Wicklow Scoops Two National Awards! Forget the Oscars! Here are the Real Awards!

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Teachers from all corners of Ireland swapped the tracksuit and rain gear for the glamour n’ glitz of Awards Night on Friday March 11th as the Coiste Náisiúnta of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol took the opportunity to recognise the work of teachers throughout the country involved in the promotion of Gaelic Games in primary schools. The awards were held the night before the national AGM which took place on the Saturday.  The awards, sponsored by Cornmarket Financial Group Services, cover a wide range of categories.  This year’s Awards ceremony took place in the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig, Co. Cork and delegates travelled to the Rebel County from all corners of the country.  INTO was represented on the night by President Emma Dinneen, a long-time activist in Sciath na Scol in Cork, Vice President Rosena Jordan and Executive member John Boyle. Emer Conroy of Cornmarket Financial Group Services represented the sponsors of the awards.  Guest speaker on the night was Eamon Ryan, Cork manager.

Huge congratulations go to Kilcoole Primary School who won Large School of the Year in the country.  This is an unbelievable achievement as this is a countrywide competition. There is a huge emphasis on Gaelic games and culture in Kilcoole Primary School, this is testament to principal Joanne McDonagh who values a healthy body being a healthy mind, as well as a love for our national culture.  Teachers give of their time after school to promote hurling and camogie: Ms Fahy, Ms Whyte, Ms Whiston, Ms Bowden, football: Ms Frawley, Ms Walshe, Ms O’Leary and Ms McDermott.  All the staff encourage the children to participate in all things Irish, from the language to culture, sport and music.  There is great support from the Kilcoole GAA and Camogie club as well and Kilcoole are lucky to have excellent and enthusiastic coaches in Liam, Breda and Míchéal.  Winning large school of the year involved a project which is a record of all the activity going on in the school during the year.  Ms Fahy, Ms Frawley and Ms McDermott compiled the project.  This included photos, reports, interviews and drawings, to name a few of the things in the jam-packed project.  The children were extremely involved in the project, particularly Ms Fahy and Ms Frawley’s classes and it took a huge amount of work and effort.  Representatives from Kilcoole at the awards on the night were Emer Fahy, Claire Frawley and Pamela McDermott.  Emer Fahy was presented with their award and they have also won a trip to Croke Park which includes a stadium and museum tour, €500 to the school towards bus transport and lunch for 30 pupils and 3 staff. 

The success didn’t end there for the Garden County.  Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Cill Mhantáin also won 1st prize in the Public Relations category. This award wouldn’t happen without the newspapers namely The Bray/Wicklow People, The Wicklow Times and The Wicklow Voice who publish our articles.  We also get great support from Michael Sargeant on East Coast Radio.  We have embraced social media and are constantly increasing our followers on twitter and keep all our news updated on our website www.cnmbwicklow.ie.  We must also thank the schools, teachers and GDA’s who forward on reports and pictures to our PRO, many thanks for the support.  Please continue to forward them onto:pro.cnmb.wicklow@gaa.ie.  Also, don’t forget our website www.cnmbwicklow.ie for the latest news and updates.

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Cill Mhantáin were represented on the night by Jim O’Riordán, Dave Barry and Míchéal Ó Murchú and PRO Pamela McDermott accepted the award.  Undoubtedly an unforgettable night for the Garden County!

Photos

https://picasaweb.google.com/107049175256667565075/NationalAwards2016#