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St Vincent’s Special School in Annacotty are walking 100km in July to fundraise for playground equipment for the re-opening of school.

July 100km to fundraise for St Vincents Special School in Annacotty

Organised by St Vincent’s Parents Association, the school community of St Vincent’s Special School in Annacotty are walking 100km in July to fundraise for playground equipment for the re-opening of school in September. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, playgrounds will be separated into distinct areas that small class pods can access – the school hopes to create eight playgrounds to cater for children aged 3-18 who attend the school.

St Vincents Special School

July 100km to fundraise for St Vincents Special School in Annacotty.


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As the school pupils have moderate learning disabilities, severe and profound general learning disabilities as well as autism spectrum disorders, there is a huge need for play equipment – for exercise, movement breaks and sensory regulation. Play for these children can be transformative.

“My son Padraig has autism and is non-verbal. A huge amount of the joy he gets out of school is actually in play. He really comes alive when he is in the playground, on the swings, in the tunnels. When they are in these small groups they interact”, said Declan O Dwyer, chair of the Parent’s Association.

“They have huge sensory needs, they need to be outside, they don’t stay still. They will have been off school for six months when they get back in September. Their PE, swimming and soft play will all be curtailed for the foreseeable future. Should playground access be restricted also it would have a profound effect on the children’s well-being”.

Declan went on to praise the Principal, Bridann O Callaghan; “she and all the staff are doing a fantastic job in terms of trying to prepare for September. She wants to have everything in place for the children upon their return”.

The Parent’s Association is working to assist in every way.

To support the appeal for play equipment please visit GoFundMe page HERE 

You can also contact Declan through the GoFundMe page if you would like to offer playground equipment.

For more stories on fundraisers, click HERE

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