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Margaret Cunningham, Cumann na mBunscol, Portlairge. takes over as National Secretary of Cumann na mBunscol from Dermot Keane, Mayo. who was former National Secretary.        Photo. Sean Byrne.

    It was a historic night for Cumann na mBunscol in the Wellington Park Hotel, 21 Malone Road, Belfast on Saturday afternoon last when Waterford's Margaret Cunningham was elected Secretary 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 Principle teacher of Villierstown N.S. IN 1975, her first teaching appointment. 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 principle 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 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 s Chairperson of the Western Board of Cumann na mBunscol for a two year stint on two 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 continues to do so efficiently up to the present time. Furthermore, she was elected Cathaoirleach of the Munster Primary Schools Board again the first female to hold this position.

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

REPRODUCED FROM THE DUNGARVAN LEADER 2/3/01

Breda Cleary (New Chairperson) presents an Ansley Lamp to outgoing Chairperson Margaret Cunningham.