NO DOG BAG DISPENSERS FOR KILDARE

Image: JRB Enterprises.

Kildare County Council apparently opted out of a Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment scheme aimed at funding dog waste infrastructure at popular dog walking locations, writes Brian Byrne. The money, which had more than €10,000 per local authority available, is funding bins, dog waste bag dispensers and associated infrastructure at parks, beaches, greenways and other public amenities.

KCC’s Environmental Protection office says dog waste bag dispensers had been trialled in Naas and Athy, but due to “misuse of the bags and dumping of waste on nearby areas” it is not intended to continue providing them. 

Twenty of the country's local authorities are benefiting from the funding, which was increased from €250,000 to more than €312,000 due to a ‘strong response’.

The scheme was launched in July, and according to Minister of State Alan Dillon TD, the level of demand exceeded the funding originally available. 

“While most dog owners act responsibly, it is important that adequate facilities are available to make the responsible choice the easy choice," he says. "The infrastructure funded under this scheme will help improve access to disposal facilities and contribute to cleaner and more enjoyable public spaces for everyone.”

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NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE MASS 2026

The November Mass for those who died during the last year will be celebrated on Friday 6 November, at 7.30pm. In Kilcullen Parish Church. 

All parishioners are welcome to participate in the Mass in remembrance of loved ones no longer with us. 

Refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre after the Mass to allow friends and neighbours to meet and have a chat.

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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS CAT?

This white cat has been missing for a week from its home in Brannockstown.

If you have seen it, contact Annmarie Tallon Quinlan on her Facebook page.

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KITES ON THE CURRAGH FOR CHILDREN OF PALESTINE

Flying a kite is a symbol of joy to a child, but children in Gaza risk their lives if they do so, writes Brian Byrne. That was the core message at the 'Kites not Frights' event this afternoon on The Curragh, organised by Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) groups from Kildare, Laois, and Carlow.

There was a strong local participation as dozens of children and their families took part in the event in the pleasant autumn sunshine, and even though the wind was a little soft for the exercise, quite a number of kites were coaxed aloft, with many staying up. 

It was a happy scene, but the bleak background was indicated when the 'Blanket of Hope' arrived and was held up across its 60-metre length by adult volunteers. The 3,000 crocheted and knitted squares, made by members of the Craftivism for Palestine group, each represent 10 Gazan children killed in Israeli attacks since 7 October 2023.

The guest speaker was Jehad Al Farra, a Palestinian who has been studying in Dublin. He said he flew kites from the rooftops as a child, even during the sieges of Gaza. "Kites represent humanity, peace, joy, and happiness, especially for the kids," he said, but recalled the recent Israeli warnings against doing so after some paper kites landed in areas of Israel, which in a subsequent statement equated them with drones.

He noted how the children showed their joy and happiness as they flew their kites on the Curragh. "I wish all the children in Gaza could feel the same thing. But the only difference between the children of Gaza and children all around the world is that in Gaza they were born and raised with suffering and humiliation." 

Referencing that all peoples share the same connection of humanity and compassion, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or whether they are from Europe or Asia or Africa, he called for the children of Gaza to be given their human right to live in peace. He thanked everyone who had come to the event to show their support. "I feel so grateful for every Irish person who stands with Palestine, and this is so kind of you. We do appreciate that, and I'm so thankful on behalf of all people in Palestine. And I would like to invite you all, when it's free in my land, to come and we all say together finally, free Palestine."

Following that, Kilcullen man Kieran Behan gave a rendition of 'The Curragh of Kildare'.

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AOIBHEANN COMPLETES HER FIRST MARATHON

Images: O'Brien family.

In the Dublin Marathon last Sunday, one of the youngest in the field was Kilcullen’s own Aoibheann O’Brien, who took to the streets to compete in her first such event. Aoibheann has been a member of Crookstown Millview Athletic Club for 15 years, and is now with Lakeshore Striders.

After taking a year out for her Leaving Cert, she began her marathon training in July with the support of her family and friends, and successfully completed it. On to the next challenge!

She is pictured above with Niamh Brophy and Mick Murphy in support, and with her family.

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CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT DATE

Carols by Candlelight 2026 will take place on Tuesday, 15 December, at 7:30pm sharp at Kilcullen Parish Church. The event includes performances by the Baldonnel Singers, tenor Paul Linehan and friends, along with the Kilcullen Gospel Choir, Naas Hospital Choir, and Lámh Choir Camphill. 

All proceeds will benefit Palliative Care services and the Solas Rooms at Naas General Hospital. Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Berney’s Pharmacy, Eilis Hair Salon, and Lorna Brophy (087 2741701), and at Kilcullen Parish Centre. 

Under 16s attend for free, and there will be a raffle on the night.

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LEONARD COHEN ANNIVERSARY IN WOODBINE

John MacKenna and Shane Sullivan will be presenting an evening of music and words in Woodbine Books on Sunday 8 November to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Leonard Cohen’s death. 

Tickets are €15 and are available in the bookshop or on EventBrite.

John was a friend of Cohen's and has written a book about their relationship, Absent Friend. The evening begins at 8pm.

READ: Absent Friend, by John MacKenna. A review. 

WATCH: Absent Friend - John McKenna in Woodbine.  

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ADULT STORYTELLING CLASS

The second evening of a three sessions adult storytelling class is being held at Monread Community Centre, Naas, on Tuesday next, 3 November at 7pm. The class, suitable for those over 18, is facilitated by Mark Smyth, a spoken word artist and movement coach.

The sessions, which ask for a €5 donation, include movement and breath relaxation, storytelling, Orama techniques, writing prompts, and drawing. The theme for Tuesday's session is Poems and Short Stories.

Mark Smyth, who completed his MA in Drama at Maynooth University in 2025, has experience in curating cultural events and facilitating men’s circles. He lives in Newbridge.

For more information, contact Vidatrails@gmail.com or call 086 8740994.

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