Forms for joining the Kilcullen Garda District Text Alert scheme are available from The Grocery in Calverstown, Kilcullen Garda Station, Kilcullen Credit Union, and scheme committee members. Please encourage neighbours and friends to join.
A pre-Bloomsday double celebration of James Joyce will take place in Croi Anu Moone Creative Centre, writes Mary Pat Moloney.
When the vote in the Naas MD on Residential Association grants was passed today, it was good news for Kilcullen RAs thanks to FG’s Cllr Fintan Brett, writes Brian Byrne.
It was the second go at the grants allocation. When they came up for consideration at the April meeting, Cllr Brett disagreed with the allocation of the grants and requested that they be redistributed, as estates outside Naas with the same number of houses or more were not receiving the same amount of a grant as those in Naas town.
Councillor Moore stated that what the Naas town residents associations get goes back to Naas Town Council time and that this money comes from the rate payers in the town and other funds. A discussion took place between the members. The Mayor put it to the members that they vote on the issue and as suggested by Councillor Scully that the Environment Department draw up criteria for the issuing of the grants
The members voted against the grants as submitted and voted in favour of the grants being referred back to the Environment Department to draw up new criteria on how the grants would be distributed.
The actual vote was six members for the grants to be re-considered, while two councillors voted against and one abstained.
The vote on the revised disbursements took place this morning, and for Kilcullen, Cnoc na Greine was awarded almost €4,000, compared to €2,200 last year. Hillcrest will get €1,200 for 2016 compared to just €600 last year.
"The revised figures approved today ensures all resident associations are treated equally," the councillor told the Diary.
Members of St Bridget's Pitch & Putt Club had a very successful weekend at the inaugural Kildare Masters event hosted by the Kildare Pitch & Putt County Board.
Chrissie Byrne won the Gross Ladies grade, with Tara Dillon second and Marian Courtney coming in the last 18.
In the Nett Ladies competition, Anne Sweeney made the last 18. Derek Courtney came second in the Gross Gents competition, and Christy Sweeney came second in the Nett Gents.
Ian Dillon won the Course Prize Gross.
A dog has been found in the Ballymount area.
He’s an old pointer cross, ginger brown and white.
He has no collar. Please contact 087 7666487 if it might be yours, or if you know the owner.
Kilcullen After School Drama Group is performing their show 'Frozen' this evening in the Town Hall Theatre.
The cast range in age from 5 to 11 years and have been working very hard to get the show on the road.
There is also a whisper that there will be a surprise guest! The show starts at 7pm, open to all, adults €5 and children €2.
It's almost a case of 'build it and they will come', except that Kilcullen Tennis Club is already built, writes Brian Byrne. It's just defunct. But not after last night.
"My gut feeling is that when we get going, people will flock to it," Eamonn O'Toole told the respectably sized and enthusiastic gathering in Fallons, called to try and get the Club back on its feet.
He outlined how far things had come since he first considered the project three years ago. Kilcullen Development Association — which supported the formation of the original Tennis Club in the same place back in the 1950s — has provided a terms-free loan of €24,000 to get things moving. A number of local businesses have pledged sponsorship amounting to several thousands of euro, and a development plan is in train to add two more courts, and a sheltered viewing area.
"At the moment, the club is not functioning," Eamonn said, adding the sobering thought that there's no insurance on the current courts for those who might be using them informally. "My idea is a complete regeneration, affiliation with Tennis Ireland, and to make it very much a key social part of the community. There will be tennis for all ages, social and competitive, and with four courts we would be in a position to compete in competitions like the Leinster League."
When the club is properly established, application will be made for further funding from organisations like Tennis Ireland and the Sports Council, and Eamonn said that he has already discussed this with Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin, who has considerable experience in this kind of community facilities development and is willing to help.
It is also planned to provide lighting, initially for the new courts, and later on the old ones, which will have to be moved to facilitate this. But all of that is 'down the road'. "We can't go any further without a committee," Eamonn told those present. There was an immediate positive response with many of those at the meeting putting up their hands to volunteer.
A local contractor has already been selected to carry out the initial refurbishment works on the two existing courts. Eamonn said he had hoped to have those courts up and running during the last month, but an issue with the rear boundary fence had to be dealt with first.
A planning application for the major development work will be submitted to Kildare County Council as soon as the club is fully operational. This will include a redesign of the existing entrance, which is very narrow.
It is envisaged that an eventual membership of around 300 is achievable.
