KILCULLEN EXHIBITION OF GALE PULLEN-FOSTER WORK

An exhibition and sale of artwork by the late Gale Pullen-Foster, a former primary school teacher at Kildare Steiner School, is taking place in Kilcullen Town Hall on 20 and 21 November. 'Echoes of Africa' is the second exhibition of her work this year, following a successful event at the Dunlavin Arts Centre in June — the high interest and demand there resulted in this exhibition being organised. 

Gale’s diverse collection includes woodcut prints, vibrant acrylics, landscapes, figurative pieces, watercolours of flowers, and pastel and charcoal sketches. Many of her works feature musicians she drew during music sessions in Kildare and Wicklow pubs after moving there in 2002. All proceeds from the sales will benefit Kildare Steiner School, which held great significance for her.

Born in 1951 she grew up in rural South Africa. As an adult, she moved to Cape Town and worked as a Waldorf teacher for 25 years. In 2002, she moved to Ireland for a sabbatical; however, she decided to become a teacher at Kildare Steiner School instead. She taught there for 15 years. Even after retirement in 2017 she continued to mentor, teach, guide, and inspire the Kildare school. 

She passed away on 13th May 2026 after a short illness. Earlier in the Summer, whilst sorting out her personal effects, a group of close friends discovered several portfolios of previously unknown work, some of it completed in South Africa, before Gale moved to Ireland. 

An exquisite centrepiece of the exhibition is “Snowdrops”, the last of Gale’s stunning flower watercolours. This second retrospective is a limited look at what was an extensive life in the visual arts. Gale was self-taught and explored all sorts of media and subjects over the years. In this exhibition, you will see her style develop from bright African colours and bold figurative works to the more subdued tones as she imbibed the Irish culture.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

STEINER KINDERGARTEN OPEN DAY

Kildare Steiner School invites families to its Kindergarten Open Day on Saturday, 14 November, from 10am to noon. 

Visitors can experience the school’s Waldorf early childhood education through activities like outdoor circle time, songs, a forest walk, story time, and homemade food. 

Registration is required via info@kildaresteinerschool.ie.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

GRIESE YOUTH THEATRE QUIZ

Griese Youth Theatre is hosting its Annual Quiz Night on 20 November at 8pm at The Crookstown Inn (Shackleton's Rest). 

Tickets are €40 per table of four, with a raffle featuring great prizes. 

Book your table by contacting Griese Youth Theatre at 085 2021884. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

STEINER SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR

Kildare Steiner School is hosting a Christmas Fair on Saturday, 28 November, from 11am to 4pm. The event includes workshops, suitable for all ages, on making natural wreaths, biscuit baking, and wet felted ornaments. 

Those attending can also enjoy homemade food, craft gifts, a puppet show, and a raffle with amazing prizes. 

Booking is free, workshops require an additional fee, with all proceeds supporting the school. Tickets can be booked using the QR code above or via the link in the school’s Facebook bio.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

INFORMATION WORKSHOP ON HOME ENERGY GRANTS AND IMPROVEMENTS

With so many changes and updates on SEAI grants for energay upgrades, Kilcullen Community Action is hosting an information session in Kilcullen Town Hall on Saturday next, 14 November from 2pm to 4pm. Kildare SEAI ambassador Emer Conway will be in attendance to give advice and information. 

One exciting idea that will be floated is the possibility of having a ‘Solar Meitheal’ in Kilcullen – where a group of people, perhaps in one housing estate or area, will come together to collectively install solar panels.  

This would reduce costs and share the administrative work involved with any application.  

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

TABLE QUIZ FOR ANNA'S ARCTIC TREK IN AID OF MS IRELAND

A Table Quiz is being held in Fallon’s on Thursday night, the 12th, to support local woman Anna McLeod's Arctic Trek in January in aid of MS Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Anna lives with multiple sclerosis, and will be among a group of adventurous women who will do the eight-day Arctic tundra expedition. 

The Table Quiz kicks off at 8pm, with the usual cost of €10 per person.

Two-thirds of people diagnosed with MS are women, and the Arctic Trek fundraiser has a target total of €67,500. There are 14 participants in the fundraiser, which will take place between 24 and 31 January 2027. 

Anna, who was diagnosed with MS 12 years ago, is one of almost 11,000 people in Ireland who are living with MS and is an ambassador for MS Ireland. Earlier this year she took part in the May 50K fundraiser and awareness event in Ireland. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

SEVENTH ARCH THEATRE GROUP LAUNCHING

A reminder that a new community drama troupe, Seventh Arch Theatre Group, is launching in Kilcullen on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at 8pm in O’Connell’s Bar. Open to adults, the group welcomes actors, backstage volunteers, and anyone interested in theatre or seeking a new social outlet.

The launch evening will introduce the founding committee, outline plans, and provide an opportunity for prospective members to meet the team and learn how to get involved. No prior theatre experience required.

For more information, contact 7tharchtheatre@gmail.com.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

DATES CHANGE FOR KWWSPCA CHRISTMAS FAIR

The Kildare & West Wicklow SPCA Christmas Craft Fairs will now be held on two consecutive Sundays, 22 and 29 November, at Newbridge Town Hall from noon to 5pm. The fair previously scheduled on Saturday, 28 November, has been cancelled. 

There will be stalls with Christmas presents, decorations, 2027 calendars, jewellery, children’s ‘surprise bags’, original artwork, a raffle for Christmas hampers, a chance to win a Lego Hogwarts Castle model, a ‘Chance Your Arm’ stall, cakes, and more. 

Local artisans and small businesses will also offer a variety of products. Light refreshments will be available, with no entry fee and free parking behind the Town Hall.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

REMEMBER SR CARMEL THERESE?

Another contribution from Joe Murray, this clipping from a local paper records a presentation to Sr Carmel Therese, when she left Kilcullen after 40 years of teaching service. It's undated, but maybe somebody will know when that was?

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

LOCAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FESTIVAL DAY

Kilcullen Town Promoters are hosting a Christmas Festival on Friday, 4th December, from 2pm to 8pm. 

The event will feature a treasure trail, festive shopping, and a craft fair.

Shop local this Christmas.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy