CPC student Carl Kenna awarded Jeremy Burke music bursary

Images courtesy of the family.

Cross and Passion College student Carl Kenna has been named the 2026 recipient of the Jeremy Burke Music Bursary, now in its third year. The €1,500 award will support his music development.

The bursary, established in memory of Jeremy Burke, supports young musicians at Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen, and was created following Jeremy’s sudden passing in Toronto in January 2023. Its aim is to honour his love of music by helping students develop their own musical talent.

Eight students from the school applied for this year’s award — Carl Kenna (winner), Alex Connelly, Grace Doyle, Nicola Pytell, Zoe Moran, Luke Duffy, Harry Smullen Coogan, and Tara McNally — with entries judged by music industry artist Elle Leon Gallagher alongside members of Jeremy’s family. 

The seven other shortlisted students were also recognised for their talent and commitment. Each received a trophy as well as a personalised handcrafted gift from the NanDog range. NanDog is run by Jeremy’s grandmother, Rita Kelly, and all proceeds from sales go directly towards funding the bursary.

Last year’s recipient, Olivia Lambert, spoke about the positive impact the bursary had on her own college experience, saying it helped build her confidence and supported her musical journey.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Louise Kelly, Jeremy’s mother, said the bursary is intended to keep Jeremy’s passion for music alive by giving other young people the opportunity to pursue their talents.

She said Jeremy had found great joy and purpose in music and would be proud to see students from his community being encouraged to follow their passion. She also said judging the entries with Elle Leon Gallagher had been both moving and challenging because of the originality and quality shown by all the students.

Jeremy’s family expressed sincere thanks to the staff and management of Cross and Passion College for their continued support of the bursary. Special thanks were given to Ms Sue Fox and the school’s music department for their dedication to students and for helping facilitate the award each year. Ms Marie Crowe from the school administration was also acknowledged for her support.

The family and the school also thanked all of the applicants for sharing their music and helping to celebrate Jeremy Burke’s legacy, and expressed their appreciation to Elle Leon Gallagher for once again giving her time and expertise to the judging process.

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