Fáiltiú

Cuis áthais dom fáiltiú romhaibh chuig ár láithreán gréasáin. As Cathaoirleach of Cumann na mBunscol, it is my privilege to welcome you to our website. Cumann na mBunscol took its first steps as a national body in 1971 and is now a thriving,vibrant organisation with activities in all 32 counties of Ireland and beyond.

Our Constitution states that “the philosophy of Cumann na mBunscol shall be to promote Gaelic games in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment and to make Gaelic Games the games of choice in our Primary Schools.” This has been our mission for over half a century and our organisation has gone from strength to strength during that time.

Cumann na mBunscol or, as it was known then, An Bord Eadarchathrach, was founded in 1971 by a group of forward-thinking teachers involved in promoting Gaelic Games in their own areas. Those visionary teachers saw the potential to organise on a countrywide basis. Today,  Cumann na mBunscol promotes Gaelic Games - football, hurling, camogie, girls football, rounders and handball - in primary schools in all 32 counties of Ireland. Competitions/activities are provided for all types of schools from large urban schools to small one- or two-teacher schools in rural Ireland. No other sporting code has a similar countrywide infrastructure.

(a) Cumann na mBunscol promotes active and healthy lifestyle choices among schoolchildren (b) Cumann na mBunscol offers equal opportunities to boys and girls (c) Cumann na mBunscol epitomises volunteerism. All activities are organised by teachers for primary school pupils. (d) At a time when awareness of anxiety among children is becoming more evident, Cumann na mBunscol promotes Wellbeing among children.

(e) Cumann na mBunscol does far more than organise Gaelic Games. In many counties, Cumann na mBunscol organises athletics and quizzes. In other counties, Cumann na mBunscol organises cross–country running or basketball.

(f) Cumann na mBunscol in Covid: Although interschool games were not possible due to Covid restrictions, Cumann na mBunscol was proactive in seeking to engage with children. In June 2021, Cumann na mBunscol organised Cumann na mBunscol Week. Schoolchildren throughout the island of Ireland took part. A host of stars of GAA Handball and camogie players also recorded coaching tips for children. A wide range of activities took place in which children were able to take part despite Covid restrictions e.g. Colours Days, art competitions, skills competitions and interviews with famous players. Children and teachers made short films about Gaelic Games, their heroes and what Cumann na mBunscol means to children in primary school. Memorable match-winning scores were re-enacted in schoolyards throughout the land. Teachers and parents were unequivocal in reporting the enjoyment children derived from the week’s activities in what are difficult times in schools. Since then, Cumann na mBunscol Week has become a fixture in the school calendar.

More than anything, Cumann na mBunscol is about children and giving boys and girls the opportunity to play our National Games with their friends in a safe, enjoyable setting. We are blessed that so many teachers are willing to devote time to training school teams. We are also fortunate that many teachers remain involved in Cumann na mBunscol after retirement and ensure the smooth running of our activities.Míle buíochas to all the teachers who give so generously of their time and expertise at local, county, provincial and national level.

Cumann na mBunscol is grateful to our sponsors Allianz for their support and encouragement and to Cumann Luthchleas Gael for its co operation and goodwill.

This website and our Twitter page @cnambnaisiunta provide information and news in an attractive, accessible manner.

Ta súil agam go mbainfidh sibh tairbhe agus taitneamh as ár láithreán gréasáin.

Le dea ghuí,

Joe Lyons

Cathaoirleach