Cumann na mBunscol An Mhí is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. A purely voluntary organisation, Cumann na mBunscol is made up of primary school teachers committed to the promotion and development of gaelic games within and between schools,ensuring the highest quality training and preparation for later life to the pupils involved. By Mary O'Brien. The association is responsible for organising boys and girl's football, camogie, athletics, rounders and cross-country events in 97 Meath schools co-ordinated by the primary teachers with the support of Allianz and Meath Co. Committee. Pat O'Neill, the then chairman of the Meath Minor Football Board and current Central Council delegate affiliated Cumann na mBunscol An Mhí to the central body of Cumann na mBunscol in 1979. At that time only Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dundalk and Drogheda comprised the group, which shared a small annual grant from the Department of Education. Pat O'Neill was the only chairman or officer involved, who was not a primary school teacher. The first secretary of Cumann na mBunscol An Mhí was Seán Dempsey, Rathfeigh N.S. with Tony Coogan Cortown N.S. its treasurer. In 1980 Pat O'Neill stepped down, to be replaced as chairman by Bob Burke (R.I.P.), former principal of Nobber N.S. Football In the school years 1979 - 1981 the football competitions took the form of several divisions, with schools placed according to their size and location.These inter-schools games were played from September to November. The following March the schools in each division combined to form divisional teams . These teams played off in a knockout competition for the Michael Byrne memorial Cup. The cup commemorates Michael Byrne, late principal of Slane N.S. Schools successful in their respective divisions 1979-80 were Bohermeen, Scoil Mhuire Navan, Lismullen, Cortown., Athboy, Laytown, and Slane. The Michael Byrne Cup was won by Scoil Mhuire Navan who defeated the combined forces of St.Oliver's Navan, Kells C.B.S. and Slane on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-7. Schools successful in 1980-81 were Castletown, Cannistown., Kilbride, Skryne Whitecross, Slane, Rathbeggan and Scoil Mhuire Navan. The Michael Byrne Cup was won by a Boyerstown-Cortown-Kilbride combination who beat Slane and St. Oliver's Navan in the final in Navan. A decision was made in June 1981 to discontinue the inter-divisional competition and the football championship was reorganised into four divisions according to school size. Divisions 5, 6 and 7 were added in 1987,1995 and 2000. Girls Football Competitive football for girls was introduced in 1991 with a one-day blitz, which was won by Carlanstown. Further divisions were added to cater for the increased interest shown by the schools. Moynalvey won the Div. 2 title in 1992. Oristown took the Div. 3 title in 1994. Div. 4 was introduced in 1998 with the title going to Carlanstown and Mulhussey captured the Div 5 title in 2003. The number of schools participating has increased dramatically and in 2004 over 50 schools took part. Hurling & Camogie In 1981 the Board, through Coleman Nee organized an inter-schools hurling competition and victory went to Athboy when they defeated Dunderry in the final. No hurling competitions took place for the next two years but Scoil Cholmcille Kells won the Div. 1 finals in 1984 and '85. Three further divisions have since been added as well as a shield competition Camogie leagues were organized in 1991, with Scoil Bhride Cannistown winning out in the first two years. Kilcloon were the first to win the Div.2 title in 1995. St.Josephs Mercy and Scoil Bhríde Cannistown had the rare distinction of sharing the 1996 title after two games between the sides failed to produce a winner. A large number of Meath primary schools accepted the invitation of the National Camogie Association to attend the Centenary All Ireland games in Croke Park in September. Rounders Cumann na mBunscol An Mhí was the first in the twentysix counties to hold a Primary Schools Rounders competition for boys and girls in 1983 which was organised by Cóilin Ó Coigligh. Ten teams took part in the girls competition ; Skryne, Rathfeigh, Dunboyne, Cortown, Lismullen, St.Oliver's Navan, Kilmessan, Culmullen, Batterstown and Moynalvey. Dunboyne were the first winners of the competition with a final win over Kilmessan. A similar competition for boys attracted twelve teams - Kilmessan, Culmullen, St.Oliver's Navan, Lismullen, Skryne, Moynalvey, Dunboyne, Scoil Mhuire Navan, Cortown, Batterstown, Kentstown and Rathfeigh. The final produced two neighbouring teams with Skryne overcoming Rathfeigh by 20 runs to 2. The rounders is now made up of three divisions for boys and a similar number for girls, with games being played during the Summer term. Athletics Ciaran Conlon St. Olivers was instrumental in having athletics added to the Cumann na mBunscol calendar in 1991. Track and field events were held at the athletic track in Dunboyne until 2002 when they moved to Claremont Stadium in Navan. Events now include sprints, relays, ball throw and long jump. Cross country competitions are held during November. Initially a field at the Commons, Navan was used for the event. In 1993 the venue was changed to Bellewstown racecourse. Ann O'Kelly Lynch took over as athletics co-ordinator in 1991. Mini Sevens One of the flagships of Cumann na mBunscol is the I.N.T.O. Mini-Sevens, a promotional scheme which climaxes in Croke Park at championship time. Cumann na mBunscol an Mhí introduced mini seven competitions in boys football, girls football, hurling and camogie in 1990. In order to qualify for selection, schools must firstly win at county level. The county winners then go on to provincial level and it is at this point that the participants are chosen for Croke Park. One of the advantages of the selection procedure is that the smaller schools have an age limit advantage over the larger schools. Robert O'Kelly-Lynch has been the mini sevens co-ordinator since its inception. 25th Anniversary Celebrations To mark this occasion a number of special events were organised and a "Sport for All Day" was held on the 16th of June at various venues throughout county Meath. Each school selected ten pupils to participate in a sport of its choice, rounders, camogie, football, or hurling. Games were of a noncompetitive nature with children from different schools forming part of the same team Certainly each school entered into the true spirit of the day and the participating schools were presented with a commemorative plaque. Parade at Páirc Tailteann A parade of players representing schools that participate in the Cumann na mBunscol competitions took place in Páirc Tailteann on the occasion of this years senior football championship final on the 10th October. The players togged out in their school colours and marching behind their respective school banner provided a very colourful spectacle. Art competition Children were invited to enter an art competition depicting the celebration of 25 years of gaelic games in primary schools. The competition attracted a very large number of entries and the following children received their prizes at the Cumann na mBunscol football finals. 1st / 2nd Class 1st Ethan Balfe, Coole N.S. 2nd Emma Flynn, St.Declan's N.S.Ashbourne 3rd David Schilder, Kiltale N.S. 3rd / 4th Class 1st Patrick Walsh, Duleek N.S. 2nd Shona White, Kiltale N.S. 3rd Denise Griffen, Rathbeggan N.S. 5th / 6th Class 1st Siohán Ní Niallagáin, Gaeil Scoil na Bóinne, Áth Troim 2nd Aisling McEntagart, St Peter & Paul N.S. Drumconrath 3rd Daniel Mullally, Coole N.S. The highlight of the Cumann na mBunscol season is the Primary Schools football finals at Páirc Tailteann. for two consecutive Saturdays in November when the grounds are literally taken over and teams from 7 divisions provide entertainment of the highest quality. Little behind, for skill and excitement are the hurling finals which take place at Dunsany in June. Many of the county's top inter-county stars first came to prominence in these Cumann na mBunscol finals. The success of Cumann na mBunscol over the past 25 years would not have been possible without the help, support and dedication of many people. Obviously the various competitions could not go ahead without the voluntary efforts of a number of people, the many group and divisional organisers in the schools, the teachers who referee the games and coach the teams, Meath coaches Dudley Farrell and Christine O'Brien, the G.A.A. clubs throughout the county who so willingly make their club facilities available for the games. The local media also play an important role in the reporting of the games, especially the finals where their coverage excels each year, the photographers who do such an excellent job in capturing the skills, emotions and sheer joy of the children on their big day at Páirc Tailteann, Kilmessan or Dunsany must also be commended. Royal County and their camera man for their special coverage, often at very short notice, L.M.F.M. for their prompt reporting and the parents for supporting and encouraging their children to participate. Cumann na mBunscol's silver jubilee banquet was held in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan on Friday the 12th November. It was a great and most enjoyable social occasion and those in attendance had every reason to celebrate 25 years of unstinted voluntary service to our youth, our schools, communities and the G.A.A. Current Cumann na mBunscol Committee Willie Lyons, the current chairman has been at the helm since 1991 and the longest holder of that position. Committee: Chairman Willie Lyons Vice Chairman John Brennan Secretary Francis Flynn Treasurer Mary Devine Mini 7's Co-ordinator Robert O'Kelly Lynch Rounders Co-ordinator Coilín Ó Coigligh Athletics Co-ordinator Ann O'Kelly Lynch Leinster and National Representatives Frank Reidy, John Byrne P.R.O. Mary O'Brien Assistant P.R.O. 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