Marino Special School was delighted to welcome An Tánaiste, Minister Simon Harris and Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach, to visit our school on the occasion of the launch of the “Trike Exercise Programme” on the 10th October 2025. Kevin McGuire from VARIETY, the Children’s Charity, Ireland, brought two trikes to Marino Special School on Friday morning.
In the last school year, parents were very active in their fund-raising efforts to raise money for the trikes and other resources for students attending Marino Special School. A special acknowledgement to Liz Doyle and her sister and also to Gavin O’Toole, who ran marathons to support our worthy cause. Funds raised by parents enabled Marino to apply for Trikes from VARIETY Children’s Charity.
VARIETY The Children’s charity funded 84% of the cost of the trikes. This Irish charity is funded by the Department of Transport, The Health Service Executive and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Variety Ireland is a Not-for-profit charity and proud to be run by a board of non-paid volunteers. Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland has provided many specially adapted trikes to children all around Ireland. These trikes have proved to be hugely beneficial to children, who due to various disabilities, cannot cycle a regular bicycle. Not only do these trikes offer so many physical benefits, but also offer great mental benefits too. Children can experience a new found independence and join in with their friends and family in the great outdoors, which previously may have been unimaginable!
Marino Special School is committed to it’s Active School Programme in promoting health, independence, and inclusion for all students. The cycling programme encourages daily exercise, which promotes the physical and mental wellbeing of students. The availability of specialised mobility trikes allows all students to experience the benefits of cycling in a safe, supported, and inclusive manner.
On behalf of the Board of Management of Marino Community Special School, students, staff and the wider school community, we would like to acknowledge the significant parental contribution and that of VARIETY Children’s Charity, in the provision of specialised trikes in our school. The use of the trikes will certainly be maximised with multiple users in school each day!
https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/tanaiste-presents-life-changing-trikes-to-students-at-wicklow-special-school/a1065941888.html#
VARIETY IRELAND CHILDREN'S CHARITY
Variety Ireland Children's Charity were delighted to step in and help with the costs towards your 2 special mobility trikes in Marino Community Special School. The rewards speak for themselves and it’s brilliant to see your lovely children, smile and enjoying their trikes.
Keep up the good work that you and your colleague do with the children and here is the link of the trike launch in your school: https://varietyireland.org/cyclinginclusionforbrayschool/