Autistic Burnout: Turning experience into support

When Kilcullen mother Sylvia Ann Kelly’s six-year-old, James, went into autistic burnout more than a year ago, one symptom was that he refused to go back to school, writes Brian Byrne. That meant she had to take all-day care of him herself. It impacted every aspect of the family’s life, both work and social. She recalls it as a very challenging time, not least because she found herself dealing with something beyond her previous understanding, and which experts didn’t always acknowledge. 

“The best way I can describe it is like being in lockdown again," she says. "It was a very daunting, very scary place to be. We had no idea what was going on, and we were trying to make sense of it. There were weeks of us not leaving the house, and that was incredibly hard. It's like you just can't see the way ahead." She also experienced frustrations when trying to get professional help, with some specialists not even recognising autistic burnout. "I have a very supportive GP, who referred us to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). But they said they couldn't help, that they'd keep us on a waiting list for a psychiatrist, and referred us back to our GP."

Deciding she had to take ownership of the situation herself, Sylvia gave up her work for a year, studied the subjects of nervous system regulation and low-demand parenting, because the slightest stress overwhelmed James. Gradually, there were signs of recovery, a slow re-engaging with activities. Eventually, the family could go to a friend’s for dinner. James could engage in a birthday party. There was finally the joyous experience of seeing him in a playground again, laughing and playing with friends.

Her experience prompted Sylvia to dig deeper into a problem which she found to be more common than she had thought. "I had to work this out and listen to podcasts and read and research and just gather all the information. Parent support groups were absolutely key, helped me make sense of my situation and realise other people and other families are experiencing this." Describing her progress as 'an emotional roller-coaster', she said she was both shocked and relieved, the latter in part because "I had found my tribe." 

A key lesson from her experience is that parents can burn out too. Sylvia describes 'hitting a wall' last Christmas. She realised that she had to learn to prioritise her own mental and physical health, because she was obviously going to be a better mother to James if she was looking after herself. Her core message is that in order to help the child, the mother has to help herself. 

Another realisation was how the school system is under-equipped to deal with the issue. "We're expecting neurodivergent children to fit into an environment that's not able to meet their needs. Teachers and SNAs are just wonderful people who are all doing their best in a very challenging situation, trying to meet so many different needs. They can't do everything. There just aren't enough SNAs."

Sylvia has worked as a Career Coach for 15 years and, more recently, as a Mental Health & Neurodiverse Coach, and holds a master's in the discipline. She has now retrained as a rapid transformational therapist, which combines neuroscience, psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. She has set herself on a mission to raise awareness of autistic burnout and to let parents like her know that there is support for them and their situation.

Her programme, called Calm Minds, is mainly focused on supporting mothers, "because it’s mothers who are predominantly in the front line here." The service is based specifically on giving one-to-one support because the remedy is not one-size-fits-all. But she is also considering small group sessions because then the parents would also get support from their peers. 

An e-book, From Burnout to Recovery, will be a guide based on her own story and the practical strategies she has developed to deal with autistic burnout. Other resources include recorded meditations to help deal with stress and anxieties. Sylvia is also a trained hypnotherapist, and that can also be considered in appropriate circumstances. 

Her primary focus is to make the support for mothers accessible, affordable, and practical. Calm Minds offers a free initial consultation after which a client can decide to take part in a first practical session. This could be the first step to escaping the 'lockdown' that autistic burnout can bring.

More information is available at calmmindshypno.com or email Kellysylviaann@gmail.com.

A version of this article was first published in The Kildare Nationalist.

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Countdown to Mac & Norman's rally 2026

With just nine days to go until the 24th Mac & Norman Rally, it’s worth remembering that the event has raised an incredible €643,019.55 over the past 23 years. It’s a huge achievement for each and every one of those who have supported the fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society.

The organisers hope to see everyone again on Sunday, 16th. There will be tea, coffee, and sandwiches during registration at Sully's Yard in Brannockstown, and the rally departs at approximately 1.05pm. It will pass through Kilcullen around 1.15pm and there’ll be a bucket collection as vehicles go through.

Upon return to base (W91 W351), there will be a cold lunch, and the auction will begin between 2.30pm and 3pm. Everyone is welcome on the day.

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Russborough’s Car Boot Art Fair

Russborough’s Car Boot Art Fair returns for its eighth year on Saturday, 29 August, offering a unique and lively art experience in the parklands. The event allows visitors to buy art directly from artists’ car boots, with a diverse range of paintings, prints, sculptures, and more on offer. 

The day will include live DJ sets, spot prizes, discounted guided house tours, and a 10 per cent discount at the Russborough Shop.

Ticket sales support the care of Russborough House, its collection, and estate. New for 2026, pre-booked ticket holders will automatically enter a giveaway for an original artwork donated by artists such as Catherine Barron and Daniel Lipstein. Tickets available here. 

The fair showcases established and emerging artists, including Ann Marie Webb, Aoife Scott, and PJ Lynch. It offers a rare chance to engage with creators in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a fun day out, the Car Boot Art Fair promises surprises and a memorable experience.

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Kilcullen responders Table Quiz date

Kilcullen Community First Responders will host a Table Quiz at The Hideout Kilcullen on 29 October 2026, starting at 7.30pm. The event will raise funds to buy new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for new responders, replace AED boxes, and acquire an additional AED for Kilcullen.

The night is open to teams of four, at €40 per table. The organisers are also seeking donations from local businesses of spot prizes for a raffle. Interested businesses can contact kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, the newly-formed Calverstown First Responders are holding their fundraising Table Quiz in Dowlings on 14 August.

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Artwork completed

There's now something to look at to pass the time for those stuck in traffic on the Newbridge Road entrance to Kilcullen, with the completion of the new artwork on these two gables.

The KCA-commissioned artwork is located there courtesy of Mick Heavey of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes.

It was produced in the last few days by artist Steve O'Donnell of the artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design.

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Bowls season starts next week

Kilcullen Carpet Bowls will start its 2026/2027 season on Thursday 13th August. Sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm to 8.30pm approximately in the GAA Hall. 

New members are welcome. Anyone who wishes may come along and find out what is involved, try throwing a few bowls and decide whether it is for them or not.

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Heritage wall artwork in progress

It's certainly Kilcullen's biggest piece of street art so far, and the Heritage Wall piece is well under way and could be finished tomorrow, depending on the weather, writes Brian Byrne. Taking up two gable ends facing down the Newbridge Road, the KCA-commissioned artwork is located there courtesy of Mick Heavey of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes.

Artist Steve O'Donnell of the artistic team that won the commission tender, All Out Design, is spending three days working on the specially developed theme, incorporating local history, heritage, nature, and the environment. The design includes motifs of Kilcullen bridge, a horse, a stylised waving hand of welcome, the Liffey, swans, badgers, and wildflowers. Funding for the project has been supported by public contributions, a St Patrick's Day swim by patrons of The Spout, a table quiz, donation from the Community Centre, and from other sources.

"This landmark initiative is bringing an inspiring new piece of public art to Kilcullen," says KCA's Ann Cashman, who has led the project for the group. "We’re delighted to be working with an incredibly talented artist to create a mural that celebrates our heritage, community, and identity."

The artist has been working in this field for 20 years, and set up a business with two friends when they were still in art college. "It just ended up working, and we've never stopped," he told the Diary today, adding that they have worked for city and county councils, corporate clients, and also some private commissions. He says it seems to be a good spot for the project, as there's always traffic. "A lot of people have already stopped and complimented the project, or beeping and shouting encouragement as they drive by, so it's certainly getting attention."

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Lesley Kelly to show her latest ceramics

Local artist Lesley Kelly will showcase her latest collection of handmade ceramics at Woodbine Books on Saturday, 15 August. The event will run from 7pm to 9pm.

The exhibition offers a chance to meet the artist, view her new works up close, and learn more about the process behind her creations. 

Woodbine Books is delighted to host the event, which is free and open to all.

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Concert for Aware to be streamed from Kilcullen

At last night's launch were Deirdre Ward, Canice Keane, Lorraine Nolan, Pat Kelly, Arlene Bailey, Mary Masterson and Lorraine Kelly.

A concert to be live-streamed from Bishop Rogan Park on 30 August will raise funds for the mental health charity Aware, writes Brian Byrne. It's being organised by local musician Pat Kelly and will feature top singers from the Kilcullen area and beyond.

The Anvil at Rest gig is being staged in Pat and Lorraine Kelly's front garden, running from 3pm to 5pm, and everyone is welcome to come along, bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, and enjoy an afternoon of music with friends, family, and neighbours in the surroundings of Bishop Rogan Park. The event is being live-streamed through Facebook.

Aware supports mental health through education and support services and promotes understanding of the issue across Ireland. "Very many families have experience of mental health problems, and I felt that I wanted to do something for it," Pat told the Diary at last night's launch of the event in McTernan's Bar. "When I began looking for artistes for it, I got a great response."

The performers will include Arlene Bailey, the Sallins-based country singer who has resumed her music career in country rock after a break from the business. Arlene has worked with some of the finest musicians in Nashville, including Bob Hatter, Donnie Skaggs, and Gene Rabbai. Arlene is also an ambassador for Aware.

Lorraine Nolan from Newbridge, director of the Liffey Choir and a former lead vocalist with Riverdance, as well as having an extensive portfolio of national and international performance, has also come on board.

The concert will also feature Kilkenny-born singer-songwriter Canice Keane, who lives in Kilcullen and is another member of the Liffey Choir along with Pat Kelly. Gordon Turner, musician and sound engineer, will be handling the sound quality as well as taking a turn on stage himself. Also on the card are Emma Kayaalp, Yvonne Ennis, and John and Joe Kelly. And, of course, Pat himself will take a turn or too.

When it came to a name for the event, which Pat hopes will become an annual mini-festival, he chose the anvil to reflect his father's work as a blacksmith and his late brother Ned's prowess as both blacksmith and master farrier.

Donations for Aware associated with the event can be given via a QR code and can also be made on the day for those who go along to hear the music live.

A social media campaign for Anvil at Rest is being organised by Emma Keane.

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Cannonball supercars will fuel stop at Kilcullen M9 service area

An opportunity for Kilcullen supercar fans to see Ireland's biggest gathering of iconic marques will be on Friday, 11 September, when those taking part in Cannonball Ireland 2026 will be making a fuel stop at the Circle K M9 service area, writes Brian Byrne. The stop is scheduled for 3.15pm and this year's event will raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.

Earlier, the more than 200 cars, which will include examples from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati, and many more, will have been driven from the starting point of the tour at the Johnstown Estate in Enfield and through the Wicklow hills via Enniskerry and back to the K Club in Straffan for lunch.

Over three days, the event participants will cover some 1,000km and be cheered on by an estimated 250,000 spectators in towns and villages through Westmeath, Offaly, Clare, Limerick, and Cork, and finishing up in Kilkenny City from around 5.30pm on Sunday, 13th. The finish line celebrations will once again feature live entertainment, music, giant screens, family attractions, colourful costumes, and the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with Cannonball.

Since its inception in 2009, Cannonball Ireland has raised more than €2.5 million for Irish charities. The event was founded by Kildare-nased businessman Alan Bannon.

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Booking opens for Shackleton Autumn School

Image: Shackleton Experience, Athy.

Booking is now open for the 26th Annual Shackleton Autumn School, taking place from 16 to 18 October 2026 in Athy, the birthplace of explorer Ernest Shackleton. 

This event invites historians, researchers, and enthusiasts to engage in scholarship, camaraderie, and explore the significance of polar regions. The programme includes expert lectures, interactive workshops, exhibitions, cultural events, and networking opportunities. 

Early Bird tickets are available for €225 until 31 August 2026. 

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Final Kayaking course of the summer

Kilcullen Canoe Club will hold its final beginners’ kayaking course for adults this coming Saturday. 

The session will be led by instructors Dee and Ann, who also delivered the club’s recent introductory paddling day for over-50s, which all participants loved. 

The course offers a great opportunity to enjoy the local river amenity and see Kilcullen from a different perspective.

For enquiries, email secretary@kilcullencanoeclub.com or text Catherine on 085 7261185. Alternatively, register directly here. 

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 4th August 2026 were 7, 22, 27 and 28. There was no Jackpot winner, and next week's main prize will again be €20,000. The value of the follow-up draws is €20,000 and €8,200.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Noel Dunne (Promoter Noel Dunne), Hazel Spencer (Vanessa Clarke) and Peter 'Skinner' Clifford (Vanessa Clarke).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were The Parish Office and Kilcullen Credit Union, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Bernie Kirby.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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Kilcullen man's grandson on Australian national cricket squad

Pat Sullivan and (inset) Jimmy and Wendy Greenway. Image: Torquay Tigers.

Most Diary readers won't know this young man, but Kilcullen friends of his grandfather, Jimmy Greenway, will raise a glass to the news that Pat Sullivan of Torquay in Victoria, Australia, has been picked for the Cricket Australia U19 squad, writes Brian Byrne. The team is set for a tour of India next month.⁣

Kilcullen-born Jimmy Greenway has been living in New Zealand for 53 years, with his New Zealand wife Wendy. Pat is the son of their daughter Anna and her husband Nigel. 

For Jimmy and Wendy and the whole extended family, it's very exciting news. "It's a great effort," Jimmy told the Diary today. "Especially in a country where cricket is the number one game." 

A member of the Geelong Cricket Club and the Torquay Tigers Cricket Club, Pat came up through the Tigers' junior programme, and a spokesperson said it is 'incredibly rewarding' to see him continue to reach new heights in his cricket journey. "To now represent Australia and achieve a childhood dream is a fantastic milestone. Everyone at Torquay Cricket Club is incredibly proud."

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Tidy morning for Narraghmore

Narraghmore Development CLG is organising a Village Tidy morning for next Saturday, 8 August, from 10am to 1pm.

Helpers are asked to meet at The Old Hardware for weeding, litter picking, and general tidying. 

Refreshments will be provided for all helpers afterwards.

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Wide spread of interests for National Heritage Week

No less than 98 events are scheduled for Heritage Week in Kildare, running from 15 to 23 August, writes Brian Byrne. Across the county, historic houses, libraries, and community groups are opening their doors for talks, tours, and workshops celebrating the area’s history and culture.

Highlights include guided walks along the Royal Canal Greenway in Kilcock, historical tours at Maynooth Castle and Castletown House, and hands-on craft workshops in Kilcullen, Celbridge and Athy libraries. Nature lovers can enjoy bog walks, butterfly and dragonfly tours at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, and a wetlands stroll in Moone.

Interactive experiences include storytelling and genealogy sessions to willow weaving, wattle and daub building, and Irish lace workshops. Families can explore the Shackleton Experience in Athy, join treasure hunts, or learn about native wildlife and conservation.

With events such as the Grand Canal Festival, concerts in Celbridge, and open days at historic homes like Leixlip Castle and Moyglare Glebe, Heritage Week in Kildare promises something for all ages. Full schedules and timings are available from local libraries and heritage centres, and also at this link. 

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KCC Education Bursaries open for application

Kildare County Council's Education Bursary Schemes for 2026, invite applications from students in County Kildare who encounter significant challenges in pursuing third-level education. The available bursaries are:

- The William G. Carroll Bursary (Community)

- The Kildare Education Bursary for People with Disabilities

- The Kildare County Council Memorial Bursary for DEIS School Students

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 18 September 2026. More details and the online application process can be accessed at this link. 

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