Kilkenny Young Researchers Competition for Secondary Schools

Fadó Fadó - Sparking Memories

Kilkenny Young Researchers Competition for Secondary Schools

A competition run by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Kilkenny County Council Library Service, and Rothe House Trust for 3rd Years and Transition Year Students in Secondary Schools.  

Theme: The Past is My Place

THIRD YEAR STUDENTS:  The CBA Projects completed in 2025.

TRANSITION YEAR STUDENTS: Projects relating to (a) Kilkenny City and County, or (b) another area in Ireland or outside Ireland that students have a connection with.

A3 or A4 format is preferred, but other display formats will also be accepted. Word Count: Between 750 and 1500.

Click here for submission form

Research process: We encourage entrants to contact and/or visit local museums, local libraries and archives as part of their research. Entrants are also encouraged to orally engage with people of interest from their own locality. Staff at the dedicated Local Studies Department in John’s Green, Kilkenny, will be available to help with your research, provide support, answer questions, and offer general guidance. Also, staff will be at hand to help at the eight library branches across County Kilkenny: Callan, Castlecomer, Ferrybank, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown, Urlingford, as well as two branches in Kilkenny City – Loughboy Library and the Mayfair Library.

Like to set up a class visit to your local library? Contact lstudies@kilkennylibrary.ie to arrange it.

Referencing: Entrants are requested to acknowledge their sources, including online sources.

Use of images: Entrants are encouraged to include images in their submissions. See submission form for further information regarding permission of use, etc.

FOR TRANSITION YEAR AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS Projects will be marked under the following headings:

1. Use of primary sources Students are encouraged to work with original materials such as photographs, letters, newspapers, oral histories/interviews, or official records.
2. Historical accuracy Projects should reflect a true and faithful representation of past events, people, and contexts. Students should check their facts carefully and avoid adding details that are not supported by evidence.
3. Understanding and insight Work should show that students can think about history. This includes analysing sources, explaining cause and effect, identifying change and continuity, and making thoughtful connections.
4. Presentation The way the project is put together matters. Clear, neat handwriting (if that is the chosen method of presentation), well-chosen visuals, and logical organisation help communicate ideas effectively and make the work engaging.
5. Effort and participation Credit is given for the time, creativity, and involvement shown. Genuine effort and active participation are valued.

Submission: Please fill in the submission form. Entries may be submitted to Kilkenny County Council Library Services, Local Studies Department, John’s Green House, John’s Green, Kilkenny, R95 YH61 in person or by email to lstudies@kilkennylibrary.ie on or prior to the competition deadline of 4 pm on Friday 13th February 2026. For more information, see www.kilkennylibrary.ie

Prizes for Transition Years                                                          Ist €100, a cup & family pass to Rothe House & Garden 2nd €75, & family pass to Rothe House & Garden 5 Highly Commended: a framed certificate.

Prizes for 3rd Years                                                          Ist €100, a cup & family pass to Rothe House & Garden 2nd €75, a medal & family pass to Rothe House & Garden 5 Highly Commended: a framed certificate.

Winners will be announced on Friday, 10th April 2026.

Each student who participates in the competition will receive a certificate. Winning entries will be digitised and available for online viewing on the Kilkenny Library Digital Archive. https://digital-archive.kilkenny.ie/. The prize-giving ceremony will take place in the Mayfair Library at 5 pm on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.