Progress on CPC extension plan

Minister Martin Heydon, Nina Carperry MEP, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, and Joe Leonard, Principal of CPC.

The Department of Education has issued a letter of intent to progress the upgrade to Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne. The next step is to get contracts signed and break ground, according to local TD and Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon. A similar letter has been issued for the extension to the Patrician College, Newbridge.

The minister commended the leadership teams of both schools, led by Mr Joe Leonard in CPC and Mr Pat Maloney in Patrician Secondary School, as well as the Boards of Management, staff, parents and pupils, whose work and efforts to date have brought these projects to this stage. 

The minister also said that delays in projects such as these will be addressed by the Government’s new Infrastructure Action Plan. In a statement, he said unnecessary delays can no longer hold up such projects. The minister says the plan includes 30 time-bound actions to cut red tape, reduce regulations, and remove barriers.

"These reforms mark a turning point in cutting delays, streamlining planning approvals and ensuring that the infrastructure projects Kildare needs don’t stay on paper," he says in a statement. “With the growth of our population and economy, we need this plan. Families in Kildare need homes, commuters need better transport, and businesses need certainty. This plan will deliver on all three.”

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Dowling Property: 50 Bishop Rogan Park

Attention First-Time Buyers! Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this 3-bedroom, mid-terraced home for sale. Although in need of upgrading and modernising, this smashing property is keenly priced and is located in one of Kilcullen's most popular estates. 

No. 50 is vacant, "chain-free," and ready to go, boasting a healthy C2 energy rating. It features oil heating and open fire, three generously sized bedrooms and a sunny west-facing rear garden with a block-built shed. 

Bishop Rogan Park is located just off the Naas Road and has all amenities located on your doorstep. There is excellent access to the M9/M7, and a bus stop is within walking distance. This blank-canvas opportunity will be of interest to a wide range of buyers, so early viewings are advised!

AMV: €225,000

www.dowlingproperty.ie. Kildare Office 045 482189.

After a very busy 2025, with DP achieving record prices, we would love to hear from you if you are thinking of selling in 2026. Call us on 045482189 to arrange a free sales appraisal. 

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Kilcullen GAA Autumn Special Winners

Kilcullen GAA would like to thank everyone who supported our November Special Lotto promotion; it got a great response. Congratulations to all the winners & thanks to our Local Sponsors.

We wish all who signed up for the Lotto in this period and our regular subscribers the best of Luck in all upcoming draws. 

1st - Nolan's Weekend Christmas Hamper: Ger Comerford.

2nd - €50 Little Brew Cafe Voucher: Jenny Byrne.

3rd - €50 Fallons Kilcullen Voucher: Charlene Grice.

4th - Britvic drinks worth €50: Frances Clare.

5th - €30 5aDay Voucher: Aaron Masterson. 

6th - €20 5aDay Voucher: Mary Bond.

If you don’t already have an online ticket, click on this link to play.

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Still time for Shamrocks Christmas Draw tickets

Only one sleep left until the South Kildare Shamrocks Christmas Draw, which will take place at their end-of-year celebrations on Sunday at 4pm in Kilcullen GAA. 

There are four fantastic hampers, four vouchers, wine, Newbridge Silver wine glasses, and a Stanley flash with a food jar. 

There's still time to get tickets, which will also be available to purchase on Sunday. 

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Carols by Candlelight 2025 in Kilcullen

A taster of Carols by Candlelight 2025 in Kilcullen Parish Church.

With The Dara Quartet, the Camphill Laimh Choir, the Naas Hospital Gospel Choir, the Kilcullen Gospel Choir, and the Baldonnel Singers with tenor Paul Linehan.

A Rough & Ready Production by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

Powerhouse performances at Carols by Candlelight

It was all standing ovations and calls for more at the end of last night's Carols by Candlelight in Kilcullen Parish Church, writes Brian Byrne. It was the 14th year of the event, and few would argue against it being the best so far.

From the prelude music by the Dara Quartet as the audience arrived through to the performances of the main acts, the evening was a beautiful start to the Kilcullen Christmas season. This year, a proper lighting system both enhanced the evening's atmosphere and made it much easier for this photographer to get pictures.

The enthusiasm and ability of the Camphill Laimh Choir put everyone in the best humour for an evening that never flagged. The Naas Hospital Gospel Choir joined them for their final songs, then produced their own joyful session, culminating in a solo by their director, Lorraine Nolan, who also directs the Camphill Choir.

Kilcullen Gospel Choir then came on to give us one of their typical spirited programmes of songs, directed by Lisa Nagle. The Kilcullen group never cease to amaze — just when we think they must have reached their peak, they raise the bar again, including last night with two superb solos by choir members.

Following the interval, the quality of the evening never dipped, thanks to the polished performances from the Baldonnel Singers and tenor Paul Linehan. This powerhouse combination had the full-house audience on their feet at the end, applauding, seeking and getting numerous encores.

The funds raised go to the church painting fund. The evening was worth every cent of the ticket price and the raffle costs, and more. It was altogether a National Concert Hall level of enjoyment. 

All the Diary's pictures from the evening can be seen at this link. We'll do a short video taster of the music later. 

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Kilcullen News Update

If you have an alarm, use it, advice ... Tickets still available for tonight's Carols by Candlelight ... Bridge Camphill Christmas Market tomorrow ... Kilcullen Christmas Market on Saturday ... Ballyshannon NS Christmas Draw ... Cuppa for Kare morning planned ...

Reporting since 2005 from a Village Grown Bigger. Produced by Brian Byrne for Kilcullen Diary.

If you have an alarm, use it - Garda advice

The importance of actually using burglar alarms was stressed at the recent home safety meeting in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne. The use of doorbell security cameras was also advised.

"The alarm is the most effective deterrent," Sgt Tom O'Donoghue of Kilcullen Garda Station said. "When we go to a break-in where there is an alarm, but it wasn't in use, you feel twice as sorry for the victims because they had something that could have stopped the crime. In 99 per cent of cases, if an alarm goes off, burglars will leave and go for an easier option." He emphasised, though, that an alarm is only as good as the attention neighbours pay to it, and that people should work together to respond and call the Garda.

Sgt O'Donoghue also suggested that people invest in doorbell video systems, which are now less expensive than they used to be. "I would advise not opening your door at night to anyone that you don't know," he added. "Also, have your house entrance area well-lit, with perhaps a sensor light as well."

He said that crime in Kilcullen is low, but the dark winter evenings mean there will, unfortunately, be some attempted break-ins. "Simple, small steps can go a long way to prevent this. Having the lights on if you're not there and a timer to turn them on and off if you are away overnight is a great advantage."

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Ballyshannon NS Christmas Raffle

A mega hamper brimming with treats is among more than 20 prizes that are up for grabs in the Ballyshannon NS Christmas Raffle. The draw will be held on 19 December.       

Tickets are available at the school, on the Aladdin app, and by Revolut at 086 1673093. Please include your full name and contact number. All proceeds will be used to purchase musical equipment and fund outdoor upgrades.

The raffle is organised by the school's Parents Council.

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Carols by Candlelight tonight

A scene from last year's event.

Some tickets are still available at the door for Carols by Candlelight this evening in Kilcullen Parish Church. Parking will be open in Nolan’s car park, and the event starts at 7.30pm sharp.

The concert features the Camphill Laimh Choir, Kilcullen Gospel Choir, and Naas Hospital Choir, with special guests the Baldonnel Singers and tenor Paul Linehan.

It is suggested that those attending wrap up warm and, ideally, bring a cushion. 

The organisers are looking forward to seeing everyone. 

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Camphill The Bridge Christmas Market

The Camphill The Bridge Christmas Market is taking place this Friday afternoon, 5 December, from 2pm to 6pm.

The organisers promise a Magical Festive Celebration, with over 20 Christmas Vendors, Santa & His Elves, a North Pole Post-Box, and Raffle Prizes.

Visitors will receive complimentary non-alcoholic Mulled Wine on arrival and will be entertained by the Camphill Láibh Choir and The Liffey Choir.

All welcome.

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Coffee Morning for Kare

A Cuppa For Kare coffee morning will be held in the McMahon Centre in Kilcullen on Thursday, 11 December, writes Brian Byrne. The event will run from 11am until 1pm.

Kare is a local charity that supports people with intellectual disabilities. There'll be tea, coffee, treats and chats, plus the chance to enter a raffle with a top prize of €1,000.

Raffle tickets can also be bought online at kare.ie/raffle for € 5 each, and other prizes include a stay at the Talbot Hotel in Wexford, afternoon tea at Killashee Hotel, vouchers, and hampers.

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