The passing of Dermot O'Shea

It is with deep sadness that the Diary reports the death of Dermot O'Shea, of Mile Mill and the Bridge Camphill Community, Kilcullen.

Dermot, originally from Wales, was the originator and guardian of the wonderful gardens in Bridge Camphill, which not alone provide fresh vegetables for the Community and the organic Manna Shop, but also give invaluable training and skills to both residents and co-workers. The gardens are now an integral part of the recently-inaugurated Nature Trail through Bridge Camphill.

To his wife Margaret, children Dafydd, Esther and Edwin, and to all his very many friends both in Kilcullen and back home in his native Wales, we extend heartfelt condolences which will be echoed far beyond the place where Dermot made his home and his work for some 20 years. Dermot was predeceased by his son Eoin, who died as a small child.

He will be waked in the Artaban Hall in Bridge Camphill from 6pm tomorrow, Saturday, and Prayers and singing will take place there at 8pm on Sunday evening. His Requiem Mass will be celebrated in Kilcullen Parish Church at 11am Monday, and his funeral will follow to Gormanstown Cemetery.

May he rest in peace in an eternal garden.

GAA confirm Gathering event with SF team

Kilcullen GAA have invited a team of U/14 players from San Francisco to come and play for the Kilcullen Gathering Cup in July, writes Brian Byrne.

The US team has already agreed to come, and their families also, and the event on the 22nd of the month will also have a team from Northern Ireland and from Leinster in the tournament.

There will also be a social event on the evening at which medals will be presented.

Kilcullen GAA will handle the catering, co-ordination, logistics, officials, parking and policing of the event.

This is the latest confirmed event in the Kilcullen Gathering 2013 initiative, which will also include the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Cross & Passion College in February, a St Patrick's Day Parade organised by Kilcullen Venture Scouts, and celebrations in August by the Bridge Camphill Community and an extended River Festival.

A special postcard is available FREE in Kilcullen shops for people to send to their family members and friends abroad, with details of how they can monitor the growing list of events and perhaps come home for a holiday based around one of them.

Great lineup for Sunday's 'Miscellany'

The lineup is building for the upcoming annual Miscellany next Sunday, 2 December, at Phena Bermingham's home in Mooretown, writes Brian Byrne, and it includes entertainment from many of the old faithfuls, as well as a lot of new young talent.

The event is this year in aid of Fr John Bermingham's missionary work in Mozambique, and the usual food and drink fare includes mulled wine prepared by Paul Carey of The Good Food Gallery and seasonal mince pies.

The entertainment list so far features Bernard Berney, Philomena Breslin, Roy Thompson, John Martin, Billy Redmond, Martin Heydon, Kildare GAA All Star Johnny Doyle, Keelin and Laoise Nugent, Eoghan O'Toole, Jo Doyle, Pastor Robert Dunlop, Monica Martin, Michael Sammon, Lugaidh Moran, Eilis Philips, Nessa Dunlea and many more.

Stephen Clare and his group 'Fenton', and Stephen Ryan with his group 'Indium' are amongst the young musicians giving of their time and talents.

As always, there's no admission charge, but donations are appreciated.

Everybody is welcome. You can drop in for 10 minutes or stay all evening. Enquiries to Phena,087 9767531 or 045-485232; Roy Thompson 086-3270780; or Eilis\Siobhan at Eilis's Salon, Kilcullen.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Parish Lotto tonight were 7, 11, 13, 30. There was no Jackpot winner and the main prize will be worth €6,800 next week.

The winners of the Open Draw were Vivienne Byrne (promoter Vivienne Byrne), Elaine Haslam (Vanessa Clarke), and Tony Clancy (Miriam McDonnell).

The Promoters Prizes were won by Nora Hogan and Johnny Archbold. The Door Draw was won by Pat Clarke.

Candlelight Walk planned

A Candlelight Walk through The Valley and the Camphill Nature Trail will be held on the evening of December 6, weather permitting.

The family-themed event is being organised in aid of funds for the CPC Parents Association and for the Camphill Community.

The cost is €10 per family and the evening will include carol singing, mince pies and mulled wine.

It will start from the Church Car Park at 7pm.

Canoe Club update

With the dark nights closed in, there are limited on the water training opportunities for the club, writes Kilcullen Canoe Club secretary Maria Wilmot. However upcoming events include Ladies circuit training every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm; Pool sessions every Saturday from 2 to 3pm in the Curragh; the AGM on 3 December at 8pm in the clubhouse; and the Kid’s Christmas Party on Friday, 14 December

Congratulations to all Kilcullen Canoe Club paddlers who competed in recent races. Podium placings include Tay Descent (27th October) – Rob Murphy, 3rd in Wavehopper; Wild Water Slalomfest (4th November) – Donnacha Farrell, 1st in boy’s u8; Joe Brown, 1st in boy’s u12; Ciara Farrell, 1st in girl’s u14; Liam Brown, 1st in boy’s u16; Oisin Farrell, 3rd in boy’s junior squad; Wild Water Slalom (11th November) – Donnacha Farrell, 2nd in novice boy’s u8; Aaron Thorpe and Joe Brown, 1st and 2nd in novice boy’s u12; Liam brown, 1st in novice boy’s u16; Ciara Farrell, 2nd in women’s; Kilcullen Slalom (18th November) – Donnacha Farrell, 2nd in novice boys u9s; Aaron Thorpe, 1st in novice boys u11s; Joe Brown, 2nd in novice boys u12; Liam Brown and Lee Smyth, 1st and 2nd in novice boys u15; Anthony Whitely, 3rd in novice boys u17; Ciara Farrell, 1st in girls u13; Oisin Farrell, 2nd in men’s u16; Cade Ryan and Oisin Farrell, 2nd in men C2. The organising committee would like to thank Kilcullen Canoe Club members, Colm Ryan, Kris Kohls, slalom development squad, competitors and support crews for supporting this event.

For more information on Kilcullen Canoe Club, check out www.kilcullencanoeclub.com, Facebook and Flickr (Kilcullen Canoe Club) or contact Maria Wilmot by email to secretary@kilcullencanoeclub.com.

Kilcullen Canoe Club would like to take this opportunity to thank our members, friends and our sponsors, Fallons Bar and Restaurant, for all their support during the year.

Kilcullen Canoe Club would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our members, friends and our sponsors, Fallons Bar and Restaurant, Kilcullen a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See ye on the water, and make sure to wrap up warm...

French award for Nolans sausages

In what has been an extraordinary year already for Nolans Butchers, the long-established Kilcullen family business has won yet another award, writes Brian Byrne.

This time it was for the Best Grilled Sausage in Ireland for 2012, given by a prestigious French gastronomic organisation, the Commanderie des fins Gousteriers du Duche d’Alencon.

The latest award was accepted by James Nolan, who emphasised that it was really due to his father Andy, as he started making sausages 40 years ago and it is his recipe that is still being used.

He also commended the work of Fred Mitchell, who makes Nolan’s award winning Sausages and Puddings fresh every day, six days a week.

This year Nolans have won six Great Taste Awards, three All Ireland Titles, and were crowned the best Butcher Shop in the UK & Ireland.

At the presentation near Paris on Saturday night, James praised the 'fantastic' team of staff that work in Kilcullen and create the unique shopping experience in Nolans. He also expressed his appreciation of the continued support from all of the business's customers.

Buddy Mondlock in the BAG

Tonight at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, BAG sees the very welcome return of Buddy Mondlock, writes Roy Thompson of the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs. He will be accompanied on bass and harmony vocals by his long time friend and musical co-conspirator, Mike Lindauer.

Suffice to say he is one of the most highly regarded singer/songwriters to come out of the USA. His songs have been recorded by, amongst others, Janis Ian, Joan Baez, Garth Brooks, and Art Garfunkel, with whom he recorded and toured.

All in all, its safe to say that tonight we'll truly be in the presence of a singer/songwriting giant.

CPC's Trinity Scholars

Congratulations to Finnian Breen and Colm O’Shaughnessy who both received entrance awards in Trinity College at a special ceremony on Wednesday last.

The awards were given to students who scored 560 points or higher in their Leaving Certificate. Finnian and Colm were students in Cross and Passion College and sat their Leaving Certificate last June.

Finnian, who is from Two Mile House is studying Physics. Colm is from Grangecon and is studying Maths.

The passing of Elizabeth Aspell

The Diary has learned of the death of Elizabeth 'Babs' Aspell, nee Mallon, Conroy Park, the wife of Kilcullen GAA club president Billy Aspell.

Elizabeth is reposing at her home this evening and through tomorrow. Prayers will be said at 8pm this evening, and the Rosary will be prayed at 8pm tomorrow evening. Removal on Tuesday morning at 10.30am with arrival at Kilcullen Parish Church for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial will follow immediately afterwards in St Brigid's Cemetery.

To her family and many friends, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

May she rest in peace.

Anita helps with getting dolled up

A new internet-based retail venture by Kilcullen businesswoman Anita Whyte offers women and men an easy way to buy cosmetics and personal grooming products, writes Brian Byrne.

Dolledup.ie is Anita’s second internet project, and came about from talking to receptionists when she was building up her Office Genie web-catalogue stationery business.

“We’d have conversations about beauty products and accessories, and it just struck me that the internet was a way I could provide them with a wide range of products, and they could browse and buy 24/7."

An initial website set up last year showed that the idea was right, but it needed a more comprehensive approach. A revamp of the site in June did the trick and since then the business has properly taken off.

Research at trade shows and watching what products were popular was a key part of building the enterprise, but very quickly Anita and her partner Paul Moran found there were further possibilities.

“I met with a stylist who offers hair care tips online, and then a skin care specialist who also gives advice, and incorporated these into the package. And we’re shortly launching a directory element, where women can find out, for instance, what hairdressers are in an area where they might be going to a wedding or other family event.”

A special ’New Year, New You’ campaign is planned from January that will offer hairstyle and makeup prizes, a spa break, and a photoshoot.

As it is with Office Genie, the key to making this kind of internet-based business work is providing a top-class service, with reliable deliveries. Dolledup.ie has customers all over the country, and anything ordered will arrive within 3-5 days. With Christmas coming up, the concept takes all the hard work out of a lot of Christmas shopping.

“We’ll gift-wrap, and deliver to somebody’s office or other place of work, and they can then take them home ready for giving as presents. There’s no need to get in the car, drive to town, pay for parking and go from shop to shop until you find what you want.”

And if you want to gently prod the significant other in your life as to what you’d really like, Dolledup.ie also has a ’wish list’ feature where somebody browsing through the catalogue can build up a personal list of favourite products.

“It’s then just a matter of emailing that list and links to whoever wants to buy you a present and all the hard work is taken care of.”

This article was first published on the Kilcullen Page of the Kildare Nationalist.

'Gathering' postcard available

A postcard will be available free in a number of shops and other locations in Kilcullen from this weekend which people can send to family members living abroad, suggesting they might come home for a holiday in 2013.

It's part of the Gathering Kilcullen 2013 initiative, and incorporates the iconic Dun Ailinne sculpture which was a KCA project of some years ago and is now one of the signature facets of Kilcullen.

The postcard provides the address of the Kilcullen Gathering 2013 Facebook page, and encourages the town's 'wild geese' to look in and see what's being planned during the year.

Stories for 'Gathering' wanted

While much of the attention to The Gathering Ireland 2013 has been related to the possibility of attracting 'wild geese' back home during the coming year, another area of the concept is to actually establish who and where are those out there with links back to Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

Even if they have no interest in coming home soon or ever, it will always do a community good to know how far it has 'travelled' over the years, decades and even centuries.

So, while work progresses on a number of events for 2013, such as the St Patrick's Day Parade being undertaken by the Venture Scouts, and an extended River Festival in August, now might be an appropriate time to try and gather together an historical geneaology of Kilcullen's diaspora.

To kick it off, this is an invitation to everyone connected to Kilcullen, whether home or away, to provide some details of family travels and settlements down those years, decades and centuries. For instance, if you have a story about a grandfather's brother who emigrated to America in the 30s, do you have information about where they went from there? Or more recently, sons or daughters living abroad in the last decade or so also have their own current stories to tell.

I'd like to hear those stories, and perhaps we can start to map out just how large and widespread is the community of Kilcullen. It's not something that can be done in a few weeks, or even months, but over 2013 we could probably get a better picture than we have now.

Anyone who wants to help by providing information about their families, no matter how small, can email me. Maybe we can start a wider Kilcullen conversation.

Old Silk Cut ad

During work on the former Village Flowers & Gifts shop prior to a new business opening up there, workmen removed shutters that had been up since 1980.

That work revealed an old Silk Cut banner window advertisement which hadn't been seen since the shutters unit was installed.

Photo courtesy of John Dowling.

Scouts host Seniors party

On Friday 15th November, the 9th Kildare Scout Group hosted our annual senior citizens party in Toughers, writes Group Leader Richard Reade.

With over 140 guests attending we had a fantastic night and our Scouts, Venturers and Scouters mixed freely with our guests; escorting them to their seats, chatting to some familiar faces and having a laugh.

Our night began with a traditional Turkey and Ham dinner, followed by some after dinner entertainment provided by some of the members of our Scout Group and then it was over to John and Terry for the music. I don't think I have ever seen the floor so packed; the Scouts and Venturers certainly had a ball and are already looking forward to the next time.

One of our guests remarked "I don't know how you do it—the flowers, the presents and the delicious meal, and most of all the polite boys and girls they were a delight to be with," and that is the highest compliment that could be paid to them.

CU cheque for Seniors fund

The Kilcullen Credit Union participation in the Kilcullen River Festival 2012 resulted in €500 being collected for the local Senior Citizens fund.

The money came from donations by those who had tea and refreshments on the day in Credit Union House, and from a soccer shoot-out competition.

The cheque was recently presented to Dolores Duffy of Kilcullen Senior Citizens by the Credit Union. Expressing the group’s thanks for the funds, the SC Committee also paid tribute to Paudge Byrne of Conroy Park for a fundraiser there.

Council commits to Childcare Centre

Kildare County Council has committed €12,000 in matching funding towards the cost of the planned Community Childcare & Family Resource Centre, writes Brian Byrne.

The funding will be forthcoming if an application to the Kildare Leader Partnership for funding is successful.

Cllr Ivan Keatley says the commitment is 'great news' given the pressures on the low level of funding available. "Previous contacts with the Council had indicated that no more matching funding was going to be made available to the Kilcullen area following the completion of the playground."

He congratulated the project committee for their hard work done to date towards making the facility a reality. The project has now gone to etender, and there are hopes that a contractor will be appointed shortly.

Steiner Christmas Fair

The Kildare Steiner School will hold its annual Christmas Fair on Sunday 25 November.

The afternoon event will offer hand crafts, artwork, jams, and chutneys, as well as tea and coffee on the day and free mulled apple juice.

A raffle and Christmas carols will also feature, as well as a puppet show for the little ones.

Visitors will be able to admire the new hand-carved signs on the School’s buildings, made by the Board chairman Paul Maher.

Meanwhile, the ’Little Gnomes’ Parent & Toddler Group has recommenced activities in a designated area at the School, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays mornings.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Parish Lotto tonight were 5, 14, 26, 28. There was no Jackpot winner, and the top prize next week will be €6,600. 

The Open Draw winners were Joseph McTernan (promoter Valerie McTernan), Jack & Kate Ryan (Miriam McDonnell), and Peggy Walker (Miriam McDonnell).

The Promoter's Prize was won by Miriam McDonnell and the draw for those present was won by Angela Tynan. 

Pilates classes in Community centre

Pilates classes are now being held in Kilcullen Community Centre on Tuesdays and Fridays, under the direction of Amy Fitzgerald.

At 8pm on the Tuesdays abd 10am on the Fridays, the cost is €12.50 a lesson or €20 for two taken in the same week.

Sessions run in 6-week blocks and can be paid for in full at €70 for six weeks. Further information from 086 0707114.

Christmas lights work to begin

Around €1,000 worth of wiring and other items related to the Christmas Lights have to be replaced by Kilcullen Community Action, after they were stolen from their place of storage recently, writes Brian Byrne.

In a discussion about the lights project at the recent KCA meeting, chair Esther Kiely said the materials were stolen mainly for the copper wire content, which was probably worth only a fraction of what it will cost to replace them.

Work on setting up the lights for Christmas 2012 will begin this week.

The meeting heard that electricity costs for the lights over the last three years have totalled in the region of €3,300, a figure which includes standing charges for the distribution box and meter facilities used by the project.

Esther Kiely said that most people in the town probably believe that the electricity costs are paid for by Kildare County Council, but that is definitely not the case.

There was a general discussion on how best to cut the energy bill for the lights, but it was agreed that for this year the project would proceed in the usual way and a hard look would be taken at the situation in 2013.

Medals presented to GAA girls

At the presentation yesterday of League medals to the Girls Under 13 and Girls Under 15 teams in Kilcullen GAA Club yesterday were (back) Trevor Howard, Joe Dooley, Fergus Aspell, Jason Morris, Conor O Toole; (front) Enda Dowling, Sam Cullen, Daire Smith, Nancy Murphy, Ellie O Toole, and Katie Quigley.



Nicola Dowling, Daire Smith and Stacey Cannon.



The U/13 team, who beat Rathcoffey 4-8 to 1-8 in the Final. The U/15s also beat Rathcoffey in their Final, 5-8 to 2-6.

Kilcullen Gathering 2013 update

A dedicated Facebook page and email has been established to help promote information about activities planned in Kilcullen around the The Gathering 2013 initiative, writes Brian Byrne.

The Facebook page name is Kilcullen Gathering 2013, or the URL facebook.com/KilcullenGathering2013, and the email is kilcullengathering2013@gmail.com. Both will be circulated in promotional and PR materials relating to events and news around the idea of encouraging Kilcullen-connected people to come home on a visit during 2013.

The recently-established Steering Group is also working on other ideas, including an invitation insert for Christmas cards and letters being sent abroad, and which can also be distributed via emails.

The Facebook page is anticipated to be a place to 'gather' all local efforts under the umbrella of the initiative. People, groups, and organisations are encouraged to submit their own suggestions and comments on ideas being developed.

Craft workshops in Cottonwood Tree

A series of craft workshops is being held in The Cottonwood Tree in November and December.

The instruction given by a professional artist includes painting ceramics and glass, and making textile art using fabrics and fibre combined with painting and drawing.

No previous experience is necessary for the workshops, which take place on the mornings of November 24 and December 15 from 10am-1.30pm.

More information from Petra on 086 0563625.

Date change for CPC 125th celebration

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Cross and Passion College has had to change the date of the celebration for the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the college.

It will now take place on Friday February 1st 2013 instead of November 30th.

A special invitation has been issued to the first year class of 1986/87—the first coed class in the school—and there has been a very good response from the students of that year. It is hoped that they can still attend on February 1st.

The school regrets any inconvenience caused by the change.

Biodiversity Study launch in January

A night to present the report of the Biodiversity Study which was undertaken during the summer is to be scheduled for mid-January, writes Brian Byrne.

This was decided at the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action, after some discussion on whether there was time to organise it before Christmas.

It was agreed that there were already too many things going on in the community between now and Christmas, and it might be more useful to have it as a highlight in January after the buzz of Christmas and New Year had died down.

The study was commissioned by KCA and funded by the Kildare Leader Partnership. The results will be used as the basis for developing an extended nature trail along the riverside, complementing that already put in place by the Bridge Community.

Black & White Night

Some faces and costumes from last night's Black & White Disco run by the Kilcullen Lions in Fallons.

Parish Lotto results

The numbers drawn in the Parish Lotto on Tuesday November 13 were 1,3,10,13. The Jackpot wasn't won and next week's Jackpot will be worth €6,400.

The three €50 Open Draws were won by Tom King (Promoter Miriam McDonnell), Eugene Hall (Miriam McDonnell), and Ann Faughnan (The Bridge Club).

The €50 Promoters Prizes were won by Miriam McDonnell and Kathy Flynn. The Draw for those present on the night was won by Dominic Farrell.

Great night at Kristmas Kooking

The Kristmas Kooking KARE Style cooking demonstration on Wednesday night was a great success, and a lot of fun, writes Trish Whelan.

The idea was the brainchild of Mary Shortt and the KARE Committee, and the results of months or organisation. MC for the evening was Ruth McSherry, and special guest Brenda Donoghue kept things bouncing along.

A huge attendance of both men and women contributed to a jovial Christmas atmosphere.

The first demonstration was by Chef Viara Murray from Valleymount, who showed how to make Smoked Salmon and Avocado Terrines, Turkey Pie and a mulled wine cocktail.

Kilcullen's renowned baker Margaret Brennan, whose brown bread is very familiar to discerning buyers in Kilcullen, Cut Bush and Calverstown, had mouths watering with her demonstration on how to make Pineapple Cheese Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, and an Ice Cream with a difference.

Mary Shortt showed how she makes her wonderful Berries & Cream Jelly, and Sinead Martin—who runs her own business—demonstrated how to ice a Christmas Cake which had been made by Valerie Goulding.

Blessington gardner Ann Coe's Christmas decorations were a delight.

St Patrick's Parade progressing

Kilcullen’s Venture Scouts have made significant progress in their plans to hold a St Patrick’s Day parade, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard.

The project is being organised as a Gathering 2013 event by the scouts, and Esther Kiely told the meeting that they needed some reassurance on insurance before going much further with the arrangements.

The meeting agreed that KCA would provide ’add-on’ cover from its own insurers if the scouts weren’t able to arrange their own, or it proved too expensive as a one-off.

The plans in train include a parade of community groups and business floats through the town, followed by music in the market square.

It will be the first time Kilcullen has had a St Patrick’s Day parade. The nearest one to the town traditionally has been the one organised in Newbridge.

Lorcan sings Sinatra

A musical evening tomorrow, Friday, should turn out to be a very pleasant one indeed.

Local singer Lorcan Dunne will be singing the songs of Sinatra in the Town Hall Theatre. A tenor, Lorcan enjoys a wide range of music and has been training with soprano Regina Nathan.

He has performed in The John Field Room in The National Concert Hall, The Pearse Centre Dublin, Ashdown Park Hotel Gorey, The Hole In the Wall Kilkenny and in the Heritage Centre Kilcullen at The Ramblers last year and this, organised by Billy Redmond.

Lorcan is originally from Newbridge, but has been living in Kilcullen for the last nine years.

Ellen is a special scholar

Former CPC student Ellen Kelly of Nicholastown was presented with a Scholars Award at UCD on Wednesday, writes Noel Clare.

The awards were made to first year students who had achieved 540 points or higher in their Leaving Certificate exams. That puts them in the top 4 percent of students in the country—quite an achievement. Ellen is now studying Science at UCD.  

The awards were presented in a packed O'Reilly Hall in UCD with parents and representatives from schools in attendance along with the students.

Ellen is the daughter of Joe (pictured with her above) and Gillian and did her Leaving Cert in Cross and Passion College in 2011.  While in 6th year in CPC she received the Principal's Award for contribution to school life, in recognition of her work and involvement in the school during her six years there.  

A special commemorative plaque was awarded to the school.

The passing of Hugh Peacocke

The Diary has learned with a deep personal sadness which will be shared right across the community, of the death of Hugh Peacocke of St Brigid's Avenue.

To Sheila and their children and all the extended family we offer our condolences.

Hugh will be reposing at his residence all day Thursday. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 12 noon in the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, and burial will follow afterwards in St Brigid's Cemetery.

The photograph here was taken by Monica Roberts of California when she called to Hugh's shop a number of years ago. The Diary featured Hugh in a profile in 2008 to mark his 65th year as a shoemaker.

May he rest in peace.