remain in place, and ESB Networks says further outages are likely as conditions continue to change.
Majority Of Councillors Vote To Suspend Pay Parking In Naas During Christmas Period

Audio

Councillor Bill Clear said free parking will operate via a hybrid system. He said that offering free parking helps local businesses and can influence whether residents shop at their local bookstore or choose to buy books on Amazon instead.
Children's Minister Announces Reforms Of Assessment Of Need Process, Admits System Is Broken

Audio

Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall said that "without the structures in place, this will not be worth the paper it’s written on".
Council Refers Kilcock–Maynooth Shuttle Bus Suggestion To NTA For Consideration

The proposal, put forward by Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose, calls for a morning and evening service to allow commuters to connect with Maynooth rail services.
Almost 2,000 Residents In Athy Currently Affected By Power Outages

Customers in Moneycooley and Blake are also without power
Ireland Secures Extension Of Nitrates Derogation To 2028, Minister Heydon Confirms

Audio

The Nitrates Committee of the European Commission met to extend the derogation, which expires this month, until the end of 2028 with some new conditions attached.
Watch: Backlash As Government Video Advises Young Adults How To Cope If They Move Back Home

Over 80% of 25-year-olds in Kildare are still living in their family home.
Dozens Of Dumping Fines And Repeat Offenders Caught In Athy CCTV Pilot At Recycling Bank

The council says there have also been a number of repeat offenders, while 15 incidents could not be pursued because those responsible could not be identified.