St. Dallan’s Primary School in partnership with Cumann Pheadair Naofa Warrenpoint, as part of the Club School Link, hosted a highly successful Health and Wellbeing Day for St. Dallan’s P7 pupils on Friday 19 May.

The fun packed day commenced with a morning assembly for the pupils where they were addressed by Club Health and Wellbeing Officer Katrina Kernan on the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. In keeping with tradition, the pupils took park in an art competition, relating to a club GAA theme.

This year the pupils made posters reflecting Cumann Pheadair Naofa’s commitment to being a smoke free club. Prizes,which were sponsored by the club, were presented to Saoirse Byard (first prize), Erin Carr (Second prize) and Abbie Brennan (third Prize) at the special morning assembly.

Water Safety was one of the key themes delivered through the morning seminar. Cumann Pheadair Naofa was one of fourclubs throughout Ireland, located in a coastal town ,selected to participate in the prestigious RNLI water safety programme in association with the GAA which took place in Poole England in November 2016. . It was therefore fitting and appropriate that the RNLI brought their message Respect the Water to St. Dallan’s Primary Seven Pupils. The RNLI team, led by Laura Jackson, Community Safety Events Supervisor for the RNLI, delivered an excellent interactive presentation highlighting the key elements of water safety.

Equally popular was the Relax Kids programme delivered by club volunteer Eilish  Burns. The  Relax Kids project, with a focus on a positive mental attitude and general wellbeing, was introduced to the club as part of the Club’s Healthy Club Project and this was an ideal opportunity to introduce the P7 pupils to this aspect of wellbeing.

The innovative activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all pupils.

In keeping with the healthy lifestyle theme, pupils enjoyed a healthy lunch prepared by the staff in the school canteen.

Coaching was the focus of the afternoon activities with pupils enjoying Gaelic Football, Camogie and Hurling. All pupils participated in energetic coaching sessions delivered by club coaches from Cumann Pheadair Naofa.

School Principal, Mrs Farrell, expressed appreciation to Cumann Pheadair Naofa GAA Club and to Club /School Liaison Officer  Anne McCormack for the club’s commitment to the development of Gaelic Games in St. Dallan’s through afterschool coaching and health and wellbeing activities. She also thanked club coaches, Paula Howlett, Helen Carvill, Liz Power-Bagnell, Chris Rooney, Conor Keenan, and Conrad Madden for providing the afternoon coaching.

On behalf of the club, Anne McCormack thanked Mrs  Farrell, Primary Seven Teachers Mrs Morgan and Mrs Trainor, Mr Rice and Mrs Kelly for making the GAA Health and Wellbeing Day another successful and enjoyable day for the pupils.

By michelle Mon 22nd May