It Says in The Bridge: Dec 06
The reason for that is an article by Sean Landers on Clarke, his work, and the St Hubert theme of the window itself, which is the only 'fancy' window in the church. The back cover shows some exterior views of St Patrick's, built in the late 19th century.
The magazine itself is, as usual for the season, stuffed with Christmas wishes from all its advertisers, and it is sometimes hard to find the articles between them. But there's plenty to read, nevertheless.
In news, we read how families and pupils in Brannockstown NS raised funds to provide 80 'shoe boxes' filled with small toys and sweets for poor children in Africa.
Still in fundraising vein, Anna McCarthy's recent event in Fallons for her 'Cultural Canvas' initiative amongst the deprived in Thailand raised 3,000 euros. And a 'Civvies Day' organised by the Cross & Passion College students raised 800 euros for the Kilcullen Senior Citizens Association.
In environment news there's a report on the issuing of an Enforcement Notice on the Carnalway right-of-way issue, and Jim Collins writes about a coming tidy-up of The Valley with the help of a tree surgeon.
There's also a '12 Days of Green Christmas' list to organise us into dealing with the various recyclable waste elements of the festive season.
Annie Schiffer writes a note about the opening of a new 'farm' branch of The Bridge Community at Grangebeg, and how she's very happy to be one of the group which has moved out there.
As always, events of the past month are well covered photographically, mostly by Pat Foley. They include Santa's visit to the very successful Scoil Bhride Christmas Fair, the Kilcullen Senior Citizens Christmas Party organised as usual by the Kilcullen Scouts, and the recent Race Night for the Soccer Club. There's also a number of pictures from the reopening of Nolans Victuallers.
In business news, Pat Behan profiles Louise Laxton's 'Ladies Workout Express' and the new Mini-Me childrens boutique, both enterprises at Hillcrest. There's also a short feature on the new Greenville Bed & Breakfast being run at Nicholastown by Geraldine and Emmanuel Delahunt, a much-needed facility in the town.
There are a few of the usual columns: Billy Redmond goes Off the Cuff on the value of hemp as a possible remedy for everything from the impending 'end of oil' to treatment of many ailments, and Sean Landers reports from a wedding in Taiwan, which took place in the intriguingly named Taipei Hero House.
Roy Thompson gives an extensive playback of the recent 'Miscellany on Sunday' held in Phena and Tom Bermingham's home, and there's also a piece about the imminent release of 'Not the Theme Tune to Casino Royale' by James Healy, which he describes as his latest 'get poor quick scheme'.
Finally, the Christmas messages from the local clergy tell little stories which each cause us to stop at least momentarily from the mad hurtle of the season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas for Christians. That is summed up also in the final line of the Christmas message in Bernard Berney's advertisement, where he says 'Happy Birthday, Jesus'.
Brian Byrne.
