Galway primary school’s sponsored cycle shows strength of pedal power!
The scenic roads surrounding Loch na Fooey and Lough Mask Upper came alive as cyclists from near and far gathered for the much-anticipated Lap of the Lakes 2026 sponsored cycle.
Indeed a number of cyclists joined virtually from as far away as Australia.
Participants in person took part in two routes tailored to suit all abilities – a challenging long cycle around Loch na Fooey and a shorter, family-friendly route around the Upper Mask.
Everyone was warmly welcomed, ensuring inclusivity and strong participation across all age groups and fitness levels.
The cyclists returned to Scoil Naomh Pádraig to enjoy a well-deserved “Ceol agus Craic Bia agus deoch”.
The event was organised as a fundraiser with proceeds going towards initiatives supporting Scoil Naomh Pádraig and sustaining the future of the school within the community.A key focus of this year’s campaign is the “Moving West Campaign” initiative, led by the Parents & Community Committee.
This forward-thinking project aims to encourage a family with primary school-aged children to relocate to the area and enrol in the school, helping to strengthen and grow student numbers. To support prospective families, the initiative offers access to a dedicated Mentor to assist with relocation and settling into the community; help connecting with local homeowners offering rental accommodation – and a €2,000 support package to assist with relocation and travel expenses.
The school has been both resourceful and visionary in the past in trying to ensure that class numbers are maintained – and that, as a consequence, they can hold onto their teachers.
And these incentives have reaped rich reward; Scoil Naomh Pádraig was down to just four pupils before their recruitment drive in 2024 – but that saw them grow to 13 for the start of the 2025 school year.
The success of Lap of the Lakes 2026 highlights the strength, generosity, and spirit of the local community, as well as its commitment to preserving rural education and welcoming new families to the area.
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This is a wonderful opportunity for children to be educated in the beautiful Joyce Country Gaeltacht area surrounded by the Irish language and culture.
Any family with primary school age children interested in learning more about the Moving West Campaign initiative or exploring relocation opportunities is encouraged to contact the Parents & Community Committee via email: [email protected] or WhatsApp 087 6543535.