PUPILS at Ballyconnell National School recently received two awards and a farm safety pennant as part of the Agrikids farm safety programme.
Senior infants pupils Alex, Luca and Oisín Rothwell were victorious in the Leinster farm safety ambassador category, with each receiving a €50 One4All voucher and a trophy. They were also presented with gilets from Joe O’Toole & Sons in Tullow, who also sponsored first place in the poster competition, organised by teacher Ms McEvoy.
Ballyconnell NS also won the best learning initiative award, receiving a trophy and a €500 cash prize.
Agrikids was founded by Alma Jordan in June 2015, following a particularly bad year for farm accidents, with the aim of encouraging children to have conversations about farm safety and raising awareness about the dangers on farms.
Speaking about the contributions by pupils and their families to ASH Animal Rescue in Rathdangan, Co Wicklow, Ms Jordan said: “The kindness and compassion towards animal welfare from Ballyconnell pupils must be celebrated.” Donations from students and families included dog and cat food, toys, cat litter and newspaper shavings.
