A Mayo school has won a national award for the creation of a board game.

Developed as a fundraiser for Crossmolina National School, the 'Crossmolina Board Game' - with every single square designed by the school's talented students — has now received national recognition for its creativity and intergenerational appeal, and problem-solving focus.

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This prestigious honour was awarded by DCU Age Friendly University, which typically recognises innovation at the Transition Year level.

But after seeing the game in action, DCU was so impressed they introduced a brand-new Primary School Innovation Category — making Crossmolina National School the first in Ireland ever to receive this award!

And what a celebration it was — on Wednesday last, a group of the school's enthusiastic students, teachers, and parents travelled to Dublin City University to proudly accept the award at the DCU Intergenerational Awards Ceremony.

The event, held on May 7 at the DCU Glasnevin Campus, saw Crossmolina National School shine on a national stage, applauded for the game’s outstanding ability to connect generations through shared play.

Caroline Kennedy, Principal of Crossmolina National School: "We are beyond proud of our pupils. Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to this project have truly set them apart. To be the first primary school in Ireland to win this innovation award is not only historic, it’s a testament to what young minds can achieve when given the opportunity to shine."

Representatives from DCU Age Friendly University and Hasbro — the global leader in board game manufacturing — were so captivated by the project that they purchased the final two copies of the game on the spot. In a generous gesture, Hasbro also gifted the school a set of games to keep the intergenerational fun going!

"Award belongs to every child"

Eithne Cosgrove, Parent and Member of the Board of Management:

"The idea for the board game came from wanting to create something meaningful incorporating our Community that could bring families together while also supporting our school — and seeing it come to life through the children’s imagination has been nothing short of magical.

To now have national recognition for that effort is incredibly humbling. This award belongs to every child who drew, designed, and dreamed it into existence."

To mark the occasion, a short video is being produced to highlight the creativity and effort behind the project, showcasing our students, teachers, and the community who brought the game to life — all while emphasizing its role in bringing families, particularly grandparents and grandchildren, closer together.

This award is a tremendous achievement for Crossmolina National School and a testament to the innovation, determination, and talent that exists in our town. 

Aileen Flannery Hazell, Chairperson of the Parents Association: "This project brought our entire school community together — parents, children, teachers, and grandparents. It was more than a fundraiser; it became a celebration of connection across generations. Watching our children receive this award at DCU was a moment of pure pride and joy for all of us."

A Special thank you to all the parents who came together to make this happen, Eithne Cosgrove, Aileen Flannery Hazzell, Sheila Brennan, Mary Mulhern, Sarah Lynn and Eoin McGowan and to all the teachers who assisted their students with their works of art.

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