Irish Schools Sailing Association Up and Running
The formal establishment of Irish Schools Sailing Association has now been completed during the summer months, and since its inception, the committee of focused volunteers have been working hard to put in place a sustainable framework to grow schools sailing across the Country.
The current Chairperson Elliot Connolly, is a teacher in Bandon Grammar School by day and works alongside fellow teacher, Kevin O Neill who is treasurer for the Association. A key goal that they have set for the association is a clear one and that is to get as many secondary school kids as possible involved on the water and sailing , irrespective of whether they come from a sailing background or not.
‘’ We want to introduce as many school kids to the sport of sailing as possible, and ultimately our objective is to make it accessible to secondary schools who do not currently have pupils engaged in the sport’’ said Elliot Connolly.
There are a number of schools events organised at this point, with more planned to fill the calendar over the coming weeks.
In addition, a very informative website has been developed and launched - Irish Schools Sailing which is a great resource for contact details, should a school wish to get involved.
As is always the case , none of this would have evolved only for a number of very dedicated volunteers who are passionate about giving secondary school children exposure to sailing on what is a very small island nation.
From L-R – Kevin O Neill (Treasurer), Elliot Connolly ( Chairperson) Irish Schools Sailing & Stephen O Shaughnessy , Racing Mgr. Irish Sailing.
Photo highlights a number of firefly dinghies that are currently being repaired in Bandon Grammer School workshop, which will be used by the Irish Schools Sailing Association.