Kilcullen gets KCC Tidy Towns awards

Pic: Kilcullen Community Action Facebook.

Kilcullen Tidy Towns and others from the town were presented with awards at the Kildare County Council Community Awards last evening.

The Tidy Towns group received an Endeavour Award, accepted by Ray Kelly of Kilcullen Community Action; while Avondale Drive received a Pride of Place award and Evelyn Miller was awarded Best Kept Garden.

The Kilcullen contingent is pictured above with Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin.

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Kilcullen handball recalled in Ireland's Eye article

A handball alley of the 1930s similar to the one in Kilcullen. Pic courtesy National Library.

Childhood memories of socialising in fair weather at the old handball alley in Kilcullen begin an article by Garreth Byrne in the November issue of Ireland's Eye magazine. Garreth is retired and lives in Dromahair, Co Leitrim, but grew up in Kilcullen before embarking on a teaching career which saw him spend his working life in Africa and China.

He describes 'the main wall of the alley was high and fronted the main street through which Dublin to Waterford traffic constantly moved. To ensure that no balls went over the wall, there was a line of firm wire mesh tacked onto the top. Two sidewalls stretched down to a rear back wall against which rebounding balls bounced'.

The writer continues on the theme of what the alley meant socially to younger children in the village. He mentions that older teenager boys sometimes played serious games of handball.

The rest of the article is about handball alleys around Ireland and the export of the sport to Australia, South Africa, Britain and North America. About 700 handball alleys have been identified around Ireland, some abandoned or being used for other purposes and yet others being used for serious handball sport. They are part of our cultural and architectural heritage.

The alley in Kilcullen was roughly opposite Brennans Hardware, a little further up hill and accessed by a lane. It was demolished to make way for the buildings now there.


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'Be safe and responsible' over Halloween

Photo by Rahul from Pexels.

Local gardai are asking everybody to stay safe and be responsible over the Halloween period.

It can be a particularly frightening time of the year for the elderly and vulnerable members of our community. Pet and animal owners are also asked to take care of their animals during this time.

If required gardai in Kilcullen can be contacted at 045 481212 or in a case of emergency call 999 or 112.


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Dog found in Brannockstown

Image: Blueprint.

UPDATE: Owner Found. A black and white collie has been found in the Brannockstown area. He is wearing a red collar and he was wandering around all day yesterday.

The dog is now in the Comerford household in Moorhill. Contact 087 7672957 if you have any information on the owner.


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Save the date for Christmas Market

Over 25 stallholders have signed up for the Kilcullen Christmas Market on Saturday 7 December, write organisers Katrina, Lorna & Antoinette.

They will be providing great mix of artisan foods, crafters and represent many local businesses in offering some great gift ideas for Christmas.

Come along and join us in the Town Hall and out the back of the hall — there are stalls inside and out this year, with something for young and old.

Anyone else interested in a stall, contact us and we will squeeze you in. The Market will run from 10am-4 pm.

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Generosity beyond anticipation for 'Quare Land' fundraiser

Fundraiser organisers Ronan Murphy, Frank Mitchell, Vivian Clarke and Eilis Phillips.

The recent showing of the video of The Quare Land in Kilcullen Town Hall raised €2,400, writes Brian Byrne.

The presentation of the Kilcullen Drama Group's 2016 production of the John McManus play was to raise funds for the provision of a public-accessible defibrillator at a Hillcrest location. The event was organised by Vivian Clarke, Eilis Phillips, Frank Mitchell, and Ronan Murphy.

"People were extraordinarily generous," says Vivian Clarke. "It was much more successful than we ever thought it would be. We have all the funding we need now."

In addition to €1,080 paid for seats, €900 was given in various cash donations in the weeks before the showing. "The raffle on the night brought in €420, and we have to thank the very many individuals and businesses who donated raffle prizes."

Expressing his thanks to everyone who had helped, contributed to and attended the initiative, Vivian also paid tribute to Pat Foley for the quality of his video. Pat has been recording the Kilcullen Drama Group productions for many years.

The Quare Land featured Vivian and the late Bernard Berney as the play's two characters. It was directed by Eilis Phillips.

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The bad, the ugly ... and the good

Here's the latest bit of badness to be inflicted on the town by people who don't give a damn about any community, or anyone else except their little-minded selves, writes Brian Byrne.

The ugliness of this timber waste and a carpet underlay thrown into the landscape ditch around the Dun Ailinne Interpretive Park was an affront to everyone who lives here and to the community spirit that keeps Kilcullen the place we all want to live in.

The stuff was collected and taken away this morning by a local resident, in their van.

And here's the good bit. When the powers that be in AES at the Silliott Hill refuse facility heard what had happened, they took it in without charge.

That's business and community together.

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Ballyshannon group collecting planning submissions

Collecting names at the October 15 Ballyshannon public meeting.

The Ballyshannon Action Group are holding a submissions collection next Saturday for those making submissions on the proposed local Kilsaran sand and gravel extraction facility.

The submissions can be brought to Ballyshannon Hall between 2pm-5pm. A €20 fee is required with each submission.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 6 November. The Group will ensure that all submissions collected are delivered on time.

Further information from Jim - 087 6793848; Anna - 087 2624940; Jo - 087 1257434 or Mick - 087 1551494.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on Tuesday 29th October 2019 were 5, 13, 17 and 24. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will again be €18,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Sharon Griffin (Promoter Vanessa Clarke), Helen Dawson (The Parish) and Adrienne Keane (Friday Bridge Club).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vanessa Clarke and Berney’s Chemist and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Issy Broughall.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Did you see this car being damaged?

A Diary reader's car was parked outside An Tearman on Sunday night from 10.10pm. At about 12.10am it was hit by a car that did not stop. A lot of damage was caused.

Did anyone out there see or hear anything? The owner of the car would be very grateful for any information.

Contact 086 8800819.

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Kilcullen Badminton update

Niav Cahill, Jen Monaghan.

Dublin District League
Three Dublin District Leagues matches played between Monday 21 October and Friday 25 October, writes Enda O'Neill, Match Secretary of Kilcullen Badminton Club.

Tuesday 22 October KBC hosted two matches, Murt Dunne and his Division 3 Men played St Brigid's in their first DDL match. The lads got off to a great start winning their debut match with an impressive 3-1 victory. The KBC Men then travelled to Mount Pleasant on Thursday 24 October wanting to build on their 3-1 win earlier in the week. Alas it was not to be with Mount P inflicting a 4-0 defeat on their Kilcullen counterparts. The 4-0 defeat however does not reflect how close the game was and is a harsh reflection on how close the match really was with three of the four games going to three sets. Murt's next outing is away to St Brigid's in the Dublin District Cup on Wednesday 06 November.

Also playing in the Dublin District League was KBCs Division 9 in their first league match. In this home match Danum were the opposition and it was a League debut to one of our new members Audrey Moore. Not a good debut for Audrey and her team Kendra Valroy, Olivier P Valroy and Aideen O Connell who lost the match 4-0. Our Division 9 Mix will play Rush next in an away fixture on Wednesday 20 November.

South West League
Not a good week for our South West League teams, Our Grade 3 Mens had two matches and neither had a positive outcome, first game was away to Portlaoise where the KBC Men were on the receiving end of 3-1 defeat. Things didn’t improve when they hosted Phoenix on Thursday 24 October again the lads being on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat. With the exception of one game the lads put up a great fight with the other three games going to three sets. Hard luck to Captain Owen Wallace, Mick Cass, Quashim Butt and Shochan Andrews on a very tough week.

Our Grade 5 Ladies travelled to Mullingar on Tuesday 22 October with sub Andrea Kondacs as Captain Teresa McGlynn is out with injury. The ladies however did put up a good fight but it was to be Mullingar’s night winning the match 4-0. Our Ladies are still well on course to make a semi-final appearance as the won their previous two matches 4-0 and still sit top of the table with eight points. Teresa and the girls’ next fixture is a home match to Mullingar on Tuesday 05 November where hopefully they will get their league back on track.

John Mullen, Enda O'Neill.

Oktoberfest Tournament
Kilcullen had some representation in Dublin Districts Oktoberfest Tournament which was held in Baldoyle on Saturday 26 October. KBC were represented in the Division 5 Ladies and Men’s categories. Jennifer Monaghan and Niav Cahill competed in the Ladies and finished runners up in a very tough competition, congrats to the two ladies on a great achievement in their first tournament together. The “old dogs” John Mullen and Enda O’Neill represented the club in the Division 5 Men’s, in a tough group the lads came out victorious winning the Men’s competition only dropping two sets throughout their four matches. Well done to both pairings on great performances for the club on the day.

Finally as ever good luck to all the teams in their upcoming fixtures this week.

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Only one remaining unit in new Brannockstown development

Only one unit remains at the new development in Brannockstown, Grangemore Manor, according to sales agent Austin Egan of Appleton Property.

Grangemore Manor is a New Development of A-Rated Energy efficient homes comprising seven large luxury detached properties on c. 0.5 acre sites. Six of the seven properties are now sold with one remaining. Number 1 Grangemore Manor comprises 2385 sq ft of internal living space on a c 0.47-acre site with c. 42 sq. metre double garage.

Built to a high standard these homes have an A2 BER rating, provide for a High Efficiency Home with Airsource Heat Pump, with under floor heating and temperature control to each individual room, stone and render low maintenance exterior with stone cobble locked path, triple glazed windows throughout, high ceilings with energy efficient recessed lighting, high end bespoke kitchen units with island with large utility adjacent, tastefully tiled bathrooms, pumped thermostatically controlled showers, lawned garden with post and rail fence and pebble driveway.

Brannockstown is a vibrant rural village with a strong community c. two miles from Kilcullen and the M9 intersection. The county town of Naas is c. seven miles away. With the new 3-lane M7 now complete, commuting times to Dublin were never shorter. If you are looking for a future-proofed home in a vibrant community on the periphery of Kilcullen within easy reach of Dublin city then Grangemore Manor will be of interest. Only one unit remains. Full details on www.appleton.ie/sales.

Viewing by appointment with sole selling agents, Austin Egan MIPAV of Appleton Property. Of note, there is also one opportunity to acquire a site with full planning permission for a two storey dwelling at Grangemore Manor for those wishing to build their own home, details of the site on application from sole agents, Appleton Property, at 045 482759.

Text Alert Committee: be vigilant in dark evenings

A reminder has been issued by the Community Text Alert Committee for everyone to be vigilant in their area and to report anything suspicious to the Garda.

The scheme remains open to new membership from both individuals and residents group, and membership forms are available in Kilcullen Credit Union.

The shorter daylight evenings with the change of the clock at the weekend can mean that housebreaking increases, even while the home is occupied.

An Garda hints for keeping burglars at bay are available here.

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Gringer the Whinger for Woodbine today

A reminder that as part of Irish Book Week, children's author Jane Landy is coming to visit Woodbine Books this morning, Tuesday 29 October.

Jane will read from her book, Gringer the Whinger, and will discuss the process of writing a picture book, from the initial idea to having the actual book in your hand.

The event kicks off at 11am and there will also be the opportunity for participants to try their hand at illustrating and Jane will provide feedback. Attendance is free but places are limited, so book early! Suitable for ages 3-10.

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The Rags celebrate 130 years

Celebrating 130 years as a GAA club requires a special night and given the spirit and commitment of Kilcullen GAA club there was no doubt that this would be achieved last night, writes Conor Williams. Over 300 club members and friends met in the Keadeen as the past and present successes were remembered and rewarded.

Chairperson Dan Bell gave the opening address followed by messages from those who have emigrated. Singing waitresses entertained the crowd between courses and after the meal two cakes were cut for Kilcullen GAA 130 years and Kilcullen 700 by Club Presidents Pat Lynch, Tom O'Connell and Kilcullen 700 Chairperson Nessa Dunlea. Following the cutting of the cakes Nessa Dunlea addressed the audience and presented a Kilcullen 700 commemorative plaque to Chairperson Dan Bell.

Awards were then given out Players of the year for both mens and ladies minor, junior and senior teams, and also to the player of the year for the Kilcullen Mothers and Others. The victorious Ladies senior team were presented with their medals for their league victory. Also on the night Shane Lambe spoke on behalf of his family thanking those who assisted his father Michael with their quick life saving actions and also to ensure people that Michael was on the road to recovery.

The club person of the year award was awarded to club secretary Debbie O'Brien and club treasurer Teresa O'Laughlin for their hard work over the last few years. Presenting the award were members of the Howard family.

(Photos also by Conor Williams.)

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