River Run

River Run on SUNDAY, December 29th, 2007. If you have a boat of any shape or size (anything from a bath tub to a cruise liner) that you can get to the slip at Bachelors in Athy, we’d love to see you there. We plan to assemble around 1pm and go for a run up and down the river. If you don’t have your own boat or you can’t get your boat to Athy, please come along and we’ll get you afloat. There will also be opportunity for a walk along the river bank if you want to work off some of the Christmas Calories.

Cllr Noel Scully

Athy Town is saddened by the death of Cllr Noel Scully who passed away on Christmas eve. Noel was a member of Athy Town Council and a founder member of Bleach and District Community Association. He will be deeply missed by his wife Maureen, son Frank and daughter Fidelma and by the community of Athy.

Message from France

" On behalf of your french twin town, Grandvilliers, and of all its habitants, jean-Pierre Vasseur, Grandvilliers-Athy twinning comittee Chairman, wish to everyone in Athy and its district, a Merry Christmas and a happy new Year 2008 "

Go with the Flow

North Barrow Branch of the Inland Waterways Association holds it AGM in Bridge House on Tue next 18th Dec at 8pm. With the amazing amenities of the Barrow and the canal on our doorstep this is a great opportunity for new potential members to introduce themselves and get involves in exploring and developing our waterways.

Thin Blue Line

The official blessing of Athy Garda Station took place on Fri night last with the Dominican Prior, Rev Cliff Jeffers, Cof I, and Rev P Dennehy performing the ceremony. Sgt John Nolan thanked all for their attendance and apologized for the fact that the blessing had been postponed from last year.

Lions Food Appeal

This weekend sees the local Lions Food Appeal and you are asked for your support in donating to those less fortunate than yourself. In former times the donation used to be food items but in recent years financial donations are requested from which the required food items can be purchased. Notice the presence outside supermarkets this weekend.

Remedial Works Begin

Council officials, councilors, design team solicitor and contractor all met in Athy Town Council chamber today for the signing of the Carbury Park Remedial Works Scheme which will see some €2.7 million being spent on renovating houses in that estate. This scheme has been in the pipeline since 1999 and despite some rocky moments has now kicked into action. Work will begin in the New Year and should transform the area.

Community Carol Service

A wonderful and meaningful night annually when the community of all churches combine to celebrate the Christmas through carol singing. This year the event takes place in the Church of Ireland on Offaly Street on Sun 23rd at 7.30 pm. All are invited and most welcome.

Have Your Say

If you want to develop your speaking and indeed leadership qualities Athy has a very active branch of Toastmasters who meet forthnightly in the Carlton Abbey Hotel. They are always anxious for new members and will welcome you at any of their meetings or you can mail allen_anne_marie@hotmail.com
Anne Marie Allen - 087 9815144,
Loretto Kenny - 087 064 6265 and
John Roche - 059 8638127.

Meetings are on the first and third Tue of every month at 7.45 pm. http://www.toastmasters.org/

While Shepherds Watched

Glad to see that “While Shepherds Watched” will be back in the Dominican Church again this year. The show creates a wonderful Christmas atmosphere with musical and prose presentations to make one realize the real meaning of the season. Thursday 20th Dominican Church 8 pm

Lights and Santa

The Santa South Pole Village will be officially opened by Fr. O’Brien of the Dominican Church to the sound of carol singing by the Ballyadams School Choir.
Santa arrives on Friday 7th December at 3 p.m.

The Christmas lights for the town will be switched on at 6 pm under the clock in the square. Come along and help create the atmosphere

Ceili at Christmas

Ceili at Christmas

Athy Age Action Committee are holding a Christmas Céili in the Clanard Court Hotel on Wed 5^th December at 8.30 pm. This promises to be a great night and should put all in the Christmas mood.

Looking Back

Athy Library will be the venue for the launch of Frank Taaffe’s latest book “Eye on Athy’s Past”. Frank’s books are a marvelous record of the heritage of Athy through characters and events from our past. Sponsored by the Kildare Nationalist the launch takes place in the Library, Town Hall, Athy on Thursday 6th December at 8 pm

Lights, Castle, Santa

This year White Castle lights up and hosts and extravaganza of elves and dancers and most importantly Santa at 6pm. All are welcome

On Second Thoughts

In the search to try to alleviate the traffic difficulties of the town Athy Town Council are reversing one of the changes recently introduced. The flow of traffic on Chapel Lane (beside Madden’s Pharmacy) will now go in the opposite direction ( towards the main street) and this should take place during the next week. Watch for the Change over.

MADE OF ATHY

Athy Town Council sub committee on Culture invite you to the launch of MADE OF ATHY. The CD Anthology of Athy in song and verse. This Thursday 29th November The Carlton Abbey Hotel 7.30 pm This is an absolutely unique opportunity to be present at the launch of what will be a landmark production by several well known artists. Come along and enjoy.

Christmas Market at Castlefarm Shop

Thursday 29th November 3pm-8pm
Enjoy complimentary mulled wine, mince pies and music while you browse the best of local arts and crafts including Candles, Pottery, Handmade Cards, Wood turning, Children’s toys & local Food Hampers

On the Buses

South Kildare Community Transport (SKCT) are to expand their rural transport services over the next three years.

Since its inception five years ago, SKCT have delivered almost 100,000 passenger journeys. Where no transport services previously exsisted, SKCT have been transporting people in the South Kildare region answering travel needs which vary from Health appointments to shopping, education, employment and a variety of other local amenities like sports centres access and other social outlets. One growing demand the service has experienced is the provision of key connection services to other transport providers such as Iarnod Eireann services in Athy and Kildare, Private Bus operators and Bus Eireann connections in Castledermot to Carlow IT, Waterford and Dublin.

They have a broad ranging age group 26 – 65 years, making regular journeys on our two current routes. These routes service areas such as Athy, Ballyroe, Kilkea, Castledermot, Moone, Timolin, Ballytore, Narraghmore, Kilmead, Booleigh, Nurney, Tullywest, Bishopsland in Kildare and Newbridge.
See the timetable at http://www.skct.ie/

Protect Your Rights

The New Draft Register of Electors is available on line at http://cervcdb.kildarecoco.ie/ereg/. If you are not on the register you CANNOT vote and it is important that you protect this basic right. Check if you are registered and don’t panic if you are not but make sure to have your name included for future elections

On the Right Track

Commuters can note the new timetable on the Irishrail site spotted by a commuter with a computer today. Irish rails new arrival is a new 17:35 Heuston- Carlow train stopping in Athy 18:29. This is as close to official as I can get at the moment but is good news for rail users. If every new timetable brought a new train we would be “on the right track. Printed timetables are now on their website: http://www.irishrail.ie/your_journey/printed_timetables2008.asp

Coneyboro Residents Organise

Tomorrow night 20th sees the next meeting of the Coneyboro Residents Association. Keeping an estate well and developing a community depends on supports from residents. Members of this new estate have a great opportunity to get involved and get to know their neighbours.

Carlton Abbey 8 pm See the agenda http://www.freewebs.com/coneyboro/agendaformeeting.htm

Athylive Live

Not just a blog but now the website www.athylive.com . The website is just being put together and wants to be the location of what information people want about the town. The website includes a community diary and calendar of events which will gladly add any suggested activities or events. Please feel free to suggest material or web links which have not been included. The website will be officially launched later.

Sandwich Bar

A sign of the developing town is the arrival of an outlet of O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar in Leinster Street. O’Brien’s is one of the many new premises attracted to the town by the growth in population.

Civic Reception for Stephen

Athy Town Council was delighted to host a civic reception for Stephen Roche tonight. Cathaoirleach paid tribute to the young athlete and welcomed the Roche family and friends to the Council chamber. Stephen thanked his family, his coaches and his community for their support.

Wet Wet Wet

Progress is on target for the construction of the new swimming pool. An information meeting today confirmed that the project should be completed next September. Most of the underground work has been completed and we should see roofing commence in the new year. Time to start taking those swimming lessons for the grand opening!

Lights, Camera AGHHHHHHH!

Horrible, scary and filmed in the environs of Athy. A recently made horror film was sited in Castlemitchell. If you look closely at the trailer/pics you might recognise some local aspiring actors ….horrible, scary….. Seriously have a look at the promo on http://www.seerthemovie.com/

It’s a matter of Pride

Congratulations to the town of Athy on achieving second place in their category in the national Pride of Place competition. Adjudicators visited St Dominic’s Park, the Community Development Project, St. Michael’s Boxing Club and Athy Travellers Support Group. Special thanks to Athy Tidy Towns Committee and Arthur Lynch who gave a presentation to the adjudicators.

Burning the Porridge

Congratulations to Liam Dunne, Bray, Athy on his performance on “Highly Recommended” on RTE tonight. Liam has converted his heat source from oil to black oats which cost half the price and have a lesser carbon footprint. Apart from success on the programme hopefully Liam has helped in developing a renewable and cheaper energy source. More power to you, Liam.

What a load of rubbish

Athy has the advantage of one of the only Civic Amenity Centres in the county where you can bring the old fridge, cardboard, tv, plastic bottles, paint for FREE. While there are charges for some items the centre is a real resource for a town It is located on the Dublin road beside King Oil and you just drive in! Find out what is recyclable and free at http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/Environment/AthyCivicAmenity

Joe Taylor launches MacKenna’s Book

Athy Heritage was packed to capacity for the launch of John MacKenna’s book of short stories “The River Field” by Joe Taylor tonight. Both Joe and John read a short extract from the book each and it promises to be a great read. An excellent Christmas read or gift for anybody. Available at all “good” book stores.

Alarming News

Over 65s can avail of a special grant towards purchasing personal alarms which can summon help at the touch of a button. The user does not have to be ill or incapacitated but might feel more secure with such a device. Details can be got from Maura 087 996 2771

Music to our ears

Good news for Athy is that a new CD featuring artists from Athy is under production and will be launched at the end of the month. The CD has a wide range of well known performers and is the first of its kind. A must for any resident who wants a flavour of what Athy’s music culture is about. Watch this space.

Roadside Car Sales Outlawed

Roadside selling of cars is to be outlawed in Athy. A motion to the town council proposing this has received the full support of the new Road Safety Officer who will contact roadside sellers of cars through the advertised number and pursue the matter with the owners

Road Changes

From tomorrow (Mon) new traffic changes take place on three sections of road mentioned before http://athylive.blogspot.com/2007/10/one-way-streets.html Take care over the first few days as parking and traffic regulations will be strictly enforced. This should improve the flow of traffic particularly at school times.

Decentralisation

Moves are afoot for the commencement of the decentralisation of a section of the revenue service to Athy. It is expected that the end of month will see 75 Revenue workers decentralised to Athy.

Shopping Spree

Another large retail development is proposed for Athy. Hot on the heels of last weeks planning application by Michael Raggett another multi million euro retail/accommodation development is proposed for the banks of the Barrow. On the site of the Abbey (behind courthouse) a major retail outlet is to be located pending planning permission. Athy certainly seems to be the place to locate.

A Driving Ambition

Congratulations to Jenny Ryan on a superb performance in Brands Hatch last weekend. Jenny is the 2007 Mini Challenge Champion & Club Class Champion and has had a distinguished racing career. Going from strength to strength Jenny is Ireland’s Top Female Racing Driver. Well done, Jenny

Cliff Hanger

Great to turn on the TV and see our own Cliff Reid representing the town in the Shackleton expedition to the South Pole. Not happy with one “trip” Cliff then headed off to scale Kilimanjaro. Good man Cliff, you made us proud.

In the Green Corner

Of the Athy boxing delegation to the World Championship Eric Donovan is the only remaining combatant for a place in the Olympic games next year. Four Irish boxers are still in contention but our hopes still rest with Eric who competes again tomorrow (Wed).

New Town Clerk

Following the appointment of former Town Clerk Helen Dowling to the position of RAPID co-ordinator a new Town Clerk has now been appointed. Michelle Devine takes up office on Mon 19th November replacing the current Acting Town Clerk Maria Murphy-Ahearne. Ms Devine currently works in the Planning Section of Kildare County Council.

Coneyboro Residents

Well done to Coneyboro residents who have developed a website for the the Coneyboro Residents Association. Coneyboro are one of the new estates in the town are are fast developing as a community. While the modern technologies cannot replace human contact an active blog/site can help to develop an online community and keep us all in touch. Welcome to the town to all who are new and certainly welcome to our on-line community. Coneyboro can be found at www.freewebs.com/coneyboro

Fighting for Athy

Athy can take great pride in the performance to date of our boxers in the windy city of Chicago. While two of the St. Michael’s boxers have not had great success both Roy Sheahan and Eric Donovan are still in contention and contest their next round tomorrow – Sunday. Best of luck to the lads and we can all share in their achievement to date

New Shopping Mall

Athy could soon see a major shopping mall with office accommodation and apartments located at the centre of the town if plans lodged by developer and builder Michael Raggett are given the green light. The project is located behind what was known as Blanchfields shop – the roundabout on Leinster Street. The development will include a new street parallel to Leinster Street and multi storey car park.

What are the Council at?

As many people have asked me what the council do or say at their meetings I have created a blog http://www.councilmatters.blogspot.com/ which prints the minutes of council meetings. This is a record of discussion and decisions taken and the minutes can only be publicised when they have been passed by the following meeting. The agenda and motions for upcoming meetings are published here one week in advance of a Town Council meeting. Council meetings take place on the third Wed of every month at 7.30 pm and are open to the public

The Best of the West

Well done to Robert Redmond who tonight launched his book “ Achill Voices” with guests Min O’Cuiv and Deputy Jack Wall. The first run of the book sold out and this run seems to be heading in that direction also.

We’ve Seen the Light

Following a recent motion at Athy Town Council, the council offices and properties will now be installing CFL bulbs to conserve valuable resources. Tenants of the local authority will also be advised to do similarly and CFL bulbs are to be installed in new rental properties by the council – what change will you make?

MacKenna’s New Book

John MacKenna’s new collection of short stories, “The River Field”, will be launched by Joe Taylor (the voice of the Tribunal reenactments on Vincent Browne show and elsewhere) in Athy Heritage Centre, Friday Nov 9th at 8 p.m. All are welcome

Ars Gratia Artis

A public meeting on the planned Arts Centre takes place on Tue next, October 23rd at 8 pm in the offices of Athy Town Council at 8 pm. Anybody with an interest is welcome. This is an exciting opportunity for the town and opinions are appreciated. If you have never attended any of these meetings before please feel free to attend

Church of Ireland Hall

Work commenced last week on the new parish centre and community hall adjacent to St Michael’s Church on Offaly Street. This €2.4 million project it is hoped will benefit the whole community of Athy. As our population enlarges new community facilities are ever more needed

Tidier Town

Congratulations to Athy on increasing its score in the Tidy Town Competition from 217 in 2006 to 240 in 2007. The improvement is due to hard work and persistence. Anybody interested in lending a hand will be welcomed.