Transplant Games meeting Tuesday

Preparations for Tuesday night's public meeting on the European Transplant & Dialysis Games have now been completed, and the organisers are hoping to get a good response.

The meeting will be held in the Parish Centre, and the aim is to organise how Kilcullen can help before and at the Games, which are being held in North Dublin in August.

John Martin will chair the event, and there will be presentations by local transplant athlete James Nolan and others affected by kidney disease and dialysis, as well as Games organiser Colin White. A question and answer session will precede the formation of a committee to organise and manage local input into the effort.

The meeting hopes to have representatives from various clubs and organisations. The GAA and Lions are among those who have committed representation.

In addition to providing helpers to the Games themselves, a planned 'Kildare Day' visit for participants to key attractions in the county, including the National Stud, will need volunteer assistance.

Individuals with specific skills, such as in IT for registration and management, are also very welcome.

Pictures above are members of the ad hoc group which has been organising the event.

No sign of Tom's signs

A pub and restaurant bypassed with the opening of the Kilcullen-Castledermot motorway section is having no luck about signage which was promised to be in place before the road was opened.

“It was agreed in the Oral Hearing that our business would be properly signed as part of the project, as we have provided services to motorists on the main road for decades,” says Tom Wall of The Priory. “But not only has nothing yet been done in this regard, but there’s not even a signpost to Kilgowan on the Kilcullen approach on the M9.”

Tom has in fact been forced to make his own signs and affix them to the official signs, as well as putting in further direction signs for motorists who do want to stop off at The Priory.

(The full story is on the Kilcullen Page of the Kildare Nationalist this week.)

Big screen matches in Fallons

Fallons is offering rugby fans a series of RBS 6 Nations lunches in February so they can watch the matches on a big screen in the back room suitably foddered.

The initiative involves luncch being served before the first match begins, with cheeses being served at half times.

On February 13, the first match is Wales v Scotland at 2pm, followed by the France v Ireland contest at 4.30pm.

On February 27, Italy v Scotland kicks off at 1.30pm, while the England v Ireland event starts at 4pm.

Brannockstown flooding

Kildare County Council is to examine flooding problems in Brannockstown and come up with suggestions on how to alleviate it.

This follows an Area Committee motion from Cllr Martin Miley (FF), who says it is a 'serious situation' for the village. "I got a commitment from officials to visit and assess, and I look forward to positive work taking place," he says.

Cllr Miley has also asked that the Kilcullen-Dunlavin Road be added to the Council's salting list during cold weather. "It has the same status as the Kilcullen-Newbridge Road, which is saled," he says.

Road works at Halverstown NS

Kildare County Council is to carry out remedial works on the road outside Halverstown NS ‘in the very near future’, according to local FG representative Cllr Martin Heydon.

Cllr Heydon, on foot of his motion at the recent Athy Local Area Meeting, received an undertaking on the matter from Council officials.

In addition, the signal warning lights outside the school, which have been out of order for a number of months because of an electrical fault, will be replaced by solar panel-powered warning lights in the next few weeks.

School wins in Young Scientists

Brannockstown NS 5th and 6th class entered a project on Rocks, Soils & Erosion in the Young Scientists Exhibition.



Under the guidance of their teacher, Miss Sinead Dixon, they studied permeable and non-permeable rocks and the reasons and effects of erosion. As part of their study they even made rocks themselves.



Their stand at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in the RDS generated great interest -- they were visited by Evelyn Cusack and Ryan Tubridy.



The children were praised by the judges who felt that all the children had a very clear understanding of their project and could answer any questions put to them. They were awarded first prize for Primary Schools in their section. It was a wonderful experience for all.



Esther Reddy.

Five years and all that ...

Thank you for The Diary. So much part of our lives in Kilcullen and afar, it's like as if it was always there, not only for the past five years. A wonderful organ of communication, it tells in word and picture what has happened, what is happening and what is going to happen. What would we do without it?

The Diary encourages all voluntary endeavours, publicises dates of meetings and events, acknowledges work done and welcomes new people and new buisnesses to our community and much more. The good of Kilcullen and its people is centre.

A lot of sweat and hard work goes into producing The Diary, we only hope the usefulness and pleasure it gives compensates.

Thank you so much,

Phena Bermingham.

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Congratulations on achieving five years with the Diary. People appreciate your committment to spreading the local news and many of us would not know much of what is going on in the community without the Diary.

It is also a means by which people in other places can connect with their home area. Our family do and they enjoy getting the information. As early risers we start the day by visiting the Diary for the latest news

Thanks for the service, and best wishes

Sheila and Sean O'Reilly.

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I would just like say all the best for the next five years and keep up the good work.

Regards

Ollie Archbold.

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I had to drop you a line to congratulate you on the site. It is getting more interesting over the years as the links increase. The winter photos are superb and although we have snow here in Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire) it is nowhere near as beautiful as the on-line photos of Kilcullen under all that powder.

As I now have a business in UK I don't get back to visit very often, but it is lovely to read about the old place and to see that the shops are increasing and getting more interesting as well. I spend most of my 'off' time in Australia now as Erin has emigrated there so I visit her twice a year (she also reads your pages, and knows more than I do about what is happening).

It seems a long time since I left Kilcullen, but the memories of such a great community and the great fun we all had are always with me and I have zillions of photographs to make me laugh as well

Once again, Brian, congratulations and best wishes for 2010.

Lesley O'Brien.

KCA AGM in April

The AGM of Kilcullen Community Action in April will give the organisation an opportunity to gain new members.

That was the hope expressed by the chairman, Kieran Forde, at the recent KCA meeting.

"We need new blood and more people," he said. "It is very important that people play a share in the maintenance and development of their town. Even to keep up what we have achieved so far will be a major challenge in the coming years."

He urged people to use the opportunity to come along and see what KCA is about, and even if they cannot commit a year of their time, they may be able to contribute to a project.

KCA was incorporated as a limited company last year and the AGM will be an opportunity for the community to elect officers and directors.

The meeting decided that the projects carried out over the last several years by KCA should be highlighted in advance of the meeting so that new residents particularly will be made aware of the value of volunteer work in their adopted town.

Haiti help in The Hideout

Coffee Morning on Thursday February 4th 10.30am-12.30pm at The Hideout, Kilcullen.

Raffle, tea, coffee and cakes will be available with all proceeds going to the Irish Red Cross Haitian Disaster Appeal. Donations will be gratefully accepted and everyone welcome.

Evenings@Brannockstown

Evenings@Brannockstown are held at Brannockstown Baptist Church, and all are very welcome to attend this casual evening worship service, which includes praise music, a short devotional, scripture reading and meditation.

Our next evening service will be on 14 February, 7:00pm and will last about an hour.

For more information, visit www.BrannockstownBaptist.ie or tel 045 420 811.

Classes raising funds for Haiti

The disaster in Haiti has touched all in Brannoxtown NS and the teachers and pupils want to do something to help.

Today, Monday 25 January, the children from Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd class along with their teachers are doing a Sponsored Walk.

The route of the walk will bring them partly into Harristown Estate, with the kind permission of Mr Hubert Beaumont. On Tuesday 26th January the senior pupils from 3rd to 6th classes will conduct all activities in silence during their school day as they will hold a Sponsored Silence.

All proceeds generated will go to GOAL for the appeal for Haiti.

Five years of the Diary

Well, it is nothing near the soon-to-be 40th anniversary of The Bridge, but the five-year milestone for the Diary this week is probably worth a bit of mention.

The boring numbers first. More than 3,000 stories posted, in a wide range of lengths. Around 7,500 pages accessed every month. Every visitor spends, on average, more than two minutes on the site.

Over 7,500 images are linked to the stories, and they have been individually clicked through to nearly 130,000 times. They include 143 sets of slideshows, and these days any new one will be played between 300-1,200 times within a week or so of being posted.

At any given time I check the statistics, the vast majority of visitors are local, but there's always a respectable percentage of 'wild geese' from Kilcullen. As I write this, there have been in the last 12 hours visitors from the US, the UK, Australia, Poland, Finland, Thailand, Singapore, The Netherlands and Germany. Many other countries not on that list feature regularly, and quite often I know who they are, because their relatives back here have from time to time mentioned to me that so-and-so checks in regularly for news from home.

Each year I think the Diary has reached its limit, and each year it gains increased readership, although the growth has been at a reduced rate over the last couple of years. That is to be expected, as the population of Kilcullen, at least those at home, has stabilised somewhat. Perhaps, though, there are more wild geese taking to the waves and skies, and perhaps that segment will grow a little faster in the immediate future?

From time to time I get emails from our Kilcullenites abroad, always positive, and it is nice to know that the Diary does in its small way keep them in touch with a place which, in some cases, they may only ever come 'home' to on a visit, as they have settled permanently in their adopted country. It would be nice to do more, though just now I have no concrete ideas how that might be achieved.

Back to 'home' Kilcullen, and I have a definite idea that there is still a swathe of residents who may not be able to access, or don't know about, the Diary. For those first, if existing readers know some, perhaps they can be reminded that your editor also fills a page in the Kildare Nationalist each week about Kilcullen, its goings-on, and its people. For those with the Internet, and who don't know us, maybe we'll undertake a little local marketing over the next couple of months.

The Diary has attracted a few occasional contributors, though not in significant numbers. Nevertheless, for their contributions, your editor is very thankful. As he is for those who send in notices, texts, photographs, and pieces of paper with scribbles on them. The Diary is not just for your editor's entertainment, but for everybody in the community, and I would be very glad to receive more submissions for publication.

Finally, it doesn't just happen. The Diary does take time and effort to maintain. I appreciate the fact that occasionally some people tell me that they know that. It eats into my work and leisure times, but I don't begrudge it, because I have over the last five years gained an enormous personal satisfaction in maintaining its regularity and, apparently, its value to so many people. None of us know what may be in store even in the next hour, but just now I'm looking forward to the next five years.

Thanks for looking in,

Brian Byrne.

Playground funding not easy

Raising the local contribution of €50,000 purely by local donations and fundraising for the Community Playground is 'almost impossible'.

That was the view expressed by the project's chairman, Orla O'Neill, at the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action. She said that other sources of funds, such as from the Leader programme, will be 'crucial'.

She added that the €8,000 raised so far for the local contribution has been a 'phenomenal' response. She particularly acknowledged the contribution from all those who had helped with the Christmas Childrens Disco, local individuals and businesses, and the €1,500 from sales of 'The Bridge' in December.

A detailed proposal to access other funding possibilities is being prepared.

Orla said also that all the organisations which use the Community Complex are to be canvassed for support, on the basis that the completion of the project will substantially improve the access and parking infrastructure for all.

Surprise for AnnaMay

Anna May Brady was given a surprise birthday party in The Stray Inn on Saturday night. Pics Noel Clare/The Bridge.

Canoe Club activities

Pool sessions for members of Kilcullen Canoe & Outdoor Pursuits Club will recommence at the end of January. Meanwhile, circuit training continues in the club premises behind Market Square on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7pm.

At the club's Christmas Party, presentations were made to four members in relation to activities during 2009.

Kevin O'Neill was given the Joe McTernan Cup as Junior Paddler of the Year; Dave McDonald was given the Jock Kelly Award for Senior Paddler of the Year; and Jock Kelly himself was presented with the Urquhart Trophy for services rendered during the year.

Current chairman of the club is Norman Hannigan, with Ciaran McNamara as vice-chair, Maureen Barker as secretary, and Ber Coleman as treasurer.

Playground group to oversee equipment choice

The Community Playground Committee is to have an 'input' into the equipment that will be provided when the project is being completed.

Orla O'Neill told the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action that members of the Committee will be in close touch with the people in Kildare County Council on the matter.

She said the Committee's input would not be 'formal'.

Cnoc na Greine litter collection

Litter will shortly be collected from Cnoc na Greine Road, the most recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action has been told.

When the matter was raised, Noel Clare said he would organise it.

Funding for Voluntary & Community Organisations

Funding from the Family Support Agency (under the aegis of the Department of Social & Family Affairs) is available now to organisations that provide family counselling services.

The closing date for the 2010 scheme of grants is 12 February and more information is available from the Family Support Agency 01-6114100 or from Deputy Seán Power's Office 045-432289.

Luka Bloom next headliner for Kilcullen

Organiser Ray Kelly promised that the recent very successful Freddie White 'Live by the Liffey' gig in the Town Hall Theatre wouldn't be the last.

And he has come through on that promise. The next headline act to appear in a 2010 series of 'Live by the Liffey' will be acclaimed singer/songwriter Luka Bloom, on February 26.

Luka, a Newbridge native, has been touring worldwide for 18 years and has recently released his 'Eleven Songs' album.

And beyond that gig, Andy Irvine is slotted to perform on 19 March.

Bookings at 087 2636375 or email livebytheliffey@gmail.com

Haiti event raises €10K

This morning's Coffee for Haiti fundraiser in the Heritage Centre was very well supported, and by the time all promised money is in the organisers expect donations to be over €10,000.



A marvellous response. Well done, all concerned.

Diner application for Bardons

A planning application has been lodged in relation to Bardons public house, for a diner/takeaway business.

The application relates to a section of the building which is currently zoned for a Bookmakers Office.

The application involves associated minor alterations to the front elevation and plan of the protected structure.

The premises has had over a century of use as a hotel and pub and was the base for the German team during the Gordon Bennett motor race that passed through Kilcullen in 1903.

Valley hidey holes to be closed

Kilcullen Community Action plans to open up some of the more secluded areas of the Valley Park in the coming year, to make them less attractive for anti-social behaviour.



This will include cutting out all the shrubbery above and below the picnic area above St Brigid's Well. The area will then be filled with soil and planted with the kind of shrubs that deter loitering (prickly ones!).



The seat beside the rock at the bridge end will be relocated to the lower area beside the pond, and will then be in full view of the bridge. This move is because the area where the seat is currently located is a litter trap for material left behind by schoolchildren in daytime and those involved in night 'activities' there.

The Valley Park is owned by the community and is very well used by many who appreciate having such a fantastic amenity in the middle of the town.

Maintenance is carried out during the year by the KCA FAS workers as well as a small number of volunteers who collect litter, cut grass, prune shrubs and remove weeds.

Further moves on Transplant Games

An effort to get the maximum number of people to the 2 February public meeting relating to the upcoming European Transplant & Dialysis Games is now well under way.

Two preliminary meetings have already been held, the first with the Games organiser, Colin White of the Irish Kidney Association, in the middle of last week.

At a second meeting last night, John Martin outlined the details of the Games, as given by Colin White.

"The Games themselves are a means to an end, to raise awareness of organ donating," he said. "They also show that transplant recipients can live full and active lives."

He noted that, compared to events such as the Special Olympics and the World Transplant Games, the European Transplant & Dialysis Games are relatively small, but they require a big organisational effort.

There are two areas where help is needed for the European games, which are being held in August. The first is volunteers to help with the actual running of the week-long event, which will be based in Dublin's Northside. In addition to general organisational duties, there is scope for groups who can work in particular events.

"There are also in the programme visits for the participants to places including the National Stud," John Martin said. "That could be where a group of County Kildare volunteers could take charge."

There will also be a need for fundraising prior to the Games, to pay for requirements beyond food and lodging which the budget of Ä600 per competitor affords.

"But this fundraising has to be carefully done so that it doesn't conflict with anything already in train on behalf of the Irish Kidney Association," John Martin said.

The other local involvement will include spreading the message to the various sporting and community organisations in Kilcullen. Noel Clare brought to the meeting a list of contacts for most of these, and said that he could send letters to each very quickly.

John Martin noted that, because it would require Garda child protection clearance for every adult involved, the Games did not have participation of under-18s. That also meant that there couldn't be direct volunteer involvement by underage children. "But there are jobs, like filling sports bags for the participants, which can be done by young people," John Martin said.

Caroline Dempsey, who has been involved for several years in the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund participation in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon, suggested that Leaving Certificate students could be recruited as volunteers, who would be 18 at the time of the Games, and would still be waiting for their results.

She also suggested that posters to recruit volunteers might be placed where they gathered, such as Fas offices.

The direct local points of contact for the project are Phena Bermingham at 087 9767531 or Caroline Dempsey at 087 2562563.

Volunteers wanted for Transplant Games

Kilcullen people are being asked to play an important part in the running of the European Transplant & Dialysis Games, which are being held next August under the auspices of the Irish Kidney Association.

A meeting planned for 2 February will be addressed by Colin White, National Organiser for the Games, which are being held in Ireland for the first time.

As many as 400 athletes are expected to take part in the event, which will be based in DCU in Dublin and will include a number of other locations on the city’s North side, including the National Aquatic Centre.

Colin White says around 70 volunteers will be required on the week of the Games themselves, for a range of activities.

“But we’re also looking for people and organisations to undertake fundraising towards the cost of the Games,” he says.

The estimated cost at the moment relates more to the length of a piece of string rather than an actual figure, but Mr White says they’ll be hoping for up to €150,000 in donations from business and the community.

Volunteers are being sought in the Greater Dublin area rather than nationally, because the logsitics of managing people from other parts of the country would be very difficult.

Local organiser in Kilcullen Phena Bermingham is hoping that representatives of all organisations as well as many individuals will turn up to the meeting in February.

“What I’d really like is that various clubs could set up their own sub-committees for fundraising and organising volunteers,” she says.

Phena has been a prime mover in the fundraising for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, which has raised in excess of €100,000 for the fund through participation in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon over recent years.

The fund was established by local businessman James Nolan, who has competed at World Transplant Games many times, taking home medals. He was the recipient of a donor kidney from his sister more than two decades ago.

Colin White says that having the European Games in Ireland will be a very positive way of promoting the carrying of Organ Donor Cards, which is one of the key projects of the IKA.

At the 2 February meeting, currently scheduled for the Parish Centre, he will also take questions on all aspects of kidney health, dialysis, and anything else raised by those present.

Noting that the Heart & Lung Transplant Games were held for the first time in Ireland a few years ago, he says that event ‘raised the bar very high’ for the IKA event.

“They were generally recognised as having been the best Heart & Lung Transplant Games held so far, so we have a lot to beat.”

Athletes from up to 20 countries will be involved in the European Transplant & Dialysis Games, which will run from 8-15 August. Dublin City University will be providing the accommodation and base facilities for the participants.

Anyone who wants further information can contact Colin White on 087 6843644. Application forms for volunteers will also be available on a special website, 2010newlife.com

(Meanwhile, there's a meeting of an ad hoc group tonight in Fallons, at 8pm, if anyone wants to become involved in organising the February 2 public meeting.)

Bishop was dealt 'great injustice'

A 'great injustice' has been done to Bishop Eamonn Walsh, and his work to change the situation in the church relating to the child abuse scandal has been 'airbrushed' out, according to Fr Michael Murphy, parish priest of Kilcullen.

In what he emphasised as a personal view of the bishop's resignation, news of which was revealed on Christmas Eve, Fr Murphy said a great wrong had been done to those abused, but he believed a great wrong had also been done to Bishop Walsh, who has been involved in the running of the Diocese since his appointment as auxiliary bishop in 1990.

"Two wrongs do not make a right," he said in a homily at mass this weekend, delivered with visible emotion, adding that he himself had endured a 'very sad Christmas' following the news of the resignation.

Fr Murphy posed the question had Bishop Walsh 'done anything wrong?' "My own view is that reports in the media gave the impression that he had, and this undermined his integrity. No one can continue to function in such a situation."

He added that Bishop Walsh had done much to change the situation in relation to the whole abuse scandal, including chairing the Irish Bishops Committee on Child Protection. He also noted the bishop's work in the Diocese of Ferns, where he was Apostolic Administrator for four years from April 2002, while abuse was being investigated there.

The last function in Kilcullen at which the bishop officiated was the Chruinniu Chriost in June, but he has been a regular participant at other meetings in Kilcullen relating to pastoral issues.

Fr Murphy asked what purpose does it serve by not having Bishop Walsh officiating at the forthcoming Confirmations, or at the next Cruinniu Chriost? "A great injustice has been commited against him, and I would be failing in my duty if I didn't speak out," he said. "I have invited Bishop Eamonn to speak at the 11 o'clock mass on Sunday 7 February, where he will explain why he will not be attending the Confirmations. He will also be happy to meet and talk to any parishioners who want to do so."

Fr Murphy said that Bishop Walsh will be working to restore his good name.

A letter from Bishop Walsh sent to the priests of the Diocese before Christmas was circulated at the masses, with the bishop's permission. It reiterates his 'disgust and horror' at the appalling sexual abuse by priests serving in the Dublin Archdiocese. It also outlines his work in the Archdiocese since he became secretary to Bishop McNamara in 1985, and notes that from the time he was appointed bishop, he advocated mandatory reporting of complaints for child sexual abuse.

The letter includes an observation that 'poor communication' in relation to the whole issue led to 'long-term disastrous consequences'.

Written prior to the bishop's resignation, the letter takes on the issue of 'guilt by association'. "However, guilt by association only arises when someone is complicit in a decision or action, or is silent when to speak would have made a difference. Present in a room or proximity to a decision-maker of itself is not guilt by association. If anyone attributes such guilt to me, he or she does so without foundation, and against the findings of the Dublin Report."

Brian Byrne.

Ladies fitness camp

A Ladies-only Boot Camp for fitness is operating from Kilcullen Community Centre.

All ladies from 16-60 are welcome, and of all fitness levels. The programme includes circuit-style whole body work using a variety of equipment and exercises.

The fee is €45 for a six-session series, with sessions held between 7-8pm. Contact Geraldine 087 9850883.

Community Games back on

Kilcullen’s participation in the 2010 Community Games, which had been very much in doubt before Christmas, has been saved by the last-minute arrival of a number of extra volunteers.

“We now have the required minimum of five people on the committee,” says organiser Anne Quigley, who had all but given up on the project after the failure at the last AGM to get enough volunteers involved.

The participation will not be nearly as big as last year, when up to 400 local youngsters competed in a record number of events for Kilcullen. Apart from local prizes, Kilcullen athletes gained 60 medals at County and National levels, including two National medals.

Of the total participation, nearly 200 youngsters competed in the Athletics section.

“We need to compete in four categories to stay in the Games,” Anne says. “So this year we will be directly organising just Talent, Basketball, Athletics and Swimming. The schools have got involved by agreeing to organise the Art competitions, which will then be forwarded to us to judge.”

The passing of John McGrath

The Diary sadly records the death of John McGrath, St Brigid's Avenue.

He is reposing at his residence, and removal will take place tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10.30 to arrive at Kilcullen Parish Church for Requiem Mass at 11 o'clock.

Interment will take place immediately afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Haiti earthquake fundraiser

A Coffee Morning in aid of the Red Cross effort in the Haiti Earthquake Disaster is being held in Kilcullen Heritage Centre on Thursday 21 January.

The event takes place between 10am-12.30pm and all are welcome. Donations will be taken on on the day, but anybody who wants to contribute otherwise should call 087 6393974.

It Says in The Bridge: Jan 10

The first 'Bridge' of the new year and the new decade punches home the cold start that both had, in Kilcullen terms. Pat Foley's main picture shows locals helping a van to climb Hillside, recalling snowy times of years ago when this was a 'pinch point' on the main road to Dublin, and often was where transport between the south and the capital broke down.

The front page also highlights a call for help in the European Transplant Games, which will be held in Dublin in August, and which has a special interest for Kilcullen people through their support of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund established by our own James Nolan. There will be more about this in time, but meanwhile hold the date in your diary for 2 February and a public meeting on the matter.

In the first Editorial of 2010 -- the 'Bridge's 40th year -- we're reminded of the lesson recently learned by the fattened turkeys, 'take nothing for granted'. The words relate also to what has happened to the nation as a whole over the sudden onset of the Recession.

(Turkeys. Yeah. Guess we should have known when we sent one to represent us at Eurovision?)

News in the issue is mainly of the looking back at Christmas and the New Year format, with a lot of emphasis on photographs of various associated events. So we have pictures of parties, from the Canoe Club, the Pitch & Putt Captains Night, the Toddlers Group, Tom and Phena Bermingham's hosting of the 'Miscellany on Sunday', and the Kilcullen Seniors Christmas Part in Keadeen.

There's also visual memories from the Gala Night opening of 'Theft' by Kilcullen Drama Group, the Scoil Bhride Christmas Fair, and the Kilcullen GAA Presentation Night as well as the same club's 'Wags & Wellies' match on St Stephen's morning.

Feature articles have a couple of new twists. There's the first of a series on Kilcullen people at home and abroad working in interesting jobs -- the first is about Mary Bermingham who works with the EU in Brussels. Another piece tells you how to spot if your teenager is using hash. And, if you are interested in Kilcullen's social past, a reprising of entries in 'Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland', is fascinating.

The usual suspects venture rather further than usual, with Billy Redmond wondering about the direction Michael O'Leary of Ryanair might be taking, and Sean Landers sending his letters from Kilcullen and Cork instead of the Taiwan that has been his real home for so many years. He salutes various people who make his visits to Kilcullen special.

James Healy brings a rare enough byline to 'The Bridge' in an extended review of the Kilcullen Drama Group's 'Game of Two Halves'. The rest of us know it as 'Theft', the group's winter presentation that gave many much really good entertainment. James presents this as 'an able cast quickly getting to grips' with 'an intriguing concept'. If you saw it, you'll know. If you didn't, don't miss the spring production of 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane'.

There's also a piece about Gerry Crehan's recent retirement from managing the Silliot Hill recycling and waste distribution facility. Well, there's not getting away from it ... I did that.

Here's to 2010, and 40 years of 'The Bridge' recording Kilcullen past and today.

Brian Byrne.

Motor Show at Dunleas

Motor dealers Dunleas of Kilcullen are holding a special Motor Show from the week beginning Saturday 16 January, to show the range of Kia cars.



The cars will include the new Venga small MPV which comes with a 1.4 diesel engine and is fitted with Idle Stop & Go as standard, which saves fuel while the car is halted in traffic.

The special Kia scrappage deal will also be showcased by the low low prices for the Picanto, Rio and cee'd models in qualifying transactions.

A range of used cars, vans and 4x4s will also be on display.

Postcard: Victor Emanuele II in Rome

Keep up with Car and Travel news at carandtravel.ie

Winter in Kilcullen

Winter settles on Kilcullen. Pix: Ellen & Joe Kelly.

Last of the Winter Wonderland

Now that we have settled into the slushy and mucky phase of the snow cycle, here are a last few Winter Wonderland photographs. These were taken by David Byrne of Silliott Hill.

Snow on Ancient Ireland

Old Kilcullen in the snow. Brian Byrne/Kilcullen Diary.

Liffey view

Snow and sun on the Liffey, from Geraldine Gahan.

Kilcullen's got talent?

The Hideout is hosting 'Stars in our Bars', a talent show for locals. It commences late January with a Grand Final at the end of May.

All types of entertainers welcome -- singers, dancers, instrumentalists, comedians, speciality acts. All entrants must be 18 or over.

The winner will go forward to the county stage. The prize money for the county final winner will be €1,000. The prize money for the National Winner will be €7,500.

Contact anyone in The Hideout for further details.

Snow at Jockey Stile

A snowy Jockey Stile. Brian Byrne/Kilcullen Diary.

Au Pairs meeting night

A special meet-up night for the au pairs working in the Kilcullen area has been organised in The Hideout for Friday January 15.

There will be free finger food and entertainment.

"It seems that there has been no place in the area where they could all arrange to meet up, so I asked around and got a number of them interested," says The Hideout's Clare Boyce. "It should be an interesting night."

The night begins at 9pm.

Be Careful walking

While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of snow and ice, advises the Road Safety Authority, today Saturday 9th January 2010.

Each winter slip and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution.

Dr. Iomhar O’Sullivan, Consultant in Emergency Medicine in the Emergency Department of Cork University Hospital says “We have seen a ten fold increase in injuries due to falls as a result of the snow and icy conditions. The most typical injuries we have seen are fractures and dislocations of the wrist, shoulder and ankle.”

“We would typically associate these injuries, resulting from falls, with older persons however the current conditions have reversed that trend with a significant increase in younger people presenting in our Emergency Department with these injuries.”

He added that “Many slips and falls are happening in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car.”

“My advice is to wear appropriate footwear, don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, walk with your hands out and wear gloves so you can break your fall if you do slip. It’s better to have a broken wrist than a cracked skull.”

“Lastly you would be surprised at the number of people picking up with injures after falling while out jogging. Not a good idea in these conditions.” Concluded Dr O’Sullivan.

Family fun in the Valley

These photos were taken by Lesley Kelly. They include Jack Kelly, Mary Kelly and their grandson Conor.

Clearing the way to God

Clearing snow from around the church this morning. "Makes me feel like a young boy again," Fr Michael said.

'Class of 89' celebrates

The Cross & Passion Class of 1989 recently marked their 20th year since graduation with a reunion event in Kilashee House Hotel.

The event was hatched by class members Val McDonnell and Katherine Hyland, and they soon had the help of former classmates Dolores O'Brien, Audrey Owens, Honor Lundon, and Yvonne Goulding, using the 21st century methods of email and texting to get in touch with everybody.

It wasn't going to be possible to get everybody to the reunion, as the class is scattered all over the world, including America and Australia. For those who did make make it, the days and hours before were a bit nerve-wracking.

"The prospect of meeting people you haven't seen for 20 years is a pretty daunting one," Dolores O'Brien wrote in the Christmas issue of 'The Bridge', Kilcullen's community magazine. "Would there be judgements? Would all the rivalries and remembered teenage angst be washed away with 20 years of what life had sent our way?"

On the night, though, it was 'instantaneous reconnections'. "There was immediate warmth and delight at seeing 'the girls'," Dolores reported. "Amid the hugs and the 'my Gods' and 'you haven't changed a bit' there was genuine warmth."

Among those who made it were Mary Masterson, Lavinia Maloney, Jackie Keenan, Grainne O'Toole, Colette Coleman, Anna Coonan, Patricia Evans, Judy Anderson, Louise McHugh, Linda Meade, Melanie O'Halloran, Niamh Hayden (who travelled from Brussels) and Suzanne Nolan (who made the much more arduous journey from Ballinsaloe).

Though they were now a varied bunch of adult women, for one night they were all once again 6A, 6R and 6M Class of '89 from Cross & Passion College.

A Gender Footnote: Some might notice that this story is only about women? Well, that's because CPC had only become co-educational three years before and this was among the last of the all-female classes to graduate. The College was established in 1878.

Schools stay closed

Cross & Passion College and Scoil Bhride are both remaining closed until Monday, in common with many schools nationwide, due to the severe weather.

This morning, temperatures in Nicholastown are around -7degC, while -11degC has been reported from New Abbey Road.

Seen or Heard

"The Church is often said to be a 'faceless institution' and part of what we're doing is putting faces on the Church as the ordinary people who work in parishes, have mortgages, raise children and are just living their lives." (Petra Conroy, in a profile about her involvement with Catholic Comment.)

"Everyone who comes along tonight, even if all they do is listen and absorb, are Kilcullen's future leaders." (Brian Byrne, writing in advance of the recent Kilcullen Development Plan presentation.)

"Everyone who comes along tonight, even if all they do is listen and absorb, are Kilcullen's future leaders." (Brian Byrne, writing in advance of the recent Kilcullen Development Plan presentation.)


"I wonder how many more cuts people can put up with. The cost cutting is dismantling vital services like public nursing homes and health services. At the same time, some Government advisers are getting big pay increases. That’s not fair."(Niall McAllister, 66, widower, interviewed in the Irish Times.)


"I wonder how many more cuts people can put up with. The cost cutting is dismantling vital services like public nursing homes and health services. At the same time, some Government advisers are getting big pay increases. That’s not fair." (Niall McAllister, 66, widower, interviewed in the Irish Times.)

"If you were to break a heart by venomous words, it would not be possible to ever make it whole again. Words can cause endless troubles and they can also give boundless joy. Therefore, you should be most careful that the words you use do not hurt or give pain to others." (Indian philosophical commentator Sai Ram.)

He who is carried on another's back does not appreciate how far off the town is—African Proverb

If anyone asked me what is the most important invention, I would say it is the sentence." — Author John Banville, speaking on TV3.

"It was on Brian Byrne's blog, so I assume it's not a joke." (Orla O'Neill, responding to a query as to whether the traffic bumps at Scoil Bhride are to be lifted to accommodate the Queen's motorcade through Kilcullen.)

"The race for instant information is one we book publishers can never win. It is probably one we should not enter, because our mission is not to add noise to noise, but to deliver meaning and to inspire. And speed so often defeats meaning." (Arnaud Nourry, CEO of publishing house Hachette Livre, at the PEN Literary Gala in New York on April 26.)

"Our building jumped and shook and collapsed and we clambered out over the devastation, stunned and bruised but alive." (Irene McDonnell from the Christchurch earthquake.)

"A moment of thinking is an hour in words." (Thomas Hood.)

"The Titanic was built on this island, and just as it was billed as 'unsinkable', our Celtic Tiger was hailed as 'unstoppable'. Both were hostages to hubris." (Brian Byrne in 'We Need New Butterflies'.)

"Necessity is the mother of taking chances." (Mark Twain.)

"What comes with ease goes with ease." (Arabian proverb.)

"A long dispute means that both parties are wrong." (French Enlightenment writer and philosopher Voltaire.)

"It is hard to get work made unless you are ordered. So when you have a family, sometimes you have to rise at five in the morning to get the sense that you are the only person in the world." (Artist Bridget Flannery, whose work is currently on display in the Good Food Gallery.)

"He refuses to have a chest X-Ray, or to have his blood pressure taken." (Maurice Neligan's wife Pat, on 'Miriam Meets'); to which the famous heart surgeon responded: "When you're sick, go to your doctor; otherwise don't go looking for trouble."

"Moderation in all things, including moderation." (Maurice Neligan, heart surgeon.)

"Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites." (William Ruckelshaus, first Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency.)

"The Council's initiative a couple of years ago, to regularly have a clean-up team in Kilcullen as part of a multi-town pilot programme, has really paid off." (Noel Clare, on the big improvement in litter in Kilcullen.)

"The reason we have such beautiful children in the school is because they come from such beautiful families." (Marion Sherlock, Principal of St Joseph's NS.)

CPC Draw

The CPC Parents Association Christmas Draw took place on Friday 18th December. The results were as follows:

First Prize €200: Aine Ward; Second Prize €100: Frank Kenny; Third Prize €50: Emergency 1. Sellers Prizes: Carrie Lidierth and Niamh, Sean & Conor Ryan.

Cold night

Just to mark that at this time, 23:51, local temperature in Kilcullen is around minus6degC.

Weather hits Hillside traffic

This afternoon's heavy fall of snow has caused some difficulties for vehicles driving up and down the hill at Hillside, a traditional problem area during freezing weather. A number of local people, including Dominic Gibson, and Jim Delaney from Bishop Rogan Park, and Dave O'Malley from Hillcrest, helped to keep things moving.

"They worked for several hours, helping out," says Pat Foley of 'The Bridge', who took these photos. "If it wasn't for them, traffic would have been blocked all the way down the town."

Temperatures have now plunged below freezing and the hills are likely to be even more dangerous and difficult.

A guest-house home

When a new business opens up in a place where someone grew up, it prompts memories. Which is just what happened recently when the Good Food Gallery opened in Kilcullen.

The location, as previously mentioned in this page, was formerly the guesthouse run by the late, and much-loved, Alice Coleman. And Alice's daughter Pat, for many years married to Vivian Clarke, has penned some recollections which are an important part of Kilcullen's living history.

Most of Pat's best-loved recollections are of lodgers who came to Kilcullen for work and needed somewhere to stay. Some, even many, eventually made their permanent homes in the Kilcullen area.

These include Dick Dunphy, who came in the 50s as an employee of the Dublin & District Milk Board, married locally, and today in his retirement is still a vibrant member of Kilcullen Drama Group. There was Austin Egan, who also married into Kilcullen and eventually established a local restaurant. Pat O'Donnell, who along with Dan Breslin set up an earthmoving business in Brannockstown. Brian Keyes, a junior teacher who later became the local NS Principal as well as an important Kilcullen historian. Tom Bryan, a big machine man who also managed to win the heart of Pat Coleman's sister Rita.

There are a host more of those who for shorter or longer times made their mark on Kilcullen, and whose names will for many people still alive today evoke a variety of personal memories. They include chemist Eugene Gilsenan, district nurse Mona O'Connor, Billy Hughes who became manager of Brennans Hardware, and commercial traveller Gerry Malone who stayed every Tuesday and Thursday night for more than two decades ... he was also the last official 'guest'.

The story of Alice Coleman's Guest House on Main Street is a lot more than can be retailed here. But much of it has been at least touched on in Pat Clarke's reminiscence in the Christmas issue of 'The Bridge'. If you really want to taste further an important part of what generated the Kilcullen of today, buy a copy while it is still available.

Drama Group's 80th year

In 2010, Kilcullen Drama Group will celebrate its 80th anniversary since it was first founded through the inspiration of local priest Fr Moynihan.

In the early days it was, of course, an organisation aimed at providing the opportunity for the community to entertain itself. Needless to say, this was long before the availability of TV, and even then radio was very much in its infancy as a medium of entertainment and information.

"In those days, audience and actors were as one, both contributing equally to the nights of entertainment in Kilcullen," says Bernard Berney, who hastens to assure us that he isn't actually old enough to personally remember this.

"I believe this tradition still continues," he adds. "The separation between the action on stage and the reaction in the auditorium is not clearly defined. This is what gives the plays in Kilcullen their special flavour."

The 'modern' Kilcullen Drama Group keeps its community focus not just by playing to local audiences, but also by highlighting and supporting other elements that make up what is Kilcullen.

They have established a tradition of giving the proceeds of the opening Gala Night to local good causes. These have included the GAA, Kilcullen Lions Club, Scoil Bhride, Special Olympics, Senior Citizens, Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA, the Transition Year of Cross & Passion College, and many others.

Soul week workshops

'A Week of Soul' is the theme of a parish youth project planned to take place in early February.

It will involve workshops run by the Dublin Gospel Choir and is aimed at young people in Kilcullen from 6th Class primary through the second level.

"The choir comes down and works with the various age groups in terms of Gospel music," says Hannah Evans, KIlcullen Parish's pastoral worker. "There's also an element of faith in the project too, with the choir's chaplain, Richard Hendrick, conducting part of the project as a form of retreat, and we'll also have other people to discuss faith and testimony with the youngsters."

The choir will also be working with the Family Mass Group and the Kilcullen Youth Choir.

New committee at Pitch & Putt

Following the recent AGM, the new committee of St Bridget's Pitch & Putt Club is as follows.

Chairman: Liam Sherry; Vice Chair: Paddy Doyle; Secretary: Christy Sweeney; Treasurer: Johnny Sweeney; Competition Secretary: Ian Dillon; Registrar: Frank Connolly.

Captains for 2010 are Johnny Sweeney (Gents), Betty Barker (Ladies). Vice Captains are John Talbot and Berni Dunne. The Committee is comprised of Christy Hannon, Gerry Doyle, Paddy Dunne, Aiden Gannon, Tom Hughes, Mary Sherry, and Gabrielle Sweeney.

Rescue and roll

Learning to rescue and roll are key parts of the sessions organised in the Curragh Swimming Pool by the Kilcullen Canoe & Outdoor Pursuits Club.

The sessions are part of the winter programme by the club, which also includes other training in the Kilcullen Clubhouse on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7pm.

For further information on the club, contact Maureen Barker on 086 8176721.

Baptism Team seeks new members

The Parish Baptismal Team is looking for new members to help with the growing number of families bringing new children into the world.

Most of all what they need are enthusiastic people, who will be given the training needed during a number of workshops which are planned. Those who get involved become part of a very valuable ministry within the parish.

The team offers a helpful service to parents presenting children for Baptism. The team is both a way of welcoming new people into the parish, and of making new friends.

Anyone who has an interest should contact Hannah on 087 9365767.

Aisling sings for Laura Lynn

An album of much-loved Irish songs has recently been launched by local woman Aisling O'Neill, in the Bar Council HQ in Dublin.

Aisling's day job has her working as a High Court Registrar, and this, her first solo CD, is in aid of the Laura Lynn Children's Hospice Foundation.

The album, 'A Twilight Falls', is a selection of 15 new arrangements to classic Irish airs. It was produced by Gerry Simpson, Eurovision songwriter. It comprises much-loved and timeless traditional compositions such as 'Carrickfergus', 'My Lagan Love', 'The Song of Wandering Aengus', 'Raglan Road', and Jimmy McCarthy's 'Bright Blue Rose'.

The Laura Lynn Children's Hospice Foundation was established in 2001 after Jane and Brendan McKenna lost their daughters Laura and Lynn in the space of just two years.

Their youngest daughter Laura was born with a hole in her heart, and died in 1999, aged 4. Lynn, at the age of 13 years, was diagnosed with leukaemia on the same day her younger sister passed away. She died two years later.

Jane McKenna was a former Four Courts colleague of Aisling O'Neill. Aisling's CD is available in Top Twenty in Newbridge and Naas, and in Bernard Berneys Chemists in Kilcullen.

Vintage rally presentation

It may have been a difficult year for the national and local economies, but that didn't stop the amazing support for the 2009 Mac & Norman's Vintage Rally, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

The rally was organised this year by John Kennedy, Ger Markey, Tommy Dillon, Dermot Fitzgerald, Norman Egar, Anne Sully, and Peter Sully.

They recently presented John McCormack of the Irish Cancer Society with a cheque for €36,250, the proceeds of the 2009 event.

Ann says she is 'happy and delighted' with the financial outcome. "I was expecting maybe €5,000-€10,000 this year, but people are very generous even in tough times. We had nearly 300 vehicles entered, including tractors, motorbikes, vintage cars, even an old double-decker bus. We actually ran out of plaques for entrants."

Prior to the 2009 event, the run had already raised over €250,000 for the ICS since it was inaugurated. Last year it raised over €41,000.