Planning permission granted for 70-house development

Planning permission has been granted for a 70-home development between Moanbane Park and the Kilcullen Industrial Estate, writes Brian Byrne. The application was made by Kilcullenbridge Developments Ltd. 

Several submissions from residents of neighbouring estates related to the proposed boundary treatments, particularly wall heights, in relation to privacy concerns.

The permission is subject to 44 conditions. A contribution levy of €464,059 has been assessed for the development. 

A fully segregated cycle facility and a separate footpath will be provided by the developer on both sides of the R448, extending approximately 130 metres along the site’s front boundary. 

Dual EV charging points will be provided at every house where car parking is within the curtilage, and there will be two on-street parking spaces with EV charging points.

The development will include a new site entrance onto the Naas Road.

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Kilcullen News Update

Gormanstown Choir in Winter Concert at Kildare Cathedral ... South Kildare Shamrocks Christmas Raffle ... Elf and Casablanca in Kilcullen in December ... CPC Seniors Party ... Parish Lotto Draw results ...

Reporting since 2005 from a Village Grown Bigger. Produced by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

Christmas Raffle by South Kildare Shamrocks

The South Kildare Shamrocks are holding a Christmas Raffle with prizes that include food and wine hampers, vouchers for toys and gifts outlets, and for restaurants, writes Brian Byrne.

The Shamrocks are a combination of hurling and camogie players from GAA clubs in Kilcullen, Athgarvan, and Two Mile House, with scores of young people playing every week, competing successfully in many county divisions.

Tickets for the raffle cost €10 and can be purchased via the QR code on posters around the community, by contacting Suzanne at 086 8255937, or by email southkildareshamrocks@gmail.com. The Draw will take place on Sunday, 7 December.

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Gormanstown Choir in Syria medical relief fundraiser

A reminder that a Winter Concert at Kildare Cathedral, featuring the Gormanstown Choir, on Saturday 29 November will raise funds for the next mission to Syria by Atlantic Humanitarian Relief (AHR), writes Brian Byrne. Guest performers include Arthur Greene playing the cathedral organ, the Dara String Quartet, and the Oldcourt Duo. 

Doors open at 7.15pm, and tickets at €20 are available at the door. There will be a raffle, generously supported by individuals and Kildare businesses, and brief talks from Irish AHR volunteers, who include several from the Kilcullen area.

Operated by AHR since 2010, volunteers on the missions are from America, other parts of Europe and, increasingly in recent years, from Ireland. The twice-a-year missions provide medical, paediatric, surgical, and dental care, as well as humanitarian aid. Until this year, by necessity, they were focused on refugee camps in Northern Jordan. In April and November 2025, AHR commenced medical missions to Syria, the first conducted inside the country since the fall of the Al-Assad regime in November 2024.

"Essential medical and dental care is basically unavailable in most communities within Syria," says Dr Brendan O'Shea, who is Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Primary Care and Public Health at Trinity College Dublin. "People are dying from untreated diabetes and hypertension. The AHR 2025 missions have begun collaborating on which services can be reestablished and which are most urgently needed. The missions have been successful in forming working partnerships with several selected hospitals, community clinics, and dental facilities, and in 2026, we plan to build on these partnerships."

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen and Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 18 November 2025 were 9, 11, 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 Draw stands at €19,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Maisie Curley (Promoter Vivian Cllarke), Debbie Clifford (Vivienne Clifford) and Casey King (Breda McCormack).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Fr Niall Mackey and Miriam McDonnell, 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.

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Kilcullen News Update

Nominations open for Spirit of Kildare 2026 ... Christmas Town Festival coming closer ... Tonight at the movies in Kilcullen ... Drama Group One-Acts tickets getting scarce ... Wreath-making fundraiser for Kildare Steiner School ...

Reporting since 2005 from a Village Grown Bigger. Produced by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

Nominations open for Spirit of Kildare Awards

Nominations are open for the Spirit of Kildare Awards 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The awards will shine a spotlight on people and organisations whose actions, creativity, and commitment have made a meaningful difference to others.

The Awards are in association with Kildare County Council and the Brigid – Spirit of Kildare Festival 2026.

Achievements can be nominated across a range of categories, including Local Heritage and Biodiversity, Community Life, Youth, Environment, Arts, Sports, and Women in Leadership. The ceremony will also include a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising an individual or group who has helped place Kildare on the national or international stage.

Nominations can be submitted online and are open until 5pm on Thursday, 4 December 2025. Full details at this link. 

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Christmas Town festival

Just 11 days to go for the Christmas Town Festival organised by the Kilcullen Town Promoters, aka the Kilcullen Business Group.

The event is on 28 November, running from 11am until 6pm, at which time Santa will officially switch on the Kilcullen Christmas Lights.

The promotion's slogan is 'Your town, your shops, your Christmas! Keep it local, keep it close this Christmas!'

A Shop Windows Treasure Hunt will feature.

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Ballad of Wallis Island tonight

Don't forget, if you fancy a night at the movies, TONIGHT sees the showing of The Ballad of Wallis Island at Kilcullen Bridge Cinema.  

A 2025 comedy-drama filmed in Pembrokeshire in Wales, the film tells the story of musician Herb McGwyer, who made his name in a popular folk duo with former creative and romantic partner Nell Mortimer. Now a struggling solo artist, Herb accepts a lucrative offer from eccentric lottery winner Charles Heath to perform a private gig on a remote island. 

The appearance fee will fund Herb’s new album. But it turns out Charles — who has very personal reasons for organising the gig — has also invited Nell to play, forcing Herb into an unexpected McGwyer-Mortimer reunion. 

Described as “a big hug of a movie”, it is the perfect film for dark November evenings. Tickets are €7, on sale in Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and Eventbrite.

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Tickets for drama group shows selling fast

Spare tickets for the Kilcullen Drama Group's one-act plays season are running low, the group says. But some are still available.

The shows are Thursday through Saturday of this week. The standalone plays include The Quiet Land, directed by Letitia Hanratty; In the Shadow of the Glen, directed by Gerry O’Donoghue; and Baby Steps, directed by Esther Reddy. 

Tickets are €15 and are on sale from Woodbine Books, or phone 045 482777, and on Eventbrite.

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Steiner school seasonal workshops

The Festive Wreath workshop fundraiser for Kildare Steiner School is being held this coming Saturday at the school — a wonderful experience to enjoy alone or with your child.

Surrounded by warmth, creativity, and community spirit, the workshop experience includes all materials, a peaceful nature walk, hot refreshments, and lovingly prepared homemade treats.

It begins at 10am. Contributions — Adult: €38.50; Adult + Child under 12: €48.50. Booking at this link. 

A Wool & Wonder winter felting workshop will be held the following weekend, Saturday, 29 November 2025, from 10am to 2pm

Learn felting techniques with soft, natural wool to create a unique decorative frame — a thoughtful piece to gift or keep.

This workshop is open to adults and young people aged 12 and over.

All materials are included in the contribution of €48.50. Same booking link.

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Kilcullen News Update

No1 Fitness celebrates 10 years ... Belgian students at CPC ... Shackleton Experience general manager is from Brannockstown ... Kilcullen Bridge Cinema tomorrow night ... Showtime for Kilcullen Drama Group ... Lions Whist Drive ...

Reporting since 2005 from a Village Grown Bigger. Produced by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

Lions November Whist

The Kilcullen Lions November Whist Drive is this coming Thursday, 20 November, in Scoil Bhride.

Playing starts at 8pm sharp.

All card players welcome.

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