Pictures: Kilkenny Carlow ETB honours 13 high-achieving local students at Student of the Year Awards

Alex Fox (Colaiste Cois Siuire) , Patrick Galvin (Abbey Community College), Senan Kelly (Duiske College), Jack Ravenhall (Grennan College), Patrick Cahill ( Kilkenny City Vocational School), (seated l-r), Holly Long ( Scoil Aireagail), Dr. Pauline Egan (Director of School KCETB),  Dr. Lindsay Malone (CEO KCETB), Cllr Andrea Dalton (chairperson KCETB) and Cáit Ní Chatháin ( Coláiste Pobail Osraí)placeholder image
Alex Fox (Colaiste Cois Siuire) , Patrick Galvin (Abbey Community College), Senan Kelly (Duiske College), Jack Ravenhall (Grennan College), Patrick Cahill ( Kilkenny City Vocational School), (seated l-r), Holly Long ( Scoil Aireagail), Dr. Pauline Egan (Director of School KCETB), Dr. Lindsay Malone (CEO KCETB), Cllr Andrea Dalton (chairperson KCETB) and Cáit Ní Chatháin ( Coláiste Pobail Osraí) | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

Students from post-primary schools in counties Kilkenny and Carlow were awarded for their personal and academic achievements at the KCETB Student of the Year Awards

The KCETB Student of the Year Awards took place at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel on Friday (4 Sept) afternoon. Thirteen students, each of whom have made a difference to their school community, were awarded for their respective post-primary schools in counties Kilkenny and Carlow.

Senan Kelly from Duiske College pictured with Deputy Principal John Dunne and Conor Walsh (Duiske College)placeholder image
Senan Kelly from Duiske College pictured with Deputy Principal John Dunne and Conor Walsh (Duiske College) | Michael O'Rourke

KCETB’s Student of the Year Awards recognises personal and academic achievement. It is awarded to the student who has contributed to their school in a meaningful way during their time in post-primary education.

Alex Fox pictured with his parents Michael and Laura Fox, his sister and Principal at Coláiste Cois Siúire Conor Powerplaceholder image
Alex Fox pictured with his parents Michael and Laura Fox, his sister and Principal at Coláiste Cois Siúire Conor Power | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

It recognises skills and talents; dedication and determination; academic achievements; extra-curricular activities; generosity of spirit; kindness to others; willingness to take an active part in school life; and the student’s capacity to make a difference to their school community.

Cáit Ní Chatháin of Coláiste Pobail Osraí pictured with her sister and parents Shane Hutton and Chiara Hanrahanplaceholder image
Cáit Ní Chatháin of Coláiste Pobail Osraí pictured with her sister and parents Shane Hutton and Chiara Hanrahan | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

The special honour was bestowed on thirteen students who each received a specially commissioned silver medal.

Holly Long (Scoil Aireagail) pictured with her parents Rebecca and Ger Longplaceholder image
Holly Long (Scoil Aireagail) pictured with her parents Rebecca and Ger Long | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

Speaking to the students gathered on Friday afternoon Dr Pauline Egan, Director of Schools at KCETB said: “This celebration has recognised all that you have achieved. You have already accomplished so much through your hard work, resilience, talent, and commitment, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves.

Jack Ravenhall (Grennan College) pictured with his mother Maureen Ravenhallplaceholder image
Jack Ravenhall (Grennan College) pictured with his mother Maureen Ravenhall | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

“But as impressive as your achievements are, they are only the beginning. Each of you has unique gifts, ambitions, and potential, and we have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things as you make your way into the world. Wherever life takes you next, carry with you the confidence to embrace opportunities, the courage to face challenges, and the belief that you can make a real difference.”

Patrick Galvin pictured with parents Leonard and Mairéad Galvin, Deputy Principals at Abbey Community College Laura Fitzpatrick, Helen O'Connor and Colm Rice and Principal Michelle Jeffordplaceholder image
Patrick Galvin pictured with parents Leonard and Mairéad Galvin, Deputy Principals at Abbey Community College Laura Fitzpatrick, Helen O'Connor and Colm Rice and Principal Michelle Jefford | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

School principals praised their students for their valued and varied achievements, the significant contributions they made during their time in secondary school, and the leadership they demonstrated.

Back: Patrick Galvin (Abbey Community College), Senan Kelly (Duiske College), Jack Ravenhall (Grennan College) 
Front: Alex Fox (Coláiste Cois Siúire), Holly Long (Scoil Aireagail), Cáit Ní Chatháin (Coláiste Pobal Osraí) and Patrick Cahill (Kilkenny City Vocational School)placeholder image
Back: Patrick Galvin (Abbey Community College), Senan Kelly (Duiske College), Jack Ravenhall (Grennan College) Front: Alex Fox (Coláiste Cois Siúire), Holly Long (Scoil Aireagail), Cáit Ní Chatháin (Coláiste Pobal Osraí) and Patrick Cahill (Kilkenny City Vocational School) | Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026

As Chairperson of the KCETB Board, Cllr Andrea Dalton presented each student with their medal, recognising their achievements and contribution, while closing the evening was KCETB Chief Executive Dr Lindsay Malone who congratulated each one of the students on their remarkable achievements over their time at school encouraging students to take chances in life, that they will have many choices to make in their lifetime but through chances life happens.

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