Ocean Champions award for west Mayo national school pupils
Mulranny National School has been awarded a prestigious Explorers Ocean Champions Special Award of Recognition for its outstanding 'Sea Turtles & Clay Critters' project.
This significant achievement was part of the Marine Institute’s Explorers Healthy Ocean All School Project 2024-2025.
Congratulating the students and teachers, Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Manager, highlighted the school's exceptional dedication.
She stated: “Out of 28 schools across Ireland that completed Explorers Healthy Ocean Projects, Mulranny National School was one of only five shortlisted, distinguishing itself with an exceptional dedication to ocean literacy and impactful work in marine conservation.”
Ms. Dromgool-Regan elaborated on the project's success
“The teachers at Mulranny National School showed a clear focus on deepening their school's learning and understanding of the ocean.
"Working in collaboration with Sorsha from the Explorers outreach team, Breda Burns, the schools Creative Schools Associate and Pamela Gray all helped guide students through the project.
"Their work using marine science themes on the curriculum was also shown by visiting the Marine Institute in Furnace, Newport.
"We were truly impressed by the wonderful project about turtles from around the world, and the comprehensive approach to learning about the local marine environment, biodiversity, and the importance of conservation in Mulranny was also highly commended.”
She further praised the students' creativity.
“Using ocean literacy and creativity to share their knowledge through remarkable clay work, video production, and the vibrant mosaic designs on the class windows truly brought their learning to life.”
Ms. Louise Crowley, principal of Mulranny National School, expressed her pride: “We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to receive this Special Award of Recognition.
"Our students poured their hearts into the 'Sea Turtles & Clay Critters' project, and this award is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and growing understanding of the importance of our marine environment.
"It's truly inspiring to see how deeply they've connected with ocean conservation, even inspiring their peers and community outside of school.”
The project's lasting impact was particularly notable, with students inspired to continue their marine learning beyond the classroom.
Their participation in regular Clean Coasts beach cleans and engagement with the local scouts group, even inviting other scout groups to Mulranny to share their passion for the marine environment, showcased a true dedication to ocean exploration and championship.
Sorsha Kennedy, Explorers Outreach Officer, commended the students' commitment.
She said: “The creativity and depth of understanding demonstrated by the students were truly inspiring. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and knowledge that the children gained and shared in their work.
"It is wonderful to see Mulranny receive this award, as they are a school that is definitely focused on supporting their community and protecting their ocean.”
The Marine Institute extends its sincere congratulations to the students and teachers of Mulranny National School for this incredible achievement and for becoming true Ocean Champions.