Rain failed to dampen spirits at Gaelscoil’s annual fair day

More than €8,000 was raised
Rain failed to dampen spirits at Gaelscoil’s annual fair day

Darcey Molloy and Freya Cleary were pictured at the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

RAIN failed to dampen spirits at the recent Aonach event in Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc, where the fun was definitely not weather dependent!

Dylan Kerslake, Brianna Buggy, Layla Byrne and Nessa Barron. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Dylan Kerslake, Brianna Buggy, Layla Byrne and Nessa Barron. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

The annual fair attracted a terrific turnout, as great numbers ignored the rain to enjoy a feast of activities such as the wheel of fortune, duck race, bottle stand, bouncy castles and the ‘rite of passage’ for sixth-class students – the dreaded dunk tank!

Trying to hit the target on the ‘Dunk Tank’. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Trying to hit the target on the ‘Dunk Tank’. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

There was also huge demand for intricate hair braiding and stunning facepainting, while the book and toys stands were a hive of activity all afternoon. 

The ‘Duck Race’ was a popular attraction at the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
The ‘Duck Race’ was a popular attraction at the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

Penalty shoot-out, go-carts and sumo suits were all enjoyed.

Chloe Farrell prepares for a ducking in the ‘Dunk Tank’. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Chloe Farrell prepares for a ducking in the ‘Dunk Tank’. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

Lots of delicious treats were available, too, with a candy floss popcorn machine, tuck shop and café in full flow.

Declán and Paidí O’Laochra and Ellen Fleming. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Declán and Paidí O’Laochra and Ellen Fleming. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

The annual event is the school’s main fundraiser of the year and is orgainsed by Caride, the Gaelscoil’s parents’ association.

Brendan McHugh with his children Sonaí and Faith. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Brendan McHugh with his children Sonaí and Faith. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

More than €8,000 was raised on the day, which will be put to excellent use, including funding the school’s latest project – a playground/activity facility for the senior classes.

Brother and sister Roisín and Darragh O’Neill have a friendly wrestle in the sumo suits as Tiernan McNamara looks on. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Brother and sister Roisín and Darragh O’Neill have a friendly wrestle in the sumo suits as Tiernan McNamara looks on. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

“A huge míle buíochas to all the incredible volunteers who helped out at the Aonach, it was an absolutely huge success and really wouldn’t be made possible without their help,” said Cairde chairperson Nicola Browne.

Hannah Gibbons and Aileen Dwyer battle it out during the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Hannah Gibbons and Aileen Dwyer battle it out during the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

“A huge thanks also to the amazing teams that have worked behind the scenes for the last few months; it’s a huge undertaking and we are absolutely delighted it all went so well,” she added.

Issy Rea looks on as Caitlin Dwyer try her hand at the bean bag toss, also looking on is Áine Malone. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Issy Rea looks on as Caitlin Dwyer try her hand at the bean bag toss, also looking on is Áine Malone. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

Cairde also offered heartfelt thanks to the many local businesses and individuals who kindly donated some fantastic prizes and goods to the event.

Having fun at the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Having fun at the 'Aonach' at Gaelscoil Ceatharleach. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie

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