Awards Night in Roscommon
Over 250 teachers from all parts of Ireland will gather 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 isNational 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 is 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 will join 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 will be among the guests as will Brian Carroll,Chairman of Roscommon County Board GAA.
The Awards cover many different categories including Public Relations, Best Publication, Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture as well as awards for the School of the Year. The latter award is split in two sections, one for schools of 200 pupils or more and another for schools with enrolments of fewer than 200 pupils.
‘The category of Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture is very popular. Entries had to be submitted in digital format,’ says PRO of Cumann na mBunscol, John Manley. ‘This attracts great interest as this category is not confined to promotion of games but also encompasses Gaeilge, ceol, damhsa, and any other activities that are Gaelic in nature.’
The 2025 Pat Trainor Award for Lifetime Service to Cumann na mBunscol goes to PJ Geraghty (Louth). Originally from Craughwell, Co. Galway, PJ Geraghty quickly became a stalwart of Cumann na mBunscol Contae Lú. His journey at national level with the organisation began in 1982 when he was elected as treasurer of Cumann na mBunscol’s Coiste Náisiúnta, a role he fulfilled until 1989. After that, PJ became vice-chairman and, in 1992, rose to the position of Chairman of the National Committee, where heserved until 1995. PJ’s contributions to Gaelic Games went far beyond his leadership roles. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was at the forefront of many important initiatives undertaken by Coiste Náisiúnta.
His work as the Mini Sevens Coordinator from 1989 to 1995 led to a major revamp of the series, helping to enhance its legacy. Furthermore, PJ was a driving force behind the creation of the first Cumann na mBunscol Awards in 1998, recognising excellence within Gaelic Games.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services have been associated with the Cumann na mBunscol Awards for many years.
“We’ve been committed sponsors of the Cumann na mBunscol National Awards since 2009” said Ivan Ahern, ManagingDirector 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 promises to be a busy weekend as the Annual General Meeting of Cumann na mBunscol takes place the followingmorning, also in the Hodson Bay Hotel, with proceedings getting underway at 11 a.m.
