Planning permission for CPC extension

Cross & Passion College has been granted planning permission for conversion of an old refectory into two new classrooms and a social space.

The work will involve an extension incorporating the older space and will provide the 800-pupils second level school with more flexibility.

The decision has been welcomed by Martin Heydon TD, a former student at the school, who has worked with principal Catherine Moynihan and the school's architects to get the permission.

Kilcullen LAP to be published in May

Kildare councillors have agreed to publish the Draft Kilcullen Local Area Plan 2014-1020 for public consultation on 7 May, writes Brian Byrne.

The decision was made at today's monthly meeting of the Council, held in Teach Diarmaid in Castledermot.

The previous scheduled date of publication had been 19 March, but this was deferred at the February meeting at the request of Athy Area councillors because Kilcullen is moving back into the Naas Area as a complete entity for the May local elections.

Athy area chairman Cllr Ivan Keatley said the move would mean that the details and submissions from the LAP will now be voted on by the new councillors representing Kilcullen after the elections.

The Diary has been reporting elements of the plan for the last week, stories which can be accessed here.

Oisin makes Irish Slalom team for third time

Kilcullen Canoe Club member Oisin Farrell has made the Irish Slalom team again, for the third year in a row.

He's off to Macedonia at the end of June for the European championships, and following that both he and his sister Ciara Farrell are off to Solkan and Augsburg to compete in the ECA Junior Cups.

We wish them good paddling.

KCA meeting tonight

A meeting of Kilcullen Community Action will take place this (Monday) evening at 8pm.

Among the matters for discussion are the Kilcullen Draft Local Area Plan 2014-2020, and the arrangements for the upcoming Tidy Towns Quiz.

All are welcome to attend.

WW1 Commemoration Group meeting

The next meeting of the WW1 Commemoration Group will be on April 9, in Fallons from 8pm, writes Brian Byrne.

There has been a strong and very positive response to the idea of a commemoration event, and the Group is now planning to hold such an event during National Heritage Week in August. A Heritage Grant has been applied for to help finance this.

Much has already been shared about the involvement of Kilcullen men in the conflict, many of whom never came back. Anybody with an interest in the period and the happenings is welcome to the meeting.

Great Daffodil Day result

Friday's Daffodil Day collecting in Kilcullen was very successful, with around €4,500 given to co-organisers Nuala Collins and Anne Brennan and their team of volunteers.

"This is a big increase on last year, and we're delighted with it," Nuala told the Diary yesterday.

She was also able to report the solving of a 'door to door' daffodil seller which she had been somewhat alarmed to hear about on the day. "It turns out that it is a man whose wife died of cancer, and he sells flowers door to door on Daffodil Day, and all of the money he raises goes to the Irish Cancer Society."

Generous Kilcullen people have given about €90,000 in Daffodil Day donations since the idea was started in 1987.

Canoe Club celebrates

Kilcullen Canoe Club had a celebration evening during the week to mark what had been a very good 2013 for the club, writes PRO David McDonnell.

The club won the Ribba De Sella trophy, awarded to the 'Club of the Year' in the National Marathon Canoe Racing Series. This was a feat last managed by the club only 17 years previously. The long wait for success in the series saw them finish ahead of Salmon Leap Canoe Club from Leixlip and Celbridge Paddlers. The 11-race series saw the club travel around the country in great numbers over a season that starts in late March on the River Boyne and finishes in October on the Grand Canal in Robertstown.

The club had seven Divisional winners within the Racing Series: K1 Division 2 - David McDonnell, Womens K1 – Maria Wilmott, Mens GP - Eamon Moran, Womens GP – Mary Fitzgerald, K1 Division 5 – Ronan Foley and Boys U18 GP – Anthony Whitely.

The year saw the club also win the Junior Marathon Canoe Racing Series. A large crew of junior paddlers from the club placed well throughout the Ranking Race Series to secure the title.

The start of the 2014 Racing Series is just around the corner. Club members have been training hard in preparation and we hope to see continued success for the club on and off the water.

The club is always open to new members with beginners courses starting in early spring\summer. For More information on Kilcullen Canoe Club, check out www.kilcullencanoeclub.com, Facebook, Flickr (Kilcullen Canoe Club) or contact Diane Brown by email secretary@kilcullencanoeclub.com or why not drop down to see us at the club where there is activity most evenings?

More pictures in Tuesday's Kildare Nationalist.

Remembering Brother Raphael Berney

While the Berney family is well known in today's Kilcullen, with brothers Jim, Tom and Bernard all still playing an active part in the business and social community here, a cousin of theirs' memory is rather lost in the mists of a premature demise, writes Brian Byrne.

John Berney was born to Thomas Berney and his wife Margaret (Connolly) on March 3 1907. Little is known of his growing up in Kilcullen, but in 1921 he was sent to boarding school in Mount St Joseph Abbey in Roscrea, operated by the Cistercians order.

He is recalled in the college annual as 'never having achieved distinction in games' but having 'unfailing high spirits, his love of laughter and its attendant sprites'. A commentary which leaves open much, and possibly something mischievous.

What was his big skill was music, 'above the average' according to contemporary accounts, and for which he gained the college First Class Honours and a Prize at Senior Advanced level.

"Of course he was indispensable for every céidhlí — and there were many — in the classrooms, and foremost in the orchestra of his day," the writer of his obituary notice in the college annual noted in 1935.

John left the college in 1924 and went to study at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. There he studied the organ under the tutelage of one Dr Heuston, but after two years he decided he wanted to consecrate himself to religious life. He applied to his alma mater at Mount Saint Joseph, and in 1926 he took the Cistercian habit as a brother and the monastic name of Raphael.

Brother Raphael was appointed organist in the abbey church, and was assigned to teach music in the college where he had himself studied. His hope was that he could advance through the Cistercian system to full priesthood.

But his health failed, and he underwent a series of operations which eventually resulted in the removal of his colon. In 1931 he made his solemn profession as a Cistercian, and early in the next year was conferred with Minor Orders. When in the summer of 1933 he was conferred as sub-deacon, he was within less than a year in sight of his ambition to be a fully-ordained priest.

"How he yearned for the coming of that never to be forgotten day on which the dignity of the sacred and eternal priesthood would be his," is recorded in a reflection on Brother Raphael's life. "To be an Alter Christus; to be a mediator betwixt God and man."

It wasn't to be. His illness had left him open to further problems. In 1933, a Holy Year proclaimed by the Vatican to mark the 19th centenary of the death of Christ on the cross, Mount St Joseph's was hit by typhoid fever, eventually in early 1934 resulting in the deaths first of Brother Raphael and two of his Cistercian colleagues and three students.

At the age of 27 when he died on the Feast of the Epiphany, John (Brother Raphael) Berney had spent much of his educational time as well as seven years and four months in the cloister of Mount Saint Joseph's.

This is the 80th year since his death. It's time to to mark it, if for no other reason than to be true to our own local history.

Thanks to Peter Moloney for the research and the prodding to make this article happen.

Great night at Oblates Table Quiz

There was a superb turnout to Miriam McDonnell's Table Quiz on Thursday night in aid of the annual Oblate Lourdes pilgrimage, writes Ronan Murphy.

The packed jour in Fallons created a great atmosphere with Vivian and Pat Clarke and helpers ensuring that all ran smoothly. With Raffles, Spot Prizes, and refreshments it a was a great fun night for
a very worthy cause, and over €3,000 was raised.

The winners were the CPC Teachers team — Eleanor Higgins, Sandra Ross, Clare McDonnell and Aoife O'Malley. The Fallons team were runners-up.

Website to encourage children reading

Kildare Mayor Mark Wall along with county footballer Niall Kelly were present at the recent launch of the new Reading Champions website, an initiative of six different local authorities including Kildare County Council, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, and Longford County Council.

On readingchampions.ie, famous writers, sportspeople and celebrities were invited to say what reading means to them and to become ambassadors for children’s reading. Those who responded included Niall Kelly, Bressie, Sarah Webb and children's author Tom McCaughren.

'Reading is one of the most important gifts a parent can give to their child," Mayor Wall said at the launch. "Reading opens so many opportunities and possibilities to children. Not only is it a valuable educational tool it is also food for the imagination and soul. The Reading Champions website encourages and promotes reading to children by featuring 23 well-known people sharing their experiences of reading."

Pictured with Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn TD, who launched the website, are Mayor Wall and Niall Kelly.

Spring Fair upcoming at Grangebeg

A Spring Fair will be held on Sunday 6 April at Grangebeg Camphill near Dunlavin, writes Brian Byrne.

Running from 2-530pm, there will be tea, coffee, waffles and other refreshments, as well as craft stalls, an alpaca walk, face painting and an Easter Egg Hunt for the youngsters.

All are welcome. To get there from Kilcullen drive towards Dunlavin until a T-junction after a narrow bridge close to Dunlavin. Take the left at the T, then the first right following the signs for Grangebeg Camphill Community.

Great work by Community Games swimmers

Congratulations to all our swimmers who took part in the county competition in Athy, writes Papillon Rabbitte of Kilcullen Community Games. Nadya Dunne took gold in the girls U10 Freestyle and will now go forward to represent Kildare at the National Finals in August. Also taking home medals were Evan Swan in the boys U14 Backstroke and Isabelle Tyrell in the girls U12 Freestyle both taking fourth place.

The cross county teams for Kildare were also selected recently with the competition being held on the Curragh rugby grounds. Molly Aspell finished third in the U13 1200m trial ensuring her place on the Kildare team for the National Finals in August.

We also had success in the U12 trial which was run over 500 metres. Hannah Breen finished fourth and secured her place on the U12 mixed distance relay team for the National Finals.

Email kilcullencg@gmail.com or check out Kilcullen Community Games on facebook.com/KilcullenCommunityGames for more information on events.

Be careful on the water ...

Top: a pleasant and gentle river at low water can become a maelstrom (bottom left) when the flood is down. And the lifebelt upstream of the bridge is missing.

A local resident was out for a walk last week, and as he crossed the Liffey bridge he noticed two girls down by the river bank near the Town Hall Heritage Centre. The river was high at the time, and he went down by the hall to warn the girls about the danger of the flood current. When he reached them, one was on the bank and the other was standing on one of the boulders in the river. He spoke to them about the danger, but it was not clear that they realised just how serious the situation could be.

The river is one of Kilcullen’s attractions, but it is not a swimming pool: it has a current, hidden hazards and a very low temperature at this time of year. Discharges from the power stations upstream make the river at Kilcullen deeper as thousands of tons of water add their weight and force to the flow, speeding up the current and turning the Liffey into a very dangerous place.

Fortunately, the girl who was standing on the boulder, kept her balance and she came to no harm. The river was in full flood at the time, and if she had fallen in, there is little doubt that she would have been swept away and she would have been lucky to survive.

We ask parents to please make sure that their children and any young visitors to the area are made aware of how dangerous the river can be and are warned not to take chances.

Alert on van movements, and warning on bogus Daffodil 'collectors'

The Kilcullen Community Text Alert system is making subscribers aware of a faded red HiAce van with a 03 KE registration 'doing the rounds' in Calverstown and Usk, writes Brian Byrne.

Such notifications are only made after consultation with An Garda.

Separately, Nuala Collins has asked the Diary to warn people about bogus collectors calling to houses on Daffodil Day. She says all proper collectors will have relevant ID and they should be asked for it.

People responding well to Daffodil Day

Kilcullen's Daffodil Day organiser Nuala Collins says there's already a very good response to the collection effort today. She's pictured above with her longest-serving volunteer, Teresa Meaney, outside Nolans Butchers on Main Street.

One lady, wants to remain anonymous, left a sum of money in to Cafe Cualann this morning so that volunteers could have a cup of coffee or tea during their stints in the cold today.

Nuala and friends have been collecting in Kilcullen since 1987 and in that time have raised something around €90,000 for the Irish Cancer Society through the generosity of local people.

On the other side, over the years a number of volunteers have lost their own lives to cancer. "We always remember them, and bring daffodils to their graves on Daffodil Day," Nuala says.

'Stardust' CD launch on Sunday

The official launch of the CD 'Nobody's Darling But Mine' by Stardust will take place in the Town House Hotel Naas, next Sunday between 3-6pm.

The CD has already been very successful for Stardust — Joe O'Neill of Athy and Noeleen Eston who runs Kilcullen's Post Office — since it had its recent 'soft' launch, and it is getting strong airplay on the country music programmes on local radio throughout Leinster.

The event on Sunday will be an open afternoon of free music and refreshments. In addition to Stardust there will be a number of other musical groups and individuals performing, including Tunesmiths, Paul Flynn of the Breakaways, Jim Malone of Fifth Degree with Mary Malone, Kilcullen's Jimmy Aspell, and Nass singer Johnny Dwyer.

Everybody is welcome to go along and enjoy themselves at the event, which will be compered by Kevin Fitzpatrick Lawlor of Midland Radio.

Tourism development 'important' — LAP

Tourism development has 'an important role' in the future economic development of Kilcullen, according to the Draft Local Area Plan 2014-2020 for the town, writes Brian Byrne.

The Plan identifies the attraction of the River Liffey, the heritage that includes nearby Dun Ailinne as one of the four key pre-Christian settlement sites, the reputation of the town's bars, cafes and restaurants, and the amenities represented by such developments as the Camphill Community Farm cafe and shop.

The Plan suggests that more accommodation needs to be made available for growth in tourism, though the fact that it is within an hour's drive from Dublin does make Kilcullen a viable day trip destination.

The Council commits in the Plan to support the improvement of the visitor experience in Kilcullen through cooperation with 'stakeholders and appropriate agencies' to secure tourist-based enterprises and facilities in the town.

Councillors will be asked again at next Monday's monthly meeting to vote for publication of the Draft LAP. The matter was deferred at the last meeting, delaying the beginning of the public consultation period originally scheduled for last week.

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Romeo and Juliet opens

After many weeks of work, tonight's the night for the real thing, and our pic of the cast of Teen Theatre's 'Romeo and Juliet' show that they're rearin' to go. Break a leg, guys.

The show is on again tomorrow night in the CPC Hall. Tickets are still available on the door.

Easter Chicks on sale

With Easter only a few weeks away, the SUAS Knitting Club has been busy making up these cute Easter Chicks. Just €2 each from the Parish Office.

Traffic Management Plan for Kilcullen — LAP

A Traffic Management Plan is to be prepared for Kilcullen during the lifetime of the Local Area Plan 2014-2020 for the town which is currently being considered in Draft form by Councillors, writes Brian Byrne.

In addition, the Council will investigate whether a lower speed limit is required in the town centre area to improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and 'vulnerable' road users. Traffic calming measures will also be implemented on the northern approach to the town, to cut vehicle speeds.

The Draft LAP outlines how better cycle facilities will be provided through a cycle network study to be followed by a properly designed suitable cycle infrastructure on identified routes.

The Plan also envisages that existing footpaths will be refurbished, and that new footpaths and public lighting will be provided between the Link Business Park and the town centre area, and on the Sunnyhill Road. New lighting is also promised between the Main Street and the pedestrian access to the Valley Park.

The long-mooted new street between the Athy Road at the Kilcullen Business Campus and the Curragh Road is also part of the plan. From that junction, it is envisaged that another street will skirt the Pinkeen Stream edge of suggested new development in what's known locally as the Cattle Mart Field, coming out onto Main Street beside Bardons.

Similar new streets will connect any new development behind McTernans and Fallons to Main Street beside Brennan's Hardware, according to indicative Design Briefs for those areas.

Realignment and improvement works are proposed for the Sunnyhill Road junction opposite Castlemartin Stud, a bend on the Logstown Road, and on sections of the Newabbey and Sunnyhill roads.

Looking further, the Council is making it an objective to examine whether there will be a need for a Relief Road east of the town linking the Athy Road with the Naas Road, which would require a new bridge over the Liffey.

Councillors will be asked again at next Monday's monthly meeting to vote for publication of the Draft LAP. The matter was deferred at the last meeting, delaying the beginning of the public consultation period originally scheduled for last week.

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The Quicksand Band in the BAG

Monday next sees the return of Dublin Band, The Quicksand Band, to Mick Murphys in Ballymore, writes Roy Thompson. Fresh Americana sound that tips its cap to great contemporary American bands like Wilco.

The Quicksand Band were formed in 2008 in Dublin. Having played together in various forms over the years, the lads grouped together to record what was originally a solo project for lead singer Justin Corr. But the sounds and vibes that came from that session paved the way for the launch of a new band. With Phil Clarke joining Justin on lead vocals and guitars, Shay Cosgrave on drums and Eoin Melinn on Bass, The Quicksand Band was born.

Playing in venues across the country they have developed a unique style and approach to music with songs that bear the influence of country, folk and rock but with a very contemporary edge. Their live performances have gained them a large fan base, drawn to their compelling, exciting and honest delivery of material. The Quicksand Band have had the pleasure of being guests to Declan O'Rourke, Freddie White, Prison Love, Luan Parle, Mick Hanly and Eric Taylor amongst others.

Support will be from Blessington's Ruairi O'Donnell.

Hope to see ye on the night. Usual Ts & Cs — Doors 8:30pm; Admission €12 on the door.

Council warning on bogus collectors

Kildare County Council has issued a warning about individuals who are impersonating Council Revenue Collectors. These individuals may request payment for rates or other income.

The authority says Kildare County Council staff will have official Council identification cards and if a customer is unsure of the identity of an individual please contact the local Revenue Collector or the office on (045) 980656.

Diabetes information meeting

An information meeting on diabetes has been organised by the Kildare Branch of the Diabetic Federation of Ireland, for Thursday 3 April in the Maudlins House Hotel, Naas.

The Branch AGM will be part of the proceedings, which begin at 7pm.

The meeting will be attended by Dr Kevin Moore, consultant endocrinologist/diabetologist, and Catherine Kerin BSc who specialises in podiatric medicine and foot care.

The event will include a question and answer session.

'Critical mass' required to grow retail in Kilcullen

Revitalisation and growth of retail business on Kilcullen's Main Street is largely dependent on development and regeneration of sites and properties on Main Street and other town centre lands, according to the Draft Local Area Plan 2014-2020 currently being considered by Councillors, writes Brian Byrne.

The planners note that while Kilcullen had no identified vacant retail space in 2001, a survey in 2009 found nine vacant retail units in the town centre area, and late last year that figure had climbed to 15. This is against a background of total retail floorspace increasing by 53 percent between 2001-2009. The document notes a 'lack of active frontages' along stretches of Main Street, and rundown and vacant premises which are a 'key element' of the streetscape that need to be 'restored and invigorated'.

The Draft LAP outlines a strategy promoting occupation of the vacant commercial and residential units in the town centre, as well as developing the potential of two identified 'expansion sites' which would provide a mix of retail, commercial and residential use with links back onto the Main Street. An 'unrealised opportunity' for urban renewal and investment could, if developed, provide a 'critical mass' of population and services that could secure the long term vitality and viability of the town centre, the Plan's authors say. Developing these sites might happen beyond the period of the new Plan.

Upper floors of some town centre properties could also be better used for commercial and residential purposes, the document suggests, while the street level should be kept for retail frontage. Residential uses in the town centre should be encouraged through such initiatives as 'Living over the Shop'.

Large-scale 'convenience format centres' will not be permitted in neighbourhood residential areas, and the town centre will be the 'priority location' for new retail development. The Council will facilitate re-use and regeneration of town centre derelict and 'brown field' land and buildings for retail and other town centre use.

The overall vision for Kilcullen, according to the Plan, is to create a 'vibrant and bustling town'. In particular, the document suggests a combination and linkage of 'unique heritage', retailing and tourism experience towards achieving this.

Councillors will be asked again at next Monday's monthly meeting to vote for publication of the Draft LAP. The matter was deferred at the last meeting, delaying the beginning of the public consultation period originally scheduled for last week.

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Badminton update

There are five matches to report on this week with all teams playing away, writes Enda O'Neill, PRO of Kilcullen Badminton Club.

Mix 1 captained by Paddy Burke visited table toppers Old Bawn in their division 3 DDL match on March 21. It was going to be a tough match between the two heavyweights in the division. It was to be KBC’s night, however, with Paddy and the team taking the match 3-1 overall and now sitting joint top of the table with Old Bawn. Well done to Paddy, Gareth, Lynsey and Caroline and best wishes when you meet them in the return fixture next week.

Vincent and his men were also away to Baldoyle on Friday March 21. Men 3 improved their chances of reaching a Quarter Final place when they beat Baldoyle away 4-0. This is a great result for Vincent, Kasi, Fintan and Colin.

Dave’s Men 2 played the first of their two matches this week on Friday March 21 to St Josephs of Dublin. It was to be a successful outing and Men 2 took the match 4-0.

The Men 2 were out again on Monday March 24 this time to Boyne of Meath. The long track proved to be a difficult one but the lads managed to come away with a 2-2 draw. With this result the Men are in prime position to progress to the next stage. well done to Dave and the lads.

In our final match to report Enda’s Mix 3 team were away to neighbours Athy in the South West Cup. Mix 3 was victorious beating Athy 5-1 and progressing to the Semi Finals. After a shaky start Vincent and Enda took the men’s doubles to level the match at 1-1. Sarah and Tara and John and Sean took their ladies and men’s doubles putting KBC 3-1 ahead going into the mixed doubles. John and Tara took mix 1 in 2 straight sets. It was up to Jen and Vincent to seal the match in the second mix doubles match and they did so in an exciting 3-set thriller, losing their first 21-10 but winning the second and third sets 21-19 and 2118 respectively. This meant the third and fourth mixed pairings didn’t need to play. Well done to Tara, Sarah, Jen, Helen, john, Vincent, Sean and Enda.

All in all a good week for the club. Pictured are (back) John, Sean,Vincent, Enda; and (front) Tara, Sarah, Jen and, Helen.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 25th March 2014 were 8, 9, 13 and 17. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €7,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were John & Kathleen Kennedy (Promoter Kathleen Kennedy), Josie Connolly (Ethna Dempsey), and Tracey O'Dwyer (Adrienne Byrne).

The winners of the €50 Promoters Draws were Valerie McTernan and Tom O'Connell, and the winner of the Draw for those there on the night was Liam Keogh.

LAP envisages 700 more homes for Kilcullen

Area of Kilcullen LAP.

Kildare's planners estimate that something over 700 new residential units will be required in Kilcullen during the life of the Local Area Plan 2014-2020, writes Brian Byrne.

But they also reckon that the town was 'overzoned' for residential use by some 16 hectares under the LAP produced in 2008, so that amount of land has been rezoned to alternative uses under the new Draft Plan.

According to the relevant censuses, Kilcullen had 1,040 households in 2006, and this increased to 1,242 by 2011.

The new Plan has identified nine areas in the town where these new homes might be located, totalling some 30ha capable of accommodating 717 units. In terms of units numbers, the largest is the Newbridge Road with a suggested 198 homes. Following that are Logstown Road south and the Market Square road with 110 units each. Then Nicholastown (88), New Abbey Road (57), Logstown (50), Main Street (33) and Logstown Road north (30).

The planners have included 'indicative' Design Briefs for two of those areas in the LAP — the Mart and adjoining lands on the Newbridge Road, and the lands between Riverside Manor and the Main Street. The Plan describes these as 'broad planning parameters' for the future development of these areas.

There are also a number of opportunities for residential and other development in infill areas in the town centre area.

The policies and objectives underpinning the Draft LAP will restrict apartments development to town centre locations, but won't allow them where there is already an 'over concentration' of this kind of unit.

Restrictions will also be maintained on housing within the agricultural zoned lands.

Councillors will be asked again at next Monday's monthly meeting to vote for publication of the Draft LAP. The matter was deferred at the last meeting, delaying the beginning of the public consultation period originally scheduled for last week.

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Parish Feis raised €5,696

The recent Parish Feis organised by the Landers School of Dancing raised €5,696 for Parish funds, writes Brian Byrne.

More than 400 dancers competed in the event, which has raised funding for the Parish for more than four decades.

It was supported by many others in the community who helped prepare the Community Centre for the day, sponsored competitions, and provided cakes and other goodies for the tea-room.

Support Daffodil Day this Friday

When a young CPC student gave his lunch money to support Daffodil day last year, he was showing that awareness of the work of the Irish Cancer Society is at all age levels, writes Nuala Collins. Daffodil Day this year is is next Friday, March 28.

The Irish Cancer Society is so grateful to everyone that supports it. The organisation wants supporters to know that the money they raise for the Irish Cancer Society is spent wisely—ultimately working to improve the lives of those with or affected by cancer.

In light of recent scandals with other charities, more than ever, people need to know how the funds raised are being spent.

The Society is dependent on the public to raise more than 95 percent of its income, and it is not government funded.

Some 78c of every euro donated to the society is spent directly delivering services; 22c is spent on fundraising, governance and administration.

The Society currently raises €20 million annually from donations and fundraising. This money goes to work in three key areas are free nationwide information, support and care services; cancer research; and advocacy.

Clean up at Old Kilcullen

As part of the National Spring Clean we are organising the second annual clean up of the Old Kilcullen area on Saturday 29 March, writes Fergus Aspell.

We're commencing at 2pm at the Tower. The clean up will focus on the five roads leading to the Tower.

All support welcome.

Working Together - For Our Community.

Slow down, please

People taking the Mass path route to New Abbey have obviously been walking too fast ...

Canoe Slalom results

The results from the Slalom Race hosted by Kilcullen Canoe Club yesterday were (Division 1 Senior Men) 1 Sam Curtis, 2 Tom Burke, 3 Tadgh O'Farrell; (Junior 18 Men) 1 Noel Hendrick, 2 Oisin Farrell; (Junior 16 Men) 1 Cian Vaugh; (C1 Men) 1 Robert Hendrick. (Division 1 Senior Women) 1 Aisling Conlon, 2 Sarah McDonagh; (Junior 18 Women) 1 Ciara Farrell, 2 Caoimhe O'Ferrall; 3 Erica Doran; (Junior 12 Women) 1 Niamh O'Ferrall; (C1 Women) 1 Caoimhe O'Ferrall.

(Division 2 Senior Men) 1 Mike Conway, 2 Bernard Walsh, 3 Stephen Hannon; (Junior 16 Men) 1 Neil Dignam, 2 Louis Hannon; 3 Eoin Moorehouse; (Junior 14 Men) 1 Adam Vaugh; (Junior 12 Men) 1 Ethan Dowling; 2 Tom Morley; 3 Michael O'Herlihy. (Junior 14 Women) 1 Maeve Martin; 2 Michelle O'Herlihy.

More pictures available here.