Meet the Writers at JuneFest

The Newbridge June Fest will host a free literary evening at Riverbank Arts Centre on Sunday 7 June, writes Brian Byrne, featuring a “Meet the Writers” panel discussion and the announcement of the winners of the June Fest National Short Story Competition. The event, which starts at 7pm, will also include a pop-up bookshop by Woodbine Books.

Moderated by Mary Linehan, the panel will bring together Kildare-linked writers John MacKenna, Ed O’Loughlin and Martina Smith to discuss their writing journeys, the publishing world and the challenges of the craft. 

During the awards ceremony, this year’s short story competition adjudicator, John MacKenna, will announce the winner and runner-up, with the winning writer invited to read an extract from their work.

The event is free to attend, but booking is essential. 

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Membership open for St Bridget's Pitch & Putt

St Bridget’s Pitch & Putt Club is currently accepting membership applications for 2026. The club offers an accessible and affordable sport, requiring minimal equipment and suitable for all abilities, ages, and genders. 

Membership rates are €112.50 for adults, €72.50 for OAPs, €55 for full-time students under 25, and €40 for juveniles under 18. Members are affiliated with the Pitch and Putt Union (PPI) and receive a playing handicap. 

The club features practice facilities and a championship 18-hole course, with rounds typically taking less than 1.5 hours. Green fees are available daily, payable online or via QR code at the course entrance. 

The club is located behind Kilcullen Community Centre, with ample parking.

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Calverstown Community First Responders launch fundraising drive

A reminder that the new community first responder group established in Calverstown, with local volunteers, is seeking public support to help get the life-saving service up and running, writes Brian Byrne.

Calverstown Community First Responders will respond alongside the National Ambulance Service to medical emergencies in the area, such as cardiac arrests, strokes and choking incidents, where the first few minutes can be vital while an ambulance is on the way.

The group needs to raise approximately €8,000 to cover essential equipment and setup costs. Funds raised will go towards items including defibrillators (AEDs), emergency response bags, PPE, high-visibility gear and training equipment.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will be welcomed. The appeal is now live through iDonate, and supporters are also being encouraged to share the campaign to help spread the word.

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Online workshop for local business grants

A reminder that an online workshop explaining how Kildare businesses can secure grant and loan funding will take place on 11 June from 2:15pm to 3:45pm, hosted by Local Enterprise Office Kildare. The free briefing is mandatory for all grant applicants and is open to new and existing Kildare-based business owners seeking grant or loan support. 

The session will outline available funding opportunities, walk through the grant application process, highlight what makes a successful application, and detail required supporting documents and milestone planning. It will also include guidance on preparing financial projections, followed by a Q&A. 

Follow‑up mentoring will be available for participants who need further help completing projections for their funding applications.

More information here. 

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Heritage in Schools programme extending to second level

Primary school workshop. (Image: Heritage Council.)

The Heritage Council has announced the expansion of its successful Heritage in Schools (HIS) programme to include post-primary schools, including in Kildare, writes Brian Byrne. Building on over two decades of success at the primary level, the new Heritage in Schools Post-Primary (HIS-PP) initiative will connect students with heritage specialists through engaging, curriculum-linked workshops.

The programme is designed to support teachers by providing practical resources for subjects across the Junior Cycle, Senior Cycle, and Transition Year, including history, geography, science, Gaeilge, and the arts. By offering real-world experiences, the initiative aims to deepen students' appreciation for Ireland’s natural, built, and cultural heritage.

To facilitate this, there's also a national recruitment campaign seeking up to 100 heritage practitioners. Experts in fields such as archaeology, biodiversity, geology, and traditional crafts are encouraged to apply by the 6 July deadline. An information webinar for prospective applicants will be held on 5 June.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said the expansion "will give students the opportunity to engage more directly with heritage through real-world experiences and deepen their understanding of what they study".

Heritage specialists are expected to begin delivering workshops in Kildare schools starting in 2027. Schools will be able to book full-day, half-day, or shorter visits directly through an online system.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 2nd June 2026 were 4, 11, 22 and 31. 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 €6,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Mary Mahon (Promoter Wednesday Bridge Club), Breda & Stephen McCormack (Breda McCormack) and Michelle Griffin (Kay Dixon).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Miriam McDonnell and Siobhan Tuite, 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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Fairy Trail family fun in the Valley

Fun in the sun at the 2025 event.

The Fairy Trail Fun Day in the Valley on Saturday promises an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children and adults alike, writes Brian Byrne. The event is hosted by Kilcullen Community Action, supported by Kildare County Council and Kildare Credit Union.

It will run from 12 noon to 4pm and will feature Billy Bubbles Magician, Mrs Bubbles’ kids’ sprinkle and biscuit decorating, face painting, storytelling, music from local artists and a DJ. There will be free ice cream for children.

Families are invited to take part in an optional fairy-themed fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best-dressed.

The day will finish with the annual Duck Race organised by Kilcullen Lions, with the 'off' scheduled for 4pm. KCA volunteers have cleared debris from the river to give all ducks an equal chance. 

Ducks cost €5 each and can be bought from any Lions Club member now, on the street in Kilcullen on 5 June, or on the race day itself. The first duck home will win €100, with €50 for second place and a Woodbine Book Voucher for third. All proceeds will go to local charities. 

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Old Kilcullen Blessing of the Graves

Blessing of the Graves at Old Kilcullen will be conducted on Sunday next, 7 June. The 11 am Mass in Kilcullen Church will be offered for those buried in Old Kilcullen Cemetery, followed by the rosary and blessing of the graves at 12.30 pm in the cemetery.

The Gormanstown Church blessing will take place on Sunday, 28 June, after the 9.30 am Mass.

On Sunday, 6 September, prayers and blessings of the graves will be held at 2pm in New Abbey Cemetery. At 3pm, Mass will be celebrated in St Brigid’s Cemetery, followed by the blessing of the graves.

Families and parishioners are invited to attend these special times of prayer and remembrance.

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Talk on bees and climate change

A talk exploring how climate change is affecting bees, wildlife and the wider environment will be held on Wednesday evening in Athy, writes Brian Byrne. The event at the Church of Ireland Centre on the Carlow Road is open to all interested people.

Climate expert John Sweeney will address the meeting, hosted by South Kildare Beekeepers. He will outline how rising temperatures, shifting seasons and extreme weather events are disrupting bee behaviour and habitats, with knock-on effects for pollination and food production. 

Starting at 7.30pm, the event is promised to be an informative evening of “tea, chat and bee talk”, for a general audience.

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Ducks now on sale for Fairy Trail Family Fun Day race

Tightly packed field at last year's race.

A reminder that ducks are now on sale from Kilcullen Lions Club for the upcoming Family Fun Day at the Valley Park Fairy Trail, writes Brian Byrne. The annual Duck Race will take place at 4pm next Saturday, 6 June 2026, as part of the day’s activities. 

Ducks cost €5 each and can be bought from any club member now, on the street on 5 June, or on race day itself. The first duck home will win €100, with €50 for second place and a Woodbine Book Voucher for third. All proceeds will go to local charities.

Meanwhile, the Fairy Trail Fun Day promises an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children and adults alike. The event, hosted by Kilcullen Community Action, will run from 12 noon to 4pm, and will feature Billy Bubbles Magician, Mrs Bubbles’ kids’ sprinkle and biscuit decorating, face painting, storytelling, and music from local artists and a DJ. There will be free ice cream for children.

Families are invited to take part in an optional fairy-themed fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best dressed. 

The event is supported by Kildare County Council and Kildare Credit Union.

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