Two-time Olympian Darragh Greene inspires next generation of Longford athletes
Swimmer received rapturous reception from pupils and teachers at Melview National School
Two-time Longford Olympian Darragh Greene received a rapturous reception from pupils and teachers when he paid a special visit to Melview National School last Friday afternoon as part of the Dare To Believe Olympic Programme.
Melview NS principal Bryan Kennedy explained that everyone was thrilled that top class Newtownforbes swimmer Darragh, who represented Ireland at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, accepted their invitation to visit the school.
Mr Kennedy said, “We are delighted that Darragh has given up his valuable time to come and visit our school. I have no doubt that he will inspire the next generation of athletes and who knows, we might even have a future Olympian among our students here at Melview!”
The Dare to Believe Primary School Programme, launched in 2019, brings the Olympics to the classroom and inspires students to 'Dare to Believe' in themselves. The programme has been adopted by hundreds of schools and is funded by the International Olympic Committee and PTSB.
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Mr Kennedy outlined that Melview NS registered for the Dare to Believe Programme last year. “Pupils from 2nd and 4th classes completed the Olympic Values core curriculum programme and as a result of their hard work, they had a very inspirational visit from Irish Paralympic Cyclist RIchael Timothy. We were awarded our 'Dare to Believe' Flag in May 2024.”
He said the programme was hugely engaging and the children loved learning about the Olympics, completing movement breaks set by Irish Olympians and following the athletes on 'The Road to Paris' schools challenge.