Sacred Space completed

Three and a half years after launch, the students of Cross & Passion College now have their own ‘sacred space’ building, writes Brian Byrne.

It’s the realisation of a dream, the provision of a place for reflection and spiritual reinvigoration not just for the pupils of the college, but for anyone else in the town who wants to go there. Something of a bridge between the community and the school and the pupils and the inner self of all three.

The project is unique in many respects. Not least in how it fits into the environment of the school itself, and its sustainability. But the important thing is that it is a place where those going there will feel 'relaxed, safe and protected'.

The concept was devised by CPC staff members Margaret Aspell and Dennis Dennehy. RTE architect Duncan Stewart provided his own thoughts during a visit to the site.

Originally conceived as an extension to the main school building, to provide a place for liturgy left vacant when the Cross & Passion sisters departed the convent and its associated chapel, the idea quickly 'moved away' to be a central part of the grass 'quadrangle' at the centre of the school buildings complex. The evolution of the design, with the building being semi underground and incorporating a grassy roof garden, quickly led to an in-house labelling of 'our own little Newgrange'.

After going through the hoops of design and planning permissions, the sod was turned on 30 October 2008—in a snowstorm!

By March 2010 the structural steelwork was in place, and the blockwork begun. But the completion of the project was dependent on another one, the recent lowering of the wall between the college and Kilcullen’s main street.

The spare stone from that work has been used to clad the new Sacred Space, and the final work on landscaping the building has now been completed.

Inside is a space which can cater for up to 120 people for a special occasion, but most of the time there will be small groups or individuals, come for a bit of quiet time.

The sign above the door says it all. ‘Suaimhneas’, or peace.

(This article was originally published on the Kilcullen Page of The Kildare Nationalist.)


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Enjoyable 70s/80s Night

Kilcullen Lions Club held a very successful and enjoyable 70s/80s night in Fallons recently.

A good crowd enjoyed the music of DJ Gerry Halton and many of those in attendance dressed up in outfits suited to the era.

The night raised much needed funds which will be used to support local charities.

The club hope to run another such night in the new year.


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Art competition winners

Pupils from four local schools received certificates and prizes last night for their success in the Credit Union Art Competition, writes Brian Byrne. They were presented by Kilcullen CU Youth Officer Fergal Sloan and Chairperson Philomena Griffin.

The awards were as follows: 7 Years and under - 1 Ava Cronin, Brannoxtown NS; 2 Ciara Ann Lally, Scoil Bhride; 3 Lucy Browne, Scoil Bhride; Commended Nadya Dunne, Scoil Bhride; Jessie Moore, Brannoxtown; and Ben Cahill, Brannoxtown. 8-10 Years - 1 Jennifer Pearson, Scoil Bhride; 2 Abi Hart, Halverstown NS; 3 Emily Rooney, Scoil Bhride; Commended Chloe Acton, Scoil Bhride; Rachel Ward, Scoil Bhride; and Eleanor Traynor, Scoil Bhride. 11-13 Years - 1 Megan Anderson, Scoil Bhride; 2 Aoife Stafford, CPC; 3 Ellie O'Toole, Brannockstown; Commended Roisin McNally, Brannoxtown; Ava Hodgins, Scoil Bhride; and Aoife Hegarty, Brannoxtown.

Presenting the certificates, Philomena Griffin noted that there is now a Parents category in the competition and she hoped that there would be parent entries next year.


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'Miscellany' raises €2,200+

Every time it comes around, you figure that 'Miscellany on Sunday' has to peak sometime, writes Brian Byrne.

Well, the annual fundraiser hosted in the Bermingham home at Mooretown for the Michael Garry House hostel for the homeless just keeps on growing, and this past Sunday there were three 'venues' in full swing.

"We need a bigger house," said Phena Bermingham as, with Nessa Dunlea doing 'stage manager', she helped make sure that refreshments and entertainment were maintained through the afternoon.

More than €2,200 was raised in donations left at the door by visitors who swirled through the house all during the event. In addition to leaving money, many of them left great musical, drama and literary memories as they contributed to the entertainment.

What was also noticeable this year was the number of young entertainers, rock and trad bands, family musical groups, and individual young artists coming through to make their own mark in the talent pool of Kilcullen and surrounds.

There were the older stalwarts too. Dick Dunphy, Dick Jeffers, Bernard Berney to mention just a few. And Pastor Robert Dunlop, who added to his story and poem a prayer for the late Tom Bermingham, whose passing last year resulted in the first cancelling of 'Miscellany' since its inauguration in 2000.

On the funds, organising committee member Roy Thompson says he is constantly astounded at the generosity of people. "Especially in these very difficult times, when people's own circumstances aren't easy, it's wonderful to see them respond to helping out a facility like Michael Garry House which is itself being stretched to meet the demand."



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Radio Diary: The Ballymore Acoustic Gigs

Since our own Roy Thompson restarted the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs at the end of August, he has begun to fill the void left by the death of his friend Lar Roddy who had established the gigs some two decades ago.

The Diary went along earlier this week to talk to Roy about the place of the BAG, and to artist for the night, singer/songwriter and bluesman Brooks Williams.

RADIO DIARY: Roy Thompson talks to Brian Byrne about the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs.
(Audio: 4'28")

RADIO DIARY: Brooks Williams talks to Brian Byrne about playing the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs.
(Audio: 2'55")


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Christmas gets into swing

Lots of Christmas activity going on already in town. The annual GAA Christmas Draw for a Monster Hamper is in full swing, and the hamper itself is the attraction to punters outside Nolans for each of the next three weekends.

Meanwhile (below) Kilcullen Youth Club (KiYC) is running a fundraising Craft & Cake Fair this afternoon and tomorrow (Sunday) morning.



And the Diary encountered KCA's Kieran Forde and Noel Clare this morning scouting the locations for the Christmas lights. Christmas is go!


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Kilcullen Drama bends the gender gap

It has been the war cry between the genders since speech was invented, writes Brian Byrne. “You don’t understand me!” And truly, men and women just don’t understand each other.

But what if, through some magic, a couple switched bodies for a while? Husband transformed, personality and all, into wife’s body. Wife ditto into husband’s body. Maybe the experience would lead to true understanding?

Or maybe not. Anyhow, that’s the premise on which Kilcullen Drama Group’s latest play is based. Through the alchemy of his imagination, playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘If I Were You’ teases out just this scenario.

And for director Evelyn O’Sullivan, this meant making the central pair in her cast try to, figuratively, get inside each other’s skins.

It’s a tough job, even with such accomplished local amateur actors as John Coleman and Siobhan O’Brien in the main roles. For instance, watching John Coleman trying to follow Evelyn’s directions on how a woman walks was hilarious during recent rehearsals.

“Let your wrist hang loose. Walk from the hips.” Evelyn demonstrated (“I know how, after all I am a woman”).

“I think I need a skirt,” John muttered at one point as he attempted to emulate his director’s sexy stride.

But Evelyn, who operates the Drama Dynamics youth theatre school in Kilcullen, knows how to do the tough stuff too. She showed Siobhan O’Brien how to throw a punch at Conor McMahon, and how Conor could make it a realistic slap before falling to the ground. One got the feeling Siobhan was enjoying this as they practiced. Maybe too much?

Newcomer Aaron Talt at 16 is the youngest member of this particular cast, playing the young son of the main couple, opposite Charlene Kilroy as his sister. She made a serious impact in last year’s production of ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, while Aaron has a track record with Drama Dynamics, among other things drama.

The Kilcullen Drama Group has for many decades provided excellent entertainment a couple of times a year, both in comedic and serious theatre. Their runs are always sellouts.

It looks like they’re going to do it again. The Gala opening night is tonight. It runs until December 3.

Tickets from Bernard Berney Chemists 045 481497.


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Close shave coming for Hideout regulars

A 'Movember Shaveoff' will be held in The Hideout on Thursday December 1, beginning at 7pm, writes Brian Byrne.

At least a dozen local male stalwarts who have been growing moustaches in aid of the Movember movement aimed at raising awareness of prostate cancer will be having their hard-grown hair shorn for the event.

They will have raised in the process a significant sum for the Irish Cancer Society's prostate cancer awareness fund.

Local barber Shelly will do the honours, and a big crowd of supporters is expected to help things along on the night.

Clare Boyce of The Hideout has organised music to be shaved by, as well as finger food for the occasion. Visiting musicians are welcome (but they had better mind their beards!).



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BAG night with Brooks Williams

BAG organiser Roy Thompson and singer/songriter Brooks Williams doing sound checks before last night's gig in Mick Murphy's Ballymore. It was a great night.


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Don't forget 'Miscellany' next Sunday

Next Sunday afternoon sees the latest session of an annual Kilcullen event which has so far raised more than €25,000 for Michael Garry House Hostel for the Homeless, writes Brian Byrne.

The 'Miscellany on Sunday' afternoon of music and other entertainment has been hosted by the Bermingham family since 2000, on behalf of the 'Kilcullen Homeless Awareness Group'.

It's an old style home 'visiting' day, with everybody welcome to drop in for a few moments or for the afternoon, have a cup of tea and some seasonal food, and listen to singers, musicians, poets and dramatists.

An anonymous basket by the door is there for donations of any size.

So far, those who have committed their talents include Billy Redmond, Noel O'Brien, Pastor Robert Dunlop, John Martin, Lugaidh Moran, Indium, Philomena Breslin, Bernard Berney & the Kilcullen Drama Group, Kilcullen Youth Drama, Roy Thompson, Angie Escarsa, Andy Nolan, Jo Doyle, Charles Aniagyei, Stephen, Keelin & Laoise Nugent, Nessa Dunlea, Dick Jeffers, Eoghan O'Toole, Dorley O'Sullivan, Andrew & Richie Collins, and those who come along will also meet some of the Lilywhites.

And all visitors are welcome to lend their own talents to the occasion.



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Cake & Craft fundraiser

KiYC Kilcullen Parish Youth Club will hold a Cake & Craft Fair in the Parish Centre this weekend.

The times are Saturday 26 12-6pm, and Santa will attend between 4-6pm, and Sunday 27 10-2pm.

All welcome.



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Christmas Fair for Scoil Bhride

A Christmas Fair will he held in Scoil Bhride on Sunday 11 December, from 12.30pm through the afternoon.

It will include fun, festivities, and opportunity to pick up good value Christmas gifts.

There will also be a raffle. And Santa will attend, of course. All welcome.



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Brooks Williams tonight

I'm delighted to remind ye of the welcome return of Brooks Williams to Ballymore tonight Wednesday, November 23, writes Roy Thompson.

If you're a guitarist/guitar fan; blues fan; songwriting fan, then this gig's for you. Brooks has the whole package, and a great voice to boot!

As usual, show time is 9pm sharp, and admission is €12 on the door.


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School pupils walk for charity

The junior pupils from Halverstown NS took part in their annual walk to Old Kilcullen Round Tower last week, raising money for charity.

Afterwards they were treated to breakfast prepared by the senior pupils of the school.



(Pictures courtesy of the school.)


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Tidy Towns assessment walk pictures

Following Saturday's Tidy Towns Assessment Walk organised by Kilcullen Community Action, more than 40 photographas have been published on the KCA Facebook page, showing some areas which could benefit from attention.

The idea was to survey the situation throughout the town in advance of getting down to work for next year's competition.

KCA would like comments and suggestions, either based on the pictures or from other perspectives.



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Challenging Behaviours Workshop

A special 2-hour workshop on dealing with challenging behaviour will be given by Siobhan Walsh on 29 November in Kilcullen Parish Centre, writes Lynn Worrall. The objective is to achieve a deeper understanding of children's Challenging Behaviours.

Children with CB are not trying to make life difficult for adults, in actual fact they are trying to show us how difficult life is for them!! 

There will also be practical intervention tips to put the new information into practice. The event takes place at 7.30pm.

Siobhan is a Psychotherapist/Parent mentor who trained with Dr Tony Humphreys and her programme was devised by him. 

If time permits we will do some role play.

There will be handouts for participants to take away. 

There will be a cover charge of €5 per person, limited places. Booking at the Toddler Group on Wednesday next or on our Facebook page, Kilcullen Toddler Group.



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Chess classes for Games

Classes are to be started to teach Chess for Community Games in Kilcullen, writes Deirdre Collins.

They will start Thursday November 24th from 3-4pm in the Kilcullen Parish Centre. Classes will continue until Christmas and then after the school holidays.

We would ask if anyone has a Chess Set to bring it along for the class. Any enquiries to Anne Quigley 087 7733576.


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The passing of Kathleen Moran

The Diary has learned with sadness of the death of Kathleen Moran, nee Bathe, Nicholastown.

Kathleen is reposing at her residence from six o'clock this evening. Removal will take place on Saturday evening at 7.30, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, at 8pm.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Sunday at 2pm, and burial will follow afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

To Kathleen's family and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

(Kathleen celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends in September 2006.)

Brooks Williams playing BAG

I'm delighted to remind ye of the welcome return of Brooks Williams to Ballymore next Wednesday, November 23, writes Roy Thompson.

If you're a guitarist/guitar fan; blues fan; songwriting fan; then this gig's for you. Brooks has the whole package, and a great voice to boot! A wonderfully charasmatic performer, he is one you should definitely catch.

As usual, show time is 9pm sharp, and admission is €12 on the door. See ye there, and spread the word to anyone on your contacts list that you think would appreciate quality live music in an intimate venue.


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Eucharistic Congress volunteers

Volunteers are being sought to work with the Eucharistic Congress scheduled for Ireland next year.

Up to 3,000 volunteers are needed in total for the International Eucharistic Congress that will take place in Croke Park in Dublin in June 2012. An online application form is available at www.iec2012.ie or anyone interested can leave their name at the parish office.



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Talk on adolescents and alcohol tonight

The vexed topic of alcohol use by adolescents is the subject of a talk tonight, Wednesday November 16, in CPC.

Alcohol Use: Encouraging a Healthy Response will be given by Dr Mark Morgan, Professor of Education and Psychology at St Patrick’s College, and acting co-director of Growing up in Ireland at Trinity College. The event begins at 7.30pm

Mark Morgan is highly regarded both at home and abroad and has been involved in many aspects of educational research. Currently he is working on a project to support the implementation of the ‘Incredible Years’ programme in Ballymun.  

In 2010, he was awarded the President’s Prize for research by Dublin City University.

"It is great opportunity to listen to Mark and no doubt benefit from his insight and understanding," says CPC Assistant Principal Noel Clare. "This promises to be a most informative talk for all parents and all are welcome, even if you do not have children currently attending the school."



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Flowers 'not getting recognition' in TT performance

The judging period for the national Tidy Towns Awards could mean that Kilcullen isn't getting adequate recognition for the effort made with the Summer Flowers Project.

That was a view raised at the recent meeting of KCA in a discussion on the project outcome for 2011.

"We're getting the visual kick, but not the marks," JJ Warren said. "I just don't think we're getting the results for the project in the competition."

The meeting heard that the project cast €6,000 this year. Fundraising is ongoing, with good results from part of the Street Collection in the summer, and the Table Quiz. A number of businesses and individuals have also contributed.

"We're still a bit down on paying for it," Noel Clare said. "But there are letters requesting further donations ready to go out."


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Vehicle recycling application

A planning application by Christoper and Catherine Dolly could see a dry waste and vehicle end-of-life recycling facility on the Kilcullen Business Campus at Knockbounce.

The application lodged on 3 November includes permission sought for metals storage areas, vehicle washing bay and vehicle compactor as well as all associated works.

The facility would have a seperate entry to the corner site on the campus.

Submissions can be made up to 7 December. The application number is 111080.



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Black tie for Crumlin

A 'black tie' event will be held in Bardons on Saturday December 3 in aid of St John's Ward at Crumlin Children's Hospital.

It includes a mulled wine reception and finger food for the €10 cover charge, and music from 9.30pm until 2am includes 2 Guys Live and DJ Bertie G.

Save the date.


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Local motions for Athy Area meeting

Kilcullen features in a number of motions down for discussion at next Monday's meeting of the Athy Area Committee of Kildare County Council.

Cllr Ivan Keatley wants the Council to improve traffic access at The Hideout Cross for traffic turning into the Church Road from southbound. He suggests it could be done by taking out a portion of the large footpath area outside The Spout pub.

Cllr Martin Miley wants the Minister for Transport to 'investigate the full feasibility' of the motorway service station planned for Baronsland, Kilcullen, in light of the Minister's report in the national media 'in relation to oversized projects developed by the NRA'. He also wants salting of the road from Kilcullen crossroads to Gormanstown Church to be reinstated by KCC.


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Entertainment galore for 'Miscellany'

The entertainment lineup for this year's Miscellany on Sunday in aid of the Michael Garry House hostel is building rapidly.

So far, those who have committed their talents include John Martin, Lúgaidh Moran, Indium, Philomena Breslin, Bernard Berney & the Kilcullen Drama Group, Kilcullen Youth Drama, Roy Thompson, Angie Escarsa, Andy Nolan, Jo Doyle, Charles Aniagyei, Stephen, Keelin & Laoise Nugent, Nessa Dunlea, Dick Jeffers, Eoghan O'Toole, Dorley O’Sullivan, Andrew & Richie Collins, and those who come along will also meet some of the Lilywhites.

The event, which has been hosted by the Bermingham family in Mooretown for a decade will also provide mulled wine, mice pies and other seasonal goodies. To date it has raised in excess of €25,000 for the hostel.

The date is Sunday 27 November, any time from around 2.30pm.
 
This fundraiser is in association with the 'Kilcullen Homeless Awareness Group'. Further information from Phena (045) 485232 or (087) 9767531.



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Trick or treat with John

John Brady of Mile Mill was over in Boston during Halloween, visiting his son Noel and family. This picture sent by Noel was taken when John went 'trick or treating' with them. 'Nuff said.



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KCA website to include Community Directory

The development of the KCA website could include the provision of an online version of the Community Directory as well as a 'Jumble Town' facility for sales and swaps of unwanted items, writes Brian Byrne.

These ideas emerged during a discussion about the Directory at the most recent meeting of KCA, where it was noted that the last version dated back to 2005.

Updating the information is a work in progress at the moment, the meeting heard, but it required somebody to 'do the legwork'. On a view that local organisations and businesses be asked on Facebook to submit information, Noel Clare noted that this had been tried before, 'but very little came in'.

A suggestion that the Directory be only online was argued against by JJ Warren, who said many people who used it didn't have the internet. "I go into a lot of homes of older people, and they still produce their copy of the last Directory," he said.

Noel Clare said that even if an online version was produced, a print version could still be provided by The Bridge.

After further discussion, it was decided that a brief be written up for the development of the KCA website to incorporate these ideas, and the work be offered to some local people with the relevant expertise.

Noel Clare cautioned that KCA has 'a limited budget' for the work. "But there must be somebody out there, maybe somebody unemployed, who has the required skills."


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Tidy Towns 'pointers' mooted

Ways of improving further Kilcullen's Tidy Towns performance were discussed at the recent meeting of KCA, the umbrella group that includes the Tidy Towns Committee.

Among the ideas was the publication of a number of pointers locally so that estates and streets residents could work to a specific agenda.

Noel Clare suggested that estates might do their own Tidy Towns reports each year. Celia Travers noted, however, that several estates didn't have any associations. JJ Warren said he would take it on as a project to go into the estates and get group initiatives going. "They can survey all their areas themselves and see what is missing in each case."

Esther Kiely said the judging for the local awards should be in two parts, one early in the year which could outline necessary work, the second one later in the summer at which progress could be judged.



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If I were You...

Kilcullen Drama Group presents 'If I Were You' by Alan Ayckbourn, beginning Friday November 25. Pictured during rehearsal are Charlene Kilroy and Aaron Talt. Tickets available from Bernard Berney Chemists.

Another award for Nolans

Nolans Butchers have added another accolade to the business's string of awards this year, achieving Runner Up in the 2011 Best Large Retail Store category of the national competition run by Retail Excellence Ireland.

Pictured at the awards event are James and Emma Nolan receiving their Runner Up award from Kevin Jephson, Chairman Retail Excellence Ireland, in the company of Miriam O’Callaghan from RTE and Anton Savage of TV3.

Over 600 retail businesses entered the competition and this achievement follows the eight Gold Medals Nolans has already won this year at the Great Taste Awards.

James Nolan emphasised that the award was due recognition for the all the hard working staff at Nolans and will serve as a great boost in the build up to the Christmas rush—traditionally is the busiest time of the year for all at the shop.


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