'A good year' for Ballyshannon

A continuation of work on the area's biodiversity will be the focus for the Ballyshannon Action Group for the coming year, writes Brian Byrne. That was agreed at the group's AGM last evening, held in Ballyshannon Community Hall.

Reflecting on the past year, committee chair Jim Burke said it had been a good one for the group and the community. The Coimisiún Pleanála decision quashing the Kilsaran planning application for a quarry at Racefield had been "a relief to all", he said. "It has been a hard time, nearly six years. It was tough going, but we got through it." He warned, though, that the community won't really have won until Kilsaran sells the land. "They could potentially file an application again with the council and change whatever they can change." The meeting heard that the statutory appeal against the Coimisiún Pleanála decision had still not been completed, and that there is as yet also no information on whether and when the group will have their legal costs reimbursed.

A grant towards biodiversity work received in the spring had been "well spent", the meeting heard. The money was used to buy fruit trees, native hedgerow plants, and bird nesting boxes, which were distributed across the area, including some to Calverstown and the local scouts group. Help with the biodiversity garden in Ballyshannon NS was also much appreciated. In all, some 1,800 trees were planted. 

Future plans include the provision of nature signs and further planting, all building on the work of the Biodiversity Plan produced in 2024 with the help of the Community Foundation and ecologist Catherine O'Connell.

The meeting re-elected Jim Burke as chair and Anna Sage as treasurer. Shauna O'Rourke stepped down as secretary and was replaced by Clare Keon.    

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Presentation to Fr Gary

On Saturday, 11 July, John Archbold presented a picture of a sunset at Kilcullen Bridge to Fr Gary Darby to mark his 28th year as a priest.

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Welcome Day at dance classes

Dance with Aaron and Niamh are hosting a Newcomer’s Welcome Day at Kilcullen Community Centre on Saturday, 25 July. 

The event offers free introductory sessions in Ballroom and Latin dancing for children aged 4-10 from 11am to 12pm, and for those aged 11 and above from 12pm to 1pm. 

Attendees can meet the team and learn more about the dance school. To reserve a spot, contact 085 7473562.

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Ballyshannon AGM tonight

A reminder that the Ballyshannon Action Group will hold its AGM TONIGHT, Thursday, 23 July at 8pm in Ballyshannon Hall. The meeting agenda includes the minutes of the previous AGM, the treasurer’s report, the chairperson’s statement, and motions to the committee.

The group’s officers are Jim Burke (Chairperson), Anna Sage (Treasurer), Shauna O’Rourke (Secretary), and Joanna Costello (PRO). Committee members are Jim Crawford, Joan Dowling, Clare Keon, Marcas McSeoin, Graham Sage, James Delaney, and Sarah Burke.

The AGM will give members an opportunity to review the group’s work and discuss matters for the year ahead.

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Cáirde replacing Text Alert

The Kilcullen Community Text Alert service is moving to the Cáirde app, replacing the existing text alert number, which is no longer in use. 

A public meeting with Kilcullen Gardaí is planned for August to explain the changes and answer questions. Further details, including the meeting date, will be shared once confirmed. 

In the meantime, any urgent concerns should be communicated directly to the Gardaí.

READ: Text Alert AGM hears how to switch to Cairde app 

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Fire service appeal on wildfire prevention

Kildare Fire Service, which is actively dealing with extensive fires on bog and grassland, is appealing to the public to prevent wildfires by not discarding cigarettes or matches outdoors, and avoiding campfires or BBQs in the countryside.

Any fires should be reported immediately to 112 or 999. Agricultural landowners should maintain machinery and make sure combustible debris doesn't accumulate, have firefighting equipment ready, create fire breaks, and avoid spark-generating activities during high fire risk periods. 

The service says community vigilance and preparedness are crucial in protecting against fires.

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New tables ordered for the Valley

Image: KCA.

Four new picnic tables have been ordered for the Valley and will be in place in September, writes Brian Byrne. The July KCA meeting in the Heritage Centre heard that the cost has been fully funded by donations from Applegreen and Nuala Collins.

The tables are made from recycled plastic and will last a very long time. Noel Clare noted that the wooden tables, which they are replacing, had been repaired prior to recent repainting and remain 'fairly functional'. 

"They are usable until the new ones are installed," he said. 

Since 2020, several new seats have been installed in the Valley by KCA, most of them made from recycled plastics.

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Placenames workshop for Heritage Week

A free drop-in workshop on local placenames will take place at Teach Diarmada, Main Street, Castledermot, on 19 August from 2pm to 7pm. The event focuses on recording minor local placenames – such as field names and crossroads – on the Meitheal Logainm website, helping to preserve valuable insights into the local landscape and its past. 

Visitors can call in at any time during the afternoon for a chat and a cup of tea, learn how to register placenames, and contribute entries on the day. 

Organised by Kildare County Council as part of National Heritage Week 2026, under the theme “Heritage at Risk”, the workshop offers a practical response to the loss of unrecorded placenames. No experience is necessary. 

For further information, contact Kildare County Council, 045 980200 or email heritage@kildarecoco.ie.

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Kilcullen AFC seeks new U16s

Kilcullen AFC’s U16 Premier (born 2011) squad is recruiting new players ahead of the coming season. The club is seeking enthusiastic footballers to strengthen its panel. 

Training is with qualified coaches focused on player development, teamwork, and enjoyment of the game. 

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact Mark on 087 1528118 for further details.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 21st July 2026 were 8, 9, 18 and 22. 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 €7,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are TJ O’Neill (Promoter PJ Lydon), Clarke & Murphy (Vivian Clarke) and Stephen McCormack (Breda McCormack).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Eilis Phillips and PJ Lydon, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Ger Kelly.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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