Collinstown stepped up for Pitch, Path, Playshed Fundraiser
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Members of St Mary’s Parents Association Committee with some fun friends at the Walkathon to raise funds for the ‘Pitch, Path, Playshed’ Fundraiser, (from left) Mary Duffy, Maria Tallon (chairperson), Lorraine O’Donnell, Tara Cooney and Seanie Molloy.Image 2 of 8
Paddy Dempsey, Ray Dolan and Mark O’Reilly at the St Mary’s NS Walkathon.Image 3 of 8
Aine Duffy, Heidi Kiernan, Izzy Murtagh, Olivia Hyenne, Erin Devine, Lucy Nolan and Lucy Cogan.Image 4 of 8
Brilliant helpers on the day, from left, past St Mary’s pupils Lilly McDermott, Maeve Brennan, Emma Williams and Ríona Devine.Image 5 of 8
At the Pitch, Path and Playshed Fundraiser were Lucy Power, teacher at St Mary’s Collinstown NS and full-back with the Westmeath Ladies football team, Sheila Devine and Mary Duffy, members of St Mary’s Parents Association Committee.Image 6 of 8
At their pop-up stall, from left,Abigail Cassidy, Robyn McDermott and Katelyn Dempsey, who sold homemade Westmeath headbands in support of their teacher, Lucy Power, full-back with the Westmeath Ladies Football team.Image 7 of 8
Pictured during the Walkathon Sensory Hour,St Mary’s principal Deirdre Flynn (fifth from left), leading St Mary’s pupils and staff members, including Whizz Kids and Bright Sparks.Image 8 of 8
Siobhán Fogarty, member of St Mary’s Parents Association (third from left) with her son Oicram, leading a group of walkers during the fun Walkathon.A wonderful day was enjoyed by all who participated in the successful ‘Pitch, Path, Playshed Fundraiser’ for St Mary’s National School, Collinstown.
The community-inspired initiative aims to benefit the children of St Mary’s NS by raising funds for three important projects:
• Pitch: Regeneration of the school pitch, which is prone to flooding.
• Path: Installation of a looped gravel perimeter fitness path to encourage activity even when the grass is too wet to use.
• Playshed: Transformation of an existing shed into a dedicated play space, complete with upcycled astroturf donated by Lough Lene Gaels.
In order to successfully complete the work, the St Mary’s Parents Association and pupils together organised a 12-hour Walkathon on Friday May 29. Rev Fr Carley, PP, of Collinstown Fore Parish opened the event at 9am and gave a blessing.
In the first six hours, the children walked, jumped and enjoyed a fun-filled day under the supervision of principal, Deirdre Flynn. Music filled the air as children completed their laps accompanied by friendly mascot characters including giraffes, an octopus and M&M figures.
A gazebo was erected at the front of the school, where tea, coffee and refreshments were available throughout the day.
Sixth class pupils decorated the school with bunting and flags, while children’s Walkathon artwork was displayed on poster boards.
Some fourth class students organised pop-up stalls and sold homemade crafts, baked goods and headbands, demonstrating great entrepreneurial spirit. Some created Westmeath headbands in support of their talented teacher, Lucy Power, full-back with the Westmeath Ladies Football team.
A dedicated sensory hour was also held, ensuring that children with autism could comfortably participate and enjoy the excitement of the day. The second six hours involved members of the parents association, other parents and members of the wider Collinstown and Fore community. Ray Dolan met with Maria Tallon, and Mary Duffy from the parents association.
Special messages of support were organised by the parents association and shared with the children. Well-wishes were received from members of the Westmeath men and lady footballers and from Niall Breslin, among others. Midlands 103 also sent messages of encouragement to the pupils.
St Mary’s School staff, students and parents association have expressed their gratitude for the generosity and support they received from individuals and companies. Special thanks were extended to contractors and parents Ronan Fagan and Jenny Kane, who have already commenced work on the school pitch, and to Tommy and Emma Clogher.
Appreciation was also expressed to previous parents association for laying the seeds for the developments, as well as to Fr Carley, Ms Flynn and all staff members, the board of management, volunteers who worked previously on the shed, the Men’s Shed, Lough Lene Gaels, and everyone who helped and participated in making the event such an outstanding success for the children.
Donations were made through iDonate, which will remain open until July. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Maria Tallon, chairperson of St Mary’s Parents Association, any member of the parents association committee by email at collinstownparentsassociation@gmail.com, or St Mary’s NS directly on 044 9666150.