TICKET SALES OPEN FOR 'DANCING AT LUGHNASA'

Some rehearsal scenes.

Kilcullen Drama Group has opened ticket sales for its forthcoming production of Brian Friel’s acclaimed drama, Dancing at Lughnasa, scheduled for 10–13 February 2027. 

Set in 1930s Ireland during the harvest festival, the play depicts the lives of the five Mundy sisters as they contend with poverty and social change, finding comfort in the music of an ageing wireless radio. 

The production’s combination of dance, humour and poignancy offers an enthralling theatrical experience. 

Tickets are available via Eventbrite and would make an excellent Christmas gift. 

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JUST AN ILLUSION IN CINEMA

Brighten up your November with this French comedy-drama Just an Illusion, writes Teresa Nurse. Starring Louis Garrel, Camille Cottin and Simon Boublil, it is a funny and charming 1980s-set coming-of-age film about 13-year-old Vincent, who lives in a suburban apartment block with his parents and older brother.

From the directors of the hit comedy-drama The Intouchables, it is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that captures a particular French sensibility alongside universal truths about growing up. It also boasts an impressively rich soundtrack of 80s hits.

Showing Tuesday 17 November at 8pm. Tickets €7 on sale in Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, on Eventbrite and at the door.

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PARISH LOTTO DRAW RESULTS

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 10th November 2026 were 1, 9, 13 and 17. 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 €11,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Sarah Dunne (Promoter Berney’s Chemist), Siobhan Mitchell (Nancy Fitzpatrick) and Eugene Hall (Miriam McDonnell).

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

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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KILCULLEN EXHIBITION OF GALE PULLEN-FOSTER WORK

An exhibition and sale of artwork by the late Gale Pullen-Foster, a former primary school teacher at Kildare Steiner School, is taking place in Kilcullen Town Hall on 20 and 21 November. 'Echoes of Africa' is the second exhibition of her work this year, following a successful event at the Dunlavin Arts Centre in June — the high interest and demand there resulted in this exhibition being organised. 

Gale’s diverse collection includes woodcut prints, vibrant acrylics, landscapes, figurative pieces, watercolours of flowers, and pastel and charcoal sketches. Many of her works feature musicians she drew during music sessions in Kildare and Wicklow pubs after moving there in 2002. All proceeds from the sales will benefit Kildare Steiner School, which held great significance for her.

Born in 1951 she grew up in rural South Africa. As an adult, she moved to Cape Town and worked as a Waldorf teacher for 25 years. In 2002, she moved to Ireland for a sabbatical; however, she decided to become a teacher at Kildare Steiner School instead. She taught there for 15 years. Even after retirement in 2017 she continued to mentor, teach, guide, and inspire the Kildare school. 

She passed away on 13th May 2026 after a short illness. Earlier in the Summer, whilst sorting out her personal effects, a group of close friends discovered several portfolios of previously unknown work, some of it completed in South Africa, before Gale moved to Ireland. 

An exquisite centrepiece of the exhibition is “Snowdrops”, the last of Gale’s stunning flower watercolours. This second retrospective is a limited look at what was an extensive life in the visual arts. Gale was self-taught and explored all sorts of media and subjects over the years. In this exhibition, you will see her style develop from bright African colours and bold figurative works to the more subdued tones as she imbibed the Irish culture.

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STEINER KINDERGARTEN OPEN DAY

Kildare Steiner School invites families to its Kindergarten Open Day on Saturday, 14 November, from 10am to noon. 

Visitors can experience the school’s Waldorf early childhood education through activities like outdoor circle time, songs, a forest walk, story time, and homemade food. 

Registration is required via info@kildaresteinerschool.ie.

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GRIESE YOUTH THEATRE QUIZ

Griese Youth Theatre is hosting its Annual Quiz Night on 20 November at 8pm at The Crookstown Inn (Shackleton's Rest). 

Tickets are €40 per table of four, with a raffle featuring great prizes. 

Book your table by contacting Griese Youth Theatre at 085 2021884. 

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STEINER SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR

Kildare Steiner School is hosting a Christmas Fair on Saturday, 28 November, from 11am to 4pm. The event includes workshops, suitable for all ages, on making natural wreaths, biscuit baking, and wet felted ornaments. 

Those attending can also enjoy homemade food, craft gifts, a puppet show, and a raffle with amazing prizes. 

Booking is free, workshops require an additional fee, with all proceeds supporting the school. Tickets can be booked using the QR code above or via the link in the school’s Facebook bio.

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INFORMATION WORKSHOP ON HOME ENERGY GRANTS AND IMPROVEMENTS

With so many changes and updates on SEAI grants for energay upgrades, Kilcullen Community Action is hosting an information session in Kilcullen Town Hall on Saturday next, 14 November from 2pm to 4pm. Kildare SEAI ambassador Emer Conway will be in attendance to give advice and information. 

One exciting idea that will be floated is the possibility of having a ‘Solar Meitheal’ in Kilcullen – where a group of people, perhaps in one housing estate or area, will come together to collectively install solar panels.  

This would reduce costs and share the administrative work involved with any application.  

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TABLE QUIZ FOR ANNA'S ARCTIC TREK IN AID OF MS IRELAND

A Table Quiz is being held in Fallon’s on Thursday night, the 12th, to support local woman Anna McLeod's Arctic Trek in January in aid of MS Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Anna lives with multiple sclerosis, and will be among a group of adventurous women who will do the eight-day Arctic tundra expedition. 

The Table Quiz kicks off at 8pm, with the usual cost of €10 per person.

Two-thirds of people diagnosed with MS are women, and the Arctic Trek fundraiser has a target total of €67,500. There are 14 participants in the fundraiser, which will take place between 24 and 31 January 2027. 

Anna, who was diagnosed with MS 12 years ago, is one of almost 11,000 people in Ireland who are living with MS and is an ambassador for MS Ireland. Earlier this year she took part in the May 50K fundraiser and awareness event in Ireland. 

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SEVENTH ARCH THEATRE GROUP LAUNCHING

A reminder that a new community drama troupe, Seventh Arch Theatre Group, is launching in Kilcullen on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at 8pm in O’Connell’s Bar. Open to adults, the group welcomes actors, backstage volunteers, and anyone interested in theatre or seeking a new social outlet.

The launch evening will introduce the founding committee, outline plans, and provide an opportunity for prospective members to meet the team and learn how to get involved. No prior theatre experience required.

For more information, contact 7tharchtheatre@gmail.com.

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