KCA invites ideas for community projects

Kilcullen people who have an idea for a community-led project and would like to see it happen are encouraged to bring it to Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne. The invitation was made by outgoing chair Ann Cashman at the organisation's recent AGM.

"KCA is not just about litter picking," she said. "It's not just about summer flowers. If someone has a project they'd like to see progressed, and they have a passion for it and want to drive it, I'd encourage them to join." She said that financial support can be found for projects that are "appropriate and in line with the vision of KCA."

In the meantime, there's "loads going to happen" this year under the group's current programme, she said. These include town centre cleanup sessions on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings, two community events in The Valley, the Family Day in the Library Garden, and street collections scheduled for mid-June.

In her final meeting as chair, after eight years in the position, Ann appealed for more people to help. "It can be frustrating when you're trying to fill a schedule, to make the most of an opportunity, and it's the same few people doing lots. If we could encourage other people, who don't have to be members of the group, to try and give an hour or two, it would be really helpful."

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Spout continues GAA Senior Men support

Image: Kilcullen GAA.

The Spout Bar, Kilcullen, is continuing its support of the Kilcullen GAA's Senior Men’s team with new tops for the players and management.

The kit design reflects the 1990s era, when Kilcullen enjoyed great success, winning multiple county championships and a Leinster Junior title.

Pictured are manager Niall Timmons, senior captain Ciaran O’Brien, and goalkeeper Cormac Barker, with Marian Courtney and Tommy Dignam from The Spout.

Kilcullen GAA expressed its appreciation to Marian, Tommy and everyone at The Spout for their backing.

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LEO Kildare to host practical sustainability workshop for small retailers

Local Enterprise Office Kildare is hosting a practical workshop aimed at helping small retailers improve profitability through sustainable business practices, writes Brian Byrne.

Titled Focus on Retail – Sustainable and Profitable: How Small Retailers Win on Both, the free event will take place at MERITS, Naas, on 11 May 2026 from 10 am to 12.30pm.

Designed for retail, hospitality, and tourism businesses, the workshop will focus on simple, cost-saving actions that can reduce energy, stock and waste expenses, strengthen customer loyalty, and improve margins. It will also guide participants on how to develop a Sustainable & Profitable Action Plan and apply for the €10,000 Energy Efficiency Grant.

The event will show that sustainability is not just good for the environment, but can also deliver clear commercial benefits for small businesses.

More information and bookings here. 

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Blessing of the Graves 2026 ceremonies

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Blessing of the Graves ceremonies will take place in the parish during the summer.

For Old Kilcullen, the 11am Mass on Sunday, 7 June, in Kilcullen Church will be offered for those buried in Old Kilcullen Cemetery, followed by saying the rosary and blessing of the graves at 12.30pm in the cemetery.

The Gormanstown Church blessing will take place on Sunday, 28 June, after the 9.30am Mass.

On Sunday, 6 September, prayers and blessings of the graves will be held at 2pm in New Abbey Cemetery. At 3pm, Mass will be celebrated in St Brigid’s Cemetery, followed by the blessing of the graves.

Families and parishioners are invited to attend these special times of prayer and remembrance.

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Popup fashion shop and spring fair fundraiser

A two-day pop-up fashion shop and spring fair fundraiser is being held at Newbridge Town Hall this weekend, Saturday, 2 May and Sunday, 3 May, in support of the KWWSPCA.

The event will feature a wide variety of items, including clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, books, bric-a-brac, pet products and accessories, as well as cakes, bakes and refreshments.

All proceeds will support the work of the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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ALS sponsors GAA U13 Ladies

ALS Identify has continued its support of Kilcullen GAA with the sponsorship of jerseys for the club’s U13 Ladies team.

The sponsorship highlights the shared commitment of ALS Identify and Kilcullen GAA to providing facilities and support for girls in sport, while reinforcing the club’s “One Club” philosophy of inclusion, development, and community spirit.

The club also acknowledged the dedication of the team’s coaches, Kevin, Vicky, Claire and Eillis, for their continued work and commitment.

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KCA Plant and Seed Swap tomorrow

Kilcullen Community Action is hosting its free Plant & Seed Swap tomorrow, Saturday, from 10 am to 12pm outside the former bank building.

A variety of plants will be available to take home, and anyone attending is encouraged to bring along plants, seeds, or other gardening items they may have to spare. People are welcome to give what they can and take what they need.

The event is an occasion for local gardening enthusiasts to share resources, swap ideas, and support community growing.

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More awards for Nolan's Butchers

Nolan’s Butchers has picked up another impressive set of honours, this time at the inaugural Burgers and Kebabs Awards 2026 hosted by the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland.

The Kilcullen business received a Gold Award for its Rural Rustic Half Pounder, along with Silver Awards for its Traditional Quarter Pounder, Chilli & Cheese Rustic Half Pounder, 100% Pure Turkey Burger, and Indian Tandoori Lamb Kofta. A Bronze Award was also awarded for its 100% Irish Steak Burger.

The latest success is a fantastic achievement for the team and a reflection of the quality and standards behind everything the Kilcullen business does.

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Bank Holiday major Roads Policing Operation

An Garda Síochána has launched a major Roads Policing Operation for the May Bank Holiday weekend, writes Brian Byrne, with a heightened Garda presence across the country until 7am on Tuesday, 5 May.

The operation will focus on detecting life-threatening offences, including dangerous driving, speeding, seat belt breaches, mobile phone use and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The enforcement campaign is aimed at preventing serious and fatal collisions during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Road users, particularly motorcyclists, are being urged to take extra care over the weekend.

Twenty-nine motorcyclists died, and 195 were seriously injured on Irish roads in 2025.

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Small businesses can get Energy Efficiency Grant

Small businesses in Kildare are being encouraged to apply for the Energy Efficiency Grant from Local Enterprise Office Kildare, which offers funding of up to €10,000 to help firms reduce rising energy costs, writes Brian Byrne.

The grant is designed to support projects such as equipment upgrades, insulation improvements, and other energy-saving measures that can lower bills and improve sustainability.

More information from Local Enterprise Office Kildare at localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie for more information.

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Community groups asked to share banking access difficulties

Social Justice Ireland is surveying small community groups to assess their experiences of difficulties opening bank accounts, writes Brian Byrne. Such barriers can prevent organisations from accessing grants and other funding.

SJI is working with Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and the Central Bank to highlight the challenges faced by groups on the ground.

Community organisations across Ireland are being encouraged to take part and help inform efforts to improve access to banking services. The survey is available here. 

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Appeal for return of rosary beads

An appeal has been made for the return of a set of blue rosary beads taken from the grotto at the parish church.

The beads, which were left at the shrine with a special intention, belonged to a parishioner's grandmother, and the owner is now asking for their safe return.

The beads can be returned to the grotto.

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Discussion on Kilcullen bike rack

Image: Google.

The placement of a proposed bicycle parking rack in Kilcullen was discussed at the recent Annual General Meeting of Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne. The meeting heard that the council has already procured a rack, but arrangements regarding its installation are yet to be finalised. 

Councillor Tracey O'Dwyer said that the location being considered is near the traffic lights, but with the council's current priorities focused on central Kilcullen, she isn't sure if the bike rack will be installed this year. "It's also about money. But they do want to do it."

She noted that the location is also near the bus stop and facilitates passive surveillance of the area.

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Riverbank documentary season

Riverbank Arts Centre has announced a documentary season for May and June 2026, featuring five screenings over six weeks, with guest appearances and post-screening discussions.

The season opens on Wednesday, 20 May, with How to Build a Library, followed by a panel discussion on themes raised in the film. Speakers include Kildare County Librarian Gillian Allen, Kenyan anthropologist and academic Dr Fernando Ongolly, and IADT post-doctoral film researcher Dr Judith Pernin, who will chair the event.

Further screenings include Myrid Carten’s directorial debut A Want in Her on 27 May; Charlie Shackleton’s Zodiac Killer Project on 3 June; Born That Way, an award-winning Irish documentary on disability inclusion pioneer Patrick Lydon, on 10 June; and The Song Cycle on 24 June. 

Director Éamon Little and Gladys Lydon will take part in a short Q&A following Born That Way, while The Song Cycle director Nick Kelly will attend that screening.

The documentary season is presented in association with Access Ireland and Europa Cinemas.

Tickets are €7 early bird, €9 on the door, and €5 for students. Bookings can be made through the Box Office, by telephone on 045 448327, or online at riverbank.ie, where a €1.50 booking fee applies per ticket.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Transition Year

Cross and Passion College is celebrating a major milestone next week — 30 years of Transition Year, writes Brian Byrne. Thirty years of memories. Thirty years of growth. Thirty years of making futures. 

The event is on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the School Assembly Hall, and will mark three decades of a programme that has played a central role in the lives of students, families, and the wider community.

Since its introduction at CPC, Transition Year has given generations of students the opportunity to discover talents, build confidence, and develop into well-rounded young adults. From work experience placements and student portfolios to memorable school musicals, the programme has become a key part of school life in CPC.

The celebration will bring together past pupils, parents, and people from the community to reflect on the school’s long-standing belief that education is about developing the whole person.

Sponsors helping to mark the occasion include KFM Radio, Punctual Print, Blessington, and Higgins Hire in Kildare Town.

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County Kildare gears up for Bike Week 2026

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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Nominations sought for Community seat on Climate Action committee

Image: Kildare PPN.

Kildare Public Participation Network is seeking nominations for the Community and Voluntary seat on Kildare County Council’s Climate Action Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), with applications closing on Monday, 11 May at 5pm.

The SPC helps develop, monitor and respond to council policy on climate action. The successful nominee will represent community and voluntary interests, attend committee meetings, report back after each meeting, and work with the PPN Advisory Group to raise issues and policy proposals.

The role involvement includes induction training, four daytime SPC meetings per year, advisory group meetings as needed, and quarterly evening meetings with the Representative Network.

The position offers local community groups an opportunity to have a direct voice in shaping climate policy in County Kildare.

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