Daisy Crowe arrives in Library Garden, with SUAS, for tomorrow's opening

Great work by the Suas Knitting Club and KARE in the Library Garden this morning, writes Martin Sheridan. Daisy Crowe is our new Resident.

Don't forget, the official opening of the garden is tomorrow afternoon from 2pm. All welcome, families bring your picnics.

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Patricia swimming on Christmas morning for KARE

Pic via Lahinch Christmas Swim Facebook.

Kilcullen local Patricia Byrne will be doing the Lahinch Christmas Day Swim this year, and is hoping to raise funds for KARE Kilcullen.

The event has been a fixture on the Co Clare town's calendar since 1989, when it was set up as a local fundraiser by PJ Crotty and John Fawl.

Anyone wishing to support Patricia and KARE Kilcullen can do so via a donation box behind the bar in The Spout.

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Colour and chat at Shortt's garden this afternoon

It has been a beautifully colourful weekend in Francis and Mary Shortt's garden, open yesterday and today in aid of KARE, writes Brian Byrne.

If you get a chance between the showers, it is well worth a visit to Old Kilcullen for an hour or so up to 6pm this evening, with the entrance fee including tea and cake, and a ramble around the beautifully-tended garden.

The company's good too, and you'll surely meet a couple of friends for a chat.

The 50th anniversary of KARE is being celebrated by a number of functions over the past week.

Coffee morning at McMahon centre

There were a number of visitors from other KARE centres today for the Coffee Morning held in the McMahon Centre in Kilcullen. All had a splendid time with the Centre staff and local visitors who included librarian Julie O'Donoghue.

Getting into Christmas cooking

A Christmas Cooking Demonstration in aid of KARE will be held in the McMahon Centre, Kilcullen, on Thursday 20 November, writes Brian Byrne.

The demonstration, conducted by Siobhan Murphy of Kalbarri Cookery, begins at 7.45pm sharp and all patrons are asked to be in their seats by 7.30pm.

It's a real night out with a difference, for just €10 a head. Tickets available from the Centre itself, or from Mary Shortt at 086 8234856, Breda Bell at 087 6726471, or Ciara Murray at 087 7961049.

Memories of St Mark's in Kilcullen

When St Mark's Special School was established 40 years ago, it was temporarily in the JFK boxing hall in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne, thanks to the good offices of the late Paddy Nugent of KDA and Pat Lynch, then chairman of the Boxing Club.

Rena and pupils list (blanked).

And though they officially celebrated that anniversary in March, the school in Piercetown, Newbridge, had another event in its 40th year celebrations last Friday with a reunion day for staff and students. Among them was Rena Kelly, one of the original teachers who started in Kilcullen with Patricia Green when it all began in March 1974.

Rena, originally from England ('no one place, my father was in the RAF and we moved a lot') had previously been working in Athy with KARE, the organisation founded in Newbridge in 1967 which pioneered education services for children with intellectual disabilities. Coming to the embryonic St Mark's was a whole new experience. But Rena had form in 'self-help' for this kind of cause.

With some other local women, she had tried to set up a remedial class in the school in Athy, but the effort wasn't going anywhere. So the group set up their own voluntary operation, and went to organisations like the ICA seeking support. "Eventually, after we proved that intensive work could show results, the school got sanction for a remedial class. But I couldn't teach in it, because I was trained in England and didn't have Irish. However, I used to sub for Elizabeth Bermingham in St Anne's School in Newbridge when she was on maternity leave. She was English trained too, so she was sympathetic." The matter of establishing St Mark's was at the time very active, and that was how Rena got the chance to take a fulltime position there at the Kilcullen-based startup.

"We started on the 13th, we had a day off on St Patrick's Day, and in between the Inspector arrived. I remember him asking me, 'what are you going to do with them?' and I said that between then and Easter I was just going to get to know them. While I was talking to him, one of the children took a scissors and started cutting the hair of another child, and we wondered how were we going to deal with things like this? It was a case of just taking the scissors and getting on with it. We also had to buy our own equipment. I brought a big box of Lego, lots of plasticene, paper, crayons, paint, scissors ... basic things like that."

Hot soup for St Mark's.

Rena recalls that a lot of the pupils didn't talk, in a cohort that ranged in age from 5-10 year-olds, and which was divided up into two groups in the JFK Hall between herself and Patricia. All of those present were bussed in from other parts of the county, some from as far away as Rathangan and Edenderry.

"There were reports on all the children, but we hadn't seen them at that stage. And it was probably just as well, because we just took them as we found them. But within two years, those boys who weren't talking when they came were saying a prayer at their First Communion. They were all involved. I remember one boy in particular, he had no words at all when he came, and I was so proud of him saying his prayer.

Staff list of St Mark's in JFK Hall days.

"There was just myself and Patricia in Kilcullen until September, and then we took in Esther Kerrigan (also at the reunion), and John Keaney, an American like Patricia. When John went back to America, we took on Kevin O'Malley. We had some others, and during this time I also taught in Paddy Nugent's mother's house, which he gave us the use of rent free."

When Rena was going back to Athy in 1977, though they all had 'been thrown in at the deep end', she had become very attached to the pupils. So much so that she didn't tell them at the beginning of the summer holidays that she wouldn't be returning. "I didn't want them to be worried through the holidays about who their new teacher was going to be."

Display of pictures from St Mark's in JFK Hall days.

Back in Athy, Rena started a special class in Scoil Mhichil Naofa. She eventually retired in 2004, but for her last three years she worked as a resource teacher, just to be there for the teacher who took over the class. "I wanted to be available with my experience, because I knew what it was like to take over a special class with nobody there. I used to come over to St Mark's also, and down to St Lazerian's in Carlow, just to chat with the teachers, and see what they were doing."

There were none of her own former pupils at Friday's Reunion Day in St Mark's, but she was very happy to hear others tell of what they are doing, many of them holding down jobs in the 'normal' world. "There's a tremendous satisfaction to see what has developed from it. You have to hand it to Michael Bermingham, Elizabeth Bermingham, Dan O'Donovan, all those people who started KARE."

The Kilcullen temporary location ended in 1978, when the new school was opened at Piercetown, Newbridge.

Celine Byrne to star for KARE in June

A Summer Gala Concert featuring Celine Byrne will take place in Naas in aid of KARE, writes Brian Byrne.

The event, on Friday June 20, should have much attraction for Kilcullen people, as there have been strong links with KARE since it was founded in the late 1960s. The concert will include the Army No 1 Band.

The venue is very atmospheric, in the Church of Our Lady & St David, Naas. There's an 8pm start and tickets cost €20.

Bookings can be made at the Moat Theatre, phone 045 883030, online at moattheatre.com, of from Mary Shortt on 086 8234856 or Breda Bell on 087 6726471.

Unsold tickets will be available at the door on the night, but waiting for those might well be taking a chance on disappointment.

Great start to Christmas at KARE

Well, it turned out a lovely start to Christmas at the KARE Centre this afternoon. The Newbridge Gospel Choir added a musical background to the event, which was well supported by Kilcullen and also the friends of KARE.



It was also an opportunity to see the old convent rooms, and the former chapel in which most of the public functions organised by KARE now take place.

A Christmas Wonderland in KARE today

Well, the Diary had a sneak preview this morning of the KARE Arts & Crafts Sale which gets under way at 12 noon today, and it's a veritable Christmas Wonderland of stuff to browse and buy, writes Brian Byrne.



All sorts of decorations, gifts, handcrafts, and also crafts such as handmade Christmas cards made by the people in the KARE service themselves.



There are lots of raffle prizes to be won, with a Wheel of Fortune prime among the opportunities, as well as a Santa's Grotto, Snowball Throwing, and a Tuck Shop for those with a sweet tooth and in need of seasonal refreshment.

Get on down there if for no other reason than to get yourself into the Christmas Spirit on this first day in December. And from 2pm there's a Gospel choir to entertain. As well as some local talent. Santa is there from 2pm as we'll.

McMahon Centre to host Santa and crafts

A monster Christmas Arts & Crafts Sale and Exhibition will be held in the KARE McMahon Centre on Sunday December 1, writes Brian Byrne.

It will include a Santa's Grotto, a Wheel of Fortune, seasonal hamper prizes, and lots of fun for adults and kiddies alike.

In addition, the Newbridge Gospel Choir will perform at the event between 2-4pm.

The day begins at midday and goes on until everybody goes home.

Definitely one for the diary.

Gaisce presentation in McMahon Centre

Eleven young people who are clients of the KARE McMahon Centre in Kilcullen were recently presented with Gaisce Presidential medals, writes Brian Byrne.

The ceremony in the Centre, formerly the Convent section of the Cross & Passion College, marked a real achievement for all concerned, two of whom were in their second year of the Gaisce programme and completing their Silver status.

"We got involved two years ago because a number of local students had been coming in to work with us as part of their Gaisce programme," says the Centre's Lorraine McMahon. "Now the young people they worked with have been making their own way through the programme as well. It's a great night, with a great sense of achievement."

The McMahon Centre participants, aged between 18-24, had to progress in three disciplines — learn a personal skill, undertake a community involvement, and develop a physical skill. "They also had to take part in an Adventure Journey. For the bronze participants it was a 25km hike, for the silver people a 50km hike."

To do that, the whole group went to Glendalough for two nights, three days, and completed the hikes around the lakes and valley area. "Some of them did the Spinc Walk, which is a high hike and a real challenge."

At the event in the Centre, which was primarily for the families of those who had completed the Gaisce Challenge, KARE's Helen Farrell said it was great to have the support of them and their friends for the young people who had taken part in the programme.

Eamonn Quirke, who was part of the KARE team who accompanied the Centre's Gaisce group, said their achievements showed 'just what you can do it you put your mind to it'. "When we finally ended the three days in the car park at Glendalough, there was a sense of having completed something really great."

Chief Executive Officer of KARE Christy Lynch reminded those present that the Gaisce Challenge is a 'regular' awards scheme, nothing to do with disability, and that made the achievement of those involved all the better. He also paid tribute to the KARE staff, who have in recent times overcome recession and cuts to continue to find ways to realise the organizations's goals. "It is just great to work in an organisation with that level of passion and commitment," he concluded.

Note: This article was first published in the Kildare Nationalist.

President's Gaisce Awards presented in Kilcullen

Pictured at last night's presentation of Gaisce Awards in the McMahon Centre in Kilcullen are (back) Shane Cummins; Christy Lynch, CEO KARE; John Paul Tobin; Stephen Roche, and Graeme Kelly; and (front) Aoife Cully, Dhanya Lynch, Samantha Duggan, Lisa Wybrant, and Darren King.

The Bronze Award recipients were John Paul Tobin, Stephen Roche, Graeme Kelly, Aoife Cully, Dhanya Lynch, Samantha Duggan, and Lisa Wybrant;, while Silver Awards were given to Darren King and Shane Cummins.

There's a full report on the night on the Kilcullen page of next Tuesday's Kildare Nationalist.

Great night at Kristmas Kooking

The Kristmas Kooking KARE Style cooking demonstration on Wednesday night was a great success, and a lot of fun, writes Trish Whelan.

The idea was the brainchild of Mary Shortt and the KARE Committee, and the results of months or organisation. MC for the evening was Ruth McSherry, and special guest Brenda Donoghue kept things bouncing along.

A huge attendance of both men and women contributed to a jovial Christmas atmosphere.

The first demonstration was by Chef Viara Murray from Valleymount, who showed how to make Smoked Salmon and Avocado Terrines, Turkey Pie and a mulled wine cocktail.

Kilcullen's renowned baker Margaret Brennan, whose brown bread is very familiar to discerning buyers in Kilcullen, Cut Bush and Calverstown, had mouths watering with her demonstration on how to make Pineapple Cheese Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, and an Ice Cream with a difference.

Mary Shortt showed how she makes her wonderful Berries & Cream Jelly, and Sinead Martin—who runs her own business—demonstrated how to ice a Christmas Cake which had been made by Valerie Goulding.

Blessington gardner Ann Coe's Christmas decorations were a delight.

Share a Break appeal

A number of organisations in Kildare dealing with people who have intellectual disabilities are looking for families to take part in a 'Share a Break' project.

In the scheme, a family offers to provide short breaks in their homes to adults being looked after by the organisations—the Muriosa Foundation in Naas, St John of God in Celbridge, and KARE in Kilcullen.

The participants would offer the breaks on a regular basis, either on a day basis or overnight.

Those who would like to take part don't need any qualification, just energy, commitment, and a desire to support a person with a disability in his or her community.

The KARE contact is Rosemary Dunning in the McMahon Centre, 045 480200.


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Lights on convent building

Now that the CPC wall is down, KARE have done their bit for the overall project by lighting up the statue of Our Lord and the stained glass windows of the former Cross and Passion Chapel, writes Noel Clare.

They will be lit up each night from dusk until midnight. You can expect to see further lighting on the building and the trees in the grounds over the next week or so.

This lighting is being jointly funded by the school and KARE.


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Official opening planned for playground

An official Grand Opening for the new Kilcullen Community Playground has been scheduled for Saturday 18 June.

The event will be held between 2.30-5.30pm on the day, with lots of fun events in the planning at the moment.

The facility opened last weekend and many compliments have been paid on the design, which was coordinated by Kildare County Council and the Playground Committee.

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Tree planted in memory of Joe Maher

A commemorative tree to the late Joe Maher was planted on Friday morning at the McMahon Centre, the HQ of Kilcullen Local Services KARE. Joe drove a bus for KARE for more than three decades.

The proceeds of a Coffee Morning in his memory were presented to St Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh, on the occasion.

Plant Swap on Tuesday

A Plant Swap session is planned for next Tuesday in Kilcullen Library.

It will be held at 12.30pm and there's no cost for participation. Anyone can bring along surplus seedlings, plants and cuttings for swapping.

Plants are also available for those who don't have anything to swap.

The event is organised by KARE.

Kilcullen to the fore in KARE Open

As has been traditional for many years, the Kilcullen members of KARE recently organised the KARE Golf Open which starts off the opens season at The Curragh Golf Club.

Mary Shortt recalls how the event started with the late Joe McTernan sponsoring the 'Hack On Champagne Open' in aid of KARE, the countywide organisation which promotes social inclusion for people with intellectual disability.

"He was the first businessman in Kilcullen to sponsor KARE in such a way," she says. "Some years later, Dominick Doyle of Newbridge Cutlery came on board as well."

After Joe McTernan's death, the Kilcullen branch of KARE decided they would keep the event going in order to maintain the town's input, and they have been running it ever since.

"We make around €3,000-€3,500 a year from it since we began. We were also the first such open to allow lady players."

Since Joe McTernan's passing, Willie Doyle of Newbridge Silver has been the main sponsor of the event.

The prizes were presented in the presence of Curragh GC Mens and Ladies captains Seamus Rothwell and Maggie McElroy.

Seamus Rothwell said the club was proud of its association with the work of KARE and he hoped that the event would continue to be a feature of the club's programme.

Mary Shortt thanked the club for making the weekend available free of charge every year to the event. She also paid tribute to all the sponsors since the event began, especially the current sponsor, Willie Doyle. "I would also really like to express my thanks to all the players who have helped us out over the years," she added, "and also to Chris Lowry and the Competitions Committee for running the competition on the days."