An Tearmann proprietor on Arctic expedition

Images courtesy David Hogan and the ARWA team.

The proprietor of the An Tearmann Café, David Hogan, has just completed an Arctic expedition along with four former Defence Forces colleagues to generate funds for a Newbridge initiative of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), writes Brian Byrne. The project is Brú Dermot Earley, named after the late Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, providing essential support to former Defence Force members. 

The expedition commenced and concluded between 15 and 21 April in the small Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen, which serves as a gateway to the High Arctic wilderness stretching towards the North Pole. The participants, all members of the Army Ranger Wing Association (ARWA), covered nearly 100 km by walking with skis and poles, each hauling 45 kg of supplies on pulk sledges. From sea level, they ascended a total of 1,500 metres, with 800 metres of that elevation gained on the second day. 

The team camped in two-person tents and faced severe winds and sub-zero temperatures, particularly during the night, when each member was required to maintain an armed polar bear watch for 90 minutes at a time. On the second day, they encountered bear tracks. The terrain included snowy landscapes and two glaciers, which necessitated careful navigation. 

Averaging 60 years of age, the team managed to traverse between 12 km and 15 km daily through extremely challenging terrain. Team member Cathal O'Neill said that a secondary aim of the expedition was to demonstrate that "adventure is ageless." 

David Hogan told the Diary that local residents had said that, due to climate change, spring is now arriving approximately one month earlier than in previous years. As part of local efforts to address the climate situation, electric skidoos are now replacing those powered by combustion engines, along with various other initiatives.

The expedition exceeded their original iDonate target of €15,000. Donations can still be made at this link. 

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Dowling Property: Sunnyhill Cottage, Sunnyhill, Kilcullen

Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this very special home in an exceptional location. Standing on a mature c. 0.57-acre site, this fantastic property is situated in one of Kilcullen’s most sought-after areas and is within walking distance of the main street. Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 3-bedroom detached home is presented in very good condition throughout and offers country living while still being on the doorstep of the city.

The impressive features include 3 double bedrooms, a master en-suite, 2 reception rooms, a utility room, and a bright kitchen. The well-laid-out accommodation briefly comprises an entrance hallway, kitchen-breakfast room, sitting room, lounge, utility room, 3 double bedrooms, including a master en-suite, and a family bathroom.

All amenities are within walking distance of Kilcullen Town. Sunnyhill has always proved popular with buyers due to its close proximity to both primary and secondary schools, a new playground, and a sports centre. The M7/M9 is just a 5-minute drive away, making for an easy commute to the city.

The large, mature site is a real highlight and offers “room for a pony,” with a large paddock to the rear and stable options. There is also a large detached garage, along with purpose-built dog kennels. The grounds are well kept and landscaped with mature trees and hedging. Sunnyhill offers excellent access to Dublin, with direct access to the M9/M7 just c. 3 minutes away. With its first-class location and magical site, early viewing is highly recommended, as this is one home not to be missed. A true gem!

AMV €500,000. dowlingproperty.ie  Kildare Office 045 482189

Thinking of selling? Then we’d love to hear from you, where we would be delighted to arrange a FREE, on-site call out to

your property and advise on the process. Call 045 482189

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Kilcullen club's young stars in Dance World Cup 2026

Four young gymnasts from Angel’s Gymnastics & Dance Theatre in Kilcullen are seeking local sponsorship to help them compete for Ireland at the Dance World Cup 2026, writes Brian Byrne. Angel Darcy (9), Brigitte Marcinkute (12), Zoe Morgan (11) and Polina Gichak (11) have qualified for the World Finals of one of the world’s largest dance competitions, which will be held in Dublin from 8–18 July.

Head Coach Egle Darcy said the achievement is a first for Co Kildare in the acro category at the Dance World Cup, one of the event’s most competitive disciplines.

The Kilcullen club has just 20 competitive dancers and no permanent training facility, with athletes training up to six days a week in rented spaces.

The cost of entry fees, costumes, choreography and training now poses a major challenge for the club and families.

In return for sponsorship, supporters will be acknowledged through social media promotion, branding opportunities on team apparel where possible, and recognition at local events and fundraising activities.

For sponsorship enquiries, Angel’s Gymnastics & Dance Theatre can be contacted at 083 4412209 or gymnasticstheatre@gmail.com.

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Tidy Towns gold medal a defining milestone - KCA AGM

Attaining a Gold Medal in the 2025 SuperValu National Tidy Towns Competition was a defining moment for Kilcullen, last night's AGM of Kilcullen Community Action heard, writes Brian Byrne. Chairperson Ann Cashman described the achievement as a major milestone for the town, following Bronze in 2023 and Silver in 2024, and marked the culmination of years of dedication, teamwork, and community pride. 

She said the success reflected sustained collaboration across the community and the impact of the Kilcullen Town Design Principles, which helped raise standards and guide long-term improvements recognised by adjudicators.

She thanked KCA directors and members, the CE team led by Noel Clare, Treasurer Bridget Ryan, and Company Secretary Tony O’Sullivan, for their ongoing work and leadership. Appreciation was also extended to local representative Tracey O’Dwyer for her invaluable ongoing commitment and support, local businesses for their generosity and partnership, and the Gahan family for their continued support of the planting programmes in KCA's polytunnel located on their land.

She also highlighted the importance of community events and creative projects, including the annual Library Garden family event, further street art, gatherings in the Valley, and the return of the Community Awards Night in Kilcullen Town Hall.

Looking ahead, Kilcullen Community Action is planning new heritage and public art initiatives and continuing its search for a permanent base. 

Concluding her final report as Chairperson — she is stepping down from the role after eight years — Ann said she was proud of all that had been achieved and she is confident KCA will continue to shape the next chapter of Kilcullen’s story.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 21st April 2026 were 1, 3, 22 and 26. 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 €5,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Breda McKenna (Promoter Kay Dixon), Vanessa Clarke (Vanessa Clarke) and Anna Jennings (New Abbey Bridge Club). The winners of the Promoters Draw were Berney’s Chemist and Vivienne Clifford, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Miriam McDonnell. 

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Appleton Property - Extended cottage now viewing at Milemill

Appleton Property has commenced viewings of this lovely three-bedroomed cottage at Grangemore, Milemill, Kilcullen. Comprising c. 1,000 sq ft of internal living space on a site of c. 0.34 acres. 

Not overlooked front or rear, this property has been extended to the rear, been rewired, re-plumbed, and has PVC double glazing, oil-fired central heating with open fireplaces, a block-built versatile shed with power and plumbing, with a Clane steel shed and greenhouse in addition. 

With further potential STPP, the property has a fabulous lawned garden with planted areas and a border.

Full details on appleton.ie - Viewing strictly by appointment with Austin Egan of Appleton Property, 045 482759, 087 1311133, info@appleton.ie.

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Road resurfacing in Kilcullen today

It's all stop and go in downtown Kilcullen today as there's a full road resurfacing going on, writes Brian Byrne, including the entrance to Brennan's Lane and the roadway through Market Square to the Riverside estates.

When the surfacing is done, the road-lining will be carried out.

The entrance to the Riverside estates has also been widened.

Kildare County Council expects it all to be finished before the end of the week.

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Two KWWSPCA fundraising events this weekend

Animal lovers have two chances to support the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) this weekend, writes Brian Byrne, with a big book sale in Kilcullen and a family-friendly walking event at Punchestown Racecourse.

The charity’s Massive Book Sale will take place on Friday and Saturday, 24/25 April, in Kilcullen Town Hall, offering a wide selection of books. It is open on Friday from 11am to 5pm and on Saturday from 11pm to 4pm. The fundraising will continue on Sunday, 26 April, with Walking Sunday at Punchestown Racecourse from 2pm to 4pm. The event is open to everyone, and dogs are especially welcome.

The walk will give people a chance to enjoy the racecourse in the days before the Punchestown Racing Festival begins, with attractions including an information stall, raffle, coffee stall, ice cream stall and spot prizes.

For more information, contact 087 680 3295.

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KCA AGM tonight: come and meet the purple 'elves'

Kilcullen Community Action is a little like the Grimm fairy tale, The Elves and the Shoemaker, writes Brian Byrne. Most of the time, you don't notice the group's volunteer and CE worker 'elves', but the results of their work are seen around town every day.

Whether it's tidying up the streets and footpaths, painting bollards, commissioning art, producing long-term plans to help make our community a better place to be in, or interacting with local and national authorities to access funding for all that, much of what makes Kilcullen the place that has attracted hundreds of new families over the last 25 years is underpinned by KCA activities.

The working 'elves' themselves are a tiny group in comparison to the total population of the town. They always welcome new people to don the colour purple and help out with their ever-growing list of tasks. Tonight is the KCA AGM, at 8pm, in the Town Hall. Everyone is welcome, and it's an opportunity to exchange ideas as well as hear the plans for the rest of 2026.

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Nineteen Eighty Something coming to Riverbank

Declan Gorman will perform his new theatre show, Nineteen Eighty Something, at Riverbank Arts Centre on Thursday, 7 May, writes Brian Byrne. The production draws from Gorman's own experiences as a young Irishman growing up in the 1980s, taking audiences on a journey through that era. 

The performance begins with a young Irish emigrant awakened in a German subway by an unknown woman and urged to run. From there, the story travels through Bavaria's squats and factories, journeys to North Africa, and back home to Ireland's fringe theatre and street protests. It's a mix of heartbreak, absurd escapades, humour, memorable characters, and self-discovery. Whether you lived through the eighties or are curious about that time, this show offers a wild ride with a pulsating soundtrack and immersive visuals.

Gorman is an Irish actor, writer, director, and educator from Monaghan, based in Fingal. A former co-founder of Co-Motion Theatre Company and founder of Upstate Theatre Project, he has created and led theatre, community arts, and education projects across Ireland and internationally. His recent work includes A Personal Prism (2024), and he continues to work widely in creative learning, public art, and community-engaged performance.

Nineteen Eighty Something starts at 8pm, with tickets costing €16 or €18, available at the Box Office or online at www.riverbank.ie, with a €1.50 booking fee. Call 045 448327 for reservations or visit the website for more details.

Riverbank Arts Centre, located in Newbridge, County Kildare, is funded by Kildare County Council and The Arts Council. It offers accessible, high-quality arts experiences for all ages.

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Online talk on teenage substance misuse

Dealing with substance misuse in teenagers is the subject of an online talk TOMORROW evening, Tuesday 21 April, hosted by the Kildare Library Service, writes Brian Byrne. The event begins at 7pm, and is presented by Tommy Hunt, a psychotherapist and co-ordinator of the Halo Project with InSync Youth and Family Services.

The MS Teams talk provides an introduction for both parents and professionals working with young people who are engaging with substances. Hunt will provide valuable information regarding signs and symptoms, how to manage situations, and the support available from the In Sync ‘Halo’ Project.

Online booking is available at Ticket Tailor. Participation is free.

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Kilcullen through-traffic a 'challenge' - Council survey

A survey of parking, traffic and pedestrian movements in Kilcullen concluded that the town’s main challenge is through-traffic pressure, not a parking shortage, writes Brian Byrne. The details were provided to Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer at the recent Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting, who said the parking component of the survey was 'flawed'.

Commissioned by Kildare County Council and carried out by IDASO Ltd, the study was conducted over four days in May 2025. The findings show a busy town centre with strong pedestrian activity and short-stay parking demand competing with significant passing-through traffic. Some 176,262 vehicles were recorded during the survey, around 85 per cent of which were private cars.

Pedestrian activity was noted to be strong throughout the town, especially along Main Street, The Square, near schools, and around commercial areas. They included children, teenagers, older people, and mobility-impaired pedestrians.

The report concluded that there is no overall parking deficit, with 680 parking spaces recorded, averaging overall occupancy of less than 40 per cent through the day. But it noted some central locations are under strain, while peripheral and off-street areas remain underused. The report suggests a need for smarter parking management, with signposting to less-used areas and better distinguishing between short-stay and longer-stay parking.

Cllr O'Dwyer described as a 'flaw' in the report that parking spaces on private properties were included, noting that the only public parking is on Main Street and the Market Square, a distinction that is 'critical for any future urban planning'. She said the findings reinforce long-standing calls for major infrastructure projects, such as a ring road and improved access to the motorway. In February, she asked what steps had been taken by the council to begin a parking strategy for the town. 

The study will guide future decisions on public realm improvements, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, and town centre mobility in line with national and local policies, including Town Centre First and Active Travel objectives.

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