It Says in The Bridge: April 2024

The front page of this issue highlights talent, generosity, and concern for human rights, all part of the fabric of Kilcullen, writes Brian Byrne. The intros lead into the magazine's coverage of the CPC annual musical, this year Bohemian Rock, as well as the responses to the funding needs of both the Teach Tearmainn group supporting those experiencing domestic violence, and of the people of Gaza who are in the violent hell of Israel's revenge rage.

That last event, a Coffee Morning organised by local people, gets centre spread attention in this Bridge. Also in colour is a look-back at the very successful one act plays nights organised by Kilcullen Drama Group, and there's a preview to the upcoming A Skull in Connemara which will be presented by the group this month.

In other news there's coverage of the Photography Club support for the Kilcullen First Responders (who are having an Open Evening in the Heritage Centre on Thursday next), of KCA happenings, and the High Court win by the Dunnstown area community against a battery energy storage scheme. The news from the parish schools, of course, is as usual full of quite wonderful activities.

The regular features include a walk along Dublin's South Bull Wall in Noel Clare's Out & Away, a story for spring from Julie Felsbergs, and two new pieces from the Kilcullen Creative Writers Group, one about the magic of the world of coral, the other the power of a photograph for family memory. In her Seeking Brigid profile series, Julie O'Donoghue recalls Mary Conroy, a local champion of community and compassion through the 1960s and early 1970s.

Mary Orford takes a sometimes fuzzy-screen look at the early days of television in Kilcullen and the nation, Billy Redmond muses on the strength of women, and the waste of water. Sean Landers continues his saga of Sallymount and John Duffey recalls journeying to a retreat for men in Co Offaly where the danger to immortal souls was eclipsed by the perils of a foggy drive by the side of a canal. A new contributor, Daithí de Róiste, introduces us to the ruins of Davidstown Church near Calverstown.

The sports coverage includes an interview with Kilcullen GAA's Senior Ladies team manager Ed Burke, an appreciation of the late Dina Dillon from the Pitch & Putt Club, and a note about an upcoming Beginners course for the Canoe Club. Not to forget the success of the Scoil Bhride cross-country teams.

As always, lots to digest over the coming week's full Irishes, on what the Talking Point describes as a 'proven durable' archival medium. Magazine paper still has its place in a digital age.

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