Kilcullen's Calendar Girls present cheque to Naas Hospital

Kilcullen Drama Group presented a cheque for €3,500 to the Friends of Naas Hospital last evening, writes Brian Byrne. The money was raised by the group's 2025 calendar, produced in association with their Calendar Girls 2024 play. 

The funds will be directed towards the Oncology Department for patient comfort needs. 

The drama group's production in November 2024 was a sellout, with two additional performances in December. The story is based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for leukaemia research under the auspices of the Women's Institutes in April 1999, after the husband of one of their members died from cancer.

Friends of Naas Hospital was established in 1978 and, over the decades, has contributed substantially to providing resources that improve patient comfort at the hospital.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Community textile exhibition in Town Hall

A community textile exhibition has opened in Kilcullen Town Hall, featuring the results of workshops on a community quilt project organised by Dúlra Cill Dara, writes Brian Byrne. Threads of Connection is part of First Fortnight 2026, a programme that links art and mental health.

The exhibition brings together nature, memory, and community, honouring older people’s memories and traditional skills, and highlights the mental health benefits of time spent in nature and creative making.

The display includes digital and printed reflections, béaloideas (oral traditions), and participants' words of wisdom.

Threads of Connection will run until Saturday, 17 January, and opening times are from 10am weekdays, except Thursdays when it's open from 5pm-8pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Widows Paradise will help Hospice, Vincent de Paul

Proceeds from this week's production of Widows Paradise at Kilcullen Town Hall will go toward funding a Cuddle Bed for St Brigid's Hospice and supporting the local St Vincent de Paul. 

Tickets are available at Woodbine Books for the Narraghmore Drama Group's performances this Friday and Saturday, 9 and 10 January. There is a preview performance on Thursday, the 8th. 

With a guarantee of an enjoyable evening, tickets cost €15 (or €5 for the preview). 

Written by Sam Cree, the play is directed by Maryclare McMahon.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 6 January 2026 were 2, 12, 16 and 20. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draws stands at €20,000 and €2,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were George Allen (Promoter Vanessa Clarke), George Warnock (Parish Office) and Ambrose O'Connell (Ronan Murray).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Adrienne Byrne and Fr Niall Mackey, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Miriam McDonnell.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Traffic disruption in Kilcullen from next week

Works to renew and extend the footpaths at downtown Kilcullen get underway next week, and Kildare County Council has advance signs up warning of traffic disruption, writes Brian Byrne. The work was initially scheduled for before Christmas but was postponed to facilitate shopping and traffic during the festive season.

The existing footpaths will be widened on the River Cafe side and extended down to the entrance to the Riverside housing at Firestop. In addition, a new junction will be created at the market square exit, eliminating the space's use as an ad hoc turning circle and reducing traffic speeds entering the square.

A new pedestrian crossing is also part of the plan. The work is slated to last through May. Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer says the project is the result of the incredible vision and foresight of  Kilcullen Community Action. 

"Their dedication to improving our town laid the foundation for these works," she posted today. "My role has been to ensure the Council remained focused on this vision and to secure the necessary funding to deliver it for our community, finally."

The councillor added that while there will be some short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits are worth it. "This project will transform our streetscape, encouraging visitors to stop, explore, and enjoy Kilcullen’s many attractions and local businesses."

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

'Christy' kicks off Kilcullen Bridge Cinema for 2026

Kilcullen Bridge Cinema begins 2026 with the Irish film Christy, showing on Tuesday, 13 January, writes Teresa Nurse of Kilcullen Lions. Directed by Cork man Brendan Canty, it won the Best Irish Film award at the Galway Film Fleadh.

Set in Cork, it tells the story of 17-year-old Christy, who is thrown out of his foster home for attacking his foster brother. He is released to the care of his half-brother, Shane, and returns to his childhood community. Having tragically lost his mother at a very young age, he feels disconnected from the place and its people, and finds it hard to settle in. However, gradually, the local community begins to connect with Christy, helping him finally feel that he may have found a place to call home.

Christy is an ideal film for the New Year. Genuine and raw, it is an uplifting portrayal of community from the perspective of a teenager seeking his place within it.

Tickets €7 are now available at Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Hurling Indoor Skills Challenge 2026 start date

Save the date for the South Kildare Shamrocks Hurling Indoor Skills Challenge 2026, writes Martin Sheridan.

The challenge runs for seven weeks starting on Friday, 16 January 2026. It will be held at Scoil Bride in Kilcullen from 7.30pm to 8.30pm each evening.

The cost is €25 per child, with discounts available for families.  All players, including beginners aged 6 to 12 (boys and girls), are welcome. Helmets and hurleys will be provided. You do not need to be a club member to attend. The children need no experience. This is a fun learning experience with coaches and older-age-group players.

Booking in advance is required. Please use Eventbrite or Revolut to  086 0265139. 

For more information, contact Martin Sheridan at Kilcullen GAA on 087 6336942 or Shay Corcoran at Two Mile House GAA on 086 0265139.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

First solo exhibition for artist Johnny Tierney

Studio 2: Making My Mark, an exhibition by artist Johnny Tierney, begins this week at the Riverbank Arts Centre, with an official opening on Thursday, 8 January at 6pm, writes Brian Byrne. The exhibition is in the McKenna Gallery and will run until 17 January.

Johnny has been creating for as long as he can remember and expects to continue doing so for the rest of his life.  Although he never attended art school, he has been drawing since childhood and continues to do so. This is his first solo exhibition, a proud moment in his life. 

He’s delighted to have the opportunity to showcase his work and invites everyone to visit. You might even get to splash some paint on a canvas if you’d like. Alternatively, simply go along and hang out for a while. 

Johnny will host a workshop on the 17th alongside artist Martina McDonald and cellist Matt Rafter. This exhibition is part of Riverbank’s programme for First Fortnight 2026.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Old Kilcullen RFC stalwart presented with Devin Toner Award

Ollie Delaney receiving the Devin Toner Perpetual Award from Joe Ceary, Clane RFC. Photo: Martin Rowe, via Kildare Now.

Ollie Delaney, a lifelong supporter of Newbridge RFC since 1970, when it was Old Kilcullen RFC, was presented with the Devin Toner Perpetual Award at a ceremony in Cill Dara RFC yesterday. 

The Award honours former Leinster and Irish international rugby player Devin Toner. It is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of rugby in the North Midlands region.

Old Kilcullen RFC was founded in 1967, initially playing from Brennan's Field. In 1972, it moved to Rosetown, Athgarvan. In 1996, the club merged with Curragh RFC and was renamed Newbridge RFC.

Ollie served as President of Old Kilcullen RFC from 1993 to 1996. He is the most longstanding member of the North Midlands Area (NMA) rugby committee, having served since 1983 in various roles, including finance and public relations.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Climate awareness and action course for seniors

A free climate course for beginners aged over 55 is being offered at Naas Library, starting at the end of February, writes Brian Byrne. It will be led by retired UN Diplomat Jacinta Barrins.

The course provides valuable insights into climate and its terminology. Participants will learn about barriers to behavioural change and how to measure their carbon footprint. They will also select an action to help the planet and implement it.

Throughout the course, progress will be shared and enjoyed over a cup of tea. Climate conversations will be held to promote discussion and understanding.

The course comprises six sessions scheduled on the following dates in 2026: 24th February, 3rd March, 10th March, 19th March, 24th March, and 5th April. Each session runs from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Naas Library. A bus stop is only a two-minute walk away.

To enrol, please call 045 980795 or email naaslib@kildarecoco.ie, or use the QR code in the header image.

Kildare County Council, the Kildare Climate Action Office, and Age Friendly Kildare support this course.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy