Annual Campaign 2010-2011

The Irish American Partnership and Science Teaching in Ireland

Pictured at the graduation ceremony of Kerry school teachers involved in the Partnership's Rural School Science Program. Seated Kerry teacher Ornait Ni Loinsigh, Mary Sugrue McAleer of The Irish American Partnership and Regina Murphy, Director of Inservice Education at St. Patrick's College. Back row Dr. Pauric Travers, President of St. Patrick's College, Kerry teacher Michelle Doyle and Dr. Paula Kilfeather, Head of Science Department at St. Patrick's College.

The significance of these developments is immense. Having a cohort of teachers that has an in-depth knowledge of science education and is confident in its ability to teach science is of tremendous importance, especially in rural areas. These teachers will be in a position to become peer mentors for their colleagues in both their own schools and in other schools in the locality.

The contribution of The Irish American Partnership and the DES, to this outreach programme cannot be overemphasised. It is our great pleasure to welcome Ms Mary Sugrue McAleer, who is representing the IAP, to the college and on behalf of the college to thank her for her contribution. ”

-Remarks of Pauric Travers, President of St. Patrick’s Teaching College - Ireland’s largest teaching college, speaking at the

graduation exercises of 300 teachers and their families on Friday, November 5, 2010 – Dublin, Ireland.

“ The Irish American Partnership (IAP) has played a significant part in the development of science in disadvantaged small rural primary schools in Ireland. In 2003, a project to enhance the teaching and learning of science in 10 primary schools commenced in south Kerry. The project was made feasible by generous funding from the IAP. The positive results from this project led to the expansion of the programme to 15 schools and an extension of the programme for a further three years. The value of the programme was recognised by the Department of Education and Science (DES), and it agreed to support the work of the IAP.

The programme in Kerry led to the award, in 2008, of Certificates in Education (Primary Science) to six participating teachers. The funding also enabled three of these teachers to embark on a Diploma in Education, (Primary Science). Their dissertations were submitted in May 2010 and we are delighted that the three teachers are now graduating with Diplomas.

The Irish American Partnership and Irish Leadership in 2010

Irish American Partnership supporters and members celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at well-attended breakfasts in Boston and Chicago. They also meet several times each year to learn about current conditions in Ireland from Government leaders and educators, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Chicago, St. Patrick’s Celebration March 12—From left Irish Consul General Martin Rouine, Irish Ambassador Michael Collins, Master of Ceremonies Alderman Ed Burke, British Consul General James Clark, Grand Marshal Bobby Ryan and Host Committee Member Patrick Thompson.

Chicago Group in Co. Mayo—Funds raised from the Partnership’s May 2010 Chicago Golf Tournament were presented that month to five Mayo primary schools at a gathering in Tourmakeady National School, County Mayo, by Co-Chair of the Tournament Patrick Heneghan (center-left front) and his wife Kelly(5th back left). Partnership member Chris Kozicki and his family also attended. At center-right front is John Cribbin, Chairman of the Mayo County Council.

Boston, St. Patrick’s Day March 17—From left around the head table, Irish Consul General Michael Lonergan, Charles Lynch, Fred Stephens, British Minister Paul Goggins MP, Charles Donahue, Nancy Donahue, Josephine Shields and Irish Minister Dara Calleary TD.

Albany, NY, September 2010—Mayor of Albany Gerald Jennings, Honorary Chair at our Albany Golf Tournament with Tournament Host and Chairman Tom Tyrrell at right, presenting a $10,000 grant to the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies Dublin Program at Notre Dame from funds raised on the day.

North Belfast 2009-2010—Baroness May Blood and Partnership President Joe Leary introducing new reading materials to students at transformational school Cliftonville Integrated Primary School in North Belfast. Partnership supporters have helped fund five transitional schools so far in Belfast.

Boston, Bridget McManus Breakfast September 28—Partnership welcomes Bridget McManus, Irish Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills. From left Michael O’Connor of the Irish Cultural Centre, Secretary General and Irish Consul General Michael Lonergan.

Partnership Members Supporting the Future of Ireland through Education

Tang National School, Ballymahon, County Longford.

Kilconly National School, Kilconly, County Galway.

Cromane National School, Killorglin, County Kerry.

Browneknowe National School, Ramelton, County Donegal.

Coogue National School, Coogue Village, County Mayo.

Meenagowan National School, south of Dungloe Town, County Donegal.

Scoil Roisin, Marghery Village, County Donegal.

Kinaffe National School, near Swinford Town, County Mayo.

Annagh Girls Nation School, Ballyglunin, County Galway.

Tarbert National School, Tarbert on Shannon, County Kerry.

Ballinspittle National School, County Cork. Cortober National School, Carrick on Shannon, County Leitrim.

More than 300 rural Irish Primary Schools and over 18,000 young Irish children—North and South—have been provided 30,000 new library books and cutting edge science learning materials—all due to the generosity of Irish American Partnership supporters.

THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP

33 Broad Street � Boston, Massachusetts 02109 � (617) 723-2707 � fax (617) 723-5478 � WWW.IRISHAP.ORG

“The Irish American Partnership provides an important focus on support for job education, economic development and education in Ireland. Its contribution to Ireland in these fields, through its members and supporters, is greatly valued.”

Uachtarain na h-Eireann Mary McAleese President of Ireland