It Says in The Bridge: Sept 06
Back after its annual August break, The Bridge is a big issue as it catches up with some of the doings of the summer and looks forward to those coming in autumn.
The story of the Lebanon tragedy is continued in a full page report inside, with pictures, and is also commented on in Billy Redmond's 'Off the Cuff' column, where he recalls times he spent there and details some of the friends he made among a 'very resilient people'.
News stories include the raising of almost €7,500 for St Brigid's Hospice by the Clarke family, the latest moves in the First Responder schemes in Kilcullen and Calverstown, and -- with lots of pictures -- the €8,450 raised for parish funds by the recent Golf Classic.
There are congratulations aplenty around, for Billy and Carmel Redmond's 40th wedding anniversary, for the participation by James Nolan in the recent European Transplant Games in Hungary, for the 50th anniversary celebrated by Dick and Trudy Jeffers, and to Jimmy Dempsey on his 80th birthday.
And of course, also to Ben Atkinson, formerly of Brannockstown, on reaching his 100th birthday.
Environment matters report on progress in keeping the town tidy, including some strong activity by the litter warden. The children of the Lui na Greine area are pictured doing a good job keeping their own patch looking good, but the other side of the coin is reflected in the news of damage to trees in The Valley by vandals.
Nora Breslin's recent birthday is recorded, with a good account of the proceedings which included memories of Capers.
There's a picture spread on the annual Mac and Norman Vintage Rally in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, the funds from which are already close to €30,000.
In their regular slots, Paul Aspell divines the hidden meaning of the new green cross outside Bernard Berney's chemist shop; Sean Landers reports from Taiwan that he has got a new job there, and muses on the ways that foreigners to that country can find ways to stay there. Sean also sends another extract from George A Birmingham's life in Carnalway.
Pat Behan writes about Carmel Kelly's new Sports and Remedial Massage Clinic in Calverstown, and also about another enterprise from the same area, a web-based gifts business set up by two stay-at-home mums. Visit it at 3Bees.
Obviously not idle during the Bridge's break, Pat also gives us a feature on The 'Beautiful' Game, and the placing of the inverts should indicate his actual view of a sport for 'pampered millionaires' who must have 'the ability to act'.
There's much more. But hey, buy your own copy.
Brian Byrne.
