St Laserian’s launch track fundraiser with memorable game 

THE COLOUR, excitement and atmosphere of county final day was not only savoured by Rathvilly and Palatine but very special VIPs guests to Netwatch Cullen Park recently.

Students from St Laserian’s School supported the GAA Inclusion movement at the county football final in Netwatch Cullen Park by playing at the grounds before the senior final and marching onto the pitch prior to the national anthem.

“It was a superb day. The students really enjoyed the atmosphere, marching behind the band and actually playing on the pitch … it was fantastic,” said principal Rachel Dolan.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to have been invited to take part in this occasion and see this as a positive step toward, further promoting our links with the Carlow community,” she added.

The students, aged from 12 to 16 years, are no strangers when it comes to GAA, having enjoyed several GAA workshops with Brendan Hayden, a coach with Carlow GAA. So the opportunity to play at the county grounds on the county’s biggest day of the year was a huge honour for them all.

Mascot for the day was Mia Stenton, who had the added thrill of tossing the coin before the throw-in for the SFC final between Rathvilly and Palatine.

On county final day, St Laserian’s also officially launched its fundraising campaign ‘Take a step with us’, which aims to raise enough funds to build a much-needed movement/walking track within its grounds. The track will be located along the perimeter of the school’s soccer pitch and will be hugely beneficial for all students. It’s a massive undertaking to raise the funds needed, expected to be into the thousands of euros, but a dedicated group of parents, teachers and supporters of St Laserian’s are determined to make it happen.

“Every single student will benefit from fresh air, a sense of freedom and independence through walking, running, wheeling their own wheelchair, or using their trike or scooter to engage in physical activity while using the track,” said Rachel.

“Not only will the movement track promote our healthy body, healthy mind ethos but it will also provide countless social possibilities for our students.” An iDonate page has been set up (stlaseriansschool), while upcoming fundraising events include a trolley dash and a Christmas craft fair. The school is also hoping the generosity of local businesses and individuals will once again come up trumps to help make its dream a reality.

“We know it will be a long process, but I have faith. We have achieved before, fundraising for our bus, so I’m hoping local businesses will come and support us again,” said Rachel.

St Laserian’s School provides education for children and young adults aged five to 18 with assessed additional needs, including general learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, including physical and sensory needs.