THE idea of a commemorative publication is not a new one. It's an idea that has been bandied about for a long time until a group of 'die hards' got together late one Sunday afternoon in March after the Indoor Hurling finals. "Listen Lads", said the main man (I have long since given up trying to object to the use of that phrase at meetings), "It's now or never!" Over a period of about three or four months the magazine idea has developed into something bigger. Most schools in the county have contributed in some form or another: Stories, essays, photographs, poems, etc.
This is a celebration of ten years of Cumann na mBunscol activity. It is also a celebration of the vibrancy and enthusiasm that exists within Primary Schools in Sligo for Gaelic games. It is up to the teachers, parents, club officials and other administrative groups to nurture that interest. Over the last ten years, literally thousands of children have kicked footballs and pulled on sliotars in play-grounds, fields, local pitches and quite a lot have had the opportunity of playing in Markievicz Park, not to mention the representative teams which played at inter-county level.
A publication of this size needs a motivated and hard-working group behind it. That group were a dedicated sub-committee made up of Eamonn Clarke, David McVeigh, John Hughes and David O'Farrell. No hour was too late or too early, no fax machine was safe, no 'high profile personality' too big to approach!
A special word of thanks to Fr. Liam Devine, a long-standing friend of Cumann na mBunscol, whose valuable experience in this field helped us greatly. Thanks also are due to the The Sligo Champion for their excellent coverage down through the years, and to Michael Townsend for his professional help and patience.
I wish you many hours of enjoyable reading. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as.

Sinéad Grimes, PRO, Cumann na mBunscol, Co.Shligigh.
St. Edward's National School, Sligo

AS Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol Co. Shligigh it gives me great pleasure to welcome this yearbook celebrating ten years of Cumann na mBunscol activity in Sligo. It is the culmination of many hours hard work by dedicated pupils and teachers throughout the county. Personally it is a source of great satisfaction to see the work being done to promote and foster gaelic games in our national schools by our teachers, parents and coaches.

I would especially like to express my deep appreciation to the many inter-county stars of hurling and football, past and present who have supplied us with such interesting and informative articles - Peter Canavan, Paddy Hennessey, Ritchie Connor, Trevor Giles, Mickey Kearins, Paul Taylor, Barnes Murphy, Kathleen Keane, George O'Connor, Kevin Waters, John Casey, Maurice Sheridan, Paul Seevers, Paul Durcan, Christine Johnston, Liam Horan, Jack Boothman, Michael Carroll, Eamonn Mullen and Ger Loughnane.
I thank them for their courtesy and willingness to help in this venture. It proves the point, "If you need something done ask a busy person."
Finally, to the publishing committee - Sinead Grimes (Editor), John Hughes, David McVeigh and David O'Farrell. Congratulations on a job well done. - Your long hours of endeavour are justly rewarded.

To you the reader I hope you find it enjoyable. 

- Le gach dea ghuí
Eamonn Clarke
Clohogue National School