Co-operation is Cool Winners 2004

"Co-operation is Cool" was a joint initiative for schools organised by Glanbia plc, Laois Education Centre and Laois Leader. The aim of the initiative was to promote awareness of co-operation and how it works around us in the 21st century aided by modern technology. The project was launched in November of last year following the publication of Teddy Fennelly's book 'A Triumph of Co-operation over Adversity' celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Donoughmore Co-operative Society.

The presentation of awards took place in Laois Education Centre, Portlaoise, on Saturday May 8th. Ten schools throughout the Laois / Offaly area participated in an exhibition portraying their work on the theme of co-operation in the 21st century . The projects displayed were very varied and outlined the many different aspects of co-operation, from a group water scheme to the setting up of a school credit union and co-operation with a school in Northern Ireland. All the schools were commended for their hard work, their innovation and their commitment.

The judges, Sarah Fitzpatrick (NCCA), Dominic McEvoy (NCTE), and Martin Varley (ICOS) were most impressed by the high overall standard of the work submitted and the First Prize went to St Kieran's NS, Broughall, Kilcormac, Co Offaly. Second was Seir Kieran's NS, Clareen, Birr, and Scoil Bhride in Croghan, Rhode, was awarded the Third Prize. The prize for Special Schools went to St Francis' Special School, Portlaoise. Glanbia and Laois Leader provided prizes of digital cameras, digital card readers and Corel Graphics Suite 12. A copy of the book "Fruits of a Century - an illustrated centenary history of ICOS" was presented to each school by ICOS.
It is envisaged to continue this initiative during the '04 / '05 school period.
Congratulations to all those who participated and especially to our winners.