Is your dog missing? UPDATE - OWNER FOUND

This black collie-type dog was found this afternoon in the Yellow Bog-Milemill area. If he's yours, call 087 2324498.

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Looking Back: "One and one, please"

Do you remember this? McTernan's Fish and Chip Van was a regular sight at racecourses and other public events around the country for many years.

The picture is from Thirty Years of The Bridge, published 20 years ago and still on sale as the magazine completes 50 years of publication with the upcoming February issue.

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If you go down to the Valley today ... bring nuts

A couple of bird feeders recycled from empty containers are hanging in the Valley.

If you're going for a walk there, maybe bring a little bag of nuts in your pocket so they can be topped up?

(And DO wear gloves when handling anything that birds gather on.)

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Community Centre traffic improvements on the way

A nice tarmac finish to the previously rough gravel area at the back of the Community Centre is part of Phase 1 of the new traffic management plan, writes Brian Byrne.

The damaged areas at the front have also been repaired.

Phase 2 will see the old lines removed and new ones put down to mark parking and traffic routing.

All to make the area safer for pedestrians and motorists.

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Sponsored: DP’s first 2021 Property Of The Week is a real Cracker

The busy Spring selling season traditionally starts on the 1st of February with the longer evenings and gardens starting to take shape. Although we are currently under Covid restrictions, the property market still continues to turn and there’s a huge appetite from people to get back to normal and to make that move.

DP are delighted to launch one of our many new spring properties with this gem — 'Ard Maoin', Moone, Ballitore.

Standing on this elevated and commanding c0.77 acre site, is where you’ll find one of the finest, three-bedroom homes to be offered for sale in recent times. Presented in excellent condition throughout, this handsome home boasts views of four counties across some of the most impressive rolling countryside views. The layout lends well to modern family living with the accommodation extending to c162 sq mt and includes three double bedrooms, two reception rooms, large utility room and the all-important spacious country kitchen. The highlight is a well positioned, south-facing sun room with 180 degree country views.

The site is mature and fully landscaped and is approached via an electric gated entrance to tarmac driveway. There are extensive lawns to the front and rear and the large steel shed will be very much appreciated. Just a 3-minute drive will find you at the M9/M7 interchange, making Dublins Newlands Cross just a c30 minute drive. With its location, presentation and layout, we must now strongly advise on early viewings to avoid disappointment. A real gem! €339,950.

We are currently restricted with viewings, but please register your interest on 045 482189.

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Weatherday: Dot, Dash, Dot, Dash, Dot

A cold and damp start, with some persistent rain rolling in for the morning and early afternoon. Temperatures staying at a low 4deg.

Moderate to fresh winds from the south east easing back later.

On this day in 1999, the use of Morse Code in radio services for shipping was ended, after more than 100 years.

Headline: The Morse Code 'end of message' sequence.

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Bereavement courses from Hospice Foundation

Image: Irish Hospice Foundation.

A series of online workshops on Living with Loss is being held through until June by the Irish Hospice Foundation.

The workshops are aimed at professionals and volunteers who may wish to learn more about loss and bereavement and for those working with people who have experienced a major loss.

They are framed relative to the HSE palliative care competence framework at level two — for people whose work increasingly sees them engaging with people facing loss, bereavement and death.

The fees are €100 per workshop, and a number are already booked out. Booking and payments are made through Eventbrite. Full details here. 

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Free discussion on Minding your Family's Mental Health

A free Zoom talk on Minding your Family's Mental Health during Covid-19 will take place on Tuesday 9 February, between 7pm-8pm.

It is part of the "Let's Talk about Parenting" series organised by Celbridge Community Libraries and will feature Professor John Sharry, social worker and family psychotherapist with over 27 years' experience.

Prof Sharry, who is also the weekly parenting columnist for the Irish Times will provide some practical principles on how people can look after the mental health of their own families during the current restrictions. Challenges such as home working and schooling will be discussed, and the interactive session will include time for Q&A.

Participation is free but booking is essential, here at Eventbrite. 

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Kilcullen high in MyLife/GAA Every Step Counts

Thank you to the 155 walkers from Kilcullen GAA and community who have registered and are completing the challenge so far, writes Liam Cronin. In 2.5 weeks we have so far totalled just over 11,500 km!

Absolutely fantastic steps by everyone — we almost have three circuits of Ireland completed (one circuit is 4,000km). Our club is in 8th position in the Leinster challenge. Well done everyone!

It’s not too late to sign-up, just download the App — MyLife by Irish Life.  Search for MyLife by Irish Life in the App Store or Google Play Store. Once registered, get ready to join Kilcullen GAA and get stepping! On the MyLife app go to: Social > Challenges > Pending > Every Steps Counts + (Leinster) > Kilcullen GAA. Any problems joining, contact Liam Cronin at 087 9680399.

We encourage everyone in the community to get involved — every km counts!

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Podcast: Light up the World

The house was made of adobe mud, the land around it high altitude Bolivian desert. From all I'd seen in previous days, the owner likely eked out a very subsistence existence. But on a pole poking out of the roof I could see a photovoltaic solar panel. Produced by Brian Byrne.

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Weatherday: Baltic disaster

Damp and blustery through the morning, with persistent bursts of rain. These will ease through the afternoon, but strong winds from the northwest will continue, moderating after dark.

Highest temperature 4deg and a distinct wind chill factor.

On this day in 1945, the worst maritime disaster in history happened when the German ocean liner Wilhelm Gustloff was sunk by a Soviet submarine in the Baltic Sea, with an estimated 9,000 passengers killed.

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Food for the Weekend: Crean's Place

The usual Saturday morning Crean's Place bakery shop will be at the Garden Centre location in Leinster Marts car park tomorrow, Saturday 30 January.

Brownies, sourdoughs, soda breads, pastries, coffee, on sale, as well as John's milk and eggs.

From 10:30 to 12:30 and please bring your containers, coffee cups, bread bags, milk bottle and egg carton.

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Hearing aid lost on Newbridge road

A box containing a hearing aid was lost today by a reader cycling from Newbridge to Kilcullen.

She knows it's a long shot, but if anyone out walking found it, can they give Ramona a call.

Phone number 086 3172663.

Food for the Weekend: Bardons

Bardons have their takeaway menu available through the weekend, with a range of Mains that include Vegetarian and Vegan.

Key items this week are Bardons Style Wings €14, Battered Fish of the Day €16, Cajun Chicken Burger €15 and Bardons Beef Stir-Fry €15.

There's an array of starters and desserts, and a Kids Menu too.

Call 045 482286 to book and collect.

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Lockdown, Day 28

Our third lockdown appears to be creating such difficulties for all the world's inhabitants, writes Thelma Kenna. Indeed the social media and daily news headlines doesn't always necessarily help one's already frightened and emotional state of mind. Will it ever end?

So many people have been affected in so many different ways and each individual appears to be doing what they need to do to get them from one day to the next.

Crafts and hobbies ... sports and exercise ... acts of kindness ... checking in on the most isolated in the community or daily walks have increased within the village and it's such a pleasure to say that we as a community have pulled together in the darkest of times to help each other out where we can.

I can't emphasis enough the work that has been occurring in the Valley in recent times, it has made the nature trail such a peaceful and uplifting experience which can be also taken for granted ...

It's a pity, though, about the litter from a minority at times with little consideration of the people whom clear up the mess with no recognition.

The emphasis with this Covid pandemic is all around frontline and essential workers, which I for one can't give enough credit to ... however within the village we also have essential workers who don't get half the credit I feel they deserve.

I've been capturing daily life in lockdown since March and today I captured this image which I would like to share ... our essential workers. 

Out in the cold, the rain and knee-deep in much digging and working ever so hard to make the trail a more enjoyable and more attractive experience for all who pass through it daily.

I would like the community to acknowledge and respect the work that goes on behind the scenes. Thank you, lads, for your endless hard work ... you deserve the recognition too.

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Weatherday: By the Sleepy Lagoon

A dank and dreary morning will improve to a cloudy but mostly dry day. Some prospect of a little sun in mid-afternoon, but clouding over again for the evening.

Highest temperature around 8deg, in moderate westerly winds that will ease to light breezes from the east.

On this day in 1942, the BBC broadcasted the first episode of Desert Island Discs. The programme is still running, with more than 3,000 episodes recorded.

Headline — the title of the signature tune, composed by Eric Coates.

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