College Record 2011

The publication of the College Record over the years has always been an occasion of celebration.  Each edition has been very well received. Each has included a comprehensive chronicle of the main events and the good news stories in the life of the College since the previous edition.  The 2011 edition is no different. I warmly welcome its publication.

However, on this occasion it would be remiss of me not to refer to the National Mood and climate in which we find ourselves. The ongoing challenging economic situation and the restructuring of our country’s finances and banks continue to place many demands on all citizens, young and old.  We are now in our fourth year of recession.  We are faced with public and private indebtedness. Parents strive to meet the needs of their children on a reduced budget.  Many of our students are anxious about what the future holds for them.  Unemployment and involuntary emigration have revisited us with a vengeance.

For the family that is St Kieran’s and everybody involved in education and formation the impact has become more and more obvious and will sadly become more serious. Government finances, department budgets, sponsorship, personal disposable income will all come under further pressure. This in turn will further impact on our service provision for our students and on our staff. This reality now calls for a new and deeper sense of solidarity with one another – where we can sense that we are not alone in our efforts.

When you read through this edition you will feel that strong sense – from the pages rejoicing with the good news that detail the commitment and the dedication to our living traditions.  You will sense the level of teamwork, shared responsibilities, inclusiveness, pride of place and belonging.  You will sense a happy place, a campus of new initiatives – this year these have involved the W.I.T. Research and Innovation Project, St Patrick’s College Maynooth and Adult Faith Development Service as well as the on-going refurbishment of the school facilities – a good place for students and staff.

For all this much thanks are due to Mr John Curtis, Principal, Mr Adrian Finan, Deputy Principal, Fr Dermot Ryan and the Chaplaincy Team, all the staff, students and students’ council, parents and their association, my colleagues on the new Board of Management and the Trustees. The hard work, dedication, support and much goodwill mean that St Kieran’s College is well equipped to face the new reality and the challenges ahead.

As we nurture anew our lives based on our ethos, on our traditions and in God’s spirit, let us continue to pray with and for one another.

Monsignor Kieron Kennedy

College President and Chairman Board of Management