Kilcullen gets busy for 2025

This week the post-Christmas lull, stretched a bit by the weather, properly ends with a lot of stuff happening in Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne. Kicking off this evening is the GAA Lights Up, postponed from last Monday, which is on from 7pm to 8pm for 5 weeks until 10 February. Registration will start at 6:50pm, warmup at 6:55pm and the walk starts at 7pm sharp at the clubhouse. All are welcome — you don't have to be a Kilcullen GAA club member. 

And if you haven't signed up yet for the MyLife/GAA Healthy Clubs - Every Step Counts challenge 2025 through their MyLife health app, which started last Wednesday, you can do so — instructions here. 

Also tonight, the Creative Writers Group are having their first meetup of 2025, from 7pm in Woodbine Books. A most convivial lot, they're always happy to see new people with a developing passion for putting words on paper.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, there's a meeting of the Kilcullen Twinning Group, to make arrangements for the upcoming visit by a delegation from our twin town in Normandy, Saint Contest. Everyone who'd like to give a hand, or an idea or two, will be very much welcomed. Starting at 7.30pm in the Town Hall.

The first screening for 2025 from Kilcullen Bridge Cinema on Wednesday is a wonderfully sweet and funny film, My Favourite Cake, a moving reflection on old age, loneliness and finding unexpected love. Tickets in Woodbine or on Eventbrite with doors open at 7.30pm.

A public meeting about the proposed Oakway Homes development on the New Abbey Road will take place on Thursday, 16 January, in Kilcullen Community Centre. All are welcome to attend the meeting, which starts at 8pm.

Also on Thursday is the first Kilcullen Lions Whist drive for this year. As usual the venue will be Scoil Bhride, playing from 8pm.

All Whist players welcome.

And back to GAA, the 2025 SKS Hurling Skills Challenge will commence on Friday 17 January 2025, and run every Friday evening, for seven weeks. Hurleys and helmets are provided. Sessions at 6.45pm to 8pm in Scoil Bhride, Kilcullen. Open to all, new and experienced hurlers, boys and girls up to under-13s.

There's something there to get everyone out of the house.

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Christmas events in Kilcullen

As is to be expected, there is a plethora of Christmas-related events upcoming, and there's a need to mark calendar reminders now for those who want to support them, writes Brian Byrne.

An Advent Wreath-Making Workshop is being held at the Kildare Steiner School on Saturday 23 November, from 11am-1pm. There's a €25 fee and participants, family and friends, are invited to gather to create beautiful, natural wreaths from fresh greenery and simple decorations.

A Coffee Morning in the Parish Centre on Sunday 24 November will raise funds towards the cost of the new Nativity figures for the church. After 11am Mass, all welcome.

Not in town, but the Dunlavin Christmas Fair people have asked us to note that their event will be on Sunday 24 November, between 10am-4pm in St Kevin's Community College. All the expected attractions, and more.

The St Joseph's NS Halverstown Christmas Fair is on Sunday 1 December, from 11am to 3pm, with offers of arts, crafts, food, gifts and a raffle. There's a Santa's Grotto.

A Coffee Morning and Bake Sale is being held at Two Mile House GAA on Sunday 1 December, from 11am, in aid of Dogs for the Disabled. Present will be the Kildare ambassador for the organisation, Nicola.

The very popular Carols by Candlelight in Kilcullen Parish Church is scheduled for Thursday 5 December, starting at 7.30pm sharp. Headlined by tenor Patrick Hyland, there will also be music from the Naas Hospital Choir and the Kilcullen Camphill Choir. Tickets €15. 

The first Christmas Shopping Day in Kilcullen promotion by the Kilcullen Business Group will be all day on Friday 6 December, followed by the official switching-on of the Christmas Lights with a performance by the Kilcullen Gospel Choir. Special offers in every shop, face painting, warm drinks, festive treats and a Christmas atmosphere.

The annual Kilcullen Christmas Market is being held at the car park near the Astro Pitch at the Community Centre on Saturday 7 December, from 10am-4pm. Local crafters and bakers, Christmas gifts, and Santa will be in attendance from 11am.

Kilcullen GAA's seasonal fundraiser Run, Run Rudolph! will head off from their clubhouse at 11am on Sunday 8 December. There are 10K and 5K courses for this walk or run event, with lots of Christmas goodies and prizes.

All of which is plenty to be getting on with. We'll keep you posted on the Diary with other events as we hear about them.

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Busy week upcoming

A reminder that it's a busy week upcoming in Kilcullen, kicking off with the Kilcullen Community Action AGM on Tuesday evening, 14 May, writes Brian Byrne. Everyone is welcome to that meeting, in the Town Hall at 8pm.

On Wednesday, the May feature film from the Kilcullen Bridge Cinema is Oppenheimer, the 3-hour Oscar-winning blockbuster which will start at the earlier time of 7.30pm. Tickets €7 available from Woodbine Books and Eventbrite.

The Kilcullen Lions May Whist session is being held this coming Thursday the 16th. As usual the venue is Scoil Bhride, playing from 8pm.

The Kilcullen Lions Club annual Golf Classic is on Friday at the Royal Curragh Golf Club, first tee off at 11am. We're not sure if it is full or not, but you can call Jim at 086 0692544 or Matt at 087 2571003 if you want to find out.

The KCA Street Collection for the Kilcullen in Bloom summer flowers is on Friday and Saturday 17-18 May, usual collection points through the town. Every donation small or large is important to keeping the town looking summery.

Singer-songwriter Mick Hanly will play Croi Anú Moone on Friday next, 17 May. The latest performer on the 'yellow stool' at the venue, it's an opportunity to hear his music and his stories. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, and at the Piers Café and Croi Anú.

An Alzheimer's Tea Day will be held in the Heritage Centre on the morning of Saturday 18 May, pouring off at 11am. It is being held in memory of the late Jack Kelly.

The Teddy Bear's Picnic in the Library Garden on that afternoon is planned to be a real family affair and fun for all ages. At this point, the organisers are hopeful about the weather.

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A busy week in Kilcullen

A number of events planned for Kilcullen this week are worth checking onto calendars, writes Brian Byrne. They include KCA, First Responders, a Gaza fundraiser film, and a runners Open Day.

The April Open Meeting of Kilcullen Community Action will be on Tuesday evening from 8pm, in the Heritage Centre. All in the community are welcome to participate in discussions on a range of projects and events taking place under the auspices of the group during the summer. 

The Kilcullen First Responders are having an Open Evening on Thursday, also in the Heritage Centre. Again, everyone with an interest in helping people during a cardiac crisis are welcome to go along and learn about membership. Starting at 8pm. 

The local Palestine support group are screening a film on Friday night in the Town Hall Cinema. Israelism is about why American Jews support Israel and how some question that support. There will be a panel discussion afterwards. 

On Sunday morning, the Kilcullen Run Club is welcoming anyone interested in joining their regular social walks and runs for an Open Morning, beginning at 9.30am at the Kilcullen Community Centre. 

All in addition to the many regular things that go on in a week in very busy Kilcullen. 

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Next weekend needs planning

It's one of those short weeks to next weekend, when there's a lot happening, writes Brian Byrne. A bit of calendar planning might be in order.

While the start of National Heritage Week on Saturday 12th will offer a variety of go-to options in the wider area, the one for the children is the relaunch of the Valley Fairy Trail in Kilcullen itself. The full lineup of attractions there can be found here, with things magicking off at 2pm. In a nod to Heritage Week, as part of proceedings there will be a talk on the development of the Valley Park itself.

Sunday is particularly busy, with the celebration of Fr Gary Darby's Silver Jubilee at 11am Mass, the KWWSPCA Summer Bazaar in Athgarvan from noon, and then the 21st Mac & Norman's Vintage Rally coming through the town from around 1.15pm. In the late afternoon, for heritage and archaeological fans, a talk at 5pm in the Heritage Centre on New Pastures - Iron Age livestock and lifeways of the Irish Iron Age, is quite an attraction. 

Through the following week there's a lot in Kilcullen and across the county, for Heritage Week. We'll get to that next Monday. 

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A lot going on this weekend

It's a busy weekend in Kilcullen, kicking off this evening with the Corina Staunton remembrance night in O'Connell's Bar in aid of the Cancer Care Research Trust, writes Brian Byrne.

There's also the Kilcullen GAA Bingo tonight, in the clubhouse from 8pm, with a €150 Jackpot up for grabs in 41 numbers.

Tomorrow is a big day in Kilcullen for cyclists, with the return of the Murphy Geospatial Charity Cycle in partnership with Kilcullen Cycling Club and TITAN Experiences, with a target of €30,000 in aid of the Children’s Health Foundation — up to the pandemic break, this event had already raised €90,000 for the cause. Riders roll off from 10am.

Sunday morning there's 5K Charity Walk from 11am at Kilcullen Community Centre, the second event in the Corina Staunton 'Come Together' weekend, walking out at 11am.

Also at 11am, there's a Thanksgiving Mass for Fr Martin Harte, marking his move to a new parish in Beaumont, Dublin. Refreshments afterwards in the Parish Centre, to which all are invited.

For those interested in the life and poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, the 35th International Festival kicks off this evening at Dominican College Newbridge, opened by US Ambassador Claire Cronin. Tomorrow night has a celebrity concert by Hans Pålsson, regarded as Sweden's greatest pianist.

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Busy Kilcullen Saturday in store

A reminder that tomorrow is a busy day in Kilcullen, lots going on with something for almost every interest, writes Brian Byrne.

The CPC Parents Association Bag2School clothing collection fundraiser through the morning at the bicycles shelter near the back steps to the college. 

A free workshop for families on the activities available at the Dúlra Forest School will be held in Kilcullen Town Hall. The event runs from 2.30pm until 4pm. Dúlra is run by a qualified primary teacher and further information is available here. 

The GAA Cake Sale and Raffle to generate funds for Girls U15 Feile is at 11am in the clubhouse with prizes including hotel vouchers, hampers, afternoon tea tickets and more. Tickets can be purchased on the day, or by Revolut. Contact Elaine Steed 087 6299960 or Siobhan O'Brien 086 9786506.

A Junior Einsteins Science Party is being held in the Community Centre from 3pm, suitable for children aged 5-12. For booking and further information, click this link. 

Local ecological scientist Jan Baars will present his 'What's in our River?' event from 3pm at the back of the Heritage Centre. Suitable for young and older and absolutely fascinating.

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An upcoming busy week

A fairly busy upcoming week in Kilcullen and the wider local area will have events focusing on biodiversity, planning and the local environment, community, art and fundraising, writes Brian Byrne.

A reminder that the GAA has Social Hurling on Monday evenings is as good a puck out as any, contact Martin Sheridan if you're interested.

On Tuesday there's the launch in the Town Hall of a Biodiversity Study of some key areas in Kilcullen, commissioned by the Kilcullen Community for Climate Action. Be there from 7.30pm if you want the whole scoop. The same night sees the continuing training of new recruits to the Kilcullen First Responders, in Scoil Bhride. From 7.30pm and the group is still open to further interest, so this could be an opportunity to make contact, or do so through their Facebook page. 

A little out of town but still very relevant to the general local community, the Two Mile House Says NO campaign is having a public meeting in The Brown Bear, beginning at 8pm on Tuesday. A number of TDs and councillors have indicated their attendance for this latest update on the proposed battery energy storage scheme for Dunnstown, for which Bord Pleanala has given planning permission. 

On Thursday evening, Castlemartin Lodge residents will be having their AGM in the Community Centre, starting at 8pm. In CPC, students who have been taking part in hospitality industry training will be running their pop-up restaurant, private and by invitation only but we know they'll be doing a fine job. The Kilcullen Lions Whist is on the same evening in Scoil Bhride, from 8pm.

On Friday there's a chance to see the Kildare Municipal Art Exhibition, a selection from which will go on display at the Riverbank Arts Centre — an official opening at 6.30pm and it is running through May. 

And next weekend kicks off the KWWSPCA pop-up Fashion Shop in the Heritage Centre, in place over both Saturday and Sunday.

There's an Open Day over lunchtime at the Kildare Steiner School,  and through the day a conference on the legacy of St Brigid at Solas Bhride.  A nice Saturday evening event will be the launch of 'A Life's Harvest', a book on the life of the late Jim Connell of Loraine, near Narraghmore, at St Laurence's GAA Club, at 8pm. 

Sunday is also a St Laurence's event, the Ballyshannon NS Fun Run, the off at 10.30am.

Oh, and don't forget to vote for Kalbarri in the Food Awards Ireland 2023.

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What's On over the weekend

A reminder of a number of things scheduled for today and tomorrow which may be of interest to readers, writes Brian Byrne.

Today is the last day of the Scouts Clothes Drive to raise funds towards participation in the International Jamborette later this summer in The Netherlands, from 9am-12 noon at the Scout Den. And the scouts are also holding their Table Quiz this evening in Fallons, from 8pm.

For those interested in education, a talk on Rudolf Steiner will be given in Kilcullen Library this evening, from 7pm. Attendance is free.

And tomorrow morning is the first 2023 training session for Kilcullen First Responders. New recruits welcome. Email kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com.

There's also probably still time to get tickets for tomorrow night's Kilcullen GAA Dinner Dance and Awards Night, in Keadeen Hotel. Check the club's Facebook page for details.

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Something for the weekend

Screen grab from Elle León's gig in Dublin on Wednesday night last.

A reminder of things happening this weekend ...

The Kilcullen Lions are today holding the first of three collection days for their annual Christmas Appeal for St Vincent de Paul — the other two days are next Friday and Saturday.

Kilcullen GAA continue their sale of tickets for the Christmas Hamper, outside Nolans. The Draw is on Monday night.

Tonight, local singer-songwriter Elle León is in concert in the Town Hall Theatre from 7pm, home with her band from Barcelona to launch her new album. Some tickets left from Berney's, The Spout or McTernans or at the door tonight (kids go free).

And tomorrow, the postponed Run, Run, Rudolph GAA fundraising walk-run paces off at 11am.

(And then, it's the last frantic lap towards the Christmas break ...)

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A something for everyone week

Elle Leon in Kilcullen on Saturday.

Another busy week for Kilcullen kicks off with this evening's AGM of Kildare Credit Union — of which Kilcullen is a part — in Solas Bhride, Kildare, from 7.30pm.

Through the morning and afternoon tomorrow, Wednesday, there's a fundraising craft and Christmas goodies sale in An Tearmann (the coffee shop is NOT open, though). Tomorrow evening from 8pm there's the Prayer Group Mass and get-together afterwards in the Parish Centre.

(UPDATE: This one is cancelled due to harsh weather.) The gathering for groups using activator pole exercise classes will be in Kilcullen Community Centre on Thursday from 11am as the Stickmas event, while the Centre will also be the focus for the visit by the Santa Truck on Thursday evening from around 5.30pm. The Kilcullen Lions Club Christmas Whist session is also on Thursday evening in Scoil Bhride, from 8pm. 

Fans of Patrick Hyland can go to hear him at the Moat Theatre in Naas on Friday and Sunday evenings, call the theatre for bookings. Back in Kilcullen on Saturday, Elle Leon brings her band from Barcelona to the Town Hall Theatre for a concert launch of her new album, singing off at 7pm.

Earlier on Saturday there's the first day of the Kilcullen Lions Christmas Appeal street collection for St Vincent de Paul.

And finally, all things working out weatherwise, the Kilcullen GAA fundraiser Run, Run, Rudolph will be held on Sunday at 11am, postponed from last week.

Indeed a week of something for everyone.

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How's Kilcullen? Busy

When my brother Fergus in England asked me yesterday how was Kilcullen, I said 'busy', writes Brian Byrne. And it is. So I thought I'd recap what's happening over the next while.

Tonight is the official opening of 'For Better, For Worse', by Kilcullen Drama Group, a production of the sequel to their last Jimmy Keary play presentation 'The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley'. It's also on tomorrow night and the Gala Night on Friday, then on Thursday through Saturday of next week. Booking as usual through Berney's Chemists.

Tomorrow and Thursday there's the Usborne Book Sale at the Kildare Steiner School, from 1pm-3pm each day, and a nice opportunity to get some lovely children's books as Christmas presents. Tomorrow evening also there's the GAA Workshop in Scoil Bhride, kicking off at 7pm. This is part of a process to develop a five-year plan mapping the future direction of the club. All are welcome to the discussion event.

Thursday night sees the last act in the 2022 Red Hot Music Club series in Fallon's back room. With the Frankie Lane and Paul Kelly duo, it is guaranteed to be a cracker. Try for tickets from Fallons or from Ray Kelly if you haven't already booked.

There's a street collection for Kilcullen's Christmas Lights on Friday and Saturday, and Kilcullen Community Action's team has already been working hard getting this year's display in place. In times where cheer is somewhat subdued by war and inflation, it's good to have something to lift the spirits so give what you can.

Saturday has a lot going one — the Ballyshannon Litter Pick Walk starts at 10.30am, the Kilcullen Gospel Choir concert in CPC is sold out, No 1 Fitness are celebrating their 7th birthday in O'Connell's Bar, and, out of town there's a Christmas Wonderland fundraiser at Barretstown over both Saturday and Sunday. 

Locally on Sunday, the first Christmas Fair of the season is at St Joseph's NS in Halverstown from 11am until 4pm, with crafts, festive food, Santa and a raffle, it's one great way to get Christmas started.

Lots more happening next week. You can stay in touch on the Diary's Calendar of Events. 

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