Kilkenny quizzers crowned national champions at Credit Union Schools Quiz Final 2026

A Kilkenny school team are national champions after winning the 2026 Credit Union Schools Quiz Final (coming through a competition involving more than 25,000 students from across the island of Ireland).

A remarkable 116 teams, representing 464 children from across the island, qualified for this year’s final, competing for the national title in two age categories: Competition A (under-11) and Competition B (under-13).

Winning Competition A were Tom Jenkinson, Edie Kemple, Kevin Gallagher and Tiarnán Hennessy from St Canice’s Co Ed Primary School, Kilkenny.

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A long‑established fixture in the credit union calendar, the Credit Union Schools Quiz continues to bring together children, schools, families, and local credit unions in one of the island’s best‑known school competitions.

The final at the RDS marked the culmination of months of preparation and teamwork, with teams having already progressed through several earlier rounds.

This year’s quiz ran under the theme ‘The Wonder of Why’, reflecting the curiosity and quick thinking that have long defined the event.

For the children taking part, it is the mix of teamwork, concentration and excitement that gives the day its distinctive atmosphere and makes reaching the final such a memorable achievement.

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The Credit Union Schools Quiz remains a key pillar of the Irish League of Credit Unions’ youth outreach programme.

For generations of schoolchildren, it has provided the opportunity to take part in a national event that values knowledge, confidence, and collaboration, while representing their school and local credit union on a national stage.

Brendan Jenkins, President of the Irish League of Credit Unions congratulated St Canice’s Co Ed Primary School on their 'fantastic achievement'.

"Well done to every student who took part in this year’s Credit Union Schools Quiz," he said.

"To come through a competition of this scale and reach the national final is a huge accomplishment, and everyone involved should be very proud.

"One of the reasons this quiz has endured for so long is that it brings together so many of the things credit unions value: community, participation, encouragement, and local pride.

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"It gives young people the chance to challenge themselves, work as a team and represent their school and local credit union on a national stage.

"It’s also an event that belongs to communities right across the island. Behind every team are teachers, families, volunteers, and local credit unions who have supported them along the way, and that shared effort is a big part of what makes the day so special."

The Credit Union Schools Quiz is a key part of the ILCU’s youth outreach programme and continues to give young people a chance to represent their school, their local credit union, and their community on a national stage.

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