Celebrations at Quignamanger N.S
2 May, 2025
Ballina Credit Union was proud to celebrate a major local victory recently as Quignamanger National School were crowned winners of the U13 National Credit Union School Quiz—a fiercely contested competition involving over 25,000 young quizzers from thousands of schools across Ireland.
The triumphant team of four—Gareth Doyle, Iarla Hannon, Michael Duffy, and Cian Gillespie—secured the top spot in this prestigious event, earning The Quignamanger School their fourth national title in 11 years, a record that now makes them the most successful primary school in the country in the history of the competition.
To mark this outstanding achievement, Ballina Credit Union was delighted to visit the school to make a special presentation to the winning boys. Their tutor, Anne Treacy, was also honoured with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of her tireless dedication and preparation of the team. Ms. Treacy, a former vice-principal of the school, has long been the driving force behind the school’s quiz success, mentoring students year after year with extraordinary commitment.
Ballina Credit Union continued the celebration with a sweet surprise for all 365 pupils of the school, by inviting Joseph’s Super Ices on-site to treat every child to a well-earned ice cream. While the morning began with grey skies, the sun made a timely and welcome appearance just as the first ice creams were served.
David Dwane, Chair of Ballina Credit Union, praised the school’s continued excellence:
“There has been widespread acclaim for The Quignamanger School following this victory, the school’s fourth win in 11 years.
The Quay School have triumphed once again to take the top spot and, in doing so, now have more wins than any other primary school in Ireland,” he said.
“This is quite an achievement for the young quizzers from Ballina in a competition which attracts 25,000 competitors from thousands of schools across Ireland every year.
So, well done to Gareth Doyle, Iarla Hannon, Michael Duffy and Cian Gillespie. It’s testament to a huge amount of work put into the quiz by the pupils, and the great support received from parents and teachers. In particular, former vice-principal of The Quay School, Anne Treacy, has worked tirelessly each year to prepare schoolchildren for this remarkably successful annual occasion in the credit union movement’s calendar.”
Mr. Dwane also expressed his gratitude to those who helped organise the celebratory event, including Ballina Credit Union’s Marketing Officer, Ashling Molloy, CEO Maria Padden, and long-serving Credit Union volunteer Pat Farrell.
The day was not only a celebration of a national win but also a testament to the spirit of community, dedication, and educational excellence that continues to thrive in Ballina. Congratulations again to The Quignamanger School on their incredible success!