Music at Kilkenny College
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” - Plato
Kilkenny College Music Department is one of the finest second level departments in the country. It offers a wide range of instrumental and vocal tuition from classical and traditional to jazz and rock, catering for all musical styles, interests and abilities. It boasts some of Ireland’s finest performers and teachers as staff members. Students are prepared for curriculum practicals, competitions, school performances, and Royal Irish Academy of Music and Associated Board practical examinations. The College is a dedicated centre for Royal Irish Academy examinations.
Kilkenny College has strong musical connections with St. Canice’s Cathedral, both of which promote the living Anglican choral tradition.The department boasts four choirs, an orchestra, a jazz band, a ukulele and recorder ensemble and an Irish traditional group.
Music Staff
Bartosz Thiede- Choral Conductor, Organ, Piano and Vocal Tutor
Roisin O’Grady- Music Co-Ordinator, Vocal Tutor
Nicola Harding- Head of Academic Music, Vocal Tutor
Annemarie Kavanagh- Department Music Teacher, Grupa Ceoil and Ukulele Director, piano, vocal tutor
Eamon Cahill- Jazz Band Director, Woodwind/Brass Tutor
Carl Rochford- Orchestra Conductor, Strings, Piano Tutor
Lydia McCann- Piano Tutor
Yvonne Collier- Piano Tutor
Cora Newman- Vocal and Piano Tutor
Lisa Hennessy- Guitar Tutor
Ashley Sheehan- Guitar Tutor
Jeremy Hickey- Percussion Tutor
Instruments
Piano
Organ
Violin
Viola
Cello
Clarinet
Saxaphone
Trumpet
Trombone
Voice
Guitar
Ukulele
Percussion
Flute
Recorder/Tin Whistle
Music Theory
Ensemble Timetable
Senior choir; Monday 6-7pm
Junior choir; Tuesday 4-5pm
Chamber Choir; Tuesday 6-7pm
Pop choir; Friday 3.45-4.30pm
Orchestra; Thursday 6.15-7.30pm
Jazz Band; Tuesday, lunchtime
Grupa Ceoil; Monday, lunchtime
Recorder Ensemble; Tuesday, lunchtime
Sight-Singing Classes; Tuesday, 5-6pm.
Lunchtime Recital Series; 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.
For queries about music lessons, please contact Roisin O’Grady at
roisinogrady@kilkennycollege.ie
Posted on 4th March 2018 by Brian Scobie
At the January meeting of the Parents Association Committee, contribution to the refurbishment of the Music Department was approved as well as payment for Courier costs to allow for pick up of sofas for Boys boarding house.
February meeting approved funding for Gym Equipment, a contribution towards the cost of the Kate Russell Tournament Dinner and a further contribution to the cost of running the tournament.
Posted on 4th March 2018 by Brian Scobie
You are invited to: Compass Interactive Meeting
Date: Saturday 10th March, 2018
Time: 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: The High School Dublin, Rathgar
Agenda
10.30 a.m. Coffee on arrival
11.00 a.m. Presentation and Discussion:
“Cyber-Aggression: How Can Parents Keep Their Children And Teenagers Safe?”
We are delighted that this talk will be presented by
Stephen Minton, Chartered Psychologist with, and Associate Fellow of, the British Psychological Society, and Professor in Psychology of Education at the School of Education, Trinity College Dublin
12.30 p.m. Lunch for those who would like to avail of it. (If so please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
We hope that many parents from Compass affiliated schools can attend and look forward to seeing you at School. We extend our thanks to the Headmaster, Mr Andrew Forrest, for facilitating this Interactive Meeting
Posted on 22nd November 2017 by Brian Scobie
At the November meeting of the Parents Association. Mr Ger O’Neill was elected as Deputy Chairperson, Mr Dermot Dalton was elected to work with Brian Scobie on the PRO role.
Funding Requests: The Senior Boys Hockey Squad will receive the normal contribution per pupil to go towards their overnight costs at the recent All-Ireland competition in Cork.
Date for your Diary: Christmas Carol Service 19th December, with Rothe House confirmed as the venue for the after service reception.
Posted on 15th October 2017 by Brian Scobie
The First meeting for the 2017 -2018 took place in the College on Tuesday 10th October.All new members were welcomed by the Chairperson Mr Nick Bennett.
Kieran Pryal was elected as the new Treasurer. The Post of PRO /Website coordinator is still vacant.
Funding Request wee approved for:-
Posted on 3rd October 2017 by Brian Scobie
After their 3 year service Shelly Stokes and Derek Beattie rotated out of their position of Parents Representatives on the Board of Management. The Parents Association Committee greatly appreciate their service and contributions on behalf of the Association and best wishes for the rest of their “school” involvement.
Through an open ballot Dorcas Collier Hannon, representing Boarders and Brian Scobie representing Day Pupils were elected to serve as the Parents Representatives onto the College Board of Management for the next 3 years. Best wishes and the committee look forward to working with you Dorcas and Brian.
Posted on 3rd October 2017 by Brian Scobie
The AGM was held on Thursday 28th September.
6 new members of the Parents Association were welcomed onto The Committee.
Carlow – Surine Hillebrand
Kildare – Siobhan Hanway
Laois – Gillian Purser
Laois – Valerie Whitten
Kilkenny – Geraldine Kearney
Wexford – Henry Chamney
The first meeting of the new committee will be Tuesday 10th October, at which a new Treasurer , PRO and Deputy Chairman will be elected.
Posted on 18th September 2017 by Brian Scobie
Kilkenny College Parents Association
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Date: Thursday 28th September 2017 @ 7.30pm
Venue: Mc Adoo Hall, Kilkenny College
Refreshments served from 7pm
Guest Speaker: Prof Donal O’Shea
The Kilkenny College Parents association would like to invite you to attend our AGM on Thursday 28th September 2017. Our guest speaker for the evening is Professor Donal O’Shea.
Prof. Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and Physician based in St Vincent’s University Hospital and St Columcilles Hospital. His talk is entitled ‘Healthy Eating & Active Living in 2017’
We will hold two elections at the AGM. One for the election of new members to the Parents Association Committee and one for the election of two Parent Nominees on the Board of Management.
Parents Association Committee
We currently have 6 vacancies for the Parents Association committee. We would welcome any parent/guardian who is interested in joining the committee. We would particularly welcome parents/guardians from the Kilkenny, Waterford, Wicklow, Laois & Offaly regions following retirements of committee members this year. Nominations will be accepted at the AGM.
Election of Parent Nominees to the Board of Management
The current Board of Management has reached the end of its term of office. At the AGM we will elect the two parent nominees for the incoming Board of Management.
The Board of Management has a three year term of office. The Board of Management look after the management & welfare of the school. The Board meets once a month. In total there are approximately nine meetings per school year. The Parent Nominees also become ‘ex officio’ members on the Parents Association.
Under BOM guidelines we are required to have gender balance so we are seeking one male nominee and one female nominee. We also require at least one parent to represent boarders. The election is open to all parents/guardians who have a child attending Kilkenny College. If you would like to put your name forward for the election please complete the attached Nomination Form which has to be signed by yourself and two other parents who are proposing & seconding your nomination.
Completed nomination forms can be presented at the meeting, by email or post. However, please ensure you have sent your expression of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Chairperson KCPA c/o School Office Kilkenny College, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny by Monday 25th September 2017 to have your name included on the ballot paper.
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM at the end of the month.
Yours sincerely,
Nick Bennett
Chairperson
Posted on 9th April 2017 by Brian Scobie
Over the March and April meetings the Parents Association Committee funding of just under €3,500 to a variety of requests.
Dishwashers were approved for both the 6th Year Boarder Boys and the 6th Year Border Girls.
Contributions for the cost of accommodation for the Kate Russell Hockey Tournament, the Minor Boys Hockey trip to Northern Ireland and the Minor Girls Hockey Trip to Dublin. We also funded Medals for the South East Hockey Cup.
A request from one of the Senior Students resulted in funding for Megaphones and Drums to be used by pupils supporting the various school teams at sports matches
Posted on 8th February 2017 by Brian Scobie
At the February committee meeting the following funding requests were approved ;
Posted on 1st December 2016 by Brian Scobie
KILKENNY COLLEGE SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
In The Cathedral of St. Canice
@ 11:00 a.m, on Monday 19th December
Refreshments for Parents/Guardians in
Rothe House, Parliament Street
following the Service
Courtesy of the Parents’ Association
2016 /2017 Parents Association Committee
Posted on 24th November 2016 by Brian Scobie
The Committee for the coming year is as follows. We welcome our new members onboard, and look forward to meeting up with them at our December meeting. Nixk Bennett is the new chairman, Colin Feely remains as treasurer and Brian Scobie as Website / PRO. The new secretary will be appointed at the December meeting and the sub groups finalised for the year ahead. All parents please remember that The Parents Association is there to promote the interests of all pupils at the school, if you want the Committee to raise any issues with the school please send your contact details and county to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the relevant member will be in touch.
County Kilkenny:
County Carlow:
County Kildare:
County Laois/Offaly:
County Tipperary:
County Waterford:
County Wicklow/Dublin:
County Wexford:
Ex-Officio – Parent Representatives on the Board of Management:
Posted on 23rd November 2016 by Brian Scobie
The AGM of the Parents Association took place in The McAdoo Hall last night.
Highlight was the very entertaining talk given by Dr Fergus Heffernan
We will update the information about the new committee members in the next few days.
Thanks to Mr Simon Thompson and his staff and to all parents that were in attendance.
Posted on 23rd November 2016 by Brian Scobie
Kilkenny College Parents Association Minutes of AGM Held on Tuesday 15 September 2015 at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny at 7.30pm
Officers Present: Chairperson – Kieran Pryal, Secretary – Julia Glass
Kieran Pryal opened the meeting by welcoming all parents and the Headmaster Mr Simon Thompson. Apologies: Shelly Stokes, Derek Beattie, Louise Pim, Mark Kennedy, Johnny Honner, Elaine Smyth Collier, David Burgess and Dermot Dalton. Minutes: The minutes of the 2014 AGM having been read were proposed by Mandy Beattie and seconded by Kieran Dempsey. Chairpersons Report Kieran Pryal started by thanking the members of the Parents Association for their work over the year and in particular the members finishing their term on the committee. This included George Steacy, Louise Pim and Johnny Honner. Kieran also confirmed that he was finishing his 4 year term.
Activities undertaken during the year by the Parents Association included holding the 2014 AGM with John Lonergan as guest speaker, Christmas Carol Service Parents Reception, Careers Evening, Dragon’s Den TY Event and the Debs Ball including Parents Reception.
The Treasurer’s Report handed out provided detail of income and expenditure for the year. Funding Requests that had been received and approved by the Parents Association included new lockers, building signage around the school, common room equipment for day pupils, furniture for boarding houses, a practice piano and two electronic keyboards, printing press and other art room equipment, TY Yearbook and Dragon’s Den Prizes, Kate Russell Hockey Tournament, contributions to the debating and sailing teams travelling to competitions, and prizes for the Junior Mace hosted by the college.
Parents Association Nominations New Committee Members:
Sol Saez (Co Kilkenny) nominated C Feely & seconded by K Pryal
Ger O’Neill (Co Kilkenny) nominated G Jacob & seconded B Scobie
Sinead Hamilton (Co. Wicklow) nominated M Beattie & seconded by J Glass
Committee Members Re-elected after 2 years:
Colin Feely (Co Kilkenny) nominated K Pryal & seconded N Bennett
Brian Scobie (Co Kikenny) nominated J Glass & seconded K Dempsey
Jackie Treacy (Co Kilkenny) nominated M Beattie & seconded K Pryal
Mark Kennedy (Co Kilkenny) nominated K Pryal & seconded J Glass
Karen Roberts (Co Kilkenny) nominated M Beattie & seconded K Dempsey
Richard Jack (Co Offaly) nominated G Steacy & seconded C Feely
Alan Stanley (Co Laois) nominated B Scobie & seconded K Pryal
Julie Green ( Co Waterford) nominated J Treacy & seconded J Glass
Headmaster’s Address Simon Thompson thanked the PA committee for their support and investment in the school, and in particular the Christmas and Debs receptions which had been well attended and wonderful events.
The visit by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, had been a highlight of the year. Kilkenny College is one of the largest schools in the country, but still has a framework to allow individuals to develop. High standards are set and while trying and succeeding is good, effort is rewarded. It is the largest co-ed boarding school and has a happy yet secure environment. Smart cards have been introduced to help keep records and for security purposes.
The school is in a transition period following return to the ‘Free Schools Scheme’. Enrolments in 2015 were 824, in 2016 were 850 and in 2016 will be 865. There will eventually be 6 class groups of 24 pupils in each of the 6 years. There are currently 17 international students, adding diversity to the school. Leaving Cert results have been outstanding this year with all exams passed. More students have taken Junior Cert Maths at higher level, at the school this was 76% of students, where as the national average is 55%. This is typical across all subject areas.
Priorities in the school are the IT infrastructure, appointment of a chaplain, reroofing of the McAdoo Hall, day pupil common room, replacement of the old hockey pitch and the proposed Music and Arts Building.
The ‘Senior Cycle Social Area’ has been successfully completed in the Swift Building, funded by BOD and PA contribution. A redundant science lab is being renovated to form the new school chapel, which is to be opened with a formal dedication. Application has been made to the DoES for refurbishment of the McAdoo Hall. The Incorporated Society are assisting with the cost of replacing the old hockey pitch later this year.
AOB
J Eviston, from the floor, complimented the school on the Senior Cycle Social Area in the Swift Building, which has been a great success.
Guest Speaker Unfortunately our guest speaker cancelled at the last minute and we were most thankful to Simon Thompson who stepped in at the last minute and talked on changes to the Junior Cycle.
Posted on 10th November 2016 by Brian Scobie
All Parents of students attending Kilkenny College are members of the Parents Association automatically.
The AGM this year is taking place in The McAdoo Hall on Tuesday 22nd November at 7.30 PM . Refreshments will be available from 7.00 PM prior to the AGM.
The Parents Association Committee is seeking new members particularly from the following counties.
Kildare x 2, Tipperary x 2, Wexford/ Dublin x 1, Kilkenny / Carlow x 1
If any parent is interested in getting involved and wants more information on joining the committee, please speak to a current committee member or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All Parents are very welcome, and we hope to see you there.
Posted on 10th November 2016 by Brian Scobie
You are invited to: Compass Interactive Meeting
Date: Saturday 19th November, 2016
Time: 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Venue: Dundalk Grammar School, Dundalk, Co Louth
Agenda
10.30 a.m. Coffee on arrival
11.00 a.m. Presentation and Discussion: “Healthy Eating and Active Living in 2016”
We are delighted that this talk will be presented by
Prof. Donal O’Shea
Consultant Endocrinologist – St Columcille’s and St Vincent’s University Hospitals, Clinical Professor of Medicine – University College Dublin
Professor O’Shea qualified from University College Dublin in 1989 and then moved to Hammersmith Hospital in London. Completed an MD with Professor Stephen Bloom on GLP-1 and appetite control. Moved to current position establishing the first hospital based multidisciplinary treatment unit for the management of adult obesity in the country. Is a member of the Department of Health special action group on obesity established in 2011 and chaired a group carrying out a health impact assessment on the potential benefits and harms of a tax on sugar sweetened drinks. Has presented the EU Ministers for Health and the Director General of the WHO on the importance of prevention of childhood obesity. Has specific interests in and published over 100 peer reviewed publications on obesity, thyroid eye disease, gut endocrine tumours and gender identity disorder. Has supervised a number of clinicians to completion of their PhD’s.
12.30 p.m. Lunch for those who would like to avail of it. (If so please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
We hope that many parents from Compass affiliated schools can attend and look forward to seeing you at Dundalk Grammar School. We extend our thanks to the Headmaster, Mr. Jonathan Graham, for facilitating this Interactive Meeting.
Julie Carr – Secretary COMPASS
Posted on 21st October 2016 by Brian Scobie
The AGM of the Parents Association will be held this year in The College on Tuesday 22nd November at 7.30 . The venue is the MacAdoo Hall.
Guest Speaker is Dr Fergus Heffernan
The AGM is open to all parents with children attending Kilkenny College.
A full Agenda will be published shortly.
Posted on 21st October 2016 by Brian Scobie
Annual Conference for parents of secondary school children – a free
information laden day with lunch. Takes place at the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday 5th November.
Schedule:
8.30am to 9.30am Coffee Registration
9.30am to 1.15pm Morning session
1.15pm to 2.00pm Lunch
2.00pm to 5.30pm Afternoon session
TOPICS
Parents Charter
This year we will hear about the development of the long awaited
Parents Charter giving you the chance to add your voice and take part
in a discussion with senior management of the Department of Education
and Skills.
New Junior Cycle /New Leaving Certificate Grading
Our conference will major on the new child-centred education and
learning methodology and curriculum for Secondary schools. Uplifting
practical examples of what this means for the education of our
children. What are the roadblocks and how can we as parents influence
change.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships reinvented following Europe’s lead imagining the future.
Wellbeing
How and why is this concept part of the art of learning? How will the
concept impact on our children?
Vaccines administered in our schools
The HPV vaccine, Separating fact from fiction, Hear and discuss with
the experts.
Teacher Complaints
A subject close of the heart of all parents. When things go wrong: The
new horizon when complaints are aired is the new procedure now enacted
in legislation adequate? Hear and get your opportunity to question the
details.
Workshops
The meaning of Consent and the importance of consent in the lives of
our children.
Dads Today – where are they and more importantly where should they be.
OPEN FORUM
Your opportunity to put questions to the experts about all of above
formal agenda to follow post registration.Share this event on Facebook
Posted on 14th March 2016 by Brian Scobie
At the March meeting of the Kilkenny College Parents Association Committee, funding requests were approved for the folllowing: –
Posted on 9th December 2015 by Brian Scobie
Wednesday 16th December: Tullow Singers & Chamber Choir Christmas Concert in Tullow , County Carlow. This is to help raise funds for the Building Development Foundation. Tickets are priced at €12.00 each. Concert starts at 7.00 PM. Watch Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Friday 18th December: The ever popular Christmas Carol Service takes place in St. Canice’s Cathedral at 11.00 AM. After the service the Parents Association are hosting a Refreshments Reception at Rothe House, Parliament Street Kilkenny. Just a short walk from the Cathedral. http://rothehouse.com/ We would delighted if you could join us for a Cup of Tea and a Mince Pie.
Tuesday 22nd December: TY Christmas Market takes place in the morning, before school closes for the Christmas Holidays. Idea place to pick up that last minute Christmas gift.
Posted on 26th October 2015 by Brian Scobie
The next KCPA Committee Meeting will take place at the school on Tuesday 10th November 2015. Room and time to be advised.
If there is an issue that you would like to bring to The Committee’s attention please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This is our Resource Section. It contains links to useful websites and news articles.
National Parents Council (Post Primary)
COMPASS
Department of Education
Cental Applications Office (CAO)
State Examinations Commission
Qualifax
“The Parents’ Association shall promote the interests of the students in the school in co-operation with the Board, Principal, teachers and students in line with the current Mission Statement of Kilkenny College”
Our AGM is held in September each year and new members are always welcome. Election of new officers and members occurs prior to or at the AGM. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact the Chairperson or one of your local representatives on this contact list.
You do not need to be a member of the Association to assist at individual events. We require assistance with a wide range of events including:- welcome events for new students, career’s evening, Transition Year activities, Work Experience opportunities, information & refreshments at various events. Please contact the chairperson or one of your local representative on the contact list in the above paragraph. if you wish to become involved. All participation by parents is most welcome.
Rugby Fixtures Wednesday 18th December 2019
Team | Opposition | Venue/Pitch | Competition | Time | Leave Class/Food | Depart/Return |
SCT | Rockwell | Irish Independent Park Cork | Friendly | 1.45pm | Food 9.40. Assembly till 10.40 | 11.45am/6pm for tea |
2/3rds | Newtown SCT | Home/Floodlit | Friendly | 2.50pm | 11.10 class till 1.35pm | |
JCT A | Castletroy | Home/Hollow | Friendly | 1.30pm | 11.10am/class till 12.15 | |
JCT B | Newtown JCT | Home/ Hollow | Friendly | 2.50pm | 11.10am/ class till 1.35pm | |
2nd Year A and B | High School | Dublin | Friendly | 2.30pm | 11.20am | 11.45am/7.15pm |
1st Year C/D | High School | Dublin | Friendly | 2.30pm | 11.20am | 11.45am/7.15pm |
1st Year A and B | St Andrews | Home/Top and Little | Friendly | 2.30pm | 11.10am/class till 1.25pm | |
Girls Hockey Fixtures Wednesday 18th December 2019
Team |
Opposition |
Venue/Pitch |
Competition |
Time |
Leave Class/Food |
Return |
Senior 1stSenior 2nd |
Pitch C |
Training |
4.15pm |
|||
Senior 3rd Inter |
Pitch D |
Training |
4.15pm |
|||
Junior A |
Loreto kk |
Pitch C |
League |
12.30pm |
11.30pm Lunch after match |
|
Junior B1 |
Min A |
Pitch D |
Friendly |
12.30pm |
Leave class 12Lunch after match |
|
Junior B2 |
Loreto kk |
Pitch C |
League |
1.30pm |
Leave Class 12.00 Lunch at 12.00 |
|
Minor A |
Jun B1 |
Pitch D |
Friendly |
12.30pm |
Leave class 12 Lunch after match |
|
Minor B1 B2 and C Blitz |
Pitch D |
Blitz |
1.45pm |
Leave Class 12.55 pm Lunch 1pm |
||
Form 1 All who’ve signed up |
Bonding trip K Bowl |
KBowl McDonagh |
1.45pm |
Leave Class 12.45pm Lunch 12.45 Leave at 1.15pm |
Walking 4pm |
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you
James Rossiter & Patricia Clancy
Junior Cycle Co-Ordinators