Pictures: Stars in their eyes - Oscar winner returns to his Kilkenny school

Excitement buzzed through the halls of Scoil Aireagail as the school welcomed back one of its most illustrious alumni, Oscar-winning effects animator Colbert Fennelly.

Past pupil of Scoil Aireagail, Colbert worked as the technical environment lead on Avatar: The Way of Water which won the coveted Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. He returned to his alma mater to inspire current students and reconnect with his roots.

Colbert, who was welcomed by senior prefects Jagoda Kieczka and Kieran Crowley, and spent the morning at the school, engaging with students and staff, both past and present. In Jagoda’s speech she congratulated Colbert on his outstanding achievement saying: “We are immensely proud of you and thank you for inspiring us to reach for the stars. May your success continue to shine as a gilding light for all of us. Let us continue to dream big and believe in ourselves”.

Colbert took part in a whole school Q&A session which kept students mesmerized, sharing anecdotes from his own journey and offering valuable insights into the world of animation. He advised students to surround themselves with friends who had similar values to themselves. Colbert was joined by past staff members Annette Muldowney, Joan Power and Maureen Roche, all of whom supported him hugely during his time in Scoil Aireagail. 

Colbert Fennelly's return to Scoil Aireagail will be remembered as a momentous occasion in the school's history, a testament to the powerful combination of dreams and hard work, and a source of inspiration for the Scoil Aireagail family who gathered together to celebrate one of their own. Click NEXT for lots more photographs from the day!