There was huge cause for celebration at Mountrath Community School as the TY GAA Future Leaders group of 2024/25 were honoured with the prestigious Oide Gold Award at a national ceremony in Croke Park.
This accolade, awarded to just 24 schools nationwide, represents the highest level of recognition within the GAA Future Leaders programme and acknowledges students who have shown outstanding leadership qualities and service to their schools, clubs, and communities.
Teachers Ms Orla Donnelly and Mr Chris Coughlan, who coordinated the programme in the school, praised the dedication and hard work of the group throughout the year.
Students successfully completed a wide range of modules, including the Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games (ICGG) award, Young Whistlers refereeing qualification, and a safeguarding certificate, as well as contributing across multiple areas of school and club life.
On Wednesday, September 17, students Donnchadh Carroll, Daniel Whelan, Katie Lyons, and Caoimhe Drennan travelled to Croke Park to collect the award and showcase their year’s work.
“We met at Portlaoise Train Station and travelled to Dublin with Ms Donnelly. Once we arrived, we set up our stall quickly and made time to explore the other displays before the awards began,” the students explained.
The ceremony was a special occasion, with speeches from the programme’s founders highlighting the impact of Future Leaders in developing skills for life both on and off the field.
The awards were presented by All-Ireland winning Kerry captain Gavin White and Dublin Ladies Football captain Carla Rowe, who later took part in a lively Q&A session with the students.
Reflecting on the day, the students said: “It was a fantastic experience.
“We were so proud to represent our school and to receive the Gold Award.
“The chance to speak with other schools and share what we’ve learned was really rewarding. It’s a day we won’t forget.”
Ms Donnelly added: “This recognition is the result of the commitment and teamwork shown by our Future Leaders all year. They’ve been a credit to themselves, their school, and their community.”
The day finished with the group dismantling their stall, before heading back to Portlaoise after what was described as “a very busy but hugely enjoyable day.”
Mountrath Community School is proud to be recognised as a Future Leaders Gold School, and the TY students’ success stands as an inspiration for the next generation of young leaders.
