Over 35 Longford contestants are fundraising for Killeen N.S.'s astroturf

Killeen National School has been undergoing a fundraiser to raise money for astroturf. With contestants making individual events to build the funds, there will be an event called D-Kube’ on October 25.

Principal of the school, Caroline McDermott, spoke of how the idea came about, and why bringing astroturf is important:

“With Irish weather, the grass area can be quite wet and mucky,” she explained. “It really is driven by that to allow children to play everyday, that they have access to good facilities. We really value the full education of every child, that they can get out and play on an all-weather surface, so they’re not coming in covered in muck and dirt when it rains.”

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The idea for an astroturf area was discussed with the Board of Management as the school has been growing in numbers. This was approved, which has led to the first ever fundraiser that the school has ever pursued. A spokesperson for the committee said that there have been ongoing meetings every week over three to four months. Each contestant, over 35 of them, have the goal to raise €2,000.

“Each person is coming up with different approaches to fundraising,” the committee said. “We decided to try and get a member from each of the communities; Abbeylara, Colmcille–all the different villages and towns.”

Examples of fundraising efforts include: Granard having a fitness morning, a cycle and a walk through Edgeworthstown. Each of the contestants have an individual iDonate page to reach their goal to help the school afford the astroturf. Many of the contestants have come far and wide to participate, naming councillors as one of the individuals.

The committee ranges from past pupils who attended Killeen National School, parents and community members. Described as a whole school effort, Killeen is also opening a new classroom in September as part of its increased enrolment. There is a launch night in Creehan’s, Bunlahy, September 19.

Contestants have the chance to win €5,000 for D-Kube. Tickets to go and see it will cover both the entry and be for a raffle to win a €1,000 voucher for Center Parcs.

With plenty of effort from all those involved in the fundraiser, Principal Caroline McDermott made a final comment:

“I suppose that this is a one-time only fundraising drive for the national school. We know that we have a very strong supportive community behind us and we really appreciate and value every donation and all support as it takes us one step closer to our dream.”

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With their iDonate page calling the inclusion of astroturf a valuable community asset, support for the development will continue up until October 25.

Donations are ongoing and support is encouraged.