Mgr Jim Cassin (College President 1995-2004) RIP

The news of the death of Mgr Jim Cassin was greeted with great sadness by his family, many friends and colleagues in the Diocese of Ossory and here in St Kieran’s College.  Since his Ordination in 1972 Mgr Jim has been a faithful servant of the people of our Diocese and, thanks to his national roles, the Church in Ireland and given his many years of service here in St Kieran’s College by the College community past and present.

Having received his secondary school education here at St Kieran’s College and also undertaken his seminary formation here, Jim undertook his postgraduate studies in Rome. Mgr Jim then first served in the parish of Hartlepool, in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle in England before returning in 1975 to the teaching staff at St Kieran’s College.  In 1987 Jim was appointed Dean of the Seminary before being appointed as President of St Kieran’s College in 1994. While serving as the College President Mgr Jim also worked to establish, and direct, the CREIDIM Adult Religious Education centre for the Diocese of Ossory. His love of St Kieran’s and his ceaseless dedication to the College was clearly evident throughout all the years and Jim remained as a Trustee of the College for many years after he moved to Maynooth.

Jim served as President of the Association of Managers of Catholic Secondary Schools and the Joint Managerial Body representing all voluntary secondary schools in Ireland from 2000 to 2003.. From 2004 until his retirement, on grounds of ill health, Mgr Jim was the Executive Secretary of the Educational Secretariat of the Irish Episcopal Conference.  Mgr Jim was widely regarded as having excellent insight into the Irish Education system and was for many years one of the leading voices in Ireland in Education.  Mgr Jim had a wide circle of friends from his various appointments – friendships that lasted a lifetime.  Mgr Jim will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Speaking at Jim’s Funeral Mass in his native Thomastown Bishop Dermot Farrell recognised that Jim “combined a good intellect with great humility and benevolence, a way with people and good sense of humour.  He created unity; he was a builder of community around himself, a reconciler. Jim, never wanted to offend; indeed, he never wanted to make a decision that would offend anyone. His presence in the Diocese went beyond any particular task” such was his immense contribution and easy way with people.  Jim, then, was a Kieran’s man, servant of others, in so many ways – Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Key Dates

Key Dates Academic Year 2024-2025

Please note: It may be necessary to reschedule some of the below times and dates. Please check the school website throughout the year for confirmation of the most up to date information.

August
Wednesday 21st
Staff Day (No school for students)
Thursday 22nd
6th Years return at 8:50
Friday 23rd
3rd Year students return 8:50am / 1st Year Induction at 11am
Monday 26th
2nd / 5th Years and TY students return to school at 8:50am
September
Monday 16th
Open Evening
Friday 20th
Sports Day
Monday 23rd
Free Day (No school for students)
October
Monday 7th - Friday 11th
October Exams (Provisional)
Monday 14th - Friday 25th
TY Work Experience (TBC)
Thursday 17th (4:15-6:45pm)
6th Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Friday 25th (1pm)
Midterm Break Begins
November
Monday 4th (8.50 am)
School Reopens after Mid-Term Break
Thursday 7th
Dept of Education Staff Training Day (No school for students)
Thursday 14th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
3rd Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Thursday 21st (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
5th Year P/T Meeting (Provisional)
Friday 22nd
Staff Training Day (No school for students)
December
Monday 2nd - Friday 6th
Christmas Exams (6th Years / 3rd Years - provisional)
Monday 16th - Friday 20th
Christmas Exams (1st / 2nd & 5th Years)
Friday 20th (1pm)
Christmas Holidays Begin
January
Monday 6th (8:50am)
School Reopens after Christmas Holidays
Monday 20th
Oide Staff Training Day (No school for students)
Thursday 23rd (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
1st Year P/T Meeting
Thursday 30th (4.15pm - 6.45pm)
2nd Year P/T Meeting
February
Monday 3rd
St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday - No School
Tuesday 4th - Friday 14th
TY Work Experience (TBC)
Tuesday 4th - Friday 14th
Mock Examinations for JC & LC
Friday 14th February (1pm)
Midterm Break Begins
Monday 24th (8.50 am)
School Reopens after Midterm Break
Thursday 27th (4:15-6:45pm)
TY P/T Meeting
March
Saturday 1st
Entrance Assessment Test
Friday 7th
St Kieran’s Day Activities
Monday 17th
School Closed (St Patrick’s Day Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 18th
Free Day (No school for students)
April
Monday 31st (March) - Friday 4th
Easter Exams (1st & 5th Years)
Friday 11th (1pm)
Easter Holidays Begin
Monday 28th
School Reopens after Easter Holidays
May
Monday 5th
School Closed (Bank Holiday)
Monday 26th
Summer Examinations Begin (Provisional)
Friday 30th (1pm)
Summer Holidays Begin
June
Wednesday 4th
Junior & Leaving cert exams start

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