Bridge Community Radio Online

A fascinating glimpse into the life of a local "big house", Morristown Lattin, is provided by Fergus Murphy. Based on his book, "The Mansfields of County Kildare: A Franco-Irish Catholic elite family and their networks 1870-1915", Fergus looks at the Mansfields' social circles in Ireland and France. Of special interest is a a French-language diary kept by Alice Mansfield (...

Long-serving Bord na Mona employee Pat Byrne charts the rise and fall of the iconic Briquette, a staple of Irish households for decades. From the first factory at Lullymore, through the peak years of the 1970s and 1980s to its demise in 2024, the Briquette finally became history due to environmental issues, climate concerns and our changing lifestyles. Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series New...

In this absorbing presentation based on their book of the same name, Clodagh Finn and John Morgan introduce us to some of the  forgotten Irish men and women who joined the Resistance in France and other countries during World War 2. Among them was a fearless woman from Newbridge! Brigid Mary Dewan, known as May, was born in Limerick Lane in 1898 and went on to become a key member of the Resistance...

Well-known for his regular Curragh History posts, historian Matt McNamara relates a tale of fascinating but challenging times in a talk which explores many aspects of the relationship between Crown and Country, most especially The Curragh.  Newbridge is well-represented too! Matt takes very weighty subjects and weaves a wonderful story absolutely packed with facts, figures and local references tha...

"The Dublin and Blessington Steam Tram 1888-1932." Local historian Paul Tyrrell talks about his research into this iconic route from the capital out to Blessington. Starting in Terenure, it ran alongside the main road to Blessington and Poulaphouca.  You can view the tram in action in this YouTube video by pasting this link into your browser.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVfnZjTv-WA...

Larry Stanley, Olympian and fabled Kildare GAA footballer, is celebrated in this presentation by Caragh local John Lawler. John's talk is highly recommended if you can catch it 'live' as it is meticulously researched and packed with visual gems.  Larry's unique story is backgrounded by events in Ireland and Europe and makes for an amazing tale of local, national and internation...

"From Sheep Care to Oral Care: 40 years of Oral B in Newbridge" Gerry Kierans (ex-CEO of Oral B) presents the fascinating story of how the Oral B factory came to be located on the Green Road, Newbridge, and the impact of its innovative approach to manufacturing and development on the town and wider community. Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series Newbridge Parish Centre  Wednesday 16...

JJ Wright is on a special journey with Brigid of Kildare, exploring her history, folklore and traditions in Ireland and abroad. Here is one of the early stages of his journey where he joined in the celebrations at Brigid's Well outside Kildare town and in Kildare town itself.  Recorded in 2022 as the country emerged from Covid-19 restrictions and before the establishment of a new National Ban...

Professor Frank Barry's presentation on the development of local firms and factories in the early decades of the new Irish State includes the founding of Irish Ropes Ltd and the Newbridge Cutlery Factory. Frank is Professor of International Business & Economic Development at the Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin. The Q and A section of the talk is not available here for data...

Newbridge legend Liam Phelan made this presentation to the Newbridge Local History Group in 2014.  Many thanks to Martin Connelly who recorded the original video. We are delighted to bring you the sound version. Liam takes us on a journey through time, full of local stories, personalities and history delivered with his trademark wit and energy. Sit back and enjoy the flight! A Bridge Community Rad...

From Roseberry in Newbridge, sisters Deirdre and Geraldine talk about the inspiration and stories relating to a very famous local landmark and how their book, "The Hill of Allen - A Memory Map Project", came into being. The book was launched on 21st August as part of the Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series for Heritage Week 2024. It began as a project for schools sponsored by Kilda...

As the community came out to celebrate Patrick's Day for the first time since 2020, the Bridge Community Radio Online team took off around Newbridge to chat to the parade goers and performers. It was a great day with a lot of joy and energy. Have a listen!!! Editor: Liz Kett Reporters: Liz Kett, JJ  Wright, Siobhán Parker A Bridge Community Radio Online Production © 2022   Thanks for listenin...

This special Christmas edition of The Foggy-Wu was recorded in Niecie's Good Time Supper House, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on the 9th December 2023. On most Saturday nights, you'll find us gathered around the table at the Good Time Supper House, playing music, reminiscing about songs long gone, laughing, and trying out some new material. Over the past few years, it's evolved into a vibr...

D J Stevie Connelly is back for Session 2 of The Foggy Wu.  Join him on another great journey of music and for this episode, there's a chat with  one of Newbridge's finest, Niecie Loftus. Niecie has her musical roots in the local Community Band and is now an amazing  singer / songwriter with a unique voice. Andy O'Donnell is also in studio with Stevie. Bridge Community Radio Online...

Our 5 Minutes Or Less spot is  a chance to share your passion with a wider audience. You have five minutes to tell us all about what your favourite band, book, movie or hobby.  First out is Sean with a band review. Thanks Sean! A Bridge Community Radio Online Production © 2023 Thanks for listening! If you like what you hear or want to get involved, please contact us at: nbridgeradio@gmail.com Foll...

The first 2023 meeting of Newbridge Local History Group took place in January and was dedicated to the memory of Pat Tinsley who was sadly lost to us far too soon but who left a fantastic legacy of photographs and local history.  Other local photographers Oliver McCrossan and Vincent Brady contributed to the evening along with local historians Frankie Boland and Paul Cooke. Raphael Ryan chaired an...

Local legend Frankie Boland takes us on a tour of The Barracks housing area in Newbridge. Originally recorded by Martin and Stephen Connelly for June Fest, Frankie has kindly offered the sound file to us at Bridge Community Radio.  His book, "From the Barracks Gate to the Watering Gates", is a treasure trove of information on The Barracks and its people, and Newbridge in general.  We als...

Brothers and  band members John Charles and Anthony McAllister  recall their early musical roots and adventures including gigs at Newbridge Town Hall. Stay tuned as they name drop  legends of  Irish music  and sing some of John's original compositions.    Editor: Liz Kett Reporter: Liz Kett You can find out more about John on his website: www.jcmcallister.co.uk/ Thanks for listening! If you l...

World-famous zoologist, artist and local Desmond Morris,  tells his fascinating story to daughter-in-law, Annie Morris, while answering brilliant questions from school kids. From his creative beginnings to his "rivalry" with David Attenborough, you won't want to miss a second!  A great article on Desmond here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/sep/24/the-naked-ape-at-50-desmo...

Our first ever community-based chat show dedicated to the memory of Pat Tinsley featuring local news, events and personalities presented by Liz Kett and Anthony McAllister  with Myley Wickham, JJ Wright and Siobhán Parker featuring Lorcan Harney - Silverware Display in Hollywood, Wicklow Sabina Mason and Hong Looi - Nio Tae Kwan-do Club, Newbridge Marie Cummins - Kildare and Loughlin Diocese Tent,...

Description Our third community-based chat show featuring local news, events and personalities presented by Liz Kett and Anthony McAllister with Siobhán Parker featuring Anthony McAllister - Older People's Council Book Launch, Riverbank, Newbridge Frankie Boland - Memories of The Barracks community, Newbridge  (Frankie's interview starts at 49.33 mins in) Bridge Today was compiled, edite...

An interview with choir leader Christina O'Connell ahead of the Big C Choir Afternoon Tea fundraiser in Naas CBS on 2nd December 2023. Christina talks about how she came to set the choir up, its aims and members and the choir's plans to buy a vein finder for Naas Oncology Unit. You can contact the Big C Choir by messaging Christina on their Facebook page.   Interviewer: Siobhán Parker Th...

Join DJ Stevie Connelly on a unique musical journey! Expect the unexpected with a mix of traditional, folk, genre-bending experimentation and more.  In later shows, Stevie will delve into the vibrant local music scene with live sessions & interviews. For now, just enjoy... Thanks for listening! If you like what you hear or want to get involved, please contact us at: nbridgeradio@gmail.com Foll...

The third of our Culture Night 2022 Project recordings, celebrating our unique pedestrian street in Newbridge. Now  a multi-cultural hub of businesses new and old, George's Street is also a tight-knit community where everyone supports each other. Part 3 features: Sue Ryder Shop Staff LTD (Learn To Dance) Pierce of Ink Klare Asia Shop Anne O'Hagan Stephen Connelly Tandoori Hot Spice Staff...

The first of our Culture Night 2022 Project recordings, celebrating our unique pedestrian street in Newbridge. Now  a multi-cultural hub of businesses new and old, George's Street is also a tight-knit community where everyone supports each other. Part 1 features: Joe Kelly Barbers - Joe Kelly Jnr Michael O'Connor Editor: Liz Kett Reporters: Liz Kett, JJ Wright and Siobhan Parker Thanks t...