Kilcock

Template:Infobox Irish Place Kilcock (Cill Choca in Irish) is a town in the north of County Kildare, Ireland, on the border with County Meath. Dublin city is quite nearby, and Kilcock is a dormitory town for many commuters. Its population of 4,100 (2006 Census) makes it the ninth largest town in Kildare and 86th largest in the Republic of Ireland, having grown by 49.6pc since the 2002 census.

Local industries include a large distribution centre for SuperValu and the Zed Gum (formally Leaf) chewing-gum factory.

The town lies along the "banks of the Royal Canal" which is a familiar verse from Irish traditional song.

History

Kilcock takes its name from the 6th century Saint Coca who founded a church beside the river Rye, and who is traditionally said to have been a sister of St. Kevin of Glendalough; by occupation she was an embroiderer of church vestments, including those for St. Colmcille. A holy well dedicated to Coca, formerly thought to be lost in the back-yards of Kilcock, is known locally to be in the area behind the Ulster Bank, and her feast is remembered on 6th June. However, this commemoration is a modern revival as when the Ordnance Survey of the area was being made in 1837 it was recorded that ‘there is no old church in ruins in this parish nor is any patron saint or day remembered ... the meaning of the name Cille Choc is not remembered.' When the present parish church was dedicated in 1867 it was named for St. Coca, and it had cost £10,000 to build to the design of architect J.J. McCarthy.

In the 8th century there was a battle between rival kings near the church of St. Coca, then in the territory of Carbury and close to the border between Leinster and Meath. There is a gap of several hundred years until the next reference to Kilcock when, in 1303, it belonged to the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem at Kilmainham.

St Coca's Church is erected in her honour in the centre of town. A recently commissioned icon of Saint Coca can be viewed there. http://www.kilcockparish.net/popup_4_f.html

Transport

The railway arrived in Kilcock on 28 June 1847, but the station closed on 1 July 1848, as it was sited on a 1 in 100 gradient, which the locomotives of the day found difficult to start off from. This site was slightly east of the current Kilcock station. A replacement station opened in 1850 west of the town, where the old N4 crosses the canal and railway, but closed in 1963. The current Kilcock railway station, under Shaw Bridge, opened in 1998.

Places of interest

The town's library features mementos of the poet Teresa Braydon who was born at Kilbrook. The Old Bog Road, 4.5km west of the town, was the subject of her most successful verse. [1]

Bridestream, an 18th century house, has a rare-breed farm open to the public.

Larchill, one of Ireland's most important, rediscovered gardens, was created in the mid 18th century as a 'Ferme Ornée' (Ornamental Farm) and as such is the only surviving complete garden of its type in Europe. Scenic walks through beech avenues link 10 classical and gothic follies. There is a picturesque 8-acre (32,000 m²) lake with two fairy tale island follies, a formal Walled Garden with shell lined tower and model gothic farmyard.

Kilcock Art Gallery - The gallery was established in 1978 by Breda Smyth and opened by George Campbell R.H.A., since then the gallery has exhibited fine paintings, sculpture and prints by all the leading names in Irish Art.

Saint Coca's Catholic Church http://www.kilcockparish.net/index.asp

Kilcock Musical and Dramatic Society is an amateur musical society, affiliated to the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS). It has been in existence since 1970, Each year they stage three productions; a play in Autumn, a pantomime in the New Year and a musical in the Spring. They welcome new members, so if you've ever felt the urge to perform or get involved backstage, send them a mail and they'll get in touch. See their website for more info on current and past productions. http://www.kilcockms.com

Sport

Rugby

The North Kildare Rugby Club is situated about 1.5km from Kilcock on the Maynooth road, recently renovated and a regular host to major area finals (2006 Towns Cup Wicklow vs Tullamore attracted 3500+) and schools cup matches, North Kildare RFC boasts successful youth teams from Under 8's to under 18's, and field 3 men's senior teams. The 1st XV were promoted in 2006 to the Leinster League Div 2, after an extended period in division 3. 2006 was also a successful year for the 2nd XV winning the Div 3 league undefeated, and also going close in the 2nds towns cup losing out in the semi finals. 2007-8 saw the 2nd XV reach the provincial towns cup final. http://www.northkildarerfc.com/

Canoeing

With such close proximity to the canal it is no surprise that Kilcock is the perfect village for canoeing. The International Canoe Polo Competition takes place in Kilcock in September and attracts a huge crowd. Canoeing takes places every Saturday morning for children of all age groups. http://www.KilcockCanoePoloClub.com/

Golf

Kilcock 18 Hole Golf Club Course is open from dawn to dusk. Putting Green and practise areas available. Visitor restrictions at weekends

Gaelic games

• Kilcock GAA is the local Gaelic Athletic Association club.

See also

• List of towns in the Republic of Ireland

External links

• North Kildare Rugby Club
• Kilcock Canoe Polo Club
• Kilcock Community Portal
• Kilcock Musical & Dramatic Society