In Says in The Bridge: June 2026

The recent celebration of Ballyshannon National School's 125th anniversary is the front-page lead on this month's issue, writes Brian Byrne, marked by a picture of a piper leading Bishop Denis Nulty and Fr Barry Larkin to celebrate an outdoor mass on the school's playing field. With a full report inside, the joyful occasion is recorded for future generations, who can also, at some point, open a time capsule made for the day.

The other story in pictures on the page is in itself a time capsule of Kilcullen, showing three of more than 20 sketches made of the Kilcullen streetscape in 2026 by regular Bridge contributor Daithí de Róiste. The same kind of thing can be done with photographs, but somehow there's a different impact when an artist views a place.

The impact of 30 years of Transition Year at CPC is the stuff of the main centre spread story this month, described by the college's principal Joe Leonard as having become "one of the most important and valuable parts of the student journey". There are comments from various people, both staff and students, who have been part of the CPC journey in "educating the whole person".

There's colour too in a duo of Bit of Business pieces, on Grá Health Physiotherapy and MC Beauty House, new enterprises that show Kilcullen to be both an attractive place to live and to set up in business. We wish both well.

News items include the awarding of the latest Jeremy Burke Music Bursary, the election of Kilcullen-born scientist Prof Tess Lambe to the Royal Irish Academy, and lots of KCA goings-on, among them the acquisition of funding to enhance telling the story of Dun Áilinne. There's a profile of Maurice O'Mahony's career as an acting stalwart of Kilcullen Drama Group as he marks 50 years of amateur drama involvement in many character guises. The May 50K undertaken by Anna McLeod to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis is also featured.

From regular contributors, Mary Orford muses on the meaning and origins of many phrases used in everyday conversation, some of which might surprise those who use them. Julie Felsbergs reports from a holiday of people-watching that caused her to think about the "big, messy, chaotic, wonderful family of God". Billy Redmond ponders the evolution of communications since his start as a radio operator in the Defence Forces, and Eugene Brennan writes about the demise of the BBC World Service on Long Wave, also referencing a Kilcullen man, Al Ryan, and the BBC Shipping Forecast, which celebrated its centenary last year.

In his inimitable style, John Duffey records the importance to the local community of a small road near his home, Muldowney's Lane, for among other things, being the road through which turf was carried from the local bog. Depleted, the bog later became a Coillte planting where the Ballitore Game Club had clay pigeon shoots. Sean Landers provides the background and the text of a poem written to celebrate the "famous harper of Kilcullenbridge, John Murtagh", who died in 1745. No, we never heard of him, either, but he was apparently a musician of some substance in his time. For this month's Out and Away, Noel Clare went some distance to the Ardmore Cliff Walk in Co Waterford. A place worth taking time out for, he says.

New contributors to The Bridge have been a feature of the last few years, and this month, it's Jim Kavanagh's entrance, writing about Orby, the first Irish horse to win the Epsom Derby. Even for people uninterested in racing, the article is a thoroughly engaging read about the characters and events around the horse.

As always, lots more in Kilcullen's own community magazine, still going strong in its 56th year. Unusual outlets from this morning.

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Arctic trekkers give cheque to veterans support group

Paul Clarke, ONE; Ronan Mullen, of Adventure.ie, who organised the trek; Paddy Flavin, ONE; Cathal O’Neill; Eamonn Gibney; Niall Duffy; David Hogan; and Nigel Campbell.

A cheque for €18,000 was presented during the week in Newbridge to the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) by members of a fundraising Arctic expedition held in April, writes Brian Byrne. The retired Defence Forces participants were all from the Army Ranger Wing Association (ARWA) and included David Hogan, proprietor of An Tearmann Cafe in Kilcullen.

The funds will support ONE’s project for former Defence Forces members, including a five-bedroom house and Veteran Support Centre on Eyre Street, Newbridge, to be named Brú Dermot Earley after the late Chief of Staff.

The expedition took place from 15 to 21 April near Longyearbyen, Norway. With an average age of 60, the team covered 12 to 15 km a day in harsh Arctic conditions, camping in two-person tents and taking polar bear watch shifts at night.

The €3.5m nationwide project, launched a year ago, also includes houses in Cork and Limerick. Brú Dermot Earley is expected to open in the last quarter of next year. The next phase of the project will include houses in Galway and Dundalk. 

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Fairy Trail family fun in the Valley

Fun in the sun at the 2025 event.

A reminder that the Fairy Trail Fun Day in the Valley TODAY 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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Midsummer Music at Dunlavin festival

A special concert will take place as part of the Dunlavin Festival of Arts on Saturday, 20 June, at 8pm in St Nicholas Church, Dunlavin, writes Brian Byrne.

Midsummer Musical Melodies will feature acclaimed soprano Niamh Murray, accompanied on piano by her brother Ronan Murray. The programme will include well-loved songs from popular musicals, with the audience also invited to join in the chorus.

The event will also feature supporting performances from the Gormanstown Choir and the Dara Quartet.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite or by contacting Dorly on 086 8274884.

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Grá Health Physiotherapy is a growing new business

Jeanette O’Meara and Conor Bolton moved to Kilcullen in 2020 because it offered affordable rental accommodation and a manageable commute to their physiotherapy jobs in Naas and Portlaoise, respectively, writes Brian Byrne. Five years later, they decided to put down roots here.

“We looked at other towns, but realised we had come to love Kilcullen,” Conor says. With Conor involved in local GAA and both valuing Kilcullen’s village character, they bought a home in the town in February. At the same time, they took another major step by opening Grá Health Physiotherapy Clinic in the Link Business Park in March. 

The business is the fulfilment of a dream they have shared since meeting in college in Carlow while studying sport science. Starting a business while taking on a mortgage was daunting, Jeanette says, but supporting each other made it possible.

Both were drawn to physiotherapy through personal experience. Jeanette, a former competitive Irish dancer and Riverdance cast member, says a physio's treatment helped her return from injury after being told she might never dance again. Conor’s background in sport led him from sports science into a desire to understand the body and help people recover.

Physiotherapy is a fast-growing profession supported by expanding research and constant professional development. Between them, they work across musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory care, with experience ranging from sports injuries and elite performance to Parkinson’s care and women’s health.

A growing area is helping older people stay active, independent and confident. They also see strong potential in physiotherapy for osteopenia, with Jeanette highlighting how strength training can help reverse bone loss before it progresses to osteoporosis.

Their clinic is still developing, but client numbers are growing. For Jeanette and Conor, building the business in the town they now call home makes the venture especially meaningful.

Grá Health Physiotherapy is located in the Link Business Park, Kilcullen (R56 KW83), with ample free parking. More information is available at grahealth.ie or by calling 086 8401497.

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Childcare centre appeal on dog fouling

Kilcullen Community Childcare and Education Centre has issued an appeal to dog owners following persistent issues with dog fouling outside its premises. 

The centre reported that some owners are allowing their dogs to foul directly outside the facility, and that waste bags have been left beside bins during children's collection periods and, more recently, disposed of in recycling bins. 

Dog owners are respectfully requested to act responsibly by cleaning up after their pets and taking waste home, thereby maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for children, families, staff, and visitors.

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Appleton Property: 13 Esker Lea, Kilcullen.

Appleton Property reports strong early interest in their new listing at Esker Lea. Properties rarely come to market in this development. In fact, there have been three listings in the development in four years, all of which have been handled by Austin Egan at Appleton Property. 

Number 13 is a spacious, modern, bright four-bedroom semi-detached home in turnkey condition with gas-fired central heating and a C3 BER rating. Immediately under offer, this four-bedroom sale is already at an advanced stage. Interested parties are well advised to contact Appleton Property to avoid disappointment. 

Full details are on this Daft.ie link. 

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Kilcullen AFC call for girls

Kilcullen AFC is seeking new members for its girls' team and is encouraging players born in 2008 and 2009 to get involved.

The club is looking for enthusiastic players, whether they are already playing football or are new to the game. Kilcullen AFC promises a supportive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, make friends and enjoy football.

Interested players and families should contact Rob on 086 4663401.

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New application for Rivermanor development

Rivermanor Developments Ltd has lodged a new planning application for a 70-home residential scheme at Riverside Crescent, writes Brian Byrne. A previous application for 74 homes was turned down by Kildare County Council, a decision upheld by An Coimisiún Pleanála. 

The proposed development includes a mix of duplexes and houses, with plans for 16 three-storey duplex units, 16 four-storey duplex units, 26 three-bedroom two-storey houses and 12 four-bedroom homes in a mix of two- and three-storey designs.

According to the application, access for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists would be provided from several points along the existing estate road at Riverside Crescent, to the east of the site.

The scheme also includes 2,996.5 square metres of public open space, along with 753 square metres of communal open space. A total of 106 car parking spaces and 126 bicycle spaces are proposed, as well as bin stores at various locations throughout the development.

The application details include supporting infrastructure, landscaping, boundary treatments and ancillary site services.

Submissions to the application, File No 2660519, should be made by 18 June 2026.

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Dog Licence checks in Kilcullen

Dog wardens will carry out licence checks in Kilcullen throughout June, according to Kildare County Council. Dog owners are reminded that it is a legal requirement to have a valid licence for each dog. 

Owners found without one may face fines or prosecution. Dog licences can be purchased online at licences.ie or at local post offices.

The council says the checks are part of efforts to promote responsible dog ownership in the community.

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Dowling Property: 10 The Woods, Cnoc Na Greine, Kilcullen

Tucked away in this small estate of "The Woods" is this very spacious four-bedroom semi-detached home for sale. Number 10 comes with the added advantage of being a "chain-free sale" and is ready to go. 

Extending to c.125 sq m, this fine B3 energy-rated home overlooks a green to the front and is located in a development of just 33 homes. The accommodation, which is bright and spacious and well laid out, briefly consists of an entrance hallway, guest WC, utility room, sitting room, and large kitchen/dining room. Upstairs are four bedrooms with a master en-suite and a family bathroom. All bedrooms are very generous in size and consist of three doubles and one single. The heating is gas, and the windows are double-glazed. The rear garden is another highlight and is extremely generous in size and is not overlooked. There is off-street parking for two cars to the front with gated side access.

All amenities are located within walking distance of Kilcullen town, and include leisure facilities, shops, schools (Scoil Bhride primary school and the Cross & Passion College secondary school), an award-winning playground, sports complex, public transport systems, and quick access to all major road networks, including the M7/M9 motorway. 

"The Woods" is always popular with buyers. With its spacious accommodation and 1st-class location, we must now advise on early viewings of this opportunity. One not to be missed!

AMV €379,950. www.dowlingproperty.ie. Call Kildare Office 045 482189.

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Cardiac screening day at Soccer Club

Kilcullen AFC is hosting a cardiac screening day on Saturday, 27 June 2026, from 9am to 5pm at their premises on the Community Centre campus, R56VY31. The service is open to members of the public.

The event aims to help prevent Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), which claims approximately two young lives per week in Ireland. The screening is open to individuals aged 12 and above, with a fee of €80 per person, though it is free for those with LAYA Health Insurance. 

Booking is available online at www.ameds.ie using the clinic code Kilcullenafc, or directly at this link, and places are limited, so early booking is advised. 

Participants with established cardiac disease should note that this is a screening program, not a substitute for routine cardiac care.

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Crafts and brand workshop

There are still places available for the free Focus on Craft - Building Your Brand and Telling Your Craft Story workshop at MERITS, Naas, on 9 June 2026, writes Brian Byrne. Hosted by Local Enterprise Office Kildare, it will run from 10am to 12.30pm. 

This interactive session is designed for craft makers, designers, and creative business owners to develop a strong brand identity and communicate their story effectively. Participants will learn about brand foundations, craft storytelling, visual identity, and simple marketing strategies.

Booking available at this link. 

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Cross-stitching sessions in Kilcullen Library

A reminder that a weekly Cross-stitching session for adults will be held in Kilcullen Community Library every Friday morning from 11am. 

It will be a very social event, with all materials provided. 

Beginners and experienced stitchers will be equally welcome. 

Call 045 482193 or email kilcullenlib@kildarecoco.ie for more information.

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