AUDIO BOOTH IN COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR MILITARY STORIES

The Dílis go Bráth podcasts recently launched in Kilcullen are now available to hear in the Community Centre, writes Brian Byrne. A booth has been set up where people can pick whichever one they want, to listen to while having a cup of coffee.

"We're grateful to Kilcullen Town Hall and Heritage Centre who lent us their audio booth player for this," says Community Centre manager Enda O'Neill. With Mary Orford and Julie O'Donoghue, Enda initiated the project, a series of stories of military service by 15 local retired military, which was implemented with sponsorship support from Kildare County Council, Winroy Interiors, Woodbine Books, Colin Clarke Paving & Craft, and Under The Apple Tree wedding videographers. 

There's also a website, dilisgobrath.ie, where these and future recordings can be heard.

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'BLANKET FOR GAZA' FOR CURRAGH KITE-FLYING FUNDRAISER

The blanket on display in Omagh.

Organisers of the kite-flying fundraiser for Gaza taking place opposite Donnelly's Hollow on the Curragh tomorrow morning are hoping to have the 3,000 squares “Granny Square for Gaza” blanket for the event. The blanket was produced by the Craftivism for Palestine group, with each square representing 10 children killed in Israeli attacks since 7 October 2023.

The blanket is almost 60 metres long, weighing 40kg, and was the centrepiece of a silent protest walk in Dublin's Grafton Street last August, involving Craftivism for Palestine and Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine. The blanket has also been displayed in different parts of the country since it was completed. The potent symbol is expected at the Curragh event around 12 noon.

Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) groups from Kildare, Laois, and Carlow are holding the "Kites Not Frights" gathering from 11.30 am tomorrow. People are invited to bring kites to fly in a display of hope and unity for the children of Gaza. All proceeds from the event will go to Children Not Numbers,  a charity providing critical medical support to children in Gaza. Those unable to attend are encouraged to support the cause online using QR codes available on local IPSC social media pages.

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SPOOKTACULAR AT LIBRARY GARDEN

Some views from last evening's Spooktacular at Kilcullen Community Library Garden, organised by KCA and the Library. 

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

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WORK ON CHANGING CROSSING

Work is continuing today with the changing of the pedestrian crossing at CPC from a Zebra to a Signalled facility. It is made easier with the schools being closed for the mid-term break.

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HALLOWEEN VIEWS IN TOWN

A few Halloween views on a short night walk through the town. Is it our imagination, or is there less Halloween going on in the windows this year?

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FIRST RESPONDERS TABLE QUIZ TONIGHT

A reminder that tonight’s Table Quiz for First Responders in Kilcullen will begin at The Hideout at 7:30pm. The event features prizes donated by the National Ambulance Service, Fallons Pub, Eye Candy, Nolans Butchers, Kalbarri Cookery School, and many others. 

All funds raised will support the purchase of new AEDs for new responders, another AED for Kilcullen, and new AED storage boxes. 

Tables of four €40. A night of fun, laughter, and great prizes and a great cause.

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WORLD STROKE DAY

Today, 29 October, marks World Stroke Day, highlighting the importance of recognising stroke symptoms and acting swiftly. A stroke is a medical emergency where time is critical; delayed treatment can lead to brain damage. 

Learn the FAST signs: Face drooping, Arms weakness, Slurred speech, and Time to call 999 immediately. 

Spreading awareness and acting quickly can save lives.

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FLY KITES FOR CHILDREN OF GAZA

Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) groups from Kildare, Laois, and Carlow are hosting a family-friendly "Kites Not Frights" solidarity event this Halloween, designed to show solidarity with the children and people of Gaza while raising funds for humanitarian aid. 

The gathering will take place on Saturday, 31 October, at 11:30am on The Curragh, opposite Donnelly's Hollow. 

Participants are invited to bring kites to fly in a display of hope and unity for the children of Gaza. All proceeds from the event will go to Children Not Numbers, a charity providing critical medical support to children in Gaza. Those unable to attend are encouraged to support the cause online via the official website or QR codes available on local IPSC social media pages.

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HALLOWEEN EVENT IN LIBRARY GARDEN

A reminder that a Halloween event is being organised by KCA and Kilcullen Library at the Library Community Garden TOMORROW, Thursday, 29 October, running from 6-8pm. 

The evening promises spooktacular sights and sounds, including a scavenger picture hunt for children with prizes for winners. 

All welcome.

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KILCULLEN GETTING A COMMUNITY CAR

Ali O'Brien, Operations Manager of Dunlea's Kia, with Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, who has negotiated the initiative.

Kilcullen will be getting its own community car early next month, courtesy of Dunlea’s Kia and the Kildare Leader Partnership, writes Brian Byrne. The availability of the car will make a significant difference to the lives of many in the community who need transport to medical and other appointments in places and at times when public transport isn't a viable option. 

The initiative has been welcomed by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, who has been working to arrange the facility for a considerable time. It will be the second such community car in County Kildare — the first has been available to residents of the Kildare town area since January 2025. The concept was piloted in 2019 by Fingal County Council, who provided a car in Skerries. 

Use of the Kilcullen car, a Kia Sportage, will be managed by the call centre in Kildare town that's currently operating the car based there. Kildare Leader will fund the operating expenses. A number of volunteer drivers will be recruited to provide a full-time service with the Kilcullen car. 

Dunlea’s Kia, who will be opening a brand-new premises beside the Link Park in December, say their sponsorship of the car gives them the opportunity to support the town where the business has been located for many years. “This way we can provide help to vulnerable people in this community,” says Ali O'Brien, Operations Manager at Dunlea’s. “We're delighted to have the opportunity.”

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer says it is a project she has been passionate about after identifying a growing hardship among older residents in the Kilcullen area. “Due to limited public transport schedules, long travel times, and the high cost of taxis for people living on a fixed income, many were struggling to attend medical appointments, in some cases missing them entirely,” she says. “It's a real stressor for people, with those of a certain age not being able to drive themselves, and not wanting to bother family who have their own daily pressures.”

The process as already developed by Kildare Leader is straightforward. Those requiring the service can book the car in advance through a dedicated phone number. They will then be collected at their home and returned after their appointment. 

A launch of the service will take place during early November, with full booking details and the phone numbers being circulated in advance of that. 

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