Christmas Bridge on sale

The Christmas issue of The Bridge magazine is now on sale in the usual outlets, writes Brian Byrne.

The cover features photographs from Kilcullen Photography Club taken at the recent Christmas Market in the market square, showing lots of enjoyment despite the sometimes atrocious weather conditions.

Inside are reports and photographs from many other community and seasonal events, including the very successful Scoil Bhride Christmas Fair, the Kilcullen 700 Table Quiz, and Christmas parties for many of the seniors in town.

There's a special real-life Christmas story from Kenya, via Gerry O'Donoghue of Maintain Hope, and among the usual contributions from the schools there's a special poem from Scoil Bhride pupil Ella Cole, 'Peace at Last', marking the end of World War 1 a hundred years ago.

There's also a full timetable of Christmas services in the town and surrounding area.

This is the last Bridge of the calendar year, and the next one will be published on the first weekend of February. So, from all at The Bridge, a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Family Carol Service will recall end of WW1

Parishioners who were involved in World War 1 will be remembered as part of a Family Carol Service of nine lessons and carols to be held in Kilcullen Parish Church next Wednesday 19 December, at 8pm, writes Brian Byrne.

A candle will be lit on their behalf by Liam Walker, who had two grand-uncles killed in the war. Ella Cole from Scoil Bhride will read her poem 'Peace at Last', which is published in this month's Bridge magazine.

The event will be an ecumenical service featuring the Gormanstown Choir, Camphill Bell Ringers, Scoil Bhride Choir, the Students from St Patrick's School in Newbridge, and flautist Gese Mucke. Again the organ will be played by Ella Fallon and Peter Moloney.

Harpist Leah O'Sullivan, who played at the recent inauguration of President Michael D Higgins, will also play at the service.

Gerry O'Donoghue will be Master of Ceremonies and the prayer leaders will be Fr Niall Mackey and Reverend Tim Wright.

All welcome.

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Students will teach digital skills to community

For anyone in the community who wants to learn more about how to use their smartphone or computer, there will be two periods during the new year where they can get that support in CPC, writes Brian Byrne.

The 121digital support is designed to help people with any digital need, including using Google and Facebook, booking for events and services online, and more.

The one-to-one tuition with Transition Year students is free, but places are limited and booking can be done by phoning 045 481524 or email communitycarecpc@gmail.com.

The first sessions will start on 16 January and run until 8 February, while the second one will run from 22 March to 12 April. In both cases, the sessions will be from 11.30-1pm.

CPC Transition Year students have been undertaking this project since 2008, and gain certificates for their work. Pictured above is Mick Maher availing of the initiative in 2015.

121digital is supported by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. It is also a Community Engagement partner with the Gaisce President's Awards. More information is available from the initiative's website. 121digital.ie



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The Mad Professor gets help in Kilcullen

Though it wasn't the best of days for events in Kilcullen because of storm Deirdre, things were bright and toasty in Kilcullen Community Library for the children's Magic Show, writes Brian Byrne.

It was just as enthralling for the adults who came with their children as Niall, the Mad Professor, used a mixture of magic tricks and old fashioned pantomime to entertain everyone present.

He was ably assisted by all the young magicians in the room, most of whom seemed to be better at it that he was … which was the real magic of his afternoon.

That two of them had flown in especially for the show from New York state this morning only added to the event … (well, our two grandsons had actually come to say hello to us for Christmas, with their parents).

Another great event from the people (led by Julie in Kilcullen) at the County Kildare Library & Arts Service.

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Brannockstown Nativity cancelled

Today's live Nativity event at Brannockstown has been cancelled due to storm Deirdre, writes Brian Byrne.

"It's very disappointing but safety is paramount and the worst of the storm is hitting this afternoon," the organisers say. "We can't take the risk. Too many large trees. We're not sure if we will get the chance to perform the Live Nativity now."

The organisers have expressed their thanks to all the actors and musicians and singers, and the Nativity Committee who put in a lot of work behind the scenes.

"And a big thank you to all the people who support us bringing in the livestock and hay and building the set. To all our crafters - it's a very disappointing day for you but thank you for supporting our event.

"To all our friends and neighbours we want to wish you all a very peaceful happy Christmas."



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Thanks from Miscellany organisers

The recent Miscellany on Sunday event in the Bermingham family home raised €4,000 for the mission in Mozambique where Fr John Bermingham and Fr Derek Ryan work, writes Brian Byrne.

"I'd like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make it a success," says Phena Bermingham.

She also passes on thanks from John Bermingham and Derek Ryan, and from the people of Furancungu where they work.

(Our short video above shows just a couple of clips from the afternoon, many other people performed and entertained.)

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Two Fianna Fail candidates for local election

Cllr Rob Power and Newbridge community activist Noel Heavey have been selected to contest next year's local election for Fianna Fail in the Newbridge electoral area.

They were elected as candidates at a selection convention last night in the Newbridge MD, by local Fianna Fail members.

Under revisions to electoral areas in Kildare, Kilcullen and Caragh will be incorporated into the Newbridge MD.

Cllr Power is a sitting councillor in the Naas MD of which Kilcullen is currently a part.

Kilcullen's Antoinette Buckley and sitting Newbridge MD councillor Murty Aspell were also candidates at the selection convention.

Congratulating the winning pair, Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin said there is 'every chance' that there will be further additions to the ticket early in 2019, given the increase in councillor numbers for the Newbridge MD area.

Pictured are Cllr Rob Power, Cllr Murty Aspell, Fiona O’Loughlin TD, James Lawless TD, Antoinette Buckley, and Noel Heavey.

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Live Nativity tomorrow will fund defibrillator

A reminder that the Live Nativity event in Brannockstown is tomorrow afternoon, writes Brian Byrne.

The event is the second of its kind and will feature local actors, life animals, a craft fair, and carol singing.

It is being hosted once again in the grounds of Brannockstown Baptist Church.

The event will gather funds for a community defibrillator.

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Carols by Candlelight 2018

This Christmas Village in the porch of the Parish Church last evening set the scene perfectly for the Carols by Candlelight Concert in aid of funds for the roof, writes Brian Byrne.

We could only make a fleeting visit and only heard the Gospel Choir, briefly. But we do understand the very good audience had treats from the Cross and Passion TY Group previewing their 'Mama Mia' musical, and from the CPC School Choir itself.

We missed Patrick Hyland, tenor. But from hearing him before, we know his performance will have been brilliant.

Meantime, the candlelight part of things was also … brilliant.

Well done to everyone involved.

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