Fadó, Fadó Launch: Press Release

Fadó, Fadó: Sparking Memories Competition Returns for 2026

History is alive and well in Kilkenny classrooms! Last year, local students wowed judges with their incredible projects for the Fadó, Fadó: Sparking Memories competition. Everything from stepping inside a perfectly preserved cottage to uncovering the fascinating story of items of national importance being auctioned in a former Castlecomer cinema featured among the entries. The passion, creativity, and curiosity shown proved that young people aren't just learning history, they're making it come alive.

Following the success of last year's competition, Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Local Studies Dept, Kilkenny Archaeological Society and Rothe House Trust have once again teamed up to bring the Fadó, Fadó: Sparking Memories competition back for 2026. At primary school level, the theme is Stories from Lives of People in the Past, encouraging pupils to focus on people in their locality or even within their own family. There is one category for the primary level, covering Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Classes.

Meanwhile, secondary students in Third Year and Transition Year are invited to enter under the theme The Past is My Place. Each has its own category. To support this exciting expansion, the team have been joined by Martin O'Neill, history teacher at St Kieran's College and a familiar voice from the Ceol agus Comhrá programme on Community Radio Kilkenny City.

“We are looking forward to reading all about our local folklore and history and we hope this competition will encourage the students to explore their sense of place and their heritage,” says Alicia Dunphy, Library Staff Officer, Local Studies Department.

How to Enter Entries for the Fadó, Fadó: Sparking Memories competition are now open. Project guidelines and entry forms are available from on www.kilkennylibrary.ie. The closing date for submissions is 4:00 pm, Friday, 13th February 2026.

Winners

Winners in each category will take home €100 and winner's cup, while runners-up will receive €75 and a medal. Additionally, five projects in each category will be singled out as Highly Commended and awarded a special certificate. Every prize-winner will also get a family pass to explore Rothe House, the perfect place to keep those history sparks flying!

For more information, please contact Alicia Dunphy, Library Staff Officer

Email lstudies@kilkennycoco.ie

Phone 056 7794160

Image: Alicia Dunphy, Valerie O’Sullivan, Ann Murtagh, Anne Lannon, Geraldine Tierney Regina Fitzpatrick, Martin O’Neill, Fonsie Mealy & Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council - Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh.