Kinsale Community School (KCS) today welcomed EU Commissioner Michael McGrath for the official launch of FÉILTE, a Jean Monnet EU Learning Initiative, marking an important milestone in the school’s expanding leadership in European education, inclusion, sustainability, and digital innovation.

During his visit, the Commissioner met students and staff in Rang Réalta, the school’s MLD classroom, where he praised KCS’s strong culture of inclusion and its commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners. He then engaged with 5th Year students from the Climate Action and Sustainable Development (CASD) programme, discussing EU priorities in sustainability, digitalisation, and green finance—central pillars of Europe’s long-term economic resilience.

The formal launch of the FÉILTE Jean Monnet EU Learning Initiative took place in the Shane Fitzsimons Riverside Concert Theatre. The initiative, funded through Erasmus+, supports schools and vocational education and training centres in introducing and strengthening teaching about the European Union—its values, institutions, policies, and global role.

Kinsale Community School’s Jean Monnet project; FÉILTE aims to deepen students’ understanding of the European Union and foster a strong sense of shared European identity. Through this initiative, the school will promote critical thinking, active citizenship, and leadership, empowering students to become informed, engaged participants in Europe’s democratic, cultural, and social future.

Principal McCarthy outlined the significance of embedding European perspectives across school life, aligning the initiative with the KCS motto “All Together in Learning.”

Principal Fergal McCarthy said:
“Today reflects who we are as a school — inclusive, outward-looking, and ambitious for every student. Our FEILTE Jean Monnet initiative strengthens our belief that European identity begins in the classroom, through connection, curiosity, and active citizenship. We are proud to play our part in shaping a generation that sees Europe not just as a place on a map, but as a shared community of values and opportunity.”

Commissioner McGrath also recognised KCS with its latest European Innovative Teaching Award (EITA) Award, recognising the school as one of Ireland’s leading institutions in European engagement and innovation.

A keynote address by Commissioner McGrath was followed by a panel discussion titled “The Power of the European Classroom – Education, Inclusion and Opportunity for All.” Participants included Dr Emmanuelle Schön-Quinlivan (UCC), Dr Kevin Marshall (Microsoft Education Ireland), Áine Lynch (National Parents Council), Principal McCarthy, and senior student Martin Hickey, representing the European Youth Parliament. The discussion explored European democracy, digital skills, intergenerational learning, and the evolving partnership between schools, families, and industry.

Commissioner Michael McGrath commented:
“Visiting Kinsale Community School today reminds me how central young people are to the future of our democracy. It all begins with curiosity about the world – and in my case Irish history - and the drive to make a positive impact. Through the European Union, we have the chance to tackle challenges together and build a stronger, fairer Europe. I’m inspired by the students here — the next generation of leaders who are ready to change the world, and to launch the FÉILTE Initiative to provide students with the skills to bring about that change.”

A notable feature of the visit was a student-led podcast with 6th Year students Shea O’Connor and Farragh Keenaghan, during which the Commissioner discussed the European Democracy Shield, media polarisation, and the role of informed civic dialogue.

Teacher of Politics & Society Aoife Houlihan, who moderated the panel discussion, emphasised the importance of such engagement for student learning. Aoife Houlihan, Teacher of Politics & Society, said:
“For students to meet an EU Commissioner, ask challenging questions, and hear honest, thoughtful responses brings education to life in ways a classroom alone cannot achieve. Today’s discussions show our young people that their voices matter — that they are already active participants in democracy, not just future voters.”

Kinsale Community School extends its sincere thanks to Commissioner McGrath for his visit and looks forward to continued collaboration that empowers students to contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and democratic Europe.