Forms for joining the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert scheme are available from The Grocery in Calverstown, Kilcullen Garda Station, Kilcullen Credit Union, and scheme committee members. Please encourage neighbours and friends to join.
Though only begun recently, rehearsals for the next Kilcullen Drama Group production are going very well.
There's a cast of eleven, including John Coleman, Philip Cummins, Vivian Clarke, Dick Dunphy, Letitia Hanratty, Bernard Berney, Siobhan Patterson, Fergal Sloan, Nessa Dunlea, Maurice O'Mahony and Roy Thompson.
Brian Byrne.
Brannockstown Community Committee has written to Kildare County Council expressing concerns over a planning application for a proposed wind turbine at Moorhill.
The application for the turbine was made by Brian Mullins last May, and the development consists of a 24.5 metre high wind turbine on his lands adjacent to Kennycourt Hill Road. The turbine is designed to serve the electricity requirement of a geo-thermal heating system in his new house. Any excess energy is to be supplied free of charge to the ESB national grid.
This development -- which is due for a decision on February 8 2007 -- comes as a surprise to many people living in the vicinity. The Diary understands that they are concerned about the level of visual impact such a high structure will have on the local environment and say it will be visible from many many miles away.
The Planning Application reference number is 06/997. Our picture shows a typical small wind turbine made in the US by Bergey Windpower; it is not necessarily the one proposed for use by Mr Mullins.
Brian Byrne.
Kilcullen hosted a seminar on progress with the County Heritage Plan in the Heritage Centre on Saturday 27 January.
A capacity audience of representatives of interest groups from around the county and from outside the county were given a series of lectures and presentations outlining progress to date.
Hermann Geissel gave a most interesting and entertaining presentation titled A Road on the Long Ridge which was his estimation of the route of the ‘Slí Mór’ from Dublin to Galway. In it he gave interesting conjectures as to route’s journey along the Esker Riada and especially through bog and moor.
The last presentation was on The Thatched Cottages of Kildare by Charles Duggan, Architectural Historian who was commissioned to conduct this survey by the Council.
His findings in booklet form was launched at the conclusion of the seminar by Fionnuala Dukes, Mayor of County Kildare and a member of the County Heritage Forum. Copies were distributed and are available from the Heritage Officer. Additionally a variety of heritage publications were available to the audience. They related in the main to species and habitation preservation. Significant among them were:
• Nature on the Farm on environmentally friendly farming.
• Conserving and Enhancing Wildlife in Town and Villages – a guide for local community groups.
• Leaflets on the theme Threatened Irish Wildlife each one on; the red squirrel, bats, amphibians, and lampreys.
• Leaflets and wall charts on heritage and wildlife preservation which would be ideal for schools and libraries.
A concluding address by Bridget Loughlin made mention of the ambience and excellence of Kilcullen Heritage Centre for such seminars. She thanked all for providing it and for the support by way of refreshments provided by Cathy Flynn who gave of her free time to ensure a pleasant morning for all.
Des Travers.
Photos courtesy of Noel Clare/The Bridge
In the recently-issued Report of the County Manager on Budget 2007 for Kildare County Council, the Council says that its Roads & Transportation Section undertakes a 'comprehensive' street cleaning service in the larger towns in the county through its area engineering offices.
Under the 'current street cleaning schedule' the report says that Kilcullen gets a 'manual' street cleaning service six days a week.
That will be news to many residents and businesses, and to Kilcullen Community Development which has been trying for the last year to get actual details of what litter-picking service is provided, and also trying to have the late Paddy Mitchell's street-cleaner position re-filled.
And many will wonder at what time these 'manual' street cleaners arrive each weekday, because there have been no reported sightings of them at work. Nor does the state of our streets on any day reflect the fruits of their labour.
Brian Byrne.
The entrance to the Castlemartin estates will be closed for four weeks from today for unspecified road works.
The location has been the subject of Council remedial works for some months now.
Brian Byrne.
A radon gas detection company is currently canvassing homes in Kilcullen, but if you get the impression from their representative that the town has suddenly become a radon 'hot spot', don't lose your cool.
In general terms, Kilcullen is in the '1-5 percent' probability zone for homes to have radon gas buildup, according to the Radiological Protection Institute. They say that hasn't changed.
Radon gas is radioactive and is a natural emission from soils and rock. In most cases it doesn't cause any harm. The radioctivity it emits is actually short-lived, a matter of days, but if it builds up it mutates into other radioactive substances which are known to be involved in illnesses such as lung cancer.
The company doing the canvassing is Radon Detection Ltd, based in Ballyfoyle, Kilkenny. It has been established in the business for about three years, and is one of the approved companies on the RPI's list for checking workplaces for radon. It specialises in checking for the radioctive gas in places such as schools and hospitals.
According to MD Neil Hanaphy, his company has done a wide ranging investigation of homes in the south-east and has found many premises which 'fail' the tests for being radon free.
And he suggests that the limestone geology of Kilcullen could mean that the failure rate of a full survey might be in the order of one in four or one in five homes.
He says that the RPI map for radon probability is based on a survey that may have included just five or ten homes in the area.
"In all of our tests in other areas we've found 'high' homes," he says. "In the case of Kilcullen, what we have from the Government is not enough to say if [the town] is high or low. There will be 'high' homes in the area, but until we get a good number of homes tested, we won't know how good or how bad [the area] is."
Since 1998, homes built in 'hotspot' areas have been required to have anti radon barriers and ventilation. But Mr Hanaphy says that there are many homes built before that time which may be susceptible to radon buildup.
And he adds that the installation of double glazing and other measures to eliminate draughts in such homes could exacerbate the situation.
"When you drive around the country you see homes which have been modernised with PVC windows, but proper vents haven't been put in at the same time," he says. "So anything that is coming is retained. "Some houses get a lot of radon in, but it is dispersed quickly; others get a little radon, but retain it all."
The RPI says that its current maps 'are valid', and that there is no reason to believe that Kilcullen or any other area should have its current radon status changed. But the organisation's recommendation generally is still that all homeowners should have a test done. It involves having two detectors placed in a home for a three-month period, after which they are analysed.
Radon Detection Ltd will provide two detectors to households for a fee of 80 euros, which includes a 'consultation' if the result from the tests is a 'fail'.
The RPI offers a similar service by post for 50 euros. A retest after any remedial works is free as part of the RPI's deal.
Brian Byrne.
After somewhat of an hiatus the acoustic gigs in Ballymore are set to recommence. They will be somewhat less frequent than before as the original venue in the Ballymore Inn is not so readily available or so suitable since the renovations there.
Most of the artists who play the acoustic circuit feed off listening audiences in the more intimate venues. Some of the upcoming gigs will be in Mick Murphy’s Bar (venues don’t come much more intimate) and others will move to Hollywood.
This Monday night sees the return of two of Ballymore’s favourites.
Clive Barnes is one of our own. Hailing from Enniscorthy Clive aligned himself with the blues tradition at an early age and has become one of the most proficient players of lap and standard guitars on the world stage. Indeed he is a master musician.Kildare County Council Draft Bye-Laws for the Management of Water Supplies and the Conservation of Drinking Water 2007
Kildare County Council proposes to enact Draft Bye-Laws for the Management of Water Supplies and the Conservation of Drinking Water.
The bye-laws provide for the introduction of a standard set of regulations in respect of the following:
* Connection to the public water supply
* Provision of a water supply to domestic premises
* Provision of a water supply to non-domestic premises
* Conservation of water and general good practice
The bye-laws provide for payment of a fixed amount as an alternative to prosecution for an alleged offence under the bye-laws.
A copy of the draft bye-laws is available for inspection for one month from Wednesday 17thJanuary 2007 at the offices of Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare during the hours of 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm (Monday-Friday) and in Kilcullen Library during normal opening hours.
Submissions or observations with respect to the draft bye-laws may be made in writing to the Senior Executive Officer, Water Services Section at Aras Chill Dara to be received no later than 5pm. on Friday 23rd February 2007.
A copy of the draft bye-laws may be purchased for €10.
The Cross and Passion College senior Girls Basketball Team will play the Quarter Finals of the All Ireland Tournament tomorrow.
The venue is the University of Limerick, and the girls will play teams from Carrick on Shannon and St Louis Convent, Rathmines, Dublin.
If you have the time and the transport, go down and give them support.
Brian Byrne.
The Diary has learned with sadness of the unexpected death of Edward 'Ned' Dempsey of Moanbane Park.
His loss is deeply felt by his loving wife Ann, sons Edward, Joey and Keith, and his daughters Elizabeth and Yvonne, as well as all his other relatives and particularly his good friend John Archbold.
Removal from his residence will take place this (Thursday) evening at 7pm to Kilcullen Parish Church, arriving at 7.30. Requiem Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at 11am, after which burial will take place in St Brigid's Cemetery.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
January and February are generally the quietest times in village pubs, and often the opportunity is used to do a lick or paint and the hammer of an odd nail.
The rebuilt restaurant will be reopening in three weeks, and new head chef Doug Harrington formerly from Chapter 16 in Kildare Town, has already arrived to take charge of the the kitchen.
Martin intends that the restaurant will reflect the theme of Dan Donnelly, the 19th century pugilist whose story has had connections with The Hideout since the early fifties.
In the meantime, Martin has already extended the off-licence section substantially, and in the process has made the public bar smaller and more cosy, as it was in the past.
Since he took over the operation of the pub some years ago, Martin Myles has constantly worked to re-establish the famous hostelry to the level of popularity for which it was formerly famous.
And he's not stopping now.
Brian Byrne.
Well, it's that time again when we take a look at A Kilcullen Diary's year and see what we might have accomplished, if anything.
The fact that we've completed two full years of pretty regular news and views about Kilcullen and Kilcullenites is arguably an achievement in itself. Indeed, to some degree we have created a monster, which demands to be fed every day.
The endeavour has certainly proved one thing: that the Internet as a publishing medium is able to get its own readership even at such a local level as a small village.
And it has also proved that there's no shortage of material for such publishing: around 100,000 words, more than 1,200 photographs, and well in excess of 600 individual stories were published on the Diary in 2006.
We covered everything from births to deaths and most of local life in between. We highlighted the achievements of Kilcullen and its people, and some of the disappointments too. And we noted some good work by the authorities who serve us, and unfortunately some failings on their part. The sad part about that last is that they don't really seem to care about even responding to queries about Kilcullen needs -- but we'll do something about that on another day.
Some stories just keep running; the Carnalway right-of-way saga is now heading for its second full summer of discontent, despite the fact that Kildare County Council has finally come in on the side of the community. How far the Council takes this matter, and how quickly, will be regarded as a mark of its commitment to planning and associated matters. It is worth noting that individuals in the community had to put their own money on the line before the Council came onside. That shouldn't have to happen.
Litter was another unfortunate regular, and the lack of proper backup from the local authority was also often reported here; but we are of the opinion that the creators of litter have at least an equal duty to help keep our town tidy.
On the good side of the ledger, we reported on some long-life celebrations, including one centenarian and a few coming close to that magic milestone. Community celebrations and festivities were also a strong part of the material for our stories.
Over the past year, some 100,000 pages of the Diary were read, which is a statistic almost frightening to us. Around 70 percent of readers are in Ireland itself, the balance from a list of countries too long to detail here, but from every continent. The thing about all of our readers is that they are related in some way to Kilcullen, and many of them have written to say that they appreciate the link with home.
That last is the kind of thing that makes it worth while, so thank you on our part for letting us know you like it.
Thanks also to those who contributed stories and photographs; though most of the work to keep the Diary going has fallen on the shoulders of your Editor, a little extra help goes a long way.
This morning we celebrate our second birthday and begin our third year. From what started out as a few reports from a KCA meeting, we feel we have come quite a way. And we hope there's a lot further to go.
Brian Byrne.
Well, it has been a while since the new local places signs were erected at either end of the bridge, as the final elements of the 120,000 euros refurbishment.
And we noted at the time that a couple of them are on the wrong poles, such as the one for The Valley and one purporting to point to 'Riverside Walk' (whatever that means).
Still nobody from Kildare County Council has sorted them out.
But we're used to that, aren't we?
Brian Byrne.
A Kilcullen man born here in 1835 was one of the first Irish recipients of the Victoria Cross, and the first Kildare man to receive the award. Yesterday was the 107th anniversary of his death.
Boulger was then a Lance Corporal in the British Army and serving in Lucknow, India, at the time of the war known as the Indian Mutiny.
His regiment was the 84th (later The York and Lancaster), and Boulger was one of a party which fought for the relief of the British Residency in Lucknow. He shot an Indian 'Sepoy' gunner who was in the act of firing a 68-pounder at the British troops. In the subsequent defence of the Residency he was severely wounded.
Later, as a Sergeant Major, he participated with his unit in the suppressing of the revolt against the Khedive of Egypt in 1882. When he retired in 1887, it was with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
According to research carried out by our own Des Travers, Boulger was a Protestant who subsequently married a substantial landowners daughter in Moyvoughly, West Meath. He seems to have become a Catholic for that reason as the landowner was Catholic. He is buried in a Catholic graveyard and Des has in his possession a photo of Boulger's headstone with his details clearly written on it.
Information is meagre about Abraham's own parents, except that it is believed his mother's family name was Wardrope (a Scottish surname that means 'keeper of the garments of a feudal household'). Abraham had three brothers, Isaac, Jacob and William, the last recorded as also having been born in Kilcullen.
William also joined the 84th, where he reached the rank of Colour Sergeant and in 1861 was Acting Barrack Master of Milton Barracks, Gravesend, Kent. With his wife Catherine, whom he married in Kilcullen in 1825, he had two children, Isaac and William, both born in India.
While back to England after the Lucknow episode, Abraham was married in 1859 in Manchester, to a woman named Margaret Farrell from Longford (thanks to Helen Hall from Australia for telling us the surname). They had three children, including a daughter Elizabeth, and a son Abraham Joseph who lived in Colchester, Essex.
Brian Byrne.
Kilcullen Drama Group has begun rehearsals for its spring production, which will be Sean O'Casey's 'Shadow of a Gunman'.
The play is set in 1920, and tells the story of two young men, Donald Davoren and Seamus Shields, who share a room in a tenement building in Dublin.
The plot involves Seamus’s friendship with a local IRA man, Maguire, who leaves a bag in his room, later discovered to contain guns. The young men’s neighbour, Minnie, becomes convinced that Davoren himself is a gunman on the run, though the reality is that he prefers writing poetry and idealism rather than actual fighting.
The production is being directed by John Martin and the opening night is scheduled for April 13.
Brian Byrne.
A seminar being held in Kilcullen Heritage Centre next Saturday will provide an interim report on progress of the County Kildare Heritage Plan 2005-2009.
Following an opening address by Ger Smith, Chairman of the Heritage Forum, Bridget Loughlin will detail some of the projects completed to date.
A talk on The Hedgegrows of County Kildare by consultant Neil Foulkes will be followed by A Road on the Long Ridge -- The Sli Mor, by author Hermann Geissel.
Mario Corrigan will speak on The Hundred Acres -- Kildare Town Heritage Trail, and a discourse on the Thatched Cottages of Kildare by architectural historian Charles Duggan will be followed by the launch by the Mayor of County Kildare, Cllr Fionnuala Dukes, of the book of the same name.
Brian Byrne.
One of the highlights of the Kilcullen GAA Club’s AGM which was held in the Clubhouse on Monday 22nd was the presentation of the Paddy Howard Trophy for Clubperson of the Year to Frank Morrow.
In addition to being an active member of the Grounds Committee, Frank has been a most diligent Kit Manager for the club.
The departure during the year of senior players, Shane Lambe, Kevin O’Brien had Christopher Howard had been a big loss to the club.
In his report on the Juvenile Section, Derek Phelan noted that the club catered for eight teams in the Under 8 to Under 16 competitions. He strongly appealed for assistance from parents and others interested in the coaching and management of the underage teams.
In his address to the meeting, the Club Chairman, Martin Whyte, outlined the success and achievements on the field at all levels from underage to senior level. He thanked all those who had contributed to the club over the year and highlighted the work done by the Grounds Committee and everyone who had been involved in fund raising activities. He complimented club member, Mick Spencer, and his team of umpires who had officiated at the County Senior Football Final. He expressed special thanks to Betty Lambe, Elaine O’Donnell, Christine Nugent, Sue Goulding, John Martin, Henry Barrett, Jim Kiely, Conor Gleeson and Adian Gleeson for their work in various areas within the club. He noted the passing during the year of valued supporters and members of the club, Florrie O’Connor, Fred Maher and Billy Sammon.
Club Committee: Johnny Goulding, Pat Farrell, Brian Foxe, Christine Nugent and Hazel Spencer. Grounds Committee: Billy Aspell, Dan Byrne, Albert Keenan, Gerry Brady, Pat Farrell, Frank Morrow and Tommy Howard.
John Martin.
I see that James Healy has made his pre-Christmas hit song, Not the Theme Song to Casino Royale, available to all as a download from the Internet.
Worth a listen.
Brian Byrne.
On the subject of speed limits, KCA made two submissions in 2005 with regard to changes to speed limits on the entrance roads to the town. We forwarded the attached letter to An Gardaí Siochana Kilcullen, Kildare County Council and Mayor of Kildare at the time Billy Hillis.
Re: Speed limit Locations
A chara,
Following a recent meeting at which Mayor Hillis was present we discussed the current location of speed limits. Mayor Hillis indicated that the current limits are up for review. KCA would appreciate if you could process the following request or pass on to the relevant Department.
To relocate the following speed limit signs as suggested below:
Naas Road: Existing 60km/h limit to become 50km/h limit -- this moves the 50km/h area from Hillcrest area to Moanbane area. The 60km/h limit to be relocated further out the Naas road.
Curragh Road: Existing 60km/h limit at Castlemartin to become the 50km/h limit. The 60km/h should be located further out the Curragh road.
Dunlavin Road – 50km/h limit should be relocated to an area between Collins corner and New Abbey stud.
The Sunnyhill road from Thompsons to Castlemartin and the Logstown road should be 50km/h.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Ray Kelly, on behalf of
Kilcullen Community Action
cc. Mayor Hillis, Roads section KCC, Kilcullen Garda Station.
We start this somewhat late review of the January 2007 issue of The Bridge with a small item on the back page which notes that the publication completes its 36th year next month.
The magazine's long life has been due completely to the tremendous voluntary effort of many, many people over the years. It also has been, over more than three-and-a-half decades, a pivotally important way for this community to talk to itself and as such has been a catalyst in much of Kilcullen's past and recent evolution.
Kilcullen has changed much over recent years, and there are many new residents. Maybe some of you are interested in taking the flag and helping carry both The Bridge and the community it serves on towards the next decades?
A meeting at 8.30pm on January 31 in Fallons has been organised to facilitate just those people. If you're interested in writing for, or in helping with any other aspect of the production of The Bridge, please go along.
Now to the current business. The first issue of 2007 leads with the overturning of the planning permission given by Kildare County Council for a new commercial development of The Square. An Bord Pleanala upheld an appeal by An Taisce on the grounds that the proposed new buildings would be 'discordant' to the location and the views of it from the bridge.
The lead page picture is of Dick and Trudy Jeffers at the pre-Christmas launch of Dick's book, 'A Harvest of Memories', a story that is covered inside the magazine in extensive words and pictures, including an extract with strong Kilcullen echoes.
We also read on the front page about the continuing difficulties relating to the Carnalway Bridge right of way saga; and in more congenial manner of the retirement of Carmel Gleeson from the position of Principal of Crookstown National School.
On the other news pages, maybe Dean Marum of the Toddlers and Wobblers might have got local actor Dafydd O'Shea into a little trouble? He notes, in a report of 'Dilly's' visit to the club, that Dafydd's favourite drink is Guinness ... but we all know that he makes a good twist out of appearing in TV adverts for Amstel, a Heineken brand.
Dafydd also makes news ripples in a report of his success in gaining a key stage role in Dublin in John Osborne's 'Look Back in Anger'.
Other news stories include a report on the St Stephen's Day fundraising Mystery Walk in aid of the street children of Calcutta, the Kilcullen connection to a BAFTA award in the person of Alan Dooley, and from-the-stage views of Christmas children's productions by Evelyn O'Sullivan's 'Drama Dynamics' and Scoil Bhride students.
There are also extensive picture coverages of the Senior Citizens Christmas Party, and the Kildare Steiner School Christmas Fair.
In a more serious vein, the Kilcullen Gardai Notes highlight a spate of break-ins to houses across the parish, and appeals for neighbourly cooperation in combating the problem: 045 481212 is the local Garda number if you see anything suspicious.
In features, Sean Landers recalls his Christmas at home in Kilcullen, and wasn't impressed either by the seasonal lights nor the litter. In his regular second piece, Sean retails how much of Kilcullen's built heritage has been lost 'due to the ravages of Time'.
The Diary Editor's brother Gary has a couple of pages on 'Church Buildings seen in China', a shortened version of a piece previously published in 'Ireland's Eye'. There's also an article by Pat Behan on peer pressure being a 'magnificent thing ... which plays an important part in shaping the future of society'.
The same writer takes the Letters to the Editor route to reply to a criticism in last month's issue about his article on Halloween fireworks in Calverstown. The Diary has no interest in rehearsing either side of the arguments, but we wonder if the matter might also have prompted another feature by PB on 'PC or not PC?'.
There's also a page from Anna McCarthy on her endeavours for 'Cultural Canvas Thailand' and how her involvement in the charity came about.
Which only leaves us to remind you about where we came in; as somebody whose professional journalistic career was kick-started by having the writing outlet of The Bridge, I ask you to go along to the meeting on January 31 if you feel you'd like to be involved. I would be there myself, but will be out of town on business.
Brian Byrne.
Just back from our extended break, the Diary would like to thank those who contributed news and other things while we were away and helped to keep it ticking over.
Apart from the bitter cold, which we understand has just kicked in this weekend after a period of bad storms, we notice a few changes since before Christmas.
Bernard Berney's planning application, for instance. Not a surprise, but certainly yet another move of faith in the future in Kilcullen.
Bernard is seeking permission to extend the premises into the old Post Office as well as modernising the existing shop. In addition, the proposal involves building an office/retail facility on the first floor.
With the recent superb revamping and extending of Nolans Victuallers, and the Eurospar Supermarket renovations finally getting close to completion (we really like the off-licence area), the town's business centre is beginning to look like what such in a growing town should be.
We'll catch up with more, no doubt, over the next week or so.
It's good to be back. Not to steal from Bertie's crowd, there's a lot done, but a lot more to do.
Well, OK, we did steal the line. But we mean it.
Brian Byrne.
The Diary extends congratulations to Eddie Cross and Leanne of Bardons, on the birth of their son Billy on Friday.
Following the recent opening of that really neat new extension to the bar, it's kind of a busy time for Eddie.
Busy of the nicest kind, though.
The Editor recalls Fred with great affection as a character in the best of senses, a gentle man always, a Kilcullen icon of his time as he pedalled his bicycle to and from work, and as being in his best personal element in tending his beloved garden.
We are saddened not to have been in Ireland for his funeral.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
We have learned with sadness of the death of John 'Jackie' Conway, Yellow Bog Commons, Kilcullen.
His removal will take place this Friday evening from Murphy Brother's Funeral Home, Naas, at 7pm, arriving at Kilcullen Parish Church at 7.30pm.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at 11am and will be followed by burial in Gilltown Cemetery.
To all his relatives and friends, we express our deep condolences.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
After reading about the great news on the speed limit changes on Kilcullen's approach roads, I'd like to know when New Abbey Road will get similar treatment.
The traffic on this road is heavy and fast. Traffic can travel at 100km/h up to the Church, where the first speed limit sign is located. It is the link road for Dunlavin and Brannockstown through Kilcullen to the motorways.
The road itself has a lot of bad bends, hills and little margin. There have been a lot of accidents and near-ones on this road over the years.
The road is heavily used by walkers, going to the graveyards or doing the Milemill Loop. And some going to Markeys! The roadside path that runs to McGarry's Lane is grand in fine weather but at the moment is muddy and not usable.
We have petitioned local Councillors on numerous occasions to post a 50km/h sign near the Old Cemetery bend, but to date, no changes have been made.
Does anyone in the Council have any update for us?
Regards,
Jim Collins
ED NOTE: Jim, don't hold your breath waiting for a response from the Council. Since the Diary's inauguration two years ago, I have raised a large number of 'I will revert on the matter' answers to specific queries I have raised, only a very tiny percentage of which were followed by any subsequent answer. Much as they would hate me to say it, Kildare County Council is a strong adherent of the 'Mushroom Principle' when dealing with its customers.
For some reason, the email below was late arriving. But we publish it anyhow, as the spirit in which it was intended doesn't date with the passing of the season.
Brian,
Thanks a million for all your hard work in 2006 with the Diary.
Can you please send season’s greetings to two friends that are away from home this Christmas?
Firstly, Fionnuala (Finbar) O’Reilly who is living in Bristol. She is a big fan of the Diary as it keeps her in touch with all the happenings around the town. We would just like to with her and John a very happy Christmas and we hope to see them over the Christmas.
Also Karen (Turbo) Walsh was now lives in Australia with her son Christopher. All of us here wish them both a very happy Christmas and New Year.
Thanks again Brian for all you do. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to reading all the news about Kilcullen in the New Year.
Best Wishes
Red & Tubber.
Kildare County Council is to be asked to push for the provision of a ‘left turn’ where the M9 Kilcullen Bypass meets the M7 motorway.
The matter was raised by a delegation from Kilcullen Community Action to an Area Meeting of local councillors in Arus Cill Dara.
“The current position effectively means that motorway traffic coming from the south -- Carlow and Kilkenny -- and wishing to go to Newbridge or the Curragh has to come through Kilcullen,” says KCA’s Noel Clare.
Local councillors say they will seek to have the provision of a new access road at the interchange adopted as Council policy, so that KCC can then approach the NRA with the proposal.
The KCA delegation also raised the issue of the long-awaited ‘Link Road’ (above) between the new Business Park and the Curragh Road. Councillors promised to pursue the matter.
Brian Byrne.
Just a short comment regarding your piece on the extension of the speed limit.
It's great news and all, but will not really have any impact to those new areas as people don't adhere to the speed limit for the old part, or even the ramps along the Castlemartin Road as was reported by yourself in a previous story.
Also, none of the new rules of the roads which came out about a year ago have ever being enforced by the Garda, so my point is that new speed limit will never be kept. Which is shameful.
James Morgan.
The Diary offers its congratulations and best wishes to Carmel Gleeson, who recently retired from the post of Principal at Saint Laurence's National School in Crookstown.
Carmel served at the school for 35 years, and in addition to being a strong member of the south Kildare community, she is heavily involved in Bridge and with the Lions Club.
There was a big Kilcullen representation at the mass and retirement party. The Diary was unable to attend due to the Editor being abroad for an extended period.
Brian Byrne.
ED NOTE IN 2014: FOR SOME REASON, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE PICKING UP THIS STORY THESE DAYS; NOTE THAT IT RELATES TO 2007.
The 50 km/h speed limit in Kilcullen will be extended along Sunnyhill as far as the motorway, under a county-wide review of limits revealed by Kildare County Council.
The limit is also to be extended some distance further along the Curragh Road from the junction with Sunnyhill.
On the Naas Road end, the existing 60 km/h stretch from the Logstown Junction to Moanbane Park Entrance is to be reduced to 50 km/h. Under the proposed changes, a 60 km/h limit on this road will run from Moanbane Park until beyond The Link business park.
Brian Byrne.
Just for those who didn't read about it so far, the 'Irish Independent' review of John Osborne's 'Look Back in Anger' is here.
Alan O'Riordan says local man Dafydd O'Shea 'shines' in his portrayal of Cliff. Our own Roy Thompson gave his own views here.
Brian Byrne.
Tom Healy won the annual Iron Man golf competition established by the late Pat Dunlea a number of years ago as a post-Christmas pick-me-up for over-indulged local golfers.
Second place was taken by Herbie Sheehan.
Brian Byrne.
There's a good report here of the Minor C Ladies Championship Final (2006) between St Laurences and Kilcullen.
St Laurence's won 3-4 to Kilcullen's 2-6 in what the Leinster Leader's reporter described as 'a cracking game of football between totally committed teams'.
Byrne's Hotel, now The Hideout, is pictured here around 1925. The man leaning in the doorway is Pat Quinn, who used to work for the Editor's grand-aunts Peg and Nora in their grocery and bar where the Eurospar store is now.
Brian Byrne.
I am a daily reader of the Kilcullen website, as are my whole family. Well done for all the work you put into it -- it really is some achievement.
I came across the following Irish Blog Awards and wonder if you were aware of them. You might like to put details of it on the blog for people if they wished to vote. I have already submitted my vote for the Kilcullen blogspot!
Best wishes,
Fiona Collins.
Frankie went to Hollywood and Dilly's gone to Dublin. But we didn't know Frankie and most of us will never know Hollywood, well not that Hollywood, but we do know Dilly (that'd be Dafydd O'Shea to ye) and we can easily follow him to Dublin.
So, in two words - we did.
For those who don't know, local man Dafydd O'Shea recently landed his first professional stage role in a production of John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger" in Dublin's Andrew's Lane Theatre Studio.
The play opened on Wednesday night and the critic for "The Indo" in yesterday's edition thought Dilly shone, so our enthusiasm was all the more inflated heading up last evening.
We were not to be dissappointed. The play itself is gritty and challenges its audience. Far be it from me to critique the play, many are infinitely more qualified than me so to do, but, and I make no apologies for this, I like this sort of play and I know Dilly does too. This was evident in what for me was an intelligent, thoughful and confident portrayal of his character, Cliff Lewis.
I won't bore either yourselves or myself by waxing lyrical about performances, design, direction etc. I'll leave that to the reviewers. Suffice it to say I enjoyed the production overall, and what was blindingly obvious to me was that Dilly was at home in his surroundings and was the equal of his fellow cast members. I suspected that would be the case, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes. Now that I have I can only wonder what's next for him. Its a tough world, that professional acting lark, and sadly only a few make a living at it. Last night I saw no reason why Dilly shouldn't be one that does, and every reason why he should. With any luck the breaks will come his way.
I would urge people to travel up. The show is set to run 'till the 27th of January and tickets, priced €18 can be booked at the Box Office on 01 6795720
Well done Buddy, we're well proud of you and rather pleased for you too!!
Roy Thompson.
Kilcullen Community Action has asked local councillors to have the operation of the traffic lights at the Hideout crossroads re-examined.
They want an investigation into whether there may be room for further improvements.
Brian Byrne.
Hello Brian,
I just spent the best part of two hours browsing your pictures and stories on the net. I have often Googled on the net for Kilcullen but the results were mostly frustrating. Anyway, what a read I had today!
Originally I was just interested in trying to see anybody I knew, but gradually you pulled me back to the heart of the town, not only with the pictures but also with the stories which for an ex-Kilcullenite are pure magic. The urge to write to you came from your article on The Capers.
This phase of my childhood is branded on my brain and soul for the rest of my life and only recently I found myself relating this remarkable chapter of my youth to my own three children here in Germany.
My wife usually rolls her eyes or goes to fetch more coffee when I start on this subject. I can’t blame her really. You have had to live it before you know what it’s about.
I lived up in Bishop Rogan Park (BRP) which made a pretty good standing throughout the Capers years. We practised in Kellys electrical shop and we were fortunate to have Mrs Martin (Monica) as our musical producer. At the time she was a dead ringer for Julie Andrews so she HAD to be musical. There were also practices at her house where she played piano.
My parents were involved too, as were my two twin brothers who one year (as 4- or 5-year olds ) raised a lot of aaahs and the roof doing a version of Rolf Harris’s ‘Two Little Boys’. In cowboy suits with a toy horse.
I can’t remember any hardline animosities between BRP and other town sections but there were indeed heavy rumours of spies stealing stories and peeking in on rehearsals. Most people thought John Brady was a double agent for Brannockstown!. Looking at the pictures now the stage backdrops were pretty weary but the day of the show was an intense experience.
We had our make-up in O’Connells Pub (The White Horse) upstairs – I think. And then we assembled at the door of the cinema before going onstage. The punters and the performers mingled together at the ‘stage door’. The booming voice of the compere coming through the walls out into the street.
There was strict silence back stage. Bangs and shouts were picked up severely by the mics. One thing I find remarkable was that the shows were being run on close circuit TV across to the pubs. I can’t ever remember watching that but I do remember the cables going over the road on the telegraph poles. The town was alive and the pubs were packed.
Most years I was in the BRP backing singers but one year I got a solo chance and done a Neil Young song, probably ‘Heart of Gold', I can’t exactly remember. I may have been nervous as I do remember Mrs Martin urging me on. Out under the hot lights with my old Ibanez. Wow.
I of course as a youngster spent quite a lot of time in the Hide Out. Coke and Space Invaders. Later on dates. Anyway, I recoqnise Kevin Doyle in one if your Capers pictures. I worked with Kevin in Berneys Saddlery. I know the other face too but I can’t get the name. The guy with the pipe is definitely Boris Becker ( :- ). Oops, been in Germany too long. The man in the picture with yourself with the trophy is maybe a Mr Mitchell though I’m not so sure on that. I do remember that the Hide Out won once or twice (maybe more?).
The Capers made way for another musical adventure with a certain Paddy Melia in which I played a minor part too. It was more organised. Maries Wedding. It travelled to Newbridge and then fizzled out. I have a particular anecdote on that too. But that's another story isn’t it ...?
I was always sad when the Capers were over. It sure united the town and it will remain a vivid memory for me. A photo collection would be interesting. I wish that Kilcullen was more active on the net as I would visit more often if it was. Nevertheless you are doing great work with your site and blog and I’m sure I’ll be back soon. Thanks for the memories.
Warm regards,
Saoirse Mhór J (Paul Durney).
The Carnalway access saga still flows on under the bridge.
Although the owner of the land, Mr Langan, has been served with an Enforcement Order by Kildare County Council, demanding that he remove the 'unauthorised development' fence which has tried to deny access to the long-held right of way, it seems that it has actually since been reinforced.
"As we all know, there has always been, up to this week, public access to the riverside amenity area, thanks to a hole mysteriously appearing in Mr Langan's barricades," says local man Tom Horan, "and even to the extent that about a metre long of the steel security fencing was, it appears, somehow knocked down.
"However, the most recent development this week sees new fencing installed by Mr Langan in further attempts to prevent public access to the area, in direct contravention to the Enforcement Letter sent by Kildare County Council's Planning Officers."
It is a fact of disappointment to local people that there was no attempt made by Mr Langan to remove the offending fence, as per the terms of the Enforcement Notice, and that he has instead apparently had the steel security barricades reconstructed and reinforced.
Brian Byrne.
There aren't many kinds of places where I haven't written, from a tent high in the Bolivian Andes to the top of a glacier in Iceland, even in the passenger seat of a car being driven at 220 km/h in Italy. But today on a sailboat heading back to shore from the Great Barrier Reef happens to be a first.
There are worse places. And maybe not many are better.
And over the last few hours I've learned more about the sea, sailing, and the natural wonders of the reef than a week of reading would give me. Not to mention a bit of local history.
Ed continued his explanation about the subsequent naming of other landmarks on the north Queensland coast. Weary Bay because Cooke's ship was becalmed and its captain had the crew out in longboats towing it for several days. And Cape Tribulation because that seemed to have been all they'd had by the time they got there.
The Low Isles were built naturally as cays by currents and winds, from dead coral that built up into a shelf and was then seeded by birds' droppings and seeds carried in their feathers. In the 1878 a lighthouse was built on one of the cays, and over the next century or so was manned by two lighthouse families. It was automated and demanned in the early 1990s. Both islands are sanctuaries, part of the Great Barrier Reef National Park reserved in 1976. They are very popular points for visitors snorkelling to see parts of the reef and the life on them.
A quick tutorial on snorkeling followed, along with some safety common sense, and then we were into the water.
Having seen the cartoon movie 'Finding Nemo' only a week previously, we had some idea what to expect. We even saw 'Nemo', aka the Clown Fish, which has a much nastier streak to it than the character in the movie; the fish lives inside the poisonous tendrils of the anemone, fooling other fish to swim in too, but the anemone kills them and digests them.
A reef itself is truly 'alive', growing from the waste of coral polyps, tiny jellyfish that embed themselves in the coral, feeding on microscopic stuff in the waters, and thus constantly building the reefs.
Of course, such activity also attracts much other marine life, so as you drift along the surface, face-mask in the water, you see a myriad of fish varieties, as well as giant clams and turtles -- the latter often sleeping on the bottom, but if they're awake and you don't frighten them, they'll swim with you.
After that it was back to the boat and an excellent salad lunch made even more tasty by the setting and the occasion; it's hard to feel that it is early January when you're sitting on a gently rocking deck in blazing sunshine, the heat tempered by a nice breeze in off the Pacific Ocean.
Then Ed gave us a talk on the geology and history of the Great Barrier Reef and this particular part of it. It is sobering to realise just how fragile the whole thing is, and that there are concerns about global warming damaging its ecosystem. Also that the largest oil reserves in Australia are right below, and the only reason it was made a National Park was so the Federal Government could overturn a Queensland state agreement to sell Shell Oil drilling rights many years ago.
Lunch suitably far enough in the past, there was another session of snorkelling, this time from the boat instead of the island (above). And then time to return, and it is on this leg that I'm writing this.
I said to Ed that there are worst ways to spend a Friday. He's been doing this work for some fifteen years. And he knew that I'm still having fun at what I've been doing for the last 30 years.
"You and me," he said, "we're old enough to know that if what you're doing isn't fun, there's no point in doing it. There are a lot of people not so lucky." Quite.
Brian Byrne.
Members of the Local Defence Force (LDF) drilling in Kilcullen circa 1941.
The LDF was formed in January 1941 in accordance with Emergency Powers and was based on the previous Garda District and Division system. A member of the Garda was assigned as District Administration Officer to assist in the day-to-day administration of the force.
The LDF units were first of all supplied with brown denim battledress but there was major objection to this and later a heavy overcoat became the main 'uniform'. Obviously the guys here hadn't yet been issued with official clothing.
Does anybody out there have personal memories of the LDF in Kilcullen?
Brian Byrne.
Community groups are invited to host a programme on Active Citizenship Voter Education.
The aim of the programme is to encourage groups to reflect on how they can, collectively and as individuals, bring about change in their community.
The two-hour session can be organised by Maureen Spain, Community Education Outreach Worker, at ABCE, Naas. Phone 881863 or 087 2756795.
Brian Byrne.
