Céad Mìle Fàilte! A hundred thousand welcomes to this week’s edition of the Leinster Leader, your go-to source for all the news that’s fit to print in Co Kildare. As we dive into the latest happenings in our fair county, we’re reminded that it’s not just the headlines that make the news, but the people behind them. And this week, we’re taking a moment to pay tribute to two legends of the Naas business community who sadly left us far too soon.
You see, in Ireland, we have a saying: “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine” – it means “people live in each other’s shadows.” And that’s especially true in a tight-knit community like Naas, where everyone knows everyone, and the local characters are as much a part of the fabric of the town as the streets themselves. So, when we lose two beloved business owners like Mary Monaghan of the Harbour Hotel and master cobbler Bill Glennon, it’s like losing a part of the family.
Mary, the driving force behind the Harbour Hotel, was a woman of great wit and warmth, always ready with a smile and a kind word for her customers. Her hotel, situated on the Newbridge Road, was more than just a place to rest your head – it was a hub of community activity, where locals and visitors alike could gather to share stories and make memories. And Mary was always at the heart of it, making sure everyone felt welcome and at home. Whether you were a native of Naas or just passing through, Mary’s hospitality was legendary, and her passing leaves a gaping hole in the heart of our community.
And then, of course, there was Bill Glennon, the master cobbler with a heart of gold. Bill’s shop, also on the Newbridge Road, was a Naas institution, where you could get everything from a new pair of shoes to a well-worn favorite repaired. But Bill’s talent went far beyond just fixing shoes – he was a master of his craft, with a deep understanding of the intricate dance between leather and thread. And, as anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him will tell you, he was a gentleman of the old school, with a quick wit and a twinkle in his eye. Bill’s passing is a loss not just for Naas, but for the entire county, and we’ll miss his cheery presence on our high streets.
But, as we say in Ireland, “Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin” – there’s no place like home. And for Mary and Bill, Naas was home, a place where they built their lives, their businesses, and their legacies. So, as we pay tribute to these two pillars of our community, we’re reminded that the true spirit of Naas is alive and well, and that the memories and stories we shared with Mary and Bill will live on, even as we say goodbye.
Now, we know what you’re thinking – what’s the news, you ask? Well, fear not, dear readers, for this week’s Leinster Leader is packed to the brim with all the latest happenings from around Co Kildare. From the mundane to the magnificent, we’ve got it all covered – so grab a cup of tea, sit back, and get ready to catch up on all the news that matters to you and your community.
In this week’s edition, we’ll be bringing you updates on the latest developments in our towns and villages, from new businesses opening their doors to community events that are sure to bring a smile to your face. We’ll have news from the world of sports, where our talented local athletes are making waves on the national stage. And, of course, we’ll have all the latest on the issues that matter most to you – from education and healthcare to the environment and beyond.
So, as we bid farewell to Mary and Bill, we’re reminded that life goes on, and that the show must go on, as they say. And what a show it is – the Leinster Leader is proud to be your guide to all things Kildare, and we’re honored to be a part of this vibrant, thriving community. So, don’t miss out on this week’s edition – pick up a copy today, and get ready to stay informed, entertained, and maybe even inspired by the people and stories that make our county so special.
In the words of the great Irish poet, W.B. Yeats, “Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” And that’s especially true in times like these, when we’re saying goodbye to friends and neighbors who left an indelible mark on our lives. But even in sorrow, there’s a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the time we had with Mary and Bill, and for the memories we shared with them.
So, as we close this week’s edition of the Leinster Leader, we’ll leave you with one final thought – a thought that’s at the heart of everything we do, and everything we are, as a community. It’s a thought that’s been passed down through generations of Irish people, and one that will continue to guide us long after we’re gone: “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” – praise the young, and they will flourish. And that’s exactly what we’ll do – we’ll praise the young, we’ll praise the old, and we’ll praise the memories we’ve made along the way. For in the end, it’s not just the news that matters – it’s the people, the stories, and the community that make it all worthwhile. Slán abhaile, dear readers – may the road rise up to meet you, and may your journey be filled with joy, laughter, and a wee bit of Irish magic.
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