Dr. Abraham Brownrigg, Bishop of Ossory, visited Germany towards the end of the 19th century where he saw typing being done for the first time. On his return to Kilkenny he suggested to Mother Evangelist Moore in the Presentation Craft School that she should begin to train girls to type. He promised to provide a "typing machine" if training in its use could be provided. Sr. Agnes Rafferty went to Dublin in 1896 and took lessons in shorthand and typing. She then returned to Kilkenny and started the Commercial School.

From the beginning it was very successful and many of the students achieved distinction. The school was located in St. Brigids beside Chapel Lane. Sr. Dympna Devlin ran the Commercial School for many years. She taught Shorthand, Typing and Book-keeping.

The Commercial School is now situated behind the new convent in Parnell Street near the "Regent" gate. The school, which is now run by Sr. Consilio, is located in the building which for many years housed the kindergarten run by Sr. Evangelist O`Shea.

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