Thursday, October 17, 2024

KWWSPCA Bazaar moved to Kilcullen for Sunday


The venue for the KWWSPCA Autumn Bazaar this Sunday is now Kilcullen Town Hall, in the time frame of 11am-4pm.
The change is due to the unavailability of the previously-advertised location of Newbridge Rugby Club.
There will be tables selling a wide variety of items including cakes, home produce, household goods, bric a brac, small items of furniture, pictures, mirrors, clothes and accessories, books, products for your pets and much more.
Call 087 6803295 for more information.

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The passing of David O'Connell

The Diary has been informed of the death of David O'Connell, Ballinderry House, Enfield, Co Meath, who passed away suddenly on Tuesday 15 October 2024, in Tallaght Hospital following a horse-riding accident.
David will be deeply missed by his heartbroken wife Karen and daughter Sarah, his loving parents Paddy and Gemma, sister Ruth, brothers Stephen, Robert and Patrick, brother and sisters-in-law, Stephen, Anya and Erica, Denise, Aoife and Niamh, nieces Jane and Dairíona, nephews Daniel, Paul, Luke, Micheál and Lucas, extended family, friends and work colleagues.
He will be reposing at his home, A83 NH97, on Friday 18 October from 4pm to 7pm. Removal will be on Saturday morning to the Church of the Assumption, Kilcorney, Enfield, A83 Y021, for Mass at 11am to celebrate David’s remarkable life, followed by private cremation.
No flowers please. Donations if desired to MS Ireland.
House strictly private on Saturday morning please.
Rest in peace.

Lost your truck?

If your little one has lost their truck, it was found in McGarry's Lane and has been put on top of the sign for retrieval.

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Local history seminar for Kilcullen at weekend


All County Kildare historians — and even those with a passing interest — are invited to a seminar in Kilcullen Heritage Centre on Saturday morning next, 19 October, writes Liam Kenny. The event, hosted by the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups, brings historians from across the county together to update the public on the latest research. 
The programme begins at 10am in the Kilcullen Heritage Centre and theatre in Main Street, with a presentation by Kill native Noel Cocoman on the topical letters of John Devoy. This year marks the centenary of Devoy's return to his native area of Kill and Naas after years in exile in the United States, where he was the chief agent of Irish republicanism. 
Afterwards there will be a dazzling presentation by Sean Sourke, who has mastered the techniques of 3D photogrammetry to show County Kildare landmarks in a way never seen before.  The morning will conclude with short reports from the history groups in the county, from Celbridge in the north to Castledermot in the south, giving updates on their vigorous programmes of talks and walks, helping locals discover the stories that make the Shortgrass County such a fascinating place in which to live. 



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Open Mic Night in Woodbine Books


There will be an Open Mic Night in Woodbine Books on Wednesday next, 23 October, to mark Irish Book Week, writes Brian Byrne.
A number of members from the Kilcullen Writing Group will present their poetry, short stories, essays, flash fiction and music. Other performers are welcome — contact Woodbine Books to be added to the list.
Audience members are welcome to this free event, which begins at 7.30pm.
Irish Book Week is a partnership between Bookselling Ireland and Publishing Ireland, and runs from 19-26 October.

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No bus shelters yet for Kilcullen, Kennycourt


There has been no progress on the provision of previously-agreed bus shelters for Kilcullen and Kennycourt, writes Brian Byrne. Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer was given this 'unfavourable' response at yesterday's meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD.
The councillor heard that, following funding allocated to Kildare County Council by the NTA for shelters, the Council is considering locations in Athgarvan, Brownstown, Newbridge and Kildare Town, and that other locations will be considered in due course 'funding and resources permitting'. The report from officials said it is not anticipated that any of the shelters will be delivered until 2025.
"Following a discussion at the meeting it was agreed to circulate a list of priority bus shelters to be delivered in our MD," Cllr O'Dwyer said afterwards, "and I will continue to work on this."

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Christmas Fair at Halverstown School


Booking are now open to potential stall-holders for the Halverstown School Christmas Fair. The event is scheduled for Sunday 1 December.
The Fair will run from 11am-3pm, and anyone wishing to sell there is asked to email halverstownpa@gmail.com.
The event is run by the St Joseph's NS Parents Association.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Solar farm application for Kilcullen


A planning application has been lodged for a solar farm to be constructed at Brownstown, Kilcullen, over restored landfill owned by Kilcullen Landfill Ltd, with an export capacity of approximately 4.5MW.
The project, which is at pre-validation planning stage, comprises photovoltaic panels on concrete ballast supported frames, the construction of and connection to a new single-storey ESB Sub-Station and Switch Room building, installation of 3 No. transformers, ducting & electrical cabling and all associated ancillary works and services.
The applicant is AGB Landfill Holdings Limited and the application number is 2461046. A preliminary decision date is 05/12/2024 and submissions can be made until 14/11/2024.

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DP Property: Blackrath Cottages, The Curragh


Welcome to Blackrath Cottages. Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this exceptional rare opportunity to acquire a property overlooking the Curragh Plains and the famous 'Braveheart Hill'. Although in need of renovation and updating, what we have here is simply unique and a one-off.
This delightful property extends to c.75 sq mt and consists of a 3-bedroom semi-detached with gardens to the front and rear. Enjoying a commanding position along a quiet cul-de-sac. The heating is oil and is accompanied by an open fire and there are also D/G windows. There is a large detailed steel workshop to rear which is ideal for a number of uses. 
The area is spoilt for outdoor leisure activities and its position overlooks the Royal Curragh Golf Club. There's excellent access to the M7 which is just a c.3-minute drive away, along with the Curragh Racecourse. With its sought-after location and commanding views, we just now advise on early viewings. The accommodation briefly consists of entrance porch, sitting-room, three bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen. 
All amenities are located close by in Newbridge c.4km, Kilcullen c.4km and Athgarvan c.2.5km, including a host of first-class shopping, including Dunnes Stores, Woodies, Tesco and SuperValu. The area boasts a tremendous selection of schools with Athgarvan primary school just a short distance away.
AMV €195,000. www.dowlingproperty.ie. Call Kildare office on 045 482189.

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The passing of Finola Dunphy (née Dowling)

The Diary has been informed of the death of Finola Dunphy, of Cluain Dara, Cutbush, The Curragh, and late of Kilcullen. Finola passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the nurses of the Curragh Lawn Nursing Home. 
She is sadly missed by her loving husband Dick, daughters Siobhán and Celene, sons Fergal and Ronan, sons-in-law Derek and Barry, daughters-in-law Bernie and Deirdre, 10 adored grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.
Finola will be reposing at her residence on Friday 18 October from 4pm until 8pm with prayers at 7.30pm. Removal by Anderson & Leahy Funeral Directors on Saturday morning at 11.45am to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen for Mass at 12.30pm which can be viewed on this link. Funeral afterwards to St Brigid’s Cemetery, Kilcullen.
Rest in peace.

The passing of Billy Aspell

The Diary has learned of the death of Billy Aspell, Conroy Park, Kilcullen, on 15 October 2025,
peacefully at Naas General Hospital. 
Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Babs), Billy's passing is deeply regretted by his loving son Paul, daughter-in-law Kay, grandchildren Pádraig and Róisín, brothers Paddy and Joe, sisters Molly, Terry, Breda, Peg, Dolly and Nuala, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, niece's, nephew's, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Billy will be reposing at his residence (Eircode R56 HP02} on Thursday 17th from 4pm to 8pm with prayers at 7.30pm. Removal from there on will be on Friday 18 October, to the Church of The Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen, arriving for 11am Funeral Mass which may be viewed on this link, followed by burial in St Brigid's Cemetery, Kilcullen.
Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Friends of Naas Hospital. There will be a donation box in house and Church for this purpose.
Rest in peace.

Ceann Comhairle chairs CPC debate on EU

Deputy Sean Ó Fearghail, Ceann Comhairle, supervising the debate.

Presentations and a debate for an Erasmus Days event held in Cross and Passion College on Monday revealed strong skills among members of the CPC Debating Club in proposing and opposing a motion on Is it Beneficial to be an EU Citizen?, writes Brian Byrne. All took place under the supervision of no less than the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Seán Ó Fearghail TD
It was the first such event in CPC, which has recently become involved in the Erasmus+ expanded EU education mobility initiative. Opening the occasion, CPC's Mary Quinto provided a brief overview on how such events provide a platform to showcase EU citizenship and create intercultural dialogue and engagement.
German visitors Daniel Lutz and Luise Zabel outlined the vision of the Erasmus initiative to promote friendships through learning and also in spreading the values of the union. In addition to discussion and debate, there was also an opportunity to sample food from different countries, prepared by CPC students and their families. 
There are 23 different countries represented in the school community and a drama workshop during the day showcased elements from a number of the different cultures, demonstrating ways of how they can interact with each other. This was facilitated by Serena from Italy, Marta from Spain, Makis from Greece, and Tuana from Turkey, who are all part of the Erasmus EU Solidarity Corps, volunteering with Crooked HouseTheatre.
The debate raised a wide range of positives relating to the EU, including addressing climate change, response to Covid, economic growth, free trade, healthcare, and foreign relations. Those debating in opposition highlighted geopolitical conflict, nationalism and loss of identity, competing economic interests raising mistrust between nations, and the heavy burden on smaller countries and small businesses created by EU regulation and bureaucracy. The role of the Erasmus initiative was noted as a key positive, especially now that it is not limited to third level students, and the expectation that the CPC involvement will have a knock-on positive impact on Kilcullen. 
Revealing that he had been a Eurosceptic when he was young, Deputy Ó Fearghail said Ireland's experience had shown how positive the bloc's development had been. He commended the standard of the debate, and particularly how the quality of research was so much better than it had been in his time in second level education. He also particularly praised the Erasmus programme and its aims. 
While the adjudication of the debate by the Ceann Comhairle and CPC Principal Joe Leonard suggested the proposers of the benefits of EU citizenship to have won the day, it was agreed to have been a very close result. The confidence of the teams on both sides was acknowledged, as was appreciation of the difficulty in arguing in opposition. Certificates were presented to the debaters and to the Debating Club.
The event finished up with students, staff members and invited guests chatting together and enjoying a feast of international food. 
NOTE: This report was compiled from the work of a team of students who provided photographs and information about the event: photographers Emily Strong and Ailbhe Cashin, and reporters Evey Brand and Sam Gaynor. The Diary very much appreciates their contributions. (All their photographs can be viewed here.)
Jake Byrne, Kitmarie Hunter and Sam Moussilides - opposing team.

Niamh Hourihan, Jan Keating and Aoibhe Toft - proposing team.

Members of the Debating Club and debating teacher Niamh Thorpe.

Fiona Murphy, Daniel Lutz, Luise Zabel, and Mary Quinto.

Ceann Comhairle Sean Ó Fearghail and CPC Principal Joe Leonard.

Some of the food prepared by students and families.



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Screening of 'Rose'


On Wednesday October 23rd the European film Rose is showing at Kilcullen Bridge Cinema, writes Teresa Nurse of Kilcullen Lions. It is a heartfelt film, full of pathos and humour and is based on the director’s own family history. 
The film tells the story of two sisters, Ellen and Inger, who take a bus trip to Paris where Inger once lived. Inger is schizophrenic, and has spent most of her adult life living in a care home. 
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev and starring SofieGråbøl, Lene Maria Christensen, Anders W Berthelsen and Soren Malling. 
Tickets are €7 and are on sale in Woodbine Books and on Eventbrite.

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More utility box art from Cian


Two further pieces of utility box art in Kilcullen completed by artist Cian Mekitarian, on commission from Kilcullen Community Action. They represent the River Liffey and Biodiversity.
Cian previously painted a box representing the Mart, near that facility. 

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Free bark mulch for the community


Bark mulch piled near the entrance to the CPC Training Pitch is for public use, compliments of KCA. Anyone who has a use for some can help themselves.

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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Parish Lotto Draw results


The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 15 October 2024 were 21, 22, 25 and 26. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draw stands at €7,800.
The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Gillian Lawlor (Promoter Kilcullen Credit Union), Ann Bird (Vanessa Clarke), and C McMahon and G Hillery (Ger Hillery).
The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vivian Clarke and The Parish, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the nigh was Francesca Broughall.
The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Kilcullen in Dublin cost of business protest


Kilcullen publicans and restaurateurs Eddie Cross and Brian Fallon are pictured today in Dublin protesting at the rising costs to business, writes Brian Byrne. They were among hundreds of protestors in Dublin today who took their case about rising costs directly to Government Buildings. 
In addition to hospitality, the rally included representatives of  tourism, retail, childcare and other small business owners and workers
Posters carried by those in the hospitality industry said 270,000 livelihoods in the area are under threat. Paul Lenehan, president of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, highlighted what he called the 'lack of meaningful government action' to address the 'out of control' cost of doing business.
The RAI lobbied for the VAT rate on the sector to be reduced to 9pc in the recent budget. It didn't happen, and the organisation has warned of closures as a result.

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