Tidy Towns street collection today

The KCA Summer Flowers street collection is taking place in Kilcullen today, Friday, 12 June, from 9am to 4pm, and tomorrow, Saturday, 13 June, from 9am to 3pm. The collection will help support the beautiful summer flower displays throughout the town. 

Thanks to the hard work of KCA volunteers and the CE team, window boxes, hanging baskets, flower beds, planter boxes, and three-tiered planters have all been prepared, along with planting at Valley Park and the Library Garden.

A huge amount of time and effort has gone into the project, helping to bring colourful floral displays to Kilcullen once again. Following the town’s Gold Medal win in 2025, organisers are hoping for another gold in 2026 with the community’s support.

A card machine will be available at each collection point, and donations can also be made by scanning the QR code.

KCA and the CE team thank everyone for their continued support.

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Canoeing course for teenagers

Kilcullen Canoe Club will run a new evening canoeing course for teenagers, starting on Tuesday, 23 June, writes Brian Byrne. The course is designed to introduce young people to canoeing and help them build confidence on the water in a fun and supportive environment. 

Participants will work towards a Level 1 Paddlesports Skills Certificate, giving them a recognised foundation in the sport.

The cost of the course is €160 per person, which also includes one year of Kilcullen Canoe Club membership.

The programme offers an exciting opportunity for teens to learn new skills, stay active, and get involved in a local outdoor sport.

Further information and booking details are available at kilcullencanoeclub.eventbrite.com.

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Valley tables need replacing

A donation of €1,000 has been made towards the estimated €2,400 cost of replacing picnic tables and seats in the Valley, the recent meeting of KCA was told, writes Brian Byrne. Those attending heard that three of the units have reached their end of life.

“When we were cleaning and painting the seats in advance of the Family Fun Day, we found that some of them were beginning to fall apart,” KCA’s acting chair Noel Clare told the meeting. He added that the plan is to replace these with seats made from recycled plastic, already used in many of the seats and tables, as well as flower containers around the town.

With €1,400 more needed for this project, Noel asked everyone present who might know someone interested in sponsoring a seat to have them get in touch with the group.

The discussion noted an ‘amazing’ level of use of the seats and tables since they were reintroduced to the Valley several years ago. “It’s particularly great for the young people who want to go somewhere to just hang out,” Noel said. “If you go down there in fine weather, you’ll find every seat and every picnic table in use.”

He expressed appreciation to Paul Mullen of the Lemongrass restaurant in Carlow for his recent donation of four table sets to KCA. “Though they’re not made of recycled material, they’re very sturdy. One is now in the Valley, one at the river beside the square, and two are near the Coffee Hatch at the Community Centre.” 

The next KCA meeting, which is open to everyone to attend, is scheduled for Monday, 13 July, at 8pm.

Please note that the KCA Summer Flowers street collection is taking place today, Friday, and tomorrow. All support welcome.

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AFC seeks U16 players

Kilcullen AFC is inviting expressions of interest from players for its U16 Premier squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. 

The club is offering young footballers the chance to train and play on quality astro and grass pitches under UEFA-qualified coaches in a positive, player-focused environment. 

Interested players or parents can contact Mark on 087 1528118 for more information.

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First call for Culture Night

Culture Night 2026, a nationwide event, will be held this year on Friday, September 18th, writes Esther Reddy. Although this seems like a long time away, Kilcullen Drama Group and Friends are already planning a programme for Culture Night. 

Last year's event in Kilcullen Town Hall was an evening of great entertainment, including poetry, dancing, drama excerpts, and song. However, to organise an event for this coming September, Kilcullen Drama Group and friends need to hear from you now! They are calling on anyone who would like to get involved. 

Text or call 087 4707652 to log your interest so that a programme can be put in place. Don't leave it to someone else — text or call to make this year's Kilcullen event another resounding success.

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Free GAA club memberships for boys and girls opportunity

Kilcullen GAA has launched its academy raffle, offering 20 free club memberships for 2026 to boys and girls aged 3-12. 

To participate, applicants must answer a question on the poster, scan a QR code, and email their answer to ragsgaa@gmail.com, including the child’s name, age, and school. 

This initiative aims to provide children with the opportunity to engage in team sports, and Kilcullen GAA is eager to welcome new members.

Additionally, all registered Kilcullen GAA academy members can win a Nintendo Switch by attending 10 sessions this summer. 

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Appleton Property: Limetrees, Yellowbog, Kilcullen

Appleton Property is reporting strong early interest in their new listing, Limetrees, Yellowbog, Kilcullen. A unique, professionally designed, detached country residence nestled in the scenic countryside just outside Kilcullen, this exceptional dormer-style residence extends to c. 225 sq m on a 0.75-acre site and offers a superb blend of luxury, comfort, and privacy. 

Finished impeccably both inside and out, this property offers spacious, light-filled accommodation, elegant interiors, and beautifully landscaped surroundings all within easy reach of the M9 and all local amenities. With five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception areas, and a versatile block-built garage.

Immediately under offer, viewing continues by appointment - contact Austin Egan at Appleton Property - 045 482759, 087 1311133, info@appleton.ie  

Full details on the Daft link. 

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The passing of Emer McManus

The death has occurred of Emer McManus, Stockton-on-Tees, England, and late of Brannockstown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare, who sadly passed away peacefully at her residence on 28 May 2026.

Emer will be deeply missed and remembered by her children, her heartbroken parents, John and Mary, brother, sister, brother-in-law, nieces, aunts, uncles, and extended family and friends.

A private family service will take place on Monday, 15 June 2026, at 11.30 am in Newlands Cross Crematorium. The family appreciates your sympathy, support, and understanding at this difficult time.

May Emer Rest In Peace.

Planters-seats for new footpaths

Artist's impression for KCA of proposed planters-seats design by Omos Ltd.

High-quality planters incorporating seating have been ordered for the newly upgraded footpath areas in downtown Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne. The recent meeting of KCA heard that they are being provided by Kildare County Council, the contractor, and a sponsor.

Noel Clare, chair of the group for the next six months, said that initially it had been understood there was no public budget for street furniture, but sponsorship had been agreed for one unit, which is on order from Omos Ltd, the Naas-based company that makes award-winning public realm furnishings. "Then the council came back and said they and the contractor were going to provide four and that they were also on order."

Three of the units will be placed on the section at O'Connells and the River Cafe, and two on the McTernans section.

The meeting also heard details of discussions with the area businesses about coordinating the design of their day-to-day street tables, and that a plan will be prepared for submission to the council for a licence for these. 

The next KCA meeting, which is open to everyone to attend, is scheduled for Monday, 13 July, at 8pm.

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New climbing frame for playground

A new climbing frame is currently being installed in the playground. The facility will be closed until Friday.

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Fun for the young in library Summer Stars

Children are invited to join the adventure and to enjoy the fun of reading over the summer in the Summer Stars programme organised by Libraries Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Each child receives an activity booklet, which is stamped for every book read and returned. 

Children also receive a Summer Stars bag when their booklet is completely stamped, and they are also entered into a prize draw (winners will be revealed at the end of August). 

Families are encouraged to visit their local library and join the initiative, making reading a fun and rewarding part of summer.

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The passing of Pat Whelton

The death has occurred of Pat Whelton, Walterstown, Kilcullen (late of Grancore, Clonakilty), Ex-Department of Agriculture. Predeceased by his brothers Andy, John and Michael and sister Mary (Sr. Anselm, Bon Secours), Pat passed away peacefully in his 92nd year, in the company of his family, at Naas General Hospital on 9 June.

Beloved husband of Lily (née Nolan) and cherished father of Breda (Fennell), Selena (Sheehy) and John, Pat will be greatly missed by his wife, children, adored grandchildren Alan, Amy, Diarmuid, Pádraig, Tadhg, Donnacha and Jack, sons-in-law David and Tim, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of kind neighbours and friends.

Reposing at The George Mullins Funeral Home, Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co. Kildare (W91 CD0K) on Thursday 11th June from 5pm to 7pm with prayers at 6:30pm. Funeral on Friday, 12th June, with Requiem Mass at 11 am at St. Peter's Church, Two Mile House, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Swan Ward, Naas General Hospital, for the exceptional care Pat received in his final days.

May Pat rest in gentle peace.

Vehicle drive fundraiser for Julie

A reminder that a fundraising vehicle drive in aid of Julie Kelly and her fight against Motor Neurone Disease will take place in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, on Saturday next, 13 June. Registration at 4pm on the day.

The event will feature tractors, bikes, trikes, classic cars, supercars and trucks, with entry costing €20 per vehicle. Parking will be in the old sports field at the bottom of Church Street. There will also be free camping in the field.

Entertainment begins at 1.30pm at The Pumphouse beer garden, with music, a street DJ, face painting and a barbecue for drivers after the drive.

All support is appreciated.

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Thanks for Duck Race support

Kilcullen Lions Club would like to thank everyone who braved the elements and came out to support their Annual Duck Race on Saturday last. Special thanks to KCA and Kilcullen Canoe Club, without their support, the Duck Race wouldn't happen. 

Winning Ducks & owners:

Duck No. 2: Grace Sheridan; Duck No. 114: Paul The Butcher; Duck No. 236: Gabby Caporelli

Funds raised will support local charities and causes.

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Commemoration day for Mary Leadbeater

Ballitore will mark the 200th anniversary of the death of writer Mary Leadbeater on 27 June 2026 with a commemorative afternoon of heritage, literature and art, writes Brian Byrne. Events begin at 1pm with the unveiling of new signage at the entrance to the Quaker Burial Ground in partnership with the Ballitore Burial Ground Restoration Group. 

At 2pm, a revised edition of Leadbeater's most famous work, The Annals of Ballitore, will be launched by John McKenna at Mary Leadbeater House, now Ballitore Library. The programme continues at 3pm in the Meeting House with Reflections on the Life of Mary Leadbeater through Contemporary Art and Craft, an exhibition hosted by The Thread Shed.

Afternoon tea will be served, guests are encouraged to wear vintage dress, and donations will be welcomed towards the upkeep of the Meeting House.

Born Mary Shackleton in Ballitore in 1758, Leadbeater was a Quaker poet, correspondent and chronicler of local life whose works included Poems, Cottage Dialogues among the Irish Peasantry and Cottage Biography. 

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KCA Street Collection this weekend

The Summer Street Collection held by Kilcullen Community Action is taking place on Friday and Saturday of the coming weekend, writes Brian Byrne. Volunteer collectors will be at the usual locations, outside Nolans, Eurospar, and Centra.

The funds raised go towards the costs of KCA’s key projects, including the Kilcullen in Bloom summer flowers display.

The recent KCA meeting heard that the installation of the flower boxes for this year was almost complete. Meeting chair Noel Clare noted that many of the plants used had been propagated in KCA’s own polytunnel. 

The next KCA meeting, which is open to everyone to attend, is scheduled for Monday, 13 July, at 8pm.

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Sound Bath session at Mountain Flow Yoga

Mountain Flow Yoga Studio in Kilcullen will host a Sound Bath session with Liam Oragh on Sunday, 12 July at 6pm.

The event offers participants an opportunity to experience immersive sound therapy in a relaxed wellness setting. A graduate of the Bel Canto School of Singing and the Celtic School of Sound Healing, Liam Oragh is known for his work in sound baths, healing retreats, and one-to-one therapeutic sessions.

The session is aimed at promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and mindful wellbeing. Booking details are available through the studio's Facebook bio or via WhatsApp Beata 087 3631154.

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Open Mic at Woodbine Books tonight

Woodbine Books is hosting an Open Mic evening TONIGHT, Wednesday, 10 June, at 7:30 pm, with local writers and musicians sharing their work. 

Organised by the shop’s Creative Writing Group, the event includes short presentations of poetry, short stories, essays, flash fiction, and music. 

Attendance is open to all, with audience members and supporters welcome.

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