Big Blue Box arrives in Kilcullen

The Big Blue Box arrived in Kilcullen this morning on a vintage bike with Clodagh Hughes from Bank of Ireland Naas on board, writes Brian Byrne.

Leading her group of volunteers in the cycle challenge, Clodagh presented to the manager of Kilcullen BofI Jo McMahon a framed history of Naas, complied by Cllr Seamie Moore, and two photographs showing Naas Town Hall in the days of horse and carriage and today.

Entertainment was provided for the visitors at Kilcullen Heritage Centre by local set dancers, and refreshments were also provided.

Glenda Groome, a teacher in Cross & Passion College, spoke about the importance of looking after one's heart, drawing on personal experiences within her own family.

Nessa Dunlea read a poem by the late Jerry Kelly about the beauty of nature as exemplified in local roads and points of interest.

Kilcullen Transition Year CPC students were on hand to collect through the town for the Irish Heart Foundation, for whom the cycle challenge is fundraising.

Tomorrow, the Big Blue Box Challenge goes to Athy, carrying a memento of Kilcullen in the form of a miniature copy of the round town at the former monastic site of Old Kilcullen.

The event finishes in Kilkenny on Friday, and all funds raised for the IHF will be toped up with a matching donation by Bank of Ireland.

A competition between teams from local pubs this evening begins at 8pm in the Heritage Centre, using a stationary bike. Donations will be given by the participants and spectators.

All the pictures from this morning are here.