It Says in The Bridge: July 07
The Summer edition of The Bridge leads with 'A fond farewell to Fr Andrew', marking his departure from Kilcullen after seven years of service to the community. The occasion was his sendoff in the Parish Centre, illustrated by the picture of Lily Brennan making a presentation on behalf of the community.
The main news stories inside include full details of a planning application for the 'Courtyard' development proposed by Sir Anthony O'Reilly in and behind Liffey Bank and Liffey View. It will include the refurbishment of those buildings for commercial and restaurant uses, and three apartment block buildings associated with them. An interesting twist in the proposal is the provision of 62 bicycle spaces as well as 109 car parking spaces in the development. Are there 62 people in Kilcullen who currently use bicycles?
The schools pages include a note from Scoil Bhride on the school being registered for the Green Schools programme which aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and changing the way we live in relation to those. The students involved have already conducted relevant surveys and hope to have an action plan from them in place for September.
There's big photographic coverage of a number of recent events, including that already mentioned party for Fr Andrew. Others include the Scoil Bhride Field Day, the Awards Day at CPC, and John Kelly's 50th birthday celebrations at The Stray Inn, and local youngsters from the Brian Brady Drama School during their recent production of 'Oliver!' in the Town Hall.
The Kilcullen Garda Notes has warnings about local burglaries, a stern reminder that cars parked illegally or obstructing traffic are being monitored and their owners issued with tickets, and the fact that we now have another garda in town, Brian Kearny.
In features, Bernard Berney gives us part four of his profile of Paddy 'The Kings' O'Neill, Lyn Worrall writes about the history of and current living experience in Bishop Rogan Park, and there's a thought-provoking piece from Cecile Chemin, archivist, about what we should be preserving to tell the future how we lived today. In the 'regulars', Sean Landers reports from Taiwan that he is once again seeking new employment.
Also worth a read by all who are morally offended by evidence of dishonesty in high places is a thoughtful and sobering piece by Bernard Berney, who believes such people are actually an endangered species. This is Bernard being serious, and all the more important for that.
Following from his recent article about working in Asia, Liam McCarton now tells us what he's been doing in Africa and where he hopes it will lead. Catriona Poufong recounts the work of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, hooked on the efforts of the local ladies who took part in the recent Flora Mini Marathon on behalf of that charity. And then there's the tale of the Magnetic Gradiometer being wielded by local guy Alan Corcoran on Dun Aillinne during the summer, sussing out ancient secrets.
Mull's Corner this month highlights the GAA connections of emigrant 'Saint', Donal St Leger. 'The best bunman in the USA' needs no introduction to old Kilcullenites, and for the new people they can meet him at the moment as he's back for a visit.
The Bridge is on its annual break now, so there won't be another until September. But if you want to contribute, get your stuff in before 23 August.
Brian Byrne.
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