Kinsale Community School Celebrates Cork’s All-Ireland Champions and Sporting Stars
Kinsale Community School was delighted to welcome an exceptional gathering of Cork’s camogie and ladies Gaelic football stars to celebrate a remarkable year of sporting success at county, provincial and national level.
The special occasion brought together current students, past pupils and members of staff who have represented Cork with distinction. With an impressive collection of silverware on display, students had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the dedication, resilience and teamwork behind these outstanding achievements.
Among the guests were Saoirse McCarthy, Isobel Sheehan and Méabh Murphy, members of Cork’s 2026 All-Ireland Senior Camogie winning team. Past pupil Saoirse McCarthy (Courcey Rovers) scored a crucial goal in Cork’s victory over Galway, while staff members Isobel Sheehan (Éire Óg) and Méabh Murphy (Ballinora) played key defensive roles. All three have been nominated for the 2026 Camogie All-Star Awards.
The school also welcomed past pupils Mary Claire Murphy and Catherine Murphy, who, alongside Méabh Murphy, were members of Cork’s historic first All-Ireland U23A Camogie winning team. Méabh also enjoyed success with UCC, helping the college claim the Ashbourne Cup after a 23-year wait.
In ladies Gaelic football, the achievements of staff member Laura O’Mahony and past pupils Kate Redmond and Maisie O’Callaghan were recognised. Cork secured the Division 1 National League title this year, while Kate and Maisie also celebrated West Cork Division 1 Championship success with Kinsale.
The school proudly celebrated its minor county representatives, including Katie Crowley, Caoimhe Foley, Caoimhe O’Donnell and Aoibhín Halpin, who won the Munster Minor A Camogie Championship. Further All-Ireland success came through Anna Kelleher, Caoimhe Foley, Caoimhe O’Donnell, Hannah Deasy and Áine Kearney, members of Cork’s Munster and All-Ireland U18A Ladies Gaelic Football winning team.
Recognition was also given to the school’s U16 county representatives across camogie, ladies Gaelic football and soccer: Kayla O’Toole, Aideen O’Shea, Kayleigh Murphy, Evelyn Rath, Emma Dennehy and Zoe Harte.
Kinsale Community School teachers, Isobel and Méabh, shared valuable advice with students. Isobel reflected that some of her fondest school memories came from playing sport alongside her classmates, emphasising the confidence, leadership, friendships and resilience developed through participation. She encouraged students to keep showing up and pushing through setbacks. Méabh reinforced the importance of making time for sport, highlighting the friendships, opportunities and life skills gained from staying involved.
Welcoming the players, Deputy Principal, Ms. Claire Sheehan praised their outstanding achievements and highlighted the vital role of schools and local clubs in fostering a lifelong love of sport. Particular emphasis was placed on the unique value of school sport, which brings students from different club teams together to represent their school, building friendships, teamwork and a shared sense of pride and belonging. The Deputy Principal encouraged all students to embrace sporting opportunities, reminding them that the benefits of participation extend far beyond medals and championships, developing confidence, resilience, leadership and friendships that can last a lifetime.
Kinsale Community School extends its warmest congratulations to all the players on their remarkable achievements and thanks them for inspiring the next generation of young athletes. Their success is a tremendous source of pride for the entire school community.
Comhghairdeas libh go léir — Up Cork!