Kinsale Community School hosted its annual awards ceremony, Éacht na Scoláirí, on Thursday, September 21st, 2023. The event celebrated exceptional achievements and contributions by its outstanding students, and it was a night filled with pride, recognition, and heartfelt gratitude. 

The evening opened with an enchanting performance by the School Trad Band, setting the stage for an event brimming with excitement and anticipation. Ms. Kathleen O’Brien, Deputy Principal and MC for the evening, delivered an invigorating opening address, followed by an inspiring speech from Sr. Rita Twomey, Chairperson of the Board of Management. 

Student of the Year Awardees and Nominees: 

One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of the Student of the Year awards, which recognised exceptional students from each year group. These students consistently made positive contributions to both their class and the school community. The nominees and awardees were: 

First-Year Student of the Year: Claire Boyle  
Nominees: Charlotte Cochrane, Eoin Condon, Fiachra Corrigan, Lia D’arcy, Kelly Hannon, Cathal Hawkins, Jessica Kearney, Claire Linehan, Alan Nagle, Archer Wallace, Faiz Zakri 

Second-Year Student of the Year: Jason Doyle O’Donovan 
 Nominees: Amir Al-Masri, Arran Bale Cornally, Conor Galvin, Stephen Linehan, Muireann O’Donovan, Sean O’Driscoll, Jessica O’Keefe, Liam O’Regan, Martha O’Sullivan, Oscar Ryan, Edel Ryle.

Third-Year Student of the Year: Eimear Ni Chearnaigh  
Nominees: Lauren Crowley, Ciara Kate Deasy, Eoin Dillon, Sean McCarthy, Croiona Murphy, Holly Murphy, Padraig Murphy, Orla O’Donovan, Jerry O’Riordan, Sandra Samoilenko, Sarah Thuillier 

Transition Year Student of the Year: Kelly O’Shea  
Nominees: Amy Casey, Ian Cullinane, Aoibheann Ferguson, Sarah Hadden, Ronan Hawkins, Abbie McCarthy, Christian McCarthy, Roise O’Donovan, Yvonne O’Mahony, Maria O’Reilly, Ethan Smyth, Gemma Whelan.

Fifth Year Student of the Year: Oscar Lee  
Nominees: Isabel Barry, Eimear Dinneen, Luke Etty, Conor Gillen, Caoimhe Heffernan, Sam Kiely, Jake Lynch, Zoe McLaughlin, Sinead Murphy, Eamonn O’Leary, James O’Sullivan. 

Sixth Year Student of the Year: Maya Meade  
Nominees: Max Cronin, Kyra Jeavons Hughes, Sadhbh Humphreys, Rachel Keenan, Jasmine Linehan, Ben Loughnane, Wiktoria Nowak, Orlagh O’Mahony, Arlen O’Kennedy, David O’Leary, Kelly O’Neill, Ciara Peet, Sarah Redmond, Ciara Ryle, Caolan Ward. These remarkable students, along with their fellow nominees, embody the spirit of kindness and positivity cherished within the school community. 

Acknowledging Sporting Excellence 
Kinsale Community School, known for its dedication to sports, acknowledged several students for their outstanding achievements.  Cillian Fitzpatrick received the Junior Sports Award, while Gearoid Kearney was honored with the Senior Sports Award for their exceptional performances in various sports. Cillian played rugby with Muster U16 and U17, Gaelic football and hurling. Gearoid plays soccer, hurley and Gaelic football. Lucy Crowley was the deserving recipient of the Joe McGrath Memorial Award, presented by Grainne McGrath, for her dedication to Camogie.   The awardees were: 

Junior Sports Person of the Year: Cillian Fitzpatrick  
Nominees: James Brugger, Luca Dalton, Mark Fehily, Evie Finucane, Cillian Fitzpatrick, Emma Jones, Liam Kirwan, Catherine Murphy, AJ Nash, Eoghan O’Shea, Oscar Ryan, Skye Sheedy 

Senior Sports Person of the Year: Gearoid Kearney 
Nominees: Zach Allen, Claire Crowley, Caoimhe Horgan, Gearoid Kearney, Cameron Lovell, Mary Clare Murphy, Rachel O’Brien, Zack O’Brien, Maisie O’Callaghan, Ted O’Callaghan, Naoise O’Donnell, Orlagh O’Mahony, Noah Ryan, Riordan Stewart 

Joe McGrath Memorial Award: Lucy Crowley 

Excellence in Science and Technology: 
The school's dedication to science and technology education was celebrated with several awards. Natasha Hayes received the Science Award presented by Kathy Gillen of Life Science Consultants, and Ethan Smyth was honoured with the O’Brien BioTech Award presented by Frank O’Brien. The Don O’Shea Memorial Award, named in memory of a dedicated science and math teacher, was presented to Sean Hynes for exemplary results in science subjects during 5th year. The Young Scientist and Sci Fest Award recipients included Emily Bertoletti, Oscar Green, Freya Mehigan, Conan O’Brien, Jessica O’Keefe, Martha O’Sullivan, Elma Pallone and Edel Ryle.  

Historical Society Award: 
Ben Loughnane received the Historical Society Award from Padraig Begley of the Kinsale Historical Society for his passion for history and contributions to the subject. 

The Catherine O’Byrne Memorial Award: 
Caleb Coleman received the Catherine O’Byrne Memorial Award, presented by Michael O’Byrne, commemorating a dedicated teacher's memory who inspired students in German, debate, and human rights.

Musical Talents

The Kilian Ryan Memorial Award presented by Aine Ryan O’Brien went to Bo Collins and Hannah O’Brien for their contributions to the school's musical performances. This was followed by a special musical performance by both Hannah and Bo. 

Brid Kearney presented Lucy Crowley, Cathal Galvin, Deirdre Nyhan, Libby O'Brien, Orlagh O'Mahony, Alanna Reardon, and Caolan Ward with a special award for their contribution to music at Kinsale Community School. 

 Honouring Community and Civic Virtue

President of the Kinsale Lions Club, Alice de la Cour, presented the Community and Civic Virtue Awards. Sophie Peare received the Community Award for her significant contributions to the wider community, and Roise O’Donovan received this year’s Civic Virtue Award. 

Principal’s Award: 

Conor MacCarthy was honored with the Principal’s Award for his exceptional achievements and contributions to the school community. 

Guest of Honour: 

The event's Guest of Honor, Billy Lawless, a native of Rahoon, Co. Galway, delivered an inspiring address that resonated with students, emphasising the power of perseverance and the importance of making a positive impact on the world. 
 
Billy's story began with humble roots, working on his family's dairy farm and later becoming President of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland. In 1998, he moved to the USA, becoming a Chicago restaurateur. There, he championed the cause of undocumented immigrants, co-founding the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition and chairing Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform. 
 
Noted for his tireless efforts, Billy received the Freedom of Galway in 2015 and an Honorary Doctorate from NUIG. Appointed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, he served as an Independent Senator for the Diaspora, recognising the importance of Ireland's global community. He has close ties with the Obama administration and his inspiring work earned him the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award in 2021. 

Billy Lawless's presence at Kinsale Community School's awards night highlighted the enduring impact of his dedication to community, both near and far. 

Academic Awards: 

The Junior Academic Award was presented by Deputy Principal, Mr. Iggy Dineen to Croíona Murphy. The Senior Academic Awards were presented by Deputy Principal, Claire Sheehan, to seven students: Ben Loughnane, Maya Meade, Eimer Hayes, Eoghan Cassidy, Sarah Deasy, Ailis Murphy, and Rachel Keenan. 

Finale and Celebration: Honouring Exceptional Students at Kinsale Community School
 
The awards ceremony concluded with a presentation by Head Boy, Evan Lehane, and Head Girl, Jessica Moloney, to Chairperson of the Board, Sr. Rita Twomey, and Guest of Honour, Billy Lawless. To close the event, students Aoibheann Ferguson and Sarah Hadden treated guests to a memorable musical finale. 

The KCS Awards evening celebrated the spirit of excellence, dedication, and community that defines Kinsale Community School. It was a night filled with pride and gratitude as the school community came together to recognise the exceptional students at Kinsale Community School.