Drama Group in rehearsals for April play

Kilcullen Drama Group is set to stage The Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh in mid-April, writes Brian Byrne. A darkly humorous and deeply moving play, it explores themes of family, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

Directed by Eilis Philips, the cast features Maurice O'Mahony, Allan Clarke, Adam Treacy, and Sinead McKenna. The director describes the action as a 'play within a play', with some actors playing multiple roles. "It may well be the most complicated play we have ever done," she told the Diary, though emphasising that it will be very entertaining.

The story takes place in a council flat on Walworth Road in London, where, at 11am, a father and his two sons are depicted having a meal that includes six cans of beer, 15 crackers with spreadable cheese, ten pink biscuit wafers, and a roasted chicken with blue sauce. Make of that menu what you will...

Ticket details will be shared soon — follow the group's Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.

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Patrick's Day sponsored swim for mural

A sponsored swim on the Liffey in Kilcullen on St Patrick's Day will raise funds for the Heritage Wall mural commissioned by Kilcullen Tidy Towns. 

The event is organised by patrons of The Spout Bar. 

There's a donation box and sponsorship cards in the bar for anyone who wants to contribute or take part in the swim.

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The passing of Gerry MacCloskey

The death has occurred of Gerry MacCloskey, of Kilcullen, Co Kildare,  Ballydehob, Co Cork, and formerly of Clifden and Derry, peacefully on 17 February 2026 in the loving care of Suncroft Lodge nursing home.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Marie, and his sister, Eileen, he was a devoted father to Marc and Caragh. He will be deeply missed by his sisters, Deirdre and Nuala, his sister-in-law, Clare, and his beloved grandchildren, Jesse, Luc, Sean, and Myla. Fondly remembered by his daughter-in-law, Hilde, his son-in-law, Jonathan, and all who knew and loved him.

He will be reposing at Clare and PJ Lydon's residence, Logstown, Kilcullen (Eircode R56 R599) on Friday, 20 February from 5pm until 7pm. Removal from there will be on Saturday, 21 February, to Newlands Cross Crematorium, arriving for the 1.30pm service, which may be viewed on this link. All welcome. Family Flowers Only Please.

May Gerry Rest In Peace.

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 17th February 2026 were 1, 2, 4 and 5. 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 €3,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Jim Kelly (Promoter Vivian Clarke), Fr Niall Mackey (Fr Niall Mackey) and Anne Bird (Vanessa Clarke).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Mick Dunne and Vanessa Clarke, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Francesca Broughall.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Supervisor post at Cross's Centra

Cross Retail Group is hiring a part-time Supervisor for evening and weekend shifts in Kilcullen. The role offers flexible shifts from 2pm to 10pm or 5pm to 10pm in a dynamic environment. 

Applicants with retail experience are preferred, but it is not essential — full training will be provided. The company provides competitive pay, training, development programmes, and direct support from management. 

Interested candidates can email their CV to CrossretailgroupHR@Centra.ie or drop it off at the Customer Service Desk in-store. Cross Retail Group values inclusivity and equal opportunities, recruiting without discrimination. 

Company locations include Cross’s SuperValu in Newbridge and Cross’s Centra stores in Naas and Kilcullen.

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Ceramics classes at Kildare Steiner School

Kildare Steiner School is offering ceramic workshops for all skill levels. Participants can create an oil burner or a fern tray during sessions on Friday, 20 February at 2pm (€65, lasting 2-4 hours) and Saturday, 21 February at 10am (€75, approximately 2.5 hours). 

All materials, firing, glazing, and room costs are included. Weekly ceramic classes are also available on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5pm, focusing on projects or wheel-throwing, with a fee of €30 that covers materials and costs. Advance booking is required. 

Children under 8, accompanied by an adult, can participate at no extra charge; those over 8 can work independently with a 50% discount. Contact the school at info@KildareSteinerSchool.ie or call Grazyna at 085 7071144.

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Pat Boran workshop in Woodbine Books

Irish poet, writer, and filmmaker Pat Boran will lead a workshop at Woodbine Books on Sunday, 1 March, from 2pm. The acclaimed artist, who has served as Writer-in-Residence at Dublin City Libraries, Dublin City University, and the Western Education and Library Centre in County Fermanagh, is a member of Aosdána, the association of creative artists in Ireland. 

Originally from Portlaoise, Boran now lives in Dublin and is known for his poetry and short film productions. He is a former editor of Poetry Ireland Review and the current editor and publisher of the poetry imprint Dedalus Press. 

Since receiving the Patrick Kavanagh Award for Poetry in 1989, Boran has published more than a dozen books of poetry and prose, and his works have been translated into many languages, including Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Macedonian, French, Greek, and Georgian. 

More details on the workshop from Woodbine Books.

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Souleymane’s Story in Kilcullen cinema tonight

Cinema is back in Kilcullen tonight, 17 February, with Souleymane’s Story. This award-winning film is the story of an asylum seeker living day to day in Paris.

A raw, compassionate, and quietly devastating portrayal of a man forced to live on the fringes of society. 

Tickets are available at Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

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Nominations open for KIldare Garda Youth Awards 2026

The Kildare Garda Division has announced the opening of nominations for the eighth annual Kildare Garda Youth Awards, celebrating young people aged 13–21 across County Kildare. 

The awards recognise youth contributions in various categories, including six individual awards (three from North Kildare and three from South Kildare), a Special Achievement Award for overcoming difficulties, an overall winner, a Voluntary Group Achievement Award, and a Community Safety Award. 

Winners will represent the division at the National Garda Youth Awards in November 2026. Nominations are open until March 20, 2026, and can be submitted via an online form or the QR code above. 

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Maintain Hope inaugural Walk-Run soon

There is still time to register for Maintain Hope's inaugural 5K & 10K Walk/Run on 1st March. It will be a timed, well-stewarded event, and every finisher will receive a unique souvenir medal. 

The event starts and ends at Kilcullen GAA. The 10k begins at 10.30am, and the 5k at 10.40am. 

Register now to avoid missing out on this fun event at JustRuns Events or scan the QR code above. 

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The passing of Barney Keogh

The death has occurred of Barney Keogh, Rossport, Ballina, Co Mayo, formerly of Brannockstown, peacefully at The Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, on 16 February 2026.

Predeceased by his son Barry, parents Anna May and Joseph, and brother Peter, Barney will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, wife Bernadette, sons Peter, Derek, Conor and Darren, brothers Cathal, Brendan, Kevin, Eugene, Liam, Joe and Francis (Australia), sister Anne Marie, daughters in law Tanya, Anna and Tara, sisters in law, grandchildren Mollie, Evie, James, Ciara and Kobe, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends, in particular Tony Flannery, Michéal Corduff, Gary Timlin, Kevin King, Anthony Gannon and Dónal Connolly.

Barney will be reposing at Healy’s Funeral Home, Barnatra (F26 DY62) on Wednesday, 18 February, from 5pm to 7pm, arriving at The Star Of The Sea Church, Cornboy (F26 PR90), at 8.30pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday, 19 February, at 12noon, with burial afterwards in Cornboy Cemetery.

Family flowers only with donations in lieu of flowers to Mayo Roscommon Hospice c/o Healy’s Funeral Directors, Barnatra.

House private, please.

May Barney's Kind and Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.

Whist Drive on Thursday

This month's Kilcullen Lions Whist Drive is this Thursday, 19 February.

As usual, the venue is Scoil Bhride, with play starting at 8pm.

All whist players welcome.

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GAA Lotto tonight is €2,700

Kilcullen GAA’s lotto draw this evening, 16 February, has a €2,700 jackpot. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5, available online, at Nolans Butchers, or from a committee member. Annual and multi-buy options are also available online.

The draw supports the club’s daily operations, including maintaining the lighting around the Community Walkway.  Members and supporters are encouraged to continue playing and invite others. The club has introduced an auto-renewal option for easy participation.

For more information and to play, visit this link or search for Clubforce Connect in your app store. The club appreciates the ongoing support and wishes everyone good luck.

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AI course for over 55s

A free, practical course on Artificial Intelligence for people aged 55 and over will be held at Naas Library next month, writes Brian Byrne. The ‘AI for Good’ programme, run by Maynooth University’s Academy for Good, offers a friendly environment for a hands-on introduction to AI. 

The course will be spread across three sessions on 6, 13, and 27 March. Participants will learn about AI, its relevance to everyday life, and how to use AI tools with guidance. A Certificate of Participation from Maynooth University will be issued.

Those interested can join the waiting list at this link.

This initiative is supported by Kildare County Council and promotes community skills for life and digital literacy.

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Kilcullen AFC Girls' Soccer Blitz

Kilcullen AFC is hosting a 7-a-side girls' soccer blitz on Sunday, 15 March. The event is open to players born between 2010 and 2013. 

The registration fee is €100 per team, with a maximum of 10 players per team. 

For more information, contact Rob at 086 4663401.

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Local businesses grants, supports information

Local Enterprise Office Kildare is hosting a series of free information sessions as part of Local Enterprise Week, aimed at assisting local businesses in starting, growing, or future-proofing their operations. 

The sessions will cover various grants and supports available to businesses in the area. The schedule includes:

- March 3: Energy Efficiency Grants. 

- March 3: Market Explorer Grant. 

- March 4: Start-Up Advice & Funding. 

- March 6: Grow Digital Voucher. 

Attendees will receive practical guidance, real funding opportunities, and expert advice. Early booking is encouraged to secure a spot.

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