Shane Lawlor graduates Cadet School

Pictured are Joe and Suzanne Lawlor, with their son Shane (20), who graduated during the week with the 101st cadet class at the Curragh Camp.

Shane is a former Cross and Passion student and has been involved in the local boxing club and Kilcullen Soccer Club.  

"We are very proud of Shane as he went straight from school to a challenging 18 months of training," Suzanne told the Diary. "He will be based in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines, Dublin, as a second lieutenant." 

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Dog shelter looking for assistant

Kildare Dog Shelter is seeking a part-time kennel assistant to join their team, writes Brian Byrne. They are looking for a kind, reliable, and hardworking individual to provide daily care for dogs, clean and maintain kennels, monitor health, and offer love, enrichment, and exercise. 

The ideal candidate is passionate about animal welfare, dependable, comfortable with hard work, and eager to get involved. Experience is a plus, but not essential. The role involves working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. 

Interested applicants should apply by emailing midlandanimalcare@gmail.com.

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Don't. Miss. The Walworth Farce

The Walworth Farce has four actors, but 14 characters played by them, writes Brian Byrne. Which makes the play presented by Kilcullen Drama Group this coming week arguably the most challenging one in its around 90-year history, according to director Eilis Phillips.

Written by Enda Walsh in 2006 and first performed by the Druid Theatre Company, it's a play within a play, about a highly dysfunctional family of father and two sons, living in London. Each day, the trio put on a play in their flat — the 'Farce' of the title — that purports to keep alive their story of how they came to leave their native Cork. In their own 'Groundhog Day', they are condemned to exist in a repetitive life, with just one son, Sean, allowed to leave each morning to buy exactly the same set of rations in a nearby Tesco. One day, he takes home the wrong bag. 

The father, Dinny, played by Maurice O'Mahony with terrifying intensity, has the sons in real fear about the dangers of London, supposedly lurking in the cracks of the footpaths and waiting to rise and consume them. 

Blake, the older son, is portrayed with extraordinary versatility by Allan Clarke, with the most roles, including all the female parts. Sean is played by Adam Treacy, and his daily excursions for groceries may be slowly making him aware that all is not evil in the world outside. Hayley, played by Sinead McKenna with a perfect sense of how to project dramatic emotion, is the Tesco cashier who thinks she’s doing a good deed by returning Sean’s shopping bag, but soon finds herself in the middle of the family's nightmare. 

This is a high-tension, high-energy, very physical production that requires the actors playing the sons to switch instantaneously between their parts, mostly while staying on stage. The challenge is not just for the Kilcullen Drama Group players and their director, but also for the audience, who will need to concentrate. For those who keep up, there will be a real, if unsettling, satisfaction.

The Walworth Farce runs in Kilcullen Town Hall from 15th to 18th April. I've seen the preview, and it's a production not to be missed. Tickets are on sale now from Woodbine Books and Eventbrite.   

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National Heritage Week will focus on risks to buildings, culture, nature

At risk: old ways, old places, old stories.

Heritage At Risk is the theme of the 2026 National Heritage Week that will run from 15 to 23 August, writes Brian Byrne. Participants are asked to consider the threats to heritage in terms of buildings, culture, and nature. 

The theme invites communities to reflect on how they can respond with care, creativity, and collective responsibility.

In 2025, there were over 2,500 heritage events across Ireland, a record year. 

According to the Heritage Council, over a quarter of all recorded heritage sites will be exposed to one or more climate hazards by 2100. Traditional buildings, often constructed with breathable materials and local techniques, need traditional craftspeople to maintain and restore them, skills that are becoming less common. National Heritage Week in 2026 will celebrate craftspeople like thatchers, stone masons, and blacksmiths through workshops, demonstrations, and events.

Cultural heritage includes traditions, languages, music, crafts, rituals, stories, and everyday practices passed down through generations. Much of this is at risk due to social change, migration, loss of intergenerational communication, and declining use of regional and minority languages. The week will highlight the importance of intergenerational knowledge, skills such as oral storytelling, and cultural expression in times of crisis. Traditional crafts, games, music, and arts can also be explored.

Natural heritage in our landscapes, habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity is at risk from climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and land use. For 2026, event organisers and the public are encouraged to explore endangered habitats, landscapes, flora, and fauna with initiatives such as guided walks, animal surveys, habitat exploration, and workshops.

In addition to physical activities, digital initiatives like virtual tours, heritage mapping, and community archiving offer new ways to document and share endangered heritage, while hands-on family events, trails, and creative workshops engage younger audiences.

More information at this link. 

VISIT: Old Kilcullen Heritage

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GAA U11s to play exhibition match this evening

Kilcullen GAA U11 Boys will play an exhibition match this evening, writes Pat Phibbs. The match will take place at half-time in the Senior Men’s home league game against Rathcoffey.

Throw-in for the Senior match is 6pm, please come along and show your support for both our Senior team and our up-and-coming U11 Boys team.

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KCA further improves church car park space

Mulch from trees recently felled on the Scoil Bhride perimeter has been repurposed to tidy up a corner of the church car park.

The work was carried out by Kilcullen Community Action, who had previously cleared a section of the car park that had become overgrown with scrub and briars. It had also become somewhat of a dumping ground.

The improvement also means there's more room for parking cars.

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Monday night cinema season in Newbridge

A new season of Monday night cinema at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge begins on 20 April with Hamnet, starring Oscar-winning Jessie Buckley, writes Brian Byrne. The opening event will feature an introduction by actor Cillian Sullivan, the Newbridge actor who stars in the Irish film Spilt Milk on 18 May.

A special screening of In Time – Dónal Lunny, focusing on Newbridge-born Dónal Lunny’s musical journey, takes place on 23 April at 8pm, featuring rare performances and a reunion with fellow Newbridge star Christy Moore.

On 25 April at 4pm, Labyrinth returns for its 40th anniversary screening, delighting David Bowie fans.

Riverbank’s Pride screening is The History of Sound (22 June), starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. Other Monday titles include Sound of Falling (27 April), My Father’s Shadow (25 May), The Testament of Ann Lee (8 June), The Love That Remains (15 June), and Resurrection (29 June).

The Irish Film Institute offers a free screening on 14 May at 7pm — Local Films for Local People: A Kildare Kaleidoscope, showcasing archival films from the 1900s to the 1970s, with an introduction by Sunniva O’Flynn.

The season's programme is presented in partnership with Access Cinema and Europa Cinemas.

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Dowling Property: 4 The Woods, Cnoc Na Greine, Kilcullen

Dowling Property is delighted to present this exceptional, extended, and generously proportioned four-bedroom semi-detached residence, featuring meticulously landscaped gardens and a dedicated playroom. Situated in a tranquil cul-de-sac, this wonderful home is approximately 133 sq m and has been continually upgraded by its proud owners.

The accommodation, which is bright, spacious, and well laid out, consists of an entrance hall, utility room, guest WC, sitting room, kitchen/dining area, and family room. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms — three doubles and one single — with the master featuring an en-suite, complemented by a family bathroom.

Notable features of this impressive B3-rated property include triple-glazed windows, solar panels for hot water, an extensive fitted kitchen, and the real highlight is the extended family room at the rear. Other features consist of an en-suite bedroom, gas central heating, and a tastefully landscaped rear garden extending approximately 18 metres, with a generous lawn and patio area. The front garden is generous in size, providing comfortable parking for two vehicles, and is not overlooked. 

The ‘Woods’ location is simply first class with all amenities readily accessible. Kilcullen is ideally situated for city commuters, with direct access to the M7/M9 motorway just a five-minute drive away. The Woods has always proved popular with buyers due to its close proximity to both primary and secondary schools, a newly developed playground, and a sports centre.

We strongly recommend early viewing of this superior residence, which should be at the top of any house-hunting list. This property truly represents a real gem!

AMV €415,000. dowlingproperty.ie. Kildare Office: 045 482189.

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MV Ward Kilcullen classes go ahead tomorrow, Clondalkin postponed

Clondalkin classes with the Maureen V Ward Talent Agency scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, 11 April, have been cancelled by the school due to ongoing protests and severe traffic disruption. Classes in Kilcullen will go ahead as planned.

The decision was made following extreme road blockages on Friday, and uncertainty over the outcome of a Government meeting held earlier today. 

With an upcoming show now less than two weeks away, the school acknowledged that the cancellation is “not ideal” and said it is exploring options to secure additional hours in the hall to make up for lost rehearsal time. Further updates will be shared once more information is available.

The school apologised for the short notice and thanked families for their understanding.

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Walk for Parkinson's tomorrow

A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s will be held tomorrow, Saturday 11 April, in Moorefield GAA Club, Kildare.

The event starts at 1pm, and is open to everyone. Registration can be made on the day or at walkinthepark.ie.

It is sponsored by Parkinson’s Ireland and Dovida.

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Dawn Walk for Pieta date

Kilcullen Healthy Clubs Dawn Walk to raise funds for Pieta will be held this year on 9 May, writes Brona Dooley. The charity provides professional counselling, support, and education to those experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviour, and to those impacted by suicide and self-harm, and all these services are free of charge. 

Join us on our Field of Dreams track on 9 May: we will gather from 4:15 am for a mindful walk together with family, friends, or just quietly carrying your own reason.

To finish the morning, join us at Kilcullen GAA Clubhouse for complimentary breakfast rolls and cakes. Raggy’s Cafe will also be open for all your hot drink needs and is generously making a donation towards Pieta House for every purchase made with them. 

Donations will be accepted in the morning and will be donated to Pieta on behalf of Kilcullen GAA Healthy Clubs.

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Fuel is available in Kilcullen this morning

There is fuel to be had at various Kilcullen petrol stations this morning, writes Brian Byrne.

Circle K at the motorway service station told the Diary they have 'plenty' of fuel this morning. The Applegreen station at The Hideout says they have 'some', and we understand that cars are also getting petrol this morning at the Circle K in Dunleas.

Yesterday afternoon saw local stations very busy as motorists feared a drying up of supply because of the blockades on fuel depots.

Meanwhile, rolling blockades on roads to Dublin at the moment (9.11am) include one just coming off the M7 at the Naas Ball, and at Crooksling on the N81, impacting motorists trying to avoid the N7.

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Deadline today to participate in Flavours of Kildare

Today is the last day for participant entries to the Flavours of Kildare festival, which is returning to Curragh Racecourse next month as part of the second annual Kildare Inclusivity Festival. 

In partnership with Kildare Local Enterprise Office and Kildare County Council, the event will take place on Sunday, 10 May 2026, from 11 am to 6pm, starting with a grand parade.

This free community festival celebrates inclusivity and highlights the vital contributions of people with disabilities to the community. Over 6,500 visitors attended in 2025, and organisers anticipate another memorable day filled with connection, celebration, and community spirit.

Local craft, food, and beverage producers, along with businesses championing inclusivity, are invited to showcase their offerings to a diverse and engaged audience.  

All applicants must be a registered business operational from Co Kildare. Interested vendors can apply at this link.  Acceptance notifications will be given by 17 April. 

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Kildare County Dog Shelter Facebook page

The Kildare County Dog Shelter has a Facebook page which provides regular details of dogs available for rehoming or reuniting with owners if they have been brought in as lost.

The Shelter is dedicated to the care and welfare of lost and stray dogs, providing a safe haven and medical support.

The shelter also provides the county's Dog Warden Service. 

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