Tidy Towns networking evening

Image: Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns.

Representatives of Kilcullen’s Tidy Towns group were among those who attended last night's inaugural Networking Evening hosted by Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns. 

Along with counterparts from Hollywood and Blessington, the gathering discussed the challenges and successes of their respective projects. Emer Conway, a mentor in the Sustainable Energy Communities network, was also present at the event, which everyone regarded as positive, sharing valuable information and ideas. 

Coffee, cake, and camaraderie marked the start of a promising long-term collaboration.

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Deadline looms for June Fest short story competition

With just one week remaining until the submission deadline on 7 April, writers should finalise their entries for the Newbridge June Fest National Short Story Competition. 

Participants should submit a 2,000-word story for a chance to win writer-specific prizes. The winner will receive a week’s residency at the renowned Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annamakerrig, Monaghan, while the second prize offers a workshop of the winner’s choice with the Kildare Writing Centre. 

Entries will be judged by writer John MacKenna, whose latest book is The Lock-Keeper’s Wife. 

With the bank holiday weekend approaching, writers are encouraged to complete their final edits to ensure their submissions are ready on time.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 31st March 2026 were 1, 8, 10 and 13. 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 €4,600.

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

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Wednesday Bridge Club and Wednesday Bridge Club, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Ger Kelly.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Refusal of permission for Riverside development upheld by ACP

A decision by Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission for 74 homes adjacent to Riverside Crescent has been upheld by An Coimisiún Pleanála, writes Brian Byrne. The application and appeal had been lodged by Rivermanor Developments Limited. 

The reasons for the KCC refusal related to the proposed use of underground attenuation tanks for drainage, street design, and the removal of existing hedgerows and trees. The ACP decision upheld the first of those.

The Commission stated that it was not satisfied that the proposed development would comply with Objective IN 024 of the Kildare County Development Plan and Objective ST KL47 of the Kilcullen Settlement Plan, which state that underground tanks and storage systems will not be accepted under public open space as part of a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) solution. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development of the area. In this, the ACP agreed with its Inspector's opinion that the KCC refusal should be upheld. 

In a detailed report, the ACP Inspector suggested that the issue could be resolved by redesigning the proposed development to provide a larger area of public open space, achieved by removing some dwellings and replacing them with open space. 

The Inspector concluded that the reasons given by Kildare County Council for refusal regarding street design and the removal of hedgerows and trees were unwarranted. He disagreed with the planning authority’s assessment of poor urban design, stating the proposal demonstrates a clear street hierarchy and reasonable levels of permeability. The Inspector also agreed with the applicant that the site was of low ecological value and had been cleared multiple times in the past. He concluded the proposed landscaping, which will include 120 new trees, would actually result in a net biodiversity gain.

His assessment also addressed potential flooding concerns, boundary treatment, and the potential impact on European Sites. 

The ACP decision was signed on 19 March 2026. The original application had been refused by Kildare planners on 17 November 2025.

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Businesses asked to take economic outlook survey

Kildare businesses are being invited to participate in an online survey spanning four Greater Dublin local authority areas, writes Brian Byrne. The joint Business Environment & Economic Outlook Survey 2026 has been launched by Fingal Chamber, South Dublin Chamber, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber, and County Kildare Chamber.

The survey aims to gather insights on trading conditions, workforce issues, and investment confidence. The survey intends to support engagement with local authorities and policymakers ahead of Budget 2027, addressing concerns such as housing affordability, transport connectivity, and infrastructure capacity.

Open to businesses of all sizes, the survey takes approximately six minutes to complete and will inform joint advocacy and policy submissions. 

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More success from Kilcullen cyclists

Kilcullen CC Murphy Geospatial riders are continuing their current run of successes, writes Brian Byrne, with further achievement at the Des Hanlon Memorial race in Carlow. 

Tom Hughes (above) emerged victorious in the 82 km C2 category, while Conor Regan secured a commendable second place. 

In the C3 race, Dathai Killeen finished as the runner-up, earning enough points to earn a promotion to the C2 category.

It was the 45th edition of the Des Hanlon Memorial, hosted by Carlow CRC.

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Tennis club on membership drive

Kilcullen Tennis Club is seeking new members as it opens registration for the 2026/27 season. 

The club invites both beginners and seasoned players to join and is offering a special promotion of 15 months of membership for the price of 12. This limited-time offer is available starting 1 April. 

Those interested can sign up through the club’s website.

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Wedding Open Day at Martinstown House

Martinstown House in Ballysax will host a wedding open day on Sunday, 12 April, from 1-5pm. 

Prospective couples can explore the stunning Strawberry Gothic-style cottage venue, gardens, and woodlands without an appointment. 

Located at R56 KV78, this event offers a unique chance to experience the venue’s charm firsthand.

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Nolan's extends sponsorship with Kilcullen GAA

Last Saturday, John Lambe and Paul Dunne from the multi-award-winning Nolan Butchers of Kilcullen announced another year of sponsorship from Nolan's with Kilcullen GAA. 

This extends the business's support for the men's senior football team, which began in 2014, when GAA legend Mickey Harte visited Kilcullen (below) to launch Nolan Butchers of Kilcullen’s sponsorship of the team. 

All the staff at Nolan’s wish the various teams at Kilcullen GAA the best of luck for the upcoming season.

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Easter week musical reflection will aid mental health

A reminder that a special Holy Week musical reflection will take place at St Joseph’s Church, Gormanstown, this week, with all donations supporting the work of mental health charity Beyond Stigma. 

A Musical Reflection in Holy Week is organised by Gormanstown Choir on Spy Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at 8pm. 

Beyond Stigma develops evidence-based programmes to address internal stigma and feelings of worthlessness and shame among vulnerable populations, both in Ireland and in the Global South. Organisers say the evening will offer a space for quiet reflection and preparation for Easter, combining sacred music and prayer with an opportunity to support people living with deep, often hidden, emotional struggles. 

Everyone is welcome. Contributions of any amount will help Beyond Stigma continue its work with those most at risk of exclusion and despair.

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Kilcullen Community Centre to benefit from Drama Group’s Gala Night

Kilcullen Community Centre will benefit from the upcoming Gala Night of Kilcullen Drama Group’s presentation of The Walworth Farce by Enda Walsh, on 17 April, writes Brian Byrne. The funds will help with the upkeep and improvement of the community centre grounds.

For the past 40 years, Kilcullen Community Centre has been a key part of the town, hosting over 50 clubs and providing a safe space for various activities, including sensory gym, occupational therapy, and speech therapy groups. 

The Gala Night audience will enjoy a cheese and wine reception upon arrival. Tickets at €20 are available at Woodbine Books, phone 045 482777, or via Eventbrite.

The Walworth Farce is running for four nights from Wednesday, 15 April. Tickets for the other nights are €15.

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