Dishing out the cake at the ‘sports day’ at Naionra Carnmore yesterday. Photo by Ciaran Tierney.

There were tears of joy and sadness in Carnmore yesterday as the children of Naionra Carnmore celebrated the end of the year with a wonderful sports day in the splendid sunshine.
While there was great joy during the sports day at Carnmore GAA pitch, there was also a little sadness as Bridie Hession said goodbye to the staff, parents, and children after 24 years working in the nursery.
Cathriona Brogan, who runs the Irish language nursery, said Bridie had given her huge help in the four years they had worked together since Cathriona took over the business in 2021.
“Keep it simple!” was Bridie’s motto as she shared her love of the Irish language every day.
Bridie, a native Irish speaker who lives in Ballyglunin, said she had loved every day of her time in Carnmore.
Cathriona and Ray Mac Pháidin, of Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, presented Bridie with a wonderful cake to mark her last week at the nursery which was hugely welcomed by the children after their hectic morning of sports.
Cathriona also introduced the parents to Michaela Ni Labhrai, from the Donegal Gaeltacht, who will be taking over from Bridie when the youngsters return in September.
There are two Irish language nurseries in Gaeltacht an Eachréidh (Carnmore, Claregalway, and Annaghdown).
Both Naíonra Chairn Mhóir and Naíonra Clúidin na mBabai, the nursery school in Claregalway, run all their activities in our native language and provide a wonderful, personalised atmosphere for local children.
Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta provide administration, support and training services for early childhood education and care services which includes Naíonraí, crèches, breakfast clubs, and afterschool services in Gaeltacht areas.
Gaeltacht an Eachréidh has been working with both nurseries over the past year, with the help of teacher and Inis Oirr native Máire Ui Dhufaigh, to look at ways of improving the vocabulary of the children in a fun and engaging way.
Both nurseries still have some spaces available for next September.
They introduce children to the Irish language in a fun way and are so lucky to have fluent speakers on their teams.
If you would like to find out more, Caithriona (Carnmore) is at 087 2349650 and Bláithín (Cluidin na mBabai, Claregalway) is at 087 2070558.

 

The fathers start the ‘egg and spoon’ race at Naionra Carn Mór during yesterday’s sports day.

 

Cathriona and Bridie held a joyful medal ceremony to mark the last week of the year at the nursery in Carnmore.

 

Marking Bridie Hession’s retirement after 24 years working with the pre-school children in Carnmore.

 

Cutting the cake for Bridie Hession at the end of year party in Carnmore.