Successful CFR training day for children

Image: Kilcullen First Responders.

Kilcullen Community First Responders hosted a highly successful training day for local children, equipping them with vital lifesaving skills, including CPR.

Children aged eight and upwards took part in the session, which focused on what to do in an emergency and how to respond calmly and effectively. By the end of the training, participants had learned how to:

• Ring the emergency services • Have their Eircode ready to give to the call taker • Check if a person is responding when called or gently shaken • Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally • Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), including placing the pads correctly and delivering a shock if advised

The organisers said they were delighted to see the children leave with such important skills and the confidence to use them.

Parents who would like their child to take part in the next course are invited to email kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com to have their names added to the list.

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Night-time roadworks on M7/N7

Night-time road closures will take place on the M7 and N7 this week as essential works get underway. The closures will run from 10pm to 6am from Monday, 23 March, with multiple junctions affected on different nights.

On Monday and Tuesday, the M7 eastbound entry at Junction 10 (Naas South) will close, with a diversion via the R445 to Junction 9a (Millennium Park). Westbound, both the entry and exit at Junction 10 will close, with diversions via the M9 and Junction 9a.

On Wednesday, the westbound entry at Junction 9a will close, with traffic redirected to Junction 9 (Naas North).

On Thursday, closures will affect the M7 eastbound entry and exit at Junction 9, the N7 westbound entry at Junction 7 (Kill), and a stop/go system will operate at Junction 4 (Saggart).

On Friday, westbound entry and exit at Junction 9 on the M7, and entry and exit at Junction 6 (Castledwarden) on the N7, will close.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time, follow diversions and drive with care.

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St Laurence’s Camogie Club fun run

A 5km fundraising fun run and walk, followed by a community bake sale, will be held in Narraghmore on Easter Monday, 6 April, hosted by St Laurence’s Camogie Club.

The run will take place at the Old Hardware in Narraghmore, with the event starting at 12pm. Registration opens from 11.30am, with entry fees of €10 for adults and €5 for children.

The club encourages everyone, including families and walkers of all abilities, to take part, which will conclude with the bake sale. All proceeds support St Laurence’s Camogie Club.

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Have your pet's 'pawtrait' done at Kilcullen book sale

Artist Lisa will be offering unique ‘Pet Pawtraits’ at Kilcullen Town Hall, writes Brian Byrne, as part of a two-day book sale in aid of the Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA (KWWSPCA) in late April.

On Saturday, 25 April, visitors are invited to bring a photo of their pet, and Lisa will create a cartoon-style portrait while they browse the book stalls. The portraits could also be popular as personalised keepsakes and gifts from pet owners' friends.

The book sale will take place on Friday, 24 April, and Saturday, 25 April. Opening hours are from 11am to 5pm on the Friday and from 11am to 4pm on the Saturday. A very large selection of books will be on offer, with most priced at €1.

Donations of books are welcome in advance of the event. Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to contact Sally on 087 6803295.

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The sun performs for Equinox gathering

Images: Noel Clare.

An enthusiastic group of people braved a frosty spring Equinox Saturday morning to honour the late Noel Scullion, gathering for the dawn at the Dun Ailline sculpture he created in 2008. It was one of those special mornings when the sun actually shone through the spear monument, as the artist had intended. 

A new seat was unveiled at the interpretive park in Noel’s memory by his sons, Joe and Jack, serving as a fitting tribute to his life and legacy. The plaque reflects on his creative spirit resting in this place. 

After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a warm breakfast kindly hosted by Ray and Fiona Kelly in their Nicholastown home, continuing an Equinox tradition started in the years following the sculpture's dedication.

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Night at the Dogs for St Anne's

A special “Night at the Dogs” will be held next month in aid of St Anne’s Special School, Ballymanny Cross, The Curragh. Organised by the St Anne’s Special School Parents’ Association, it will take place at Newbridge Greyhound Stadium on Friday, 17 April 2026. 

Doors open at 6.30pm, with the first race at 7.40pm. Tickets cost €10 and are available from St Anne’s PA members. They can also be bought online via the booking link. 

The night promises to be a great social occasion while raising vital funds to support the work of St Anne’s Special School. The event has received generous backing from local businesses, with race sponsorship from Comerfords Newbridge, Newbridge Veterinary Clinic, Westgrove, IGSL, Irish Commercials Volvo Trucks, Complete Bathrooms, Relay Express, and others. 

For more information, email parentsassociation@stannesthecurragh.ie.

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