Scoil Bhride murder mystery winners

On 5th June, author Alison Weatherby visited the 5th and 6th classes of Scoil Bhríde to talk about her new cosy crime mystery “The Common Criminals Club: Death Before Detention”, writes Dawn Behan of Woodbine Books. Alison described how to write a murder mystery, and the important parts you need to include for a good story (victim, sleuth, motive, red herring, twist). 

As part of Alison’s talk, we organised a competition for the pupils to write their own murder mystery.

We have finally managed to read all of the entries and can now reveal the winners! All prizes can be collected from the bookshop and Alison Weatherby will be here on Monday afternoon to sign books too if you would like to meet her.

 

Winner: Me and Miley Mystery by Raven Evans.

Runner Up 1: SSK Agency by Méabh Behan.

Runner Up 2: Murder at Dusk by Olivia Baryla.

Highly Commended:

Murder Behind Manor Walls by Angelika Wojcik.

The Dramatic Death by Imogen Fitzpatrick.

What Happened in Room 17B by Niamh O’Brien.

Was She Murdered? by Alannah Leahy

Gone Missing by Milita ?.

The Story That Was Never Told by Finn Wright.

Messy Murder by Liam Egan.

Footsteps by Kateryna Shylova.

Someone at the Party was Murdered by Eve Hall.

Too Late for You by Reece ?.

Left Alone by Caden Maxwell.

The Killer in the Friend Group by Michael ?.

Gerry’s House by Drew Martin.

The Killer in the Dark by James Conn.

 

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Be vigilant about summer security

Image: George Becker via Pexels.

Kilcullen businesses and homeowners are urged to stay vigilant about their security, especially during this summer period when doors and windows may be left open for cooling. Burglars are often opportunistic and will take advantage of even a small chance of finding something to steal during a few moments of lapsed attention — almost 1 in 4 summertime burglaries involve entry through an unsecured access point.

Retailers are encouraged to download the Garda Retailers Security Information Pack, which outlines practical measures such as improved CCTV placement, perimeter protection, and robust cash-handling procedures.

Homeowners should use lights, timers, alarms, and secure all entry points. Valuables should be recorded and cash kept to a minimum. Secure your home while away by asking someone to check on it, setting the alarm, and making it appear occupied. Inform the Garda station, and arrange for mail holding at An Post, or collection by a neighbour.

An Garda Siochana has lots of advice for both businesses and homeowners at this link. 

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Harvest festival afternoon at National Stud

The Irish National Stud is hosting a Lughnasa Festival on Saturday, 8 August, from 2pm to 7pm at the Thatch Cottage Green on its grounds. 

The event will feature live music, family entertainment, delicious food, and traditional market stalls. Highlights include a cookery demonstration by award-winning chef Shane Smith, performances by the Ciaran Wynne Band, Athy Choral Fusion, The Paddy Mac Band, and Lisa Rooney & Croi Academy. There will also be a craft and farmers’ market. 

Families can enjoy puppet shows, family disco bingo, games, and fairground rides. General admission includes access to the festival, with online booking available to save money.

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New choir invites interest

Expressions of interest are invited for the new Kilcullen community choir, Valley Voices, led by Paula Phelan. The choir welcomes people aged 18 and over, regardless of singing experience, to be part of a singing group in a friendly and supportive environment. 

With a focus on joy, community, and popular folk-based repertoire, participants will have the opportunity to perform at local events and concerts. 

No auditions are required. Rehearsals are scheduled every Wednesday from 7.15pm to 9.15pm at Scoil Bhride, starting 9 September, with a weekly fee of €10. 

For more information, contact 085 7882385.

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Jack Courtney wins two world titles in Las Vegas

Young Kilcullen darts player Jack Courtney has secured two world titles in Las Vegas this July, writes Brian Byrne. Partnered with Ben Townley, they triumphed in both the WDF World Pairs Youth Champions and the WDF World Pairs Youth Cricket Championships. 

The duo’s success was celebrated at the event alongside Jack’s proud father, Derek.

This follows Jack's achievement at the 2025 WDF World Cup Youth Pairs Championship, securing gold in Seoul, South Korea, and the 2025 INDO Irish Classic Boys’ Singles Champion title, leading to the Number 1 spot in the INDO boys’ national rankings.

In the 2024 All Ireland Darts Tournament in Galway, he won dual gold medals in Pairs and Team events for Carlow Darts Club, and in 2025 he earned a tour card through the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) Qualifying School. 

In 2023 at the World Junior Darts Championship Cup, Jack won a silver medal, contributing to Team Ireland’s first World Cup final appearance in Gibraltar.

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'A good year' for Ballyshannon

A continuation of work on the area's biodiversity will be the focus for the Ballyshannon Action Group for the coming year, writes Brian Byrne. That was agreed at the group's AGM last evening, held in Ballyshannon Community Hall.

Reflecting on the past year, committee chair Jim Burke said it had been a good one for the group and the community. The Coimisiún Pleanála decision quashing the Kilsaran planning application for a quarry at Racefield had been "a relief to all", he said. "It has been a hard time, nearly six years. It was tough going, but we got through it." He warned, though, that the community won't really have won until Kilsaran sells the land. "They could potentially file an application again with the council and change whatever they can change." The meeting heard that the statutory appeal against the Coimisiún Pleanála decision had still not been completed, and that there is as yet also no information on whether and when the group will have their legal costs reimbursed.

A grant towards biodiversity work received in the spring had been "well spent", the meeting heard. The money was used to buy fruit trees, native hedgerow plants, and bird nesting boxes, which were distributed across the area, including some to Calverstown and the local scouts group. Help with the biodiversity garden in Ballyshannon NS was also much appreciated. In all, some 1,800 trees were planted. 

Future plans include the provision of nature signs and further planting, all building on the work of the Biodiversity Plan produced in 2024 with the help of the Community Foundation and ecologist Catherine O'Connell.

The meeting re-elected Jim Burke as chair and Anna Sage as treasurer. Shauna O'Rourke stepped down as secretary and was replaced by Clare Keon.    

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Presentation to Fr Gary

On Saturday, 11 July, John Archbold presented a picture of a sunset at Kilcullen Bridge to Fr Gary Darby to mark his 28th year as a priest.

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Welcome Day at dance classes

Dance with Aaron and Niamh are hosting a Newcomer’s Welcome Day at Kilcullen Community Centre on Saturday, 25 July. 

The event offers free introductory sessions in Ballroom and Latin dancing for children aged 4-10 from 11am to 12pm, and for those aged 11 and above from 12pm to 1pm. 

Attendees can meet the team and learn more about the dance school. To reserve a spot, contact 085 7473562.

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Ballyshannon AGM tonight

A reminder that the Ballyshannon Action Group will hold its AGM TONIGHT, Thursday, 23 July at 8pm in Ballyshannon Hall. The meeting agenda includes the minutes of the previous AGM, the treasurer’s report, the chairperson’s statement, and motions to the committee.

The group’s officers are Jim Burke (Chairperson), Anna Sage (Treasurer), Shauna O’Rourke (Secretary), and Joanna Costello (PRO). Committee members are Jim Crawford, Joan Dowling, Clare Keon, Marcas McSeoin, Graham Sage, James Delaney, and Sarah Burke.

The AGM will give members an opportunity to review the group’s work and discuss matters for the year ahead.

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Cáirde replacing Text Alert

The Kilcullen Community Text Alert service is moving to the Cáirde app, replacing the existing text alert number, which is no longer in use. 

A public meeting with Kilcullen Gardaí is planned for August to explain the changes and answer questions. Further details, including the meeting date, will be shared once confirmed. 

In the meantime, any urgent concerns should be communicated directly to the Gardaí.

READ: Text Alert AGM hears how to switch to Cairde app 

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Fire service appeal on wildfire prevention

Kildare Fire Service, which is actively dealing with extensive fires on bog and grassland, is appealing to the public to prevent wildfires by not discarding cigarettes or matches outdoors, and avoiding campfires or BBQs in the countryside.

Any fires should be reported immediately to 112 or 999. Agricultural landowners should maintain machinery and make sure combustible debris doesn't accumulate, have firefighting equipment ready, create fire breaks, and avoid spark-generating activities during high fire risk periods. 

The service says community vigilance and preparedness are crucial in protecting against fires.

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