It Says in The Bridge: April 2021

The latest edition of The Bridge is now in the usual outlets, with a cover representing the recent Easter and its message of hope, writes Brian Byrne.

There's a lot of colour too on the centre spread main feature, about the riot of colour in the Valley, thanks to local knitters whose yarn-bombing of the park has also lifted spirits after a winter of severe lockdown.

And the hopeful signs continue in the schools pages, with stories and pictures of pupils back in St Joseph's, Brannoxtown, and the Kildare Steiner School. A personal view on what the return of her pupils meant to teacher Frances Moloney is a lovely explanation of why teachers teach.

From the regular contributors, Sean Landers takes a look back at 'A Great Man', Peter Purcell, whose 19th century development of public transport in Ireland was exceptionally important. But also important to him was his 400-acre farm at Halverstown.

Mary Orford's interest this month is on the 'Bridgets', a generic term for Irish housemaids in the early 20th century, and a fascinating glimpse of life 'working below stairs'. As always, perfectly researched and presented.

Julie Felsbergs in her spiritual column is also on the theme of hope, with the flowers re-emerging, wildlife coming out of hibernation, 'that desolate winter feeling can start to dissipate'. Yes, we are beginning to stir again.

There's a thoughtful column from Declan Lavin on why sexual violence on women is an issue for men, and he posits the need to combat a 'toxic masculine culture' as a direction in which to deal with it.

The 20 Questions this month is with Enda O'Neill, who got to live his dream when he became a soldier ... but his first job was in The Hideout as a barman, where he got his nickname.

Other features this month are on the Curragh, at this time of public consultation on its future; a look at how perusal of old newspapers can provide a social history of Kilcullen and other places; and the Out and Away is about Mullaghreelan Wood, near Kilkea Castle, within permissible drive from Monday.

There's lots of news from KCA activities, not least the Easter Bunnies which have been another cheerful initiative in town over recent weeks. The Kildare West Wicklow SPCA warns about buying kittens online. Innovative students at CPC have cleaned up in a Kildare Student Enterprise programme. And Frank Mitchell's new Wildlife Awareness & Protection group on Facebook is gaining a lot of traction.

As always, these and more, in the latest publication during The Bridge's 51st year. A steal at €2. 

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