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.

Newry Massacres 1641-2

Bagenal's Castle, having loomed large in the history of Ulster during the 16th century Elizabethan wars, again featured in the… Read more…
Rooney’s Terrace 1914

In recent decades, the Rathfriland Road area has become a favoured residential area. Many of us remember only the odd home… Read more…
Confraternity

It constitutes a slight curiosity only, now, I'm afraid, but fifty years ago and more, it played a fairly central… Read more…
St Bridget

Saint Bridget was closely associated with our area. Saint Patrick, said to have planted the yew trees that lent their name… Read more…
Mass Rock

People kneeling - heads bowed in prayer At Mass upon a rock ... ... T'wasn't her I saw firstT'was the colours… Read more…
Annamar: fun times too!

At Annamar School, as I was saying, we learned singing and music: how to read musical scores! We learned Nature Study… Read more…
Ringworm Cure

You know of course, for only a gulpen doesn't, that docken leaves can cure the nettle sting. You must recite… Read more…
Second Marriage

'A woman died an' left her husband sorrowing with a baby boy. He's grief wus tarrable, but quick an' sudden… Read more…
Minnie the Caddy 1

'You're gonna be eating strange bread!' said Minnie the Caddy, running her finger round the rim of the tea-cup. She was… Read more…
Ghostly Horse Rides Again

I earlier mentioned that the life and fortunes of Dostoyevsky - and one of my own line - was ruined… Read more…