It Says in The Bridge: July 2021

The Ballyshannon Racefield quarry issue is front and centre on the July issue which has gone on sale today, writes Brian Byrne. In a detailed and personal piece by Joanna Costello, we read of fears that if the campaign against this Kilsaran project fails, 'Kilcullen will be surrounded by quarries'. Joanna suggests that there needs to be a broader coalition of communities involved, and that 'Kilsaran is not the villain ... the only villain is apathy'.

The main spread this month is a colour piece on Siobhan Murphy and her family, their Kalbarri enterprise staying successful during the pandemic by 'somersaulting' into a different business model.

There are other stories of success too, including the official relaunch of Kilcullen Tennis Club, a most enjoyable and interesting day. The schools pages all feature the successful completion by Sixth Class pupils of their time in primarly level, graduating into the new education world of secondary ... achievement, and perhaps a little apprehension?

There are other planning stories: the refusal for expansion of another Kilsaran quarry, another refusal by the Council for the controversial battery electricity storage system at Dunnstown, and applications for developments by Curragh Lawn Nursing Home and Dunleas Kia.

From the regular columnists, the KWWSPCA mention the return of their Wag and Bone Dog Show, hopefully in September. Kilcullen Community Action provides a summer report on a wide range of activities coming to fruition, including the arrival of the Polytunnel which will significantly enhance the group's biodiversity activities. And on biodiversity, Noel Clare provides a detailed background to the problem of Ash Die Back affecting ash trees across Europe and even in our own place.

Julie Dunlop ponders on lessons for spirituality from the football frenzy which has been running the last couple of months, and Sean Landers muses on 'grave matters' in Carnalway which led to a court case in 1889. Mary Orford looks back on the maths prowess of those who sat the now-defunct Primary Cert, and the 20 Questions this month are answered by Conor Williams, who no longer hides behind his camera.

All those and more, to keep readers of The Bridge going until the next issue in September. My thanks to all the contributors, advertisers, and loyal readers: enjoy the summer ... if the lore around St Swithin's Day (15 July) is true, we're going to have a good one, weatherwise.

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