KITES ON THE CURRAGH FOR CHILDREN OF PALESTINE

Flying a kite is a symbol of joy to a child, but children in Gaza risk their lives if they do so, writes Brian Byrne. That was the core message at the 'Kites not Frights' event this afternoon on The Curragh, organised by Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) groups from Kildare, Laois, and Carlow.

There was a strong local participation as dozens of children and their families took part in the event in the pleasant autumn sunshine, and even though the wind was a little soft for the exercise, quite a number of kites were coaxed aloft, with many staying up. 

It was a happy scene, but the bleak background was indicated when the 'Blanket of Hope' arrived and was held up across its 60-metre length by adult volunteers. The 3,000 crocheted and knitted squares, made by members of the Craftivism for Palestine group, each represent 10 Gazan children killed in Israeli attacks since 7 October 2023.

The guest speaker was Jehad Al Farra, a Palestinian who has been studying in Dublin. He said he flew kites from the rooftops as a child, even during the sieges of Gaza. "Kites represent humanity, peace, joy, and happiness, especially for the kids," he said, but recalled the recent Israeli warnings against doing so after some paper kites landed in areas of Israel, which in a subsequent statement equated them with drones.

He noted how the children showed their joy and happiness as they flew their kites on the Curragh. "I wish all the children in Gaza could feel the same thing. But the only difference between the children of Gaza and children all around the world is that in Gaza they were born and raised with suffering and humiliation." 

Referencing that all peoples share the same connection of humanity and compassion, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or whether they are from Europe or Asia or Africa, he called for the children of Gaza to be given their human right to live in peace. He thanked everyone who had come to the event to show their support. "I feel so grateful for every Irish person who stands with Palestine, and this is so kind of you. We do appreciate that, and I'm so thankful on behalf of all people in Palestine. And I would like to invite you all, when it's free in my land, to come and we all say together finally, free Palestine."

Following that, Kilcullen man Kieran Behan gave a rendition of 'The Curragh of Kildare'.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

AOIBHEANN COMPLETES HER FIRST MARATHON

Images: O'Brien family.

In the Dublin Marathon last Sunday, one of the youngest in the field was Kilcullen’s own Aoibheann O’Brien, who took to the streets to compete in her first such event. Aoibheann has been a member of Crookstown Millview Athletic Club for 15 years, and is now with Lakeshore Striders.

After taking a year out for her Leaving Cert, she began her marathon training in July with the support of her family and friends, and successfully completed it. On to the next challenge!

She is pictured above with Niamh Brophy and Mick Murphy in support, and with her family.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT DATE

Carols by Candlelight 2026 will take place on Tuesday, 15 December, at 7:30pm sharp at Kilcullen Parish Church. The event includes performances by the Baldonnel Singers, tenor Paul Linehan and friends, along with the Kilcullen Gospel Choir, Naas Hospital Choir, and Lámh Choir Camphill. 

All proceeds will benefit Palliative Care services and the Solas Rooms at Naas General Hospital. Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Berney’s Pharmacy, Eilis Hair Salon, and Lorna Brophy (087 2741701), and at Kilcullen Parish Centre. 

Under 16s attend for free, and there will be a raffle on the night.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

LEONARD COHEN ANNIVERSARY IN WOODBINE

John MacKenna and Shane Sullivan will be presenting an evening of music and words in Woodbine Books on Sunday 8 November to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Leonard Cohen’s death. 

Tickets are €15 and are available in the bookshop or on EventBrite.

John was a friend of Cohen's and has written a book about their relationship, Absent Friend. The evening begins at 8pm.

READ: Absent Friend, by John MacKenna. A review. 

WATCH: Absent Friend - John McKenna in Woodbine.  

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

ADULT STORYTELLING CLASS

The second evening of a three sessions adult storytelling class is being held at Monread Community Centre, Naas, on Tuesday next, 3 November at 7pm. The class, suitable for those over 18, is facilitated by Mark Smyth, a spoken word artist and movement coach.

The sessions, which ask for a €5 donation, include movement and breath relaxation, storytelling, Orama techniques, writing prompts, and drawing. The theme for Tuesday's session is Poems and Short Stories.

Mark Smyth, who completed his MA in Drama at Maynooth University in 2025, has experience in curating cultural events and facilitating men’s circles. He lives in Newbridge.

For more information, contact Vidatrails@gmail.com or call 086 8740994.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

FAREWELL TO MARK IN THE HIDEOUT

After four years working in The Hideout, Mark Rainsford pulled his last pint there shortly before 8 o'clock this evening, writes Brian Byrne. On Sunday he reports to the Garda Training Centre at Templemore, Co Tipperary, to begin a very different career.

If you call in to the pub between now and closing time, he may still be there with friends and colleagues wishing him well. Give him your own best wishes.

Mark is pictured above, third from the left, with some of the 'Friday Crew' in their favourite front bar.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

THE PASSING OF CHRISTY MCDONALD (Ballymore)

The death has occurred of Christopher (Christy) McDonald, Broadleas, Ballymore Eustace, Kildare, on 30 October 2026. 

Husband of Christine and loving father of Christopher and Shane, Christy will be sadly missed by his family, daughters-in-law Helena and Nicola, grandchildren Rowan, Maeve, Leila and Nathan, brothers Vincent, Jim and John, sisters Sheila and Annie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, and friends.

Reposing at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Burgage More, Blessington W91 YN79 on Monday 2nd November 2026 from 5pm to 7pm. His funeral will be on Tuesday 3 November 2026 to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymore Eustace, arriving for 11 am Funeral Mass followed by burial in St Mary’s Cemetery.

May Christy’s soul Rest in Peace.

AUDIO BOOTH IN COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR MILITARY STORIES

The Dílis go Bráth podcasts recently launched in Kilcullen are now available to hear in the Community Centre, writes Brian Byrne. A booth has been set up where people can pick whichever one they want, to listen to while having a cup of coffee.

"We're grateful to Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre who lent us their audio booth player for this," says Community Centre manager Enda O'Neill. With Mary Orford and Julie O'Donoghue, Enda initiated the project, a series of stories of military service by 15 local retired military, which was implemented with sponsorship support from Kildare County Council, Winroy Interiors, Woodbine Books, Colin Clarke Paving & Craft, and Under The Apple Tree wedding videographers. 

There's also a website, dilisgobrath.ie, where these and future recordings can be heard.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

'BLANKET FOR GAZA' FOR CURRAGH KITE-FLYING FUNDRAISER

The blanket on display in Omagh.

Organisers of the kite-flying fundraiser for Gaza taking place opposite Donnelly's Hollow on the Curragh tomorrow morning are hoping to have the 3,000 squares “Granny Square for Gaza” blanket for the event. The blanket was produced by the Craftivism for Palestine group, with each square representing 10 children killed in Israeli attacks since 7 October 2023.

The blanket is almost 60 metres long, weighing 40kg, and was the centrepiece of a silent protest walk in Dublin's Grafton Street last August, involving Craftivism for Palestine and Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine. The blanket has also been displayed in different parts of the country since it was completed. The potent symbol is expected at the Curragh event around 12 noon.

Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) groups from Kildare, Laois, and Carlow are holding the "Kites Not Frights" gathering from 11.30 am tomorrow. People are invited to bring kites to fly in a display of hope and unity for the children of Gaza. All proceeds from the event will go to Children Not Numbers,  a charity providing critical medical support to children in Gaza. Those unable to attend are encouraged to support the cause online using QR codes available on local IPSC social media pages.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

SPOOKTACULAR AT LIBRARY GARDEN

Some views from last evening's Spooktacular at Kilcullen Community Library Garden, organised by KCA and the Library. 

A Rough & Ready Production by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy