All-Star Teaching with Ciarán Kilkenny

Teachers Themselves

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When we think of Ciarán Kilkenny, most people picture the Dublin GAA star on the football pitch. But away from the roar of the crowd at Croke Park, Kilkenny's true passion unfolds in a classroom at St. Benedict's primary school in Ongar, where he's shaping young minds with the same dedication he brings to elite sport.

This conversation reveals the deeply thoughtful educator behind the sporting headlines. Kilkenny shares how his own primary school teachers became powerful role models who sparked his love for the Irish language, history and learning.

At the heart of Kilkenny's teaching philosophy is the concept of classroom as community. "It's a family," he explains, creating an environment where children learn to support each other, resolve conflicts, and develop as both learners and people.

What's particularly fascinating is how Kilkenny's sporting background enriches his teaching. The self-discipline, reflection, and growth mindset cultivated through elite sport transfer powerfully to education. "You're constantly reflecting on how you can improve," he notes – an approach he models for his pupils. His commitment to identifying and nurturing each child's unique talents stems from his appreciation for how his own teachers supported his sporting development. His balanced perspective as both a celebrated athlete and committed teacher provides a unique window into how different professional worlds can inform and enhance each other.

Join us for this revealing conversation that will change how you think about the relationship between sport, teaching, and creating nurturing environments where young people can discover their full potential.

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

Chapters

1. All-Star Teaching with Ciarán Kilkenny (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Teachers Themselves Podcast (00:00:07)

3. Ciarán's Educational Background and Influences (00:01:32)

4. Core Values in the Classroom (00:04:42)

5. Teaching Philosophy and Favorite Subjects (00:09:00)

6. Innovation and Further Education (00:14:56)

7. Sports Skills in Teaching Life (00:20:00)

8. Challenges in Irish Education System (00:25:25)

9. Episode Closing and Contact Information (00:28:17)