Kilcullen Diary: Community Awards 2025 presented

There was a special sheen to last night's celebrations of the best that Kilcullen has and does, at the Community Awards presentations, writes Brian Byrne. Master of ceremonies, Eoin Houlihan, noted that they were also celebrating Kilcullen's first gold medal in the Supervalu Tidy Towns 2025.

"After earning silver last year and bronze the year before, this is a truly remarkable progression and a testament to everyone’s hard work and pride in our town," he told the full-house audience in the Town Hall.

There was also an extra sparkle to the evening through the work of Cross and Passion TY students who had decorated the Heritage Centre and organised the reception before the main event.

Eleven awards were presented, celebrating environmental, business, sporting, youth, arts, community initiative, and service to the community.

Castlemartin Estate won the Best Landscape and Green Space award for the care, enhancement and upkeep of its surroundings. The citation particularly noted the residents' consistent dedication to 'landscaping, tailored lawns, and responsible tree management,' which sets a high standard for residential green space.

KCA's Martin Sheridan presents the award to Castlemartin.

The Best Wildlife Friendly Estate award went to Hermitage Park, whose residents have, over the years, shown outstanding dedication to supporting and enhancing local biodiversity. In particular, two spaces are set aside, left uncut throughout the summer, allowing wildflowers and native shrubs to flourish naturally. In this way, they have created a haven for pollinators, birds, and small mammals.

Ray Kelly presents the award to Hermitage Park.

The estate with the Best Biodiversity Impact was Nicholastown. Through native tree planting, bird boxes, and sustainable landscaping — including areas of long grass that create safe habitats for birds, insects, and pollinators — Nicholastown has demonstrated that beautiful living spaces can also be environmentally responsible and wildlife friendly. Notably, according to the citation, Forest School sessions held on the green provide 'an inspiring natural environment that engages children’s curiosity, supports biodiversity, and nurtures a lifelong love of nature'.

Sorcha McCoy presents the award to Nicholastown.

The Business of the Year accolade went to Little Brew, known not only for its excellent coffee and delicious food but also for its ethical values and community spirit. A strong emphasis on quality, customer engagement, fabulous window artwork, and an inviting atmosphere make it more than a cafe, but a social hub that adds colour and vibrancy to Kilcullen's Main Street.

Bridget Ryan presents the award to the Little Brew team.

Two Sports Achievement awards were presented. The first was to the
South Kildare Shamrocks hurling club, formed from the amalgamation of Kilcullen GAA, Athgarvan GAA, and Two Mile House GAA, with the shared goal of keeping hurling alive within the three clubs and across their respective communities. Now with up to 80 young players in both hurling and camogie, the initiative is truly special because of the cross-community spirit it represents.

The South Kildare Shamrocks were presented with their award by the CPC TY students.

Rob Heffernan of Kilcullen GAA also received an award for his outstanding volunteer work with Kilcullen GAA. A key driving force behind the development of camogie in the club, he has coached the girls’ team from U6 all the way up to the current U14s, and also took a leading role in establishing the Dads and Lads team.

Rob Heffernan receives his award from Derek Hoey.

The Youth Award went to Brona Dooley for her work with the Kilcullen GAA Healthy Clubs Committee, which this year achieved the club’s first-ever Healthy Club Award from the GAA Healthy Clubs Programme. A range of initiatives, including exercise challenges, education on addiction, and making Kilcullen GAA premises smoking-free, have demonstrated the committee’s deep commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

Joe O'Connor presents Brona Dooley with her award.

The Red Hot Music Club was awarded the Best Community Arts Project for reviving the musical and social ethos of the original 1980s institution. A series of outstanding nights featuring top-class acts has drawn capacity audiences and built a reputation for intimate, high-calibre performances at the original physical venue, now Fallons.

The Red Hot Music crew receive their award from Olive Sheridan.

An award for Contribution to the Arts and Local Theatre was presented to Eilis Philips for her outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Kilcullen through her work with the Kilcullen Drama Group. Her leadership, direction of high-quality productions, and emphasis on inclusion and community participation have played a vital role in the sustainability of local theatre.

Eilish Philips receives her award from Tony O'Sullivan.

The team behind developing Kilcullen GAA's Field of Dreams project was presented with the Community Initiative of the Year award. The development not only enhanced the club's own facilities but also transformed unused land into a shared, accessible green space for the whole community. The citation described the project as 'a model of local volunteerism, community cooperation, and genuine care for people and nature'.

The Field of Dreams team was presented with their award by Noel Clare.

The Outstanding Community Service award was presented by Kilcullen Community Action's chairperson, Ann Cashman, to recently-retired garda Jon Brien. She described his tireless commitment to the safety, well-being, and support of the community as having left a lasting impact on countless lives. His legacy of selfless service, professionalism, and community care will continue to inspire.

Ann Cashman presents Jon Brien with his award.

Concluding the evening, Eoin Houlihan thanked the KCA volunteers, directors, and the extraordinary Community Employment workers team for their energy and commitment to making Kilcullen 'an amazing place'. He also expressed the community's appreciation for the invaluable support provided by local representatives and Kildare County Council. Finally, he thanked the TY students once again for helping make the evening so memorable, under the direction of Georga Dowling of Food School.

The next Kilcullen Community Awards will take place in 2027.