GAA BBQ and 7s finals today

Kilcullen GAA is hosting the club's Summer BBQ and 7s Finals TODAY, Saturday, 15 August. The competition is sponsored by Kia dealers Dunleas of Kilcullen. 

The event kicks off at midday with the Junior C final between Dublin and Mayo, followed by the Junior B final featuring Derry and Tyrone. 

The Junior final will see Galway take on Donegal, while the Intermediate final pits Kerry against Monaghan. The day concludes with the Senior final between Armagh and Roscommon at 2.20pm, with presentations after the match. 

Fun activities will be available around the clubhouse, and all members, family, and friends are invited to join in the festivities.

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Boots on the ground at CPC

Work is well under way at CPC in advance of demolition and building work to provide new school buildings, writes Brian Byrne. A set of temporary accommodations for classrooms has to be set up first, and temporary parking for school staff cars.

The proposed extension to CPC was first announced in July of 2018. A Design Team was appointed in 2021, shortly after initial agreement to prepare documents for tender was given. A tender process was initiated in June 2024.

JJ Rhatigan was appointed as the main contractor for the construction and demolition works at the college, and began work last Monday. In addition to new school classrooms, the extension will include new play areas, landscaped spaces, car parks, ball courts, and bike parking. 

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M9 collision incident cleared at lunchtime

Kilcullen experienced very heavy traffic through the morning, following a collision incident that closed the M9 northbound between J2 Kilcullen and the M9/M7 intersection.

The incident affected all three lanes and was only cleared a short time ago (1.20pm).

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Wide spread of interests for National Heritage Week

A reminder that no less than 98 events are scheduled for Heritage Week in Kildare, running from tomorrow, 15th, to 23 August, writes Brian Byrne. Across the county, historic houses, libraries, and community groups are opening their doors for talks, tours, and workshops celebrating the area’s history and culture.

Highlights include guided walks along the Royal Canal Greenway in Kilcock, historical tours at Maynooth Castle and Castletown House, and hands-on craft workshops in Kilcullen, Celbridge and Athy libraries. Nature lovers can enjoy bog walks, butterfly and dragonfly tours at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, and a wetlands stroll in Moone.

Interactive experiences include storytelling and genealogy sessions to willow weaving, wattle and daub building, and Irish lace workshops. Families can explore the Shackleton Experience in Athy, join treasure hunts, or learn about native wildlife and conservation.

With events such as the Grand Canal Festival, concerts in Celbridge, and open days at historic homes like Leixlip Castle and Moyglare Glebe, Heritage Week in Kildare promises something for all ages. Full schedules and timings are available from local libraries and heritage centres, and also at this link. 

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Countdown to Mac & Norman's rally 2026

With just two days to go until the 24th Mac & Norman Rally, it’s worth remembering that the event has raised an incredible €643,019.55 over the past 23 years. It’s a huge achievement for each and every one of those who have supported the fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society.

The organisers hope to see everyone again on Sunday, 16th. There will be tea, coffee, and sandwiches during registration at Sully's Yard in Brannockstown, and the rally departs at approximately 1.05pm. It will pass through Kilcullen around 1.15pm and there’ll be a bucket collection as vehicles go through.

Upon return to base (W91 W351), there will be a cold lunch, and the auction will begin between 2.30pm and 3pm. Everyone is welcome on the day.

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Calverstown CFR Table Quiz

Calverstown Community First Responders are hosting a table quiz fundraiser TONIGHT, Friday, 14 August 2026, at Dowling’s in Ballyshannon. 

The event kicks off at 8pm, with tickets priced at €40 per table of four. 

All welcome for a fun night out. The group are still in training mode and not yet an active and responding CFR.

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Heritage Week event guides available free

Kildare Heritage Week Event Guides for the county are available in Kilcullen Library (while they last!).

Everyone is welcome to pick up a free copy.

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Dramatic eclipse visual effect in Kilcullen

This photo shows last evening's eclipse, in recession, behind the clouds, from Sunbury Close. iPhone 14 image by Brian Byrne.

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Wag & Bone Dog Show upcoming

The KWWSPCA annual Wag & Bone Dog Show takes place on Sunday, 6 September, at Punchestown Racecourse. Registration opens at 1pm and the show starts at 2pm.

Light refreshments will be available, and Naas Veterinary Clinic will provide subsidised microchipping at €15. Face-painting by Fab Faces by Mel and Pet Pawtraits artist Lisa will feature. 

The KWWSPCA Charity Shop in Newbridge will have a Noah’s Ark stall, a pet items stall, a raffle, and more. There will be an information stall to learn about KWWSPCA, foster care opportunities, and available dogs and cats for adoption. Some of their present rescue dogs, and many who have found forever homes, will be at the show. There’s ample free parking.

The cost is €5 per class, €20 for five classes: Veteran Dog (nine years and over), Waggiest Tail, Child under 12 with their Dog, Small Rescue Dog, Large Rescue Dog, Fanciest Female Dog, Handsomest Male Dog, Senior Citizen with their Dog, Puppy Class (under 6 months), Fancy Dress – Dog & Owner, The Dog You Would Most Like to Take Home, KWWSPCA Rescue Dog, Dog that most resembles its owner, Child under 16 with their dog, Open class – for any dog and handler who has not won first, second, or third prize in any previous class,

Best in Show - The winner of each of the above classes is automatically entered and free of charge. High Jump – Pay €2 to enter the upper grassy area. There’s a competition for small dogs and a competition for large dogs. 

Click here to pre-register. If the event is postponed due to bad weather, registration and payment will transfer to the new date.

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Concerns about proposed speed limits

Concerns that the proposed 30km/h speed limit for Kilcullen doesn't go far enough are being raised by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, writes Brian Byrne. The new speed limits in urban and residential areas across the county are currently open to public consultation.

On the map of Kilcullen in the proposal documents, the new limit runs from Conroy Park to the north end of the bridge, leaving the rest of the road at 50km/h. Cllr O'Dwyer says she's asking for it to include from the bridge to the Logstown junction, and along the Logstown road to the end of the housing estate. "It should take in the main road by Nicholastown, on the south, too," she adds.

The councillor will be making those proposals in her own submission to the consultation, and suggests that other Kilcullen people who feel similarly should send in their own observations. "Quantity is important in these things," she told the Diary, adding that she is happy to advise anyone who needs help with a submission.

The Supplementary Special Speed Limit Byelaws for Built-Up and Urban areas 2026, as proposed, are open to public view until 28 August. They can be accessed online or at the Council’s offices in Naas. 

After public consultation, councillors will consider adopting the byelaws, with any amendments, and they will take effect upon adoption. 

The byelaws are detailed in five volumes of maps, each covering a different Municipal District. Submissions can be made online in accordance with the Department of Transportation Guidelines 2025.

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