Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton visited Scoil Mhuire in Maigh Cuilinn last Thursday, May 7.
The Fine Gael minister was joined by the Estonian Ambassador to Ireland, Kairi Künka. The visit took place ahead of Europe Day which was on Saturday, May 9.
Speaking ahead of her visit to Connemara, Minister Naughton said that 2026 is a "very special year" for Ireland with the upcoming EU Presidency in less than two months.
Last Thursday's visit forms part of the county pairings initiative. Each Irish county is matched with an EU member state for the duration of Ireland's Presidency. Galway has been paired with Estonia.
"Ireland and Estonia share many strong connections and similarities, particularly in our approaches to education and our school communities," Minister Naughton said.
"Europe Day holds special significance in 2026 as we mark the 40th anniversary of the first official celebrations, along with the public adoption of the EU flag and anthem. The flag’s circle of 12 gold stars on a blue background represents unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.
"The celebration here today at Scoil Mhuire is a wonderful example of whole-school and community collaboration. It is clear that pupils, teachers, SNAs, caretakers and school staff have invested tremendous effort to make today so meaningful," she added.
The Minister is in Brussels this week for the final meeting of the EU Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council before Ireland takes over the Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026.
