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A SELECTION OF COLLEGE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS 2005-2006

(IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)

PERUVIAN SUMMER:

TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA BY A GROUP OF INTREPID KCK PUPILS LED BY Ms. JUDI MILLS

There’s something about the legend of the Incas and the fame of the Inca trail in Peru that drew us on this walk when the opportunity offered itself. Plus how much do you know about Peru? What is the currency what do the people look like, what is the weather like, etc.? Most people merely know that Peru is a country home to Incas and populated by Spanish speakers. 

Having made the long journey and established ourselves we set out for the first of our two walks, the more famous Inca trial. In addition to our awesome Irish guide Des we had a Peruvian guide. His name was Wonder and aside from the times we rested and when we were getting historical

information Wonder was a mere dot in the distance. Peruvian speed is incredibly impressive. This swiftness is especially in the case of the porters. These compact supermen were charged with the job of carrying tents, chairs and even gas canisters on the trail to provide for those camping on it. The Inca trail is full of North Americans, Europeans and all other sorts of adventurous, puffing and sweaty hikers unused to the altitude, which knocks you flat as well as the views and the architecture It takes a few days to get  accustomed to being able to feel the blood moving in your head. It made walking very hard but it made the reaching of the destination all the more rewarding. And what a destination! As you can see from the pictures Match Picchuu is an enchanting spot with much history and it provides an amazing insight into the world of the Inca. Amazing to see the sun rising over the ancient city. The Inca trail is an amazing spectacle from the herds of agog tourists to the stunning views by route of the breath taking and bloody history the trail has  everything you need for a life changing experience.

The second walk we went on was in less chartered landscapes. We were hiking a trail around the Ausangute Mountain, a formidable peak. Every one was a bit fitter from the last trek so surely this seven-day trek should be easy. But no, the higher altitude and longer walking times made this trek fairly tough.  We did though have the clear advantage of not having to carry our large bag. The variety of views and weather was bizarre and beyond belief over the course of the trip. We had everything from glaciers to red and green coloured mountain peaks. We endured everything from thunderstorms and snow to mild heat and sizzling sunshine. Nothing like getting sunburned while making a snowman. One lasting memory is seeing the local children running at us from miles away in the hopes we could spare an Oreo for them. Seeing a llama getting skinned and beheaded was also a highpoint as was helping a beer truck out of a hole in a bridge which all the llamas promptly fell in to.

Thanks to everyone on the trip especially our leaders and Ms. Judi Mills our guide Des and to the  other members of the group on the trip for making it all a journey to remember forever.

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EXAMINATION RESULTS:

We congratulate everyone on the excellent grades achieved in the Leaving Certificate – especially well done to David Brennan in achieving seven A1s!  We wish everyone well as they head out into the world of third level or employment.

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STAFF CHANGES FOR 2006/2007:

We welcome back Ms. Farrar, Ms. Muldowney, Mrs. O’Neill, and Ms. Weekes. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all new staff members and hope they enjoy their time in Kilkenny College. This year our new staff members are Ms. K. Chapple, Mr. B. Gleeson, Ms. K. Jones, Ms. N. Sheehan and our two new Special Needs Assistants, Ms. Claire Keogh and Ms. Ann Quirke.

RESIDENTIAL CHANGES:

We say good-bye to Ms. Mora Cliffe and thank her for her dedicated work as Head of Girls’ Residence over the last two years. We wish her all the very best in her new job in Dublin. We warmly welcome Ms. J. Moynan who replaces Ms. Cliffe and  Mr. M. Whaley who takes over from Mr. Berry. He will have Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Ashmore as his assistants.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION:

Thanks to The Parents’ Association for its on going support, enthusiasm and interest in everything that goes on in College. We are particularly grateful for the purchase of seats for the school grounds, support for the Music Department, improvements to the boys’ dorms, satellite television and beanbags for Yates House.

DEVELOPMENT:

Over the Summer the school Infirmary was totally revamped and a new boys’ sick bay has been built adjacent to the Infirmary. The building of the new classrooms will start shortly. We are also examining ways to redevelop our staff-room and staff facilities.

HICKSTEAD:

Congratulations to all those who travelled to England at the end of August to compete in this equestrian competition.  While not reaching the heights of success as last year, they acquitted themselves very well with one team gaining a jump-off in the final and fourth place in the main arena.

Mr. Paul Cuddihy then travelled on to Sweden to support his niece in the European Athletics and we congratulate Joanne Cuddihy for gaining the Final of the 400m.

THE GATSBY EXPERIENCE:

Swift’s Heath was the venue in June for an imaginative and enjoyable fund-raising afternoon hosted by Ms. Brigitte Lennon.  The dress was 1920s style and many turned out to suit the occasion and enjoy the champagne and strawberries!

VERE WYNNE JONES:

We were saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Vere Wynne Jones during the Summer.  Many will remember him as distinguished guest at prize Day some year ago.  Famous as a news and sports presenter with RTE, he was well known to many at Kilkenny College and in particular Mr, James Morrow with whom Vere started out on the road to education until the media beckoned.  He battled bravely with illness for many years and was an inspiration to many.  To his wife and family we extend our sympathies.

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OPENING OF ‘YATES HOUSE’

New Dormitory Block for Senior Girls

Kilkenny College is delighted to report that the opening of their new senior girls dormitory, ‘Yates House’ took place on Wednesday 26th April.

Mr Don Brown, Chairperson of the Board of Directors welcomed everyone to this special occasion and introduced Mr Philip Gray, Headmaster who was proud to be able to welcome the special guest, Miss Freda Yates, in whose honour the building has been named.  She was Headmistress of the Collegiate School in Celbridge from 1970 and when the school amalgamated with Kilkenny College in 1973 she became Deputy Principal of the co-educational school until she retired in 1991.

The building was blessed by the Most Revd John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough, who spoke about the importance of the College not only as a Diocesan school offering wonderful facilities but also in the values to which it is committed.

He spoke of the hard work of Miss Yates and how many years of students had benefited from her dedication.  Miss Yates then cut the official ribbon and opened the building.

Other guests included the Kilkenny College Board of Directors and Board of Management, Mayor Marie Fitzpatrick, friends and family of Miss Yates as well as staff and the sixth year girls.

The school is extremely grateful to all those parents and other benefactors who have contributed to our Fund Raising efforts.  No public funds were used in the construction of this House so we sincerely thank everyone who has supported us financially.  The success of those efforts has allowed us to complete this building in a very short time frame and we are now in a position to start work on our new classroom block in the summer. 

The House was built by Nevin Construction following a design from architects Falconer & Associates.  It offers state of the art dormitory facilities for 48 senior girls in twelve rooms of four with en suite bathroom facilities and individual study carrels incorporating internet access.  The House also has Staff accommodation as well as a Common Room.

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SWISSING THE SLOPES!

In the Spring the complete 5th Year group along with Ms. Ryan, Ms. Starrett and Mr. Boyle headed off to Geneva for the slopes of white.

NEW ARRIVAL:

We congratulate Ms. Daphne Sixsmith on the birth of her second daughter – Amy.  Another young player for the international hockey scene?!

SLOVENIA:

A party of 5 students led by Ms. Katharine Leonard, Ms. Jennifer Walsh and Mr. Conor McLiam went to  Slovenia on an educational and conference week at the end of February.

Pupils studying art made a recent trip to Florence

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BISHOP WILLOUGHBY 1926 - 2006

The College learnt with sadness of the death of the Rt. Revd Noel Willoughby and extends its  heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Valerie, sons Paul and Tim and daughter Ros and to his extended family. 

The Rt. Revd Noel Willoughby was bishop of Cashel and Ossory from 1980 until his retirement in 1997 and during that time he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of Kilkenny College.  This was an important time in the life of the College as under the stewardship of Mr. Sam McClure, the new school was approved, designed and executed, giving the fine new buildings on the Castlecomer Road. 

The Board worked tirelessly under the guidance of Bishop Willoughby and Mr. McClure who worked very closely on all these projects.  It was providential that the school had the skills of two such able men at that crucial time.

Bishop Willoughby also appointed the Revd Canon R. J. Black as Headmaster, successor to Mr. McClure.

It was always a pleasure to receive the Bishop into the school when he visited, either during office or in retirement, as he took time to talk to everyone he met in the corridors or around the grounds where he could be seen supporting the sporting events.  

This was still evident as recently as 14th December last when the Bishop addressed the School Assembly and made his familiar and convivial tour of the campus meeting staff and pupils in his customary way.

A natural figurehead of immeasurable esteem, he will be much missed.

The Chamber Choir took part in the funeral service in St. Canice’s Cathedral Kilkenny on Friday 10th  February

The College was the venue for refreshments for the congregation after the service.

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A TRIBUTE BY Mr. JAMES MORROW READ AT SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ON THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL

Bishop Willoughby was born in Tinahely, County Wicklow in 1926.

He was educated at the local national school and at the Tate School in Wexford.   

He entered Trinity College, Dublin in 1942 to study Philosophy; he was elected a Scholar, the highest academic honour for an undergraduate; and graduated with a 1st class honours degree.

Noel was ordained a priest of the Church of Ireland in 1950.  His first parish was Drumglaas, near Dungannon in County Tyrone.  Here, he was to meet his wife, Valerie.

He served in various parishes in Dublin until he was elected Bishop of Cashel and Ossory in 1980.

We are assembled here this morning in what is usually called the Sports Hall.  This Hall’s official title is the Willoughby Hall.  This Hall is named after Bishop Willoughby. As I have mentioned, Noel Willoughby was elected the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cashel and Ossory in1980.  He retired in 1997. During the same years he was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Kilkenny College.

During these years, under Noel Willoughby’s wise, calm and intelligent stewardship of the Board of Governors, and together with the ability, the energy and the determination of the late headmaster, Sam McClure, Kilkenny College grew and developed into the school that we see around us to-day. 

These two great men shared a vision for the college and together they turned their vision into reality.

Noel Willoughby was not a distant autocratic austere dignitary.  He was a man who, above all else, was most at ease when with people.  His humour, his humility, his genuine interest in and his concern for people, ensured that those whom he met were immediately relaxed and could be their true selves; as Noel himself always was.

It is appropriate that this Hall is named the Willoughby Hall in recognition of Noel’s contribution to the life of the college.

It is to the credit of Kilkenny College that this Hall was dedicated to him in his lifetime; so that he could see for himself how much we in Kilkenny College valued his contribution to the development of the college and how much we enjoyed his presence amongst us. 

Too often, we leave it until it is too late to tell someone how much we appreciate what they have done for us; and how much we enjoy their company and their friendship.

It is indeed fitting that we are in a sports hall; because Bishop Noel had an abiding interest in sport. 

I am told by one of his contemporaries that he was an accomplished hockey player, a difficult opponent on the tennis court, an enthusiastic cricketer and, in his day, a single figure handicap golfer.

He was a great supporter of sports teams in the college and joined in many touchline celebrations and commiserations.  Bishop Willoughby retained his interest in the college right up to the very end. 

I talked to his son Tim earlier in the week.  Tim told me that as he sat at his father’s bedside in Wexford Hospital, Henry Yates of the Parents’ Association, rang with the news of the senior rugby team’s success over Cistercian College, Roscrea.  It is comforting to think that his last image of Kilkenny College was of joyous celebration. 

Noel Willoughby’s life was a joyous celebration of Christian goodness.

I wish, on your behalf, to extend our sympathies to his wife Valerie, to his sons Paul and Tim, to his daughter Rosalind, to his grandchildren and to his extended family.

Thank you. JM

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A special Assembly was held on the morning of Wednesday 8th February to remember all those who had recently passed away and that had been connected with the College.

The Service was led by Dean N. Lynas; the prayers led by the Revd Elaine Murray, Fr. Jim Murphy, Fr. Sean O’Connor and Mr T. Garrett; the Reading by Ms. Valda Langrell; the Anthem sung by Anthem by Kilkenny College Choir and hymns sung were “The Lord’s my Shepherd” and “How great thou art”.  Members of the O’Brien Family also attended.

Remember in the prayers were: Conor O’Brien; John and Elizabeth Campbell; Mrs. Dorothy McClure; Ms. Anne Phelan; Gilbert Colton [Headmaster 1953-1979]; Mrs. Aileen Langrell; Mr. Richard Kerr; Mr. Robert Holmes; Lynsday O’Brien; Mrs. Kathleen McEvoy; Mr. David Storey; The Rt. Revd Noel V. Willoughby.

NEW ARRIVALS:

Warmest congratulations to Valerie and Liam on the birth of their daughter, Lisa, on 29th December 2005.

We welcome Patrick Melanophy [Maths] and Claire Thompson [Hockey] to the staff this term and also our gap students Andrew Schaverien and Elyse Skippen from Australia.

FRENCH EXCHANGE:

The following Form 4 students went on a French Exchange for six weeks:

Dairine O’Connor. Fearghal Nolan, Frank Harte, David Payne, Frances O’Morchoe, Jack Hyland.

We welcome six exchange students from France in their place.

ON THE GREASEPAINT!

Congratulations to Rory Fleck Byrne who is playing a lead role in ‘Grease’ in a production in Galway over the next couple of weeks.

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GILBERT.T.COLTON

10.2.1915 - 24.10.2005

A GENTLEMAN OF THE OLD SCHOOL. - Mr. Gilbert Colton - an Appreciation.

{This article is largely reprinted from the Swift Review by kind permission of Mr. Paul Cuddihy}

Gilbert Colton, former Headmaster of Kilkenny College from 1953 to 1979, died peacefully on Monday 24th October 2005. He had been residing in Steepleton Manor Nursing Home having moved to the Dorchester area three years ago to be near his daughter Wendy and his two grandchildren.

Mr. Colton, who was 90 years of age had a long and remarkable life and was in good health until recently. He had been a benevolent and resourceful figure in the life of Kilkenny College for over a quarter of a century.

Gilbert Colton was born on the 10th February 1915 at Ballinvalley, Killeigh, County Offaly. He was educated in Killeigh National School, and then to Mrs. Costello’s School in Tullamore before completing his education at Trinity College. After graduating, he decided to pursue a career in the teaching profession. He taught in Wilson’s Hospital, then in Foyle College, before becoming Headmaster of Villiers School in 1947, where he remained until 1953 when he moved to Kilkenny College as Headmaster where he earned a reputation for being firm but fair and extremely shrewd always to be seen about the school at any hour.

Pupils and teachers often said he knew everything that was going on, but he was wise enough to know otherwise. His mission was to prepare "the boys" for life after school and endeavoured to give them a well-rounded education.

He was a very benevolent and caring gentleman of the old school, according to Mr. George Coe. He cared deeply about the happiness of all. He was always willing to give students a second chance.

He encouraged ambition. He sometimes defended students against excessive criticism and once memorably said ‘They’re good children, and don’t ever forget that’, remembers Mr. John Bolger.

He was, like all Headmasters of his time, a strict man, but he was always fair in his dealings with students. He had a lively sense of humour that pupils never got to see, according to one of his friends and colleagues, Mr. Michael Shine.

He sought to improve facilities for staff and students and made real improvements. In the 1960s he expanded the College from a four year to a six year curriculum so that the pupils could complete their Leaving Certificate in Kilkenny - formerly they had to move to Mountjoy School for the final two years.

Mr. Stanley Elliott described him as an extremely astute and perceptive man, who was more interested in the pupil, rather than their background. Describing him as a man full of quiet integrity, a private man, very polite, who had his own viewpoints, Mr. Elliott said he only has good memories of Mr. Colton in the 55 years he knew him.

Ms. Freda Yates, former Headmistress of the Collegiate School Celbridge until the amalgamation in 1973, worked happily with Mr. Colton during his final six years as Headmaster. She said that he was very helpful at the time of the amalgamation. He did a fine job and he took a real interest in the welfare of the girls. He was very understanding and helpful to the Celbridge Staff.

According to Mr. Herbie Sharman, when, as a young teacher grateful for the permanent position offered in difficult early 1970s, Mr. Colton made him welcome from the start, and as a result the raw Dublin recruit stayed taking French and hockey for over 30 years in the homely atmosphere of the College.

Mr. James Morrow said that Mr. Colton was a man who accomplished a great deal for the College and was a fine Headmaster and a true gentleman. Miss Pat Kelly said that she always found Mr. Colton to be a man of his word, a quiet and courteous gentleman who had great time for people. He was always fixing things and he always had time for the students.

Gilbert Colton kept Kilkenny College open when many other small schools and colleges were shutting down due to decreasing numbers. In this he worked with the late Bishop McAdoo and Professor Spearman, chairman of the Incorporated Society. But Mr. Colton did more than keep Kilkenny College open.

Under his leadership the Kilkenny College reputation for scholarship and sporting prowess was maintained despite the financial strictures of the time. He ensured that the Society bought Newtown House and grounds on the Castlecomer Road, a one-time hunting lodge belonging to the Statham family, when the College playing fields at Archersfield were closed.

He oversaw the amalgamation with the Collegiate School Celbridge in 1973, a move that saw the College go fully co-educational. The boys who were being housed in new grounds and in what is now the Garden Centre in John St. all returned to the College as Newtown House became Celbridge House to accommodate the girls. He was to say, years later, that the acute shortage of money in Ireland at that time prevented him from carrying through all of the improvements he would like to have seen.

After 435 years Mr. Colton became probably the first Head of a co-educational school that had doubled in size by the time he retired.

Before he retired he had obtained approval in principle for the construction of a new school. Mr. Samuel McClure was to state that he was very grateful for the huge work done by Mr. Colton in bringing the project to that stage - an achievement in times of economic turmoil and uncertainty.

His retirement in 1979 was well deserved and was a happy one, with the Coltons moving to Greystones. He looked after his wife Gladys in later years and continued to look after neighbours and friends in the area after her death.

Three years ago he moved to Dorchester near the south coast of England to be near his daughter Wendy, her husband Tim Turner and his grandchildren.

It is intended to hold a memorial service in Delgany Church at a future date.

A special Assembly was held in the School on Friday 28th October when a special service in memory of Gilbert Colton was held. Led by Bishop Barrett, Dean Lynas, the Headmaster Mr. Philip Gray it was attended by current members of staff, including Ms. Pat Kelly, pupils and former colleagues. These included Mr. Stanley Elliott, Ms. Freda Yates, Ms. Maura Dowling, Mr. John Bolger and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shine. Mr. Cuddihy spoke on the life of Gilbert and Mr. Morrow read a passage from the King James Bible, the preferred version of the former headmaster.

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CHRISTIAN UNION:

Christian Union is stronger than ever in the College, now led by Ms. Jill Harper, a past-pupil. She is also teaching a Transition Year module on Christian Youth Leadership. Meetings are on Wednesdays on Week One and on Fridays on Week Two, in Room 81. The meetings start at 3.45 and run until about 5.00 p.m. The Christian Union recently led the College in Assembly on World Day of Prayer for Peace, with the C. U. Band bringing some flair to the proceedings. Thanks to the Revd Philip Heak for advice and assistance. Several 5th Year students have spent a weekend in Avoca Manor on a Christian Union Leadership Training weekend last September. Upcoming events include a Christian Union weekend in Drewstown House, Athboy, Co. Meath, which will take place from 2nd to 4th December, 2005

Gaisce - The President's Award.

Evelyn Johnston of Sixth Year has completed both the Bronze and Silver President's Awards and is now attempting to undertake the requirements for her Gold Award. In the early weeks of the Autumn, Evelyn was asked to make a speech in the Great Hall of Dublin Castle in the presence of President Mary MacAleese. Evelyn undertook additional studies at the piano in the personal achievement category, she undertook voluntary work at the Homework Club near Hebron Park, she improved her hockey skills in the physical activity section, and completed a gruelling army skills combat weekend, including a 30 mile hike over two days in Mountmellick,

CONGRATULATIONS:

to Claire James and John Brennan who were awarded Scholarships by University College Dublin.

TUCK SHOP

The new Tuck Shop opened in its new format - it's already very popular. It opens its doors three times daily: at break time, at lunchtime and after school. The Manager, Alan Cullen, tells us that food is cooked offsite and brought into the school in heated, sterile containers. Prices are competitive, with filled rolls selling for three euro, sausage rolls two euro and wedges and pizza slices one euro. Alan and his two staff do great business, especially at lunchtimes, when many day pupils purchase their lunches in this way. It also stocks fruit, water, crisps, peanuts and fresh fruit drinks as well as the usual tuck shop food. Alan tells us that he hopes to be able to cater for all dietary needs and is already planning vegetarian options and will consider any other requests from pupils. He hopes that the Tuck Shop with its convenient opening hours and very competitive prices will replace the vending machines, not to mention the visits 'out' to external shops and so on. The profits from the Tuck Shop this year, 2005 - 2006, will be donated to revamping the Weights Room in the college as yet another facility for our pupils. (Report Conor Murray).  

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION:

The Kilkenny College Parents Association’s Annual General Meeting took place on 16th November, with Guest Speaker the well-known Radio Presenter, Gareth O'Callaghan speaking on the subject 'Understanding what depression is and what it is not' If you have any queries or wish to bring anything to the attention of the Kilkenny College Parents Association, you may contact the Officers, details below, or your local representative. Chairman Secretary Treasurer Henry Yates 087 – 2627342; Avril Matthews 087 - 6177273 ; Christine Patterson 087 – 7985404.

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Prize Day 2005

This important event in the College calendar took place on Friday 21st October. Bishop Barrett presided and Cmdt. Mark Armstrong presented the awards.

The Headmaster, Mr. Philip Gray addressed the assembled company saying that it was a great honour and privilege for him to stand here today for the first time in front of the entire school; pupils, parents, staff, guests and the board of directors and Bishop Peter, Chairman of The Board. Commenting on the wonderful atmosphere around the college all week as everyone prepared for the occasion, he mentioned the morning assembly had as guest Mr. Chris Welsh head of Oxley College Sydney, and the school resounded all morning as the choirs and orchestra practiced.

He thanked guest speaker Comdt Mark Armstrong, Conductor of the Army No.1 band, combining love of music and career, for his very kind, supportive and encouraging words. His presence was important as the growth, success and achievements of music Department in Kilkenny College is celebrated. Mr. David Milne, our Head of Music, is not just a great musician and teacher but also a wonderful organiser and is an inspiration to his pupils and indeed to us all. Apart from his outside interests, which are many, he heads up a huge department with approx 300 pupils taking music here in College. Recently 100 of our pupils in the Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Orchestra put on a really marvellous concert in Roscrea.

Mr. Gray congratulated all the prize winners, especially the Leaving Certifcate class of 2005, 19 of whom achieved 500 points and of whom so many have returned for the occasion. They represent a huge range of interesting career paths The clear objective in Kilkenny College is to help each student to fulfill his or her potential.

The Headmaster paid credit to the teaching staff for their dedication, attention to detail and enthusiasm. The College strives to get the right balance between academic excellence, predication in extra curricular and social development.

Mr. Gray also paid tribute to his predecessors The Revd Jack Black and Mr. Sam McClure. There is now a wonderful campus with beautifully landscaped grounds and excellent facilities, which involved the many skills that went into moving and building up this new school. Sam McClure moved the college to this campus in the 1980s and Jack Black continued the work of building the school up over the last decade. On a personal level the Headmaster thanked the Revd and Mrs. Black for their warm and supportive welcome to him and his wife, Sandra, on their move to Kilkenny College.

His role as headmaster is to lead the college forward in consultation with all the partners in education: the staff, parents, board of directors and also the pupils. Balancing all these interests is often difficult but a challenge From January 2006 we hope to have a new Board of Management up and running where all the educational partners will be represented. The new girls’ dormitory is well under way and it is hoped to have it roofed by Christmas. The Board is already planning to start building a new classroom block next spring and also to provide a long awaited new staffroom area and the Development committee is working on a new Five year Plan.

Finally he thanked the entire college community for their welcome and support since he was appointed Headmaster and extended his gratitude to Bishop Peter and The Board of Directors, Mr. Don Brown and his College Council, Mr Henry Yates and Parents’ Association, Valerie Twomey and Past Pupils’ Association, the school administrator Mr. P. Dukelow and his staff, Miss Kelly and her staff, Mrs Kathleen Lynch and her staff and to the Nursing Staff for all their help and support, also the pupils for their excellent co-operation, openness and positive approach, and a very special tribute to his deputy Mr. Aubrey O’Keeffe for his advice and support. He extended his thanks to his colleagues on the teacher staff for the generous welcome and support and he looks forward to working with everyone as they move Kilkenny College forward.

The Mayne Cup & Past Pupils’ Prize – “The Diligence Cup” , is awarded to the pupil who has made best use of their time in the school. [Mainly for academic diligence and achievement but including participation in all school activities] and was awarded to John Brennan.

The Guinness Trophy – (formerly “The Deportment Prize”) is awarded to the girl who would best have represented the school e.g. in speech, manner and deportment was awarded to Katherine Simpson

The Bishop’s Prize – is awarded to the pupil who has most exemplified the Christian spirit throughout their time in Kilkenny College and was awarded to Laura Young.

The Bill Corrigan Memorial Award – is awarded to the student from the Junior Certificate year who has made an outstanding effort and has showed great endeavour during the year.and was awarded to Maurice Hamilton.

The Lipsett Library Prize – is awarded to the student who has contributed most to the running of the library and has encouraged others to use and enjoy the library and was awarded to Barry Williams

The Kilkenny College Parents Association Prize is awarded to the student who came first in his/her Leaving Certificate class (with 600 points) and which went to John Brennan.

Subject Prizewinners:First Year Scripture: Amy Laurence; Chemistry: John Brennan; Physics: John Brennan; Religious Education Scripture: Cari Atkinson; The Dorothy Fulcher Prize for French:Lisa Tait; The Sam McClure Prize for Geography: Lisa Tait; Duis Ahabo Prize for Irish: Fiona Rothwell; The Helen Batwell Prize for Art: Olwyn Williams; Construction Studies: Ian Watchorn; The Naylor-Horan Cup and Replica Junior Music for a wind instrument: Catherine Eager; Music: Laura Corrigan; Engineering: Stewart Meredith; The Chamney Prize for German: Yasmin Liekins; Business: Michael Egan; C.S.P.E: Gary Chadwick; Maths: Geoff Tait; The Sherwood Cup for Computers: Darren Murphy; Faulkner Prize Technical Drawing: Clive Carter; English; Alana Power; Applied Maths: Damien Browne; Home Economics: Lee Deverell. Class

Prizewinners 2004/05:

First Year: Leon Coe, Elizabeth Sterling, Laura Ridgeway, Roisin Cahil, Cloe Fennell, Nadia Mafoud, Rebecca Case, Mark Stevenson, Rachel Lett, Yann Donnelly, Lynda Masterso, Claire Hamilton

Second Year: Elise Doyle, Diane Seale, Stephanie Baker, Robert Holmes, Billy McEnry, Wendy O’ Morchoe, Stephen Brennan, Jill Condell, David Moynan, Andrea Deacon, Gary Chadwick, Gail Bennett

Junior Certificate: 6 or more “A”: Fiona Rothwell, Sarah Salm, Lesley Cobbe, Jane Coe, Mossie Hamilton, Keith Warre, Rachel Farrar, Linae Bel Magiure, Frances O’Morchoe, Jeremy Sterling, Jack Kavanagh, Hilda Wall.

Fourth Year: Tim Dukelow, Shelia Malone, Beverley Eager, Sarah Gethings, Emma Rothwell, Zaki Mafoud, Susan Herbert, Andrew Harper, Alison Cobbe, Andrea Jacob.

Fifth Year: William Hynes, David Brennan, Hollie Hastings, Simon Lanngartner, Phillipa Prendergast, Richard Hobson, Julie Starrett, Cora Deacon, Belinda Drough, Herbie Bagnall.

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SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES:

The School Assembly recently welcomed the following on the Wednesdays of September 2005, including Bishop Barrett, Bishop Forrestal, Dean Lynas, the Revd Heak, the Revd Elaine Murray, the Kilkenny Methodist minister the Revd Mark Forster, Jill Harper of Christian Union and our own Trevor Garrett. Also welcomed was the Revd Bob Whiteside and his wife Lesley. The Revd Whiteside spent most of his teaching career in the King’s Hospital with a spell as Warden of the Wilson’s Hospital in Mullingar. He did a many a battle with the senior KH boy’s hockey team against the KCK equivalent in the 1970s.

SLOVENIA:

We welcome Katya Marcjeca from Slovenia and who is teaching German and English and will assist with the European Studies. The headmaster has been invited to the bi-centenary of the school in Slovenia in mid-November. Demand is high for the individual French Exchange with currently 20 requests for 12 places for the six week stay.

NORWAY:

The school welcomed a party of school principals from Norway on the last day of September. They were given a conducted tour of the school and were part of the Arion Project for School Leadership.

THEATRE:

While a large party of pupils attended a performance of the Hot Mikado in the Watergate, Kilkenny at the beginning of the Term, another group, mainly from Form Six will be heading to Cork to attend King Lear.

PUBLICATION:

We congratulation Mr. David Flynn on the publication of his book on physics and we wish him well with the project.

OFFICIAL SOD TURNING AT KILKENNY COLLEGE

On Monday 29th August the official sod turning of the new extension to Kilkenny College took place.

The ceremony was attended by Dean Norman Lynas, Mr. Don Brown, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Philip Gray, new Headmaster, Mr. Henry Yates, Chairman of the Parents’ Association, Mr. Peter Dukelow, College Administrator, Bernard Nevin, Managing Director of Nevin Construction and John Foley, Contracts Manager, Nevin Construction.

The project, a €1.8m contract involves a new two storey dormitory block which will cater for the College’s expanding number of students.

Nevin Construction is one of the largest building contractors in the south east, undertaking several large commercial, industrial, residential and retail projects in Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford. Nevin Construction has recently completed building the €8m project at Johns Gate, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny. Nevin Construction is also the main contractor for the new 4 star Statham’s Hotel, being built on Patrick Street which is due for completion in the near future

THE GARRETT PILGRIMAGE:

Congratulations to member of staff Trevor Garrett who travelled from Canterbury to Rome on foot over the two months of the summer 2005. He followed the old Via Francigena pilgrimage route averaging 30 kilometres a day. Having crossed the Channel by ferry he then walked the length of France into Switzerland through the St. Bernard Pass and into Italy and down to Rome. He flew home!

=======================================ENDS