St Mary's NS Knockbridge

Our Annual School Sports Day took place recently in the St. Brides GFC field and was a wonderful success raising over €3,700 in funds for the school. Apart from the usual races there was something to entertain everyone on the day from face-painting, gold-fish stalls, novelty stalls, penalty kick competitions, target golf and bouncy castles. Sports Day is one of the highlights of the school year and is a wonderful day for everyone in our school community to enjoy. Hundreds of people turned up to enjoy the children’s races and sample the delights of the Tea Stall and the BBQ stand which was sold out! Fortunately the rain stayed away and the sun even made a welcome appearance for most of the afternoon which helped add to the carnival atmosphere.
The Parents & Friends Association of the school is to be congratulated for their outstanding work in preparing the field for the big day. It is also important to thank the St. Brides G.F.C. football club for the use of their excellent facilities. Pádraig McElroy of North East Bouncy Castles sponsored a large slide and bouncy castle on the day which proved to be very popular with the younger ones. The Slush Puppies were a big hit too. They were kindly provided by Stephanie Staunton of R.F. Martin. Paul Mackle of Freeza Meats sponsored the burgers and many thanks go to McArdle Meats for the use of their BBQs. Others to provide sponsorship on the day included JSM Kelly LTD, McGahon and Sons Architects, Sevens Coach and Cab Hire, Halpenny Travel and Double O’Flooring. Sports Day is a great tradition in Knockbridge and while it is a good fundraiser for the school, the most important element of the day is the community spirit which is created. None of this could be achieved without the generosity of so many in the parish. Our gratitude goes to all who contributed in any way.