An innovative and inclusive sports initiative has taken flight this year, thanks to Portlaoise College.
The LOETB All Stars, the first event of its kind, brought together students from all nine Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) schools to compete in a fun, spirited sporting environment that promoted camaraderie, personal growth, and school pride.
What began as an idea by Portlaoise College teacher James Moloughney to organize a team event with interested schools evolved into the LOETB All Stars initiative, supported by Joe Cunningham (Chief Executive), Linda Tynan (Director of Schools), and Josephine Moore from the LOETB Schools Support Team.
Moloughney, the driving force behind the initiative, described its goal as creating “a space where students from across the nine schools could represent their schools and showcase their talents, all while building friendships and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones”.
Throughout the academic year, students came together on three occasions to participate in friendly yet competitive matches across a variety of sports.
From the outset, the teamwork, positive attitudes, and strong competitive spirit were evident, with many students stepping out of their comfort zones and surprising themselves with what they could achieve.
Portlaoise College proudly hosted the programme of events over the year.
The school’s facilities—including the Sports Hall, Cairdeas Room, Athletics Pitch, Astro Pitch, and Outdoor Gym—were instrumental in supporting a diverse range of activities.
Students and staff at Portlaoise College showcased strong leadership skills in the planning and execution of each event.
Principal Noel Daly was proud to support the initiative and emphasized the importance of giving every student a fair chance to shine.
The LOETB All Stars initiative also fostered meaningful connections between students and staff within special classes and strengthened partnerships with the wider community.
This lasting impact goes far beyond the events themselves. Catriona Slattery, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, and her team at Laois Sports Partnership played a key role in the initiative’s success.
LOETB and Portlaoise College also gratefully acknowledge the support of Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club and Laois Archery.
The programme culminated in a spectacular All Stars Sports Day in early May, with over 70 students participating in a wide range of activities—from classics like the 60m sprint, three-legged race, and egg-and-spoon race to unique challenges such as lawn bowling, long jump, and archery.
An art competition, themed “Inclusion in Sport,” ran alongside the sporting events.
Ann-Marie Scully, ASD Class Co-ordinator, noted that the quantity and quality of entries were outstanding, making for fierce competition. The day celebrated not only athleticism but also creativity, joy, and school spirit.
The awards ceremony recognised student achievements throughout the programme.
Linda Tynan, Director of Schools at LOETB, opened the ceremony by welcoming students, staff, and special guests, including Dr. Johanna Fitzgerald (National Inclusion, Special Education and Research Coordinator, ETBI) and John Kearney (Chief Executive, NCSE).
Awards were presented by Joe Cunningham, John Kearney, and Noel Daly. All participants received certificates and medals of achievement.
Each school nominated a student for the Spirit of LOETB All Stars award, given to those who demonstrated enthusiasm, dedication, teamwork, and above all, friendship and respect for others.
Several individual awards were also presented to winners of the Sports Day events.
The overall winners of the All Stars Sports Day were Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa, Clara—a well-earned victory that marked the end of an unforgettable day of celebration and achievement.
LOETB and Portlaoise College extend their sincere thanks to all participating schools for embracing the vision and helping to bring it to life.
“We’re incredibly proud of what was accomplished this year,” said Sarah Rowan, Portlaoise College teacher. “To see so many students engaged, confident, and forming new friendships was truly special.”
With the programme’s resounding success, plans are already underway to expand the LOETB All Stars initiative in the coming year.
“This is just the beginning,” James Moloughney added. “We hope it goes from strength to strength—and judging by this year, it’s well on its way.”
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