Class act as teachers hit 32-counties visit target

Pupils at St Peter’s Primary School welcome back their three teachers who visited each county to raise school funds

Wayne O'Connor

THREE primary school teachers had an exhausting weekend taking in Ireland's 32 counties in 24 hours to raise money for their school.

The teachers set-off at 11am on Sunday morning, and set foot in every county in-time to be back for class in Bray, Co Wicklow, bright and early yesterday morning.

Pupils at St Peter's Primary School were able to track their teachers' progress on Twitter, before welcoming them back to school for a breakfast that was prepared by the students.

Acting Principal David Foley (29) left Bray with fellow teachers Patrick Mullen (35) and Patrick Kinsella (30) saying that they felt like three children on an adventure.

"We were pretty anxious to make sure that we made it to all of the counties on time because I think we would have been in for a slagging if we did not," said Mr Foley.

So far, the 32 counties in 24 hours trip has raised over €4,000 for the school, with all of the proceeds going towards a new stage for the school's annual Christmas play.

The stage is required as the school is expanding in September to become a fully vertical girls and boys school, with pupils ranging from Junior Infants up to Sixth Class. The school has 80 boys and girls – ranging from second class to sixth class – but this number will rise to 140 for the next school year.

"The Christmas play is a huge event in the school and we need to raise €7,500 for a new stage to cater for the extra students," said Mr Foley.

The Department of Education has already provided funding to the school for new classrooms and furniture and the school had to raise funding for other equipment itself.