A Kilcullen Diary

Sixth Year CPC Class Graduation

2013-05-24T02:57:00.000+01:00

A rite of passage
A seminal piece of advice was given to the graduating class from CPC by Bishop Eamonn Walsh, writes Brian Byrne, when he said that if anyone amongst them found they didn't like what they eventually were doing, then do something else.

"When you're unhappy at what you do, then you're making everybody around you unhappy," he said. "So don't be afraid to change."

It was a very compatible advice to that given later in the evening by the CPC Principal Catherine Moynihan, when she reminded the class that they had wonderful choices in careers. "When I was your age there were maybe four career options — the bank, the civil service, teaching and nursing. I was very lucky that I fell into a career that I loved." She said the class of 2013 had the opportunities to 'explore new horizons'. "But if you come to a crossroads, and think you want to go in a different direction, then trust your instincts."

She said it was a 'very proud night for all of us' and very special because Bishop Eamonn had joined them in the 125th Anniversary year to concelebrate the Mass with Fr Martin Harte. She welcomed the parents and the grandparents present, and said she was sure that it didn't seem so long ago that those parents had shed tears as they had left their children off at school for the first time. But it was now a night to celebrate the growth, the development and the learning of the graduating class.

The event was built around a Graduation Mass on the theme of 'Shine' in a Service of Light. It included contributions representing the Leaving Certificate class, the school staff, the younger students 'left behind', and the parents.

The elements of the service had been chosen by the Sixth Year class, and included the Ecclesiastes extract dealing with 'for everything there is a season and a time', the 'On Eagles' Wings' responsorial psalm, and St Paul's admonishment to the Corinthians that being 'ambitious for the higher gifts' wasn't the ultimate aim.

In his homily, Bishop Eamonn reminded the class that they shouldn't expect to all achieve the potential they had at the same time. "All of you are equal, but different people achieve different things, at different times. Give it the time."

Representing the multiculturalty which has now become the modern Ireland, the Prayers of the Faithful were in English, Irish, German, French and Spanish.

Music for the Mass was provided by a number of the students and included guitar work by Robbie, singing by Thomas and the Choir, an 'Ave Maria' solo with piano by Ailigh, Jeremy's solo 'Somewhere over the Rainbow', and a concluding set which set its theme with 'Ain't no Mountain'.

Presentations were made by Catherine Moynihan to all of the Sixth Year students, and the Principal's Prize was awarded to Conor Gilheany. Joe O'Connor presented a plaque to the school to mark the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Cross & Passion sisters, and the event concluded with a speech of appreciation by Sheila Naughton, chair of the Students Council.

Kilcullen AFC – a busy May

2013-05-23T10:39:00.003+01:00

Blitz was great day outThe end of season Blitz/BBQ for all our underage teams took place on Sunday last at the clubhouse, writes Ray Kelly of Kilcullen AFC.

Great weather ensured a great day for all. Thanks to all who took part and to all parents and friends for making the day a success. Thanks to Scoil Bride for the use of their playing area.

Congratulations to the Under 16s on winning their League this season. Many of the players were also members of 'The Rags' team that won the GAA Under 16 title two days previously. Well done.

While the Underage finishes, our two Senior men’s teams are playing all through the summer. So far both teams are doing very well and looking good for being in the run for some Trophies at the end of the season.

Our Ladies team kicked off last Monday night in defense of their League title and started with an emphatic win. It's looking good for them to successfully defend their League and Cup Titles.

Currently the Club are running a Club Development draw with super prizes. First prize - a trip to a Premier league game on first day of the season plus €250 spending money. Second is a trip to a European game + €100 spending money, and 3rd Prize is a Super Car experience in Mondello.

The club will be selling tickets on the Main street and around the town on Saturday next May 25 – your support would be appreciated. Tickets €3 for one, €5 for two.

The club’s AGM take place on Thursday 30 May at 8pm in Kilcullen Town Hall. All welcome. The Club Draw will take place on the night.

Home Instead sponsors golf tournament

2013-05-23T10:22:00.000+01:00

First golf sponsorshipThe first Open Competition sponsored by Kilcullen based Home Instead Senior Care at the Curragh Golf Club was a great success.

Amanda Bohan of Home Instead said the company's involvement with the Curragh Golf Club is 'a wonderful way to build relationships in the local community'.

Pictured at the event are prize winners Hugh McGauran and Karl Schutte of Home Instead; with Helen O’Malley, Lady Captain Curragh Golf Club; and sponsor Amanda Bohan, MD Home Instead Senior Care.

Niamh Murray, David Agnew, performing in Kilcullen

2013-05-23T06:47:00.000+01:00

Top classical talent for KilcullenSoprano Niamh Murray and oboist David Agnew will perform at a special concert in Kilcullen in aid of the Rise Foundation on June 29.

The concert, which also features local artists, will include a Riverdance routine by the Gabriel Lynam Company.

Niamh Murray is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest sopranos, and her extensive repertoire includes leading performances in opera, oratorio, musicals and recitals from such as The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, Oklahoma, The Pirates of Penzance, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana and more. She has appeared with almost every major musical and choral society in Ireland and has performed with the RTE Concert and Symphony Orchestras; Opera Ireland and Wexford Festival of Opera.

Oboist David Agnew recently returned from a tour of the USA, which included a solo performance with Phil Coulter at City Hall, New York. He plays a wide range of music from traditional through pop to classical. He is best known for his recording of 'Gabriel's Oboe' — the theme from the movie 'The Mission' — and he has recorded with Frank McNamara, The Chieftains, Phil Coulter, Frank Patterson, the original Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and many other major artists.

Parish Lotto Draw

2013-05-22T02:04:00.000+01:00

No Jackpot winnerThe numbers drawn in last night's Parish Lotto draw were 12, 17, 24 and 25. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €11,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws were Margaret Farmer (Promoter Friday Bridge Club), Nan Dooner (Vivian Clarke), and Betty Hickey (Valerie McTernan).

The winners of the €50 Promoters Draws were John Archbold and Ann Brennan. Maureen Keogh won the Draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night.

Chewing Gum campaign hits Kilcullen

2013-05-21T14:08:00.000+01:00

Bin the GumKilcullen was yesterday the focus of a special promotion to encourage people to dispose of chewing gum in a proper manner, writes Noel Clare.

The environment section of Kildare County Council are behind the initiative which was focused mainly at Cross and Passion College where a 'giant bin' was erected for the day.

Two pedal-powered vehicles also visited the town and helped to spread the message of binning chewing gum. Special packs of paper wrappers for used gum have already been put in several shops throughout the town.

Kildare Mayor, Spike Nolan, took time out to help with the promotion, as did Litter Warden Noel Geoghan and local Garda Steve Kinneavy.

Murphy Surveys Cyclethon raises €12,000

2013-05-21T13:29:00.001+01:00

Great result for great causeLast Saturday's Murphy Surveys Cyclethon for Crumlin Hospital raised €12,000, writes Brian Byrne.

Some 60 riders from Murphy Surveys, Kilcullen Cycling Club, and their friends rode from the company's HQ in Knockbounce Business Park to the Hospital, where they were warmly greeted by hospital staff, families and friends.

A cheque for the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF), the charity of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin was presented by Amy Poynton (8), daughter of Murphy Surveys’ employee Noel Poynton.

Amy was born with a severe congenital heart defect. She has had three open heart surgeries to date and requires on-going monitoring for signs of congestive heart failure; care which she receives at the hospital in Crumlin, currently the only Paediatric Cardiac hospital in the country.

The funds raised by Murphy Surveys will contribute to the “Fix Crumlin" campaign, which was launched last year to raise €8m to renovate the hospital's cancer ward and to build a new cardiac unit for Ireland’s sickest children.

“The hospital has already raised a whopping €6m to Fix Crumlin,” said Joe Quinsey, CEO of the Children’s Medical & Research Foundation. “That great moment when the hospital can deliver for our cardiac and cancer patients is moving ever closer. Already, these patients and their families are benefiting in such a practical way from peoples’ support. The first phase of the cancer ward was finished and handed over to staff, patients and their families only a couple of weeks ago."

The campaign still has a further €2m to raise.

Murphy Surveys has set a goal of raising €30,000 for CMRF, in this their 30th year in business.

The passing of Andy Nolan

2013-05-21T01:45:00.002+01:00

It is with a great deal of personal sorrow that the Diary records the death of Andy Nolan.

Your editor writes this from abroad, having just heard the news of his passing. Not unexpected with recent reports of his medical condition, but none the less an occasion of deep emotion.

Those of us who grew up in what might be termed now the new old Kilcullen know that the Nolan family is one of a number which have been here as the foundation of the modern village of Kilcullen become town.

The Nolans as butchers and victuallers have served Kilcullen through generations since 1886, and Andy Nolan and latterly his son James have been the unstinting keepers of that business trust to the community.

But more than that, the ethos of service to the people of Kilcullen in the provision of the best of food possible to everyone regardless of their means or station is how many will remember Andy Nolan's legacy. It was more than mere business, as it remains to this day. Andy will have been very pleased with the awards which Nolans has achieved at home and abroad over recent years, but those will always have been secondary to his wish that every customer was properly and adequately served.

Andy also passed on a sense of commitment to the place where he lived and which he loved, to his own children, which has blossomed as so did they themselves in their own lives.

As a husband father and brother to his family he will be most held dear, and felt greviously lost, to those who are left behind with his passing. As a sportsman he will be recalled with affection not least by Kilcullen GAA and the Curragh Golf Club, where he has left his name in honours.

As a relative, and one who in his family home as a young person I played during my journey towards growing up, his passing tolls a personal loss, albeit a little less directly than for those who were privileged to know him better over the later decades of his life.

To his family and many friends, I offer my heartfelt condolences, in the certain knowledge that Andy now rests in a very deserved peace.

Progress on sculpture in The Valley

2013-05-20T07:09:00.000+01:00

Renowned sculptor's last workIn a further progress on the installation of the sculpture 'Homeward' in The Valley Park, Kildare County Council engineers have recently inspected the site at the town end of the park, writes Brian Byrne.

A spokesperson for the Council says it is hoped to pour concrete for the sculpture shortly.

The piece was the last to be designed by the late Eamonn O'Doherty, renowned globally for his public area sculptures.

In Ireland these include the Quincentennial Sculpture in Galway's Eyre Square, the James Connolly Memorial across from Dublin's Liberty Hall, and the Anna Livia Fountain.

Others are 'Fauscailt' in Wexford, and the 'Crann an Oir' (Tree of Gold) at Central Bank Plaza Dublin. He worked in bronze, stone and various other media, and was a noted painter and graphic artist.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the latest one in Kilcullen," County Kildare Arts Officer Lucina Russel said last week.

Jeffrey in national debating win

2013-05-20T06:00:00.000+01:00

Winners of Concern 2013 DebateThe Newbridge College debating team of which Kilcullen's Jeffrey Hovenden Keane is a member won the All Ireland Concern National Debate 2013 last week, writes Brian Byrne.

The College spoke for the motion that 'The international community must now take military action to topple the regime in Syria'.

Jeffrey's other team members were Grainne Carr, Chloe O'Reilly, and Ciara Maher.

The other finalist team was Ardscoil Mhuire from Corbally.

Some 120 schools around the country entered the competition, and the final was held last Thursday in the City North Hotel in Dublin.

"There was great support for the team at the event," says proud mum Anamaria. "Jeffrey felt very much at home with all the teddy bears and flags in Newbridge College black and white waved by the supporters, as they are also the colours of Kilcullen."

Also cheering him on was his grandmother Birdie Hovenden.

It's not Jeffrey's first time in the limelight. In 2009 he won the RTE ‘It’s My Show’ contest to find a young TV presenter, and subsequently hosted an episode of ‘ICE’ on the station.

KCA work on flowers tubs

2013-05-19T11:06:00.003+01:00

The morning liftEarly on Saturday morning, members of KCA removed some of the street flowers tubs because they were no longer useable. They also repositioned others.

In all, the number of tubs has been halved, with the remainder now in place in more visible and strategic locations.

Music camp in August

2013-05-19T10:49:00.003+01:00

Make summer musicA Summer Music Camp will be held in Cross & Passion College in August, for those who can sing or play and instrument.

It runs from Mon-Fri 12-16 August from 1-3pm daily and is aimed at those between 6-18 years.

It will include songs by Ed Sheeran, Kodaline and many more.

The fee for the Camp is €50. For more information call 086-2581595.

An update on the Bridge Community Reunion

2013-05-18T17:32:00.002+01:00

Planning time getting shorterThe work on the 21st birthday reunion of The Bridge Community is proceeding apace, and there has been a very good response from past friends and workers at the Community for the August event.

Mischa Fekete has renewed an appeal for photographs taken over the two decades to be emailed, for an exhibition during the event.

There has also been a good response to a request for accommodation in the town for those coming back for the Gathering event, and Mischa says they're trying to coordinate that. "We have been offered beds, couches and spare bedrooms, which will hopefully make things more affordable for those coming, and reduce the amount of camping needed."

In addition to photographs, the organisers also want messages sent from those unable to make it to the event.

"We're also trying to have a 'Difference Day' element through the week. One of the ideas was to redo the sun mosaic by the Bridge and another to finish off the tattoo mosaic on the end of the hall building. So we need some of you arty people to make this happen. There will also be other projects on the land and the farm and nature trail so plenty of different things to be involved in."

With just three months left to complete the planning, Mischa has asked that anyone thinking of coming who haven't yet filled out the forms, to please do so. Ideally before June 1.

Brannoxtown NS raises funds for Ollie's appeal

2013-05-18T07:23:00.001+01:00

More funds for Cardiac projectThe recent presentation of a cheque for €1,206 from Brannoxton NS to the Ollie's Little Hearts Appeal is the latest in a long run of fundraisers which have brought the total so for to around the €55,000 mark.

The Brannoxtown presentation was the result of a Cake Sale.

Meanwhile, the postponed presentation of a cheque from the Appeal to the Crumlin Hospital Cadiac Unit project will be made soon, following the return home of little Ollie O'Connell after his latest and successful heart surgery.

Also, Noel O'Connell says the Crumlin Cycle which was so successful last year will take place again on Sunday 12 October.

Road names issue raised

2013-05-17T08:44:00.001+01:00

Concern about multiple namesAn effort to clarify the names of the various roads leading into and in Kilcullen is to be made by Kilcullen Community Action, writes Brian Byrne.

This was suggested by Niall McDonnell at the recent meeting of the organisation, who said there were different names in different official documents relating to Kilcullen, as well as differences in local usage.

Among the ambiguous names are the Chapel Road, Milemill Road, Dunlavin Road, all relating to the same road leading from the crossroads in Kilcullen.

It was agreed to explore the issue with whichever authorities are relevant to it.

County Kildare Orchestra for Kilcullen

2013-05-16T18:41:00.000+01:00

'Love and Hope' for Irish Cancer SocietyJust a reminder that the Spring Concert of the County Kildare Orchestra will be performed in Kilcullen Parish Church on Saturday next, 18 May.

The event kicks off at 8.30pm, and will include in a theme of 'Love and Hope' Beethoven's 7th Symphony and Fauré.

Soprano Erin Dollard will solo, as will two members from the Orchestra. Lorcan Daly is the guest conductor.

Tickets are €15 and are available from 086 89 55 787. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. A donation from the proceeds will be made to the Irish Cancer Society.

The County Kildare Orchestra is celebrating its 14th year.

The passing of Patricia Enright

2013-05-16T13:49:00.001+01:00

The Diary has learned of the death of Patricia Enright, nee Reddy, Conroy Park, Kilcullen.

Patricia is reposing at her residence from 7 o'clock this evening. Removal will take place on Friday morning at 10.30am, arriving at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St Brigid for Requiem Mass at 11. Burial will take place immediately afterwards in New Abbey Cemetery.

House strictly private, please.

May she rest in peace.

Pet farm day

2013-05-16T06:25:00.001+01:00

Family afternoon outThere will be a Open Day at Stonebrook Pet Farm next Sunday, 19 May, writes Brian Byrne.

The event is in the afternoon between 2-5pm, and there will be guided tours at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Young people will be able to collect fresh eggs, and bottle feed lambs, as well as enjoying all the visual and tactile aspects of a farm.

Donations will be accepted for the Kildare West Wicklow SPCA and Barretstown.

Good response to flowers appeal

2013-05-16T06:15:00.003+01:00

Getting ready for flower powerThere has been a good response from businesses and residences on Main Street for the Summer Flowers project, writes Brian Byrne. But there is still likely to be a funding shortfall, the recent meeting of Kilcullen Community Action heard.

There was very good support for the recent Street Collection in aid of the project. Along with donations from individuals and businesses, there is about €3,000 in place. Last year the flowers cost around €6,000, but for 2013 window-boxes are only being provided to those who pay for them.

The meeting heard that the contractor would only charge for actual window-boxes installed, and it had already been decided to halve the number of street flower tubs in a effort to save on costs.

A removal operation of the redundant tubs will take place early next Saturday morning, before parked cars make it difficult.

Litter pick Monday night

2013-05-15T07:27:00.002+01:00

All help welcomeA Litter Pick will be held next Monday night from 7.30, starting at the Town Hall.

Everybody with an interest in maintaining the look of the town is urged to take part. Participants should bring work gloves and whatever tools they feel would be useful.

The recent meeting of KCA heard that although much litter had been cleared from the walkways and hedges around the Community Sports Complex campus, there was still a lot to be done.

A small digger may be required to make further progress, Noel Clare told the meeting, as there was up to a decade's rubbish embedded in parts of the undergrowth.

Parish Lotto Draw

2013-05-14T21:24:00.001+01:00

Next week's Jackpot €11,200The numbers drawn in tonight's Parish Lotto were 1, 4, 6 and 20. There was no Jackpot winner and next week's main prize will be €11,200.

The winners of the three €50 Open Draws were Bernie Hillis (Promoter Bernadette Hillis), Mrs Fogarty (Ethna Dempsey) and Paddy Martin (PJ Lydon).

The winners of the Promoters Draws were Donal McDevitt and the Wednesday Bridge Club. The winner of the Draw in the Parish Centre on the night was Maureen Keogh.

U/12s are runners-up in county Community Games Gaelic

2013-05-14T11:29:00.001+01:00

Good performance by KilcullenWell done to Kilcullen's U/12 Girls GAA team who came runners-up to Monasterevin the Community Games Gaelic county finals last night, writes Annie Downes.

The game was was played in Ballykelly, and the Kilcullen girls were were presented with the silver medals after the match.

Mentors in the pic are Fergus and Gabrielle Aspell.

KCA AGM held last night

2013-05-14T07:37:00.002+01:00

KCA ship sails on with familiar crewThe officers and directors of Kilcullen Community Action Limited agreed to serve for another year at last night's AGM of the community organisation, writes Brian Byrne.

Esther Kiely is in the chair, Kieran Forde is treasurer and Ray Kelly is secretary.

In accordance with the articles of the company, Niall McDonnell and Celia Travers resigned as directors, and were reappointed.

Esther Kiely reviewed the activities of KCA during the last year, which included the usual activities of the Tidy Towns effort, the commissioning of a Biodiversity Survey, the Summer Flowers and Christmas Lights projects, the maintenance of the Community Playground, support for the St Patrick's Day Parade organised by the Kilcullen Scouts, and the Community Awards.

Kieran Forde noted that finances were very tight with the ceasing of the grants from KTK Landfill, and cuts in grants from Kildare County Council. He expressed his thanks for the financial support from the community through donations towards projects, and support for fundraising events such as the Table Quiz and Street Collections.

Next weekend's Cyclethon pulling in funds

2013-05-13T07:28:00.002+01:00

Generous response to Crumlin Hospital fundraiserWith just a few days to go, the Murphy Surveys Cyclethon in aid of Crumlin Childrens Hospital has already raised more than €6,000 towards the €10,000 target the Kilcullen-based company has for this month.

The Cyclethon leaves from the company's HQ in the Knockbounce Business Park at 10.30am on Saturday next, 18 May, for the 40km trip to the Hospital.

The care provided by Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin has touched the lives of the Murphy family and some members of staff, in particular the operations manager Noel Poynton, whose daughter Amy (8) was born with a severe congenital heart defect called Hypo-Plastic Left Heart Syndrome or HLHS.

Amy has had three open heart surgeries to date and requires on-going monitoring for signs of congestive heart failure. Amy receives this care at the hospital in Crumlin, which is currently the only Paediatric Cardiac hospital in the country.

The company has launched an ambitious fundraising drive for the hospital charity, The Children’s Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF). To reflect their 30 years in business, the target is to raise €30,000 for CMRF over the course of the year.

Cyclists from Murphy Surveys will be joined by friends from Kilcullen Cycling Club on the day. Any donations to the cause are warmly appreciated, and can be made online at bit.ly/crumlin-cycle.

Pictured are Niall Murphy and Raymond Murphy, both Directors at Murphy Surveys, at the handing over of a former company vehicle to Kilcullen Cycling Club, which will be cycling with the company on the 18th.

Jimmy gets his Award

2013-05-13T01:15:00.000+01:00

Most popular local singerJimmy Aspell won the Most Popular Local Artist Award at the Leinster Entertainment Awards held in Killashee House Hotel last Wednesday night.

He was up against some strong competition in a show where the feature headliner was Irish music legend Daniel O'Donnell, who was presented with the Achievement on the World Stage Award.

Jimmy held a special celebratory gig in The Spout last night, where he's pictured with his trophy and publican Tom Dignam.

The proceeds of the Leinster Entertainment Awards went to Rehab and the Kildare Branch of MS Ireland. It's the third year the Awards have been presented.