'The Saint' returns ... again

One of our regular 'wild geese' readers, Donal 'The Saint' St Leger of New Jersey, is home at the moment for the races. He's pictured here, second from right, with friends in Fallons.

Local talent on 'Ballybradden'

Two young pupils from the Calverstown-based Talented Kids Performing Arts School & Agency featured on the new ‘Ballybradden’ cartoon when was broadcast on RTE TV last week.

They are Aaron Gleeson of Kilcullen and Joseph Dillon from Kildare, and they ‘voice’ two of the cartoon characters.

A Thought for the Day

This is a 'heavenly' kind of story that's circulating on the Internet. Aimed obviously at those who believe in the concept of Heaven, it nevertheless has resonances for those to might not believe, but are simply good people.

I dreamed that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.

'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'

'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.

'Simple,' the angel answered. Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'

'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.

'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.'

'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.'

'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.'

'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.'

'If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world '
'If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare.'

'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

Beats all the doom and gloom stuff, doesn't it?

Playground 'on' again

In what seems to have been a hastily cobbled resolution to the Kilcullen Playground problem, Kildare County Council officials have once again committed to the project going ahead 'in the near future'.

At last Monday's Council meeting, the issue was raised by local councillors, following word the previous week that the promised €120,000 for the playground was no longer available. There has been considerable ire in Kilcullen since that news was relayed, and there's little doubt that it would have become a serious issue in the upcoming local elections.

Last night councillors Billy Hillis (FG) and Martin Miley Jr (FF) told a meeting of the Playground Committee that preparatory work could now go ahead on the project, which has been in negotiation seriously for three years.

They said that due to budgetary and cashflow concerns between the Council and central Government, no cheques can be paid out for the playground until at least September. However, this would not stop the preparatory work from going ahead.

Cllr Billy Hillis is seeking a letter of commitment on this from Director of Services Tommy Skehan and expects to have the letter for the Committee by early next week.

Labour candidate Mark Wall also attended the meeting, which was relocated at the last minute to O'Connells Bar due to Fallons being busy after the first day of Punchestown.

Brian Byrne.

Councillor's new online space

Cllr Martin Miley Jr has informed us that he has a new website and email address.

The email is now martin@martinmiley.ie, and his website is www.martinmiley.ie

Surprise for Bernard

A special presentation for Bernard Berney from the cast and crew of Kilcullen Drama Group caught him by surprise following the last performance of Hugh Leonard's 'A Life' last night.



The inscription under the depiction of the traditional drama/comedy masks was: We all wear some masques in life, to work, to play, to hide, to shine, to search, perhaps to find ourselves. Our Chemist wore them all, mirrors to the love, compassion, fears and fortitude from which we're made. Thank you, Bernard, for all your years of healing entertainment. Kilcullen Drama Group, 2009.

Good turnout for KARE evening

A drive by the KARE McMahon Centre to find further social inclusion opportunities for the people with disability it serves moved up a gear last week.



Some 60 people turned up to an Information Evening at the centre, which caters for 24 non-residential clients from a wide hinterland in Kildare and West Wicklow. During a presentation they were shown examples of some initiatives in this area which have already made a difference.

And after a feedback session, names and contacts in a range of other clubs and organisations across the centre’s local service area were compiled, with a view to increasing community participation.

Pictured above at the night are Imelda Faney, who is learning Pitch & Putt skills, with Mary and Liam Sherry of St Bridget’s Pitch & Putt Club.

A full report of the event, with more pictures, appears in this Wednesday's Kildare Nationalist.

Playground decision 'extremely disheartening'

Following the recent news that Kildare County Council will not be honouring their commitment to the Kilcullen Playground in long promised funding, the chairperson of the Playground Committee says it is 'extremely disheartening' to the volunteers on the committee who have spent the past three years working their way through several proposals until getting to the stage early this year where they have the local issues sorted.

The committee is meeting this Tuesday, 28th April, at 8.30pm in Fallons Bar. The meeting will now have as the main item on the agenda, a strategy to get this decision overturned.

"We will be looking for specific, precise information on the financial aspects of this decision," says chairperson Orla O'Neill.

The committee will be seeking clarification as to where has the development levies money gone that was collected for recreational activities over the past 10 years?

It also wants to know what budget was the Dept of Environment speaking about in their answer to Jack Wall's PQ, and why has the Council not drawn down the playground grant? Thirdly, those who have worked hard behind the project are asking precisely what is the basis for this decision if the playground budget is not coming from the Council's annual allocation?

"We will also be interested in your views and suggestions on the strategy for continuing with our quest to get a Community Playground," Orla O'Neill says in a communication to all of the local area councillors. "There is no evidence to us of a commitment from the Council to investing in community infrastructure despite the massive growth in residential housing which made a significant financial contribution to the Council over the past 7 years. The achievements to date of getting agreement from local stakeholders to a playground and associated works plan was done entirely on our own, with no support from Council leisure service officials."

Orla will propose to the Committee that it plan a campaign for public involvement on this issue. "Interest in the playground has remained high over the past three years, and significantly more interest has been expressed over the past eight months, as families look for more low-cost activities for their children and we moved towards the final stage. I expect there will be massive local disappointment about this decision."

The committee will also be seeking a meeting between the Playground Committee and relevant officials, including the Finance Officer to discuss their decision.

The passing of Karl Mullen

It is with sadness on behalf of Paul and Freda Mullen that the Diary records the death of Paul's father Karl. He was 83.

He will be sadly missed by his daughters Louise, Niamh, Mary, Gaye and Anna, sons Karl, Paul and Marc, their partners, his 18 grandchildren and the family's friends.

Dr Mullen's wife Doreen passed away almost a year ago.

Karl Mullen captained the team that won Ireland's first Grand Slam. He led Ireland's undefeated Five Nations campaign in 1948, a feat that remained unequalled until this year. He also captained the British and Irish Lions on their tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1950. He achieved 25 Irish caps in the 1940s and 1950s.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Fallons gets HR quality award

Fallons Bar and Cafe recently achieved the FÁS Excellence Through People award for human resource management.



The process, which took almost a year to complete, began with an assessment of the existing training and development of staff, and from that a more detailed and formal structure was put in place. This was carried out by a mentor provided by FÁS

Following this part of the programme, the business was able to set up new training plans and operating procedures which benefit all involved in the business, including the customers.

Among these were some wine training sessions, to have the front of house staff more comfortable about recommending wines to customers.

The process also provided the channel for staff ideas on how the business might be improved, which operations manager Mary O'Neill says hadn't really been there before. "They had quite a lot of good ideas, and we've already put some of them in place."

The business is only the second restaurant in the country to achieve the award.

Cleanup & Playground

Two important community notices for early next week.

April is National Spring Clean Month and Kilcullen Community Action will be holding the Annual Town Cleanup on Monday night at 7.30pm.

Just come along to the Town Hall to take part. Bring a black refuse sack and gloves if you can. For those who can't, they'll be provided.

Also, there's a meeting of the Community Playground Committee in Fallons at 8.30pm on Tuesday. All are welcome, particularly new members.

In the light of Kildare County Council's recent renaging on the promised funding, this is a very important meeting for those concerned with the provision of proper play areas for our children.

World Meningitis Day

April 25 has been chosen as World Meningitis Day 2009 by the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO).

The group promotes alertness to the signs and symptoms of the disease, the need for vaccines and to make sure support is available to all those affected by meningitis.

Meningitis does not discriminate and can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. Those most at risk are children under the age of 5, 16–19 year olds, and people over 55.

Around 25 people in this country die from bacterial meningitis each year and many more who survive are often left with after-effects including deafness, blindness, limb loss (where septicaemia is involved), learning difficulties, memory issues and behavioural problems.

If you can get involved on today in any way, even by just learning the warning signs, it would be a very good idea.

Vote for Molly Kate!

Molly Kate O'Toole from Kilcullen is the youngest contestant in the Miss Punchestown competition which concludes this weekend.

You can see Molly Kate's profile here and vote for her.

First town cleanup of the year

The first of the regular town clean-up sessions gets under way next Monday 27 April.

This KCA-sponsored programme depends entirely on volunteers who want to see their town look better.

If you want to help, come along for 7.30pm to the Town Hall to get your gear and be allocated a space to clean.

New speed limit for Mile Mill

A new speed limit of 60km/h is to be introduced at Mile Mill Cross, following representations and a motion by Cllr Martin Miley Jnr at the Naas Area Committee.

The process will take four months, as there is a statutory process to be undertaken.

"Every road user who uses this junction knows how dangerous this area is," Cllr Miley says. "I am sure this will make this junction safer for all users."

Chruinniu meeting

The organisers of the 2009 Chruinniu Chriost have arranged a meeting for Tuesday 5 May in the Parish Centre.

The meeting will discuss area events for the Chruinniu, which takes place in June.

KARE Open Evening tomorrow

The KARE facility in Kilcullen, which provides services to 25 day pupils at the centre, is holding an Information Evening tomorrow (Thursday 23 April), to highlight to local people what the organisation does.

They also would like clubs and organisations in Kilcullen to send representatives, with a view to having the KARE students getting involved with some of them.

“There are people in the community who don’t really know that KARE is there,” says Donna Martin, who is organising the meeting. “We know that some of our lads would like to be involved with the community, but we haven’t got the community links in place.”

In addition to the staff of the facility, there will be parents of the pupils at the evening, who would also like to have their children involved in whatever way is possible in Kilcullen.

“For instance, we have one girl who is very interested in getting involved in Tidy Towns. It would make her feel that she’d be giving something back, if she had even two hours a week involvement.”

'No bullshit, please: we're FG!'

Local and European election FG interests were busy canvassing at Kilcullen Mart this morning.



Pictured discussing some of the finer points of the livestock on sale are Martin Heydon, Senator John Paul Phelan, the local European Election candidate, and popular FG councillor Billy Hillis.

Martin and Billy are both contesting the local elections in the Athy District, into which most of Kilcullen has been moved.

Dun Ailinne UNESCO mooted

The local ancient royal site of Dun Ailinne could become part of an Irish UNESCO World Heritage site if ideas being progressed by the Department of the Environment come to fruition.

The concept was outlined at a public meeting last night in the Town Hall, where suggestions on a 'tentative' list of new WH sites were presented.

It was emphasised that the 'Royal Sites' concept was still only at the local discussion 'draft tentative' stage, behind other proposals such as Clonmacnoise which is likely to be firmly nominated during this year. The Burren in Co Clare is also ahead of the Royal Sites in the nomination stakes.

Brian Lucas from the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government told the meeting that UNESCO was trying to limit the number of WH sites, one reason why a 'serial' nomination of the combined Royal Sites was being considered.

Local historian Des Travers suggested that the Curragh Plains be incorporated in the nomination with Dun Ailinne, which he described as 'the most pristine' of the sites. He noted that the Curragh, as an integral part of the Dun Ailinne hinterland at the time of its greatest importance, is already a protected area, and a 'living' cultural entity.

Nessa Dunlea, chair of Kilcullen Heritage Group, said that Kilcullen was 'very proud' of Dun Ailinne. She noted that a replica of the site had been built at the Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park in Kilcullen, and that as long as the landowner of the hill was happy with the idea of it being put forward as a World Heritage site, the community was.

Brian Lucas, replying to a question about the landowner's rights, said that any public access to the site would be on the basis of a management plan agreed with the owner and the local heritage organisation.

Other heritage groups who attended the meeting included advocates of the Tara complex, and, more locally, people concerned about the ongoing destruction of the Hill of Allen for road materials.

Last chance for Flora marathon entry

Today is the last day for entries to the 2009 Flora Womens Mini Marathon, which has become an annual event for local fundraising ladies on behalf of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund.

Organiser Phena Bermingham says they now have 73 participants registered, more than any previous year. But she says that if anyone else registered for the event now finds they can't go, perhaps they could give their registration to the PKRF ladies.

"In that case we can use the registration, and we will refund them their entry fee," Phena says. "It means that any ladies who want to participate on our behalf, but who are too late, can be given such pre-registrations."

Further information from Phena at 045-485232 or 087-9767531; Lorraine 085-7268116; Siobhan 087-7673002; or James Nolan at his shop.

UNESCO bid for Dun Ailinne

A public meeting is being held tonight in the Town Hall to discuss the possibility of having Dun Ailinne as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The site is being considered by the Department of the Environment for nomination to the prestigious list.

At present there are only two places in Ireland which are WH sites -- the Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne and Skellig Michael. Tonight's meeting is to give information on the list and the nomination process.

This is a meeting which could have profound implications for Kilcullen in world heritage terms. All are welcome.

NETNS pupils art exhibition

Budding Picassos, Dalis and Monets from Newbridge Educate Together National School will have their artwork on show at the Kildare Outlet Village this weekend (April 24 - 26).

Irish Times political cartoonist Martyn Turner will be joined by school staff and families at the official opening reception to unveil the masterpieces entitled 'Beginning to Bloom'.

Each child in the school has produced a painting on professional canvas which has been framed and hung at the Kildare Outlet Village.

The event, including the sale of the children's paintings and artwork donated by local artists, will help raise money for the school's new home on the former Sundai School site, Green Road, Newbridge. The school is due to move in September 2009. The paintings can be viewed by the public all weekend.

A number of students from Kilcullen attend the school.

'A Life' extended

The Kilcullen Drama Group production of Hugh Leonard's 'A Life' will be performed three more times, by popular demand.



These will be next Friday through Sunday, 24-26 April. Tickets at €10 available from Bernard Berney's Chemist shop.

Billy launches his campaign

Cllr Billy Hillis gave the current Government a roundhouse blow at the weekend when he said they hadn't had 'the guts' to stop the current economic problems developing.

"They can blame the developers and banks, but the truth is that if the Government had the guts to stop them five or six years ago, we wouldn't be in the mess we are today," he said at the official launch of his local elections campaign. "They claimed responsibility for the Celtic Tiger, though it was Alan Dukes and the Tallaght Strategy that actually laid the groundwork. Now they can take responsibility for this mess."

But, recalling that he went through a similar situation during the 1980s, he said he wasn't going to be negative. "We can get out and work our way through this," he said.

Earlier in the proceedings, former FG leader Alan Dukes had commended Billy for his ability to 'get results' during his years working as a councillor in Kildare.

"He has a business mentality and an efficiency mentality, and the ability to find his way through all the arguments," he said. "That's something that is very valuable on the Council. He's not a drama merchant ... he goes about things quietly and that's the way he gets things done."

Alan Dukes, and later, Mayor of Kildare Senan Griffin, both paid tribute to how Billy had fought and won over his recent serious illness, without letting it stop his work on the Council even while undergoing treatment.

Billy in turn said he couldn't have done it without the constant support of his family.

Billy is running in the Athy Electoral District along with colleagues Martin Heydon and Richard Daly.

To see 'A Life', to bury a tree

John Collins came home from London last week to see the Kilcullen Drama Group production of 'A Life'.



Coincidentally, or fate if you wish, it was also the weekend that the tree which he sponsored in the Valley Park back in 1977 was taken out of the park. It was blown down in the last high winds in February.

"I often wondered which of us would go first, the tree or me," he told the Diary at the weekend.

Site plan submissions closing

A new planning application for Andrew Nolan's site on New Abbey Road is proposing a two-storey development of three ground floor retail units and a first floor medical centre.



The application, submitted on 19 March, includes the demolition of the derelict outbuildings which were originally the Old School and subsequently the Scouts Den for many years.

The retail units will total 1,765 sq m, and the medical centre 1,490 sq m.

The final date for submissions is next Wednesday, 22/04/2009.

A previous application relating to the site last year was subsequently withdrawn.

Divine Mercy Novena

The Novena to the Divine Mercy will conclude this Sunday afternoon in the Parish Church.

It will be conducted by Fr Andrew O'Sullivan and begins at 3pm. Mass will follow at 4.30pm.

The passing of Teresa Hillard

It is with the sadness reflected across the community that the Diary records the death of Teresa Hillard of Avondale Drive.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Teresa will be reposing at her residence from 6 o'clock this Sunday evening. Removal will take place on Monday evening at 7 o'clock to the Kilcullen Parish Church, arriving for 7.30.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 o'clock and will be followed by burial afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Thanks for the support

Kevin O'Brien and Mark Brophy would like to thank everyone who supported their Table Quiz in Bardons on Thursday night.



There were 31 tables, and over €2,000 was raised for their project in Africa.

The winning team were John Berney, Vinny Berney, Ronan Aspell and Alan Hannon. Shay O'Mahony's team was 2nd, Pat Clarke's team 3rd and Amy Moran's team were 4th.

Getting in place for the Rás

Preparations are well in hand for the big day on May 17 when the FBD Rás starts from Kilcullen in a historic first for the town.

Things will kick off at the Community Centre between 9am-11.30am where the riders will gather and will meet anyone who wants to come along.

A parade from the Square to the ceremonial starting point at Nolans will then take place, and the start time is set for 12 noon.

When the racers are gone, the Lions Club will hold their annual Duck Race fundraiser.

Other events over the weekend will include a display in the Heritage Centre of racing bicycles through the ages, and racing jerseys.

Table Quiz for Africa project

A table quiz will be taking place in Bardons tonight at 9pm in aid of Kilcullen players Kevin O'Brien and Mark Brophy who will be heading to Africa to take part in a building project.

A table of four will cost €40 and it's for a very worthy cause.

Kilcullen GAA would like to wish the best to Kevin and Mark on their project.

To book a table, contact Kevin on 086-0749415, or just get down to Bardons before 9 tonight. There are some great prizes including Punchestown tickets, tickets to Newbridge Greyhounds, meals in both Pauls and Bardons, and loads more.

Billy to launch on Friday

Local FG councillor Billy Hillis will be launching his campaign for re-election this Friday evening.

The launch will take place in Paddy Murphy's pub in Ballymore, at 8.30pm.

Billy is a long serving councillor. He has been Mayor of Kildare, and is a member of the following committees: Protocol and Procedures Committee, Oak Partnership, Traffic Technical Committee, KELT, Kildare Horse Development Company Ltd, Naas Area Committee, Nominee to witness affixing of the Council's seal, County Kildare Failte, Twinning Committee, Eastern River Basin District Advisory Council, SPC Economic Planning and Development (Chair), Corporate Policy Group and Ballymore Eustace Community Projects Liaison Committee.

Drama gets 'A Life' away

The Kilcullen Drama Group got its production of 'A Life', Hugh Leonard's classic, on the boards last night to the entertainment of an audience of elders and young people, as is traditional on all of the group's first nights.



According to producer Bernard Berney, bookings are so good that the show is sold out until Saturday. It does seem that an extra couple of nights will have to be slotted in, but as of now, the show ends on Sunday.

Our pictures above show cast, crew and arriving audience.

Sinéad at Rising commemoration

Among those who were at the Dublin GPO over Easter at the official ceremonies to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the Easter Rising was Sinéad Forde, daughter of Kieran Forde.



Sinéad is pictured here at the event with Mary MacAleese, President of Ireland. Sinéad's grandfather, Sean Forde, took part in the armed insurrection. She is studying nursing at DCU.

'A Life' with young and old

Rehearsing for ‘A Life’ was certainly something different for the ‘old stagers’ of Kilcullen Drama Group, because for the first time they have been involved with students from Cross & Passion College Transition Year as fellow actors.



According to Bernard Berney, producer and also playing the lead character Dermot Drumm, it was a ‘refreshing’ experience working with the young people, though it took getting used to.

"We found that the students live for enjoying the day, while we older ones take a longer, more serious view,” he told the Diary.

Because the Hugh Leonard play examines the same set of characters at the start of their lives and towards the end, in tandem, the rather elder age-profile Drama Group had to look outside itself for the younger actors.

“We always wanted to produce this play, but we were never able to cast the younger characters,” Bernard says. “I went to see the Transition Year production of 'The Boyfriend' before Christmas and found how quite gifted they were, and that's when we realised that we actually could do 'A Life'.”

With the enthusiastic cooperation of CPC teacher and musical producer Lucy Byrne, supported by school Principal Paul Tyrrell, time and space for rehearsals was made available at the CPC end.

There are two sets of students involved, who will alternate nights. Bernard says the older and younger actors have melded together well. "They have infected us with the joy of being here for the moment, so when were were rehearsing together, it was a quite different atmosphere than when we adults were rehearsing on our own."

On the play itself, Bernard says the ‘irascible, sarcastic, difficult man’ which is the Desmond Drumm character has apparently a lot of the late Hugh Leonard's own character, at least as the playwright presented himself publicly. “But the fact that Drumm had just been diagnosed with a terminal illness changed him, and from what I believe, Leonard's own views on things like the existence of God also changed as he came towards the end of his own life. It was almost as if the play was prophetic."

The play is serious in tone, but Bernard says it also contains 'wonderful humour'. He says he found himself very much in tune with the theme and story. "There are pieces of all of us in Drumm, but I also felt that if my own life hadn't taken some of the turns it did, and I hadn't been influenced by people in my youth and adult life, if those people hadn't been there in such a positive way, I would have been Mr Drumm."

The production runs from tomorrow (Tuesday) through to Sunday. Tickets as usual are available at Bernard’s place of business, where he dispenses pills and wisdom in equal parts.

Brian Byrne.

(NOTE: A version of this piece appeared on the Kilcullen page of last Wednesday's Kildare Nationalist.)

Community Games Athletics

There was a large turnout for the recent Community Games Athletics evening, with a full participation in every grade.

The event was held in the Crookstown Millview Athletics Grounds, and Kilcullen Credit Union sponsored the medals.

The winning athletes were presented with their medals by P J Fagan from Kilcullen CU, and the Community Games organisers want to put on record their appreciation for their very generous donation

“We also want to thank Crookstown Millview Athletic Club for the use of their facilities,” says Ann Fitzgerald of the Community Games movement in Kilcullen, “and also Anthony Hickey and Ian Weir, coaches with Crookstown Millview AC, for their assistance at the event.”

The results were U/14 Girls 100m: 3rd Nicola Dowling, 1st Katie Berney, 2nd Kelly Gaynor; U/8 Girls 80m: 3rd Emma Sully, 1st Emily Carter, 2nd Sally Murphy; U/8 Girls 60m: 3rd Molly Aspel, 1st Grace O'Toole, 2nd Katie Sully; U/8 Boys 80m: 3rd - Eoin Redmond, 1st Adam Kelly, 2nd Jamie Hayden; U/14 Girls Shot Putt: 3rd Kerry Mockler, 1st Kathryn Weir, 2nd Tara Fitzgerald; U/14 Boys Shot Putt: 3rd Ciaran Shiel, 1st Dean Clifford, 2nd Ciaran Sully; U/14 Boys 100M: 3rd Justin Powell, 1st Ross Coughlan, 2nd Shane Kenny; U/12 Boys 600M: 3rd Sean Fitzgerald, 1st Jack Fitzgerald, 2nd Conor Tutty Bardon; U/10 Boys Hurdles: 3rd Thomas Connor, 1st Sean Murphy, 2nd Sean Hayes; U/14 Boys Hurdles: 1st Daniel Holohan; U/10 Girls Hurdles: 3rd Emma Keane, 1st Orla Thomson, 2nd Brona Dooley; U/12 Girls 600M: 3rd Estelle Dowling, 1st Cliodhna O'Connor, 2nd Laura Quigley; U/14 Girls 800M: 1st Niamh O'Connor, 2nd Aoife Fenlon; U/12 Girls Ball Throw: 1st Kelsey Anderson, 2nd Kira McNally; U/12 Boys Ball Throw: 3rd Khalid Kamil, 1st Aaron Talt, 2nd Stephen Murphy; U/16 Boys Discus: 1st Keelin Hegarty Kelly; U/12 Boys Long Puck: 1st Jeff Keane; Tiny Tots Girls: 3rd Maisy Biddulph, 1st Rachel Keane, 2nd Laoise Cahill; Tiny Tots Boys: 4th Tom Maloney, 3rd Jack Redmond, 1st Alex Kenny, 2nd Mikey Penrose; U/8 Boys 60M: 3rd Aaron Ngai, 1st Daniel Fitzgerald, 2nd Ethan McGlinchey; U/10 Girls 200M: 3rd Nancy Murphy, 1st Ellie O'Toole, 2nd Eva Calderwood; U/10 Boys 100M: 3rd Daniel O'Connell, 1st Sean Hurley, 2nd Michael Poufong; U/10 Girls 100M: 3rd Hannah Talt, 1st Lisa Aspel, 2nd Katelyn Hegarty Kelly; U/12 Girls 100M: 3rd Rebecca Reynolds, 1st Katie Quigley, 2nd Ruth Murphy; U/10 Boys 200M: 3rd Ben Gaffney, 1st Niall O'Connor, 2nd Eoin Curley; U/12 Boys 100M: 3rd Niall Thomson, 1st Enda Dowling, 2nd Harry Swan.

'Staggering' Kildare unemployment

The fact that unemployment in Kildare has more than doubled in the last year, and is significantly more than the national average increase of 87 percent, has been highlighted this weekend by FG local elections candidate Martin Heydon.

In a comment on the Budget, Heydon said the Government had ‘missed an opportunity’ for job creation at a time when more than 15,000 people were signing on in Kildare alone.

Describing the situation as ‘staggering’, he said a ‘fatal flaw’ in the Budget is that it is devoid of any plan to protect and create jobs.

“Fine Gael has consistently argued that stemming the rise in unemployment must be at the core of an economic recovery strategy,” he said. “Otherwise, it will become more and more difficult to control the Budget deficit as more and more people lose their jobs.”

He noted that Fine Gael’s ‘Rebuilding Ireland' could create 100,000 new jobs within 4 years through a radical new way of investing in the key infrastructures needed for the new economy, including a smart electricity grid and 21st century broadband.

Don't forget to book!

Kilcullen Drama Group are at the frenzied stage of their rehearsals just now, although you'd not know it watching the sanguinity of producer/actor Bernard Berney the other night. In some ways we miss Paddy Melia, whose polarly opposite mien at this stage of the game was always an entertaining production in itself.

Anyhow, in case you've forgotten to book, check the details above on Mischa Fekete's typically excellent poster.

And by the way, if anyone has the loan of an old dresser, Vivienne Clarke would be delighted to have it for his set dressing.

Photo exhibition

There was a good turnout last evening in the Parish Centre for the Lions Club Community Photographic Competition exhibition and results.



The slide show of the event can be viewed above. We'll have the full results later.

The photos can be seen in the Parish Centre for the next couple of days, after which the exhibition will transfer to the Town Hall for a period.

Parish newsletter in train

A recent meeting of the Kilcullen Parish Pastoral Council considered the possibility of a weekly newsletter, and it is hoped to progress the idea quickly.

Other parish initiatives currently under way included the decision to set up a joint Funeral Group with representatives from the other churches in the Kilcullen 'cluster' -- (Ballymore Eustace, Hollywood, Dunlavin, Davidstown and Donard.

More details on these and other parish matters are on the parish website/blog.

CPC students meet horse racing industry

Students of CPC recently met with horse racing personality Mick Kinane, who told them of the ups and downs of his career.



They also were visited for talks by Tamso Doyle, Marketing/PR Manager Horse Racing Ireland; and Martin Harrell (Head of Racecourse Betting, Tote Ireland), who talked to them about Human Resource Management.

Full details of these and other stories from CPC can be found on the college's website and blog.

School journalists for a day

Fifth and 6th class students at Newbridge Educate Together school, which is attended by a number of Kilcullen pupils, recently became journalists for a day and created their own newspaper front page to take home.



The class learned about what makes the news, how to interview people, and how to write an article, from former journalist Hilary Makin, who is now Communications Manager with the medical research charity Fighting Blindness.

Students in each group became photographers, reporters, sub editors and editors as they pulled together headline news while working to a tight deadline.

Hilary Makin said the students asked really thoughtful questions during their interviews and produced high quality newspapers at the end of the session with some great headlines.

"It was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop. I'm sure there are some future journalists and press photographers amongst them."

Newbridge Educate Together National School is based in Rosetown, Athgarvan, and has over 170 pupils. For more information visit www.netns.ie.

Lions photo competition display

Kilcullen Lions Club will be hosting an exhibition of all the entries for the Kilcullen Summer 2008 Photographic Project on Tuesday next, 7th April, at the Kilcullen Parish Centre from 7-9pm.

Winners will be announced. All are welcome to the viewing.

Between the adult and under 18 year old classes there are 69 photographs depicting the environment and people in and around Kilcullen. Many are of a high standard.

Angela Murray-Hayden
Project leader Kilcullen Lions Club.

Successful Tidy Towns Quiz

The annual KCA Town Quiz in aid of Kilcullen Tidy Towns was again a great success with a total of 22 tables participating.

Winners on the the night were "The Jaegermeisters" captained by Kieran Behan, who created one of the street art hoardings.

Joint second were St Brigids Avenue and The Brady (Kelly) Bunch.

The Quiz was kindly sponsored by Healy Exhausts of Naas.

Funds raised will be used for the Main Street Summer flower planting project which for the past number of years has transformed the streetscape over the summer months.

One disappointing aspect of the attendance was that only a small number of businesses attended - considering the planting enhances the town and benefits these businesses.

Ray Kelly.

Cello concert in Dunshane tonight

Kildare Steiner School will benefit from a world-class cello recital in Dunshane Camphill Concert Hall tonight.

The fundraising concert is being performed by the international cello soloist, Georg Mertens, and the program includes works from Rachmaninov, Bach, Albeniz and Mertens himself. His 'Erh Hu Improvisations' are said to be sounds which are produced as if ‘from another world’.

The recital begins at 7.40pm. Georg is the father of Svantje Mertens, a teacher at Kildare Steiner School.

Tickets are €20 Adult and €15 Concession. €10 child tickets are also available. Contact Svantje Mertens on 085 1574267, or Harvest Fare, Blessington, 045 891636, or simply pay at the door. But space is limited and early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

FG Ard-Fheis

Local members of Fine Gael will be attending the party’s Ard-Fheis, which begins in Citwest Hotel tonight and concludes on Saturday 4 April with the Leader’s address beginning at 7pm.

The Party’s Corporate Day at Punchestown this year will be held on Friday 3 May. Ticket allow entry to the races and the Grand Pavilion and include a race card, lunch, and afternoon tea. A master of ceremonies, a tipster plus betting facilities will be available in the pavilion, and viewing screens will allow the guests the comfort of watching the races from their table.

The cost for a table of 10 is €1,000, but individual tickets can be purchased at €100 each. Tickets may be obtained from Marjorie Moore, Tully Lodge, Kildare Town, or from the Fine Gael Constituency Office, Moorefield Road, Newbridge, phone 045-487624.

Writers Group plans

The Kilcullen Writers group will be meeting monthly between now and the summer.

The venue is still in An Tearmann, and the next meeting is scheduled for 27 April, at 8.30pm.

All interested in writing are welcome to take part.

Shock at playground funds axeing

The group which has been working hard to provide a children’s playground for many years were shocked last week when they got a letter from Kildare County Council that no funding is now available for the project.

The angry Playground Committee in Kilcullen has now demanded of councillors that they regain the previously ‘ring-fenced’ funding.

“The specifica reason, we were told, is central Government owes the Council monies, and it is a cash flow issue,” says Orla O’Neill, who has been leading the Playground Committee in Kilcullen for several years. “We are shocked and disappointed, as we had been reassured many times that the Leisure & Amenity Fund has a specific ringfenced amount of €200,000 for the playground, and that neither funding nor financing was an issue.”

In the past few weeks, the Playground Committee had reached an agreement in principle on a plan which would allow the transfer of a site from Scoil Bhride to the Council for the proposed playground site.

Ms O’Neill says it is ‘not acceptable’ that Kilcullen is denied a playground due to the inability of elected representatives and paid public servants’ inability ‘to manage basic financial processes’.

A meeting of the Playground Committee is being convened to decide next steps.

All-Ireland dancers

Members of the Geraldine Clifford School of Dancing will be performing in the All-Ireland Irish Dancing Competition in Ennis, Co Clare, during Easter Week.



Pictured are Emma Birchall, Amy Johnson, Ciara Kinsella and Hannah Boyle.

Nolans gets export licence

When the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Tourism visited Nolan's Butchers recently, his official reason was to hand over an export licence to the business, founded by James Nolan's great-grandfather.



But as far as James Nolan himself was concerned, it was an affirmation by the Minister that small businesses are the backbone of the country, and a welcome acknowledgement of that fact.

"It is important that Minister Brendan Smith should be seen to be supporting small businesses in these very very hard times," James Nolan said. "It is small businesses that are keeping the country going at the moment, and we're really chuffed that the Minister came to see what we do. It's a real feather in our cap, and and acknowledgement of the standards that we have, and of the enormous contribution of our staff over the years."

Of course, Nolans might be a bit more than your typical small business, having grown from its small stall beginnings to a 28,000 sq ft complex with an award-winning retail store, an abbatoir, boning hall and curing facility, and all the required ancillary services.

During his visit, the Minister was given detailed demonstrations of the work that goes on in every aspect of the operation.

"The achievement of the export licence reflects that we have reached the highest possible standard,” James says. “The intention was that when we made the investment we would get the highest possible licence, and this is it.”

James is particularly happy for his father Andy, who built up the business over many years, having taken over from his own father. “It has come a long way since the beef was hung out on the street in Kilcullen, and there was no refrigeration and the cattle were herded down the street.”

That said, he makes the point that while things have improved enormously, the business has kept the ‘old fashioned values’. “We still hang our beef the old way, and we’ve retained our old traditional recipes for making puddings and other award winning products.”

The fact that they’re doing something right can easily be shown in the fantastic customer loyalty which Nolans enjoy. And last November, the business won the FBD Retail Excellence Ireland Awards in the Best Large Store category.

"James Nolan has demonstrated a huge confidence in the future of his own business, and indeed of the craft butcher in general with this investment," the Chief Executive of the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland, Pat Brady, said. "It also confirms the preference of many consumers for a very short 'farm to fork' chain, which is good for quality food, local employment and the environment."

The Minister was accompanied by local TD and Junior Minister Sean Power. They are pictured above with James (on right).