Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 28th April 2026 were 8, 23, 25 and 29. 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 €5,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Colm Egan (Promoter Vanessa Clarke), Anna Brennan (Toby Phelan) and Anna Jennings (New Abbey Bridge Club).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vivian Clarke and The Parish Office, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Liam McDonnell.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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ELMS Montessori to Host Open Day

ELMS Early Learning Montessori School will hold an Open Day on Saturday, 9 May at 10.30am in its premises at Kilcullen Community Centre.

The event will give parents and guardians an opportunity to meet the team, explore the classrooms, and learn more about the school’s Montessori approach in a child-centred environment. Information will also be available on free ECCE places offered by the school.

The open day is aimed at families interested in early years education and those considering Montessori for their children.

For further details, contact ELMS Montessori on 087 6343037 or visit www.elmsmontessori.ie.

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Kildare County Council April meeting notes

Kildare County Council is undertaking a major enhancement of local walking and cycling infrastructure in 2026, backed by €9.5 million for active travel initiatives, writes Brian Byrne. Funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), the investment will support new schemes in Leixlip (Green Lane and Captain’s Hill), Maynooth (Celbridge Road), and Monasterevin.

Details were presented at yesterday’s full Council meeting in a report responding to a motion from Councillors Pádraig McEvoy, Pat Balfe, Aoife Breslin, Angela Feeney, Anne Breen, Mark Leigh, Noel Heavey, David Trost, Noel Connolly, and Ger Dunne. The motion highlighted the need to reduce the county’s economic vulnerability to fossil-fuel price volatility while supporting local town centres.

Councillors heard that this latest funding follows the recent completion of projects in Naas and Maynooth, along with major developments such as the Grand Canal Greenway and Barrow Blueway. A bus shelter project due to begin in May will also improve facilities in villages, including Athgarvan, Broadford, and Castledermot. Officials said more than €20 million has been allocated to active travel measures during the current council term.

A motion proposing a “One-Stop Shop” pilot scheme for council services to simplify people’s access was resisted by the executive, which cited a projected cost of €400,000 and budget constraints. The motion, from Councillors Nuala Killeen, Paula Mulroe, and Claire O’Rourke, said people often face unnecessary difficulties because of fragmented systems and multiple contact points.

Officials said demand for in-person services is falling as more people use online platforms. They noted that the Athy customer service point had closed because of low demand, while external housing clinics had limited participation. The report said the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is under review to improve query routing, response quality, and data analytics. New software and staff training for the main telephone switchboard are also planned to improve call routing and overall performance.

In other matters, a proposal from Councillor Rupert Heather to extend public alcohol bye-laws to 0.0% alcohol products, aimed at protecting minors from “shared branding,” was discussed. The Council said it currently lacks the legal authority to enforce such a ban, as existing legislation does not cover non-alcoholic beverages.

Finally, officials said a request by Councillor Tom McDonnell to establish a dedicated Irish Language Unit was unnecessary, citing the effectiveness of existing measures and the high cost of creating a new department.

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Traffic warden issuing fines in Kilcullen

Enforcement of parking regulations at the new layout in downtown Kilcullen must be through a combination of traffic warden and Garda traffic policing, the recent Kilcullen Community Action AGM heard, writes Brian Byrne. The matter arose during a discussion about motorists who had parked on the recently completed footpaths. 

Eoin Houlihan suggested to the meeting that extra bollards could be installed near the pedestrian access points to discourage motorists from using them to get onto the footpath. 

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer told the meeting that the council’s traffic warden was visiting the town every week and is issuing fines. “I know, because I’m getting the calls about them,” she said, adding that, while expensive, if extra bollards are needed, they will be provided. It was noted that footpath parking incidents were mainly happening in the evenings, when there was no traffic warden around. 

Dangerous and bad parking at pinch points on Main Street was also discussed. Antoinette Buckley reported one recent occasion when cars were parked so badly that a truck had great difficulty in getting through. 

The need for a pedestrian crossing at Nicholastown was also raised by Eoin Houlihan, who described the situation there as 'lethal', with lots of children needing to cross the road to the GAA campus. Cllr O'Dwyer said a request for a crossing had been considered by the council, along with town gates traffic calming. The council had confirmed it was warranted. "There is a commitment to do it, but it's down to funding."

READ: Tidy Towns gold medal a defining milestone - KCA AGM 

READ: KCA financial position is good 

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2025/2026 Nature Hero Awards deadline

Schools across the Republic of Ireland have until 29 May to enter the 2025/2026 Nature Hero Awards, Ireland’s standalone outdoor learning awards, writes Brian Byrne. The awards cover many topics from biodiversity actions, conservation and ecological literacy to responsible citizenship as well as physical and mental wellbeing.

Coordinated by Biodiversity in Schools in partnership with Glenveagh, the annual awards recognise biodiversity action and outdoor learning projects by students at pre-school, primary and secondary level. 

Participating schools can compete for a share of a €10,000 prize fund to improve their gardens, while achievement is also recognised through Bronze Badger, Silver Stag and Golden Eagle awards.

The winners will be announced in September.

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Kildare CU supports Halverstown CC

Members of Halverstown Cricket Club visited Kildare Credit Union to collect their cheque as part of the Credit Union's Community Outreach Programme 2026. 

Kildare Credit Union has branches in Kilcullen, Narraghmore, and Kildare.

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30 years of TY to be celebrated at CPC

A reminder that a reunion to celebrate 30 years of Transition Year at Cross and Passion College (CPC) in Kilcullen will bring together past and present members of the school community next month.

Current and former pupils, parents and guardians, staff, and local community members who have taken part in or supported the Transition Year (TY) programme are being invited to the school for a special TY30 Celebration on Wednesday, 6 May. The event will begin at 7:30pm in the school's Assembly Hall.

The evening will be an opportunity for shared memories, music and refreshments. Organisers say they are looking forward to welcoming familiar faces and marking the contribution that Transition Year has made to school and community life over the past 30 years.

If you're attending, please RSVP at this link.

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Fallons opening times for Punchestown

Fallons is now taking bookings for the Punchestown Festival and looks forward to welcoming guests for one of the restaurant's favourite weeks of the year.

Great food, great atmosphere, and a brilliant week in Kilcullen. Opening times are: Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm; Friday & Saturday: 12:30pm-9pm; Sunday: 12:30pm-7:30pm

Book online at www.fallons.ie.

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Junior prize for Kilcullen rider

Kilcullen Cycling Club rider Conor Regan took the Junior honours at the Bohermeen Youth 2 Day yesterday.

He's pictured being presented with the Jack McGlure Plate.

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Narraghmore call for planter/flower bed minders

Narraghmore Development CLG is asking members of the local community to help keep the village blooming this summer by taking care of one of its flower planters or beds.

Families and households are being invited to choose a planter or garden bed and look after it over the summer months. The commitment would involve regular watering and occasional weeding to keep the displays looking well.

Residents who would like to take part can select their preferred planter or bed on the sign-up form at this link, after which one will be allocated to them. Prizes will also be awarded at the end of the summer for the best-kept planters.

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Kildare Inclusivity Festival 2026

The 2026 Kildare Inclusivity Festival will be held at The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, 10 May, from 11am to 6pm, bringing together families, community groups and organisations for a day focused on disability inclusion, accessibility and celebration.

Following a successful debut last year, this year’s festival will have a range of new features designed to make the event more welcoming for everyone.

The free family-friendly event, hosted by County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), Kildare County Council, and partners, will include a dedicated Quiet Zone, a Quiet Entrance, and a Quiet Hour from 11am to 12pm to support visitors who may benefit from a calmer environment.

Among the additions for 2026 are a Vehicle Demonstration Zone, an external music stage and the KARE Inclusive Sports Zone. Returning attractions will include the Family Fun Zone, Barretstown Magic Moments and CKAN’s Our World Inclusive Toy Display.

More information at www.ckan.ie.

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Have you lost your keys?

A set of keys has been found in the playground. They can be retrieved by calling 087 2821697.

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Lily Beetle infestation time

This is a Lily Beetle, a pest that has become increasingly problematic in recent years and has been found in the Kilcullen area, writes Dave Byrne. The pest attacks outdoor lilies. 

The critical period for infestation is from April to July. The primary method of control involves manual removal of the beetles, followed by drowning them in soapy water. 

It is the larvae produced by the beetles that are responsible for the damage, which can destroy a potted lily overnight. 

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Strong interest in Riverside Manor rent-to-own initiative

There were more than 700 expressions of interest for seven rent-to-own housing units at Riverside Manor when the offer went live this week, writes Brian Byrne. The units are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes in the current development by Alchemy Homes.

The initiative is operated by Homely Technologies Limited, which acts as an intermediary between the developer and people who want to settle long-term in a community but are not yet in a position to buy their home. The Homely platform provides them with a stable renting option that gives the client the right to buy their home after a minimum of three years.

According to Homely co-founder Andrew Lynch, who was showcasing the homes to applicants over recent days, the scheme is for the 'forgotten middle' range of clients who can afford monthly payments but have not yet got a mortgage approval or an adequate deposit.

The Riverside Manor rentals are from €1,850 a month, with an optional monthly payment of up to €600 that builds towards a deposit. That payment also secures the tenant's right to purchase the property after three years. 

The seven homes in the current Kilcullen scheme are in an apartment block overlooking the Liffey. Andrew Lynch told the Diary that there's a possibility of further rent-to-buy units in the development, subject to interest. Homely has similar initiatives underway in Meath, Limerick and Waterford.

Rent-to-own is not currently covered by specific legislation in Ireland, but the Homely principals have been in discussion with public representatives in the Dáil with a view to progressing such legislation. 

During the rental term, the occupant is considered a tenant, and the agreement is bound by Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) regulations on rent caps and tenant rights. The Law Society of Ireland advises that all parties obtain independent legal advice in such rent-to-own agreements.

(Photos below are of the 1-bedroom apartment.)

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Plant Swap planned

Kilcullen Community Action is organising a Plant Swap on Saturday, 2 May, outside the former bank building. The event will run from 10 am to 12pm.

People are encouraged to bring along any surplus plants or seeds and swap them for varieties they do not already have. 

The idea promotes gardening, sustainability, and community spirit by giving people the chance to refresh their gardens and connect with others with gardening interests.

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