Kilcullen News Update

Working from home public consultation ... Hurling and football cups at Scoil Bhride ... Santa lights switch-on coming ... CPC TY30 postponed ... Children's science author for Woodbine ... Kilcullen Bridge Club do well at Congress ... Parish Lotto Draw numbers ... Funeral arrangements for Breda Fleming ...

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

Remote working review seeks public input

Image: Vlada Karpovich via Pexels.

Workers in Kildare are urged to give their views on remote working to a public consultation that ends on 9 December, writes Brian Byrne. The consultation is part of a review of legislation that gives workers the right to request to work from home.

Though headlined as a significant milestone in modernising workplace entitlements, when the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was passed, there were many complaints that the matter was too heavily weighted in the employer’s ability to refuse a request. 

The review announced last week provides an opportunity to hear directly from interested parties and obtain views on how the legislation is operating in practice.

Asking Kildare people to make their views on the legislation known, Kildare South TD and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the review provides an opportunity to hear directly from interested parties. He also said that remote working can be 'transformative'. “It also broadens access to the labour market, helping parents, carers, and those living outside major urban centres to participate fully in the workforce.”

Submissions to the review can be made at this link. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Santa switch-on of Christmas Lights

A reminder that Santa will officially switch on the Christmas Lights organised by KCA on Friday evening.

The celebrations begin at 6pm with the Kilcullen Gospel Choir performing in the Market Square, where the town Christmas tree has been erected.

Santa is expected to arrive at 6.30pm, and everyone is invited to join him for the countdown.

The organisers ask everyone to wear bright clothing or hi-viz vests.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Transition Year Reunion postponed

The Cross and Passion College celebration of 30 years of Transition Year Reunion, scheduled for 5 December 2025, has been postponed.

A new date will be announced later.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Children's science author in Woodbine Books

Children's author and scientist Dr Shane Bergin will be in Woodbine Books on Saturday next, 29 November, to talk about his book The Experimenters.

The book and event are suitable for children aged four upwards, and Dr Shane will discuss how Luke and Ruby have a sleepover with their grandparents, who teach them about science and how to explore the world around them.

The event starts at 3pm. Grandparents welcome too.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormnstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 25 November 2025 were 3, 14, 21 and 29. 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 €19,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Holly Egan (Promoter Bereda McCormack), Siobhan Tuite (Siobhan Tuite) and Breda McCormack (Breda McCormack).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Trish Byrne and The Parish, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Bernie Kirby.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Kilcullen Bridge team do well at Congress

The Kilcullen Bridge Club team came a close second in the recent Kilkenny Congress, after beating several more fancied teams, writes Brian Byrne.

In one of several what were described as ‘surprise results’, the Kilcullen side comprising Norah Kelly, Kathy Monks, Carmel Gleeson and Marie O’Mara, was just held off from the top spot by a team led by former CBAI president Doreen McInerney with Patrick Martin, Jim Stokes and Neil Breheny.

The Congress was held at the Kilkenny Bridge Centre.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Prestigious cups at Scoil Bhride today

The Joe McDonagh Cup for inter-county hurling and the Tailteann Cup for Gaelic football, won by the Kildare senior men's hurlers and footballers respectively, were brought to Scoil Bhride today, in advance of the Cumann na mBunscol AGM, which is being held in Lawlors Hotel in Naas this evening.

Cumann na mBunscol promotes football, hurling, camogie, and basketball in primary schools across County Kildare, and Scoil Bhride staff members Shane Power, Seamus Hanafin, and Shelley O'Brien are very involved at the county level. They're pictured above with pupils and the principal, Sarah Fitzpatrick.

"We were fortunate to have the opportunity to celebrate the cups at the school today," says Muiris Ó Raoghaill, who provided the information and the photographs.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Kilcullen News Update

Wide range of businesses for Kilcullen Christmas shopping day ... 'Make catfishing a specific criminal offence' - Senator ... Last chance to enter special GAA Lotto Draw and Raffle ... Coat Drive for Homeless ... Rescue Dogs Calendar launch on Friday ... The passing of Breda Fleming ...

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

Wide range of businesses for Kilcullen Christmas Festival day

Photography, bookbinding, prints, candles and a range of greeting cards and gifts are just some of the items that will be available in Kilcullen Town Hall on Friday's Christmas Festival day of shopping, writes Brian Byrne.

These will be showcased at more than a dozen pop-up stalls run by several businesses that don't have their own retail shop outlets. The mainstream Kilcullen businesses will also be part of a day of Christmas cheer and fun, organised by Kilcullen Town Promoters, evolved from the Kilcullen Business Group established in the last couple of years. It will include a Santa's Grotto behind An Tearmann, a Craft Fair, and a Treasure Trail of shop windows.

The Kilcullen Christmas Festival Shopping Day is running all through Friday, from 11am until 6pm, finishing off with KCA's Christmas Lights switch-on in the Market Square and a Santa visit.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

'Make catfishing specific criminal offence' - Senator

The online practice of catfishing should be a specific criminal offence as part of a drive against digital violence against women, says Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. She makes the call on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The theme of the UN-designated day this year is the escalating reality of digital abuse against women. Senator O’Loughlin said Ireland must respond by updating its laws to reflect how violence against women is evolving. "We need to make our legal system fit for the digital age and protect women from abuse that is every bit as damaging as what happens offline," she says in a statement. 

Senator O’Loughlin reintroduced her Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2025 last April. The legislation would make catfishing a standalone criminal offence, allowing An Garda Síochána to properly investigate and act where individuals are harmed by online deception.

The bill would also give victims whose identities have been stolen a clear legal route to access data from dating apps and social media platforms. "This is information many companies currently withhold unless compelled by a court order," the senator says. "As a result, victims are often left without any means to remove stolen images or to find out what has been done in their name."

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Coat Drive for Homeless

Image: Mart Production via Pexels.

A Coat Drive for the Homeless will be held at The Elms in Punchestown on Saturday next, 29 November.

Operating between 10am and 2pm, the organisers of the event are looking for warm, winter-appropriate clothing that is still in good condition. There is a huge need for men’s clothing, such as coats, tracksuits, gloves, hats, shoes, and underwear, as well as ladies' jackets, hats, gloves, and socks.

All donations will be given to Tiglin, a charity dedicated to addressing Ireland's homeless crisis. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Rescue Dogs Calendar launch on Friday

A reminder that the special Rescue Dogs Calendar created as a fundraiser for the Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA will be launched this Friday, 28 November, in Fallons. The main calendar sponsor is Cottage Veterinary, with other supporters including Eurospar Kilcullen, Fallons, Mart Coffee, and Berney's Chemist, Mace Athgarvan, Mindology Wellness Centre in Clane, Medals & Pedals in Clane, and Studio Print Clane. The photos for the publication were taken by the Kilcullen Photography Club. 

The launch will be during the Top Dog pub quiz in aid of the charity. Raffle sponsors on the night are Stina Flowers, the River Cafe, and the Hair Emporium. 

Things get going at 7pm. A table for five people costs €30. Tables can be booked on Eventbrite: rescuedoggycalendarlaunchpubquiz

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

The passing of Breda Fleming

The death has occurred of Breda Fleming, (nee Cassidy), of Blackhall, Calverstown, Kilcullen, on 24 November 2025. 

Predeceased by her loving husband Tommy, her loving sister Madge, and her parents Michael and Bridget, Breda is sadly missed by her loving son Michael and her loving daughter Pam, her grandchildren Mikey, Megan, Grace and Greg, and her great-grandchild Darcie. Also dearly missed by her Sisters Betty and Geraldine, daughter-in-law Lesley, brother-in-law Ger, and her many nieces and nephews, extended family and a wide circle of neighbours and friends.

Breda is reposing at her residence (R56 HN72) today, Wednesday 26th, from 5pm to 8pm with prayers at 7.30pm. Removal tomorrow, Thursday morning, by Leigh's Funeral Directors to Crookstown Parish Church for 11 o'clock Requiem Mass. Burial will be afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. 

The Mass will be live-streamed on this link. House Strictly Private, Thursday morning, please.

Rest in peace.

Last chance to be in GAA Super Raffle

This week is the last chance to take part in the special November promotion of the Kilcullen GAA Lotto Draw and be entered in a Super Raffle alongside the chance to win in the Lotto itself.

Anyone who signs up for a 12-week Lotto Special will be entered into the Super Raffle, with a 1st Prize each weekend of the month of a Nolan's Breakfast Hamper. Additional prizes are sponsored by Little Brew Cafe, Fallons of Kilcullen, 5 a Day Fruit & Veg, and Britvic.

Proceeds of the Kilcullen GAA Lotto in November will be used for maintenance of the Community Walkway, and all contributions to support this would be greatly appreciated.

Click this link to play online and also be entered into the Super Raffle. NB: Select Option: November Special (1 line for 12 weeks) €20. 

Anyone who would prefer to participate offline, call/text Pat at 087 6275571.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Kilcullen News Update

Busy week in run-up to Christmas season ... Planning permission refusal ... Safety Meeting in Kilcullen ... Christmas cinema ... Maintain Hope Raffle ... The passing of Larry Mulryan ...

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

Narraghmore Christmas Community Night

A Christmas Community Night is planned for Narraghmore on Thursday, 18 December.

Kicking off at 6.30pm in Mel's Courtyard, an evening of Christmas fun is promised, with Santa scheduled to arrive at 7pm.

Wrap up to keep warm and bring along a plate to share. All welcome.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Kilcullen Opticians looking at you for Kilcullen Christmas Festival

Aisling, Gosia, Colette, Bridget, Lisa, with Nichola at the Silmo Paris trade show.

Along with other retailers and pop-ups in Kilcullen, Kilcullen Optometrists are gearing up for the Kilcullen Christmas Festival shopping day this coming Friday, 28 November. The eyewear and eyecare specialists will be welcoming customers at both their boutique shop and Kilcullen Town Hall.

Among the offers will be exclusive eyewear gift packs, designer sunglasses — as necessary in winter as in summer — dry-eye pampering kits, and the latest frames from top makers Anne et Valentin, Ørgreen, and, from early 2026, Nina Mur.

The Kilcullen Christmas Festival, organised by Kilcullen Town Promoters, will feature a Santa's Grotto behind An Tearmann, a Craft Fair, and a Treasure Trail of shop windows. Make it a day of Christmas cheer and fun, from 11am to 6pm, followed by the official switch-on of the Kilcullen Christmas Lights organised by KCA.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy