Past pupil Sam Matthews has been appointed editor of The Kilkenny People newspaper. Sam was a member of the Class of 2007.The eldest of three, Sam’s sister Jennifer and bother Evan also attended the College.
The Matthews family has long connection with the College with Mum Avril and dad (the late) Neville being involved with our Parents Association.
He replaces editor of 13 years Brian Keyes, who has taken on the role of Group Editorial Operations Director of Iconic Newspapers, the regional newspaper group of which the Kilkenny People is a part.
Sam, a senior journalist at the Kilkenny People for over eight years, is a graduate of Dublin City University and past pupil of Kilkenny College. He lives in Kilkenny City, and has family living throughout the county.
“I am honoured and delighted to have this opportunity. I have been privileged to work with and learn from Brian Keyes, alongside a talented and experienced team who ensure the Kilkenny People remains a staple for households throughout the county. We are blessed with expertise and ability across our news, sports, production and commercial departments,” he said.
“We will continue to report on the important issues of the day — from the courtroom to the pitch side, on politics and all other matters, without fear or favour. Our popular website kilkennypeople.ie and strong presence on social media show that regardless of age, location, or interests, the people of Kilkenny are keen to be informed of what’s happening locally. This newspaper has been key to that since it was established in 1892.
“These are strange and uncertain times, but I have no doubt Kilkenny is equal to the challenge of the pandemic. A local newspaper is at the heart of a thriving community, and I believe there will always be a demand for local news. We will also continue to proudly champion this county and its people, to be a platform for and to amplify their voice.”
Outgoing editor Brian Keyes wished him well.
“I wish Sam every success in his new role, it’s encouraging for local media in general to see a talented young journalist take charge of one of the country’s leading titles,” he said.
The Kilkenny College school community wishes Sam continued success in the year’s ahead.
The 2020 Christmas Newsletter is now available to view or download from the link below.
The Admissions process for Form 1 2021/2022 is now commencing. Please see Kilkenny College website www.kilkennycollege.ie “Admissions”, Enrolment and Admission Documents, where you will find a formal Application Form.
Please download and complete this Application Form in full and return it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post to Kilkenny College, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny R95 CF61 or hand into the office.
The formal Application window for receipt of the completed Application Form is from the 14thSeptember to 5th November 2020. Applications received after 5 p.m. on 5th November 2020 will be treated as late applications.
Please note that there are 144 places available into Form 1 2021 at Kilkenny College, 82 Boarding places between boys and girls and 60 day places between boys and girls.
In the 2020/2021 Application process a total of 448 Applications were received for entry into Form 1.
Timetable for 1st to 5th year for the academic year 2020/21 are now available to view or download at the link below.
The re-opening schedule and outline calendar for the upcoming school year is now available to view or download at the link below.
Re-opening schedule and outline calendar for 2020/21
In the absence of our annual Sports Assembly both the Rugby and Hockey Departments held their respective awards night via Zoom.
We are grateful to Mr Ashmore for taking the lead in organising the Rugby Awards and to Mr Willis for leading the Hockey Awards. Both were supported by their colleagues in their respective departments.
The Rugby awards were held on June 4th while the Hockey Awards took place a week later on June 11th.Both Depts created a video montage of the year’s events and we have posted them on the College’s Instagram account. Special thanks to Form 5 student Cameron Wagenaar for his work on the hockey video.
The Rugby Dept one is here. The Hockey Dept one is here.
Kilkenny College Hockey Awards 2020
The Hockey Awards had over 150 remote participants and included a Hockey Quiz using the app Kahoot. Well done to Holly Hutchinson, Julie Greene and Sara Stephens all form 5 who were the prize winners. We say thanks to all at www.hockeyexpress.ie for sponsoring the prizes.
The Hockey Dept were fortunate to have current Irish Internationals Deirdre Duke and Jeremy Duncan join them remotely and this short video you can see here.
First Year C
Most Improved Player- Abby Chadwick
Player of the Year-Caitlin Fallon
First Year B2
Most Improved Player-Roisin Dunne
Player of the Year-Isabelle Maxwell
First Year B1
Most Improved Player-Marthe Dolan
Player of the Year-Jane Lalor
First Year A
Most Improved Player-Molly Finlay
Player of the Year-Ruby Conroy
Minor B2
Most Improved Player-Julia Cardines Treacy
Player of the Year-Davina Than
Minor B1
Most Improved Player-Sarah Keane
Player of the Year-Mia Collier
Minor A
Most Improved Player-Charlotte Hathaway
Player of the Year- Amy Handcock
Representative Honours
Congratulations to the following for representing the South East in the Under 16 Inter Provincials: Emer Sweetnam, Emma Simmons, Lilly Grace and Amy Handcock.
Junior B 3
Most Improved Player-Eve Gallagher
Player of the Year-Sarah O’Connor
Junior B 2
Most Improved Player-Theodara Lande
Player of the Year- Abi Codd
Junior B1
Most Improved Player-Emmeline Bird
Player of the Year-Rebecca Moynan
Junior A
Most Improved-Jess Trayer
Player of the Year-Zoe Handcock
Representative Honours
Congratulations to 3 U.16 SE interprovincial players – Zoe Handcock, Megan Sherwood and Sarah Wilson– Well done! And congratulations to Zoe who went on to be selected for Irish training and trials.
Senior 4th
Most Improved Player-Amelia Clegg
Player of the Year-Eva Whyte
Senior 3rd
Most Improved Player-Juliette Norse
Player of the Year-Tara O’Byrne
Senior 2nd
Most Improved Player-Eva Shirley
Player of the Year-Lilly Onilena
Senior A
Most Improved Player-Julie Greene
Representative Honours
Congratulations to Julie Greene and Ava Chamney for being selected for the South East Under 16 Interprovincial Squad. Special mention for Julie Greene who is currently in the Irish Under 16 squad.
Congratulations to the following girls for Representing the South East at the under 18 Inter Provincials: Flo McDonald, Lucy Oakes, Faye Neill, Issy Walshe, Holly Hutchinson, Ally Williams.
Sixsmith Cup
The Sixsmith Cup is sponsored in recognition of the fantastic contribution Ms Sixsmith has made to hockey in Kilkenny College and at Club, Interprovincial and International Levels. It is given to the player that demonstrates a passion for the game, constant improvement, skill and leadership.
Recipient Rachel Lacey
Form 1
Most Improved Player-Charlie Nesbitt
Players of the Year-Noah James and Craig Bailey
Second Year
Most Improved-Alex Fairbank
Player of the Year-Liam Richardson
Third Year
Most Improved Player-Gavin Corcoran
Player of the Year-Charlie Moran
Fourth Year
Most Improved Player-Ed Lambert
Player of the Year-Shaun Dalton
Fifth Year
Most Improved Player-Will James
Player of the Year-Henry Huston
Sixth Year
Most Improved player-Alex Symes
Representative Honours
Congratulations to the following:
Sharman Cup
This Cup is in memory of Herbie Sharman who coached and administrated and championed Hockey in the College for many years. It is given to the player that demonstrates a passion for the game, constant improvement, skill and leadership.
Recipient -Simon Young
King Cup
The Cup was sponsored by the King Family, three of which represented Kilkenny College in Goal. It is awarded to, a girl or boy, in recognition of the specialised nature of the position and the qualities of bravery, athletic ability and commitment that are necessary to play it, to the highest level.
Recipient – Ian O’Keeffe
Kilkenny College Rugby Awards 2019/20
Best forward and best back
1st Year D
Diarmuid Smithwick-O’Brien – Charlie Nesbit
1st Year C
Jerry O’Donovan – Dean Fairbrother
1st Year B
Gary O’Rourke – Mark Miller
1st Year A
Andrew Cooper – Ivor Fenton
2nd Year C
Arthur James – Ben Collier
2nd Year B
Gary Power – Eric Valentine
2nd Year A
Gavin Atkinson – Danny Benn
JCT C
Josh Mills – Pearse Phelan
JCT B
James Grace – Max Passberger
JCT A
Stephen Smyth – Sean Naughton / Adam Cope
Transition Year
Adam Shirley – Charlie Kennedy
2nd XV (5th Years)
James Cooper – Tom Donald
1st XV (5th Years)
Josh Akanji-Murphy – Liam Foot
The 6th year awards will be distributed at their graduation ceremony.
Leinster Representatives.
Leinster U20 – Jake Caldbeck
Leinster U19 – Ryan Strong
Leinster U19 – Charlie Tector
Leinster U17 – Harry Rogers
Leinster U17 – Stephen Smyth
Leinster U17 – Sean Naughton
Girls Rugby
1st XV (5th Years)
Holly Talbot-Jessica Shirley
The 6th year awards will be distributed at their graduation ceremony.