Chapter 23 Credit Union Quiz Finals 2018
Primary school students representing the credit unions in Kerry and West Limerick put their knowledge and skills to the test last Saturday evening in the Institute of Technology Tralee as they competed in Stage 2 – Chapter Level of the All Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz 2018. Twenty teams from Abbeyfeale, Caherciveen, Chorca Dhuibhne, Clanmaurice, Killarney, Listowel, Rathmore and Tralee Credit Unions competed. The competition was intense with the narrowest of margins separating the teams at the end of a most enthralling and entertaining afternoon. There were two competitions, A, Under 11 and B, Under 13.
The very large attendance of over 400, made up of parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family members, teachers and credit union representatives thoroughly enjoyed the evening with their knowledge of geography, history, music, literature, current affairs and credit union affairs refreshed and increased.
The aims of the Quiz are to encourage learning and teamwork among primary school pupils within an enjoyable environment. Teamwork was in clear evidence in the Institute of Technology Tralee on Saturday evening last as the members of each of the twenty teams pooled their knowledge and skills to answer twelve rounds of six questions.
The winners and runners-up of Competitions A and B (1st and 2nd placed teams in each competition) now progress to the National Finals which will be held in the RDS Dublin on Sunday 8th April 2018.
In the U11 competition Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn representing Tralee Credit Union (Grace Ní Dhomhnaill, Iarla Ó h-Ainiféin, Ruarí Ó Loingsigh, Donnchadh Mac Uilegóid) emerged as winners with Holy Family NS Rathmore Credit Union (Liam O’Keeffe, Ross Moriarty, Eoin Cashman, Grace Murphy) in second place . Glenderry NS representing Clanmaurice Credit Union (Zara McGrath, Liam Carroll, Rory O’Halloran, Jennifer Harty) secured third place
Gaelscoil Faithleann representing Killarney Credit Union (Daire O’Briain, Adam Ó Súilleabháin, Sinéad Olibhéar, Cameron O Rua ) emerged as winners in the U13 competition following a tie-breaker with Spa NS representing Tralee C.U. (Molly Sheehy, Cian O’Gara, Cian Mason, Gearóid O’Connor)which then finished in second place. Lissivigeen NS representing Killarney CU (Shane O’Sullivan, Hannah Ryan, Oisín Dineen, Aoibhín Kelly) were in third position.
The MC for the evening, Mr Christy Killeen, thanked the Quizmaster, Mrs Helen Twomey, the adjudicators, the correctors, the stewards and the personnel from the various credit unions who helped out on the day. He thanked the IT Tralee for making their excellent facilities available at short notice and Mr Billy Donegan for providing and operating the electronic score board. He said that the scoring of the teams was very high particularly as some of the questions were challenging to say the least. The points difference between the prizewinners and the rest of the teams was minimal. He said that it was a wonderful occasion and a great learning experience for all and he complimented all the participants, their teachers and their parents on their involvement in, and contribution to, the successful outcomes of the Quiz.