Mary presents national guide

Key guide for supported employmentKilcullen woman Mary O'Halloran recently presented a guide for employers to help them be more inclusive in terms of supported employment, writes Brian Byrne.

The guide, which was presented to more than 520 international delegates at the European Union of Supported Employment Conference in Croke Park, is the result of a pioneering partnership between Ireland’s biggest recruitment website and a supported employment agency.

The Employer’s Guide to Supported Employment was developed by IrishJobs.ie and STEP Supported Employment in association with the Irish Association of Supported Employment.

The guide has since been posted on IrishJobs.ie, a recruitment website used by 900 Irish businEers each month.

Mary said the guide has a number of functions. “It provides potential employers with a step-by-step guide to attract and recruit people with disabilities. It also provides employers with a guide to manage and retain people with disabilities."

The guide also supports an increase in the number of people with disabilities into employment and helps employers make ‘well-informed decisions’. “There are tips and real life situations presented to support the user to become better informed."

Mary is pictured (above on right) with Anna Ruth, Greystones, Wicklow, both of STEP Supported Employment.

Drama Dynamics doing 'Grease' for Summer Stage

Free show at end of weekThe Drama Dynamics Summer Stage 2013 runs from Monday July 8 to Friday July 12, with sessions 10am-2pm daily, writes Evelyn O'Sullivan.

This year we are performing Grease so there's lots of singing, dancing and acting for ages 5-15.

There will be a show for everyone free of charge at the end of the week in the Town Hall Theatre.

A heritage cycle ride from Kilcullen

View Heritage Ride 1 in a larger map

This is a short cycle ride from and back to Kilcullen taking in some of the heritage sites around the town, writes Brian Byrne.

I have begun linking the points of interest to further information on the net about the sites, and intend to extend this idea to other rides and walks around the village. If you click on each of the points you'll see what I mean. They might be of use to visitors.

There is much more can be highlighted on this particular ride, but I did it in a basic way just to try the concept. All ideas and suggestions welcome.

Dorly retires from Steiner School

Day of celebrationYesterday was a bitter-sweet one for the Kildare Steiner School at Gormanstown, writes Brian Byrne.

While there was the usual end of term festivities with class plays and bonfire, it was also Dorly O'Sullivan's last day there as a teacher.

That caused it to be termed 'Dorly's Day' and made it an occasion for former and current colleagues and students to express their appreciation for the work she has put into the school and its ethos over many years.

All agreed that her amazing energy and enthuasiasm were a constant presence in the school and she will be greatly missed. But it's hoped that they will still see Dorly as a friend and neighbour for many years to come.

Photos of the day are available on the school's Facebook page.

New gates for Sallymount Stud

Stud has long historyWork has begun on the widening of the main gates of Sallymount Stud in Brannockstown, writes Brian Byrne.

The construction work will involve extending the entrance by a metre, and the provision of new gates. This will require the stone pillars to be moved, and the building of new curved walls to replace those which have to be taken down in the works.

Sallymount is one of the studs maintained in Ireland by the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. The Stud is used to house the owner's mares after foaling. The other properties include the larger Gilltown Stud across the road, and Sheshoon and Brownstown.

Gilltown and the adjoining Sallymount are on lands once owned by Dermot McMurrough, King of Leinster. From the end of the 16th century, the property was owned by the Borrowes family, whose descendants lived at Gilltown into the 20th century. Other owners included Captain RB Brassey and Viscount Furness.

When the Aga Khan took over the studs from the estate of his father Prince Aly Khan in 1960, his inheritance included six farms in Ireland. To make management of the properties more efficient, he sold Gilltown and Sallymount to American racehorse owners Bert and Diana Firestone in 1974, but bought them back 18 years later.

Through their timeline of ownerships, the Gilltown-Sallymount properties would have had connections to the Vikings, the Cistercian monks of Baltinglass Abbey, Thelma Morgan Converse, a mistress of Edward Prince of Wales; the actress Rita Hayworth, wife of Prince Aly Khan; and most recently Queen Elizabeth II of England, who visited Gilltown on her state visit to Ireland.

Fianna Fail gets behind Childcare Centre

Promises ongoing supportFianna Fail in Kildare has issued a statement in support of the Kilcullen Community Childcare and Education Centre project, which has been stalled by a refusal of the Department of the Environment to come through with EU funds approved by the County Kildare Leader Partnership.

The statement from Sean O Fearghaill TD reiterates his party's demand that the €356,000 be released, as the community has raised substantial sums through local funding, by a volunteer local committee whuch has invested two years into planning and developing a new facility.

"Minister Hogan and his Department have reneged on a previous commitment," the deputy says in the statement. "This leaves the project completely in limbo and is a massive slap in the face for local parents and campaigners."

The statement says that Naas Area Representative James Lawless and Cllr Willie Callaghan have also supported the campaign to have the decision reversed. Deputy O Fearghaill will continue to work on behalf of the group.

Presentation to Pat Goulding

There was a large turnout of friends and family in Kilcullen Credit Union last night when a presentation was made to Pat Goulding to mark 29 years of service to the organisation. The presentation was made by chairperson Philomena Griffin.

Full report later.

The passing of Danny O'Connnell

The Diary has learned with sadness of the death of Danny O'Connell, Logstown, Kilcullen.

Danny will be reposing at his residence from 12 noon today, Friday. His removal will take place tomorrow, Saturday, at 1.30pm, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, for Requiem Mass at 2pm. His funeral will take place immediately afterwards to St Brigid's Cemetery.

To his family and friends we extend our condolences. May he rest in peace,

Fun Day raises €2,500 for Ethan fund

Great day raises funds for EthanThe residents of Castlemartin Lodge held an inaugural Fun Day on Sunday 23rd June, writes Paul Cassidy of Castlemartin Lodge Residents Committee. What started as an idea to encourage our neighbours to get to know each other better quickly grew in momentum when we decided that any monies raised would go towards the care of Ethan Byrne (a resident in Castlemartin Lodge estate) who is a wonderful 3-year-old boy currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia.

Despite the high winds, which threatened to 'launch' the three bouncy castles, the festivities were a huge success. Fun races were held from under-8s to adult age groups, with the adult races being hotly competitive — most notably the egg and spoon and sack races.

The football competition gave the youngsters a chance to show off their skills. Nancy Poulain of Les Petit Pets enthralled the kids with her selection of birds and reptiles on display. Tea, locally baked biscuits and cakes were available in the inflatable marquee where live music was provided by a local band "i-Con". Face painting was heavily in demand as were all the sweets and buns we could muster. Gary Moore provided and managed the PA systems and DJ duties throughout the day.

Through the incredible kindness and generosity of local businesses and our neighbours providing raffle prizes, we managed to raise over €2,500 on the day. Another shining example of the inspiring people who live in our Kilcullen community that we should be proud of.

Check out our new Facebook page 'Castlemartin Lodge' for more pics.

Kilcullen in the Great War ... the Doyles

Further information on Kilcullen participation in WW1 has come to light thanks to a letter to the Diary received this week, writes Brian Byrne.

Remembering the fallen and survivorsIt's from Barry Doyle, brother of Maria of Logstown and Ger from Yellow Bog, and it details four Doyles who served, two of whom were killed in action. Barry is responding to a post on the Diary in 2010, in which we asked for further information on some 28 young men from the area listed in the records, who included a number of Doyles.

The first of these was Charles Doyle (19/05/1889-09/12/1915), son of Sarah (nee Dunne) and the late William Doyle, Brownstown Cottage, Naas Road, Kilcullen. On a date unknown he enlisted in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Service No.4320). He was posted to France, where as a member of 'D' Company, 3rd Battalion RDF, he was killed in action on the 9th December, 1915, aged 26. On the 06/01/1915 he had made a informal Will on a page of his pay book as follows: 'All my belongings to my mother, Mrs Sarah Doyle, Brownstown Cottage, Kilcullen, Co Kildare. Signed Charley Doyle. 4320. 3 RDF'. He was awarded the 1915 Star, and the Victory and British War Medals. Charley is interred in France, in Mailly-Maillet Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave Ref - B26.

Next is Joseph Doyle (08/11/1896-27/08/1917), son of James and Mary (nee Nugent) Doyle, Convent View, Kilcullen. He enlisted in the 10th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Service No.28721). Sent to France, he died of wounds in Bologne on 27 Aug, 1917, aged 21. He was awarded the Victory and British War medals. Joseph is interred at Bologne Eastern Cemetery, Grave Ref - VIII.I.17.

Family survivors of the conflict include Patrick Doyle (1879–1952), a brother of Charles, who served as a driver in the Royal Field Artillery (Ser Number 1356) and was awarded three medals. Thomas Doyle (1896–19??) was a brother of Joseph and served in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Ser Number 3/5365). He was wounded on several occasions and discharged on 19/05/1919 'no longer physically fit for war service'. He was awarded three medals and the War Badge.

Sarah Doyle, a sister of Charles, inherited Brownstown Cottage, and married John Joseph Doyle, a brother of Joseph. They raised a family of six, amongst whom were Charley (Barry's father), John and Simon (Sim). The cottage remained in the Doyle family until 1998 (after Simon’s death).

The awards made to Joseph and Thomas, plus Joseph's Memorial Plaque which had been issued to his mother Mary, were stolen during a burglary at the cottage. They were never recovered. Charley's awards are in the possession of one of his nephews resident in the UK.

Barry also recalls other members of the family reared at Convent View, mostly by their nicknames. They included 'The Joult, 'Trumps', and 'Putz' who died young. 'Hoppy' and 'Gorilla' were also among 17 born and reared in Convent view, as were 'Cock' and 'Cuddy', who were postmen. 'Yorick' was Barry's grandfather, and he understands that his great-grandfather was known as 'Gentleman Jim'.

Barry would love to have any more information about his antecedents, and especially any photographs or other memorabilia that might be in existence. He can be contacted at 022 23607.

Niamh Murray, David Agnew, performing in Kilcullen

Top classical talent for KilcullenSoprano Niamh Murray and oboist David Agnew will perform at a special concert in Kilcullen in aid of the Rise Foundation on this coming Saturday, June 29. The Foundation was set up by singer Frances Black.

The concert, which also features many local artists, will include a Riverdance routine by the Gabriel Lynam Company. Admission €20. For bookings please ring Berney's chemist 045-481497. Tickets not collected 15 minutes before the show will be re-allocated.

Niamh Murray is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest sopranos, and her extensive repertoire includes leading performances in opera, oratorio, musicals and recitals from such as The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, Oklahoma, The Pirates of Penzance, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana and more. She has appeared with almost every major musical and choral society in Ireland and has performed with the RTE Concert and Symphony Orchestras; Opera Ireland and Wexford Festival of Opera.

Oboist David Agnew recently returned from a tour of the USA, which included a solo performance with Phil Coulter at City Hall, New York. He plays a wide range of music from traditional through pop to classical. He is best known for his recording of 'Gabriel's Oboe' — the theme from the movie 'The Mission' — and he has recorded with Frank McNamara, The Chieftains, Phil Coulter, Frank Patterson, the original Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and many other major artists.

Parish Lotto Draw

No Jackpot winnerThe  numbers drawn in the Kilcullen Parish Lotto on Tuesday 25 June are 5, 7, 13 and 21.

There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €12,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Betty Kelly (Promoter Mirian McDonnell), Howard Berney (Mary Berney), and Breda and Stephen McCormack (Breda McCormack).

The winners of the €50 Promoters Draws were Dermot Mitchell and Vanessa Clarke, and Maureen Keogh won the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night.

Badminton's Summer Club in full swing

A healthy and fun activity for all levelsSummer Club in full swing!
Kilcullen Badminton Club's Summer Club is now in full swing and what a successful first month it has been, writes Enda O'Neill.

To date we have been welcoming almost 30 players per night from all levels to our club on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Our Summer Club invites all levels of players down to play and of course all new members and players from other clubs are welcome.

Our Summer Club is also an opportunity for younger members between the ages of 15-18 to come along and enjoy some friendly games alongside the adult members and our rate of €5 per night is great value and you have the option of a Summer Season fee of €65, which represents a 50 percent saving over the summer months.

The focus in KBC over the summer months is fun (without the sun) for players of all levels, so come on down and join us on Tuesday and Thursday night from 9pm and check us out on our new website www.kilcullenbadminton.com and on our facebook page.

River Festival date confirmed

End of summer highlight returnsThe Kilcullen River Festival has now been confirmed for Sunday 25 August, writes Brian Byrne.

It's the fourth year of the Festival, which is organised by a group of Kilcullen business people and friends and which has attracted thousands of people on each of the occasions it was run.

This year the committee are promising new attractions and guests, and details will emerge over the coming weeks.

To remind you of what it's like, here are pictures from last year's event.

Barrow water comes on stream in mid-July

Water from taps in Kilcullen is likely to taste different from the middle of July, as the new supply from the Barrow River is brought on-stream through the Old Kilcullen Reservoir, writes Brian Byrne.

Water will be harderThat's because the Barrow water is 'harder' than the Ballymore Eustace supply which Kilcullen has had since the Poulaphuca Reservoir was built in the 1940s.

A new conditioning system for the Barrow supply will be built between now and the end of 2014, to deal with the hard water characteristics at source.

Limescale, film on your tea, possibleIn the meantime, Kildare County Council will mix the Ballymore and Barrow supplies at Old Kilcullen, to make the changed characteristics less problematical.

The Council says no treatment is needed in homes using the supply in the meantime, though some limescale may form on appliances that heat water, and a light film may form in heated beverages.

A helpline will be available from July 1, at 045 980555.

Chrissie again in P&P World Strokeplay Championships

Chrissie to defend titleKilcullen's Pitch & Putt champion Chrissie Byrne is off to Tambre in northern Spain next week to compete in the World Strokeplay Championships, with the help of Tom Dignam of The Spout, writes Brian Byrne.

Tom is Chrissie's sponsor for the event, which has 21 competitors from Ireland, and 108 qualifiers from 14 countries. It runs from 4-7 July.

Ireland has the second biggest cohort in the competition, after Catalonia itself.

Chrissie is the reigning Womens Champion in the competition, having won it in 2009 in Montpelier, France. She is also a many times winner of the Irish National Strokeplay Championships.

Presenting the Kilcullen GAA Gathering Cup

Maurice O'Mahony presents the inaugural Gathering Cup to the captain of the San Francisco U/14 team, Ronan Orford, at post-match event in The Hideout last night. There are more pictures from the day (and the night) here.

Visitors win inaugural Gathering Cup

San Francisco holds the dayThe result of the first Maurice O'Mahony Gathering Cup match today was San Francisco 3-18 and Kilcullen 2-9, writes Brian Byrne.

The game was between the U/14 teams from both communities, and was the highlight of an afternoon of other games and a variety of festivities to mark Kilcullen GAA's Gathering Ireland 2013 contribution.

The team from the Golden Gate state were on tour to a number of Irish heartland GAA locations before coming to Kilcullen today, and will follow their win here win with participation in the All Ireland Feile competition in Derry.

The passing of Queenie Whelan

Esther (Queenie) Whelan passed away peacefully this morning at Curragh Lawn Nursing Home, in the care of the wonderful staff and of her family. Queenie was a well known personality in Kilcullen and a much loved neighbour and friend in Brannoxtown.

Queenie was born in 1916 and was the older sister of the late John (Mansie) Reddy. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Johnny Whelan. She will be dearly missed by her nieces Sabina and Esther Reddy and their families, by her foster son Jimmy Dixon and his family, and her many neighbours who were part of her extended family.

Queenie will repose at home of her niece, Sabina, at The Green, Old Kilcullen from 7pm this evening. Her remains will be brought to the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen, at 7.30pm on Sunday 23rd June and her funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday 23rd at 2pm, followed by internment at New Abbey Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Playgroup set up in TD's office today

There was strong support this afternoon for a Rally at Deputy Martin Heydon's office in Newbridge to highlight the Community Childcare Centre funding situation, writes Brian Byrne.

Up to 60 men, women and children turned out to hand in a letter to the Fine Gael TD, destined for the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan TD.

An impromptu Playgroup was set up in the TD's office to illustrate the fact that the current service could be made homeless if the new Centre isn't built this year.

Little Eleanor Steed handed the letter to the deputy, saying that 'A promise is a promise, and promises should always be kept'.

Deputy Heydon for his part said he had again told the Minister that this was the single most important issue in the constituency, and that the Minister has taken a 'hand-on' part in the Departmental consideration of the appeal on the initial refusal.

More pictures here.

JJ Whelan here for the GAA Gathering

The GAA Gathering gets under way today at 2pm. Fun for all the family.Among the visitors from San Francisco to Kilcullen this weekend is JJ Whelan, a patriarch of the Irish community in the Golden Gate city, who left Kilcullen in the early 1950s, writes Brian Byrne. He's pictured above with local dance teacher Jennifer Landers, at an event last evening in the Heritage Centre.

JJ has two grandsons playing in the Maurice O'Mahony Gathering Cup game, and told the Diary that he couldn't not come back to his home town for that.

He was at the Midsummer Night's Gathering of the County Kildare Federation of History Groups last night in the Heritage Centre, partly by accident because he had slipped across from Fallons to see photographs of himself and contemporaries when he was involved in boxing and football here before he emigrated. He was able to contribute some memories of his own to the evening, and was later presented with a copy of 'On the One Road', James Durney's history of unrest in Kildare 1913-1994.

JJ Whelan, Nessa Dunlea, and author James Durney.

JJ was heavily involved in GAA activities in San Francisco from 1960 on, and also shared his late wife Vera's passion for the Irish Dancing scene. He received a special award last year for his contribution to that area across the United States over 50 years.

His daughters Sharon and Sheila are also very involved in dancing, and have won North American Irish dancing championships. They set up their own dance academy, the Whelan Academy of Irish Dance, in San Francisco in 1995. Three years ago they joined with Patricia Kennelly, to form the Whelan-Kennelly Academy.

Vera Whelan was a native of Ballyshannon, Co Kildare. She passed away in 2008.

Family Fun Day at Castlemartin Lodge

A great day out for allA Family Fun Day will be held on The Green in Castlemartin Lodge on Sunday afternoon, 23 June, in aid of a fund for young Ethan Byrne of Sunnyhill, who is suffering from leukaemia.

The event runs through the afternoon from 2pm and has been organised by the Castlemartin Lodge Residents Association, and in addition to being a support for a good cause it is also an opportunity for people in the community to get to know each other a little better.

Activities on the day include a Bouncy Castle, a Raffle, Face Painting, fun races and games for children and for adults, a Cake Sale, and there will be burgers and ice cream available for sale. All activities and supplies have been donated.

If anyone wants to get involved, they can contact Angela Legg on 087 9722473 or Val Ryan on 087 2324498.

Crowd at Childcare Centre Rally essential

Need for big turnoutTomorrow's Childcare Centre Rally outside Martin Heydon's Fine Gael Constituency Office in Newbridge is the kickoff in a concerted campaign to make Minister Phil Hogan aware of the ire of local people over the funding crisis, writes Brian Byrne.

It takes place at 12 noon, and though it isn't easy for many people from the town to go to Newbridge on a Saturday morning, it is critical that as many as possibly can turn up for this show of strength.

This is not just about the Centre as a building, but as a facility which will offer a valuable and affordable resource to generations of young families over years to come.

There's a short window to have the refusal reversed, and it needs a concentration of effort to make the media, the wider public, and the minister aware of the fact that Kilcullen isn't going to take this lying down (especially not under the thundering hoofs of horses from an equestrian centre!).

See you there.

Toddlers And Wobblers get Green Flag

The Toddlers And Wobblers Playgroup in Nicholastown officially unveiled its first Green Flag earlier this week, writes Brian Byrne.

First Green Flag for playgroupThe ceremony took place in the presence of An Taisce inspector Ruth Guy McKeever, who had overseen the programme in the Playgroup, which included recycling, anti-litter, and green awareness elements.

The children are pictured here doing their 'Litter Song' at the ceremony.

More in next week's Kildare Nationalist.

Kilcullen to fight Childcare Centre refusal

"Failure is not an option here. This is not about a building, this is about the children."

At a meeting last night where Kilcullen's support for the planned Community Childcare & Education Centre was reaffirmed, Iseult O'Donoghue and her fellow voluntary directors of the project were adamant that the unexpected last-minute funds refusal would be overcome, writes Brian Byrne.

Those present were asked to lobby their local TDs, and especially the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, to have reversed the decision by the Department to refuse the funding.

Campaign to have funding decision reversedLater today, the Minister will be asked in the Dail if he had directed the Department not to allow the funding, representing 75 percent of the total cost of the Centre, through the County Kildare Leader Partnership which has fully approved the grant. This is by way of a Parliamentary Question put down by Fianna Fail TD Sean O Fearghail.

And Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon told the meeting that he had again spoken to the Minister yesterday and told him that the resolution of this matter was the single most important thing in his constituency at the moment.

Earlier, the directors of Kilcullen Community Childcare & Education Centre Limited (KCCEC) had outlined the details of how they had progressed the project over the last two and a half years.

Planning permission for the Centre was already in place when they took over the project, on a site provided on the campus of Kilcullen Community Centre and where the three decades old Naomh Bride Community Playgroup was currently providing the service in pre-fab accommodation.

Because of a change nationally in funding such centres, the project leaders had to source funds elsewhere. KCCEC co-chair Orla O'Neill noted how €36,613 had been raised from the local community, €12,000 had been allocated by Kildare County Council, and a loan of €70,204 had been secured from Clann Credo, a social funding organisation. The balance of €356,450 was secured after negotiations with the County Kildare Leader Partnership, which had approved it 'in principle' in December, and fully approved it in April.

She read out a letter from Justin Larkin, CEO of CKLP, in which he said that the funding organisation was 'fully committed' to the project, and was 'currently engaging' with the Department to have the refusal reversed. He said it was 'premature' to say that the funding was categorically withdrawn, and that CKLP had previously, in similar situations, succeeded in reversing Departmental decisions.

On the matter of whether childcare projects were eligible for Leader funding, Orla O'Neill reiterated that all through the process, it had been made clear what the project was. CKLP was very clear in its belief that it was eligible, and in 2012 a grant had been made available to fund a Project Manager to work through the complex details of the initiative, including the stringent tendering process.

Noting that state funding for childcare projects was now contingent on 'assessed need', she reminded the meeting that this need had been clearly defined in the recent Community Survey commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action. "We have good primary and secondary schools in the town, this is the missing piece of the jig-saw puzzle."

She added that a local contractor had come through as the preferred bidder on the project, which meant that all the funds used in the construction would remain in the area.

The meeting heard that an appeal to the Principal Officer of the Department had to be made by Wednesday of next week. KCCEC's solicitor has already completed that appeal, which will be sent by registered post today. A Judicial Review is possible if this appeal fails, and would likely be successful, but 'that will cost', those present were told.

Martin Heydon TD, whose consistent support for the project had earlier been acknowledged, said he never expected this situation, and that no community should have to be in the position to require legal proceedings.

Speaking on behalf of Sean O Fearghail TD, James Lawless said that Fianna Fail's Eamonn O Cuiv TD was also aware of the situation, and was prepared to add his weight to the appeal process. "This is not just a Kilcullen issue, there's €50 million of EU Leader funding at stake around the country, and if it isn't spent by the end of this year it will go back to Europe."

Following discussion on what to do next, it was decided to step up a local and national news media campaign, and also to directly target the Minister and other politicians. This will include a rally on Saturday next at 12 noon at the Fine Gael Constituency Office in Newbridge.

Contact details for Minister Hogan and the local TDs were distributed and local people were urged to phone them, email them, and contact them by letter, to make them aware of the importance to Kilcullen of this project.

"The message is, we are not standing for this," Iseult O'Donoghue said. "We are not going to go away. We have a moral responsibility to the children, not just those who are using the service at the moment, but for those who will in the future."

Childcare Centre campaign strategies agreed

A rally outside the Fine Gael Constituency Office in Newbridge will be held by the Kilcullen Childcare & Education Centre on Saturday next, at 12 noon, writes Brian Byrne.

This was one of the strategies agreed at a public meeting in the Town Hall this evening to clarify for people the situation where Rural Development funding for the Centre was unexpectedly refused by the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government.

The meeting was attended by a range of people in the community, as well as local representatives who included Martin Heydon TD, Cllr Ivan Keatley, and James Lawless representing Sean O Fearghail TD.

There will be a full report later.

Soccer Club Open Evening

For underage boys and girlsKilcullen AFC Underage section are holding an Open Training Evening on Wednesday June 26 between 6-7.30pm.

The purpose of the evening is to give a brief overview of the club to parents and children not currently playing in the club and to participate in a short training session.

The location is the Kilcullen AFC training area located beside the Community Centre All-weather pitch.

The event is open to boys and girls, born between 1997 and 2006. More information from 087 7437550-Peter, 087 2636375-Ray, or 087 2745045-Greg.

Rugby Summer Camp in August

A place to burn off summer energyA Summer Rugby Camp will be held at Newbridge RFC grounds in Rosetown from 12-16 August, at a cost of €55 per child with special offers for family groups.

The sessions will be between 9.30am-2pm, and will be conducted by fully-accredited IRFU coaches.

Further information is available from Enda Bohan on 086 2597214 or email enda.bohan@lhw.ie or Mick McCoy on 086 8117877 or email mick_mcoy@hotmail.com.

An online application form is available at newbridgerugby.com.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Parish Lotto on Tuesday 18 June 2013 were 4, 11, 21, 27. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €12,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Jim Broughall (Promoter Anne Brennan), Stephan McCormack (Breda McCormack), and Helen Dawson (The Parish).

The winners of the Promoters Prizes were PJ Lydon and Ger's Fruit & Veg, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Ger Hegarty Kelly.

Grid Link Information Office is officially opened

Information Office in Market SquareThe Grid Link Information Office in Kilcullen was officially opened last evening with the attendance of the Mayor of Kildare, Michael Spike Nolan, writes Brian Byrne.

Also there was Cllr Ivan Keatley from Kilcullen, and Cllr Paddy Kennedy from Newbridge.

The Office is located in the Market Square building, on the second floor. Access is possible by the lift in the premises as well as the stairs.

It will be open every Monday afternoon to provide information on the Grid Link Project, a €500 million investment that will see the construction of a new power line linking Dunstown (near Kilcullen) with Knockraha in Co Cork via Great Island in Co Wexford and will ensure future electrical power needs are met in the south and east of Ireland.

Pictured at last night's event are Ronan Greely, EirGrid, Cllr Ivan Keatley, and John Lowry, Grid Link Project Manager.

The list of possible routes for the link will be made public in September as part of an intensive public consultation programme linked to the project.

New Brannockstown Parent & Toddler Group

A new Parent and Toddler Group has been established in Brannockstown on the Baptist community grounds.

The Group meets in the Portacabin behind the church in Brannockstown every Friday morning from 9.30-11am.

Come along and bring your baby or toddler under 5 years. There are toys, books, soft baby area, crafts and more.

The fee is €1 per family with tea/coffee for grown-ups and juice and toast for the kids.

There’s ample car parking available. Further information from Avril on 086-3195990 or Hannah on 087-7574339.

Kilcullen family running well

Strong performances from the guysThis weekend brought some more running success for the Keenan men of Kilcullen, in Portumna Co Galway.

James was first off in the Portumna Forest half marathon and he ran a great race to finish as the 2nd man home just a few weeks back from injury. He paced himself well and just lost out on 1st place over the last half mile where the lack of race fitness told. A brilliant run however.

Next up were the 'sprinters' David and Albert in the Forest 10k. David won the race, breaking the course record by over 4 minutes in testing conditions claiming 1st prize.

Albert ran another super race, finishing 7th overall and 1st over 60 home looking very fresh crossing the finish line.

Albert is an example to all out there who think they are 'past it' or 'too old' to run or take up running. Albert took up running only five years ago and joined Newbridge AC to progress and get to run with athletes of all ages, abilities, shape and sizes.

Albert is currently County Kildare O/60 cross country, masters road, 400 and 1500 metre track champion which is a testament to his dedication and training and love for the sport.

Next up for James will be the Longford half marathon while David and Albert focus on the national track and field finals in Tullamore in August.

Well done and best of luck lads.

Meeting on single Chamber for Kildare

Single Chamber would benefit Kildare businessA meeting in the Osborne Centre of the National Stud this evening will detail the proposal to form a single Chamber of Commerce for County Kildare, writes Brian Byrne.

Beginning at 6.30pm, members of the North Kildare Chamber and Newbridge Chamber will outline the advantages of the idea, and there will be opportunities for questions.

The event is open to all businesses in the county or any size. It follows similar presentations made in Athy and Leixlip over the past few weeks.

A countywide Chamber could have a membership of over 500 companies.

Dunshane Open Day next weekend

A family afternoonDunshane Camphill Community are holding an Open Day on Sunday June 23 from 2-5pm, writes Caroline McCabe.

We would like to invite members of the local community to join us for a day of fun, with Face Painting, Sheep Racing, a Wheelbarrow Race, Treasure Hunt, Games, Raffles, Crafts, Bric-a-brac, Food from different parts of the world and, of course, Ice Cream.

There will be be sign-posts from the Kilcullen Road. You can find us by driving out the Kilcullen Road from Naas, take the turn for Dunlavin on the left, turn immediately left again (100yards), pass GAA field on your right and keep driving to bottom of road. At T-Junction, turn right and we are the 3rd entrance on the left. There is a big stone engraved with Camphill Dunshane outside the entrance. Admission is free and free parking is available on site.

Our contact number is 045-483 628/483717