Vincent de Paul painting raffle draw tonight

Just a reminder that the draw of the raffle for an original Ray Ryan watercolour will take place at 7:30pm this evening, Wednesday 30 September, in the Parish Centre.

The painting 'Winter on the Canal' was donated to the St Vincent de Paul Society in Kilcullen.

Tickets are still available today in Berney’s Chemists (where the painting is on display) and in the Vincent's Shop on Main Street.

New exhibition from Emma Campbell

Kilmeague-based artist Emma Campbell is having an exhibition of her work under the title 'Meadows' in Naas Arts & Culture Centre, beginning this Saturday and running until 15 October.

The exhibition comprises all new edition original pieces.

The roots of her work derive from a mixture of Impressionism and abstract art. Emma works with acrylics as her main medium, ensuring that each creation has an individual flair and twist.

Her work is influenced by aspects of the unconscious, taking reality and enhancing what one's imagination can create.

For the vibrant colours alone, her exhibitions are always worth a visit.

Home Instead is a Franchise of the Year winner

Local home care provider Home Instead Senior Care was named Franchise of the Year (Service) in the 2015 Irish Franchise Awards.

The awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry.

Amanda Bohan, owner and Managing Director of the local home care provider in Kilcullen saidwinning the Service category acknowledges the efforts Home Instead have made in providing an unrivalled home care service to clients in the local community. "To us, home care is personal," she says, "and the relationships we have with clients underpins everything we do”.

The judging panel for the 2015 Irish Franchise Awards included Newstalk Business Presenter and former Irish Dragon Bobby Kerr; Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Greg Swift, head of enterprise at Dublin Local Enterprise Office; Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association and Elaine O'Regan of the Sunday Business Post.

The Irish Franchise Awards celebrate 20 years this year and it is one of the longest running business award ceremonies in Ireland. 230 guests attended the black-tie gala event hosted by Newstalk’s Jonathan Healy and officiated by Minister Kevin Humphreys TD.

Pictured at the Awards at the Clyde Court Hotel are Minister Kevin Humphreys TD and Bobby Kerr, presenting the Franchise of The Year (Service) Award on behalf of Rialto Ford Motors to Lorna Dunne, Tony O Donovan and Deirdre Donnehy, Home Instead.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 29th September 2015 were 3, 8, 16 and 18. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €15,600.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Tommy Dillon (Promoter Bernie Dowling), Joan & Noel Ryan (Miriam McDonnell) and Sean Dunne (Mick Dunne.

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Wednesday Bridge and Vivienne Byrne and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Ursula O’Toole.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

What will I do with my Volkswagen diesel?

As it is by far the biggest distributor of cars in this country, there are no doubt many drivers of Volkswagens, Skodas, and SEATs with the controversial Volkswagen Group's diesel engine among the Diary's readers, writes Brian Byrne.

Wearing my other hat as a longtime motoring writer, here are my thoughts on the current scandal, and its implications.

Jeff Finlin in the BAG tonight

Those of you who have been attending the Ballymore gig since it's earlier days, will likely have seen Jeff Finlin perform in the Ballymore Inn many years ago, in the early-mid noughties, writes Roy Thompson of the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs.

You won't need me to tell you that he is considered by many to be one of the finest songwriters to come out of America in decades, or that his performances are powerful, engaging, and memorable. You will be aware that his lyricism is akin to that of a great novelist, and that his guitar style is rhythmic and deceptively straightforward.

So, you will know that you won't want to miss Jeff's return to Ballymore this evening, Monday 28 September, when he'll appear in Mick Murphy's Bar. Doors open at 8:30pm; gig starts at 9pm sharp. Clive Barnes sits in, on guitars, and will add hugely to the depth of the sounds you'll hear.

Those of you who have not yet seen Jeff Finlin live, should take this rare opportunity to see him in Ireland. You may already know his music, as 'Sugar Blue' featured in the Hollywood movie, 'Elizabethtown'.

Acting for adults classes resume

A new course of acting for adults begins on Wednesday 30 September at the Drama Dynamics Studio on Hillcrest, writes Brian Byrne.

Each session will run from 8-9pm and it's a great opportunity to release your inner Diva, as DD owner Evelyn O'Sullivan puts it.

Contact Evelyn on 087 6441504 or Evelyn_O_Sullivan@hotmail.com

Thanks for 'amazing response' to Dawn Walk

There was a fulsome thanks for the generosity of all those who went on the recent Dawn Walk through New Abbey Stud at last night's presentation of a cheque to Pieta House, writes Brian Byrne.

The cheque for €7,200 was accepted by Marie Peelo of Pieta House, who said it would mean seven more people could be accepted on the organisation's free therapeutic programme for people in suicidal distress or doing self harm.

She said 20,000 people had availed of Pieta House's services so far.

On behalf of herself and co-organiser of the Walk Richie Kelly, Lorna Brophy (above right) said they were very grateful for the wonderful turnout and 'amazing' financial response by the community of Kilcullen to the event.

She also thanked Rory Mahon and his team at New Abbey Stud for allowing them have the event in such a beautiful setting.

The presentation took place in O'Connell's Bar.

Great night of 'Mama Mia'

Last night's performance of 'Mama Mia' in the Town Hall Theatre was a riot of colour, energy, and pure effervescent entertainment, writes Brian Byrne.

The young people from Athy, under the direction of Aiden McHugh, sang, danced, and signed their way through the story that has kept the musical legacy of Abba alive for decades on stages across the world.

The audience were right in tune with things two, especially the back row group of very young people enjoying a birthday night out.

The event was a local marking of Irish Sign Language Awareness Week, which underpins a campaign by the Irish Deaf Society to make Irish Sign Language the third official language of Ireland.

All the pictures are here.

Thanks for concert support from Maintain Hope

A full and enthusiastic house marked the return of 'The Moon and Sixpence' to the Town Hall Theatre on 8 September, writes Gerry O'Donoghue. It was a night of fun, nostalgia and most of all of wonderful music. They enthralled their faithful fans and won a legion of new admirers. The night was tinged with sadness as tribute was paid to Peter Coe and our own Des Byrne, who like many, are gone too soon.

The proceeds were to pay for school and exam fees for our Maintain Hope students and we are really grateful to everybody who supported us on the night and gave them this chance at an education. Special thanks to Lorcan McGeough, who nursed this event to fruition. The rent is paid, school costs are paid and the food cupboard is full. It’s a great feeling to have everything paid until Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, Monica and John Martin are already laying plans for our Christmas Gathering which will be in the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday 17 Dec. It will be a seasonal mix of music and musings and Berneys Chemists are again obliging with the box-office, with tickets at €10.

There has already been a very positive response to our Tenner a Month appeal. If anybody has a Standing Order Form lying around, please complete it today. It will make a lasting difference. Details can be had on www.maintainhope.org.

All of the children are physically well and are getting visibly stronger by the day. For some, the scars go deeper and we are providing counselling and therapy for some who are badly affected by what they have suffered and seen in their short lives. For children whose start in life was so appalling, they are full of joy and enthusiasm. They appreciate the smallest gesture of love or kindness and in their turn are unfailingly kind to each other. They comfort and support each other and perform countless acts of hidden kindness when there is no prospect of credit or reward. They love learning and think nothing of waking at 5am to be on time for school, where they are eager learners. They are constantly thanking us for our help, but I am convinced that we are the ones who should be thankful for the great privilege of working with them.

Pictured above are two of our children, Winnie aged two, and Sandra aged 10.

Teen makeup workshop planned

Following on from the very successful makeup workshop (above) organised by Tara Coules recently in Hair by Eilis, there's one specifically for teenagers planned, writes Brian Byrne.

There are a few places left for the workshop, which will take place on Sunday 4 October in the same venue.

The cost is €50, and a €10 deposit is required at booking. Suitable for teens aged 14 and upwards, bookings can be made by phoning Tara at 087 7378015 or at Hair by Eilis.

Rural town and village funds 'only a step' — TD

Projects such as greenways, cycle ways, upgrading of parks and civic area, and improving street lighting are just some of the uses to which the newly announced funds for rural towns and village could be used, writes Brian Byrne.

These are suggestions made by Deputy Martin Heydon, who was involved with a number of his fellow back-benchers in the Standing Up for Rural Ireland campaign to the Government to get the funds, amounting to €30m over six years.

But the Deputy says the allocation announced during the week is only a 'step in the right direction', and he and his colleagues of the campaign will continue to fight for more.

"I would specifically like to see a grant scheme for town centre properties included in the Budget, to encourage owners to develop and repair them. That would help to revitalise town centres, and encourage residents back to the centres of towns."

The scheme will be administered by local authorities.

Deputy Heydon is pictured with Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Deputy Helen McEntee at the launch of Fine Gael's Standing up for Rural Ireland campaign during the summer.

Brannockstown Table Quiz tonight

A reminder that Brannockstown Community Committee are holding a Table Quiz in Brannoxtown School tonight, Friday 25 September, writes Jacinta Sully.

The event starts at 8pm and the cost for a table of four is €30.

A presentation will be made to Mickey Clifford on the night for all his hard work he has done for the community. The presentation will take place at 7.30pm.

All support will be greatly appreciated for much-needed funds for the village flowers.

Contact Jacinta Sully 087 6689028 or John Kennedy 086 8622690 for further information.

Credit Unions top customer service poll

This week, the first ever survey of Irish brands based on the experience of customers, shows that Credit Unions top the poll, writes Ruth Scully.

According to the Customer Experience Ireland Survey 2015 (CEXI), Ireland’s Credit Unions including Kilcullen are one of the Customer Experience Champions, coming 1st in their ranking. This is extremely good news for credit unions at a time when demand for services is at all all-time high.

At the height of the economic crisis, credit unions were the only financial services provider to significantly grow their membership — a trend that continues to this day. Currently Kilcullen Credit Union has 3,382 members, a growth of 12% in the past year alone. To this membership, Kilcullen Credit Union has provided €1,378,557 in small loans for every day things. Kilcullen Credit Union also supports Kilcullen Senior Citizens.

The local, face to face service that continues to be provided by Kilcullen Credit Union and indeed all credit unions all over the country is obviously still valued by the Irish population. Customer service is extremely important for Kilcullen Credit Union and something that should not be taken for granted now or into the future and credit unions should take the time to invest in this regard.

Speaking about CEXI Report Pat Stafford from Kilcullen Credit Union said Kilcullen Credit Union has been working hard in this community for over 44 years, serving members by providing accessible savings and loan products. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who have continued to serve members through even the most difficult social and financial periods of change in this country," he says. "We are looking forward to developing and enhancing our range of services to our valued members in the coming years. Our ethos will never change and our members will remain central to all of the decision we make, now and into the future”

The survey was carried out by Amarách Consulting based on a template provided by KPMG Nunwood.

Iuvenes after school care in new location

In advance of its opening next Monday 28 September, the new Iuvenes after school childcare service has changed its location to a premises closer to Kilcullen's schools, writes Brian Byrne.

Set up by local woman Louise O'Gorman, Iuvenes will now operate from Bradfield House, just down from the traffic lights on the Curragh Road.

The service will include a Breakfast Club for children who need to be dropped off for school earlier than the school opening times.

It will also provide collection and active care facilities for after school for children aged from six upwards. Homework will be supervised by a teacher amongst the fully qualified team.

Full information is available from Louise at 085 7376368, email louogorman@hotmail.com, or visit facebook.com/iuvenesafterschoolcare.

Kumon learning instruction in Kilcullen

Colette Murran from Calverstown has recently opened the Kumon Kildare Study Centre for children aged between two and 15.

We all know the importance of Maths and English. It has been widely shown, for instance, that young people with better literacy and numeracy skills are far more likely to succeed in gaining good employment and fulfilling their potential later in life.

As we look to the start of a new school term, parents will be thinking about how they can support their child’s learning. At Kumon study centres across the country, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities.

Established for almost 60 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their independent study skills and confidently tackle advanced work beyond the international standard for their age.

Before enrolling, each child can benefit from a Free Assessment. This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that their Kumon study is individualised to their needs from the outset. In addition to developing academic ability, Kumon study fosters in students the mind-set and skills for self-learning. Kumon is an independent study programme, but students are never alone. Kumon Instructors provide the guidance students need to take their learning into their own hands, increasing their motivation to succeed and achieve.

Kumon students complete daily worksheets at home and visit the centre up to twice a week. The new term is therefore the ideal time to settle into this new routine, so students can get off to a flying start this academic year.

For more information about the Kumon Kildare Study Centre, call Instructor Colette Murran on 045 485713 or email kildare@kumoncentre.ie

Joni Harms to perform in Kilcullen

A number of people from the music business are expected to attend the Joni Harms concert in Kilcullen Town Hall Theatre on Wednesday 7 October, writes Carmel Aspell.

People from as far away as Highland Radio in Donegal will attend. Joni, who is a renowned singer/songwriter, will play her only concert in Kilcullen.

She is on a short visit to Ireland having finished a tour of England. She will be joined on the night by Matt Leavy who is one of the finest country singers we have here in Ireland.

Bernie Heaney from Newbridge, a very busy lady at the moment, will also take part, as will local singer James Aspell.

A night not to be missed, tickets on sale at €12.50 from Berneys Chemist or Carmel Aspell 086-8942998.

Yoga classes return

Yoga classes are starting on Oct 8 in Kilcullen Parish Centre.

The sessions start at 8pm.

Contact Rory on 0871270338 or rory5807@yahoo.ie for further information.

The secret Text Alert signer

As a follyer-upper to our recent post about the arrival of the Text Alert signs to the Kilcullen Garda District, credit should be given to the guy who's actually putting them up, writes Brian Byrne.

The Diary can reveal that the secret fly-sign-erector is our own county councillor Ivan Keatley, pictured above at Gormanstown Church.

He says all the signs for the districts so far signed up to the scheme should be up by the weekend.

Thanks for Hospice coffee morning support

Last week's Coffee Morning for the Hospice movement raised €1,035 for St Brigid's Hospice on the Curragh, writes Sarah Baars.

I am very grateful to the local businesses who made donations and also to all the people who came down to enjoy coffee and cake in the lovely surrounds of the Heritage Centre. I would also like to thank all those who baked the array of lovely cakes, scones, biscuits and buns, and helped on the day, for their great effort.

I am delighted that we were able to contribute the money raised to St Brigid's Hospice bank account.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 22nd September 2015 were 1, 2, 13 and 24. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €15,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draw were T/A Keymed (Promoter PJ Lydon), Barbara Collins (Anne Brennan), Anne Corrigan (Ger’s Fruit & Veg).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Miriam McDonnell and Trish Byrne and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Liam Keogh.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

An interview with Aisling Holton

Aisling Holton, a player with the Kildare Ladies GAA Team, teaches Junior and senior infants in Brannoxtown National School for the past four years, writes Jacinta Sully. Not only is Aisling very popular with the staff and parents, she touches the hearts of all her students with her kind caring manner.

Her dedication and commitment not only shows on the pitch, but shows in her everyday duties in the school with her class. Aisling has used her experience in football to train the children in the Cumann na mBunscol football competition for the past four years in the school, where her talent has showed on the pitch through the children.

Aisling lives in Johnston Bridge with her parents Tommy and Maire, she has two brothers — Dairmuid her older brother (who now lives in New Zealand), and Des her younger brother. Both played football. Aisling went to Kilshanroe National School and to Edenderry Secondary school, then she went on to UCD to do her Arts Degree.

At this stage Aisling had not decided to become a teacher — she wanted to be a Physiotherapist. She then went to do teaching subbing in her old National School, and that’s when she found her love for teaching and, as they say, the rest is history.

Aisling started playing football for Carbury when she was 10 years old, she played with them for five or six years. Then Balyna, her local club, was formed and Aisling then started playing for them (I’m sure they were delighted with this young talented player) as well as playing for Balyna she also trained the U10/U12 girls team. Aisling has played for the Kildare ladies at underage U12, U14, U16, and Minor and now for the Senior Intermediate Ladies where she plays mid-field, and is captain of the team this year. The Kildare Ladies got to a Junior Football Final in 2004 where they played and beat Sligo in Croke Park, and I have no doubt that they will be the Senior Intermediate Ladies winners on Sunday 27th September in Croke Park.

I would like to thank Aisling for the chat I had with her and Fifth and Sixth classes, and to wish her and the team all the very best for Sunday. I’m sure her parents, brothers, friends and family are very proud of her. I know in Brannockstown we are certainly very proud of you Aisling, and one of our local massive football fans Anna-May Brady will be certainly cheering you on. I brought Aisling down to visit Anna May, where a chat about local history of people they both knew, as well as many a footballer etc. was talked about, where as always Anna May had the tea and her famous apple tart ready. Aisling and Anna May enjoyed the chat, and of course John was only delighted to see this Kildare lady player on his birthday, what more could any man ask for!!!!

Their interview went as follows:

Aisling, congratulations on your success so far. How do you feel about Kildare Ladies reaching the final?
Delighted. We’re very very happy to be there.

Did you get any injuries in the semi final that could affect your game?
We had one girl who got a dead-leg – Ellen Dowling just 10 minutes into the game. She was a big loss, when she went off, but we’re hoping to have her back for Sunday

Are you nervous?
There are a certain amount of nerves before a match but we’re taking it as another match

Are you training more or harder than usual?
We train 3 times a week, and next week, we’ll be going up to Croke Park to prepare mentally for the match

Do you fancy your chances?
We go into every match being confident, and looking for a performance more than anything, and we hope that if we perform well and do the best we can, we hope for success

Do you have confidence in your team?
Yes. I’d be very confident in the team. We’ve all put in a lot of work.

Do you think that everyone in your team is well-prepared?
Yes. We’ve trained so hard the last 10 months everyone is pushing themselves so hard in preparation for the final

Does the team have a strategy?
We play a different type of football for different types of matches. After our concession of 5 goals in our first match to Offaly, we knew that we would have to play a defensive match the next time we met them. We change our strategy depending on the team we’re up against.

How does it feel to be captain?
I am very very proud to be captain because there are a lot of leaders on the team. We all have to be leaders to play well.

If your team is losing, what do you do to encourage your teammates?
We go back to basics, and try to get the simple things right. Ultimately the big thing is hard work. So if for example a corner forward has to track back to the backline to put in a tackle that’s whats has to be done.

We have high hopes for a Kildare win next Sunday, but Kildare have had defeats in the past. How do you handle defeat?
We would be very disappointed, but its about getting back on the field again and get back to training sessions and try to put things right?

How do you handle nerves?
I would think about what I'm going to do in the match all the time. I do a lot of a thing called ‘visualisation’ to prepare myself and to handle nerves.

How do you celebrate a victory?
This year, we’ve all gathered together and discuss how we’ve done well/ After the final we and our families will go to a banquet to hopefully celebrate the win.

If you win, where will you put the trophy?
If we win, there would be a lot of visits to different schools. As a captain, I would have the trophy for a little while, but we’ll share the trophy around all the girls so that they can visit all the clubs.

What is the key to victory?
Hard work and a bit of confidence.

When you beat Offaly, what was the mood in the changing-rooms?
Delighted. Everyone was so excited to get the chance to play in Croke Park, and then to be in the final as well.

Do you think that it’s fair that men dominate Gaelic football?
The men deserve every bit of recognition that they get as they work so hard, but I would like to see the ladies getting a bit more recognition as well.

Are there many other teachers on your team?
You remember Miss Moolick who was here? She’s training to be a teacher. There are four of us altogether who are teachers.

How did you get involved in playing football?
I ’ve two brothers who play football so I started off playing with them when I was six, I then went to a small school like Brannoxtown, and everyone played football there, so that’s where I started off

At what age did you start?
I was seven when I started in school.

Do you think it’s hard to be a teacher and a competitive football player at the same time?
I think teaching is probably the better profession to be in when playing inter-county football as our peak season is the summer, so my job allows me to train in the gym and go swimming during the holidays. It’s easier than a lot of other jobs like that

What is your routine on the night before a big match?
I like to have a good dinner maybe around 8 o’clock, after that I like to stay at home, watch a bit of TV and have a quiet night.

Have you rehearsed your acceptance speech?
Not fully. I don’t believe in tempting fate. I know the people I’d like to thank, but that’s as far as I’ll go.

Dementia workshop tomorrow

Home Instead Senior Care will host a complimentary workshop for family carers in Kildare tomorrow, Wednesday, 23 September.

The purpose of the workshop is to support family carers in taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia at home. It takes place between 7-9pm in Fallons Bar & Restaurant. This workshop is one of a series of free dementia care workshops hosted by the home care provider.

Family caregivers from the local community are invited to attend the workshop and learn practical caregiving techniques such as:

· Suggested approaches when helping with personal care activities
· Understanding behavioural symptoms of dementia
· Learning how to start conversations for effective communication
· Recognising ways to prevent behavioural symptoms in the future
· Discovering ways to care for yourself so that you can remain a successful family caregiver

Amanda Bohan, Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care in Kilcullen, says September is World Alzheimer’s Month and the service has clients living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. "So we have a vested interest in supporting family carers in the local community. Caregivers often struggle to understand the full impact of dementia and it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

"We want to support them to provide the best care they can and meet people in the local community in a similar situation. Caregiving can be lonely and it is important to encourage family carers to have a support network.”

To register for a workshop, call 045 484 623 or sign up online HomeInstead.ie.