A YOUNG Castledermot woman has raised more than €25,000 in memory of her younger brother Dara, who died suddenly earlier this year.

ALMOST 500 toys of all shapes and sizes were donated by the people of Hacketstown for the annual Toy Sunday appeal.

THE inaugural meeting of the Carlow Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) took place earlier this month in Carlow Town Hall chamber, marking a significant step in the national roll-out of the new community safety framework.

BIGSTONE National School lit up the stage in December with a Christmas spectacular titled “Lights, Camel, Action!” Despite a few dramatic twists before curtain call, the pupils delivered a show that will be remembered for years to come.

The Seven Oaks Hotel was enlivened by kids in Christmas dress, dancing to pop songs on Monday afternoon, for the Midlands Ukrainian Association’s festive event.

Santa and Mrs Claus, along with their gang of merry elves, made an appearance at the fair

A number of local businesses had stalls.

Pupils past and present gathered for the event.

THE Carlow Black Santa appeal raised €725.39 for Autism Heroes over two days at Fairgreen Shopping Centre over a week ago.

The wreath was made by service users of Park Lodge and Elm Park Rehabilitation Services, Carlow, as a celebration of people, time, chats, fun and making art together.

The market is a staple of the Christmas season in Carlow.

TWENTY five new car parking spaces have been made available to the public in Bagenalstown, just in time for the lead up to Christmas.

“The repertoire was very well received by the audience, many of whom said this was the best concert they have been to,” Ms Cross said.

CIVIL Defence officer Padraig Cahill received a ‘good citizen’ award to recognise his excellent service to the county at a council meeting on 8 December in council chambers.

THERE was plenty of pride and joy recently when Presentation College Carlow hosted its annual awards night, when the school’s best and brightest students were recognised for their talents.

The 96 school pupils, 10 staff members, parents, past pupils and staff, and board of management gathered to mark the occasion in a packed-out St. Columba’s Church.

A NEW documentary about the history of Baltinglass Hill and the Holy Year Cross will be premiered on Thursday 18 December at the Lalor Centre in Baltinglass.

Carlow Little Theatre Society is celebrating its 80th anniversary by releasing a book, written by members of the society, about the group’s history.

MICHAEL English is launching his Christmas concert series with a special once-off performance in St Patrick’s Church Rathvilly on Friday 28 November, organised in support of the Schoolhouse Community and Enterprise Centre.

KILDARE County Council has refused planning permission for a proposed housing development on Main Street, Castledermot, citing concerns over design, environmental impact and sustainable drainage systems.