Kilcullen's 'thank you' to its community people

It's the time of year when Kilcullen honours those who contribute to the community's life, and again it was a wide range of age, ability and achievement which was brought to the stage in the Town Hall Theatre last night, writes Brian Byrne.

The Kilcullen Community Action organised event isn't designed to say 'aren't we great?', but rather to show that the underlying fabric of any community, in this case Kilcullen, is a multicoloured weave of positive effort. Often in adversity, mostly in just going about daily life, from time to time in consciously trying to make things good or better.



Such as six young leaders of Kilcullen Youth Club, who not only volunteer every week to help run the KiYC activities, but have also taken on specific projects to enhance the activities in the club. They are Conor Patrick, Gavin Byrne, Sarah Byrne, Roisin Byrne, Adam Treacy and Niamh Byrne (only Sarah and Niamh are related amongst the Byrnes in that group). They're pictured above receiving their award from KCA's Ray Kelly.



Then there's Jennifer Murphy, a former CPC student who has excelled at numerous sports and is currently playing rugby at international level, most recently with Ireland in the RBS Six Nations Championship. Unable to make it to last night's event, her award was presented to her father Michael by KCA's Margaret O'Shea.



Kay Dixon was honoured for the outstanding way she deals with the litter situation in the general Old Kilcullen area, also ensuring that the material she collects is properly sorted for disposal or recycling. Her award was presented by KCA chair Esther Kiely.



Eamon McDonnell of St Brigid's Avenue keeps an eye morning and evening in all parts of his estate, in particular making sure that the older folk in St Brigid's Grove are OK both in health matters and in having somebody to chat with. His award was presented by KCA's JJ Warren.



Former local councillor Paddy Aspell, pictured above with KCA's Margaret O'Shea, was given an award for his dedication over many years in coaching and helping to develop Kilcullen Boxing Club. Paddy is the patriarch member of a local family deeply embedded in the work of sport and youth development here.



The women of Kilcullen AFC Ladies Team received their award from KCA chair Esther Kiely for being one of the dominant forces in the Ladies Kildare League over the last two seasons. Their postponed Cup Final game will be contested in Suncroft in two weeks' time and all support will be welcomed.



The determination of Calverstown's Kate Kelly in overcoming the physical difficulties of cerebral palsy to achieve much in sport was recognised by her award. At 16, she has already represented Ireland at international level, and won Gold and Silver this summer in the IWASF Junior World Games in the Czech Republic. She competed in Discus, Shot Putt and Javelin. She's pictured above with her mum and KCA's Ray Kelly.



The committee of Lions and GAA members who organised the Strictly Come Dancing extravaganza last year were given a collective award not just for the successful fundraising, but also for providing the best community night out for many years. They were presented with their award by Siobhan Dunlea.



Two of the longest-established businesses in town were honoured for not just the employment they give, but also achieving national and international recognition for the quality of their products. James & Emma Nolan (above) of Nolans Butchers collected for their business, and Jamie Berney (below) for Berney Bros Saddlers. In both cases, the importance of the team effort of all involved in the businesses was stressed.





Finally, Kieran Forde was given an award for all his unstinting work with Kilcullen Community Action over many years, where his 'expertise, wisdom, and common sense' helped the organisation complete many projects which have benefited Kilcullen. These include the Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park, the Christmas Lights and Summer Flowers projects, the recent work on opening up the vista of the Cross & Passion Convent. A longtime chairman of KCA, even major health issues in recent years never dampened his enthusiasm for and commitment to improving Kilcullen.



As usual, the evening included the presentation of Tidy Towns Awards under a number of categories. The Best Window Display and Shop Presentation award went to Nancy Poulain and her Les Petits Pets shop, pictured above with KCA's Noel Clare.



Frasers Filling Station & Shop won the Most Improved Business Premises award, which was collected on their behalf by Claire Kelly.

The Best Large Estate award went to Avondale, the Best Small Estate was won by Sunbury, the Most Improved Estate was St Brigid's Avenue, the Best Common Area went to Avondale.



The Best Communal Area award was especially important this year, as it went to the Bridge Camphill Community for the new Nature Trail on their campus. They were thanked on the night for their generosity in opening up the Trail and the place where they live and work to the community.



A Special Award was presented to Jim Kelly of Castlemartin Stud, for the work done to deal with the derelict state of Liffeybank. A special word of thanks was extended to Sir Anthony and Lady O'Reilly for the effort, and to Sam Dowling for all his hard work on the project.