PICTURES: Longford national school welcomes Minister Peter Burke
By Tara King · Longford Leader · 4 June 2026
Minister Burke was in attendance at St Matthew's National School in Ballymahon for their Blue Star VIP Day
Shelley Corcoran Ballymahon PICTURES: Longford national school welcomes Minister Peter Burke By The Newsroom Published 4th Jun 2026, 16:44 BST Updated 9th Jun 2026, 17:04 BST Minister Burke was in attendance at St Matthew's National School in Ballymahon for their Blue Star VIP Day
The pupils of Ms Carroll and Mr Ward's 4th classes at St Matthew’s National School, Ballymahon were busy all year researching and completing the different stages of the Blue Star Programme.
The Blue Star Programme is a fantastic initiative, by which children of all ages can engage fully with the many aspects of the European Union.
From the many different Institutional departments, to the cultural and historical elements, both classes participated fully in all of the pillars of the programme.
The crowning moment of the year's work was the Blue Star VIP Day at St Matthew's where special guest, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment visited the school and witnessed the fantastic work from both 4th classes.
From learning all about famous European artists, to engaging with the many Governmental Institutions of the EU to discovering the many different historical facts about the 27 member states, it was a fun-filled day at St Matthew's NS.
Chelsea, who is a pupil in Ms Skelly's senior Autism Class, also gave a presentation on ‘our own beautiful country’.
The Scór Performers also provided great entertainment. It truly was an amazing day at St Matthew’s NS.
1 . Sarah Grey, Fr Liam, Christy Mannion, Minister Burke, Herbert Farrell, Roger Ward, Samantha Carroll Picture: Shelley Corcoran Sarah Grey, Fr Liam, Christy Mannion, Minister Burke, Herbert Farrell, Roger Ward, Samantha Carroll | Shelley Corcoran
2 . Roger Ward, Minister Burke, Joe Flaherty Roger Ward, Minister Burke, Joe Flaherty | Shelley Corcoran Photo: Shelley Corcoran
3 . Minister Burke with St Matthews Students Picture: Shelley Corcoran Minister Burke with St Matthews Students | Shelley Corcoran
4 . BVS, Mick O'Rourke, Minister Burke Picture: Shelley Corcoran BVS, Mick O'Rourke, Minister Burke | Shelley Corcoran
Reporting by Tara King for Longford Leader , funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Republished by News Room under the scheme’s reuse permission.
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