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Sixth class pupils at St Paul’s NS pause for a photo before setting off on their laps of the astroturf.

St. Paul’s pupils get behind Frano’s 337km Challenge

schools

Published: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 1:26 PM

Pupils, teachers and members of the Parents Association at St. Paul’s Primary School, Navan, are collectively getting behind a remarkable fundraising challenge that will see local community member Frano McKeown run the entire 337km border of County Meath.

The ambitious challenge, which begins on 18th June, aims to raise €65,000 towards the construction of a permanent outdoor classroom at the school.

Ahead of the main event, Frano visited the school where pupils, staff and Parents Association members joined him for a special run around the astro turf to show their support and enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.

The school community is united behind the initiative and is playing an active role in helping to make the fundraising campaign a success.

Ann Hannon, Chairperson of the Parents Association at St. Paul’s Primary School, and Ruth McKeown, wife of Frano McKeown, pictured showing their support for the 337km County Meath Border Challenge.

The planned outdoor classroom will provide a dedicated learning space for pupils to learn, play and grow outdoors. School representatives say the facility will be particularly beneficial for children with additional needs, offering additional opportunities for engagement and learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Frano’s endurance challenge will start and finish in Meath, covering the county’s entire border before concluding at Newgrange. The run is expected to take between 65 and 70 hours to complete.

Members of the Parents Association at St. Paul’s Primary School, Navan, who are supporting the fundraising campaign for a new outdoor classroom. Left to Right: Lisa Nolan , Kate Czurylo , Annmarie Boyle , Ruth McKeown, Anne Hannon and Siobhan Farrelly

The children, teachers and Parents Association are working collectively alongside Frano and a dedicated fundraising committee to raise awareness of the project and encourage support from local businesses and the wider community.

School Principal Eileen McCaughey said the outdoor classroom will be a valuable addition to the school and will benefit generations of pupils into the future.

Fionn McKeown, son of Frano McKeown, pictured with Frano McKeown and TikTok creator Caolín Ward as support builds for the 337km County Meath Border Challenge.

As excitement builds ahead of the June challenge, pupils are eagerly following Frano's preparations and are proud to play their part in supporting a project that will leave a lasting legacy for the school community.

Donations can be made through the school’s online fundraising campaign, with every contribution helping to bring the outdoor classroom project a step closer to reality.