Scoil na mBuachaillí is delighted to share that the School Wardens from 5th and 6th class were invited to the Road Safety Authority’s Leading Lights Awards ceremony in Croke Park on Wednesday, December 10th, where they proudly represented the school and its long-standing commitment to road safety. What an experience for our boys to witness the splendour of the venue, enjoy the excellent hospitality from the Road Safety Authority, and meet such lovely and welcoming staff. We extend our sincere thanks to the RSA for their outstanding hospitality and for making the occasion such a memorable one for our pupils.
Scoil na mBuachaillí is thrilled to announce that its long-established School Warden Programme has been honoured with Special Recognition at the RSA’s prestigious Leading Lights Awards! This remarkable national accolade shines a spotlight on exceptional contributions to road safety, and the school is truly delighted to see this important and enduring initiative celebrated on such a respected platform.
For more than fifty years, the School Warden Programme has played a vital role in safeguarding pupils, parents, and staff during busy school-dismissal times. Under the expert guidance of retired Garda Chris Hinchy, generations of 5th and 6th class boys have been trained to manage safe crossings, developing essential skills in road awareness, communication, leadership, and responsibility. Their daily presence has greatly supported safe crossings and encouraged safer driving habits within the wider community.
Representatives from Scoil na mBuachaillí attended the awards ceremony in the Cusack Suite, Croke Park, where the programme was formally recognised for its exceptional and enduring impact. The school is delighted that the commitment, discipline, and community spirit demonstrated by its pupil wardens—past and present—has been celebrated at a national level.
Thank you to the staff who travelled to Dublin today—Ms Carol O'Boyle, Ms Eileen Breen O'Riordan, Ms Niamh Mac Auley, and Ms Regina Fitzmaurice—for supporting the boys and representing the school with such pride. A special thank you to Chris Hinchy for travelling with the group and accepting the award on our behalf; his dedication continues to be central to the success and longevity of the School Warden Programme.
This recognition highlights the school’s continued commitment to promoting safety, citizenship, and positive leadership among its pupils.
The following was featured in the Leading Lights Awards 2025,
"Special Recognition - School Wardens at Scoil na mBuachaillí Clonakilty'
The School Warden Programme in Scoil na mBuachaillí has been a valued tradition for over fifty years, playing a vital role in promoting safety, responsibility and community spirit among pupils. Eac year, retired Garda Chris Hinchy trains teams of 5th & 6th classs boys to serve as school wardens. The pupils learn about road safety, awareness, teamwork and clear communication. They are taught how to manage pedestrian crossings responsibility, to watch for traffic, and to guide younger children safely across the road. This long-running programme reduces risk at busy school collection times and ensures sustained efforts for better road safety in the school's community."
