Wide spread of interests for National Heritage Week

No less than 98 events are scheduled for Heritage Week in Kildare, running from 15 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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KCC Education Bursaries open for application

Kildare County Council's Education Bursary Schemes for 2026, invite applications from students in County Kildare who encounter significant challenges in pursuing third-level education. The available bursaries are:

- The William G. Carroll Bursary (Community)

- The Kildare Education Bursary for People with Disabilities

- The Kildare County Council Memorial Bursary for DEIS School Students

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 18 September 2026. More details and the online application process can be accessed at this link. 

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GAA BBQ and 7s finals upcoming

Kilcullen GAA is hosting the club's Summer BBQ and 7s Finals on 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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Basketball Camp for young players

Triple Threat Academy is hosting its first Basketball Camp in Kilcullen from 17-19 August at the Kilcullen Community Centre. The camp will cater for boys and girls in two age groups, 8-10 and 11-13, and is being run by Larrie Birds Coach Ailbhe Vanhengel.

The younger age group session will run from 9 am to 12pm, and the older group from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. 

The fee is €60, and a sibling discount is available. Sign-ups can be made through a Google Form or by contacting Ailbhe at 089 2560822. 

The camp features a structured schedule with skills work, fun games, 3x3 and small-sided games, and a small tournament. Triple Threat Academy emphasises learning from mistakes, trying new things, and supporting each other to build self-confidence on and off the court. 

All levels and abilities are welcome.

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Help sought to find Michael Hogan grave

A visitor from Australia whose parents left Kilcullen in the 1940s is seeking help to find the grave of his great-uncle, Michael Hogan, a soldier killed in August 1923, writes Brian Byrne. The only pointer is a military record which states that following his death, ‘remains sent direct by rail to Kilcullen for interment’.

Sean Burton from Melbourne has physically searched New Abbey, Old Kilcullen and Gormonstown cemeteries, but understands that an inscription to confirm Michael's location may now be illegible. "So far I’ve received very kind and generous assistance from Kilcullen residents, but his final resting place remains elusive."

With the help of John and Jimmy Brady, Sean unexpectedly found the grave of Michael Hogan's parents, in New Abbey, but there's no sign of their son's last resting place.

Sean's mother, Bernadette Hogan, lived on Hillside before emigrating to England with her parents Peter and Teresa, brother Michael and sister Philomena in the late 1940s.

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Fundraiser for cancer charities remembers Kilcullen man

An upcoming fundraiser concert in memory of Paul Smith, a Kilcullen resident of 25 years who passed away from cancer last September, will help the Irish Cancer Society and St Brigid's Hospice on The Curragh.

A Night At The Theatre is being organised by his daughter, Katie, and will take place at the Moat Theatre in Naas, County Kildare, on Sunday, 20 September, starting at 7:30 pm. It will feature performances from popular musicals and songs cherished by Paul's family. 

Tickets are priced at €30, with a group rate of €100 for four. Proceeds will be equally divided between the ICS and the Hospice, both of which supported Paul's family during his illness.  

For more information, visit the GoFundMe page, ticket site,  or Instagram page dedicated to the fundraiser. 

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CPC gets green light to build

Cross and Passion College has been granted permission to commence construction on the school's extension and refurbishment project. The development will increase the school’s capacity to 1,000 students.

A key component of the project is the inclusion of six Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms, ensuring that the school can provide tailored support to students with diverse learning requirements. 

The expansion marks a key step in accommodating the increasing number of students in the Kilcullen area.

Deputy Sean Ó Fearghaill says the move is a very welcome development for students, staff and families.

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