A Christmas centenary salute to Grandad Byrne

Pictured are Dave Byrne, son of the late Tom Byrne, and myself and my brother Garreth, sons of the late Jim Byrne Jr, writes Brian Byrne. We’re saluting the centenary of our grandfather, James J Byrne Snr, opening Byrne’s Hotel in Kilcullen. 

The premises formerly known as Flanagan’s Motor Bar was bought by James J Byrne Snr and opened on Christmas Eve 1925 as Byrne’s Hotel. Twenty-five years later, my father, James J Byrne Jr, took over and established the original Hideout, finally sold from the family by my late brother, Des, in 1996. 

Just to note also that our great-grandfather, also James Byrne, arrived in Kilcullen 165 years ago and subsequently operated a grocery and bar business on Main Street, on part of the site now occupied by Eurospar.

 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Happy Christmas

Image: Tim Mossholder via Pexels.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Christmas Services 2025

Kilcullen Parish

Thursday 18th December - Carol Service 7.30pm

Monday 22nd December - Confessions 10am to 12pm

Season of Christmas

Gormanstown Church

Christmas Eve: 8pm Vigil Mass; Carol singing from 7.30pm

No Mass on Christmas Day

Kilcullen Church

Christmas Eve: 6pm Family Mass

Christmas Day: 10am and 11.30am Masses

St Stephen’s Day: Mass at 9.30am

Saturday 27th December: Mass at 10am; Vigil Mass (for Sunday) 6pm

Church of Ireland Services

Community Carol Services

Sunday 10th December: St John’s Church Kilcullen, Yellowbog, 10am

Sunday 10th December: St Brigid’s Cathedral Kildare, 3.30pm

Friday 15th December: St Patrick’s Church Carnalway, 7.30pm

Sunday 17th December: St Patrick’s Church Newbridge, 7.30pm

Christmas Eve

St Brigid’s Cathedral Kildare, Holy Communion 11pm

St Patricks Carnalway, Carols and Holy Communion, 10pm

Christmas Day

St Patrick’s Church Newbridge, Holy Communion 10am

St Brigid’s Cathedral Kildare, Holy Communion 11.30am with Bishop Pat Storey

Brannockstown 

Baptist Church

Friday 19th December: Carols by Candlelight, 7pm

Sunday 21st December: Christmas Family Service, 11am

Thursday 25th December: Christmas Day Service, 10am

Free refreshments at all activities. Eircode: W91 K004

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Gospel Choir entertains Nolan's Christmas customers

Christmas in Kilcullen can be said to have truly arrived when the queues in Nolan's Butchers are already long before 8am, writes Brian Byrne. And when Kilcullen Gospel Choir is in to entertain.

"It was a phenomenal day in the shop," James Nolan told the Diary. "I know how lucky I am to have an incredible team that never stops working. They make Christmas possible for Nolan's Butchers. They deliver all year round but especially at Christmas."

It was also a family affair, as James and the team were joined by his wife, Emma, and their son, Andrew James. "That's very special," James said, adding appreciation from all for the "incredible customer loyalty that keeps Nolan Butchers moving forward."

Photographs courtesy of Nolan's, as the Diary was out of town.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen and Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 23 December 2025 were 1, 6, 24 and 30. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up Draw is also €20,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Anna Jennings (Promoter Wednesday Bridge Club), Ailish King (Breda McCormack), and Irene Cooke (Vivian Clarke).

The winner of both Promoters Draws was Vanessa Clarke, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Sean Landers.

The tickets for the Draw on 30/12/25 can be left in the letterbox of the Parochial House. Kilcullen & Gormanstowns Parish Lotto would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers and wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Tommy Mackey is retiring

Tommy Mackey and Derek Walsh.

When three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Christmas Eve, arrives, Tommy Mackey will be taking off his work coat at Eurospar for the last time, having worked there since 1997, writes Brian Byrne. Retirement is something he's looking forward to.

"But they've been good times," he told the Diary yesterday, recalling that he started in the supermarket when Leslie McCarthy owned it. Before that, he worked with Des Byrne at The Hideout for twenty years, before Des sold the pub in 1996. In customer-facing roles for a total of 48 years, he says, with a smile, "I never fell out with anyone."

Tommy has been easing back over the last year, working three days a week. He'll take some time to see what retirement brings, but he has no intention of just fading away. "Paddy Powell always said 'An idle man is the Devil's workshop', and I won't allow that to happen. I'll find what I want to do and do what I want to do."

Derek Walsh, who took over operation of the Eurospar business ten years ago, says it's 'unsettling' when people like Tommy leave. "I don't think he took a day off sick in all the time I've been here," he said. "Reliable isn't a strong enough word for Tommy — people like him are worth their weight in gold."

So, if you come across Tommy in the shop today or tomorrow, wish him a happy Christmas and a long, healthy retirement.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Minding mental health at Christmas

Minding your mental health at Christmas is essential, and the Kildare Public Participation Network has offered a few guidelines to avoid a seasonal meltdown, writes Brian Byrne. In summary, set realistic expectations, stick to a budget and take time for yourself. Stay active and reach out for support if you need it. 

Avoid overcommitting or striving for perfection and focus on meaningful moments rather than extravagant plans.  

Financial stress can be a factor, so set a realistic budget for gifts, food, and activities, and stick to it.  

Schedule quiet moments to recharge, whether it’s a walk, meditation or reading. Exercise releases endorphins and boosts your mood; even a quick walk or some light stretching can help during busy days.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lonely, talk to someone you trust or seek professional help. Most of all, stay connected.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Benches to be installed at walkway

Kilcullen Lions Club has sponsored the first of three benches to be placed around the Community Walkway at Kilcullen GAA Club, writes Brian Byrne. The bench will be installed in the coming weeks.

The club has thanked the Lions for their support for the scheme, which follows requests from people who use the walkway. "The walkway has been an unprecedented success and is now a regular meeting place for people of all ages on their daily walk," says club PRO Mark Phelan. "We were asked whether it would be possible to install benches at key locations along the walkway so people can sit and chat when they meet."

The benches will be made of 100 per cent recycled materials and cost €600 each. Should you or your business wish to support the provision of benches, contact Martin Murphy at 087 6857909.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy