The Chapel Organ at the heart of St Kieran’s College

For some years now the College Organ in the Chapel at the heart of the College, has been in need of work.  

In a state of bad disrepair it was the last aspect of the wonderful College Chapel that needed attention.  But care had to be taken to ensure that a fitting restoration was undertaken.  
 
Having consulted with several experts in this area finally it was decided to use the skills of Derek Verso, of the Fine Tuning Company, to undertake the complete restoration and refitting of the wonderful Oak Organ that sat in the choir loft of the College Chapel. 
 
Following months of dedicated and careful work the College Organ from 1850 was once again heard in the College Chapel on the occasion of the College Reunion in August of this year. As part of the considerable works of restoration many of the original pipes were managed to be retrained and so these wooden pipes from the 1850s once again played their mellowed tones. In undertaking the work Derek researched with colleagues in the UK and found photos of two extremely similar instruments both dated and signed by the builder in 1850. Therefore it is possible to confirm that the College organ was built by Bevington & Sons, London during the1850s. Bevington was one of the most notable organ builders of 19th century and, interestingly, built many organs in the Kilkenny/Ossory Diocese (including both Cathedrals in Kilkenny, St Canice’s Parish, Castlecomer Parish in 1854 and St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin in 1862. The College Organ then is in fine company and this was a most worthwhile project to have it restored. 
 
It now sits proudly in the Chapel and its sounds are heard as music students of the College come to hone their gift – to practice, perform or lead prayer. It is wonderful to have an old friend sound again.  

Key Dates

Key Dates (Academic Year 2023/2024)

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 24th
6th year students return at 8:50
Friday 25th
3rd year students return 8:50am/ 1st Year Induction at 11am
Monday 28th
2nd year, 5th year and TY students return to school at 8:50am
September
Monday 25th
School Closed
October
Thursday 26th (4:15-6:45pm)
6th Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Friday 27th
Mid-Term Break Begins @ 1pm
November
Monday 6th
School Reopens after Mid-Term Break
Thursday 16th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
3rd Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Thursday 23rd (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
5th Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Friday 24th
Staff Training Day (No School for Students)
Monday 27th
Staff Training Day (No School for Students)
December
Friday 22nd
Christmas Holidays Begin @ 1pm
January
Monday 8th
School Reopens after Christmas Holidays
Thursday 18th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
1st Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Monday 22nd
Staff Training Day (No School for Students)
Thursday 25th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
2nd Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
February
Monday 29th (Jan) - Friday 9th (Feb)
Mock Examinations for JC & LC
Monday 5th
St Brigid's Day (School Closed)
Friday 9th
Mid -Term Break Begins @ 1pm
Monday 19th
School Reopens after Mid-Term Break
Thursday 22nd (4:15-6:45pm)
TY P/T Meeting (Provisional)
March
Friday 1st
St Kieran's Day Activities
Monday 18th
School Closed
Friday 22nd
Easter Holidays Begin @ 1pm
April
Monday 8th
School Reopens after Easter Holidays
May
Monday 6th
School Closed (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 7th
School Closed
June
Wednesday 5th
Junior & Leaving cert exams start

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