Two local fundraisers for Pieta House under way

Richie Kelly and Lorna Brophy.

A lighting up of the bridge in Kilcullen with candles is a replacement fundraising idea for the usual Dawn Walk in aid of Pieta House, writes Brian Byrne.

The 5K walk is normally held in July and brings several hundred people out before dawn to walk through the local New Abbey Stud.

Since the walks were initiated by Lorna Brophy and Richie Kelly in 2015, they have raised more than €65,600 for the work carried out by Pieta House. In 2017 and 2018 the funds included the proceeds of linked Twilight Concerts in the market square.

For this year's non-gathering event, candles are available at €5 each or other donation, and organisers Lorna Brophy and Richie Kelly will place them on the bridge on Saturday 4 July.

Sponsor cards are available for anyone who wants to help get donations, and they can also be used to get names of people who want their name on the candle.

If you want a card, or to help in any other way, message Lorna on her Facebook page, or phone Richie on 087 2346428.

Meanwhile, some 100 local households have signed up for the Brannockstown At Home 2020 photobook, being prepared to also raise funds for Pieta House.

The project will provide a photographic record of local people in their homes during the period of coronavirus restriction period.

The area featured is within a 5km radius of the village centre, and pictures will be taken by a local photographer in a relaxed manner at people's homes, in their garden, or wherever they wish in the area. There's also provision for people who don't want to be in a picture themselves but would like their homes or gardens to feature.

Those taking part will write a short note to appear beside their picture, and the book will be on sale as soon as it is completed.

"The door is open for anyone else who wants to join in," says organiser Agnes Keohane. "We will take photographs over the next few weeks — we’ll be in contact with participants soon to arrange an appointment."

Anyone else who wants to be involved can email brannockstown2020@gmail.com or phone Richie Kelly 087 2346428 or Agnes Keohane 087 8262239.

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