Ten counties were honoured at the presentation of the Gaelic Telecom sponsored Cumann na mBunscol National Awards 2007 at a ceremony in Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. Minister for Education, Ms. Mary Hanafin, TD, and Minister for Education, Northern Ireland, Ms. Catriona Ruane MLA, officiated at the Awards and were joined by Mr. Nickey Brennan, Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Margaret Cunningham, Cathaoirleach, Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta and Mr. Seán Bolger, Chairman Gaelic Telecom. RTÉ sports presenter, Michael Lyster was MC for the evening. Speaking at the event, Minister Hanafin said, "I believe that sport can be a powerful influence in character formation, in the development of self-esteem and of respect for others, both for team mates and for opponents. As we face the challenges posed by the rapidly changing world of today, Ireland needs the continued commitment of its dedicated teachers and of organisations such as Cumann na mBunscol, who have the vision and will to work with the GAA to see that Gaelic games will continue to prosper." Minister Ruane said, "Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a dhéanamh leis na buaiteoirí agus le gach duine atá páirteach i gCumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta faoina n-obair chrua agus a dtiomantas ag cur spóirt chun tosaigh i mbunscoileanna ar fud na hÉireann. PE and sport are such an important part of a child's education and can be enjoyed by all. It is one of the most heart-warming sights seeing young people taking part in games and just having a great time doing something which is also good for their health and well-being. Learning fair play and team spirit whilst having fun - how great for every young person." Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael Nickey Brennan, commented, "The GAA nationally owes a great debt of gratitude to Cumann na mBunscol Náisiúnta. The organisation has had a wonderfully positive effect on the GAA since it was founded thirty-six years ago and it continues to ensure that our games blossom in primary schools. Hundreds and thousands of young footballers and hurlers have begun their careers in Cumann na mBunscol competitions. Teachers are the backbone of these competitions and it is fantastic to see a selection of them honoured here tonight." The Chairman of Gaelic Telecom Seán Bolger said, "Gaelic Telecom is very proud to partner with Cumann na mBunscol for these National Awards. Thousands of teachers around the country dedicate enormous amounts of their personal time to foster and grow the passion for Gaelic games in our schools and it is only fitting that these heroic efforts are honoured on a night like tonight." All category winners received cheques for ?2000 and a beautifully engraved trophy. The runners-up also received cheques and a trophy. The first award of the night went to Mary McGovern of Cumann na mBunscol Fermanagh who has given over twenty-five years of dedicated service to the promotion of Gaelic games in her native county. Unfortunately due to ill health Mary was unable to attend the ceremony but her award was accepted on her behalf by Liam Magee. Following the formalities of the evening all those in attendance enjoyed a sumptuous meal and were entertained by comedian Brendan Dock Savage. The final entertainment of the evening was provided by Love Bug and the dancing went on well into the wee hours of the morning! Photographs from this memorable occasion are available on www.scoilsport.org. Category 1 Large School of the Year 3rd S.N. Chreachmhaoil, Galway 2nd Glenville N.S., Cork 1st Tannaghmore P.S., Armagh Category 2 Small School of the Year 3rd St. Oliver's P.S., Cullyhanna, Co. Armagh 2nd Tattygar Primary School, Co. Fermanagh 1st Doon CBS Primary School, Co. Limerick Category 3 Best Hurling/Camogie Promotion 3rd Edmund Rice CBPS, Belfast, Antrim 2nd Scoil Eoin, Gort, Gaillimh 1st Scoil na mBráithre, Doon, Co. Luimhnigh Category 4 Best Football Promotion 3rd Scoil na mBraithre, Árd Mhacha 2nd St. Patrick's B.N.S, Wicklow 1st St. Lorcán's P.S., Palmerstown, Dublin Category 5 Best Handball/Rounders Promotion 2nd CBS Primary School, Armagh 1st St. Malachy's P.S., Armagh Category 6 Best Public Relations 4th Cumann na mBunscol, Cill Mhantáin . 3rd Cumann na mBunscol, Áth Cliath 2nd Cumann na mBunscol, An Dún 1st Cumann na mBunscol, Árd Mhacha Category 7 Publication of the Year Including Website 3rdCumann na mBunscol, An Clár 2ndCumann na mBunscol, Áth Cliath 1st Cumann na mBunscol, Luimneach Category 8 Promotion of the Year 3rdCumann na mBunsccol, Uladh 2nd Cumann na mBunscol na Mumhan 1st Sciath na Scol, Corcaigh Pat Trainor Memorial Award Mary McGovern Cumann na mBunscol Fermanagh Tweet

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