Cumann na mBunscol School of the Year 2013

At the recent AGM of the Kildare branch of Cumann na mBunscol, it was with great delight that the representatives from St. Brigid’s National School, Ballysax, Aelish Collins and Esther Reddy, learned that the school not only was named as Intermediate School of the Year, but had achieved the ultimate honour of being voted the Cumann na mBunscol School of the Year 2013. It was fantastic news to bring back to the pupils, teachers and parents of the school and everyone is deservedly proud of the school’s achievement following a very busy, rewarding and fun filled year of participation in football, cross country running and basketball.

The achievements of the school in the 2012-2013 year are certainly impressive: Under 10 Boys Football Champions, Senior Boys Football Champions, Senior Girls Football Finalists, Under 11 Boys Football Champions, Girls Basketball Champions, Boys Cross Country Champions, Girls Cross Country Champions along with top 3 placings in the Cross Country competitions for Jack Doyle, Tom Martin, Kate Nurse and Aislinn Dooley.

As well as the wonderful achievements of Ballysax N.S. in Cumann na mBunscol, there are so many benefits to the children participating in terms of personal development and enjoyment. The award of School of the Year is for every child who trained, in all weathers, who participated in games – sometimes on the playing field and sometimes as a sub – and who encouraged and cheered on their friends and team-mates. It has to be said that training and games could not go on without the support of teachers and parents. Aelish Collins, Elaine Downey, Esther Reddy and Louise Vaughan are the teachers involved in organising and training the children in Ballysax School. Parents are central to training and preparations: Marie Knight and Paddy Guidera (boys football), Mary Fennelly and Claire Durkin (girls football), John Troy and Ciara Prendergast (cross country) and Louise Mc Guirk (basketball). During the 2012-2013 year a past pupil of the school, Aisling Lawler, while in her Transition Year, was involved in the training of basketball and the children and teachers alike learned so much from her.

The future bodes well for Cumann na mBunscol in Ballysax. The children are enjoying their games and through them are learning skills which will benefit them for life.