Testimonials / Teistiméireachtaí
"I have been apart of the Naícoil & Gaelscoil school community for the last 11 years. When I initially decided to send my child there I had an older child at another primary school in town, so I was a bit apprehensive. It’s been the best decision I have ever made for my children. One has moved on to secondary now but gained an A grade in GCSE Irish in first year which is commendable at such a young age, this is down to the hand work, commitment and how much the school invest in each pupil. It’s very child led, and they base all decisions, changes and opportunities in the best interest of every child. As a parent the support they provide is immense with such a close knit community they are always there to reassure you. The pastoral care within this school is of a very high standard and personally I think this is paramount to the health and well being of each child. You will not regret sending your child here It'll be one of the best decisions you make enabling them to enhance their learning and experience through another language".
Orla Bradley, current P5 Parent, Dec 2025
"For the past 13 years, as a parent of four children who have either passed through or are still attending Gaelscoil Léim an Mhadaidh, I’ve seen just how special this school community is. It wasn’t just about helping to preserve our beautiful language—though that is something I am proud of—but about giving my children an education that helped them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. They’ve learned to think and communicate naturally in two languages and have discovered new talents through teaching, sports, and various school trips. They have also built friendships, developed resilience, and gained a strong sense of belonging. The school has supported them, challenged them, and celebrated them every step of the way.
If you’re a prospective parent wondering whether Irish-medium education is the right choice, I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I would warmly encourage you to consider giving your child this opportunity by attending Gaelscoil Léim an Mhadaidh- you won’t regret it!"
Kerrie McGee, P5 Parent Dec 2025
"Naíscoil agus Gaelscoil Leim an Mhaidaidh has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our children. Coming from a non–Irish-speaking family has never been a challenge- we were reassured from the very beginning, and now we find ourselves reassuring others in the same way. Our eldest even received the Principal’s Award recently for his Gaeilge!
They’ve picked up the language so quickly (even if we haven’t 😅) and can now learn other languages with ease when we travel, as that part of their brain is constantly being exercised. Even at such a young age, they switch so effortlessly between English and Irish- it’s truly becoming second nature to them.
A beautiful community, supportive staff, and the happiest children- what more could we ask for?!
Choosing Naíscoil agus Gaelscoil Leim an Mhaidaidh has given our children a wonderful gift, one that will stay with them for life, and we couldn’t be more grateful".
Kyree Cunning, P1 & P3 Parent, Dec 2025
"We initially called the school to enquire about our little boy, Liam, joining.
I received a very quick response from Charmaine, the Principal, who was extremely helpful and invited us to visit one morning.
Was I nervous? Yes!!
I had never left our little boy with anyone before, and although I knew he would be fine-I wasn’t sure I would be.
Liam joined in January 2025 and walked into Naíscoil as if he had been there all his life.
Every staff member is exceptional.
Everyone greets you with a smile and, most importantly, understands the anxiety parents feel when leaving their child for the first time (especially me-I can honestly say I am one of those parents).
Within weeks, strangers were commenting on the difference in Liam-how confident and, most of all, how happy he was.
I’m proud to say that those strangers are now people I consider family.
Less than a year in, I know our boy has made friends for life. ❤️
Liam even spoke on stage in Irish after only being there a short time. We couldn’t believe our little boy had the confidence to stand up and speak in front of a hall full of strangers-in a language he had only just been introduced to!
When I think of the school, the staff, and all the lovely children, I get emotional because we truly are a family-a family to be proud of.
I will never be able to express my thanks to this wonderful school.
God bless you all".
Joanne Nooney, P1 Parent Dec 2025
"My son’s school has become a place where he is not only educated, but truly cared for. The nurturing, supportive, and deeply compassionate environment they create makes every child feel seen and loved. Being a bilingual school, they offer him an incredible standard of education. They go above and beyond- not just for the children, but for the families too, standing beside us, lifting us up, and making us feel part of something truly special. I am endlessly grateful for all they do.”
Shona Canning, P1 Parent, Dec 2025
"We had thought about sending our child to an Irish medium school but were a little apprehensive. After talking to a few friends who's children already attended the school we decided to apply for her to go. We can honestly say it was the best decision we could have made.
From day 1 the school makes you feel at home and part of a big family. The staff know all the pupils by name and genuinely care about each one of them. The standard of teaching is excellent and the resources available on the new site are fantastic. The new SEN room, facilities and staff are in our opinion the best we could ever have hoped for.
On top of all that the fact that our child is learning a new language, without even knowing it, is a wonderful advantage for her as she grows and develops.
It is a wonderful school and we would recommend it to any parent wanting their child to receive a high level of education, care and support".
Damien Lowry, P2 Parent, Dec 2025
"Our daughter Grace has been part of this wonderful school community since the age of three, when she first attended the Tús Maith programme. From her earliest steps into the Irish-medium environment, through Naíscoil and now Gaelscoil, she has been surrounded by a setting that nurtures both learning and a real sense of belonging.
What truly sets this school apart is not only its exceptional academic standards, but also the atmosphere of genuine warmth and connection. Everyone knows each other by first name, and staff are addressed the same way, giving children a sense of comfort, friendship, and familiarity. It feels like an extended family rather than just a school.
We have loved watching Grace grow from a shy little girl into a confident, enthusiastic learner with a strong grasp of the Irish language- both written and spoken. She takes great pride in her work, particularly in art, crafts, and math, and we credit much of her success to the supportive, child-centered approach of Naíscoil & Gaelscoil Léim an Mhadaidh.
Had she been anywhere else, we truly believe she could have felt like a small fish in a big pond. Instead, here she has thrived- happy, confident, and celebrated for who she is. Choosing this school was the best decision we made, and we have absolutely no hesitation about where her younger brother will be going".
Canice & Gemma Forrest, P3 Parents, Dec 2025
"Sending our two boys to Gaelscoil Léim An Mhadaidh has been one of the best decisions we've made. We are incredibly grateful for everything the school offers our children. Initially, we were uncertain, as we as parents, unfortunately don’t speak fluent Irish. Once our oldest son began Naíscoil, we immediately knew that staying with the Gaelscoil was the right choice. Our boys look forward to school every day and truly enjoy their school life. The sense of community at the school, along with the genuine care and affection all the staff show towards the children, is something I’m deeply thankful for every day. It’s heartwarming to see how all the pupils know each other, and it’s a joy to be part of such a wonderful, close-knit community. We are also delighted with the school’s commitment to physical activity. Two PE sessions each week focusing on Hurling and Gaelic is a real highlight for our boys. They absolutely love it. We would be lost without the breakfast club starting at 8am, and the Spórt is Spraoi program, which provides vital childcare for us until 5pm every day. The staff running these programs go above and beyond to make school feel like home. From the very start, we’ve found the entire staff to be incredibly supportive and approachable. The homework is clear, and there’s always help available if we need it. We feel so proud to have bilingual children and are truly grateful to watch them grow and thrive in such a nurturing environment. Thank you for everything 🥰♥️♥️".
Julie Mullan, P2 and P4 Parent, Dec 2025

