It Says in The Bridge: November 2022

Celebrating 150 years is a very special occasion, and for that anniversary of the parish church this issue of The Bridge looks back on just some of its history and the people involved, writes Brian Byrne.

The front page has a message of congratulation from the Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, who will be leading the celebrations tomorrow in Kilcullen. The main story is an introduction to a 16-page special section inside the magazine devoted to the 150 years, in contributions from many gathered together by Sean Landers.

Among them are some glimpses into the past before the church was built, stepping stones so to speak leading towards the construction of what became Kilcullen's dominant building.

There's an acknowledgment to John Harvey Lewis, who provided the land and money towards the project. There's a tour of the church's interior which highlights treasures that many may have not noticed, and pieces about some of the priests involved in those early days.

More recent memories include the day President Mary McAleese came to open the new Parish Centre, reflections of a former altar boy, an observation on the history of the church bell, and an article on Kilcullen's 'flying priest'.

All in all, the special section is something of a salute to people and faith and a symbolic edifice which has been a beacon of permanence for Kilcullen during privations and triumphs, through worries, hopes, expectations and celebrations.

Of course, there's all the regular stuff in this Bridge too. A note on the achievements of three women from Kilcullen being acknowledged for their work. An ode to the young from Julie Felsbergs. Marking the Garda Centenary in Kilcullen. Mary Orford on past farming practices. Ann Cashman answering 20 Questions. The schools and sports. Billy Redmond celebrating the return of the pulpit. KCA News. Animal Welfare. And more.

Well, it IS The Bridge. Here a mere 52 years, but, like the three times older church, still here too. Enjoy.

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