Flowers served their time

The remainder of the Summer Flowers boxes have been coming down this week, after helping to make Kilcullen look very attractive through the summer, writes Brian Byrne.

Which is a good opportunity to remind people that on Saturday next the KCA Street Collection is in aid of the Christmas Lights programme, which helps with the seasonal attractiveness of the town at Christmas.

The money needed this year is more than it might have been, following theft of wiring earlier this year.

Kilcullen not affected by water problem

Kildare County Council is maintaining its increased draw from the Barrow in order to minimise the effects of the problems at the Ballymore Eustace Treatment plant, writes Brian Byrne.

The output from the recently-connected Barrow link to the Old Kilcullen reservoir has been increased significantly to 20m litres a day, which means that Kilcullen isn't affected by the restrictions in parts of Naas and further north in Kildare.

The Council is, however, asking all consumers to conserve water during the shortage, which is related to changes in the makeup of the supply from Poulaphuca which has cut production of treated water by 20 percent.

Dublin and parts of the greater Dublin area are experiencing water cuts at night time and will do so at least until the weekend.

Kris the Kat luxuriates in winnings

I have a message to all your readers from this week's Parish Draw winner, writes Ronan Murphy.

“Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.”

This most certainly will be the case after Kris the Kat — yes it's with a K — won €50 in this week's Parish Lotto.

Kris has no immediate plans to travel with her new found wealth — other than a lazy stroll around St Brigid’s Avenue, perhaps a visit to 'Les petit Pets' for something French, or into Nolans
for her favourite steak — tenderised as always, lads!

As always too, she will remain indoors as Halloween approaches, on guard duty by the fire.

Kris would wish to thank her seller Vivian Clarke for his persistent nagging, week in week out, in extracting her allowance ... and without whom this never would
have happened.

Meoww ...

Pictures from Awards Night

As your editor was away last week, we couldn't take the usual pictures from the presentation of the Kilcullen Community & Tidy Town Awards. So we're grateful to Ray Kelly who provided these ones as a visual record of the evening.

(For those with mobile devices that don't accommodate flash, the direct link to the album is here.)

KCC to rebalance water supply

Kildare County Council is to increase output from its River Barrow source of water to compensate in part for a reduction from the Poulaphuca Reservoir due to problems there, writes Brian Byrne.

Production problems at Dublin City Council main Water Production Plant at Ballymore Eustace for the Greater Dublin Region means that serious restrictions are to be imposed by the Dublin Councils.

But increasing draw from the Barrow source supplying areas of mid and south Kildare will, and increasing ncrease output from ther Wellfield supply in areas around Kildare town and Rathangan, means that impact here should be 'minimal', KCC says.

There will be some pressure reduction across the whole county between 10pm-7am, but the Council says it doesn't anticipate any interruptions to supply in the current situation

Consumers are asked to make an extra effort to conserve water at this time.

Parish Lotto Draw

No Jackpot winnerThe numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto on Tuesday 29th October 2013 were 6, 8, 25 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €3,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Luke Wall (Promoter Luke Wall), Chris the Cat (Vivian Clarke), and Betty Goulding (Vivienne Byrne). The Promoters Draw winners were Vivian Clarke and John Archbold.

The winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Maureen Keogh.

Class of '83 reunion

The class of 1983 Cross and Passion College are getting together on Sat 8th February 2014 to remember their years and to catch up with former class mates of just over 30 years ago.

Anyone who did their Leaving Cert or graduated at the Debutant Ball of '83 and teachers of that stage in CPC are welcome to come along.

The night will be in Kilashee Hotel with a reception of finger food and a drink. Cover charge approx €20.

Ladies of this year or persons in contact with relatives please contact 087 6807139 or direct mail Kilcullen Town Facebook, looking forward to seeing you on the night.

Appeal for skills, volunteers at Grid Link meeting

Whichever of the suggested routes of the Grid Link project is chosen, it 'will have a major affect on Kilcullen', a large attendance at last night's meeting in the Community Centre heard, writes Brian Byrne.

The event was organised by the Grid Link Action Group (GAG), set up after a recent meeting in St Laurence's Community Centre in Narraghmore. It was chaired by Pat Higgins, who led the Usk & District Residents Association (UDRA) nine-year campaign against the development of a 'superdump' operation in their area.

Meeting chairman Pat Higgins (right) with John Dunne.

The €500m Grid Link planned by EirGrid will run a 400kV line from Cork to Dunstown outside Kilcullen, via Wexford. Following the first stage of a lengthy process, a number of suggested routes have been presented for public comment.

The GAG organisation says it represents concerns about impacts on health, environment and business by the proposed overhead line, and maintains that EirGrid is not prepared to look at alternative methods of bulk electricity transmission, including undergrounding of the cables.

John Dunne of Gormanstown, described as representing a Kilcullen area view at the meeting, said it was up to all those there to 'bring the word home' so that everybody in the town and district is aware of what is taking place. Also a key member of UDRA, he said that what faced Kilcullen now was very similar to what the very small Usk community was faced with more than a decade ago.

He said the main purpose of the meeting was to inform Kilcullen people about the project, and the need for them to complete Grid Link Feedback Forms by the November 26 deadline.

GAG strategist David O'Brien with Declan King and Adrian Behan.

David O'Brien, described as GAG's strategist, outlined how the organisation had been formed, mainly based around the Narraghmore and south county area. He said that 'different people seemed to have heard different messages' about the Grid Link project, and the Group had come together to deal with that.

He claimed that EirGrid had a deliberate policy of trying to 'split communities' by selecting numerous routes for the Grid Link, and that GAG wanted to make sure that this didn't happen. "The other thing we don't want to see are impacts on people's health, damage to the environment, the heritage, and people's livelihoods."

David O'Brien also noted that while EirGrid maintains there are no health issues with the proposal, there are nevertheless concerns at EU level about possible links of extremely low frequency (ELF) electrical and magnetic radiation with childhood leukemia and Alzheimer's. He said that EirGrid 'needs to stand up and answer those questions'.

He added that consideration has to be given to the effects of the project on generations to come, and how it might impact on tourism, business, and the bloodstock industry. And he argued that not considering alternatives such as undergrounding or the use of offshore transmission showed a 'piecemeal' attitude to bulk transport of electricity by the authorities, rather than looking at the subject as a whole.

Landowners in the suggested 'corridors' for Grid Link had pledged financial support for the campaign, he said, and part of GAG's work would be to fundraise to allow the use of experts in the preparation of submissions. He appealed for anyone in Kilcullen with specific skills in planning, engineering, legal, land & property and communications to join in the campaign. "And even if you don't have any of those skills, we need volunteers. Working together as a team we can do something going forward."

Signing in.

GAG has established links with action groups in Carnew, Baltinglass, Rathvilly and Shillelagh and is continuing to make contact with other groups.

The meeting was also addressed by environmentalist Jack O'Sullivan, who had assisted the UDRA campaign against Greenstar. He said that there was a question over whether such a big piece of infrastructure for electricity was even required, suggesting that a 'smart grid' policy where there were a large number of small producers of power from various sources all over the country might be a better option. "EirGrid is proposing a single enormous wire," he said. "If anything happens to that, it all breaks down."

On the differences of scientific opinion on the health effects of ELF radiation, he said 'you have to be careful where you get your information'. "It can affect some people, and not others. It can affect some livestock in a field and not others. There are clearly uncertainties about the effects, but where there are concerns about health, and effects on people's businesses and livelihoods, then the precautionary principle must be applied."



Matters raised in the question and answer session of the meeting included whether undergrounding the cable might have a worse effect on livestock in the area, whether running the cables along land that's already part of the motorway system might be a better option, and how the project could have a devaluation impact on land neighbouring that where the lines run.

An Open Day will be held in mid-November to assist people in formulating their submissions. But Pat Higgins warned against submitting generic-style feedback, which wouldn't be useful. "They must be individual," he said. "Don't put in uniform submissions, put in your own feelings, your fears." And he urged the community to be united on the issue, regardless of which route is chosen.

Big attendance at GAG meeting

There was a large turnout to the meeting tonight in the Community Centre organised by the Gridlink Action Group. We'll have a full report in the morning.

Great War weekend in Athy Heritage Centre

A 2-day event on Kildare and the Great War to be held in Athy Heritage Centre will offer an audio and visual experience for all those with an interest and a family connection to the conflict, writes Brian Byrne.

It's being held on Saturday/Sunday 9/10 November as part of the Centre's Gathering 2013 presentation, and will also be the first phase of a 1914 initiative.

Proceedings begin on both days at 12 noon and will go on until 4pm.

The Living History module will feature a typical Recruitment Office, Military Medal Display, Weapon Display, Soldiers Kit and living quarters. Original film footage will be run and there are opportunities to hear accounts of the Great War on audio guides.

In a Research Your Ancestors module, a military historian will be on site to help trace ancestors. There's also a lecture series — on the Saturday at 2pm on 'Military Campaigns through Athy service Records' and on the Sunday at the same time 'The Great War'

Also on the Sunday in the Athy Community Arts Centre a drama 'March Away My Brothers' at will be presented at 8pm. Further information is available at 059 8633075 or email athyheritage@eircom.net.

The event should be of interest to Kilcullen people, as many families have connections to people who fought in the War.

'Wakeathon' has €7,000 charity target

A 12-hour sponsored Wakeathon was held in CPC last week in aid of Crumlin Children's Hospital.

At the time of going to post, close to €7,000 had been raised by the event.

Our pictures, courtesy of Assistant Principal Noel Clare, show some of the action.

Action Group seeks volunteers, funding

Kilcullen meeting Monday nightThe Gridlink Action Group (GAG) set up after the Community Meeting in St Laurence's GAA Club last month is urgently seeking support from Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

A 15-person group of team leaders has been set up to coordinate future actions aimed at changing Eirgrid's plans to use overhead lines for the new 400kV between Cork, Wexford and Dunstown outside Kilcullen. The Group says the line should be put underground and claims that there are known health issues related to overground high-tension cables.

A meeting on Monday night in the Community Centre has been organised by GAG, starting at 7.30pm.

The Group's team leaders are organised according to expertise and interests, ranging from agriculture/landowners, equine, residential, fundraising and other areas.

Following Monday night's meeting, a full committee will be set up. Further information can be obtained from the Kilcullen representative on the group, Maurice Cunningham at 086 2669210.

Eirgrid has proposed several routes through Kildare, West Wicklow and Laois. A community consultation process to determine the preferred option is in progress. This will be chosen in March 2014 with planning applications to follow in 2015. Submissions on the proposed routes must be in by 26 November.

GAG is engaging a planning consultant in order to make effective submissions. The Group is looking for donations from individuals in the affected areas to help fund this.

Community workshops will be held in the coming weeks to assist people who wish to make a submission.

Happy Halloween from the Haunted St Mary's Church

This is how they do up a 'Haunted Church' in St Mary's Church, Cold Spring NY, for Halloween, writes Brian Byrne.

It's great fun, and raises donations for the church as everyone in town and their children come along to it for the start of the Halloween Parade which goes through the town to the river. Maybe Kilcullen Parish might consider something like that next year?

Anyhow, the Diary will be home on Monday, so Happy Halloween everybody.

Thirty years of looking after New Abbey

When people come along to seek out ancestors at New Abbey Cemetery in Kilcullen they're always struck by how well the place looks, writes Brian Byrne. But it wasn't always that way.

"When my father died in 1983, we could hardly get into the place to dig the grave," says John Brady, who has led the voluntary maintenance project for the facility for these last three decades. "A section had been cleared up over some of the previous years, but there was still a lot that needed to be done."

So he put the word out, and the first response came from the late Mick Kelly and his wife, and Lil Delaney, all neighbours in Kilcullen. "They got down to clearing the ivy from the walls at first," John recalls. "They mucked away at it, and it took off from there. Gradually other people got involved down the years."

The first major achievement was the clearance of the overgrown original part of the Cemetery, in which there were many very old headstones, often with indecipherable names. "We tried to get in touch with as many families as we could who might be connected to the graves, but we didn't get much response. We had to go ahead and level the area anyway, because otherwise we couldn't have maintained it."

He's conscious today that naming people who helped can be troublesome, because somebody is bound to be left out. But he recalls particularly the help of the late Vincent Conway, who was managing a local FAS Scheme, and they got stuck in with strimmers to clear out the dense overgrowth before they helped with the levelling of the section. "The late Martin Murphy also helped a lot, taking away the clay and stuff we dug out." He also notes that in the mid-70s a group including Noreen Lynch, Tommy Orford, Joe Boyne, and Liam O'Connor had carried out significant clearing of part of the graveyard.

Also among the early helpers was Noel Steed, who cut the grass in the central area with a tractor and mowing bar. "He was pretty handy with it, because he never hit any of the standing gravestones."

Eventually, realising that this was going to be an ongoing project, a secondhand commercial ride-on mower was sourced by local man Des O'Brien, and a loan from the Credit Union of £2,500 secured it. That meant a number of fairly serious fundraising events had to be undertaken to help repay the investment.

"The next part of the project was restoring the paths. First we had to lay 1,300 kerbstones, which was done with help from Paddy Brannigan, Jim Cardiff, Mick Kelly and others. Again, Martin Murphy helped with clearing the clay and digging out the paths for the gravel finish. Eventually we had them tarred." Others that John recalls from that time were Jimmy O'Neill and Wally Pembroke. "But there were lots more involved through the 30 years."

The clearance work had not only resulted in a number of unmarked and broken ancient gravestones, but also parts of the construction of the original Abbey from which the Cemetery is named. These were subsequently placed against the walls around, and are a significant element of the interesting look to the space today.

"We played a prank on a local historian, piling some of those stones on a heap of debris when we knew he was coming down, and he thought they were going to be thrown out," John recalls with a grin. "He nearly went mad."

In 2008, the parking area outside the Cemetery was tarmaced, with the help of funds raised through a significant donation to the project from New Abbey Stud, support from Kilcullen Lions Club and Kilcullen Drama Group, and a Table Quiz, as well as public contributions.

John became official caretaker for the Kilcullen and Gormanstown graveyards over time, and today he's assisted in managing the paperwork by his wife Anna Mae. A decreasing grant from Kildare County Council helps with the maintenance, and extra funds are raised at the annual Cemetery Sundays where people attending donate to collection boxes.

"We also have, recently, got some helpers through the TUS scheme, which has made a big difference this year."

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

National Coach visits Badminton Club

Kilcullen Badminton Club had a visit from Ireland's National Badminton Coach Dan Magee on Thursday last, writes Enda O'Neill, the Club's PRO.The visit was in association with the national drive from Badminton Ireland to reconnect with all the clubs around Ireland.

Dan's brother and sister Sam and Chole Magee represented Ireland in the last Olympics and play in all the respective disciplines of Men’s, Ladies and Mixed Doubles on the current Irish international team and Dan himself has also graced the courts in Mixed doubles for Ireland also. He retired from the professional game a few years ago and decided to go into coaching.

With his easygoing manner he dived straight in to helping the club members, giving us tips and some excellent coaching. Mens 1 (who managed to secure another 4-0 win in the return leg against Bough on the same night), Men’s 2 and Ladies 1 all got some invaluable tips and he coached and chatted to each team individually, not sparing on his time.



Everyone who was down Thursday night really benefitted from Dan's visit. Club member John Mullin said 'the visit really helped our game especially with some of the drills he showed us'. Dan then stayed and played a few matches with our club memebers and it is only then you see what a high standard the professionals play at, but in fairness did say he ws going a bit easy on us ...

The committee would like to thank firstly the members who came down last night, for making Dan feel so welcome, secondly Dan for giving up his time to come down so graciously, and finally Mark Phelan, our current chairperson, for organising the visit.

Community and Tidy Towns Awards are presented

Ten special Community Awards were presented this evening to groups and individuals in the annual Kilcullen Community Awards Night, writes Brian Byrne.

The recipients included Emma Birchall, for her work in organising the St Patrick's Day Parade as a Gathering event; Chrissie Byrne for winning again the World Womens Strokeplay Championship; the Kilcullen AFC Ladies Team for their Championship winning ways this season.

Nessa Dunlea and Mary Orford received their Award for organising the Memories of Main Street Gathering event; Jimmy Aspell for his fundraising for cancer care; The Bridge Magazine for its contribution to Kilcullen life over more than four decades; and the Kilcullen Bridge Club for its contribution to social life in Kilcullen.

Annette McCarthy was given an Award for her many years of teaching in Kilcullen, especially in the area of special needs; and Teresa Meaney received one for her work with Kilcullen's Senior Citizens.

A special Award for the Best Community Facility was given to St Bridget's Pitch and Putt Club, which celebrated its 25th anniversary recently.

Tidy Towns Awards were also presented. Best Large Estate went to Bishop Rogan Park; Best Small Estate to Sunbury; Best Green Area to Nicholastown; Most Improved Estate to Bishop Rogan Park.

The Best New Business Award went to The River Cafe; Best Business Premises to Bardons; Best Window Display to Nolan's of Kilcullen; and Awards for Excellent Presentation to Ger's Fruit and Veg and to Nichola Kennedy.

First Year CPC Enrolment for 2014-2015 year

The closing date for receipt of all applications for enrolment to Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen for the school year 2014-2015 is Thursday next, 31st October 2013.

All properly completed application forms will be stamped on receipt and retained by the school. A stamped copy of the application form will then be returned to parents/guardians as proof of receipt.

Applicants will be notified, in writing, as to the status of their application by the 22nd November 2013.

Application forms, for those who have not yet collected them, are available on the School Website or from the School Office.

Applications received after 31st October will be placed on a waiting list, in order of the date on which they are received by the School.

Community Awards tonight

Just a reminder that the annual Community Awards event organised by Kilcullen Community Action is taking place tonight in the Town Hall Theatre.

All are welcome to the event, a highlight of the year when individuals and groups are honoured for their contributions to the community.

The local Tidy Towns awards are also presented on the night.

Come along and show your support for all the initiatives from those involved.

Grid Link concerns to be aired at Monday meeting

A public meeting is being held in the Community Centre on Monday night next, to highlight concerns related to the proposed Grid Link 400kV electricity line between Cork and Dunstown near Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

The meeting has been organised by the local Grid Link Action Group, which describes itself as 'a voluntary group of individuals who have come together because of their shared concerns' relating to the project.

"We are not opposed to progress, but not at the price of people’s lives, and health, nor our local environment, heritage and livelihoods," says spokesperson Angela Fennin.

The Group says it represents residents in the local South Kildare area and businesses in the local area who want to to 'force' Eirgrid to explore and utilise 'other opportunities' for the proposed high voltage overhead powerlines.

The meeting begins at 7.30pm.

CPC Sacred Space is dedicated

Fr Niall Mackey, Administrator, Kilcullen Parish; Breda Kelly, parent, Kilcullen; Rose and JJ Warren; Sr Anne Harnett, a member of the Cross & Passion Sisters; John Archbold, former caretaker for 27 years; Maisie O'Brien who worked in the Cross & Passion for almost 30 years; Deputy Principal Noel Clare; Gerry O'Brien, a former teacher of woodwork and technology graphics in the school.

The symbolism of the Sacred Space which was dedicated today marks the link between the Cross & Passion sisters and the CPC school, writes Trish Whelan.

That was the theme presented by Principal Catherine Moynihan at the event, which was attended by students, staff and sisters who had previously worked at the college. "The fact that it is in the centre of the school is really important and how its development coincided with the lowering the school wall," she said. "The lowering of the wall integrated CPC in the streetscape of Kilcullen. We were able to take the stone from the wall to use in the face of the Sacred Space. So there are many links."



She added that Kilcullen was originally on the path from the quarries of West Wicklow to Newgrange and the symbolism of having a Sacred Space in the same general shape of Newgrange has resonance with monastic history.



Deputy Principal Noel Clare; and pupils Robyn Kenny, Blessington; Lauren Lynch, Kilcullen; and former Deputy Principal John Kinane, Naas.





School Principal Catherine Moynihan and Nessa Dunlea at the door of the Sacred Space.



Seated - Kathleen Keane, Blessington; Ella Rogerson, Newbridge; Sarah Doherty, Kilcullen. Back - Ryan Broderick, Blessington; Robyn Kenny, Blessington; Sr Carmel Miley of the Cross & Passion Sisters; David McMahon, Kilcullen; Laura Lynch, Kilcullen; Kathryn Snell, Curragh; and Aisling Robinson, Kilcullen.

Halloween is spooking in

The Diary is out of the country at the moment, and you can see the kind of Halloween preparations where we are in the picture above, writes Brian Byrne.

But of course there's a lot going on in Kilcullen too, and with the pubs all celebrating a couple of days early, here's a look at some of the events being planned.

Lunchtime on Sunday is the famous Fallons Halloween party. All the staff outfits are sorted, party bags, face painter and more. There will be prizes for the best dressed child and adult.

The Spout's Halloween Spooktacular is on Sunday night, featuring the 'Monsters of Rock', Badge. There will be prizes for the best fancy dress, as well as scary shots and creepy cocktails promotions.

Also on Sunday night, Bardons are hosting their biggest ever Halloween Party with DJ Sparrow playing all your favourite party and chart hits. A late bar till 2am and prizes for the most original fancy dress with Halloween themed party games all night.

O'Connell's Bar has a Fancy Dress competition, spooky shots and music from SOS. Lots of other stuff happening there too.

Kilcullen Toddlers Group are having their Annual Halloween Party on Tuesday morning, 29 October. All under-6s are welcome to be all dressed up for some music and fun. Donations from the event go to help raise smiles and funds for Temple Street Children's University Hospital.

We're sure there's more going on in town, but that's as much as we know about from this remove. Let us know if we've left anything out.

How Kilcullen was in the news in 1965

From the archives of the Nationalist & Leinster Times comes this lead story published in November 1965, about the potential for no less than four new factories in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

The clipping was provided by Niall McDonnell, and we'd love to know just whether the specific enterprise mentioned in the piece actually got further than the discussion stage?

We do know that the first homes built by KDA, in Moanbane Park, were system built houses, and perhaps it was the same system under discussion?

We look forward to some more memories ...

Meantime, a sidebar story on the page was also strongly related to Kilcullen. The picture on the bottom left of the clipping announces the appointment of one James Kelly to the position of Assistant Chief Executive of the ESB. A son of the tailor from the Market Square, Jim Kelly, he subsequently went on to serve as Chief Executive.

Kilcullen, always in the news.

Macra is worth a look for young people

A year of fun and activity is starting with Macra na Feirme, kicking off with our annual conference (rally) this weekend in Tullow, Co Carlow, writes Aoife Helly, PR Manager of Macra. This event is seen as the highlight of the Macra year and makes a great start for 12 months of sports, travel, competitions, a fantastic social life, and, for some, farming.

Macra is a young person’s organisation with a focus on participation and fun. Through your club, you can fill every day with activity. Whatever you're interested in, there's something for you, and you can get involved as little or as much as you like!

For 2013/2014, we've made membership of Macra even better with a range of discounts that will save you a fortune. We've also got a snazzy new membership card that will make you the envy of non-members!

These cards are currently winging their way out to affiliated members who can avail of the following brand new discounts: 15% off car insurance for young drivers with FBD Insurance; €5.50 tickets in Omniplex cinemas on the 2nd Tuesday of every month; Bus Eireann - student discount rate for all members; FBD Insurance- Discount €50 voucher; Smart phone package with O2 – €28.29 per month including all calls, texts and 1GB of data, the same package with no data is €20.91 and mobile 8MB broadband is €13 per month.

Find out more about members discounts on macra.ie.

Sound good? If you're not already a member you can get involved by contacting Macra on 014268900.

Non members are welcome to attend upcoming events like the annual conference/rally or the FBD Queen of the Land festival to get a taste of what Macra is all about. Find out more about upcoming events on macra.ie.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto on Tuesday 22nd October 2013 were 2, 7, 30 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €3,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Colin Coyne (Promoter May Coyne), Fr Michael Murphy (The Parish), and Danny O'Connell (Mary Behan).

The winners of the Promoter's Draw were Bella Ryan and Miriam McDonnell. The winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Liam Keogh.

Community Awards on Friday night

The annual Community Awards event will take place in the Heritage Centre on Friday night, writes Brian Byrne.

The awards are operated by Kilcullen Community Action and are designed to show appreciation for community effort over the year, especially in the area of Tidy Towns.

Awards will be presented for a number of categories, including Best Large Estate, Best Small Estate, Best Green Area, Best Landscape, Best Business Premises, Most Improved Business Premises, Best Commercial Premises, Best Window Display, Best Community/Public Facilities, and Best Apartments.

In addition, nominations have been given in for a number of Community Awards, which are given to groups and individuals who have contributed significantly to the life of Kilcullen.

All are welcome to the Awards event.

The passing of Jimmy Murphy

The Diary has learned of the death of James 'Jimmy' Murphy, late of Newberry, Kilcullen, and Donadea, Naas and Watergrasshill, Co Cork.

He is reposing at St Vincent’s Hospital Mortuary, Athy. Removal will take place on Tuesday evening at 6.45pm, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St. Brigid, Kilcullen, at 7.30pm.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon and interment will take place afterwards in St Brigid’s Cemetery, Kilcullen.

Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, may be made to St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy, for which purpose there will be a donation box in the church.

Miah captains Leinster hockey win

Pictured is Miah Phelan who on Sunday 20 October captained Leinster in winning the U16 Ladies Hockey Inter Pro League Cup.

Leinster beat Connaught 2-0, Ulster 3-1, South East 5-0, and drew with Munster 1-1 to secure the Cup. Miah played a massive part with Leinster in all these matches.

This is a great achievement for Miah as she is the only ever person from outside South County Dublin to captain Leinster in winning this event. Miah is also the only representative from a school outside Dublin to represent Leinster — she has done the CPC and Kilcullen proud.