LOCAL GYM HELPS OUT D&W MOUNTAIN RESCUE

A 24-hour cycle by members of Kilcullen's No1 Fitness in June raised €5,280 for the Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, writes Brian Byrne. Several members of the group gathered this morning at the gym to celebrate the achievement.

The event was held on the weekend 20-21 June on the track at Mondello Park.

The group has been raising funds with the 24-hour cycle for several years, the proceeds of each one going to a different local charity.

DWMRT is a completely voluntary, 24/7 emergency rescue service, with highly trained volunteers responding to incidents including lost and injured hikers, trail runners and missing persons, often in extremely challenging conditions.

The No1 Fitness team expressed a massive thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, supporters, family and friends, and to everyone who helped in any way before, during and after the event.

"To everyone who cycled, donated, sponsored, encouraged us, helped organise the event or simply shared our fundraising page — we couldn’t have done it without you. From everyone at No.1 Fitness Kilcullen, thank you for helping us give something back to a team that works tirelessly to save lives."

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TRAILER FOR TUESDAY NIGHT'S 'TUNER'

 

A reminder that the Kilcullen Bridge Cinema autumn season opens on TUESDAY NIGHT, 15 September, with Tuner, directed by Daniel Roher and starring Leo Woodall as Niki White, a gifted piano tuner who can also listen to and open safes, and Dustin Hoffman.

Tickets for Tuner are priced at €7 and are available for purchase at Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

Watch the trailer above.

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LAUNCH OF PARACHUTE PROJECT

Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service have launched The Parachute Project, a six-week collaboration led by Brian Cregan with TY students from Curragh Community College. 

Combining art, science and engineering, the programme included workshops, off-site sessions and Dublin gallery visits. Students explored photography’s origins, cyanotype printing and the Curragh’s heritage, experimenting with light and materials while shaping the parachute design and choosing individual prints on T-shirts and tote bags. 

Cregan said: “Growing up between Newbridge and the Curragh, I’ve always felt connected to this landscape; the project weaves local heritage and cyanotypes with young energy.” Watching Curragh Community College’s Transition Year students take ownership of their designs and collaborate was a highlight; their parachute became a shared canvas of teamwork. “I am proud of their achievement and grateful to textile designer Aideen Cross, Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council Arts Service for realising it.”  Cross spent three weeks guiding pattern cutting, sewing and reinforcement for a safe launch. 

Kildare filmmaker Richard Lennon documented the project; his short film, featuring interviews and the Newbridge Town Hall launch, will be screened privately at Riverbank on 16 September for students, families and guests. 

Éilis Lavelle, Arts Officer for Kildare County Council, praised the initiative as a meaningful, skill-building journey. 

During Culture Night 2026, the parachute will be displayed in Riverbank’s foyer and the film screened from 4–8 pm; all are welcome.

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200 YEAR CELEBRATION OF ST PAUL'S CHURCH, BALLYSAX

A reminder that celebration of 200 years of St Paul's Church, Ballysax, will be held TOMORROW, 13 September, from 1pm to 5pm, writes Mary Howe Doyle. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore our beloved heritage centre and view the church’s stunning interior. 

You will meet the dedicated team who maintain this historical gem, and learn about its diverse uses beyond just a place of worship. 

The event is free, and refreshments will be provided. 

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KILCULLEN SINGER'S ORIGINAL SONG ON KFM TONIGHT

Caitlin O’Sullivan, a promising country singer from Kilcullen, daughter of Lisa Mitchell and granddaughter of Barney and Angela Hillis, is having her original song Too Young featured on KFM tonight. 

The song will be played during Emma O’Connor’s Irish Music Scene. 

Caitlin is actively seeking opportunities to perform at gigs, weddings, and parties, and her appearance on KFM marks a significant step in gaining recognition.

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THE PASSING OF MARIE GALLAGHER

The death has occurred of Marie Gallagher, Ballina, Co Mayo, at St Augustine's Nursing Home, Ballina. Marie worked in Nolan's Butchers in Kilcullen for 33 years until her retirement. She was very involved in community activities in Kilcullen, including the Vincent de Paul Society and the Carnival Committee.

Funeral details later.

Rest in peace.

NEW CINEMA SEASON AT RIVERBANK

Riverbank Arts Centre's new cinema season starts next Monday, 14 September with John Carney’s Power Ballad, featuring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. Other season highlights include The Playboy of the Western World on 17 September, starring Nicola Coughlan, and A Private Life on 5 October, with Jodie Foster in the lead role.

Film enthusiasts can also look forward to DJ Ahmet on 12 October, a coming-of-age story set in North Macedonia, and the slasher film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma on 2 November, starring Gillian Anderson. The season will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Amélie on 7 December and feature Jim Carrey in How The Grinch Stole Christmas on 19 December. The season concludes with Die Hard on 21 December.

Individual tickets are available for €7 (early bird), €9 (on the door), and €5 (students), and can be purchased through the Box Office or online, with a €1.50 booking fee for online bookings. Riverbank continues to offer a special reduced rate deal of five cinema tickets for €30. 

For more information, visit riverbank.ie or contact marketing@riverbank.ie.

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HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED THE CÁIRDE ALERT APP YET?

Residents of Kilcullen and surrounding areas are being urged to download and register for the Cáirde App to receive community alerts. 

The initiative is being promoted by the Kilcullen and Surrounding Areas Community Text Alert, as a successor to the Text Alert system.

After registration, users should send their name and mobile number to laineyanderson75@gmail.com to join the local group. Patience is appreciated as details are added.

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WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY MESSAGE

On World Suicide Prevention Day, new research by Pieta reveals that nearly half of people in Ireland (48%) have worried about someone close to them being at risk of suicide. However, over half (59%) hesitate to start a conversation due to fear of saying the wrong thing.

The study also found that more than half of respondents have expressed concern without directly asking about suicide, and almost two-thirds said they would feel more confident with advice and information on warning signs. 

Pieta encourages those concerned to contact its 24/7 Crisis Helpline at 1800 247247 for support and guidance. Pieta offers free, confidential services without needing a referral, available at pieta.ie.

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CAPTIVATING 'TUNER' KICKS OFF KILCULLEN CINEMA SEASON

The Autumn film season at Kilcullen Bridge Cinema kicks off on Tuesday next, 15 September, with the intriguing crime thriller Tuner, directed by Daniel Roher. Known for his Oscar-winning documentary Navalny, Roher makes his narrative-feature debut with this film, which blends music, romance, and safe-cracking into a unique story. Despite following familiar crime conventions, Tuner stands out due to its unusual premise, strong performances, and distinctive sound-driven storytelling.

The film stars Leo Woodall as Niki White, a gifted piano tuner with hyperacusis, allowing him to listen to and open safes. Dustin Hoffman plays Harry Horowitz, Niki’s mentor and a beloved figure among New York City’s piano owners. Woodall’s charisma and Hoffman’s relaxed charm create a captivating on-screen chemistry, with their relationship providing much of the film’s emotional appeal. The unhurried scenes of Niki and Harry in their worn-out van, sharing stories, are particularly delightful.

Written by Robert Ramsey, the film features amusing and witty dialogue, creating an easy, unforced drama that mixes romcom moments with a relaxed crime thriller vibe. A tentative romance develops when Niki meets talented young pianist Ruthie, played by Havana Rose Liu, during a tuning job. This unlikely pairing introduces a conflict between Niki’s side hustle and the prospect of a more fulfilling future.

Tuner is a beautifully and stylishly crafted film about beautiful and stylish things: pianos, watches, concertos, and safes. It is elegantly shot with a complex and eclectic soundtrack. The Irish Examiner praised it as “Smart, emotionally intelligent and sharply scripted, Tuner is a slow-burn thriller that sucks you in from the start and never lets go.”

Tickets for Tuner are priced at €7 and are available for purchase at Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

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MAGICK BOOK LAUNCH AT WOODBINE

A reminder that Woodbine Books is hosting the launch of Practical Magick by author, witch, and magical practitioner Hazel Cahill, TONIGHT Thursday, 10 September, starting at 7pm. The writer is the proprietor of the Pure & Simple New Age Store in Newbridge.

Practical Magick serves as a gentle and accessible introduction to paganism and magical practices. Readers can explore divination practices such as tarot, pendulums, and runes, the healing and spiritual properties of crystals, and the use of herbs in everyday magic.

The book encourages active reader participation, offering space to jot down thoughts, experiences, and results of any practices. It delves into the connection between pagan practices and the natural world, teaching how rituals, spells, and traditions honour the cycles of nature, the elements, and the earth’s energies. 

Pre-order your copy of Practical Magick from the Woodbine Books website at this link. 

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MOUNTAIN FLOW AUTUMN CLASSES

Mountain Flow Yoga offers a diverse range of classes throughout the week, catering to all skill levels and interests. 

Classes include Chair Yoga, Improvers Yoga, Mini Mountain Flow for kids, Yoga for Beginners, Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Krama, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow, Mindful Flow, Lunch Time Flow, Chakra Vinyasa Flow for mixed levels, and Pregnancy Yoga. 

Located in Hillcrest, Naas Road, Kilcullen, Mountain Flow also provides mindfulness, retreats, coaching, breathwork, workshops, and hiking. 

For more information, contact 087 3631154 or hello@mountainflow.ie.

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CPC PANTO IS COMING BACK

The CPC Panto is returning in November with an enchanting production of Cinderella and the Apprentice Fairy Godmothers. 

Following two sold-out performances last year, the show is set to captivate audiences for three spectacular nights this November.

Mark your calendars for 24-26 November and stay tuned to CPC's social media channels to be the first to know when tickets go on sale. This is a show you won’t want to miss!

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