Thursday, March 31, 2016

Daisy Patterson, the 1916 Rising, and Kilcullen

A young Naas woman who eventually came to live in Kilcullen and married there, played an active part in the Republican movement before, during and after the 1916 Rising.

Mary Ellen Patterson came from a strong Republican family in Naas. She was born in the family home at No 11 Main Street on 6 December 1896 and grew up in a strong Nationalist ethos. During the notorious Black and Tans era, the family were frequently on the receiving end of some of those 'Auxies' activities, drinking in their shop and leaving without paying. On one occasion they moved out of their home, which was regularly visited by Liam Mellows, on a warning that they were about to be attacked by the Tans — who actually burned another nearby house instead.

On 1 August 1914, Mary Ellen — known in the family as 'Daisy' — moved to Dublin and began her apprenticeship at Moran's Drapery in Talbot Street. She lived over the shop, and when she finished there in December 1920 she was given a reference that she was 'courteous, efficient, trustworthy and an excellent saleswoman'.

Shortly before she went to Dublin, the Nationalist organisation for women, Cumann na mBan, had been founded. Applying for membership, Daisy was proposed by James McNamara, a member of the IRB and part of Michael Collins's inner secret council. McNamara later fought in Easter Week, and subsequently was president of the Old IRA in New York. Accepted into the organisation, Daisy was enrolled into the Central Branch in Parnell Square. Her commanding officer there was Miss Lesley Price, who later married Colonel Tom Barry. Coincidentally, she was an aunt of Fr Cathal Price, who served as a curate in Kilcullen during the 1970s.

Over the following years, Daisy carried out a myriad of duties as a member of Cumann na mBan, including going on parade in full uniform at the funeral of O'Donovan-Rossa in June 1915. Details on her application for a Military Service Medal note that she also carried mobilisation messages to Naas Town & District prior to the 1916 Rising, attended Wolfe Tone anniversaries at Bodenstown and carried firearms and ammunition for Volunteers who were to take part in armed duty there.

During Easter Week she reported for duty on Sunday 23 April and played an active part in the activities of the Rising until stood down a week later. These included carrying ammunition and communications for Volunteers engaged in the conflict. Afterwards she helped many of those same Volunteers with food and clothing when they were 'on the run'.

She lost her job temporarily in Morans due to her activities in Easter Week, but was subsequently reinstated by the owner, MJ Moran, and completed her service.

In the period up to 1922, when she resigned from Cumann na mBan, she continued to be very active in the Republican movement, operating as a despatch rider and also working on the Sinn Fein General Election campaigns. She collected parcels and delivered them, along with transferring verbal messages, to Volunteers who had been interned in the Curragh, Mountjoy, and Cork Jail. She carried firearms and ammunition to Volunteers operating the the Naas district, and acted as a scout for the IRA in relation to Black and Tan patrols. The Military Archives show names that testify to her military service, including Tommy Harris TD; Miss Graham, The Garage, Sutton, Dublin; Sean Kavanagh, (later Governor of Mountjoy Jail); Joe McGrath TD; Louis Moran, Ballysax; Dan O’Connor, Solicitor, Naas; and her sister, Kitty Patterson, Naas.

After she resigned from Cumann na mBan, she played no part in the Civil War. She came to live in Kilcullen, and some years later, in 1933, she married James Collins, a miller in the town. He had also been active in a number of IRA conflicts subsequent to the 1916 rebellion, which he was too young to have played a part in. James and Daisy had two sons, John and Jim, and after her marriage she took no further interest in politics. She busied herself with family activities, and raising fowl, particularly ducks and geese. She was an active member of the parish, and also acted in drama productions in the new Town Hall.

Daisy died on 18 February 1959, and was buried in New Abbey Cemetery with full military honours.

(From an article by Nuala Collins, published in The Bridge, Kilcullen's Community Magazine.)

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Parish Lotto Draw

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 29 March 2016 were 8, 18, 20 and 29. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €3,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were John & Kathleen Kennedy (Promoter Kathleen Kennedy), Jennie Landers (Jennie Landers) and Hells Angels (Miriam McDonnell).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vivian Clarke and Robert Archbold and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Liam McDonnell.

The Parish thanks all those who support the Lotto.

Thank you to Animals First

Your editor found a dead cat on the road outside his home this morning, obviously hit by a car during the night, writes Brian Byrne.

Initially at a loss what to do, we decided to bring the cat to Animals First Veterinary Hospital in the Link Park, on the basis that they might have disposal facilities.

As indeed they have. Veterinarian Conor McMahon was pleased that the animal had been brought in, and they dispose of them without charge.

"We have an arrangement with the pet crematorium, so they get a proper burial," he said. "We really like to encourage people to bring in animals they have found like this, otherwise the vermin just get them."

He emphasised that there's no charge. "Though we might have to reconsider that if someone brought in a dead deer," he clarified after a moment of thought.

Many thanks, Conor.



Let’s talk about Parenting

The free parenting talks organised by the Kildare Library Service will continue through April and May, with a new chance for those unable to make it to previous ones.

They include Happy Parents/Happy Child presented by Sheila O’Malley, Relationship & Parenting Mentor, in Newbridge Library on Tuesday 5 April at 7pm. Sheila will share practical tips and skills to deal with sibling rivalry, difficult behaviour, homework struggles and how to enjoy easier mornings and bedtimes.

First Aid for Parents presented by Siobhan Butler from First Aid for Everyone will be in Newbridge Library on Tuesday 10 May at 7pm. This informative and interactive course will use lots of visual aids in the presentation and there is plenty of opportunity for the participants to ask questions. Topics covered will include calling the emergency services, the First Aid kit, choking, meningitis, burns and emperature/febrile seizures.

Parenting Tips and Strategies presented by Dr Rosario Power, HSE Primary Care Clinical Psychology Service in Naas Library on Thursdays April 14, 21, 28 and 5 May, starting at 10.15am, is a course is delivered over four sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. The course addresses issues such as building up a strong connection with a child, supporting the child to make good choices and behave well and also with what to do at times when a child’s behaviour is not as you would like. It will have most relevance to parents of children up to about 12 years of age

Peer Pressure & Parental Influence presented by Clare Crowley Collier, Counsellor from Family Matters, in Kildare Library on Thursday 21 April at 7pm, will look at how parents can build relationships based on trust and mutual respect, so they can continue to be a strong influence in their teenager’s lives.

Social Networking & Cyberbullying Training is presented by Fiona Ashe from Flashefoward Communicaions in Naas Library on Thursday 5 May at 7pm. This training course will look at teenage behaviour online, examine the huge peer pressure on teenagers and the issues of privacy which the internet presents. It will also analyse cyberbullying — what it is, what forms it takes, how to combat it and how to prevent it.

Mental Wellbeing and Self Care Strategies will be presented by Finola Colgan from Mental Health Ireland in Kildare Library on Thursday 5 May at 7pm. Finola will explore our understanding of mental health and wellbeing and how we can develop good coping strategies at stressful and anxious times.

Continuous Professional Development Certificates of Attendance for all events in 2016 will only be given in person on the evening/day of the event. So please remember to ask for your cert before you leave as we will not be able to provide them at a later date.

Attendance at all of the events is free of charge and open to everyone but advance booking is required. Please contact the library where the talk is happening to book your place.

Kildare Town Library 045 520235 kildarelib@kildarecoco.ie; Naas Library 045 879111 naaslib@kildarecoco.ie; Newbridge Library: Tel 045 448353 newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie.

This year long series is supported by HSE Primary Care Psychology Team, TUSLA Child and Family Agency, Mental Health Ireland, Public Health Nurse HSE, Pieta House, An Garda Síochána and is funded by Kildare County Council.

A brochure outlining all the talks and workshops is now available from your local library. For further information please check out kildare.ie/library.



Monday, March 28, 2016

Crime in Kilcullen on Saturday

Two crime incidents in Kilcullen over the weekend are being investigated by An Garda.

The first was an attempted intrusion by two males to a home in Esker Lea in the early hours of Saturday morning. They fled after being disturbed by the residents.

And a car was stolen from Conroy Park at around the same time, after thieves gained access to the house and stole the keys. The car has been recovered.

An Garda are seeking witnesses to anything suspicious noticed before, during or after the incidents. Call 045 884300 if you can help.



Kilcullen Badminton update

We start this week's proceedings with the Dublin District League and Kat's Division 7, Mix 7 team who in their last match played away to bottom of the table Sheriff Street on March 23. The KBC team managed to cement Sheriff position in the table with a fantastic 4-0 win. This win puts Kat and the team in third spot in the table, ensuring them a spot in the playoff rounds. Well done to Kat, Fintan, Kasi and sub for the night Grace on a great performance.

Murt and his Division 2 Mens 1 had given themselves a great chance of making the semi finals when they beat South Dublin 4-0 in their away fixture that was played two weeks ago. In their last match of the group stages they hosted table toppers on March 23. KBC had already drawn with Eire Friends in their first meeting. If the lads could take a win from this tough fixture they would be sure a semi final spot leap-frogging both Eire Friends who were on 26 points with only KBC to play and challengers An Caislean Nua who had 25 points but with all matches played. The KBC men got off to a bad start loosing their first game but fought back winning the last three games and taking the match 3-1. Well done to Murt, Declan, Eoin and Gareth and good luck to the lads in their next match.

Vincent and the Division 4 Mens 2 played An Caislean Nua also on March 23. Vincent and his team have been the most consistent team in the whole of the Dublin league, loosing only one of their seven matches but drawing the other six! I think secretly team captain Vincent wasn’t expecting anything else but another draw but, BOOM!, in an unexpected turn of events the KBC lads came away with a brilliant 3-1 victory. The lads are currently in third place in the group but level on points with An Caislean, fingers crossed that the last round of matches go the lads way and they make it through to the Quarter Finals, but congrats to Vincent, Mick, Martin and Owen on their first win.

In our final Dublin District League match of the week Sarah and the Division 6 Ladies did the club proud (again) with a great 4-0 victory at home to Baldoyle on March 25. The ladies have easily topped the group and now are the first team that are through to the semi finals. Well done to Sarah, Tara, Kath and sub Jen on a great win.

In the South west League Caroline and the Grade 3 mix “B” got a buy into the semi’s of the South West Grade 3 Cup and in the Grade 4 Cup Ray and League Champs beat Bough 5-0 in their Semi final match without even dropping a set, well done to Ray and his team, Tara, Jen, Sarah, Siobhan, John, Enda and Alan. The double is still on lads!!!.

In other news well done to Siobhan and Ray, pictured above, who are the Division 6 Good Friday Tournament champs.

Steiner School bookings

Kildare Steiner School is currently accepting applications for places in both Kindergarten and Primary School for September 2016.

Funding for up to two years of Kindergarten is available under the Early Childhood Care & Education scheme.

Further information is available from the School at 045 401919.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Safer Roads exhibition for Punchestown

A ‘Safer Roads’ exhibition at the event centre in Punchestown on Sunday 10 April will feature over 30 exhibitors and dozens of demonstrators from all sectors of road safety and the transport industry.

The event is aimed at road users of every type, age and background. Among the demonstrations will be a safe guide on the correct weight for drawing trailers, provided by West Wood trailers, while Mothercare will demonstrate the correct child car seat appropriate to your child. SpecSavers will provide free eyesight and hearing checks for adult and older drivers.

Drivers of agricultural and commercial vehicles, older drivers, young male drivers (YMD) and modified and racing car enthusiasts are also catered for at the event, which is being coordinated by Kildare County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh and is supported by An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority.

Motorsport Ireland’s Young Driver of the Year Jake Byrne, the director of the National Ploughing Association Anna May McHugh, CEO of Age Action Eamon Timmons and Susan Gray of PARC have also endorsed the event.

A forensic collision expert will provide an insight into Garda collision investigations and members of the emergency services will demonstrate a live road traffic collision exercise and advise on how to react to an approaching emergency service vehicle while driving.

The event is for all age groups and children between the ages of 4-12 will be shown the basics and essentials of road safety with the StreetSmart road set. Cyclists and pedestrians will have an opportunity to see the blind spots from the driver’s seat of a lorry or HGV.

The Garda Road Safety Unit will be on hand to display some of the equipment they use when detecting dangerous drivers and the RSA will showcase its roll-over car and interactive shuttle.

The Safer Roads exhibition is open to the public from 2-6pm on Sunday 10 April and admission is free. More information on the website saferroads.ie.

Watch out for the bunnies ...

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Easter Vigil in Kilcullen

The Easter Vigil ceremonies are currently under way in Kilcullen Parish Church. Our pictures include members of the Kilcullen Scout Troop who traditionally set the Paschal Fire outside the church, from which the Paschal Candle is lit.

Vincents window is time travelling

The Vincents window is always very well presented, but it is especially so this weekend with a variety of memory-jogging items, writes Brian Byrne.

Not just relating to 1916, but for those of us who are old enough to remember box cameras, hobnailed boots from Miss Kenny's drapery, and old currency, it's worth a stop.

Billy Redmond's enormous collection of medals and badges is also part of the display, a time-travel machine in itself.

Full-res pictures are here.

Teach na nDaoine street collection

Just in case you haven't been downtown over the last couple of days, the street collection in aid of the Teach na nDaoine project is in full swing, writes Brian Byrne.

Pictured are Albert Keenan and Joe Dooley, just two of a stream of helpers who have been shaking the collection boxes.

Albert says the refurbishment work is going well, with electricians and plumbers helping out at the moment.

But he resisted giving a timescale for completion, saying a lot will depend on funds. A number of other fundraisers are planned.

"People are being very generous and there's lots of positive interest in the project," he told the Diary. "We're also getting a lot of offers of help with various aspects of the construction and refurbishment work."

Presentations to retired CU directors

A number of presentations to former directors of Kilcullen Credit Union were made at a small friendly event on Tuesday, writes Brian Byrne.

It was a particularly special occasion for Arthur Duffy, who was originally elected to the Board in December 1979, proposed from the floor by Terri Lawlor and seconded by Sean O'Reilly.

Other former directors to whom presentations were made included Roisin Talbot, Anne McNally, Vivienne Byrne and Philomena Griffin.

The presentations were made by the current chairman, Martin Burke, who expressed the appreciation of all members for the many hours of volunteer service given by the recipients. He also thanked their respective spouses for being so patient while they were away on the business of the Credit Union.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Photography class for over-50s

A one-hour class in photography for over-50s and members of Active Retirement groups is being organised as part of the Kilcullen Enterprise Town project, writes Brian Byrne.

The class will be held in the Town Hall on Tuesday 12 April, beginning at 11am. It will be given by a member of the Irish Professional Photographers Association.

The idea is part of a pilot element of the Bank of Ireland-sponsored Enterprise Town initiative — other towns where it has been offered are Malahide, Bray-Greystones, Douglas and Buncrana.

Details of how to get involved will be published later.

The Kilcullen Enterprise Town project will culminate in a weekend of Business and Community Expos on 22/23 April, centred in the new Scoil Bhride building.

A Dun Ailinne Good Friday

Well, we had to wait until what's traditionally the gloomiest day in the Christian calendar, but this morning artist Noel Scullion's magic worked once again, writes Brian Byrne.

Though five days late from the Equinox, ould god Sol did his thing at Noel's Dun Ailinne spear monument at Nicholastown, starbursting through at 6.40am. (Official sunrise is 6.16am today, but it takes a little while to climb above the mountains.)

Let the light shine ... it was worth waking early every morning since last Saturday, just in case.

(For those of you unfamiliar with all this, it's explained in the series of posts here.)

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Kilcullen Masses live on the internet

Parishioners who can't easily get to Mass in Kilcullen from their homes can now watch it on the internet, writes Brian Byrne.

They're also able to watch ceremonies like First Communion as they happen.

A webcam has been placed in the church through which the ceremonies can be streamed visually.

Masses have been broadcast to the locality for many years.

MCNmedia.tv is an online streaming service which provides parishioners and people who may have emigrated with a direct link to their home Church for Mass and other events such as Weddings, Funeral, Novenas, Baptisms and lots more. The link to the feed is here.

Don't forget to Early Bird register for Crumlin Cycle

A reminder that Early Bird registrations for the Murphy Surveys Cycle for Crumlin on Saturday 23 July will soon close has been issued by the company, writes Brian Byrne.

Early Bird registrants will be entered into a draw for the chance to win some great prizes, including a €100 One4All Voucher, an overnight stay for two in a four-star hotel and a three-course meal for 2. The event raised €10,887 last year.

A new 100K route has been added to the 50K original one for this year, offering a greater challenge to the participants. The route is Kilcullen - Fontstown - Dunlavin - Hollywood - Blessington - Two Mile House - Kilcullen.

Over 120 cyclists including staff, friends, and members of local cycling clubs took part on the day in 2015. Liam Walker and the members of Kilcullen Cycling Club helped marshall the event.



Books of Condolence for Buncrana, Brussels

Mayor of Kildare Brendan Weld has opened books of condolences for both the Buncrana drowning tragedy and the Brussels bombings.

They are open for signing until 5pm today, on Level 1 of Aras Chill Dara, Naas, beside the main Reception Desk.

Guide dog fundraising walk this weekend

Kilcullen Lions Club is participating in a Sponsored Walk in Glendalough this weekend in aid of funds for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

It's taking place on Easter Saturday, 26 March, and is in conjunction with the St Kevin's Pilgrimage Walk organisation.

Anyone who wants to take part, or sponsor somebody who is, can contact John Buckley on 086 8266111 or Frances Clare on 087 9746000.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Photographic exhibition in An Tearmann

An exhibition of photographs in An Tearmann is showcasing the work of the Dunlavin Camera Club, writes Brian Byrne.

Open since 16 February, the exhibition will run through to 16 May, and among the works are pictures by Josie Rose, Sheree Leigh, Mary Traynor and Loretta Wright.

There are 16 works on view in all and can be viewed at any time the cafe is open, from 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.

Crookstown Millview update

March has been a hectic month for Crookstown Millview AC, writes club secretary Neil Taylor. Indoors training in Kilcullen the U-8s has now finished and all athletes are now outdoors at the track. The club clothing range including hoodies, tech tees and singlets arrived and are now on sale. The enlarged and improved toilet block is due to be delivered and grounds maintenance is ongoing.

National Juvenile Indoors
The National Indoor Juvenile Championships took place in Athlone. There were fantastic performances from all attending athletes. The standout performance came from Brendan Aspel (pictured) who won Gold in the U-19 Shot Putt. He only slightly overshadowed his sister, Lisa, who took Bronze in the U-18 Triple Jump. A special note of congratulations and thanks to their coach and dad, Nick, who has provided fantastic support to both throughout their athletics journey.Well done also to Hannah Breen who secured a new Personal Best of 1 Minute 45.67 seconds over 600 metres to secure 5th place in an ultra-competitive and super-fast final.

National Masters Indoors
There were standout performances from Crookstown Athletes at this Championship also. John Moore took Gold in the 400 metres, Silver in the 200 metres and 4th in the 60 Metres in the M70 Grade. Graham Deane secured Bronze in the M40, Shot Putt with a throw of 11 metres and 36 centimetres, a new Personal Best. The focus in the club will now move to the outdoor track and field season.

Athletics Workshop
A second highly successful Athletics Workshop took place during the start of the Easter Holidays. Forty young athletes practiced Turbo Javelin, Long Jump, Sprints, ‘Fast Feet’ and Relays. A huge improvement in technique was noticed throughout the day. All had a great time. A big thank you, as always, to all the coaches who assisted and to all the parents and guardians parents who supported the event.

Coaching
Four Club Coaches underwent formal Athletics Ireland certified Coaching Courses. 3 brave souls undertook the Athletics Leaders Course which is focused on fundamental movement skills for mini athletes. An additional coach successfully completed the Assistant Coaches Course which focused on coaching and developing 8 to 12 year old athletes.

Calendar Planning
The outdoor season starts next week. First up is the St Senans AC Open Sports in South Kilkenny on Easter Monday the 28th of March. The League starts on Sunday the 3rd of April, in Naas staring at 2pm. A major highlight of the Clubs season takes place when we host the 29th Crookstown Millview AC. Open Sports on Sunday the 10th of April. The 2nd League Event takes place on Sunday the 17th of April, again in Crookstown.

Sponsor
A new sponsor has stepped forward to support the Club. More information next month.

Membership
A limited number of membership slots are available. Contact the club for details.

Social Media
Don’t forget to visit and like us on Facebook. View the club website for more information at crookstownathletics.ie/.