Busy Camphill Coffee Morning

There was a very supportive turnout this morning at Camphill The Bridge for their Easter Coffee Morning, writes Brian Byrne. 

Families and children also came out for the event, which included an Easter Egg Hunt around the nature trail.

Pictured are Lucy Coade, Roisin O'Dea, Jane Bonnar, and Audrey Leavy, who kept everyone full of baked treats and tea.

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Dowling Property: Abbeyfield, Ballitore

Welcome to No. 101, a superb three-bedroom semi-detached home with a large attic conversion into a media room, all in show-house condition. Dowling Property is delighted to present this fantastic house for sale. 

Fully maintained to show-home standards, with accommodation extending to approximately 127 sq m and featuring ground-floor open-plan living, this high B3 energy-rated home has been consistently upgraded by its proud current owners, including new windows and doors, fresh decoration, and a recently renovated en-suite. The bright and spacious accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, guest WC, open-plan kitchen, and sitting room. Upstairs are three generously sized bedrooms, with a master en-suite and a family bathroom. The attic room, with two Velux windows, is a highlight, with the impressive attic conversion currently used as a media room. 

The rear garden is over 13 metres long, private, and not overlooked. The front offers off-street parking for two vehicles and overlooks a well-maintained green. Just about a 4-minute drive will take you to the M9/M7, making it ideal for city commuters. All amenities, including a convenience store, pub, post office, creche, and primary school in Crookstown, are within walking distance of Ballitore Village. Ballitore benefits from excellent road links with direct access to the M9 motorway.

This property is chain-free and ready for new owners to move in and settle in. An exceptional home in a prime location — an opportunity not to be missed! 

AMV €365,000; dowlingproperty.ie; Kildare Office 045 482189.

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Coffee Morning for Camphill today

An Easter Coffee Morning today, Good Friday, will raise funds for the Bridge Camphill Community in Kilcullen. The event, from 10am to noon, will include a scavenger-style Easter egg hunt. 

There will be tea, coffee, and delicious baked treats as well as the opportunity to take part in the Easter egg hunt on the community's nature trail. This is a family-friendly event with fun for all ages, featuring a puzzle to solve along the way and a special Easter treat at the finish line. 

All proceeds will support Camphill The Bridge, with donations welcome in cash, card, or online.

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Illegal dumping returns to St Brigid's

The ugly spectre of illegal dumping at St Brigid's Cemetery is back, writes Brian Byrne. This photo from Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer shows clothing, household discards, and general waste left at the bins provided for green waste at the graveyard. 

She has notified the council, describing the matter as "just disgusting and so disrespectful", a theme echoed in comments from other Kilcullen residents on her Facebook post.

Last year, a series of dumping incidents at St Brigid's was eventually stopped by cooperation between residents and gardai, when a perpetrator was caught in the act. In December, Cllr O'Dwyer asked the council to install CCTV cameras at both New Abbey and St Brigid's, to help address both dumping and criminals targeting cars parked at the cemeteries.

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Storm Dave warning from KCC

Main image: Shox Art via Pexels.

Kildare County Council is urging motorists and pedestrians to be careful as Storm Dave approaches, following Met Éireann's Status Yellow wind warning for Co Kildare and the rest of the country. The warning is in effect from 2pm to 11pm on Saturday. 

KCC advises drivers to slow down and be vigilant for debris or fallen trees, with particular caution required for high-sided vehicles and by motorcyclists. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through Met Éireann’s updates on their website, app, and social media channels. The council will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates. 

People are also encouraged to check on neighbours and others who may need assistance.

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Narraghmore Spring Clean 2026

Narraghmore is preparing for its annual Spring Clean-Up event on Sunday, 12 April. All residents are encouraged to join in tidying up the village’s public spaces. 

Organised by Narraghmore Development CLG, the event will take place from 10am to 1pm and will include litter picking, general tidying, and weeding. 

Refreshments will be provided at The Old Hardware afterwards. Everyone is welcome, and even just an hour of help can make a big difference.

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Dunlavin writers to launch anthology

Dunlavin Writers’ Group will launch an anthology of their work at The Pumphouse in Dunlavin on Tuesday, 21 April, writes Brian Byrne. Along the Beaten Track will be introduced by Paul O’Toole, the former CEO of The Higher Education Authority.

A celebration of local talent and creativity, this diverse collection of writings will be available to buy at €10, with €4 from each sale donated to the Baltinglass Day Care Centre.

All are welcome.

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Opportunity for audience tickets for TG4 Curfá

Kildare fans of TG4’s flagship Irish-language choir competition, Curfá, have the chance to be part of the studio audience for the grand finale, writes Brian Byrne. The filming is scheduled for Saturday, 11 April, in the Kildare area.

The exact location will be confirmed for those selected. The event will last approximately four hours. Tickets are free but available in limited quantities. 

Register interest by emailing intern@tyrone-productions.ie. The closing date for applications is Friday, 10 April.

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AI for business leaders event

Kildare business leaders have an opportunity to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence at an upcoming Lunch & Learn event, writes Brian Byrne. Hosted by County Kildare Chamber, the event will hear from AI Ireland’s founder, Mark Kelly.

The event, sponsored by Oxid IQ, will be held at Lawlor’s of Naas on 7 May at 12pm. There will be a light lunch and networking session before the presentation, titled AI and the Future of Business: What Leaders Must Do Now at 1pm. Kelly, a leading voice on AI and digital transformation in Europe, will share insights on how businesses can leverage AI to gain a competitive edge.

Drawing on experience of working alongside Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, Kelly is well-equipped to guide leaders in deploying AI responsibly and profitably. 

The cost to County Kildare Chamber members is €30 + VAT, while non-members can attend for €50 + VAT. Spaces are limited. Contact michael@countykildarechamber.ie for more information.

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Tickets available for Walworth Farce Gala Night

Kilcullen Drama Group is presenting a very special evening that is sure to be the highlight of the month, with proceeds going to Kilcullen Community Centre to assist with the upkeep and improvement of the centre, writes centre manager Enda O'Neill.

On Friday, 17th April, the group will open their doors at 7:30pm for a memorable gala night of The Walworth Farce, written by Enda Walsh. Before the curtain rises at 8pm, join us for a welcoming reception with wine and delicious treats — perfect for catching up with friends and getting in the mood for a fantastic show.

This production features a talented and experienced cast: Maurice O’Mahony, Allan Clarke, Adam Tracey, and Sinead O’Neill, each bringing their own spark to the stage. Whether you’re a theatre lover or simply looking for a great night out, you won’t want to miss this performance.

Tickets are just €20 each and can be purchased at The Coffee Hatch in Kilcullen Community Centre, on Eventbrite, or Woodbine Books. They’re going quickly, so be sure to grab yours soon and spread the word!

Looking forward to seeing you all there for an evening of entertainment, laughter, and community.

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Bands Night for Julie in Dunlavin

A fundraising night is being held at The Pumphouse in Dunlavin on Friday, 24 April, to support treatment for Julie Kelly, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The event will feature music by several local bands and an auction of sports memorabilia.

There will also be an Agnes Browne Lookalike competition on the night, which starts at 8pm at the town's popular restaurant.

Julie, just 51, has been recommended for stem cell treatment to extend her life. However, the treatment is not available through the public health system here, and Julie's family and many friends in Dunlavin have come together to raise funds so she can access it.

Music on the night is performed by Willie Bracken, Neon Moon, and Ray Dalton, in support of their Kelly musical family friend.

The Sports Memorabilia Auction will feature signed GAA jerseys and T-shirts, rounds of golf, signed footballs, and more. Admission to the event is by donation.

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Ballyshannon NS fundraiser at Martinstown

The Parents Association of Ballyshannon National School is organising a fundraising event, Spring Fest, at Martinstown House, The Curragh, on Sunday, 19 April 2026, from 12pm to 4pm.

Spring Fest will be a fun-filled afternoon for adults and children alike. The event will feature live music, children’s games, storytelling and crafts, face-painting, and a range of food and drink options, including a pizza truck, coffee truck and bar.

There's also a raffle with a wide selection of prizes sponsored by local businesses and supporters. Among the prizes on offer are:

• Kildare Fire Logs voucher (€200)

• The K Club hotel voucher (€100)

• The Yurt voucher (€100)

• Crookstown Tyres & Batteries Ltd voucher (€100)

• Playbarn vouchers (10 admit-one passes) valued at €115

• Faerly hamper (€90)

• Kildare Bouncy Castles (€80)

• Burkes Pharmacy hamper (€80)

• Mondello Historic Festival family passes

• Vouchers and prizes from The Potting Shed, Dome Carlow, Mels of Narraghmore, Lily and Wild, TRM Pet, Punchestown, Lullymore, Kalbarri, Shackleton Experience, K Leisure, Treasured Toys, Eabha Crystals, Pumpkin Patch Kildare, Grangecon Kitchen, and many more, including family days out, toy sets, haircare products, hampers and activity vouchers.

Tickets for both the event and the raffle are available on Eventbrite by searching “Spring Fest Martinstown House” or by using the QR codes featured on Ballyshannon National School Parents Association’s promotional material.

All funds raised will go towards supporting Ballyshannon National School. Updates and further details are available on Instagram at @ballyshannonsparentscouncil.

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Tidy Towns networking evening

Image: Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns.

Representatives of Kilcullen’s Tidy Towns group were among those who attended last night's inaugural Networking Evening hosted by Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns. 

Along with counterparts from Hollywood and Blessington, the gathering discussed the challenges and successes of their respective projects. Emer Conway, a mentor in the Sustainable Energy Communities network, was also present at the event, which everyone regarded as positive, sharing valuable information and ideas. 

Coffee, cake, and camaraderie marked the start of a promising long-term collaboration.

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Deadline looms for June Fest short story competition

With just one week remaining until the submission deadline on 7 April, writers should finalise their entries for the Newbridge June Fest National Short Story Competition. 

Participants should submit a 2,000-word story for a chance to win writer-specific prizes. The winner will receive a week’s residency at the renowned Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annamakerrig, Monaghan, while the second prize offers a workshop of the winner’s choice with the Kildare Writing Centre. 

Entries will be judged by writer John MacKenna, whose latest book is The Lock-Keeper’s Wife. 

With the bank holiday weekend approaching, writers are encouraged to complete their final edits to ensure their submissions are ready on time.

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