Sunshine and smiles at Ballyshannon NS celebrations

It was sunshine, smiles and laughter at Ballyshannon National School this morning when staff, students and many past pupils celebrated the school's 125th anniversary, writes Brian Byrne. The main event was a mass celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty of the Kildare & Leighlin Diocese and Suncroft parish priest Fr Barry Larkin, who arrived preceded by a local piper. 

All present were welcomed by the principal, Lorraine McGovern. "I've had the privilege of being principal here for the past 17 years, and one of the greatest joys of the role has been watching families pass through the school generation after generation," she said. "Over the years, I've met so many parents and pupils whose commitment and affection for the school have never faded. No matter where life has taken them, they still speak warmly about their days here." 

She said she loves hearing the stories from those parents and grandparents about the mishaps, the friendships, the schoolyard adventures, and even the memories that maybe weren't so good at the time. "Those stories remind us that school life is about far more than lessons and books. It's about belonging, it's about community, it's about people who shape us along the way."

During the mass, children presented gifts to symbolise various aspects of their school life: a candle to represent faith from Ollie, a book to mark the importance of learning brought by Clodagh, and a jersey for teamwork, sport, and the school spirit presented by Safia. A baby oak tree, brought up by Kyrylo, was later planted in the grounds by Bishop Nulty.

During the event, the Prayers of the Faithful were read by Conor, Clodagh, Cian, Sadie, and a second Conor. Other children brought items for a Time Capsule, including photographs, prediction sheets, and video messages, as well as items reflecting everyday life in 2026 — popular music and films, technology used by pupils, school timetables, newsletters, uniform items, and lunch menus. There were also songs accompanied by the school's ukulele band, while Kaylee concluded the children's participation by reading a poem written about Ballyshannon NS.

Bishop Nulty expressed his appreciation for the invitation to be part of the celebrations. He congratulated the children who had recently received the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation, and commended the school for its range of extracurricular activities that include debating, choir, Cumann na mBunscoil, aquatics, athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, and chess. The bishop also presented portraits of Pope Leo XIV for their schools to Ms McGovern and to the principal of St Brigid's NS, Ballsax.

Following the planting of the commemorative oak tree, the celebration finished with refreshments for all the guests, including a birthday cake marking the special day.

All of the Diary's photographs from the morning can be found here. 

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Christine in Sunday's VHI Women's Mini Marathon

Christine, a member of Camphill The Bridge in Kilcullen, is taking part in this Sunday’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon to raise funds for the wonderful people supported by the community.

All money donated to her challenge will go towards opportunities, activities, and experiences for those who use Camphill The Bridge’s residential and day services, which focus on community, inclusion, creativity, and meaningful living. Supporters can contribute via her fundraising page on iDonate. 

Best of luck to Christine in the Mini Marathon.

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Ballyshannon NS celebrates 125 years

Ballyshannon National School will mark a major milestone today as the school community gathers to celebrate its 125th anniversary, writes Brian Byrne. Founded in 1901, the school will host a special Mass at 11 am, celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty. 

The Mass will be followed by a school celebration assembly on the school grounds.

The school is also marking Grandparents’ Day, with grandparents, former pupils, families, and local community members all invited to attend. The event will honour the school’s long history at the heart of the community and the generations of families who have passed through its doors.

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30km/h speed limits on the way

A 30km/h speed limit for residential housing estates taken in charge by Kildare County Council will come into effect in July, writes Brian Byrne. And a similar limit for all built-up and urban areas is on track for introduction before the end of next March.

Both items were noted in a response at the recent full meeting of the council to a motion from Cllr Pat Balfe seeking a review of road safety in rural residential areas. The councillor said that increased traffic, particularly in older villages, is creating safety concerns for families.

The response also noted that a Road Safety Working Together Group (RSWTG) is being established, and will provide a collaborative forum through which key stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, Kildare Fire Service, and the local authority, can share information on road safety issues. 

A meeting of the RSWTG will be convened in the near future, the meeting was told, at which the issue of road safety in rural residential areas can be raised for further discussion and

consideration.

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Home security warning for hot nights

A reminder that people should make sure their doors and windows are locked at night has been issued by the Cnoc na Gréine Residents Association. Cars and sheds should also be secured.

This follows reports in the estate that doors are being 'checked' at night, as well as attempts made to take plants from the front of houses.

The warning comes against the background of hot nights, when residents may leave windows open to cool down. The association also encourages people to check in with neighbours, and to report any issues to local Gardai.

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Appleton Property: The Old Farmhouse, Hillfarm, Narraghmore

Austin Egan at Appleton Property has commenced viewings at The Old Farmhouse, Hillfarm, Narraghmore.

An exceptionally designed and extended 250-year-old traditional cottage located at Hillfarm, just south of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare (off the M9) and set on a private c. 1.66-acre site. This extraordinary home, nestled amid rolling farmland, has been wonderfully reimagined for modern living. With beautiful surrounding gardens and an old apple orchard, this unique property also features a second dwelling, which qualifies for the vacant home grant and associated energy grants, up to €70,000. Freestanding wooden buildings enhance the property. These are a garden entertainment room, an artist studio with accommodation, a craft workshop, a work-from-home office, and garden sheds. 

This property is a sanctuary, located within a few minutes’ drive of the M9 interchange at Kilcullen, yet nestled in the quiet Kildare countryside. The atmosphere and ambience of this idyllic setting cannot be overstated. With all the benefits of country living and the conveniences of a modern home, it’s one-of-a-kind. The property has a B2 BER rating. With strong early interest, early viewing is well advised...call Austin Egan on 045 482759, 087 1311133 or email info@appleton.ie to arrange a viewing appointment.

Full details on daft.ie - https://www.daft.ie/16578001

Video on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/bn8PqZMU3yU

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KCA planting at Pinkeen bridge

This short video was shot by Gareth Landy, where Noel Clare of Kilcullen Community Action explains what planting they're doing at Pinkeen Bridge.

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'Bin It!' gum roadshow returning this summer

Improperly discarded chewing gum is responsible for 8.6 per cent of all litter nationally, members of Kildare County Council were told at the May full meeting, writes Brian Byrne. That represents a continued downward trend in the issue, from more than a quarter of all litter 20 years ago.

The information was in response to a motion from Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer seeking a council-initiated social media public awareness and educational campaign against the improper disposal of chewing gum, “Wrap It and Bin It”. The meeting heard that the National Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) is responsible for developing and implementing an awareness campaign to reduce littered gum by encouraging the public to dispose of their gum responsibly.

The response noted that, according to GLT research, 92 per cent of people now report properly disposing of their chewing gum, while 85 per cent of 16–34-year-olds now view littering as socially unacceptable. Men are still more likely than women to improperly dispose of chewed gum, the research shows.

A GLT school roadshow 'Bin It!' will return to County Kildare this year, the location yet to be finalised. The meeting was told that, as part of this roadshow, the council will promote the gum awareness campaign via its social media channels. The GLT will also undertake an extensive media campaign across all platforms, including outdoor, digital, TV, and radio advertising. 

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Garda holiday road safety campaign begins

An Garda Síochána in Kildare has launched a major road safety operation for the June Bank Holiday weekend, running from Thursday 28 May to Tuesday 2 June 2026, writes Brian Byrne. Ahead of the busy holiday period, drivers are urged to slow down, put their phones away and never drive under the influence. 

Enforcement activity will be significantly increased across the county, targeting so‑called “Lifesaver Offences” including drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use while driving, seatbelt offences, and dangerous or careless driving.

The operation will focus on the times and locations where the risk of serious collisions is highest. Gardaí are warning that motorists who choose to drink or take drugs and drive, speed, or use their phone behind the wheel should expect to be stopped.

Gardai stress that one bad decision can have devastating consequences for families, communities and emergency services.

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Hurling for Third Classes in Scoil Bhride

Third Class pupils in Scoil Bhríde have been enjoying hurling training over recent weeks, with the support of South Kildare Shamrocks. A club mentor, assisted by a Transition Year student, has been visiting the school to introduce the children to the skills of the game. 

Over the last three to four weeks, all four Third Class groups have taken part in the sessions, learning the basics of hurling in a fun and active way. 

The South Kildare Shamrocks have thanked the school and the teachers involved for providing this opportunity and helping to organise and support the coaching programme.

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Tess Lambe elected to Royal Irish Academy

Prof Teresa Lambe speaking to CPC students in November 2024.

Kilcullen-born scientist Prof Teresa Lambe has been elected as an Honorary Member of the Royal Irish Academy, writes Sean Landers. The daughter of Mary and Tony Lambe of Nicholastown, her election is announced in the current newsletter of the RIA, among 29 new members.

People are admitted to the Academy, the highest academic honour in Ireland, for their exceptional contribution to the sciences, humanities and social sciences as well as to public service. Members are elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding scholarly achievement and their contribution to knowledge and society.

The citation reads: Teresa Lambe OBE FMedSci is Professor of Vaccinology and Immunology at the University of Oxford. An internationally recognised expert in translational vaccinology, she co-designed the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in 2020. Her research continues to shape responses to epidemic threats, with multiple vaccines from her group selected for WHO ring vaccination strategies. Her expertise readily combines discovery science with experimental medicine to enable translational impact.

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Badminton Summer Club retarting

Kilcullen Badminton Club has announced the launch of its Summer Club, beginning on Tuesday, 2 June, at Kilcullen Community Centre. The club will run twice weekly throughout the summer, with sessions every Tuesday from 8–11pm and every Thursday from 8–10pm.

Players of all levels are welcome to attend, with a pay-as-you-go fee of €7 per night. All participants must be Badminton Ireland registered. 

Further updates and information will be shared through the club’s usual channels on social media.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 26th May 2026 were 7, 8, 24 and 27. 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 €6,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Dexter Flynn (Promoter Kathy Flynn), Maire McDaid (Wednesday Bridge Club) and Adrian Dunne (Claire Dunne).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Fr Niall Mackey and Berney’s Chemist, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Siobhan Tuite.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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