Kilkenny College’s new music and arts building officially opens

Kilkenny College welcomed members of the school and wider community as the ribbon was officially cut on the school’s new music and arts building on Monday afternoon.

Members of the Board of Directors, Management Committee, Development Foundation, Societies and Parents Association, as well as students, teaching and support staff from the Art and Music departments and generous donors, worked on the project which was officially blessed and opened by the Rt. Revd Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.

The Leighton Building, which includes Milne Hall (music room) and Kenny Studio (art room), will significantly improve the facilities at Kilkenny College. In the coming days and weeks it will be fully occupied by the music and arts departments.
Emma Raughter, Principal of Kilkenny College, Aubrey Nuzum, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, Rosemary Wallace, Chairman of BOM

Layton House is named after the late Essy Layton, a good neighbor and friend of Kilkenny College for many years. She provided moral and material support to Kilkenny College and was passionate about education and its power to change lives.

She was particularly fond of the music department and was very generous in her support of the college. Milne Hall is named after former music teacher David Milne. Mr Milne dedicated his teaching career at Kilkenny College to the music department.

When he arrived, music wasn’t even an option for Leaving Cert students. When he retired, the school offered courses through to Leaving Cert, School Orchestra, Junior School, Senior School and Chamber Choir. Mr Milne also taught piano, singing, double bass and grew the instrumental music program to what it is today, one of the largest in the country.
Studio Kenny is named after recently retired art teacher Trini Kenny. Ms Kenny shows commitment, enthusiasm, fun and expertise when teaching art at Kilkenny College. Her talent and dedication have inspired many students and driven them to achieve far beyond their own expectations.

Kilkenny College would like to thank its design team, CJ Falconer and Associates, and main contractor, Eugene Foley Construction, for their professionalism and guidance throughout the project.