Cannonball supercars will fuel stop at Kilcullen M9 service area

An opportunity for Kilcullen supercar fans to see Ireland's biggest gathering of iconic marques will be on Friday, 11 September, when those taking part in Cannonball Ireland 2026 will be making a fuel stop at the Circle K M9 service area, writes Brian Byrne. The stop is scheduled for 3.15pm and this year's event will raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.

Earlier, the more than 200 cars, which will include examples from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati, and many more, will have been driven from the starting point of the tour at the Johnstown Estate in Enfield and through the Wicklow hills via Enniskerry and back to the K Club in Straffan for lunch.

Over three days, the event participants will cover some 1,000km and be cheered on by an estimated 250,000 spectators in towns and villages through Westmeath, Offaly, Clare, Limerick, and Cork, and finishing up in Kilkenny City from around 5.30pm on Sunday, 13th. The finish line celebrations will once again feature live entertainment, music, giant screens, family attractions, colourful costumes, and the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with Cannonball.

Since its inception in 2009, Cannonball Ireland has raised more than €2.5 million for Irish charities. The event was founded by Kildare-nased businessman Alan Bannon.

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Booking opens for Shackleton Autumn School

Image: Shackleton Experience, Athy.

Booking is now open for the 26th Annual Shackleton Autumn School, taking place from 16 to 18 October 2026 in Athy, the birthplace of explorer Ernest Shackleton. 

This event invites historians, researchers, and enthusiasts to engage in scholarship, camaraderie, and explore the significance of polar regions. The programme includes expert lectures, interactive workshops, exhibitions, cultural events, and networking opportunities. 

Early Bird tickets are available for €225 until 31 August 2026. 

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Final Kayaking course of the summer

Kilcullen Canoe Club will hold its final beginners’ kayaking course for adults this coming Saturday. 

The session will be led by instructors Dee and Ann, who also delivered the club’s recent introductory paddling day for over-50s, which all participants loved. 

The course offers a great opportunity to enjoy the local river amenity and see Kilcullen from a different perspective.

For enquiries, email secretary@kilcullencanoeclub.com or text Catherine on 085 7261185. Alternatively, register directly here. 

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 4th August 2026 were 7, 22, 27 and 28. 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 €8,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Noel Dunne (Promoter Noel Dunne), Hazel Spencer (Vanessa Clarke) and Peter 'Skinner' Clifford (Vanessa Clarke).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were The Parish Office and Kilcullen Credit Union, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Bernie Kirby.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Kilcullen man's grandson on Australian national cricket squad

Pat Sullivan and (inset) Jimmy and Wendy Greenway. Image: Torquay Tigers.

Most Diary readers won't know this young man, but Kilcullen friends of his grandfather, Jimmy Greenway, will raise a glass to the news that Pat Sullivan of Torquay in Victoria, Australia, has been picked for the Cricket Australia U19 squad, writes Brian Byrne. The team is set for a tour of India next month.⁣

Kilcullen-born Jimmy Greenway has been living in New Zealand for 53 years, with his New Zealand wife Wendy. Pat is the son of their daughter Anna and her husband Nigel. 

For Jimmy and Wendy and the whole extended family, it's very exciting news. "It's a great effort," Jimmy told the Diary today. "Especially in a country where cricket is the number one game." 

A member of the Geelong Cricket Club and the Torquay Tigers Cricket Club, Pat came up through the Tigers' junior programme, and a spokesperson said it is 'incredibly rewarding' to see him continue to reach new heights in his cricket journey. "To now represent Australia and achieve a childhood dream is a fantastic milestone. Everyone at Torquay Cricket Club is incredibly proud."

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Tidy morning for Narraghmore

Narraghmore Development CLG is organising a Village Tidy morning for next Saturday, 8 August, from 10am to 1pm.

Helpers are asked to meet at The Old Hardware for weeding, litter picking, and general tidying. 

Refreshments will be provided for all helpers afterwards.

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Wide spread of interests for National Heritage Week

No less than 98 events are scheduled for Heritage Week in Kildare, running from 15 to 23 August, writes Brian Byrne. Across the county, historic houses, libraries, and community groups are opening their doors for talks, tours, and workshops celebrating the area’s history and culture.

Highlights include guided walks along the Royal Canal Greenway in Kilcock, historical tours at Maynooth Castle and Castletown House, and hands-on craft workshops in Kilcullen, Celbridge and Athy libraries. Nature lovers can enjoy bog walks, butterfly and dragonfly tours at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, and a wetlands stroll in Moone.

Interactive experiences include storytelling and genealogy sessions to willow weaving, wattle and daub building, and Irish lace workshops. Families can explore the Shackleton Experience in Athy, join treasure hunts, or learn about native wildlife and conservation.

With events such as the Grand Canal Festival, concerts in Celbridge, and open days at historic homes like Leixlip Castle and Moyglare Glebe, Heritage Week in Kildare promises something for all ages. Full schedules and timings are available from local libraries and heritage centres, and also at this link. 

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KCC Education Bursaries open for application

Kildare County Council's Education Bursary Schemes for 2026, invite applications from students in County Kildare who encounter significant challenges in pursuing third-level education. The available bursaries are:

- The William G. Carroll Bursary (Community)

- The Kildare Education Bursary for People with Disabilities

- The Kildare County Council Memorial Bursary for DEIS School Students

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 18 September 2026. More details and the online application process can be accessed at this link. 

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