Kilcullen Diary

THE PASSING OF ROSE FARRELL

2026-10-25T19:55:52.469+00:00

The death has occurred of Rose Farrell (née Dowling), Moorhill, Brannockstown, peacefully, at her home, following excellent care in St Vincent’s Private Hospital and from the palliative care team in St Brigid’s Hospice. Predeceased by her beloved husband Pat, brothers Nick, Joe, John and Michael, sisters Alice, Mai, Kathleen, Sheila, Brigid and Teresa.

Rose, beloved wife of Pat Farrell, Moorhill, Brannockstown, cherished mother of Alice, William and Patrick, devoted grandmother of Billy, Ben, Róisín, Max, Aoibhín, Amy, Niamh and Sorcha, she is dearly missed by her daughters-in-law Caroline, Anne Marie and Sinéad, brother Frank, sisters Nancy, Bernie and Essie, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, and friends.

Reposing at her home (W91 R24V) on Monday 26 October from 4-8 pm with prayers at the house at 7pm. Removal on Tuesday morning at 10.30am to St Joseph's Church, Gormanstown, Kilcullen, arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to the Irish Hospice Foundation.

May She Rest in Peace.

CIVIC RECEPTION FOR KILCULLEN TWINNING GROUP

2026-10-25T09:51:11.240+00:00

Photos: Kilcullen Twinning Group.

The Kilcullen twinning group enjoyed a civic reception at the Salle Municipale in Saint-Contest last evening, writes Brian Byrne. A large crowd from the local community joined the Irish delegation for dinner in the Normandy town's principal building.

Tanya Flanagan spoke on behalf of the committee, and the evening featured performances by Michael Landers, who sang and played guitar, and the Jenny Landers School of Dancing, with dancers Cara, Ruby, Saoirse, and Aoife.

The hosts showcased photos and local press coverage from the their own previous trip to Ireland last year.

Gifts were presented to the Mayor of Saint-Contest, M. Jean-Marc Philippe, Stéphane, and the local Twinning Committee, as well as to Juliette, a 95-year-old resident and respected figure in the town.

The Kilcullen delegation, now consisting of 13 members after the arrival late yesterday of Patrice and Aoife, is currently en route to Mont St Michel.

Support for the twinning is provided by Kildare County Council.

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WATCH OUT FOR WIND DEBRIS

2026-10-25T08:29:29.547+00:00

Be careful driving the roads this morning — there is likely to be a considerable amount of debris from the winds overnight.

The pictures above are of a tree down on a road in the Nicholastown area, but we weren't given the precise location.

There's also a tree down on the on left hand side before Brannockstown School.

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BUSY DAY FOR KILCULLEN IN CAEN

2026-10-24T14:21:36.006+01:00

Photos: Kilcullen Twinning Group.

Kilcullen's Twinning Group, who are in Normandy being hosted by Saint-Contest, twinned with Kilcullen, spent the morning in Caen with their French friends, visiting the castle built by William The Conqueror in 1060.

After that, they went for a rainy walk to Luc-sur-Mer, and some of the group went to the Memorial Museum in Caen. There's a civic reception at the Town Hall this evening.

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KILCULLEN ADVANCES TO 400 MARKS IN 2026 TIDY TOWNS

2026-10-24T07:59:00.000+01:00

Kilcullen achieved a milestone score of 400 marks in the SuperValu National Tidy Towns Competition 2026, writes Brian Byrne. It's an 11-point increase from the 2025 total of 389.

Competing in the Small Town Category D, with populations between 2,500 and 5,000, the 2026 result marks 30 consecutive years of Kilcullen participation in Tidy Towns. The adjudicator praises the town's 47-page detailed submission as an 'excellent example for many other towns to follow'.

The work under Nature and Biodiversity in the extensive tree, native hedge and bulb and flower planting undertaken to protect the ecosystems in the town is noted, as is the significant task of removal of invasive species including Himalayan Balsam from the river banks and Dogwood from the Valley Park. The children’s workshops with Dulra Forest School for Biodiversity Week is also marked. The long-term work of reclaiming Pinkeen Stream is singled out for praise, and the 5,000 trees planted in the last three years across the Community Centre, GAA, and schools campus are commended. Under Tidiness and Litter Control, a high standard in all of the public areas visited is commented on. Takeaway littering is described as a scourge.

There is praise for the pedestrianisation of Lower Main Street and Market Square, and for shopfronts including Kilcullen Opticians, The Little Brew Cafe, 5 A Day, An Tearmann, Woodbine Books, The Hideout Gastro Pub, and McTernans. The art installations on utility boxes, and the 'outstanding' butterfly installation in the Valley, are praised, while the Library Garden is described as 'a great refuge'.

Under Sustainable Action & Community Collaboration, the report highlights the Cross and Passion College students’ repurposing of old metal lockers into plant containers, the KCA polytunnel, the seed-swapping network, and the orchard in the Camphill Community.

In the area of energy transition, credit is given to the Lions Club Sheltered Housing retrofit insulation across four homes with SEAI and Kildare County Council backing, and the installation of rooftop solar panels on premises such as The Spout Bar.

Other observations include the Green School programmes at Scoil Bhríde and Cross and Passion College, while housing estates such as Nicholastown (winners of the 2025 KCA Best Biodiversity Impact award) and St Brigid’s Avenue receive top marks for community care.

The contribution of the volunteers, CE workers, sports and community organisations, and the support from businesses and Kildare County Council are all acknowledged in the report.

(NOTE: In an earlier version of this story I misread the notes and consequently the commentary on Nature and Biodiversity and Tidiness and Litter Control was incorrect.)

THE FULL ADJUDICATOR'S REPORT CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE.

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KILCULLEN TWINNING GROUP IN SAINT-CONTEST

2026-10-24T07:43:12.497+01:00

After a long day travelling, the Kilcullen twinning delegation arrived in Saint-Contest in Normandy last evening to a warm welcome, writes Tanya Flanagan. We are delighted to be here.

There are eleven of us on the trip, including Twinning Committee members, representatives from Scoil Bhride and CPC and Irish dancers.

The dancers and a musician will be performing at the civic reception organised for us in their Town Hall tonight, Saturday.

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FOLK GROUP SEEKS MUSICIANS

2026-10-24T06:00:00.000+01:00

Kilcullen Folk Group is looking for new musicians to play in our group. We meet on the first Saturday in the Church of the Sacred Heart & St Brigid at 5.30pm to practice – with Mass starting at 6pm.

Interested in more details? Please contact Frances on 087 9746000.

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CROSSING AT CPC TO BE UPGRADED NEXT WEEK

2026-10-23T13:28:52.576+01:00

Works will commence next week to upgrade the Zebra Crossing at CPC to a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing, with push button units.

The works will include the removal of Zebra Crossing equipment and the installation of new pedestrian crossing equipment, road lining, and all associated site works.

Traffic and pedestrian management will be in place for the duration of the works. Kildare County Council apologies for any inconvenience caused.

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KILCULLEN WINS SECOND GOLD MEDAL AT 2026 SUPERVALU TIDY TOWNS

2026-10-23T11:21:33.582+01:00

Kilcullen has won a Gold Medal at the Supervalu Tidy Towns 2026 national awards, writes Brian Byrne. It's the second year in a row that Kilcullen won gold.

KCA members Tony O'Sullivan, Sabina Reddy and Martin Sheridan are at the awards event in Croke Park today.

In 2023 and 2024, Kilcullen won Bronze and Silver medals.

Twelve communities in County Kildare achieved gold this year.

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NIAMH KAVANAGH AFTERNOON FOR HOPE FOUNDATION

2026-10-23T11:12:15.872+01:00

Irish Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh will perform at an afternoon of entertainment on Friday, 26 February 2027, at Barberstown Castle Hotel, Straffan, in aid of the HOPE Foundation.

Tables for 8, 10, and 12 are available, as well as individual and couples’ tickets. Early Bird Tickets can be booked at the Hope Foundation website. Tickets to the event would make excellent Christmas gifts.

Proceeds will support HOPE’s life-changing programmes in Kolkata, helping make real their vision of 'a world where it should never hurt to be a child'.

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WOODBINE ON SHORTLIST FOR 2026 BOOKSHOP OF THE YEAR

2026-10-23T07:49:26.598+01:00

Woodbine Books team member Paula Kavanagh, with owners Aidan Cunnane and Dawn Behan.

Woodbine Books has made the shortlist for the An Post Bookshop of the Year 2026. writes Brian Byrne. The Kilcullen shop is one of six, the others being from Dromore, Galway, Limerick, Bray and Waterford.

Woodbine Books recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of providing the town with not just a bookshop, but a hub of writing, crafts, games and social enjoyment. The shop hosts book clubs, book launches, readings, theatrical presentations, and open mic evenings for writers and musicians, which have been part of Kilcullen life over the last ten years. The store is also the HQ for the monthly meetings of the local Creative Writers Group.

In the last two years, grant awards from the Books at One Community Fund have allowed Woodbine to expand the social engagement aspect of an enterprise that is cherished by all in the community. Among these are the monthly Sketchbook Club sessions where people can travel their own artistic roads in a non-competitive space. Involvement in children's reading and writing is another passion for all in the shop, with outreach events to the local primary schools all part of the effort.

Support for local authors and craftspeople has been a key part of the Woodbine crew's activity, along with partnering for local drama and film club ticket sales.

The bookshop was the Irish Region winner in the Independent Bookshop of the Year competition in the British Book Awards 2018.

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RUGBY CLUB QUIZ NIGHT TONIGHT

2026-10-23T06:45:00.000+01:00

A reminder that Newbridge Rugby Club is hosting a Quiz Night TONIGHT, Friday, 23 October 2026, at 7:30pm at the NRFC Clubhouse. The event will raise funds for the U16 Girls Rugby Tour to Italy in 2027.

Tickets are €40 for a table of four, with a bar open on the night and raffle prizes available.

Prebooking is encouraged by contacting Afton at 085 1644451 or Welmie at 085 8003775.

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KILCULLEN WINNER OF KILDARE CREDIT UNION BURSARY

2026-10-23T06:00:00.000+01:00

Identifying the winner at the draw. Image: KCU.

The winner of the Chris Kelly Bursary Draw 2026 is Carl Kenna from Castlemartin Lodge, Kilcullen. The bursary has been running since 2005 and honours one of Kildare Credit Union’s founding members.

Open to KCU members attending third-level education for the first time, including mature students, the bursary provides the successful applicant with €1,000 per year for up to three years to support the cost of further education.

The winner was decided by draw.

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APPEAL FOR CYCLISTS TO LIGHT UP

2026-10-22T08:26:35.457+01:00

File image by Deepak Gautam via Pexels.

As the evenings draw in and darkness falls earlier, may I raise the issue of cyclist visibility, writes Frances Moloney. I am encountering young people in dark clothes on unlit bikes, flying up and down Main Street, Kilcullen, who seem to have no awareness of how vulnerable they are when they are unseen by road traffic.

It is also to be noted that none of these young people are wearing protective helmets.

May I appeal to parents to provide their children with lights for their bike and encourage their use? May I further appeal to sports coaches to reiterate the need to light up when heading to or from training, as I think many of these children are.

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HALLOWEEN EVENT IN LIBRARY GARDEN

2026-10-22T08:11:41.481+01:00

A Halloween event is being organised by KCA and Kilcullen Library at the Library Community Garden on Thursday, 29 October, running from 6-8pm.

The evening promises spooktacular sights and sounds, including a scavenger picture hunt for children with prizes for winners.

All welcome.

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NEW AI AND CLIMATE PROGRAMME FOR IRISH SCHOOLS

2026-10-22T06:00:00.000+01:00

A new national education initiative, GreenFutures, has been launched to help Transition Year students explore how artificial intelligence and climate change is changing their world. The free four-lesson programme was developed by Trinity College Dublin’s ADAPT Centre in partnership with UNESCO and supported by Huawei Ireland.

A first in Ireland to combine AI literacy with climate education, the programme's lessons cover climate data, AI ethics, sustainable systems and climate justice, encouraging students to think critically about technology’s impact on the environment.

The programme is part of UNESCO’s broader initiatives on sustainable development and digital transformation, and aligns with Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Schools can access resources and register to participate at this link.

Pictured at the launch are Arthur Collins (TY at CUS); Calvin Lan (Huawei Ireland CEO); Siena Donnelly (Loreto St Stephen’s Green); Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth TD; Olivia Waters (Head of Impact and Growth Strategy at ADAPT Centre); Ruby O’Hanlon (Loreto St Stephen’s Green); and Robert Creane-Bolster (CUS).

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CLLR REJECTS RESPONSE TO HER SKATE PARK AND GREENWAY PROPOSAL

2026-10-21T16:03:50.404+01:00

Main image: Google Maps.

Kilcullen-based Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer has rejected an official response at today's monthly meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge MD, writes Brian Byrne, which dismissed her request to have an urban design framework to include a skate park and greenway on the council-owned land to the rear of Kilcullen GAA and Kilcullen Business Park.

The report to her motion said it would not be considered 'a feasible project' as the lands concerned are zoned Industry & Warehousing and not under consideration for recreational and amenity development because they back onto private housing and the Kilcullen GAA complex.

Responding that she 'completely rejected' the report, the councillor said there is a fantastic opportunity to 'deliver something truly special' for Kilcullen if the Parks and Planning departments in Kildare County Council work together.

"It is already an objective in the Kilcullen Settlement Plan to both provide connecting cycleways to Old Kilcullen and the Round Tower and to develop the old road through Kilcullen Business Park into a pedestrian greenway," she noted. "With further housing planned for the Athy side of Kilcullen, it is essential that we put sustainable infrastructure in place now so residents and children can safely walk or cycle to local schools and sports facilities."

Cllr O'Dwyer added that if the council worked to develop an urban design framework for this location it would take into consideration the opportunity to create a dedicated cycle and pedestrian route linking local sporting amenities, schools, and future residential developments, and also realise the potential to connect into the Old Kilcullen Heritage Trail via a safe pedestrian/cycling design over the motorway bridge.

"This would also allow for consideration of the inclusion of a skate park facility in Kilcullen," she added, noting that having secured €100,000 in funding for a skate park in Kilcullen over two years ago, she was 'deeply disappointed over the lack of progress' on the project.

She confirmed she will be taking the matter up directly offline with the Parks Department to push for action and find a workable solution.

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ROAD SAFETY WEATHER ALERT – STORM AUSTEN

2026-10-21T15:31:30.230+01:00

Main image: Erik Mclean via Pexels.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising caution on Thursday and Friday due to Met Eireann’s Orange and Yellow Weather warnings for Storm Austen. Heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in the south and southeast, are expected to cause travel disruptions and flooding.

Orange Rain Warnings are in effect for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford from 10pm Thursday to 5am Friday, and for Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow from 2am to 8am Friday. These conditions may lead to public transport delays and difficult travel.

A Yellow Rain and Wind Warning covers Ireland from 7pm Thursday to 10am Friday, with potential localised flooding and impacts on outdoor events.

Drivers are urged to slow down, maintain greater braking distances, avoid flooded roads, and follow traffic signs. Dipped headlights should be used for visibility. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists should wear high visibility clothing and be cautious of strong winds.

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REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE THEME OF UPCOMING ART EXHIBITION

2026-10-21T09:07:54.147+01:00

Riverbank Arts Centre, in collaboration with Kildare County Council Arts Service, will present during November and December Illustrated Parts Breakdown, a solo exhibition by Ben Morrison, recipient of the Emerging Visual Artist Bursary Award 2025.

The exhibition, running from 30 October to 22 December, features Morrison’s interdisciplinary work combining machine parts and fieldstone, exploring themes of repair and maintenance. The McKenna Gallery will be transformed into a site of ongoing labour, showcasing sculpture, moving image, and performance.

Morrison will also host Dig – A Performance Lecture on 16 December.

Admission is free, with guided tours available for school groups.

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KWWSPCA AUTUMN FAIR AT WEEKEND

2026-10-21T08:53:17.725+01:00

The KWWSPCA’s Autumn Fair and PopUp Shop is being held at Newbridge Town Hall this coming Saturday, 24, and Sunday, 25 October, from 11am to 4pm each day. Entry is free, with ample parking at the back of the Town Hall.

The event will feature a variety of donated items, including women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, books, bric-a-brac, household items, jewellery, pet products, cakes, and bakes. The Teddy Adoption stall will also be available.

Artist Lisa will offer Pet Pawtraits on Saturday, and a Lego Hogwarts Castle will be raffled during the weekend. Light refreshments will be served.

The event is sponsored by Life Credit Union.

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FIRST RESPONDERS COMMUNITY PROJECT

2026-10-21T08:44:13.456+01:00

Kilcullen Community First Responders are asking all community groups, businesses, and residents associations to contact them by email, in relation to a community project the responders are developing.

The project aims to identify all AED locations, improve access to them, and provide more where needed, with a view to having full awareness of a network of the devices across the community, and people who know how to use them in an emergency.

The responders group wants to keep local organisations up to date and involve them in this project too.

The email address is kilcullenfirstresponders@gmail.com

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PARISH LOTTO DRAW RESULTS

2026-10-21T06:00:00.000+01:00

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 20th October 2026 were 9, 13, 24 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 €10,400.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Kay Tyrell (Promoter Nancy Fitzpatrick), Helen & Sean Lee (Vanessa Clarke) and Kitty Cross (The Parish Office).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were Berney’s Chemist and The Parish Office, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Mick Dunne.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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PLEA TO KEEP FIREWORKS AWAY FROM ALL WEATHER PITCH

2026-10-20T12:53:10.653+01:00

Image: Griffin Wooldridge via Pexels.

Fireworks damaging the All Weather Pitch could require the facility to be closed, the Community Centre management has warned. In addition to meaning the loss of a much-used amenity, it could also affect employment.

“A firework landed on the surface last night and left a burn mark,” centre manager Enda O'Neill told the Diary. “Such burns can't be patched, and if there are more we will be forced to close the pitch.”

He says the pitch is used by many different groups within the community and beyond and closure would mean disruption for many. He has appealed for those using fireworks to keep them away from the All Weather Pitch.

The original pitch was installed in 2002 and replaced in 2018 to a full-size G5 pitch. It is currently fully certified until 2028.

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CPC HALLOWEEN DRESS-UP DAY

2026-10-20T07:08:11.573+01:00

If you see a lot of weirdly dressed Cross and Passion College students wandering Kilcullen on Friday next, 23 October, it's because the college is hosting a Halloween Dress-Up Day.

Students are encouraged to wear their funniest, scariest, or most creative costumes, with prizes for the best individual and group outfits. Those not keen on dressing up can wear bright rainbow colours to support LGBTQ+ inclusion, diversity, and equality.

There's a €2 donation from the students, with all proceeds benefiting the Children’s Health Foundation, and Shout Out which supports LGBTQ+ young people.

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SCARY FUN TONIGHT AT KILCULLEN BRIDGE CINEMA

2026-10-20T06:43:00.000+01:00

A reminder that, just in time for getting into the Halloween spirit, Kilcullen Bridge Cinema is showing an atmospheric folk horror film TONIGHT, Tuesday 20 October. Hokum is an Irish ghost story with a sense of fun.

Directed by Damian McCarthy and starring Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot and Florence Ordesh, Hokum tells the story of successful American author Ohm Bauman. He travels to a creaky hotel in Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes. Rude and dismissive towards the locals and staff, Ohm is nonetheless fascinated by the stories about the hotel’s supposedly haunted honeymoon suite. When one staff member mysteriously disappears, Ohm investigates and uncovers the hotel’s many dark secrets. But he also draws the attention of some very sinister and dangerous forces.

It is a delightfully eerie story, both blackly comic and genuinely creepy. Severance star Adam Scott leads the cast, giving what has been described as his best work to date. Hokum promises an evening of scares, chills, wicked jokes and supernatural gloom.

Tickets €7 on sale in Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

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