NATIONAL FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD FOR NOLAN'S

Nolan's Butchers of Kilcullen were awarded the Retail Business of the Year award at the Irish Family Business Awards, held at the Johnstown Estate in County Meath today.  

James Nolan accepted the award from Matt Cooper and thanked Goodbody Stockbrokers for sponsoring the event. He acknowledged the immense contribution from the loyal and hard-working staff team at Nolan Butchers that led to winning this award.

More than 600 businesses had entered the competition, and James commented that it was very special to win in light of the strong competition.

He added that he was sure the three generations of the Nolan family who had operated the family business before him, especially his dad, Andy, would have been proud to see such national recognition for a family business that was started back in 1886.

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ST JOSEPH’S NS MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

St Joseph’s National School Halverstown, is holding a Christmas Raffle on Sunday, 6 December. 

Prizes include a Monster Christmas Hamper, a Barberstown Castle Hamper, a Russborough House Membership, a National Stud Family Pass, a Tulfarris Golf Club Four Ball, Punchestown Racing tickets, a Christmas Hamper, Woodbine Books token, Kildare Farm Foods, and a Kilcullen Physio session. More prizes to be announced

Tickets are priced at €5 each or three for €10. Purchases can be made via Revolut at 087 2901701.

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KILCULLEN FOOTBALLER RYAN FOR MU17 WORLD CUP

Ryan with St Pat's Young Footballer of the Year trophy, left, and wearing the Ireland jersey for Qatar World Cup.

When young professional footballer Ryan Sheridan gets a send-off from classmates in CPC Kilcullen on Monday, it will be kicking off a momentous few weeks for the 17-year-old, writes Brian Byrne. Ryan, who plays with St Patrick's Athletic, will later in the week be heading for a training camp with the Ireland U17 team for the 2026 FIFA Men's U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Ryan plays for the First Team at the Inchicore-based soccer club, and the Ireland team will face Brazil (21 November), Costa Rica (24 November) and Tanzania (27 November) in their Group 1, while hoping to advance to the knockout stages.

Living in Castlemartin with his mother Tanya and father Fran, and a former player with Kilcullen GAA, Ryan joined St Pat's at the age of 13. A couple of weeks ago, he won the Young Player of the Year with the First Team. He was a goal-scorer for the Republic of Ireland MU17 team in March when their 7–0 win over Slovakia qualified them for the World Cup. 

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which he has worked hard for," Tanya told the Diary. "It's a huge achievement for someone so young. He has been playing football since he was three." 

St Pat's has a specific educational programme that enables underage students to balance their daily training schedules with study facilities for examinations such as the Leaving Certificate, which Ryan will be doing at CPC.

The opening ceremony for the World Cup is in Qatar on 19 November.

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BEST IN EUROPE AWARD FOR SHACKLETON EXPERIENCE

Aline FitzGerald, right, accepting the award.

The Shackleton Experience in Athy has been awarded Best Europe Tourism Project 2026 at the British Guild of Travel Writers International Tourism Awards. Since its October 2025 opening, the attraction has welcomed 30,000 visitors from over 25 countries. 

The award was presented at the Guild’s Gala Awards Dinner in London on 2 November, ahead of World Travel Market.“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious accolade just over a year after opening," says General Manager Aline FitzGerald, from Brannockstown and a former student at CPC. "It is a phenomenal tribute to every single person who helped bring the Shackleton Experience to life. Shackleton’s legendary story truly has a worldwide audience, and we are so proud to showcase it right here in Athy, in his home county.” 

Located in Athy’s historic Town Hall, the experience showcases Ernest Shackleton’s life through interactive exhibits and over 200 artefacts, including his cabin and the sledge from the Nimrod Expedition. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Antarctic challenges faced by Shackleton’s crew.  

For more information, visit shackletonexperience.ie.

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY AND CRAFTS MARKET

Following the success of last year’s event, local businesses will again host a Christmas Shopping Day to launch the festive season. 

This year’s event, organised by the Kilcullen Town Promoters, will take place on 4 December to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas lights. 

There will be a Christmas Market in the Town Hall from 3pm to 8pm with handcrafted gifts by local artists, as well as fun festive activities and special offers in businesses throughout the town.

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LOCK UP, LIGHT UP, TO BEAT CRIME

With the longer dark evenings, homeowners are urged to take extra precautions against burglary. An Garda Síochána Kildare reminds people of the national Lock Up, Light Up campaign to prevent winter thefts. 

Key precautions include locking all doors and windows, using timer or sensor lights, setting alarms even for short trips, keeping keys away from windows, securing valuables, and staying vigilant by reporting suspicious activities. 

Many burglaries occur due to unsecured entry points such as unlocked windows or doors, so do a quick check before leaving your home or sleeping.

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CHRISTMAS FAIR DATE FOR OLD HARDWARE

The Old Hardware in Narraghmore is hosting its Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, 29 November, from 10:30am to 1:30pm at the Red Shed, Mel’s Narraghmore. 

Visitors can shop for locally made crafts and gifts. 

There will be regular updates on participating craft stalls in advance of the event.

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SENIOR MANAGER WANTED BY KILCULLEN GAA

Kilcullen GFC are currently seeking applications for the role of Senior Men's Manager and support team for 2027 and 2028. The role will be for a 2-year period with a review after 12 months. Kilcullen men are currently in Division Three league and Intermediate championship.

All applications should be submitted to the club secretary (secretary.kilcullen.kildare@gaa.ie) on or before Sunday the 8th of November 2026

A review panel will interview shortlisted candidates

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BRANNOXTOWN CNS GETS CLIMATE ACTION GRANT

Brannoxtown CNS will get government investment for climate action and roof works, as one of nine Kildare projects approved under the 2027 Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 

Nationally, €80 million is being disbursed in the second tranche of approvals under the multi-annual scheme arising from applications submitted in 2025.

The approvals were announced by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton. The scheme supports schools in addressing building condition needs while delivering climate action measures that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower operational costs.

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NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE MASS 2026

A reminder that the November Mass for those who died during the last year will be celebrated on Friday 6 November, at 7.30pm. In Kilcullen Parish Church. 

All parishioners are welcome to participate in the Mass in remembrance of loved ones no longer with us. 

Refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre after the Mass to allow friends and neighbours to meet and have a chat.

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PARISH LOTTO DRAW RESULTS

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 3rd November 2026 were 1, 6, 18 and 23. 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 €10,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Tom McCarton (Promoter The Parish), Fr Niall Mackey (The Parish) and Ann Delaney (Anne Brennan).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Breda McCormack and Vivian Clarke, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Vivienne Clifford.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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SEVENTH ARCH THEATRE GROUP LAUNCHING

A new community drama troupe, Seventh Arch Theatre Group, is launching in Kilcullen on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at 8pm in O’Connell’s Bar. Open to adults, the group welcomes actors, backstage volunteers, and anyone interested in theatre or seeking a new social outlet.

The launch evening will introduce the founding committee, outline plans, and provide an opportunity for prospective members to meet the team and learn how to get involved. No prior theatre experience required.

For more information, contact 7tharchtheatre@gmail.com.

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BRANNOCKSTOWN COMMUNITY GET-TOGETHER

The Brannockstown Community Group would like to invite residents from the Brannockstown, Mile Mill, Grangemore, Kennycourt, Carnalway and surrounding areas to a free community get-together in Kalbarri on Saturday 21 November.

The event will run from 7pm-9pm with music by Pat Kelly. 

A chance to catch up with neighbours and friends with some good food and music. All welcome.

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'ANVIL' CONCERT CHEQUE PRESENTATION

A cheque will be presented to representatives of the Aware mental health charity on Friday night in McTernans. The funds are the proceeds of the Anvil at Rest concert held at Pat Kelly's home in Bishop Rogan Park at the end of August. 

The presentation event begins at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

The concert was streamed live online, with viewers reporting in from many countries where the Kilcullen diaspora has a presence, including the UK, USA and Australia.

The performers were writer Mark Smyth, and musicians-singers Yvonne Ennis, Arlene Bailey, Pat Kelly, Lorraine Nolan, Canice Keane, and John Kelly.

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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS STREET COLLECTION

The annual street collection for Kilcullen's Christmas Lights will be held this weekend, Friday and Saturday 6/7 November, writes Brian Byrne. Organised by KCA, the lights cheer up Kilcullen each Christmas season at the otherwise darkest time of the year.

They are paid for through the donations of individual residents, support from businesses, and a grant from Kildare County Council.

The first Christmas Lights in Kilcullen were switched on in 1989 by Kilcullen Community Development, the forerunner of today's Kilcullen Community Action.

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