Lap of the Lakes to help secure future of rural school
MEMBERS of a rural community have got on their bikes in a bid to secure the future of the local national school.
The Lap of the Lakes sponsored cycle on Easter Saturday was a fundraiser for Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Clochbhreac, which is trying to boost its pupil numbers.
The event was a resounding success, with cyclists coming from as far away as Cork, enjoying a long cycle 45km around Loch na Fooey and a short cycle of 22km around Loch Measc Upper.
Like many rural schools in Ireland, Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Clochbhreac - situated between Loch Measc and Loch Coirib - is trying to boost pupil numbers and keep the school in the community for the next generation.
The school has been in the area for over 100 years.
Parents and the wider community came together last January and set up a committee. The sponsored cycle was held to raise funds and will be used to encourage three junior infant children from outside the school catchment area (excluding Corr na Móna area who are also enrolling) to commence in the school in September 2025.
Travel expenses will be incurred by these families or some families may come to live in the area from the cities, such as remote workers. There is a digital hub in the area - gteic@Corrnamona - suitable for remote working.
The committee plan to reimburse these families with €2,000 to help cover travel expenses or rent with travel/rent expenses bursaries.
This is a wonderful opportunity for children to be educated in the beautiful Joyce Country Gaeltacht area surrounded by the Irish language and culture.
For more information, see snpclochbhreac.com and Facebook and Instagram. To register your interest, email clochbhreac25@gmail.com.
Lap of the Lakes was not a race so cyclists could use push bikes or electric bikes and cycle at their own pace. Some were solo cyclists and some were groups from cycling clubs, with all enjoying some ceol agus craic, agus bia agus deoch back at Scoil Naomh Pádraig afterwards.
Great memories were created on the day, with a cycle a perfect way to stay active and healthy, promote personal well-being, while enjoying a bit of craic and contributing to a great cause.
The committee would like to thank all the volunteers who organised the event and the support of the many people who assisted on the day. A special thanks to Clifden gardaí and Ray McHugh who did trojan work, and to all the cyclists who took part.
It was such a superb occasion that some are already talking about running it again next year - Lap of the Lakes 2026.