KILCULLEN PARISH CENTRE

The Parish Centre is situated between Kilcullen Church and Nolan's farm and consists of two former school buildings which have been joined together by a new link building. The first girls school was erected by subscription on free ground by John Harvey Lewis Esq, landlord. The first stone was laid by the Reverend John Tyrrell CC, who was Chairman of the Committee, on 10th November 1858.

The second school was built in 1958 and was officially opened and blessed in 1959. With an ever expanding community, new schools were built and the two former schools were used for parish meetings and events. However, the buildings, with no heating and no insulation, fell into decay and were no longer suitable places for people to meet.

In 2001 the Parish Finance Committee sought approval from the Diocese to turn the two former girls schools into a Parish Centre. In July 2003 the foundation stone was laid by Fr Andrew O'Sullivan, Chairman of the Building Committee, and work commenced. The builder was Tom Byrne and the architect was John Delaney.

The President, Mary McAleese, officially opened the Parish Centre on June 20th 2004. It was a most memorable occasion, and historic: it was the first time that the President of Ireland had visited Kilcullen in an official capacity.

The new Parish Centre is a complete renovation of the two old schools and is complemented by the new link building and entrance. It comprises of the Parish Office & Shop; a room for 50-100 people; a room for 30 people; a room for 10 people; a utility store; boiler house; toilets; entrance foyer; kitchen; a large meeting room which can be partitioned; and an outdoor terraced courtyard.