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 proved that young people aren’t just learning history; they’re making it come alive.
Buoyed by the success of last year’s competition, Kilkenny Local Studies, Kilkenny Archaeological Society and Rothe House Trust have once again teamed up to bring the Fadó, Fadó: Sparking Memories competition back for 2026.
In the spirit of Henry Ford’s famous words, ‘Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success’, the organisers are excited to see what fresh discoveries this year’s students will share.
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 organisers 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.
Whether it’s delving into family stories, exploring a forgotten corner of the community, or shining a light on a local character, students are encouraged to get curious and bring the past to life in their own creative way.
‘Given the high quality and range of projects entered last year, we can’t wait to find out what our young historians will tackle this year,’ says Geraldine Tierney of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, one of the organisers – a sentiment shared by committee members, Alicia Dunphy and Ann Murtagh.
How to Enter
Entries for the Fadó, Fadó: Sparking Memories competition are now open.
The closing date for submissions is 4:00 pm, Friday, 13th February 2026. Winners will be notified on Friday, 10th April. A prize-giving ceremony will take place in the Mayfair Library at 5 pm on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.
Primary students click here.
Secondary students click here.
Winners
Winners in each category will take home €100 and a shiny 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.
First and second prize-winners will also get a family pass to explore Rothe House, the perfect place to keep those history sparks flying!
