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"Devised by Derval Dunford and Dr Ann Caulfield, the Mindfulness Matters programme first introduced the concept into Irish primary schools in 2011. Killeen National School in Louisburgh, Co Mayo was one of the first to introduce the practice for its 68 pupils. Starting with just a few minutes a day, the principal and teachers were so impressed with the outcome that this year they introduced weekly half-hour lessons as part of the SPHE (Social Personal Health Education) curriculum. Sixth-class pupil Cillian White is a big fan. "I live in the now," says the 11-year-old. "Mindfulness takes my mind off things, like if I'm worried about schoolwork or exams. The class is calm and no one is rowdy. I enjoy it a lot."