Derry’s Gaelscoil na Daróige ecstatic to attend KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards and see Caoilfhionn Carlin named Reading Hero

The school has participated in the Junior Juries programme for many years where children read, discuss and score some of the most prominent Irish children’s books with the scores submitted contributing to an award for a lucky author.

During the programme, teachers, parents, guardians, relatives, friends and librarians are also invited to nominate their KPMG Reading Hero.

Principal, Fiachra Ó Donghaile, was delighted that 11-years-old Caoilfhionn Carlin, an avid young reader from the class, landed the prestigious national Reading Hero Award at the ceremony.

“We are exceedingly proud of Caoilfhionn and this award is richly deserved. Caoilfhionn is a young reader who has found solace, sanctuary and inspiration in reading when overcoming significant and grave adversity and challenges.

"When suffering poor health, Caoilfhionn found escape in books and quickly developed an insatiable appetite for reading, in Irish and English, becoming a prolific and voracious reader.

“Caoilfhionn is also generous with her passion for reading and is often observed surrounded by other children when reading or making recommendations for books.”

“I was shocked, flabbergasted and bursting with joy when I heard about the award”, beamed Caoilfhionn when asked about the accolade.

“Personally, I think children are too distracted by technology instead of being lost in a good book. I feel it is almost a personal challenge to share my love of books with others.

"Books transport me to other worlds where I experience other places and people. When I was sick, and listening to the hospital machines and crying babies, I could escape to another world in a book."

Proud Mum, Karen said: “When she started reading independently, there was no stopping her. She always brought books along to hospital appointments and when travelling.

"When it came to writing Christmas lists, there was no requests for Barbie's or computer games, Instead Caoilfhionn wanted bookshelves filled with her favourite collections.

"Caoilfhionn always loved shopping in Eason's and any trip to Dublin would not be complete without a trip to the book store. Even when travelling to big Derry games in the capital, Caoilfhionn would still be immersed in the latest addition to her precious book collection."

“We are delighted with the progress made this year,” explained Fiachra. “We have participated in a range of Libraries for Primaries programmes and introduced Club Leabhar, we also availed of sessions with prominent writers, including Áine ní Ghlinn and Fearghus Mac Lochlainn.

"Pupils also had the valuable opportunity to write books and to exchange them with their peers in other Irish Medium schools through the Scríobh Leabhar programme. We are already looking forward to a range of exciting initiatives next year."

Tom Woods Head of Clients KPMG in Ireland, said: "It is truly inspiring to see the comfort, creativity and sense of possibility that reading has brought into Caoilfhionn’s life in recent years. She is a wonderful example of the transformative power of reading and perfectly embodies the spirit of the Reading Hero Award.”

Caoilfhionn has been awarded a trophy, a €200 book voucher and Gaelscoil na Daróige will receive a collection of books worth over €1,000.