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Margaret Cunningham Makes History 2006

It was a historic occasion for Cumann na mBunscol in the Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford  recently  when Waterford's Margaret Cunningham was elected Chairperson of the Primary Schools National Council. She is the first lady to attain this office and it is an honour well deserved following 26 years of dedicated service to Cumann na mBunscol here in Waterford.

 Margaret was appointed Principal Teacher of Villierstown N.S. in 1980 after serving 5 years as assistant teacher in that school. Immediately she became involved with Gaelic Games in the school - coaching the young pupils in her care and running school leagues within the school. As a result, when the first Primary Schools’ Board was formed in 1980 with Bro. Dormer and Tony Ryan as the principal officers, Margaret's school was ready to compete with the other schools in the efficiently organised inter-schools competitions. In 1985 when 'Peil na gCailini' was formed under the guidance of Michael Culloo ( R.I.P. ), Margaret became its first chairperson and through her exceptional organisational ability and dedication, it became the strongest branch of school activities in the West. Margaret organised 'Peil n gCailini' every year from 1985 to the year 2000.

    Margaret also served as Chairperson of the Western Board of Cumann na mBunscol on several occasions in the late eighties and early nineties and Cumann n mBunscol activities flourished under her guidance. When the position of Chairperson of the Waterford Primary Schools County Board became vacant in December 1997, Margaret answered the call to fill the position and she continued to do so efficiently up to the year 2001. Furthermore, she was elected Cathaoirleach of the Munster Primary Schools’  Board in 2000, again the first female to hold this position. She was awarded “ Sports Personality of the Month “ in February, 2000 by WLR/Lawlors Hotel Sports Awards Committee.

In 2001. in the Wellington Arms Hotel, Belfast, Margaret made history again in becoming the first female to occupy the position of National Secretary of Cumann na mBunscol. Margaret served diligently as National Secretary for 5 years until she took up this new position of National Chairperson.

    We congratulate Margaret on her latest achievement and wish her many  years of happiness and enjoyment in her new position.

Ciarán Byrne

National PRO, Cumann na mBunscol