University of Galway – Tuesday, 11 November 2025
The University of Galway’s Institute for Lifecourse and Society was filled with joy, pride, and celebration as seven remarkable schools were officially recognised with their Champion Schools of Sanctuary Awards. The ceremony honoured their inspiring commitment to building welcoming, inclusive and safe environments – places where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
The newly recognised Schools of Sanctuary were:
- Ballyhaunis Community School, Co. Mayo
- Scoil Mhuire Brusna, Roscommon
- Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway
- Educate Together Secondary School, Galway
- Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Limerick
- Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
- Ballinlough National School, Co. Roscommon
The event was hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the Access Centre, in collaboration with Schools of Sanctuary Ireland and Galway City Partnership—reflecting the University’s strong and ongoing commitment to advancing equality and inclusion across the education sector.
The ceremony was warmly guided by MC Leo Snyyans, Sanctuary Scholar, whose enthusiasm and insight helped create a true sense of shared purpose in the room.
To open the event, Dr. Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the power of inclusion in shaping stronger communities and brighter futures.
Following this, the children from the seven schools took centre stage with their outstanding performances. From moving poems and expressive dramas to beautiful songs and presentations of their ongoing inclusion projects, the students shone with confidence and pride. Their creativity, courage and joy filled the hall – clear evidence of the care, dedication and encouragement fostered within their school communities.
The children were visibly proud of their achievements, and rightly so. Their performances showcased not only their talent, but also a deep empathy and understanding of what it truly means to create a culture of welcome. These young ambassadors embodied the very heart of the Schools of Sanctuary message.
Later in the ceremony, Sarah Corcoran of Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan shared a heartfelt and thoughtful speech, celebrating the collective work of schools and the transformative impact that acts of welcome can have on young people.
Support from the Bridge Project, local ambassadors and community members added greatly to the day, with many expressing pride in the schools’ accomplishments and admiration for how students are being equipped with the empathy, knowledge and skills they will carry confidently into the wider world. These young people are already proving themselves to be thoughtful global citizens, forging a path of kindness and understanding for others to follow.
The day concluded with a strong sense of shared hope and collective pride. The seven newly recognised Schools of Sanctuary have set a shining example, reminding us all of what is possible when kindness leads the way.
