That Was The Week on Kilcullen Diary — 31 May 2020

A roundup of the news of the week ending Sunday 31 May on Kilcullen Diary. Produced and presented by Brian Byrne.

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Gardai investigating drinking, antisocial behaviour at GAA grounds

Pictures: Kilcullen GAA.

Kilcullen GAA have informed the gardai of antisocial behaviour on the club's grounds, which are closed to even members at the moment.

The Club says that the pitch and facilities are being used as a 'party venue' by youths from the town.

The activities have included sitting out on camping chairs on the pitch and drinking, and related debris — including broken glass bottles — has been found in the dugouts, stand, and the surrounds of the pitch 'nearly every morning' during the past week.

Active CCTV footage is recorded on a 24-hour basis on the club premises, and residents from nearby areas are asked to direct-message the club's Facebook page if they see individuals or groups going to the premises with bags, or hear the activity.

The gardai, who now have keys to the property, will be patrolling the premises from now on and will be notified of any such activity immediately.

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Socially distanced celebration for Fr Mackey

A socially distanced but happy group gathered in the grounds of the parochial house last evening to congratulate Fr Niall Mackey on the 55th anniversary of his ordination, writes Brian Byrne.

He was presented with a photograph of Howth Lighthouse, by acclaimed photographer Paul Dillon, and a cake made by Frances Clare, as well many cards and small gifts by the parishioners in attendance.

Fr Mackey briefly recalled his time while studying in Clonliffe College in Dublin and in Maynooth College for his Theology degree. He showed those present the official photographs of his Clonliffe and Maynooth classes. "You're so good to come out," he told everyone.

The Paul Dillion photograph was presented by Eleanor Traynor, entitled 'The Light of Hope' which Esther Reddy said represented what Fr Mackey had been for Kilcullen through the years he has been here.

Adrienne Byrne read a Reflection on Priesthood by the 19th century priest and journalist Jean-Baptiste Lacordaire.

Following renditions of 'Congratulations' there were a number of other songs, led by Fr Harte, and some chats at a distance between those present, before the evening May Rosary was prayed at the grotto.

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Weatherday: Velocipede winner

Dry and warm, mostly sunny, with hazy high cloud at times. Temperatures reaching around 21deg with light winds getting a bit breezier around lunchtime.

Wear the sunscreen.

On this day in 1868, the first recorded bicycle race was won by a British rider, Dr James Moore, in a 2K velocipede race in Paris.

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Sean Swan on river patrol

A few nice shots of Sean Swan this afternoon. Waiting until the cygnets are big enough to bring swimming. (Pics by Brian Byrne.)

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Fun on the river ... and not so much fun

Above is the fun side of the river on a sunny summer afternoon, and it's great to see young people enjoying what is a wonderful and fortunate facility, writes Brian Byrne.

Below is the not so fun side, showing just a part of the litter that's left behind. Sean Swan is not happy about it.

I know that the under-18s don't read the Diary. But a lot of their parents do. You know where your kids are going. Give them the message: respect the land and its owners, and the biodiversity, and ultimately themselves.

The rant endeth.

Oh, not quite ... the owner of these bags of dog dirt, probably adult, who flung them into the ditch along the Mass Path, might feel embarrassed or guilty enough to go and retrieve them?

Probably not.

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Fr Mackey celebrates 55th anniversary of ordination

Fr Mackey is a serial marathon runner. He is pictured with his Columbus Half Marathon medal in 2016.

A reminder that a presentation will be made to Fr Niall Mackey this evening,  Saturday, to mark the 55th anniversary of his ordination, writes Brian Byrne.

It will take place at 7.30pm outside the Parish House, before the evening Rosary at the grotto.

The celebration will be a socially distanced affair, and Fr Mackey will be given a cake, a card, and a small gift, organised by parishioners. The usual May Rosary will go ahead at 8pm.

Fr Niall came to Kilcullen in 2013, replacing Fr Michael Murphy. There was a much more extensive celebration of his Golden Jubilee in 2015, which can be recalled here.

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Brannockstown held virtual meeting

Brannockstown Community Committee had its first virtual meeting last week, writes committee chairperson Mary Carter.

A number of topics were discussed including a financial update, Tidy Towns, traffic management and a Community Gathering Event when restrictions are lifted.

Efforts are ongoing in relation to Tidy Towns, litter management and general village maintenance. A huge thank you to all who have supported the various actives in the village especially throughout the last number of weeks.

If you wish to become involved please contact any member of the committee.

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Weatherday: A day for a burning

A dry and warm day with long spells of sunshine. Some hazy high cloud, and temperatures up to 22deg in the Kilcullen area.

A light southerly breeze will freshen towards moderate in mid-afternoon.

On this day in 1412, Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake on a trumped up condemnation of heresy, following her earlier conviction of the crime of wearing men's clothing.

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