Young admirers give Tipperary Olympian the red carpet treatment

Not often does an Olympic hero pay a visit so there was great excitement among pupils and staff at both Gaelscoil Chluain Meala and St Mary’s CBS in Clonmel when Daire Lynch dropped in.

The Olympic rowing bronze medallist,a past pupil of both schools, was given a huge welcome on the day of the visit.
It was with great pride that Karen Mhic Gearailt, Príomhoide Ghaelscoil Chluain Meala welcomed Daire Lynch to the school. Rang 5 and Rang 6 greeted him with a guard of honour as he came through the old school gates.

Múinteoir Karen brought him ‘ar bhóithrín na smaointe’ as he retraced his steps and remembered his years in the Naíonra and the Gaelscoil. The halla was decked out in green white and gold flags and bunting as each child waved their Irish flags to greet Daire with a rapturous reception.

Daire was welcomed and old photos of his time in school were shared with all present. He then spoke to the children about his journey which started for him as a fifteen-year-old who after playing lots of sporting activities found rowing, about which he became passionate.

“He is an inspiration to us all and we are so proud not alone of the person he is but the example and inspiration he is in his own quiet, modest and humble way. He has not lost his Gaeilge as we listened with pride to him being interviewed on TG4. The young children looked on in awe at meeting their hero as he encouraged them to try lots of activities. He reminded them how his hard work had paid off in helping him achieve his dream,” said Múinteoir Karen who presented Daire with a school jersey.

In a heartwarming visit to St Mary’s CBS in Clonmel, past pupil Daire Lynch returned to the school to share an extraordinary achievement with current students. Daire captivated the young audience as he showcased his hard-earned medal, a symbol of dedication and perseverance.

Principal, Eóin Morrissey, expressed pride in Lynch’s accomplishments, noting the profound impact his visit had on the students.
“Daire’s achievements serve as an incredible inspiration for our pupils. It’s a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Who knows, there may be another Olympic medallist among our students!” said the principal, encouraging the children to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly.

The atmosphere in the school was electric as students listened attentively, soaking in Lynch's experiences and advice. He answered some very considered questions from pupils and spoke candidly about the challenges he faced on his path to success, instilling a sense of resilience and ambition in the young minds.

During his visit, Lynch not only highlighted his journey as an athlete but also took the opportunity to raise the school's newly awarded Green Flag. This flag recognises St Mary’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reinforces the importance of caring for our planet,a message Lynch emphasized as vital for the future generation.

As Daire left the school, he carried with him the hopes and aspirations of a new generation inspired to aim high. His visit not only celebrated his achievements but also underscored the message that greatness can emerge from anywhere, perhaps even from the very halls of St Mary’s CBS.