Rathmore pupils play host to special guests for 'Get Active Week'

Get out, get active!' That was the message from the youngsters from Rathmore National School who took to the air as part of their 'Get Active Week' that took place last week with a number of well-known sporting personalities showing up at the school as part of the festival of activities. 

The aim of the week is to encourage youngsters to get out in the air and enjoy some exercise - and, in that respect, the youngsters from Rathmore have certainly been there, done that. 
In June 2017 the school was awarded the Active School Flag (ASF). It's a coveted prize and only awarded to schools that strive to achieve a physically-educated and physically-active school community. "The process aims to get more schools, more active, more often," commented Rathmore teacher Nuala Tully. ASF is a Department of Education and Skills initiative supported by Healthy Ireland. 
"As part of the Get Active Week, Navan Arch Club members, Niamh Cooke, Mary Wall and Conor Caffrey visited the school and gave the children a presentation about the sports and activities they participate in. The children were also delighted to meet Francis Power, winner of a silver medal for table tennis in the recent Special Olympics in Dubai," explained Ms Tully. 
On Wednesday Simonstown Gaels footballer Mark McCabe brought his very popular 'Skip'n'Robe' workshop to the school. In the afternoon the youngsters were introduced to Jamie McGrath from nearby Athboy who plays for top League of Ireland side Dundalk. 
The following day another big sporting personality in every sense showed up at the school. This time it was six foot, 10 inches tall Ireland and Templeogue basketball player Jason Killeen. As a teenager Killeen won a basketball scholarship to Notre Dame Academy in the US and played college basketball Stateside. He now works as a Development Officer with Basketball Ireland. 
"Rathmore National School have both boys and girls teams participating in the Meath Schools Basketball League and we're delighted to receive the extra coaching from Jason! He led a morning of drills and mini games to enhance their skills in the game. Jason has also met and had special words of advice for fifth class pupil Jack O'Connor who plays weekly with the North East Thunder Wheelchair Basketball club based in Dundalk." 
Then on Friday the week of Get Active activities were completed when the Clann na nGael development officer Sarah McManus was in for her weekly session working with the children to enhance their GAA skills. "Sarah has been working closely with the school all year and is a very popular visitor to the school every Friday morning," added Nuala Tully. 
"All the pubils and staff had a memorable, sun-soaked week in Rathmore NS. They were delighted to get the opportunity to meet and train with so many involved with sport and activity at such a high level in Ireland and who gave their time so generously. Rathmore got to showcase the great facilities within the school for the week including the new astro turf pitch. Special thanks also goes to Parents' Association member David Wright for his assistance in helping to co-ordinate Active Week 2019 in Rathmore National School."