Spotlight in Mullingar on the Award- Winning Blue Star Programme

On Friday, 15 May Nina Carberry, MEP for Midlands Northwest, INTO president Brendan Horan and CEO of European Movement Ireland David Geary gathered at Mullingar Educate Together National School today to celebrate the Blue Star Programme and open registrations for the 2026/27 academic year, in the year of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

With almost 200 schools participating in Midlands Northwest, the Programme is now open for registrations this year across Ireland, with a record 393 schools participating last year.

In its 15th year, the Blue Star Programme is an award-winning primary education initiative that teaches children about the European Union.

To date, over 1,300 schools and an estimated 220,000 pupils have participated in the programme.

Nina Carberry welcomed the launch of the programme saying, “In the year of Ireland’s EU presidency, I am proud to shine a spotlight on the award winning Blue Star Programme which inspires young people to engage with the European Union and understand the vital role it plays in shaping our shared future.

“Visiting Mullingar Educate Together today is a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering children’s understanding of the EU and the opportunity it presents for teachers and pupils alike registering on the Programme.”

The Blue Star Programme has four core elements which includes European history, geography, culture and creativity and lessons on the EU institutions.

The Programme's curriculum features cross-cultural activities, such as learning basic phrases in other European languages and celebrating European cultural days.

Additionally, the Programme teaches pupils about the European Institutions, in particular the role of MEPs and the roles of the European Commission, Parliament and Council of the EU.

Teachers have the flexibility to integrate the Programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU projects to their classes’ aptitude and ability.

Brendan Horan, INTO President highlighted the importance of the Blue Star Programme.

“A strong primary education gives every child the tools to thrive in life. I’d like to commend the teachers here in Mullingar Educate Together and in schools across Ireland for all their dedication and commitment to the Programme.

“In the special year that marks Ireland’s EU Presidency, I’d like to encourage all schools to register so we can encourage a greater understanding of the EU today and into the future.”

Registration for the Blue Star Programme will open on Friday 15 May and will run until September, to coincide with the Presidency of the Council.

The Programme is open to all primary school ages, from junior infants to sixth class, and is suitable for all school settings from Gaelscoileanna, to DEIS schools and island schools.

Gaelscoileanna can also avail of the Programme through the Irish language with Clár na Réalta Goirme.

“It is wonderful to welcome our guests today to Mullingar Educate Together, the Blue Star Programme aligns with the philosophy and ethos of our school community, which includes diversity, inclusion, equality and the promotion of vital role of democracy,” said Principal Róisín Nic Tighearnáin of Mullingar Educate Together National School.

“My sincere thanks to all the hard working teachers and staff who work to bring the Blue Star Programme to life in our school every day.”

Finally CEO of European Movement Ireland, David Geary said, “The future of Europe is not shaped exclusively in Brussels or Strasbourg, but in places exactly like this school, Mullingar Educate Together.

“The Blue Star Programme helps pupils to find their voice, to recognise that they are a part of a European community that celebrates what makes Ireland special, but also what we all have in common.”

European Movement Ireland are the National Implementation Body of the Blue Star Programme, and it is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Further information about the Programme can be found at bluestarprogramme.ie and Clár na Réalta Goirme.