A large crowd gathered in Kilteevan Community Centre on Sunday 13th December to

enjoy a tea party celebration after all the activtiy in the community that ultimately led to

the village being awarded a runner up Prize in the “Pride of Place” national awards held

earlier this year.

At the celebration the new chair person, Michael Spellman made a speech thanking all

the people who had made the community a nation talking point. “It has been the

constant efforts of hundreds of people that have brought us to where we are today. 13

years ago we had a enthusiastic community however the community centre was in dire

need of restoration and the community needed to be brought together. With the

formation of the Kilteevan Community Development Group we are now the envy of

many community groups around the country”

Three of the original directors of the development group Eileen Fahey, Fiona Coen and

Hugh Brennan were honored at the event, “It is a testement to their hard work over the

last 13 years that we have such a wonderful space to hold this event in today. To the

people of Kilteevan when one mentions Eileen, Fiona or Hugh the words “Community

Spirit” is the first to mind.

Michael also mentioned the newly formed tidy towns group who have been busy litter

picking, flower planting and other activites to spruce up the crossroads village and

whose efforts were rewarded with a high first score in the competition.

To top off a great evening there was a very special visitor from the North Pole.

Check out the Gallery Below!

It’s December 16^th 2015, 3.15 pm. Temperature is 13 degrees centigrade and look what’s above ground in Kilteevan today!

Is this climate change or confusion of the seasons?

I wonder what Wordsworth would have to say?

It great to see neighbouring parishes interest taking an interest in and contributing  information to this Biodiversity Section of our website. While its not seasonal, we like to share information as we receive it. 

These photos of Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar were taken by Richard in Mount Plunkett Lecarrow in August. Amazing images!

No more than the Goat Moth caterpillar, (which we have already posted), the Hawk Moth caterpillar, is a sight to behold if you are lucky enough to spot it.

So here is the result of our basic research on the Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Scientific: Name Deilephila elpenor

Family: Sphingidae

Distribution :Widespread and commonIreland England, Wales, southern and western Scotland and beyond. 

Habitat: Gardens, waste ground and woodland clearings.

The preferred food plants of the caterpillar are Willowherb(already posted) and Bedstraw which we know are abundant in Kilteevan. The caterpillars can generally be seen from July to September, when they pupate.

The caterpillars can be green but are more frequently brown with a net or snake like pattern along the body as well as the four large 'eye' like patches at the head end. They have a backward curving spine or "horn" on the final abdominal segment.

The caterpillars has a trunk-like section just behind the head, hence the name “Elephant.”  This trunk like section can be extended or retracted as a defensive tactic.

When threatened this section is drawn in towards its body. This shields the head from danger and has the added advantage of inflating its body, making the four eye markings look much larger.

Caterpillars are preyed upon by birds, but can shy away from caterpillars "snake"like posturing.

When fully grown the caterpillar moves down to the ground to pupate.  It remains in this state until the following spring when it emerges as an adult moth.

Adult

The Elephant Hawk moth is spectacularly coloured, seeming to shimmer with green and red when in motion.  It has a wingspan of approximately 70mm.

To the inexperienced eye it looks like "pink butterfly"

The imago (adult) feeds at night, and often takes and often takes nectar from plants like honeysuckles and petunias. 

The life span of the adult moth is up to 5 weeks and they are generally seen from May to July.

This species possesses good night or scotopic vision  and can discriminate colours very well.  Adult moths are eaten by some species of bats.

The last few months have been very busy at Kilteevan Community School! A Visit from the Bishop, taking part in the Science Fair, the shoe box appeal, Set Dancing Classes and of course Halloween!

Kilteevan N.S. have also had success in the Roscommon Credit Union Art Competition where Sean Fox was awarded 3rd place in the Under 7 competition and Lauren O'Connor was also awarded 3rd in the 8-10 category.

Our quiz team of Kate Cunningham, Cormac Dolan, Noah Fallon and Adam Connolly came 4th in the recent Library Quiz.

Kilteevan NS are also very busy preparing for our 4th Green Flag which is the Travel Flag. We organised a walk to school recently and some more events are being organised for the New Year.