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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Meet the Writers at JuneFest

The Newbridge June Fest will host a free literary evening at Riverbank Arts Centre on Sunday 7 June, writes Brian Byrne, featuring a “Meet the Writers” panel discussion and the announcement of the winners of the June Fest National Short Story Competition. The event, which starts at 7pm, will also include a pop-up bookshop by Woodbine Books.

Moderated by Mary Linehan, the panel will bring together Kildare-linked writers John MacKenna, Ed O’Loughlin and Martina Smith to discuss their writing journeys, the publishing world and the challenges of the craft. 

During the awards ceremony, this year’s short story competition adjudicator, John MacKenna, will announce the winner and runner-up, with the winning writer invited to read an extract from their work.

The event is free to attend, but booking is essential. 

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Membership open for St Bridget's Pitch & Putt

St Bridget’s Pitch & Putt Club is currently accepting membership applications for 2026. The club offers an accessible and affordable sport, requiring minimal equipment and suitable for all abilities, ages, and genders. 

Membership rates are €112.50 for adults, €72.50 for OAPs, €55 for full-time students under 25, and €40 for juveniles under 18. Members are affiliated with the Pitch and Putt Union (PPI) and receive a playing handicap. 

The club features practice facilities and a championship 18-hole course, with rounds typically taking less than 1.5 hours. Green fees are available daily, payable online or via QR code at the course entrance. 

The club is located behind Kilcullen Community Centre, with ample parking.

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Calverstown Community First Responders launch fundraising drive

A reminder that the new community first responder group established in Calverstown, with local volunteers, is seeking public support to help get the life-saving service up and running, writes Brian Byrne.

Calverstown Community First Responders will respond alongside the National Ambulance Service to medical emergencies in the area, such as cardiac arrests, strokes and choking incidents, where the first few minutes can be vital while an ambulance is on the way.

The group needs to raise approximately €8,000 to cover essential equipment and setup costs. Funds raised will go towards items including defibrillators (AEDs), emergency response bags, PPE, high-visibility gear and training equipment.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will be welcomed. The appeal is now live through iDonate, and supporters are also being encouraged to share the campaign to help spread the word.

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Online workshop for local business grants

A reminder that an online workshop explaining how Kildare businesses can secure grant and loan funding will take place on 11 June from 2:15pm to 3:45pm, hosted by Local Enterprise Office Kildare. The free briefing is mandatory for all grant applicants and is open to new and existing Kildare-based business owners seeking grant or loan support. 

The session will outline available funding opportunities, walk through the grant application process, highlight what makes a successful application, and detail required supporting documents and milestone planning. It will also include guidance on preparing financial projections, followed by a Q&A. 

Follow‑up mentoring will be available for participants who need further help completing projections for their funding applications.

More information here. 

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Heritage in Schools programme extending to second level

Primary school workshop. (Image: Heritage Council.)

The Heritage Council has announced the expansion of its successful Heritage in Schools (HIS) programme to include post-primary schools, including in Kildare, writes Brian Byrne. Building on over two decades of success at the primary level, the new Heritage in Schools Post-Primary (HIS-PP) initiative will connect students with heritage specialists through engaging, curriculum-linked workshops.

The programme is designed to support teachers by providing practical resources for subjects across the Junior Cycle, Senior Cycle, and Transition Year, including history, geography, science, Gaeilge, and the arts. By offering real-world experiences, the initiative aims to deepen students' appreciation for Ireland’s natural, built, and cultural heritage.

To facilitate this, there's also a national recruitment campaign seeking up to 100 heritage practitioners. Experts in fields such as archaeology, biodiversity, geology, and traditional crafts are encouraged to apply by the 6 July deadline. An information webinar for prospective applicants will be held on 5 June.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said the expansion "will give students the opportunity to engage more directly with heritage through real-world experiences and deepen their understanding of what they study".

Heritage specialists are expected to begin delivering workshops in Kildare schools starting in 2027. Schools will be able to book full-day, half-day, or shorter visits directly through an online system.

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