Canoe Club: were you there in 1968?

Our thanks once again to our regular correspondent Joe Murray, who trawls old newspaper archives for fun, for this 1968 clipping from the Leinster Leader, showing Kilcullen children being entertained at a party to mark the opening of the then-new Kilcullen Canoe Club pavilion (not to be confused with the opening of the current clubhouse in 2008). 

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Date for 2026 Mac and Norman Vintage Rally

The 24th Mac & Norman Vintage Rally, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, will take place on Sunday, 16 August 2026, writes Brian Byrne. Last year's rally raised €32,530, bringing the total raised since the fundraiser began to more than €600,000.

A total of 336 vehicles took part in the 2025 event, including 176 tractors, 68 trucks, 73 cars, and 19 motorcycles, while the post-rally auction also attracted significant support.

Entry is €20 per vehicle, and food and an auction will follow the event.

More details closer to the date.

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Naas Bealtaine Festival today

Naas is set for a day of celebration today as the Bealtaine Festival takes over the town from 11 am to 6pm, offering a programme of entertainment, food, music, and family-friendly attractions.

These include children’s entertainment, local craft stalls, food vendors, and live music. Visitors can also enjoy displays of vintage and classic cars, as well as emergency service vehicle displays.

A highlight of this year’s event is the “Taste of Nations”, with members of international communities living in Naas and surrounding areas sharing free food tastings from their countries of origin. 

A parade of 500 motorbikes is scheduled between 2pm and 2.20pm.

A helicopter flyover is planned before the official parades set off from the Court House to Poplar Square at 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

All welcome to the heart of Naas today.

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Kilcullen GAA U15 Girls are Division 9 League champions

Image: Kilcullen GAA.

Kilcullen GAA’s U15 girls are Division 9 League champions after a superb 4-08 to 2-08 victory over a strong Round Towers side in Rathangan on Saturday afternoon.

The win marks a fantastic achievement for the team, which is made up primarily of U14 players. 

Congratulations to the players, coaches and supporters who helped make it a memorable occasion, culminating in a celebratory victory parade through the town. 

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Anna is taking part in May MS fundraiser

Kilcullen woman Anna McLeod is taking part in this year’s May 50K fundraiser to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and support research into new treatments, writes Brian Byrne. Anna, who was diagnosed with MS 12 years ago, is one of nearly 1,000 people in Ireland signed up to run, walk, or roll 50 kilometres during May while raising donations. 

Almost 11,000 people in Ireland are living with MS, and the campaign is helping to shine a light on the condition while also funding research. Around €147,000 has been raised across Ireland at the halfway stage of the 2026 May 50K.

Anna, an ambassador for MS Ireland, has set herself a larger goal of 100 kilometres and was already well on the way there this week. She says MS affects each person differently, but adds that major progress in treatment has been made in recent decades. 

"It's just very individual for everyone, which is something I struggled with when I was first diagnosed. When my GP first mentioned MS, I just burst into tears. I just thought, like, this is a death sentence, I'm going to end up in a wheelchair." Twelve years on, she has run three half-marathons, and her MS symptoms have been stable for several years. She praises the support she has received from St Vincent’s Hospital and MS Ireland.

Anna's donation page is here.

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Russborough Garden Show tomorrow

The RHSI Russborough Garden Show takes place this Sunday, writes Brian Byrne, offering a day filled with plants, garden inspiration, expert advice, live music, food, and family fun. 

Visitors can explore plant stalls, meet growers, and attend talks and demonstrations. Highlights include Walled Garden tours, flower demos, and guest speakers Damien Blackweir, Brian Murray, and Florence MacCarthy. Activities also feature archery with CP Adventure, live music from the Ballymore Eustace Band, and the Wild Tails Dog Show with the KWWSPCA. 

Advance tickets are available for €15, with free admission for children, ensuring faster entry on the day.

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Dowling Property: Bungalow in Harristown, Brannockstown

Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this truly rare occasion to acquire a delightful detached home, in quite simply one of County Kildare’s most sought-after locations. Standing on a c. 0.6-acre site nestled between Brannockstown, Naas and Ballymore Eustace, this superb property is located on a quiet local access road in the heart of the countryside. 

This charming, three-bedroom detached bungalow is approached via a wonderful driveway flanked by mature beech hedging, which leads you to the perfectly positioned property in the centre of the site, allowing for generously sized gardens to front and rear. 

The accommodation, which is well laid out, consists of an entrance hallway, a sitting room, a kitchen/dining room, a utility, three double bedrooms (master en-suite) and a family bathroom. Features include oil heating with an open fire and double-glazed windows. The mature gardens are a real highlight and have been well-maintained over the years by their original owners. The south-facing rear enjoys rolling countryside views over some of the county's finest lands. This fine property also benefits from extensive road frontage. There is endless potential for extending and reconfiguring for the new owners (STPP), as there is space around all corners of the property. 

All amenities can be found close by in Ballymore Eustace, Naas or Kilcullen, including a selection of top-class primary and secondary schools. Naas is home to large multinational shops including Tesco, Dunnes, Lidl and Aldi and has direct access to the M7. With its first-class location and magical site, we must now advise on early viewings of this chain-free sale, as opportunities like this are truly rare. One Not To Be Missed!

AMV €550,000. dowlingproperty.ie. Kildare Office 045 482189.

If you are thinking of selling either a town or country property, then we’d love to hear from you, so that we can arrange a free call out and answer any questions you may have.

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Call for national cardiovascular risk prevention clinics

Senator Gerard Craughwell, Dr Susan Connolly, Integrated Care Cardiologist, University Hospital Galway, Mrs Karen Brennan, and Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician and Stroke Medicine, Tallaght University Hospital, at an Oireachtas cardiovascular health briefing in Leinster House.

Up to 80 per cent of strokes are preventable, according to medical experts who have emphasised the need for national cardiovascular risk prevention clinics to improve early detection and management of hypertension, writes Brian Byrne. They were speaking to members of the Oireachtas in advance of tomorrow's World Hypertension Day.

About 7,500 strokes happen in Ireland each year, according to the Irish Heart Foundation. With hypertension a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks, the meeting, coinciding with ‘May Measure Month’, called for coordinated action to align Ireland’s cardiovascular care with international best practices and the EU’s Safe Hearts plan. 

The event was hosted in Leinster House by Senator Gerard Craughwell, and those attending included Dr Susan Connolly, Integrated Care Cardiologist, Galway University Hospital, and Professor Rónán Collins, Consultant Geriatrician & Stroke Medicine, Tallaght University Hospital.

A national initiative led by the University of Galway will engage patients in developing a patient-friendly pathway for resistant hypertension, with final results expected by September 2026.

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Deadline extended for Coillte Forestry Scholarship

Tom Kent, Programme Director of the Forestry BSc at SETU; Áine Ni Dhubhain, Director of Forestry at University College Dublin; Mark Carlin, Managing Director of Coillte Forest; Evan McSpadden, Forestry Scholar at SETU; Olivia Black, Forestry Scholar at UCD; and Oisin McGuinness, Forestry Scholar at SETU.

The deadline for the Coillte Forestry Scholarship has been extended to 1st July 2026, allowing prospective students more time to consider forestry as a study and career option. This decision, made after feedback from forestry and education partners, aims to make the scholarship more accessible and attract a diverse talent pool. 

The scholarship, now in its third year, offers up to €20,000 for a forestry degree at UCD or SETU, including paid summer placements and potential career opportunities with Coillte. 

Since its launch in 2024, Coillte has awarded scholarships to six students, with a 25% increase in applications in 2025. 

More information is available at www.coillte.ie. Applications can be completed online at www.coillte.ie/careers.

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Move for Scouts storage container

A local business, John Cradock Ltd, stepped in to support the 9th Kildare Scout Group last Friday by helping to relocate the group’s equipment container to a new home on the scouts' site beside the Astro pitch, writes scout leader Kate Monks. The container had been stored for several years in the grounds of Scoil Bhride, for which the Scout Group thanks the school.

After being contacted by the group, John Cradock's managing director, Victor Smyth, inspected the site and confirmed the company could help. Director Paul Bagnall then met with scout leaders early on Friday morning, and by 8.15 am the container had been lifted, transported, and placed in its new location.

The container stores important Scouting equipment, including wooden poles used for pioneering activities such as building tables, benches, bridges, and wash stations.

With the longer, brighter evenings now here, youth members in their neckers and high-vis vests may be seen building structures, pitching tents, or taking part in a local litter pick. Say hello or give them an encouraging smile — they take pride in being part of the community. 

They'll also be busy in the coming months, fundraising to help reduce the cost to parents for the trip to the World Jamboree in the Netherlands next summer. Any local business that would like to support this with a donation, please contact any leader or email 9thkildaretreasurer@gmail.com. 

Also, anyone local interested in joining the troop in any capacity, please get in touch — all newcomers will be welcomed to the Group.

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Go Purple Day highlights domestic abuse

Today, Friday 15 May 2026, An Garda Síochána is marking Go Purple Day to raise awareness of domestic abuse and show support for victims, writes Brian Byrne. The campaign highlights that domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, and online abuse. 

It can happen within families, between current or former partners, and in relationships involving young people under 18.

The initiative also draws attention to the scale of the issue, with one in four women and one in seven men affected.

An Garda Síochána says supporting and protecting victims of domestic abuse remains a priority. Anyone in immediate danger or needing Garda assistance is urged to call 999 or 112. 

Further information can be found on this downloadable leaflet (available in 27 languages at Garda.ie). 

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Kilcullen cyclist represents Ireland

Kilcullen Cycling Club rider Fionn Killeen proudly represented Ireland last weekend in the Czech Republic, delivering a strong performance on the international stage. Fionn, pictured on the right above, finished an impressive third on one stage and placed 13th on another, underlining his talent and determination against high-quality competition.

The young rider will be back in action next week as part of the Irish squad in the Rás Tailteann, Ireland's best-known cycling race. It will pass through Kilcullen on Sunday, 24 May, the final day, giving local supporters a chance to cheer him on close to home.

Adding to the family’s proud cycling connection, Tadgh Killeen, Fionn’s elder brother, will ride with the Leinster squad in the same race.

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Kilcullen Fairy Trail Fun Day in June

A family-friendly Fairy Trail Fun Day will be held in Kilcullen on Saturday, June 6, writes Brian Byrne, promising an afternoon of entertainment and activities for children and adults alike.

The event, hosted by Kilcullen Community Action, will run from 12 noon to 4pm, and will feature Billy Bubbles Magician, Mrs Bubbles’ kids’ sprinkle and biscuit decorating, face painting, storytelling, and music from local artists and a DJ. There will be free ice cream for children.

Families are invited to take part in an optional fairy-themed fancy dress competition, with prizes for the best dressed. 

The day will conclude with a River Duck Race at 4pm, organised by Kilcullen Lions Club in aid of local charities.

The event is supported by Kildare County Council and Kildare Credit Union.

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Vintage Drive for Dunlavin to support Julie Kelly

A special vintage drive event will take place in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, on Saturday, 13 June, to support treatment for Julie Kelly, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

The family-friendly day, beginning at 11:30am, promises plenty of entertainment, with vintage cars, tractors, motorbikes, face painting, and live outdoor music, as well as music later in The Pumphouse Pub. All are welcome to take part in the drive, with an entry fee of €20 per vehicle.

Free camping will also be available for the weekend in the old sports field.

The event will be a great day out for all the family while raising awareness and support for an important cause.

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Kilcullen GAA plans Summer Barbecue and Field Day

Kilcullen GAA is inviting everyone to save the date for a special Summer Barbecue and Field Day on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

After many years of fundraising, the club says the event will be a chance for members, families, and the wider community to come together for a day of celebration, fun, and connection. It promises a traditional old-field-day atmosphere, with plenty of craic, community spirit, and summer enjoyment.

A sub-committee has been formed to organise the day, and the club is encouraging parents, guardians, and members who would like to help out to get involved. Anyone interested in assisting with the organisation of the event is asked to contact Caryl at secretary.kilcullen.kildare@gaa.ie.

The day promises to be a memorable occasion for the whole community.

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