Killygarry named a Healthy Heroes Star School

Killygarry National School has been named Healthy Heroes Star School for February 2025 for their efforts in promoting healthy eating.

The school has come first among hundreds of primary schools across Ireland also participating in the Healthy Heroes initiative, supported by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA) and Bord Bia.

The programme aims to educate children on nutrition, physical activity and how to maintain and enjoy healthy lunchtime habits, in school and at home.

It was designed by teachers and behaviour change experts with the support of Dr. Mary McCreery, one of Ireland’s leading consultant nutritionists and dieticians.

Healthy Heroes gives children the opportunity to foster valuable leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, all while learning to stay active and eat healthily. Now in its tenth year, the programme allows pupils to learn about nutrition, while helping to boost children’s activity levels in a supportive learning environment.

During the programme, sixth class students mentoring younger students on the importance of nutrition and being active. This provides the younger children with important role models, while the older children have an opportunity to harness effective leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Speaking about the programme, Sixth Class Teacher at Killygarry N.S., Annamarie McMahon described the programme as "incredibly energising" for the students.

"We’re delighted to be chosen as Star School for February," she said.

The teacher said she is "particularly proud" of how the sixth-class pupils have created such "fantastic relationships" with the younger classes.

"They really got everyone involved in making healthier lunch choices and exercising more with great care and attention each lunch time," she explained.

Shauna McCarthy who oversees the programme on behalf of the IBBA congratulated everyone at Killygarry National School for "their efforts in embodying just what it means to be true healthy heroes."

For more information on how schools can get involved in the Healthy Heroes programme, visit Irishbread.ie or email healthyheroes@realnation.ie