The night before Halloween

It was the night before Halloween in Bardons ...Aaarrghhhh!

Mass for those who died

The November Mass for all who have died in the Parish in the last year will be held on Friday 5 November at 7.30pm.

Refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre afterwards. All are welcome.

Talking Leaf in Lisbon

Your editor was in Lisbon recently to drive the new Nissan Leaf electric car, and took the opportunity to talk to Nissan Ireland's Paul O'Sullivan about the impact he believes the Leaf will have in Ireland.

Tidy Towns presentations

At the recent Community Awards Night, presentations were made under the local Tidy Towns awards under the following categories.

Best Window Display - Cottonwood Tree; Excellent Presentation - Headrush Hair Salon and The Mall; Best New Business - Good Food Gallery; Best Large Estate - Castlemartin Lodge (The Jerry Kelly Perpetual Trophy); Best Small Estate - Conroy Park; Best Communal Area - Laurel Wood; Special Commendation - St Bridget's Grove (presented to Eamon McDonnell who maintains it); Best Landscaped Area - The Bridge Camphill Community Gardens.

Playground comes closer

Achieved after many years of campaigning, the playground work is now well underway, with the completion of the services work to the site at the Community Centre campus.

The facilities at the playground, which is being financed by Kildare County Council, local donations, and Kildare Leader, will include a 30 Cablerider, swings of various kinds, a Natural Fitness & Coordination Trail, Climbing Wall, Play Panels for younger children, a Mound & Log fun trail, an Orbital Roundabout and Climbing Boulder.

In addition, there will be picnic tables, including one designed for disabled access, and planters.

€550 raised at Youth Club Table Quiz

Images from Wednesday night's Table Quiz in The Hideout, in aid of funds for the Youth Club and World Youth Day. €550 was raised.

GAA Juveniles first AGM

The AGM of the Juvenile Section of Kilcullen GAA will take place on Friday, November 5.

The event, the first AGM of the Section, will be held at 7.30pm in the Clubhouse.

Bardons relaxes ban on ghouls

Bardons are having a fancy dress Halloween Party this weekend, with prizes for the best costumes.

The event is Saturday night, 30 October.

There will be a late bar and music. And Eddie is relaxing the standard ban on ghouls and goblins for the night.

Family hours in Library

Kilcullen Library is holding special Family Hours on Tuesday mornings, 11.30-12.30pm.

The idea is to introduce children to books, stories, nursery rhymes, along with parental participation.

The parents will get the chance to read stories aloud to their children, doing finger plays, and story songs.

Experience shows that this kind of event improves childrens' language development and contributes significantly to pre-reading skills.

And there will be a special session of Spooky Tales on Saturday morning.

The event will concentrate on telling scary Halloween tales in three minutes.

Children and parents are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes for the morning.

Quiz night for Youth Club

A Quiz Night in aid of KIYC, Kilcullen Youth Club, is taking place tonight, Wednesday, in the Hideout.

The event is from 8.30pm, and the cost is €40 for a table of four.

The passing of Margaret Keogh

The death has occurred of Margaret Keogh, nee Broderick, Grangemore, Kilcullen.

Margaret is reposing at her daughter Dinah and son-in-law Michael Deegan's residence in Milemill from 6pm this evening.

Removal will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10.30am, to arrive at Kilcullen Parish Church for 11am Requiem Mass. Interment will take place immediately afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Andrew Durney Memorial Mass

A Memorial Mass for the late Andrew Durney, who died unexpectedly in Istanbul last week, will take place in Cill Mhuire Church in Newbridge on Thursday night at 7pm.

All his friends from Kilcullen and Newbridge are welcome, and there will be a gathering afterwards at Ryston.

Andrew was buried in Istanbul, where he has been living for a number of years.

The Bonomini of Florence

Your editor was fortunate to have spent a couple of days in Florence last week. It was work-related, but there was a little time to explore some of the city.

I came across this intriguing story of charity and compassion. Although it started more than five centuries ago, it is still alive. And has echoes for our time.

Claire will develop badminton stars

Ireland's first badminton academy has been set up in a Kilcullen base by Claire Flood, writes Brian Byrne.

Claire is the country's foremost badminton international and was the first Irish woman to qualify for the World Singles Championship, held in the USA in 2005, as a Top 80 singles player.



Claire, pictured above with Pamela Kelly, Gareth Hogan, Norah Hogan, Sheila Smyth and Rose McMahon, hopes that her own player development venture will further move Ireland into the top ranks of international competitive badminton.

Her Uno Badminto Academy is located initially in Kilcullen Community Centre, the home of Kilcullen Badminton Club, but she has long-term plans for a dedicated campus.

Read more »

Tea party marked UN older persons day

The recent tea party to mark the UN International Day of Older Persons attracted a big attendance at the Kilcullen-based HQ of Home Instead Senior Care.

It also raised money for Age Action Ireland, and gave the staff at the office an opportunity to get to know other seniors in the community, says the business's MD Amanda Bohan. "The purpose of the day is to encourage people in the local community to celebrate older people and remind younger generations to make time for older people", she says.

At the event, special tea bag sets were on sale for €2, which went to support the Age Action project. Home-made cakes were provided by staff and their families.

Pictured above are Home Instead Senior Care staff Suzanne Rankin, Maura Waters, and Amanda Bohan. Below are Tom O'Connell and Marian Callan enjoying a cuppa.

Awards night surprise for KCA

The tables were turned on Kilcullen Community Action last night when KCA itself was presented with an award at the annual Community Awards Night which the group organises.

Sabina Reddy 'hijacked' the event just as KCA's Noel Clare was wrapping up the proceedings. After she had expressed the appreciation of the community for all the work KCA does, a special presentation was made to the group by James Nolan.



Earlier, awards had been presented to individuals and groups to acknowledge their contributions to life in Kilcullen.

They were Rose McMahon, Badminton Club; Anne Quigley, Community Games; the Carer & Toddler Group; the River Festival Committee; and the Bridge Camphill Community.

The local Tidy Towns awards were also presented on the night, including a special award for Alan Lacey who works on the Community Employment Scheme and has been responsible for major visual improvements to the approaches to Kilcullen and the Valley Park.

The passing of Andrew Durney

Many people in Kilcullen will be sad to hear of the unexpected death of Andrew Durney, late of Bishop Rogan Park and Newbridge.

Andrew died on Wednesday at the age of 41, in Istanbul, Turkey, where he lived. He leaves his wife Cigdem and two young boys, Derin and Erin.

Andrew was Paddy Durney's son, David's twin and Paul Durney's younger brother. Paul lives in Mannheim, Germany, where he works as a full-time musician.

Older residents will remember Andrew and David performing 'Two Little Boys' on the stage of Kilcullen Town Hall in the 'Capers'.

Andrew worked as ELT Director of MM Publications Turkey.

We extend condolences to his family and many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Halloween Party for little ones

A Halloween Party for pre-school children is being organised by the Kilcullen Carer & Toddler Group.

It is being held in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 27 October from 10.30am-12.30pm.

All welcome.

Reading for one-act play

Kilcullen Drama Group is holding a reading for anyone interested in taking part in an upcoming one-act play, 'Papa Panov's Magic Christmas' on Wednesday 27th October, 8pm in the Town Hall.

The story concerns an old shoemaker who dreams that Jesus will visit him on Christmas Day. All day long he waits but the only visitors are a tramp, a roadsweeper and a woman with a baby. Selflessly he gives them his coat, his money and his soup. He falls asleep in the evening tired, feeling ridiculed and disappointed. He has another dream in which it appears that his special visitor did come after all ...

This adaptation of a story by Leo Tolstoy is narrated by a storyteller and is a perfect play for Christmas.

Rehearsals are also well underway for 'Operation Christ Child', a seasonal one act play which will be held from December 8-12 in the Town Hall. The story is about an elite band of angels who must make sure that everything goes to plan for the first Christmas.

Meanwhile, the Drama Group is bringing back the one-act play, 'Two for a Girl', which was part of a programme of one-act plays recently performed in the theatre.

CU Poster Competition call

Kilcullen Credit Union is inviting contributions for the 27th Annual Poster Competition run by the Irish League of Credit Unions.

The competition is open to young artists between the ages of 7-18, and this year's theme is 'Local. Trusted. Serving You'. There is a special category for artists with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Prizes will be given at local level in a number of age categories, and those selected to go on to the regional and national levels will compete for winning, runners-up and merit prizes to be presented in Dublin in early 2011.

Entry forms are distributed through national schools and can also be obtained in Kilcullen CU offices. The closing date for entries is November 5.

Comedy for Crumlin

The next session in the Comedy Night series in The Hideout will be on Wednesday night.

The gig will take place in the upstairs Phoenix Lounge, and proceeds are in aid of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.

A good cause, a great night promised.

AFC take League title again

Kilcullen AFC's second team clinched their second League title in three years with a hard-fought 2-1 win against second-placed Barnhall on last Sunday morning, writes Ray Kelly.

A well-taken Mick Williams penalty and a fine solo effort from Dave Callaghan gave the lads the title after a nervous first half when they went one down.

A great end to a long successful season. Well done to all the players, and managers Mark Farrell and Nicky Kelly.

The passing of Lilian Healy

The Diary has learned with sadness of the death of Lilian Healy.

We express our condolences to her husband Tom and their children Tom, Marie, Bernard, Fr Peter and James, and their extended family.

Lilian will be reposing at Doyle's Funeral Home from 2pm today until removal this evening at 7pm to Kilcullen Parish Church. Arrival is expected at 7.30pm.

Requiem Mass will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, at 11am and will be followed by Lilian's funeral to New Abbey Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the National Council for the Blind, for which purpose there will be a box in the church.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Sewing crafts circle

A Knit, Crochet, Craft Circle meets in The Cottonwood Tree on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.0pm.

Everyone is welcome to bring along their knitting, sewing or similar craft work and meet up with like-minded people.

The Circle isn't a class, just a group who can sit and chat and help each other if they can. All levels of skill and age are welcome.

Further information from Alisha on 086 3711219.

Tommy Dillon 60th

Tommy Dillon celebrated his 60th birthday on Saturday night in The Stray Inn with family and friends.

Stencil graffiti artist hits GFG

An exhibition has opened in the Good Food Gallery which has its genesis in an elusive artist's loss of employment in the architectural sector as Ireland's economy crashed, writes Brian Byrne.

Going only by the acronym ADW, for 'attack with a deadly weapon', the former animator first took out his frustration by creating art on Dublin streetscapes in the graffiti tradition.

According to Jackie Tyrrell, who spoke on his behalf at the official opening of the exhibition, ADW still retains the public forum as his main medium, but he has also translated his work to individual canvases.

His inspirations in the graffiti ethos are the iconic works of Blek le Rat and Banksy, but ADW has his own particular personality in his painstaking stencil work.

We'll be bringing a full report later, but in the meantime your editor strongly recommends going to the GFG for a look.

The pieces aren't expensive, so don't be afraid to invest in an artist who will likely go global. Already viral in his native Dublin milieu, his work is also being noticed further in European capitals.

Pictured above are Jackie Tyrrell and GFG owner Suzanne Carey with a piece specially created by the artist on a section of the back wall of the Good Food Gallery car park.

(An expanded version of the above article, written for the 'Kildare Nationalist', is available beyond the photographs below.)








(BELOW IS THE EXPANDED VERSION OF THE PRECEDING ARTICLE, WHICH APPEARED IN THE 'KILDARE NATIONALIST')

If you think you've already seen some of the paintings in the current exhibition in the Good Good Gallery, writes Brian Byrne, then you probably are in the habit of walking around Dublin streets. The art is by 'ADW', an elusive street painter whose work is mostly found as illegal 'street art' on buildings in public places.

The tools of his art are paint spraycans and carefully-designed stencils, and each is a story in itself, depicted with a quirky and sometimes barbed humour.

To preserve the artist's anonymity, the exhibition was launched by Jackie Tyrrell, a longtime friend of GFG owner Suzanne Carey and a researcher of the interaction between graffiti and architecture. Jackie made contact with many graffiti artists during the production of a thesis on the subject. She says 'ADW' has been gathering a lot of intention since he started out only three years ago.

"He lost his job as an architectural animator when the Celtic Tiger began to fail, and decided to make his own commentary of the social and political aspects of our times in this way. He is a very observant man. He is in the moment of what is happening, and that spurs his work on."

She makes the controversial suggestion that there are buildings that 'ask' to be used by graffiti artists. "There are buildings which we are compelled as artists to spray, mainly those that evolved in the 70s, the modernist era. It is basically the style, the shape, the format. The line formation and the materiality of the building compels ... I don't want to say abuse ... but obviously from the origins in 'tagging', it was an assault on the buildings."

Jackie notes that, 40 years on, what started out as a revolt against this form of architecture has evolved. "There has been a progression, and in art terms it is now a more grey area than it was at the beginning."

A feature of graffiti art is that it extends from the 'easier' locations to some that are downright dangerous. It appears to be part of the competitive element of the practice. "It seems that, basically, the artist gets extra kudos amongst his peers depending on how difficult the location is. In some cases they will suspend each other over the sides of bridges by their ankles, or on ropes, or reach out of the side of windows of buildings as far as they can. The further, the bigger, the more intelligent or the smarter, or the more quickly you can be, the higher in the ranking you go."

When she became aware of 'ADW's work, she found it difficult to make contact with him, and only succeeded after 'harassing' him with calls and emails, establishing her own 'street cred' in the field. "He doesn't reveal his identity, doesn't do interviews, even though he is now doing work on canvas as well as on the street."

Jackie slides away from making a direct judgement on the illegal aspect of ADW's artistry. But she admits that she has liked graffiti since she was 12, taking photographs of it when she came across what was to become 'eagle art'. "This is a universal message for my society and from my moment, and when I'm looking back from my future and telling my story, these are very much connected to now. I think it's really a recording of our times."

Art exhibition will honour Iain Scott

The second Art Exhibition by Kilcullen Art Group will be dedicated to the memory of the late Iain Scott, a friend and participant with the other members of the group from its early days.

The exhibition opens on Thursday 4 November in the back room of Fallons Bar and Restaurant and will run until Saturday 13 November.

A cheese and wine reception will take place from 8pm on the opening night and all are welcome.

Further information from Sabina Reddy at 087 6807139.

Graffiti artist displays at GFG

One of the more intriguing art displays yet at The Good Food Gallery will open officially at 6pm tonight.

It is some of the work of ADW, the nom-de-spraycan of an Irish graffiti artist, under the title 'A Slice of the Pie'.

Whatever you may think of graffiti -- and we in the Diary have strong views on it -- the works on view look to be well worth scrutiny.

We'll be going along, so expect a full report soon.

Council again taken to task over dangerous junction

The cost of dealing with the 16 accidents which have been recorded at Thompsons Cross since the junction was built a year ago could have gone a long way towards the cost making the junction safe.

That's the view of local resident Sabina Reddy in a very strong letter to Kildare County Council, following the most recent and potentially very serious accident last Monday night, involving an articulated lorry.

In the latest of a series of communications to the Council, Sabina notes that the cost in overtime as gardai and local authority workers dealt with the latest accident was just one such instance, the total of which 'would be worth looking at'.

But she emphasises that the most important issue is the ongoing danger that somebody will be killed if something isn't done on a matter which she describes as 'totally ridiculous' in planning and road design terms.

She reminds the Council that she wrote first in February, predicting the kind of accident which happened on Monday night. So far, she says, 'we in the community have been spared any type of fatality, but we pray it may never happen'.

"I do not want any of my neighbours, friends or family to be victims of any pending accident at this junction," she says, "and now demand that some type of action be taken by the Council/NRA to have this area made safe."

Sabina says the new road structure was developed to facilitate the motorway structure of the country without taking local communities into account. "Also, it seems there is a division of cooperation between the NRA and the county council," she says, "as each is passing the buck between one other in taking responsibility for this road structure."

She adds that it is the Council's responsibility to be accountable in proper, wise spending of taxpayers' money as well as having a duty to make the area safe.

Brian Byrne.

(ED NOTE: The Diary requested a comment from Kildare County Council on the latest accident last Monday night; no response has yet been received.)

Lynda wins businesswoman award

Lynda Foley of the Harlequin Hotel, Castlebar,  won the 'Employee' Award  at the Network Ireland  Conference and 'Galway Now' Businesswomen of  the Year Awards.

Lynda is the daughter of Kilcullen's Pat and Mary Foley and is a former graduate of Dublin  College of Catering. She is General Manager of  the 4-star Harlequin Boutique Hotel and  previously worked for Irish & International Hotel  Groups.

She is pictured with Senator David Norris, who was MC for the night. (Pic: Martina Regan.)

Trad for Trocaire report and thanks

Trocaire teamed up with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann earlier this year to run Trad for Trócaire, a new national fundraising initiative launched for the first time in September 2010, writes Niamh Murray.

Musicians and venues around the country were encouraged to hold a traditional Irish or folk music session in aid of Trócaire.

The event in The Stray Inn, Kilcullen on Saturday night was one of many being held around the country over the past few weeks.



On the night we had plenty of jigs, reels and old time waltzes from a number of musicians and singers and also plenty of foot-tapping from the audience. The musicians included: Uilleann pipes (Dan O’Sullivan), accordions (Joe Kelly, Tom Clarke), fiddles (Phil Callery, Svantje Mertens, Dorly O’Sullivan, Mary Murray), flutes (Eoin MacDomhnaill), singers (Phil Callery, Svantje Mertens, Siobhan Purves, Lorcan, Mark), guitar, tin whistles (Dan O’Sullivan, Niamh Murray).

As well as musical talent on the night we also had some artistic talent. While the musicians played, Gail Pullen, an artist, sketched, and over the course of the evening captured the spirit of the night with two drawings of the musicians. The drawings were then sold at the end of the night and the proceeds went to support Trocaire.

Many thanks to all of the musicians and singers and to all who participated on the night. Thanks to Markeys, Nolans Butchers, the Good Food Gallery, DK Music Shop Newbridge, Berney’s Saddlers and to all who supported the event.

Trad for Trocaire is about utilising what is truly special, unique and at the heart of Irish Culture: our Music, to transform the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world.

It is hoped that Trad for Trocaire will become an annual event, so if you have a guitar or a fiddle or a musical instrument in your house that you’ve been meaning to play or learn, now is the time to wipe the dust of it and start practicing for next year! In the meantime we also hope that there will be plenty more trad sessions in Kilcullen.

All of the money raised through ‘Trad for Trócaire’ will support overseas aid projects worldwide.

The passing of Iain Scott

The Diary has learned, to the deep personal sadness of your editor, of the unexpected death of Iain Scott of Brannockstown.

For anyone who knew him, Iain was the quintessential cheerful Scotsman, who with his lovely wife Ros brought sunshine into rainy days. A skilled artist, a gentle philosopher with a wry attitude to life and its ups and downs, and one of those true gentlemen who make the phrase worthy.

To Ros, his brother Kenneth, sister-in-law Beth, nieces, nephew, and all those who were fortunate to be acquaintances and friends of them both, we extend our heartfelt sympathy in their collective loss. To the late Iain, all we can say just now is 'thank you' for the life you shared with all of them and with us.

Prayers will be said at Iain and Ros's home in Brannockstown today (Thursday) at 1.30pm, and burial will follow at Maudlins Cemetery, Naas, at 2.30pm.

We will miss you, and most of all we will miss your unfailing, and wonderfully infectious, good humour.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

First canoe slalom event in Kilcullen

The first ever canoe slalom event in Kilcullen will take place on Sunday afternoon next with participation from paddlers in many Irish clubs as well as an Olympian of the event.

The gig is organised by Kilcullen Canoe Club, and is made possible only by the introduction of boulders downstream of the bridge over the last year. There will be 'gates' both upstream and downstream of the bridge for the event.

Among the paddlers will be Eoin Rheinisch, who was ranked 8th in the world in 2006 in his particular discipline, and achieved fourth place in the Beijing Olompics in 2008. He also came 9th in the world in the World Championships in 2009.

Community Awards Night

Kilcullen Community Action - incorporating Kilcullen Tidy Towns - annual Community Awards night takes place on Friday 22nd October in the Town Hall at 8pm, writes Ray Kelly.

Tidy Towns Awards will be presented to businesses and residents groups who have contributed to Kilcullen's overall appearance throughout the year. On the night the Community awards will also be presented. These awards are presented to individuals, groups or organizations who have contributed to community life in Kilcullen.

If you would like to nominate any group or individual that you feel has made a significant contribution to any part of community life in Kilcullen, please send nominations to kilcullencommunityaction@gmail.com or text nominations to 0872636375.

Local thoughts on Thompsons Cross

I live 500 metres away on the “new” road at Thompsons Cross, and I have to say it’s not surprising to see another accident, writes local resident Damian Strain in response to the latest crash at the junction. I think that’s now three in the last month alone – and that’s only the ones where the damage is visible!

I hate saying it, but only in Ireland could anyone consider writing a cryptic, upside-down warning on the road surface that is only visible in daylight, and then, only if you happen to not be looking where you’re going but on the road immediately in front of you as any kind of effort of providing a warning of an upcoming junction. At the same time there isn’t one sign saying “Junction Ahead” anywhere on approach, just a basic small T-junction sign!

I think most modern countries learned some 40 years ago that writing messages on the road was far from an ideal solution. In fact, you simply won’t see it anywhere in continental Europe. KCC seem to be making it up as they go along and obviously take no advice from traffic-flow experts. I mean, what kind of bright spark could have come up with such a lame solution back in June?

Sabina Reddy is 100% correct in saying that the proper solution is a roundabout with proper signage on approach. How anyone can say that a roundabout “would do little to improve the situation” is beyond me. Most mornings there is a queue of traffic coming off the “new road” joining the main Athy road and quite often there are very close calls with people taking a chance at finding a gap and joining the traffic. Although the speed limit on the Athy road has been reduced from 100kph to 80kph, it’s obvious very view motorists have noticed.

But my biggest gripe is about access for cyclists! Our oldest daughter would love to ride her bike into the village to meet up with her friends but this junction makes that impossible to do safely and so she doesn’t go. The hard-shoulder is now used as a turning lane and motorists turn into the new road are blind of any cyclists or pedestrians. There has been a new access made for pedestrians up onto the old Athy road, but the gate there makes it impossible to get bicycles through.

All in all, there appears to have been little or no thought put into the design of this junction, and anything done since has been half-hearted.

'Hounding' banks criticised

Banks which 'hound' borrowers in difficulties who do their best to make alternative arrangements have been criticised by Cllr Martin Heydon this week.

Speaking of the 'fear and desperation' under which some families are living, the FG Dail candidate for Kildare South said he is hearing 'heartbreaking' stories of the real life difficulties that ordinary people are living with on a day to day basis.

"These are stories that, apart from one-off Prime Time specials, very rarely hit the news headlines," Cllr Heydon said in his weekly newsletter. "While the banks are being bailed out by the State, they continue to hound on a daily basis unemployed and struggling families who are doing their best to cope, and manage scarce resources as best they can."

Cllr Heydon says the banks' need to be tough on defaulting borrowers can be understood, but there has to be some discretion for those who do their best.

Articulated truck is latest victim of Thompsons Cross

Last February, Sabina Reddy wrote in a strong letter to Kildare County Council that Robert Thompson and his family 'are just waiting for an articulated lorry to clear the hedge (behind their house) some day'.

Well, last night, one nearly did, writes Brian Byrne. The now notorious Thompsons Cross claimed its latest traffic accident when a truckload of lamb failed to negotiate the junction, and ended halfway up the bank on which that hedge is located.



Ironically, it happened also only hours after local FG Dail candidate Cllr Martin Heydon had once more raised the matter of the cross at the Athy Area Committee meeting of Kildare County Council. Without getting any satisfaction.

Fortunately last night, once again, there was no serious injury involved. But again it seems that a fatality or several are all that will jerk the Council and the National Roads Authority into taking proper action.

"It is six months ago since local gardai said it is only a matter of time before there's a fatality here," Cllr Hayden said at the scene last night. "Are we going to have to wait until that happens before we see decisive action?"

He added that yesterday morning's response was that 'a meeting is being organised' and that an update will be available for the next area meeting in five weeks' time.

"That's not acceptable," he said bluntly last night. "We need action and we need it now."

Last March, on KFM radio, presenter Clem Ryan described the situation at the junction as 'daft, daft, daft' and said there's going to be 'a major smash' at the location, which he passes every day.

Up to that time, there had been six accidents alone there since September, including one in which the motorist had written off his car. But Cllr Heydon said then that when he had raised the matter with the National Roads Design Office, his concerns had fallen 'on deaf ears'.

In May, after a number of other incidents, local resident Sabina Reddy wrote again to the Council saying that not enough had been done to warn oncoming drivers of the junction. She suggested the ideal solution would be a roundabout, but that was turned down by Council official Michael O'Leary, who said it 'would do little to improve the situation'.



In June the Council put down warning 'rumble strips' on the old Carlow Road section of the junction.

However, residents and Cllr Heydon want significantly more warning signs about the upcoming T-junction on that road.

Reserve B Final Replay

Kilcullen 2-07 Kilcock 1-08
The Rags finally collected some silverware after losing out on many a final in the last few years, writes Henry Barrett, winning the replay of Reserve B championship.

The original drawn game between these two teams was a cracker and this game didn't disappoint the large crowd present.

Kilcullen only led this final for two minutes but that was they needed to win this Reserve B replay in Sallins last Sunday afternoon.

Read more »

Darker evenings usher in sewing season

There's something about the darker evenings that gives women itchy fingers, writes Brian Byrne. Which means a steadily growing interest in the sewing, crochet and quilting workshops which The Cottonwood Tree haberdashery has been organising it opened in the spring.

"Yes, we've lots of people signing up," says Rose Doherty, who adds that she's been very pleased with the overall interest in handicrafts since she opened the store.

Several crochet workshops through October will deal with themes such as making winter scarves; doing flowers, edgings and borders; how to read a crochet patters; and Christmas gift ideas. There's also a knitting workshop dedicated to pattern reading, on 23 October.

Felting and quilting workshops are also scheduled during the month, and an all-day quilting event on 6 November will concentrate on Christmas patterns.

Courses range from €20, and further information is available from Rose at 087 2628305.

Rose is pictured with Katie Sheehan, who runs the quilting courses at The Cottonwood Tree.

(This piece first appeared on the Kilcullen page of the Kildare Nationalist.)

Isadora makeover offer

A free 'Isadora' makeover is on offer at Bernard Berneys Chemists on Thursday 18 October, with Isadora makeup artist Karen in attendance.

Appointments can be booked and the event offers great tips and advice on how to get that super Christmas party look.

GAA Juniors win replay

Kilcullen GAA Juniors had a 2-7 to 1-8 win over Kilcock in the replay of the Junior Championship final.

Well done, lads.

Query about Emanuel

May I through your Kilcullen Diary ask if anyone knows about the name Emanuel?

In my research I have the name Norman Emanuel who married Catherine Keogh on April 18th 1934. There witness were James Connolly and Mary O'Toole. They married at The Church Of The Sacred Heart in Kilcullen.

I would love to speak to anyone that knows about these two people.

Mrs Linda O'Toole, UK.

Support the Rags in Sallins

GAA Juniors are in the Championship final replay today. Throw-in is at 4.30pm in Sallins.

All support appreciated. Up the Rags!

Aidan Gleeson.

Myers of Mile Mill?

Although I live in Scotland, I like to look at the Kilcullen Diary from time to time.

My great grandfather owned the Old Forge at Mile Mill. Thomas William Myers.

I'd love to hear from any relatives.

Margo Myers.

Knitting club presents tapestry

The recent unveiling of a knitted tapestry in Kilcullen Parish Centre was something of a dual celebration. The event was the first anniversary of the Suas Knitting Group, and also a marker for the opening of Positive Ageing Week.

The group was set up in Kilcullen as one of the initiatives from a Positive Ageing Information Day organised last year by the parish's pastoral worker, Hannah Evans. Their tutor is Eva Kavanagh, who also runs knitting groups in other towns in mid-Kildare.

The tapestry is a representation of a church stained glass window, with a garden outside. In addition to the window components, more than 180 'bricks' were knitted individually, along with many flowers and birds.

"Even the 'cement grouting' between the bricks was all knotted as individual pieces," says Eva. "Apart from being the picture that it is, it also represents a community doing many small things to make something big."



The effort was also done 'in the blind' as the 10-strong group weren't shown any picture of where they were going.

The 7'x4.5' tapestry was the group's main project for the last year. For the current session they are working on smaller things, including making socks for charities, a special Christmas project, and in the new year they will be working on knitted caps for new-born children in developing countries.

Brian Byrne.


(This piece first appeared on the Kilcullen page of the Kildare Nationalist.)

Good day at Vincents

The recent Customer Day held in the Vincents shop proved to be very successful, with a good number of people coming buy to see what the charity shop is all about.

A raffle was held and the first prize went to Stephen and Shane Kearney from Hollywood.

Alisha Hamblen, a volunteer worker in the shop, says more volunteers are always welcome.

Table Quiz for Africa

A Table Quiz has been organised for tomorrow night (Friday) by CPC students, in aid of the Cara Projects in Africa.

The event, in Lumville House, starts at 9pm and a table of four costs €40.

Poker Classic for Solas

A '49' Poker Classic is being held tomorrow night (Friday) in The Stray Inn.

The event is in aid of the Solas Youth Cafe and tickets are €20.

The evening starts at 9pm and there will be a raffle and refreshments. Contact Jim Kiely at 086 0692544.

Childrens art classes

Children's Art Classes are taking place at Kilcullen Community Centre from 11 October for ten weeks.

The sessions take place from 3.15-4.30pm and are aimed at students from 6-11 years of age.

The cost for the series is €85 and includes the supply of all art materials.

A booking fee of €45 applies, and the balance can be paid over the course of the classes.

The tutor is a graduate of the NCAD and is registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Contact Sinead at 087 2384779.

Missing cat: reward offered

A reward is being offered for the recovery of a black cat that went missing from the New Abbey area on Cemetery Sunday.

Contact 087 6882845 with any information.

Circuits and Toning

Circuits and Toning classes have begun in Kilcullen Community Centre, conducted by Ger Kinane.

The six-session course started last Monday and take place from 7-8pm. The series includes free weigh-in and measurements if desired. Exercise and diet plans are part of the package which costs a total of €50.

The classes are suitable for all ages and abilities. Contact Geraldine at 087 9850883 after 4pm, or go to the website gerkinane.ie.

Birdwatch Kildare events

Birdwatch Kildare is running a number of events in the coming weeks, to which everyone interested is invited.The organisation was set up after a meeting in August, which organiser Niall Tierney says was 'very successful'.

On 7 October, BirdWatch Ireland’s Niall Hatch will give an illustrated presentation on garden birds. It will be held in the Training room, Level 0, Kildare County Council offices in Aras Chill Dara, Naas, beginning at 8pm.

A field trip to Ballinafagh Lake will take place on 9 October, a good local bird watching site in the Prosperous area. Further details on directions and arrangements for the fieldtrip will be available at the 7 October meeting. Suitable outdoor footwear and a rain jacket are suggested, and no dogs are allowed. Those interested are asked to meet in Prosperous at 8.45am for carpooling or at the lake car park at 9am.

Jamie Durrant, BirdWatch Ireland’s Membership Development Officer, has agreed to give a talk on 11 November entitled 'Beginning Bird watching', at 8pm, again at the County Council Offices in Naas. Jamie is a lifelong birder and brings infectious enthusiasm for birds and bird conservation.

On 13 November there will be a Bird Atlas event. The Atlas project is run by BirdWatch Ireland, and attending this event is a great way to contribute to a worthwhile conservation project. It will start in the car park of the Osprey Hotel in Naas at 10am and then meet in the hotel afterwards to chat our progress over a cup of tea. Again, please wear suitable outdoor footwear and bring a rain jacket. For information on the Bird Atlas check out www.bto.org/birdatlas.

BirdWatch Ireland Kildare has a Facebook page and photos, comments and questions are invited. Also, keep an eye out for the website www.birdwatchkildare.com, which will be up and running soon. For any other queries contact niallgtierney@gmail.com.

Armed raid on Kilcullen Post Office

The postmistress and her staff at Kilcullen Post Office are shocked and shaken this afternoon following a raid this morning by two men armed with a hatchet and a hammer.

An undisclosed sum of money was taken in the raid, which happened at around 11am.

The Post Office is part of the Eurospar Supermarket premises and is closed until 3pm while Garda forensic experts examine the crime scene.

Noeleen Eston has been operating the Post Office since January 2006.

Athy Area Committee motions

Two motions relating to problems associated with the M9 are down for next Monday's meeting of the Athy Area Committee of Kildare County Council.

Cllr Martin Heydon will be asking that the Council and the National Roads Authority carry out further measures to improve the safety of the junction of the R418/R448, locally known as Thompson's Cross. His motion is against a background of continuing accidents at the junction, despite the implementation of previous measures.

Cllr Heydon wants public lighting erected at the junction as part of the improvements.

Meanwhile, Cllr Mark Wall is asking that the Council immediately bring the roads at Yellowbog up to a proper standard following the recent M9 works.

Junior Championship Final replay

The replay of the Junior Final has been fixed for Sallins next Sunday (Oct 10th) at 4.30pm.

All support will be welcome.

'Election now', Heydon demands

The intention of the minister for finance to introduce a four-year budget strategy is 'worrying', Kildare South FG candidate Martin Heydon says, when it is obvious that it will not be him or his Government that will be tasked with implementing those four budgets.

Noting that a bank guarantee trumpeted two years ago as going to be 'the cheapest guarantee in the world' will now cost the Irish taxpayer up to €34 billion for Anglo Irish Bank alone, Cllr Heydon says now is the time for the people of the country to have their say and give a strong mandate to a new Government.

"Such a Government can take a four year view with a certainty that the majority of the people of this country want them there, and trust them to implement the cuts that are now necessary in as fair a manner as is possible," he says in his weekly letter to supporters.

"Meeting people when out and about and on the canvass I am acutely aware of the fear, anger, frustration and confusion among the general public at the way their hard earned cash is being thrown away to faceless 'bondholders' and 'marketeers' as a result of mismanagement and a lack of regulation by those who were supposed to be in charge," he says. "It is ironic that the general Irish man or woman who may not have benefited significantly from the 'Celtic Tiger' are now the ones that face the long road of paying the costs."

Cllr Heydon adds that Fine Gael is capable of bringing in the changes that are required to allow the country to begin to grow again and concentrate efforts on where that change is really needed, 'revitalising the domestic business sector where jobs should be paramount'. "We must keep the pressure on this Government," he concludes.

Coulan takes over from Copper Kettle

What’s the Kilcullen link between a village hut in the Gambia in Africa, and Patsy Simion of Calverstown?

The first is Patsy’s new restaurant Coulan Cafe, and the hut was where Patsy lived for half a year, showing a local restaurant how to cook basic western dishes and teaching children in the essentials of reading and writing. That was during an an epic drive from Germany to Senegal with her future husband Sergio, a South African of Italian extraction.

Calverstown is where they have lived for the last two years, during which time Patsy ‘had her eye on’ the Copper Kettle cafe. “If it ever came up for lease, I wanted it,” she says. “And it did, a couple of months ago.”

Read more »

Uno Badminton Academy launched

Claire Flood and Sheila Smyth at the launch of the Uno Badminton Academy in Kilcullen Community Centre.

Good start to Flower Club season

The September session of the Kilcullen Flower and Garden Club was devoted to a talk and arranging demonstration by Sandra Finnegan of Naas.

There was a good turnout for the event, which got the autumn/winter off to a good start for the participants.

The next session, in Kilcullen Parish Centre, is on October 19, when Mary Keenan from Gash Gardens in Castletown, Co Laois, will give a talk on Winter Gardens. The November night will concentrate on Christmas themed demonstrations by the members, and a December 1 outing to the Botanic Gardens in Dublin is planned. Also in December, on the 7th, Helen Lucas will demonstrate Christmas floral decorations. New members are always welcome.

Pictured above are Marion Keenan, Betty Goulding, Frances Maher, Elizabeth Domican and Mary Domican.

Are you on Google?

When the Google Car was spotted in Kilcullen in June of last year, we reported that at some stage in the future some Kilcullen people and places would be immortalized on the Internet.

Well, the future has arrived. Kilcullen now has its Street View on Google Maps. You can start your virtual journey through the town and its streets and neighborhoods - and see some of your friends, maybe?


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Badminton academy launch tomorrow

Just a reminder that Ireland's first badminton coaching and training academy is being launched tomorrow, Sunday, in the Community Centre.

The Uno Badminton Academy will be directed by Claire Flood, former Irish International Player and the first Irish woman to qualify for the World Singles Championship held in the USA in 2005 as a Top 80 singles player.

Claire is a qualified coach since 2002 and will base her academy in the four-court Community Centre hall in Kilcullen with regional centres in Dublin, Wexford and in the South and West of Ireland.

The day will include an exhibition match with senior Irish international players, and there will be a Juvenile event. There will be 'celebrity' guests.

Warning about scam calls

A warning about unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from Microsoft Technical Support has been given by a Kilcullen resident, who believes the callers may be going through the 045 phonebook looking for targets.

Brendan Duffy from Sunnyhill says the callers say they are with MS Technical Support in India, and offer to sell anti-virus software for their PCs.

"I know this is a fraudulent scam, but there doesn't seem to be many people aware of it, outside those who regularly use online forums," Brendan says.

He says the first call was to his sister, offering her the software and looking for credit card details. "Thankfully, she told them to get on their merry way, but then my wife received a similar call ... and was equally blunt in her response."

Brendan is afraid that some people may be tricked by such callers. "They are much more convincing than Jose Soap sending out 'lottery winnining' emails."

The gardai have been informed of the calls.