Editorial: A time for reflection
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.
