Is this your tricycle?

This adult tricycle was found in the Kilcullen KARE centre's grounds in February and still has not been claimed. The owner can get it by enquiring at the centre,

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Poetry book from Rani Grennell

Local drama and communications teacher Rani Grennell has published her first book of poetry, Dancing with Shadows, writes Brian Byrne. With more than 70 poems, the book is available both in print and Kindle formats from Amazon, and from Barnes & Noble.

Rani, who operates her Kings and Clowns drama and voice training studio from her home at Harristown, says she has been writing poetry since she was a teenager, and the pieces in the book span a timeline from then to the present day. The themes cover life experiences, relationships, family, and her love of nature and animals. 

"Each poem stands on its own, but together, they form a picture, if you like, of what my life has been so far," she told the Diary. "It's a collection that can be seen as personal, but hopefully, there's a universality in the experiences of life in it as well."

Rani has also written short stories and is currently working on a non-poetry book titled The Confessions of a Serial Dog Owner. She produced Dancing with Shadows with the help of UK-based publishing services company BritLit.

The title is based on the thought that our memories are shadows swirling around us through our lives.

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KWWSPCA Book Sale in Kilcullen

A reminder that animal lovers have two chances to support the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) this weekend, writes Brian Byrne, with a big book sale in Kilcullen TODAY and a family-friendly walking event at Punchestown Racecourse on Sunday.

The charity’s Massive Book Sale takes place today and tomorrow, 24/25 April, in Kilcullen Town Hall, offering a wide selection of books. It is open today from 11am to 5pm and on Saturday from 11pm to 4pm. The fundraising will continue on Sunday, 26 April, with Walking Sunday at Punchestown Racecourse from 2pm to 4pm. The event is open to everyone, and dogs are especially welcome.

The walk will give people a chance to enjoy the racecourse in the days before the Punchestown Racing Festival begins, with attractions including an information stall, raffle, coffee stall, ice cream stall and spot prizes.

For more information, contact 087 680 3295.

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Kilcullen athletes helping mountain rescue team

No.1 Fitness Kilcullen is participating in the Mondello 24-hour Endurance Cycle on 20 June, a challenging event in aid of Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue. The Kilcullen team can be supported at this link, and every contribution, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in helping the rescue team continue their life-saving work.

DWMRT is a 24/7 emergency rescue team serving Dublin, Wicklow and Louth, made up of highly trained volunteers who give their time, skills, and expertise purely out of commitment to helping others. They’ve been saving lives from their base in Roundwood since 1984.

The Mondello 24-hour cycle is a test of endurance and dedication, with participants cycling continuously for a full day. The event has gathered support from several sponsors, including Kilcullen Dental, Quantum, Andrews Plant Hire, Oldstone Conservation, FJS Plant, Refillz, Scott Engineering, Las Radas, Phase Electrical, and GBS Engineering. 

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Roadworks continuing

Work yesterday on new surfaces on the road in downtown Kilcullen and the Market Square.

 

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KCA financial position is good

Treasurer Bridget Ryan and Chairperson Ann Cashman at the AGM.

Kilcullen Community Action is in a good financial position, the organisation's Annual General Meeting heard this week, writes Brian Byrne. KCA recorded a total income last year of €51,930 and total expenditures of €46,818.

However, Treasurer Bridget Ryan observed that the surplus and bank balance should be regarded as working funds for planned annual projects, which typically exceed €40,000. These include expenses related to Tidy Towns, Kilcullen in Bloom, Christmas Lights, and various other event outgoings. She also emphasised that the insurance fees amounting to €3,000 represent a high cost relative to the total funds managed by KCA.

Grants received from Kildare County Council in 2025 totalled slightly over €27,000, representing approximately 53 per cent of KCA's income. The Treasurer acknowledged this as very significant support from the council and, in particular, thanked Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer for her assistance.

Other major funding sources included the Golf Classic and its associated raffle, as well as street collections. Contributions also came from the public, local businesses and other organisations, such as Kildare Credit Union.

"However, the goodwill of the community and the voluntary work that's done by people in the group, you can't show that in figures," Bridget noted. "So our figures obviously don't show it." 

The KCA accounts are audited by SCD Accountants.

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Irish Military History Seminar in May

1st Armoured Car Squadron and the 9th Cyclist Squadron, Monasterevin, 1941. Image courtesy Michael Rowley.

The 2026 Irish Military History Seminar will take place from 6 to 9 May at the Naas Library & Cultural Centre.

Organised with the support of Kildare County Archives & Local Studies and Kildare Library Service, the seminar will feature a programme of events celebrating and exploring aspects of Irish military history.

The event marks the tenth edition of the seminar and is a must for those with an interest in history, heritage and military studies.

Admission to all events is free.

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Cnoc na Gréine AGM

A reminder that the Cnoc na Greine Residents Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday, 27 April 2026, at 8pm in the Carter room at the Community Centre. 

The meeting is open to all residents to voice their opinions and share their ideas for the estate. 

Residents interested in joining the committee or contributing suggestions are invited to participate in the meeting or contact the association via message. 

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Kildare PPN Annual Report 2025

Kildare Public Participation Network (PPN) organised a wide-ranging programme of capacity-building events in 2025, with 129 member organisations taking part in training designed to strengthen skills, confidence, and participation in interacting with Kildare County Council.

As detailed in the organisation's Annual Report 2025, the programme included workshops on governance and management, AGMs and committee meetings, funding and finance, banking and financial compliance, conflict resolution, GDPR, facilitation skills, Canva, AI awareness, and local government structures. These sessions were developed in response to member feedback and emerging needs.

Kildare PPN also hosted major information and engagement events during the year, including a KCC Grants Information Evening for almost 190 members, a follow-up Community Grants Roadshow, and a joint public participation event with Kildare County Council. Training was also provided for new and prospective Secretariat members.

Special themed initiatives included a three-day Climate Action Series in May, which featured nine workshops on energy efficiency, biodiversity, and community-led climate action, while Social Inclusion Week included 23 activities across the county.

The training and events formed part of a broader year of growth for Kildare PPN, which now represents 866 member groups and continues to expand community involvement in local government decision-making throughout County Kildare.

The full report can be downloaded from this link. 

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An Tearmann proprietor on Arctic expedition

Images courtesy David Hogan and the ARWA team.

The proprietor of the An Tearmann Café, David Hogan, has just completed an Arctic expedition along with four former Defence Forces colleagues to generate funds for a Newbridge initiative of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), writes Brian Byrne. The project is Brú Dermot Earley, named after the late Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, providing essential support to former Defence Force members. 

The expedition commenced and concluded between 15 and 21 April in the small Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen, which serves as a gateway to the High Arctic wilderness stretching towards the North Pole. The participants, all members of the Army Ranger Wing Association (ARWA), covered nearly 100 km by walking with skis and poles, each hauling 45 kg of supplies on pulk sledges. From sea level, they ascended a total of 1,500 metres, with 800 metres of that elevation gained on the second day. 

The team camped in two-person tents and faced severe winds and sub-zero temperatures, particularly during the night, when each member was required to maintain an armed polar bear watch for 90 minutes at a time. On the second day, they encountered bear tracks. The terrain included snowy landscapes and two glaciers, which necessitated careful navigation. 

Averaging 60 years of age, the team managed to traverse between 12 km and 15 km daily through extremely challenging terrain. Team member Cathal O'Neill said that a secondary aim of the expedition was to demonstrate that "adventure is ageless." 

David Hogan told the Diary that local residents had said that, due to climate change, spring is now arriving approximately one month earlier than in previous years. As part of local efforts to address the climate situation, electric skidoos are now replacing those powered by combustion engines, along with various other initiatives.

The expedition exceeded their original iDonate target of €15,000. Donations can still be made at this link. 

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Dowling Property: Sunnyhill Cottage, Sunnyhill, Kilcullen

Dowling Property is delighted to present to the market this very special home in an exceptional location. Standing on a mature c. 0.57-acre site, this fantastic property is situated in one of Kilcullen’s most sought-after areas and is within walking distance of the main street. Tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 3-bedroom detached home is presented in very good condition throughout and offers country living while still being on the doorstep of the city.

The impressive features include 3 double bedrooms, a master en-suite, 2 reception rooms, a utility room, and a bright kitchen. The well-laid-out accommodation briefly comprises an entrance hallway, kitchen-breakfast room, sitting room, lounge, utility room, 3 double bedrooms, including a master en-suite, and a family bathroom.

All amenities are within walking distance of Kilcullen Town. Sunnyhill has always proved popular with buyers due to its close proximity to both primary and secondary schools, a new playground, and a sports centre. The M7/M9 is just a 5-minute drive away, making for an easy commute to the city.

The large, mature site is a real highlight and offers “room for a pony,” with a large paddock to the rear and stable options. There is also a large detached garage, along with purpose-built dog kennels. The grounds are well kept and landscaped with mature trees and hedging. Sunnyhill offers excellent access to Dublin, with direct access to the M9/M7 just c. 3 minutes away. With its first-class location and magical site, early viewing is highly recommended, as this is one home not to be missed. A true gem!

AMV €500,000. dowlingproperty.ie  Kildare Office 045 482189

Thinking of selling? Then we’d love to hear from you, where we would be delighted to arrange a FREE, on-site call out to

your property and advise on the process. Call 045 482189

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Kilcullen club's young stars in Dance World Cup 2026

Four young gymnasts from Angel’s Gymnastics & Dance Theatre in Kilcullen are seeking local sponsorship to help them compete for Ireland at the Dance World Cup 2026, writes Brian Byrne. Angel Darcy (9), Brigitte Marcinkute (12), Zoe Morgan (11) and Polina Gichak (11) have qualified for the World Finals of one of the world’s largest dance competitions, which will be held in Dublin from 8–18 July.

Head Coach Egle Darcy said the achievement is a first for Co Kildare in the acro category at the Dance World Cup, one of the event’s most competitive disciplines.

The Kilcullen club has just 20 competitive dancers and no permanent training facility, with athletes training up to six days a week in rented spaces.

The cost of entry fees, costumes, choreography and training now poses a major challenge for the club and families.

In return for sponsorship, supporters will be acknowledged through social media promotion, branding opportunities on team apparel where possible, and recognition at local events and fundraising activities.

For sponsorship enquiries, Angel’s Gymnastics & Dance Theatre can be contacted at 083 4412209 or gymnasticstheatre@gmail.com.

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Tidy Towns gold medal a defining milestone - KCA AGM

Attaining a Gold Medal in the 2025 SuperValu National Tidy Towns Competition was a defining moment for Kilcullen, last night's AGM of Kilcullen Community Action heard, writes Brian Byrne. Chairperson Ann Cashman described the achievement as a major milestone for the town, following Bronze in 2023 and Silver in 2024, and marked the culmination of years of dedication, teamwork, and community pride. 

She said the success reflected sustained collaboration across the community and the impact of the Kilcullen Town Design Principles, which helped raise standards and guide long-term improvements recognised by adjudicators.

She thanked KCA directors and members, the CE team led by Noel Clare, Treasurer Bridget Ryan, and Company Secretary Tony O’Sullivan, for their ongoing work and leadership. Appreciation was also extended to local representative Tracey O’Dwyer for her invaluable ongoing commitment and support, local businesses for their generosity and partnership, and the Gahan family for their continued support of the planting programmes in KCA's polytunnel located on their land.

She also highlighted the importance of community events and creative projects, including the annual Library Garden family event, further street art, gatherings in the Valley, and the return of the Community Awards Night in Kilcullen Town Hall.

Looking ahead, Kilcullen Community Action is planning new heritage and public art initiatives and continuing its search for a permanent base. 

Concluding her final report as Chairperson — she is stepping down from the role after eight years — Ann said she was proud of all that had been achieved and she is confident KCA will continue to shape the next chapter of Kilcullen’s story.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 21st April 2026 were 1, 3, 22 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 €5,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Breda McKenna (Promoter Kay Dixon), Vanessa Clarke (Vanessa Clarke) and Anna Jennings (New Abbey Bridge Club). The winners of the Promoters Draw were Berney’s Chemist and Vivienne Clifford, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Miriam McDonnell. 

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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