Butcher's Banquet 2 in The Spout, Sunday

I Know the Butcher are hosting Butcher's Banquet 2, a punk rock celebration, this bank holiday Sunday, 1 February, St Brigid's Day, in the back of the Spout, writes Dafydd O'Shea.

We're supported by new band Barrfite from Newbridge, Dumb Posh Hippies from Dublin and Blandad, a band from Newbridge who are blazing a trail in the underground scene. 

Music is from 5pm.

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It Says in The Bridge: February 2026

It's a dramatic headline for the first Bridge of 2026, A Murder in Kilcullen! But it hasn't happened yet. The story previews an innovation for the Kilcullen Drama Group: a murder mystery at the end of the month, in which only the writer-director knows who committed the dastardly deed. It's a one-night only presentation, and Stage Fright will deservedly be the hot ticket of February.

Drama on the Kilcullen stage is also the stuff of the main colour feature this month, the highly successful farce that was presented in early January by the Narraghmore Drama Society, Widows' Paradise. Facial expressions are key in comedy drama, and there's plenty of them to enjoy here. Colour too in A Bit of Business, highlighting the new mural at Armelle's patisserie in Kilcullen, the work of a young local woman intent on an artistic career in the mural form. There's also a note about another artist, Geraldine Losty, and the new painting of St Brigid, commissioned for Kilcullen Parish Church.

In news, there's the retirement of Julie O'Donoghue, though this issue went to press before her last day in the Library and the lovely sendoff from friends and patrons of the service she supervised for 47 years. News too of the change of name and ownership of the former Warrior Wellness studio, with an Open Day scheduled at Mountain Flow Yoga next weekend. There's a full list of the Brigid season at Kilcullen Bridge Cinema, with something for everyone. And there's a congratulations page for three birthdays and a wedding (a potential film title is in there somewhere).

From Bridge regular contributors, Noel Clare goes Out and Away to Moore Abbey in Monasterevin, where he finds a real treat in a cafe on the site, and Mary Orford brings us reflections of Kilcullen a hundred years ago. Billy Redmond muses on Winston Churchill in WW2 and the post-war meeting of the three victorious leaders at Yalta. Sean Landers revisits Gilltown through the words of Bob Waugh, while John Duffey goes back to a youth that included pitch-and-toss. Daithi de Róiste writes about several holy wells in the general Kildare area, and Eugene Brennan details the story of Voyager 1, the NASA satellite that has travelled the farthest from Earth.

Two features have different interests. There's the first of a short series of memories of Tony O'Reilly and Castlemartin, by Jim Kelly, who worked as estate manager for the Irish businessman from soon after graduating from Warrenstown Agricultural College. Orla O'Neill details the gathering traction of the Apartheid Free Zone campaign for Palestinian freedom, justice and equality. 

There's the usual busy input from the childcare centre and the schools, all doing bright, cheerful, and sometimes magical things. In sport, there is pitch and putt news, updates from Kilcullen GAA, and the recent presentation of awards at the Canoe Club.

This issue also marks the completion of 55 years of The Bridge, another milestone for Ireland's longest-published community magazine. Enjoy.

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Dowling Property: Baroda Court, Newbridge

Welcome to No.12 Baroda Court. A very special home in a very special location. Tucked away in this sleepy cul-de-sac is where you will find this superb, four-bedroom, detached bungalow for sale. Located in one of Newbridge's most sought-after estates just off the Dublin Road, direct access to the M7/M9 motorway is just a c.4-minute drive away, along with frequent train service to the city.  

This wonderful home is presented in very good condition throughout, extending to c.149 sq.mt. The accommodation is bright and spacious and well laid out, consisting of an entrance hallway, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, garage conversion, four double bedrooms with master en-suite and family bathroom, a versatile garage conversion (ideal as a playroom), four double bedrooms, with a master en-suite. A real highlight is the large, well-proportioned sitting room with a wood-burning stove and a large feature bay window, maximising the light. The site and gardens have been well maintained by its house proud owner and are mature, landscaped, and private. The rear is not overlooked and boasts an extensive lawn area with mature trees and shrubs. 

All amenities are within walking distance, including first-class primary and secondary schools such as Newbridge College, The Holy Family, Educate Together, and Gaelscoil. Newbridge has a top-class selection of shopping, including Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, and Dunne’s Stores. Home to the Newbridge Silverware showrooms, the Courtyard Shopping Centre, and the famous Whitewater Shopping Centre with the major shopping chains: Marks and Spencer, TK Maxx, Penneys, Boots, Zara, and many more, as well as several restaurants and cinemas. 

Homes in Baroda Court are among the most sought after in Newbridge, so we are strongly advising on early viewings of this fantastic home. A real gem and one not to be missed!!

AMV-€525,000; Dowling Property Kildare Office 045 482189; dowlingproperty.ie.

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Farewell to Julie in the library

The Brigid craft event at Kilcullen Library was briefly paused last evening when a group of Julie O'Donoghue's friends and library patrons gathered to wish her well in her retirement after 47 years as Librarian, writes Brian Byrne. It was an occasion for flowers, cake, and fitting words. 

Mary Orford highlighted Julie's remarkable achievement as Kilcullen's only librarian since the branch opened in the late 1970s. She mentioned that Julie can be justifiably proud of many events and projects she initiated during her tenure, particularly the WW1 commemoration of the Kilcullen men who fought in it. Among the series of Memory Night events, the Kilcullen to Katanga night in 2017, which offered a historical overview and featured local participants sharing personal experiences of the Congo Campaign, was also a 'remarkable' occasion. 

Mary, a retired librarian herself, observed that a library is a "democratic space for everybody," but that, with all the books in the world, it doesn't function without the person behind the desk. Julie expressed her love for the job, especially the people she met, notably the children. "I got lovely cards from the children in Scoil Bhride, and if I have any legacy, it is that no child is afraid to come in here." 

A new librarian will take over from March, and the service is being expanded with opening hours increased to 35 hours per week. "I have met her, and she's a lovely lady, very enthusiastic and eager to get started," Julie said. "So there's a lot to look forward to." 

Flowers were presented on behalf of the branch readers and by Kilcullen Community Action, which developed the Library Garden.

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The passing of Alan Carolan

The death has occurred of Alan Carolan, Calverstown, Kilcullen, and Tallaght, Dublin, on 29 January 2026, peacefully, after a brief illness bravely borne, in the company of his loving family at Tallaght University Hospital.

Beloved husband of Kathy, loving dad of Elaine and Jackie, father-in-law of Mark, doting grandad of Lucy, Grace and Ezmé and brother of Shay, Tony, Anne, Mary and the late Theresa, Alan will be sadly missed by his loving family, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours.

He will be reposing at the George Mullins Funeral Home, Kilcullen Road, Naas, (W91 CD0K) on Monday, 2 February 2026, from 1pm to 4pm. His funeral is on Tuesday, 3 February, with a Requiem Mass at 11am at St Mary’s Priory, Tallaght Village, followed by burial at Newlands Cross Cemetery.

Rest in peace.

Another All-Ireland title for Nolan Butchers

Nolan Butchers were on a winning streak again last weekend when they claimed yet another All-Ireland title for their homemade Black Pudding at the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland annual Craft Butcher Competitions. 

Over the past seven years, Nolan’s has secured the All-Ireland title for their traditional pork sausages as well as their black and white puddings. James and Emma Nolan accepted the award at the Gala event held at the Keadeen Hotel on behalf of the Nolan Butchers team. 

James credited Fred Mitchell, who has worked at Nolan’s for over 35 years and makes the sausages and puddings fresh daily. His products have earned numerous national and international awards across various competitions. Fred is also a well-known member of Kilcullen AFC. 

Nolan Butchers of Kilcullen was established in 1886 and previously won the award for the best Butcher Shop in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in 2015, presented at the House of Lords in London.

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Kilcullen cinema Brigid season

A special Brigid-themed film season has been chosen for Kilcullen Bridge Cinema through February. The cinema is operated by Kilcullen Lions, who normally screen one or two films a month through which audiences can experience lives, cultures and perspectives different from their own.

Supported by Kildare County Council, the February initiative will host a selection of films that embody Saint Brigid's values and celebrate her legacy. It starts on Sunday afternoon, February 1st, with a much-loved family film, The Wild Robot. This will be followed on Tuesday evening, February 3rd, by a special screening of Four Mothers, a heartwarming Irish film set in Dublin that explores themes of ageing, caregiving, and loneliness. 

On Tuesday, February 10th, preceded by a reception and official opening of the season, the presentation is The Kitchen Brigade, a French comedy about a disgruntled sous-chef who leaves her job at a high-end restaurant and ends up running the cafeteria at a local migrant shelter. It cleverly blends upbeat entertainment with social issues, examining the plight of young immigrants and the challenges they face. 

Souleymane’s Story is an award-winning film showing on Tuesday, February 17th. Souleymane is an asylum seeker living day-by-day in Paris, constantly chasing beds in homeless centres and earning a tiny income by renting someone else’s food delivery account. It is a raw, compassionate and quietly devastating portrayal of one man forced to live precariously on the fringes of society. 

Senior citizens are invited to a free cinema evening on Saturday, February 21st, with the delightful 2024 film Thelma. Duped by a phone scammer, Thelma is inspired by action hero Tom Cruise to reclaim her money on her own Mission Impossible. It's a feel-good film about resilience.

The season concludes on Tuesday, February 24th, with The Voice of Hind Rajab. A docudrama built around the 2024 audio recording of a call between Hind Rajab — a young girl seemingly alone in a damaged car in Gaza after a firefight — and the dispatchers at a Red Crescent emergency response centre, it's a powerful account of a heartbreaking story from the Gaza War. 

On February 9th, students from Cross and Passion College Kilcullen will attend a special screening of Souleymane’s Story, and on Thursday, February 12th, students from the 6th classes in Scoil Bhride will watch Ocean, a film with David Attenborough which exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. 

Kilcullen Bridge Cinema was established in 2023 by Kilcullen Lions, in association with Access Cinema, to revive a tradition in the Town Hall after 47 years of cinematic 'darkness'. Prior to that, films had been shown in the hall since the 1930s, and Kilcullen Town Hall Cinema was the best known of its kind in Leinster through the 1950s and 1960s.

All film tickets are on sale in Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

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St Brigid's craft workshop

A reminder that a free St Brigid crafts workshop will take place at Kilcullen Community Library TONIGHT, Thursday, 29 January, at 6.30pm. Learn how to make St Brigid’s crosses and Bridóg dolls.

This workshop is suitable for all ages and open to everyone. Artist Sheena Malone will provide all the materials. Librarian Julie O'Donoghue says our new non-Irish neighbours are especially welcome.

For more information, please contact the library.

(Image: Brigid's Cross photo by Culnacreann, Bridóg doll made by Andrea Givan.)

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Maintain Hope street collection

Maintain Hope founder Gerry O'Donoghue with third level graduates Safia and Sandra, whose education was supported by the charity.

Maintain Hope will be holding their annual street collection this weekend, on Friday 30th, and Saturday 31st, writes Gerry O'Donoghue.

A Garda Collection Permit has been issued, and we are grateful to Nolans Butchers and Eurospar for allowing us to collect outside their premises.

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It's time again for the Brats Bhríde

Mary and Julie have distributed Brats in previous years.

In readiness for Brigid's Eve, 31st January, Mary Orford and Julie O'Donoghue will, again, breathe life into an old tradition tomorrow, Thursday 29th, from 10am. They will distribute pieces of cloth to be used as "Brat Bhríde". 

The traditional Irish practice of leaving out a Brat on a tree or shrub on the night of the 31st January was said to bring the protection of Brigid to the house. 

Julie and Mary will be on Main Street outside Nolan's and Eurospar from 10am until our stock of material runs out. ("When they're gone, they're gone", as the ad says.)

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Spring relaunch of KWWSPCA Noah's Ark

Zoologist Desmond Morris will be the special guest at the Spring relaunch of Noah's Ark in Newbridge on Saturday next, 31 January, at 4pm, writes Brian Byrne. The shop on Cutlery Road is a key fundraiser for the Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA and has undergone a major facelift.

The shop is a treasure trove of clothes and accessories, household goods, gifts, and books, and following a recent clearing-out sale, a wide range of new stock will be available for the relaunch.

The refurbishment includes a new frontage with better access and a fully revamped interior.

All welcome, including dogs.

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 27th January 2026 were 9, 12, 18 and 20. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draws is €20,000 and €2,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Lorna Walsh (Promoter Adrienne Byrne), Noreen Tyrrell (The Parish) and Sinead Farrell (Ger Hillery). The winners of the Promoters Draw were Vivian Clarke and John Archbald, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Francesca Broughall. 

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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The passing of Seanie Kinsella

The death has occurred of Seanie Kinsella, Cherrytree House, Ballyshannon, Kilcullen, peacefully on 26 January 2026, at Suncroft Lodge Nursing Home, in the company of his loving family. 

Predeceased by his sons Simon and John, and his granddaughter Shantell, Seanie will be sadly missed by his loving wife Sheila, daughters Suzanne and Julie, son Trevor, son in law Des, daughter in law Niamh, grandchildren Simon, Micheala, Tadgh, Dean, Calum and Ross, Simon's partner Chanise, great grandchildren Kyle and Leah, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Seanie will be reposing at his family home (R56 KD45) on Wednesday (28 January) from 3pm, concluding with prayers at 7pm. 

Removal by Glennons Funeral Directors will be on Thursday morning, arriving at St Brigid's Church, The Curragh, for the requiem mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in St Brigid's cemetery, Nurney.

Rest in peace.

First aid training at Camphill

Images: CCOI.

Participants in the My Dream Job programme at the Camphill Communities of Ireland recently enjoyed a highly successful First Aid Training day in Kilcullen. The training was provided by Curragh First Aid Training Ireland, and the session was professional, informative, and engaging. 

The practical, hands-on approach helped participants develop vital life-saving skills and boost their confidence throughout the day. 

The My Dream Job programme aims to support people in gaining training, education, and employment opportunities, and fostering confidence and independence.

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Yellow wind warning for Kildare

A power outage in Calverstown this morning affected 10 customers, according to ESB Networks. Service was restored at 10.08. A planned service interruption is affecting 61 customers in Brannocktown, with an estimated return of service of 5pm.

Storm Chandra - a yellow wind warning will be in effect for Kildare from 5am to 11pm today, Tuesday, 27th. Possible impacts of the storm include fallen trees and loose debris, as well as hazardous travel conditions. 

Members of the public are advised to monitor Met Éireann forecasts over the next 24 hours as conditions may change rapidly.  Further information is also available via the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (Met Éireann), and other news outlets. 

Kildare County Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

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First Responder volunteers wanted in Calverstown

The Kilcullen First Responder Unit is hoping to set up a dedicated Community First Responder group in the Calverstown area. It's an opportunity for people in the locality to learn life-saving skills and give back to their community.

All it takes is giving some time to training and, afterwards, being willing to go on a roster for callouts in an emergency.

Kilcullen CFR is prepared to support the formation of such a group. Anyone interested can email kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com, and they will be in touch.

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