Sciath na Scol's special place in Cork GAA is recognised with national awards

Éamonn Murphy

THE weather this May and early June would have been ideal for the Sciathna Scol hurling finals.

The Primary School year always winds down around a feast of Sciath finals. Eddie O'Hare

They are tremendous occasions, an explosion of colour and noise, from the enthusiastic kids in the stands and even more excitable parents, to the young boys and girls giving their all in their school colours.: Andy Jay

It is always particularly special for any sixth class pupils whose teams make it through the group stages and are preparing to head to second level. The Echo prides itself on covering the finals in detail through reports and picture specials because there is certainly never a shortage of dramatic snaps of players and supporters that jump off the pages.

Alas, 2020 is different.

Hopefully, provided the coronavirus is controlled and the GAA returns, there will be Sciath football finals this winter. The Sciath twitter account have kept young players engaged in recent weeks through their skills challenges, which Cork hurler Shane Kingston got on board with.

On a more positive note, Sciath na Scol Chorcaí, the Primary Schools-based GAA games organisation, struck it rich at the recent Cumann na mBunscol National awards, when it scooped three of the top accolades.

The yearly scheme to recognise and reward various aspects of the work throughout the country is the major social highlight of the Cumann na mBunscol year.

At the recent ceremony in the Anner Hotel, Thurles, before the Covid-19 restrictions came into force, the Cork Committee took first place in the Best PR Category, leaving Kerry and Meath as runners-Up, and also secured second behind Limerick in the Best Publication Category.

Another notable announcement on the night was the presentation of The Pat Trainor Award for Lifetime Service to Primary Schools Gaelic Games, which was awarded to Liam Weir.

Weir, who is also known as a radio presenter covering Gaelic games, taught in Scoil Barra, Beaumont for his entire teaching career.

The passionate Gael’s involvement in Sciath na Scol in the Rebel county, and also as an officer of Cumann na mBunscol at provincial and national level over four decades, made him an ideal recipient of the award which was presented by Ann, widow of the late Pat Trainor.

Weir, a Naomh Abán club man, also served as Sciath na Scol delegate to Cork County Board over many years and was never afraid to speak his mind on any issue.

The two-time All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy, who was guest of honour, addressed the captive audience and spoke of the positive influence which teachers have on their pupils.

He especially praised the huge and sustained volunteerism which drives Cumann na mBunscol.

Deputy president Mary Magner represented the INTO, while Emer Conroy was on hand for Cornmarket Group Financial Services, sponsors of the awards, with Martin McKeogh there on behalf of Allianz, national sponsors of Cumann na mBunscol.