Success for Ballybay and Cornamaddy at credit union quiz
Almost 500 primary school children gathered at TUS in Athlone last recently, as the annual West-Midlands Credit Union Schools' Quiz took place.
The competition was divided into two age-groups (Under-11 and Under-13), with teams of four students competing in each category, and the questions covered a broad range of topics including geography, history, music, literature and sport.
Ballybay National School and Cornamaddy Community National School were the overall winners in the different age categories, with Ballinahown National School and Tang National School also achieving top-three finishes. Other local schools who represented themselves with distinction were St Ciaran's National School, Baylin and Cornafulla National School.
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Ballybay NS students Edward, Oisin, Rian and Senan. with representatives of the organisers.Image 2 of 6
Ballybay NS students Annabel, Daithí, Eve and Reitlín who won Competition A.Image 3 of 6
Cornamaddy NS contestants Aadya, Cooper, Ian and Mishka, who were successful in winning Competition B.Image 4 of 6
Students from Cornafulla NS at the recent Credit Union Quiz in TUS Athlone: Laura, Luan, Chloe and Aszib.Image 5 of 6
The Baylin NS team at the Quiz in TUS Athlone, from left: Méabh, Robyn, Eliza and Cara.Image 6 of 6
Derek Hennessy and Marise O’Toole, representing the Credit Union, are pictured alongside the Tang NS team at the table quiz: Chloe, Ava, Isla and Sean.Nationally, the quiz attracts more than 25,000 participating students each year, making it the largest competition of its type in Ireland. Run over three stages between the months of February to April, the competition culminates in a national final in the RDS, Dublin on Sunday, April 19.
Speaking about the quiz, John Doyle, CEO West-Midlands Credit Union said: “As one of the Credit Union’s standout annual events, the Schools' Quiz has become a cherished experience for young students over the years. Teamwork is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop, and the 2026 quiz was the perfect place to put it into practice. It’s more than just an opportunity to showcase knowledge or win prizes, the competition offers an experience of collaboration and camaraderie, creating lasting memories for all participants.”
The first-place teams in each category now progress to the next stage of the competition at Chapter level, which takes place on Sunday, March 8 in The Connacht Hotel, Galway.
Mr Doyle added: “The quiz is one of the highlights of our calendar each year, and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic turn-out. The enthusiasm, teamwork and knowledge displayed by all participants was truly impressive. We congratulate all the teams who took part, particularly our category winners, and wish them the very best of luck as they progress to the Chapter stage in Galway.”