Dramatic eclipse visual effect in Kilcullen

This photo shows last evening's eclipse, in recession, behind the clouds, from Sunbury Close. iPhone 14 image by Brian Byrne.

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Wag & Bone Dog Show upcoming

The KWWSPCA annual Wag & Bone Dog Show takes place on Sunday, 6 September, at Punchestown Racecourse. Registration opens at 1pm and the show starts at 2pm.

Light refreshments will be available, and Naas Veterinary Clinic will provide subsidised microchipping at €15. Face-painting by Fab Faces by Mel and Pet Pawtraits artist Lisa will feature. 

The KWWSPCA Charity Shop in Newbridge will have a Noah’s Ark stall, a pet items stall, a raffle, and more. There will be an information stall to learn about KWWSPCA, foster care opportunities, and available dogs and cats for adoption. Some of their present rescue dogs, and many who have found forever homes, will be at the show. There’s ample free parking.

The cost is €5 per class, €20 for five classes: Veteran Dog (nine years and over), Waggiest Tail, Child under 12 with their Dog, Small Rescue Dog, Large Rescue Dog, Fanciest Female Dog, Handsomest Male Dog, Senior Citizen with their Dog, Puppy Class (under 6 months), Fancy Dress – Dog & Owner, The Dog You Would Most Like to Take Home, KWWSPCA Rescue Dog, Dog that most resembles its owner, Child under 16 with their dog, Open class – for any dog and handler who has not won first, second, or third prize in any previous class,

Best in Show - The winner of each of the above classes is automatically entered and free of charge. High Jump – Pay €2 to enter the upper grassy area. There’s a competition for small dogs and a competition for large dogs. 

Click here to pre-register. If the event is postponed due to bad weather, registration and payment will transfer to the new date.

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Concerns about proposed speed limits

Concerns that the proposed 30km/h speed limit for Kilcullen doesn't go far enough are being raised by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, writes Brian Byrne. The new speed limits in urban and residential areas across the county are currently open to public consultation.

On the map of Kilcullen in the proposal documents, the new limit runs from Conroy Park to the north end of the bridge, leaving the rest of the road at 50km/h. Cllr O'Dwyer says she's asking for it to include from the bridge to the Logstown junction, and along the Logstown road to the end of the housing estate. "It should take in the main road by Nicholastown, on the south, too," she adds.

The councillor will be making those proposals in her own submission to the consultation, and suggests that other Kilcullen people who feel similarly should send in their own observations. "Quantity is important in these things," she told the Diary, adding that she is happy to advise anyone who needs help with a submission.

The Supplementary Special Speed Limit Byelaws for Built-Up and Urban areas 2026, as proposed, are open to public view until 28 August. They can be accessed online or at the Council’s offices in Naas. 

After public consultation, councillors will consider adopting the byelaws, with any amendments, and they will take effect upon adoption. 

The byelaws are detailed in five volumes of maps, each covering a different Municipal District. Submissions can be made online in accordance with the Department of Transportation Guidelines 2025.

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Work begins on new CPC buildings

Work has begun on the provision of new buildings at Cross and Passion College, writes Brian Byrne. The initial works include setting up a new entrance, temporary car parks, and temporary school accommodations.

JJ Rhatigan has been appointed as the main contractor for the construction and demolition works at the college, which, in addition to new school classrooms, will include new play areas, landscaped spaces, car parks, ball courts, and bike parking. 

Some tree removals are necessary due to health and safety concerns, tree health, and to facilitate construction. These have all been pre-agreed in line with the planning permission. Site hoarding will be installed, and the boundary monitored 24/7. 

JJ Rhatigan is committed to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, ensuring site appearance, community respect, and environmental protection. They apologise for any inconvenience caused by the construction.

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Shamrocks Academy for U6/7/8 restarts this evening

South Kildare Shamrocks Under 6/7/8 Hurling Academy resumes this evening, Wednesday, 12th, at Two Mile House GAA. The sessions will take place on the astro pitch at 6:30pm. 

The club invites everyone to attend, and they will provide all necessary equipment for the children. 

An enjoyable evening is promised for all participants.

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Philip Mallon (The Lark) Memorial Trophy

St Bridget's Pitch and Putt Club in Kilcullen will host the annual Philip Mallon Memorial Trophy on 5 September 2026 at 10am. Everyone is invited to come together for a morning of remembrance, friendly competition, and community spirit.

There will be refreshments and raffle prizes on the day, with all proceeds supporting the Irish Cancer Society through an on-site collection box. 

The gathering honours Philip Mallon, fondly known as The Lark.

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Dowling Property: The Pond House, Narraghmore

Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this very special home in this highly sought-after location. Standing on a magical c.5 acres site, this fine property is accessed via a handsome gated entrance, leading to the impressive 7-bedroom detached home through a long, winding, enchanting driveway. 

The spacious and well-laid-out accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen, utility room, lounge, bathroom, home office and three en-suite double bedrooms. There are also four en-suite bedrooms on the upper floor. 

This exceptional home spans approximately 331 sq m and provides generous space throughout both the upper and lower levels. It was previously a successful guest house and features a spacious country kitchen with a large centre island. The property also has a healthy B energy rating.  

This property also features a detached granny flat to the rear that requires modernisation. It is ideal for au-pair accommodation or as a family member’s residence. An incomplete recreation centre extends to approximately 592 sq m and would be suitable for a distribution centre, classic car storage, retreat centre or social venue. The property has extensive road frontage onto two separate roads and is accessed via two separate entrances. It is surrounded by a landmark Beech hedge. 

Narraghmore has long been popular with buyers due to its close proximity to Dublin and the airport and easy access to the M9 and M7 motorways. All amenities are located in the nearby villages of Calverstown and Narraghmore which include public houses, shops, restaurants and takeaways. Ballyshannon and Crookstown primary schools are both within a five-minute drive. Kilcullen is approximately 10 minutes away and offers high-class shopping, the Cross & Passion secondary school and creches.

The Pond House is a unique property ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. The mature grounds are home to a diverse range of wildlife. It is a perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts with quiet local roads for walking, forestry and the finest rolling countryside in Kildare. We invite you to experience the enchanting grounds of this real gem!

AMV €695,000; Dowling Property Kildare Office 045 482189; dowlingproperty.ie.

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Picnic on the Green at Old Kilcullen

A reminder that Old Kilcullen is hosting its annual community Picnic on the Green on Sunday next, 16 August, starting at 2pm. 

There will be cream teas, ice cream, a fun sports raffle, tug of war, and egg & spoon races. The day will also feature great live music, a magician, face painting, and a special heritage event. 

All proceeds from the picnic, which is supported by Kildare County Council, will go towards local community projects. For more information, follow the Old Kilcullen Community on Instagram.

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Parish Lotto results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 11th August 2026 were 1, 13, 15 and 25. 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 €8,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Anne Brennan (Promoter Anne Brennan), Anne Bird (Vanessa Clarke) and Mark McDevitt (Ronan Murray).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vanessa Clarke and Miriam McDonnell, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Vivian Clarke.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Set your calendar for Culture Night 2026

Some of the entertainment from last year.

Tremendous interest has been shown in Culture Night 2026, and the organising committee now has a full programme of events, which will be held in Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre on Friday, September 18th, writes Esther Reddy.  

A wonderful night's entertainment of dance, song, poetry, and sketch is promised, with something of interest for all tastes. Doors open at 6:30pm and entertainment will be available to patrons from the moment the hall is entered. 

Admission is free. Put the date in your diary now!

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Folk Group call for musicians, amid retirements

Folk group singing at 150th anniversary of Kilcullen church in 2022.

Kilcullen Folk Group looks forward to getting back together after a break for the summer, writes Esther Reddy. The Folk Group sings at mass on the first Saturday evening of each month and meets for 30 to 40 minutes before mass to practise. Membership of Kilcullen Folk Group is always open and will welcome anyone who would be interested in being involved. Currently, there are over 20 people in the group, including some children who attend with their parents. However, Kilcullen Folk Group needs to recruit musicians. 

In June, the musicians of the group, Caroline McGlinchey and Carmel O'Connor, quietly retired after many years of dedicated service to the group. Caroline joined the group as guitarist (and at times tin whistle player) over 20 years ago when her own children were young and the group was known as the Family Mass Group. Carmel O'Connor has been involved with Kilcullen Folk Group and Kilcullen Family Mass group for many, many years, but her dedication to music ministry goes back further than that, and she modestly admits that she has been a part of music ministry for 50 years. 

Carmel was a pioneering member of a group which first brought Folk Group music and singing to Kilcullen Church. As a teenager, Carmel learned to play guitar so she could help accompany the group. Little did she think that she would still be playing for Kilcullen Folk Group in 2026! Kilcullen Folk Group thanks Carmel and Caroline for sharing their talent, direction, dedication, and good humour at so many masses and special occasions over that time. 

The contribution of the Folk Group to mass has always been appreciated by congregations, and Caroline and Carmel's skills have been a vital part of that contribution. The group appeals to any musicians who would be willing to come on board - musicians of all instruments would be very welcome. Please contact Carmel at 087 2439272

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