It is with a sense of optimism that I welcome this edition of the St. Kieran’s College Record. In keeping with the many changes which have taken place at St. Kieran’s over the past few years this edition mirrors these changes and it will strive, in future editions, to publish a chronicle of the main events in the life of the College since 2002, the 219th Academic Year, when a new-look Record was first presented.
St. Kieran’s College was founded, as you know, in 1782, the first Catholic school after the repeal of the Penal Laws. Over the decades St. Kieran’s has had to face serious challenges and much change but in all this time two pillars have remained constant and solid – our mission of (1) Education and (2) Formation based on Gospel Values.
In these days, the twin pillars of Education and Formation are found on campus – In our Secondary Day School under the stewardship of our newly appointed Principal Mr. John Curtis and the Chaplaincy team headed by Fr. Sean O’Connor – In the Creidim Centre, a centre for Adult Religious Education and Faith Formation for the Diocese, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Declan Murphy and a newly appointed Steering Committee – In the N.U.I.M.(National University of Ireland, Maynooth) Outreach Campus, where at present 220 adult students avail of a range of courses at undergraduate and post graduate level under the managership of Mr. Chris Reid and his team. With these concrete expressions of Education and Formation, St. Kieran’s maintains a central role in the academic and faith life of Kilkenny, both city and county and the Diocese of Ossory.
Over the past few years St. Kieran’s has been very fortunate in managing all the changes facing it and related demands. The new services, new facilities and refurbishment programmes which you see or have experienced are the result of much hard work, dedication and support from many people, especially staff, students, parents’ council, Board of Management, Trustees and our patron, Bishop Forristal.
Since being appointed President in August 2004 I have been inspired personally by the levels of commitment shown and energy expended by all involved in the mission of St. Kieran’s- some now no longer with us, especially Mr. Micheál Ó Diarmada, who retired in 2005 after eleven years as principal. With such obvious commitment we can face the future with confidence and a great sense of optimism – all the more reason to welcome this and future editions of The Record.
Fr. Kieron J. Kennedy. President.
