THE LONG WAIT for St. Brigid’s ended at Droichead Nua last Sunday when they turned in a sparkling third quarter to win their first ever Kildare Senior Hurling Championship.

It was a fine team effort by the well trained and dedicated winning side and each member of the winning team must be applauded but for Tommy Burke, Jack and Mick O’Connell, John O’Leary, Pat White and Danny Rankins it was especially pleasing to share, after years of trying, in the club’s greatest triumph.

The losers battled right on to the final whistle and could have snatched it. But when on top they failed to wrap it up and for once their normally sound defence wilted under the St. Brigid’s third quarter pressure. The Walshes, Ned and Johnny, Dom Maguire, Bobby Burke, and Tommy Johnson were their most prominent players.

Referee, Mick Kelleher, Athy.

 

 

THE Junior Hurling League Final, which brought St. Brigids their first County Title, was another disappointment.

Broadford lost this game in the first half when they failed to avail of the assistance of a strong wind and allowed themselves to fall into a nine goal [sic] deficit, halftime score reading 1gl 5pts, to 5pts. In that period Broadford had plenty of chances but their attack failed to turn them into scores.

For ten minutes of the second half exchanges were even and little divided the sides but then in a purple patch that saw the three Connells add a succession of well taken scores, St. Brigids gained a clear advantage and in the last ten minutes were very much on top.

Best for the winners were Mick, Tommy and Jack O’Connell, Tommy Anderson, Eddie McDermott, Tommy Burke, Danny Rankins and Des Hipwell. Tom Moore, Michael Moore, Paddy Mangan, Mick McKeever and Teddy Gorman played well for the losers who were forced to line out short three of their best players.

 

 

 

            The children of the Presentation Convent Schools, under the guidance of the good Sisters, gave their annual treat to the Kildare folk last Sunday and Monday evenings; and their efforts were thoroughly appreciated and genuinely enjoyed by almost inconveniently large audiences. Indeed on Sunday evening a considerable number were quite content to witness the proceedings through the spacious wide open windows. Everything combined to add to the immense success which the concerts were unanimously voted to be. The stage, which itself, was irreproachable, was artistically furnished with a well chosen variety of exquisite scenery under perfect control; and thanks to Mrs. Cooney the electric current was brought to bear upon the success and surround them with all the magic glamour which perhaps only an abundance of electric light, skilfully managed, can effect. Nor were the little people, who animated those fairy-like scenes, in the least unworthy of their surroundings. Elegantly attired light on foot and light of heart, in all the gaiety and innocence of childhood, they kept tripping about the stage through a maze of Gaelic dance, or blended their young voices in melodies of sweet song, at times admirably suiting the action to the word. They were evidently delighted with themselves and beaming with happiness, and their audience in sympathy with them, were equally happy and delighted. Incidentally they gave unmistakable proof to all whom it might concern, and naturally the subject concerns everybody, that even the youngest among them are not by any means losing their time in school; and perhaps the realisation of this afforded the keenest satisfaction not only to the children’s parents but to the whole assembly. The more advanced pupils were seen at least to equal advantage, figuring in living Tableaux, illustrating striking events in the life of our far-famed Patroness St. Brigid of Cill-Dara. We cannot attempt to describe them. All must recognise that the venture was a particularly ambitious one; and it speaks volumes for the mental and indeed material resources of both Nuns and girls to testify that down to all the details of drapery, ornament, pose and paint, the Tableaux Vivants were crowned with success, while they were an equally eloquent and welcome tribute to Kildare’s interest in, and reverence for St. Brigid. Intensely humourous items were the “Suffragettes” in militant mood, the “Maids of Lee’ alternately young and old, and literally two-faced, and “Mrs. Mulligatanny’s Spring Cleaning.” The school girls were also quite at home in the musical department, reflecting much credit on their teachers and themselves. The Misses Bergin, Beechgrove, were generous as usual in contributing both violin and pianoforte items, at the same time high-class and popular, and they spared no efforts to provide very agreeable entertainment during the intervals. Miss Nolan, from Carlow, by her beautiful rendering of the vocal solos “Thora” and “Fiona” evoked hearty applause.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Tis Christmas time; O Blessed Babe,

Thy Festival is here,

All honour to Thy memory;

Thy Feast of love so dear,

Pray teach the warring hearts of men

To cease all earthly strife,

That peace my feign and tranquil be

The memory of Thy life.

 

‘Tis Christmas time; O loving Babe,

Thy Festival divine,

Thy aid we need; Thy Glorious Light

Oh, may it ever shine,

Pray help us in our duty

What’er that task may be,

And may we love Thee ever

Unto eternity.

 

‘Tis Christmas time; O gentle Babe,

Thy Festival once more,

Pray keep the Faith in Irish homes

And on them blessings pour,

May every Christian heart be true

To thee, dear Babe; our King,

May peace come soon to all the world

While Christmas joy bells ring.

 

P. McCormack.

         Kildare.

 

 

Long ago, one winter’s night,

The air without was cold,

Mary and Joseph shelter sought,

The Inns are full, they’re told.

 

They travelled on in silence

But One was ever near

To bless their Divine Mission,

And tho’ sad, they did not fear.

 

They found a cave-a stable

And with oxen resting there,

The Babe was born, the King of Kings,

Yes, in a manger bare.

 

The shepherds came, adoring Him,

Great joy their hearts did fill,

Angels sang Glory to God on High

Peace on earth to men of good will.

 

And there the gentle Joseph,

With Mary Mother mild,

Are moved with deep devotion

As they tend their loving Child.

 

A tender Babe, but yet a King,

A star His presence told,

The Wise Men came, their gifts to bring

Of frankincense, myrrh and gold.

 

O Blessed by Thy Holy Name,

Our Babe, Our Lord, Our King,

All praise and all thanksgiving

While Christmas joy-bells ring.

 

Patrick McCormack

Kildare.

 

 

From the Leinster Leader - Two poems by Paddy McCormack of Kildare and a report on a School Concert performed at the Presentation Convent.