New fence erected at Carnalway

The latest phase in the 'Battle of Carnalway' began this weekend with the erection of a high and pointed metal fence by the landowner, behind the controversial wooden fence which has caused anger since it was erected last year.



It seems it is the owner's way of dealing with a recent breakthrough in the wooden fence, which provided limited access to a generations-old amenity area by the river, especially during the current hot spell.



The matter will be the subject of court proceedings when a campaign organised by the local residents gets under way following the current fundraising effort.



Ironically, the new fence went up on the same weekend as local man Tom Horan sent the Diary a piece extolling the amenity, which we reproduce below.

Brian Byrne.

Costa del ... Carnalway!

Located near Brannockstown on the white sandy banks of The River Liffey, Carnalway has been a fantastic, all year round amenity area for many generations of both local people and our not-so-near neighbours from Naas, Newbridge, Kilcullen and Two-Mile-House to mention but a few.

In all sorts of weather, the clean flowing water from Blessington Lake provides very favourable and safe conditions for the enjoyment of the members of our local fishing club and canoe club in Kilcullen but most notable for Carnalway is the spectacle throughout the sunny Summer days when scores of excited children armed with buckets and spades, armbands and flippers enjoy the fun of the water, some learning to swim or dive, or splash into the water from the swing rope, with others just learning to toddle through the shallows and feel the sensation of the sand under their tiny toes, not to mention the building of sandcastles, all under the watchful gaze of the older folk basking in the tranquillity of the grassy banks with the beautiful backdrop of mature broadleaf trees.

There were many years when we popped over along the footpath to one of the shops in Brannockstown for a cool cola, a 5p ice cream wafer or maybe to buy a new "pinkeen net". Sadly we have lost our shops (I'm looking forward to a new one) and our access to Carnalway has been partially impeded but the amenity area on Carnalway still remains for our public enjoyment.

How can we put a value on such a rare commodity right on our own doorsteps? In financial terms, it's free but its true value to the many thousands of people who have respectfully enjoyed it for so many years is priceless and irreplaceable.

Tom Horan
Brannockstown.