Curraghboy NS pupils launch new magazine

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Pupils at Curraghboy National School have put their village on the European stage with the launch of a new magazine.

'Our Village, Our Europe: Voices of Change from Curraghboy – Ireland’s EU Presidency in Action' was officially launched at a special event at the school last week, which also marked the countdown to EU Code Week 2026.

The magazine features the work and ideas of pupils, with 4th, 5th and 6th Class students playing a central role in developing its articles and content.

School principal Rory Leonard said the project had shown pupils that their voices can reach far beyond their own community.

“This project was about far more than producing a magazine,” he said. “It showed our pupils that their voices matter, and that children from a small rural village can contribute to conversations about democracy, sustainability, technology, culture and Europe’s future.”

The launch brought together representatives from the worlds of politics, education, technology and European affairs.

Among those attending were Maria Walsh MEP, Matej Marn representing the Embassy of Slovenia in Dublin, Fine Gael's Senator Gareth Scahill, Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District, Roscommon County Council, Cllr Emer Kelly, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Valerie Duffy, Cllr Tony Ward, and Kevin Marshall, Head of Learning and Skills at Microsoft Ireland.

Representatives from European Movement Ireland, including Amy McLoughlin, also attended.

The international dimension of the project was highlighted by online contributions from Dr Daithí Ó Murchú, Honorary Consul for Côte d’Ivoire to Ireland, and Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer at JA Europe, representing the international EU Code Week community.

Mr Leonard, who is an EU Code Week Ambassador for Ireland, said he was particularly proud that the occasion celebrated coding, digital creativity and responsible technology as ways of connecting young people across borders.

“The true stars were our pupils, in particular our 4th, 5th and 6th Class pupils, whose articles, ideas and perspectives formed the heart of the magazine,” the Curraghboy NS principal said.

“They spoke with confidence and represented their school brilliantly.”

The project also involved a wide range of supporters, including the school’s staff, SNAs, Board of Management and families, with particular thanks expressed to BOM Chairperson William Gacquin.

The school also acknowledged the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through its Communicating Europe Initiative, Dublin West Education Centre, Athlone Education Support Centre, and the Microsoft Ireland Dream Space team.

Others thanked for their contribution included Ultan Mac Mathúna, Jason Kelly, Kajsa Kjellström Kinsella, Günalp Turan, Deborah Hayes (Gogarty), Michael Barrett, Amanda Jolliffe, Neeve Hyland, Lee Williamson and Shuttermaniac, Snap Print Solutions, Tiegan Murphy, and Snap Midlands.

Roscommon County Council, St Brigid’s GAA Club and the many individuals and organisations who continue to support Curraghboy NS were also acknowledged.

Mr Leonard said the launch had been a proud occasion for both the school and the wider Curraghboy community.

“It demonstrated what can happen when education, creativity, digital innovation and European cooperation come together,” he said.

“Our message is clear: small schools can think big. Rural communities can lead innovation. Every child’s voice can make a difference.”