Woodbine Books a region finalist in Independent Bookshop of the Year 2026

Woodbine Books is a regional finalist in the Independent Bookshop of the Year 2026 at the British Book Awards organised by The Bookseller, writes Brian Byrne. 

The popular Kilcullen Bookshop is in the Island of Ireland region, with fellow finalists Antonia's Bookstore in Trim, County Meath; Bridge Books in Dromore, County Down; Liber Bookshop in Sligo, County Sligo; Tales for Tadpoles in Bray, County Wicklow; and The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. 

Woodbine Books will celebrate 10 years of existence this year and was the Irish Region winner in the Independent Bookshop of the Year competition at the British Book Awards in 2018. The enterprise has become one of Kilcullen's focal points, not just for those wishing to buy reading material but also socially, for all things bookish and cultural. 

The book clubs, launches, and readings are always enjoyable, and the shop is also home to the Brigid 1500 Creative Writers Group. Theatrical presentations by writers such as John MacKenna have also been truly absorbing events.  

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Talk on value of community collaboration

County Kildare Leader Partnership CLG is hosting an event for social enterprises, local businesses, and community groups on Wednesday, 4 March, at 12.30pm at The Old Hardware in Narraghmore. The speaker on the theme of The Value of Collaboration is Angelina Foster.

Known for forging partnerships across libraries, county councils, and the corporate world, Foster will share insights into building meaningful connections and successful contracts.

The session will offer practical advice for strengthening partnerships and expanding opportunities. 

Limited spaces available — early booking is recommended.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Information event on grief and bereavement

Kildare Bereavement Network will host a free information evening on Tuesday, 24 March, from 7pm to 9pm at The Keadeen Hotel, Kildare. The event features guest speaker Mary Kenneally, who will discuss grief and bereavement, followed by a Q&A with local services supporting all age groups. 

Attendees can register in advance via phone at 01 9631131, and may submit questions. Walk-ins are welcome. 

Refreshments will be served. The event is open to those aged 18 and over. For inquiries, email bereavementdevelopment@hospicefoundation.ie.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Film screening for seniors, Saturday night

A reminder that a special free screening of the film Thelma for Kilcullen seniors will take place on Saturday, 21 February, writes Brian Byrne. The showing at Kilcullen Town Hall is courtesy of Kilcullen Lions in partnership with Kilcullen Bridge Cinema. 

Duped by a phone scammer, Thelma is inspired by action hero Tom Cruise to reclaim her money on her own Mission Impossible. It's a feel-good film about resilience, described as refreshingly original, warm, funny, and empowering. 

The film night will start at 7pm with refreshments and is part of the Brigid Film Season 2026, supported by Kildare County Council.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Council 'should seek expressions of interest' on parking provision in Kilcullen

Kildare County Council should seek expressions of interest from landowners to advance a commitment to finding alternative parking facilities for downtown Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne. That’s the view of Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer, speaking on her motion regarding this matter at the monthly Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting. 

Noting that the Council had committed to considering the issue within 12 months of adopting the Kilcullen Settlement Plan, she requested an update on the measures taken to progress this goal. 

The official response to the motion was that parking by-laws are currently being prepared for Kilcullen. Cllr O’Dwyer said these could be ‘part of the discussion, but the strategy was to identify alternative parcels of land that could be bought or leased to establish a public car park in Kilcullen, particularly to serve the lower part of the town near the Cinema and Heritage Centre and the small businesses located there. Additionally, there is a need for on-street parking for residents. 

“There have been significant financial incentives to reduce dereliction in town centres by turning 'over the shop' back into residential, which is to be commended,” she said. “However, in small towns like Kilcullen, the absence of a public car park has a negative impact.” She added that if parking is not readily available, “people will drive through a town because we all want convenience.” 

The councillor expressed her belief that opportunities exist to acquire the necessary land but emphasised that the Council must commit to issuing an open call for expressions of interest to create a public car park near the Market Square, to supplement existing spaces in the Square as part of the parking strategy outlined in the Kilcullen Settlement Plan. 

“All the plans we have completed and are currently working on should be live documents,” she concluded. “Otherwise, what is the point of them? This was an action in the Kilcullen Plan, and I am asking for it to be followed through on.”

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Gaelscoil Chill Dara celebrates 30 years

On Friday, 27th February 2026, there will be a School Mass and a Social Evening to celebrate 30 years since Gaelscoil Chill Dara first opened its doors. All members of the school community since 1995 are welcome to attend these events.

Aifreann Scoile, Aoine 27 Feabhra ag 11 a chlog, Cill Mhuire, Droichead Nua. Oíche Shóisialta, Aoine 27 Feabhra ag 8 a chlog, CLG na Sairséalaigh, Droichead Nua.

Ticéid ar fáil anseo. 

Social Night, Disco thanks to Coiste na dTuismitheoirí 2025.2026.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

South Kildare Shamrocks Skills Challenge

A reminder that the South Kildare Shamrocks Skills Challenge takes place this Friday evening, 20 February.

Sessions run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Scoil Bhride, Kilcullen. 

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Drama Group in rehearsals for April play

Kilcullen Drama Group is set to stage The Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh in mid-April, writes Brian Byrne. A darkly humorous and deeply moving play, it explores themes of family, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

Directed by Eilis Philips, the cast features Maurice O'Mahony, Allan Clarke, Adam Treacy, and Sinead McKenna. The director describes the action as a 'play within a play', with some actors playing multiple roles. "It may well be the most complicated play we have ever done," she told the Diary, though emphasising that it will be very entertaining.

The story takes place in a council flat on Walworth Road in London, where, at 11am, a father and his two sons are depicted having a meal that includes six cans of beer, 15 crackers with spreadable cheese, ten pink biscuit wafers, and a roasted chicken with blue sauce. Make of that menu what you will...

Ticket details will be shared soon — follow the group's Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Patrick's Day sponsored swim for mural

A sponsored swim on the Liffey in Kilcullen on St Patrick's Day will raise funds for the Heritage Wall mural commissioned by Kilcullen Tidy Towns. 

The event is organised by patrons of The Spout Bar. 

There's a donation box and sponsorship cards in the bar for anyone who wants to contribute or take part in the swim.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

The passing of Gerry MacCloskey

The death has occurred of Gerry MacCloskey, of Kilcullen, Co Kildare,  Ballydehob, Co Cork, and formerly of Clifden and Derry, peacefully on 17 February 2026 in the loving care of Suncroft Lodge nursing home.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Marie, and his sister, Eileen, he was a devoted father to Marc and Caragh. He will be deeply missed by his sisters, Deirdre and Nuala, his sister-in-law, Clare, and his beloved grandchildren, Jesse, Luc, Sean, and Myla. Fondly remembered by his daughter-in-law, Hilde, his son-in-law, Jonathan, and all who knew and loved him.

He will be reposing at Clare and PJ Lydon's residence, Logstown, Kilcullen (Eircode R56 R599) on Friday, 20 February from 5pm until 7pm. Removal from there will be on Saturday, 21 February, to Newlands Cross Crematorium, arriving for the 1.30pm service, which may be viewed on this link. All welcome. Family Flowers Only Please.

May Gerry Rest In Peace.

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 17th February 2026 were 1, 2, 4 and 5. 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 €3,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Jim Kelly (Promoter Vivian Clarke), Fr Niall Mackey (Fr Niall Mackey) and Anne Bird (Vanessa Clarke).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Mick Dunne and Vanessa Clarke, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Francesca Broughall.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy

Supervisor post at Cross's Centra

Cross Retail Group is hiring a part-time Supervisor for evening and weekend shifts in Kilcullen. The role offers flexible shifts from 2pm to 10pm or 5pm to 10pm in a dynamic environment. 

Applicants with retail experience are preferred, but it is not essential — full training will be provided. The company provides competitive pay, training, development programmes, and direct support from management. 

Interested candidates can email their CV to CrossretailgroupHR@Centra.ie or drop it off at the Customer Service Desk in-store. Cross Retail Group values inclusivity and equal opportunities, recruiting without discrimination. 

Company locations include Cross’s SuperValu in Newbridge and Cross’s Centra stores in Naas and Kilcullen.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy