Brendan Keeley's Voice at The Hideout

This Bank Holiday weekend at The Hideout is packed with great acts, writes Clare Boyce.

Friday night is our Karaoke Disco night with DJ Darren Brady, kicking the weekend off with 'Got Talent?'—see his Facebook page for the full details.

Saturday night, following his great success on The Voice of Ireland, we have Brendan Keeley from 10pm till late

Sunday evening it's Sean Reddy from 7-9pm and Sunday night we're being entertained by Cougar Effect from 10pm till late.

'Use the Calendar' call

A call for all local organisations to take advantage of the Calendar on the KCA website was made at the recent meeting of Kilcullen 2017, the implementation group for the KCA-commissioned Development Plan, writes Brian Byrne.

"The calendar is there to facilitate all in the community," Orla O'Neill said. "If every group sent in dates of their upcoming events, it would help to avoid or minimise overlapping or clashes."

Those wishing to have events included in the Calendar should email details to kilcullencommunityaction@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, Kilcullen businesses which have public internet access by wifi should be encouraged to advertise the fact, the meeting was also told.

In a discussion on the use of social media technology to promote Kilcullen's interests, it was also suggested that businesses where people gathered should make sure they had wifi available.

It's your right to vote, do it (2)

Just to balance the debate, I think there are very good reasons for voting No, writes Orla Ní Néill, chief among them that the strategy in Europe of dealing with the financial crisis has not worked and is not working, and all this Treaty does is promise us more of the same.

There is absolutely no reason why Irish taxpayers have had to shoulder the burden of a failed investment strategy undertaken by foreign bondholders. I don't think our government have played hardball in Europe but have rolled over. This view is shared by many eminent economists and other people who work with the most marginalised communities in this and other countries and whose values I share.

And yes everyone, go out and vote!

It's your right to vote, do it

Tomorrow is D-Day, writes Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon. As you are all aware, the polls for voting on the Stability Treaty referendum will open at 7am tomorrow Thursday and remain open until 10pm.

It is very important that all those who are eligible to vote turn out and exercise that right. This critical vote will be won or lost based on who turns out to vote. Turnout in referenda tends to be lower than other elections and can therefore have an impact on the result. I would ask you to do your bit tomorrow by voting and also by encouraging your family, neighbours, work colleagues and friends to do the same. If everyone on this email encouraged two or three people who were unsure to go out and vote that would make a huge difference.

All voters should have received their polling cards by now but these are not necessary to vote once you are on the register and have a form of ID with you. If you or anyone you know is unsure if you are on the register, please give Mary a call at the office (045-487624) and we can confirm for you.

This is a very important referendum for the future of our country and a Yes vote should bring stability and confidence. The alternative is uncertainty and confusion for all. I think the Yes side has run a strong campaign where many political parties and civic as well as business and farming groups have all come out together to support a Yes vote. The No side led by Sinn Fein have been more divided and without a common purpose.

I would really like to thank all those who gave of their time to help out in the campaign in the past four weeks and hope that it can be rewarded on Friday.

We will doing a tally at the count on Friday morning in punchestown and anyone who is interested in helping out at that, please let me know by reply.

This referendum will be decided by those who actually go out and vote so lets make sure we do all we can on that in the final day.

Kilcullen business 'developing vision'

A variety of initiatives to develop support of local businesses in Kilcullen are being considered by the Business sub-group of Kilcullen 2017, writes Brian Byrne.

The recent meeting of the implementation group for the development plan derived from last year's Community Survey heard that research was underway to work out the best way of 'branding' Kilcullen as a good place to visit.

This will include developing a 'catchphrase' or slogan that will encompass Kilcullen as a place to come to and do business in.

"What we're at just now is establishing a vision and purpose for Kilcullen businesses," Paul Carey told the meeting. "We want to have 100 percent involvement by local businesses, especially those who aren't necessarily as visible as those on Main Street."

He said a 'Love Kilcullen' campaign could be part of an overall strategy which would also include a presence on the proposed Kilcullen web portal, and a business 'expo' to showcase what enterprises are operating in the town.

Running mini marathon

Elizabeth Smith and John Swaine fundraising for the Kilcullen Scouts at the weekend. Elizabeth is taking part in Monday's Flora Womens Mini Marathon in aid of the scouts.

Reminder of Community Open Evening

A reminder that Kilcullen 2017 is running a Community and Sports Club Open Evening on Friday 8th June between 7.30pm and 9.30pm in the Community Centre. The purpose of the events is to showcase the clubs, groups, and other services available to the people of Kilcullen.

As part of the event, there will also be talks on Community Safety and the possibility of developing a Kilcullen Community Alert system which involves texting details of suspicious activities, in cooperation with the Gardaí. This long running scheme was established to watch out for older residents, particularly in rural areas. This talk will take place at 7.30pm.

If any organisations are not yet signed up to the Open Evening, you can contact PJ Fagan on 086 8719388 or email kilcullen2017@gmail.com. The Open Evening is a great opportunity for clubs and groups in Kilcullen to sign up new members and build stronger bonds in the community.

Kilcullen 2017 is asking all clubs and groups to participate in the event as one of the key recommendations from the recently published Development Plan for Kilcullen included the need for Sports Clubs and Groups to find ways of including more local people in their work.

More information on the Kilcullen 2017 group is available on the KCA website at www.kilcullencommunityaction.ie.

Kilcullen lad wins national gold at Community Games

A young Kilcullen boy won a gold medal at the HSE Community Games National Finals held last weekend at the Athlone Institute of Technology.

Leon Cullen (pictured centre above on the podium) took first place in the U12 Boys Art competition. It was his third appearance at the National Finals, where he had previously won a bronze.

Kilcullen was well represented at the National Finals, with six competitors on the Kildare team. They competed in U8, U10 and U12 Art and also in the U14 Talent and U12 Cross Country.

It is a fantastic achievement by all involved to reach the National Finals, as standards are extremely high and the events are very competitive. Congratulations to Leon on his great achievement and to all those who competed.

Gismo found

Gismo, the Jack Russell terrier stolen last week in Kilcullen is safe and home with her family.

The little dog was tracked down by people who also found another Jack Russel stolen in Waterford recently.

The lesson is, never ever tie up your dog outside a shop. And if you keep your dog in a garden, make sure the gates to it are locked.

Jack Russells, lurchers, whippets and any of the toy breeds are particularly targeted by thieves who want small dogs for breeding.

Get your dog neutered and chipped as a deterrent.

Residents groups 'could benefit from Open Day'

Residents associations in Kilcullen could benefit hugely from participating in the upcoming Community & Sports Open Day, but only one has so far indicated that it will take part, writes Brian Byrne.

Organiser PJ Fagan told last night's monthly meeting of Kilcullen 2017 that among the elements in the event will be a talk on access to grants for such groups, which could provide a springboard for helping to finance their efforts next year.

But only Avondale is on the list from the residents associations and groups sector. So far, some 17 organisations in the town have committed to participation in the event, scheduled for the evening of June 8.

The local authority 'window' for grants for 2012 has now closed, but will open again in January-March 2013.

Kilcullen 2017 is the implementation group for the community development plan which came out of the KCA-commissioned Community Survey last year.

Thank you for Kilcullen kindness

Saturday 11 May was a beautiful sunny morning, writes Lorraine Kelly from Bishop Rogan Park. I was enjoying a very pleasant walk when I experienced severe chest pain just beside the Jockey Stile.

I really don’t remember very much. I do recall Helen and Stan from Sunnyhill assisting me initially, thank you both very much. There were a number of people around, I am sorry I don’t know all the names but I would like to send a very big thank you to everyone who came to my aid that morning, I really appreciated everyone’s kindness and care.
 
It is a delight to see that there is such great community spirit and kindness in Kilcullen. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who visited me in hospital, sent cards and good wishes during my stay in hospital.
 
I am pleased to say I am feeling much better and back in work now.
 
Thanks again everyone and enjoy the sunshine.

Birthday girl!

Valerie Ryan recently celebrated her birthday with a party in The Ballymore Inn. She's pictured here with her grandmother Lilly McDonnell, Joan Ryan, and Colman Ryan and Lavinia McGahon. Pictures by PJ Lydon.

Ballymore band recruiting

Ballymore Eustace Brass & Reed Band are recruiting new members, writes Eimear Deegan.

The Band currently boasts 24 members with ages ranging from 10 to 70+ and under the baton of John Clifford we are working on an exciting new programme which includes hits from musicals and movies and which requires musicians across all sections.

John has recently been appointed as conductor & brings a wealth of experience to the Band having previously played trombome with the BBC Orchestra & the Scottish Ballet. When he isn't conducting the Ballymore Band he can be seen performing with the RTE Orchestra or on the Late Late show.

If you have ever played a brass or reed instrument or have other musical experience and are interested in joining please contact Tom Headon on 087 9888859 or email wolfetoneband@gmail.com.

There was great fun and some high jinks at Friday night's Seniors Party organised by Kilcullen Lions Club.

Have you any information on Gismo?

This is Gismo, a Jack Russel terrier who was stolen in Kilcullen last Saturday afternoon.

And in a very disturbing incident, his owner Ellie (7) was approached by a stranger from a silver Toyota Avensis as she and another child walked with Gismo to the shops.

The man asked about the terrier, saying that he had one once himself. Then when the youngsters went into a shop, leaving Gismo tied up outside, the man slipped out from where he had been hiding behind a caravan which his car was towing and took the dog.

The incident was recorded on CCTV and An Garda is investigating.

The man was was wearing an orange Adidas t-shirt, navy tracksuit bottoms with orange stripes and brown runner type boots. He was well built, with tight sandy coloured hair and was maybe around 30 years old. 

Please contact Dan at 0868120624 if you have any information on where Gismo (4) is. There is a €300 reward for her safe return. 

Nichola Kennedy celebration offer

Congratulations to Nichola Kennedy Optometrists, celebrating a 6th birthday this week.

And Nichola notes that we're having the same glorious weather today as we had back then.

To celebrate, she's offering frames and sunglasses at half price until June 1, and an extra gift if you like their Facebook page (T&Cs apply).

The offer is pen to new and current customers.

John Spillane in the BAG

Next gig is Monday night, May 28, writes Roy Thompson of the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs.

Great Cork singer/songwriter John Spillane returns to Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace for what is guaranteed to be a great show; John never fails to delight his audience.

Spread the word—Monday night, 9pm, Admission €12.

Tourism discussion on Monday

If anyone is interested in getting involved in a Tourism/Culture sub-group of Kilcullen 2017, they could come along to the monthly meeting of the group on Monday evening, writes Brian Byrne.

The venue is the Credit Union, time 8pm. Among the items on the agenda is a conversation with Sean Cleary, Direcor, Kildare Failte about the Gordon Bennett Tourism Initiative and other tourism interests.

Also, just a reminder about the Community & Clubs Open Day on June 8, watch for posters around town.

CPC award winners

Martin Harrell (pictured right), Director of Human Resources and Communications at Oxigen Environmental, presented three special awards to fifth year students at Cross and Passion College this morning, writes Noel Clare.  

Called the Bright Star Awards, they were presented to students who stood out sjignificantly during recent interviews conducted in the school - students who are quite likely to go places in the future.  

The main award went to David Nolan and awards also went to Gerard Conway (centre) and Ischa Lynch (left). Also in the picture is Fifth Year Head, Gaye McDonnell.

Cross and Passion College is the first school in the country in which students have received the Bright Star Award.

KCA spent €23,000 on community projects

Kilcullen Community Action spent €23,684 on community projects in 2011, according to accounts distributed at its recent AGM, writes Brian Byrne.

The largest single amount was €10,300 on lowering the Cross & Passion Convent wall, while the summer flowers at €5,404 and the Christmas lights costing €2,378 were other major items of expenditure.

General running costs were €2,478 and the balance included Tidy Towns costs and training programmes.

Income from various sources, including grants, the annual Table Quiz and Tidy Towns donations, totalled €24,078, leaving the organisation with a net income on community activities for the period of €394.

Extra expenditures on other specific projects included €9,040 on the Community Survey and €13,818 on the Community Playground, each of which were funded through individual campaigns.

Kilcullen Community Action Ltd is a company limited by guarantee without having a share capital.

Brannoxtown second in Fit Factor

Brannoxtown NS has come second in the National Final of the Lidl Fit Factor competition, winning €3,000 worth of sports equipment vouchers to add to the €500 worth already won as the regional winner, writes Brian Byrne.

That money will come in just in time for the new school building in September. Third and Fourth Class had a wonderful day out today in UCD, meeting Hector, Eoin Kelly and many more. 

"Please send our thanks to all those who voted for us over the past few weeks," says local parent Deirdre Collins. "It is very much appreciated."

New traffic diversion on Athy Road

The traffic diversion on the R418, due to watermain laying from Athy to Old Kilcullen, will be changed from today, Wednesday, 23 May 2012.

The diversion will be moved north to Whitehall Cross and all southbound traffic will be diverted onto the R448 towards Crookstown and Ballitore.

Traffic for Calverstown, Kilrush, Kilmead and Ardscull will then be directed to turn right from the R448 at Kilgowan Crossroads, through Calverstown, and back to the R418 at Ballyshannon Crossroads.

Traffic for Athy should use the M9 or stay on the R448 and then use the N78 to enter Athy.

Traffic for Cutbush may continue to turn right at Whitehall Crossroads as usual, but no through traffic will be allowed on the R418.

This diversion will be in place for approximately three weeks.

Lifebelt vandals could have put lives in danger

What was probably unthinking mischief last night could have left the river in Kilcullen without its lifebelt on the bank below the market square, writes Brian Byrne.

Two young teenagers threw the lifebelt into the river at around 8.30pm, and only for the combined efforts of Garda Steve Kinneavy and the Canoe Club, the device would have been lost.

"This kind of thing could ultimately mean that when somebody's life needs saving, the lifebelt might not be available," Garda Kinneavy told the Diary. "I'd just like anybody tempted to do something like this to think it through to what could be fatal consequences."

The two youths, who live locally, were apprehended, and members of the Canoe Club recovered the lifebelt further down the river. It is now back in place.

Tone up for summer with Yvonne

Summer will do it every time, writes Brian Byrne. Seeing the numbers of people out walking, jogging and generally taking the opportunity to benefit from the more balmy weather of the past few days is invigorating in itself.

But if you want to get fit, or lose weight in a more structured way, local fitness expert Yvonne Kelly is starting a new series of classes on Monday next in Kilcullen Community Centre.

The time slot is 10-11am, and the classes are open to men and women. Castlemartin Lodge-based Yvonne is a certified NCHES Level 4 personal trainer & advanced fitness instructor and works with the Viva La Fitness and Freedom Fitness Nutrition weight loss systems.

The Monday morning body conditioning class is aimed at those who want to shed those excess pounds while toning and improving their fitness levels and it is suitable for all levels of fitness.

"Classes are intense, fun, energetic, and motivating," says Yvonne, who is also the local independent distributor for the Nature's Sunshine range of health supplements. "We work hard but the results show!”

The Monday morning class price is €7 and you can pay on the day. If there's demand, Yvonne is also considering an evening session. For bookings text your name to 086-2635460. Also check out Yvonne's Facebook page.

Going strong in The Best Place to Live

The Diary—and pretty well everything, and everybody else in Kilcullen—got a mention in Orla O'Neill's submission to the Irish Times's ongoing quest to find The Best Place to Live in Ireland. We particularly like the reference to 'the king of the old-timers'.

The submission was also printed in today's woodpulp edition. Lovely piece, Orla.

Previous submissions by Esther Kiely and Cliona Kelliher have laid a base for a good outing for the town in this competition. The more others who do, the better.

Say your tuppence-worth.

Council working on .ie protocal for Kildare towns

The use of town .ie domain names by local community groups in Kildare for the promotion of tourism and industry may be a step closer in the next couple of weeks, writes Brian Byrne.

In response to a query by Cllr Ivan Keatley in relation to the use of Kilcullen.ie, Kildare County Council says its IT Department and the Kildare Community Network are working together on a protocol to enable such use.

The Council says the protocol 'will expand on' the current position adopted in 2000 that the council retains ownership and overall responsibility for .ie domains.

The current situation arose because of a perceived need to protect the town names from potential current or future inappropriate use as a result of conflicting views among community groups, commercial hijacking or as a result of changes in board memberships. The Council says also that the need to maintain political neutrality and to avoid the potential for libellous content on such sites is paramount.

Cllr Keatley was told the revised protocol is scheduled for completion in the next 2-3 weeks.

A sub-group of Kilcullen 2017 has requested the use of Kilcullen.ie for a portal being developed to promote Kilcullen to the outside internet world, with a view to encouraging tourism and business growth in the town.

Memory Lane: names would be great

A couple of blasts from the past, writes Brian Byrne, courtesy of Seamus Orford who appears in the middle of the second row from the back in the picture of the altar boys (with glasses). Also known to your editor are Anthony Conroy, Tim Guidera, Noel Redmond, Michael Walker, John Bardon, Brian Doyle, Mick Sammon and Michael Lambe along with Fr Breen (and I should know the others, but it was a long time ago). If anyone can fill out the rest, it'd be great.



And for something more difficult, the 1917 photo of the Boys School pupils has Muinteoir Paddy Byrne (back left) in charge. The other teacher looks like Miss Maire Griffin, but we're unsure if she was there then; if she was, she'd have to be quite young. We do know that she was Paddy Byrne's 'assistant' when both Vinny Halloran and Timmy Lynch first went to the Boys School, and certainly the woman in the picture looks a little like the person who taught me in 1953/54.

Anyhow, if there are names out there to be put to any of the others, it'd be great to fill out another piece of the collective memory of Kilcullen. And if there are stories of where some of those pictured might have gone, that'd be even better.

My thanks to Seamus, with whom I cycled to school in Newbridge for many years, and who had the best collection of comics in Kilcullen. And to Mary Orford, who scanned the pictures and sent them on to the Diary.

Was that us???

Seeing themselves as they were—dancers and friends at tonight’s showing in O’Connells Bar of the video of Strictly Come Dancing Kilcullen Style.

Screening of 'Dancing' this evening

A special video screening of the very successful 'Strictly Come Dancing Kilcullen Style' will be held in O'Connell's Bar this evening.

The start time is 6pm, and for many it will bring back memories of what was arguably the best community night for decades.

The event raised funds for both Kilcullen Lions and Kilcullen GAA.

Internet and other motions for discussion on Monday

Kildare County Council is being asked to facilitate community group use of town and village internet domain names currently in the ownership of the Council, writes Brian Byrne.

Cllr Ivan Keatley has asked the Council to provide a protocol for the facility, following requests from a Kilcullen group to have access to Kilcullen.ie.

The matter will be discussed at Monday's meeting of the Athy Area Committee.

Kildare County Council owns the .ie domain names for all towns and villages in Kildare.

Cllr Keatley also has queries in for the meeting on when the road in Brannockstown will be resurfaced, and also about drainage of water from the road near the entrance to New Abbey Cemetery.

At the same meeting, Cllr Mark Wall is looking for an up to date position about sewerage services to the Cnoc na Greine estate. He also wants to know the status of a proposal to lease Council land to Kilcullen GAA.

Volunteers offer

The Kildare Volunteer Bureau is offering to source volunteers to help with local community events or summer camps over the coming months.

"We have many volunteers, with a variety of skills and enthusiasm," says Michelle, the organisation's Development/Participation Officer. "Many have indicated their interest in volunteering for short term and one day events."

You can contact Michelle at 045 449156 or email or go on their website.

Remember, if you get people to volunteer for you on one-off events, they may become longterm volunteers.

Drama Dynamics show

The Drama Dynamics 'End Of Year Show' will be performed next Wednesday night, 23 May at 7pm in Cross & Passion College.

Contact Evelyn on 087-6441504 for tickets. Some scenes above from the group's Teen Theatre 'Out of the Frying Pan' production last month.

The very popular Drama Dynamics 'Summer Stage' Summer Camp returns from Monday July 9-Friday July 13. Don’t miss out on this real stage experience from auditions to performance. All levels of experience welcome and everyone gets a part.

Mike Freeman & Tania Opland in the BAG

And now for something rather different, writes Roy Thompson of Ballymore Acoustic Gigs.

Mike Freeman, originally from Manchester, England, has played guitar and percussion for many years with an assortment of bands, accompanied Middle Eastern and African dance troupes, and performed at countless festivals throughout Britain and North America.

Tania Opland—born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska—performs on an array of musical instruments including an unusual 5-string violin, wire strung harp, hurdy gurdy and an Alask-made, double chambered wooden ocarina.

These two divide their time between Suquamish, Washington and Inistioge, Ireland, because anyplace else would be too easy to spell. They have recorded eight albums between them (including two collaborations with best-selling author Anne McCaffrey, in Ireland), and make numerous appearances as studio musicians.

Their shows feature traditional and contemporary material from many cultures as well as original compositions, all presented with wit and style. Mike's irreverent sense of humor and Tania's stunning vocals provide the springboard for a rollercoaster ride across several continents and back again. Strap yourself in at Mick Murphys on Monday May 21, and enjoy! Starts 9pm, €12.

Planning granted for autism classroom

The Diary has learned that Cross & Passion College Kilcullen has been granted planning permission for a classroom for students with autism, writes Brian Byrne.

The move in the second-level college has been in train for some time, as there's a need for accommodating pupils from the autism unit in Scoil Bhride primary school.

Funding for the CPC classroom was confirmed earlier this year and it is hoped the new facility will be available from September. It will be situated in a refurbished area of the original Cross & Passion sisters convent.