Fun for the young in library Summer Stars

Children are invited to join the adventure and to enjoy the fun of reading over the summer in the Summer Stars programme organised by Libraries Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Each child receives an activity booklet, which is stamped for every book read and returned. 

Children also receive a Summer Stars bag when their booklet is completely stamped, and they are also entered into a prize draw (winners will be revealed at the end of August). 

Families are encouraged to visit their local library and join the initiative, making reading a fun and rewarding part of summer.

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The passing of Pat Whelton

The death has occurred of Pat Whelton, Walterstown, Kilcullen (late of Grancore, Clonakilty), Ex-Department of Agriculture. Predeceased by his brothers Andy, John and Michael and sister Mary (Sr. Anselm, Bon Secours), Pat passed away peacefully in his 92nd year, in the company of his family, at Naas General Hospital on 9 June.

Beloved husband of Lily (née Nolan) and cherished father of Breda (Fennell), Selena (Sheehy) and John, Pat will be greatly missed by his wife, children, adored grandchildren Alan, Amy, Diarmuid, Pádraig, Tadhg, Donnacha and Jack, sons-in-law David and Tim, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of kind neighbours and friends.

Reposing at The George Mullins Funeral Home, Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co. Kildare (W91 CD0K) on Thursday 11th June from 5pm to 7pm with prayers at 6:30pm. Funeral on Friday, 12th June, with Requiem Mass at 11 am at St. Peter's Church, Two Mile House, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Swan Ward, Naas General Hospital, for the exceptional care Pat received in his final days.

May Pat rest in gentle peace.

Vehicle drive fundraiser for Julie

A reminder that a fundraising vehicle drive in aid of Julie Kelly and her fight against Motor Neurone Disease will take place in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, on Saturday next, 13 June. Registration at 4pm on the day.

The event will feature tractors, bikes, trikes, classic cars, supercars and trucks, with entry costing €20 per vehicle. Parking will be in the old sports field at the bottom of Church Street. There will also be free camping in the field.

Entertainment begins at 1.30pm at The Pumphouse beer garden, with music, a street DJ, face painting and a barbecue for drivers after the drive.

All support is appreciated.

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Thanks for Duck Race support

Kilcullen Lions Club would like to thank everyone who braved the elements and came out to support their Annual Duck Race on Saturday last. Special thanks to KCA and Kilcullen Canoe Club, without their support, the Duck Race wouldn't happen. 

Winning Ducks & owners:

Duck No. 2: Grace Sheridan; Duck No. 114: Paul The Butcher; Duck No. 236: Gabby Caporelli

Funds raised will support local charities and causes.

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Commemoration day for Mary Leadbeater

Ballitore will mark the 200th anniversary of the death of writer Mary Leadbeater on 27 June 2026 with a commemorative afternoon of heritage, literature and art, writes Brian Byrne. Events begin at 1pm with the unveiling of new signage at the entrance to the Quaker Burial Ground in partnership with the Ballitore Burial Ground Restoration Group. 

At 2pm, a revised edition of Leadbeater's most famous work, The Annals of Ballitore, will be launched by John McKenna at Mary Leadbeater House, now Ballitore Library. The programme continues at 3pm in the Meeting House with Reflections on the Life of Mary Leadbeater through Contemporary Art and Craft, an exhibition hosted by The Thread Shed.

Afternoon tea will be served, guests are encouraged to wear vintage dress, and donations will be welcomed towards the upkeep of the Meeting House.

Born Mary Shackleton in Ballitore in 1758, Leadbeater was a Quaker poet, correspondent and chronicler of local life whose works included Poems, Cottage Dialogues among the Irish Peasantry and Cottage Biography. 

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KCA Street Collection this weekend

The Summer Street Collection held by Kilcullen Community Action is taking place on Friday and Saturday of the coming weekend, writes Brian Byrne. Volunteer collectors will be at the usual locations, outside Nolans, Eurospar, and Centra.

The funds raised go towards the costs of KCA’s key projects, including the Kilcullen in Bloom summer flowers display.

The recent KCA meeting heard that the installation of the flower boxes for this year was almost complete. Meeting chair Noel Clare noted that many of the plants used had been propagated in KCA’s own polytunnel. 

The next KCA meeting, which is open to everyone to attend, is scheduled for Monday, 13 July, at 8pm.

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Sound Bath session at Mountain Flow Yoga

Mountain Flow Yoga Studio in Kilcullen will host a Sound Bath session with Liam Oragh on Sunday, 12 July at 6pm.

The event offers participants an opportunity to experience immersive sound therapy in a relaxed wellness setting. A graduate of the Bel Canto School of Singing and the Celtic School of Sound Healing, Liam Oragh is known for his work in sound baths, healing retreats, and one-to-one therapeutic sessions.

The session is aimed at promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and mindful wellbeing. Booking details are available through the studio's Facebook bio or via WhatsApp Beata 087 3631154.

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Open Mic at Woodbine Books tonight

Woodbine Books is hosting an Open Mic evening TONIGHT, Wednesday, 10 June, at 7:30 pm, with local writers and musicians sharing their work. 

Organised by the shop’s Creative Writing Group, the event includes short presentations of poetry, short stories, essays, flash fiction, and music. 

Attendance is open to all, with audience members and supporters welcome.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 9 June 2026 were 6, 8, 16, and 21. There was no jackpot winner, and next week’s main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draws stands at €20,000 and €6,600.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Paddy Bergin (Promoter Berneys Chemis), May Coyne (May Coyne), and Miriam McDonnell (Miriam McDonnell).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were May Coyne and Vivienne Clifford, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Siobhan Tuite.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Family Fun Day to return for 2027

Following the success of Saturday's Fairy Trail Family Fun Day despite the weather, a date has been set for next year's event, writes Brian Byrne. This follows a review of the day by organisers KCA at the group's meeting last night in the Heritage Centre.

Project leader Antoinette Buckley said that while the rain impacted things early on, it later became quite busy. "It ended up a great day, and it's a wonderful event," she said, noting that for those who came, it was all free. "Things have got so expensive for families — they really appreciated that they didn't have to spend money on the day, even the ice cream was free."

Appreciation was expressed for the cooperation of other groups with the event, including the Lions Club's Duck Race and the Canoe Club, which helped to manage that. The discussion also touched on changes for the 2027 day, scheduled for 5 June, possibly to include live music.

The family Fun Day is supported by Kildare Credit Union and Kildare County Council.

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Stories from the Sea for Riverbank

Riverbank Arts Centre will welcome multi-award-winning filmmaker Ken O’Sullivan on Friday, 30 October, at 8pm for his new live show, Stories From The Sea, writes Brian Byrne. O’Sullivan will reflect on 25 years exploring the North Atlantic and the seas around Ireland, sharing stories, film footage and personal insights from his career. 

These include accounts of encounters with killer whales, dolphins, fin whales and blue whales. He will also speak on Ireland’s maritime heritage and the challenges facing marine life and habitats.

O’Sullivan has produced more than 20 natural history documentaries for RTÉ, while his recent series North Atlantic was acquired by the BBC and broadcast in more than 30 countries.

Tickets for the event are priced at €18, €16 and €12, and are available from Riverbank Arts Centre’s box office and at riverbank.ie.

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Businesses asked to have CPR/AED training

Image: KCFR.

Kilcullen Community First Responders are encouraging local businesses to take part in CPR and AED training. The initiative highlights the role businesses can play in helping make the community safer by ensuring staff have potentially life-saving skills.

The responders recently held a training session with Tommy Dignam, Marian Courtney, and their team at The Spout Bar.

The group thanked the pub for welcoming them in for training, saying it was great to see a local business supporting the importance of CPR. They also confirmed that the business’s AED is in working order and ready if ever needed.

Businesses interested in arranging a session can contact Kilcullen Community First Responders by email at kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com.

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Kilcullen GAA summer blitz

Kilcullen GAA has announced details of the Dunleas of Kilcullen 7-a-side Summer Tournament, with the blitz set to get underway on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

Open to all registered Kilcullen GAA members aged 16 and over, the competition will feature mixed teams of all abilities, bringing together players, parents, coaches, supporters, and former players.

Lads need to be playing on the minor panel with girls playing on the Senior B panel at minimum. 

The tournament will begin with a series of short group games to determine seedings, with all teams progressing to finals day at the club’s Summer BBQ on Saturday, 15 August 2026, where Cup, Shield, and Plate finals will be played.

Entry details are available from Pat Phibbs at 087 6275571.

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KCA meeting tonight

Kilcullen Community Action will hold a public meeting tonight, Monday, June 8, at 8pm in Kilcullen Town Hall.

Anyone with an interest in getting involved in local community activities is encouraged to attend. 

New participants and volunteers will be very welcome.

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Crookstown Run-Walk fundraiser

A community 5K/10K Run and Walk fundraiser in aid of Crookstown Parish and Crookstown National School will take place on Sunday, 14 June 2026.

The event gets underway at 11am from Crookstown NS, with registration available on the day. Entry costs €10 per person and €5 for under-16s, with cash only accepted.

Organisers are encouraging strong local support for what promises to be an enjoyable community occasion, with refreshments to be served afterwards.

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