Gartan National School wins national ‘Something Fishy’ competition

A Donegal school has hooked first prize in Inland Fisheries Ireland’s national ‘Something Fishy’ competition.

Something Fishy is an educational programme for children aged between 10-13 years old. It educates students about fish, water, angling and the Irish environment.

Students at Gartan National School created the winning project for the 2024 Something Fishy competition and won a €500 voucher to be used for educational purposes.

Gartan National School students analysing a water sample

Announcing the winners, Dr Cathal Gallagher, Deputy CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “All the students’ efforts in putting together a wonderful and engaging project clearly demonstrates the awareness and appreciation the children have for their natural environment.

“Building on the classroom visit of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Fishery Officers, Tommy Mooney and Hugh Mooney, the students created a fantastic project that incorporates all aspects of the curriculum.

“Winning the overall national award is a reflection of the great support of the Director of the Donegal Education Centre, Kieran McTaggart and his staff, and of the hard work of the class teacher, Claire Murray.”

A Something Fishy Board Game, created by Gartan National School

Something Fishy is an educational initiative of Inland Fisheries Ireland, in partnership with Blackrock Education Centre. Donegal Education Centre runs the programme in the Donegal area.

After completing the programme, students created projects that illustrated the theme of ‘fish on the move’, and submitted these projects to the Something Fishy competition.

Gartan National School has a track record of success with Something Fishy, having scooped first prize in 2017.