Countdown to Mac & Norman's rally 2026

With just two days to go until the 24th Mac & Norman Rally, it’s worth remembering that the event has raised an incredible €643,019.55 over the past 23 years. It’s a huge achievement for each and every one of those who have supported the fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society.

The organisers hope to see everyone again on Sunday, 16th. There will be tea, coffee, and sandwiches during registration at Sully's Yard in Brannockstown, and the rally departs at approximately 1.05pm. It will pass through Kilcullen around 1.15pm and there’ll be a bucket collection as vehicles go through.

Upon return to base (W91 W351), there will be a cold lunch, and the auction will begin between 2.30pm and 3pm. Everyone is welcome on the day.

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Calverstown CFR Table Quiz

Calverstown Community First Responders are hosting a table quiz fundraiser TONIGHT, Friday, 14 August 2026, at Dowling’s in Ballyshannon. 

The event kicks off at 8pm, with tickets priced at €40 per table of four. 

All welcome for a fun night out. The group are still in training mode and not yet an active and responding CFR.

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Heritage Week event guides available free

Kildare Heritage Week Event Guides for the county are available in Kilcullen Library (while they last!).

Everyone is welcome to pick up a free copy.

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Dramatic eclipse visual effect in Kilcullen

This photo shows last evening's eclipse, in recession, behind the clouds, from Sunbury Close. iPhone 14 image by Brian Byrne.

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Wag & Bone Dog Show upcoming

The KWWSPCA annual Wag & Bone Dog Show takes place on Sunday, 6 September, at Punchestown Racecourse. Registration opens at 1pm and the show starts at 2pm.

Light refreshments will be available, and Naas Veterinary Clinic will provide subsidised microchipping at €15. Face-painting by Fab Faces by Mel and Pet Pawtraits artist Lisa will feature. 

The KWWSPCA Charity Shop in Newbridge will have a Noah’s Ark stall, a pet items stall, a raffle, and more. There will be an information stall to learn about KWWSPCA, foster care opportunities, and available dogs and cats for adoption. Some of their present rescue dogs, and many who have found forever homes, will be at the show. There’s ample free parking.

The cost is €5 per class, €20 for five classes: Veteran Dog (nine years and over), Waggiest Tail, Child under 12 with their Dog, Small Rescue Dog, Large Rescue Dog, Fanciest Female Dog, Handsomest Male Dog, Senior Citizen with their Dog, Puppy Class (under 6 months), Fancy Dress – Dog & Owner, The Dog You Would Most Like to Take Home, KWWSPCA Rescue Dog, Dog that most resembles its owner, Child under 16 with their dog, Open class – for any dog and handler who has not won first, second, or third prize in any previous class,

Best in Show - The winner of each of the above classes is automatically entered and free of charge. High Jump – Pay €2 to enter the upper grassy area. There’s a competition for small dogs and a competition for large dogs. 

Click here to pre-register. If the event is postponed due to bad weather, registration and payment will transfer to the new date.

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Concerns about proposed speed limits

Concerns that the proposed 30km/h speed limit for Kilcullen doesn't go far enough are being raised by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, writes Brian Byrne. The new speed limits in urban and residential areas across the county are currently open to public consultation.

On the map of Kilcullen in the proposal documents, the new limit runs from Conroy Park to the north end of the bridge, leaving the rest of the road at 50km/h. Cllr O'Dwyer says she's asking for it to include from the bridge to the Logstown junction, and along the Logstown road to the end of the housing estate. "It should take in the main road by Nicholastown, on the south, too," she adds.

The councillor will be making those proposals in her own submission to the consultation, and suggests that other Kilcullen people who feel similarly should send in their own observations. "Quantity is important in these things," she told the Diary, adding that she is happy to advise anyone who needs help with a submission.

The Supplementary Special Speed Limit Byelaws for Built-Up and Urban areas 2026, as proposed, are open to public view until 28 August. They can be accessed online or at the Council’s offices in Naas. 

After public consultation, councillors will consider adopting the byelaws, with any amendments, and they will take effect upon adoption. 

The byelaws are detailed in five volumes of maps, each covering a different Municipal District. Submissions can be made online in accordance with the Department of Transportation Guidelines 2025.

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Work begins on new CPC buildings

Work has begun on the provision of new buildings at Cross and Passion College, writes Brian Byrne. The initial works include setting up a new entrance, temporary car parks, and temporary school accommodations.

JJ Rhatigan has been appointed as the main contractor for the construction and demolition works at the college, which, in addition to new school classrooms, will include new play areas, landscaped spaces, car parks, ball courts, and bike parking. 

Some tree removals are necessary due to health and safety concerns, tree health, and to facilitate construction. These have all been pre-agreed in line with the planning permission. Site hoarding will be installed, and the boundary monitored 24/7. 

JJ Rhatigan is committed to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, ensuring site appearance, community respect, and environmental protection. They apologise for any inconvenience caused by the construction.

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Shamrocks Academy for U6/7/8 restarts this evening

South Kildare Shamrocks Under 6/7/8 Hurling Academy resumes this evening, Wednesday, 12th, at Two Mile House GAA. The sessions will take place on the astro pitch at 6:30pm. 

The club invites everyone to attend, and they will provide all necessary equipment for the children. 

An enjoyable evening is promised for all participants.

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Philip Mallon (The Lark) Memorial Trophy

St Bridget's Pitch and Putt Club in Kilcullen will host the annual Philip Mallon Memorial Trophy on 5 September 2026 at 10am. Everyone is invited to come together for a morning of remembrance, friendly competition, and community spirit.

There will be refreshments and raffle prizes on the day, with all proceeds supporting the Irish Cancer Society through an on-site collection box. 

The gathering honours Philip Mallon, fondly known as The Lark.

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Dowling Property: The Pond House, Narraghmore

Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this very special home in this highly sought-after location. Standing on a magical c.5 acres site, this fine property is accessed via a handsome gated entrance, leading to the impressive 7-bedroom detached home through a long, winding, enchanting driveway. 

The spacious and well-laid-out accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen, utility room, lounge, bathroom, home office and three en-suite double bedrooms. There are also four en-suite bedrooms on the upper floor. 

This exceptional home spans approximately 331 sq m and provides generous space throughout both the upper and lower levels. It was previously a successful guest house and features a spacious country kitchen with a large centre island. The property also has a healthy B energy rating.  

This property also features a detached granny flat to the rear that requires modernisation. It is ideal for au-pair accommodation or as a family member’s residence. An incomplete recreation centre extends to approximately 592 sq m and would be suitable for a distribution centre, classic car storage, retreat centre or social venue. The property has extensive road frontage onto two separate roads and is accessed via two separate entrances. It is surrounded by a landmark Beech hedge. 

Narraghmore has long been popular with buyers due to its close proximity to Dublin and the airport and easy access to the M9 and M7 motorways. All amenities are located in the nearby villages of Calverstown and Narraghmore which include public houses, shops, restaurants and takeaways. Ballyshannon and Crookstown primary schools are both within a five-minute drive. Kilcullen is approximately 10 minutes away and offers high-class shopping, the Cross & Passion secondary school and creches.

The Pond House is a unique property ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. The mature grounds are home to a diverse range of wildlife. It is a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts with quiet local roads for walking, forestry and the finest rolling countryside in Kildare. We invite you to experience the enchanting grounds of this real gem!

AMV €695,000; Dowling Property Kildare Office 045 482189; dowlingproperty.ie.

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Picnic on the Green at Old Kilcullen

A reminder that Old Kilcullen is hosting its annual community Picnic on the Green on Sunday next, 16 August, starting at 2pm. 

There will be cream teas, ice cream, a fun sports raffle, tug of war, and egg & spoon races. The day will also feature great live music, a magician, face painting, and a special heritage event. 

All proceeds from the picnic, which is supported by Kildare County Council, will go towards local community projects. For more information, follow the Old Kilcullen Community on Instagram.

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Parish Lotto results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 11th August 2026 were 1, 13, 15 and 25. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draws is €20,000 and €8,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Anne Brennan (Promoter Anne Brennan), Anne Bird (Vanessa Clarke) and Mark McDevitt (Ronan Murray).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vanessa Clarke and Miriam McDonnell, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Vivian Clarke.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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