Issue: 5 JUNE 2012
KILKENNY
FREE
Goods Choice Goods of Kilkenny shows off its variety
Time For kids If you’re looking
for entertainment!
Beach
Life What to wear on
the beach
Paddy O’s
Granola We talk to Patrick
O’Connell brainchild of PaddyO’s Granola
A Stones
Throw Away We unearth the
mysteries of Knockroe
Funny Man
We chat to comedian
Eric Lalor on being funny!
Cover Up Summer jackets for those
chilly nights and days!
Cool Runnings
We look at runners
that you walk in!
June Bugs, Can you believe its June already. Where has the year gone! This month we’ll be hoping for lots of sunshine so fingers crossed! Oh and in case you were wondering who we were, here are some faces to put to the names. Rita Brennan and Madeleine Carroll, the busy bees Cover
Model: Aoife @ Hype Model Management Photography: Ross Costigan
www.rosscostiganphotography.ie Make-up and Hair: Karen Fitzpatrick Karen using Estee Lauder range available from Goods Kilkenny
info@sculptbykaren.com Mob: 086 6010702
behind Kilkenny Magazine! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
XXX The editorial team at KILKENNY
Contents June 2012
Aoife wears; Top E32, White Skinny Jeans E35 Bracelet E15, Chain E13.50 All from Dorothy Perkins, Goods Kilkenny
Design Madeleine Carroll Unit 3a, First Floor, Cillin Hill Centre, Dublin Road, Kilkenny. t: 056 7777502 e: info@mc-designs.ie w: www.mc-designs.ie
Editorial
Rita Brennan Madeleine Carroll Sean Shanahan
Sales Rita Brennan Kilkenny Magazine t: 087 9602145 kilkennymagazine@gmail.com All prices are correct going to print. The editorial team does not accept any responsibility for the views of the advertisers or offers there within. No adverts may be reproduced without the permission of Kilkenny Magazine.
2 Want it! Need it! 4 Goods Choice 8
Time for Kids
11 Pick of the month 14 Beach Life 16 Cover Up 18 If you see one thing 19 Paddy O’Granolas 20 Cool Runnings 21 Funny Man: Eric Lalor 23 A Stones Throw 24 Jerpoint Park
June
The June bank Holiday in Kilkenny will see the return of the inaugural Cat Laugh’s Comedy Festival. This year has another great line up including Festival veterans Des Bishop, Colin Murphy, Neil Delamere and a host of international and national acts. Tickets are available online from www.thecatlaughs.com and from their box office on John Street. The Kilkenny band Neon Wolf will play again at Enniscorthy’s Strawberry Festival.. The Thomastown based 5 piece band will join acts such as Maverick Sabre, The Minutes, Bressie, The Saw Doctors and The Kanyu Tree. The S t r aw b e r r y Festival will take place over the June Bank Holiday Weekend, 1st, 2nd and 3rd of June. Made in Kilkenny craft group have taken up residence in Goods on High Street. Made in Kilkenny is a collection of craft makers in Kilkenny, they currently have a pop-up shop in Goods on High Street that you can feast your eyes on the talent artists and craft makers. There is a ‘Kids Mini Marathon’ 5km run to help raise funds for two truly deserving beneficiaries - Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and Chernobyl Children International. It will take place at Kilkenny Castle Park on Sunday 17 June at 2pm and will be followed immediately afterwards by 5km Adult Run. All participants are asked to pay €10 but are not asked to raise any further sponsorship.
Registration is by post or email to info@chernobylkilkenny.ie 086 8346 255 087 2805 059 Registration on the day from 1pm outside the Castle Gates. Registration costs €10. Also on June the 17th is the Johnswell 10km race, which is chip timed. Further details from Mary Broderick 087 646 7709. Its morning time...! These bright mornings are great for the birds, but can play havoc with children’s sleeping patterns! This clever clock from the Gro Company visually helps toddlers understand day and night and when its the right time to get up! €34.95 at Butterslip, 31 Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny, Ireland. t: + 353 (0)56 770 2502 e: info@butterslip.com
How does your garden grow?
Colour Pop
Give your garden some loving
So you thought you’d be in
attention
lovely
your summer dresses and
Dutch
shorts by now. We all have
brand, Riverdale home wares
hopes of a long hot summer.
have arrived to city garden
You can still wear your
centre, Gardenia. We are in
summer dresses just use
love with their bohemian style
a bright tight to brighten
lanterns
garden
up your look and mood! We
furniture, all very reasonable
love these neon ones from
too.
Penneys.
with
garden
some
accessories.
and
Available
Gardenia
16
chic from
stockist
John
Street,
Guitar Hanger by Design Jazz €89.00 www.shoponrise.com
Want it! Need it! Playtime The
2
playsuit
has
been
making
a
reappearance each season. It can be worn day or night and is a perfect alternative
Wall Candy
suits your shape. This wide shouldered
alternative to the regular
style would suit ladies who are wider
picture to adorn your wall,
hipped. They can be quite short so make
we have got a treat for you.
sure that you are confident enough to
This wall mounted guitar
strut your stuff! The jumpsuit is a great
hanger
was
inspired
by
alternative and with the wide leg style
nature
and
folk
music.
making a comeback would suit ladies
Its made from CNC cut
who prefer to cover their legs. Add some
veneered
Perfect
wedges to make your legs look longer. If
for music lovers and a great
your going to wear a playsuit or jumpsuit
talking point!
this summer why not wear a colourful
Check out www.shoponrise.
one. You never know the bright colours
com under Design Jazz
might attract the sun!!
your
looking
walnut.
for
Motel Jacqueline Playsuit €63.98 www.asos.com
to the summer dress. Choose a style that an
If
Neon Opaque Tights €3 Penneys
Kilkenny.
Do you want to be the Next
We are looking for a bright bubbly girl to represent Kilkenny Magazine in the Miss Kilkenny Universe Final to be held in August 2012. The successful candidate will be aged between 18-24, 5ft 7” and over and single. You also must be in Ireland for the next year. We’d love a Kilkenny Girl to represent us, but we will also accept girls who have a family connection to Kilkenny. We will be putting forward the sponsorship fee for the successful girl. You’ll be up on a stage so you’ll need bags of confidence! If you think this is something that you’d like to do or maybe you C
M
know somebody that would be ideal for this. Send Y
us in your details with current photo to Kilkenny Magazine, Unit 3a, Cillin Hill, Centre, Dublin Road, Kilkenny or email us on kilkennymagazine@gmail. com. Alternatively you can email us through facebook.
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Wine Centre Its Simple A6 ad.pdf
17/04/2012
14:46:25
Silk Floral Dress €94 Denim Jacket €60 Bag €50 Sandals €44 Bracelet €12 Glasses €20 All clothes from Oasis, Goods, High St., Kilkenny
Goods of Kilkenny is really a find in the centre of Kilkenny City. It’s a one stop shop with brands like - Coast, Oasis, Warehouse, Awear, Dorothy Perkins, Choice, Gardeur, Alexon, Anne Harvey, Eastex, Dash, Kaliko, Minuet Petit, Benetton. And theres more. Handbags, Hosiery, Shoe Suite, Lingerie, Cosmetics department featuring brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, Smashbox. And more recently there is the Made in Kilkenny pop up shop.
Goods Choice! 4
Model: Aoife @ Hype Model Agency Photography: Ross Costigan Hair: Karen Fitzpatrick Makeup: Karen Fitzpatrick using Estee Lauder products from Goods
This page
This page Butterfly Maxi Dress €130 Warehouse, Goods Bracelet €20 Oasis, Goods Orange Wedges €119 Bruno Premi Bag €70 Bulaggi Both Bag and Wedges from O’Dwyers Shoe Suite, Goods
This page Floral Dress €120 Jacket €120 Bag €58 Bracelet €36 Necklace €45 Coast, Goods Kilkenny
6
Props: All props supplied by Gardenia, John Street Kilkenny
Headpiece €240 Rebekah Patterson Made in Kilkenny, Goods Kilkenny Peep Toe Stilettos €115 Guess O’Dwyers Shoe Suite, Goods Kilkenny
Butterslip
Bridal
A stunning selection of vintage style jewellery, hair accessories and lots more...
bridal, fashion & personal makeup artist
For the prettiest wedding ideas pop into Butterslip!
e: info@sculptbykaren.com
T: 086 6010702
Butterslip 31 Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny, Ireland t: + 353 (0)56 770 2502 e: info@butterslip.com find us on facebook
Time for Kids
So you have a few hours to spend with your kids and you’re wondering how you’re going to distract them? Here’s our pick of fun activities that even adults will get a kick out of too!
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Jellie Tots Playcentre
If for some reason it’s not sunny and 26 degrees outside and you’re looking for some in-door entertainment for your little ones, then look no further than Jellietots, the state of the art play centre. Jellietots is situated on the ring road in the Loughboy Industrial Estate, Kilkenny just a 2 minute drive from the city centre and is open seven days a week. A combination of a fabulous play area, organised parties and events and a wholesome restaurant will ensure you won’t be disappointed. There’s even a special Daddy area, complete with plasma screen TV which will keep the men happy. Birthday parties are well catered for, lasting two-and-ahalf hours, where children get to play and eat and to make life easy, Jellietot’s, staff will provide the party invitations to start off the proceedings. For further information contact: Jellietots, Loughboy Business Park, Kilkenny Tel: 056 7715500 E-mail: info@jellietots.ie. www.jellietots.ie
This wonderful 80 acre discovery park & visitor centre, located at Castlecomer Demesne and Estate Yard is a place to escape and reconnect with nature and to explore an abundance of things to do in magical woodland surroundings. Their latest attraction, a tree top walk where visitors can experience a 140 metre walk through the beautiful riverside trees at Castlecomer Discovery Park is proving very popular. The park itself is free to visit, with its walking trails, woodland sculptures and many things to see and do throughout the year. Located approximately 25 mins from Kilkenny this park is aptly named the discovery park and any nature lovers will be in their element. The estate yard and coffee shop will ensure that all the family enjoy their visit. For further information contact:
The Watershed
There’s a Viking Ship with a Slide in a swimming pool...... need we say any more? The Watershed is a fantastic facility which offer a huge range of activities including swimming, bouncy castle, indoor activities and Astroturf pitches. With a 25 metre pool and designated toddler pool, The Watershed is perfect for kids that want a splash around. Conveniently located just a few minutes from Kilkenny on the ring road with ample parking, they are open 7 days per week. For more information contact:
Castlecomer Discovery Park, The Estate Yard,Castlecomer, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 4440707 E-mail: info@discoverypark.ie www.discoverypark.ie The Watershed, Bothar na Tourish Road, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7734620 E-mail: info@thewatershed.ie www.thewatershed.ie
and much more. There’s no way the kids can say they’re bored!
Reptile Village
Refreshments are available and hot food can be ordered in from Supermacs to be enjoyed before, during or after your bowling.
Ever wondered what a snake really feels like? Or how much an alligator eats? Reptile Village Zoo is an indoor facility displaying various species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, frogs and spiders with over 120 animals and 50 different species on display. This unique spot is Ireland’s only dedicated reptile zoo and well worth a visit. Located just twenty minutes from Kilkenny in Gowran, It’s open 7 days a week all year round from 10.00 to 18.00
KBowl is open 11am to 10pm seven days a week. For further information contact:
Kilkenny Airsoft
Located in the beautiful surroundings of Wallslough Village just 3km outside the city, Kilkenny Airsoft is Ireland’s largest fully automated indoor airsoft target shooting range. Ideal for kids 13 years of age and upwards, they can cater for all groups by prior arrangement. So whether you are the airsoft enthusiast, experienced shooter or the amateur seeking something fun and challenging to do then try out Kilkenny Airsoft. Family packages are available and cater for 2 adults + 2 children (under 16). Price €50 Based on pistol/rifle combo 1hr. For further information contact: Kilkenny Airsoft, Wallslough, Wallslough Village, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7795719 E-mail: info@kilkennyairsoft.ie www.kilkennyairsoft.ie
KBowl
If you don’t want to hop into the car then hop into KBowl, Kilkenny’s only ten pin bowling centre located in McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre in Kilkenny city. Ten pin bowling is family activity that can be enjoyed by all ages from children as young as 3 years of age. There’s also the KZone area which has pool tables, air hockey, virtual mini golf
Kbowl Kilkenny, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7788200 E-mail: info@kbowlkk.ie www.kbowlkk.ie
Castle Park
At the heart of Kilkenny City lies its castle which is surrounded by no less than 50 acres of parkland and gardens - a perfect spot to let the kids run wild - or yourself too! With open parkland to the south and formal rose gardens to the north, there’s something here for all the family. Little paths lead to a woodland walk and lake area where you can feed the ducks and a great children’s playground. The park is open daily year round from 9am to 8.30 in summer and 9am to 4.30 in winter. Admission is FREE to the park. Family of 2 adults and 1 child is €27.00 (€3.00 for each additional child and €5.00 for each additional adult thereafter) For further info contact: Reptile Village, Castlecomer, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7726757 E-mail: info@reptilevillage.net www.reptilevillage.net Hours of entertainment for you and your little ones!
Kilkennys
Premier
Play
Centre
We have lots to keep children entertained but
we haven’t forgotten about their parents. With a coffee shop and sky sports on demandyou can
relax while keeping an eye on the kids through
our CCTV system.. The centre is also available for parties,please call us if you would like to make a booking or pop by for a look.
Jellietots,
Unit 10, Loughboy Industrial Estate, Kilkenny
Tel: 056 771 5500 www.jellietots.ie Email: info@jellietots.
PURE KIDS Quirky Clothing & Cool Wooden Toys
S
A
L E
Fun shop for birthday gifts, beautiful wooden toys and quality, fun clothing for kids. Stocks a great range of Phister & Philina, Cupcake, Melton tights, Levis, Radio Flyer tricyles and ride-ons, John Crane wooden toys.
Pure Kids
Dalgan House, St. Kieran Street, Ireland Kilkenny, Ireland Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Phone: 086 823 3426 Email: purekidsireland@gmail.com
Fashion, Beauty, Health
Pick of the month 1 Rodrigo Otazu
1
Dress up your wrist with this beautiful bit of arm candy. Its part of the Rodrigo Otazu Jewellery collection. Its available here in Kilkenny in Mimi on St. Kieran’s Street. It would look great with a maxi and a cropped denim jacket to show it off!
2 Petal Clutch
Here’s what we recommend for you to pick up this month! You won’t be disappointed. We love them! Read on for these little beauties! 3 Elemis Gift set
3 2 This beautifully petal clutch available from Dunnes would make the perfect accompaniment to a wedding outfit or just for a night out! €25.00 Savida Dunnes Dunnes Stores, St. St. Kieran’s St., Kilkenny
Mimi, St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny
Elemis have a beautiful gift set available when you spend over €80 on Elemis products, you have 8 products to choose from of which you can choose 4 as your free gift. They are in travel size so they are perfect for your holiday or gym days. Your Elemis gift set is available from Bliss Beauty on Rose Street Kilkenny. Bliss Beauty, 4 Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7722722 www.blissbeauty.ie
For some, shopping at The Toy Box is a special occasion... ...smart dress optional
Visit us at Kilkenny Retail Centre on James’s Street or online at thetoybox.ie The Toy Box - innovative and original toys, gifts and baby products
The ToyBox
Kilkenny Advertorial
Kwilla celebrates its 1st birthday on June 2nd 2012. This ‘siopa beag’ is
full of gorgeous unique gifts, beautiful jewellery & fab fashion accessories. All of the items stocked in Kwilla are exclusive to the shop in Kilkenny, so you can rest assured you are getting something truly lovely & unique! Kwilla loves to support Irish designers and now has over 10 Irish based suppliers. In it’s first 12 months Kwilla has been featured in local & national press such as U Magazine, The Gloss Magazine, RTE’s Two Tube, Prudence Magazine & HelpMyStyle.ie along with many other newspapers. Kwilla is the perfect destination for the savvy shopper who wants to purchase funky, on trend items that don’t break the bank! Lots of the brands that are in store have a celeb following & are often featured in top end magazines such as Grazia, Sunday Times Style Magazine, Cosmo & Company. Kelly Rowland, Fearne Cotton, Anastacia & Denise Van Outen all have items from brands that are available in Kwilla! Brands include: Arty Smarty, The TeaShed, Buff, Jeepers Peepers, KwillaAnd DesignMary, ElementsOlyart & many more. Their 1st Birthday celebrations kick off over the weekend of The Cat Laughs Festival! On Saturday June 2nd there will be 10% off all stock along with drinks & sweet treats available for both the older & younger customers! :)
s no di la v ton * Kilkenny Castle
*Note from the owner*
“I wish to thank each & every one of you who has purchased from us over this past year.
Without your custom & support Kwilla wouldn’t
be the shop it is today! I really appreciate you referring us to your friends & family & most of Kwilla Design Elements all your kind comments whilst in the shop! Also
* not valid on sa
a big thank you to all the locals & business
owners that I’ve gotten to know this past
year, having the chat & bit of craic has been great! Here’s to the next year.... Go raibh míle maith agaibh!“ Shannon xx Kilkenny Castle
Kwilla, 23 Rose Inn St, Kilkenny Tel: 056 - 7806261
www.kwilla.eu
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Find us on Facebook and Twitter
* not valid on s
Mid Week Wedding Package 2012/2013
The Kilkenny Springhill Court Hotel offers a unique blend of personal touch and attention to detail that puts it in a class of its own. With a long standing tradition in helping couples to celebrate the most important day of their lives. General Manager Seamus O’Carroll and his team are on hand to provide a friendly, personal service that lasts from the moment you first step through the doors to when your last guest has departed. Offering receptions for smaller, intimate weddings to larger functions and civil ceremonies, all inclusive midweek packages start from as little as e35 per person. Contact our Team at: T: 056 7721122 E: sales@springhillcourt.com
Exclusive stockists of
Daisy Rings Prices starting from
Springhill Court Hotel Waterford Road, Kilkenny
T: 056 7721122 E: reservations@springhillcourt.com W: www.springhillcourt.com
â‚Ź26
Kieran Street, Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7751455 Email: info@lorimatkilkenny.ie Web: www.lorimatkilkenny.ie
Fashion, Beauty, Health 4
2
1
4 Green Palm Print Bikini Top River Island
5
2 Chiffon Ring Kaftan Penneys
5 Green Palm Print Bikini Briefs River Island
6 3
3 Beach Bag Dunnes Stores
6 Bandeau Orange Flower Bikini Penneys
7 7 Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Bow Flip Flops Barratts
1 Pink and Green Maxi Dress TK Maxx
Beach lIFE If you are one of the many lucky holiday goers this year, or
maybe we might get a few good days of sunshine! You’ll need to
14
get your summer wardrobe ready.
Graphic Design Branding Advertising Brochures • Invitations • Flyers Logos • Folders • Stationary Unit 3a, First Floor, Cillin Hill Centre, Dublin Road, Kilkenny
t: +353 56 7777502
m: +353 87 6849257
e: info@mc-designs.ie
www.mc-designs.ie
RIPLEYS STEAKHOUSE
F O O D
I S
O U R
A R T
Early Bird Menu now available
Early Bird Menu available Mon - Thurs fromnow 5pm to close for 2from courses Monday €19.95 to Thursday 5pm to close €23.95 for 3 courses e19.95 for 2 courses
Now taking bookings for your Christmas Parties for 3 courses Call us one23.95 056 77 70699 to book your table
~
The Butterslip, Kilkenny
G.L. Ryan Jewellers 71 High St., Kilkenny Tel: 056 7721725 www.ryanjewellers.ie
056 7770699
e50 per couple menu for 3 courses plus bottle of house wine Monday to Friday from 5pm to close
~
Friday night madness
RIPLEYS STEAKHOUSE Glass of house wine 10oz Steak plus Pint of Heineken/
F O O D
I S
O e20*
U R
A R T
Early Bird Menu now available *Also on Saturday Nght Monavailable - Thurs from 5pm to close from 5pm 7pm. €19.95 for 2tillcourses
€23.95 for 3 courses
- Watchmakers - Diamond Specialists - Jewellers & Engravers
Now taking bookings for your Christmas Parties Call us on 056 77 70699 to book your table The Butterslip, Kilkenny 056 7770699
Fashion, Beauty, Health
Printed Jacket €29.95 H&M
Leather Biker Jacket €200.00 Oasis
Flora Jacket €60.00 Warehouse
Swallow Print Jacket €54.00 Monsoon
Crepe Jacket €40.00 Savida Dunnes Stores
Sam Striped Blazer €55.00 Awear
Cover UP Summer is here or so we are told! It hasn’t been quiet as warm as we expected so far. You can’t really go without a jacket but if you don’t want to don your big winter coat, here are a few jackets to warm the summer chill!
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Mango Blazer €17.00 Penneys
At Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
Spring & Summer
Sizzler! 1 TREATMENT FROM EACH BOX for just €65 Luxury Face & Body Scrub Luxury Manicure Luxury Pedicure Shellac on Hands Or Feet Darphin Reviver Facial
Full Body Scrub
Eyebrow Wax
He Shi Full Body Tan
Lip Wax
Half Leg Wax
Chin Wax
Californian or Brazilian Wax
Eyebrow Tweeze
Back Massage
Eyelash Tint
Mini Facial
Eyebrow Tint
Purchase 3 Darphin Products, Get Cheapest FREE!!
2 HOURS FREE PARKING • TO BOOK: Tel: 056 77 5 0207 E: kospa@kilkennyormonde.com
If you see one thing this month... THE GIG
aslan Kilford arms Friday, 1st June 2012 Aslan hailing from Finglas in Dublin are one of Ireland’s longest running rock bands having released their first album in 1986. The band released of their brand new studio album on EMI Records this year. Entitled ‘Nudie Books and Frenchies’, the album title is a tongue-in-cheek, nostalgic nod to their teenage years. Aslan will be playing at the Kilford Arms on John Street on the 1st of June. Aslan’s recent single “Too Late For Hallelujah” has put the band back firmly in the charts and introduces a new generation to a sound that so much of us grew up with. Tickets for the gig are available from the reception of the Kilford Arms www.kilfordarms. ie. The gig is not one to be missed and surely will be a night to remember.
THE Film
What to expect when you are expecting Kilkenny Omniplex JUNE 2012
What to Expect when you’re Expecting is a film based on the book of the same title. The film is based around 5 couples as they prepare for parenthood. The cast is laden down with well known names such as Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Chace Crawford and Elizabeth Banks. Some of the stories include Chace Crawford and Elizabeth Bank’s characters discovering they are going to be parents even before they start dating, and Cameron Diaz who’s pregnancy becomes a challenge for her fitness guru lifestyle! The film follows the ups and downs that most couples will go through in a heartwarming and sometimes hilarious manner. If you’re thinking of starting a family or maybe your already expecting then you should go along and see this film.
THE play
Love all Watergate Theatre Fri 8th June 2012 Tickets: €12/€10 Cherry Wild Theatre in association with Ten42 Productions present “Love All” a comedy about love, murder and tennis. From the Wimbledon finals to the hangman’s noose, this is the true and terrible tale of Irish sporting legend Vere St. Ledger Gould and his mercenary wife Marie Violet. A whopping great hangover kept Gould from the Wimbledon prize while a head in a hat box almost sent him to the gallows. The electrifying new theatre company Cheery Wild, have starched their whites, re-stretched their racquets and are ready to serve a virtuoso volley of Victorian melodrama. The award-winning company deliver a hilarious, rapid-fire, homicidal train ride from passion to pandemonium. Two struggling players, a trunk of props, and a ludicrous soundtrack combine to recount the Gould’s extraordinary globe- trotting journey from the heady heights of sporting stardom to complete catastrophe. A performance co-created and performed by Aideen Wylde and Tadhg Hickey. Co-created and directed by Donal Gallagher and music by Darqhorse. (056) 77 61674 www.watergatetheatre.com
Classic Turkish Barber Hot Towel Shave & massage Hair cut, hot towel shave & massage
Gift Vouchers Available Opening Hours
Monday: 9:30 - 5:30 Tuesday - Friday: 9:30 - 6:30 Saturday: 9:30 - 6:00
19 Parliament Street, Kilkenny Tel: 085 2864444
PaddyO’s Granola We talk to Patrick O’Connell owner and brainchild of PaddyO’s Granola who has brought his product from kitchen to supermarket shelfs! 1. When did you first develop an interest in food and cooking? My family were majorily into food and I grew up with food the whole way though. I did a cookery course in Ballymaloe for twelve weeks during a gap year in college and that really ignited something in me. After a year of working in the property industry I left and started up making the granola in my mothers kitchen. I then moved to above our pub and now we manufacture the granola in Drogheda. 2. Where was your first farmers market? When I was 22 I set up a stall at Stillorgan farmers market. The guy who set up the market was also on my cookery course and he asked if I wanted to take a stall. I went up with 60 bags of Granola and sold out in a hour. 3. How important is it for Irish people to buy locally made produce? It has actually hit home with me lately how important it is. Even the smallest purchase makes such a difference to Irish companies. If a customer buys one thing Irish while doing their shopping, that will make a difference. It’s so encouraging to see people picking my product off the shelf and supporting me. I have no intention of having the granola produced outside of Ireland. One of my unique selling points is that PaddyO’s Granola is the only Irish granola that uses Irish oat flakes. 4. Do you plan to export to the Irish ex pat community? Absolutely. We now have a nationwide listing with Tesco, Dunnes, Superquinn and I aim to
go to the UK with the product. We are also getting a good bit of interest in the U.S. 5. How many employees do you have? It’s pretty much myself. I have some part time staff and where the granola is made in Drogheda there is six staff in that bakery. 5. You now sell online, how has this been going for you and how would you view social media as an advertising tool? It’s been going great. Social media is vital. If you’re not online you are wasting valuable free advertising space. 6. You recently won the Bravo make me famous competition. Tell us more about that and how it will help your brand? The competition launched in January, and at the time I was in the process of re branding the business and so thought it would be a good opportunity. There were 214 companies that entered and I made it down to the last 14 and was lucky enough to be called out. I put a lot of preparation into the application; I did up cash flow projections and involved my bank manager, and accountant. I was able to show the potential to grow. 7. For the people of Kilkenny and visitors to the city, where can they find your product?
PaddyO’s Granola is stocked in Dunnes, Superquinn, Kilkenny Design Centre, The Gourmet Store, The Village Green Grocer, Glasraí and Goodies and other locations throughout the city and county. We also supply to hotels and restaurants. 8. What do you like to do in your spare time? I’m going surfing tomorrow which I’m really looking forward to as I haven’t been out yet this year. Last year I was a member of the Kilkenny Triathlon Club and I also play rugby in Lansdowne in Dublin.
Men’s Stuff
Cool Runnings
Timberland Earthkeepers www.timberland.com
The humble runner is a staple of every mans wardrobe, whether you run in them or they are your off duty footwear. We have a look at the latest trend for the casual runner
Adidas Derby www.adidas.com
Nike Tennis Classic www.nike.com
Converse Pro Leather www.converse.com
Paxar Fly Khaki Synthetic www.clarks.com
Checkered Slip ons www.vans.com
Pub of the month : Matt The Millers Matt the Millers is an imposing site over John’s Bridge. The brightly painted pub will surely catch your eye as you walk or drive over the bridge.
They have a full menu so you can take a load off your feet after a busy day’s shopping and enjoy a hearty meal. 20
Matts has that old bar feel but is full of life. It has a live band every weekend and dj til late. Its a firm favourite among Kilkenny natives of all ages. Make sure to stop by and enjoy all that Matts has to offer.
Matt the Millers
John Street, Kilkenny www.mattthemillers.com
Funny Man Eric Lalor started out his career as a participant in RTE Two’s Des Bishop’s Joy In The Hood where his first ever gig was filmed on his home turf of Ballymun in Dublin and broadcast to the entire nation. Since then, Eric has gone from strength to strength and has now achieved a reputation in Irish comedy as a consistent performer, making him one of the most sought after acts in the country. His first year in the highly competitive world of stand-up comedy saw him win the Comedy Cellar and Capital Comedy Club’s Best Newcomer Award. He also won Irish Standup of the Year in 2011 by the readers of entertainment.ie. We caught up with Eric in advance of his shows at this years Cat Laughs comedy festival. Q. You were part of the TV series, Joy in the Hood in 2006, what was it like on that show? At the start, it was kind of awkward, I didn’t know any of the guys and so I felt like the new kid at school, it took a couple of days getting to know them. Once that was done though it was great. The filming was carried out over
a period of 2 weeks, we met every second night and Des spoke to us about the do’s and don’ts of comedy. It was a hugely enjoyable experience. Q: Do you have to practice your gigs, or is it something that comes naturally to you? When you’re going to do a gig somewhere like The Cat Laughs, it’s tried and tested material. I don’t ever rehearse as such. I do a “new material” night in Dublin and road test the new material. It’s a terrifying experience, I liken it to performing naked, nothing to fall back, it’s new and never been heard before and you don’t know how it’s going to go down. The golden rule is, try it three times and if it doesn’t work after that, bin it. Q: It goes without saying that the timing and delivery of a joke are of utmost importance, but what do you feel is the most critical aspect of stand-up comedy?
I would have to agree the timing and delivery are the most important. Likeability is a big plus too, it lets you get you away with the material. Stage presence is vital too. You have to look as if you know what you’re doing, walk on stage and be 100% committed to the material. With experience, I’ve learned that you can suss out audiences fairly quickly and the judge the pace of the show.
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Q: Where do you come up with the ideas for your show? Everyday life. Something that has stayed with me from the workshops was to speak about what you know, there’s no point trying to be clever, I always work from my own experiences, as well as my family, the country and the economy. Q: Which would you find more enjoyable, a stand-up routine that totally kills or robbing a bank and getting away with it? Well having done both, that’s a tough question to answer!!! Q: What’s something that most of your fans probably would be surprised to learn about you? Well, I’m mostly surprised by the fact that I have fans! Generally with my shows, you get what you see. One thing that people may not know is that I was cub scout of the year in 1981 and I the plaque to prove it.
Q. Who were/are your inspirations in the world of comedy? Jason Byrne is the one I think is the best in the game. I’ve toured with Jason and every night it’s a different show, great crowd interaction, and he often goes off in tangents. I really admire the amount of time and effort he puts into the job. Des Bishop was also a great inspiration and my favourites would have to include Billy Connolly, Lee Mack and Ricky Gervais. Q. How do you think the Cat Laughs comedy festival rates in terms of other comedy festivals around the world? Edinburgh would be the biggest comedy festival in the world, however the Cat Laughs is always a weekend all the comedians look forward to. The atmosphere in Kilkenny is electric, the rooms are packed and my time on stage is 20 minutes instead of the usual
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW QUALIFYING HEAT 2012 The theme for the 2012 Chelsea Flower Show qualifying heat was to “design and create a table centre for the gala dinner for the UK Olympic team”. As usual weeks of hard work and burning the midnight oil have gone into Flowers by Lucy’s interpretation of the theme. It was a fascinating and interesting schedule with the buzz of the Olympics so much in vogue. Before ever thinking of flower material, the work on the construction of the table design interpreting the Olympic torch high above the seated Olympic participants was a major task. Welders, saws, cement etc were integral factors to achieving balance and space within the design. The head of the torch was constructed of bamboo sliced and moulded into the semi sphere protecting the actual flame. The main feature of the design was the actual “flame” interpreted with compact use of strelitza (birds of paradise). The Olympic colours were depicted in flowers with blue vanda orchids, yellow grasspegia, red anthuriums and linked with natural coloured wool. The base of the design was constructed of a mould of cement which depicted the design of the Olympic medal and gave balance to the complete design. The adjudicators described the exhibit as “A MASTERPIECE” - best of luck to Vinny.
45 minutes or an hour. Also, the reaction is always superb. When I come to Kilkenny I get delusions of grandeur as I get to perform with lads I wouldn’t normally perform with. Q: What are your plans for the rest of the year? Where can fans see you perform, and do you have any new projects underway? At the moment I’m on the road with Gearoid Farrelly, called the Chalk & Cheese comedy tour where we perform one or two nights a month. We’re planning to maybe extend that a bit further. I will also be appearing on the Craig Doyle Show which will be on after the matches during Euro 2012. I’m really looking forward to this as comedy and football are right up my street. You can catch Eric performing at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Langtons, or the Kilkenny River Court. Check out www.thecatlaughs.com for more information.
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A stone’s throw away... If by some miracle you run out of things to do during your stay in Kilkenny city, or you simply want to see what else the county has to offer, then read on.....Each month we will pick a beautiful destination roughly twenty minutes outside Kilkenny city for you to visit. This month we have selected the enigmatic Passage Tomb at Knockroe, Co. Kilkenny
junction take a right. Drive for roughly 1.2km and take a sharp left, the entrance to the site should be marked nearby on the left.
Getting there Kilkenny
N76
Sheskin Commons Callan Commoge N76 R698
Windgap Castlejohn The journey should take no more than 30 minutes. Using Kilkenny Castle as your starting point, turn in the direction of High St and at the traffic lights with The Left Bank bar on your left side turn left onto Patrick Street. Continue along Patrick Street and take the first right turn onto the Ormonde rd. At the traffic lights drive straight ahead onto College rd. At the next roundabouts go straight through onto the Callan Rd roundabout. Take the second exit for Callan (N76) and continue along the N76 for 15.6 km. When you reach the town of Callan take the third exit for the R698. After a further 9.6km you enter the village of Windgap. Take the first right in the village and after 400m turn left. Drive for another 2.6 km and at the next
Laser scanned images from one of the Orthostats at Knockroe, Co. Kilkenny showing the various carvings courtesy of the Discovery Programme.
So what is it all about? Passage tombs as the name suggests are burial sites dating to the Neolithic period, making them roughly 7000 years old and pre-dating the pyramids in Egypt! These monuments typically consist of a stone lined inner chamber where the burial remains were placed. The chamber is accessed by a long passage lined on either side with large upright stones then capped from the front of the passage to the back of the chamber. A line of large kerb stones are then placed end to end from the entrance of the passage in a large circle. This forms the boundary of the mound and the kerb stones are normally decorated with various designs. The structure is then covered over by a mound of stones or earth or usually both. The entrance was then sealed with a large stone. The entrance also holds the most astonishing aspect to these monuments. Typically on the shortest day of the year, December 21st the winter solstice, the rays of sunlight from the rising sun briefly illuminate the inner chamber of the tomb. At Knockroe, the passage and chamber are aligned to the setting of the sun on this day and it is this aspect of their construction that really is astonishing when you consider the level of knowledge required to achieve this feat. The Knockroe tomb, also known as The Caiseal, features two burial chambers
within the cairn one opening off to the south east and one to the south west, with the western tomb aligning onto the setting sun on midwinter day, 21st December. The monument consists of a denuded round cairn approximately 20m in diameter which incorporates the remains of two passage tombs. The west tomb is relatively simple in plan, with a passage widening into a terminal chamber, the overall structure measuring c. 4.50m from entrance to backstone. The east tomb has a more complex, quasi-cruciform plan and measures approximately 3m from entrance to backstone, with a further gap of c. 1.50m separating the entrance from the perimeter kerb. At its widest, the east tomb measures approximately 2.50m across. As is normal in the case of Irish passage tombs, the tombs are defined by orthostats and the perimeter is defined by a kerb of megalithic slabs. On the east side, the kerb runs across in front of the tomb as at Newgrange and Knowth for example, but on the west side a flanking winged facade opens out from the tomb and merges into the kerb. The site has been the subject of archaeological excavations since the 1990’s and all of the mound material has been removed revealing the layout of the inner and outer orthostats and impressively the artwork on the stones. A fantastic web site with beautiful images of the site can be seen at www. shadowsandstone.com. Just follow the links to Passage tombs on the site.
Jerpoint Park
- a perfect adventure for both kids and adults alike grounds and can even make them fly on command. (the geese that is, not the sheep!) Seriously, how much fun is that! The walks along the river Nore are great for exploring nature, fishing and to learn history on the heritage site of the lost town of Newtown Jerpoint and St Nicholas. Guided tours are provided by Joe and Senior tour guide, Percy the Labrador, who are the best tour guides I have ever come across! To finish off our visit we headed for the Tea Rooms in the Belmore House Drawing Room, where we were served tea and freshly baked homemade scones with jam and cream using Maeve’s delicious recipe, while gazing out the beautiful bay window at a stunning landscape.
I recently paid a visit to Jerpoint Park in Thomastown where owners Joe and Maeve O’Connell have created a magnificent amenity for people of all ages. If it’s one thing we all need these days, it’s fresh air, and you’ll find a plentiful supply at Jerpoint Park.
The Tea Rooms are open daily during the summer months and you can choose to refresh yourself with a range of teas, fresh coffee or an amazing apple juice, sourced from a local orchard. Out of season Tea Rooms open by appointment
Set amid the grounds of Belmore House, you are greeted with jaw dropping views as you drive around to the car park, but more importantly you are greeted by wonderful hosts, Maeve and Joe, who’s main aim is to ensure you leave with a smile on your face. The kids will be in heaven here as there is so much for them to see and do. There are swings, an enclosed trampoline and go carts to name but a few. Within the old stable courtyard, there’s a sandpit and there is even a real live tree house. It’s what you would call, good old fashioned fun where the kids will be exhausted getting into the car and parents will feel like they’ve taken a trip down memory lane. It’s also an ideal venue for children’s birthday parties. One of the main attractions however is the Herding Geese Demo - now this is something you do not want to miss. Joe and Cap, an extremely talented border collie sheepdog, will show you how it’s done. Cap who is trained to herd sheep and geese and who understands multiple commands can direct them around the
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There is something truly unique and lovely about Jerpoint Park which is very difficult to put into words but you’ll know what I mean after you have been there!
Check out their website for more information which also includes “Percy’s Blog” - an enjoyable read. www. jerpointpark.ie Group booking welcome all year round. Children must be supervised by their guardians at all times. Contact Maeve 086 6061449 e-mail: info@jerpointpark.ie
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Hole in the Wall
Ireland’s oldest surviving townhouse, Kilkenny’s newest venue. If the gate is open, we are too! The Hole In The Wall is a new music venue situated in the heart of Kilkenny City. It is housed in the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland - the 1582 Archer Inner House, 17 High St. 17 High Street Kilkenny, Ireland Tel 056 775 6857 follow us on Facebook Hole in the Wall Kilkenny
88 - 90 High Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 77 22143 Goods of Kilkenny stock brands like - Coast, Oasis, Warehouse, Awear, Dorothy Perkins,Choice, Gardeur, Alexon, Anne Harvey, Eastex, Dash, Kaliko, Minuet Petit, Benetton, Handbags, Hosiery, Shoe Suite, Lingerie, Cosmetics department featuring brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, Smashbox, Made in Kilkenny pop up shop. Goods is on Facebook
Gardenia Thanks to Gardenia of John Street Kilkenny for supplying the background props for the photoshoot. Featured in the shoot is the new Riverdale range. For more information call (056)7722902. Maria’s Cakes The lovely cupcakes featured on the cake stand are from Maria’s Cakes, Kilkenny Retail Centre, James Street Kilkenny (056)7780494.
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