Thursday, January 31, 2013

Old Kilcullen walk to kick off CPC celebration

Staff and students of CPC will make a special pilgrimage to Old Kilcullen tomorrow to commemorate the work of the Cross & Passion Sisters down through the years in the community, writes Noel Clare.

The walk will kick off the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Sisters in Kilcullen.

In the evening the school will be open to the general public from 7pm and it is hoped that many past pupils, and indeed, anyone with an association with the school, will drop in for a chat, a walk around the school and some reflection and recollection on times past.

Light refreshments will be available. While all past pupils are most welcome, a special effort has been made to contact as many as possible of the first year class of 1986/87—the first coeducational class which started as the school reached its 100th birthday.

Everybody in the community is welcome to take part in tomorrow evenings celebration.

The picture above is from a TY performance of Grease, in 1989, one of many photographs which have been sent in following a request for memorabilia.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Jenny lines out against Wales in 6 Nations

KCA community award winner Jenny Murphy lines out for Ireland at centre against Wales this Sunday, writes Ray Kelly.

She's on the Irish team to play Wales in their opening game of the RBS 6 Nations, in Aberavon RFC.

The squad comprises Niamh Briggs, Niamh Kavanagh, Grace Davitt, Jenny Murphy, Alison Miller, Lynne Cantwell, Lariss Muldoon, Fiona Coghlan, Gillian Bourke Ailis Egan, Sophie Spence, Marie Louise Reilly, Laura Guest, Claire Molloy, and Joy Neville. Replacements: Stacey-Lee Kennedy, Fiona Hayes, Lauren Day, Heather O’Brien, Siobhan Fleming, Amy Davis, Nora Stapleton, and Ashleigh Baxter.

Drama Group rehearsing 'Lovers'

The 1967 play by Brian Friel, 'Lovers', is the next production from Kilcullen Drama Group, writes Brian Byrne.

The play explores two sets of relationships, one a teenaged pair expecting a baby out of wedlock, the other an older couple whose affair is frowned on by family and neighbours.

The explorations by the author result in two distinct plays within the overall title, sub-titled 'Winners' and 'Losers'. The tragedy of 'inappropriate' relationships reflect the mores in Ireland of the time.

Rehearsals have just begun, with a plan to perform the play in April.

CPC at Lourdes in 1958

The picture above is a souvenir of a trip to Lourdes by students from Cross & Passion College in 1958, writes Brian Byrne.

It was the centenary year of the apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes, and the trip was taken during the Easter holidays.

Marie Moran, who was a student at the time, recalls the trip on the CPC website.

It's just one of the landmark points in the last 125 years since the Cross & Passion sisters arrived in Kilcullen, an event which is being celebrated this coming Friday evening.

Things kick off at 7pm, and everybody in Kilcullen is welcome to go along and celebrate with the College staff and students.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Parish Lotto tonight were 17, 19, 24, 31. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €8,200.

The Open Draw prizes were won by Richard Higgins (promoter Miriam McDonnell), Elaine Byrne (May Coyne) and Conor O'Toole (Deirdre Collins).

The Promoters prizes were won by the Friday Bridge Club and Miriam McDonnell, and the draw for those present on the night was won by Miriam McDonnell.

Flooding problem at playground



The Community Playground is closed until further notice due to flooding.

Kilcullen Community Action, who monitor and maintain the playground on behalf of Kildare County Council say the Council has been informed.

A KCA member says the Council is looking into the situation.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Pink night in McTernans

PinkInMcternans

Y'know, it would have been a perfectly ordinary and quite successful fundraiser for cancer research, if it wasn't for the fact that a particular pig fairly hogged the photographic record, writes Brian Byrne.

But that's one of the hazards of attending a seriously fun gig in McTernans last night, organised for the cancer thing by mine host Mary Masterson and her staff (above) and friends in the pub.

We'll get the figure raised in due course, but it was a swinging and packed night. The pictures tell the tales …



Sunday, January 27, 2013

Anglers AGM today

Kilcullen Trout & Salmon Anglers Association are holding their AGM today, Sunday, in The Spout at 4pm.

All members are urged to attend to give their views on any issues pertaining to the activities of the club.

The club has acquired the Fishing Rights on both banks of the River Liffey from Kilcullen Bridge to the upper reaches of Harristown Estate, thanks to land owners New Abbey Stud, Mr B O’Connell, Mr T Berney, Mrs. P Brennan, Aga Khan, Mr Beaumont, and Mr L Masterson.

More info from 086 086 4415 or 087 182 4675.

In the BAG through February

Roy Thompson, who operates the very successful Ballymore Acoustic Gigs, has sent in the lineup of internationally renowned artists for February, writes Brian Byrne. If you want real live music in an intimate pub setting, these are the Monday nights to set aside.

Monday Feb 4 – Clive Barnes (IRL) Roots/Blues/Slide Guitar
Wexford born Clive Barnes is considered by many to be one of the best guitarists/singer songwriters to emerge from the Irish scene. With four studio albums under his belt, and worldwide shows, including stages shared with such greats as The Blind Boys of Alabama, Eric Bibb, and Taj Mahal. amongst others, Clive has developed a reputation for his masterful guitar playing - particularly on the lap slide – as well as a finely honed songwriting ability.
Highly recommended.

Monday Feb 11 – Amelia Curran (CAN) Contemporary Folk/Roots
New act for BAG, Canadian native Amelia Curran was born to write music, a songwriter by trade, but a writer at heart, she believes language is everything. Since the release of her first album in 2000, Curran has an impressive discography which each year have gained a number of East Coast Music Award nominations including ‘Folk Recording Of The Year’, ‘Female Recording Of The Year’, until her 2009 album ‘Hunter, Hunter’ triumphed over all and won the much desired Juno Award. Touring with stunning new CD – ‘Spectators’.

Monday Feb 18 – Luka Bloom (IRL) Contemporary Folk
Luka Bloom needs little introduction. He is one of the leading Irish singer/songwriters for many years, with a huge following at home and abroad. He comes to BAG with his new CD ‘This New Morning’ just before he heads to Oz for an extensive tour in March.

Monday Feb 25 – Pat Coldrick (IRL) Contemporary Classical Guitar
Pat Coldrick's session work and classical appearances have earned him a reputation of being one of the finest and most versatile guitarists in Ireland. As well as his touring performances, he has appeared on National Radio and T.V. and has studied with world renowned guitarists David Russell and Gabriel Esterellas. Pat has achieved worldwide acclaim for his unique sensitive and expressive style of playing. Last time at BAG, Pat played a stunning show; don’t miss this remarkable guitarist.

More information from ballymoregigs@gmail.com
ballymoreacousticgigs.blogspot.com
facebook.com/BallymoreAcousticGigs
+353 86 3270780

Advt: Dowling Property

The Cottage, Melon Hill, Kilcullen.
Located on this mature and picturesque site is where you'll find this charming 3 bedroom detached cottage for rent. This property is just 1 mile from Kilcullen and enjoys country living but on the door step to Kilcullen town. We are offering it fully furnished throughout and features include double glazed windows, heating, open fire, electric shower and Stanley Range. The gardens have been well maintained with a large selection of flowers and shrubs. This really is a little gem of property.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Yoga classes restart

An 8-week Yoga Class series starts on January 31 in the Parish Centre.

Sessions are at 8pm, and bookings can be made by contacting Rory at 087 1270338 or email rory5807@yahoo.ie.

GAA Juvenile Registration

Registration for the Juvenile section of Kilcullen GAA will take place on 16 February, starting at 4.30pm. 

The costs are €50 for one child, €90 for two or €120 for family membership.

Training for 5-12 year-olds starts on the same afternoon. Training for other age groups will be announced later.

The club also reminds all players that gumshields are mandatory at all training and at matches.


Fundraiser for Kolkata

A father and daughter singing duo who regularly play at fundraisers for other people's charities around Kilcullen are holding an 'Open House' entertainment in Ballysax, TODAY Saturday, January 26, in aid of the Hope Foundation's work in Kolkata, India.

Stephen Nugent and his daughter Keelin, from Ballysax, plan to go out to Kolkata in March as part of a group of volunteers taking part in a 10-day experience of working with the street children in the city, where more than a quarter of a million of them are homeless.

To survive, children scavenge in rubbish dumps to find scraps to sell or beg on the streets. Most are not in school and have poor health. Many children are abandoned and are at high risk of abuse, exploitation and child trafficking.

Hope works with committed people and organisations to change these children’s lives. The organisation funds and supports projects in health, nutrition, child protection and education.

Keelin, who is a TY student in Presentation College Thurles, has already taken part in fundraisers for the trip with her classmates. Fourteen of them are going to Kolkata.

"The volunteers were asked if any adults could help, and she volunteered me," Stephen says. "She came home and told me I'd be going to India, just like that."

The Nugents live near Jockey Hall. The fundraiser will be held on Saturday afternoon and all who want to donate are welcome to come along. The entertainers will include Stephen's sister Kathleen Nugent, and his other daughter Laoise, as well as local traditional musicians and others. Refreshments provided. Contact Stephen at 087 2249999.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Drama Dynamics signs in

Evelyn: it's a sign.
Looks like Evelyn O'Sullivan is definitely sticking around Kilcullen. Putting a permanent sign up on the wall of the former Tennis Club, where she operates her Drama Dynamics school these days, is a kind of a permanent marker.

But then, she did fall for the place first time she came here ...

Great parish volunteers night

parishteamsnight

More than a hundred people attended the gathering in the Parish Centre last night for those who work as volunteers in the various parish ministries and duties.

The full picture set is here.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

CPC getting ready to party

An Open House will be held in Cross & Passion College next Friday, February 1, to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the original school by the Cross & Passion sisters, writes Brian Byrne.

The school will be open from 7pm with celebratory refreshments for all.

The evening will be a special one for former students and teachers of the Class of 1986/1987 First Year, for whom it is a particular Gathering with a chance to chat and and wander around to relive old memories. But anybody who has had a connection with the College down the years is very welcome also, and an open invitation has been extended.

The school has asked those former pupils in touch with others to let them know of the event, and even if they can't get there on the night they're welcome to sent greetings by email, text and videophone to noelclare@cpckilcullen.com.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in last night's Parish Lotto were 6, 11, 13, and 19. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €8,000

The three €50 Open Draw prizes were won by Mick Kirby (promoter Kathy Flynn), Lorcan McGeough (Nessa Dunlea) and Adrian Dunne (Clare Dunne).

The two promoter €50 prizes were won by Vivian Clarke and Kilcullen Bridge Club (Wednesday).

Breda McCormack won €25 draw for those present.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Crosses ... and cakes too

The St Brigid's Cross making morning in the Parish Centre on Monday 28 January will also include an added attraction, a Cake Sale.

The event is from 10am-12noon, and is in aid of funds for St Joseph's National School in Halverstown.

Reeds and expert tuition are being provided for the St Brigid's Cross part of the morning, and a donation of just €1 is asked towards the funds.

Participants get to take their own crosses home. No booking required, just turn up. It'll be a fun occasion for a good cause.

Scouts get parade in gear

The 9th Kildare Kilcullen Scout Troop are in the process of contacting all local businesses and social organisations with a view to having them participate in Kilcullen's first St Patrick's Day Parade.

They have asked that in case any of the above have inadvertantly not been contacted, perhaps they can get in touch directly.

The event is being organised as part of the Gathering 2013 and it's hoped it will act as one of the focuses of Kilcullen for those living abroad who might be considering coming home this year.

The organisers can be contacted on their special Facebook Page. All ideas welcome.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Community Alert request

A request to facilitate the setting up of Community Alert in Kilcullen has been made to Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne, following recent overnight disturbances during which an elderly resident's window was smashed on Main Street.

The matter was raised at the recent KCA meeting, where the concerns of the resident were outlined. In the same early morning incident, Christmas lights on the bridge were damaged, and subsequently didn't work.

During the discussion, the talks about Community Alert schemes at a Community Evening held last year were recalled. That meeting had resulted from concerns in the Community Survey and subsequent Community Development Plan, commissioned by KCA.

It was decided to discuss the issue with the organisers of the Community Evening and see where the alert scheme situation currently lies.

A pink night in Macs

A special fun night in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland is being held in McTernans on Sunday 27 January.

It's an all-pink night to highlight the cause, with music and entertainment provided by Gary Sparrow.

Everyone who wants to support it is asked to think pink. They can wear pink, they can drink pink (there'll be pink drinks on the night).

Spot prizes, and a great cause, and a night in the pink.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Gail has a crafty side

gailmurphylight

If you were observant around Kilcullen before Christmas, you might have noticed something common to almost every shop, writes Brian Byrne. The bunting. Not just any bunting, but hand-sewn decorations, made with bright-coloured materials and with individual motifs or slogans.

Gail Murphy's Crafty Couture business kicked off last year, and since then her individually-created bunting has marked birthdays, christenings, and other family, business and seasonal festivities around Kilcullen.

It all started when she was about eight. She remembers her grandmother, who first taught her to knit and crochet, being 'my inspiration'. "Later I went to the Presentation sisters in Terenure, and they taught me how to sew. I loved the nuns, when it came to teaching the basics in life, they were so patient." All this was the start of a lifelong love affair with crafts and fabrics.

Gail's father is in the motor trade, so that was in her blood too. She worked for six years in Murphy & Gunn motor dealers, mainly in the Service Department and Reception in Rathgar and Milltown, and loved it. She had envisaged going further in dressmaking, but the birth of her son in 2000 'brought my dream to a halt'. "Eight years ago we moved down to Kilcullen, and my daughter was born in 2005, just after we moved here. A year later I decided to go back to college, and I got my diploma in dressmaking in Kilroys College."

Gail set up 'shop' in her front room in the New Abbey area of Castlemartin, under the name Pin Pin Alterations. She rapidly got very busy, and loved the work. "But eventually I decided I wanted to do something more 'crafty', just to make it a bit more interesting every day."

That resulted in Crafty Couture, primarily producing personalised bunting but also making hand-sewn items like her French memo boards. "Bunting has become big, particularly for children's bedrooms. For Christmas we created the stocking bunting, and the Happy Christmas one, and they were a huge success at craft markets and the Christmas fairs."

Marketing Crafty Couture so far has been very much word of mouth, but Gail has also used Facebook very successfully to promote her work and get orders. "A website still has to be set up, and that's where I think is the way forward, rather than just putting samples into shops."

In January 2011 she and her husband decided that juggling a business and family in the house was too much, so a dedicated workspace and office was constructed in the garden. "I'm a Mammy first, and now I can lock the door in the evening and spend time with the children. We got our home back, and I think people are a lot more comfortable coming to a separate building like this than into your home."

The name of the business deliberately leaves the way open for other products. "For instance, the memo boards have become popular gifts, particularly for teenagers' bedrooms. There's definitely a move towards this kind of present, especially for occasions. People love the idea of something hand made."

Gail sources material from many places, including cast-offs in thrift shops. Last year, an eight-year-old's mum commissioned bunting made from the clothes she'd kept since the little one was a baby. "She got something which still had their sentimental value. It was really lovely, very vintage, with a lovely range of patterns and colour."

For years the traditional Irish seamstress has been scarce, but Gail believes there's a resurging interest. "I was always tweaking around with the children's clothes. Adding little bits here and there, a ribbon a cardigan, whatever. Now you're seeing more of that around, and it's not the older generation any more, but the younger people."

She already has her 2013 mapped out, with the next big event being the Tinahely Show, where there's a lot of crafts. "Markets too, and I'll be booking the Christmas Fairs early this year, to get into the right places."

There's obviously something crafty in the genes, from her grandmother through Gail and on to her own children. Her son makes beautiful origami tree decorations, which sold brilliantly at the Christmas fairs, and her little girl is looking for a sewing machine of her own. "My own mother has it too, especially at Christmas she loves to make decorations with twigs and lights."

A community of crafts people is building in Kilcullen and its outer areas, and Gail says this is in large measure because of Rose Doherty and her shop, The Cottonwood Tree. "It's a wonderful place. Any time you go in, the first question is 'a cup of tea or coffee?' She works really hard at it, with the craft courses and everything else. And her fabrics are fabulous, I'm just like a child in a sweet shop when I go in."

This article was originally published on the Kilcullen page of The Kildare Nationalist.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Good turnout for Transformation walk

TransformationWalk

More than 60 people turned out for today's Operation Transformation Walk in Kilcullen, organised by Terri Finglas-Reade.

Electric Ireland pressure on Christmas lights

xmaslights---2

Representatives of Electric Ireland asked a member of KCA to use his personal credit card to pay the outstanding electricity bill for Kilcullen's Christmas lights, writes Brian Byrne.

Ray Kelly told the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action that he had received phone calls from the power company on St Stephen's Day and on New Year's Eve seeking payment of the outstanding balance of €1,314, and was asked if he'd use his own credit card to pay the bill.

This was despite the fact that he had previously been told a note would be put on the account to the effect that substantial payments had been made on the account by KCA during 2012.

Ray said he had been trying to negotiate with Electric Ireland on KCA's behalf over the standing charges and disconnection/reconnection fees, on the basis that KCA was a community and non-profit customer. These charges are a substantial part of the bill. But he had so far been dealing with three different people, and there seemed to be no communication between them.

After a discussion on the good ongoing support from the community through direct donations and the collection boxes in a number of retail outlets it was concluded that the outstanding balance could be paid off in instalments before next year's lights programme.

In the meantime, KCA is hoping that a deal can be negotiated with the electricity provider on the extra costs which make it very expensive to provide the annual Christmas lights.

St Brigid's Cross fundraiser

We are holding a fundraising event in the Parish Centre in Kilcullen on Monday 28 January where people can try their hand at making a St Brigid's Cross, writes Anne-Marie Masterson of St Joseph's National School Halverstown PTA. Reeds and expert tuition will be provided.

We are asking for €1 donation from those who wish to take part and each participant gets their own cross to bring home.

Everyone and anyone is invited to attend, the more the merrier.

Friday, January 18, 2013

M9/M7 interchange works

Works to improve the M9/M7 interchange (the tunnel) will begin on Monday, with the purpose of widening the merge facility for northbound traffic off the Kilcullen bypass.

The work is being done by Clonmel Enterprises under contract to Kildare County Council and will take about 12 weeks.

The existing merge will be maintained to allow for less interference during the construction of the project and to limit construction to the left hand side of the M9 merge and the M7 mainline.

An electrical morning

There was a rare electricity outage in the Sunbury-to-Hideout section of Kilcullen on Thursday morning, which obviously included your editor's home being without power from the very early hours through to lunchtime, writes Brian Byrne.

By one of those ironies of life, I was scheduled to visit the Eirgrid National Control Centre on the same day, which is where the whole island's electricity system is managed (and managed very well). I'm pictured above in the Centre with John Lowry, Grid Link Project Manager, Eirgrid.

We take our electricity system so much for granted, it was quite fascinating to get an insight into how it is managed, and also how important it is not just to each of our homes, but to the economy of the country as a whole. And how necessary is the €3.2bn investment being put into the national electricity infrastructure by 2020.

Over the next few weeks I'll do a series of short pieces based on the briefing. Not at all off-topic, as very little of what we do every day would be possible without that invisible energy source.

(For instance, my wake-up coffee yesterday morning had to come from Fraser's Filling Station: they didn't have enough emergency power for their pumps, but the coffee machine was going full blast.)

And without the wonder of electricity and the efficiency of its supply, you wouldn't be able to read this now ...

Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Brains of Kilcullen

brains
Views from the reception before the Brains of Kilcullen event in the Town Hall Theatre, organised by Kilcullen Drama Group and KiYC.

Transformation walk on

The Operation Transformation Walk suggested by Terri Finglas Reade is up and running, so to speak.

It will start at 3pm Saturday from the car park behind Eurospar, which is supporting the idea.

All welcome.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Pathways project mooted by KCA

One of the pathways being considered
The public pathways around the soccer and all-weather pitches on the Community Centre campus may become the focus of a KCA work project for 2013, writes Brian Byrne.

This follows the outlining by Annie Schiffer at the recent KCA meeting of the level of rubbish and litter in the area of the paths.

That led to a suggestion that a more significant refurbishment of the paths and their environs might be attempted. Niall McDonnell said the kilometre long path could become another regular location for Kilcullen people who want to use it for leisure or exercise reasons.

The meeting discussed the pros and cons of replacing the existing surfaces with the same concrete or using tarmacadam.

There were also concerns expressed that machinery would be required to deal with the amount of rubbish embedded in and under the greenery alongside the pathways. The meeting heard that there are tins and bottles in the debris which would be unsafe to take out by hand. "There's even a fridge dumped there," Ray Kelly said.

It was decided that KCA members will walk through the area in early February to assess what's needed. A decision will be taken then on whether it should become a project for the group in this year.

Ray Kelly remarked that there were three groups of people in the area who could probably help with numbers of volunteers. He suggested that the GAA and soccer clubs, and Avondale could be invited to become involved.

The assessment walk was set for 9 February, weather permitting.

Parish workers gathering

All those who work with the Parish are invited to an informal gathering in Kilcullen Parish Centre on 24 January.

The invitation is extended by the Parish Council to volunteer parish workers and those involved in ministry in the Parish.

"The purpose is to allow the Parish Council to acknowledge and support the great work being done by so many groups and individuals on behalf of the Parish," says Fr Michael Murphy, "and to allow all of us see just who and how many are involved."

The gathering begins at 7.30pm and light refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Parish Lotto results

The winning numbers in the Parish Lotto tonight were 2, 13, 19, 22.

There was no Jackpot winner, so the main prize next week will be €7,800.

The winners of the Open Draw tonight were Minnie Byrne (promoter George Allen), Tony Aspell (Ethna Dempsey), and Emma Haslam (Miriam McDonnell).

The Promoters Prizes were won by Ger's Fruit & Veg and John Archbold. The draw for those in the Parish centre on the night was won by Martin Allen.

Transformation Walk, anyone?

An Operation Transformation Walk in Kilcullen is being suggested by Terry Finglas Reade, a childcare assistant at Aunty Annie's Creche.

Terry says she has been offered support for the idea by Eurospar in Kilcullen, and is suggesting a Saturday afternoon regular walking event, from the Scout Den to Moanbane and back.

She's also looking for a PT instructor who would organise warmup and cool down exercises.

You can contact Terry to express interest through her Facebook page.