The 2025 Leap Scarecrow Festival runs from October 20th to November 1st, and this year’s event promises to be full of creativity, colour, and community spirit!
We’re delighted to share that Rang 7 proudly accepted the challenge to represent Scoil na mBuachaillí in this year’s Scarecrow Competition. Their theme for the Scarecrow Festival is both clever and heartfelt — the Presidential Election, inspired by our very own Finbarr O’Connor, our incredible school caretaker. We have affectionately nicknamed our entry “S-Caretaker Finbarr for President.”
Finbarr has been part of the Scoil na mBuachaillí family since 2000, and in that time he has truly shaped our school into the wonderful place it is today. His list of projects is endless — but among his most recent achievements are building stages for our school performances and transforming our staffroom, including the installation of a fantastic new kitchen over the summer of 2025.
A gifted tradesperson, Finbarr’s creativity, dedication, and generosity of spirit shine through in everything he does. He is always willing to lend a hand and share his skills, inspiring pupils to be hands-on, inventive, and to think like engineers. He is out bright and early every single morning with the leaf blower, making sure all playgrounds, courts, play areas, and carparks are leaf-free. His love and care for the school hens is celebrated in the scarecrow design with the addition of a little chicken — a nod to Finbarr’s nurturing spirit.
It’s no surprise that Rang 7 chose Finbarr as their inspiration for this year’s festival entry. Our S-Caretaker is now on display in Leap.
A huge thank you to all the pupils and staff who have offered their time, energy, and support to bring this project to life — your teamwork and enthusiasm truly embody the spirit of Scoil na mBuachaillí.
Please check out the school website to see Finbarr’s reaction when we surprised him with the project. In true Finbarr style, he even accompanied the staff to Leap to help install the SNB Scarecrow 2025!
Well done, Rang 7 — and thank you, Finbarr, for all that you do for our school!
