Cancer vintage drive next week

What has now become an annual event in aid of cancer research, Mac and Norman's Vintage Drive from Brannockstown, takes place next Sunday, August 7.



The drive starts at 1pm and will finish at the Stray Inn, after a circuit that will include Kilcullen and Old Kilcullen.

Entry fee to the event is €10, and the drive will culminate with an Auction of Promises at 5.30pm, in The Stray Inn.

Further information can be acquired by phoning Norman Egar at 086 2580074 or Ann Sully at 045 483700.

All vintage machinery, including cars, motorcycles and tractors are welcome to take part.

Brian Byrne.

Fr Des Doyle visit: 2

Herewith we publish some more pictures from the get-together after Fr Des Doyle's revisit mass in Kilcullen.









Brian Byrne.

What's this about a parish pastoral council?

In February of this year, ten lay people were asked to become part of a working group and to think about how Kilcullen could elect a parish pastoral council (PPC). The group, which includes Fr Murphy and Fr O’Sullivan, has drawn up guidelines for starting a council. It is expected that this work will be completed well before Christmas, at which stage the working group will go out of existence.

A pastoral council is an organisation of priests and lay people who share responsibility for a living Christian community in a parish. The election of lay people to the PPC will be a matter for parishioners.

The working group has spent some time learning about the role of a pastoral council and has received useful information and help from Blessington Parish, which already has a successful PPC.

As part of its work, the working group carried out a limited local census and also research on aspects of society in Kilcullen based on selected statistics and the experiences and opinions of people working in the local community.

The working group has now moved on with its preparations, and following the June meeting the Guidelines and Mission Statement for Kilcullen PPC were agreed and submitted to Archbishop’s House in Dublin for approval.

The mission statement for Kilcullen PPC states that it will consist of “the priests of the parish and a group of lay people who work together to enhance pastoral well-being and to build Kilcullen Parish into a vibrant Christian community reflecting the gospel values of love, justice and peace.” The guidelines specifically refer to the purpose and areas of concern of Kilcullen PPC as being to “establish goals and objectives which will contribute to the fulfilment of the mission of the PPC”, and to “design and implement procedures and processes through which the pastoral work of the Church will be accomplished in Kilcullen parish.”

The working group is now organising a campaign to inform parishioners about their PPC. This campaign has already begun with the placing of posters in the Church and articles on A Kilcullen Diary, and in The Bridge magazine. Look out for the information campaign in September. Members of the group will speak at Sunday Masses on the formation of the PPC, and they will also be in touch with existing parish organisations to learn more about their role and views. Public meetings will also be held to provide information and to answer any questions that parishioners may have.

In the meantime, this leaflet contains answers to some questions that have already been asked.

What exactly is the working group doing? 
Just one job – helping to work out how the pastoral council can be elected and get started.

Who are the members of the working group? 
Fr Murphy, Fr.O’Sullivan, John Martin, Maureen O’Toole, Rose McMahon, Matt Doyle, Maurice O’Mahoney, Elaine Whyte, Vivienne Byrne, Deirdre Collins, Evelyn McKenzie Smith and Charlie Talbot.

Will the people on the working group automatically be members of the PPC? 
No. Only Fr Murphy and Fr O’Sullivan will be automatic members. The lay members of the group can be elected to the PPC but that is neither automatic nor guaranteed.

Is the parish finance committee part of the pastoral council? 
No. Both organisations will be working on behalf of the parish, but they are separate from each other.

How can I be involved in the work of the parish? 
This will be an area of special interest to the pastoral council when it is set up. In the meantime you can talk to Fr Murphy or Fr O’Sullivan about parish work.

PPC Working Group.

A bibliography of Kildare history

If you have an interest in the history of Kildare, there's a really worthwhile publication that lists more than 2,000 printed items related to just that subject.

Kavanagh's Historical Bibliography of County Kildare is compiled by Michael Kavanagh of Kildare County Library, and in addition to its printed form it is available on the Kildare Community Network website here.

The internet version includes a search facility.

Brian Byrne.

Fr Des Doyle revisits Kilcullen

Fr Des Doyle came back to say a mass in Kilcullen this week, some seven years after he left the parish.



The mass was followed by tea and refreshments in the Parish Centre for all who attended, during which Fr Des gave the Diary an update of his work since he left.

"I've been chaplain at the children's hospital in Crumlin for the last seven years. I'm surrounded by ill and dying children, and it is the same kind of thing all along -- you don't have the balance of experience that you have in a parish. But I help out now and again in Dolphin's Barn, which gives me a bit of normality."

Despite the pressures and, often, deep sadness, Fr Des reckons it is very good work for a priest. "You're there with all sorts, and at very difficult times, and they all appreciate it. They know why you're there, not to preach but to comfort. And sometimes in the middle of the night, you're the only one there, and they let you know it means a lot."



Fr Des is also chairman of the Board of the National School that operates in the hospital. He spent five years as a curate in Kilcullen, and in his short visit saw lots of changes. He was especially impressed with the new Parish Centre.



We'll post more pictures during the week.

Brian Byrne.

Carnalway access situation hardens

A public protest meeting to be held at Carnalway Bridge on the evening of Thursday August 4 will be aiming to show the strength of opposition to the recent blocking of the way by a local landowner to a traditional swimming and fishing area.

Brannockstown and Carnalway residents are hoping to get the support of Naas and Newbridge people, who have also been regular users of the area over generations.

"I was taught to swim there, and there are people in their eighties who remember using the riverbank from the time they were children," says Steve Schwer, who chaired a special meeting of the Brannockstown Village Committee on Tuesday night, to discuss the issue.

A wooden barrier was recently erected by the landowner, blocking off a stile at the bridge used by families and fishermen to access the bank of the Liffey downstream of the bridge.



A large 'Private Property' sign was added last weekend, but disappeared within days.

"Feelings are running very high here," another local person, who asked not to be named, told the Diary, and recalled when a previous owner built a high wooden fence some years ago, it was burned down.

That particular owner, after strong representations, relented from his attempt to block the riverbank and instead fenced his land leaving a reasonable walking and sitting area. He also planted screening trees inside the fence, which some locals say was a clear recognition of the old right of way.

The meeting on Tuesday night heard legal advice which said there is an established right of way on the property, and the Committee has resolved to fight the closure through the courts if necessary.

"It isn't just for ourselves in Brannockstown, but for the people of the wider region in this part of the county," Steve Schwer says. "This is a tradition here. So much so that when the original stile was demolished years ago in a crash on the bridge, the County Council insisted that it be reinstated in the rebuilding of the wall."

The Council has been notified of the closure, and local people have been told that the landowner is being 'written to'.

And the Diary is aware that the landowner has offered to open the area to the public on Sundays during the summer, but not on any other day. This has been deemed unacceptable locally.

The Kilcullen Trout & Salmon Anglers Association, which has the fishing rights in the area, is also understood to have had an emergency meeting on the matter.

Members of the local community have emphasised to the Diary that they neither want nor would they condone any illegal action in relation to the barrier.

But, as is reported above -- and also is indicated by the quick removal of the 'Private Property' sign -- 'feelings are running high'.

Brian Byrne.

Bursaries for people with disabilities

Kildare County Council is awarding two bursaries, which are designed to provide an opportunity to study at third level to persons who may not be in a position to undertake a course of study, because of serious disadvantage or disability.

The William G. Carroll Bursary is mainly, but not exclusively, for third level courses in the field of community development. The Kildare Education Bursary for People with Disabilities is for any third level course.

Applications are invited from persons living in County Kildare who wish to undertake a degree course at a recognised third level institution in Ireland. Each course must be of undergraduate nature. Bursaries are not normally available for either PLC courses or Post-graduate courses, but will be considered on a case by case basis.

Qualifying for a Higher Education Grant will not be a bar to the award of a bursary

Further information and application forms can be obtained from the Community & Enterprise Department, Kildare County Council, 045 873835 or can be downloaded.

All application forms should be submitted to the office in either hard copy format to Ann Marie Conneely, Community & Enterprise Department, St Mary’s, Naas or by email. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 31st August 2005.

A discussion on African schooling

Kilcullen-born Gary Byrne has recently published an article in Contemporary Review on Schools and innovation in Africa.

Gary is currently home in Leitrim between stints of teaching in China. He has spent most of his working life teaching in Africa.

Hugh and Sheila celebrate 50th

Hugh and Sheila Peacocke celebrated 50 years of marriage at a recent function in the Curragh Golf Club.



The Diary sent its undercover celebrity photographer along so it could spoil the exclusive pictures of the event negotiated with the Bridge for a reputed Hello-sized remuneration. Which, in the true spirit of such unofficial pictures, are published in grainy paparrazza style.



Seriously, though, we extend our sincere congratulations to Hugh and Sheila, both of whom have played their own individual and lasting parts in the changing life of Kilcullen over the last half-century.









Pics by Apair Paparrazzi.

Sunshine at Camphill: 3

The last pictures from the recent Open Day at Camphill Dunshane.









Brian Byrne.

County art collection for show

Selected works from Kildare County Council's art collection will go on display at the Riverbank Art Centre, Newbridge, from next Friday.



'A Collection Uncovered' is curated by Paul McKinley, and Martin Gale RHA will officially open the exhibition at a special function on Thursday evening.

The exhibition continues until August 20. The gallery opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10.30am-1pm and 2-5pm.

Brian Byrne.

Meeting about Carnalway closure

A meeting of Brannockstown Village Committee will be held on Tuesday evening to discuss the issue of the recent closure of access to a swimming and walking facility at Carnalway Bridge.



The meeting is not public, but it is expected that the committee members will discuss an offer from the landowner to allow access on Sunday afternoons though not on any other day of the week.

Meanwhile, the Diary understands that a court injunction against the closure may be sought this week by a local resident.

Brian Byrne.

Move for more hanging baskets

Kilcullen Tidy Towns is to ask homeowners and businesses on Main Street to consider the purchase of hanging flower baskets with irrigation systems for next year.

The matter was raised at the recent KCA meeting, when Noel Clare gave details of the systems, which are battery operated and for €75 provide a system capable of dealing with 25 baskets.

"They are very unobtrusive and only need to be connected to a water supply," he said. "The idea is that a group of houses could link together with a system. There's also an automatic unit for another €35."

Saying that 'apart from a very few people', the use of window-boxes and hanging baskets in Kilcullen 'has been very poor', Noel said he was raising the matter now because it was the time to organise for next summer.

"In a way, this should be the summer equivalent of Christmas Lights," he suggested. "It is likely that the difficulty of keeping the baskets watered is what is stopping people from using them. We could approach a nursery and find out the cost of providing the baskets, ready planted, and then approach people with the proposition of taking the baskets and the irrigation systems together."

He suggested that a particular area could be targeted for a pilot project.

In the discussion, Dunlavin was twice mentioned as having an 'amazing display' of flower baskets. "We really should hang our heads in shame," Margaret O'Shea commented.

Brian Byrne.

New town engineer

An initial informal meeting with the new Town Engineer appointed to Kilcullen has been 'positive', the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard.

The engineer -- appointed by Kildare County Council -- is Willie Purcell, and after the meeting with KCA's Ronan Murphy, a list of things that need to be attended to is to be drawn up.

"He has already said he'll 'look after' a number of issues which Ronan raised," KCA chairman Kieran Forde said.

Brian Byrne.

Noted guitarist for Riverbank

Singer/guitarist John Martyn will play the Riverbank Arts Centre on Friday 29 July.



Whether with his characteristic backslap acoustic guitar playing, his effects driven experimental journeys or catalogue of excellent songs, John Martyn remains an important and influential figure in both British folk and rock.

At the age of 19 he became the first white artist to be signed to Chris Blackwell's Island label and while his first two albums were acoustic affairs, his folk stylings were flecked with jazz and blues tinges.

A desire to combine jazz and other influences with his acoustic guitar music paid off on 1971's 'Bless the Weather' and 1973's 'Solid Air' which was memorable for its inclusion of 'May You Never' which was later covered by Eric Clapton.

In 1977 he was working with Jamaican reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry and Stevie Winwood, while1980's 'Grace and Danger' was produced by Phil Collins.

John was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the world of guitar at the Ards International Guitar Festival.

His two most recent releases -- 'Glasgow Walker' and last year's 'On The Cobbles' -- have been greeted with widespread acclaim from both the media and his loyal legion of fans.

Sínead Redmond.

Tennis building 'will fall down'

If something isn't done about the state of the Tennis Club building, 'it will fall down', the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard.



"It is the one structure in the community that needs investment at the moment," Esther Kiely said, noting that the Foroige meetings and the monthly Whist Drive were the only current uses for the building, which is attached to the old Snooker Club hall.




Esther said a pool table donated to Foroige by the Lions Club was suffering from the damp, even though it was very carefully put away after each meeting to try and keep it out of the way of leaks in the roof.



There was some discussion about the Snooker Club Hall (below), to which the Tennis Club building is attached, and the opinion was expressed that it was 'a shame that it was taken up by the Snooker table', which isn't in use.



Noel Clare recalled that there had been 'a very active' Snooker Club many years ago, and the table was probably very valuable.

"Maybe if it was put out that it was to be sold, there'd be a resurgence of interest?" he quipped.

Brian Byrne.

CCTV mooted for Kilcullen

The possibility of getting 'pre-development' funding for a public CCTV system in Kilcullen is to be investigated.



The funding is available from the Department of Justice & Law Reform, and a number of individuals are to be asked by Kilcullen Community Action if they would progress the idea. There is a September 20 closing date for applications.

"We would need a dedicated group to work on it, to meet the deadline," Noel Clare said. "As KCA we're all too busy just now."

Esther Kiely suggested that a CCTV system in the Valley would be useful in combatting vandalism and other anti-social behaviour there.

Noel Clare noted that there are a number of private CCTV systems in the town, including one at the Cross & Passion College. "And they do work ... from the time we put it in the school, vandalism virtually stopped. If there was a system on the street, it would make things a lot safer."

He suggested that cameras needed only to be set up at either end of the Valley, to record who went in and out at various times. Herbie Sheehan agreed, saying that if the current spate of vandalism was to be defeated, 'we have to do something'.

Brian Byrne.

Speed, parking concerns in Cnoc na Greine

Speeding and parking problems in Cnoc na Greine View need to be addressed, writes local resident Dave Wheeler.



There are many cases, every week, of speeding on the straight stretch of road from outside No 15 'The View' all the way up past Nos 28 & 43 (opposite sides of the road) leading to Cnoc Na Greine Woods.

This directly affects 16 homes, many of which have young kids, my own included. I would appeal to all to slow down before somebody gets hurt. I have brought this to the attention of people at the recent Residents Association meeting but nobody seems to think that it is them or people they know doing this.
 
There is also an issue with people parking half on the road/half on the path at the entrance to the estate from the Castlemartin side, behind the GAA ground. There are constantly 4-5 cars parking here, which creates a blind spot both entering and leaving the estate and there will be an incident sooner or later.

Whatever about a collision between two vehicles, I would hate to think that a pedestrian may be injured because they had to leave the path to pass on the road as access with buggies is impossible. Every house in the vicinity has more than enough parking space of its own.

It IS illegal to drink in Valley

Bye Laws were introduced about four years ago which make it an offence to drink alcohol in most outdoor areas in Kilcullen, including the Valley and other riverside areas, writes Noel Clare of Kilcullen Community Action.

These were introduced by Kildare County Council following a KCA delegation to the Council. The problem is they have never been enforced.

Meanwhile the damage done to the steps is being repaired by KCA. Work has already commenced and will be completed within the next week or two.

[ED NOTE: Noel is commenting on the Diary's story of yesterday. The Diary suggests that Kildare County Council erects 'No Drinking Alcohol' signs in relevant areas. Followed, of course, by enforcement.]

Sunshine at Camphill: 2

Some more scenes from the recent Camphill Dunshane Open Day.









Brian Byrne.

Amenity area blocked off

Brannockstown Community Committee has initiated talks with the owner of land at Carnalway where a traditional walking and swimming area has been blocked off.



The area, at Carnalway Bridge, has for generations been used by locals and people from further away as a family recreational amenity, and it is also on part of the Liffey where Kilcullen Salmon & Trout Anglers Association have controlled fishing rights for decades.



The Diary understands that landowner Michael Lannigan has been concerned about littering and anti-social behaviour by a small number of people in the vicinity of his farm.



The stile which provided access to the path and the swimming area was blocked by a wooden fence last Friday.



Pastor Robert Dunlop of the Community Committee says local people have 'great concern' about the move.

"There are families here in the village who remember using the path to go to Mass," he told the Diary. "And indeed, the folklore here has always held that it is part of a 'Mass Path'."

Saying that people 'have sympathy' with the problems being experienced by the landowner, Pastor Dunlop emphasises that locals 'cannot police' the area.

"But we are prepared to ask the Litter Warden to keep an eye on the area, and we would see if Kildare County Council would consider the provision of litter bins. In addition, we can talk to the Guards and see if they will put in an occasional appearance."

Some years ago, when a previous new owner decided to fence off what had always been a large open field, Brannockstown and Carnalway local people managed to persuade him to keep the fence back from the bank so that the amenity area was still accessible.

"There is always a difficulty in Ireland trying to retain rights of way," Pastor Dunlop commented, noting the more regulated and better documented system that pertains in Britain.

Brian Byrne.

Get tough on vandalism, drinking

This is the state of the flagstone steps down to St Brigid's Well after the latest spate of vandalism in The Valley.



Trees were also broken. The incident happened only weeks after the cleaning up of St Brigid's Well following its vandalisation with green paint.



Particularly in the current spell of balmy weather, the Valley is being used increasingly for drinking parties in the evenings and at night.



The glass and cans -- and the bags they're bought in -- which are left behind are regular and unsightly testament to this.

Other towns in County Kildare have implemented -- and also enforce -- prohibition against such drinking in public places.

Perhaps it is time that Kilcullen had similar regulation?

Brian Byrne.

New law to get KCA invite

Kilcullen Community Action is to invite Kilcullen's new Garda Sergeant to a meeting in September to discuss the crime and vandalism situation in the town.

The recent meeting heard that Sergeant Eddie Relihan is to replace Tom Duffy, who retired recently after serving for 34 years in Kilcullen. Sgt Relihan previously served in Kildare town.

Brian Byrne.

An end and a beginning

It didn't take long this morning to end one visual part of Kilcullen and begin another. Demolishing the two houses on Market Square was the definitive marking of one of the more significant transitions in Kilcullen's history.

Brian Byrne.

Market Square development begins

With the Bord Pleanala appeal process now out of the way and things cleared to go ahead, work is beginning in earnest on the Market Square Development.



Shuttering is up. And possibly by the time this gets to be read, the early demolitions of the two houses on the square itself will have been accomplished.

The Diary feels the end result can only be good.



What is now rubbish land will have been turned into something useful.

The square area will be on the way to a revitalisation that may well see it as Kilcullen's true centre in a relatively few years.

The riverbank itself will be opened up to use by the residents of Kilcullen and visitors to the town.



One of the biggest riverside eyesores for decades -- the Council Yard -- will have been relocated to a less obtrusive area.

And the development will have done its own part in ensuring -- as have all the other developments here in the last few years -- that Kilcullen becomes increasingly vibrant and continues on its path of becoming probably the best place in mid-Kildare to be.

Brian Byrne.

New florist seeded

It looks like we are to get yet another florist service in Kilcullen.

One of the Hillside shops has been reserved by Dave Clancy.

Can Kilcullen actually support more 'blooming' services? We've already seen established businesses in other consumer areas killed off by the advent of new ventures. And we've seen new ventures not survive either.

It's a jungle out there. But we wish all newcomers -- and the established operations -- well.

However, it all prompts a question which the Diary will pursue and return to in the near future.

What level of business, and what kind of businesses, can Kilcullen support, in the town's newly growing state?

Watch this space.

Brian Byrne.

Fruit stalls robbed

The operator of two fruit stalls that are familiar summer sights in Kilcullen has had his staff robbed three times in the last two weeks.



The two most recent were on Friday afternoon last, when the youngster manning the stall near Scoil Bhride had the stall thrown over and in the confusion the money he had out was taken.



"He texted me straight away and I got the guards out from Newbridge," Brendan Byrne of Carlow told the Diary. "And while they were talking to him, the other stall on the Athy Road was being robbed by a young fellow who threatened the lad working there."

These events were only a week after the Athy Road stall had been robbed previously.

"I've been doing this business for ten years, and I've never had this happen before," Mr Byrne said. "Now the youngsters are afraid to work the stalls, and I'm afraid for them anyway."

The description given to the Garda was of a 'blondy, sandy-haired chap, around 18', and the Diary understands that the guards are following a definite line of inquiry.

"They feel it is a local matter," Mr Byrne says, adding that he found it very difficult to understand how nobody saw what was happening at that time on Friday, on what is now a very busy road. "But it is clear that whoever did it waited until the late afternoon, so they knew there'd be money around."

The first robbery appears to also have been carried out by the perpetrator of last Friday's thefts, and the young girl at the stall was threatened 'by the same young fellow' with a 'stick wrapped in tape'.

"She was from Calverstown, and working to earn money to go on a school trip. And whatever about the money, I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt."

Mr Byrne also said there's been regular 'hassle' this year, including having the advertising signs thrown into Pinkeen Stream at night.



"They went to where we had them hidden behind the wall and brought them all the way down to the bridge to do it. And another time recently, a youngster stole a punnet of strawberries off the stall and then spent the next while throwing them at the young lad here, from behind the school wall. I went directly to his father, who is a nice man, and he made that lad come down and apologise."

Brian Byrne.