St Joseph National School – Kinvara, Co. Galway

Cumann na MBunscol Football Final

Rionn C 15 a side

Earlier today our boys football team took to the field in the Cumann na mBunscol final in Knockdoemore against a very good Mountbellew side.

It wasn’t our day, but the boys gave it everything and played with great effort and determination.
They can be so proud of how they played and the spirit they showed throughout.

Thank you to Mr. Nolan,Mr. McDonagh & Mr. Gallagher for all the time, encouragement and hard work they’ve given the team throughout the year. Well done boys we are very proud of you all.

Thanks to the parents who travelled today & to all our sixth class supporters.

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Cumann na MBunscol Football Final

Rionn C 15 a side

Earlier today our boys football...

Cumann na MBunscol hurling blitz Roinn A 13 a side Group A

Our hurling team were in action yesterday as they participated in their Cumann na mBunscol hurling blitz in Clarinbridge 🏑

We played Craughwell,Portumna,Killeeneen & Clarinbridge. We won all our matches & then had to play Portumna again in the decider.

Unfortunately we lost by a single point. This was a great match for both sides.

They played some fantastic hurling over the course of their matches,great displays of hurling.

The lads can be incredibly proud of their performances and effort.

Well done boys & thanks to the parents who travelled & supported the lads.

Thanks to Mr. Quinn, Mr McDonagh, Mr. McDonagh & Mr. Gallagher who looked after the team.

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Cumann na MBunscol hurling blitz Roinn A 13 a side Group A

Our hurling team...

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Our school orchestra performed their end of year concert today for the school & their...

Congratulations to Maya in 6th class who came 1st in the U16 category 10km race last Saturday in the Burren Marathon.
Maya has been training very hard for this event.

Fantastic achievement 👏

Comhghairdeas Maya

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Congratulations to Maya in 6th class who came 1st in the U16 category 10km race...

Second class enjoying eating al fresco during the glorious weather ☀️

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Second class enjoying eating al fresco during the glorious weather ☀️

Roinn A 13 aside

Cumann na mBunscol Camogie Blitz in Carrabane.🏑

There was a fantastic standard
of camogie on display throughout the day & the girls played some great games.

The girls played Carrabane NS, St. Ita's Loughrea & Bullaun NS.

Unfortunately the girls did not make the finals day but they can be very proud of their efforts. 👏

The girls had a great day out!

Thank you to Ms Coen & Ms Counihan for looking after the girls on the day.

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Roinn A 13 aside

Cumann na mBunscol Camogie Blitz in Carrabane.🏑

There was a fantastic...

5th class had great time conducting Galileo's experiment of Gravity with different types of balls. In groups they predicted the outcome and learned of how air resistance impacted the falling balls.

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5th class had great time conducting Galileo's experiment of Gravity with different types of balls....

The Junior & Senior infants enjoyed a talk by Mark Earley from Open Hive & they learnt all about Bees & Beekeeping🐝

Thank you Mark for the talk,the pupils really enjoyed.

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The Junior & Senior infants enjoyed a talk by Mark Earley from Open Hive &...

Second class took part in a litter pickup on Friday to mark the start of Biodiversity Week. They also created some beautiful chalk art with flowers and insects 🌺🐝

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Second class took part in a litter pickup on Friday to mark the start of...

Campa Samhraidh

This is a local summer camp & early booking is essential as places fill up fast.

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Campa Samhraidh

This is a local summer camp & early booking is essential as places...

Mrs Kelly's second class enjoyed working with the Kinvara Tidy Towns this week.

Our second class started off biodiversity week with a litter pick around the village & a pollinator chalk art walk.
We were learning about flowers & plants & the different types of rubbish & what bins we should use to dispose of our rubbish.

We are always delighted to work with Kinvara Tidy Towns.

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Mrs Kelly's second class enjoyed working with the Kinvara Tidy Towns this week.

Our second...

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Mrs Kelly's second class enjoyed working with the Kinvara Tidy Towns this week.

Our second...

Congratulations to Éabha Rose Nolan who represented St. Joseph's NS for the half time game in the Connacht Final last Sunday
Galway v Roscommon. This was part of the Cumann na MBunscol games.

Éabha Rose played great football & enjoyed the day.
A proud day for Éabha Rose's family.

Comhghairdeas Éabha Rose!

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Congratulations to Éabha Rose Nolan who represented St. Joseph's NS for the half time game...

Garda 7’s Hurling

Today Monday (11/05/26) our boys participated in the annual Garda 7's hurling tournament in Gort. This is always an enjoyable day’s hurling and the boys were really looking forward to it.
In our first group game the boys played Lurga NS. The boys played very well with an excellent performance by all the team and we were the winners of this match.

We had a short break before our next game which was against Ballymana NS. Once again the lads played great hurling. There was some very good skill by the lads & we were in control of the game & had another win.

Up next was a semi final against Craughwell NS.
This was our toughest match. Both teams were evenly matched & there was great hurling by both teams. Our lads kept their cool & dug deep & we marched onto the final!

We played Killeeneen NS in the final.

Both teams produced some excellent hurling ,great skill shown by both sides.

Our goalie Cian Henchy brought off some excellent saves & this kept Killeeneen at arm's length.

Final whistle & we were the overall winners 🏆

Our panel of hurlers for the day was:
Eli Smyth,Samuel Bury, Cillian Carroll, Jake Collins,Donnacha O'Connor,Ruairì Moylan,Cian Henchy,Adam Kavanagh(captain),Irish Nicholas & Ryan Hyland.

Comhghairdeas gach duine.

Thanks to Gort Garda for organising this tournament, Gort GAA,the parents who travelled and offered lifts.

Thanks to Mr. Nolan & Mr. Gallagher for looking after the lads today!

Special mention to Mr. Quinn who trained these lads during the school year.

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Garda 7’s Hurling

Today Monday (11/05/26) our boys participated in the annual Garda 7's hurling...

Cumann na MBunscol Gaillimh
Roinn B 2 13 a side

Our girls Gaelic football team headed to Ballinderreen GAA pitch today for their blitz.

Our first match was against Ballinderreen & we had some excellent football from both sides.
Our girls showed great skill & determination & we were the winners of this match.

Our second match was against Carrabane NS.
Both teams showed fantastic attitudes and great teamwork throughout, particularly when the game became challenging. Unfortunately we lost this game.

Our third match was against Bullaun NS & we were rewarded for all our efforts from our previous matches & we won this match.

Our last match was against Ardrahan NS & we knew we would have alot to do in this match.
Both teams played well with some strong performances. Our girls showed great teamwork & played great football until the end but unfortunately we lost out to a strong Labane side.

Ardrahan NS progress to the finals day & we wish them well.

Thanks to Mr. Nolan & Mr McDonagh & the girls who have trained hard for the last few months.

Thanks to Eimear Flaherty for organising the blitz & to the referees on the day.

These blitz are always a great day out.

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Cumann na MBunscol Gaillimh
Roinn B 2 13 a side

Our girls Gaelic football team...

1st Class STEAM challenge - deaign and build a house with a lawn 🏡

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1st Class STEAM challenge - deaign and build a house with a lawn 🏡

Cumann na MBunscol Gaillimh
Rionn C

Our gaelic footballers(boys) headed to Athenry today for their semi final blitz.
They played Busy Park school,Briarhill school & Lisheenkyle school & we were the overall winners today.

The lads played great football & showed great team spirit.

These lads have been training hard with Mr.Nolan & Mr.McDonagh for the last few months & also training with their club.

Its always great to reach the finals day with Cumann Na MBunscol Gaillimh.
We will play in the County Final Thursday 28th of May.

More information nearer the time.

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Cumann na MBunscol Gaillimh
Rionn C

Our gaelic footballers(boys) headed to Athenry today for their...

"Stop motion workshop"

Our third & fourth classes enjoyed a "Stop Motion Workshop recently with Mike.

The pupils really enjoyed this day which was full of imagination!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKzqDiAqQuiTliEODzS2ytTq-P6r64GUd

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"Stop motion workshop"

Our third & fourth classes enjoyed a "Stop Motion Workshop recently with...

🏑 Free Hockey Taster Session 🏑

Calling all boys and girls from 1st to 6th Class — come and give hockey a try with Kinvara Hockey Club!

📅 Saturday 25th April
⏰ 11am – 12pm
📍 St Joseph’s National School Astro, Kinvara

✨ A fun, free one-hour session for beginners and new players.
✨ Great chance to learn new skills, get active and make friends.
✨ Great preparation for Seamount School hockey.

What to bring:
• Shin guards
• Gumshield
• Hockey sticks provided

Bring a friend and come join the fun 💙🏑

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🏑 Free Hockey Taster Session 🏑

Calling all boys and girls from 1st to 6th...

Congratulations to our second class pupils who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion today.
Thank you to Fr. Hugh for a lovely mass.

Great credit to the class teachers Mrs Kelly & Ms Ryan who prepared the children so well & to our fantastic school choir led by Dominic Gallagher (principal) & assisted by Ms Jennifer Joyce. Thanks to Mary Collins & Olga Kelly & all the staff for all their help with the children.

Many thanks to the parents association for the lovely tea,coffee,& treats afterwards.
Thank you to the bakers,helpers who all made this happen.

"As you receive your First Holy Communion, may Jesus always remain in your heart".

Enjoy your special day.

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Congratulations to our second class pupils who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion today....

Thank you to our wonderful parents association for the lovely set up for our First Holy Communion pupils & their families tomorrow.

A massive thank you to the parents association who volunteered to help prepare and assist at the Communion party in our school hall.

We look forward to seeing you all after the ceremony for tea/coffee & treats!

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Thank you to our wonderful parents association for the lovely set up for our First...

The excitement is building for our second class pupils who will make their First Holy Communion tomorrow.

"May God bless you all on this special day & may he fill your heart with joy".

We hope you & all your family enjoy this special day.

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The excitement is building for our second class pupils who will make their First Holy...

Garda 7's Camogie Blitz

Well done to our 5th & 6th class girls who participated in the Gort Garda blitz which was held in Ballinderreen today.
The girls played great camogie & showed
great skill throughout their matches.

Thank you Garda Randal Considine and everyone from Gort Garda for organising.
Thanks to Mr. Nolan,Mr. Gallagher & the parents who helped out with the lifts today.

A very enjoyable day.

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Garda 7's Camogie Blitz

Well done to our 5th & 6th class girls who participated...

Mr. Quinn's class had a great time in Coole Park today where they learned about mammals in the visitor centre. They then went on a bug and colours in nature hunt & also went looking and listening for birds.

Thanks to the Burrenbeo Trust for a great day & for funding this trip today.

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Mr. Quinn's class had a great time in Coole Park today where they learned about...

School Transport Scheme services for the 2026/2027 school year - important dates

Applications for school transport for the 2026/27 school year

Bus Éireann’s on-line application portal is now open

How to apply

You can apply on-line to Bus Éireann at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport or click here Bus Éireann Portal.

The closing date for payments or entering medical card details is Friday, 8 May 2026.

Who needs to apply

Students who have never applied for school transport.
Students starting junior infants or first year for the first time in the 2026/27school year.

Students changing home address or moving school.

If you apply after the closing date, your application will be late and you may not get a ticket

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School Transport Scheme services for the 2026/2027 school year - important dates

Applications for school...

✨Wishing our Sixth Class children the very best as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation tomorrow. May this be a joyful and meaningful step on your spiritual journey. A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers and staff for their dedication and preparation in guiding the children to this special day. 🙏

We look forward to welcoming Cannon Ian O'Neill to Kinvara tomorrow who is assigned by Bishop Michael to confirm the pupils tomorrow with Fr. Hugh.

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✨Wishing our Sixth Class children the very best as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation...

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Easter camp

Tomorrow, our amazing pupils in Team APTologists will be taking part in the FIRST LEGO All-Ireland Final in Dublin! 🤖🎉

If you’d like to tune in and watch the competition live, please use the link below
:https://youtube.com/live/jcl2aIsVA-s?feature=share

Wishing Team APTologists the very best of luck – we’re all cheering you on! 💙👏

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Tomorrow, our amazing pupils in Team APTologists will be taking part in the FIRST LEGO...

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Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir

Our soccer teams had a great day out at the FAI soccer 5 aside tournament in Kiltullagh on Tuesday 10th of March.

We had two boys & two girls teams playing in this FAI soccer tournament.

There were some fantastic goals scored, amazing soccer skills on display in both the boys & girls teams and also some hugely impressive goal saves at the blitz.

Our boys team reached the A final & lost out on penalties.
Their semi final also went to a penalty shootout! There was great excitement.

Both our girls teams played excellent soccer & won their first matches.
One of the girls teams reached the semi final but unfortunately lost out on a spot to reach the final.

Well done to all our players.It was a great day out.
Maith-sibh

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Our soccer teams had a great day out at the FAI soccer 5 aside tournament...

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026
Céili Mór
Damhsa sa Halla
Raidió na Mara
Cluichí gaelic

Gaelbhratach
Seachtain na Gaeilge

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Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026
Céili Mór
Damhsa sa Halla
Raidió na Mara
Cluichí gaelic

Gaelbhratach...

Our First Lego league pupils had a great day in University Galway, visiting the archeology and engineering departments.

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Our First Lego league pupils had a great day in University Galway, visiting the archeology...

First class enjoyed World Book Day with plenty of fun activities.
#worldbookday2026📚🌎

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First class enjoyed World Book Day with plenty of fun activities.
#worldbookday2026📚🌎

Second class dressed up in their favourite book costumes today. Great variety of books & costumes with plenty of fun!
#worldbookday2026

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Second class dressed up in their favourite book costumes today. Great variety of books &...

Third class enjoyed shared reading 📚 with our Junior Infants today #worldbookday2026

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Third class enjoyed shared reading 📚 with our Junior Infants today #worldbookday2026

📚✨ World Book Day 2026 – What a Fantastic Day! ✨📚

We were blown away by the amazing costumes on display – from classic characters to modern favourites, the creativity was outstanding!

Our day was filled with laughter and learning and many 'shared reading' sessions to our younger pupils from our older pupils. Everything paused so we could dive into a good book together.

Today was about celebrating the joy that reading brings and inspiring a lifelong love of books in every one of our children. Stories spark imagination, build empathy, and open doors to new worlds – and today we truly saw that magic come alive.

A huge thank you to our staff, families and children for making the day so special.

Special thanks to our Student Council & Active schools committees for organising fun events today.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
"Think and wonder. Wonder and think."
(Dr.Seuss)
#worldbookday2026

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📚✨ World Book Day 2026 – What a Fantastic Day! ✨📚

We were blown away...

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@worldbookday2026

🌟 Huge Congratulations to Our 6th Class Superstars! 🌟
Well done to the fantastic pupils in 6th Class who took part in the First Lego League in Medtronic this month.
Our brilliant team, APTologists, were crowned 🏆 winners on the day — an incredible achievement! Their hard work, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills truly paid off.
We are so proud to announce that they will now represent us at the First Lego League Final in Dublin on March 21st. 🎉🤖
Best of luck to the team as they prepare for the next stage —

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🌟 Huge Congratulations to Our 6th Class Superstars! 🌟
Well done to the fantastic pupils...

Congratulations to Anna Huban who won GOLD in the U13 Connacht Indoor championship at the High Jump at the weekend in Athlone.

Anna Huban is once again the Connacht High Jump Champion in a jump of 1.3m.

Comhghairdeas Anna!

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Congratulations to Anna Huban who won GOLD in the U13 Connacht Indoor championship at the...

Our Lego League teams are all set up in Medtronic for their competition.
#stemeducation

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Our Lego League teams are all set up in Medtronic for their competition.
#stemeducation

📚✨ Book Fair is Here! ✨📚

Our Book Fair is open this week in the PE Hall.
Each class has visited the book fair to have a browse.

Students can shop throughout the school day tomorrow & Thursday and parents/guardians are invited to visit from 1.50pm-2.40pm

Come explore great books, support our school, and help build a love of reading! 📖💙

#BookFair #LoveToRead #SchoolCommunity

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📚✨ Book Fair is Here! ✨📚

Our Book Fair is open this week in the...

🎥 Movie Night at School🎥

The children had an absolutely fantastic evening at school tonight! They settled into watching Shrek & enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
Adding to the fun, they treated themselves to some treats!

It was an evening filled with joy & laughter!

After all the excitement, we are sure they will sleep soundly with happy memories of this special evening.

A big thank you to our parents association who made this magical evening possible.
🌟

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🎥 Movie Night at School🎥

The children had an absolutely fantastic evening at school tonight!...

Our school has record number of swimmers representing St. Joseph's NS Kinvara today Sunday 1st February at the Connacht Minor Schools gala:

Adam Murphy
Alex Carroll
Aoife Murray
Beibhinn Phillips
Blaise MacEoin
Cass O'Brien
Conn Mac Eoin
Ella Ryan
Grace Conole
Izzy O'Connor
Nathan O'Shaughnessy
Niamh Murray
Nikola Keogh
Nora Johnston Quinn
Patrick Murphy
Rose Murphy
Rosie Johnstons Quinn
Sadhbh Kilkelly
Tara Murphy
Zara Kavanagh

Best of luck to you all & our school & community are proud of you all representing us.

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Our school has record number of swimmers representing St. Joseph's NS Kinvara today Sunday 1st...

Congratulations to Aoife Quinn (3rd class) who was a prize winner in the U9 category Galway Advertiser Christmas Art competition.
Aoife was presented with her prize yesterday by the Galway City Mayor Mike Cubbard.

Well done Aoife on this fantastic achievement 👏
Comhghairdeas Aoife!

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Congratulations to Aoife Quinn (3rd class) who was a prize winner in the U9 category...

Second class enjoyed working on exploring 3D shapes recently.

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Second class enjoyed working on exploring 3D shapes recently.

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Nollaig shona o Rang a dó
🎄🎅

Congratulations to Nikki Keogh who was a winner in the recent Christmas art competition organised by Spain Coach hire.
Comhghairdeas Nikki!

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Congratulations to Nikki Keogh who was a winner in the recent Christmas art competition organised...

Christmas Jumper Art Competition organised by our Creative committee.🎄
Fantastic art work from every class & it was hard for the judges to pick winners.
Comhghairdeas gach duine.

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Christmas Jumper Art Competition organised by our Creative committee.🎄
Fantastic art work from every class...

We had a magical day at school last Friday. Santa Claus himself came to visit with his Elves and brought festive cheer to all the children.
We appreciate Santa 🎅 taking time out from the North Pole to visit us.

Each child received a selection box to make the season extra special.

Santa was very impressed with the lovely singing from the pupils.

We are very grateful for the generosity of our Parents Association for making this happen for our children.

It was wonderful to see so many happy faces. 🎄

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We had a magical day at school last Friday. Santa Claus himself came to visit...

🍰 The Great 6th Class Bake Off 🍰
Today, 6th Class hosted the Great 6th Class Bake Off and everything looked and tasted absolutely amazing!

Well done to all the pupils for their fantastic bakes — your effort and creativity really shone through. A big thank you as well to the parents for all your help; we’ve no doubt there was plenty of behind-the-scenes support!

A wonderful day enjoyed by all 👏😊

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🍰 The Great 6th Class Bake Off 🍰
Today, 6th Class hosted the Great 6th...

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