Pictures: Regional Credit Union Schools Quiz – A night to remember

Pictured above at the Regional Credit Union Schools Quiz are William Cleary, Owen O’Sullivan, Raya Flannery, and Eoin Greene, who led St. Michael’s National School to 1st place in Competition A. Also in the photo are Quiz Master Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), Vivian Dooley (Principal, St. Michaels N.S), Tom Hassett (Teacher, St. Michaels N.S), and Quiz Organiser Claire Donnelly (Borrisokane Credit Union).

The Regional Credit Union Schools Quiz took place recently at the Templemore Arms Hotel, bringing together some of the brightest young minds from local schools.

Those who had qualified through local quizzes took part in an enthralling and fiercely contested event that will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable in the history of the regional final.

The event was hosted by M.C. and Quiz Master, Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), who welcomed everyone and set the stage for an exciting evening. He spoke about the importance of credit unions in local communities, emphasising their role in supporting educational initiatives and fostering community engagement.

A Thrilling 'B' Competition

The “B” competition proved to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.

After multiple tie-breakers, the competition was so intense that Brian King had to use a single question that he was holding back for the guts of 25 years for such an eventuality. The question involved asking the length of the River Nile in kilometres. 

Celebrating their 1st place victory in Competition B, Cathal Ó Cradóg, Caoimhe de Buitléir, Tom Ó Riagáin, and Erin Ní Ógáin from Gaelscoil Bhríde are pictured alongside Quiz Master Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), DJ Darcy (Premier Credit Union), and Quiz Organiser Claire Donnelly (Borrisokane Credit Union). Photo: PJ Wright

In a dramatic finish, Gaelscoil Bhríde emerged victorious, with Moycarkey National School finishing as gallant runners-up, and St. Michael’s National School securing third place.

Gaelscoil Bhríde Team: Cathal Ó Cradóg, Caoimhe de Buitléir, Tom Ó Riagáin, Erin Ní Ógáin

Moycarkey National School Team: Brendan Cummins, Eimear O’Dwyer, Harry Hogan, Tadhg Nolan

St. Michael’s National School Team: Darragh Greene, Jack Casey, Ellie Quinlisk, Aisling O’Sullivan

Taking 2nd place in Competition A, Erin Power Lawlor, Robyn Upsdell, Oisín Sweetman, and Erin Phelan from Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Urlingford are pictured alongside Quiz Master Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union) and Quiz Organiser Claire Donnelly (Borrisokane Credit Union). Photo: PJ Wright

The “A” Competition - St. Michael’s Triumphs

The “A” competition saw another thrilling battle, with St. Michael’s National School securing a well-deserved first-place finish. Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Urlingford finished in second place, followed by Droamkeenan National School in third.

St. Michael’s National School Team: William Cleary, Owen O’Sullivan, Raya Flannery, Eoin Greene

Scoil an Chroí Ró Naofa Urlingford Team: Erin Power Lawlor, Robyn Upsdell, Oisín Sweetman, Erin Phelan

Droamkeenan National School Team: Saoirse Gowing, Emily Murphy, Charlie Power, Anna Tierney

Pictured at the Regional Credit Union Schools Quiz are Brendan Cummins, Eimear O’Dwyer, Harry Hogan, and Tadhg Nolan, representing Moycarkey National School, who finished 2nd place in Competition B. Also in the photo are Quiz Master Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), Conor Burke (Teacher, Moycarkey N.S) and DJ Darcy (Premier Credit Union). Photo: PJ Wright

The local credit unions would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the students who competed, making the event such a thrilling spectacle. While the competition was serious, Brian King noted that he had great fun engaging with the students throughout the evening, making it one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable quizzes in regional history.

Pictured at the Regional Credit Union Schools Quiz are Darragh Greene, Jack Casey, Ellie Quinlisk, and Aisling O’Sullivan, representing St. Michael’s National School, who secured 3rd place in Competition B. They are joined by Quiz Master Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), Vivian Dooley (Principal, St. Michaels N.S) Tom Hassett (Teacher, St. Michaels N.S) and Quiz Organiser Claire Donnelly (Borrisokane Credit Union). Photo: PJ Wright

A special thanks also goes to all the parents, guardians, families, and teachers whose encouragement and support were crucial to the students' success. Sincere appreciation is extended to those who helped organise and run the event.

Special recognition goes to organiser Claire Donnelly (Borrisokane Credit Union), along with Mick Fogarty, Geraldine Ingram, Eoin Wolahan, and Martina Kennedy from Templemore Credit Union. Thanks also to the team from Premier Credit Union: Tracy Hynes, DJ Darcy, and Patsy Treacy and Brian King.

It was a quiz to remember, and we wish all the qualifying teams the best of luck in the National Final in early April.

Saoirse Gowing, Emily Murphy, Charlie Power, and Anna Tierney, representing Dromakeenan National School, secured third place in Competition A. They are pictured with Quiz Master Brian King (CEO, Premier Credit Union), Paul Maher (Dromakeenan National School), and Tracy Hynes (Premier Credit Union). Photo: PJ Wright