:format(auto))
The inter-county Championships are over, Katie has had her unbelievable farewell in Croke Park and GAA fans are turning their attention to club championships.
With the return to school, after a superb summer break, Cumann na mBunscol teachers and children are all focussed on the new football leagues and dreams of Croke Park finals on October 19th and 20th.
20 competitions are currently being played - equally divided between boys and girls. The next cohort of Dublin stars are on the way.
:format(auto))
St. Malachy’s, Edenmore in happy mood after qualifying toe the semi-final of Corn Chumann na nGael.
All-time High Numbers
Huge numbers have once again signed up for the 2026 football leagues. A total of 490 teams - 275 boys and 215 girls - have entered the 2026 competitions and are striving to reach finals in Croke Park on October 19th and 20th.
There will be a total of 20 finals over the two days and many past and current players will present cups and medals.
Schools always bring colour, noise and huge passion for their teams. These days are special and create life-long memories for children, teachers and parents.
:format(auto))
Captains’ pic: All captains, boys and girls, display their trophies in Croke Park last season.
Rúnaithe Den Scoth
The post of Rúnaí, Cumann na mBunscol is a demanding one and there have only been 12 in the history of the organisation since 1928.
The first was Leon MacCanna from Antrim who served for just on year having been a founder member.
Michael Smyth from Galway has just finished as Rúnaí, having given 9 busy and demanding years in the position.
His successor, Cian Lynch, from, Meath, has hit the ground running and is already bringing the role to new heights with his organisational ability and engaging affability.
He’s particularly busy now as football finals are upon us, but, once these are over, it’s straight into planning for 2027 and another chapter in voluntary work of Cumann na mBunscol, Ath Cliath and the 350 schools playing all our Gaelic codes and performing in the athletics programme.
:format(auto))
Míle Buíochas Jarlath
Uachtarán CLG, Iarla Ó Broin, led the Association with distinction during his term of office.
He was kind and generous to Cumann na mBunscol, Áth Cliath.
He attended our finals and visited our athletes in Morton Stadium, Santry.
His many achievements included the momentous changes to the rules of Gaelic football which have transformed the game and made it attractive for our children to play and enjoy watching.
Guímíd gach rath ar Jarlath amach anseo. Níl amhras ná go mbeidh ionchur agus tionchar aige ar chúrsaí CLG sa todhchaí.
:format(auto))
Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns with winning athletes in Morton Stadium, Santry
End Of Curse Brings Joy
Very few begrudged Mayo their long-overdue All-Ireland success. Their followers have suffered heartbreak down the years and their on-going celebrations represent the release of decades of pent-up pain, frustration and raw emotion.
Many Mayo teachers have made significant contributions to the foundation and development of Cumann na mBunscol, Áth Cliath.
Andy Lavin, Central Model NS, Tom Ryder, Aughrim St. we’re founder members in 1928. Lavin was also the first Cathaoirleach in 1928.
Tom Ryder was Rúnaí from 1929 to 1934. Corn Ton Ryder is called after the great Mayo native.
Martin Kitterick served as Cisteoir for many years and the Division 1 football cup - Corn Kitterick - is named in his honour.
Johnny Roebuck, St. Michael’s CBS was chairman from 1943-45.
Another Mayoman, Michael Maugham, gave long and dedicated service in Star Of The Sea NS, Sandymont.
Current officers, Diarmaid Eageney and Sandra McIntyre and Keith De Standún, who managed a team in the 2026 Cluichí na gCarad in Parnell Park, are still beaming with pride as Sam tours at home and abroad.
In the 1945 picture below, Martin Kitterick, Tom Ryder and Johnny Roebuck were all from Mayo.
:format(auto))
:format(auto))
Two girls with Sam : Current Cisteoir, Sandra McIntyre (right) and former assistant PRO, Leona Ruane are both from Mayo.
Go nÉirí Leat Ciarán - Kilkenny Still Performing
The inter-county retirement of Ciarán Kilkenny brought an amazing career to an end.
His early exploits in the Kerry colours of Scoil Oilibhéir, Coolmine, in Cumann na mBunscol finals, gave a clear indication of his destiny in the blue jersey.
He was equally adept at hurling and football and could have chosen either code.
The great Evening Herald journalist, Niall Scully, almost ran out of superlatives to describe the amazing performances of the Oilibhéir star as he gave player-of-the-match performances over several years in football and hurling finals.
His multiple accolades include 8 All-Ireland senior medals, 6 All-Star awards, 5 National League awards, and 12 Leinster titles.
However, Ciarán hasn’t forgotten his roots as he is now passing on his skills and values to the children in St. Benedict’s NS, Ongar.
He has brought a team from St. Benedict’s NS, Ongar to a Croke Park final and volunteered as an umpire at the annual finals.
He is always available to answer the call when Cumann na mBunscol, Áth Cliath comes calling.
Ciarán’s colleagues and many admirers in the Cumann wish him well today and into future on and off the field.
Rinne tú éacht ar an bPáirc a chara agus thug tú dea-shampla don aos óg i gcónaí. Go Máire tú an céad.
:format(auto))
Tráth na gCeist
Last year’s inaugural Cumann na mBunscol Tráth na gCeist, held in Gaelscoil Brian Boróimhe, was an outstanding success.
The superbly organised event was devised and presented by Cumann na mBunscol Coiste Láir members Pádraig Ó Conchubhair and Diarmaid Eageney.
Feedback from schools and participants was very positive and plans are currently well advanced for the 2026 event on Thursday, November.
Cluichí na gCarad ‘27 set for Corrigan Park.
The annual Cluichí na gCarad friendship exchange between Dublin and Antrim will take place this year in Corrigan Park, Belfast.
The 2026 games were held in Parnell Park where full squads of hurlers, footballers, camogie players and handballers enjoyed a great day of sport.
The initiative dates back to games in McCrory Park in Belfast in 1932 and have been continued at various venues including Corrigan Park, Casement Park, Croke Park and Parnell Park down the years.
The last games played in Casement before closure in 2013 were the Cumann na mBunscol Cluichí na gCarad.
:format(auto))
Front page of the 2026 Cluichí na gCarad programme.
:format(auto))
Hunter Maher, St. Malachy’s, Edenmore, on the attack with coaches, Pádraig Ó Conchubhair( Áth Cliath) and Diarmaid Eagney (Mayo) looking on.
The Cumann na mBunscol partnership with Dublin Credit Unions has recently been renewed for another year.
European Superstars
Cumann mBunscol teachers were particularly proud to see Rhasidat Adeleke return to the top in Irish and European athletics.
Her national championship success enabled her to compete in the European athletic championships where she won a silver medal after an amazing run.
The former St. Mark’s, Tallaght, pupil, was a three-time Cumann na mBunscol winner in Morton Stadium in the annual Cumann na mBunscol sports. We wish her well as she competes for further honours in 2027 as she prepares for more championship wins and Olympic selection.
Another former Cumann na mBunscol star to shine at the European championships was Andrew Coscoran.
Andrew attended Balscadden NS and was a Cumann na mBunscol winner in Morton Stadium.
:format(auto))
Rhasidat Adeleke going for gold for St. Mark’s, Tallaght in Morton Stadium, Santry.
:format(auto))
:format(auto)){kind=logo}
:format(auto))
:format(auto)){kind=logo}