The 2024 LaoisToday Schools QuizCast came to a conclusion in the Dunamaise Arts Centre today when the four finalists – St Colman’s Stradbally, Rath NS, Scoil Mhuire Fatima Timahoe and The Heath NS – battled it for supremacy in front of a live audience.
With a full house and a cracking atmosphere, quizmaster Mark Comerford put the contestants through their paces.
And though there was a high standard of questions, there was also a very high standard of answers with the quiz going down to the very last question to decide it.
In the end, it was the St Colman’s team of Freya Byrne, Maci Moore-Doyle and Oran Lawlor that came out on top.
They finished with 17 points, just ahead of Rath NS who finished second with 15 points – their team comprising of Michael Nolan, Michael Behan and Aoife Murphy.
The Heath, with 14 points, came third with John O’Hara, Conall Lalor and Finn More their representatives.
While Timahoe, consisting of Ruairi Bowe, Daisy Ramsbottom and Ellie Mae O’Connor, came fourth with 12 points.
Each school had huge representation on the day with a crowd of around 200 watching proceedings.
St Colman’s had the biggest numbers present and they made serious noise with Sean Burke on the drums.
The Heath were not found wanting either with several posters and even a vuvuzela!
Timahoe NS and Rath NS provided plenty of volume too whenever their team answered a question and together – it made for a brilliant occasion.
We were also joined by special guests – Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Paschal McEvoy, Laois senior footballer Kevin Swayne and Laois senior hurlers Tomas Keyes.
Also in attendance was Cllr PJ Kelly, himself a past pupil of Rath NS.
They presented the awards to the winners Stradbally and runners-up Rath with each participant also receiving a book voucher for All Books.
Our photographer Paul Dargan was present today and his pictures will be available on site tomorrow.
The quiz will be available to listen to in Podcast version tomorrow.
The LaoisToday Schools QuizCast is brought to you in association with Mulhall Meat and Fish Counter, located in Mulhall’s SuperValu, Lyster Square Portlaoise. Mulhall Meats have been serving the people of Laois for over 90 years.
SEE ALSO – Check out all our coverage of the LaoisToday Schools QuizCast here
