Special visitor to An Tearmann

Image: An Tearmann.

An Tearmann had a very special customer yesterday in Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, with her husband Brian McEnery. 

She graciously posed for photographs with staff members, in support of the Camphill Community.

Bhí custaiméir an-speisialta in An Tearmann inné, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, lena fear céile Brian McEnery. Ghlac sí grianghraif go cineálta le baill foirne, mar thacaíocht do Phobal Camphill.

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Celebration of St Thérèse of Lisieux's relics to Ireland anniversary

Main image: Whitefriars St church.

Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin will host celebrations next Sunday, 12 April, for the 25th anniversary of the 2001 visit of St Thérèse of Lisieux's relics to Ireland. 

The event includes a solemn mass at 4pm, exhibitions from 11am to 7pm (closed during the mass) that include over 1,500 photographs, and veneration of the relics of St Thérèse and her parents, St Louis and St Zelie Martin. 

Organised by the Sweeney Family, Fr Nolan, and Fr Noonan, more details of the event are available from 085 8887549.

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Resource Worker sought for KPPN

A dedicated Resource Worker to spearhead the development and expansion of the Kildare Public Participation Network is being sought by the organisation. This initiative is designed to promote public engagement and participation through the environmental, social inclusion and community and voluntary sectors in Kildare.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating all activities of the network, ensuring the effective implementation of its Annual Workplan, and building strong, collaborative relationships within the community. Key duties include organising community events, facilitating stakeholder meetings, and managing communication channels. 

The role also involves representing the network in discussions with local government and partner organisations to advocate for community interests. 

Interested applicants should submit their CV and cover letter to kildareppnclg@gmail.com by 22 April, 2026. This position is offered on a fixed-term contract lasting until December 31, 2028.

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Staff recruitment leadership course

LEO Kildare, in collaboration with the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), is organising a one-day Leadership & Management workshop specifically designed for professionals working in the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. The event will be held at the MERITS training centre in Naas on 22 April and will run from 9am to 6pm. 

The course will provide both current managers and aspiring leaders with practical skills in key areas, such as team building, effective recruitment, and sustainable growth strategies. These will include identifying staffing needs and writing effective job descriptions, shortlisting, interviewing, and selecting suitable candidates. Legal considerations and fair selection methods will also be discussed. 

The course is funded by the Skills to Advance Initiative, and those who complete it will receive an ILM accreditation.

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged. More details at this link, or queries to LEO Kildare, MERITS, Devoy Quarter, Naas, Q91 FE8V, email localenterprise@kildarecoco.ie, or call 045 980838. 

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Parish Lotto Draw results

The numbers drawn in the Kilcullen & Gormanstown Parish Lotto Draw held on 7th April 2026 were 7, 14, 19 and 27. 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 €4,800.

The winners of the €50 Open Draws are Chris Malone (Promoter The Parish), Anna Brenna (Toby Phelan) and A & E O’Connor (The Parish).

The winners of the Promoters Draw were The Parish Office and Vanessa Clarke, and the winner of the draw for those in the Parish Centre on the night was Liam McDonnell.

The Parish thanks all who support the Lotto.

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The passing of May O'Neill

The death has occurred of Mary (May) O'Neill, née Byrne, Conroy Park, Kilcullen, on 7 April 2026 at Naas General Hospital.

Beloved wife of the late Matt and mother of the late Paul, May's passing is deeply regretted by her loving sons Matthew, Brian, Fergus and Stephen, daughters Mary, Jennifer and Susan, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

She will be reposing at her residence (R56 HX27) on Wednesday, 8 April, from 4pm until 8pm, with prayers at 7:30 pm. Removal from there on Thursday, 9 April, to the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Brigid, Kilcullen, arriving for the 11am Funeral Mass, which may be viewed on this link. The mass will be followed by burial in St Brigid's cemetery.

Rest in peace.

Main street survey will aid heritage conservation

Drones will be used to undertake a comprehensive streetscape survey of Kilcullen’s upper main street to assess its heritage value, writes Brian Byrne. The project will gather detailed data on building elevations, streetscape features, roofs, visible services, and chimney stacks. 

A grant application has been submitted to the Heritage Council to help fund the project, part of the Kilcullen Design Principles Initiative and organised by Kilcullen Community Action in collaboration with Kildare County Council. The results will provide a basis for future conservation and enhancement initiatives, supporting grant applications, guiding shopfront treatments, and fostering community engagement with Kilcullen’s heritage. 

Local businesses and property owners have been contacted for permission to carry out the survey, with an overwhelmingly positive response. The initiative will include free condition assessments, with the potential to coordinate repairs where necessary.

"Many older buildings no longer use their fireplaces and flues, and chimneys are beginning to show signs of neglect," says KCA's Noel Clare. "Modern heating systems have blocked or removed flues, and the decline of traditional repair skills contributes to moisture damage, structural issues, and the slow deterioration of these important features. Shared stacks are vulnerable to wind, rain, and changes in neighbouring properties."

The initiative aligns with recent planning and heritage efforts, including the nomination of the upper part of the town as a Candidate Conservation Area. 

The impetus for the project came from the Kilcullen Design Statement commissioned by KCA in 2021 and produced by consultants Paul Hogarth and Company.

Kilcullen c1900. Image: R French, Lawrence Collection.

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Dowling Property: Hillfarm, Narraghmore

Dowling Property is pleased to present this distinguished residence to the market for sale. Situated in one of the most highly desirable locations just south of Kilcullen and enjoying rolling countryside views overlooking some of Kildare's finest land, this deceptive four-bedroom, detached dormer bungalow encompasses approximately 153 square metres, with a spacious upstairs lounge benefiting from views across four counties. 

The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, a bedroom or office, a sitting room, two double bedrooms, a family bathroom, a kitchen, and a sunroom. Upstairs features a large lounge and a master bedroom with an en-suite. The property is heated by oil and also includes a wood-burning stove and a Stanley Range in the kitchen.

The site is mature and has been well cared for, and is accessed via an electric gated entrance. The views are simply outstanding, and the rear of the property enjoys a sunny, west-facing aspect. A notable feature of this fine residence is the detached garage and stable block, which would be ideal for a number of uses and is complemented by a purpose-built dog run.

The location is unparalleled, with convenient access to the M9 and M7 motorways approximately six minutes away by car. Local amenities are readily accessible in Narraghmore Village, including a café, public house, credit union, and restaurant. Several primary schools are situated nearby, such as Ballyshannon National School, Halverstown National School, and Crookstown. Kilcullen is a ten-minute drive, offering excellent shopping facilities and direct access to the M9.

The property is chain-free and move-in ready. We recommend early inquiries to avoid disappointment, as this is a highly desirable opportunity — certainly not to be missed. An exceptional gem!

AMV €445,000; dowlingproperty.ie; Kildare Office 045 482189.

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