Quacking success as Buncrana duck race raises €2,135

There was plenty of quacking excitement at Swan Park recently as 527 yellow ducks made a splash in aid of Coláiste Eoghain, raising a fantastic €2,135 for the Buncrana school.

Families, students, and supporters gathered along the banks of the river on Friday, May 22, enjoying glorious weather as hundreds of ducks raced downstream while anxious spectators watched to see which would cross the finish line first.

The popular fundraising event was organised by parent Rachael Farrell of the Parents' Association of Coláiste Eoghain and attracted a large crowd from across the community.

Principal Claire Doherty praised everyone involved in making the day such a success.

"There was a fantastic buzz down at Swans Park as the Parents' Association hosted the highly anticipated annual Duck Race," she said.

"The weather was beautiful, and a lovely crowd gathered just in time to see a sea of bright yellow ducks take to the water."

A special highlight of the day was the return of former pupil and actor Art Parkinson, who attended as a special guest and helped launch the event.

"We were absolutely thrilled to welcome back a very familiar face to help us launch the race," Ms Doherty said.

"Art kindly took time out of his busy schedule to join us as our special guest. His support meant the world to the students and staff alike, and it was wonderful to see him back where his journey began."

There were 520 ducks sold ahead of the race, with the school paying tribute to the efforts of its Parents' Association and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to organise the event.

Special thanks were extended to Rachael and her father, Junior Farrell, for coordinating the fundraiser, as well as to the many local businesses and individuals who donated prizes for the raffle and race winners.

Coláiste Eoghain also acknowledged the support of South Inishowen councillor Fionán Bradley, who launched the ducks into the water, along with Riversound Sound, The Anglers Centre, and Robert McClelland, who helped ensure the event ran smoothly and safely.

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Parent and organiser Rachael Farrell said she was delighted with the success of the fundraiser and grateful to everyone who contributed.

"It’s hard for people to get the time off, but it's for a great cause because it really is a vital school in Inishowen," she said.

Rachael said she feels strongly about supporting Inishowen's only Irish-language secondary school and believes investment in local educational facilities is essential.

She also expressed hope that plans for a new shared three-school campus in Buncrana will receive planning approval.

"Everyone sees it themselves, all three schools are struggling. It would be absolutely amazing and a huge step forward," she said.

Rachel added that her daughter Kayla, now 14 and a student at Coláiste Eoghain, attended Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha and, like many pupils, has never experienced learning in a purpose-built school building.

The €2,135 raised through the duck race will help support school activities and provide additional resources for students at Coláiste Eoghain.

As the last ducks were retrieved from the river and the prizes handed out, Coláiste Eoghain was already looking ahead to next year's event.

"Thank you again to everyone who played a part in making the day such a memorable one," Ms Doherty said. "See you all next year."