'Huge' support and goodwill for summer flowers

The recent KCA street collection for the Kilcullen in Bloom flowers was very well supported, with more than €4,200 donated by individuals and businesses, writes Brian Byrne. The recent July members meeting of KCA heard that it represents a record in donations since the initiative began. 

While the total cost of the summer flowers programme is substantially more, supported by grants and other fundraisers, the street collection represents a 'huge' contribution towards it, meeting chair Noel Clare said. “It is our biggest ongoing project, and it would be very difficult to do it without this support,” he added. He also commented on the level of goodwill shown by those donating during the collection, an experience that was echoed by several of those at the meeting who had carried out collector shifts. A remark by one donor was related to the meeting, who had said, “Twenty years ago, the town was a dump. Now it's gorgeous.”

That remark elicited some amusement, but Noel Clare said that when one looked back at older photographs from then, “they would shock you, sometimes.”

There was a discussion about watering the various planters around the town, the chair noting that there were lots of volunteers who had committed to doing it. In light of the current efforts to conserve water, he suggested that the spout in the Valley is an ideal source and an easy place to fill containers.

He concluded the item by thanking all concerned with getting the flowers prepared and positioned, especially the CE scheme workers who did the “heavy lifting” with the project.

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38th Gerard Manley Hopkins International Festival

The 38th Gerard Manley Hopkins International Festival is set to return to Newbridge College from Friday, 24 July, to Thursday, 30 July 2026. The week-long event celebrates the life and wide-ranging interests of poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, including poetry, music, philosophy, and conservation.

The festival will officially commence with a Grand Opening and Reception on Friday, 24 July, at 7:30pm in the Newbridge College Theatre. The ceremony will be performed by HE David Gill, Ambassador of Germany, with Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon TD, and representatives of Kildare County Council in attendance. Music at the event will be performed by Conor Mahony and Flamenco guitarist John Walsh.

A highlight of this year’s cultural programme is once again a concert by the legendary Swedish pianist Hans Pålsson on Saturday, 25 July, at 8pm. Pålsson will perform a repertoire featuring works by Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert. A Poetry Ireland Reading will take place in the Walker Building on Monday, the 27th, featuring Dermot Bolger, Donald Gardner, and Desmond Egan.

Other events in a comprehensive schedule include:

Academic Lectures and Workshops — Sessions on "Practical Prosody," creative writing, and a translation workshop focused on Hopkins's poem "Binsey Poplars".

Art Exhibitions — A group exhibition curated by Artistic Director Desmond Egan, featuring artists such as Brian Bourke and Jay Murphy.

Youth Programme — A parallel programme for young people directed by Derek Egan.

Community Events — Daily "Festival Club" gatherings at local venues like Cummins’s and O’Rourke’s, as well as a field trip to Moone High Cross.

For further information and registration, visit gerardmanleyhopkins.org.

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KCC issues weather advisory for this week

A moderate weather advisory has been issued for County Kildare, with a prolonged spell of very warm or hot conditions expected to continue through the week. Daytime temperatures will widely exceed 25°C, reaching the high 20s and possibly 30°C in places, while night-time temperatures will stay at or above 15°C, leading to warm and humid nights. The UV index will be high to very high.

Met Éireann warns of a chance of heavy showers or isolated thunderstorms on Wednesday, though these are expected to be localised. People are being urged to check met.ie and the Met Éireann app for updated forecasts and warnings, and to consult watersafety.ie and the Department of Agriculture website for further advice.

Potential impacts include water safety risks due to increased use of waterways, lakes and beaches, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress and dehydration, especially among vulnerable and older people, and possible disruption to public transport. Authorities also highlight concerns about animal welfare, potential drought conditions, and an increased risk of wildfires and forest fires. The advisory is valid from Tuesday, 14 July at 9am until Saturday, 18 July at 6am.

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Kilcullen in hosepipe ban area

Kilcullen is in the area covered by a just-announced six-week hosepipe ban, writes Brian Byrne. Uisce Éireann has imposed the ban in Dublin, south Tipperary, parts of Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow, due to the "exceptionally warm and dry weather".

The ban applies to activities such as watering gardens, washing vehicles and filling paddling pools.

Subject to weather conditions during the period stated, the ban could be shortened or extended.

Parts of Kildare are already under nighttime water restrictions to enable the refilling of reservoirs.

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KWWSPCA call for doggy photoshoot for 2027 calendar

The Kildare & West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) is bringing back its popular fundraising calendar photoshoot after last year’s success, writes Brian Byrne. Dog owners interested in taking part are encouraged to book early to secure a place — email doggycalendar2026@gmail.com.

The 2027 Animal Calendar photoshoot will take place in Kilcullen on August 13th and 20th at 7pm, giving local dog owners the chance to book a slot for their pet to feature in the charity’s 2027 calendar. 

Cats in the calendar will once again be drawn from the KWWSPCA shelter, highlighting animals currently in the charity’s care.

The photoshoot is being run in partnership with Cottage Veterinary Clinic and Kilcullen Photography Club, who are official supporters of the project. All proceeds from the calendar will go towards supporting the rescue and rehoming work of the KWWSPCA.

The 2027 Calendar will be launched at the charity's Table Quiz in Fallons of Kilcullen, on Friday 20 November.

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Kilcullen fishing closed due to heat

File photo: Kilcullen Diary.

The committee of Kilcullen Trout and Salmon Anglers wishes to advise members and the wider community that, due to the prolonged period of extreme heat and the resulting increase in water temperatures, all angling on club waters has been temporarily suspended with immediate effect and until further notice.

Current river conditions are placing significant stress on trout and salmon. When water temperatures rise above approximately 18°C–19°C, dissolved oxygen levels fall and fish can struggle to recover after being caught. Even when careful catch-and-release practices are followed, the physical strain of being played in these conditions can be fatal.

As custodians of our local waters, the committee believes that the welfare and long-term survival of our fish stocks must take priority. This temporary suspension is therefore considered necessary to protect the river and its fish population during the current warm spell.

Members are asked to refrain from all angling on club waters until an official notice confirming that fishing may resume is issued.

The committee will continue to monitor water temperatures and river conditions closely and will provide a further update when conditions improve.

Anyone who observes distressed fish, fish mortalities or other environmental concerns is encouraged to report them promptly to Inland Fisheries Ireland.

We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our members and the local community. By acting responsibly now, we can help protect our river and ensure that it remains healthy for future seasons.

Yours sincerely, The Committee

Kilcullen Trout and Salmon Anglers

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Road closure Mile Mill-Grangemore on Monday

A reminder that the R‑413 will be closed TODAY, Monday, 13 July 2026, between Mile Mill Cross and Grangemore, Brannockstown, during the day for surface dressing works. 

A signed diversion will be in place, local access maintained, and motorists should expect some delays.

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Samantha serves Kilcullen with a taste of Americana

When Covid finally forced a decision on a long-distance romance, Arizona casino floor manager Samantha Morton chose Ireland, writes Brian Byrne, and today her Fun Foods horse-box outside Kilcullen Community Centre is serving up hot dogs and pizza, in a new life chapter far from the casino tables.

She made that life switch because she had met and fallen in love with an Irishman. For twelve years, the relationship flipped back and forth between Ireland and the US. Then Covid came and, after a year apart, he urged her to move here. “I told him that had been my end plan anyway," she says with a smile, "and we got married five years ago.”

Openings in County Kildare for blackjack and poker dealers were, well, not. But Samantha had a hospitality background: her entertainer father owned a B&B and bar-restaurant, and she’d grown up around food. After moving to Ireland, she began going to craft markets with a friend and saw people selling food at them. “I was, like, yes, I could do that.”

Starting small with crêpes and waffles, she gradually extended her Fun Foods offerings to savoury dishes. Authentic American in style, they include jumbo hot dogs, homemade pizzas with her own family secret sauce, nachos with optional toppings, and breakfast baps and bagels that are popular all day. She also makes her own healthy energy snack protein balls. Specials can feature her particular take on a burger or a barbecue selection of pulled pork, beef, or chicken.

The Fun Foods name was deliberate, rather than ‘Samantha’s Pizzas’ or ‘Samantha’s Burgers’. It allows her, at markets or festivals, to pivot to something that doesn’t directly compete with fellow traders.

The current Kilcullen location grew from a link with the Community Centre about three years ago, when she began providing food at Sunday events. “That was really successful, and we’d be rocking all day, with up to 1,000 dancers involved.” This year, centre manager Enda O’Neill suggested she trade through the weekend, complementing the centre’s very busy Coffee Hatch. She is still refining opening hours to match demand. She also offers a party service, setting up at customers’ homes, providing customised food from a bespoke menu and clearing everything afterwards, which has proved very popular.

Now living in Prosperous, Samantha is in every respect a world away from the high-pressure, neon-lit casino floors of Arizona — a life which she recalls with deep affection. But she's happy to be here, bringing a real taste of Americana to her Irish and Kilcullen customers. 

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The passing of Joseph (Joe) Murphy

The death has occurred of Joseph (Joe) Murphy, Old Kilcullen, and late of Rosetown, Athy, on 10 July 2026, peacefully in the tender loving care of the staff of St Brigid's Hospice.

Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Margaret, brother Kevin and sister Mary, Joe's passing is very deeply regretted by his loving wife Marion, son Alan, darling daughters Karen and Brenda, sons-in-law Joe and Johnny, daughter-in-law Jennifer, sister Dolores, and grandchildren Ava, Dara, Finn, Cian and Devin.

He will be reposing at his family home (R56 WC58) from 4pm until 8pm on Sunday, 12th, with prayers at 7.30pm. Removal from there on Monday 13th to The Church of the Sacred Heart & St Brigid, Kilcullen, arriving for the 11am funeral mass, which may be viewed on this link. The mass will be followed by burial in St Brigid's Cemetery.

House private on Monday morning, please.

Rest in peace.