Lily Beetle infestation time

This is a Lily Beetle, a pest that has become increasingly problematic in recent years and has been found in the Kilcullen area, writes Dave Byrne. The pest attacks outdoor lilies. 

The critical period for infestation is from April to July. The primary method of control involves manual removal of the beetles, followed by drowning them in soapy water. 

It is the larvae produced by the beetles that are responsible for the damage, which can destroy a potted lily overnight. 

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Strong interest in Riverside Manor rent-to-own initiative

There were more than 700 expressions of interest for seven rent-to-own housing units at Riverside Manor when the offer went live this week, writes Brian Byrne. The units are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom homes in the current development by Alchemy Homes.

The initiative is operated by Homely Technologies Limited, which acts as an intermediary between the developer and people who want to settle long-term in a community but are not yet in a position to buy their home. The Homely platform provides them with a stable renting option that gives the client the right to buy their home after a minimum of three years.

According to Homely co-founder Andrew Lynch, who was showcasing the homes to applicants over recent days, the scheme is for the 'forgotten middle' range of clients who can afford monthly payments but have not yet got a mortgage approval or an adequate deposit.

The Riverside Manor rentals are from €1,850 a month, with an optional monthly payment of up to €600 that builds towards a deposit. That payment also secures the tenant's right to purchase the property after three years. 

The seven homes in the current Kilcullen scheme are in an apartment block overlooking the Liffey. Andrew Lynch told the Diary that there's a possibility of further rent-to-buy units in the development, subject to interest. Homely has similar initiatives underway in Meath, Limerick and Waterford.

Rent-to-own is not currently covered by specific legislation in Ireland, but the Homely principals have been in discussion with public representatives in the Dáil with a view to progressing such legislation. 

During the rental term, the occupant is considered a tenant, and the agreement is bound by Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) regulations on rent caps and tenant rights. The Law Society of Ireland advises that all parties obtain independent legal advice in such rent-to-own agreements.

(Photos below are of the 1-bedroom apartment.)

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Plant Swap planned

Kilcullen Community Action is organising a Plant Swap on Saturday, 2 May, outside the former bank building. The event will run from 10 am to 12pm.

People are encouraged to bring along any surplus plants or seeds and swap them for varieties they do not already have. 

The idea promotes gardening, sustainability, and community spirit by giving people the chance to refresh their gardens and connect with others with gardening interests.

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Lions do litter pick for Spring Clean

Kilcullen Lions Club carried out their Annual Litter Pick on a section of the Athy Road south of the motorway Bridge this morning as part of National Spring Clean Week. 

Eleven bags of general waste and six bags of recyclables were collected.

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Record crowds tipped for Punchestown

The 2026 Punchestown Festival is set for record attendance, with advance sales indicating more than 130,000 visitors across the five-day event from Tuesday, 28 April to Saturday, 2 May.

This year’s festival is on track to exceed last year’s record turnout, driven by a strong weather forecast and a programme combining top-class racing with major social and entertainment attractions.

A record prize fund of €3.6 million is being offered across 40 races. Punchestown also expects the festival to generate more than €70 million for the economy and draw visitors from Ireland and overseas.

Chief executive Conor O’Neill said the festival has grown beyond sport into a flagship national entertainment event, with hospitality demand remaining exceptionally strong. Midweek hospitality is sold out despite increased capacity, while limited availability remains for Saturday.

The festival will also feature live music, style events, family entertainment, new hospitality options, and expanded food and beverage offerings.

Organisers are urging racegoers to book before the final ticket offer ends at midnight on Sunday, 26 April, and to use public transport where possible, particularly on Festival Friday.

Full details and tickets are available at www.punchestown.com.

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Dowling Property: 19 Hillcrest Kilcullen

Welcome to No 19. Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this exceptional 3-bedroom dormer bungalow for sale, available for the very first time. Situated in a tranquil cul-de-sac and overlooking a green area to the front, the property is presented in immaculate condition throughout. This superb home benefits from an elevated position, offering scenic views of Kilcullen town and the surrounding countryside from the rear.

The property features two spacious reception rooms and a charming sunroom with views over the landscaped gardens. The bright and spacious accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, a guest WC, a sitting room, a kitchen/breakfast room, a dining/lounge area, and a double bedroom on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Heating is by gas, complemented by an open fire in the sitting room.

The rear garden is particularly notable for its maturity, privacy, and south-facing sunshine. It boasts a variety of mature trees and shrubs and has been meticulously maintained by its owners.

Hillcrest is a small estate with all amenities conveniently located within close proximity. These include leisure facilities, shops, primary and secondary schools (St Brigid’s Primary School and the Cross & Passion College Secondary School), public transportation, and major road networks such as the M7 and M9 motorways. Given its prime location and excellent presentation, we strongly recommend early viewing. This is a property not to be missed.

AMV €395,000. dowlingproperty.ie. Kildare Office 045 482189.

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Nice job. Pity about the drivers

A nice job is almost finished at the Market Square and generally in downtown Kilcullen. Making getting in and out of Riverside a much smoother affair. 

Unfortunately, there seem to be some unsighted drivers around, as two of the new bollards were bashed the other night. One on the Market Square pedestrian island, the other near the bridge.

Get a grip, people. Preferably on your steering wheels.

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Book Sale continues today

It's the last day of this month's KWWSPCA Book Sale today, Saturday, at Kilcullen Heritage Centre. Find thousands of books to explore — 6 books for just €5! 

There's something for everyone — Classics, Fiction, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Cookery, Gardening, Irish Fiction, Sports, Autobiographies, and more. Plus, lots of children’s books too, at 3 for €1! 

Support our local SPCA. Come and grab some fantastic summer reads at great prices!

And don't forget to take part in Walking Sunday tomorrow, 26 April, at Punchestown Racecourse from 2pm to 4pm. The event is open to everyone, and dogs are especially welcome.

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Is this your tricycle?

This adult tricycle was found in the Kilcullen KARE centre's grounds in February and still has not been claimed. The owner can get it by enquiring at the centre,

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Poetry book from Rani Grennell

Local drama and communications teacher Rani Grennell has published her first book of poetry, Dancing with Shadows, writes Brian Byrne. With more than 70 poems, the book is available both in print and Kindle formats from Amazon, and from Barnes & Noble.

Rani, who operates her Kings and Clowns drama and voice training studio from her home at Harristown, says she has been writing poetry since she was a teenager, and the pieces in the book span a timeline from then to the present day. The themes cover life experiences, relationships, family, and her love of nature and animals. 

"Each poem stands on its own, but together, they form a picture, if you like, of what my life has been so far," she told the Diary. "It's a collection that can be seen as personal, but hopefully, there's a universality in the experiences of life in it as well."

Rani has also written short stories and is currently working on a non-poetry book titled The Confessions of a Serial Dog Owner. She produced Dancing with Shadows with the help of UK-based publishing services company BritLit.

The title is based on the thought that our memories are shadows swirling around us through our lives.

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KWWSPCA Book Sale in Kilcullen

A reminder that animal lovers have two chances to support the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) this weekend, writes Brian Byrne, with a big book sale in Kilcullen TODAY and a family-friendly walking event at Punchestown Racecourse on Sunday.

The charity’s Massive Book Sale takes place today and tomorrow, 24/25 April, in Kilcullen Town Hall, offering a wide selection of books. It is open today from 11am to 5pm and on Saturday from 11pm to 4pm. The fundraising will continue on Sunday, 26 April, with Walking Sunday at Punchestown Racecourse from 2pm to 4pm. The event is open to everyone, and dogs are especially welcome.

The walk will give people a chance to enjoy the racecourse in the days before the Punchestown Racing Festival begins, with attractions including an information stall, raffle, coffee stall, ice cream stall and spot prizes.

For more information, contact 087 680 3295.

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Kilcullen athletes helping mountain rescue team

No.1 Fitness Kilcullen is participating in the Mondello 24-hour Endurance Cycle on 20 June, a challenging event in aid of Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue. The Kilcullen team can be supported at this link, and every contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in helping the rescue team continue their life-saving work.

DWMRT is a 24/7 emergency rescue team serving Dublin, Wicklow and Louth, made up of highly trained volunteers who give their time, skills, and expertise purely out of commitment to helping others. They’ve been saving lives from their base in Roundwood since 1984.

The Mondello 24-hour cycle is a test of endurance and dedication, with participants cycling continuously for a full day. The event has gathered support from several sponsors, including Kilcullen Dental, Quantum, Andrews Plant Hire, Oldstone Conservation, FJS Plant, Refillz, Scott Engineering, Las Radas, Phase Electrical, and GBS Engineering. 

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Roadworks continuing

Work yesterday on new surfaces on the road in downtown Kilcullen and the Market Square.

 

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