KTK Landfill Pool kicks off

The KTK Landfill Pool Tournament got under way in McTernan's last night with teams from Carbury and Milltown opening the points for a contest that will last for the next three months or so.



Organised by Benny McHale with the help of other stalwarts of the McTernan's pool scene, there are some 27 teams now entered for the competition, which has a guaranteed 2,000 euros in prizes. The proceeds from the competition are being donated to the Senior Citizens Fund.

"The teams are from all over the county, but Kilcullen itself is well represented, with about half the teams local," Benny told the Diary. "A number of businesses have sponsored teams, including Berneys Chemists, the Hideout and the Spout."

Benny is pleased that the game itself is experiencing a revival after some years in the doldrums. "There's a Kildare county team now, and a nationwide championship."

The idea of supporting the Senior Citizens Fund came after a Christmas time conversation with Theresa Meaney, and the KTK sponsorship is from a community fund which the landfill company provides annually to Kilcullen.



Each of the competing teams pays 100 euros entry fee, all of which goes to the Senior Citizens. The first round of the contest is played off between groups of three, and after that it becomes a straight knockout competition.

Brian Byrne.

The passing of Jim Aspell

The Diary has learned of the death of Jim Aspell of Old Kilcullen, having reached a great age of 97.

His passing is mourned by his loving wife Mary, daughter Maura, sons Tim, Christy, Shamie, Patsy and Tony, sister Molly, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild, his other relatives, and all the many friends of the Aspell family. To all we extend our heartfelt condolences.

Jim will be brought from Murphy Bros Funeral Home, Naas, at 6pm today to arrive at Kilcullen Parish Church at 6.30pm. His requiem mass will be celebrated tomorrow, Thursday, at 11am. Interment will follow in St Brigid's Cemetery.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

A bit of G&S

Anyone fancying their ability to lilt in a performance of 'The Mikado' has a chance to do so in a forthcoming production of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic.

It is being planned by The Milltown Singers & Friends for the Dunlavin Festival of the Arts, and auditions are being held on Friday next, 23 March, in Scoil Nicholas Naofa, Dunlavin.

The auditions begin at 7.30pm. No experience is required. Further information is available from Andrew at 087 1361958.

The Milltown Singers were founded in 1989 and have performed most of the classic musical shows since that time.

Brian Byrne.

Kildare South FG at Punchestown

Kildare South Fine Gael is repeating its Punchestown Gold Cup social and fundraising event at this year's racing festival.

The equivalent event last year proved very successful, and tickets are understood to be 'in great demand' for the 2007 one.

Guest of honour this year will be the Leader of Fine Gael, Enda Kenny TD.

Tickets are 150 euros each and will allow entry to the races and the grand pavilion. Lunch and afternoon tea are included, as are the services of a tipster. Betting facilities are available in the pavilion.

Tables for ten can also be booked, for 1,500 euros. The event begins at 11am on Wednesday 25 April.

Details and booking forms can be acquired from Marjorie Moore in Kildare, phone 087 9984940, or Tom Carberry in Two-Mile-House, phone 087 2335206.

Brian Byrne.

Patrick's Day in Landau

Hello Brian, Two Kilcullenites met up for St Patricks Day in Landau, Germany. Paul Durney aka Saoirse Mhór played at Louise Brennan’s Irish Pub in Landau on the 17th. Louise is of Brennans of Old Kilcullen fame. Obviously carrying on the tradition.

Amidst the hectic activity we talked of people we both knew at home. Among others, John Brady. Louise, who recently visited home, said John had apparently vouched for my voice as Louise did not know what she was letting herself in for. We hadn't met before.

The night was grand and we agreed to do it again in the near future. We don’t of course have the extended Monday holiday here but, well, you can’t have everything I suppose. I also managed to have a pint, which isn’t always possible in my corner of the woods here in Germany. Saoirse (Paul Durney.)

[ED: Paul's own blog is here.]

Deirdre launching new CD

Deirdre Starr is launching her new CD in Tinahealy Court House on Saturday next 31 March at 8.30pm.

Deirdre now resides outside Shillelagh with Ciarain and Oisín.

The new album is a mix of songs which Deirdre had always wanted to record and includes many fine arrangements of songs such as 'Molly Hollywood', 'Who put the Blood', and my own favourite, 'Kilkelly'.

Anyone who has attended any of Deirdre's concerts knows the power and passion she puts in to the songs and the new album reflects this. It features musicians Mark Kelly of Altan, Dave Leahy, a friend from New Zealand, and Maire Breathnach of the Sharon Shannon Band.

The album is available from Deirdre direct on 086-0777363, or visit her website for further information.

Ray Kelly

Easter coming close

With one festival just about over and an early Easter looming, John and Noreen Dowling's bunny display in their 'Village Flowers & Gifts' shop is a cheerful reminder of chocolate to come.

Brian Byrne.

It Says in The Bridge: March 07

In yet another birthday issue for The Bridge the magazine enters its 37th year, and the Diary extends its congratulations to all concerned, over the years and currently. We of all people understand that meeting regular deadlines is not easy, especially in a voluntary publishing undertaking.

A front page story under the headline 'Rebuilding The Bridge'notes that a new year is also bringing new people into the endeavour. The other main story reports how the Pastoral Council is undertaking a survey of local opinion on parish matters.

Inside, the first of quite a few innovations is the revival of an Editorial. Planned as a circulating responsibility amongst members of the editorial board, Bernard Berney writes the first. In his inimitable style he considers a number of subjects for suitability, rejecting all by the time he gets to the end of his allotted space. A benchmarking example of how not to get into trouble for expressing opinion.

In news we read of the opening of the new recycling hub at Silliot Hill, designed by the manager of the facility Ger Grehan, aimed to make it easier for people to properly separate their waste. And there's also a note about a change in a business which has served Kilcullen for a quarter of a century -- Kevin and May Keogh are retiring from their Hillcrest Hire, and the operation is moving to The Link Park. Noel O'Connell is incorporating the business into his own.

The Environmental News section details six local planning applications, and also notes the changes made to the new building beside The Hideout following representations from local people and KCA to Kildare County Council. We also read here that Kilcullen's tidy town committee is considering not entering the National Tidy Towns competition this year unless Kildare County Council provides a basic litter collection service in Kilcullen.

Scoil Bhride's 'Notice Board' highlights a visit to the school by children's author Marita Conlon-McKenna, where she spoke about how she is inspired to write particular stories. The big story from Halverstown NS is about their trip to Newgrange, described as both 'exciting' and tiring. Exciting also was the visit by a number of Cross & Passion College students to Arus an Uachtaran as part of President McAleese's 'Vision for 2020' day. The CPC presentation on the day is published in the magazine.

Among the features this month is a piece by Charlie Talbot on the sponsor of the 1889 church bell, Raphael Bowen, which answers some questions but raises new ones about this 'mysterious' benefactor. Pat Behan has several pieces, the most entertaining of which is his account of an 'animal attack' in Australia on a trip there some years ago. Sean Landers muses on Presidents of the World, and also writes about St Brigid's Well and the original bridge across the Liffey. And there's a double page spread about the closer prospect of a community playground, with accompanying map.

There are new contributors too. John Mulhall begins a series about GAA stalwarts of Kilcullen with a profile of Michael Joseph Patrick Lambe, better and affectionally known to us all as Porky. Sean Dillon from Riverside Manor writes the first of a planned series on computers and their management. And there are three pages of a new contribution called 'The Spout', where members of the Kilcullen Creative Writing Group present examples of their work. This includes the first chapter of a serial, which is open to all to provide subsequent chapters.

We leave it to Jim Collins to end this report with a bang, in his recalling of when his father was 'technical adviser' for a drama group production of 'Shadow of a Gunman' in the late 40s. It required an 'explosion' effect offstage. Jim Collins Snr, who had been actively involved in the fight for independence in the 20s, obliged with what the late Jerry Kelly always described as an 'over-enthusiastic' effort which left the cast covered in smoke and the set collapsed.

Ah, the days of innocence.

Brian Byrne.

Congratulations, Josie!

Josie Meaney celebrated her 80th birthday on Thursday night in The Hideout, with many members of her family (below) and her friends.



More pictures can be seen in the slideshow.

Brian Byrne.

St Patrick's Day in Nanchang

Nanchang, Jianxi Province, China

There are three Irish teachers at my campus. We're taking a taxi downtown this evening with an American woman to meet some Irish, Australian, American and Filipino teacher friends at the Regal Hotel for a celebratory meal.

Singing not allowed by the management, but Confucian discourse acceptable in between toasts.

Gary Byrne.

La Feile Padraig

Happy St Patrick's Day to all Kilcullenites everywhere.

Maybe you'd like to let us know how you're celebrating the day, or the long weekend as we're doing here back home.

Judging by the look on Patrick's face here, he doesn't do much celebrating, does he?

Musn't have been any decent pubs close to Sliabh Mis.

Donnelly's Arm on the move again

Dan Donnelly's Arm is still on its travels, and after a very successful run as a keynote feature in the Fighting Irishmen: Celebrating Celtic Prizefighters 1820-Present exhibition in the Irish Arts Centre in New York last winter, is moving with the exhibition to the prestigious South Street Seaport Museum in south Manhattan.

The exhibition opens this evening, March 16th, with curator Jim Houlihan again at the helm in a collaborative effort between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Irish Arts Center.

The eclectic collection of boxing photography and artifacts is a veritable stroll down memory lane for fight fans and historians alike. Among the other artifacts and pictures on display are the legendary John L Sullivan's fur coat; a blazer specially made for Jack Dempsey; photographs from the archives of Sports Illustrated; Charlie Nash's Olympic jersey when he was fighting for Ireland; photographs of the classic Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti trilogy; and historic photos of such memorable Irish fighters as John L. Sullivan, James J. Braddock, Billy Conn, Jerry Quarry, Gerry Cooney, Barry McGuigan and Bobby Cassidy, just to name a few.

The new and expanded exhibit will also include: a heavy bag from Gene Tunney’s training camp; equipment from current female fighter Maureen Shea, used for training actress Hilary Swank for the film Million Dollar Baby, and three original oil paintings from the Tunney collection by the artist Mahonri Young, Brigham Young’s grandson. In addition, visitors will be able to view video of historic fights during their tours of the exhibit.

Of course, certainly the most unique item in the exhibit –- the late, great Irish fighter Dan Donnelly’s mummified right arm –- will again be on display thanks to Josephine Byrne of Kilcullen.

The South Street Seaport Museum is located at 12 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10038. Making the exhibit of even greater historical significance is that the South Street Seaport Museum is located along the docks on the East River, where Irish immigrants prior to 1892 (pre Ellis Island) first stepped onto New York soil, just a block away from the museum.

When the museum was restoring old seafaring buildings along the docks, a wall of Irish graffiti was uncovered, dating back to the Great Famine. It will also be on exhibit.

Fighting Irishmen: A Celebration of Celtic Prizefighters 1820-Presentwill run through December 31st, 2007.

Time to scoop the poop

Maybe we're getting used to the litter problem now, given the current standoff between the Tidy Towns Committee and Kildare County Council over the lack of performance of duty by the latter.

However, the impasse is also showing up another problem, one which is far too easy to take home. It has been noted to the Diary that there is an increasing problem of dog dirt on Kilcullen's footpaths.

We're not sure about the regulations in this regard, apart from the requirement that dogs should have identification.

Maybe the offending canines are wandering loose. Or maybe some are being walked in the evenings and not being cleared up after by their owners?

If that last is the case, it is pooper-scooper time, folks. Dog owners of Kilcullen, spare a thought for the rest of us, and help make it easier to keep our own homes and cars unsmelly?

We considered doing some pictures. But this is a family community service, and for the moment we won't.

As for Kildare County Council's lack of duty performance in providing adequate litter lifting, remember that there's an election coming up. Local councillors from every party will be escorting their preferred candidates to your doorsteps for your consideration.

Tell 'em all.

Brian Byrne.

Viva Vivaldi

A night of Vivaldi worth considering is being performed in Naas on April 1.

'Vivaldi Gloria' and other choral pieces are being presented by the L'Academia Di Musici Orchestra from Naas.

The venue is the Church of Our Lady and St David, Naas. Tickets on sale at 15 euros are available from Barker & Jones bookshop, Naas.

L’Academia Di Musici/Naas School of Music was established by Marianna Alaberdova and Tony Brychta, both musicians of world-renowned status.

They are both former members of the Cello and Viola sections of the National Opera Theatre Symphony Orchestra in the Czech Republic.

Brian Byrne.

Yet another bad parking story

Ongoing parking problems in the town were highlighted once again on Saturday when Paul Aspell saw an elderly lady trying to get by a pony trailer and towing vehicle parked on the narrow footpath.



"I had to step out on the road and wave traffic to slow so she could walk around the trailer safely on the road," he told the Diary. "I asked the driver of the vehicle was there any chance of moving it off the path and onto the road, but I was totally ignored."

The location is yet another one crying out for double yellow lines, as part of a properly thought out parking plan for the town.

Though, of course, any such plan would have to be enforced too. And on the track record in such things so far, it mightn't be worth the cost of the yellow paint.

Brian Byrne.

Planning application for Riverside Manor

Brendan O'Connell has submitted a planning application to modify a planned development at Riverside Manor.

The application, file number 07/457, seeks modifications to previously approved planning permissions 99/1635 and 00/2221 to allow the construction of a 178-unit residental development, comprising two two-storey four-bed detached houses, 62 two-bed apartments and 62 three-bed duplexes.

The proposal does not involve any material contravention of the local development plan. The latest date for submissions is 12/04/2007.

Brian Byrne.

New interiors shop on way

A new home interiors shop opening in early April will bring to Kilcullen a selection of products from all over Europe, at reasonable prices.



'Haven', by Contemporary Interiors, is the brainchild of Amanda Mac Seoin and her husband Marcas, who have been operating an interiors design and fitout business for the last five years. They're based in Ballyshannon.

The stock will include bedlinen from Paris, candles and candleholders from Copenhagen, wallpapers by Colefax Fowler and Farrow & Ball, paints from the Historic Colour Collection by Colourprint, lighting and occasional furniture. Fabrics from Prestigious and Jane Churchill are also on offer.

"We're aiming at the middle to high end of the market, which reflects what's around us here in Kilcullen," Amanda says. "We'll have stock really from all over the EU, and we've recently been to the latest trade fair for the business in Paris, and we bought a lot of things there."

Marcas notes that they have exclusivity on some of their products, which will make the shop even more attractive to some customers.

Amanda and Marcas also provide a full interior design service, as well as preparing homes for sale. And a 'decluttering' service is possibly one of the most useful for people who have lived for a long time in the one home and might welcome outside help in dealing with the excess stuff that we all accumulate.

They can be contacted through their website

Brian Byrne.

Kilcullen at Edinburgh win

The Irish Team were well supported from Kilcullen in Edinburgh during the recent win over arch rivals Scotland.







Spotted were Niall McDonnell along his sons Adrian and Kevin, and also on the trip was Donal Flannigan. David Byrne and his sons Conor and Jamie (doing his final year in Dundee University) were there with their cousin Daragh and his wife Ciara, and Daragh's brother Colin with his girl friend Clare.

The general feeling, said Niall, ‘it was a hard got result’, but ‘a win all the same if not particularly pretty’.

Concerts raise 5,000 euros

The recent pair of concerts in the Town Hall by The Moon & Sixpence raised some 5,000 euros for St Brigid's Hospice and Home Care Service on The Curragh.



It was two nights of music, fun, and great entertainment. And two nights also of great achievement. But underlying the concerts was the sadness that two people who should have been there were not.

On each night MC Michael McCarthy laid out those thoughts immediately to the sellout audiences. That the venue itself wouldn't have existed but for the vision and perseverance of the late Pat Dunlea, and that the concerts themselves were in tribute to one of the band's founder members, Des Byrne.

Both thoughts were to be reiterated several times during the evening.

Immediately the band set the mood for the night as a rocking one, with lead singer Siobhan Hurley's swinging renditions of 'Walking in The Rain', 'Bobby's Girl', and 'I'll Never Find Another You'. Keyboard player Henry Donohue's haunting 'Telstar' style accompaniment fitted in perfectly with the era of the songs.

The sets went onward through 'Mister Postman' and 'These Boots Are Made for Walking', under which last Peter Coe's tonky work on the piano set the path superbly for those same boots to travel.

'Boots' also was the number during which the audience got fully interactive with the gig. After that they never lost the connection, and it was as much an audience performance as a band one, as the best gigs are.

The lineup included original members John Reidy, Michael O'Connell and Siobhan Hurley. Mike McCarthy, also one of the founders, but who had left, did a comeback song on the second night.

Henry Donohue also qualified as an 'original', having from early on been a musical arranger for the group and soon afterwards becoming the keyboard player. Peter Coe had been recruited when Henry's work pressures necessitated his leaving. Drummer Paddy Jones, who used to live in Kilcullen, is a recent and very powerful addition to the band.

When Mike McCarthy sang 'Eighteen Yellow Roses' as his own special tribute to Des Byrne, he brought the house down.

As did renditions by Siobhan and company of 'I'm a Believer', 'Obla Di' and 'Pearl's a Singer'. That last performance of the 1977 Elkie Brooks classic was a great demonstration of Siobhan's ability as a torchy soul singer. She can truly sing 'songs for the lost and the lonely'.

The subsequent 'Summertime' got the whole theatre clapping, and then Peter Coe's piano introduction for the band's cover of Elton John's 'Crocodile Rock' made everyone in the place really remember 'when rock was young' ... even if they were too young to.

In the second half on the second night there was a special contribution by a niece of Des's wife Josephine, Suzannah de Wrixon. An actor and singer, she gave a rendition of Stephen Sondheim's 'Send in the Clowns' which was haunting in delivery and performed with great presence. The song also gave Henry Donohue another chance on the Steinway, and if anyone hadn't already realised his love of and ability on the ivories, they did so during this one.

And this is a good time to mention that the night represented yet another 'premiere' for Kilcullen, the first time that a Steinway Grand Piano was used on the stage of the town's theatre. This was due to Peter Coe's friendship with John Holland of Pianos Plus, whose company not only supplied the Steinway, but waived totally the normal 700 euros per night rental.

Siobhan's subsequent belting out of 'I feel Lucky' both jazzed up everybody again, and gave her yet another opportunity to reveal the extraordinary range of her voice.

Then came 'Desperado', and though he had been skilfully controlling the pace all evening, drummer Paddy Jones really got in the groove for this one.

The night continued with one nostalgic song after another. There were specials like the duet from John and Siobhan of 'Teach Your Children'. That's the one that doesn't leave a dry eye in the house.

Then there was 'The Rose', sung by Siobhan and accompanied by Henry on the piano, and 'Katie' during which John's guitar prowess really shone through.

A very special song was one written by Michael O'Connell, 'The Dream'. The lyrics involve George Harrisson and John Lennon singing in Heaven. 'And one by one, the voices come, to join the Heavenly choir' one line went. "And I hear Des singing high harmony," John quipped wryly.

The encore finale was a really rocking end to a night that had been a bitter-sweet mixture of tribute, nostalgia and musical reminiscance. 'Sweet Little Sixteen', 'Rock and Roll Music' and the Chuck Berry classic 'Johnny B Goode' caused a standing ovation.

An upbeat end to performances which had brought cheers, tears, and a lot of great memories.

Brian Byrne.

Good response to marathon call

The response to the call for entrants to the Flora Womens Mini Marathon, for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, has been 'great', according to one of the key organisers.

"We have about fifty people entered on our behalf already," Phena Bermingham told the Diary. "But there's still time for more, and we'd welcome them."

The cutoff date for entry is 24th of April, and people can enter either by using the forms in the Evening Herald on Tuesdays and Saturdays, or by going online.

"People can register directly themselves, but anyone wanting to take part on our behalf needs to contact us to get sponsorship cards," Phena says.

The event itself is being held on June 4. In the meantime, the PKRF plans to have an Information Night in May to explain to people just what the Fund is doing.

Local kidney transplant recipient James Nolan will be there, along with the first person to have used the holiday home in Kerry which the organisation has bought, for use by kidney dialysis patients.

Further information on sponsorship for the Mini Marathon is available from Phena at 087 9767531.

Brian Byrne.

Pharmacy's temporary closure

Adrian Dunne's Family Pharmacy has closed for a period while the development of the property in which it is located gets under way.

No date has been given for reopening, but the work proposed is substantial and will take several months.

In a notice, Adrian thanks all those who have supported him during the temporary phase of the business, and apologises for any inconvenience the building development will cause.

Any enquiries can be made to 01 8010828.

GAA memorabilia on show

There's gathering interest in the GAA St Patrick's Night gig in the Community Centre being organised by John Mulhall.



Tickets are on sale in the former Post Office, and the place is well worth a visit to local GAA fans even for the display of memorabilia there.

They are mainly photographs and montages of Kilcullen teams and personalities of the past, and include the club's winning teams in the Kildare Intermediate Championships 1956 and 1961, Junior Football Champions 1971, and the Kildare Junior Champions of as far back as 1943.

Meantime, John is already planning another one, for October, featuring The Bards.

Brian Byrne.

Invitation for ministries participation

The Parish of Kilcullen has detailed 16 areas of ministry where lay people can make a contribution.

They include helping with liturgy, sacramental preparation, and bible spirituality.

There are also areas such as joining the choirs, parish communications, working with altar servers, and on the school Board of Management.

Volunteers are also required for help with the upkeep of the churches of the parish, and in the areas of financing, fundraising and administration.

People with an interest in funeral and bereavement ministries are also needed, and there are openings too in the areas of social justice and caring, and welcome and hospitality.

Forms are available (download here) for those who would like more information, which can be left in the Sacristy, Parish House, or Parish Office.

Brian Byrne.

Nail-biting Triple Crown

Kilcullen's streets were rather quiet for a Saturday from 1.30pm yesterday, when Ireland kicked off against Scotland to try and secure the Triple Crown.



The result, of course, is now nailbiting history. In a game where there was never a scoreline that couldn't change in a relatively few movements on the pitch, there were plenty of white knuckles clenched around pints in the town's various hostelries.



Bardon's was hosting a number of refugees from the previous night's 'Moon & Sixpence' concert. Moments of glee and gloom alternated so much that when the final whistle went there was little enough energy for a proper cheer. The one-point win itself was also too close to permit euphoria. But it only takes a point, doesn't it?



There was no question about the youngest supporter there, though, with Eddie Cross and Leanne's son Billy sporting the national colours, albeit sleepily.

Brian Byrne.

Hanging at Kilcullen

They took robbery seriously back in the Kilcullen of the 18th century.

This account of a hanging in the town is posted on the Kildare Library Service's Online Electronic History Journal.

Brian Byrne.

Kilsaran lodges Ballysax application

Kilsaran Concrete has lodged a new application for planning permission to extract sand and gravel from a 37 hectare site in Ballysax Hills.

The application, 06/651, seeks permission for all ancillary activities required for the project, including crushing, washing, the establishment of silt lagoons, and screening facilities.

A decision is due on 26 April. An original application was lodged in April 2006.

Brian Byrne.

Great night at Moon & Sixpence gig

There was a great turnout in the Town Hall last night for the first of two concerts by The Moon & Sixpence band, in memory of the late Des Byrne.



Proceeds from the events are going to St Brigid's Hospice and Home Care Service.

More pictures and a full report later.

New fence at Carnalway

A new security fence has been erected along the disputed traditional right of way on the banks of the River Liffey at Carnalway.



It isn't clear whether or not this is a move in preparation for the removal of a fence beside the bridge itself, which blocked the right of way in July 2005. Some local residents are worried that it might be an 'aggravation' of the existing position.



Residents of the area have initiated legal proceedings to re-establish the right of way. Also, in December last, Kildare County Council issued an Enforcement Notice requiring the landowner concerned to remove the original fence.

An Enforcement Officer visited the area last Wednesday to assess the latest moves.

Brian Byrne.

Controversial windows blocked

A number of windows which were the subject of a warning notice from the Planning Department of Kildare County Council are in the process of being blocked up.



The windows faced out onto the petrol delivery area of the XL Filling Station and were not on the plans for the development which had been given permission.

They were the subject of complaints from the filling station and from Kilcullen Community Action on health and safety grounds. The County Kildare Fire authorities had also been notified of the matter on foot of a letter from Esso Ireland fuel distributors.

A technical report commissioned by Kilcullen Community Action says that the development has nine points of deviation from the planning permission given.

A further application is currently lodged relating to the premises, for a change of use of one of the retail units to provide a betting office for Ladbrokes.

Brian Byrne.

The passing of Stasia Orford

The Diary has learned of the death of another of Kilcullen's older residents, Stasia Orford.

She will be deeply missed by Mary and Joe, all her other extended family and relatives, and her friends. We extend our condolences to them all.

Stasia's Requiem Mass takes place today, Thursday, in Kilcullen Parish Church at 11am, and she will be buried afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Playground progress

Kilcullen has high hopes of finally getting a playground after two years of work by the Kilcullen Playground Committee. A proposal to site the playground between Scoil Bhríde National School and Kilcullen Community Centre has been agreed in principle by both parties, as it uses land from each.

As the plans involve changing the entrance to the Community Centre from its current position on the Newbridge Road to the Cnoc na Gréine Road, agreement is also needed from the Roads Department of Kildare County Council. Broad agreement has been given for this, so the Playground Committee is now only waiting confirmation from Leisure Services in the Council that it agrees to the plan and will fund the Playground and associated infrastructural works.

The committee are absolutely thrilled that Fr Andrew from Scoil Bhríde is happy to put this proposal to the Board of the School and owners of the land, which is the Dublin Diocese.

We understand the pressure schools are under and appreciate the gesture they are making. There simply will not be a playground without them as we have spent two years looking for a site but have had no success up to now. We firmly believe this is a win-win situation for everyone.

The provision of the playground will have to include badly needed upgrading of the car-parking and access facilities to the Community Centre. This will hugely improve the safety for everyone, especially children being dropped to both the national and secondary schools, either by car, bus or walking.

The plan also incorporates an upgrading of the junction at the exits from the Castlemartin and Cnoc na Gréine Estates and the Newbridge Road. The Community Centre currently exits virtually onto the same junction. There is often traffic chaos in this area, especially during peak school times, making it dangerous for children and parents getting to and from local schools.

The current Community Centre entrance will be closed and the road incorporated into school grounds and land for the Playground. A new entrance will be opened halfway up the Cnoc na Gréine Road. This road will eventually extend into a relief road, linking up to the Athy Road through the industrial estate currently under construction. Appropriate traffic-calming and pedestrian measures are also in the plans.

This is the second proposal we have put to the various parties, but the first time we’ve had agreement in principle from everyone. As an entirely voluntary group that needed technical maps to present our proposals, we wouldn’t have got this far without the assistance of Kilcullen Community Action, and one of their members, JJ Warren.

We are also lucky enough to have a vibrant group of young mothers, all new residents, with a clatter of kids between us, at least four of which have been born in the time since the group started. We want facilities in the town for our kids, and a bit like them, we’re not too prepared to take no for an answer. We also acknowledge local politicians support for the group, particularly Willie Callaghan.

The Playground Committee is hopeful of a favourable answer from the Leisure Services Department of the Council, which has the budget for provision of playgrounds.

Council officials have been supportive of our work to date, and say the biggest challenge was getting a site as the Council didn’t have money to buy land. We are now very close to achieving this as we have a viable proposal. Success will depend on their giving tangible backing to our proposal, which in effect means getting the cheque book out.

The Committee intends to keep the pressure on all parties to have this proposal fully agreed as quickly as possible. Following that, we expect the playground could be designed within a matter of weeks, with construction taking place during the summer months when schools are closed.

Orla O'Neill
Chairperson, Playground Committee.

In the mouth of the ford of Seanath

There's an interesting account of ancient times in Ballyshannon posted on the County Kildare Library Service's excellent Online Electronic History Journal.

Worth a read if you're from that frontier area on our southern boundary. Or even if you're thinking of setting up an expedition to the place.

Brian Byrne.

Steiner School plants trees

Parents, teachers, pupils and friends of the Kildare Steiner School took part in a tree-planting day on Saturday last.

More than 700 trees were planted, some of them donated by Coillte. A number of apple trees were donated by Seedsavers.

Among the trees was a mature one planted in honour of the late Gunther Petters, who had a long relationship with the school.

Brian Byrne.

Phena's marathon reminder

Phena Bermingham has given us another reminder about the Flora Women's Mini Marathon 2007.

Volunteers are invited to take part in aid of The Punchestown Research Fund.

If you need to get fit, or lose a bit of weight or just want to feel good, it's worth a run. Also, if you're new in the area and want to meet people, this is your opportunity.

Longer evenings allow a bit of time to get out walking, running or jogging -- and it's all free.

There's a meeting at Kilcullen Parish Centre on Thursday 8 March at 8 pm, to plan and to collect sponsorship cards. You can also get information and cards from Phena at 045 485232 or 087 9767531; Lorraine Hegarty-Kelly at 045 481062; Emma McHenry at 087 6965271; or James Nolan at Nolan's Butchers.

Brian Byrne.

Holy Land dates set

The dates set for the proposed parish Pilgrimage to The Holy Land are 14-23 October 2007.

The overall cost per person is approximately 1,400 euros, and deposit of 150 euros can be paid to Carmel Bagnell, at Kilcullen Credit Union on Wednesday next between 11am-2pm.

The balance will be payable by 15 August 2007.

Further details of the trip will be made available once there are firm commitments from at least 30 people. But the Diary understands that the locations will include Tiberias and Jerusalem.

Brian Byrne.

Moonflare

The beginnings of last night's lunar eclipse, with some interesting lens flare effects.

Tree Planting tomorrow

The passing of Jean Kelly

The Diary records with sadness the death of Jean (Jin) Kelly of Nicholastown.

Beloved wife of the late Paddy, she will be sadly missed by her children Frances and Ray, their spouses Noel and Fiona, and her grandsons Stephen and Fionn. To them and all Jin's other relatives and friends we extend our heartfelt condolences.

Jin is reposing at Noel and Frances' home in New Abbey until 5.30pm tomorrow, Saturday, at which time she will be brought to The Church of The Sacred Heart and St Bridget, arriving at 6 o'clock.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Sunday at 11am, and interment will take place afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

The family has requested that no flowers be given except from family members. Donations in lieu, if desired, may be made to St Bridget's Hospice, The Curragh or friends of St Luke's Hospital, Dublin.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.