Ever popular Birr Review hits the shelves
THE ever popular Birr Year Review has hit the shelves following its launch in Dooly's Hotel on Friday evening.
The annual publication gives a great insight into the town's life and it's eagerly anticipated by many.
This year's edition maintains the high standards of previous editions and features a wide range of fascinating articles which will provide a lot of very enjoyable reading during the festive period for all lovers of Birr. In the lulls between the periods of eating, drinking and partying during the holiday season there can be few better ways of passing the time than browsing through this magazine.
The publication begins with a bang with a fantastic front page photograph taken by veteran photographer Paul Barber. Paul has chosen a very relevant, topical subject for his photo. It depicts a field of cut turf just outside Birr, drawing our attention to a very important and long-held tradition in the town and environs, the tradition of turf cutting, which is now under threat.
Editor Richard Kennedy said he was very grateful for the help and support of so many people in the production of the magazine over the 22 years. He thanked all the contributors for their articles which, he said, are the lifeblood of the magazine. “Thanks to Una O'Grady for her very welcome and skilled editorial assistance; to Janine Wilson for coordinating and managing all content; to Karen O'Grady for designing and compiling the magazine. We are indebted to Life Pharmacy and particularly Michelle for scanning the photos. Thanks to Camillus King for providing the school photos. Finally we thank Paul Barber once again for his distinctive and topical cover photograph.”
Richard reflected on the surreal period of the pandemic, and its challenges. He said the Birr Review team is proud that it kept the magazine going during Covid and there was no compromise in quality.
“The reality is that it has been a significant challenge for us all. In normal years our planning would begin in the springtime of each year, and each of our members would commit to a multitude of meetings, tasks and deadlines in order to complete the compilation of this magazine to the standard you now hold in your hands. Over the past number of years our meetings have been few and far between and yet, despite those handicaps, we have managed to publish our Birr Review magazine.”
Richard said the Birr Review Group is grateful and appreciative of its long standing relationship and association with the Lions Club. This assistance from the Lions Club allows the group to focus its energies on producing a magazine to the highest standard, knowing that these efforts are ultimately benefiting those in need in the community.
Birr Lions Club President Ronan O'Hare said he's now entering his second year as President of the Club and he has come “to appreciate more than ever the extraordinary efforts of those involved in the magazine. Birr Lions Club owe each and everyone involved a huge debt of gratitude.” Ronan pointed out that the funds raised from the sale of the magazine enable the Lions Club to continue to assist and support local causes, charities, clubs and to lend support to those most in need. “The funds raised from the magazine have indeed ben a lifeline to the Lions Club in recent years.”