Wexford and Dublin GAA stars back education campaign

Dublin senior football star Conal Keaney and his Wexford hurling counterpart Malachy Trevers are lending their support to a bid to a new drive to try and keep kids in school.

The idea is to promote the message that school is about more than just books and that activities like sport are the reasons why children come to and stay in school.

The GAA is being used as a means of encouraging kids to get more enjoyment out of their school days and stay in the education system for longer.

International research indicates that sport gives children a sense of belonging, and can help to protect them from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.

The campaign is part of a major strategy by the National Education Welfare Board which is partnering with Cumann na mBunscoil the primary schools GAA body.