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Conleth’s Pari
. s CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 2021/2022
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Free Copy
Parish Office Tel: 045 431394 Parish e-mail: parishoffice@newbridgeparish.net
Parish Website: www.newbridgeparish.ie News & Views email: parishoffice@newbridgeparish.net
Diocesan Website: www.kandle.ie Lotto: lotto@newbridgeparish.net
Advertising: d.nua@mochuaprint.ie
NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
Parish Team Phone Numbers Parish Office
Sr. Eileen, Parish Sister Parish Office
Fr. Ruairí Ó’Domhnaill, P.P. Fr. Michael Cudzilo C.C. Tel. 045 431939 Tel. 045 431394
Tel. 045 431741 Tel. 045 438036
Margarita Bedding - Parish Pastoral Minister
Fr. Eugen Dragos Tamas Tel. 087 6107528 Pastoral Office
Fr. J. McDermott, P.E.C.C.
Fax: 045 486171
Tel. 045 903889 Tel. 045 433979 Donal Mahon - Parish Administrator
Tel. 087 2124515 Parish Centre
Fr. Piotr Jakubiak, Polish Chaplain Rev. Deacon Jim Stowe Charlotte Vard - Youth Ministry Tel. 045 431121
Tel. 045 434069 Tel. 045 431394 Tel: 087 258 2616
Emergency Number: Priest on call 087-2554908
Disclaimer: While every effort has been M A S S T I M E S
made to ensure that ads are published ST CONLETH’S CILL MHUIRE DOMINICAN CHURCH
accurately, the News & Views will not Saturday: Vigil Mass Saturday: Vigil Mass Saturday: Vigil Mass
be held responsible for any mistakes, 6.00pm 7.00pm 8.00pm
either through omission or commission, Sunday: 8.30am 11.00am Sunday: 9.30am 10.30am
Sunday: 10.30am
in the published version. 12.30pm 7.00pm 12 noon 5.30pm
BAPTISMS
Cara Louise O’Farrell Hunter John Talbot
College Farm Calverstown
Abbey Laura O’Farrell Ellie-May McBride Walsh
College Farm Lakeside Crescent
Harper Patricia Foley Doyle Gráinne Rose McGovern
Standhouse Lawns River Court
Adam James Fitzpatrick Lily Amelia Gorman
Rathcurragh Piercetown
Rian Kieran Smyth Gallagher Indie Fitzsimons
Great Connell Crotanstown Grange
James Ronan Daly Bell Luciano Lugh Nemeth
Dara Park Roseville Court
PARISH LOTTO
TICKETS ARE ON SALE EVERY DAY IN THE PARISH CENTRE AND UNTIL 12.30PM ON
WEDNESDAY (THE DAY OF THE DRAW). MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORT THE LOTTO
AND A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR PROMOTERS.
CONNECT WITH YOUR PARISH
Follow Newbridge Parish on social media:
Twitter: @newbridgeparish Youtube: Newbridge Parish
Facebook: Newbridge Parish Instagram: @NewbridgeParish
Parish App: Download ‘Newbridge Parish’ from Apple and Android stores.
Do give us a follow/like and join in the conversation about life in our parish.
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NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
EDITORIAL
One of the things I enjoy in the It has been good to see local businesses being supported
lead up to Christmas is buying the during the year and we wish them all a more prosperous
Christmas tree. The smell of a real 2022. People continue to be very generous to local
Christmas tree is like nothing else – charities and we encourage support for Share Food and
it evokes so many memories of trees the St. Vincent de Paul who continue to reach out to so
and Christmases past. I remember many in need.
well the coloured lights from years
ago and the many decorations gathered over the years. To all our families who have loved ones away from
Every family has its own traditions and memories around home this year – we keep you especially in our prayers.
Christmas and these next few weeks will see families We know that no matter where our loved ones are, the
decorating their homes. family bond remains intact.
In many ways it seems to have been a short year since last During the past year, News & Views has been available
Christmas. We had a long lockdown just after Christmas from a number of outlets in the parish and surrounding
and into 2021. That was hard for so many people. areas and we are very grateful to all of these premises
Summer brought a degree of relief from restrictions and for their continued support. We ask you, our readers, to
the ability to come together and share some important continue to support our advertisers and local businesses,
events. We were so relieved and pleased to be able as without them, News & Views would not exist.
to celebrate First Holy Communion and Confirmation On behalf of everyone on the Parish Team and Mochua
in September and October even if they were done in Print and Design, we would like to wish you, your
a different way. October also brought the easing of families and loved ones a happy, peaceful and holy
more restrictions with more people allowed to church Christmas and a prosperous 2022.
services. In November we were able to hold a number
of Masses in remembrance of all those who died since
the beginning of Covid 19. No doubt we all hoped to Margarita Bedding
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living with more uncertainty.
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NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
SOME CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS
I have been saddened to see how over the past few the reindeer charm and delight us but might also be a
weeks of Christmas preparations there has been little terrible distraction. They are light years away from the
if anything about what Christmas is really about. As meaning of what happened on that hillside in a village
Christians and parents, I feel that it is our duty to pass called Bethlehem, barely a day’s walk away from the city
on the good news message to our children. In relation of Jerusalem, where he died. We seem so slow to get the
to this, I pass on some thoughts I came across recently point, some of us never do.
by Vincent Travers, a Dominican priest and favourite He was the Son of God. His coming into the world
author of mine. was an act of pure love. “God loved the world so
Two thousand years ago, there were no trees with tinsel much”, St. John proclaims, “that he gave us His only
and mistletoe or coloured flickering lights or festival Son”. Love sums up the meaning of Christmas. The
wreaths or reindeer or fat men in funny red suits. There message of Christmas is that God loves us. That’s the
was just a scared girl, Mary, in her early teens, having heart of it and the real explanation behind all the joy,
a baby in a cave used by shepherds on a cold winter’s rejoicing and celebrations. And God does not only
night. The girl’s husband, Joseph, must have been out of love good people; he loves all people. God does not
his mind with wonder, fear and anxiety. The witnesses only love humankind in general; He loves you and me
were serenading angels and illiterate shepherds. No in particular. That’s what we take to heart and that’s
one wrote anything down to mark this baby’s birth. We what we tell our children. The lights, the trees, the red-
are not sure of the exact day or month or even the year suited men are fine as long as they do not distract from
he was born – December 25th is an approximation. what really happened. The Christmas message is that
Today, hundreds of thousands of buildings are dedicated God loves us, always and forever and will never let us
to his memory and hundreds of millions of people of go. God became human so that we might become sons/
all nations and background claim his name as their daughters of God.
own. The Christmas trees with the coloured lights and
fancy baubles, the wreaths and decorations, Santa and John Johnston
FINDING TIME FOR GOD
more friends to catch up with, more things to buy and
the days zoom by in a whirlwind of activity. So why is it
so difficult to find time for God in our busy daily lives? Is
it because God is important but not always urgent?
Taking time to pray, to express gratitude, to be still in the
peace of God always seems to be less urgent than getting
kids to school, working, replying to the email, WhatsApp-
ing friends, or scrolling through social media. We don’t
get notifications from God reminding us we haven’t
checked in. But God is there waiting.
And then suddenly we need Him. Somebody we love
needs helps, or maybe we do ourselves. Finding time
becomes urgent then. And God is still there waiting for us.
So how to find time? One way that works for me is to
consciously build this time into my day – it just won’t
happen otherwise! Morning is good for me, it might be
evening after dinner for you. Start small. Find a time
when you have a few moments and decide that this is the
time for prayer, an oasis of peace in a busy world.
We all have 168 hours a week – no more, no less. As
Why not check out the Parish website for some Advent
society reopens and we move ahead to normal levels of
prayer resources.
activity (hopefully that’s still the case as you read this) our
Claire Rudd
days get busier. There are more demands on our time,
4
NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
WAITING IN JOYFUL HOPE
At Christmas we are Mary, as expressed in her Magnificat, had to confront
celebrating the greatest the mystery of her own life. “Rejoice! for who am I that
event in the history of God has shown me favour?”
humanity - when Christ The most profound personal question in the Bible was
entered our human journey. addressed to St. Peter: “Who do you say that I am?”
It’s important for us to That is a question Jesus now addresses to all of us:
realise that we’re not talking “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on
only about an event that earth?” (Luke 18:9) Our great task in life is to discover
happened more than two God’s power at work within us. Marvellous things
thousand years ago in happen when people discover themselves.
Bethlehem. Perhaps, never
was that event more relevant Saint Joseph stands at the crossroads between the Old
for us today as we try to and New Testaments. In Joseph, Jesus saw the tender
make sense of what is happening in the world around love of God. Joseph was the man chosen by God to
us and as we deal with the spread of the Covid virus. guide the beginnings of the history of salvation. In his
We may be moving towards a new springtime for the continued protection of the Church, Joseph continues
Church. Where might we, Holy Family members, look to protect the child and his mother, and we too, by our
for signs of hope today? Are we still relevant to carry on love for the Church, continue to love the child and his
the work entrusted to us by our Founder as we recall what mother. The heart of the Gospel states: “God so loved
he said: “The human heart can go the length of God?” the world that He gave his only Son.”
We are invited to share in the reality of the Incarnation
when Jesus took on our human nature. The message of “There are so many lovely songs to sing
Christmas will never grow stale as we celebrate God’s of God and His eternal love that rings
entrance into the heart in the person of Jesus. of simple people and of simple things.”
This departing year has been very difficult for many John B. Keane
people, especially for those who lost loved ones due
to Covid 19. It is important to hold on to the hope The Christmas hopes of a ‘new spring’ will carry us
that all will be well one day. We must go forward with forward to the event at Bethlehem. May we be filled
hope in our hearts. The apparition of 1879 at the gable with joy and hope as we awaken to new possibilities of
wall at Knock has a message for the whole human kindness and love in our own personal lives and in our
family – it’s a powerful expression of the central parish. With God on our side, who can be against us?
mystery of our faith. Joseph, as in the apparition, is
placed at the centre of the entire plan of salvation. Sr. Catherine Moran
5
NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
• What is the meaning of my life?
• Why does Jesus matter?
• How can I live a better life?
Tired of fishing for answers?
Start the New Year with a
resolution to grow in your
Faith by participating in this
easy and friendly course
called DISCOVERING CHRIST
This is your opportunity to find answers on
The Meaning of Life
You are invited to come and….
• SHARE A MEAL WITH FRIENDS…AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS!
• WATCH 9 DVDS OVER A PERIOD OF 7 WEEKS ON FAITH AND LIFE
• PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION/SHARING SMALL GROUP
• DISCOVER CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL FRIEND
Starting Friday 27th January from 7pm to 8.30pm
in Newbridge
OPEN TO YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS AND ADULTS
ALL ARE WELCOME! THE COURSE IS FREE OF CHARGE
. To register please text or leave a message on 087 2977794
and we’ll return your call
Christmas Hamper Raffle in aid of Newbridge Parish Lourdes Fund,
will take place Tuesday 21st December.
Tickets: €2 each or 3 for €5
Can be purchased from the Parish Centre or by card.
Please phone 045 431121.
Many thanks for your support!
6
NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
LILY GUIDES
The Lily Guide unit contributing to Share Food. The guides have been learning about doing ‘good turns’ for their
families and the wider community. To complete this challenge in their programme they learned about balanced
diets and the cost of providing for a family. It was a wonderful experience and our young guides had fun. After
almost twenty months of Zoom meetings it has been fantastic to be meeting face to face. Irish Girl Guides
actively promotes diversity and inclusion and welcomes girls and young women from all walks of life. Please
contact 086 8788819 for further information on the Guides.
7
NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
IT’S PANTO TIME!! OH YES IT IS!!
(SAD FACE) ACTUALLY, OH NO, IT’S NOT
Hi everyone,
A very Happy and Peaceful Christmas to all you Mams, The safety and welfare of our performers, young and
Dads, Boys and Girls from us here in St Conleth’s old, as well as that of our audience and crew is of utmost
Pantomime Troupe. importance. Therefore the committee feel that we have no
choice but to hold off for another year.
In 2020 we celebrated our 80th consecutive Pantomime
performance. This is an achievement of which we are very On a more positive note, things have been improving and
proud, and rightly so, because we believe that no other we hope to be in a position in the new year to organise
Pantomime in Ireland has ever done more than this. some fund raising events with an aim to coming back
even bigger and better than ever in 2023.
Sadly, with the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic in March
2020, we had no choice but to cancel what would have Below are some photographs from Pantos past…..maybe
been our 81st performance in 2021. This was indeed a real you recognise someone, or even yourself, in them.
hard blow to all of us who look forward to the shenanigans
and mayhem that is our annual Panto. God Bless and stay safe.
And the even sadder news is that we are now going to John Leamy
have to forego the 2022 show because of the continuing Chairperson
situation with Covid 19. Saint Conleth’s Pantomime Troupe
8
NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
MINCE PIE TRAY BAKE by Geraldine Meade
Well folks, in keeping with the Christmas spirit, what METHOD
better way than to bring some mince pies to the table,
1. Preheat oven to 180∘C
Mince pies with a difference.
2. Grease and line a deep baking tray before
INGREDIENTS
lining with the pastry sheet.
• Sheet of short crust pastry .
3. Spread the mincemeat over the pastry.
• 100g butter.
4. Cream the butter and sugar.
• 125g caster sugar.
5. Add the eggs and almond extract and beat well.
• 3 Eggs.
6. Fold in the ground almonds and flour and pour
• 1 Tsp almond extract. on top of the mincemeat inside the pastry case.
• 150g ground almonds. 7. Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top.
• 80g self raising flour. 8. Bake for 30 mins till brown.
• 200g mincemeat. 9. Dust with icing sugar.
• 20g flaked almonds. 10. Cut into squares and serve with a nice cuppa.
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NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
THE FOLEY FAMILY
As I write these few words Pope It has been a year like no other.
Francis is just leaving the island of Government restrictions mean
Lesbos having told the refugees there that within the Church of Ireland
that, “I am here to see your faces and community our Advent and Christmas
look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear celebrations will again be muted. As
and expectancy, eyes that have seen Christians we know this is nothing new.
violence and poverty, eyes streaked by 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the
too many tears,” Old Testament people of God were in
exile. Their experience caused them to
It is only a few short weeks since 27 migrants drowned question the goodness of God.
as they tried to cross the English channel to Britain in
search of a new life escaping from God-only-knows- One of our normal highlights of this time is a service of
what in their countries of origin. Carols and Readings and a favourite passage comes from one
of those readings. In a time of darkness Isaiah (in chapter 9)
The plight of migrants in the world today reminds all writes,
Christians that the message of Jesus is as radical and
revolutionary as it was 2000 years ago. ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on
those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.’
Soon we will be dusting off our Nativity cribs waiting
for Christmas Eve so that we can place the infant God- and continues
made-Man in His manger. The birth of Christ reminds
us, not only that the birth of a child marked God’s ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
entry into the world, but that in fact the birth of every government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
child marks God’s entry into the world. Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and
With the entry of the God-made-man into our world peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne
as a little child we are reminded that every human and over his kingdom.’
being is an icon of God, a revelation of His beauty, a
signpost to His presence among us in the world. This child will bring peace and justice, showing that God
loves us and brings hope and joy. Earlier in chapter 7, Isaiah
Mother Teresa of Kolkata never tired of saying, “How easy has given a hint of who this child will be. He will be called
Jesus makes it for us to love Him! When we give a cup of Emmanuel and will demonstrate that God is with us.
water to a poor man we are in fact giving it to Him!”
Christmas tells of God’s love for us and the joy that knowing
As Christians we are commissioned to recognise Christ’s Jesus brings. The Church of Ireland churches wish you a
presence in each face of suffering humanity and to Happy, Blessed and Safe Christmas.
reverence Him in the love we show.
Tim Wright
Fr. Ruairí Ó’Domhnaill, PP Very Revd
Dean of Kildare
Incumbent of Kildare and Newbridge Union
“The Word became flesh and made his all things right. He has come into the world for each and
dwelling among us. We have seen his every one of us. May our eyes of faith help us to see and
glory, the glory of the one and only Son, to be filled with the wonder of the shepherds on that first
who came from the Father, full of grace Christmas as they gazed upon the king of kings, and Lord
and truth.” of lords - this gentle infant Child.
The Dominican Community of May you be filled with the joy of this most Holy Season as
Newbridge pray that your hearts may the world celebrates the Birth of our Saviour and may you
be lifted in praise to God this Christmas for His great and have a Blessed New Year. You will be in the prayers of all the
wonderful gift of Jesus, His Son and our Saviour. Faith in Community over this special time.
the Infant born to us makes all things possible, the hope
He brings makes all things real, the love He offers makes Fr. Joe Bulman OP
10NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2021
PARISH CHURCH CILL MHUIRE
Confessions: Monday 20th & Tuesday Confessions: Saturday 18th December
21st December at 7pm at 10am
Mon 20th - Thurs 23rd Dec: 9.30am Mass Mon 20th – Thurs 23rd Dec: 10.00am Mass
Christmas Eve Morning: 9.30am Mass Christmas Eve Morning: 10.00am Mass
CHRISTMAS MASSES: CHRISTMAS MASSES:
Christmas Eve: 7.00pm & 9.00pm Christmas Eve: 6.00pm & 8.00pm
Christmas Day: 8.30am, 11.00am & Christmas Day: 10.30am
12.30pm Polish Mass 1.00pm
No Evening Mass
MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK & NEW YEAR MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK & NEW YEAR
Sunday 26th December: 8.30am, 11.00am, Sunday 26th December: Mass at 10.30am
12.30pm, 7.00pm Monday 27th – Friday 31st: Mass at 10.00am
Monday 27th – Friday 31st: Mass at 11.00am Saturday 1st January: 7.00pm Vigil Mass
Saturday 1st January: 9.30am & 6.00pm (Vigil) Sunday 2nd January: 10.30am Mass
Sunday 2nd January: 8.30am, 11.00am, Wednesday 5th January: 10.00am & 7.00pm (Vigil)
12.30pm & 7.00pm Thursday 6th January: Feast of Epiphany:10.30am
Wednesday 5th January: 9.30am & 6.00pm (Vigil)
Thursday 6th January: Feast of Epiphany: 8.30am,
11.00am & 7.00pm
DOMINICAN CHURCH The Parish Office and the Parish
Confessions: Christmas Eve Centre will close on
10.30am - 6.00pm
Wednesday 22nd December 2021
Christmas Eve Morning: Masses at 7.30am & 10am at 3.00pm.
CHRISTMAS MASSES:
Christmas Eve: 10.00pm
Parish Centre will reopen
Christmas Day: 8.30am, 9.30am, Tues 4th Jan 2022 10am – 8pm.
10.30am & 12noon.
No Evening Mass
MASS TIMES FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK & NEW YEAR
Parish Office will reopen
Tues 4th Jan 2022 10am – 4pm.
Sunday 26th December: Masses at 9.30am,10.30am,
12 noon 5.30pm.
We wish everyone a very Happy & Holy
Monday 27th December – Mass at 10.00am only
Tuesday 4th January: Christmas & a joyful & healthy New Year.
11NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
LOCAL WOODTURNER-SCULPTOR WINS €10K AWARD TO PROVIDE
REFLECTION SPACE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
ST CONLETH’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NEWBRIDGE
• Emmet Kane meeting with Ms Patricia O’Brien, Principal and students
of St Conleth’s Community College, Newbridge to discuss the project.
The proposed project by Castledermot Woodturner-Sculptor, grounds to be that quiet space for everyone to remember and
Emmet Kane in partnership with St Conleth’s Community reflect on the pandemic, the changes to how we live because of
College, Newbridge, Co. Kildare has been selected for the it and on those who died during it.”
prestigious Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund in Emmet Kane has worked as a Woodturner/Sculptor for over
partnership with Business to Arts. The project will create a 33 years. He has been invited to contribute to many arts
permanent new art installation at St Conleth’s Community collaborations internationally and his work is exhibited in
College. many prestigious galleries around the world including the
Over the coming weeks and months, Emmet will collaborate National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts Collins Barrack’s
with the pupils and staff at St Conleth’s Community College to permanent collection.
develop an outdoor space on the school grounds that will be a
quiet space for everyone to remember and reflect on Covid-19 St Conleth’s has excellent woodturning facilities including a
and how it has affected people in different ways. An outdoor fully equipped woodturning room. Since 2007, Emmet Kane
seating area will be created from locally sourced wood; and an has worked with St Conleth’s Wednesday Club, managed by the
Oak tree will be planted at the space too, in memory of all those school’s completion officer Gillian Hipwell. Students also bring
in the school community who died from Covid-19 over the past their Wednesday Club woodturning skills to create pieces for
18 months. their Junior Cert and Leaving Cert exams. In 2012, the school
“My vision is that a new space be created through this arts was involved in a Titanic project with a number of other schools
project which will be an inviting and calm place for students in Newbridge, for which the Woodturning Wednesday Club
and staff to reflect and take time out from their busy school life created fragments of the ship.
and that the process will encourage students to talk or listen to “The Wednesday Club woodturning class allows the pupils to
their teachers and each other more,” he concludes. relax and be creative. Over the years, students have developed
an understanding of design and creativity and appreciate how
Ms Patricia O’Brien, school Principal stated ‘this is a fantastic many elements have to work together to make a bowl or a pen
opportunity for the students in the school to work with an Artist or a piece of sculpture from wood,” says Emmet.
like Emmet, from the inception of an idea to the completion Emmet says that the philosophy of ‘working the hands to free
of the Project. We have many students in the school whose the mind’ will help all the students involved to learn new skills
families have been affected by Covid and who have experienced while talking through their problems as they learn.
bereavements during this time. This project will help students
work through their emotions in a positive way while leaving the “Working with wood is a fantastic medium because it proves
school with a beautiful reflective space for generations to come.’ that anything is possible. I always encourage the students to
realise that there is no such word as ‘cannot’ because everything
Emmet explains his inspiration for the project: “Last year since is possible if we try and if we are determined,” he says.
Covid-19, like many organisations, St Conleth’s Community
College had to readjust the school building to accommodate For more information:
social distancing. They also encouraged students and staff to https://www.businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/bank-of-ireland/
use outside spaces more during breaks and lunches to enjoy the https://www.stconlethscc.ie/Emmet Kane
fresh air and take a mask-break. Over time it became apparent Castledermot, Co.Kildare | 086 8146836
that the school lacked a quiet area for reflection and calmness. www.emmetkane.com
With this in mind, the project will identify an area on the school Facebook emmet kane | Instagram emmet kane
12NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
SAY ‘OUI’ TO LANGUAGES IN SCOIL MHUIRE
SENIOR SCHOOL!
A new initiative in relation to the teaching of languages in and on the playground. A truly European atmosphere was
Primary schools has been generated by The Department of evident in the classroom on French Day! The focus of the
Education during October and November 2021. The Minister initiative is to introduce some basic vocabulary while making
for Education, Norma Foley, invited expressions of interest from reference to French culture and life in France. The suite of
English - medium schools, Irish - medium schools and Special resources provided by the PPLI Primary Team included a
Schools to participate in a new language Sampler Module. The ‘Language Passport’. This resource is designed to complement
course is targeted at Third to Sixth Class for up to one hour per the work of the tutor as the passport records the topics studied
week. Each school is entitled to choose the language they wish to in class and the pupils are encouraged to share their progress
introduce to the children in their school and organise a language with their parents or guardians at home. This is an opportunity
tutor who is fluent in the target language. There was a very to share this linguistic experience and enjoy it all the more!
impressive response as over 500 schools throughout the country Perhaps, a ‘Bon Appétit’ at mealtime!
applied to participate in this new venture. Consequently, the Language is a means of communication and is a life skill which
scheme has been rolled out over three terms to accommodate permeates all aspects of school life both at Primary level, Post-
the overwhelming interest and each school will enjoy a six week Primary level and in the future lives of all the pupils regardless
course over the three terms of the academic year. of their choice of career paths.
Scoil Mhuire Senior School, Newbridge, was successful in their Being exposed to another language has many benefits
application and said ‘ Oui ‘ to Languages. The school applied to for primary pupils as it permits the children to be more
engage and explore French as a language; the sixth most widely empathetic and receptive to other cultures and experiences. It
spoken language in the world. This is the working language also supports greater inclusion and appreciation of diversity
of many global organisations such as the United Nations and among their peers. Most importantly, it provides a springboard
The World Trade Organisation All the schools are supported for primary children to experience learning another language
by Post Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) in providing the six and encourages them to continue studying a language at Post
week Module Sampler and a myriad of resources to support - Primary level.
the teachers and tutors. Scoil Mhuire commenced the six week This six week French Sampler Module has been a very
Sampler Module in late October, completing the course last successful venture in all the Sixth Classes and the pupils will be
week. encouraged to continue practising their new phrases and enjoy
The four Sixth Classes were given the opportunity to explore communicating with their classmates and teachers in French
French as a language and this experience was greatly enhanced for the remainder of the school year. It is the beginning of a new
by their tutor Jessica Clifford, a native French speaker, who adventure into the world of languages, opening new avenues
delivered very animated classes and provided a truly unique as they look forward to the post -primary experience. Bonne
introduction to the French language and culture. The pupils Chance! to all the Scoil Mhuire pupils who continue to enjoy
responded very positively and ‘Bonjour’, ‘Au Revoir’, ‘Merci their new medium of communication - la langue française!
Beaucoup’, Comment allez - vous? were but some of the
conversational phrases resonating in the corridors, classrooms Stephanie Bergin
13NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
By Paul O’Connor ND, A.N.P.
The heart will beat from birth to death, it never stops. Such - Dr. Linus Pauling, a Nobel prize winner, demonstrated
an important organ needs to be minded and fed the correct how Vitamin C can slow down the production of cholesterol
nutrients. Regular exercise is important but be careful not to and can prevent the body from turning HDL (good fats) into
overdo it. A good resting heart rate would be around 60 beats triglycerides (bad fats).
per minute, some long-distance runners can be around 40 beats
per minute. - My favourite heart herb is Hawthorn (May Flower), it is great
for circulation, blood pressure and as a heart tonic. It allows the
Without getting too complex or boring you with studies of which heart muscles to receive more blood and oxygen. It allows more
there are many the heart has many friends such as Vitamin E, efficient dilation of arteries and also takes pressure off the heart
Vitamin C, Hawthorn and Omega Oils. There are more but I’m muscle in terms of its ability to pump blood through the body.
just going to discuss the main healthy heart nutrients.
Please speak to a health care professional before taking any
- Vitamin E is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant in the supplements and when purchasing vitamins always look for
human body. It is found in the lipid rich area of cell membranes. natural brands not ones manufactured from chemicals.
It has an antioxidant effect and cleans up free radicals (heavy
metals and toxins) from the body. Vitamin E provides significant I would like to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and
benefits in protecting against heart disease. A study from all the best for 2022. God bless and keep safe and healthy.
Cambridge University with 2,000 participants with existing
heart disease found a 47% reduction in cardiovascular disease Paul O’Connor, Naturopath,
after taking Vitamin E. Herbalist ND, A.N.P.
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14NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
Book Of Tributes
Fr. Jimmy Doyle
SPORTSMAN
AND A
SH EPH ERD
Memories of an Inspiring Priest
and GAA Devotee
Online Couples and Relationships Counselling
Appointments
Online Counselling appointments using Zoom are
now available for couples and individuals. Accord
Accord CLG Services during Counsellors providing online counselling have completed
comprehensive professional training in working online
Covid-19 Restrictions with couples and individuals. E.mail onlinecounselling@
accord.ie or go to www.accord.ie for further details.
Marriage Preparation Programmes
During this health emergency, an interactive marriage In Person Couples and Relationships Counselling
preparation programme will be delivered via video link Appointments
by trained Accord facilitators to couples preparing for the As Counselling is considered an essential service under the
Sacrament of Marriage. Please go to www.accord.ie for Government Plan for Living with COVID-19 in-person
further details. counselling is available in ACCORD Newbridge Centre.
Please contact us:
Accord CLG Newbridge Centre Phone: 045 431695 | Email : accordnewbridge@gmail.com
15NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
PAPAL CROSS – OUR EXPERIENCE
By Saraid Hartnett, Grainne Stapleton, Frantiska Pertrufova, Clara Rock, Mia Cullen, Aoife Buckley,
Ciara Buckley, Michelle Magbo and Lily O’Sullivan
For most of us, we first heard about the John Paul II and Papal about – beginning again. This was the perfect way for us to stay
Cross Awards through seeing older siblings and other young active in the parish during COVID. It was a continuous 40-day
people participating in Mass. We saw people only a few years timetable, with a Zoom call every Friday with all the participants
older than us, standing up in front of our parish congregation to discuss our progress. It sought to improve our minds, bodies
and involving themselves in the Mass, unafraid of faith and the and souls. While initially, there were some doubts whether one
journey they were partaking in. We liked the idea of helping programme could encompass all the values of Lent and still be
during Mass too, as we had attended our local churches every exciting, we were all pleasantly surprised. Every day, we would
weekend for as long as we could remember. Looking at this pray, exercise and complete an activity that would either help
group of teenagers playing an active role in Mass appealed to us others, or remind us of our special relationship with God. The
and made us re-evaluate what faith meant to us. true beauty of the programme was that it was okay if you missed
an activity or were unable to complete it that day, because the
In Transition Year, we completed our JPII Gold Award and looked next day was a fresh beginning, a new beginning.
forward to taking the next step in our ongoing appreciation of
God and faith. After the great sense of pride and achievement Another way we stayed involved in the church throughout
we felt from our Parish and Community involvement, it was an lockdown after lockdown, was through our Novena. Although
easy decision to continue to the next level – The Papal Cross we were all disappointed that we couldn’t attend the prayers
Award. in person, it was extremely engaging and insightful for us all.
We had the opportunity to listen to priests from all around the
During the long, hard months of lockdown when places of diocese, including Bishop Nulty, Fr. Ruairí and Fr. Joe, tell their
worship were closed to the public, we were forced to go digital stories and experiences with Mary, our Lady of Perpetual Help.
with all our Masses and ceremonies and attend them spiritually, Each night of the Novena gave us a new perspective, and shone
but virtually, from our living room couches or kitchen tables. a spotlight on items from icons to Nicodemus, to exploring our
This was, however, also the time when we learned about religion and bettering ourselves. We were tasked with writing a
the incredible Carlo Acutis and his powerful legacy of the reflection after participating each night, sharing our thoughts
meaningfulness of the internet in the spreading of the Word on what the priests had spoken about. While that may seem
of God and the good news of love, hope and forgiveness like a hard ask, it was surprisingly enjoyable, and it was fun to
that Jesus brought to the world. Taking inspiration from the tap into our own thoughts, sharing them with people who don’t
beatified Italian teenager, we continued to stay involved in critique or judge.
parish activities, helping with and participating in live streamed And we can’t forget about Amadeus, something that was central
ceremonies from the church, bringing the Gospel to the home to many of us completing our JPII and Papal Cross Awards.
of every parishioner. Amadeus is our local Catholic Youth Group hosted in the
Parish Centre every Friday evening. We kept our contact with
During Lent of 2021, our parish began a programme named Amadeus through Zoom calls every second Friday, hosted by
Begin Again 21. This Lenten programme was unique to our wonderful leaders, Clodagh, Charlotte, Amy and Seán. The
Newbridge Parish and invited parishioners of all ages to activities we did consisted of games, quizzes, 20 questions and
connect and grow with God, remembering what Lent is truly scavenger hunts. We were also lucky enough to receive a special
16NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
visit from our Parish Priest, Fr. Ruairí. We were given the Papal Cross is a wonderful, empowering message for others
opportunity to interview him about his life. It was nice to hear showing that they’re part of something that is bigger than
about his journey from the seminary to where he is now. While themselves. As a participant, you serve as an inspiration for
it was still fun being online, nothing compares to seeing one others by being active in your parishes and wider communities.
another in person again, as Amadeus is now back fortnightly on
Friday nights from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. By immersing ourselves in our belief and in Mass, we found
that we are more attentive, and we started to gain more from the
Towards the end of our award, churches began to slowly ceremony. We strengthened not only our faith, but the belief in
reopen, and we got the opportunity to help at Mass once again ourselves, gaining confidence and maturity.
by stewarding, reading, cleaning and collecting. We found one
positive came from the closures – we all gained a newfound Having the support of the people in our parishes was a
appreciation of Mass, and the ability to come together and pray contributing factor to the pride we felt upon completing the
and share our faith in person. award. When people, especially young people, are active in the
church, our religion and faith take on a new sense of vibrancy
To celebrate our achievements together as a faith community, on and life. We are honoured to be part of a generation that can be
the evening of October 13th we gathered in Carlow Cathedral open and proud of our faith and beliefs.
where 44 of us received our Papal Cross Award. This was a Following our two years working for the Gold and Papal Cross
momentous occasion for all of us award recipients and seeing Awards we are keen to continue to make a positive impact on
the award in our hands really cemented the value of the award our community of faith. Each of us continues to attend Mass,
to us. We had the privilege of not only being presented with taking part in reading, singing, collections and most recently,
our medals by Bishop Denis Nulty, but we also got to listen to becoming Eucharistic Ministers. It is important for us to stay
his wise words about the importance of young people in the involved and continue to grow as Christians as we have become
Church today and into the future. It was a night of elation for more confident and certain in our faith and cherish the new
everyone, including our families, award leaders and school relationships developed over the course of our two years as
chaplaincy teams who have worked so hard over the past year JPII participants. We are encouraging others in our school and
to encourage us to persevere through the challenges that both area to take on the commitment of the journey to achieving the
COVID and the award presented to us. Overall, it was a great JPII Award for the coming year. We all know how much it has
moment of celebration with other young people from all around helped us to rediscover our faith and to bond as a group, and
our diocese, and it was incredible to be able to mark occasions we urge as many people to get involved as possible. You won’t
like this in person once again. regret a moment of it, we promise!
It is important to become involved in our parish and We are looking forward to the full reopening of all churches
community for many reasons. The satisfaction and pride that and getting back to normality soon. The values and lessons we
comes from helping others makes it important to volunteer in learned on our journey over the past two years will stay with us
your community. When you commit your time and effort to forever, and we will never forget the importance of our Faith.
something, the feeling of fulfilment can be endless. JPII and
17NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
GLORIES OF THE CURRAGH
By Don Kelly
Athgarvan, Jack “Nonpareil” Dempsey; the Newbridge grocer
who trained a Royal Ascot winner; the “Bird” that laid an egg on a
dance room floor; the priest who won an All-Ireland with Kildare
under an assumed name; the All-Ireland final played in Athy; the
night when the screen action dramatically came alive; the Prince
and the Curragh Wren.
Along with the many spectacular scenic shots, the various themes
are complimented and illustrated with many photographic images
of great historical and sporting interest that can be truly described
as fascinating and engaging, not only of local interest but for a
wider public.
Events and structures going back to the establishment of the
Curragh Camp in 1855 are captured, like the original two wooden
churches, the Prince of Wales in the Camp in 1861, scenes from the
Gibbet Rath, Darling’s Barber Shop of 1903, the 1922 takeover by
the Irish army, motor racing on the Curragh, historic racing and
golfing scenes, and many others.
For GAA fans, there is an especially interesting depiction of the
Football and Hurling Team of the Century, a photo of one of
the teams that played in the very first All-Ireland in 1887 with
a contemporary Newbridge connection and the great Kildare
All-Ireland winning teams of the early twentieth century along
with features on such legendary stars as local resident Dermot
Earley, Sarsfield’s great Paddy “Boiler’’ White and Paul Doyle from
Suncroft, the only Kildare player to have ever contested six All-
Ireland Finals, sharing with Mick Buckley of Caragh and Sarsfield
the honour of being the only Lilywhites to have won three All-
This book is based on a poem, “Glories of The Curragh”, and lrelands.
encapsulates much of the historical and sporting events and
personalities associated with this renowned area – the Triumphs, This lovely book is very much a local production, the author, Don
Tragedies, Glories, Despairs and Nostalgia. Kelly, a native of Brownstown and long-time Newbridge resident
and is designed and printed by Donovan Printers. It is priced at
It has weird and wonderful tales: the “legless” Grand National €20 and is available in Farrell’s Bookshop in Newbridge, as well
winner; the now largely-forgotten world champion boxer from as in outlets on The Curragh, Kilcullen and Kildare, full details of
which can be found on the Facebook Page “Glories of The Curragh”.
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18NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
15 QUESTIONS WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY:
FR. RUAIRÍ Ó DOMHNAILL
6. Do you have a special childhood memory that comes
to mind ?
I suppose, like most people, I have a number of
stand out memories from childhood, some good,
some not so good. Christmas was always very
traditional in my house. Coming from a big family
I always remember the early Christmas mornings
when we went to our sitting room to see the toys
which Santa left us scattered across the floor.
We were a family which prayed the Rosary every
evening. I have many memories of someone
causing the younger members to laugh during the
prayers, to the great disapproval of my Dad!
7. How do you relax ?
I love to meet with friends, to share a meal and to
cook! I go to Dublin when I can to revisit my old
haunts in the city and to browse the book shops.
8. Do you read a lot ?
I love to read! My kitchen table is stacked high
with books. Every time I stop to drink a mug of
tea I pick up a book of some sort.
9. Do you ever use public transport ?
I rarely use public transport now but as a boy
I went to school every morning and came back
on the bus. I know I should use public transport
more but I always seem to be in a hurry. Not a
good thing!
Well with Christmas just around the corner who better to 10. Do you like to look at television ?
answer my 15 Questions than Fr Ruairí Ó Domhnaill P.P. of I occasionally watch TV, certainly not every day.
St. Conleth’s. What a pleasure he was to chat with. Here is a Sometimes if a friend comes over we look for a
little insight into our Parish Priest. good film to watch.
11. Do you like to cook ?
1. Where is your birth county ? I love to cook. It’s a great distraction from life.
Dublin I also love the creative side of cooking and the
2. Did you always want to be a priest ? sense of achievement when something turns out
As a teenager I went to Medjugorje and it had a well.
very dramatic impact on my life. It was from that 12. Are you a tidy person ?
trip that I first felt a call from God to priesthood. I try to be. Sometimes things get a bit on top of
3. Had you ever considered any other career ? me but anyone who visits my home would see it
I loved politics and often thought that I might take as tidy. Don’t look in the cupboards!
that route. I come from a medical background so 13. How long does it take you to get ready in the
that was always a possibility also. morning ?
4. Has your vocation taken you to many other countries ? Half an hour.
Not really. I love to travel particularly around 14. What do you do to keep fit ?
Europe. I have a great interest in history so I like I used to exercise a lot. When I came to
to visit places of historical interest. Newbridge first as a curate I ran every morning
5. If you could live in any other country, where would it on the Curragh. Now I struggle a bit. I try to
be ? walk when I can. I have great plans though!
I couldn’t see myself living in any other country. 15. What would you do if you won the lottery ?
I have a deep affinity with Bosnia & Herzegovina Tell no one!
because it was the beginning of my spiritual
awakening. I could see myself living there for a
long time but I would always want to return to
Ireland.
19NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
NEW MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
On the weekend of December 4th, we were delighted to commission seven 6th Year students from the Holy Family Secondary
School as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at various Masses. We are deeply grateful for the important role that these
seven young women have said yes to for their parish life and the witness they are, not only to their fellow students, but indeed
to all of us.
0818 333 400
045 832121
sales@gillskips.ie
The managemnt and staff would like
to wish all our customers a Very
Happy Christmas and
New Year!
20NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Celine Tunney
Great Connell, Newbridge
Died 22nd January 2021
We, the family of the late We would like to say a special thank you to Fr. Paul
Celine Tunney, her daughters Lawlor for his kindness and support and for celebrating
Marian, Emma and Colette, Celine’s funeral mass, to Vicky Cahill and David Usher
Sons-in-law Ces, Dom and for the beautiful music.
John, grandchildren and Thank you to Anderson and Leahy funeral directors for
greatgrandchildren would like the dignified manner in which they carried out the funeral
to extend our sincere thanks for arrangements and to funeral minister Brian Clarke for his
the kindness and support shown empathy.
to us on the loss of Celine. We A special word of thanks to all who cared for Celine over
would like to extend our special the past number of years, Dr. Ester Leddy, Dr. Deirdre
thanks to our family, friends and Collins and the staff at Centric Health Care, the staff at
neighbours for all their kindness Beechpark nursing home for the wonderful care they
and continued support during these difficult times. gave to Celine since 2019.
We would like to thank all who supported us at Celine’s As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, the
funeral, those who sent Mass cards, letters and those who Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your
left condolences on Rip.ie as circumstances did not allow intentions.
you to sympathise in person.
DEATHS
Deirdre Jordan (née Campbell) Brigid Crawley Breda Enright (née Loughlin)
Old Connell Weir Liffey Terrace Standhouse Road
James (Jimmy) McLoughlin Marie Healy Mary Culbert
Clongorey, Newbridge College Farm & formerly of Highfield Estate
Marie Dowling (née Maguire) Brownstown, The Curragh Sean Murphy
Standhouse Lawns Desmond (Dessie) McGrath Highfield Estate
Brian Brennan Moorefield Crescent Bridget Donovan
Ryston Close Philip Mallon Lakeside Park
Josephine (Josie) Lennon College Farm Mary McCormack
Morristown Estate John (Jack) Brophy (née Mooney)
Patrick (Paddy) Tidd Tullamore St. Dominic’s Park
Lakeside Park Francis (Franny) Brogan James (Jim) Stokes
Annie Burke Dara Park Piercetown
Roseberry Peter Conlan – Clonmullin
Marie Lee Retirement Village, Athy &
Moorefield Drive formerly of Rickardstown
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Henry Street, Newbridge. e: info@mochuaprint.ie
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21NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
Hilda’s
Hints Well guys this is the season to be merry, what
better way to keep the old spirits up than to
keep life simple, with some helpful hints.
1. Keep some empty egg cartons to store
some of your Christmas tree baubles in
as the egg cartons can be stacked neatly
in plastic storage boxes.
2. Instead of keeping wrapping paper
closed with a piece of tape, why not slip
an empty toilet roll over the roll.
3. Always put a half teaspoon of sugar
on carrots, squash or parsnips when
roasting in the oven as sugar brings out
the natural sweetness in the vegetables.
4. When Roasting Vegetables always toss
them in oil first then season them in salt
and pepper, this way the seasoning sticks
to the vegetables.
5. If you find your home made soup has
some grease on the top of it, add a leaf of
lettuce into the pot and it will absorb the
grease.
6. Put six teaspoons of salt into a shaker
with two teaspoons of pepper for quick
seasonings.
Here is wishing all our readers a very happy
and healthy Christmas and New Year.
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Newbridge
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22NEWS & VIEWS DECEMBER 2021
CHRISTMAS STORY FOR CHILDREN
THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER
who gave him money enough to buy leather for four
pairs of shoes. The following morning, too, he found
the four pairs made; and so it went on constantly, what
he cut out in the evening was finished by the morning,
so that he soon had his honest independence again,
and at last became a wealthy man. Now it befell that
one evening not long before Christmas, when the man
had been cutting out, he said to his wife, before going
to bed, “What think you if we were to stay up to-night
to see who it is that lends us this helping hand?” The
woman liked the idea, and lighted a candle, and then
they hid themselves in a corner of the room, behind
some clothes which were hanging up there, and
watched. When it was midnight, two pretty little naked
men came, sat down by the shoemaker’s table, took all
the work which was cut out before them and began to
stitch, and sew, and hammer so skilfully and so quickly
with their little fingers that the shoemaker could not
turn away his eyes for astonishment. They did not stop
until all was done, and stood finished on the table, and
they ran quickly away.
Next morning the woman said, “The little men have
made us rich, and we really must show that we are
grateful for it. They run about so, and have nothing on,
and must be cold. I’ll tell thee what I’ll do: I will make
them little shirts, and coats, and vests, and trousers,
and knit both of them a pair of stockings, and do
A shoemaker, by no fault of his own, had become so thou, too, make them two little pairs of shoes.” The
poor that at last he had nothing left but leather for one man said, “I shall be very glad to do it;” and one night,
pair of shoes. So in the evening, he cut out the shoes when everything was ready, they laid their presents
which he wished to begin to make the next morning, all together on the table instead of the cut-out work,
and as he had a good conscience, he lay down quietly and then concealed themselves to see how the little
in his bed, commended himself to God, and fell asleep. men would behave. At midnight they came bounding
In the morning, after he had said his prayers, and was in, and wanted to get to work at once, but as they
just going to sit down to work, the two shoes stood did not find any leather cut out, but only the pretty
quite finished on his table. He was astounded, and little articles of clothing, they were at first astonished,
knew not what to say to it. He took the shoes in his and then they showed intense delight. They dressed
hands to observe them closer, and they were so neatly themselves with the greatest rapidity, putting the pretty
made that there was not one bad stitch in them, just clothes on, and singing,
as if they were intended as a masterpiece. Soon after, a
buyer came in, and as the shoes pleased him so well, he “Now we are boys so fine to see,
paid more for them than was customary, and, with the Why should we longer cobblers be?”
money, the shoemaker was able to purchase leather for
two pairs of shoes. He cut them out at night, and next Then they danced and skipped and leapt over chairs
morning was about to set to work with fresh courage; and benches. At last they danced out of doors. From
but he had no need to do so, for, when he got up, they that time forth they came no more, but as long as the
were already made, and buyers also were not wanting, shoemaker lived all went well with him, and all his
undertakings prospered.
23You can also read
