Folk Group call for musicians, amid retirements

Folk group singing at 150th anniversary of Kilcullen church in 2022.

Kilcullen Folk Group looks forward to getting back together after a break for the summer, writes Esther Reddy. The Folk Group sings at mass on the first Saturday evening of each month and meets for 30 to 40 minutes before mass to practise. Membership of Kilcullen Folk Group is always open and will welcome anyone who would be interested in being involved. Currently, there are over 20 people in the group, including some children who attend with their parents. However, Kilcullen Folk Group needs to recruit musicians. 

In June, the musicians of the group, Caroline McGlinchey and Carmel O'Connor, quietly retired after many years of dedicated service to the group. Caroline joined the group as guitarist (and at times tin whistle player) over 20 years ago when her own children were young and the group was known as the Family Mass Group. Carmel O'Connor has been involved with Kilcullen Folk Group and Kilcullen Family Mass group for many, many years, but her dedication to music ministry goes back further than that, and she modestly admits that she has been a part of music ministry for 50 years. 

Carmel was a pioneering member of a group which first brought Folk Group music and singing to Kilcullen Church. As a teenager, Carmel learned to play guitar so she could help accompany the group. Little did she think that she would still be playing for Kilcullen Folk Group in 2026! Kilcullen Folk Group thanks Carmel and Caroline for sharing their talent, direction, dedication, and good humour at so many masses and special occasions over that time. 

The contribution of the Folk Group to mass has always been appreciated by congregations, and Caroline and Carmel's skills have been a vital part of that contribution. The group appeals to any musicians who would be willing to come on board - musicians of all instruments would be very welcome. Please contact Carmel at 087 2439272

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Suspicious device at Melon Hill dealt with by controlled explosions

Roadblock at Silliott Hill was subsequently extended further towards Naas. Image: Tracey O'Dwyer.

8.25pm UPDATE: The road to Naas between the Link Park in Kilcullen and the Stephenstown cross roads has just been reopened following an alert over a possible explosive threat, writes Brian Byrne. The Army EOD unit carried out two controlled explosions on an item at Brownstown, just beyond the Melon Hill Road junction and near the derelict 18th century Brownstown House. It's understood that the suspicious object was an old cannon ball.

The alert was raised earlier today by two young men who came across a suspicious device and notified the gardai.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Army Ordnance Corps, who deal with all such issues in the state, were on site since mid-afternoon. They assessed the situation as potentially dangerous, and the original Garda cordon was extended.

Several time-frames for the reopening of the road passed this evening before the road was reopened.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Kildare's Indian community celebrate Summerfest in Kilcullen

The Newbridge Ninjas delighted the attendance.

Summer Fest 2026 yesterday at Kilcullen Community Centre was a vibrant celebration of music, song, and inclusivity that brought together many members of the Indian community from across County Kildare, writes Brian Byrne. Organised by Kildare United Indians for Social Harmony & Integration (Kushi), guests enjoyed a variety of authentic Indian cuisines and explored cultural stalls inside the centre, creating a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the day.

In addition to dance, music, and song performances by children and adults from the Indian community, the event also featured a unique fusion of Irish and Indian dance, thanks to a collaboration between Jyoti and her Indian dancers and a group of Irish dancers brought by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer. 

In her capacity as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer thanked the organisers for inviting her, saying there's no better way to bring people together than through music, dance, song, and food.

Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer, who was involved in the original establishment of Kushi, also attended the event. Both local representatives participated in the traditional lighting of a symbolic lamp to begin the proceedings.

Kilcullen Community Centre was thanked for hosting the event — it's the third year the celebration has been held at the venue.

The Indian community in County Kildare has grown significantly in recent years, most prominently as professionals in the healthcare and IT areas. The collective presence has been marked since 2018 by celebrations of the Deepavali and Spring festivals. The group has also participated in events such as the St Patrick's Day parade in Newbridge, the June Fest, and the Newbridge Dance Festival.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Solar eclipse on Wednesday

Only watch with special glasses. Images: RTE.

A deep partial solar eclipse will be visible, weather permitting, in Ireland on the early evening of Wednesday next, 12 August, writes Brian Byrne. But do not be tempted to watch it directly without proper, CE-certified Eclipse Glasses!

The event will be visible in the western sky, about 15 degrees above the horizon, starting at around 6.40pm when light levels begin to drop. The maximum eclipse will be around 7.10pm, with faded colours, sharp shadows, and some unusual tree-dappling lighting effects.

Coverage of up to 95 per cent of the sun will be visible in the Leinster region at the maximum. Again, a warning: DO NOT stare at the crescent Sun without proper eye protection, or permanent damage could result — ORDINARY SUNGLASSES ARE NOT A PROTECTION.

The next significant eclipse visible in Ireland is not due until 2090. The last one was in 1999. The full eclipse will be visible in a swathe across northern, central and eastern Spain.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Willow weaving workshop in Library

Image: Hanife Altan, Pexels.

A Willow Weaving Workshop for Adults will be held on Wednesday, 19 August, from 3pm to 4:15pm, at Kilcullen Community Library, writes Brian Byrne. Led by willow weaver and heritage specialist Beth Murphy, this creative workshop offers participants the chance to craft an individual project using ancient basketmaking techniques. 

Beth will also explore the benefits of working with sustainable willow and how it fosters a connection with nature. 

The event is accessible by public transport, is fully wheelchair accessible, and free of charge. For more information, contact Kilcullen Community Library at 087 1334784 or kilcullenlib@kildarecoco.ie.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Interested in motor industry apprenticeship?

The Joe Duffy Group is expanding its apprenticeship programme, offering over 50 new opportunities across Ireland’s motor industry. The initiative provides paid, practical experience, structured training, and mentorship with leading automotive brands. 

An Apprenticeship Open Evening will be held on 11th August 2026 at Porsche Centre Dublin, Charlestown, from 5pm–7pm, showcasing various career routes. Gavin Hydes, Group CEO, emphasised the programme’s role in building meaningful careers amidst industry changes. Roles include Apprentice Technicians, Service Advisors, Sales Executives, and Parts Advisors, targeting individuals with a positive attitude and interest in technology-led industries. 

For more information, contact Mary Nolan at mnolan@joeduffy.ie.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy