November Bridge is out
Whether Kilcullen can learn from the recent pedestrianisation of Kildare Town's square is the lead story on the November Bridge, which has just gone on sale, writes Brian Byrne.
The story by Noel Clare is based on an interview with Cllr Suzanne Doyle, a native of Kildare Town and very much a proponent of the concept that safe pedestrian areas will increase footfall for businesses in a space by attracting more people and families, as well as being a focus for events that will do the same. The pilot scheme in Kildare could be a reference point for the plans for Kilcullen's Market Square.
Other planning related stories in this latest issue include progress on plans to improve traffic management at the Kilcullen Community Centre, and the go-ahead given for 54 new homes on the Naas Road in Kilcullen. Approval of a site for a pedestrian crossing at Hillcrest is also noted.
From an other era entirely, the status of investigations on the ancient gathering site of Dun Ailinne is the focus of the main colour spread in the magazine. Dr Susan Johnston talks about she and her team missing their regular summer trip to the site, because of the pandemic. But they'll be back.
An engaging long-read article from Joseph Kelly reveals why he doesn't work for Tesco, but respects anyone who does, and is an inspiring tale of how not to get stuck in a work rut.
How Kilcullen could save €5.8m in energy use is the main item in the monthly update from Kilcullen Community Action. It's a startling fact revealed to the Kilcullen Sustainable Energy Group by consultants working on a plan for the town. In a separate story on a similar theme, Noel Clare writes about two Kildare men who have set up an enterprise putting extra range into older electric cars. If range anxiety is an issue, they're helping to solve it.
In this month's look into past articles of The Bridge, as part of its 50 years programme, a profile of the late Hugh Peacocke written by Sabina Reddy in 1991 recalls the popular shoemaker's skills in business and boxing. Mary Wright's short but evocative description of Denis Hogan's forge in Old Kilcullen, written in 1978, is also reproduced.
The Out and Away walking space this month is about the Grand Canal near Athy, written by John Duffey from Ballitore. Another regular feature, 20 Questions, this month focuses on Wayne Aspell, among other things a lover of the outdoors.
In the regulars, Sean Landers looks at Kilcullen in the 19th century. Mary Orford ponders on three women involved in Ireland's fight for freedom who stayed in Cross and Passion Convent while on the run after escaping from Mountjoy Prison in 1921. Julie Felsbergs takes a light-hearted look at The Bible through the eyes of a child.
There's a photo feature on the 2020 Graduation event for participants in the Kilcullen Community Employment Scheme. Photographs also play a big part in the articles from the three primary schools in the parish.
There's nothing from the major sports clubs, but the ever reliable Joe Mallon keeps the activities of St Bridget's Pitch and Putt to the fore.
As always, lots to read and digest, from the usual main outlets this month when some of the other sellers of The Bridge are closed due to pandemic restrictions. Enjoy.
