Limerick & Clare ETB Teachers Elected to PEAI

Two Limerick and Clare ETB teachers have been elected to serve on the committee of the Physical Education Association of Ireland (PEAI) for the 2024/25 academic year.

Alan Finnegan of Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh is now vice-president of the committee, with Gráinne Phelan of Hazelwood Community College also joining the team as an Executive Committee member. The PEAI works on improving standards and performance within Physical Education in Ireland, keeping up-to-date on the latest issues, trends and technologies. It also works on legislative developments, provides national leadership and opportunities to influence policies and promotes public awareness on the contribution of the Physical Education profession to Irish life.

Alan and Róisin at the PEAI conference at UL recently.

Speaking about the news, Acting Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB Donncha Ó Treasaigh said: “We are delighted to congratulate Alan and Gráinne on this achievement and no doubt they will bring their expertise, passion and dedication to the forefront of the association’s work. Limerick and Clare ETB is dedicated to providing quality education in a positive learning environment for all students and is immensely proud of its teachers’ and former students’ involvement in the PEAI and the tireless commitment to promoting physical education and supporting athletic achievement.”

Limerick and Clare ETB’s connection to the PEAI extends beyond committee representation. Former Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh student and Paris 2024 Paralympic medalist Róisín Ní Ríain was a guest speaker at the recent annual PEAI conference at University of Limerick. Róisin highlighted the importance of physical education in supporting athletic development and personal growth.

Gráinne Phelan with Róisín Ní Riain.

Both Gráinne and Alan know Paralympic hero Róisin well. Gráinne and Róisin are both members of Limerick Swimming Club where Gráinne volunteers as a Swimming Classifier with Paralympics Ireland, while Róisin was one of Alan’s students during her time at Gaelchólaiste Luimnigh.

Story by Saul Mezzapelle, Junior Digital Content Specialist, Limerick & Clare ETB  and third year Journalism and Digital Communications student at University of Limerick.