The 7th of May 2026 will live long in the memory for 5th class students of Togher Boys National School. After our incredible podcast created before Easter, focussing on the role of Irish Aid in promoting education in Sierra Leone, we were so proud to be nominated for the Irish Aid National Award ceremony in UCD. Of 530 school who entered around the country, only 15 schools made the shortlist.
We rose bright and early as the bus departed Togher at 6:30am and we arrived in Dublin at 10am. We had a chance to eat some lunch and explore the vast UCD campus.
Next it was time to register and enter the event. We spent time showcasing our own project, chatting to judges, media and fellow school children and teachers from around Ireland.
Finally it was time to enter O’Reilly Hall and attend the ceremony. It was full of laughter, dance and inclusivity and we could not believe our ears when we heard our names called out as the Irish Aid Programme Award winners. What an incredible moment in the history of the school.
Now it was time to turn the bus home as we departed Dublin as champions. Tired, hungry but victorious!
Togher Boys' National School 