KWWSPCA MASSIVE BOOK SALE

A reminder that the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) is holding its next Massive Book Sale in Kilcullen Town Hall, the final day TODAY, Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. 

Patrons can browse a wide selection of books, with most adult titles priced at just €1 each and children’s books available for only 50 cents apiece.

All proceeds go towards supporting the animals in the care of the KWWSPCA.

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Wag & Bone Dog Show upcoming

The KWWSPCA annual Wag & Bone Dog Show takes place on Sunday, 6 September, at Punchestown Racecourse. Registration opens at 1pm and the show starts at 2pm.

Light refreshments will be available, and Naas Veterinary Clinic will provide subsidised microchipping at €15. Face-painting by Fab Faces by Mel and Pet Pawtraits artist Lisa will feature. 

The KWWSPCA Charity Shop in Newbridge will have a Noah’s Ark stall, a pet items stall, a raffle, and more. There will be an information stall to learn about KWWSPCA, foster care opportunities, and available dogs and cats for adoption. Some of their present rescue dogs, and many who have found forever homes, will be at the show. There’s ample free parking.

The cost is €5 per class, €20 for five classes: Veteran Dog (nine years and over), Waggiest Tail, Child under 12 with their Dog, Small Rescue Dog, Large Rescue Dog, Fanciest Female Dog, Handsomest Male Dog, Senior Citizen with their Dog, Puppy Class (under 6 months), Fancy Dress – Dog & Owner, The Dog You Would Most Like to Take Home, KWWSPCA Rescue Dog, Dog that most resembles its owner, Child under 16 with their dog, Open class – for any dog and handler who has not won first, second, or third prize in any previous class,

Best in Show - The winner of each of the above classes is automatically entered and free of charge. High Jump – Pay €2 to enter the upper grassy area. There’s a competition for small dogs and a competition for large dogs. 

Click here to pre-register. If the event is postponed due to bad weather, registration and payment will transfer to the new date.

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KWWSPCA call for doggy photoshoot for 2027 calendar

The Kildare & West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) is bringing back its popular fundraising calendar photoshoot after last year’s success, writes Brian Byrne. Dog owners interested in taking part are encouraged to book early to secure a place — email doggycalendar2026@gmail.com.

The 2027 Animal Calendar photoshoot will take place in Kilcullen on August 13th and 20th at 7pm, giving local dog owners the chance to book a slot for their pet to feature in the charity’s 2027 calendar. 

Cats in the calendar will once again be drawn from the KWWSPCA shelter, highlighting animals currently in the charity’s care.

The photoshoot is being run in partnership with Cottage Veterinary Clinic and Kilcullen Photography Club, who are official supporters of the project. All proceeds from the calendar will go towards supporting the rescue and rehoming work of the KWWSPCA.

The 2027 Calendar will be launched at the charity's Table Quiz in Fallons of Kilcullen, on Friday 20 November.

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Popup fashion shop and spring fair fundraiser

A two-day pop-up fashion shop and spring fair fundraiser is being held at Newbridge Town Hall this weekend, Saturday, 2 May and Sunday, 3 May, in support of the KWWSPCA.

The event will feature a wide variety of items, including clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery, books, bric-a-brac, pet products and accessories, as well as cakes, bakes and refreshments.

All proceeds will support the work of the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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KWWSPCA Book Sale in Kilcullen

A reminder that animal lovers have two chances to support the Kildare and West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) this weekend, writes Brian Byrne, with a big book sale in Kilcullen TODAY and a family-friendly walking event at Punchestown Racecourse on Sunday.

The charity’s Massive Book Sale takes place today and tomorrow, 24/25 April, in Kilcullen Town Hall, offering a wide selection of books. It is open today from 11am to 5pm and on Saturday from 11pm to 4pm. The fundraising will continue on Sunday, 26 April, with Walking Sunday at Punchestown Racecourse from 2pm to 4pm. The event is open to everyone, and dogs are especially welcome.

The walk will give people a chance to enjoy the racecourse in the days before the Punchestown Racing Festival begins, with attractions including an information stall, raffle, coffee stall, ice cream stall and spot prizes.

For more information, contact 087 680 3295.

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Dog shelter looking for assistant

Kildare Dog Shelter is seeking a part-time kennel assistant to join their team, writes Brian Byrne. They are looking for a kind, reliable, and hardworking individual to provide daily care for dogs, clean and maintain kennels, monitor health, and offer love, enrichment, and exercise. 

The ideal candidate is passionate about animal welfare, dependable, comfortable with hard work, and eager to get involved. Experience is a plus, but not essential. The role involves working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. 

Interested applicants should apply by emailing midlandanimalcare@gmail.com.

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Kildare County Dog Shelter Facebook page

The Kildare County Dog Shelter has a Facebook page which provides regular details of dogs available for rehoming or reuniting with owners if they have been brought in as lost.

The Shelter is dedicated to the care and welfare of lost and stray dogs, providing a safe haven and medical support.

The shelter also provides the county's Dog Warden Service. 

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KWWSPCA needs more volunteers

The Kildare & West Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (KWWSPCA) is appealing for more volunteers to help care for rescue dogs at its shelter near Athgarvan in Co Kildare. 

The charity, which is run entirely by volunteers and has no paid staff, says it urgently needs dependable individuals to assist with daily dog care, including walking, feeding, cleaning kennels, and general shelter duties. 

Volunteers need to be hardworking, dog-confident, over 21, fit, have no relevant physical impairments, and can travel to the shelter independently, as public transport is not available. Regular availability for either a morning shift (7.30am–1pm) or an afternoon shift (1pm–6pm, earlier in winter) is particularly required.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to complete the online application form or email kwwspca@gmail.com for more information.

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Have your pet's 'pawtrait' done at Kilcullen book sale

Artist Lisa will be offering unique ‘Pet Pawtraits’ at Kilcullen Town Hall, writes Brian Byrne, as part of a two-day book sale in aid of the Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA (KWWSPCA) in late April.

On Saturday, 25 April, visitors are invited to bring a photo of their pet, and Lisa will create a cartoon-style portrait while they browse the book stalls. The portraits could also be popular as personalised keepsakes and gifts from pet owners' friends.

The book sale will take place on Friday, 24 April, and Saturday, 25 April. Opening hours are from 11am to 5pm on the Friday and from 11am to 4pm on the Saturday. A very large selection of books will be on offer, with most priced at €1.

Donations of books are welcome in advance of the event. Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to contact Sally on 087 6803295.

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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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Some KWWSPCA calendars still available

A few 2026 KWWSPCA Calendars are available for €10 each. These can be purchased at Noah’s Ark, the KWWSPCA Charity Shop in Newbridge, and the Cottage Veterinary Clinic in Newbridge, which is the main sponsor of the calendar. 

They can also be purchased online, with €5 postage and packing, by visiting the KWWSPCA website at www.kwwspca.ie and pressing the Donate button. Please add a reference ‘Calendars’ and include your name and address. The calendars will then be posted to you. 

Please phone Sally on 087 6803205 for more information.

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Support KWWSPCA with 2026 Calendar

The Kildare and West WIcklow SPCA is reminding supporters that their 2026 Doggy Calendar is now on sale in several outlets around the county, writes Brian Byrne. The primary sponsor of the publication is the Cottage Veterinary Clinic Newbridge, at whose premises the calendar is available.

Other outlets for the €10 calendar include Noah's Ark, the KWWSPCA Charity Shop in Newbridge, as well as from Nolan's Butchers and Berney's Pharmacy in Kilcullen. 

They can be also purchased online, adding €5 postage and packing for one or two calendars. Go to https://kwwspca.ie/ and click on the Donate button at the top right. Please add a reference 'Calendars' and include your name and address. The calendars will be posted to you.  For between three and five calendars, the postage will be €10.

The pictures of rescue dogs used in the calendar were taken by members of Kilcullen Photography Club. 

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Rescue dogs calendar launched at Table Quiz

Karen Piggott of Cottage Veterinary Clinic with Sally McCaffrey of KWWSPCA.

The support for local animal welfare charity Kildare & West Wicklow SPCA was very evident in the packed-out Table Quiz held at Fallons on Friday night, writes Brian Byrne. A fundraising 2026 Calendar was also launched at the event, with the photographs taken by members of Kilcullen Photography Club. 

The main calendar sponsor is the Cottage Veterinary Clinic, Newbridge, with other supporters including Eurospar Kilcullen, Fallons, Mart Coffee, Berney's Chemist, Mace Athgarvan, Mindology Wellness Centre in Clane, Studio Print Clane, National Energy, Robert Chambers Hair Dressing, Ryan Ennis of Paint & Paws, and PJ Wallace of Medals & Pedals Clane. 

Sponsors of the raffle on the quiz night were Hoban Hotel Kilkenny, Woofland Dog Park, Irish Dog Foods Ltd, Butternut box, Stina Flowers Kilcullen, River Cafe Kilcullen, and Hair Emporium Kilcullen.

Representing the Cottage Veterinary Clinic, dog behaviour and training consultant Felicity Kelleher acknowledged the brilliant work of KWWSPCA, adding that they are one of the most compassionate and welfare-led teams she has ever worked with. "The standard they set in the clinic makes everything I do more effective. It's a big honour to be here to celebrate the calendar launch." 

Felicity Kelleher of Cottage Veterinary.

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 animals are now living better lives this year through the work of KWWSPCA, the organisation's Sally McCaffrey told those present. She also said that more than 400 feral cats had been neutered, many of which were rehomed on farms or as domestic pets. She said the primary focus for the coming year will be to raise funds and begin work on a new Shelter to replace the current leased premises in Athgarvan. 

The charity bought 15 acres of land near Kildare three years ago and was recently granted planning permission for the project. Sally McCaffrey also paid tribute to the volunteers at KWWSPCA, without whom the charity wouldn't have started in the first place, and who enable it to keep going.

Sinead Phelan and Sabina Reddy of Kilcullen Photography Club.

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KWWSPCA Christmas Craft Fair

A reminder that the KWWSPCA will be holding its Christmas Craft Fair this Sunday, 30 November, in Newbridge Town Hall from 12pm to 5pm.

A variety of local craftspeople will be selling their crafts, and there will be a great selection of Christmas presents and decorations, as well as many other interesting items.  

An artist will also be there to do her pet portrait cartoons, which make fabulous presents. Bring a photo of the cat or dog you would like painted, and she will do a pawtrait for you while you are shopping. 

Light refreshments will be available, and there is plenty of free parking in the Town Hall car park on a Sunday.

If anyone would like to donate some home baking to the KWWSPCA cake stall on the day, that would be much appreciated.

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Rescue Dogs Calendar launch on Friday

A reminder that the special Rescue Dogs Calendar created as a fundraiser for the Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA will be launched this Friday, 28 November, in Fallons. The main calendar sponsor is Cottage Veterinary, with other supporters including Eurospar Kilcullen, Fallons, Mart Coffee, and Berney's Chemist, Mace Athgarvan, Mindology Wellness Centre in Clane, Medals & Pedals in Clane, and Studio Print Clane. The photos for the publication were taken by the Kilcullen Photography Club. 

The launch will be during the Top Dog pub quiz in aid of the charity. Raffle sponsors on the night are Stina Flowers, the River Cafe, and the Hair Emporium. 

Things get going at 7pm. A table for five people costs €30. Tables can be booked on Eventbrite: rescuedoggycalendarlaunchpubquiz

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Fashion pop-up shop in Newbridge for KWWSPCA

The Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA Autumn Fair and Fashion PopUp Shop is taking place this weekend, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, in Newbridge Town Hall. Entry to the event is free, and it is open from 11am to 4pm daily.

As well as a large range of ladies fashion items for sale at very reasonable prices, some of which are new and some with designer labels, there will be fashion items for men and children, as well as books, antique and vintage china, pet products, bric a brac, jewellery, cakes and bakes, a 'Teddy Adoption' stall and a Christmas table.  

Tea and coffee will be available, as well as light refreshments. On Sunday, our talented artist will also be doing her pet 'pawtraits', so bring a photo of your pet and she will be able to do a portrait for you while you are shopping. 

For more information, please call 087 6803295.

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