THE securing of an Irish News School, Club and Volunteer award in 2015 simply strengthened the resolve of all who are working to make St Dallan’s a better place for GAA participation, according to their principal.
The Warrenpoint school picked up the primary school award last year and Una Farrell said the win had a massive impact, not only on St Dallan’s, but also Warrenpoint GAC.
The trophy made its way to county Down after they saw off stiff competition from St John's PS, Coleraine, who were highly commended in the category: “The PR it generated was absolutely brilliant,” said Farrell.
“It really highlighted the link between the school and Warrenpoint GAC. It really strengthened the link between us because it showed in a great light the good work that the football coaches and hurling coaches have been doing.
“We even have coaches down in P1 and those pupils are given tasters so that they will sign up to the football or hurling. The award showcased all the voluntary work that is done in the school.
“Obviously, there were the monetary benefits as well. We had only football jerseys beforehand, so we were able to add socks and shorts to make it a full kit. We had an O’Neill’s top and hoody designed and all the teachers bought one to match, too.”
One of the reasons St Dallan’s came out on top last May was due to their good work on health matters and, as Farrell explained, they have strived to continue that since winning the prize.
“This Friday, we are having a GAA day,” she said.
“It’s going to be based about mental well-being and mental health. We have different speakers in and there will be tasters of different sports. There will be competitions as well and we’re going to make a whole day of it. To see that part of it recognised by The Irish News was brilliant for everyone. It moved all the work we were carrying out to a higher level too.”
Farrell said any primary school thinking about entering should make the effort to make sure their application gets in on time: “The profile from it has helped the parents get involved in the community aspect of it.
“The awards really helps schools get into the community and that’s what it’s all about. Every school has a document from the minister [John O’Dowd] and one section of it is ‘a school in the community'. If you have a strong GAA link in your community, the link with the school really strengthens. It gets you out there and it opens up lots of doors.
"Anyone thinking of applying should because there are tremendous benefits. We have been fortunate enough to see that here in our own school.”
To enter your school, club or volunteer, email clubawards@irishnews.com for an application form.
