Kildare school joint runners-up in prestigious quiz

Maynooth BNS, Co Kildare have been crowned joint runners-up (Competition A) in the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) Schools Quiz Grand Final, held in the RDS on Sunday April 6.

Following months of intensive competition involving more than 25,000 students from across the island, the final saw 88 talented teams go head-to-head in a dramatic conclusion to the popular quiz.

The atmosphere at the packed RDS venue was electric as competitors tackled challenging questions spanning subjects such as history, geography, science, popular culture, and general knowledge.

Presenter and RTÉ personality John Sharpson, affectionately known as ‘Múinteoir John’ from RTÉ’s Home School Hub, hosted the nail-biting event.

The coveted national titles were awarded as follows:

Competition A (Under 11) Champions:

.Holy Family National School, Rathmore, Co. Kerry, representing Rathmore & District Credit Union
Team members: Éabha Buckley, Diarmuid Horan, Conor McCarty, and Kayleigh White

Joint Runners-up Competition A:

·Maynooth BNS, Co. Kildare, representing Life Credit Union
Team members: Noah Crompton, Stephen Marchyk, Leon McMonagle, and Daniel Tigue

·Scoil Mhuire, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, representing St. Colman’s (Claremorris) Credit Union
Team members: Dean Donovan, Saoirse Gill, Jack Carney, and Sophie Karasiewicz

Competition B (Under 13) Champions:

·Quignamanger National School, Ballina, Co. Mayo, representing Ballina Credit Union
Team members: Iarla Hannon, Gareth Doyle, Michael Duffy, and Cian Gillespie

Joint Runners-up Competition B:

·Roundwood National School, Co. Wicklow, representing Altura Credit Union
Team members: Mark Ichim, Caoimhe Connolly, Charlie Connolly, and Bandon McCann

·St. Beacon National School, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny, representing St. Dominic’s Credit Union
Team members: Martin Raftice, Patrick Raftice, Oisín Butler, and Bria Wall

The Credit Union Schools Quiz, a cornerstone of the ILCU's youth outreach, fosters the principles of teamwork, critical thinking, and knowledge-building among Ireland’s school children.

The competition remains a highlight in the primary school calendar, underpinning the Credit Union movement’s commitment to nurturing community involvement and financial literacy from a young age.

Speaking at the event, ILCU President Martin Busch praised participants for their remarkable talent and dedication: “This year’s competition showcased an extraordinary level of intelligence, determination, and team spirit among the competitors. Watching these young minds in action fills us with pride and optimism for the future.

“Congratulations to our new national champions and to all participants who made it to the final. Special thanks to the dedicated teachers, families, and Credit Union volunteers who continue to make this event possible.”

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