Looking Back: Opening of Kilcullen's new Library in 1978

With the County Kildare Library Service celebrating its 100th anniversary tomorrow, Saturday, it is of local interest to see these pictures from the opening of Kilcullen Library, published in the Leinster Leader of 25 November 1978.

Above are J G 'Gerry' Ward, Kildare County Manager; Dick Robinson, Vice Chairman, County Library Committee; Seamus O'Conchubhair, County Librarian, and Very Reverend P Kehoe, Parish Priest of Kilcullen.

On the right is Julie O'Donoghue, then Library Assistant at the Kilcullen branch.

The photos are courtesy of the Local Studies department of the library service via Kilcullen Librarian Ita Casey. Ita will be hosting complimentary refreshments for visitors to Kilcullen Community Library tomorrow morning.

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Woodbine gets new funding from Books at One Community Fund

Woodbine Books has been chosen as a recipient in the 2026 Books at One Community Prize Fund. It's the second year the Kilcullen shop has been awarded funding.

Last year's prize fund award enabled the bookshop to run a programme of community events, including Open Mic nights, a monthly board game night, a monthly sketchbook club and Club Gaeilge meetings, as well as other one-off events.

Dawn Behan says this year's prize fund will be used for something completely different. "We don't want to reveal too much yet as we are still in the planning stages," she says. "But it will allow us to provide community events and a bookselling service to a much wider local area."

She thanked the Books at One Community Fund for again believing in the Woodbine vision and providing the support to make this a reality.

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Local Enhancement Programme awards

A total of €18,396 has been allocated to Kilcullen groups under the Local Enhancement Programme, writes Brian Byrne. The LEP has been around under various names since 2018, providing capital support for many small community groups and organisations.

The programme is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The local allocations for 2026 are Kilcullen Scouts €1,554, Ballyshannon Community Hall €9,754, Camphill Communities of Ireland €2,317, and Kilcullen Community Action €4,771.

The funds have been welcomed by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon TD, who said local groups and clubs across the country are vital to Irish community life, and these grants will go a long way in supporting them in their work.

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Library Service celebrations

Naas Library and Cultural Centre will host a day of celebration this Saturday, 4 July, to mark 100 years of Kildare Library Service, writes Brian Byrne. The programme begins at 10am with children’s activities and continues throughout the day with exhibitions, local history talks, and cultural events for all ages.

A highlight will be the 2pm launch of The Story of Us: Census 1926, an exhibition presented in partnership with the National Archives. It explores life in Ireland in 1926 and will remain on display until Tuesday, 28 July.

All are welcome to attend the celebrations. Kilcullen Community Library will celebrate the centenary of the library service with complimentary refreshments on Saturday morning.

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The passing of Willie O'Connor, (Victoria, Australia)

The death has occurred of Willie O'Connor, Victoria, Australia, and late of Blackhall, Calverstown, and Dunlavin, on 1 July 2026. 

Predeceased by his parents, Jack and Mamie, his brothers Thomas and Patrick, and his sister Monica, Willie's passing is deeply regretted by his loving wife Kitty, sons Ian and Neil, daughter Karen, daughter-in-law Martina, Neil's partner Sharelle, grandchildren Madbh, Erin, and Dara, brothers Sean and Martin, sisters Marie and Josie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, and friends.

Willie's funeral will take place in Australia.

Rest in peace.

Appleton Property: Kilbelin Abbey, Newbridge

Appleton Property is commencing viewings on this exceptional A2-rated detached luxury 4-bedroomed home in Kilbelin Abbey in Newbridge this weekend. 

Built in 2021, this spacious home has an Air to Water heating system, two ensuite bedrooms, all integrated appliances in a contemporary kitchen, professionally landscaped front and rear gardens, and a cul-de-sac location with a large green area to the front and side. 

The property also has a convertible attic space, high-end fit-out, and is wall-to-wall with quality fixtures, fittings, and features. Viewing is by appointment only and commences on Saturday. 

Contact Austin Egan at Appleton Property on 045 482759, 087 1311133 or info@appleton.ie. Full details on this Daft link 

Thinking of Selling? For best results, contact Austin Egan at Appleton Property Kilcullen for a free valuation.

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Celebrate 100 years of Kildare Libraries

Kildare Library Services is celebrating 100 years of existence this Saturday, 4 July, with events in its Naas Library flagship and across the network. 

The day will also be marked in Kilcullen Community Library with tea, coffee, and cake.

All are welcome.

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Mixed ending to June in Halverstown

Acting captain of Halverstown 2, Tanzeel, with Jeff Doyle, match sponsor for last weekend. 

Perhaps it was the match sponsorship of long-time supporters of the club, the Doyle family of Blanchardstown, or the decision to reduce the game to 35 overs per side because of rain lurking on the horizon, writes Des Drumm of Halverstown Cricket Club. Or perhaps Clondalkin 3 thought bottom of the table, winless Halverstown 2 (H2) might be an easy touch, but the Kildare team finally got the win to take them off the bottom of Division 16C. 

Clondalkin must have quickly regretted putting H2 in to bat with Avaneesh Rao and Mushin Bukhari, both scoring 50s in a partnership of 108. Clondalkin had an early partnership that might have turned the tide, but 16-year-old Shamikh Khan tore into the batting attack with abandon, taking 4 wickets and helping to seal that long-awaited win by 24 runs.

Meanwhile, high-flying Halverstown 1 (H1), who had won their first five games in Division 12, were brought down to earth by Athlone 2. A hefty 96-run defeat was the outcome, despite some powerful batting by Paolo Rosa, Chris Hamilton, and Vishnu, as well as some fine bowling by Kevin Threadgold and Atul. Athlone's batting strength right down the order was the difference, finally.

We are at peak cricket season, and this coming weekend sees both H1 and H2 in action on Sunday: the former away to Rush 3 in the league, the latter at home to Terenure 4 in a T20 Minor Cup game. The Oaks, the social team of Halverstown, are away to local rivals North Kildare on Friday, whilst the Under 15 boys play Leinster B on Saturday in the league, and the joint (with North Kildare) U-15 girls team is away to North County on Sunday.

In other news, Pradyu Pamidigantam did the team proud by his performances with both bat and ball while playing for South Leinster U-13s in the District Cup against Dublin City.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a match for Halverstown, please do contact Stuart Conroy, Hon. Secretary.

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'No budget' for paint amnesty this year

Kildare County Council says there is currently no budget provision for a countywide paint amnesty this year, but the last event it ran in September 2024 cost €38,000, writes Brian Byrne. At that event, the council collected 37.3 tonnes of waste paint. 

The amnesty was delivered in partnership with the Regional Waste Management Planning Office and received contributory funding under the Anti-Dumping Initiative from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

The council says that if funding becomes available for a future paint collection event, it would support the recycling centre in Athy, with the issue possibly to be considered again in the 2027 revenue budget.

The matter was raised at the June full meeting of the council by Cllrs Mark Leigh, Kevin Duffy, and Rob Power, who asked that the council establish a countywide paint amnesty and enter into a formal agreement with the paint recycling scheme at the Circular Economy Centre in Athy to support the recycling of water-based waste paint into reusable paint.

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John Devoy show on Saturday

A new two-act show about the life of exiled Fenian John Devoy will be staged at the Moat Theatre, Naas, at 8pm on Saturday, 4 July, with tickets priced at €15.

From The Plains – The Story of John Devoy, written by musician and actor Eoghan Burke, blends storytelling, song, comedy and action to trace Devoy’s life from his childhood in Co Kildare to his role in major moments in Irish history, including An Gorta Mòr and the Easter Rising.

The production explores Devoy’s rebel days, his capture, and his later years campaigning from exile in America. Devoy, born in Greenhills, Kill, was described by Padraig Pearse as “The Greatest Fenian Of Them All.”

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Monday deadline for forestry scholarship

Coillte has reminded students interested in a career in forestry that applications for its Forestry Scholarship Programme close on Monday next, July 6.

The programme offers up to €20,000 in support over the course of a forestry degree, along with paid summer placements and possible future job opportunities with Coillte. It is open to students beginning full-time undergraduate forestry courses at UCD or SETU from September 2026.

Mark Carlin, Managing Director of Coillte Forest, said the scholarship aims to support the next generation of forestry professionals at a time when the sector is becoming increasingly important to climate action, biodiversity and rural development.

Applications can be made through coillte.ie/careers.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 30th June 2026 were 6, 12, 14 and 18. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draws is €20,000 and €7,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Sadie & Louise Byrne (Promoter May Coyne), Eugene Hall (Miriam McDonnell) and Trish Byrne (Trish Byrne).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Kay Dixon and Vivian Clarke, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Ronan Murray.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Kilcullen-based life coach launches new service

Claire Anne Droney has launched Awaken Within, a new life coaching service based in Kilcullen. The service is designed for people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and want support with healing, growth, self-discovery, and personal change. 

Claire Anne says her approach is gentle, supportive, and structured, with coaching available across areas including career, relationships, finance, health, spirituality, and family challenges.

Services include online consultations, wellness coffee walks, and structured goals and mentoring. A free 15-minute online consultation is also available for those interested in seeing whether the service is the right fit.

Awaken Within can be found at awakenwithinwellness.com, with updates shared on Instagram and TikTok. Bookings are available through Booksy. 

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Summer Art Camp in Dunlavin

A Summer Art Camp will be held at Imaal Hall in Dunlavin from 13 to 17 July 2026, offering children aged 6 and up, including teens, a chance to explore a range of creative activities.

Running Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm, the camp will include painting, drawing, clay work, printmaking, jewellery making, and badge making. The camp provides a safe environment led by a fully qualified art teacher.

The cost is €135, with a sibling rate of €120. Places are limited, and interested families can contact Patricia on 089 4401974 for more information.

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