Former Limerick Teacher elected National Chairman of GAA’s Cumann na mBunscol

Joe Lyons of Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh was elected Chairman of the National Committee of Cumann na mBunscol at the organisation’s AGM in Moran’s Red Cow Hotel in Dublin recently.

 The AGM was delayed by six months due to Covid restrictions but delegates finally assembled for their first face-to-face meeting in 18 months at the Dublin venue. 

Mr Lyons recently retired from his post as principal of Ballybrown NS and is relishing the challenge of his new role as Cumann na mBunscol celebrates it’s 50th anniversary.

Speaking after the announcement, the newly elected Chairman said,

“This is a great honour for me personally. However, we are facing great challenges in the months and years ahead as we strive to kick-start the Gaelic Games programme in our primary schools after an unprecedented break. The safety of children and teachers will be paramount.

However, Lockdown has brought home to me how big a part our games play in the lives of so many children. Cumann na mBunscol is the only body promoting sports in primary schools in  every one of the 32 counties. The GAA  is the envy of all other codes as Cumann na mBunscol ensures that, to quote our Mission Statement, 

‘Gaelic Games are the games of choice of the children in primary schools.’

“I have been involved in Cumann na mBunscol at school, county, provincial and national level throughout my teaching career and I look forward to seeing children in primary school return to the playing fields as soon as possible. Our games are vital for the Wellbeing of children in these difficult times.

The success of John Kiely’s team has ensured that hurling is enjoying great popularity in Limerick but the seeds of future success are planted in our primary schools and Cumann na mBunscol is central to the promotion of not alone hurling, but football for boys and girls, camogie, rounders and handball.”

Limerick has a proud history of participation at national level. Brother James Dormer of Doon CBS served on National Committee for a decade while Tom Garry, a native of Castleconnell, was a founder member of Cumann na mBunscol a half a century ago and served as Secretary for many years.’

Limerick was represented at the AGM by Niamh O’Dea, St Paul’s NS, Dooradoyle and Brother Dormer. 

The first events on the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Luimnigh calendar will be the inter-divisional football competitions for boys and girls, the Sarsfield Cup and Larkin Shield. These will take place after midterm break.