It Says in The Bridge: 43 years on

The publication of the latest issue completes the 43rd year since The Bridge Magazine was started, writes Brian Byrne. That's a wonderful record in any publishing arena, but especially so as it is a completely voluntary effort. The editorial uses the occasion to note how there needs to be a redefinition of the role of a magazine in an era when the internet makes everyone a journalist and photographer ... and points to the work of Jacinta Sully in 'opening a window' to her own part of the community, Brannockstown, as an example of how others could do the same.

The lead story is about the local elections, and how Kilcullen could 'lose out' in the reshuffle of the town to the Naas Area. It's a lead-in to a thought-provoking piece inside from Orla O'Neill about the difficulty a community has when on the periphery of the political power bases. The front page also features the very positive story of Jenny Murphy, reinforcing her position as a key player in the Irish Ladies Rugby scene.

News in the latest magazine highlights the fact that we have two Kilcullen entrants in the Kildare Rose Competition this year, hopeful that one will make it to Tralee. There are also the new recycle bins located in the Cattle Mart car park, with Kildare County Council expressing its thanks to Leinster Marts and the Lions Club for facilitating the initiative. The question of the locked gates at St Brigid's Cemetery is ventilated, and there's artistic news of a new exhibition of paintings in An Tearmann from 'Cruthu', based in Russborough.

Congratulations for young people in arts and general knowledge is reported from the Credit Union Art competition and the Table Quiz operated by the same organisation. Also congrats are recorded to Tom Birchall on reaching his 70th birthday, with a fine picture of the whole family at the event. There's a lot of photographic coverage from Pat Foley of the very enjoyable 'Live by the Liffey' concert from Paul Durney's 'Fleadh' and local band 'Cathú'. Also quite a few sports pictures in a sport section that's back in full play after the rest for Christmas.

There are some features from others than the regulars this month, including a thoughtful one from Dr Padraic Dunne of Narraghmore on depression and the suffering it causes ... and he offers some solid advice on how to tackle the issue. In 'Water under the Bridge', Noel Clare looks back at 1984 from 30 years beyond a time that included such harrowing events as the death of Ann Lovett in Granard. He also ponders on some health matters of modern times. A piece from one of Kilcullen's wild geese, Garreth Byrne, reports from China's 'Russian' city, Harbin, and its churches, while Sean Landers reproduces an 1883 newspaper report of the dedication of a side altar in Kilcullen church and reveals the famous name connection between it and the 1916 Easter Rising.

Finally, a reflection of modern times from the Scoil Bhride page among the various schools reports — a 12-week 'Rainbow' programme will be in train soon, a peer support group for children whose families have gone through separation or divorce. Sad that it's necessary, good that it's there.

The Bridge has completed its 43rd year in fine style. Congratulations to all concerned.