Newry Journal

Community, History and Culture from Newry, Ireland

The tradition of the St Brigit’s Cross also reaches back to Pre-Christian times (when it was made of straw). In Irish folklore rushes were associated with childbirth and were laid down when a woman was giving birth…

Bridgit: Goddess?

John McCullagh February 1, 2012

It was not unknown historically, for Christian authorities to vest in their holy people many of the characteristics of the more ancient gods and goddesses beloved of the people.

Bridgit: Bishop?

John McCullagh February 1, 2012

It is said that St Bridgit went to confession to St Mel, who pronounced the formula for the consecration of a bishop in place of absolution. From this derives the tradition that Bridgit was herself a bishop.

Bridgit’s monasteries

John McCullagh January 31, 2012

When she was of marriageable age her father tried to arrange a marriage for her, but Brigit refused all suitors, being determined to become a nun.

St Bridgit (1)

John McCullagh January 30, 2012

Wednesday of this week is St Bridgit’s day. In The Meadow we lived in St Bridgit’s ward and worshipped in St Bridgit’s Church.

Hippy and Cornerboy …

After the disaster with the boiled chicken, I learned quick and there were lots of good feeds in my house. Like… Read more…
Agnes: Betrayed

Dear Agnes, Forgive my presumption but I know the signs. I've been there and done that, read the… Read more…
Street Games

The Rag and Bone Man: There was money one time in used and cast-off clothing, domestic cloth or 'rags' as we… Read more…
School stories

Annamar Public Elementary School was terrific - but mainly because Mr and Mrs Norris were wonderful teachers. AND each of them… Read more…
Mission to Alabama

Though most people know of the enormous contribution to our people's development made by the Sisters of Mercy, it is… Read more…
Nature confused

Here we see the "Walkers Line" at the Sacred Heart/St Ronan's Schools lined with the daffodils planted in memory of… Read more…
I Look into my Glass

Thomas Hardy Poem: I look into my glass And view my wasting skin And say: 'Would God it came to… Read more…
Abbey: Iveagh 2: 71-72

Continuing our Abbey Boys series with the Iveagh 2 class of 1971-72. Back: Jim Carroll, Paul Taylor, Teddy Fearon, Aidan… Read more…
O’Hanlons : Boru to Bruce

The O'Hanlons were still the most influential family in the county one thousand years ago, when the last High King… Read more…
Meadow Rangers

We were runners-up in the Meadow League in 1963, just a few short years after its inauguration. I cannot recall… Read more…