And it's goodbye from me ...

Mid-2011, Rich and I attended a church service in Brannockstown Baptist Church, writes Annmarie Miles. Rich had been there before, but it was my first time. We had already decided that we wanted to make it a more permanent arrangement. After church we drove in to Kilcullen, down the main street, over the bridge and up the hill. We stopped at Centra, bought coffee and sandwiches and sat in the car thinking what a glorious place Kilcullen would be to live in.

That Centra turned out to be our 'local', and before the year was out, we were living in the apartments just behind it.

It wasn't long before we sensed that Kilcullen was 'more than the sum of its parts.' It's such a wonderful community, so much going on, and a Facebook page for every group. Love it or not, social media presence is great indicator of life in a town.

It's been pleasure and a privilege for me to be part of the writing group, for both of us to teach pupils locally, spend time in the library, drink coffee in An Tearmann and sample Armelle & Kenny's macarons.

I even got to launch my book in the library.

We have loved living here and are sad to say goodbye to the town, and the church in Brannockstown. We return to Richard's homeland of Wales, with great memories and special place in our hearts for Kilcullen.

So to Brian Byrne, John Martin, Gerry & Julie O'Donoghue, Kenny & Armelle, Petra & Mara Conroy, Kilcullen Writing Group members, pupils & parents, and many other great people we've met - thank you so much, for your friendship and encouragement. And don't forget how blessed you are to be part of such a community.

Please do stay in touch if you'd like to...
www.facebook.com/amowriting
www.twitter.com/amowriting
www.twitter.com/richjm612