Preparations for the Ordination of Fr Niall Coll as Bishop of Ossory

The Diocese of Ossory is finalising preparations for the Ordination of Fr Niall Coll as the Bishop of Ossory,
 
In assuming that role Bishop Niall will be also Patron of St Kieran’s College as the Diocesan College, a proud honour for a man who has given a lifetime of service to education. As Patron to the College he is very much aware that he is now journeying with Ireland’s Oldest Catholic Secondary School – a College with a proud and rich tradition. 
 

For some weeks now, since the announcement on  28th October that Pope Francis had appointed Fr Niall as the next Bishop of Ossory, many in the Diocese have been working hard to prepare for the celebrations which will take place on this coming Sunday.  

Prayers have been said in all churches throughout the Diocese in these past weeks and prayer cards were distributed at Masses so that the people of the Diocese could accompany Fr Niall in his preparations. Resource packs were prepared for both primary and secondary schools to help the students there be part of the preparations and to take this opportunity to teach them about their local church, the role of a Bishop and our own roles as Baptised members of the faith! 
 
On Friday evening 20th January at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Cathedral the faithful of the Diocese will gather to celebrate an evening prayer with Fr Niall. During this simple ceremony the symbols of his office will be blessed: the pectoral cross, the ring and his pastoral staff.  The Cathedral and Diocesan Choir will lead the music at this beautiful ceremony. 
 
On Sunday 22nd at 3pm over 800 people will gather in St Mary’s Cathedral for the Ordination ceremony.  The Principal celebrant will be Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin and the co-consecrators will be Bishop Denis Nulty Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin who for these past two years sewred also as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Raphoe Diocese, Fr Niall’s home Diocese. 
 
The ceremony will be live streamed on the St Mary’s Cathedral website – www.stmaryscathedral.ie We hold Bishop-elect Niall in our prayers.  

Key Dates

Key Dates (Academic Year 2025/2026)

Please note: It may be necessary to reschedule some of the below times and dates. Please check the school website throughout the year for confirmation of the most up to date information.

August
Thursday 21st
1st Year Induction at 2pm
Friday 22nd
3rd / 6th Year students return 8:50am
Monday 25th
2nd / 5th Years and TY students return to school at 8:50am
September
Monday 15th
Open Evening (Provisional)
Friday 19th
Sports Day (Provisional)
Monday 22nd
Free Day (No school for students) (Provisional)
October
Monday 6th - Friday 10th
October Exams (Provisional)
Monday 13th - Friday 24th
TY Work Experience (Provisional)
Thursday 16th (4:15-6:45pm)
6th Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Friday 24th (1pm)
Midterm Break Begins
November
Monday 3rd (8.50 am)
School Reopens after Mid-Term Break
Thursday 13th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
3rd Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Monday 17th
Oide Subject Cluster Day (No school for students)
Thursday 20th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
5th Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Friday 28th
Staff Training Day (No school for students)
December
Monday 1st - Friday 5th
Christmas Exams (6th Years / 3rd Years)(Provisional)
Wednesday 10th
Oide Staff Training Day (No school for students)
Monday 15th - Friday 19th
Christmas Exams (1st / 2nd & 5th Years)
Friday 19th (1pm)
Christmas Holidays Begin
January
Monday 5th (8:50am)
School Reopens after Christmas Holidays
Thursday 15th
1st Year Parents Subject Choice Meeting at 7pm
Thursday 22rd (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
1st Year P/T Meeting
Thursday 29th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
2nd Year P/T Meeting
February
Monday 2nd
St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday - No School
Tuesday 3rd - Friday 13th
TY Work Experience (Provisional)
Tuesday 3rd - Friday 13th
Mock Examinations for JC & LC
Wednesday 11th
TY Parents Subject Choice Meeting at 7pm
Friday 13th February (1pm)
Midterm Break Begins
Monday 23rd (8.50 am)
School Reopens after Midterm Break
Thursday 26th (4:15-6:45pm)
TY P/T Meeting
March
Monday 2nd - Friday 5th
Easter Exams (1st & 5th Years)
Friday 6th
St Kieran’s Day Activities
Saturday 7th
Entrance Assessment Test (Provisional)
Monday 16th
Free Day (No School for students)
Tuesday 17th
School Closed (St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday)
Friday 27th (1pm)
Easter Holidays Begin
April
Monday 13th
School Reopens after Easter Holidays
Thursday 23rd
Information Evening for Parents of 3rd Year (Regarding TY)
May
Monday 4th
School Closed (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 5th
Oide Staff Training Day (No school for students)
Monday 25th - Friday 29th
Summer Examinations
Friday 29th (1pm)
Summer Holidays Begin
June
Wednesday 3rd
Junior & Leaving cert exams start

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