Irish maths genius reveals secret code

At 19, Sarah Flannery is a mathematical genius.

The Irish teenager discovered a super-quick e-mail encryption method - 10 times faster than the current code used for e-mails created more than 20 years ago.

Next month, readers of the Herald will get the chance to hear her speak about her astonishing discovery and what it is like to be thrust into the forefront of science while still at school.

She will be in New Zealand for the New Zealand Herald Dymocks Literary Luncheon and will be speaking about her book In Code: A Mathematical Journey.

After her discovery she was flooded with job offers from computer firms and represented Ireland at the European Union Science Contest. It was there that the world heard about her theories on cryptography.

The international bestseller covers her journey through the cryptography project and shares other mathematical puzzles and challenges.

Sarah was brought up in a country farmhouse outside Blarney village.

The oldest of five children, she is the daughter of a maths lecturer father, and a mother who lectures in biology and microbiology.

She was offered a contract to promote Pepsi Cola, but declined, preferring to talk about her maths breakthrough.

You can hear her talk about fame and maths at 12 pm on Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Auckland Hotel. Tickets for the luncheon cost $59.