Pauline Fagan, Poet

"I couldn't see anything, but I heard this voice and it was an experience of pure music."

The first time Pauline Fagan heard Seamus Heaney speak, she couldn't see him because she was at the back of a crowd of people in Boston College. And she didn't understand all the words, because she was only seven years old. But ever since she has loved poetry.

(This is the latest in the series 'People of the Holly Bush'. Read on here.)

Still on our break ...

Well, hope everybody had a nice Christmas break. As you may have noticed, the Diary is still on our break, back to normal from Wednesday, we hope. Happy New Year, everyone.

Band wants new members

The Ballymore Eustace Brass & Reed Band is seeking new members, writes Eimear Deegan. The Band rehearses weekly in Ballymore with the next term starting on Friday 11th January.

Musicians are required across all sections to work on new repertoire for a concert in March. If you play a brass or woodwind instrument and are interested in joining please email wolfetoneband@gmail.com or contact Eimear on 085 8017718 for further information.

More good wishes for The Saint

Friends of Donal St Leger, aka 'The Saint', at the annual Christmas morning bash hosted by Michael 'Porky' Lambe, wishing him a speedy recovery from his current illness. Donal lives in New Jersey, but over Christmas is in North Carolina. Your editor adds his own best wishes to this message.

LATER: Also, two elder lemons send The Saint best wishes for 2013, Gilly & Sully (aka Gilbert & Sullivan).

Santa and a Candle, Christmas new and old

GAA Hamper winners

Here is the list of the Hamper winners, writes Aidan Gleeson. Well done to all winners!

1st Prize Monster Hamper Winner - Hugh Garrett (Hawkfield, Newbridge)

2nd Prize - Derry Enright

3rd Prize - Bernard Berney

4th Prize - Molly Duffy

5th Prize - Carmel Ormsby

6th Prize - Niamh Garrett

7th Prize - Brian Finnerty

We would like to wish all our supporters, players and their families a
very happy Christmas and new year!

Thanks, Kilcullen GAA.

The Bells ring in Christmas Eve

As always, it was a wonderful start to Christmas Eve to join with a packed house for the Bell Ringing in An Tearmann. Well done, all, and a happy Christmas to all at the Bridge Community.

Fuel delivery for OAPs

Now here's a really nice Christmas offer. If any OAPs in Kilcullen need fuel delivered for Christmas, Kilcullen Cabs will do so for them free.

If you're a genuine OAP in this position please contact the office at 045-482222.

True spirit of Christmas, that one.

Lions sing for Christmas Appeal

Kilcullen Lions Club members and friends carol singing on Saturday as part of their Christmas Appeal.

Candle power makes life glow

Cliona Kelliher.

Cliona Kelliher has always loved candles, writes Brian Byrne. The glow, the scents, the intimacy they offer in a place. And now she finds herself spreading the love, with candles she makes herself.

Under the brand name Purity Belle, what started out as a way of recycling the ends of candles Cliona burned in her own home has now developed into a true cottage industry.

The recycling process led to her seeking out more about the craft and science of candle making. "In some ways it is straightforward, but making the wicks correctly can be tricky. And it takes practice to get the fragrances right. There's a lot of trial and error."

She taught herself. With the help of like minded people in related forums on the Web. "People ask questions, and swap tips and hints." Beginning with making new candles for herself, then for family and friends. Now, albeit in a very small way, it shows a potential for a business.

"Coming up to Christmas last year, when I had just been doing it in a small way, there was an opportunity to take a stand at a Craft Fair. The candles I had sold well, so I decided I'd stick with it."

Apart from the various scents, colours and shapes of the candles themselves, it's the containers she puts them in which give Cliona's products their own character. Standard tin containers are increasingly lined up beside candles in pottery cups, even in old china pieces that otherwise might languish in the 'lonely teacup' shelves at the back of pantries.

"I try and recycle jam jars and anything like that, because I'm concerned about the environment. And now I'm having special cups made by Bernard in Curragh Pottery, which are very popular."

For the moment, the work is still done on the kitchen table, and Cliona's kitchen is full of the paraphernalia of the home candlemaker. What she'd love to have is a studio, but there would need to be more business than that to justify the investment.

Besides, there's the other matter of fitting in her family, husband Mark and two children, aged 11 and 17, to the operation. As well as her part-time job with a Dublin Council. But that's all part of the juggling act which is life. Cliona says her family are, well, 'stoic' about her activity, ("Mum's making candles … again.") and they just let her get on with it. In the meantime, it also brings her in contact with like-minded people, because people who buy things like candles are also usually caring about the environment, and are often into other crafts too. "I really enjoy when I have a stall at a market, because people come and chat and even if they don't buy they tell me what they like and don't like, so it's a good feedback."

Her home is a house of scents, textures and colours. Sometimes she has to take a break, as her sense of smell is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of all the fragrances. "But I still love candles," she smiles. "There's just something cosy about them, their glow. They add a homey touch."

Her Purity Belle products are currently stocked in An Tearmann in Kilcullen, Meitheal in Dunlavin, and SmallChanges.ie are featuring some Christmas ones on their website. Truly Irish Crafts in Kilkenny and Sile na Gig in Cloughjordan are also outlets.

"It's a very competitive market, and I'm up against the very big operators. But people seem to have picked up on the fact that I upcycle, and SmallChanges were particularly interested in that. Just now I'm covering my costs, making a small profit. In the long run I'd like to be in more shops, though it has been a big leap for me to go out and try and sell to outlets. I find that difficult, but I'm building up my confidence."

In the longer term, Cliona would really love to be doing this full time, but is as aware as everybody else is that this is a time when people are cautious about how they're spending. "I'm happy to do it as I am at the moment, but if things ever pick up you never know what'll happen."

At times like Christmas, every spare minute is taken up with candle making. "The house is full of supplies, candles, boxes." Regular customers are ordering bespoke candles, to their own specifications. "If they're for presents, I can add little personal touches, to the candles, and the packaging."

Getting the word out is mostly through customers' referrals, but Cliona has also been using Twitter extensively to advertise her operation. "My friend Armelle of Armelle's Kitchen introduced me to it, and I have made sales that way."

So, if you want a couple of last minute stocking fillers, maybe a quick note to @PurityBelle will solve the problem. And add a glow to someone's life.

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

Christmas Shopping in Kilcullen

It has never been more important for a community to help keep itself going by shopping local wherever possible. So the Diary is running this page through the season with updates of what local businesses are offering for Christmas. If you want to showcase your wares, just email us the details.


Bernard Berney's Christmas Shop

As every year, the special Christmas Shop on the first floor of Berneys Chemists is a great place to explore for those perennially popular and always appreciated gifts of fragrances, decorations, leather gloves, warm woolie hat and scarf sets, cute hot water bottle covers and much more. Gifts for all ages, his and hers, mums and dads. Gift wrapping service available.

Dave Clancy Floral Designs
We have seasonal table decorations, made by the Elves on Main Street. Also cards, candles, and lots of good cheer. There's nothing quite like a Christmas bouquet to bring smiles in a home, and say thanks to a loved one. Or, if you'd like them to make their own selection, how about a gift voucher? Happy Christmas to all our customers, and to all those who drop in to say hello when they're passing. Now, let's give a good lift to 2013!

Armelle's Kitchen
We have lots of sweet treats to make you feel warm during the festive season! Mince pies, Christmas Logs, Ginger & Cinnamon Biscuits to decorate your tree, Giant Macarons, Macarons Gourmands (Champagne ones are very popular...) All the details, flavours and prices are on the Christmas page of the website. We will have a selection in the shop daily but would always recommend that you pre order, as it is our busiest time of the year. We would like to wish everybody a very Happy Christmas!


The Cottonwood Tree

Lots of interesting gift ideas here, including Quilting, Knitting and Crochet hampers; 'I'd Rather be in Kilcullen' mugs, as well as versions featuring The Curragh, Punchestown, and more; Knitting with My Pony, and much more. Crafting kits for children of all ages.

Les petits pets boutique
A christmas deal for a guinea pig, including a cage, large run, water bottle, bedding, food and one baby Guinea pig, only €86.50.

Conor Williams Photography
Conor Williams Photography would like to wish all in Kilcullen a very Happy Christmas. Check out www.conorwilliams.com for great Christmas gift ideas including vouchers for a home photo shoot and photography classes being run in the Spring. Special Christmas offers are available.

The Hair Emporium
As a special pre-Christmas promotion, The Hair Emporium is offering a €150 voucher to all customers who spend €100 on their hair care. The voucher will be valid from 26 December for a period of six months.


Nolans of Kilcullen

Nolans Butchers has put up a prize of a hamper for the telling of the business's story, in the words of others. Anybody who contributes a line or two of their own memories to the story will be entered in a draw for the hamper. See their Facebook page for details. In the meantime, the internationally recognised shop is the place for all Christmas meats, poultry, cheeses, and that special bottle of wine.

Carry Out
Your local off-licence for best value and selection in all your drink needs, standard and specialty beers, great deals on wines from all over the world, and much more.

The Dresser Store

Christmas Gift ideas include handmade Bread Boxes and Plateracks, Irish Scented Candles, Red Spot delf and Cakeplates, original Watercolours including childrens favourite Beatric Potter characters. Also personalised pictures available, and puzzles by House of Puzzles. Gift vouchers available.

Miles Music www.milesmusic.ie
We've got gift vouchers for Christmas, for piano, guitar and music theory lessons. milesmusicservices@gmail.com/086 0253599.

ValueZone

We have lots of Christmas essentials at the best possible prices. Tree lights, tinsel, door and wall decorations, Nativity figure sets, cards and seasonal motifs. Extension leads, and don't forget to stock up on best value batteries for Christmas day toys and gadgets. Come in and browse—you're certain to find something you've forgotten you need. And a Happy Christmas to all from Pat & Marie.

Crafty Couture

Gail Murphy provides handmade personalised bunting, French memo boards, and gifts. She also does alterations. Find out more about Gail's work and services on her Facebook page or email.


Fallons of Kilcullen
We are delighted to announce that Santa will be making a visit to Fallons on Sunday 23rd. This promises to be a fun filled day for all the family, with face painting, Sunday lunch, gifts for the kiddies and our Bossa Band playing from 4pm. Limited places left for lunch. Meanwhile, our fab staff are continuing a food collection for distribution at Christmas by the local Lions club and the Senior Citizens group. If anyone would like to donate something please feel free to drop in to any member of the Fallons staff.


Nichola Kennedy

Nichola Kennedy Optometrist and Staff, would like to wish all our customers a Very Happy Christmas. Call in to our shop and view our range of Optical accessories. Remember, vouchers available in our shop are always a very acceptable Christmas gift. In association with Eyezone Independent Opticians, anyone who calls to Nichola Kennedy Optometrist between now and 23 December will be entered in a free draw. Fantastic prizes on offer include two luxury stays in hotels, in Dublin and Donegal; an iPad and an Xbox and many more prizes. Just drop in and fill out an entry form.

Ger's Fruit & Veg
Christmas trees and seasonal door wreaths to suit all needs. And while there's a lot of emphasis on Christmas meats elsewhere, the freshest and best value fruit and vegetables for Christmas and everyday are right here on Main Street.

Purity Belle

It's the glow, the soothing scents, the intimacy. Cliona Kelliher's Purity Belle handmade candles and cards are available in An Tearmann in Kilcullen and Meitheal in Dunlavin. She also can take orders via Facebook or Twitter (@PurityBelle), and is regularly at the Naas Farmers Market, this coming weekend with a selection of candles and Christmas gift packs. Candles can be made to customers' specifications.

An Tearmann
Wonderful selection of Christmas Candles, Stockings, cuddly toys and beautiful hand-crafted wooden toys and ornaments. Cards and decorative table sliders, inspirational and heartwarming books, for adults and children. And of course, great company while you're shopping, mince pies and scones always in demand. Don't forget our annual Bell-Ringing at 11am on Christmas Eve.

The Garden Shop
Free Local Delivery of Christmas Trees at The Garden Shop. Fresh delivery of Christmas Trees arrived yesterday to shop. Beautiful non-shed trees 7ft and 8-9ft size. Limited stock so come early!

'Please don't drive on grass' appeal

Please don't drive on cemetery grass.

An appeal not to drive on the grass in St Brigid's Cemetery has been made by caretaker John Brady, writes Brian Byrne.

He told the Diary that some people are driving on the mown area behind the outermost line of graves, and the area won't be able to stand up to the activity.

"Also, some people who drive into the graveyard are leaving the gate open when they leave," he noted. "I'd really ask people to think more carefully. There's plenty of room to park in the car park area."

He said he wouldn't like to lock the gate, because elderly people are regularly brought to visit graves of loved ones. But if the damaging activity doesn't cease, it may have to be considered.

"If anyone sees somebody driving or parking on the mown area, maybe they'd mention my concerns," he said.

Bridge Community Christmas cheer.

There are two Christmas events organised by the Bridge Community over coming days, both eagerly awaited every year.

Santa will come to An Tearmann at 4pm on Friday 21 December, on his special sleigh. And on Monday, Christmas Eve, there will be bellringing at 11am, also in An Tearmann.

It's getting to look a lot like Christmas.

Joeys is the new Hideout

A little entertainment at the opening of Joeys.

It's a sign of how long your editor has been out of the pub business that he is bemused by the fact that a vodka mojitu comes on draught ...

Just one of the things I've noticed tonight at the new pub in town, Joeys, writes Brian Byrne.

There's a cosmic connection in that I was the very first customer tonight to what has been The Hideout since the early '50s. Those who have lived here as long as I have will know just why that is. It was, mind you, an unwitting happening. I had expected at least an hour of customers before me.

Anyhow, Joe Fraser—the new operator of this pub that started out as the Magnolia Hotel, then became Flanagan's Motor Bar and subsequently my grandfather's Byrne's Hotel and finally my dad's Hideout—has done the right thing, I think. I was only saying in the last while that The Hideout name should be let go. The pub and restaurant brand my mum and dad established, and was continued by my late brother Des, is no longer relevant. I rather suspect that the difficulties encountered by a succession of previous operators since Des sold the business were in some part due to trying to run a pub where the name no longer reflected the original management, history, or ethos.

The new operator has done more than change the name. Money has been spent. The interior is modern, a well executed stone backbar and quality woodwork on the counter and floor make for a classy ambience. What the operators sign as 'phase one' of the business is something that doesn't try to be anything other than a good lounge bar. One which can have its own place in a very competitive pub business in Kilcullen.

This isn't an easy trade. Even though I left my own place in this pub in 1977, I still have an interest in a business which I was born into through generations (I still clear glasses if I happen on a table that needs them when I'm out). I hope it works out. Kind of think already that it will.

Magnolia Hotel. Flanagan's Motor Bar. Byrne's Hotel. The Hideout.

Joeys.

A new name for a new business and a new time. Adios, Hideout. Hola, draught mojitos.

Joeys opens tonight

Well, a part of curiosity has been revealed. The former Hideout gets a new name. Joeys.

It opens tonight. Phase 1. More to come.

We'll check it out later.

Full funding in place for Childcare Centre

The long-awaited plan to have a state-of-the-art purpose-built Kilcullen Childcare Centre moved several steps closer this week with news that all of the funding is now in place to begin construction of the Centre in Spring 2013, writes Orla O'Neill.

The Centre’s organisers got word last night (19th December) that Leader has approved 75% of the funding needed to build the Centre. They also received news yesterday that their application for a loan of €80,000 to Clann Credo, a social finance organisation, was approved. The balance of the funding has come from a grant from Kildare County Council and local fundraising. The total build cost will be in the region of €500,000.

“We are thrilled with the news from both Leader and Clann Credo in the last 24 hours, which means we are definitely on the way to having a new Childcare Centre in place for September 2013,” said Iseult O’Donoghue, Chair, Naomh Bríde Community Playgroup and a Director of Kilcullen Childcare Centre.

“This is the result of years of hard work by many people, and what kept the project going was our collective vision for a quality Childcare Centre for all the children of Kilcullen, regardless of their ability or economic circumstances.”

The group also got news yesterday of a grant of €10,000 from National Lottery for equipment and furniture for the Centre. Last week, the group signed a lease for the Childcare Centre site with Kilcullen Community Centre, bringing to a close a history of setbacks which had stalled the project for several years.

The new Childcare Centre will be built on a site close to the current community playgroup premises at the back of Kilcullen Community Complex. Naomh Bríde playgroup, which has operated since the 1970s, provides the free preschool year and will move to the new Centre in September. Services will not be disrupted during construction, which is expected to begin in March 2013.