KJF Soundchecks jazz festival warm-up

KJF Soundchecks this weekend will serve as a warm-up for the upcoming Kildare Jazz Festival, writes Brian Byrne. It features a series of musical events across various county locations, including the Barista Bike at the Steam Museum in Straffan and Newbridge's Dubh Bar.

Soundchecks begins with a free gig at Maynooth University on Thursday, showcasing Tommy Halferty and Cormac O’Brien on bass and guitar, performing old favourites from their repertoire. Later that evening, Dublin jazz band Organ Freeman will perform at Farrington’s in Rathcoffey.

The Tenters will perform their signature swing jazz on the Barista Bike, drawing inspiration from the legendary gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt. Tickets are €40 and include tapas and sangria.

Swing vocalist Bobby Mc will bring his timeless sound and captivating stage presence to The Foyer at Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday. Brazilian-Irish ensemble ÓNINAÓ will conclude the KJF Soundcheck with their fresh interpretation of classic Brazilian music influenced by the great icons of 1960s and 1970s Brazilian Tropicalia, at Dubh Bar.

The 2026 Kildare Jazz Festival runs 27-29 March inclusive.

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President Connolly launches National Tree Week

Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, has officially launched National Tree Week 2026 with a ceremonial tree planting at Newbridge House and Farm, Co Dublin. She was joined by Coillte CEO Imelda Hurley, Tree Council of Ireland President Cormac Downey, and former TCI President Éanna Ní Lamhna.

Running from 8–15 March, this year’s National Tree Week marks the Tree Council of Ireland’s 40th anniversary and is supported by Coillte. Under the theme “Growing a Greener Future Together,” the programme features free local forest walks, tree-planting events, Irish-language activities, and expert talks on topics such as forest protection and the heritage of native woodlands. Forty oak trees were planted to mark the occasion.

Coillte is donating 100,000 trees to schools and community groups nationwide this year, bringing the total number of trees donated through the partnership to more than one million.

President Connolly described National Tree Week as a celebration of the “beauty, importance, and impact of trees” and praised the community groups hosting events nationwide.

In advance of the week, Coillte ran its third annual Schools Photography Competition, inviting primary pupils to submit photos of their favourite trees or outdoor nature spaces. The winning classes, from schools in Longford, Donegal, Mayo and Tipperary, will visit Beyond the Trees Avondale at Avondale Forest Park, Co Wicklow.

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Solar farm plan public meeting

A community meeting has been organised for Thursday night in St Laurence's Old Clubhouse building to discuss the planning application that has just been lodged for the Ballindrum/Mullasmast Solar Farm Project. 

The organisers would very much appreciate and welcome attendance from residents in Ballindrum, Mullamast, Old Grange, Burtown, Glassely and all surrounding areas.

The event begins at 8pm and local area representatives will be in attendance. 

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Narraghmore community meeting

Narraghmore Development CLG will host a public community meeting later this month to update residents on local initiatives and to gather ideas for future projects in the village. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, 30 March, at 8pm in The Old Hardware, Narraghmore. 

Everyone in the community is invited to attend, to hear about recent and ongoing work in the village and have an opportunity to share their views on priorities for future community projects and initiatives.

Following the community meeting, a short AGM of Narraghmore Development CLG will be held.

A strong turnout will help shape the future development of Narraghmore.

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Kilcullen skydivers for Camphill

Image: Tom Fisk via Pexels.

Two staff members from Camphill The Bridge, Kilcullen, will take part in a charity skydive on 2 May to raise funds for Camphill Communities of Ireland.

The pair are stepping outside their comfort zone with the high‑adrenaline challenge to support the people they work alongside every day. The fundraiser will boost vital resources for the organisation’s services.

People can contribute to their campaign at this link.

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Limited seats available for Liam O'Flynn, Noel Scullion commemoration

Liam O'Flynn and Noel Scullion.

Next Saturday, 14 March, KCA is hosting a special evening at Kilcullen Town Hall at 8pm, writes Ray Kelly, where we will honour two outstanding artists whose creativity and spirit helped shape the Dún Ailinne Interpretive Park—a space dedicated to celebrating the heritage of Dún Ailinne.

We will be celebrating the remarkable contributions of Noel Scullion and Liam O’Flynn. Noel’s inspiring sculpture and Liam’s extraordinary musical legacy have left a lasting impact not only on this project but also on the hearts of all who cherish Irish art and music. Both men were masters of their craft, generous with their time and talent, and treasured members of their communities.

This event will be a warm and heartfelt tribute—an evening to reflect on their lives, honour their artistry, and celebrate the legacy they have left to Kilcullen and Ireland.

As this is a very special occasion, seating is limited, so we’re asking people to book in advance.

To request a seat, just send a text to 087 1732287. You’ll receive a message back to confirm if a place is available.

Please note that this is an invite‑only event, so we kindly ask that you only attend if you receive a confirmation.

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Dogs ban warning for Field of Dreams

Images: Kilcullen GAA.

Kilcullen GAA says it may have to reconsider its policy of allowing dogs to be walked on its grounds if the behaviour of some dog owners does not improve, writes Brian Byrne. This follows a series of incidents where dog excrement has been found on walkways and even on the playing fields. 

There is also an issue with dog poo bags being discarded around the grounds instead of being taken home or placed in proper bins. "The use of bags is great if the dog owners bring them home and put them in their bins!" says the club's Martin Murphy. "Not so great when they deposit them around the walkway for a club volunteer to pick them up." 

Martin also notes that the law requires all dogs in public places to be kept on a leash, and this regulation applies to the Field of Dreams. "If dog owners do not act responsibly, then we may have to reconsider allowing dogs into the Field of Dreams," he warns. 

The dog excrement issue is not limited to the GAA grounds. The Diary receives regular communications from members of the public, angry that their children or baby buggies get contaminated with poo on their shoes and wheels. In 2024, Kildare County Council issued just four fines for dog fouling. These were among only 48 fines issued nationwide by 17 local authorities that year. 

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Camp Kilcullen offers Easter fun for the youngsters

A reminder that Camp Kilcullen is returning this Easter, offering a four-day multi-activity camp at Scoil Bhríde, writes Brian Byrne. For children from Junior Infants to 6th Class, the camp promises a week filled with excitement and memorable experiences.

Running from Monday, 30 March to Thursday, 2 April, the camp will operate from 9:30 am to 2pm. The event will have both indoor and outdoor facilities.

The cost is €75 for the first child, €70 for the second, and €65 for each additional child. A variety of activities are planned, including the Golden Ticket Chase and Easter Egg Hunt, sports, art and crafts, fun and games, quizzes, giant volleyball, Nerf target shooting, a danceathon, and baking, among others.

Registration is easy, with no deposit required. Scan the provided QR code or text 087 2790359 to secure a child’s spot. The camp will be led by teachers Odhran Lloyd, Shelly O’Brien, and Muiris Ó Raoghaill.

Also, mark your calendars for the upcoming Summer Camp, scheduled from Monday, 29 June to Friday, 3 July 2026.

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Solar energy information event

Residents across South Kildare have an opportunity to learn more about greener home energy systems at a special community energy event focusing on solar power later this month, writes Brian Byrne. The Solas and Savings event will take place in Athy Library on Saturday, 21 March, from 11:30am to 2:30pm. 

The event will provide clear, practical information on how solar panels work, the potential cost savings, and the steps involved in installing solar PV systems at home.

Organisers say the session is designed for anyone curious about solar energy — whether they are just starting to explore their options or are already considering an installation.

The day will include an SEAI Grants Presentation on support for solar PV installations and other home energy upgrades. Experts will also outline how community solar purchase schemes work and how bulk buying can significantly reduce the cost of installing solar panels.

A number of suppliers will be on hand to showcase solar technologies and other renewable energy solutions, answer questions, and provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

The event is supported by Life Credit Union and the Sustainable Energy Communities programme, and is hosted by the Kildare Climate Action Office.

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Successful Old Kilcullen Litter Pick

There was an enthusiastic turnout for Saturday's annual litter pick at Old Kilcullen.

People of all ages turned out for the event, and the Old Kilcullen Area Community Association has thanked all who did.

The association estimates that over 800 bags of rubbish have been collected in the annual picks over the last 10 years.

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