National Award for St. Laurence O’Toole’s in Roundwood and National AGM
St. Laurence O’Toole’s, Roundwood, was nominated in the Annual County Publication category and came away with the 2nd place prize. A book was put together by St. Laurence O’Toole’s chronicling 35 years of Cumann na mBunscol participation in the school and many of the staff members attended on the night. All in Cumann na mBunscol congratulate Roundwood on flying the flag for the Garden County.
Over 250 teachers from all parts of Ireland gathered in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Friday March 7th for the 2025 Cumann na mBunscol Awards, sponsored by Cornmarket Group Financial Services.
‘The Awards recognise excellence in the promotion of Gaelic Games in primary schools,’ according to Joe Lyons who is National Chairperson of Cumann na mBunscol. ‘They afford recognition for the work of teachers, on and off the playing fields. The Awards cover a myriad of activities from Public Relations to Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture and also the activities of individual schools, large and small.’
Former Roscommon footballer Dr. Cathal Cregg was guest speaker on the night. Cathal works as Provincial Coaching & Games Manager at Connacht GAA and has many happy memories of playing in Cumann na mBunscol competitions in his childhood with Frenchpark NS.
Eimear Conroy of Cornmarket Group Financial Services joined Chairperson Joe Lyons on stage to present the Awards to the successful entrants. John Boyle, General Secretary of INTO is a former Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol in Dublin. John was also among the guests as was Brian Carroll, Chairman of Roscommon County Board GAA.
“We’ve been committed sponsors of the Cumann na mBunscol National Awards since 2009” said Ivan Ahern, Managing Director at Cornmarket. “These annual awards recognise the teachers and schools who passionately promote Gaelic games in their schools. Cumann na mBunscol does immense work on the ground, promoting Gaelic games in primary schools. We recognise the influence of Irish sport in the lives of children. Coming from a GAA background myself, I feel strongly about the importance of promoting Gaelic games – not only to keep Irish tradition alive amongst children, but for its huge health and social benefits. Cornmarket got involved in the awards to help honour the dedicated teachers, and Cumann na mBunscol representatives, for their tireless efforts over the year. These awards recognise the individuals who nurture young Irish children, instilling the true heart of Gaelic games”
It was a busy weekend as the Annual General Meeting of Cumann na mBunscol took place the morning after the awards, also in the Hodson Bay Hotel, which was attended by Cathaoirleach of Cumann na mBunscol Chill Mhantáin, Ciara Fagan.
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