06/05/25 09:54
Press Release
Winners Announced in the “Fado, Fadó Sparking Memories” Competition 2025
Kilkenny's love for local history came alive through the Fado, Fadó Young Researchers Primary School Competition, which invited pupils across Kilkenny to delve into family stories, landmarks, and historical events. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 entries showcasing imagination, originality, and heartfelt connections.
A prize-giving ceremony was held at Rothe House on April 28th, where children, parents and teachers along with library staff and invited guests witnessed the winners receiving trophies, vouchers, and educational experiences for their classes and a visit to the library. Speakers at the event were Senator Malcolm Noonan, Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Director of Services from Kilkenny County Council, Fiona Deegan, and Ian Coulter from Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
In the Senior Category: 1st place went to Beatrice Mealy, Presentation Convent N.S. Castlecomer Co Kilkenny& 2nd place to Annie Comerford, St John of God, Upper New Street, Kilkenny.
In the Junior Category: 1st place went to Patrick Gallagher, Clara National School & 2nd place went to Katie Shortt, Clara National School.
There were also highly commended entries by pupils who also attended the event and received book tokens.
The Judges praised the outstanding quality and diversity of the projects, which ranged from personal family histories to local landmarks and even international connections. The organisers who collaborated on the project including Kilkenny County Council Library Service, Kilkenny Archaeological Society and Rothe House Trust and Garden are thrilled with the success and plan to expand the competition to post-primary level next year, continuing to foster a passion for history and community pride among Kilkenny's youth.
The winning projects, alongside other commendable entries, are digitised and are accessible here on the Kilkenny Library Digital Archive.
For further information please contact Alicia Dunphy at alicia.dunphy@kilkennycoco.ie
Photos from prizegiving ceremony courtesy of Imagery by Ro photography.
1st photo is Beatrice Mealy with Senator Malcolm Noonan
2nd photo is Patrick Gallagher with Mayor Andrew Mc Guinness
3rd photo is a group picture of attendees.
