Brigid's Avenue parking restrictions

Kildare County Council plans to restrict parking at the entrance to St Brigid's Avenue, by placing double yellow lines there.

Drawings showing the proposed works may be inspected at the public counter of Kildare County Council, Transportation and Public Safety Department, Level 4, Áras Chill Dara during office hours Monday to Friday and at Kilcullen Community Library.

Representations relating to the proposed works may be made in writing to the Senior Executive Officer, Transportation and Public Safety Department, Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare, before 12 noon on Friday 10 September 2010.

New headlines widget can be shared

Regular readers of the Diary may have noticed a new feature, the 'widget' on the top right that shows headlines of recent posts.

Well, in addition to making it easier for you to check what has been posted since your last visit, you can also copy it to your own personal or organisation's website. It's a cool way of letting your own readers know what's happening in and around the town.

If you want to do it, just click on the 'get widget' button at the bottom of the panel and follow the instructions.

Drop us an email if you do it, or if you have any problems.

Green flags for schools

Two local schools recently received their second Green Flags.

Scoil Bhride gained its second flag for energy conservation, and is now working on its third, for water conservation. Their flag was presented at a ceremony in Croke Park.

Brannoxtown NS also received its energy conservation flag and celebrated the event at the school just two years after getting its first Green Flag.

Children from 6th Class told fellow pupils and parents why the flag had been achieved, thanks to a programme that included simple things like turning off lights and computers.

Botanists come to see tufa

A group of botanists and environmentalists recently visited Kilcullen's riverside Valley Park to examine deposits of tufa.

Tufa is a type of soft rock that occurs around limewater springs, which are common in the Valley.

The growths support a variety of mosses and liverworts.

The visit was expedited by wildlife ranger Roy Thompson, who lives in Kilcullen.

CPC Class of 77 plan get-together

Cross & Passion College Leaving Cert Class of 1977 are planning a get-together on Saturday 11 September.

The venue is to be confirmed, and the contact is Miriam Deering at 086 80441151, or Phyllis Blake at 087 6602473. Or email phyllisblakebyrne@hotmail.com

Silliott Hill loses €850,000 a year

The Silliot Hill recycling and waste management centre is losing €855,000 a year, around a third of Kildare County Council's annual losses of €2.4 million on waste management.

According to a report given to Kildare councillors at their July meeting, the similar but smaller civic amenity in Athy is losing €400,000 a year.

"To be incurring such losses is not sustainable for this local authority," says Cllr Martin Heydon, a member of the Council's Finance Committee. “The losses at the civic amenity sites in Silliot Hill and Athy must be addressed."

He says he is totally opposed to the suggestion of closing any civic amenity centres, and insists that there is room for greater efficiencies to be found in the day to day operations. "At present there is a crossover between the Finance and Environment departments as well as with the contractor in handling all administration issues that arise. This is not an efficient use of our staff resources."

At the end of last year, when Gerry Crehan retired from his position as manager, Silliot Hill had a staff of up to 17.

One-act plays in September

Three one-act plays are in preparation for performance in September at Kilcullen Town Hall Theatre.

A group from KARE under the direction of Noreen Donnelly will perform a sketch, while a group of teenagers are rehearsing a short play being directed by Eilish Philips. The final one is an adults performance being directed by Dick Dunphy.

The three performances will run for three nights, 16/17/18 September.

"We see it as a way of getting young people interested in drama," says Dick Dunphy, one of Kilcullen Drama Group's stalwarts since he came to the town in the 50s.

Further details as they come available.

Peter celebrates Elgar for Fr Paddy

When Peter Moloney played a couple of pieces from Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance Marches' on the church organ at Fr Paddy Ryan's farewell mass last Saturday, he was marking locally the 75th anniversary year of the death of Edward Elgar.

Earlier this month Peter went to the anniversary celebrations in Worcester, the city closest to the village of Lower Broadheath where the composer was born.

"There was a tour to his home from the city, and it was very interesting there," he says. "They have done a lot at his home in the last 10 years. Then there were recitals in the cathedrals at Worcester and Gloucester."

Peter has a wide knowledge of the composers whose music he plays, an interest for which he gives great credit to the late Fr Henry Flanagan OP, who taught him in Newbridge College.

"Brendan Graham was talking about Fr Flanagan on the radio recently on 'Miriam Meets'. It was nice to hear somebody else who appreciated him."

Elgar lived in London for a while, but came back to the countryside which he most loved. "He was very fond of nature and fishing and that sort of thing, around the Malvern Hills and the River Severn. And if you listen to his music, you can relate to the countryside that he lived in ... it's amazing, really."

Peter managed to get in some playing himself, on the organ at the Church of St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol. "It was a Harrison and Harrison organ, which goes back to 1911. It has been refurbished and repaired over the years, and all the stops are electro-pneumatic. It's a fabulous instrument in a fabulous building and it was an amazing experience."

Peter will regularly be found playing the organ in Kilcullen Church in his spare time. A leisure activity which has recently begun to bring him an unexpected bonus.

"I have about six weddings lined up now, from people who came in to look at the church for their weddings while I was playing, then asked me would I play for them."

And he has a small confession to make about Fr Paddy's evening and one of his Elgar pieces. "I actually mixed up a couple of the pages of music," he says with a grin. "But I don't think anybody noticed."

Brian Byrne.

Bollards to be placed on Chapel Road

Now that the footpath on the Chapel Road has been properly refurbished, Kildare County Council is determined that it won't be damaged again.

Prior to the work, the Council said the previous poor surface had been due to cars parking on the footpath.

But now they intend to put bollards on the path to prevent this.

The work on the footpath will be completed beyond the church to Nolan's yard.

The work, which has been widely welcomed, came following representations by local councillors Martin Miley and Martin Heydon.

Carer & Toddler meeting

The Kilcullen Carer & Toddler Group is holding a meeting on Wednesday next to plan for the autumn/winter session 2010.

The meeting is at 8pm in Fallons, and all carers of toddlers in the town are asked to attend, as the group needs as much participation as possible.

Earlier this year the group published a document on parenting resources and hints in the area, entitled 'It Takes a Village'.

Susie gets five golds in Hollywood

Six-year-old Susie Power from Calverstown won five gold medals and 11 others in the World Championships of Performing Arts which was held in Hollywood, California.

Susie, who plays 'Eleanor Daly' in the TV soap 'Fair City', was the youngest competitor in Team Ireland at the event, from which the 53 members took home scholarships, trophies, medals and awards.

Contestants from over 40 countries competed in dance, drama, singing, modelling, instrumental and variety competitions. Team Ireland won the Team Scholarship for the second year running and €500 was awarded to each member of the Irish Team for the NY Conservatory of Drama for their 2011 Summer Course.

Maureen V Ward, who runs the Talented Kids Performing Arts School based in Calverstown, was the National Director for the Irish team and won an award for Best National Director. The Irish team also won 1st Prize for the Costume award for their Opening Ceremony Parade which featured each team member dressed up in costume that resembled Celtic Mythology.

The team arrives back in Dublin this morning.

(Susie is pictured above with her parents Maureen and Dave.)

Great response to 'Maintain Hope' coffee morning

Saturday's coffee morning for Maintain Hope at Sabina Reddy's home raised over €1,200 for the funding that is helping to send six volunteers from Kilcullen to Kenya this week.



"It was a very social occasion, and we want to thank all who came for the contributions they made," says Sabina, whose sister Esther is one of the volunteers who will be working for two weeks on the building of new facilities at the Shelter Children’s Home in Ngong, Nairobi.

Other volunteers will be giving learning support and counselling to the children in the home.



Since it was established in 2006, Operation Maintain Hope has constructed and equipped classrooms in Tumaini School in Mombasa and built classrooms in Kikambala School also in Mombasa. Maintain Hope has placed teaches on voluntary placement in Kibiko School, Nairobi and Kikambala.

It has also brought children from Shelter home on holidays to the seaside, established a food programme, and bought a bus to bring children to and from school. A programme to support the children through further education has also been developed.



More than 150 volunteers have completed a placement with Maintain Hope since its inception.

The results of the raffle held in conjunction with the coffee morning were: 1st prize Jo Doyle, Ballysax; 2nd prize Carol Loughran, Naas; 3rd prize Marlena Healy, Cut Bush; 4th prize Mary Salveta, Newbridge.

Farewell to Fr Paddy

“If the church can inspire such people to such generosity, I think we can be assured that the church will survive and grow in strength. He was like a big comforting presence among us.”

Bernard Berney’s comment was made at Saturday night’s farewell event in the Parish Centre for Fr Paddy Ryan, who leaves Kilcullen this week after serving here for three years. Though his time here was short, Bernard emphatically placed Fr Paddy in the gallery of priests who have served the parish well. On his own behalf, and on behalf of the people of the parish, Bernard thanked Fr Paddy for his time spent in Kilcullen.

“It was Fr Paddy who pointed out to me that the church has undergone major changes every three hundred years or so, and that what we are seeing now is one of those major changes in the church and in society. Now we have witnessed the last curate to serve in Kilcullen, it is time for us laity to take a much more active part.”

Maurice O’Mahoney, chairman of the Pastoral Council, said that anyone who met Fr Paddy Ryan would certainly remember him, because he was a man of the people. “He meets people, talks to them, discusses things with them, and when we heard that he was leaving the parish there was a genuine sense of disappointment.”

He said this was particularly so in Scoil Bhride, where Fr Paddy was chaplain and was ‘always a part of the school community’. “He was chairman of our school’s Board of Management, where he brought his wisdom, his experience from Africa and from Greenhills in Dublin, to the important work of making decisions on the management and the running of the school.”

Maurice noted that Fr Paddy’s skills had also been very important to the Pastoral Council in its deliberations and decisions relating to the pastoral needs of the parish. “He has been a light to the people of Kilcullen in a time of difficulty and great change in the church.”



Petra Conroy, on behalf of the Pastoral Council, presented Fr Paddy with a framed photograph of the tower at Old Kilcullen. “The parish is a different place, and a better place for Fr Paddy having been here,” she said. “And we are a better people for it. We really took him into our hearts for the time he had for the youngest to the oldest members of the parish, and especially for the sick. He has a great theological knowledge, which has been polished by years of pastoral experience, being with people and caring for people.”



One of the oldest members of the community, 94-year-old Mrs Queenie Whelan, made a presentation to Fr Paddy on behalf of the people of the parish. She said she was going to miss him very much, as he visited her every week.

Saying that ‘you’ll never see the likes of him again’, Fr Michael Murphy placed Fr Paddy’s departure in the context that he wasn’t going to be replaced. “The response from the people of Kilcullen to the situation in which we are now has been very generous, and that’s how we have to keep going,” he said. “If we keep doing that, all will be well.”

Adding his own thanks to Fr Paddy for the time he had spent in Kilcullen, he wished him good health and every blessing for his future.

Responding, Fr Paddy expressed his own thanks to the community and to those with whom he had worked, for their own kindnesses to him. He particularly mentioned Tom McCarton for his work in and around the church, and Claire Lambe for looking after him in the parish house.

“You all gave me a great welcome and great support,” he told the assembled well-wishers. “And that is something I will remember all my life.”

Brian Byrne.

Katie takes gold

Katie Berney of Kilcullen took gold in the u/15 Girls 200m at the All Ireland Track and Field yesterday.

Gongratulations once again to one of our most promising young athletes.

Remembering Colm McCoy

NANCHANG, SE CHINA: I am sad to read about the passing of Colm McCoy, a champion amateur boxer from Kilcullen, writes Garreth Byrne. When in 1960 he was chosen to travel to Rome as a member of the Irish athletics squad in that year's Olympic Games he made Kilcullen proud.

(The late Colm McCoy is feted in Kilcullen on his return from the Lucerne European Championships in 1959. Garreth Byrne is the boy in the centre of the front row. Pic courtesy Kilcullen Heritage Centre.)

I was a boy in short trousers in those days and remember one Sunday rattling a collection tin and to every donor giving a flag with the slogan: SEND McCOY TO ROME. People in those hardship times donated their pennies, sixpences and shillings generously, and McCoy was sent to take his place among the athletes of the world.

Kilcullen has sent canoeists to the Olympics since then, but McCoy set the pioneering example. At a time like this we should once again remember that McCoy's gallant and tenacious sparring partner was Hugh Peacocke. Behind every champion boxer there is a champion sparring partner. And the champion trainer was Captain Cyril Russell from the Curragh.

ED Note: It is interesting to recall that it was in that Rome Olympics, and in the same grade where McCoy competed, one Cassius Clay took home the gold medal for the United States. McCoy didn't get past the first round, being beaten by the Finn Matti Olavi Aho.

Open Garden raises €1,400

The recent weekend Open Garden organised by Francis and Mary Shortt raised more than €1,400 from supporters for the KARE organisation.

The passing of Mary Kelly

The Diary has learned with sadness of the death of Mary Kelly, nee Markey, of Mile Mill.

Mary is reposing at her residence until removal on Sunday morning to the Church of the Sacred Heart & St Brigid at 10.30am.

Requiem mass will be celebrated at 11am, and interment will take place immediately afterwards in St Brigid's Cemetery.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to St Vincent de Paul.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The passing of Colm McCoy

The death has occurred of Colm McCoy of Littletown, Kilmeague. Colm will be remembered in Kilcullen from the 1950s, where he began a very successful amateur boxing career with Kilcullen Boxing Club, having moved to the club from Kildare.

He won his first National title for the club in the welterweight division in 1953/54 and went on to box at light/middle, middle, and light/heavy divisions. He won National and Ulster Seniors championships, as well as many international bouts. Along with Harry Perry and Adam McClean, he won a bronze medal for Ireland at the European Boxing Championships in Lucerne in 1959. He represented Ireland in the light/heavy grade at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Colm maintained contact with Kilcullen when he settled in Kilmeague. He will be missed by many friends here, as well as by his wife Noelle and their family, his brother Art and his sisters and all his wide circle of friends.

His burial is today (Saturday) after 11 o'c. Mass in Allen cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Palliative Care, Friends of Naas Hospital.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Bugsy comes to town

Some of the cast in the recent Drama Dynamics production of 'Bugsy Malone' in Kilcullen Town Hall Theatre. Pics by Trish Whelan/Kilcullen Diary.

Leader funds in place for playground

The Kilcullen Community Playground project got good news this morning, to the effect that the Kildare Leader Partnership has agreed to provide the funding th group applied for.

The group recently closed local fundraising, having reached its target of €15,000. Kildare County Council has promised the remaining €200,000 for the playground, work on which it is hoped will begin by the end of the summer.

"We now have all the funds in place for the playground," a delighted Orla O'Neill told the Diary this afternoon.

The site for the playground is on the Community Centre complex, at the back of the Scoil Bhride playing fields.

Heydon condemns toll roads proposal

The suggestion that Ireland's National roads should be tolled has been denounced as an attempt at another 'stealth tax' by local FG councillor Martin Heydon.

He condemns the idea of charging those using regional roads, especially considering the level of disrepair they are in, as well as the fact that it would leave motorists with no alternatives for travelling between large towns.

"These are not the ways we should be going," he said this morning. "The motorist is paying over the odds as it is."

OK tower signs to be replaced

Signs for the Tower of Old Kilcullen on the Athy Road are to be restored following representations from Cllr Martin Heydon.

The signs had been taken down during work at the new junction related to the M9 extension works, and hadn't been put back again.

After raising the matter at the July meeting of the Athy Area Committee, Cllr Heydon was assured by the local area engineer that the signs will be replaced.

"The Round Tower at Old Kilcullen is one of the best tourist attractions that we have in the area," Cllr Heydon says. "Yet anybody looking to visit it at present has quite a job finding the right road to take, that will lead to the tower and graveyard."

Cllr Heydon welcomed the commitment.

Tolling National Routes: 'fraud, corruption and abuse'

If nothing else that this current Government has done has been enough to really have them physically turfed out of their cosy leather Dail seats, then any attempt to extend tolling from our motorways to ordinary National Routes should do it.

If we allow it, writes Brian Byrne, we will be pitching our constitutional freedom to travel right back into the era of the turnpike roads of the 18/19th centuries, a period of 129 years when 'trustee' boards of local landlords and politicians became the 'legitimate' equivalent of 'stand-and-deliver' highwaymen, fleecing travellers as they passed through their districts.

Read more »

Spanish goal resounds in Kilcullen

When that famous goooaaaaal!!!! hit the back of the net in Soccer City last week, the roar in Bardons pub in Kilcullen was probably heard in the South Africa stadium.

That's because, collectively, the Spain fans there had just netted themselves €5,000 from the kick that won their favourite team the coveted World Cup.

Since Ireland wasn't in the competition, Bardons customers had voted amongst themselves as to which team they should root for.

Each vote cost €20, and half of that went on a collective bet on Spain at 4/1. For the balance, each voter got a Spain jersey, and a free pint and Spanish-style finger food on the nights that Spain was playing.

A hundred voted, and when Spain finally came through, each got €50 back.

"Even if we hadn't won, it was a great deal," says Linda Price who has put up on the backbar a large set of photographs of the 'Spanish' supporters through the three weeks. "Getting back two and a half times the total outlay is sweet icing on a Spanish cake."

Pictured are a group of the delighted supporters after the win, with Johnny Reddy holding the symbolic €50 that everyone who participated was getting.

This article originally appeared on the Kilcullen Page of the Kildare Nationalist.

Artist talks at GFG

Paul and Suzanne Carey of the Good Food Gallery hosted a very entertaining talk by artist Bridget Flannery in the gallery on Wednesday night.

An exhibition of the artist's work is on display in the gallery until 21 August. Full report later.

Jane's 'Tweet Treats' is a celebrity success

Many celebrities have contributed to Kilcullen-born Jane Travers's project to produce a book of 'tweeted' recipes in aid of medical charity Medicins Sans Frontieres.

Three months ago Jane had what she calls a 'lightbulb' moment and tentatively floated the idea on her Twitter account. Her target was maybe a thousand recipes, but the response was so good that this was quickly extended.

This week the number of recipes, all of which are within the Twitter SMS message format of 140 characters, exceeded 1,700. Jane is now getting down to putting the book together, with the help of several of her writer friends who got behind spreading the news of the idea.

Among the celebrities are Sarah Brown, wife of former British PM Gordon Brown; Masterchef finalist Alex Rushmer; Alistair Campbell; comedian Bobby Ball; journalist Fiona Looney; magician Keith Barry; broadcasters Miriam O'Callaghan and Ryan Tubridy; and a host of authors including Inspector Rebus creator Ian Rankin.

But she's not finished yet. "Our attention needs to turn more strongly towards celebrities," she says. "We have a great list of contributors so far, numbering 90; but our aim is to get 140, so we have 50 to go. Please, anyone and everyone, if you can help to get celebrities' attention on Twitter, I would be very, very grateful."

You can check out the matter on her 'Tweet Treats' blog.

Brian Byrne.

Update on mini marathon funds

The mini marathon proceeds, in aid of The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, now stand at €8,500 and still growing. Outstanding sponsorship may be handed in at Nolan's Butcher Shop, Kilcullen, or phone Phena 045 485232 or 087-9767531, as soon as possible, please.

Phena Bermingham.

Lions to hold Pitch & Putt day

Kilcullen Lions Club is holding Pitch & Putt Family Fun Day on Sunday 25th July from 12 noon.

The venue is St Bridget’s Pitch & Putt Club and a team of 4 costs €25. Tee Box sponsorship available for €30

Contact Joe at 087 2174350 or Jim at 086 0692544.

Have you seen this dog?

A family dog is missing from the Yellow Bog area, in Kilcullen, since the
12th of July He is a large, black, long-haired, mixed breed male dog. He is approximately 8 months old and is neutered.

Anyone with information can contact Ciara on 086 3841011.

Evening with the artist

The Good Food Gallery is hosting an evening with artist Bridget Flannery on Wednesday night at 7pm.

Bridget Flannery is a visual artist of international reputation who works from her studio in Carlow. She will speak about her work, which is currently on display in the GFG.

Heydon new area chair

Cllr Martin Heydon has been selected as Chairman of the Kildare County Council Athy Area Committee.

Speaking after the monthly meeting today, Cllr Heydon said it was 'an honor' to be selected to chair the Athy Area Committee for the next year.

Since last year's local elections the Athy district has expanded to take in parts of Kilcullen, Ballymore Eustace, Nurney and Kildangan on top of the old three-seat district that served Athy, Castledermot and the surrounding hinterland.

"I look forward to being a driving force for the area committee and to ensure that issues in the south of Kildare are well represented at full council level," he said.

He thanked the outgoing chairman Cllr Wall and said that he looked forward to working with his fellow councillors in the Athy district.

Festival date change

The date of the Kilcullen River Festival has been changed to August 29.

The original date was 22, but due to conflicts with The Taste of Kildare on that day, it was changed.

Michelle's online shoes bargains

For anyone getting hitched wanting a bargain in bridal shoes, Michelle Kirwan of Ruby Shoes is selling off all display models at half price.

Michelle closed her shop in Kilcullen recently, a victim of the recession, but she is continuing her business online.

It you need anything in the speciality shoe line, email her and she will respond with a list and sizes of the offers.

Michelle will also visit customers in their homes with a range of her stock.

Run for the guide dogs

One of the best kept secrets on the Irish running calendar is the annual Guide Dogs for the Blind 6k in the village of Ballitore, less than ten minutes from Kilcullen.

This year's 27th annual race on Friday July 23 at 7pm has a new look to it, with prizes going to the first five men and women across the line, plus to the top three men and women in age categories from over 35 to 65.

There is also a medal for all finishers, as well as legendary refreshments and post race music.

It would be great to see a a large Kilcullen contingent at the run, says Ray Kelly, who ran in the first one way back in 1983.

Fr Paddy says 'trust the laity'

When Fr Paddy Ryan leaves Kilcullen at the end of the month, he will, in his own words, be bidding farewell to a community which he says provided him with an 'enriching experience' over the past three years.



But he in turn has enriched Kilcullen, as evidenced by the wide range of people with whom he has interacted both in his pastoral duties and leisure time.

He will be remembered for being open to ideas, for his gentle way of listening, for his work with the elderly, the sick and housebound. And also with the families of the community both old and new, and the young people. In short, Fr Paddy has been a priest for the whole of Kilcullen. His ability to be so reflects a life in the priesthood which was for the most part a challenge.

Read more »

Volunteers wanted

KiYC, Kilcullen Youth Club, has been doing great things with the youngsters who come along on Friday evenings.

But like all such endeavours, it needs help. It needs people to volunteer some of their time to supervise.

Just now, about 12 supervisors are needed if KiYC is to continue. Each would only be required to do two hours a month on a rota basis, on either the 5-6.30pm or 7-9pm slots on Friday evenings.

If you would like to help, contact Olivia Byrne on 086 8524045.

Pitch & Putt Summer Camp

St Bridget's Pitch & Putt Club will be hosting a Summer Camp for junior players next week organised by the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland.

The venue was chosen following the success of a coaching course run by the club at Brannoxtown NS recently for 5th and 6th Class pupils.

Ireland's national pitch and putt coach Steven Enneguess is heading the work at the summer camp.

Pictured at Brannoxtown NS on the on the final day of the National school coaching programme are the participants in the recent event there, with members of St Bridgets Pitch & Putt Club and Steven Enneguess (head coach of the PPUI).

Fallons gets another award

Fallons Cafe Bar was the 'Just Ask' Restaurant of the Month organised by the Georgina Campbell ireland-guide.com.

An extensive review of the popular Kilcullen restaurant concludes with the comment that 'cooking is great, portions are generous (as befits this sporting area), the staff are lovely and the value is good for the quality offered – no wonder their happy customers keep coming back for more.'

Brian Fallon's team at the multi-award winning enterprise is led by chef Rose Brannock.

Steiner celebrate St John's Festival

The Kildare Steiner School celebrated their recent St John's Festival with an evening of fun and games for pupils and parents, a traditional type barbeque, and plenty of traditional music.

According to school PRO Angie Ruane, this festival is tied in with a summer Solstice when they also celebrate the end of the school year. It always includes a bonfire.

Many local parents of the 60 or so young pupils were involved in all the preparations as well as the six teachers at the school. Barney O'Sullivan had just delivered some wood in his tractor. His wife Dorly teaches at the school, and the children often go across the fields to visit their nearby farm as many of the school's activities are based on the natural world.

While the children were involved in making many of the crafts on show, under the guidance of craft teacher Claudia Brave, some items were made by adults in the school.

Claudia was one of two teachers leaving the school on the day. She retires after 21 years of involvement with the Steiner School, having previously being involved in the school in Dunshane. Viola Laumans, the Kindergarten teacher, was also saying a sad farewell on day.

There are three separate buildings on the site and the 60 or so pupils are taught by six teachers, the average class size being 13. Children can begin in the Mother and Toddler Group, and progress to Kindergarten.

Formal academic learning starts at the age of seven. The Steiner curriculum is child-orientated, giving security and providing a home away from home so nurturing their personal and emotional skills, while the low pupil-teacher ratio creates a supportive learning environment for the developing child.

Trish Whelan.

Hay danger

A motorist driving behind a tractor load of hay being transported into Kilcullen decided that she’d feel much safer in front than behind the load. So she passed the load out.

A few minutes later, coming back out of town, she saw evidence that her instincts were right! Some of the hay had tumbled onto a footpath at Nicholastown, and it seemed like the driver of the load hadn’t even noticed.

Clearly from our picture, if a pedestrian had been at that point on the footpath at the time, they could have been injured, perhaps seriously.

This is the time of year when farmers take advantage of whatever fine weather there is to get their hay in. But the size and securing of the loads is often less than might be desired.

Road Safety Authority boss Noel Brett has urged farmers not to load trailers in such a way that it would make them unstable on the road, and to ‘beware of low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn’.

Mini Marathon funds update

Funds raised by the Kilcullen participants in the Ladies Mini Marathon in aid of The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund now stands at €7,777.

Outstanding sponsorship cards and money may be handed in at the desk in Nolan's Butcher shop, Kilcullen, or Phone Phena 045-485232 or 087-9767531 .

Maintain Hope coffee morning

A Coffee Morning to raise funds for this year's Operation Maintain Hope project will be held at Sabina Reddy's home in Old Kilcullen on 24 July.

The time is 11am-3pm and everybody is welcome. Call Sabina at 087 6807139 for further information on the project.

Path work welcomed

People in Kilcullen, especially massgoers, are very grateful to Kildare County Council for the fine job on the footpath on the Church Road.



The old surface had been left for decades without treatment and it was only subsequent to a woman having a bad fall a year ago that efforts really got under way by local people and councillors to have the surface fixed.

The final job was done a couple of weeks ago, and is a great credit to the Council's work crew.

Cllr Martin Heydon has asked the Council for a quote to do a similar job on the path from the Hideout cross to Scoil Bhride, for which he intends to allocate some of his discretionary funds allowance.

Collection raises €1,100

The recent street collection for Kilcullen Tidy Towns raised €1,100, and the organisers, Kilcullen Community Action, have expressed their thanks for the response.

The highly visible part of KCA's work this year is now in full flowering following the planting of 200 window boxes, 40 tubs and a number of flower beds around the town.

Thanks to the infrastructure that is now in place for the flower boxes along the length of Main Street, the project can do more with funds raised. KCA welcomes any continuing financial support for the project.

New mass schedules

A new schedule for masses in Kilcullen and Gormanstown churches will begin from Saturday 31 July as the parish changes from having two priests to just one.

This is because Fr Paddy Ryan is retiring and will not be replaced, leaving Fr Michael Murphy PP as the sole priest for the two churches in the parish.

The changes will see a new focus on Liturgy led by the laity to replace some weekly masses.

The weekend Saturday Vigil Mass will now be at 6.30pm in Kilcullen Parish Church, and Sunday masses will be at 9.30am in Gormanstown Church, and 11am in Kilcullen Parish Church.

Weekday masses will be celebrated at 9.30am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. A 10am mass will be celebrated on the first Saturday of each month. Masses on public holidays will be as announced.

Lay-led liturgies will e held at 9.30am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 10am on Saurdays apart from the first Saturday.

The new schedule follows consultation with parishioners.

Brannockstown Festival opens

Brannockstown's inaugural Village festival was officially launched this morning with a joint blessing by Pastor Mark Hamblin, Rev John Marsden and Fr Michael Murphy.



Despite the rain there was a good turnout for the occasion, held in the ambience of the Art Exhibition in the hall of the Baptist Church.

The festival continues through today and tomorrow with a number of special events.

Billy's Bazaar date set

This one's in plenty of time for people to get their spare stuff ready.

Billy Redmond tells me that he'll be holding his eighth Annual Bazaar in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association from 15 August this year.

The venue is beside Brennans Hardware and, as usual, Billy welcomes all sorts of saleable donations for the cause.

Furniture, bikes, books, antiques, unwanted gifts and bric-a-brac are all things that somebody else might want. If you want stuff picked up call Billy on 045 481869 or 087 6311177.

Calling Kilcullen for Kilomarathon

There's a call for Kilcullen participation in Ireland's first Kilomarathon, which will take place in Moone and Timolin on Sunday 8 August.

Former Kilcullen resident Sean Cleary is PRO for the event and he has asked running enthusiasts from the town to take part in what will be a record-setting race.

Timolin man Tony Donoghue is the brain behind this new Irish event and Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital will be the major beneficiary of the funds generated. Tony has already collected almost €50,000 Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital and this event will contribute to the refurbishing of St Michael’s and St John’s wards in the Hospital.

The first Kilomarathon in the world took place on March 14th, from Nottingham to Derby in England. This first Irish Kilomarathon will be the second in the whole world.

The winner of the South Kildare Kilomarathon will be the first Irish Record Holder but if the course is completed in a faster time than the ‘Nottingham to Derby’ it will also be the World Record.

Don't miss 'The Brans' Festival

All is in place for this coming weekend's Brannockstown Village Summer Festival, which kicks off on Saturday at 11am with an ecumenical blessing at the Village Primary School. This coincides with the opening of an Art Exhibition in the school which is open until 3pm.

Over the weekend there are a myriad of activities for local people and visitors alike, including a Village Heritage Talk in the Baptist Church at 1pm on the Saturday, followed by a Community Heritage Walk through the village and the adjoining Harristown Estate and House.

If the weather is kind, there will be a picnic in the grounds of the Baptist Church, with entertainment provided by the Landers and Geraldine Irish dancing schools. This event is restricted to families and schoolgoers in the community.

Dancing, storytelling, and traditional music will be held during the evening, at the crossroads and at the Stray Inn and Marquee for the later part of the night.

A Village Fete on the Sunday afternoon will include artisan food and crafts, including demonstrations. There will be games aimed at family and children participation, and the announcement of Art Competition winners.

Local talent will get its chance to shine at ‘Brannockstown’s Got Talent’ in the Stray Inn Marquee from 4-6pm, while from 9.30pm until late there will be at the same venue music, song, and a bit of karaoke.

The organising committee acknowledge the support of Kildare County Council for the festival.

Kilcullen goes to Hollywood

Two Kilcullen girls are part of the Team Ireland group heading off on on July 14 to Hollywood, California, to compete in the World Championships Of Performing Arts.

The 54-strong team members range from age 6-31 years of age and each member will perform in the WCOPA which is now regarded as the Performing Arts Olympics.

Susie Power from Calverstown and Vita Bond from Kilcullen are part of the team, while other participants from County Kildare include Gabrielle Leleu and Aisling Doyle from Naas, Jasmine Brady from Clane, and Orla and Jessica Morris from Toolen.

Six-year-old Susie, who plays 'Eleanor Daly' in the TV soap 'Fair City', and Vita (12) are both students at Kilcullen's Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency, run by Maureen V Ward.

There will be over 65 countries taking part in the WCOPA this year. The event includes competitions and workshops in front of agents and managers from show business. In previous years, Irish competitors have gained contracts from their participation.

Brendan's birthday book

It was the day before his birthday and Brendan Reid from The Bridge Community in Kilcullen was in top form at the launch of his autobiography 'Living Communities - A Biography Of Sorts' in the Community's new hall on Tuesday 23 June.

Brendan had been pondering about writing his autobiography for quite a few years but it was only in the last 18 months that he actually got down to putting his thoughts on paper.

The 68-page book is a memoir of his life; his childhood in England - although he actually attended the Camp Hill Schools in Scotland. Between its covers, he encompasses the entire range of the human spirit; some heartbreak, but also moments of great joy and happiness.

Readings from the book included his advice to 'Never turn your back on different experiences for that's how we grow'.

Brendan acknowledged the help and encouragement he received in writing his memoirs, particularly from local friends John Martin and Pauline Fagan. But the book is entirely his own work.

Musical entertainment at the launch was provided by Gese Mucke and Nicola Hart.

The book is published by Mischa Fekete (blurb Publishing) from The Bridge Community. It can be ordered at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1294410.

Pictured above at the event are Pauline Fagan, Mischa Fekete, author Brendan Reid, and John Martin.

Trish Whelan.

Marinus holds second show

‘Therapeutics Unthinkable’ is the title of Kilcullen-based artist  Marinus Meyer’s second solo exhibition, which is being held in Naas Community Library this week from July 6-16. The official opening is Thursday night, an occasion that promises chat, wine and snacks.

A South African by birth, Marinus came to Ireland eight years ago and rather fell for the place because it seemed to get his artistic juices flowing. He lives in Esker Lea.

His latest exhibition features a number of examples of his ‘Art for the Dark’, which are luminous acrylics combined with ‘black light’. Hard to describe, must be viewed.

Garden to open again for KARE

Gardening lovers have a treat in store when Mary and Francis Shortt again open their beautiful garden to the public in aid of KARE.

The open days take place from 1pm-6pm on Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 July. Admission is €6 which includes light refreshments. Parking is available each day. The Shortt's garden is located close to the Round Tower just outside Kilcullen.

This year's event also sees an art exhibition by the Kilcullen Art Group, run by Sabina Reddy, as well as plant and cake sales, and a raffle.

Last year's event raised €3,000 for KARE. Contact Mary Shortt at 086 8234856 for more info.

Trish Whelan.

Fr Paddy says farewell to Scoil Bhride

Pupils and staff bade a fond farewell to Fr Paddy Ryan at the end of school term. Fr Paddy visited the classrooms and posed for photographs.

"We appreciate very much Fr. Paddy’s contribution to school life during the past three years," a school spokesperson said. "He will be sadly missed. We wish him every happiness in the future. Go dté tú slán."

Fr Paddy, who leaves the parish at the end of this month, is pictured with Confirmation pupils from 6th class.

Kidney fund hits €6,500

The funds in so far from the Flora Womens Mini Marathon ladies participating in aid of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund has now reached €6,500, with more due in.

Organiser Phena Bermingham says she expects that the total will be down on the high proceeds from recent years, because of the effects on the recession on so many families who have regularly supported the PKRF participants.

"But it is still looking like a very generous response," she says.

Pat triumphs at car show

Kilcullen photographer Pat Foley won a Best In Class at the weekend's Classic & Vintage Car Show held in Terenure College.

His completely restored Triumph Herald almost looked better than the day it rolled off the assembly line in the late 60s.

Other Kilcullen participants at the show, in its 19th year and the biggest of its kind in the country, included Pat Goulding, Harry Cole, and Keith Pearson with his 1913 Krit.

(The driver for the day pictured here is NOT Keith worn out from Kildare's deteriorating road surfaces, but probably somebody who waited too long for the ending of the recession!)

The Kilcullen delegation were there as part of the presentation from the Blessington Vintage Car & Motorcycle Club. In all, more than 1,000 cars were present at the event, which included a convoy drive of selected models from Dublin's Mansion House to the venue.

The show was sponsored by Axa Insurance and was in aid of ARC cancer support and the St Francis Hospice.

(Pics courtesy Ronan Murphy.)

Tom and Phena celebrate 50th

Tom and Phena Bermingham celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday with a large group of family and friends.

Documentary on One

Don't forget to tune into RTE Radio 1 today at 2pm for the Documentary on One. It features Ger Wolfe, well known singer songwriter from Co Cork.

The programme is produced by Linda Geraghty, who hails from Brannockstown. The programme will feature Christy Moore, Lar Roddy, and John Spillane among others.

Maureen retires from playgroup

Maureen Keogh has retired from the Kilcullen Community Playgroup after more than three decades of involvement.

A large crowd of friends and well-wishers organised an event in the White Horse Inn on Wednesday night to mark the moment.

The playgroup was set up in 1974 with the backing of Kilcullen Community Council.

Over the years it has been located in a number of different premises, the most recent of which has been a pre-fab building on the Kilcullen Community Centre campus.

The organisation is currently trying to complete negotiations to acquire a permanent home on the campus.

Planning permission for a permanent building was acquired in 2007, and the playgroup has been promised funding by Pobal.

Playground fundraising closes

After so many years in the planning, Kilcullen looks set to get its playground this year as preparations reach the final stages. The fundraising drive launched in November last year is now officially closed, having raised a magnificent €16,000. What a testament to the community spirit that makes Kilcullen so unique!

As we now have sufficient funds to match those offered by the Kildare Leader Project, the committee has been busy with its final tasks - such as debating how long the zip wire should be and whether there will be room for a climbing net. Of course, there is also the small matter of ensuring the grant application is completed.

Many, many thanks to all those who have contributed. Details, along with a full update, will be issued in September. Don't miss it!

For further information check out the website www.kilcullenplayground.com or join us on Facebook Groups.

Helen Brown
Playground Committee Member

Benches, playground, please

The provision of benches through the town was one of the key pieces of infrastructure on a 'wish list' developed from a survey of parents in Kilcullen.

While these were notionally required so that 'little feet can rest before tackling that hill', the parents themselves probably want to rest as well.

The provision of more bins, 'so that we have some help in teaching our children not to litter' was another item on the list.

And the obstacles when trying to negotiate some pavements in the town with a buggy or kids in tow was also highlighted. Dog poop, inconsiderate parking on the paths, and the fact that there are only two pedestrian crossings in the whole town are particular difficulties here, according to the survey, which was undertaken by the Carer & Toddler Group.

But more than any other thing, the need for a playground was one of the most pressing needs. "Every single parent, teenager and child we surveyed stated that this is the number one needed resource," Lynn B Worrall says. "We need it for our children's health, for their social skills, for our own sanity and our own social skills."

The survey reported how the 'long suffering' Community Playground Committee has been 'grafting' for five years now. "There has been obstacle after obstacle, promise after promise, and still we are waiting. It's unacceptable."

Anyone with an idea to help move the playground situation on is urged to get involved, initially by accessing the website kilcullenplaygroup.com.

Kildare County Council has allocated €200,000 to the project, but that is dependent on a sufficient level of collection of development levies owed to the Council. In the meantime, the project group is working to raise an €50,000 local contribution.

(UPDATE: See latest news on playground above.)

Lynchs in force in Bardons

A litany of Lynchs, Laura, Ethna, Pat and Eamonn, in Bardons during the drinks for Sergt Eddie Relihan's retirement last evening.