Dick Reade, hero

Every community has its heroes, writes Brian Byrne. Some of them are immediately recognisable, others perhaps not so. Whichever, they are part of the unique DNA that underpins the life in every village and town in any land.

When one of these heroes passes on, it is understandable that we feel a sense of loss. That a key part of where we live seems to have gone forever. But with the death of Dick Reade, that last is absolutely not the case.

Certainly the loss will be felt deeply by Kitty and the family, by their friends, and by a truly enormous swathe of Kilcullen people with whom Dick interacted through his lifetime.

But he has left something from that interaction, always selfless, which will not just keep him in the memory of this community. It also played its part in producing future heroes, both for Kilcullen and further parts of the world.

Dick had many interests. A stalwart of the St Vincent de Paul right up to his last days. A collector for many local charities, not least the Alzheimers Unit of St Vincents Hospital. And many others.

But his giant interest has been in scouting. And the 9th Kildare Troop, founded in 1977, will be the greatest legacy produced by Dick in partnership with his beloved Kitty. For this work they received in 2007 the Cuchulainn Award, the highest commendation for adults in scouting in Ireland.

Even when they stepped back from full involvement with the troop, they left it in the capable hands of people like Roy Champ and other leaders, including their son Richard.

But what is most important is that the presence of the troop gave an opportunity for hundreds, maybe thousands, of young boys and girls to learn the importance of teamwork, fair play, and striving to achieve goals in both competition and harmony.

As these youngsters grew up and scattered, they were thus equipped to be valued members of whatever community they ended up in. Or will do, in the case of the current group.

Each has now the potential to become—whether in Ireland or the countries across the globe from which many of them tune in regularly to the Diary—heroes themselves in their villages, towns and cities, in the mould of Dick and Kitty.

There can be no greater memorial than that.

Rest in peace, a true giant of a man.



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The passing of Dick Reade

The Diary has learned of the death of Dick Reade, Bishop Rogan Park.

Reposing at his residence.

Removal on Sunday evening, at 6.30, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, at 7pm.

Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am. Funeral afterwards to St Brigid's Cemetery.

To Dick's family and very many friends, especially in scouting, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

May he rest in peace.

The passing of Mona Allen

The Diary has learned of the death of Monica Bridget 'Mona' Allen, Conroy Park.

Reposing at her residence, from 6 o'clock this evening. Removal on Monday at 1.30pm, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, for Requiem Mass at 2pm.

Funeral afterwards to New Abbey Cemetery.

To her family and friends we extend our sympathy. May she rest in peace.

The passing of Molly Howard

The Diary has learned of the death of Mary 'Molly' Howard, nee Aspell, Old Kilcullen.

Molly is reposing at her residence from midday today.

Removal will take place on Sunday morning at 10.20, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid for Requiem Mass at 11am.

Her funeral will take place immediately afterwards to New Abbey Cemetery.

To the Howard and Aspell families we extend our deepest sympathies.

May she rest in peace.

Bell ringing at An Tearmann

There was an appreciative audience for the traditional Christmas Eve bell-ringing recital in An Tearmann this morning. Pic Noel Clare/The Bridge.


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Do you remember?

Mary Orford sent in this picture, made from a negative which she found and had restored as much as it could be. It was taken outside GG Quinn's shop and there is a flag flying, and she suggests it was taken in 1932, the year of the Eucharistic Congress. It's certainly taken sometime in the 1930s.

With help from Rita Nugent and Maureen Barker, Mary has identified most of the people, although not all. Perhaps Diary readers might help complete the information and also enjoy seeing how the town looked all those years ago.

Standing are Mollie Orford and Rosie Quinn; seated are Jack Barker, Maurice Barker, Jimmy Orford, Ms Winters from Calverstown (first name unknown), and an unidentified man.

In the background are GG Quinn's shop, two houses where the Poole and Clarke families lived, and a glimpse of Byrnes Hardware & Drapery.

UPDATE: Finola Dunphy has identified the man on the right as her uncle, Kit Dowling.


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Principal's last day in college

Yesterday was Paul Tyrrell's last day in Cross & Passion College, on his retirement after more than 15 years as principal.

He was made a presentation by the Students Council and was wished well by many students during the course of the day.

His last official act was to dedicate the new statue of Our Lady in the old grotto, which was installed by Alan Lacey and Albert Keenan.

(Photos by Noel Clare/The Bridge.)


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GAA internships available

Kildare GAA Games & Coaching Development have vacancies for internships under the JobBridge Scheme, writes Aidan Gleeson. It would be great to get someone local.

JobBridge is a new National Internship Scheme that will provide work experience placements for interns for a 6- or 9-month period. The aim of the National Internship Scheme is to assist in breaking the cycle where jobseekers are unable to get a job without experience, either as new entrants to the labour market after education or training or as unemployed workers wishing to learn new skills.

The scheme will also give people a real opportunity to gain valuable experience to bridge the gap between study and the beginning of their working lives.

The first phase of internships as part of the GAA/JobBridge scheme have gone live today at www.jobbridge.gaa.ie and www.jobbridge.ie.


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Santa in An Tearmann

Santa will be arriving by sleigh to An Tearmann today, on a reconnaissance visit before his global journey on Christmas Eve.

The big jolly man in the red coat is scheduled to arrive at the coffee shop at 4pm, though the increasingly heavy traffic in Kilcullen in the runup to Christmas may delay him slightly.

All welcome to give him a big hello and a ho ho ho.


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Lights on convent building

Now that the CPC wall is down, KARE have done their bit for the overall project by lighting up the statue of Our Lord and the stained glass windows of the former Cross and Passion Chapel, writes Noel Clare.

They will be lit up each night from dusk until midnight. You can expect to see further lighting on the building and the trees in the grounds over the next week or so.

This lighting is being jointly funded by the school and KARE.


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Hamper winners

The Kilcullen GAA Christmas Hamper Winners 2011 were: Monster Hamper - Dr Michael Kelly (seller - Paul Jones); Turkey & Ham - Alan Dunney (c/o Hawkfield); Christmas Cake & Bottle of Whiskey - Séamus Doyle (Athgarvan); Turkey & Christmas Pudding - Mary Kelly (Brownstown); Bottle of Whiskey & Bottle of Wine - Pat Farrell (Brannockstown); Ham & Bottle of Wine - Joan Walsh (Naas); Turkey & Bottle of Wine - Kevin Donoghue (Mountmellick).


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Christmas lights

Christmas lights on homes in Conroy Park, Kilcullen.



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Newberry sale denied

Speculation that Newberry House and Stud at Carnalway has been sold and that the deal will be completed this week has been categorically denied, writes Brian Byrne.

According to Willie Coonan of Coonan Estates, there 'are a number of interested parties' but nothing has yet reached the stage of negotiation.

This follows beliefs widely expressed in Kilcullen on Monday night that a deal had been done with a Dublin based family involved in bloodstock and racing.

The 170-acre property had been the home of Lady Margaret Clague since the mid-70s, when she and her husband Sir Douglas Clague acquired the 19th century property to be the centre of their bloodstock activities. Sir Douglas died in 1981, and Lady Clague died in February of this year, aged 89.

Newberry House is a two-storey, eight-bedroom period residence in grounds that include gardens with Chinese and Spanish themes. It was put up for sale in August by the Clague heirs, with a guide price in the region of €5 million.

It has been looked after by resident manager Pat Murtagh for some 40 years.

The property was previously owned by Mrs Helen Hertz Hexter, of the family that owned the global Hertz truck and car rental business. The home was built as Carnalway House by the Tickell family, originally from Cumberland, England, and which became involved with Carnalway through intermarriage with the Eustace family.


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CU says 'come in and talk' about difficulties

Kilcullen Credit Union has appealed to members who may be experiencing repayment difficulties on their loans to contact the CU's Credit Control Committee personally and in a timely manner, writes Brian Byrne.

In particular, the CU asks that contact in a difficult situation not be done through a money advisory service of a debt management company.

During 2011 Kilcullen Credit Union became a member of the Irish Credit Bureau and all applicants for loans are now checked throug the ICB.

The CU also retained a debt collection company, Advance Credit Management. The Credit Committee emphasises that using this company is only a last resort used when all other methods of trying to contact a member 'have proved futile'.

Loan accounts are monitored weekly, and members missing payments are contacted by text, phone, email, letter or visit.

"Unfortunately, some members do not respond to these efforts," the Committee noted in its report to the recent AGM, "and we have no option but to pursue the repayment of the member's loans by all means available, in the interests of he majority of our membership."




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Library Christmas arrangements

Kilcullen Community Library will be closed for Christmas leave from Friday 23 December and will reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2012.

Julie wishes all her friends and library users a very happy Christmas.


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Individual look at Old Kilcullen

This is one of Kieran Behan's very artistic photographs of Old Kilcullen. There are more here.


Dresser Store

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Coffee morning raises €1,000

The recent Coffee Morning & Craft Fair in Kilcullen Heritage Centre raised €1,000 for the charity Maintain Hope.

Esther Reddy says the success of the event was due in no small measure to the efforts of family and friends who helped to organise it.

She also says a big 'thanks' to the businesses and craft enterprises who took part in the morning, and all those who came along to support it.

Maintain Hope was founded in 2006 by local schoolteacher Gerry O'Donoghue and Sue Riehn, and volunteers travel each year to work on projects at an orphanage and school in Kenya.



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Scouts, seniors, on RTE tonight

The Kilcullen Scouts Senior Citizens Party, which was held last month, will feature on RTE's iWitness programme tonight.

The programme goes out immediately after the Late Late Show.

If you miss it, you can catch up on the broadcast on the RTE Player from Monday.



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Music and Musings splendid in medieval church

The night outside was bitterly cold, but the welcome was warm and the wine helped set the humour at last night's 'Music & Musings for Christmas' in St Mary's Church, Castlemartin, writes Brian Byrne.

The performances were an eclectic mix. The Legato Singers, directed by Phionagh Gibson who has many CPC musical productions under her belt, were as smooth and musically coherent as the meaning of the name they chose for themselves. Dorly and Rachel O'Sullivan, with Gese Mucke, provided a range of chamber music suited to the season, and Danny Carthy of Fiddlers Green brought us passionately through a musical history of folk.

Soprano Orla Colleton, a former pupil of CPC and now a professional singer and singing teacher, virtually lifted the rafters of the restored 16th century church in the grounds of Sir Anthony and Lady O'Reilly's Irish home, with offerings from Gilbert & Sullivan and Puccini. Christmas carols from all present, accompanied by Monica Martin, concluded the music of the evening, which was in aid of Maintain Hope.

Between the songs there were stories from Charlie Talbot, Mae Leonard, your editor and John Martin, who also did MC. Mute but vibrant, Dave Clancy's floral arrangements added colour and seasonality to the ambience.

If you weren't there, you missed a quite unique occasion.


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A Vibe for Larry Roddy

Just in case anyone missed hearing about it, writes Roy Thompson, tonight's the night for A Vibe for Larry Roddy.

From 8:30pm, in Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, an open mic night of music, song and remembrance (and a pint or two) in memory of our pal. 

Got a feeling it's going to be a great night. Hope to see some of ye there!


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Christmas Disco reminder

A little reminder to everyone about our Fundraising Disco which will take place in the Community Centre Friday night, writes Eilis Keogh of Kilcullen Community Playgroup.

From 4pm-5.15pm will be for children aged 3-6 (playschool-1st class) and 6pm-7.30pm will be for children aged 7-12 (2nd class-6th class)

This will be our last fundraiser for 2011 and we need everyone to come along and support us.



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Car loans up at CU

The number of loans provided by Kilcullen Credit Union during the 2011 financial year was 543, a decrease on 58 on the previous year, writes Brian Byrne.

In their report to the recent AGM, the CU's Credit Committee said the decrease reflected the current climate and employment uncertainty.

Car loans continue to be the largest sector, with the €536,852 figure substantially up on the €460,911 in 2010. Minor home improvements at €369,640 were down on the previous year, and loans to repay debts and bills were halved to €122,048.

The Credit Committee noted that no loan restrictions have been placed on Kilcullen Credit Union by the Financial Regulator, and the CU is open for loans going forward.


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KCA 'wants more discussion' on waste plant

The lack of information and consultation on the proposed dry and metal waste processing facility at the Knockbounce Business Park is what prompted Kilcullen Community Action to add its own objection to those of residents who would be affected by the development.

"The application was submitted in a way which did not encourage or facilitate any consultation or discussion," KCA's Noel Clare told the Diary. "The site notice was inconspicuous and the newspaper notice was placed in The Examiner. Even local Councillors claim not to have been aware of the plan."
 
In the meantime KCA would like to take the opportunity to find out more about the plan and engage in some further discussion about it, he said.


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Scoil Bhride Draw winners

Views from the Scoil Bhride Christmas Craft Fair 2011.

The Draw winners at last weekend's Scoil Bhride Christmas Fair were: 1st (Nintendo 3DS) Nicholas Langan, sold by Nicholas; 2nd (Newbridge Cutlery) Paula Cahill, sold by Leah Cahill; 3rd (€100 Kilcullen Vouchers) Stephen Bramble, sold by Alex Butler; 4th (€60 Smyths Voucher) Patsy Clarke, seller unknown; Sellers Prize (UCI voucher,Toblerone) Fiona Eguare; Spot Prize (€50) Marian O‘Leary; Name The Teddy (Teddy) Laura Gibson.



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KCA to object to waste planning application

Kilcullen Community Action is to lend its weight to opposition against a proposed waste recycling and car dismantling project on the Knockbounce Business Park, writes Brian Byrne.

At a special KCA meeting last night to discuss the matter, the community organisation decided to lodge an objection to the planning application for the project.

Residents of Cnoc na Greine Woods have already decided to lodge an objection to the application, which relates to a Kildare County Council owned site in the business park.

Local councillors Mark Wall and Ivan Keatley tried to raise the issue at yesterday's Local Area Meeting but were ruled out of order.

Objections must be lodged by Friday of this week, because the closing date is on Sunday.


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Dave aims to be on your door for Christmas

There's something very Christmasy about the smell of fresh cinnamon and oranges, and that's what you'll get from Dave Clancy's seasonal door wreaths, writes Brian Byrne.

These handmade decorations are among the suggestions florist Dave offers for Christmas, as presents to family and friends or just to give one's own home that special Christmas feeling.

"I'm also doing table centre decorations, festive bouquets, and plants which always make a nice seasonal gift," says the popular Main Street businessman, who moved earlier this year from his original Hillcrest position to the prime spot beside The Vincents.

Dave has been six years in business in Kilcullen, a town where he has made his home and in which he has become very involved.

And nobody can pass buy his shop without getting a cheery 'hi', and if you're lucky, a couple of home-baked teacakes, as he's also a dab hand at the baking.

This is part of the Diary's pre-Christmas showcase of local enterprises. Remember, shop local and keep your town in business.


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More bad debts, but CU 'safe and sound'

Kilcullen Credit Union had to 'write out' bad debts of €271,370 in the accounts ending 30th September 2011, an increase of €134,535 on the 2010 accounts, writes Brian Byrne. This was required to comply with legislation.

Presenting her Treasurer's Report at the recent AGM, Elizabeth O'Brien noted that this move represented 31 members' accounts, and necessitated increasing the Bad Debt Reserve by an extra €44,000.

But she also reported that bad debts recovered during the year amounted to €38,670, more than twice the amount in 2010.

She emphasised that Kilculen Credit Union is in a 'safe and sound state', and no loan restrictions of any kind have been placed on the Union by the Financial Regulator.

Costs associated with managing the Loan Book were €15,490 and new elements in the management expenses included the subscription of €2,829 for membership of the Irish Credit Bureau and €5,000 in Debt Recovery Service fees.

The accounts showed that investment income increased by €70,727 on the 2010 figure and all savings are covered by the Government Guarantee Scheme up to €100,000 per account.

No dividend was paid for 2011, the first time in the Credit Union's 41 years history. However, Chairperson Philomena Griffin said that, 'because of our prudent approach', 2012 will be a better year.



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Yule treats from Armelle's

Christmas treats are the current fare at Armelle's Kitchen on Main Street, writes Brian Byrne, with highlight choices being Yule Logs, edible tree decorations and cake-sized macarons.

And, of course, Kenny Rorie's breads are always welcome when the sweet tooths have been sated with sugar and cream and all else that makes up Armelle Siomboing's singularly French patisserie specialities.

But if you want your own cakes and breads for Christmas time, do get your order in as soon as possible. "We're inundated with orders at the moment," Armelle says. "We really don't want to disappoint anyone who orders late for Christmas."

Armelle and Kenny celebrated the shop's first year of operation in September. Before that Armelle had begun cooking in their home in Newbury, Castlemartin, selling in the local area from her website. Many of her recipes come from her family home in northern France, where she used to help her father cook Yule Logs for all their extended family at Christmas.

Now that recipe is a treat for many Kilcullen homes this Christmas.

This is part of the Diary's pre-Christmas showcase of local enterprises. Remember, shop local and keep your town in business.


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Finding the pot of gold

Look, the Central Bank is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! And we never knew until now. Pic from Ronan Murphy, who wonders if it means there's truly light at the end of the tunnel?

We think it's just the pipeline that carries in the bailout money from the IMF...


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Donations for 'Miscellany' still coming in

The donations for the recent 'Miscellany on Sunday' have now reached €3,000 and are still coming in, writes Phena Bermingham.

People are extraordinarily generous even in difficult times. And it is never too late to donate. Thank you all.

All proceeds go the the SVP's Michael Garry House hostel for the homeless.


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Tickets from Bernard Berney Chemist, 045 481497.

Councillors to raise waste plant issue

Councillors representing Kilcullen are to raise the issue of a proposed metal waste and vehicle recycling facility at their area meeting on Monday, writes Brian Byrne.

At a public meeting in Cnoc na Greine Woods this morning, both Mark Wall and Ivan Keatley said they ’had not been aware’ of the proposal until this week, and would be taking up the matter with the Council.

The proposed plant would be right at the back of houses in Cnoc na Greine Woods and would also impact on Avondale Estate and the GAA Club.

The councillors advised the residents at the meeting of their options to object to the application, which must be done by the end of next week.

There was some criticism of a comment from the local representatives that more consideration might be given to a large number of individual objections than to a joint ’petition’ submission. The councillors said they were relaying what had been said by an official in the Planning Department.

A number of those present said they couldn’t afford the €20 each individual objection would cost. Although the majority of the residents have decided they will send in individual objections, it was decided that a joint objection would be prepared for those who wanted to go that route.

The issue of ’complicity’ by the Council in the application was also raised, as the local authority owns the site on which the application is being made.

Cllrs Wall and Keatley said their job was to represent the local people who put them in the position on the authority, and they would be doing this. Cllr Wall said the Council would have to have been involved in pre-planning meetings of which they were not aware, and they would be following this up.



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Traditional Christmas gifts at The Dresser Store

With an eye on Christmas, there are some really lovely traditional ideas for presents at The Dresser Store, operated by Brendan and Mairead Talbot since March of this year, writes Brian Byrne.

Even in these days of high-tech electronic stuff, it is hard to beat a really good 1,000-piece jig-saw puzzle, and the store has a wide range from The House of Puzzles, for both adults and children.

And a dream present for a little girl is the big doll's house made by Brendan himself, a vertible three-storey mansion in this case.

We were particularly struck by the selection of Beatrix Potter character prints, which brought back many childhood memories from far too long ago. Beautiful, delicate pieces, ideal for a bathroom or a child's room.

In their delftware lines, there's a new range from Stripes & Spots which would grace any modern table for many years, and the V&A flowered pieces have an evergreen attraction.

This is part of the Diary's pre-Christmas showcase of local enterprises. Remember, shop local and keep your town in business.



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Concern about waste facility proposal

Concerns about the impact of a proposed dry waste and metal recycling plant have prompted residents of Cnoc na Greine Woods to call a meeting for Saturday morning, writes Brian Byrne.

It will be held on the lower green at 11am, to discuss the implications of a planning application for the facility, to be located in the Knockbounce Business Park behind the estate (site pictured above).

Councillors and other residents associations have been invited to the meeting, organised by Fergus Ryan of the Cnoc na Greine Residents Association. The proposed development would also impact on Avondale.

The planning application also involves an End of Life Vehicle recovery facility, including a vehicle compactor, non ferrous metals store, and associated works.

The residents are angry that Kildare County Council, which owns the Business Park, has not engaged in any local consultation about the application, which they describe as 'contentious'.

Pictured below beside the planning application Site Notice are residents Ray De Courcy and Michael Considine.




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