Longford National School is healthy heroes star school for May

Cloontagh National School, Killashee Co. Longford, has been named Healthy Heroes Star School for May 2025, thanks to the staff and students’ efforts in promoting healthy eating. The school has come first among hundreds of primary schools across the island of Ireland also participating in the Healthy Heroes initiative supported by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA) and Bord Bia. The programme aims to educate children on nutrition, physical activity and how to maintain and enjoy healthy lunchtime habits, in school and at home.

Designed by teachers and behaviour change experts with the support of Dr. Mary McCreery, one of Ireland’s leading consultant nutritionists and dieticians, Healthy Heroes gives children the opportunity to foster valuable leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, all while learning to stay active and eat healthily. Now in its tenth year, the programme allows pupils to learn about nutrition, while helping to boost children’s activity levels in a supportive learning environment.

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The programme also involves a novel peer learning approach with sixth class students mentoring younger students on the importance of nutrition and being active. This provides the younger children with important role models, while the older children have an opportunity to harness effective leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Speaking about the programme, Leonie Beirne, Principal at Cloontagh NS said: “Healthy Heroes has been a great experience for everyone involved in Cloontagh National School and we’re delighted to be chosen as Star School for May! Fifth and sixth class pupils have learned valuable leadership skills and have encouraged the younger classes to get active and involved, all while working together as a team. The pupils have fostered healthy habits and have become a lot more active, incorporating fun new activities in the school yard and at home and we’re very proud of them.”

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Shauna McCarthy who oversees the programme on behalf of the IBBA says: “Congratulations to everyone at Cloontagh National School for their efforts in embodying just what it means to be true healthy heroes.  The positive feedback from teachers and students alike showcases how Healthy Heroes is an important opportunity and enjoyable way to develop positive attitudes towards food choices, nutrition and being active. Incorporating these habits from a young age and in a playful environment will make a big difference as they grow older.”

For more information on how schools can get involved in the Healthy Heroes programme, visit Irishbread.ie or email healthyheroes@realnation.ie