It Says in The Bridge: March 2025

The first issue in Volume 55 of The Bridge showcases a mix of different kinds of travel, writes Brian Byrne. Topping things is the visit to Kilcullen of people from our town twin in Normandy, creating many memories for both communities. Then there's the time travel by CPC TY students who recreated a 1920s jazz and cabaret cafe to show off skills learned in their Hospitality Module. And finally, a lead-in to the latest trek in the magazine's Out and Away series, this time to Seefin Hill in County Wicklow. (Nope, your editor hadn't heard of Seefin before, either.)

It's all part of the continuing eclectic mix that is the smorgasbord of life in Kilcullen as represented by the magazine in each issue. The editorial takes the milestone opportunity to acknowledge contributors, advertisers, and the readers, without whom the Bridge wouldn't exist, let alone have reached this point.

Apart from the normal schools pages, as usual full of the fun that marks primary education today, there's quite a bit on other young people activities in this issue. A visit to CPC by French and German students highlights the advantages of the Erasmus connection which the college made last year. There's a page devoted to a Music Table Quiz organised by the young Kilcullen Choristers, and also a colourful account of a weekly gathering in the Valley for nature play by smallies up to five years, Garrai na Leanaí. The activities at the Kilcullen Community Childcare Centre also feature, including their Crann Óg Forest School.

From the regulars, Mary Orford continues her look back at Kilcullen of a hundred years ago, including a notice about the opening of a branch of the Hibernian Bank in the village. As she notes, the bank never made its centenary.

A building that has done, though now repurposed from its original use, is the Boys School, and Daithí de Róiste looks back at a little of the history of the premises that is now our Library.

Billy Redmond muses off the cuff on national security and his reading of The Irish in the Resistance, which recounts untold stories of Irish civilians who helped to fight Hitler. Sean Landers continues his researches into Canon Somerville-Large of Carnalway, who as Rector in his parish in the 19th century took the brave approach of trying to minimise the differences between the Catholic and Protestant churches. John Duffey reminisces about the swing-boats in Kilcullen Carnival. In her Bit of Business, Gillian Rea talks to Amanda Durkan about her Squushed craftworks enterprise.

Given the month it is, St Patrick's Day is on the minds of both Fr Gary and Julie Felsbergs. Fr Gary recalls the life of the saint as that of a 'humble, courageous, resilient and faithful person', while Julie reflects on the symbol of the shamrock as 'The Real Deal' from a man who "taught us to believe in our dreams."

Sporting stories includes an account of Maureen Barker's dedication to Kilcullen Canoe Club, which paddled her into the finals of the Her Sports Awards 2025. There's detail on the GAA Healthy Clubs initiative, and some interesting archival photographs from the Pitch and Putt club.

All the above, and more, into the 55th year and onward, The March 2025 Bridge is now available at all the usual outlets.

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