October 22nd 2008
National Educational Welfare Board and Cork City Council Award Students with Exemplary Attendance

"Cork City Council and the National Educational Welfare Board want to improve attendance in our schools because nothing is more important to the future of our city and nation than the education of our young people" the Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr Brian Bermingham said today (Wednesday 22nd October 2008) at a presentation ceremony in City Hall, Cork.

The event was in recognition of pupils with eight years or more unbroken attendance at school. This annual event which dates back to the start of the last century is organised by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) and sponsored by Cork City Council.

Congratulating the students, Lord Mayor, Cllr Bermingham said the students remarkable achievement was down to a combination of good health, going to a school at which they were happy and fulfilled and the encouragement and support of their families: "Cork city is proud of you all and I congratulate the principals of the winning students, as well as the teachers and parents who have made school attendance a high priority."

Dan O' Shea, Regional Manager of the National Educational Welfare Board welcomed the pupils and their families to the presentation ceremony and acknowledged the remarkable achievement of the pupils. "Unbroken attendance is rare and deserving of recognition. A positive attitude to school is the best way to guarantee success at school and your efforts have shown great commitment and dedication. These characteristics will serve you well in your future careers and will be recognised by your employers."

Five pupils received awards for fourteen years continuous unbroken school attendance which means that they never missed a day while in primary or post-primary. The students were: David Paul O'Connell, Douglas Community School; Padraig De Barra, Gaelcholaiste Mhuire (A.G); Tanya Ann Scully, Regina Mundi; Roibaird, O Riogain, Colaiste Chriost Ri and Steven Robinson, Ashton School.

It was also a special occasion for seven sets of siblings who also received awards for unbroken attendance ranging from 8 to fourteen years.

Shane Tyner 8 Years
James Sean Tyner 10 years

Alan McGrath 8 years
Karen Nic Chraith 9 years

Jessica Feeney 9 years
Amy Feeney 12 years

Ciara O'Regan 10 years
Roibaird O Riogain 14 years

Darren B. O'Connell 10 years
David P. O'Connell 14 years

Ruth McCluskey 10 years
Sarah McCluskey 11 years

Ryan Mulcahy 8 years
Jordan Mulcahy 8 years

In conclusion, the Lord Mayor paid tribute to Dan O' Shea and his staff of the National Educational Welfare Board who organised the ceremony, and for their hard work and dedication in their endeavours to securing a better education for those experiencing difficulties within the education system.

For further information contact:

Elaine O 'Mahoney

01 873 8603 / 087 130 8799