There are moments in the life of a community that stay with us forever, and Saturday, 6 September 2025, was one of those for Kildare College. More than 350 members of our community gathered to celebrate and farewell our beloved Hall.
There was so much chat, laughter, and storytelling as Old Scholars, former staff, current families, students, and staff came together to honour this iconic building. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and gratitude – a true reflection of what this space has meant to generations of Kildare women.
Since 1966, the Hall has been at the heart of Kildare. It was the College’s very first building, where 32 students began their journey with Sister Moira Broderick as the Teacher in Charge. Over the years, it has witnessed countless assemblies, concerts, liturgies, graduations, socials, and special events. Built from the sacrifice and faith of the courageous Brigidine Sisters, it has stood as a place of hope, love, and belonging for nearly six decades.
We were honoured to welcome back past Principals, Kathy McEvoy (1992-1998) and John Neate (1999-2002), who shared their reflections, along with two treasured community members – Kathy Hennig, Old Scholar(Class of 1985) and lifelong staff member, and Barbara Madonna (1978-2021), who dedicated over 40 years of service. Their words reminded us that this Hall has not just been a building, but the very heartbeat of our College.
As we close this chapter, we look ahead with excitement to the Lightbridge Centre – a place of creativity, innovation, and wellbeing that will continue to carry Kildare’s story into the future.
What a fitting and beautiful farewell for our Hall.
Brigidine Day is always a highlight of the College calendar, and this year was no exception. From start to finish, the day was alive with joy, laughter, and school spirit as we celebrated our patron saint, St Brigid. The occasion not only honoured our traditions but also brought our community closer together and raised awareness of one of Kildare Ministries’ community works, the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project.
The morning began with House gatherings, followed by a beautiful Mass dedicated to St Brigid. The liturgy reminded us of her values of compassion, courage, and service, and how her legacy continues to guide our College today. It was a meaningful way to set the tone for the celebrations ahead.
An extended recess gave students the chance to enjoy a feast of treats – from sizzling BBQs and home-made sausage rolls, to cupcakes, donuts, spiders, and more – all shared alongside fun activities and games.
The ever-popular K Factor talent show showcased the creativity and confidence of our students, with performances ranging from singing and dancing to instrumental pieces. The audience’s cheers created an electric atmosphere as every act was celebrated.
Another highlight was the Kildare Klash, inspired by Family Feud. In a spirited contest, the staff team, House Team of Horrors, faced off against the student team, The Smarties. After a close battle, the students took home the win – congratulations to them!
Brigidine Day once again captured the essence of our community – honouring tradition, celebrating talent, and sharing plenty of fun along the way. It was a day that reminded us of the unity and spirit that make our College so unique.
