Kildare & Wicklow ETB Wins National Education Equality Award

Monday, 31 March 2025 14:47

By Tara Flanagan

Fergus Craddock (ETBI), Darragh Ryder (Ahead), winners Sean McSharry & Joe Price, pictured with RTE’s Ray Kennedy at the ETB Excellence Awards 2025.

Their winning initiative, "An Cuan Games," was praised for providing students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) an opportunity to participate in sports and represent their schools

Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB) has won a National Education Equality Award at the ETB Excellence Awards 2025 in Croke Park.

Their winning initiative, "An Cuan Games," was praised for providing students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) an opportunity to participate in sports and represent their schools.

Developed by Maynooth Community College's PE department and ASD Unit, the event featured activities such as bowling, tag rugby, penalty kicks, chess, and an adapted assault course. More than 80 students from 10 Kildare schools took part, supported by over 50 volunteers.

Judges highlighted its potential to expand regionally or even nationally.

Representatives Sean McSharry, Owen Fogarty, and Joe Price received the award and a €1,000 prize. Minister James Lawless TD congratulated the team, calling the initiative a "powerful example of inclusive education."

The awards were part of ETB Week 2025, which celebrated Ireland’s Education & Training Boards and their role in promoting equality and lifelong learning

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