Clonakilty school wardens win road safety award

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has recognised a Cork school for its school wardens programme at the 2025 Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards.

The awards ceremony, held recently at Croke Park in Dublin, saw awards presented across eight categories, along with three special recognition awards, which honoured individuals and organisations for their commitment to road safety.

Among those who were honoured with a special recognition award was Scoil na mBuachaillí in Clonakilty for its school wardens programme, which has been in effect for more than 50 years.

The programme involves retired garda, Chris Hinchy, who trains teams of 5th and 6th class boys to serve as the school wardens, helping students safely cross the road.

The school wardens are taught how to manage pedestrian crossings responsibly, watch for traffic, and to guide younger children safely across the road.

Minister of state with responsibility for road safety, Seán Canney TD, said these awards “shine a light on the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to improve safety on our roads”.

“Their actions — big and small — demonstrate what true commitment to road safety looks like,” said Mr Canney.

“They show leadership, compassion and determination at a time when it is needed more than ever.”

Anne Graham, chairperson of the RSA, said that the organisation is “committed to working every day to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, but we cannot do it alone”.

“We need every driver, every pedestrian, every cyclist, every community to play their part,” said Ms Graham.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and a shared opportunity to protect lives.”

Now in its 16th year, the Leading Lights in Road Safety Awards celebrate the people, projects and partnerships across the country that are working to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads, from schools and community groups to employers, local authorities, media and road safety professionals.

Award categories included Best Employer-Led Award, Best School Initiative Award, Gay Byrne Media Award, Innovation & Research Award, Vulnerable Road User Award, Youth Road Safety Champion Award, Approved Driving Instructor Award, Certificate of Professional Competence Award, Special Recognition Awards and the Gertie Shields Supreme Award.

For more information on the awards, visit: www.rsa.ie.