Premier Credit Union Hosts 'spectacular' annual Schools Quiz

Pictured above - Congratulations to Dromakeenan National School, who finished 1st in Competition A of Premier Credit Union’s recent school quiz. The winning team of Saoirse Gowing, Emily Murphy, Anna Tierney, and Charlie Power are pictured above with PCU CEO and Quizmaster for the night, Brian King, Quiz Co-Ordinators Tracy Hynes and Tina Loughman, Teacher Paul Maher and President of PCU, Amanda Ryan. Photo: PJ Wright

Premier Credit Union was delighted to recently host the highly anticipated 2025 Schools Quiz, bringing together young minds in a spirited test of knowledge and teamwork.

The event, held at the Presentation Secondary School Sports Complex, was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the school's generous support and hospitality. The credit union extends its heartfelt gratitude to all involved in making the evening possible.

An impressive 212 students from 28 schools across Premier Credit Union's extensive common bond participated in the quiz. This remarkable turnout surely makes it one of the largest student quizzes ever held in the region.

The event featured two competitions running simultaneously. Competition A was for students under 11, while Competition B catered to students under 13. After 12 thrilling rounds of challenging questions, the results were as follows:

Competition A (Under 11s):
1st Place: Dromakeenan National School (Saoirse Gowing, Emily Murphy, Charlie Power AND Anna Tierney)
2nd Place: Scoil Chró Ró Naofa (Erin Power Lawlor, Robyn Upsdell, Oisín Sweetman and Erin Phelan)
3rd Place: Presentation Primary School (Meadhbh Larkin, Abbygayle Ryan, Ellen Burke and Emma Jane Healy)

Competition B (Under 13s):
1st Place: Moycarkey National School (Brendan Cummins, Eimear O Dwyer, Harry Hogan andTadhg Nolan).
2nd Place: Gaelscoil Bhríde (Cathal Ó Cradóg, Caoimhe de Buitléir, Tom Ó Riagáin and Erin Ní Ógáin)
3rd Place: Leugh National School (Kate Callanan, Jane McCullagh, Aedan Casey and Rachel McCullagh).

Quizmaster and Premier Credit Union CEO, Brian King, together with Premier Credit Union President, Amanda Ryan, and Quiz Coordinators Tina Loughman, Tracy Hayes, and Catherina Mockler proudly presented the prizes.

Each year, it takes a massive effort to manage the credit union schools quiz and pictured on the night of the quiz are many of the staff, volunteers, and supporters of Premier Credit Union who helped stage the first-ever Schools quiz for Premier Credit Union. On the night, the credit union had representatives from all its branches, including Thurles, Killenaule, Roscrea, and Urlingford, present. Photo: PJ Wright

The evening was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, teachers, and supporters, but most importantly, from the students themselves, who thoroughly enjoyed the competition. The success of the quiz is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of all involved.

“Organising the Schools Quiz is a significant undertaking each year, requiring an immense voluntary effort. This event would not be possible without the generosity of volunteers who give up their free time. Premier Credit Union extends its sincere appreciation to all those who contributed, including the credit union staff and volunteers and the dedicated teachers who helped prepare the students for the challenge”, CEO Brian King told the Tribune.

“A special word also goes out to Michael Ryan and Martin Hehir for all their support. As we reflect on this year’s success, we are already looking forward to next year’s quiz.

“In the meantime, we extend our best wishes to the students who have qualified to represent their schools and Premier Credit Union at the regional level. We hope to see them excel and secure a place in the highly anticipated National Final in April—one of Ireland’s largest annual quiz events.

“Congratulations to all participants, and we look forward to seeing you again next year”, Mr. King said.