Students and teachers from Kilkenny City Vocational School were delighted to attend a Mayoral Reception in their honour in Kilkenny Town Hall on Tuesday in recognition of the Senior Boys’ and Senior Girls’ All-Ireland volleyball success.
Mayor David Fitzgerald welcomed the students and teachers to the Mayors chambers and said it was a great occasion for him whenever young people attended the historic building.
Joining the Mayor were fellow councillors Martin Brett and Andrew McGuinness.
The teams were congratulated on their amazing achievements in the school’s first entry into the senior All-Ireland volleyball championships. Girl’s team captain Sara Khaldi was presented with a copy of the book “Treasures of Kilkenny” as a gift to the school from Mayor David Fitzgerald to mark the occasion.
The teams were praised particularly for their hard work and dedication in a minority sport as well as the inclusiveness of the teams in which Irish, Italian, Ukrainian, Spanish, German and French students played side by side in training and in matches.
Coach Debbie O’Connor spoke at the reception about how the team developed strong bonds and friendships, which she said was a joy to see as it unfolded.
The team brought two All-Ireland volleyball trophies home to the very proud Kilkenny City Vocational School community from the National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown.
