The passing of Peter Minion Wheatley

The death has occurred of Peter Minion Wheatley, Sunnyhill, Kilcullen, on Monday, 23 February 2026. 

Peter is sadly missed by his loving partner Maeve, beloved children Jackson and Ella, parents Tom and Sylvia, brothers Andrew, Mark and Robert, sister Karen and Leesa, brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Peter will be reposing at Glennons Funeral Home, 32 Main Street, Newbridge, on Friday, 27 February, from 4pm-7pm. Removal will be on Saturday morning to arrive at St John's Church, Yellowbog, Kilcullen, for the funeral service at 10.30am. A cremation service will take place afterwards at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold's Cross, Dublin, at 1.45pm.

Peace Perfect Peace.

Crochet workshop for Narraghmore

A crochet workshop designed for beginners and those looking to improve their skills will take place in The Old Hardware in Narraghmore on Friday, 13 March.

The session is scheduled from 11am to 1pm, and the fee is €25, which includes tools and yarn. 

Those interested in participating can contact Jennifer at 087 2628305 or visit the Instagram account @costellocrochet_. 

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

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Pat Boran writing workshop fully booked

The Pat Boran writing workshop being run in Woodbine Books on Sunday is fully booked.

The Irish poet, writer, and filmmaker, originally from Portlaoise, won the Patrick Kavanagh Award for Poetry in 1989, and has published more than a dozen books of poetry and prose; his works have been translated into many languages.

He is a former editor of Poetry Ireland Review and the current editor and publisher of the poetry imprint Dedalus Press. 

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Conor's book explores a mythical hidden world

Conor Forrest from Crookstown grew up fascinated by mythology and hidden worlds, writes Brian Byrne. His debut novel, Heroes of Light and Shadow, incorporates those interests and launches at Athy Library on 3 March with guest speaker John MacKenna. 

The book explores a hidden world in modern Ireland uncovered by the protagonist, 12-year-old Oisin Ryan. The inhabitants are the Fomorians, a supernatural race from Irish mythology, sworn enemies of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythical first settlers of Ireland. Oisin becomes entangled in the conflicts of their world, and discovers he has real family connections to it.

Conor, formerly a reporter for the Kildare Nationalist for six years and now working in the public service, had originally started on a novel for adults about a hidden world, but it wasn’t working out. “It just didn't feel right. It didn't click. Then I randomly came across a Wikipedia article about the Tuatha Dé Danann, and realised there was the potential for a children's book for 10+. So I took some elements of my original story and reimagined the entire project."

The process involved multiple drafts over several years, during which he delved deeper into Irish mythology. "I found fantastic characters and more information that I could weave into my original story. Then I joined the Ink Tank creative writing group in Newbridge, where I received great feedback from other writers. From that, I was able to tighten and finish the book."

In late 2024, Conor submitted his book to O’Brien Press, which accepted it and assigned an editor. He was surprised by the few editorial changes, mostly small tweaks and line edits. “They were really brilliant to work with, and very collaborative, walking me through the entire process, consulting me on the book's cover and other details."

Conor says he always had three goals if he ever published a book: that it would be launched at Athy Library, that he would try to have the internationally respected local author John MacKenna introduce it, and that a local bookshop would handle the sales at the launch. "I've got all those three in place," he says of the upcoming event. "My bookshop choice is Woodbine Books in Kilcullen, they're fantastic — I don't think I've ever gone there without leaving with at least three books."

Following the successful publication of Heroes of Light and Shadow, Conor has developed further ideas for books inspired by the extensive world of Irish mythology.  “There's plenty of inspiration there. And fingers crossed, there’ll be another one.”

Heroes of Light and Shadow will be launched on Tuesday, 3 March at 6pm in Athy Library. All are welcome.

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Calverstown First Responders in training

Calverstown has launched a new community first responders scheme. Currently, eight volunteers are undergoing training, which is held every second Tuesday in coordination with Kilcullen Community First Responders.

The group is seeking more volunteer participants before kicking off a wider donation campaign.

Anyone interested in volunteering or seeking more information can visit the project’s Facebook page. 

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Camp Kilcullen returns for Easter fun

Camp Kilcullen is returning this Easter, offering a four-day multi-activity camp at Scoil Bhríde. For children from Junior Infants to 6th Class, the camp promises a week filled with excitement and memorable experiences.

Running from Monday, 30 March to Thursday, 2 April, the camp will operate from 9:30 am to 2pm. The event will have both indoor and outdoor facilities.

The cost is €75 for the first child, €70 for the second, and €65 for each additional child. A variety of activities are planned, including the Golden Ticket Chase and Easter Egg Hunt, sports, art and crafts, fun and games, quizzes, giant volleyball, Nerf target shooting, a danceathon, and baking, among others.

Registration is easy, with no deposit required. Scan the provided QR code or text 087 2790359 to secure a child’s spot. The camp will be led by teachers Odhran Lloyd, Shelly O’Brien, and Muiris Ó Raoghaill.

Also mark your calendars for the upcoming Summer Camp, scheduled from Monday, 29 June to Friday, 3 July 2026.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 24 February 2026 were 5, 7, 13, and 20. 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 €3,600.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Lynx Boys (Promoter Parish Office), K Maguire (Wednesday Bridge Club) and Brian Duggan (The Parish).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Anne Brennan and Siobhan Tuite, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Mick Dunne.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Aodhan Byrne goes pro

Images courtesy Kilcullen Boxing Club.

This is Aodhan Byrne from Halverstown in Kilcullen, writes David O'Brien of Kilcullen Boxing Club. Son of Pat and Sinead, he began boxing 13 years ago at our club, winning multiple provincial and national titles, and representing his country on numerous occasions. 

Last Saturday night, the 23-year-old made his professional debut in his mother’s home county of Donegal, with a large crowd from the town supporting him, along with local sponsors, residents, and a strong community following, for which he showed a genuine appreciation. Aodhan’s dedication was rewarded with an emphatic 40-36 victory, showcasing his expert skills, over the much more experienced Polish boxer Marian Wesolowski on the Jason Quigley-promoted show in Finn Valley Centre in Ballybofey. 

He is a very intelligent and well-educated young man who will quickly become familiar with the business he has chosen. I want to raise awareness in Kilcullen so that his support and momentum will continue in future bouts. 

Thanks to all.

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Kilcullen perfumer hosting workshop

Eileen showcased her perfumes at Styled for Success last October.

Kilcullen artisan perfumer Eileen Tan will host a perfume-making workshop at Killashee Hotel on 15 March, writes Brian Byrne, at which participants will have the opportunity to create their own bespoke fragrance.

The hands-on sessions will guide guests through scent discovery and perfume blending. With small group sizes, attendees will receive individual guidance throughout the process.

Each participant will craft a 30ml parfum using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a unique scent tailored to personal taste and mood. The workshop includes access to a curated library of fragrance ingredients, all materials, and light refreshments.

The event will take place in the Belling Suite at Killashee Hotel, with each session lasting approximately 90 minutes. The cost is €120 per person, and the event is open to people aged 16 and over, with a maximum of eight guests per session. 

Details and booking at this link. 

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Cnoc na Greine seeks grass cutting tenders

Cnoc na Greine Residents Association is seeking quotes for grass cutting as it re-applies for a maintenance assistance grant from Kildare County Council. The contract includes the collection and removal of cuttings. 

The work covers 5 acres of land, with the first cut scheduled for April. Full cutting operations would occur every two to three weeks from late May or early June, continuing through September. Interested contractors are invited to walk the site with association members. Additionally, the association manages the wild meadow areas, which contractors may consider as part of the job. 

Please email cnocnagreineresassoc@gmail.com by 10 March 2026. 

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Shop Front Improvement Grants

Kildare County Council has announced a Shop Front Improvement Grant of up to €5,000 to support local businesses in enhancing their storefronts and commercial facades. 

The initiative aims to make towns and villages in the area more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant. The grant covers up to €5,000 (excluding VAT) or 50 per cent of eligible costs, whichever is less. 

Applications are open until 29 May 2026, and work must not commence before approval. Interested businesses can find more information and submit their applications through this link.

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Auntie Anne's Country Creche is hiring

Auntie Anne's Country Creche is currently recruiting for a Full-Time Educator, offering 32 to 40 hours weekly. 

The ideal candidate will hold at least a QQI Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education or an equivalent qualification. A solid understanding of child development and a genuine passion for supporting children’s learning and wellbeing are essential. 

The role requires someone who is enthusiastic, dependable, and committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment.

Send CV and cover letter to auntyieannscreche@gmail.com.

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Age & Opportunity grant deadline looms

Image: Age & Opportunity.

The deadline for applications to the Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme is this Friday, 27 February. Funded by Sport Ireland, the scheme provides financial support to local clubs, groups, and organisations across the country that promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older adults.

Applicants can submit their entries until 12 noon on Friday, 27 February 2026. 

Applications are accepted via an online form or a downloadable application form available on the scheme's website.

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