Primary school students from across Limerick didn't hold back at the very first Re-turn Awards this week. Over 250 students and teachers gathered at Croke Park to celebrate the fantastic ways primary schools are using the Deposit Return Scheme to boost sustainability, raise funds and create positive change in their local areas.
Hosted by Today FM presenter Ian Dempsey, the event recognised 16 winning schools from a pool of more than 300 entries across Ireland. While competition was tough, three Limerick schools walked away with major honours and €1,000 prizes for their incredible efforts.
Limerick's Winning Campaigns
Scoil Naomh Mhuire took home the Re-turn Awareness Campaign Award for their brilliant "Can You Bottle It for Ballyhahill?" initiative. The campaign brought their recycling and fundraising efforts to life across the wider community, with pupils taking charge of collections through the school, local GAA clubs and business links.
Meanwhile, St. Anne’s Primary School and St. Joseph’s Boys’ National School in Rathkeale joined forces to secure the Re-turn Teamwork Award. Their joint campaign was led by the Parents Council and involved all 345 pupils. Supported by staff, parents, local businesses and community partners, they managed to promote recycling and environmental education without putting any financial pressure on families.
The Top Prize Goes to Dublin
While Limerick schools had a spectacular day, the overall Re-turn Award went to Pelletstown Educate Together National School in Dublin. They received the top prize of €5,000 for their highly imaginative "Monster Bin" initiative.
Setting a Brilliant Example
Former Irish rugby international and guest judge Donncha O’Callaghan praised the passion of the students. He noted how fantastic it's been to see schools embrace the scheme in such a creative way. He highlighted that students and teachers aren't just helping the environment but are also raising vital funds for projects that make a real difference in their communities.
Re-turn CEO Ciarán Foley echoed those thoughts, adding that the response exceeded all expectations. He pointed out that the creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved has been incredibly inspiring.
The Full Roll of Honour
Here is the complete list of the 16 winning schools recognised for their hard work:
- Overall Re-turn Award Winner: Pelletstown Educate Together National School, Dublin
- Judges’ Commendation Award: St. Malachy’s BNS, Dublin
- Local Legends Award (Large School): Scoil Angela, Ursuline Primary School, Tipperary
- Local Legends Award (Medium School): St. Joseph’s National School, Cork
- Local Legends Award (Small School): Kilmore Central National School, Cavan
- Student Achievement Award: St Aengus National School, Donegal
- Heroes Award: Kildorrery National School, Cork
- Leadership Award: Mary Queen of Angels, Dublin
- Creativity Award: Nagle-Rice Primary School, Kerry
- Ingenuity Award: St Patrick’s National School Greystones, Wicklow
- Awareness Campaign Award: Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Limerick
- Fundraising Award: Loreto Primary School, Dalkey, Dublin
- Teamwork Award: St. Anne’s and St. Joseph’s Primary Schools, Rathkeale, Limerick
- Social Impact Award: Libermann Spiritan School, Dublin
- Most Returned Award: St. John’s Special School, Waterford
- Sustainability Education Award: Queen of Angels Primary School, Dublin
Since the scheme launched in 2024, primary schools have clearly shown that recycling is a brilliant way to educate the next generation while supporting local communities. With such strong entries in its first year, the future of the Re-turn Awards is definitely looking bright.
