IF there was any temptation for St Ninnidh’s primary school to rest on their laurels following their success in last year’s Irish News School, Club & Volunteer awards, they have certainly resisted the urge well.
The Derrylin-based school won the primary school category in last year’s awards thanks to the hard work of staff and pupils alike in developing participation in all aspects of Gaelic games.
As St Ninnidh’s principal Gavin O’Reilly recounted this week, the school has refused to take the foot off the gas in the 12 months since their recognition.
“We've had a busy year through CumannnamBunscoil, with Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, quizzes, mini sevens, schools' league, as well as a cross-border blitz organised by ourselves,” O’Reilly said.
“We have also competed in cross-country and netball tournaments over the course of the year – unfortunately, not as successfully as last year – however, the emphasis for the boys and girls of the school is on participation and enjoyment while remaining active.”
One of the major elements behind St Ninnidh’s success at last year’s awards was the school’s close collaboration with the GAA structures in Fermanagh and the boost this gives underage games in the county. This, too, has continued at full steam in 2017.
“We also have close collaboration with the county board through coaching and we are very fortunate to have an excellent coach who visits the school weekly,” added O’Reilly.
“Furthermore, a member of our school staff is on the youth county board. Many of the pupils who previously had not been active before are becoming more involved in both school activities and after school activities - this has also meant closer collaboration with the local club - Derrylin O'Connell's.I am also reliably informed that the O' Connell's has seen an increase in their youth membership.”
While all Fermanagh Gaels will be delighted with the advantages such an intensive involvement in Gaelic games in schools like St Ninnidh’s brings to the county, there are other reasons for the hard work being done.
As O’Reilly concurs: “Taking part is a great release for the children and, in today's society, a fantastic way to stay healthy - both physically and mentally.”
There will be no letting up in the time ahead either as St Ninnidh’s intend to stay at the heart of underage Gaelic games in Fermanagh and further afield.
“The plan for the future is to, once again, participate in all GAA tournaments and activities this year and build on the successes already instilled in St Ninnidh's primary school,” principal O’Reilly said.
“We want to ensure that the boys and girls have the best experiences possible so that they will continue to participate in their community through the GAA into adulthood.”
There will, no doubt, be a few broad smiles over at Derrylin O’Connell’s in response to that commitment.
