Rory Grant honoured with 2025 Primary School Sports Teacher Award

St. Mura’s National School in Tooban is celebrating a proud moment after teacher Rory Grant was named Winner of the 2025 Primary School Sports Teacher Award at the Donegal Sports Star Awards, held on Friday night, January 30th, in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny. 

With over 15 years of dedicated service, Rory Grant has played a hugely influential and consistent role in promoting sport, physical activity, and inclusion within St. Mura’s N.S. and the wider community. His work spans coaching, coordination, leadership, and community engagement, making sport accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities.

The Burnfoot man and teacher delivers regular coaching sessions during the school day and also after school hours. He organises popular lunchtime leagues for the students across several sports, including soccer, Gaelic football, and hurling, ensuring opportunities for participation at all levels.

A standout initiative introduced by Mr Grant is the Playground Leaders programme, which empowers pupils to take on leadership roles in promoting physical activity. He also coordinates a sixth-class mentoring programme, where senior pupils support and motivate younger children during lunchtime games, fostering confidence, teamwork, and inclusion.

In his role as Active Flag and Sports Coordinator, Mr Grant oversees the school’s physical wellbeing strategy and is the driving force behind the annual St. Mura’s Active Week, a highlight of the school calendar that celebrates movement, health, and participation for all.

Following the announcement, St. Mura’s National School offered huge congratulations to Mr Grant. “We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate his well-deserved win as Best Primary School Sports Teacher at the Donegal Sports Star Awards,” a school spokesperson said.

“Mr Grant was recognised for his outstanding commitment and passion in promoting sport, physical activity, and inclusion within our school and the wider community. His incredible contributions have inspired countless children and made a lasting, positive impact on everyone he works with. We are bursting with pride as a staff, a truly deserving winner.”

Four teachers were nominated for the Primary School Sports Teacher Award, with three of the nominees teaching in Inishowen. Alongside Mr Grant, nominees included Caolán Kelly of St. Aengus National School, Bridgend, and Theresa Doherty of Tiernasligo National School, Clonmany.

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The award ceremony formed part of the annual Donegal Sports Star Awards, celebrating excellence and dedication across sport in the county, and Mr Grant’s win was warmly applauded by colleagues, family, and the wider school community.