Kerry GAA stars launch school’s big fundraiser

The oldest student (back left), Ruari Plummer, and the youngest student (front centre) Holly O’Mahony, pictured at Cullina NS with the Cliffords, (back right) teacher Shelly Clifford and in front, her brothers, Kerry footballers David and Paudie at the school’s raffle launch
Pictures: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan.

Cullina National School and Beaufort Community Care Group are working together to raise funds for an all-weather sports field and lawn bowling green – the first of its kind in Kerry – to be located in the grounds of the primary school.

Cullina Sports Management Group received partial funding for the initiative via a Sports Capital Grant in 2024 and the community group will need to raise a further €120,000 to successfully complete the project.

Kerry football stars and past students of Cullina NS Ruari Murphy, Fiadhna Tangney and Seán O’Brien with pupil Holly O’Mahony

A number of fundraising initiatives are planned during the course of the coming months and a mega raffle, with prizes comprising a €2,000 holiday voucher, a one-night stay in the five-star Europe Hotel and Resort and a 65” Nordende TV, has already been launched.

Tickets are now on sale via the school and ticket sellers. Raffle tickets are priced at €10 per ticket and come in books of 10.

GAA stars came out in force to support the fundraising initiative with Kerry players Mike Breen, Faye O’Donoghue, Seán O’Brien, Fiadhna Tangney and Ruari Murphy all former past pupils of the school.

Launching the astroturf school fundraiser raffle were, from left, David Clifford, Fionn Davidson O’Shea with his grandmother Josephine O’Shea and brother Oisin O’Shea, Paudie Clifford and principal Leona Twiss

Also on hand were brothers Paudie and David Clifford who joined in support of their sister Shelly, who is a teacher of first class in the school.

Fergal Spillane, Chair of the Parents’ Association, remarked: “We are appealing to local businesses for a generous donation to help us reach our goal. We are delighted with the level of enthusiasm the project has received thus far and know that the number of those willing to support and give generously will grow and grow as the months progress”.

Cullina National School and Beaufort Community Care Group (Cullina Sports Management Group) are working together to raise funds for an all-weather sports field and lawn bowling green, Pictured at the launch were, from left, Alan Ferriter, Margaret Sweeney, Kerry footballer David Clifford, Ann Clifford, Kerry footballer Paudie Clifford, Lesley Dunne and Donie Clifford

As an approved sports capital project, donations of €250 or more will qualify as a tax-deductible trading expense for businesses.

Principal, Leona Twiss, said the new astro turf facility will ensure that all pupils can enjoy outdoor activities and regular movement breaks all year round.

Student Micheal Myers, meets his idol Kerry footballer David Clifford at the launch

“We are very excited about this upcoming project and believe it is essential for improving the health and well-being of our school community. By supporting our raffle, people will play a vital role in realising our dream goes beyond this calendar year and bring much enjoyment to the Beaufort community for many years to come”.

Margaret Sweeney, Secretary of the Beaufort Lawn Bowls Society said: “We are thrilled to be the first lawn bowls group with our own dedicated outdoor bowling green. We look forward to welcoming many lawn bowls enthusiasts from across Munster and indeed from the whole of Ireland to our new facility here in Beaufort”.

The closing date for the raffle is Thursday, June 12 with all ticket sales going towards this fundraising initiative. It is hoped that ground works on the project will commence in May 2025.

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