Thursday, September 3rd 2026, Dublin: Primary schools across Ireland are being invited to celebrate the 27th World School Milk Day by joining a special live webinar hosted by the National Dairy Council on Wednesday, September 30th.
Presented by John Sharpson through the National Dairy Council’s Moo Crew educational platform, the webinar will feature double Olympic rowing champion Paul O’Donovan alongside National Dairy Council Nutritionist Aoife Burns.
Pupils and teachers will hear about Paul’s training and nutrition, see footage from recent school farm visits, and enjoy cookery demonstrations from home economics teacher Neasa Egan, author of the Folens textbook Recipes for Life.
Recalling his own experience of school milk, Paul O’Donovan said:
“I have great memories of getting school milk during my primary school days in Lisheen. It was always one of the highlights of the day. I used to look forward to it every morning, and I loved it so much that I’d often go back and ask for a second or even a third carton.
“After spending time running around the yard, especially on a sunny day, there was nothing better than a fresh carton of milk. It was incredibly refreshing and a great way to rehydrate.”
Dairy continues to form part of Paul’s diet as an elite athlete. During the webinar, he will speak to pupils about his training and nutrition.
Paul added:
“I’m delighted to be part of this year’s World School Milk Day celebrations. I hope primary school pupils and teachers across Ireland will tune in. I’m looking forward to sharing a little about my training and answering some of their questions.”
Commenting on World School Milk Day, Emma Walls, CEO of the National Dairy Council, said:
“World School Milk Day is a wonderful opportunity for schools to celebrate the role of school milk programmes while helping children learn more about nutrition, farming, and where their food comes from.
“Through the EU School Milk Scheme and our Moo Crew resources, we want to give pupils engaging and practical opportunities to learn about healthy, balanced diets. The National Dairy Council is delighted to welcome Paul O’Donovan, John Sharpson, and Neasa Egan to this year’s webinar, which promises to be an informative and enjoyable event for classrooms throughout Ireland.”
World School Milk Day is celebrated internationally on the last Wednesday of September each year, recognising the benefits and achievements of school milk programmes. First held in September 2000, it has become an annual event promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Schools can register in advance for the webinar and then tune in Wednesday, September 30th at 11.30am.
Further information about the Moo Crew programme is also available on the website.
Notes to Editor
About World School Milk Day
World School Milk Day is celebrated around the world on the last Wednesday of September each year to recognise the benefits and success of school milk programmes. The first World School Milk Day was held in September 2000. It has since become an annual event promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
About the EU School Milk Scheme
The EU School Milk Scheme has operated in Ireland since 1982. Its purpose is to reconnect children with agriculture and encourage healthy eating habits for life by distributing milk to pupils alongside supporting educational activities.
The National Dairy Council operates the scheme in Ireland in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Since 2017, the scheme has been delivered through the NDC’s Moo Crew educational platform.
Available to primary and secondary schools, the scheme provides participating schools with a daily supply of milk at discounted rates for pupils. It is supported by educational resources highlighting the nutritional value of milk and dairy as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
About the National Dairy Council
Established in 1964, the National Dairy Council advocates for the dairy sector as part of an increasingly sustainable food system, a healthy balanced diet, and Ireland’s wider social and economic wellbeing.
The National Dairy Council helps explain Irish dairy to the public – where it comes from, how it is produced, and why it matters in everyday life. It does this by sharing evidence-based information on nutrition, education, sustainability, and food production, while also telling the stories of the people behind Irish dairy, including farmers, producers, and experts.
Photo Captions
- Pictured with double Olympic rowing champion Paul O’Donovan at the launch of the National Dairy Council’s World School Milk Day celebrations are, from left: Maci Crowe (St Joseph of Cluny, Killiney); Maebh Wickham (Presentation School, Maynooth); Cooper Crowe (Johnstown GNS, Dún Laoghaire); Paul O’Donovan; Grace Wickham and Ruth Wickham (Presentation School, Maynooth); and Eve Ni Mhiochain; and Sadie Broderick (St Brigid’s Road NS, Killester).
Media Enquiries
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Alanna Henry, National Dairy Council Press Office
[email protected] | 087 474 0182
