Falcarragh Summer Cup to donate funds to two local national schools

The main beneficiaries of the 2024 Falcarragh Celtic Supporters’ Club Summer Cup which will be held in Falcarragh this weekend are both the Gortahork and Falcarragh National Schools.

The competition, which will take place over two days this Saturday and Sunday at Ionad Naomh Fionnan, Falcarragh Hall and Ballina Resource Centre, is in memory of club members and Cloughaneely players, John Harley and Joe Kelly.

The competition was first run in 2019 and returned after the pandemic, so is set for its fourth staging.

All monies raised will go to both schools to help them with their continuous process of developing and improving their Additional Sensory Resources. A GoFundMe page ‘Falcarragh Summer Cup’ has been set up.

“Tá lúcháir orainn a bheith curtha san áireamh leis an chuimhneacháin speisialta seo in onóir do John Harley agus Joe Kelly i mbliana,” Gortahork and Falcarragh National Schools said.

“We are extremely grateful to be considered as beneficiaries of this worthy fundraising event, in memory of both John Harley and Joe Kelly.

“In our schools, funding is required for additional sensory resources, that continue to be updated each year to meet the changing educational needs of children under our care in our ASD classrooms. We are now in a fortunate position to be able to welcome all children with Autism into our schools. These new ASD classes have given children the opportunity to learn with their peers in their local national schools. Additional funds are always welcomed to provide adequate resources for these children.

“While we welcome capitation from the Department of Education and support from NCSE, due to our rural location, we struggle to find funding for transport for essential activities for these classes. This includes library visits, swimming lessons, educational sensory tours and social skills-building activities.

“Unfortunately, supports are not always sufficient to meet the needs of our children. This funding will also help children to avail of services such as, play therapy and specialised activities to enhance the learning of our children.

“We would like to wholeheartedly thank the organising committee for their work and support. We would be delighted to receive this support and we look forward to spending any monies raised on the children in our ASD classes. Tá muid fíor-bhuíoch don choiste agus guímid gach rath oraibh le linn an deireadh seachtaine.”

The Falcarragh CSC Summer Cup Committee added: “ We’re sure we can all agree that these are very worthy beneficiaries and we are delighted to be a small help, to both schools, as they continue their great work in developing the ASR facilities for their children.”