Looking Back: Schoolboys in the 1940s?

Jim Ferguson is the boy in the middle of this group, writes Brian Byrne. His family lived down beside O'Connell's Bar until the late 1940s. 

Jim afterwards emigrated to New Zealand, possibly in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The photo was sent to the Diary by Jim Greenway, who met him there in about 1987, when by coincidence their respective sons became pals in the same school.

The others in the picture are Ger and Peter Coleman, Maurice Lynch and Peter Quinn. Photo courtesy of Michael and Sandra Dempsey.

The photo has been added to the Kilcullen Gathering Heritage Collection. The post has been updated with new names, and the headline changed to reflect the boys' probably age.

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Happy Easter!

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ET still charms

In a full and busy auditorium in Kilcullen Town Hall yesterday a short brown alien with glowing fingertips won the hearts of a whole new generation of cinema goers, writes Teresa Nurse of Kilcullen Bridge Cinema. Steven Spielberg’s classic ET movie proved that it still resonates with audiences. 

The gentle story about the friendship between 10-year-old Elliot and an alien left behind on earth has lost none of its magic. There were cheers and tears as the story unfolded and the audience rooted for the kids from California and their strange friend.

Earlier in the day the antics of the rebellious Peter Rabbit entertained a younger audience. There was lots of laughter and giggles and young and old enjoyed the very seasonal movie.

Kilcullen Bridge Cinema wold like to wish all their patrons a very happy Easter and thank them for their support.

Three generations of one family who enjoyed E.T.

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The passing of Sadie Kenny

The Diary has learned of the death of Sadie Kenny, nee Coogan, Avondale Drive, Kilcullen, who died on March 28th 2024 (suddenly). 

Sadie's passing is deeply regretted by her loving husband Paddy, brothers Seamus, Kevin, Maurice, Michael and Sean, sister Evelyn, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and her loyal friend Freddy.

She will be reposing at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Ballymount, (Eircode W91 RX37) from 4pm on Sunday 31st until 8pm with prayers at 7.30pm. Removal from there will be on Monday morning, 1st April, to The Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen, arriving for 11am funeral Mass which may be viewed on this link.  Funeral afterwards to Holycross Cemetery, Suncroft.

Rest in peace.

Appleton daffs 'appreciated by all'

More on the daffodils donated to the community last year by Appleton Property — these pics from Martin Sheridan in Hermitage Park, he says they have brought great colour and brightness to the estate and are 'appreciated by all'.

READ: Daffs thanks to Appleton Property from local residents

 

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Children's films day

Entertain the little ones today with these fun Easter movies, writes Teresa Nurse of Kilcullen Bridge Cinema. Showing 11am Friday 29 March, Peter Rabbit is based on the story of Beatrix Potter’s furry friends, it follows the exploits of Peter Rabbit (James Gordon), Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton Tail and Benji against Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson).

The afternoon show at 2pm is ET, Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic. An enchanting and magical film it is sure to charm a whole new generation of cinema goers. A must-see on the big screen. 

All tickets are €4 and are available in Woodbine Books and on Eventbrite. 

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Good Friday fundraisers for KWWSPCA

Just a reminder that two traditional Good Friday events will take place in aid of funds for the Kildare West Wicklow SPCA, writes Brian Byrne. They are the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Dog Walk at Punchestown Racecourse.

The Easter Egg Hunt is from 2pm-4pm and the Dog Walk will start at 3pm today, Good Friday, 29 March, just inside the main entrance to the racecourse. Everyone is welcome. There is plenty of free parking and entry is free, although donations are welcome. There will be Easter eggs for the children, treats for the dogs and a raffle.

Some of KWWSPCA's rescue dogs, past and present, will be attending and going on the walk. It is a fun afternoon for everyone — the walk is on fairly level, solid ground and lasts about an hour. 

All dogs must be kept on leads. Call 087 6803295 for more information.

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Leonard Cohen celebration in Moone

A celebration of the late Leonard Cohen will be performed in Croí Anú Creative Centre in Moone on Sunday 7 April, writes Brian Byrne.

The show I Remember You Well will feature Shane Sullivan and Katie Jacques singing a selection of Cohen's songs, with readings from his poems by Angela Keogh and John MacKenna. John was a friend of Cohen's and has written a book about their relationship, Absent Friend. 

Tickets at €20 are available on Eventbrite. The 2-hour show begins at 8pm. 

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A Skull in Connemara upcoming

The presentation of Martin McDonagh’s A Skull in Connemara by Kilcullen Drama Group will take place from Monday 22 April to Friday 26 April, writes Brian Byrne.

The Friday will be the Gala Night, in aid of the Relay for Life with Kilcullen Gospel Choir. Wine reception as usual from 7.30pm. The play begins at 8pm sharp each night.

The story is set around Mick and Mairton, gravediggers whose job is to disinter the bones of seven-year-old corpses and smash them to dust to make room for new arrivals. Gossip has it that Mick murdered his wife, so Mick arranges that Tom, Mairton's policeman brother, should be at her disinterment. But the bones are missing. 

The play is a dark comedy that some say is the playwright’s funniest.

Tickets may now be booked at the NEW phone number 087 4707652.

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DP Easter listing, Big Tree Cottage Narraghmore

Dowling Property have the great pleasure in offering this magnificent recently renovated home for sale in this highly sought-after location. This wonderful B2 energy-rated home was upgraded to the highest standards by its current house-proud owner and we can assure you that "no stone was left unturned" during the project. 

Presented in show house condition throughout and tastefully decorated, combining the cottage style but with all modern comforts. The feature list is simply outstanding and includes a master bedroom en-suite, bright kitchen with lantern feature window, utility, three bedrooms and a show-stopping sitting room with high ceilings and large wood stove. The insulation used in the renovation will surpass any future heating regulations providing a modern warm home with traditional features.

The site benefits from extensive road frontage, large gardens and rolling countryside views. There is also full planning permission for a detached workshop and one could not rule out the possibility of a further house in the front garden (STPP). Just a c.200m walk will find you in the village centre and a c.10-minute drive to M9/M7 making for excellent access to Dublin City. With its magnificent presentation and layout, tremendous location, we must now advise on early viewings to avoid disappointment. A Real Gem!

AMV €425,000. Call DP on 045 482189. www.dowlingproperty.ie

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The passing of Colin Noel (UK)

The Diary has been informed of the death of Colin Noel, Bierton, UK, on 7 March 2024, peacefully after a short illness bravely borne. 

Beloved husband of Bernadette Burke, Melon Hill, Kilcullen, Colin is sadly mourned by his loving wife Ber, his brothers-in-law Dermot and Kevin, sisters-in-law Dawn and Bernie, nieces Niamh, Caoimhe and Hannah, nephew Niall, cousins, extended family and friends in the UK.

Colin's cremation will take place on Wednesday 3 April, at 1pm in Bierton Crematorium, which can be viewed on the link below. No flowers please — donations may be made to RNLI or Sue Ryder Hospice via colinnoel.muchloved.com.

Streaming details for the service of Colin Noel at 13:00 (BST) on Wednesday, 3rd April, at Bierton Crematorium Bierton, run by Michelle Bullsings, are: https://watch.obitus.com; Username heqi2790; Password 383752

Rest in peace.

Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 26 March 2024 were 5, 10, 26 and 29. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €20,000. A follow-up Draw stands at €2,000.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Nuala Grace (Promoter Wednesday Bridge Club), Ailish King (Breda McCormack) and Elaine Coleman (Vivian Clarke). 

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Bernie Kirby and Berney's Chemist and the winner of the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Leah O'Sullivan.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Have you locked your car?

Did you remember to lock your car when you were out today? If not, and nothing happened, you were lucky, writes Brian Byrne.

The Diary is aware of a spate of unlocked cars being searched and items of value taken, both locally and in the wider county.

According to research from insurers Aviva, one in five owners don't always lock their cars. And Garda figures from recent years show that four in ten of all thefts from cars are from unlocked vehicles.

Lock your car even when filling up at a petrol station, or parked on your drive — a lot of thievery from cars is opportunistic, and half of it happens overnight outside the owner's home. 

It seems like a no-brainer but apparently isn't for many, don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Handbags, phones, or shopping bags on view are a sure way to attract thieves. If you must leave stuff in your car, then store it out of sight in your glove box or in a boot. 

When you're locking, always do it while you’re at the car and check the handle to make sure. Check the windows too!

Apart from minimising the chance of losing your stuff, think about the fact that you won't be embarrassed when reporting it ...

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The passing of James (Shay) Conway (Craigavon)

The Diary has learned of the death of James (Shay) Conway of Craigavon, Co Armagh, and previously Dublin and Kilcullen, Co Kildare, on 24 March 2024.

Beloved husband of Gabby and dearly loved father of Donna, Eric and Kira, stepfather of Neill and Tiarnan Shay was predeceased by his parents and his father-in-law Patsy. His passing is deeply regretted by his loving wife, daughters, sons, step-sons, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and family circle.

His funeral on Wednesday will be from from his late residence, 80 Markville Bleary, at 9.50am to the Church of SS Patrick & Colman, Laurencetown, for Requiem Mass at 10.30am. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only, donations if desired may be made to Newry Hospice, for which purpose there will be a donation box in the family home.

Shay's Requiem Mass can be viewed on Tullylish Parish Webcam.

Rest in peace.

Talk on 'most scandalous' theft in Ireland

The police notice about the theft in 1907.

A talk on the theft of the Irish Crown Jewels will be held in St Laurence's GAA Club on Wednesday 3 April, writes Brian Byrne.

The event is hosted by  the South Kildare Villages History and Heritage Group and will be given by historian and author Hugh Crawford.

The jewels were stolen in 1907 and at the time it was Ireland's most scandalous theft. It remains unsolved to this day.

The items were a diamond badge and diamond star created in 1831 for the Grand Master of the Order of St Patrick, an order of knighthood established in 1783 by George III. In addition, the collars of five knights of the order were taken in the robbery. Nothing has ever been recovered.

The badge and star were valued at the equivalent of approximately €4 million in today's money. 

The talk will begin at 8pm and all are most welcome. The location Eircode is R14 CX28.

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Daffs thanks to Appleton Property from local residents

A number of community expressions of appreciation have been received by the Diary for the daffodils gifted to Kilcullen last year by Appleton Property, writes Brian Byrne.

Among these are a note from the Old Kilcullen Area Community Association, which received some of the 20,000 daff bulbs donated by Austin Egan's business, marking ten years of operation on Main Street. 

Their photos above and below show just some of the results coming up over the recent weeks.

Betty Lambe of Conroy Park has also sent in pictures (below)which show the brightening up of the estate in Kilcullen, just one example of the spring yellow flourishing all over the community.

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