Something very grim

Brother Grimm. Craig Russel. Crime, European.

Grimm by name and grim by nature. This is a dark and complicated tale, with its genesis in the Grimms Fairy Tales which most of us had read to us while growing up. And which many of us read to our own children.

I don't think I'll read them to my grand-daughter.

Craig Russell is a new author to this writer. His biog notes his service as a policeman, and his big interest in things German. The brother's Grimm were German gatherers of folk tales, many of which were seriously dark, and which they apparently sanitised for children after their initial publications proved to be so successful.

Brother Grimm is the second book to feature Russell's character Jan Fabel of the Hamburg Murder Squad. Fabel is faced with a murder that turns into a rapid series of more murders, all increasingly gruesome. Eventually he and his team realise that they are based on the the tales of the Grimms. The progress of his investigation and its eventual conclusion is a vehicle not just for a murder story but also offers a perspective on the works of the Grimms which few of those children who listened to the tales would have suspected.

Brother Grimm is a cleverly crafted story. It also is very Germanic in tone and in description, which could have made it a very heavy yarn to work through. Certainly the complex titles and a certain difficulty in remembering who is who because of their German names was potentially a problem for me.

But Russell managed to give his main characters a sympathy to an English language reader which many a German writer might not have been able to. His knowledge of, and his own empathy with things German mix well with his own Celtic Scots brooding background.

It seems that I'm only the third reader of this book this year from Kilcullen Library. But I'm going to read his first one in this series, Blood Eagle, as soon as I can. Though I'll never visualise Red Riding Hood or Rapunzel in the same way again.

Brian Byrne.

Can you 'sort of sing'?

The Bandhall Players in Ballymore Eustace are looking for members to take part in their next pantomime presentation, as yet unnamed.

Anyone who can 'sort of act, sort of sing, or sort of dance' can go along to the Bandhall on Monday night, 1 October, at 9pm.

A welcome guaranteed by this 'imaginative, daft but gifted troupe'!

Brian Byrne.

Postcards from China

Kilcullen-born Gary Byrne, who teaches English at Jiaotong University, Nanchang, China, sent us this picture from his vacation trip to Taiping Hill, near Suzhou, where he met a group of local KFC employees on a day's outing.



He also sent these pictures from the university, which recently had its Freshers Day. The word Jaitong means 'Transport'.





Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here

Concert in Dunshane

A Cello and Piano Concert is taking place at Dunshane House on Sunday 30 September.

The performance is by Martin Skampa (cello) and Hana Forsterova (piano) and they will play music by Dvorak, Suk, Janacek and Martinu.

Martin and Hana have travelled extensively in Europe, the USA and Japan, performing duets and solo partworks with orchestral accompinement.

Admission is 10 euros. Bookings and information from Camphill Community, Dunshane 045 483628.

Brian Byrne.

Things on tonight

Just a couple of last minute reminders. The Hideout annual barbecue is on tonight, all welcome.



Also there's a talk at the Steiner School near Gormanstown, worth a listen for any parents interested in children's education matters.

Both begin at 8pm.

Gravestones and memorials seminars

Kildare County Council is organising a seminar on the subject of recording gravestones and memorials. It will take place on Saturday 13 October, at Riverbank in Newbridge.

The aim is to provide participants with an understanding of the importance of graveyard inscriptions and iconography. It will provide practical advice on how to prepare for and execute a graveyard recording project.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in local history, historic graveyards, and genealogy. It is aimed at graveyard maintenance committees, clergy, community groups, Tidy Towns groups, historical societies and interested individuals.

The programme begins at 9.30am with an introduction by the County Kildare Heritage Officer, Bridget Loughlin.

Caimin O’Brien, Archaeologist with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government will speak on 'Graveslabs and Gravestones – iconography and valuable historical sources'.

Other presentations will include 'Cleaning off the Moss - practical experience in transcribing graveyard inscriptions' by Brian McCabe, Chairman of the Kill History Group, and 'Organising a community graveyard recording project' from the Baconstown Graveyard Recording Project.

Mario Corrigan and Karel Kiely will discuss gravestone inscriptions as a genealogical source.

After a light lunch in Lumville House Hotel there will be a site visit to the Curragh Military Graveyard

There is no charge for the seminar but places are limited so booking is essential.

Information and booking forms are available from Bridget Loughlin, Heritage Officer, Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara. Naas, Co Kildare -- 045 980791 or heritageofficer@kildarecoco.ie

This is an action of the County Kildare Heritage Plan 2005-2009.

Brian Byrne.

Badminton Club plans night

It's time to lay down your racket, stop counting those shuttle bruises and nurse those injuries with a relaxing night out with Kilcullen Badminton Club.

On Friday, October 12, to celebrate the start of National Badminton Week, the club members are meeting at O'Connell's Bar, Kilcullen, from 8.30pm to exercise those arm muscles with a pint or two.

All are welcome.

From club's website.

Ad: Toyota Corolla

More here

Big 'Yes' to Community Council idea

Our recent online poll about whether Kilcullen should resurrect its Community Council resulted in an overwhelming 'yes' for the idea.

Although only 42 people responded, almost four out of five (78 percent) agreed that it would be a good idea.

Just five respondents (11 percent) said such a Council shouldn't be revived, while four said it wouldn't be any good anyhow as local authorities don't generally take any account of decisions by such community groups.

Kilcullen had a vibrant Community Council in the late 60s and 70s.

Brian Byrne.

Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here

Vintage Rally in Usk

A Vintage Rally will be held in Usk on 30 September in aid of Mary Keogh.

Mary suffers from MS and needs a specially adapted car.

The rally will leave The Priory pub at 12.30pm and a charity auction will be held back in The Priory after the rally.

Brian Byrne.

Progress on Dun Ailinne signage

In connection with the Dun Ailinne Commemorative Project at Nicholastown, a meeting last night progressed further the interpretative sign which will be part of the site.



The sign is being designed by Michelle Ryan of Lui na Greine and information about Dun Ailinne has been collated by Des Travers.

Last night's meeting included a wide-ranging discussion on the format of the sign and making further information on the ancient royal site available through a website, and possibly a permanent display in the Heritage Centre.

The sculpture, based on an ancient javelin head found during excavations at Dun Ailinne, has been completed by local artist Noel Scullion and will be erected shortly. It will be four metres high.

The sign for the commemorative project is being funded by the Heritage Council.

Pictured are Michelle Ryan, Noel Scullion, Noel Clare, KCA chairman Kieron Forde, and Des Travers.


Brian Byrne.

James meets the President

Emma McHenry and James Nolan with President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin when the President hosted a reception for the Irish Transplant Team which participated in the World Transplant Games in Bangkok.

James won a bronze medal in the 400 metres. Pic courtesy Liam Horan.

The passing of Margaret Redmond

The death has occurred of Margaret Redmond of Calverstown Forge, residing in Craddock House Nursing Home Naas.

She will be sadly missed by her husband Pat and daughter Rita, her son-in-law Michael and grandchildren Ruairi, Shona and Reuben.

Her removal from Craddockstown House takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, at 10.15am to arrive for requiem mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St Brigid at 11am. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in St Brigid's Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Bookmark Competition 2007

A chance for young people with an artistic bent to put their skills to practical use is being offered by Kilcullen Community Library.

The Bookmark Competition 2007 is looking for designs for bookmarks to be printed by the Library service and given to Library users.

There are two categories, ten or under and 11 or older, with the birthday cutoffs being September 1.

Closing date for the competition is Friday 19 October. Forms are available from the Library where Julie will help you with the details. Opening hours are: Tuesday 10am-2.30pm and 3-4pm; Friday 3-5pm and 7-9pm; and Saturday 10am-1pm.

Brian Byrne.

President lauds transplant team

Kilcullen's James Nolan was one of the 23-strong Irish Transplant Team which participated in the World Transplant Games that was congratulated by President Mary McAleese this week.

The team brought home a total of 39 medals from the Games which were held in Bangkok last month. James won a bronze in the 400 metres.

President McAleese said the team had brought the issue of organ donation to a level of national prominence 'it never before had'.

"You have shown people that there can be a great life after getting a transplant," she said at a special reception in Arus an Uachtarain on Wednesday evening, adding that they had 'touched the lives' of more people that they realised.

The team will compete in the 2009 World Transplant Games in Australia, and Ireland will host the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in 2010.

Brian Byrne.

(From reporting by Liam Horan and Emer Gallagher, journalists who accompanied the team to the Games.)

750 years young!

It was one of those nights that would be hard to repeat.

Eleven locals with a combined age in excess of 750 years met in Fallons Cafe Bar to 'venerate' The Saint of New York & Kilcullen, Donal St Leger, who is home on holidays from 'Joisey'.



They shared photographs and stories from as far back as the 1950s when they were all a little younger. So many yarns, and barely enough time to get through only a fraction of what could be told. But there's always another night, isn't there?



The party went on into the late hours, after which everybody was ferried home safely.







Jim Collins.

Ad: Toyota Corolla

More here

Interest in Writing Workshop

There's been strong interest in the Creative Writing Workshop organised by The Spout Writing Group, set for 20 October.

The event will be held in The Heritage Centre and has been assisted with funding from Kildare County Council.

"Our group has been in existence for a year and a half now, and we thought it would be a good time to do a workshop and maybe bring in some people from outside," Pauline Fagan told the Diary.

"We had thought of including a readings session at the end of the day, but we find it clashes with the Rugby World Cup."

There are still places in the workshop, and anybody interested in taking part can contact Pauline at An Tearman.

Brian Byrne.

Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here

GRINDS

Experienced Tutor
Eight Years Leaving Cert, Junior Cert and Primary Education tutoring
BSc/ MSc
Seven years Pharmaceutical Development Experience

Grinds available in the following subjects
Primary Level Maths,
Maths (Higher and Ordinary – LC and JC),
Biology, Science (JC)

Hours
Evenings Monday to Friday (Weekends may be arranged on a case by case basis)

Rates
Individual: €35 per hour; Group: €25 per student
Willing to travel

Email: timrmccoy@gmail.com Phone: 087 8600974

References available on request

Sculpture raising imminent

The sculpture for the south end of town which will be the centrepiece of a replica of the Dun Ailline ancient royal fort is completed and ready for placing.

Work on the foundation will probably be carried out in the next week, a meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard on Monday night.

The sculpture by local artist Noel Scullion is a representation of an Iron Age spearhead found at Dun Ailline during the excavations of the site in the 1960s/1970s.

Its positioning has an astronomical aspect related to the equinox which occurs around 20 March and 22 September, the two days in the year when day and night are of equal length.

Brian Byrne.

Flower boxes coming down

The flower boxes which have done so much to make Kilcullen very colourful over the last couple of months will be taken down shortly.



The recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard that there was 'about a week' left in the displays before they began to deteriorate in the colder weather.

Up to 200 boxes were placed in almost every available Main Street upper floor window, and an automatic irrigation system was installed to keep them watered properly.

Local businessman Brian Fallon came up with the idea and gave a substantial donation towards the cost of the project.

The KCA meeting heard that the total cost of flower displays in the town for the summer came to around 15,000 euros.

Noel Clare noted that this included the window boxes as well as planting 40 street tubs and the 10 planters on the bridge.

KCA chairman Kieron Forde said that despite the generous donations received for the project there was still a 'considerable shortfall' in the overall funding, because of the major investment in infrastructure which will mean smaller costs in the future.

Businesses in the town are being asked to make donations to make up the shortfall.

Brian Byrne.

Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here

Yoga classes

A six-week programme of Hatha Yoga started in Kilcullen Town Hall last Tuesday, 11 September.

The sessions begin at 8.15pm and information can be got by phoning Rory at 087 1270338 or 045 482319, or emailing him at rory5807@yahoo.ie.

Brian Byrne.

Aerobics classes

Aerobics for beginners is commencing on Monday 24th September at 7oc in the Kilcullen Tennis Club.

Very reasonable at 6 euros per person. People can shed those pounds and get ready for Christmas.

Derek Phelan.
087-8094900

Kilcullen plan on display

A proposed Local Area Plan for Kilcullen is available for inspection in The Heritage Centre from 17 September to 26 October. The Centre is open in mornings.



There is also a Screening Report, which assesses the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan.

The plan has been prepared to be in line with the objectives of the County Development Plan 2005-2011. It is also available for inspection at the Planning Department of Kildare County Council in Naas.

Any submissions or observations relating to the plan should be made in writing to Mary Foley, Administrative Officer, Forward Planning Section, Kildare County Council, Arus Chill Dara, Naas, Co Kildare.

They should be marked 'Kilcullen Local Area Plan' and must be received before 2pm on 26/10/07. They can also be emailed to mfoley@kildarecoco.ie but faxed submissions are not accepted.

Brian Byrne.

Ad: Toyota Corolla

More here

Flower Club replants tonight

Kilcullen Flower Clubs gets back in action on this evening, with a discussion and demonstration from Rosemary Parle on landscaping, propagation and planting for your garden.

The event takes place in the Parish Centre from 8pm, and entry fee to cover expenses is six euros. All are welcome.

Brian Byrne.

Web forum meeting tonight

A public meeting in the Town Hall tonight is important for all residents associations and other organisations in the town who want to be involved in a web-based interactive communications forum for Kilcullen.

The meeting will discuss a proposal for such a forum, the development of which is being supported by a grant from Kildare County Council.

The concept is being developed by Orla O'Neill, who has a framework document prepared for the discussion.

The meeting begins at 8pm.

Brian Byrne.

Another magical day

With over 60 people turning out yesterday to walk with Donncha O Duailing to St Brigid's Well, in aid of the Bothar charity, the event was deemed a substantial success.

If it wasn't the largest crowd in the series of Holy Well walks, an idea of the veteran RTE broadcaster which was initially greeted with some scepticism by the station's producers but has since literally 'got legs' and is strongly increasing awareness throughout the country of Bothar's work, it was one which showed a strong level of enthusiasm.



The walk took in New Abbey Cemetery, where Nessa Dunlea of Kilcullen Heritage Group outlined the history of the Portlester family and the 'altar table' gravestone which is one of the important monuments in the locality.



Jim Collins then spoke about the 'mass path' which the walkers would use to get to St Brigid's Well in The Valley Park, and recalled how a previous owner of the New Abbey estate, Ken Urquhart, had formally incorporated the traditional right of way of the path across the land.

At the well itself, Jim Collins detailed its history and how the Valley Park had been developed around it. Fr Michael Murphy PP then gave a special St Brigid's blessing to all present.







Local writer Pauline Fagan provided some detail on Brigid, a 'person of great compassion' whose persona had predated the Christian saint. Afterwards some of those present recalled their childhood memories of the well, including Miriam McDonnell who talked about its reputation as a cure for eye ailments.

Donncha, who recorded the proceedings for broadcast on a future 'Failte Isteach' programme on Radio 1, concluded the afternoon with some anecdotes about his holy wells odyssey, quipping that it could take him into the 'middle of the next century' to complete, as holy wells were 'springing up all over the place' since the adventure had commenced. Skoda Ireland is providing him with a Roomster car for the project.

All repaired afterwards to the Heritage Centre for tea, and many stayed to join those who were attending the special performance of 'Poets in Paradise' in the adjoining theatre, presented also for the Bothar cause.



The night included a performance from the Nas na Riogh Singers. Prior to restart after the interval, Nessa Dunlea recited 'Mother Nature', a poem written by the late Jerry Kelly of Nicholastown for a 'Capers' show during the 1970s. In it he used various locations around Kilcullen to illustrate the wonders of nature.

'Poets in Paradise', written originally for the Kilcullen celebration of the Millennium, was performed by the usual suspects. Bernard Berney had the part of Percy French, Maurice O'Mahony was Patrick Kavanagh, Vivian Clarke played Brendan Behan and James Healy performed a suitably poncey William Butler Yeats who was nevertheless well able to seduce his guardian angel in Heaven, played and sung by Philomena Breslin.





All in all, the whole afternoon and evening was one of those special occasions in the never-ending story of Kilcullen, and the people who might meet with us. The magic of life in our town continues. And a slide show of the people who took part in this most recent magical event can be seen here.

Brian Byrne.

Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here

Speakers for Bothar walk

A number of local people will give talks at various points in today's Bothar charity walk with Donncha O Duailing, to highlight parts of Kilcullen's history.

They include Nessa Dunlea of Kilcullen Heritage Centre who will speak at the Portlester Monument in New Abbey Graveyard, Jim Collins who will outline the history of the development of The Valley Park where the walk will end at St Brigid's Well, and Pauline Fagan will discuss Brigid and her place in local and the more general mythology of Kildare.

There's been strong interest in supporting the charity, which provides farm animals to families in developing countries in a programme to make them self-sustaining units.

Come along and enjoy a bit of easy exercise and chat, and don't forget the 'Poets in Paradise' show afterwards in the Town Hall Theatre.

Brian Byrne.

Remember to hit the bothar!

Just a reminder that you can still get sponsorship cards from Bernard Berney Chemists to help Bothar, the charity that provides farm animals to failies in developing countries so they can become self sustaining.

The Donncha O Duailing Holy Well walk to St Brigid's Well starts tomorrow evening from the Heritage Centre at 5.30 and will take a route via Old Kilcullen to St Brigid's Well in The Valley.

Come along and be part of a really deserving cause. Even if you can't make it, don't forget the Poets in Paradise show at the Town Hall Theatre tomorrow evening, in aid of the same cause.

Brian Byrne.

Ad: Toyota Corolla

More here

Speaker at Steiner

Laurie Clarke will be at The Kildare Steiner School to give a talk on "Creating and Maintaining Health and Happiness in Early Childhood".



This topic will appeal to all parents especially those with children in primary school. Ms Clarke has written extensively on this subject and has co authored a book on healthy movement for young children. This is so relevant in the modern Ireland where we are trying to encourage our young children to be active.

Ms Clarke has been a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher for 26 years. She has taught in teacher trainings and has been a presenter in various conferences in addition to being a mentor for teachers. She is a mother of three and grandmother of one.

More information from 087 238 9376.

Helen O'Connor

Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here

Can anyone help Tara?

My name is Tara and I have just spent a couple of hours on your Kilcullen website and think it's great.

I lived in Bishop Rogan Park, Kilcullen from when I was born to the age of nine before moving to Yorkshire in England with my parents Anthony and Tina Meaney. I have many lovely memories of the people in Kilcullen and it was so nice looking at all the pictures and reading about what's going on but I am particularly interested in the Capers.

I know from speaking to my parents that my Dad, Anthony Meaney, was in a sketch about a man looking for a wife and I would love to see it, but more importantly get it to show my dad all these years on. Do you know if there would be any possible way I could get hold of this on video? I know it's a long shot as I don't know the exact year but I thought it would be a nice Christmas present for him if I could get it and I would absolutely love to see it for myself!!!

Also you mentioned there may be a DVD made of the most recent show made back in August. Do you know when that will be out, and how I could get hold of a copy?

If you could help me at all I would really appreciate it.

Many Thanks,

Tara Meaney.

Sorry about that

Apologies for there being no posts over the last few days, but your editor was away on his biennial pilgrimmage to the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It's physically the biggest such show on the calendar, and such was the number of new cars on view that it was just impossible to manage the Diary.

We'll try and do some catchup over the weekend.

Being appreciated

Martin Myles has come up with yet another innovation certain to please his customers at The Hideout.

It's a Customer Appreciation Card on which food purchases can be recorded. The idea is that anyone who buys three starters, main courses, or deserts in one calendar month will be entitled to a fourth free of charge.

If you think about it, that's the equivalent of a 25 percent discount on food for regular customers.

There's also a new menu upcoming for bar food, especially geared for groups such as company outings. Seating for a group of up to 40 people is possible.

Brian Byrne.

Cemetery Sunday 2007

There was an excellent turnout for the parish Cemetery Sunday, which took place this afternoon in overcast but dry and warm weather.



The blessings of the graves were carried out by Frs Supple, Ryan and Murphy, first in the new cemetery, St Brigid's, and afterwards in New Abbey, where mass was celebrated.



Full credit must be paid to John Brady and his colleagues for the appearance of the graveyards, and also for the tremendous organisation of traffic and parking.



Brian Byrne.

Badminton Club news

Kilcullen Badminton Club's new season starts on Tuesday (September 11) and we look forward to welcoming members new and old to the Community Complex on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9pm to 11pm.



The Club is organising its teams for entry into the Dublin and District League over the next two weeks, so anyone wanting to take part is asked to submit their names now. Coaching is provided for beginners and league teams every Thursday night for six weeks starting on October 18. All ages and standards are welcome - just turn up at the Complex, on the Newbridge road. We wish everyone an injury-free season!



The Juvenile Club starts on at the Complex on Saturday, October 6, from 11am to 12.30pm. All youngsters aged six to 17 are welcome to join, with coaching provided.

Due to new regulations, we need one man and one woman present for every session. We urgently need people (particularly men) to volunteer to go on a rota to spend one session supervising from 11am – 12.30pm every 6 weeks. Contact Rose on 087 249 6254 to help out.

For more details about the club call 087 2628305, email, or visit the club’s website and sign up for our newsletter.

Hilary Makin.

Ad: Ford Mondeo

More here