Kinsale Community School Honours Excellence at the 2025 Éacht na Scoláirí Awards

Kinsale Community School proudly hosted its annual Éacht na Scoláirí Awards, a celebration of the outstanding achievements, talents, and contributions of its students. The event brought together students, families, staff, and community members to honour excellence in academics, sport, music, community leadership, and innovation. 

The evening opened with a performance by the School Trad Band, setting a warm and celebratory tone. Deputy Principal Ms. Kathleen O’Brien, Master of Ceremonies, welcomed guests and reflected on the school’s recent milestones — including its designation as a Microsoft Showcase School and the upcoming launch of the Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development programme. 

Sr. Rita Twomey, Chairperson of the Board of Management and a guiding figure in the school’s story since 1996, addressed the audience with heartfelt words on the enduring legacy of Mercy education, locally and globally. 

Recognising Student Excellence 

The Student of the Year Awards honoured individuals in each year group who exemplified kindness, positivity, leadership, and community spirit: 

·                First Year: Conor Boyle & Ellen Casserly 

·                Second Year: Conall Kingston & Roisin McCarthy 

·                Third Year: Emma McCarthy & Ruairi Sherwood 

·                Transition Year: Patrick Dyer & Faye O’Riordan 

·                Fifth Year: Kacey Healy & Cal O’Brien 

·                Sixth Year: Roan Gilli & Sophie Hurley 

These students and their fellow nominees have set a standard of excellence and character that defines KCS. 

Science and Technology Award - Dr. Lynn Ramsey, Ms. Karolina Kelleher, Saoirse Hayes, Ms. Rebecca Lawlor and Mr. Fergal McCarthy

Honouring Sporting Achievement 

Sport plays a central role in the life of Kinsale Community School, supporting both physical wellbeing and personal growth. Mr. Gerard O’Callaghan presented: 

·                Junior Sports Person of the Year: Sean O’Sullivan & Katie Crowley 

·                Senior Sports Person of the Year: Aoife Cottrell & Leo Hennessy 

The Joe McGrath Memorial Award was presented to Caitlin Hurley, honouring the memory of Joe McGrath, a deeply respected GAA coach whose passion, commitment and love for Gaelic games left a lasting mark on generations of students. His daughter, Gráinne McGrath, joined Ms. Sinéad O’Donovan on stage to present this award — a tribute not only to sporting excellence, but also to the values of teamwork, resilience, and community spirit Joe embodied. 

Excellence in Science, Technology & Humanities 

STEM education continues to thrive at Kinsale Community School. The awards in this category included: 

·                Science & Technology Award: Saoirse Hayes (sponsored by Life Science Consultants) 

·                O’Brien BioTech Award: Joshua Smyth (sponsored by the O’Brien family) 

·                Young Scientist Awards: Ian Cullinane, Eva Grace, Ronan Hawkins, Etaoin Healy Bastow, Riva O’Reilly & Sadhbh Tuohy 

Don O’Shea Memorial Award 

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the presentation of the Don O’Shea Memorial Award to Cillian Fitzpatrick. 

This award honours the late Don O’Shea, a gifted teacher and pioneering advocate for the use of technology in education. From 1993 until his passing, Don inspired generations of students through his teaching of Maths, IT, and Science, and through his pioneering work in Chemistry and digital learning. A teacher of extraordinary expertise and kindness, Don’s legacy lives on in the innovative spirit of the school he helped shape. The award, donated by Anne, Caoimhe and Saoirse O’Shea, celebrates a student whose scientific excellence and curiosity reflect Don’s passion for learning. 

Historical Society Award 

Eoghan Deasy received the Historical Society Award, recognising a deep interest in and commitment to the study of history. The prize, supported by the Kinsale Historical Society, reflects the school’s belief in the importance of understanding the past to shape the future. 

Catherine O’Byrne Memorial Award 

The Catherine O’Byrne Memorial Award was presented to TJ Buckley, honouring the memory of Catherine O’Byrne, a beloved teacher of German and English who joined Kinsale Community School in 1996. 

A gifted linguist and a passionate advocate for human rights and debate, Catherine inspired her students to engage critically with the world. Her untimely passing at the age of 32 left a deep mark on the school community. This award, presented by Catherine’s father, Michael O’Byrne, celebrates a student who embodies her spirit of intellectual curiosity, courage, and compassion. 

Music, Community and Sustainability 

Music is at the heart of Kinsale Community School life, enriching the cultural and creative spirit of the community: 

·                Contribution to Music Award: Aoibheann Ferguson, Kiely Lehane & Fearghus Walsh 

Kilian Ryan Memorial Award 

The Kilian Ryan Memorial Award was presented to Alice, Ted, Maisie, Miah & Archie O’Callaghan and Áine Ryan O’Brien. Kilian’s passion for stage lighting, drama, and performance played a key role in the success of countless school musicals. His quiet dedication and technical skill inspired students and staff alike. This award honours those who continue his legacy through their creative energy and commitment to the school’s performing arts. 

Community Leadership & Environmental Stewardship 

·                Civic Virtue Award: Charlotte O’Driscoll (sponsored by Kinsale Lions Club) For embodying respect, responsibility, empathy and leadership in fostering a positive school community. 

·                Sustainability Award: Ellie & Skye Sheedy For exceptional dedication to environmental initiatives and championing sustainable practices at KCS. 

Academic Achievement 

Deputy Principals Mr. Iggy Dineen and Ms. Claire Sheehan presented the academic honours: 

·                Junior Cycle Award: Claire Boyle, Maya O’Reilly, Serena Galvin, Franco Brito, Tara Prior, Enid O’Sullivan and Lia D’Arcy 

·                Senior Academic Awards: TJ Buckley, Aidan McDonald, Fin Browne, Ian Cullinane, Christian McCarthy , Fionn Lichtsinn Doyle and Saoirse Hayes. 

·                Leaving Certificate Applied Award: Chloe Hennessy-Buttimer 

·                Principal’s Award: Lily Cahill 

These awards acknowledge the hard work, resilience, and intellectual curiosity that define academic success.  Guest Speaker: Dr Lynn Ramsey: The school was honoured to welcome Dr. Lynn Ramsey, Director of the Teaching Council and incoming CEO of QQI, as guest speaker. A distinguished educational leader and lifelong advocate for learning, Dr. Ramsey inspired students with her words on education as a force for innovation and social change. 

The ceremony concluded with addresses by Head Girl Eimear Ní Chearnaigh and Head Boy Conor Looney, followed by a musical performance from the Contribution to Music Award recipients. 

Principal Mr. Fergal McCarthy reflected: 

“Éacht na Scoláirí is not just about awards — it’s about recognising the kindness, leadership, creativity and resilience that make Kinsale Community School what it is. Our memorial awards remind us of the people whose passion shaped our school, and whose legacies live on in our students.” 

The evening, coordinated by Ms. Gemma Cooper, was a celebration of community, excellence, and legacy.