Bridge Community Radio Online

"The Mansfields of Co. Kildare: the family and their networks 1870 - 1915."

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

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 (née De Férussac) between 1877 and 1887.

Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wednesday 19th November 2025 8pm

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

Thanks for listening!

If you like what you hear or want to get involved, please contact us at:
nbridgeradio@gmail.com

Follow us on:
Instagram - www.instagram.com/bridgecommunityradioonline/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/1626876807670510

"Briquettes Are History: The story of Bord na Mona Briquettes 1946 - 2024"

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000

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
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wednesday 29 October 2025 8pm

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

The Irish in the Resistance - the untold stories of the ordinary heroes who resisted Hitler

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0100

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 while living in Algeria with her husband.

If you know anything about May and her family, Clodagh and John would love to hear from you. Contact us at nbridgeradio@gmail.com and we'll pass on your details.

Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wednesday 21 August 2025 8pm. (Heritage Week 2025)

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

"The Curragh - Crime, Punishment and Reform Under the Crown"

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0100

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 that no-one from the Curragh or Newbridge will want to miss.

Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wednesday 16 April 2025 8pm.

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

"The Dublin to Blessington Steam Tram 1888 - 1938"

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0100

"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

Newbridge Local History Group Talk
Wednesday 19th February 2025
Newbridge Parish Centre 8pm

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

A Bridge Community Radio Online Production © 2025

'Larry Stanley - A Sporting Life'

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

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 international athletic prowess.

'Larry Stanley - A Sporting Life' by John Lawler
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wed 15th January 2025

Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series 2024/2025
recorded in partnership with the Bridge Community Radio Online Team.

A Bridge Community Radio Online Production © 2025

"From Sheep Care to Oral Care: 40 years of Oral B in Newbridge"

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

"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 October 2024 8pm.

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

Brigid - The Invisible Thread Part 1

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

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 Bank Holiday honoring Brigid, JJ brings us back to the roots of Brigid's story and the sense of pilgrimage and connection that it can create.

And of course, Newbridge has a strong connection to Brigid through its patron saint Conleth. Legend has it that Brigid invited him to leave his hermitage at Old Connell and cross the Curragh Plains where he joined her monastic settlement and became the first Bishop of Kildare.

Interviewer: JJ Wright
Editor: Liz Kett

Image:
From the Brigid sculpture by Annette McCormack at St. Brigid's Garden Well, Tully, Co. Kildare

Liam Phelan - An Uncommon Man

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0100

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 Radio Online Production © 2024

Industry and Politics in Independent Ireland 1922 - 1972 The County Kildare Connection

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0100

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 protection reasons but can be accessed on request.

Industry and Politics in Independent Ireland 1922 - 1972
The County Kildare Connection

Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wednesday 12 June 2024 8pm.

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

The Hill of Allen - A Memory Map Project with Deirdre Serjeantson and Geraldine Parsons

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 20:00:00 +0100

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 Kildare County Council, but is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in local history, folklore and literature surrounding the Hill of Allen.

The Q and A section of the talk is not available here for data protection reasons but can be accessed on request. The unusual background noise is a window and blind blowing on a windy night at the Parish Centre!

The Hill of Allen - A Memory Map Project
with Deirdre Serjeantson and Geraldine Parsons

Newbridge Local History Group Talk Series
Newbridge Parish Centre
Wednesday 21st August 2024 8pm.

Recorded and edited by the Bridge Community Radio Online Team in partnership with Newbridge Local History Group.

Contact the Newbridge Local History Group at http://www.newbridgehistory.org/ and check Newbridge Down Memory Lane Facebook page for notices.

Patrick Released - St. Patrick's Day 2022

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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

The Foggy Wu Christmas Party 2023 with DJ Stevie Connelly and Special Guests

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0000

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 vibrant melting pot where everyone throws their two cents into the mix.

A heartfelt thank you to Niecie for always opening her lovely home to us and the music. This Christmas, we're thrilled to share a glimpse of these moments with you. I hope you are sipping a warm beverage, tuning in to the show, and embracing the festive atmosphere as we perform a mix of our favorite Christmas classics and some non-holiday favorites. Naturally, I'll also pay homage to the legendary Shane MacGowan.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from The Foggy-Wu X

Hosted by Stephen Connelly

Sound Engineered by Tim Crowley

Good Time Supper House Band:
Niecie Loftus - Vocals/Acoustic/Whistle
Appo - Vocals/Acoustic/Bodhrán

Radha White - Vocals
Aoise Dempsey - Fiddle/Backing Vocals
Tim Crowley - Acoustic/Backing Vocals
Donna Moore - Vocals/Jingle Bells
Lorraine White - Backing Vocals
Danny Gainey - Backing Vocals
Stephen Connelly - Banjo/Backing Vocals

River - Woofs/Barks

Setlist
1 Intro
2 The Clancy Brothers - When Joseph Was An Old Man
3 Lisa O'Neil - The Wren, The Wren
4 Nathan Conway - Jingle Boogie
5 Chat
6 Good Time Super House Band - O! Holy Night (Trad.)
7 Good Time Super House Band - Humours of Whiskey/Paddy's Panacea
(Tom Lenihan Cover)
8 Good Time Super House Band - Basket Full of Turf/Winnie Haze (Trad.)
9 Good Time Super House Band - Last Christmas (Wham Cover)
10 Christmas Party Chat Part 1
11 Good Time Super House Band - Silent Night (Trad.)
12 Good Time Super House Band - Legal Illegal (Frances Black Cover)
13 Good Time Super House Band - One More Night In Brooklyn
(Justin Townes Earle Cover)
14 Christmas Party Chat Part 2
15 Good Time Super House Band - Lonesome Town (Ricky Nelson Cover)
16 Good Time Super House Band - Must Be Santa (Bob Dylan Cover)
17 Chat
18 CMAT & Junior Brother - Uncomfortable Christmas
19 Paul McCormack - Paddy
20 Tom Waits - New Year's Eve
21 Outro
22 Shane MacGowan - An Irish Airman Foresees His Death (W.B. Yeats Cover)
23 The Nips - Gabrielle
24 Cait O'Riordan interview talking about joining The Pogues
25 The Pogues - I'm a Man You Don't Meet Everyday
26 Christy Moore - Fairytale of New York (Live at The Point)
27 The Pogues - Kitty

The Foggy Wu 2 with DJ Stevie Connelly

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:00:00 +0000

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 is here to promote and support local artists so get in touch if you have something you want to share!

A Foggy Wu Production for Bridge Community Radio Online © 2023

5 Minutes Or Less!!! - Sean's Short and Sweet Band Review

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000

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!

The Barracks Tour with Frankie Boland

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000

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 also interviewed Frankie for Bridge Community Radio in the summer of 2023 and you can listen back to more stories of The Barracks and Newbridge here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214069/episodes/14158523

Thanks for listening!

In Memory of Pat Tinsley - Newbridge Local History Group Meeting January 2023

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000

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 and compered a fascinating evening with some fascinating revelations regarding the roots of a famous singer (NOT Bruce Springsteen!) The stories and remarks from the audience, led by the irrepressible Liam Phelan, made for a very memorable evening. Thanks to the Newbridge Local History Group for their hospitality.

Recording: Liz Kett and JJ Wright
Edited and Produced by Liz Kett

Band of Brothers - John Charles and Anthony McAllister recall musical roots and adventures

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:00:00 +0000

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/

Across the Kitchen Table - Desmond Morris talks life, art and a chimp called Congo

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000

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-desmond-morris-four-experts-assess-impact

Researcher / Interview Editor: Paul Winters

Bridge Today 3 Pilot Broadcast August 2023

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000

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, edited and produced by Liz Kett
Reporter: Liz Kett

Bridge Today 1 Pilot Broadcast June 2023

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000

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, Ploughing Championships 2023
Yarn Bomb Crafters - Interviews in the Liffey Linear Park, June Fest 2023

Bridge Today was compiled, edited and produced by Liz Kett
Reporters: JJ Wright and Siobhán Parker

Big C Choir Interview with Christina O'Connell Dec 2023

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 23:00:00 +0000

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

The Foggy Wu 1 with DJ Stevie Connelly

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100

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...

Humans of George's Street Part 3

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

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

Editor: Liz Kett
Reporters: Liz Kett, JJ Wright and Siobhan Parker

Thanks to all our interviewees for their time and interest.
And to Kildare Arts Service for their support in 2022.

Humans of George's Street Part 2

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:00:00 +0100

The second 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 2 features:
Dubh Restaurant staff
Designer Hair - Ray and Aoife Talbot
Irish Academic Press - Patrick O' Donoghue
Il Ponte Nuovo - Gazzi

Editor: Liz Kett
Reporters: Liz Kett, JJ Wright and Siobhan Parker

Thanks to all our interviewees for their time and interest.
And to Kildare Arts Service for their support in 2022.

Humans of George's Street Part 1

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 20:00:00 +0100

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 to all our interviewees for their time and interest.
And to Kildare Arts Service for their support in 2022.

Bridge Today 2 Pilot Broadcast June 2023

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0100

The second edition of our community-based chat show featuring local news, events and personalities presented by Liz Kett and Anthony McAllister. Expect interviews with artists, authors, pipe band majors and more!

Tony Coy - St Brigid's Pipe Band - The Curragh
Pamela de Brí - SULT Artists
Maria McDonald - author
Bartek and Izabela Plajzer - Kildare Gliders Basketball Club
Pearl Voigt - Old Schoolhouse Art Group Milltown
"Poetic Images" - South Kildare Photography Club Collaboration with Local Poets

Bridge Today was compiled, edited and produced by Liz Kett
Reporters: JJ Wright and Siobhán Parker