Story of a 'gentle hero' for Kilcullen cinema

A film screening in Kilcullen Town Hall on Wednesday, 3 December, is about Patrick Lydon, described as 'the spirit and engine' behind the growth and development of the Camphill Communities in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Born That Way tells his story. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Patrick Lydon was born in Massachusetts to an Irish family and came to Ireland in 1972 to avoid being sent to fight in Vietnam. With his wife, Gladys, he established the innovative Camphill Community for children in Ballytobin, Co Kilkenny. The initiative provided people with special needs with dignity and fulfilment in their lives, and over the following three decades, growing out of the community in Ballytobin and steered by Patrick and Gladys, seventeen more communities and inclusive social initiatives were established for children and adults in Ireland, including three in Kildare alone, The Bridge in Kilcullen being one.

Patrick Lydon was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021 and died on 18 January 2022.

Born That Way was the winner of the Dublin Film Critics Circle prize for Best Irish Documentary at the Dublin International Film Festival last February. When it was released in cinemas earlier this month, Irish Times reviewer Donald Clarke described it as 'a desperately moving and beautifully made documentary about a gentle hero who deserves greater recognition'. He awarded it his maximum five stars. 

Born That Way was directed by Éamon Little, who will attend the Kilcullen screening with Patrick’s widow, Gladys. There will be a Q&A with them afterwards, hosted by the writer John MacKenna.

A trailer to the film can be seen here.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Photography Club launches 2026 Calendar

Kilcullen Photography Club's 2026 Calendar was launched in Woodbine Books last evening, writes Brian Byrne. It’s the eighth such publication by the club, which uses the proceeds for club development and donations to local organisations and charities. To date, some €4,000 has been given to deserving causes.

Club chairperson Sabina Reddy told those present that the main reason for the Calendar is to ‘capture’ Kilcullen, and in that respect, feedback from the many places it goes to has been overwhelmingly positive. She added that, even in the first year, the Calendar was being sent to Kilcullen people, family members, and friends across four continents.

Noting that this year submissions were invited from outside the club, Sabina said there had been a ‘fantastic’ response. She congratulated Noel Dunne (above), whose photo appears on the April calendar, and the runners-up: Celia Travers, PJ Lydon, Elisabeth Kehill (all below), Fr Gary Darby and Rachel O'Sullivan.

The 2026 Calendar will be on sale at next week’s Kilcullen Christmas Market, and is also available in Woodbine Books, Nolan’s Butchers, the Parish Centre, and from club members.

Sabina thanked local businesses for their sponsorship, noting that their generosity made the initiative possible. She also thanked Dawn in Woodbine Books for hosting the launch and her continued support of the club.

She concluded by saying the club always welcomes new members, and offers a range of projects, seminars, outings and exhibitions for them to enjoy. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Children's science author in Woodbine Books

A reminder that children's author and scientist Dr Shane Bergin will be in Woodbine Books  TODAY, Saturday, 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

Santa mobbed in Market Square

Santa was quite literally mobbed tonight when he arrived to switch on the KCA Christmas Lights, writes Brian Byrne. Scores of children took the opportunity to make sure he had them on his ‘nice’ list for his return to their homes on Christmas Eve.

Earlier, several hundred people thronged the Market Square for the big switch-on and were entertained while they waited by the Kilcullen Gospel Choir.

Santa arrived courtesy of Kilcullen Gardai, flashing blue lights marking his progress as his car came down the hill. He greeted several children before reaching the high footpath in front of the square and leading the countdown to switch on the lights, including the town Christmas tree.

After that was done, it was open season on the man with the jolly face and the white beard. “Am I on the list?” … “Do you know where I live?” … “Santa, can we have a selfie?”

The Diary eventually left to go for a pint. Santa watched my receding back enviously. But that goes with his job.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

More Christmasy

As it got closer to evening and the light started to fade, Kilcullen got a little more Christmassy today.

Santa did a couple of tours of duty around town, away from his grotto in An Tearmann. He'll be in the square tonight for the lights switch-on.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy