LONG READ: Community spirit drives Scoil Chormaic to €180,000 fundraising triumph

Cashel’s Scoil Chormaic Special Needs School last week marked a remarkable fundraising achievement through its campaign ‘Bop for a Bus,’ centred on upgrading the school’s bus fleet.

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The event on February 26th, held in the school hall, celebrated the culmination of a community-driven effort that will enhance student’s lives and broaden their opportunities to engage more fully with the wider community.

The celebration highlighted the generosity and commitment of families, staff, and local supporters who made the achievement possible.

On the day of the celebration, Tipp FM were present at the school, with Stephen Gleeson conducting a live broadcast interview with Principal Lorraine Lowry, members of the fundraising committee and parents of children from the school.

For the students of Scoil Chormaic, the new buses represent more than just transport - they are a gateway to experiences that were previously out of reach,  for wheelchair-using students.

Principal Lorraine Lowry emphasised the significance, saying, “What this means to our students and the children past, present and future of Scoil Chormaic in relation to accessing curriculum in a really meaningful way. Providing opportunities for them to be able to access the community.

To feel connected and to know that they belong. That is what we are about here in Scoil Chormaic. Our children come first, they are at the essence of everything that we do.”

The new wheelchair-accessible bus recently took its maiden voyage on the 17th of February, allowing students who use wheelchairs to join a social outing to The Horse and Jockey for the first time.

“One of our second year students, Joe Enright, said that one of his ambitions was to be able to go on a bus like all the other children and to have a social outing with his peers,” Principal Lowry recalled.

“It was incredible that that was able to happen. The buses open doors for children, offering life experiences and increasing their overall happiness.”

The campaign was spearheaded by fundraising committee members Evelyn Nevin and Siobhán O’Brien, whose dedication and leadership were central to the fundraising success.

The school’s fundraising committee, under their guidance, coordinated events, engaged the local community, and oversaw the collection of donations. 

Evelyn Nevin reflected on her role: “The response was phenomenal from the start. Over in the staffroom myself and Siobhan used to meet to bank the money.

And you just couldn’t believe the amount of money that kept coming in. It just goes to show the esteem in which children with additional needs are held here in Tipperary.”

Siobhán O’Brien described the campaign as one of the proudest moments of her career. “We set out with a hugely ambitious and optimistic target of €80,000, which in truth I never dared to dream we would achieve."

"Today I had the privilege of announcing that not only did we smash our target but we achieved an unbelievable total of €180,000. This has allowed us to update our existing buses and also purchase a brand new wheelchair accessible bus. To anyone who has supported us in any way, a heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Scoil Chormaic community.”

The impact of the fundraising campaign was felt beyond the school gates, with parents and local supporters praising the difference it has made to students’ daily lives.

Petrina Enright, mother of Joe Enright, spoke during the Tipp FM broadcast about what the new buses mean for her son and others: “Joe can’t believe it, that was always his wish to be able to go with his class anywhere on trips. Now to think he can be on those buses he is just so proud.

But it is not just about Joe, it is about the full community here that they have these buses now and that they can decide to go anywhere without having to worry about breaking down. The support from everyone that made this possible has been incredible.”

 Local fundraiser Johnny Looby also highlighted the campaign’s wide-reaching support, noting how he helped raise awareness on the airwaves.

“It is unbelievable. When Mrs Lowry and Siobhan asked me to give it a mention on the radio, I was happy to help. Thanks to Fran Curry and Tipp FM, anytime I came on the radio on a Friday, I kept talking about Scoil Chormaic,” he said.

“The school is absolutely blessed to have secured €180,000. I never thought we would reach even half of it, but the momentum just kept growing. Tipp FM has been wonderful in supporting charities like this.”

Principal Lorraine Lowry in her closing remarks emphasised that the success of the campaign belonged to the entire community.

“We have invited some guests in here today to go to the hall and continue the celebrations. This moment and success that we are celebrating belongs to the entire community, this is a huge community success.

I can’t not mention Evelyn Nevin and Siobhán O’Brien because they really were the driving force behind this and I can’t thank them enough and the fundraising committee. This really will have a long and lasting impact on the present and future students of Scoil Chormaic.”

The Scoil Chormaic fundraising committee extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in the campaign, emphasising that the achievement belongs to the entire community. They celebrated raising an outstanding €180,000, funds that have transformed the school’s transport and facilities. 

the school now operates a fleet of five buses, greatly expanding opportunities for outings, social engagement, and meaningful inclusion across the wider community.

Beyond transport, the funds have also allowed investment in the school grounds, including a new stage and a walking track, providing lasting benefits for all students and staff.

The launch day itself was a celebration of collective effort and community spirit, reflecting the pride, positivity, and generosity that made the campaign a success.

The committee expressed deep appreciation to everyone who volunteered, donated, or supported the initiative in any way, noting that the achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support its children.

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