Kilcullen in Bloom launched

There was a real Kilcullen buzz in The Hideout last evening when the Kilcullen in Bloom 2018 programme was launched, writes Brian Byrne.

In the unavoidable absence of planned celebrities, Eoin O'Houlihan did the honours himself for what was last year the first rebranded Summer Flowers Programme.

In particular he expressed appreciation of the work by Markus Pedersen and Ger Delaney for the planting of the window boxes and hanging baskets last year, and to Dave Clancy for his input into the choice and design. "We received a lot of comments through the summer on how well Kilcullen was looking," he said.

The support given by the business community, and by Kildare County Council through grants and other supports, has also been a great help. "Without that financial support, we wouldn't be able to carry out many of the projects we do," Eoin noted, and urged people to 'give back' to local businesses by supporting them and keeping their business in town. He also thanked the Hideout for hosting this year's launch of Kilcullen in Bloom.

This will also be the second Front Garden and Hanging Baskets Competition, for which entries close on 30 June. "Dave Clancy has again agreed to judge this competition, and we thank him for that, as well as the prize sponsors, who once again will be Brennans Hardware, the Garden Centre, and Markus Landscaping."

Eoin concluded by thanking all the volunteers who come out for clean-up mornings and evenings, and he urged everyone in the community to do their bit to help. "You don't have to be a member of Kilcullen Tidy Towns, just pick up any litter you come across while out walking or jogging."

Ray Kelly listed a number of KCA events which are taking place through May, 'which is looking like our busiest month'. These include a Cookery Night in Kalbarri Cookery School on 15 May, limited in numbers and costing just €10. "We did that a couple of years ago and it was a really enjoyable night," he noted.

National Biodiversity Week initiatives include Dr Jan Baars' riverside talk on the afternoon of Saturday 19 May. "That's always a really interesting afternoon, especially for children." It is also the day of the KCA Summer Street Collection.

On 22 May there will be a Swifts Walk and Talk conducted by Wild Kildare, and will include going to Scoil Bhride to see if there's yet any activity in the nesting boxes installed there.

The Kilcullen Community Action AGM is on 23 May in the Town Hall, and Ray said it was very important to get a good turnout. "Everyone here tonight is required to come," he joked … but wasn't joking.

He also reminded those present of the next meeting of the Kilcullen Sustainable Energy Group on 24 May. "This initiative is in its infancy at the moment, but it will grow. One of the aims is that every street light will be LED, thus helping to make the town's energy usage more sustainable."

After noting a couple of ongoing projects, including the rejuvenation of Pinkeen Stream which is going very well, and the refurbishment of old gates around the town, Ray closed by commending the recent work by the GAA at their training pitch, in the process cleaning up the road frontage which very much improves the look of the town as people come in from that direction.

All the Diary's pictures from the evening are here.