Spooky fun planned for Halverstown NS Open Night

An Open Night for parents and potential Junior Infants for September 2026 is being held at St Joseph's NS, Halverstown, on Tuesday, 21 October.

It will run from 6-7pm, and in addition to finding out more about the school, there will be Halloween stories from Julie O'Donoghue, facepainting, sweet treats and lots of fun.

There will also be information about the after-school club run by Mary Sherlock. "This provides a fantastic opportunity for working parents to have their children looked after in their school environment in the afternoon," says the school's Principal, Áine Cullen. "They can complete their homework, play outside with their friends, play games, and complete arts and crafts activities in their classroom. Mary donated a "Mud Kitchen" to the school for all the children to enjoy creative play outside." 

There's always lots going on at Halverstown, and we'll feature more about the school in the coming weeks.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen and Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 7 October 2025 were 4, 14, 28 and 29. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up Draw stands at €17,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Michael Eustace (Promoter Vanessa Clarke), Sophia and Dylan Clarke (Vivian Clarke) and Eugene Hall (Miriam McDonnell).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Toby Phelan and The Parish, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Lorraine Hegarty-Kelly.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Council asked to consider Columbarium Wall for St Brigid's Cemetery

Columbarium Wall in Killarney. Image: Kerry County Council.

Kildare County Council has been asked to consider providing a Columbarium Wall for St Brigid's Cemetery in Kilcullen. Such a wall is used as a repository for cremated remains.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has a question on the matter down for an answer at the upcoming meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District.

While average cremation rates across Western Europe are around 75 per cent, according to a 2023 study, Ireland's rate remains quite low at around 28 per cent but is growing. 

In County Kildare cemetaries, Columbarium Walls for ashes are available in Naas, Maynooth and Churchtown, Athy. Ash plots are available in Barrettstown, Newbridge, Leixlip and Derrinturn.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

The passing of Jim Corrigan

The Diary has learned of the death of Jim Corrigan, Abbeyawn, Old Kilcullen, and late of Hollywood Co Wicklow, on 6 October 2025, peacefully at Naas General Hospital.

Predeceased by his parents Andrew and Mary, brothers Frank, Andy, Sean, and sister Eileen, Jim's passing is very deeply regretted by his loving wife Anne, sons John, Garrett and James, daughters Anne Marie, Mary and Helen, brother Pat, sister Sheila, and sons-in-law Cathal and Danny, daughters-in-law Claire and Marie. His adored 16 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He will be reposing at his residence (R56 V229) on Wednesday, 8 October, from 12 Noon with prayers at 7.30pm. Removal from there is on Thursday morning, 9 October, to the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen, arriving for 11 o'clock funeral mass, which may be viewed at this link. 

Followed by burial in Hollywood Cemetery.

House Private on Thursday morning, please. 

Rest in peace.

TMH GAA community employment groundworker

There's a community employment job vacancy for a sports ground worker at Two Mile House GAA Club.

Duties include grass cutting, weed control, litter control, pitch marking, upkeep of the clubhouse, dressing rooms, meeting rooms, and gym, and putting out goal posts for juvenile training and matches. Salary is at Community Employment rates.

To qualify, you must be aged over 21 and be in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment for at least 12 months. This period is reduced to 9 months for a person fleeing the war in Ukraine. People over 50 signing for Jobseeker's Benefit credited social insurance contributions only (JBCO) or a combination of Jobseeker's Benefit (JB) and JBCO for 12 months or more.

Please get in touch with Allen Area CEP Ltd on 045 870268 or email allenareacep@gmail.com if you are interested and qualify for the position.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

St Kevin's Class of 88 reunion: are you going?

A St Kevin's College reunion, year 1987-1988, all classes, is planned for Saturday, 25th October, at Germaines, Baltinglass. 

Anyone interested in attending, please get in touch with me, Catherine Kelly, at 087 2020795. before Friday, 10th October, to say whether you will attend or not. Otherwise, we must cancel the reunion due to a lack of interest. 

If people want to bring someone with them, they'll be welcome.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

This is Cyber Security Month

October is European Cyber Security Month, which is the EU’s annual campaign to promote cyber security. Throughout this month, An Garda Síochána will share insights and tips from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau to support the public in staying cyber secure.

One focus is malware, which attackers use to gain unauthorised access to a computer, steal or encrypt the data, or inject code onto the system, allowing remote administrator control.

Find out more about malware risks in the infographic below, and for tips on how to stay cyber secure, visit www.nomoreransom.org.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Narraghmore group to present Widows' Paradise

It's a bit ahead, but it's worth marking in your diaries, Narraghmore Drama Group will be presenting Widows' Paradise in Kilcullen Town Hall in early January 2026, writes Brian Byrne.

The play by Sam Cree is a comedy set in a 1960s caravan on the Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland. The storyline is about five women who come to stay in the caravan, some trying to get away from their male partners, others hoping to find some. Maryclare McMahon directs it.

There's a cast of ten, and the play was first produced in the Belfast Arts Theatre in 1966.

Sam Cree (1928-1980) wrote popular comedies, pantomimes and sketches, and was a film scriptwriter, including for the Carry On film series.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy