Happy New Year's Eve in Kilcullen!

It's all celebration in Kilcullen tonight in the wind-up to midnight. We played it safe and did a quick tour of the pubs, taking one representative shot in each — except for a couple of extras in McTernan's where they were hosting visitors respectively from Cardiff and Doncaster.

In line with our practice, we don't bother with captions, except those visitors. You all know yourselves who you are, and so do your friends, and that's quite enough exposure to put in the wild west of the web ... you never know who's watching, and might come looking for you in 2016. Anyhow, from the Diary, happy new year, all.

Steve Davis and Keith Davis from Cardiff in McTernans.

Nikki Balc from Doncaster and friends with Mick Masterson in McTernans.

In Memoriam

Kilcullen said goodbye to a number of its residents and former residents who died during 2015.

The Diary doesn't always get news of all, but here are those whose passing we did note through the year.

Col Liam Mullins, Christy Coogan, Sheila Schwer, Colin Rafferty, Dick O'Brien, Bridget Flanagan, Danny O'Sullivan, Michael Meaney, Eugene Heydon, Brian Foley, Patricia Killen Mullins, John Dillon, Paddy Aspell, Tom Clarke, Pat Murtagh, Fr Raymond O'Donovan, Bridget Wall, Betty Dominican, Sr Gemma Shelly, Marie Tyrrell, Noleen Aspell, Peggy Wall, Rose Thorpe, Michael Fitzpatrick, Sally Murphy, and Tommy Orford.

May they rest in peace, and always live in the memory of their loved ones left behind, and in the collective thoughts of the community where they lived.

Water under the bridge

One winter in the late 1800s, there was no shortage of firewood in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne.

That's because the timber scaffolding for a railway bridge under construction near Brannockstown was swept away by a Liffey flood, and much of the wood salvaged from the banks downstream found its way into the fuel sheds of homes in Kilcullen.

The flood was just one of some fairly regular such events through the Liffey valley on record. One in 1779, which swept away three houses in Celbridge. Another in 1802 destroyed the bridge at Celbridge. The largest Liffey flood ever recorded happened in December 1954, which caused major water damage in both Leixlip and Lucan.

I was prompted to look at these matters as the Liffey in Kilcullen today surged over part of the new walkway on the old weir, in a particularly brown and muddy fashion. That happened last year too, and probably has been frequent but unnoticed over many wet years before we started walking on it thanks to the work commissioned by the Bridge Camphill community in the making of the farm and nature trail.

There is local lore that floods were reasonably regular in the square area of the town prior to 1940, with particular references to 1896, 1903, and 1918 — our local heritage historian Mary Orford sends a note about these in 'The Schools Collection' item from Kilcullen Convent School, information from 'Mr Ffrench, Mrs Kearney, Mr O'Neill, and Betty Byrne'. But the nature of the river prior to the building of the Poulaphuca Dam was uncontrolled and heavy rains in the West Wicklow mountains would likely swell the flow to damaging levels, especially as the meander section between Ballymore and here would get constricted into the valley on which Kilcullen was established and grew.

When we look this morning at pictures of flooded Inistioge, Graignamanagh and Enniscorthy, we in Kilcullen should thank our stars that the Poulaphuca and Golden Falls area was considered the most suitable location for Ireland's second hydro-electric scheme by the ESB. Charlie Talbot reminds me that the final section of the Poulaphuca Dam was put into place in March of 1940, and from that time onwards the Liffey has been under control, and its flow carefully managed. In national power generation terms it is no longer as significant as it used to be, but in conjunction with Turlough Hill, it provides a small but useful contribution to 'topping up' power needs, especially close to Dublin. And it is a sustainable, local source of power. Probably though, today the more significant element of the scheme is the reservoir that supplies a substantial part of Dublin's water supply.

For us in Kilcullen, it has meant that the previously very vulnerable parts of the town don't often suffer flood problems in periods of heavy rains and storm conditions. In conjunction with the ESB dam at Leixlip, it has also saved that town and neighbouring Lucan, and some of the Dublin suburbs including Palmerstown and its neighbouring locations from fairly regular devastations.

After Hurricane Charlie resulted in bad flooding in parts of Dublin in 1986 (which this writer covered at the time as a news broadcaster in RTE), especially the catchment area of the Dodder, there was a study modelled to see what would have been the result if the Liffey dams were not in place. The experts deduced that the flow on the river at Leixlip would have been twice that of the previous record in 1954, and a number of Dublin suburbs would have suffered serious flooding. What that might have meant for Kilcullen was never detailed, but the study did note that the rainfall on the upper catchment of the river was 'considerably more severe' than on the parts of the river below it, so it would likely have been disastrous for the lower village.

The Liffey flood in 2000 was the next serious such event. Over the two days 5/6 November, an estimated 420 m3 of rainwater per second entered the Poulaphuca Reservoir at the peak of the rainfall, and it reached its highest water level in 50 years. In order to maintain a safe level, a 24-hour controlled discharge was undertaken by the ESB, but only after the peak inflow was reached and the bulk of the storm's water had been absorbed by the lake. An analysis of that event showed that the 55 m3 discharge at Ballymore via the generating station would have been 425 m3 otherwise. Downtown Kilcullen would certainly have suffered significantly. And in Dublin itself, they reckoned that the peak floods in affected suburbs would have exceeded the 1954 levels.

We have had floods since the dam was built. In 1993 the Liffey burst its banks here and the Bank of Ireland was among the buildings affected, particularly its basement. There was also flooding in the lower town area in August 2008 during a severe rainstorm, with the most affected businesses being Fallons and the White Horse Inn. In that event, the problem wasn't the river, but blocked drains, and the flooding subsided after the Fire Service cleared them. In 2009, following a warning to all communities along the Liffey from the ESB, there was some excess water through the Mill Stream, but no major damage.

How the hydro-electric project otherwise impacts on Kilcullen can be gauged by the fact that during the annual Liffey Descent canoe race, the ESB releases 30 m3 of water per second to provide a flood for the event. For those who prefer to work in weight, that's 30 tonnes per second. An awful lot of water under Kilcullen bridge.

And here's a thing, while we're on figures. If you wonder where all that water comes from, consider the 50mm rainfall they were forecasting for the Wicklow area during storm Frank. That's 50m litres, or 50,000 tonnes of water per square km falling on the lake alone, never mind what flows in off the surrounding hills. And with the area of the lakes at 20 square kms, that's 1,000m litres, or 1m tonnes, falling just on the lake over the last 24 hours or so.

Imagine if that, and more, was barreling unrestricted through Kilcullen this morning? It'd be more than a somewhat muddy Liffey we'd be watching from the bridge. If we still had a bridge ...

NOTE: The original article was updated with information provided by Mary Orford, which we greatly appreciate.

Cllr reschedules campaign fundraiser

Cllr Fiona O’Loughlin has re-scheduled her campaign fundraiser at Newbridge Greyhound Stadium for Friday, January 15, 2016.

“The event was originally postponed, as a mark of respect to my former colleague on Kildare County Council, the late Cllr Willie Crowley," says Cllr O'Loughlin. "His death shocked, not only members of the Council, but the wider community of Newbridge. I would like to thank the organisers at Newbridge dog track and my supporters for their understanding."

All tickets purchased for December 19 will be valid and honoured at the turn stiles on Friday, January 15. For further enquiries, contact Noel on 087 260 2640 or Cllr O’Loughlin’s office at 045 436 792.

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 29th December 2015 were 5, 26, 30 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €2,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Vanessa Clarke (Promoter Vanessa Clarke), Margaret Farmer (Berney’s Chemist), and Imelda Brain (Donmic Farrell).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Clare Dunne and Kilcullen Credit Union, and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Fr Niall Mackey.

The Parish thanks all those who support the Lotto.

A 'special occasion' in the Town Hall

Here are some photos from the dress rehearsal this morning of 'The Selfish Giant', writes Evelyn O'Sullivan.

We had a full house this afternoon in the Town Hall. It really was a very special occasion, with students of drama and music from ages 7-17.

The arts are alive & kicking in Kildare.

The passing of Col Liam Mullins

The Diary has learned of the death of Col W B Liam Mullins (Retd) of Sunnyhill, after a short illness. He was in his 95th year.

Predeceased by his daughter Patricia, survived by his beloved wife Aileen, their children Rory, Brian, Owen, Colm, Celine and grandchildren, he will be reposing at Sunnyhill today, Tuesday, from 3pm-8pm.

Removal will take place tomorrow, Wednesday morning, to the Church of The Sacred Heart and St Brigid, arriving for 11am Requiem Mass, which will be followed by burial in St Brigid's Cemetery, Kilcullen.

May he rest in peace.

Kilcullen connections in Connaught Rugby

There were two Kilcullen connections on the Connaught Rugby team that lost out to Ulster at the weekend, James Connolly and Craig Ronaldson, writes Niall McDonnell, a founder member of the Old Kilcullen RFC.

James Connolly, from Naas, is Patricia McDonnell’s grandson, playing No 7 for Connaught. He represented Newbridge College on the Junior Cup team in 2008 and the Senior Cup team of 2011, when he was named Forward of the Year. He joined the Connacht Academy in 2013 and moved to Galway and he's in his third year now.

Craig Ronaldson is from Harristown, now playing fly half for Connaught. He was educated in Kilkenny College and played for Landsdowne as an amateur. He also played cricket with Halverstown CC.

Both are up and coming stars.

'The Selfish Giant' in Kilcullen today

For those who perhaps know of Oscar Wilde through notoriety, or his adult-themed writing, his short stories for children are probably a revelation when they come across them, writes Brian Byrne.

They're written with a thoughtful gentleness and rank with the best from such writers of many generations.

A dramatised performance of 'The Selfish Giant' which will be performed in the Town Hall Theatre today, Tuesday 29 December ,would be a wonderful way to cure the younger children — and maybe even the older ones and their parents too — of the cabin fever that can follow the festive season. The story was written by Wilde for his own children.

It is being presented by the Herbert Lodge School of Music in association with our own Drama Dynamics School of Speech and Drama, and will feature incidental music composed by Colman Pearce. The show is directed by Evelyn O'Sullivan.

This is a world premiére of the music and will be played by students of Patricia Higgins from Herbert Lodge, aged from 11 to 18. Patricia has studied music in London and is  also presently teaching  in Griffith College Dublin.

Drama students of Evelyn's Teen Theatre group will narrate the story with children from the 7-8 age group performing as the children.

This show is ideally suited to families. Tickets at €5 are available from Patricia at 085 1546320 or from Evelyn at 087 6441504, and also at the door.

The show is an afternoon one, beginning at 2.30pm, and is supported by the County Kildare Arts Officer.

'Miscellany' donations reach €5,000

The total of donations to the 'Miscellany' fund from the event hosted before Christmas by the Bermingham family has reached €5,000.

The event raises funds for the mission of Fr John Bermingham in Mozambique.

Driving danger in Lurg Lane

There's a Text Alert in place warning drivers in the Lurg Lane area that eggs are being thrown at passing cars.

The Garda are aware of the incidents.

Christmas hill walk in aid of Mountain Rescue

A large group turned out this morning at Glendalough for a hill walk to raise much needed funds for the Mountain Rescue service, writes Niamh O'Connor.

The walk was organised by Maureen Keogh and she would like to thank everyone who turned up for a very enjoyable day.

(Pics: Niamh O'Connor.)

Drivers be careful in Calverstown today

Drivers are asked to please take care in the Calverstown area at 2pm, as there will be many local pedestrians on the road for the Tidy Towns Annual Family Walk.

Also, Met Eireann says there can be icy patches and fog this morning following the overnight frost.

Bottom line: Take it Easy.

New music school in new year

A new music school is opening in the Kilcullen Community Centre in January.

The Amadeus Musical Academy will offer both group classes and one-to-one tuition in a range of instruments, including Guitar, Piano, Keyboard, Violin, Singing, Ukulele and Cello.

Theory and Leaving Certificate music classes are also available for students who wish to have music as an extra subject along with their usual subjects in school or as a grind outside of school. Exam students are also catered for the Royal Irish Academy of Music and the Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music.

All teachers are fully qualified and experts within their field. Reasonable rates, and family discounts available. Contact for details and booking: 085 7435382.

Has your young cat strayed?

A young cat has been outside a home in Killinane since around 6pm this evening.

It's black and white, very friendly. If anyone is missing it, phone 087 7666487.

Celebrity couple help Tiglin Outreach

When Aubrey McCarthy, CEO Tiglin Rehabilitation Services, received a phone call last week, saying celebrity singer Ronan Keating and his wife Storm would like to join Tiglin’s Outreach Services, he thought it might a ‘courtesy five minutes’, writes Rose Barrett O'Donoghue.

“I was amazed but he actually rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in," Aubrey said afterwards. "Along with his wife Storm, he led the volunteers and homeless in an enthusiastic Carol sing-song; it was a fantastic atmosphere and then the couple gave out Christmas presents to those gathered with everyone joining in and singing along with ‘Fairytale of New York’. Every homeless person got a bag of gifts including hats, scarf, jocks, gloves, toiletries and some food.”

The No Bucks Café is a Tiglin outreach service that goes out each weeknight to Dublin City and surrounding areas, serving warm drinks, snacks and a sympathetic ear.

Tiglin offers people with no hope, no purpose and no self-worth a life-line; people locked in the cycle of addiction. Lots of local people support their work, amongst them, Gerry Stevens, Brannockstown; Oonagh Kavanagh, Ballymore Eustace who recently raised funding through her Aloe Vera sales; Sally Anne Pallister of Boleybeg; the Colivets of Swordlestown, the McCarthys at the Elms, Punchestown, Gillian McCutcheon, Naas and many others from the Naas area.

"It was heartening that such a high profile celebrity couple spread a little Christianity on Christmas Eve,” Aubrey said.

Happy Christmas, all

O Holy Night

For the night that's in it, here's Niamh Kavanagh singing 'O Holy Night' with the Kilcullen Gospel Choir, at the 'Carols by Candlelight' concert in Kilcullen Parish Church on 3 December. Spine-tingling stuff. Thanks to Niamh O'Connor for the video.

And that's a wrap ...

It's the last of the Kilcullen community Christmas events before the big day itself, the traditional bellringing and carols from the Bridge Camphill in An Tearman. Many thanks to all, and a Happy Christmas to everyone from the Diary.

Hill walk day for Mountain Rescue

On 29 December 2012 while out hill walking on the Spinc Boardwalk, I fell and broke my leg and had to be airlifted to Tallaght Hospital, writes Maureen Keogh.

While waiting for the Coast Guard helicopter, 16 crew from the Wicklow Mountain Rescue were dispatched to my aid. The care and attention, both my family and I received was greatly appreciated.

I have since made a full recovery and am now back hill walking. I would like to invite everyone to join me on a relaxed walk on the Spinc Boardwalk to raise much needed funds for Mountain Rescue, which is all carried out on a voluntary basis. All donations received will go directly to Mountain Rescue.

If you need any further information, please contact Niall on 087 2157247.

Date: Sunday 27 December 2015.
Walk: Spinc Boardwalk, return via Miners road.
Duration: 4 hours.
Start point: Visitors Centre Carpark, Glendalough.
Start time: 10am.
Equipment needed: Hiking Boots, Wet Gear, Lunch and Water.
Cost: Donations to Mountain Rescue on the Day.

*Weather permitting.
*All walkers are responsible for their own safety.

Christmas buzz in Kilcullen

A very Christmasy buzz around town today, with Clifford Minehan underpinning the music in Nolans, above, and the Vincent's shop in full song along with their clown (spot him) entertaining passers by. Tomorrow morning, don't forget the regular bell-ringing session in An Tearman from 10am.

Credit Union 'investigating merger'

The Board of Kilcullen Credit Union is investigating the possibility of a merger, writes Brian Byrne.

The Chairman, Martin Burke, told the 45th AGM of the Credit Union last evening that it is becoming increasingly difficult for credit unions of a smaller asset size to deal with rising costs, falling investment income, enhanced governance requirements and increased regulatory levies.

He asked those members present at the AGM for permission to proceed with this merger by Board Resolution should the discussions and due diligence show that such a merger would be in the best interest of members.

He also said that the future of the Credit Union is in youth, and to attract youth it needs to offer services to compete with other banking organisations, such as banking online, debit cards, and ATM facilities.

On a query from the floor as to which other credit union was a merger being considered with, Martin Burke said they were not able to say that at the moment, as a confidentiality agreement had been signed.

There was some concern expressed that acceptance of the Report of the Board of Directors effectively gave the Board the permission to undertake a merger, without further reference to the members. After some discussion, it was agreed that a special meeting would be called if the matter reached a proposed merger stage.

Elaine White, Secretary, and the Manager, Pat Stafford, both emphasised that the Board at all times worked to the benefit of the membership. Pat Stafford said the Central Bank could actually direct a merger of a CU, and the Board felt the way they were going was a better option.

A question from the floor asked why the regulatory reserve in Ireland was 10pc when across the EU it is 2pc? Charlie Carri of the auditors John P Greely & Company said it was Government policy in Ireland that it should be 10pc.

Charlie Carri went through the Financial Report, noting the positive that the Loan Book of the CU had increased, while investment income had decreased due to historically low interest rates.

He said that the large drop in provision for bad debts had helped to keep costs down. The Credit Control Committee reported a recovery of €63,990 In bad debts during the year. Meantime, eight loans totalling €27,823 were transferred to a Bad Debt Register.

The gap between the 'carrying value' of the CU premises and the open market value is in a negative situation, and in the light of a possible merger it had been recommended that an impairment charge be made on the financial report in terms of this, which resulted in a decrease shown of €276,000 between income and expenditure. He said this was a prudent decision.

Also, because of a significant inflow of funds, the statutory reserve had been increased, contributing to a decrease in undistributed funds at the end of the year. He said it would take some time for the growth in the Loan Book to show a significant improvement in income. Total assets have increased by €1.4m overall. Kilcullen Credit Union still has a strong Balance Sheet, and it's healthy, he concluded.

The Credit Union granted a total of 453 loans during the year, totalling €1,501,936, according to the report of the Credit Committee.

During the year, the Board took a decision to drop the Death Benefit Insurance. Pat Stafford told the meeting it was costing the equivalent of more than €1,200 per member and it was felt that the money could be used in a better way elsewhere.

A minute's silence was observed in memory of the recent untimely death of Sheila Schwer, a friend and colleague of the members and management of Kilcullen Credit Union.

The Board proposed to reduce the number of Directors to nine from the current 11, and this was agreed. Both Arthur Duffy of the Board of the Directors and Roisin Talbot of the Board Oversight Committee have retired, and note was made of the long and appreciated service of both to Kilcullen Credit Union. To fill the vacancy left by the death of Sheila Schwer, former Director Vivienne Byrne had been coopted to the Board on 10/11/15 until the AGM.

Terry Lawler was re-elected to the Board, Maeve Duffy was elected to the Board Oversight Committee, and John P Greely & Company were reelected as Auditors.