Ballyshannon NS seeks memorabilia ahead of 125th anniversary celebrations.

Ballyshannon National School is inviting past pupils, families, and the wider community to help mark its 125th anniversary milestone at the end of this month, writes Brian Byrne. The school is looking for old photographs, documents, memorabilia, and personal memories. 

Anyone willing to share photographs, records, or other items is asked to email ballyshannonprimary@gmail.com. Items can also be dropped off at the school in an envelope with contact details, and will be returned.

The school is also compiling a list of past pupils. Anyone who attended Ballyshannon National School, or knows someone who did, is encouraged to get in touch by email or by calling 045 485309.

The 125th anniversary celebrations will take place on 29 May, beginning at 11am with a Celebration Mass led by Bishop Denis Nulty, followed by a school assembly.

The occasion will also include a Grandparents Day celebration, bringing together past and present generations of the school community.

Former pupils, families, and community members are invited to attend and help celebrate the rich history of Ballyshannon National School.

The recent Spring Fair organised by the school's Parents Association raised over €5,500.

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CPC student Carl Kenna awarded Jeremy Burke music bursary

Images courtesy of the family.

Cross and Passion College student Carl Kenna has been named the 2026 recipient of the Jeremy Burke Music Bursary, now in its third year. The €1,500 award will support his music development.

The bursary, established in memory of Jeremy Burke, supports young musicians at Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen, and was created following Jeremy’s sudden passing in Toronto in January 2023. Its aim is to honour his love of music by helping students develop their own musical talent.

Eight students from the school applied for this year’s award — Carl Kenna (winner), Alex Connelly, Grace Doyle, Nicola Pytell, Zoe Moran, Luke Duffy, Harry Smullen Coogan, and Tara McNally — with entries judged by music industry artist Elle Leon Gallagher alongside members of Jeremy’s family. 

The seven other shortlisted students were also recognised for their talent and commitment. Each received a trophy as well as a personalised handcrafted gift from the NanDog range. NanDog is run by Jeremy’s grandmother, Rita Kelly, and all proceeds from sales go directly towards funding the bursary.

Last year’s recipient, Olivia Lambert, spoke about the positive impact the bursary had on her own college experience, saying it helped build her confidence and supported her musical journey.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Louise Kelly, Jeremy’s mother, said the bursary is intended to keep Jeremy’s passion for music alive by giving other young people the opportunity to pursue their talents.

She said Jeremy had found great joy and purpose in music and would be proud to see students from his community being encouraged to follow their passion. She also said judging the entries with Elle Leon Gallagher had been both moving and challenging because of the originality and quality shown by all the students.

Jeremy’s family expressed sincere thanks to the staff and management of Cross and Passion College for their continued support of the bursary. Special thanks were given to Ms Sue Fox and the school’s music department for their dedication to students and for helping facilitate the award each year. Ms Marie Crowe from the school administration was also acknowledged for her support.

The family and the school also thanked all of the applicants for sharing their music and helping to celebrate Jeremy Burke’s legacy, and expressed their appreciation to Elle Leon Gallagher for once again giving her time and expertise to the judging process.

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Canoe Club launches kayaking taster day for over-50s

Kilcullen Canoe Club is inviting people aged 50 and over to take part in a special introductory kayaking session on Saturday, June 6, paddling off at 10am, writes Brian Byrne. 

The event, a relaxed and welcoming taster day for beginners, offers participants the chance to try kayaking on the River Liffey and learn basic paddling skills in a no-pressure setting.

The subsidised programme costs €20 plus a booking fee, with lunch provided, and is being supported by Age & Opportunity to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity among older adults. 

Places are limited, and anyone interested can contact Catherine on 085 7261185 for further information.

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Fundraising Concert in Ballymore Eustace

Music lovers in Ballymore Eustace are in for a special evening on 10 May as the Ballymore Connect Choir hosts its Spring Serenade concert, writes Brian Byrne. The event will raise funds for Multiple Myeloma and Aplastic Anaemia research.

The concert will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymore Eustace, starting at 7.30pm, with the musical director Owen C Lynch.

Tickets are €20, which includes entry in a raffle, and are available from Enda’s and choir members.

An enjoyable night of music is promised for a very worthy cause.

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KCA busy brightening up Kilcullen

Image: KCA.

Spring has definitely sprung when you see Kilcullen Community Action people digging and planting in the various flower beds they tend around the community, writes Brian Byrne.

This photo shows some of them busy at the flower bed at Logstown yesterday. If you happen to bump into them any time, say thank you.

And if you have a spare hour a week, maybe ask how you can help.

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Patrick Hyland's Summer Serenade in Naas next month

Irish tenor Patrick Hyland will bring his Summer Serenade Concert to The Moat Theatre, Naas, on Friday, 5 June 2026 at 8pm.

The concert will feature special guests Heather Sammon (mezzo-soprano), Lynda O’Connor (violin) and Rebecca Warren (piano), with a programme including opera classics, movie hits, musical favourites and Irish songs.

Tickets cost €30 plus a €1.50 booking fee and are on sale now through The Moat Theatre at 045 883030 or online here. 

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 5th May 2026 were 16, 18, 24 and 26. 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 €5,600.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Mary Sherry (Promoter Vivienne Clifford), The Coyne Family (May Coyne) and Margaret Lynott (The Parish Office).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were PJ Lydon and The Parish Office, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Ger Kelly.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Chance to win family ticket to Kaleidoscope Festival

Kilcullen Community First Responders have launched a fundraiser offering supporters the chance to win a family weekend ticket to the Kaleidoscope Festival.

Tickets cost €5, through donations at this link, or by direct message on the group's Facebook page. All proceeds are going toward emergency equipment for the group’s responders, who work alongside the National Ambulance Service, attending emergencies in the Kilcullen area.

The fundraiser will help support their efforts to keep the local community safe while giving one lucky winner the chance to enjoy a family festival weekend.

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Dowling Property: Burrow Manor, Calverstown, Kilcullen

Dowling Property is pleased to present to the market this exceptional property, maintained to a showhouse standard. It is, without doubt, one of the most outstanding homes available for purchase in Calverstown in recent times. Situated in a peaceful cul-de-sac within this highly desirable area, this elegant and extended four-bedroom detached bungalow is impeccably presented throughout. 

This wonderful B2-rated home has been continually upgraded by its current proud owner and was extended to the rear to include a new lounge room, along with two excellent bedroom suites and a large utility room. Other features include stunning plantation shutters, three en-suite bedrooms, and two reception rooms. The heating is oil-fired and is complemented by solar panels and two wood-burning stoves, all contributing to the house’s high energy credentials. 

The gardens are another superb feature, being private, mature, beautifully landscaped, and not overlooked. Another real highlight is the recently erected detached home office in the garden, ideal for a number of uses. The location is first class, with direct access to the M9/M7 just a c. 5-minute drive away. With its outstanding presentation and location, we advise early viewing of this fabulous home, as you will not be disappointed. A true gem! 

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

If you are thinking of selling, we would love to hear from you. We can arrange a FREE on-site call-out to advise on your property.

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Deadline looming for school bus applications

Parents and guardians in Kildare South are being urged to complete their School Transport Scheme applications and payments before the May 8 deadline.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said families should act now to secure tickets for the 2026/27 school year, warning that late applications or payments could mean a ticket is not available.

Applications are required for students who are new to the scheme, starting junior infants or first year, or changing school or address. Families already registered do not need to reapply unless details have changed, but they must log in to complete payment or submit medical card details.

The School Transport Family Portal will close from May 8 to July 1, 2026, to allow for planning. Further information is available at buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

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The Song Cycle coming to Kilcullen cinema

The next film at Kilcullen Bridge Cinema on Tuesday, May 12th, is a unique event of film, chat, and song, writes Teresa Nurse of Kilcullen Lions. The Song Cycle is a new film from Nick Kelly, acclaimed musician (The Fat Lady Sings) and filmmaker (The Drummer and the Keeper). 

It opened at the Irish Film Institute on May 1st to great reviews, and the film is now showing at selected cinemas across Ireland. Each event screening will involve Nick travelling sustainably to the location (primarily by bicycle) to attend the screening, and then performing live after the screening. The result will be a unique mini-touring programme incorporating cinema, music, and sustainability.

The Song Cycle is a charming documentary that tells Nick’s story of how, in 2022, he decided to cycle from his home in Dublin to the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England — carrying his guitar, tent, and all the other essentials. He was accompanied by his friend and ‘Dogs’ collaborator, Sean Millar, who was following the same route on public transport. The pair stopped to perform in different venues along the route, making their way towards a grand finale at Glastonbury. 

The journey proves a celebration of sustainability in its many forms, while also allowing the filmmaker to thoughtfully reflect on his relationship with his late father, the esteemed politician and academic, John Kelly. Inspired by environmental concerns, the film also explores music and friendship and is uplifting, humorous, and thought-provoking. 

Come for the film and stay for the chat and music. It promises to be a wonderful event. Tickets are now on sale in Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

Doors open at 7pm. Film 7.30pm followed by a concert at 9pm. 

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Kilcullen Cycling Club riders shine at Kanturk

Kilcullen Cycling Club enjoyed an excellent weekend at the Kanturk 3-Day, with strong performances from several riders, writes Liam Walker.

Tom Hughes finished 2nd overall and 7th on the final stage. Fergal Regan took 3rd overall in the C3 race, while Conor Regan was 2nd on yesterday's stage and 4th overall in the C1 race.

Pictured above are Conor Regan, Fergal Regan, and Tom Hughes.

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County Kildare gears up for Bike Week 2026

A reminder that County Kildare is set to host a variety of events as part of National Bike Week 2026, which runs from 9 to 17 May.

Local highlights include a bike confidence and repair event at Harbour Field, Maynooth, on 9 May, the Kildare Inclusivity Festival at The Curragh Racecourse on 10 May, and an On Your Bike! Craft Workshop at Maynooth Community Library on 14 May.

Later in the week, there will be inclusive and family-friendly cycling along the Barrow Blueway, with events in Athy including the Barrow Blueway Inclusive Initiative on 15 May, two 50km leisure cycles on 16 May, and the Athy Triathlon Club Family Blueway Cycle on 17 May.

The Kildare events aim to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active, build cycling confidence, and enjoy local amenities.

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