Dundalk pupils get active with Fyffes Fittest School visit

‘Fitness and healthy eating should start at a young age.’ That’s the message pupils at two Dundalk schools ,Realt Na Mara and Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan, heard as they hosted a workout session as part of the Fyffes Fittest School 2026 competition. 

Delivered by Irish fitness expert Sharon Flanagan, the visit saw the young pupils participate in an active age-appropriate workout designed to improve their general fitness during which advice on the importance of healthy eating was given.

Fyffes Fittest School, now in its fourth year, promotes the importance of exercise, fitness and healthy eating amongst young people.

Realt Na Mara School

A central feature of the programme is a series of exercise routines which competing schools can adopt as part of their PE curriculum and against which performance can be measured. Previous competition winners were Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal (2022) and Gilson National School, Oldcastle, Co Meath (2023) and St Mary’s Touraneena National School, Co Waterford (2024).

Led by Irish health and fitness expert Sharon Flanagan and Olympian David Gillick, the sessions are conducted under the supervision of teachers to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

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Each session includes an engaging workout designed to improve children’s overall fitness while making fitness enjoyable and accessible.

The programme also features an exhilarating nationwide competition. Schools in every province will compete in regional qualifiers for a chance to advance to the grand finale. The ultimate prize? The prestigious title of "Fyffes Fittest School" and €5,000 in prize money to outfit the school with state-of-the-art sports equipment, helping students stay active and healthy!

Information at www.fyffesfittestschool.ie