Cumann na mBunscol as we know it was founded in 1971 and will mark 50 years in existence next year. Although the current pandemic has put many events on hold, Cumann na mBunscol plans to compile and publish a book to mark the development of Gaelic Games in primary schools over the course of the last half century. Joe Lyons and Ciarán Crowe have agreed to take on this task. Both have been involved in Cumann na mBunscol for well over 30 years. Joe is currently a member of an Coiste Náisiúnta and Ciarán is PRO of Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh. They are joint editors of The Green and White, a magazine which is produced 3 times each year and delivered to every primary school in Limerick city and county. The magazine was first produced in 1996 and has won numerous awards.
They have also compiled two hardback publications, At Last, an account of Limerick's All-Ireland victory of 2018 and 20/20 Vision, Hurling and Limerick, which looked at how the game of hurling and approaches to it have evolved. It also provides a statistical record of Limerick League and Championship games since 1918. 'Although Cumann na mBunscol as we know it is only in existence since 1971, Gaelic Games have been played on an organised basis in primary schools for over a century,' according to Joe. 'Sciath na Scol has records of inter schools hurling finals in Cork going back to 1901 while other counties can trace their activities back to the early years of the last century.'
Gary Farrell, Rúnaí of Coiste Náisiúnta, has sent an e mail to all counties asking them to fill in a template which Ciarán and Joe believe will kick-start their work.
'We are asking people involved in Cumann na mBunscol to use this Covid-induced downtime to source information on Cumann na mBunscol in your county or province. There may be members of the first committee from the 70's who are still available to provide information.' It is intended that the publication will be a high-quality, hardback, A4 size book. Every county and province will feature as well as famous players in their primary schooldays. Other aspects of the book would include features on the Cornmarket/Roadstone Awards, INTO Mini Sevens etc. 'It is a massive undertaking and will not come cheaply, but, if done properly, it will be a fitting testimony to half of century of work in the promotion of Gaelic Games,' according to Joe. 'Our first priority is to start gathering information and I know that there are people all over the country who will help us. Obviously, such a project comes at a high cost and if anybody can identify a suitable sponsor, we would be glad to hear from you.' All information can be emailed to Ciarán and Joe at cumannnambunscol50th@gmail.com
