Dungarvan Observer

DUNGARVAN

Vol. 106

OBSERVER Friday, 4th January, 2019 01

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SPORT IRELAND CEO JOHN TREACY APPEALS TO PARENTS:

KEEP CHILDREN INVOLVED IN SPORT

John Treacy

By Paul Mooney

sport throughout their secondary school years.

THE Chief Executive of Sport Ireland and Villierstown native, John Treacy has appealed to local parents to stop writing notes for their children to get out of PE (Physical Education) and to ensure their children continue to be involved in

Mr. Treacy made the appeal at the December Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council following the launch of the new Waterford Sports Partnership Strategy 2018-2022 which can be viewed / downloaded at www.waterfordsportspartnership.ie; and aims to support activity and sport for all

people in Waterford over the next four years.

Mr. Treacy said there is a trend of children dropping out of sport, usually in the first two or three years of secondary school.

“That is something we found in a study which will be published shortly,” Mr. Treacy told the Council meeting.

He said a lot of emphasis is placed on team sports and chil-

Gardaí reiterate appeal to motorists to slow down in the New Year

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DUNGARVAN Gardaí have reiterating an appeal to motorists to slow down in the New Year to save lives.

The appeal comes after a Dungarvan motorist was one of 476 vehicles around the country who were detected speeding on one particular day in December, during a Christmas and New Year Road Safety Campaign.

The Dungarvan motorist was detected travelling at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N25

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PERSPECTIVE

at Cloncoskoran, Dungarvan, on 27th December, last. Gardaí said that there were 476 vehicles detected speeding, out of 101,900 vehicles monitored on the day. Of note was a motorcyclist who was detected travelling at 198 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in Westport, Mayo; and a motorist travelling at 122 km/h in a 50 km/h zone in Dublin 8.

On 28th December, 458 vehicles were detected speeding around the country; while on

29th December, 361 vehicles were caught breaking the speed limit. There were 414 motorists caught speeding on St. Stephen’s Day; while ten drivers were arrested on suspicion of drink driving on Christmas Day. Gardaí have asked motorists to slow down to save lives in the New Year, as speeding is a major factor in fatal road traffic collisions and have also appealed for drivers to never, ever drink and drive.

dren do drop out of team sports at a higher rate than individual sports and girls have a higher drop out rate than boys.

“This is a critical issue and it is something we will be looking at in 2019,” he said.

“No-one has really cracked it worldwide, but what we found is that in Ireland, when young people get into their early 20s, they begin to find sport again, and

rates of participation have been improving in recent times.”

He praised the Department of Education for putting PE on the curriculum but blasted parents for writing notes excusing their child from PE. “I’m blue in the face from telling parents to stop writing notes for their children to get out of PE,” he said.

He said parents should be

encouraging their children to continue sport, particularly during their Leaving Cert years.

“Anyone involved in sport is happier and healthier and they do better in exams as well - there is research to prove that,” Mr.Treacy said.

“Keeping children involved in sport, right through secondary school is critical.” c Continued on page 2

N ew T V s e r i e s o n G a e l t a c h t tow n l a n d s

SÍLE Nic Chonaonaigh will present a new TV series on TG4 which examines life in Gaeltacht townlands.

Episode four, which will feature Heilbhic, An Rinn, will be broadcast on Wednesday, 30th January.

SEE PAGE 17 FOR MORE

TV presenter, Síle Nic Chonaonaigh, pictured at Helvick Harbour.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy appeals to parents: Keep children involved in sport c FROM FRONT PAGE Mr.Treacy said that the recession “was good for sport, because people had a bit more time”, but the aim of the Strategic Plan was to encourage a lot more people to get involved in individual sports to compliment team sports activity.

Mr. Treacy said sport is also great for “keeping families together and creates a positive lifestyle”.

“The influence of parents, in terms of their children’s participation, is pivotal,” Mr. Treacy said.

“So, if a father or mother is involved in some way in sport, the very likelihood is that the children will be involved as well.

We all lead by example.”

ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY / OLDER PEOPLE Mr. Treacy pointed out that the government launched a ‘Sport Policy’ back in July, 2018, which will include contributions from Sport Ireland as well as various departments and local authorities.

He said there is a huge focus on ensuring people with disabilities / older people / people from disadvantaged communities are involved in sport in some way.

“We want to make sport accessible to everyone and a big part of what the local Sports Partnerships will be doing is knocking on doors and getting people out and about and changing lives,” he said.

“We in Sport Ireland want

no-one left behind when it comes to sport,” he said.

“It’s not all about teenagers, men and team sports - we want to ensure everyone is involved in sport, that is what the Sports Partnerships are all about, irrespective of abilities or disabilities. We want people to be out and participating in sport.This is what the local Strategic Plans are all about, encouraging that culture of physical activity.”

Giving examples, Mr. Treacy said he was aware of one young man with a severe disability whose life was transformed after he got involved in a club; and a woman aged 75 who was “sitting in front of the fire watching the days pass by - she got involved with an active retirement group and now she says her daughter has to make an appointment to see her because she is so busy”.

“This is what we want to do, change lives. It’s important that work continues and it will be a priority for the Sports Partnerships and for Sport Ireland going forward,” Mr. Treacy said.

SHINING EXAMPLE Mr. Treacy described Waterford Sports Partnership as a “shining example” of people working together to support volunteers and clubs through training and initiatives for the benefit of Waterford.

“I’m proud to say that Waterford Sports Partnership is a shining example of what a partnership is,” Mr. Treacy said.

He praised Waterford Sports

Partnership on the launch of their new Strategic Plan (20182022).

He also praised Waterford Council for their huge contribution to Waterford Sports Partnership throughout the years.

“Without that contribution, the success of Waterford Sports Partnership would not happen,” he said.

He also praised Waterford Council for the development of the Greenway and said this is

“Waterford leading the way” and paid tribute to the Chief Executive, Michael Walsh, Council staff and Councillors for having that vision to develop the Greenway.

“It is an amenity that everyone in the country will use and I hear about it no matter where I’m going,” Mr. Treacy said.

INVESTMENT IN SPORT Mr.Treacy revealed that there would be an estimated €450,000 being invested in sport in Waterford for 2019 -

which, he said, “is a really good investment, because we know we will get a really great return for that investment in Waterford”.

“For every €1 invested in sport, you save €3 in health,” Mr. Treacy said.

“There are positive benefits to sport, whatever age you are.”

He said Sport Ireland continue to focus on minority sports which offers opportunities for everyone to participate in the sports they want.

“The good thing we have now that we didn’t have 15/20 years ago, is we now have more choice in sport,” said Mr.Treacy.

“Not everyone wants to play football or hurling. Football and hurling are great for people to get them started and they are fantastic sports, but not everyone can kick a football. So, now there are a lot of other sports like surfing or cycling or whatever - there is choice and more sports and clubs available,” he added.

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and friends advertisers , subscribers, our readers New Year Wishing all prosperous a happy and

2019

TS: Y APPEALS TO PAREN CEO JOHN TREAC

REMEMBERING 1983 ON THE GAA SCENE IN WATERFORD

EN KEEP CHILDR T INVOLVED IN SPOR

SPORT IRELAND

2019

| Dungarvan | Co Waterford 41 Grattan Square 41154 t (058) 41130 f (058) us.ie w www.careplus.ie e murrayspharmacy@carepl

Championshi p winning teams

Pages 2 to 8

of 1983

SUPER GOALS SEALS TITLE FOR BALLYDU FF

Ballyduff 3-10; Roanmore

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John Treacy

2-6.

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CLONEA LEISURE CENTRE SWIM AWARDS

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to their children have been encouraging particularly during continue sport, rates of participationtimes.” years. team sports do drop out of their Leaving Cert improving in recent in sport is the next dren Department of than individual “Anyone involved He praised the in Waterford over do at a higher rate the their people healthier and they is have a higher drop Education for putting PE on sports and girls for happier and four years. sport throughout as well - there there is a trend but blasted parents years. than boys. better in exams Mr. Treacy said Treacy sport, out rate a critical issue and it is curriculum secondary school the appeal at excusing their child research to prove that,” Mr.

By Paul Mooney dropping out of “This is at writing notes Mr. Treacy made meeting of of children first two or three something we will be looking said. from PE. usually in the involved in Executive of the December Plenary the face from school.

THE Chief “Keeping children “I’m blue in 2019,” he said. and Waterford City and County years of secondary cracked it Ireland we found in to stop writing sport, right through secondary the launch of Sport “No-one has really found is telling parents “That is something published to get out native, John Council following Sports will be but what we Villierstown school is critical.” notes for their children in a study which to local the new Waterford page 2 told the worldwide,Ireland, when young Continued on PE,” he said.

Treacy has appealed notes Partnership Strategy 2018-2022 shortly,” Mr. Treacy that in should be c early 20s, of writing get into their be viewed / down- Council meeting.

He said parents parents to stop can people and is out which to get sport again, of emphasis they begin to find He said a lot for their childrenEducation) loaded at www.waterford.ie; and aims to placed on team sports and chilof PE (Physical their children sportspartnership and sport for all support activity

and to ensure involved in continue to be

ists appeal to motor Gardaí reiterate the New Year to slow down in

SOMETIMES ALL YOU

NEED IS A NEW

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361 vehicles 29th December, Dungarvan, on were caught breaking the speed at Cloncoskoran, last. Gardaí said were 414 motorists Gardaí have 27th December, 476 vehicles limit. There DUNGARVAN Stephen’s to motorists were speeding on St. reiterating an appeal New Year to that there out of caughtwhile ten drivers were the detected speeding, on Day; to slow down in of drink vehicles monitored arrested on suspicionDay. save lives. after a 101,900 Of note was a motordriving on Christmasmotorists to the day.

The appeal comes was one of was detected travelGardaí have asked lives in the Dungarvan motorist the country cyclist who km/h save km/h in a 100 slow down to major 476 vehicles around speeding on ling at 198 Mayo; and a as speeding is a who were detectedin December, zone in Westport, at 122 km/h New Year, fatal road traffic day travelling factor in one particular in Dublin 8. and New motorist and have also appealed in a 50 km/h zone 458 collisions to never, ever drink during a Christmas Campaign. for drivers On 28th December, Year Road Safety motorist was detected speeding and drive.

The Dungarvan 109 km/h vehicles were on at country; while detected travelling on the N25 around the zone in a 60 km/h

PERSPECTIVE

s c h t tow n l a n d es o n G a e l ta N ew T V s e r i

will SÍLE Nic Chonaonaigh on TG4 series present a new TV in Gaeltacht life which examines

townlands. will feature Episode four, which be broadwill Heilbhic, An Rinn, 30th January. cast on Wednesday, FOR MORE SEE PAGE 17

TV presenter, Síle Nic Chonaonaigh, at Helvick

Katie pictured Power and Ghost Rider in action Harbour. at the FEI Pony Jumping Trophy final in Mechelen, Belgium.

INSET: Katie Power Pony Trophy aloft holds the FEI after victory in Belgium.

FOR JANUARY 2019

[Temps de Poses

Photography]

Open Thursday Nights ‘til 8pm

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WATERFORD’S Katie Power and Irish Sport Horse The pony Ghost Rider have claimed a superb victory in the season ending FEI Trophy Final, which Pony Jumping best riders under attracted Europe's the World Cup 16 years of age to show in Belgium.

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WATERFORD'S KATIE POW EUROPE'S BEST TO WIN ER BEATS IN BELGIUM

Fifteen-year-old Dungarvan was Power from in third place on league table coming the into the final on the back of impressive Herning in Denmark results at and Stuttgart in Germany.

A brilliant performance at the final Mechelen saw Katie Power produce in the only double clear round, to win the

final leg and in the all victory in the process claim overwith only one down, 2018 series. and today my The final in Mechelen pony jumped amazingly!” was run three days and Power explained. despite not gettingover to the best start, "In the last round Katie Power savedoff the best till last second and I knew I was lying to come out on I had to go clear. top.

“Day one was Britain’s Red Morgan not because my helmet very good was in the lead but he made a mistake and I two fences down. slipped and I had won - I can hardly believe Day two was better it!" said Power finished tenth who individually and was a

member of the Irish team that just missed out on bronze at the FEI European Pony Championships Bishops Burton at (GB) this Summer.

Katie Power’s win months after another comes 12 Irish rider, Seamus Hughes the inaugural FEI Kennedy, claimed Trophy in 2017. Pony Jumping

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TUESDAY, New Year's Day, will be dry with sunshine and scattered cloud.

Maximum temperatures of 8 or 9 degrees in light and variable winds.

National Overview: High pressure will dominate bringing mostly dry weather and the increased risk of frosty nights.

Tuesday night: Skies will clear across many northern and eastern parts of the country overnight and temperatures will fall sharply with a widespread frost expected here as temperatures range from zero to minus 3 degrees.

Further south and west it will remain mostly cloudy with a few spots of rain or drizzle and temperatures ranging generally 3 to 6 degrees. Winds will be light and variable in direction.

Wednesday: Cold and frosty to start on Wednesday across Ulster and Leinster but the frost will gradually clear leaving a dry and bright day with sunny spells. Maximum temperatures ranging 4 to 6 degrees here. Across Connacht and Munster it will be cloudier but a few sunny intervals are likely and maximum temperatures will range from 7 to 9 degrees. Winds will be generally light, southeasterly in direction. Staying largely dry overnight with the risk of a slight frost in the north and east but less cold further south and west with more cloud here.

Thursday: A frosty start in parts of the north and east on Thursday. There will be a good deal of cloud across the country but it looks set to remain largely dry apart from some mist and drizzle along southern and southeastern coasts. Top temperatures will range 4 to 8 degrees generally but a few degrees milder along southern and western coasts. Winds, light to moderate southeasterly in direction. A mix of cloud and clear spells overnight with a slight frost forming where skies clear.

Friday: High pressure will be positioned near Ireland on Friday leaving another mainly dry day with a mix of cloud and bright spells. The cloud is likely to be thickest in southern and southwestern areas where a few spots of rain or drizzle are possible. Maximum temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees, coldest in Ulster. There will be light southerly or variable breezes. Dry overnight with good clear spells and a fairly widespread frost.

Saturday/Sunday: Current indications suggest high pressure will continue to be positioned close to Ireland over the weekend bringing a mix of cloud and sunny spells by day. It will be rather chilly by night with frost forming where skies remain clear.

WED 9º

THUR 8º

FRI 8º

SAT 8º

SUN 8º

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Landslide on R680 occurred fortunately while road was closed A LANDSLIDE which occurred on a busy regional road in County Waterford fortunately happened while the road was closed to facilitate emergency felling of dangerous trees, writes Paul Mooney.

The R680 (between Kilmeaden and Portlaw) was closed by Waterford Council on 8th December to facilitate the landowner(s) to remove over 150 dangerous trees at an area known as Pouldrew Bends, as the trees were causing safety concerns.

Traffic diversions were put in place via Carroll’s Cross.

The work also included the lowering of overhead power lines and telephone cables.

Initially, it was envisaged that the road would be reopened again by 17th December.

However, Senior Roads Engineer, Gabriel Hynes said that following heavy, intense rainfall during late Friday, 14th into early Saturday, 15th December, a landslide occurred within the closed section of the R680.

Mr. Hynes stressed that the landslide was not related to the

emergency tree cutting.

“It was just related to the weather,” Mr. Hynes told a special meeting of Comeragh Municipal District Council, which was held on Tuesday evening, 18th December.

Cllr. John O’Leary drew attention to the emergency situation at Pouldrew at the special meeting of the Comeragh Council.

“It is an emergency situation and is causing a huge amount of difficulty for motorists because of the closure of that regional road,” Cllr. O’Leary said.

Concurring, Cllr. Seanie Power said the closure of the road was fortunate, as there could been a lot more serious issues there if the road was opened to traffic at the time.

He noted that the severe weather was playing havoc with the contractor trying to cut down the trees and complimented them for their work.

He also complimented the landowner(s) who took on the expense of having to remove the trees in the interests of public safety.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ray Murphy said that for a long time

LUCEY

they have been looking for those trees to be felled because of the danger they posed.

“Safety is priority. It’s just unfortunate that it has taken longer than was originally envisaged,” he said. “But safety is the issue and it is finally being addressed,” he added.

Mr. Hynes said that the landslide on the road has resulted in some 3,000+ tonnes of material needing to be removed.

He said some of it is on the road, which needs to be removed, while the rest will be pushed back to create a stable bank so the road can be reopened.

Mr. Hynes pointed out that as well as a huge amount of material to be removed, the overhead cables need to be put back up with additional new telecom poles and the road has to be cleaned before it is opened.

“Safety comes first - I need to be assured that the stability of the bank is okay and the road pavement is in order, for it to be reopened,” Mr. Hynes said, assuring Councillors that he would keep them updated on the matter.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2018

Unanimous backing for traffic calming scheme in Lemybrien Work to include controlled pedestrian crossing; two new disabled bus stop facilities; public lighting; new footpaths and cycle lanes

By Paul Mooney COMERAGH Councillors gave unanimous backing for a traffic calming scheme on the N25 at Lemybrien, which will include a new controlled pedestrian crossing across the busy national primary route, along with two new disabled bus stop facilities and new footpaths, public lighting and cycle lanes.

Senior Roads Engineer, Gabriel Hynes, told a special meeting of Comeragh Municipal District Council in December that the essential objective of the scheme “is to provide a focal point in the centre of the village” while also narrowing the carriageway considerably to encourage lower speeds.

The proposed traffic calming scheme was placed on public display for submissions back in September.

Mr. Hynes said there were two significant submissions received one from Crotty’s Inn in relation to the loss of car parking spaces in front of the public house; and the second submission from Walsh’s Daybreak / Texaco Garage.

Mr. Hynes told Councillors the scheme was being proposed with two amendments - in relation to the provision of a minimum of three car parking spaces in front of Crotty’s Inn to allow for parallel parking.

“We are committed to providing the additional loss of car parking in front of the pub in the adjacent car park,” he said.

The second amendment was in relation to Walsh’s garage “that the proposed raised area in front of the petrol pumps be lowered to ensure it is level with the road pavement to allow access for

larger vehicles to use the petrol pumps with the provision of bollards to control parking and traffic”.

Cllr. Liam Brazil, who has continually raised the need for a pedestrian crossing in Lemybrien over the past number of years told the special meeting: “I am proud this evening to formally propose this scheme for Lemybrien”.

“This is something I’ve been pushing for, for a long time,” he said “Safety has to come first and over the years, Lemybrien has had very bad accidents on the road. Anything that can help to avoid fatalities and accidents is a must,” Cllr. Brazil said.

He outlined the importance of having a pedestrian crossing from Ann’s Court across the N25 to the other side, which, he said would enable people to safely cross the road to go to the post office or shops; go to the GAA field; attend mass; or the bus stop.

He acknowledged that the work will have an impact on the businesses in Lemybrien, but said he believed the changes to the village and the new bus stop on the Waterford side “will be great for Lemybrien”.

Seconding the proposed traffic calming scheme, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan described it as “a great news story” for Lemybrien, noting that the proposed plan “took into consideration the genuine concerns of the businesses and people affected”.

From the plans, Cllr. O’Ryan said he could see “a lovely streetscape, a safer area for walkers and cyclists and a safer area for pedestrians to cross [the busy N25]”.

He thanked the Council en-

gineers for listening to the concerns of people and addressing them in the revised plan.

“It is a costly project, but the benefits will be for all to see,” he said. “It is another example of the Comeragh Municipal District Council working well together irrespective of party affiliation.”

Cllr. O’Ryan said he was hopeful that businesses in the village would experience increased trade through people wanting to stop in Lemybrien.

“I hope this scheme comes to fruition sooner rather than later,” Cllr. O’Ryan added.

Cllr. Seanie Power agreed that it was hugely important the concerns of the businesses were taken into account.

“I think this will enhance Lemybrien and make it a lot more safer.The disability bus stop access will also be a huge benefit,” Cllr. Power said.

Welcoming the traffic calming scheme, Cllr. John O’Leary said he and other Councillors have never given up on their quest to make the N25 much more safer and praised the scheme as “a positive step for the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland)”.

“I hope the TII will come on board in the future on other safety issues we have been raising on the N25,” he said.

“The N25 is a road that is hugely busy, with up to 14,000 vehicles a day using it,” he said.

“It beholds any local representative to ensure road safety is at a premium.”

He said nationally, the reduction in the loss of lives has been successful over the years.

He praised the Council’s engineers in addressing the concerns of the businesses, as some businesses can find it a struggle

Lemybrien with proposed cycle lanes. and change could come at a price.

“I’ve seen in the past where businesses have closed because of the relining of roads and the removal of entrances from a lot of small villages around the country,” he said.

“We need to treat people with sensitivity and compassion and hear their views and I think we’ve done that in this process and I welcome that.”

Cllr. O’Leary said the scheme will make Lemybrien a more focused village and he welcomed the new pedestrian crossing which, he said, Cllr. Brazil has been very vocal about over the last number of years.

“The bus stops for disabled people are very welcome indeed,” Cllr. O’Leary added.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ray Murphy said that since he has been on the Council, road safety at Lemybrien has been raised on several occasions.

“The safety aspect has to be the number one priority when we look at traffic calming schemes,” Cllr. Murphy said.

He congratulated the Council’s engineers for bringing the detailed plan to the Council.

“It is obvious from the plan that some serious issues have been addressed, with regards to the new pedestrian crossing and the two new disabled access bus stops,” Cllr. Murphy said.

“Enhancing the footpaths will have a significant effect on the landscape of the village as the N25 comes through it.”

Cllr. Murphy said the Senior Engineer, Mr. Hynes, is to be commended for dealing with the public submissions in such a favourable manner and taking on board their concerns, particularly the concerns expressed by Crotty’s Inn and Walsh’s Garage.

“Overall, I think this development will encourage people to stop in Lemybrien, which hadn’t

been there before. People tended to pass through the village without looking left or right.

The whole effect will encourage people to slow down and will encourage people to actually use the businesses there - I think the businesses will improve overall,” he said.

“From a safety perspective it’s a great plan and I’m really looking forward to it progressing in 2019,” Cllr.

Murphy added.

Other Councillors also expressed their hope that the work will be able to take place in 2019.

The Lemybrien Traffic Calming Scheme will be carried out in phases, which will depend on the availability of funding, with the national roads aspect of the scheme to be funded by TII, while the regional and local roads aspect will be funded separately from the national road works.

Pictured left: the plan with the proposed alterations to Lemybrien, which includes a pedestrian crossing and disabled access bus bays. Right: an aerial shot of Lemybrien with the proposed traffic calming scheme.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Aldi to extend its Dungarvan store as part of €160m Irish store network investment Waterford City & County Council grants permission for extension ALDI is delighted to announce it has received planning permission from Waterford City & County Council to build a new 300 sqm extension to its Dungarvan store on Davis Street.

Construction of the extension will see the store receive a complete overhaul in line with Aldi’s award-winning ‘Project Fresh’ store design. Aldi’s new store layout was recognised at the Checkout National Retail Supplier Awards, by scooping the Best New Store Build award for one of its recently completed stores in Ennistymon Co. Clare.

Waterford City & County Council’s decision follows An Bord Pleanála’s recent ruling to provide Aldi with planning permission to open a new store in Tramore on Strand Road.

Aldi operates five stores in Co. Waterford.

Once complete, the revamped Dungarvan store’s shop floor will be 30% larger, measuring 1,315 sqm. It will boast more chillers, a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store, hi-spec fixtures and fittings and new signage that provides a more efficient and hassle-free shopping experience. There will also

be 118 free car parking spaces for customers.

The store will be powered by 100% green electricity. Aldi has invested heavily in improving its energy management systems and its entire store network is now powered by 100% wind generated energy. Aldi was the second retailer in Ireland to achieve ISO 50001 accreditation in recognition of its efforts to improve energy efficiencies.

The new extension and revamp is expected to be fully complete by August 2019. The store will remain fully open during the majority of the renovation work.

Since first opening in 2014, Aldi’s Davis Street store has become an established part of Dungarvan’s retail landscape, proving very popular with local shoppers for bringing greater competition, choice and value for money to the town.

The store participates in Aldi’s national partnership with FoodCloud, donating surplus food to local charities daily. The store has donated more than 17,500 meals to its charity partners to date, saving the charities almost €25,000. Aldi Dungarvan is also part

of Aldi’s Community Grants network, with Dungarvan Care of the Aged availing of the €500 bursary grant this year.

Commenting, Niall O’Connor, Managing Director Aldi Mitchelstown Region said, “This decision is great news for Dungarvan shoppers. A bigger and more spacious Aldi Project Fresh store means we will be able to provide an even better shopping experience to our customers in Dungarvan.”

“We welcome Waterford City & County Council’s decision and we will now move forward with our plans. We are investing €160m in our Irish store network, opening more stores and revamping all of our existing stores in the Project Fresh format, to bring our unbeatable grocery offering to more families across Ireland.”

“Our commitment to our customers is we will never be beaten on price and will always provide the best value. Our Swap & Save campaign launched in May. The goal is to remind shoppers about the saving that can be generated by swapping their weekly shop to Aldi.”

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2018

Councillors agree to €18m overdraft facility for coming year WATERFORD Councillors passed an overdraft facility of €18m for the coming year.

The item was listed on the Agenda at the December meeting of Waterford City and County Council, where Acting Head of Finance, Bryan O’Kane sought the Councillors to approve the renewal of the bank overdraft facility of €18m to service the period up until 31st December, 2019.

It is expected that it will cost the Council over €150,000 approximately to service the bank overdraft.

The overdraft was passed unanimously after it was proposed by Cllr. Damien Geoghegan and seconded by Cllr. James Tobin.

Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan enquired if the €18m overdraft is in line with what the Council has agreed in past years.

Mr. O’Kane said the amount is in or around similar amounts previously agreed, pointing out that last year, the Council approved the overdraft facility for €20m up to the end of December 2018.

MORTGAGE LOANS Meanwhile, Councillors also unanimously approved the drawing down of €4m of new loans from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to fund borrowers seeking mortgages from the Council, as they arise during the course of 2019.

Standstill Service Plan for older people - Butler FIANNA Fáil Spokesperson on Older People Mary Butler says the 2019 HSE Service Plan will not result in any significant improvement for older people.

“It is simply extraordinary that when we have an ageing population that the HSE should only be extending home support to 550 more people”, said Deputy Butler.

“Earlier this year the Health Service Capacity Review projected that demand for home care is set to increase by 120% by 2030. I don’t think that an increase of 1% in 2019 relative to the outturn in 2018 is in keeping with that.

“The fact is, demand for Home Support continues to grow and waiting lists for services have become a feature.

Over 6,000 people are waiting for services, and with the sort of increase the HSE is planning for home care in 2019, I would not be surprised if the waiting list lengthened further.

“It is also disappointing that the number of home support hours to be provided from

Intensive Home Care Packages (mainly for people with dementia) will drop by more than 35,000 hours (9%) in 2019 relative to 2018.

“Those who advocate for people with dementia will also feel let down by the lack of any specific commitment to increase the number of dementia advisers in the plan. The number of people with dementia is on a steep upward curve and more supports are urgently needed.

“Every day in Ireland 11 people are diagnosed with dementia, with 55,000 people currently living with this disease. With our aging population the importance of sufficient home care supports is vital.

There are currently 6,200 people waiting for these supports and the announcement of an extra 550 packages is nowhere near sufficient.

“The HSE’s own capacity review made it clear what is required. It is unsatisfactory that the 2019 Service Plan is delivering so little to meet that requirement.”

Sean French, Cllr. Niall Kelleher, Mary Butler TD, Cllr. Tom Cronin, Ann Marie Rossiter, Joe O’Riordan and Cllr. Eddie Mulligan.

Candidates selected at Fianna Fáil Convention AT the recently held convention to select Fianna Fáil Candidates for this year’s local election both Lismore Electoral area and the Dungarvan Electoral area both in the West Waterford C.C. and both were held on the same night.

LISMORE AREA Candidates nominated sitting Councillor, James Tobin and Michael J. Walsh, current Chairperson of Waterford C.C. Cllr. James Tobin was selected to represent Fianna Fáil at the next Local Elections.

DUNGARVAN AREA Candidates nominated: sitting Councillor, Tom Cronin; Sean French, Abbeyside; Joe O’Riordan, Abbeyside; and Ann Marie Rossiter, Dungarvan.

Due to a Directive from Fianna Fáil HQ only one candidate was to be selected at convention.

The other candidate to be added by selection committee from HQ at a later date.

Cllr. Tom Cronin was selected on the night the Convention, which was chaired by Cllr. Niall Kelleher from Killarney, ably assisted by regional organiser Colm Leahy.

In attendance on the night were Deputy Mary Butler TD; Cllr John O’Leary, Chairman CDD; Cllr Eddie Mulligan; and Karen Dobbyn, Secretary CDD.

Cllr. James Tobin, Mary Butler TD, and Michael J. Walsh.

Flynn Hotels appoints new Head Chef at Park Hotel - Expanded team looks forward to 2019 THE Park Hotel, Dungarvan is delighted to announce a number of new appointments to its expanding team, following recent refurbishment upgrades in excess of €400,000 towards bringing The Park Hotel, Dungarvan up to 4 star standard.

Joining the team will be Padraic Scully, who has been appointed as Head Chef. In his new role, Padraic will use his proven style and vision to develop new menus while remaining true to the

Flynn Hotels ethos, as well as presenting his delicious interpretations of some of Mrs Flynn’s traditional recipes. He will also be responsible for daily kitchen operations and for the management, training and motivation of the hotel’s kitchen team.

Padraic, a graduate of Waterford Institute of Technology comes to The Park Hotel with a rich résumé and an impressive career having previously worked as Head Chef at Seven Oaks Hotel in

Carlow; Kilkenny River Court Hotel; Portlaoise Heritage Hotel; Killerig Hotel and Golf Resort Carlow and Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow.

A number of additional appointments to the management team at The Park Hotel, Dungarvan include Larry Bowe who joins as Deputy General Manager, Clodagh Hennebry who joins as Front Office Manager, Trevor Duffy joins as Human

Resource Manager, Paul Lacey joins as Financial Controller, Roisin Jordon joins and Food and Beverage Manager and Rachel Kinsella has joined the team as Sales and Marketing Manager.

As well as The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, the Flynn Hotels’ other properties include the Old Ground, Ennis; Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny; and The Imperial Hotel, Cork. For more information, please visit www.flynnhotels.com.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Grant aid tops €500,000 for roads projects in West Waterford

By Christy Parker WATERFORD Council has completed or is about to complete a series of road projects in West Waterford funded from various quarters to a total of over €523,250.

The figures are contained in the monthly roads report circulated to December’s DungarvanLismore Municipal District Council meeting and contain almost €300,000 from Clár.

The works, with grant amounts are as follows: OPW FUNDING • Repairs to river bank at Kiladanagan bridge.

Works completed – €13,050.

• Channel maintenance in Tallow. Works completed -€22.500.

• Access bridge replacement in Aglish. Works completed -€47,700.

• In all three cases detritus was also removed.

COASTAL REPAIR WORKS Phase 2 of repair works at Ardmore pier. Contract work completed – €150,000 from Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

CLÁR FUNDING • Setting back one boundary wall. Works completed (Ducting to be installed to underground Eir cables) -€45,000.

• Footpaths and ducting completed and reloca-

tion of eir poles at Ballycurrane. Railings in place and public lighting to follow – €31,500.

• Raised tables to provide traffic calming on the approach to Lismore school completed – €45,000.

• Infill footpaths works in Ardmore in 2019 – €45,000.

• Public lighting and lining works from school towards village in Ballyduff; civil works and lining completed. Public lighting installation to follow €45,000 • Signing and lining works completed in Aglish – €7,200.

• Upgrade of equipment in Lismore playground; equipment ordered and to be installed on delivery in January 2019 – €27,000.

• Repairs to boundary wall at Clashmore playground completed; playground equipment to be upgraded when delivered in January 2019 – €45,000.

LIS AND CIS Additionally, the Council received unspecified funding for Community Involvement (CIS) and Local Involvement Schemes (LIS). LIS Works have been completed at Knockaglogh, Currareagh, Coole, Curragh, Lickybeg, Reanagullee, Ballysaggart and Knockanore. Works are underway in Ardmore CIS’s completed at Reanagullee, Killeenagh and Ballinamultina.

Waterford Council paying a high price for extreme weather events AN analysis of Waterford City and County Council spending has revealed that extreme weather events are taking a significant toll on the local economy.

According to figures from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community, and Local Government, it cost Waterford City and County Council over €1.1 million to recover from the floods in 2016 and Storm Ophelia in 2017. That’s almost half the council’s entire budget for social housing this year.

Experts agree that although individual weather events cannot be directly linked to climate change, the frequency of so called ‘extreme weather events’ is likely to rise as a result of it. A report

published this week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that climbing temperatures in Arctic regions have resulted in disturbances in the polar jet stream that coincide with extreme weather events such as the ‘Beast from the East’.

Green Party Representative for Waterford City West and Tramore, Marc Ó Cathasaigh: “When you actually look at the figures it’s quite shocking. The debate around climate change often tends to focus on the potential costs of taking action to reduce the emissions that cause climate change, but the reality is we are already paying a high price for our lack of action. The less we do now, the more it will

cost us as the frequency of these extreme weather events increases.

As a country with some of the highest per capita emissions, it is important we do our part by taking much more action.

“Waterford City and County Council have done amazing work remediating the damage done by these weather events nowhere can that be better seen than around Tramore. But over €1.1 million was needed by the Council to cover the costs of the floods in 2016 and Storm Ophelia last year. That’s money that could have paid for the retrofitting of 44 houses, producing warmer homes with reduced emissions and lower heating bills.

We need to start treating the cause, not just the symptoms.”

Siobhan Gough, Judy Hackett, Pamela Roche and Mary Dwyer pictured at the Eurofins Christmas Party in the Park Hotel.

[Dan McGrath]

AIB Donate €11,050 to The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Funds will support the care for children in County Waterford AIB, proud sponsors of both Club and County, along with AXA, exclusive underwriters of AIB’s insurance presented The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation with a cheque for €11,050 at AIB Bankcentre.

The donation will provide over 680 home nursing hours for children under the age of five who have a significant neurodevelopmental delay involving severe learning difficulties, all across Ireland.

Support is also offered by Jack and Jill to all families whose child is at End of Life regardless of their diagnosis. Since the foundation began in 1997,The Jack and Jill Foundation have helped 68 children in Waterford, and AIB’s donation will continue to support children in the county.

The funds are a surplus from the AIB GAA Home Insurance Offering that will now go to support the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. The AIB GAA Home Insurance Offering saw AIB pay €50 to a member or supporter of any GAA club nationwide when he or she purchased a new home insurance policy. The offer ran from October 2016 to October 2018, with an overall investment of €140,000 from AIB funds into grassroots clubs, as well as 12 clubs benefitting from a €1,000 voucher for jerseys.

As it’s Christmas time, AIB, with help from AXA, decided to donate the remaining surplus of funds to Jack and Jill and are honoured to be in a position

to support such a worthy charity. Helen Carberry, AIB Head of Resources, Investments & Insurance, was on-site to present the cheque to Carmel Doyle, The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Interim CEO. Helen Carberry, AIB Head of Resources, Investments & Insurance, commented on the donation, saying: “AIB is delighted to be able to contribute funds that will help The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation continue to expand the amazing work that they do, providing care for sick children across the country. I am proud to present this cheque of €11,050 today that will go towards providing home nursing care and respite to the 340 children currently under their wing.”

Carmel Doyle, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Interim CEO, stated: “This donation from AIB will give sick children and their families the gift of time, time to do the normal things that we take for granted, like getting a night’s sleep, bringing the healthy siblings to see Santa, or simply doing the grocery shopping. This contribution will make a real difference to our families helping to keep their little ones at home, where they do best, especially at Christmas time.”

For exclusive content and to see how AIB are Backing Club and County, follow AIB GAA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

8 schools in County Waterford will undergo improvement works next Summer FINE Gael Senator Paudie Coffey said 8 schools County Waterford will undergo improvement works over the summer months thanks to Government funding through the Summer Works Scheme.

"As a former Chairperson of a School Board of Management I am only well aware of the importance of this funding scheme for schools to upgrade and enhance essential infrastructure and I know that the successful schools will welcome the approval to plan their works for the Summer of 2019 - the scheme will continue and be opened for new applications for 2020 in the coming months " said Senator Coffey.

“The announcement confirms the Government’s continuing prioritisation of capital funding for school buildings here in County Waterford which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers." said Senator Coffey

The following projects have been approved for Waterford:SW projects approved for 2019 1. S N Ursula Naofa 12535I Primary Structural Improvements 2. Glenbeg N S 15318P Primary Windows 3. Scoil Naomh Seosamh 16732H Primary Windows 4. S N Na Rinne 17295Q Primary Windows 5. Scoil Choill Mhic Thomaisin 20170N Primary Windows 6. Scoil Na mBraithre 64880T Post Primary Windows 7. Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School 64971W Post Primary Curricular Requirements 8. St Declan's Community College 72230W Post Primary Structural Improvements “It is great that this announcement is being made now in advance of next year, to give schools more

time to prepare for the planned works. The works will be carried out in schools mainly over the summer months in order to keep disruption to students, teachers and others to a minimum." stated Senator Coffey.

“The projects receiving funding relate to applications submitted by schools in categories 7, 8 and 9 under the multi-annual scheme. For any schools who applied under category 10, which relates to external works such as upgrade and resurfacing of yards and car parking, there will be further news on this next year.

Given the scale of the projects involved further detailed analysis of these applications is required with a view to enabling approved applications to proceed in 2020.

“In addition, Minister McHugh has also announced a further round of the Summer Works Scheme, which will open for applications in early

2019 for projects to be delivered from summer 2020.

Minister Joe McHugh added: “The Government’s Project Ireland 2040 plan included a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70 per cent.

“This investment will provide for the continued increase in demographics while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing schools.

“All schools approved for the 2019 Summer Works Scheme will be notified via the Department’s Esinet portal later today with further details and instructions on how to proceed.

“This year, almost €540 million will be invested in school building infrastructure under the school building and modernisation programme.”

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Sinn Féin to table motion to prevent mortgages being sold to vulture funds without permission SINN Féin Councillor Declan Clune has announced that his party will table legislation in January 2019 to protect mortgage holders from having their properties sold to vulture funds without their permission.

Cllr Clune said: “Currently there is a voluntary Central Bank code which states that lenders selling a mortgage must get a borrower’s permission before selling the loan on to a vulture fund”.

“The keyword here is ‘voluntary’ and the proposed Sinn Fein legislation will make it mandatory to have the borrower’s permission before a sale,” Cllr. Clune said.

“This will empower mortgage holders to block the sale of

their mortgage.

“Literally thousands of family homes have been affected by the banks selling off their mortgages to vulture funds,” he said.

“The Fine Gael / Fianna Fail government are 100 percent complicit in these sales,” Cllr.

Clune said.

“On 13th December, last, the Anti-Evictions Bill 2018 was before the Dail. The Bill was passed with the support of Sinn Féin but unsurprisingly without the support of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail TD’s.

“Deputy John Deasy (FG) voted against it and all members of Fianna Fail including Deputy Mary Butler abstained, which I think tells its own story,” said Cllr. Clune.

“The arrogance of the banks and vulture funds, and their contempt for their customers is

growing because they know this current government is on their side.

“We have seen in recent weeks the disgraceful events in County Roscommon which saw three elderly siblings forcibly evicted from their home while agents of the state stood idly by and watched.

“Sinn Féin will not be found wanting and will do everything in our power to prevent further evictions in Waterford and across the state,” Cllr. Clune said.

“I will be submitting a Notice of Motion for the January 2019 meeting of Waterford City and County Council asking all political parties and groupings to back our Bill and put the vultures back in their cage!” Cllr. Clune added.

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EDITORIAL

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Happy New Year?

The Roscommon Scandal

IT would be a futile exercise to detail the most significant happenings of the year just past. That will be done in our inside pages. We should just learn from our mistakes and deficiencies and resolve to do better in the coming year.

However, that seems an unlikely outcome, as many of our shortcomings, deficiencies and defects are those which have been listed for years.

Two social problems – crises really – stand out in this country, both capable of being solved given the understanding, goodwill and commitment of the Government. None of those three properties appear to be present around the Cabinet table.

Unfortunately, the rulers in Leinster House seem to be not at all interested – it cannot be that they do not know – in the grave deficiency of the health service and the dire need for housing.

It is a cliché to say that they have forgotten the people, but it appears that in many instances in this Government they do not know, or wish to be made aware of, the suffering of people in Ireland.

There are ten thousand people homeless in this country including over three thousand children. Does that not strike a chord for those who sit around the cabinet table; who enjoy quite adequate, maybe even luxurious homes and do not suffer the insecurity or the hopelessness of not knowing where their family will sleep tonight.

Homelessness grew by 13% in the last year, proof, if needed, of the neglect of the problem.

The health service deficiencies and the length of the daily queues at the emergency rooms where a wait of days is not rare. The queue is longer for treatment at the various clinics where years can be the waiting period.

It is difficult to understand why emergency measures are not being employed; why the quite adequate resources of the state are not being invested nor why there appears to be a lack of concern or the much vaunted compassion which seemed to disappear when the abortion referendum was won.

There are many New Year’s Resolutions which our Government could make to rule this country with concern and compassion, but any such commitment seems to absent.

WHICH is worse, the offensive strike or the retaliation?

The old adage says that all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

There has been a great deal of condemnation, genuine and otherwise, of the happenings in Roscommon where a bank sought to take over a property on which the mortgage was several years in arrears and which had been the subject of lengthy correspondence and Court Orders for the recovery of the property including a family home for elderly residents.

How many times have you seen a player fouled on the pitch in going for the ball, a misdemeanour which was not punished by the referee. Sometimes the offended player will follow up with a much more serious tackle incurring a card of one colour or another. The referee is clearly at fault.

The person who should have seen that justice was done was clearly deficient.

When the nationalist population of Northern Ireland, which had been discriminated against for generations, decided to stand up peacefully to the corrupt administration in 1968, they very soon got into very deep trouble and violence ensued. Right was on their side, but they were subjected to violence and intimidation. The British Government failed to address the problem with justice and the Irish Government were in no legal, constitutional or international position to do anything.

Into the vacuum stepped the IRA and they were welcomed with open arms. The following thirty years of violence was bred in that political and constitutional inaction, a lesson which has clearly not been learned.

In the Roscommon case, a similar vacuum was created and there were people ready to step in and take the law into their own hands. That, we can do without.

After a decade in which the Irish finances and financial system ran amok, people who borrowed money at high rates and were given loans far too large and far too freely, found themselves in trouble. It is estimated that there are almost thirty thousand householders in that predicament. It is further estimated that almost half of those will end up in eviction.

This is not a country where justice should be administered by people in balaclava masks. It behoves An Taoiseach and his Cabinet colleagues to come up with solutions to what may become a national crisis and another scandal. That is the function of Government. Glib comments and cheap shots at constitutional politicians – whatever their hue – are not the stuff of real parliamentary debate. Nor were the jibes at ‘Blueshirts’ in decades past.

Thirty thousand people or families face a serious problem.

It may not be the Government’s problem today, but it could be, - will be – some day. That day may not be far off. Leaving ‘the market’ to sort it out is not an answer, at least not one which will stave off a serious national problem.

INCORP. MUNSTER INDUSTRIAL ADVOCATE Serving the community of County Waterford for over a century 1912–2018

Struggling with death toll on roads THERE is no comfort to be gained in seeing the road fatalities of the past year fall slightly short or match those of 2017. There were 157 people killed on our roads in 2017 and while there may be some small reduction this year after the weekend, everyone would wish that the figure was substantially smaller.

More and more measures and penalties are being introduced to curb road traffic accidents and no case can be made against that. New measures are proposed by the Minister for Transport, but these are deemed far too severe by some representative groups. These depend on the liberal issuing of penalty points and earlier loss of licence, measures which may not receive wide public support.

Already, almost ten thousand drivers have been banned from driving in 2018, but less than 2,000 of them have handed in their licence to a Garda Station.

That system clearly is not working.

Disqualification from driving can cause real hardship, not only for the individual, but also for a family. Loss of school transport; loss of employment and loss of social driving imposes great hardship on a family and such outcomes should be brought to people’s attention regularly.

There is no justification for driving under the influence of alcohol or driving at excessive speed. They are punishable by large fines and loss of licence and everyone knows the consequences which flow from that.

Improvements in the laws covering driving habits, but Minister Ross should make sure that his proposals are workable before bringing them into law.

Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper • Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • 058-41205/42042 • www.dungarvanobserver.ie • news@dungarvanobserver.ie

Retail crisis reminds East Cork Councillor of Cappoquin’s resistance fight against high rents

Cllr. Noel Collins, Cork County Council and East Cork Municipal District Council.

By Christy Parker A CORK County Councillor who is also a former student at Mount Melleray and Ireland’s longest serving local representative, says current difficulties prevailing against small retailer outlets is reminiscent of that which drew protests against the practices of “absentee landlords” in Cappoquin, Midleton and other towns in the 1970s.

Midleton-based East Cork Municipal District Councillor Noel

Collins, who has been successively reelected to his local authority since 1967, says “the only difference is that nowadays it is some of our native landlords who are causing pain and sorrow to tenants and their families”.

Cllr. Collins said: “Much covets more” as far as some landlords are concerned with “exorbitant rents” being demanded through “greed and avarice”.

He said his argument applies to residential landlords as much as those in the commercial sector.

The Independent Councillor recalls Midleton “closing up shop” one

Saturday in the 1970s with retailers and the general public alike travelling to march in Cork city before handing in a protest letter to a legal agency “representing absent landlords”.

Cllr. Collins recalls that Cappoquin joined the protest movement, inviting himself and Midleton draper Tony O’Shea to address a meeting in the town.

“They saw how Midleton was rebelling and wanted Cappoquin to follow suit,” he remembers, “Which I believe they did afterwards with protest marches”.

Interestingly, the late Mr. O’Shea

was the father-in-law of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

“The Chairman at the Cappoquin meeting was the late Jack McCarthy, who was Professor of English at Mount Melleray, where I had been a student”, adds Cllr. Collins.

“Midleton and Cappoquin towns won that war”, he reflects, “but we have a similar war on our hands now against the ‘grab all’ policies of some native landlords”.

Cllr. Collins says the monks at Mount Melleray had proved “more stubborn than anyone” when it came to confronting distant demands, suc-

cessfully repelling demands for ground rents.

In recent weeks Cllr. Collins, who is a qualified social worker, attended homeless protest meetings in Dublin.

He asks whether it would be “too much to ask landlords to forego rent increases for five years” to allow tenants to address their financial deficits.

The ex-Mount Melleray scholar is also calling on the Minister for Justice to “review the law on commercial rates in order to create a mechanism that would allow tenants to buy their way out of existing leases - and to do so now to prevent further shop closures”.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

11

Time for election poster ban - Coffey FINE Gael General Election candidate, Senator Paudie Coffey, has called on parties and politicians from across the political divide to unite in calling for a ban on election posters.

The former minister was the first Oireachtas member in the country to call for the poster ban back in October. Since then several politicians across the country, in Galway, Mayo, Kildare, Laois and Leitrim have joined a growing chorus calling for posters to be scrapped in their constituencies.

Some local authority executives have speculated there may be legal difficulties with implementing a ban on election posters.

However, Senator Coffey pointed out that similar bans have been successfully implemented in a number of towns across the country in the past, including in Lismore, where election candidates agreed not to erect posters on their picturesque streets.

Senator Coffey urged Waterford City and County Council to “champion” the ban

and lead by example in scrapping election posters throughout the entire constituency in time for next year’s local and European elections.

“It is certainly time we had a national discussion and debate about the proliferation of environmentally harmful posters in our cities, towns and villages come election time. The vast majority of people are in favour of getting rid of them, and we as politicians should lead by example.”

Senator Coffey has fought five election campaigns since he first entered politics. A keen cyclist and outdoors enthusiast, he believes growing concerns over the environment and the huge rise in social media use means there is little moral justification, or practical need, for election candidates to plaster posters of themselves across the constituency at election time.

Senator Coffey said: “Increasing concern around plastic waste and our environment is reason enough for our politicians to seriously consider eliminating

the use of election posters.This is something I, as one of the selected candidates for the next General Election, would strongly support and I hope all the other candidates would be agreeable to it.

“While voters do need to recognise candidates and understand what policies or manifestos they are promoting at election time, the advent of social media and other digital communication tools means it is now surely time to review past practices of electioneering and to promote more sustainable ways of engaging with the public in a way that is less harmful and damaging to our environment.”

One possible alternative to the posters would be to allocate designated zones at the edges of towns and villages where candidates’ images and information can be communicated to voters.

This approach has been successful in some European countries, and Senator Coffey feels this would work well here also.

The Waterford Fine Gael General Election candidate

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Fine Gael General Election candidate, Senator Paudie Coffey. added: “The days of erecting these expensive glossy posters, which are damaging to the environment and are becoming a major turn-off for many voters are surely numbered. But why should we wait to follow the example of others when we can lead the way here in Waterford?”

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NEWS

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

John Treacy launches the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2018 to 2022 and the new WSP Website

JOHN Treacy, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, former world cross country champion and Olympic silver medalist was in Waterford on Thursday, 13th December to launch the new Waterford Sports Partnership Strategy 2018-2022 and also the NEW! WSP Website.

The launch took place in the Garden Room of the Medieval Museum in Waterford City and was attended by representatives from the many target groups, sports clubs, NGBs, communities, agencies and local networks Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) works with.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Declan Doocey, welcomed John Treacy, Senator Grace O’Sullivan and the many guests to the launch. In his address, he paid tribute to all involved in the development of sport in Waterford and he acknowledged the positive impact involvement in sport and physical activity has on members of the community. He commended Waterford Sports Partnership for their work growing and developing opportunities for everyone.

Don Tuohy, Chairperson of WSP, acknowledged the commitment to sport and physical activity shown by the sporting clubs and community organisations, the WSP Board of Directors, statutory agencies and the staff of the Partnership. He outlined the next phase of WSP’s work which will focus on the four goals of Active People, Active Network, Active Engagement and Active Management. He signaled the intent of WSP to continue to work in a co-ordinated and integrated way with sporting groups and local agencies.

In launching the Strategy, John Treacy was highly complementary of the work of WSP and all the partners and sporting groups on the ground in Waterford stating “The vision Sport Ireland had for Local Sports Partnerships at the outset is truly being realised in Waterford through collaborative engagement between Waterford Sports Partnership and local partners”. He went on to say “It is about the community groups, the sporting clubs, the Sports Partnership and all the agencies working together, and this partnership has worked very well in Waterford”.

The launch came to a close with Sports Co-ordinator, Rosarie Kealy, thanking all those who contributed to the work of the Partnership, the completion of the review and to the development of the strategy. She encouraged all present to check out the new WSP website which is ‘packed full of information on opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.’

A copy of the new strategy is available to download at www.waterfordsportspartnerhsip.ie

John Treacy Chief Executive Sport Ireland pictured with Waterford Sports Partnership Board Members Susan Scully, Neil O'Sullivan, Eoin Breathnach, Rosarie Kealy, Councillor John O'Leary, Don Tuohy Chairperson, Elaine Mullan and Donal Lehane at the launch of the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan at the Garden Room in the Medieval Museum, Waterford.

[David Clynch Photography]

Front row- Louise Barry WSP, John Treacy, Chief Executive Sport Ireland, Pauline Casey WSP, Back row- John O'Neill Munster Rugby, Michael Looby FAI, Eoin Breathnach Board Member WSP, Gary Power FAI ,Tommy Griffin FAI and Brian O'Neill WSP; pictured at the launch of the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan at the Garden Room in the Medieval Museum, Waterford.

[David Clynch Photography]

Councillor Damien Geoghegan and Councillor John Pratt.

[David Clynch]

Karen Phelan, Communications Officer Waterford Sports Partnership and Martin Whelan from Deise Design who created the new website for Waterford Sports Partnership.

[David Clynch Photography]

Councillor John O'Leary Board Member, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, Don Tuohy Chairperson Waterford Sports Partnership, John Treacy Chief Executive Sport Ireland, Councillor Declan Doocey Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Councillor Seanie Power, Councillor Seamus O'Donnell, Councillor Ray Murphy and Rosarie Kealy, Sports Co-Ordinator Waterford Sports Partnership pictured at the launch of the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan at the Garden Room in the Medieval Museum, Waterford.

[David Clynch Photography]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Alice Fitzgerald, singing is from the soul WE have and had many fine traditional singers and musicians in this district, but one of the most enduring and entertaining is Alice Fitzgerald who has been singing Irish songs, traditional and modern, for just about all of her life.

Outside of her own unique talent, Alice probably got her love for singing from her mother who always seemed to have a song on her lips, as she moved around the house doing her daily chores.

“My mother was a nice singer,” says Alice,“and she would lull us to sleep every night with a song. I was first introduced to music in our home and, from my earliest childhood, I knew nothing other than music being played and songs being sung in our house. They are beautiful memories.

“My uncles would arrive at the house and they would sing and my father would play the fiddle for the house dances. It was part of what he did after a day’s work. I always seemed to be close to music, as he used to take down the fiddle every night and play some tunes.”

Then came the gramophone followed by the record player and still there was music around the house.

“As children we would join in the singing and the dancing,” she says. “It was the modern equivalent of the home entertainment system.

“Ours was a music house with tunes being played every night and the neighbours would come in and join in the sing song.

There was dancing in the kitchen and we went to bed most nights to the sound of music around the house.”

Alice was about sixteen when she first sang on stage and was not in the least bit nervous, after all, she was only doing what she used to do at home every night.

She first sang in a little hall in Poulavanogue in the hills above Clonmel in the Sixties, when the ballad boom was in full swing.

There were plenty of ballad sessions in the pubs at the time, but, as Alice was too young for those venues, they all passed her by. But she and her friends used to hear the lively ballads on the radio and the songs of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem and the other Ballad Groups slowly became more popular than the older, slower ones.

It was natural for Alice was to sing to her own children as she put them to bed and she would lull them to sleep, just as her mother had done with her. After she got married and came to live in Colligan, Alice began singing in the Church Choir there and would take part in the concerts in Coolnasmear Hall orgainsed by the local Branch of Comhaltas.

She was always in demand for her singing, whether in the local

Alice Fitzgerald

Congratulations to Michelle O’Donnell Keating who recently graduated from Dublin City University with a PhD. in International Relations. Michelle who is currently working as policy specialist with The Central Bank of Ireland is pictured with her parents Christine and Sean O’Donnell, “The Woodlands,” Old Parish.

halls, at house parties or the Church. As a talented singer, she always obliged. Her father used to sing mostly rebel songs but in her early years, Alice leaned towards the songs of Delia Murphy which were still popular and she often sang her favourites, ‘The Little Skillet Pot’ and ‘The Blackbird’.

After some time, Alice became involved in Scór, the competition which was run by the GAA and which introduced so many young people to music and the wider Irish culture.

“My first venture into Scór was actually for the Dungarvan Club”, she said, “and I won and qualified for Munster.”

While she did not pursue it further that year, she later sang in the Comhaltas Traditional competition in two All Ireland Finals for the Comeraghs Comhaltas Club.

“I took competition very casually,” she recalls, “and I often took part just to make up the numbers on the team.”

Then, in the early eighties, Comhaltas asked her if she would go on tour with them in a show called Echoes of Erin. She toured with the organisation for several years until a back injury curtailed her travel “We toured in every county in Ireland,” she recalls. “We did ten to fourteen concerts in the Irish tours and then came the Internationals.

“We went on many British tours which included Irish Clubs and venues across England,Wales and Scotland. These were sometimes run by Comhaltas branches, or other Irish Clubs.

We played in London and the cities on the way north through Oxford, where there were many Irish people who had come over to work in the motor factory there. On then to Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle and in to Scotland to several venues there.

In later years, she travelled on eight tours of the US which took her across the entire North America. The venues were often

those of branches of Comhaltas, or the Ancient Order of Hibernians They played big theatres in Boston, New York and St. Louis as well as the Universities in Columbia, Indianapolis, Carolina down to Georgia. The travel was gruelling, at one time flying non-stop from Saskatoon in Canada to Albuquerque in New Mexico.

They also toured in Newfoundland where there is a very large Irish population and other venues in Canada.

“Much of that is curtailed since the World Trade Centre bombings,” she says, “but it was very enjoyable, if demanding, and a very interesting experience.

Does she get nervous performing in the big theatres of the prime cities of North America or Britain?

“It is certainly daunting,” she says, “but then I would feel as nervous doing a concert here in Dungarvan or Waterford. But once I get out there and get the first note out, I settle down.”

There is always a special welcome for the Irish in the US,” she says. “They come to the concerts wearing green, they are delighted to see people from ‘the Homeland’ even if they are a couple of generations on.

“The street leading to the theatre would be lined with tricolours and their own houses would have the two National Flags flying outside. They are so hospitable, they would do anything to make us feel at home.”

“For me, the tours and the concerts were all about people whether in Dungarvan or the cities of the US. When you get that warm welcome, you know the people are on your side.”

Alice smiles and says “You would be a star for a while there, but when we came home, we were stars no longer.”

So, outside of Irish Trad, what music does she like?

“I like all kinds of music,” she says, “but I draw the line at Heavy Metal. I love the older American singers like Merle Haggard, Gene Autry and the

others of his era, as well as more recently Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond.

“I love the older musicians here in Ireland too, I think they have a heart and soul in their singing and music which is difficult to come across today.

“I love when we visit the Care Homes and Nursing homes here locally,” she says. There are some people with gorgeous voices in the traditional style there and they also very interesting stories.”

Of the many places that Alice has visited, the memory of St. John’s in Newfoundland stays with her the clearest.

“Visiting there reminded me of my youth, when things were simpler, music less commercial and the people are very much like the Irish here at home.”

But for all her travels; all of the famous theatres and University Halls, her most enjoyable moments are back here in the little halls, pubs and concerts of Dungarvan and the wider county.

“There are beautiful singers, musicians and entertainers aplenty around this area,” she says.“I used to like nothing better than a night of singing at Gary Queally’s in Bohadoon. Now, our haunt is Minnies on a Sunday night and it is a joy to hear people like Mickey Dalton on the accordion. Eager young musicians who come to lay flock around him. When he starts to play, his whole heart and soul is in it. It is really what Ireland is all about.

“Of all the concerts I have done with Comhaltas across the country and across the world, I will always remember the 1916 Commemorative Concert with Seán O Sé here in Dungarvan three years ago.

That was also the night when she was presented with her Commemorative Scroll by the Mayor of Dungarvan on behalf of the wider public, a worthy acknowledgement for a lady who has given part of her life and soul to Irish singing and culture, and she is far from finished yet!

Deadline extended for Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund THE Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund have now extended the application deadline by one week and groups and organisations now have from today until January 25th, 2019 to apply for grants, which will enable them to start or further develop a community foodgrowing project in their area.

GIY and Energia are calling on people across to the country to get growing their own food in 2019 and are offering all budding growers the opportunity to apply for funding from the ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing' €75,000 funding pool.

Grants from the Energia Get Ireland Growing Fund will be split across three categories ‘Sow', ‘Grow' and ‘Harvest' with awards ranging from €500 to €2,000 plus one very special group will receive a generous €5,000 grant for their project. The fund will support at least 86 community food growing groups from all across the island of Ireland.

This is the sixth year of the fund, which has already supported over 500-community food growing projects to date, positively impacting over 140,000 people. €410,000 has been awarded over the last six years and this was distributed to projects all across the country.

The funding pool is now open to any community group, school, NGO or Not for Profit, community garden or allotment group, GIY group, hospital, crèche, direct provision centre, men’s shed, any group who grow their own food, want to grow their own food and want to promote growing food. Applications can be made online via www.giy.ie In addition to the funding provided, GIY also provides supports and opportunities for knowledge exchange between the projects, helping the best ideas to be shared through ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’ creating a long-term legacy

across Irish communities.

Some of the previous flagship projects include, a grow garden for the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre in Carlow (2017), the Recovery Garden in Kilkenny (2017) Knockanrawley Resource Centre Organic Garden Tipperary (2018) Camphill in Dingle County Kerry (2018) at the Ballymun Adult Read and Write Scheme in Dublin (2018) the Dublin Migrant Women Community Garden (2018) Recovery Haven in Kerry (2017) and last year’s overall winner of The Today Show fund of €5000 (2018),The Edible Landscape Project, a training and education initiative in Westport, Co. Mayo.

The successful applicants will be celebrated at a gala event, which will be held at the home of GIY, GROW HQ in Waterford, in March 2019. For further details and to submit an application for ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing' 2019 see www.giy.ie.

Pictured is Erin Rohan age 7 at the launch of the GIY and Energia ‘Get Ireland Growing’ fund. A €75,000 pool of funding is available to community and voluntary organisations who have until January 25th, 2019 to apply for grants, which will enable them to start or further develop a community food-growing project in their area. Applications are being accepted via www.giy.ie.

[Patrick Browne]

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Exciting new ‘stranger than fiction’ anthology features two local writers Creative responses from lawyers-turned-writers to fascinating legal judgements AN exciting new collection of writings from contemporary writers with legal backgrounds has been launched to raise money for the homeless charity - Peter McVerry Trust - and features two well known writers from County Waterford Clodagh Beresford-Dunne and Catherine Kirwan.

The ‘stranger than fiction’ anthology of 22 stories titled ‘Counterparts’ is a synergy of Law and Literature and is edited

by Danielle McLaughlin, writerin-residence at UCC and contains creative responses to fascinating legal judgements.

It was officially launched at the Crawford Art Gallery Cork and the Law Society of Ireland, Dublin, in early December.

Contributors to the book includes judges, barristers, solicitors and many others with a connection to the Law. It is a mix of previously unpublished work and reprinted material, comprised of short stories, novel extracts, poetry, personal essays / memoirs and is arranged as a series of pairings, with writing by contemporary Irish lawyer-writers paired with extracts from a legal judgment of the writers’ choosing. The writers also offer their reasons for choosing that particular judgment. In some cases a law report may have prompted a new piece of writing; in others, writers may see resonances of theme or language between the legal writing of the judgment and the themes they seek to explore in their own work; or it may simply be that they were drawn to a fascinating human story told in fine language, as the law reports so often deliver!

Writing in her introduction to Counterparts (Stinging Fly Press) Danielle McLaughlin says she is aware that many people perceive law to be boring - while some might concede that a murder trial or a drugs trial might be interesting, “they refuse to countenance that there could be anything gripping about the disputed interpretation of a subsection of the VAT acts” she said.

“I am often struck by the similarities between the practice of law and the practice of writing,” said Danielle.

Clodagh Beresford-Dunne

Catherine Kirwan

“The shaping of narrative is central to both, for instance, as is the focus on language. Both understand the relevance of nuance, of tone, are alert to things which are not said, but may nonetheless be suggested or implied.”

Following a sudden illness, Danielle had to stop practising law, but while attending writing festivals and workshops, she began to meet other colleagues from the legal world who were also engaged in writing.

“I hadn’t forgotten the fascinating human stories and remarkable writing of the legal judgments. The law reports, it seemed to me, were deserving of a wider audience. And so was born the idea for Counterparts,” she said.

CLODAGH BERESFORD-DUNNE Clodagh Beresford-Dunne from Dungarvan was a solicitor before she turned full-time to writing poetry and fiction. She holds a degree in English and Law and was admitted as a solicitor in the Long Vacation sittings of 2001.

Clodagh received an Arts Council of Ireland Emerging Writer Bursary in 2016; and in 2017 her poem ‘Seven Sugar Cubes’ was voted Listowel Writers’ Week Irish Poem of the Year at the The Irish Book Awards. Her poems have been published in Ireland and across the world in various renowned publications including the Irish Times, Poetry Ireland Review, The Stinging Fly, The Moth and many more, as well has having been broadcast on RTÉ’s Poetry Programme and Sunday Miscellany.

Her poem ‘Morning With

Four Children’ was chosen as ‘Poem of the Week’ in the Irish Times edition published on Saturday, 1st December, last.

CATHERINE KIRWAN Catherine Kirwan from Fews, Kilmacthomas, studied law at UCC and practices as a solicitor in Cork. She was awarded a Frank O’Connor Mentorship Bursary in 2018. Her crime novel, Darkest Truth, which is set in Cork, was shortlisted for the Penguin Random House UK

Daily Mail First Novel Competition in 2016. Darkest Truth is her first novel. It will be published by Century Arrow in 2019.

PETER McVERRY TRUST All profits from the sale of Counterparts will go to the Peter McVerry Trust - a charity set up

by Father Peter McVerry to reduce homelessness and the harm caused by drug misuse and social disadvantage.

PUBLICATION Counterparts is published by The Stinging Fly and is available as a paperback (€20); hardback (€40); and a limited special edition (€195) which is clothbound, individually numbered and featuring a colour plate of a detail from an original painting

by Elva Mulchrone and beautifully presented in a slip case with a ribbon.

Counterparts is available at www.stingingfly.org/product/co unterparts/

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TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS SECTION 75 ROADS ACT 1993 Notice is hereby given that Waterford City and County Council, in exercise of its powers pursuant to Section 75 Roads Act 1993, propose to close the following road to through traffic from 28th January to 22nd March 2019 to facilitate Watermain Rehabilitation Works: Road to be closed: • L3021 from Mahonbridge Crossroads to Briska Church.

Diversion Route: • Via R676 & L7033 Gortnalaght.

Objections or submissions may be made in writing to the Director of Services, Roads, Water and Environment, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford not later than 4pm on 15th January 2019 Fergus Galvin, Director of Services Roads, Water and Environment

2nd January 2019

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Councillors vow to fully fund Waterford Comhairle na nÓg

Staff from UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre who took part in the Wear Red to Work Day for the WLR Christmas Appeal in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.

[Noel Browne]

UPMC Whitfield’s Patrick Carton awarded Honorary Fellowship by World Society of Sport and Exercise Medicine PATRICK Carton, orthopaedic consultant at UPMC Whitfield, the largest private hospital in the South East, has been awarded a prestigious Honorary Fellowship by the World Society of Sport and Exercise Medicine.

Mr. Carton received the award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports medicine and, in particular, the area of surgical management. He has been a full-time consultant at UPMC Whitfield since 2008, and is an internationally renowned specialist in hip and knee replacement surgery.

He has also worked internationally, training surgeons in hip resurfacing and keyhole surgery, and pioneered a technique known as “labral cuff refixation,” which involves removing harmful bone spurs from around the hip joint to prevent arthritis.

David Beirne, chief executive officer at UPMC Whitfield, says: “This recognition of Patrick Carton’s significant contribution to sport and exercise medicine is thoroughly deserved. Patrick has been providing outstanding care to patients in need of hip or knee surgery nationwide for over 10

years, as well as leading the way in cutting-edge surgical research.”

UPMC Whitfield has over 50 expert consultants working across a range of specialties including: radiotherapy; cardiology; orthopaedics; ophthalmology; oncology / haematology; radiology; ear, nose and throat; gynaecology; urology and general surgery. These are supported by a wider team of 180 dedicated medical, nursing and administration staff to ensure the 70-bed hospital offers patients the right care, in the right way, at the right

time – in a first-class facility that is close to home.

The UPMC Whitfield campus is operated by UPMC, the international not-for-profit healthcare company that is transforming the way health care is provided.

Already trusted by millions of patients across the world, the company operates more than 40 hospitals, as well as 600 doctors' offices and outpatient sites, and is now delivering this global expertise to those living in the South East of Ireland. www.UPMCWhitfield.ie @UPMCWhitfield

Staff from Home Instead Senior Care who took part in the Wear Red to Work Day for the WLR Christmas Appeal in aid of St. Vincent de Paul.

Pat Carton

[Noel Browne]

WATERFORD Councillors have vowed to ensure that the local youth Council - Waterford Comhairle na nÓg - will be fully funded going into 2019.

Representatives of Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, James Murray and Tammy Whelan (National Executive Representative) gave a presentation to Councillors at their December Plenary Council meeting held at City Hall, Waterford.

James and Tammy gave an outline of what Comhairle na nÓg does in Waterford and the various issues and campaigns they are involved in.

Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of the country, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.

In light of the fact that Comhairle na nÓg is for young people under the age of 18 and who therefore have no other voting mechanism to have their voice heard, Comhairle na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area.

Cllr. Eddie Mulligan, who is also a member of the Steering Committee of Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, said the Youth Council “is very relevant in today’s society, representing young people”.

Cllr. Mulligan asked his Council colleagues to ensure that funding is maintained for the Youth Council to the maximum possible into 2019.

Cllr. Damien Geoghegan supported the call for full funding for the youth group.

“Some of the issues you tackled over the years are very relevant to young people - such as mental health, bullying, etc.,” Cllr. Geoghegan said.

“Every day we hear bad news about young people - but Comhairle is a good news story and right around the country you’re doing fantastic work. You are participating positively in society and long may it continue,” Cllr. Geoghegan added.

Cllr. Joe Kelly said Comhairle brings young people’s views and perspectives to the adults in places like the local authorities.

“The input of young people is vital to democracy in this country,” Cllr. Kelly said.

“The whole Comhairle network feeds into that and ensures there is meaningful engagement with the democratic process,” Cllr. Kelly added.

Mayor Declan Doocey praised the Comhairle members for their presentation and described them as “splendid ambassadors for young people”.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

NEWS

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Sraith nua ar bhailte fearainn i gceantair Ghaeltachta ar fud na tíre agus na pobail a mhaireann iontu CUIRFEAR tús sa bhliain nua leis an tsraith teilifíse ‘Bailte’ ina rachaidh Síle Nic Chonaonaigh ar cuairt ar bhailte fearainn ar fud na hÉireann chun an ceangal atá ag daoine leis an áit as a dtagann siad a fhiosrú. Fiosróidh sí an tírdhreach a mhúnlaíonn iad, an cultúr as ar fáisceadh iad agus na slite beatha a chothaíonn iad.

Is é an baile fearainn croí na sraithe seo. Tá os cionn 60,000 díobh in Éirinn, an t-aonad riaracháin is lú agus is buaine againn. Is deacair cur síos a dhéanamh ar an dlúthcheangal a bhíonn ag an nGael lena bhaile fearainn féin ach sin go díreach an dúshlán a thugtar sa tsraith nua seo. Is ó do bhaile fearainn a fheictear an domhan mór duit den chéad uair, ar an lámh eile, is uaidh seo a fheiceann an domhan céanna tú mar dhuine freisin.

Feictear tú i measc do dhaoine agus i dtírdhreach do bhaile. Ar bhealaí go leor, tá an tuiscint Ghaelach sin ann gur ionann tusa agus an áit arb as tú. Sa bhaile fearainn a fhaightear an éachtaint is gléine de mhórtas áite – an pobal beag de shíor ag coimhlint leis an mbaile is gaire dó.

Díríonn muid ar bhaile fearainn amháin i ngach clár, ag caitheamh seal i measc mhuintir an bhaile agus ag iarraidh pearsantacht agus tréithe an bhaile a shú isteach. Labhraíonn Síle le cuid de na cainteoirí is saibhre sna dúichí éagsúla – ceiliúradh ar nádúrthacht agus ar shaibhreas ghnáthchaint na Gaeltachta.

Is ceiliúradh ar mhórtas áite, ar phobail bheo, ar shaibhreas teanga agus taobh tíre draíochtúil atá sa tsraith Bailte. Meascán den saol mar a bhí, mar atá, agus mar a bheidh. Insint thuisceanach ar shlite beatha, ar chomharsanacht, ar shaol teaghlaigh agus thar aon

ní eile, an tábhacht a bhaineann le ‘áit’.

Mar aon leis na buntáistí, nochtfar na deacrachtaí a bhaineann le bheith ag maireachtáil sna ceantair seo, na rudaí atá ag déanamh tinnis don phobal – bánú na tuaithe, easpa seirbhísí, easpa fostaíochta, athruithe ar chúrsaí feirmeoireachta agus iascaireachta, an t-uaigneas agus titim ar an daonra. Éiríonn leis an tsraith seo cuisle pobail a aimsiú, scéal agus dán na muintire a léiriú go cruthaitheach, tuisceanach.Tugtar stáitse faoi leith d’áilleacht, d’fhiántas agus do phearsantacht an taoibh tíre ag tabhairt éachtaint ildathach ar an mbaile fearainn as ar fáisceadh na daoine agus ar an bhféiniúlacht áite a múnlaíodh iontu dá bharr.

Sa tsraith tugann Síle cuairt ar Bhaile an Lochaigh agus ar Bhaile na nGall i gCorca Dhuibhne, Cill Rialaigh in Uíbh Ráthach, Heilbhic sna Déise, An Ghleann ar Chléire, Corcaigh, An Cartúr, Muighinis agus Camus Uachtair i gConamara, Cill Éinne in Árainn, Baile Dhúlocha i nDúiche Sheoigheach, An Eachléim in Iorras agus Machaire Rabhartaigh, Dún Allt agus Taobh an Locha i nDún na nGall.

Craolfar an tsraith ag 8.30 p.m. gach Céadaoin ar TG4 ag tosú an 09 Eanáir 2018.

A NEW 13 PART TV SERIES ON GAELTACHT TOWNLANDS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES “It is the feeling, assenting, equable marriage between the geographical country and the country of the mind, whether that country of the mind takes its tone from a

shared oral inherited culture, or from a consciously savoured literary culture, or from both, it is the marriage that constitutes the sense of place in the richest possible manifestation.” - Séamus Heaney This January on TG4 sees a new 13 part series examining life in townlands all over Ireland.

Presented by Síle Nic Chonaonaigh she discusses the connection local people have with their homeplace, the influence the landscape has on life there, the culture that informs them and the changes in the ways people in rural Ireland are now making a living.

Its hard to describe the deep rooted connection that many Irish have with their native townland, but that indeed is the journey at the heart of ‘Bailte’ .

With over 60,000 townlands in Ireland, the townland is the smallest, yet perhaps the most important geographical division we have.

It is from our various townlands that we see the wider world for the first time, but it also where others first see us as individuals as well. We are seen amongst our neighbours and within the natural landscape of our townland.This connection is very much inline with the Irish idea of where you come from represents who you are, it stems back to our bond with home and our townland. It is in the townland that we see ‘local pride’ in its purest form, generation after generations of communities trying to overcome their friends and relatives from the nearby townland.

Each week we visit a different townland and try to uncover their history and their folklore

while also learning more about what life is like for local people.

Some townlands Síle visits have hundreds of locals, while others have much fewer, while one townland we visit has just the one family.

The series is celebration of local pride, of hard working, vibrant communities where locals and small enterprises work hand in hand to ensure their community is more than just a mere layby and a pretty spot on the Wild Atlantic Way. We see generations of families and neighbours living and working side by side amongst the hills, fields and shorelines that they have inhabited since famine times, this giving them a unique perspective on ‘home’ and ‘place’ As well as the many advantages of living in rural townlands, the series also shares the difficulties living in remote area, rural depopulation, lack of basic services, unemployment and the uncertain futures of both the farming and the fishing industries.The series finds the pulse of rural Ireland in 2019. With the spectacular backdrop of rural Ireland and an honest telling of contemporary life ‘Bailte’ gives a distinctive portrayal of Irish life In the series Síle visits Baile an Lochaigh and Baile na nGall in West Kerry, Cill Rialaigh in Uíbh Ráthach, South Kerry, Heilbhic in Ring, Waterford, Cartúr, Muighinis, Baile Dhubhloch and Camus Uachtair in Galway, Cill Éinne on the Aran Islands, An Ghleann on Cape Clear, in Cork, Eachléim in Erris, Mayo; as well as Machaire Rabhartaigh, Dún Allt agus Taobh an Locha in Donegal Series begins on Wednesday, January 9th 2019 at 8.30 pm on TG4.

TV presenter, Síle Nic Chonaonaigh, pictured at Helvick Harbour. Heilbhic, An Rinn. Episode 4, will be broadcast on Wednesday, 30th January.

If you are considering selling a property contact us on (058) 42064 We offer competitive rates and a professional service

NICHOLAS DWANE (087) 2629539

MARY DWANE

CAROL DWANE

DWANE AUCTIONEER & VALUER www.nicholasdwane.com • info@nicholasdwane.com Pauline Casey, Waterford Sports Partnership pictured with John Treacy, Chief Executive Sport Ireland; Damien Vereker, Paralympics Ireland and Rosarie Kealy, Waterford Sports Partnership at the launch of the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan at the Garden Room in the Medieval Museum, Waterford.

[David Clynch Photography]

(058) 42064 Bawnabraher, The Burgery, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

18

A touch of Velvet

By Mandy Tompkins PRIMARILY nocturnal the Red Fox is the largest and most widespread worldwide of the Fox family, but for an animal that is so shy and retiring in the towns, the Countryside Red Fox can be a bold character, where they are notorious for their ability to kill extra prey, bury it and return for it later, and unfortunately often targets a Farmer’s chickens or ducks. This is probably where the term ‘sly’ originates but the Red Fox is a bright, inquisitive, intelligent animal with excellent hearing, often hearing rodents underground. The Red Fox occupies a wide range of habitats, including the Wildlife Garden and two main factors determine its terriority.

The availability of food, and the cost of defending that terriority. The Red Fox is an Omnivore, meaning it eats both plants and animals and its diet includes small birds, rabbits, hares, rats, mice, amphibians, carrion, beetles, earthworms, apples and blackberries, as well as scraps from human dustbins.

Red Foxes are approximately 100-120 cm in size and have an unmistakeable shape and demeanour. Their colours may vary from orange through to almost black, but the thick coat is normally a reddish brown with dark backs to the sharply pointed ears. The throat may be white or grey, and they have a long bushy tail, sometimes with a white tip. The muzzle is pointed with a shiny black nose. A red Foxes Winter coat is thicker and greyer than its Summer one, and they leave twisted droppings in prominent spots, in which the bones of small mammals are clearly visible while strong musky smells scent marks their well-worn tracks. The female is called a Vixen and she produces a single litter of 4 or 5 cubs, which are born in an underground Earth between March and May. During this time the Red Fox becomes extremely wary and secretive and will often retreat to the safety of their family unit. This usually consists of one male, called a Dog, a dominant Vixen and the previous years non breeding females who stay within the family group for two years or more. Despite the cubs being independent at six months old, the entire family takes care of them.

The Red Fox has two main predators humans and traffic, and while they can live between 8 and 12 years if left unhindered, they have suffered a long history of persecution and so they are wary of humans. This little Red Fox arrived in the Wildlife Garden as an orphaned cub, and although she is wild and will remain free, she visits regularly during the Winter looking for an easy meal, and appears sometimes on the edge of the Woodland, where she sits in the Spring sunshine whilst her cubs play upon the lawn.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Meet the people who make Food & Drink the Waterford Way – their place, their history, their community, their stories . . .

The Granville Hotel

THE Granville Hotel is one of Ireland’s most illustrious hotels, and dating back to the early 1700s, has played a prominent role in Waterford city’s rich, social and political history. Proud Waterford people Liam and Ann Cusack bought The Granville in 1979 and immediately set about restoring it to is former, gracious grandeur, combining modern comforts with an old world charm and elegance.They built on a tradition that is still going strong today with the Cusack second family generation – Fiona, Jackie and Sandra who continue to uphold the Granville traditions of comfort, service and hospitality.

When it comes to Food the Waterford Way, The Granville Hotel is in the unique position of working with so many of our fine producers such as Walsh’s Bakehouse, Metalman Brewery, Dungarvan Brewing, Blackwater Distillery, Flahavan’s and many more, whilst also being award winning producers themselves.

General Manager of the Granville, Richard Hurley is extremely proud of the hotel’s ‘uniquely local’ offering.

“One of the most important words for us in the Granville is collaboration,” Richard

said. “The process that goes into food production in Waterford is such an emotive and passionate one and we feel quite privileged to be able to pass that on to visitors who come here from all over the world. We are so proud of the food and drink that’s produced in Waterford and we take pride in showing it off to the world.”

If Food the Waterford Way could have a HQ, it would undoubtedly be The Granville Hotel. Their award winning Charles Bianconi Restaurant showcases local food on a daily basis, while the Thomas Francis Meagher Bar does the same with our local beers, ciders, whiskeys and gins.

They also take pride in offering a hearty and unique breakfast experience where you can enjoy locally grown and milled Flahavan’s porridge, indulge in freshly baked breads and scones topped with their own gold medal award-winning jam along with a cooked to order hot breakfast.

What does Food the Waterford Way mean to you?

“It creates an emotional attachment to the food we offer,” Richard said. “From our producers to our chefs, to our servers and to our customers, it allows us to nurture every

opportunity to tell the story behind the food and drink we offer. Understanding the nuances of all our customers, from local to national, to international, the quality of the product, coupled with the story creates a massive link with the producer. It harnesses the whole potential between the collaborative upselling and cross selling of our region, giving us an identity and giving us something tangible to bring to market both domestically and internationally. Even the logo itself bring us on an emotional journey, from the sea to the mountains to the land.

Passion creates emotion. It gives us a sense of pride in what we are offering to our guests.”

What motivates you?

“We are motivated to create memorable experiences for each of our guests through interacting, providing exceptional service and through telling stories,” Richard said.

“Telling the story of a place or person or where the food they are eating comes from helps create the emotional attachment that creates the memorable experiences. If people know the story behind the food they eat, they feel like they are part of the story along with reassurance of quality. Waterford is very lucky to have the resources and the passionate people to produce to the highest level the way it does. It really underpins what the Granville has been doing for a long time - creating high quality dishes using the finest local produce.

Want to learn more – check out www.foodthewaterfordway.com or follow us @Waterford_Way

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

PICTORIAL

19

On Christmas Eve, tradition was upheld and a good gathering watched as the statue of the Holy Infant was placed in the Crib. Prayers were led by Canon William Ryan and carols were played by the Pop-Up Pipers who serenaded the gathering for twenty minutes with Carols, Festive airs and marches, much to everyone’s enjoyment.

Fr. William Ryan, P.P., St. Mary's, and Fr. Tony Egan, O.S.A., Prior, Dungarvan, lead prayers at the Crib with members [Tom Keith] of the Choir who attended.

The two volunteers who placed the Holy Infant in the Crib.

[Tom Keith]

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REVIEW OF THE YEAR

20 1 8 JANUARY Council seeks legislation to tackle reckless behaviour during severe weather WATERFORD Council passed a motion at its recent Plenary meeting calling on the government to introduce legislation as quickly as possible to make it an offence for anyone to enter the water during a status ‘Red’ weather warning. The Notice of Motion, proposed by Cllr. Joe Kelly, comes on foot of outrageous and reckless behaviour by a number of individuals during Hurricane Ophelia, where thrill-seekers were swimming and wind-surfing in the high seas. Cllr. Kelly said he was disgusted by the behaviour of some people during Hurricane Ophelia, which put the lives of the emergency services workers in danger. “We all remember the storm and the pictures of people doing reckless things.They were putting their own lives and recklessly putting the lives of the rescue services at risk,” Cllr. Kelly said.

i n Rev i ew

FEBRUARY Tougher action sought on flytippers TOUGHER action is being sought by Comeragh Councillors on those engaged in flytipping and illegal dumping after the level of litter and rubbish around the county increased exponentially following the Christmas and New Year period. The sides of regional and local roads around the District, particularly the R680 between Kilmeaden and Carrick-on-Suir (which cost the Council €18,000 to clean up an 18 km section of the road over nine days last year) have become extremely littered with disposable coffee cups, plastic bottles, fast food wrappers and other recyclable-type material. Scenic wooded areas have also become a dumping ground for offenders, as Cllr. John O’Leary highlighted he came across two sofas which were dumped along with other household rubbish at Knockaderry, Kilmeaden; while Cllr. Liam Brazil discovered a mattress and bed dumped at Crough Woods.

A l l - I re l a n d glory!

The notorious Cushcam Cross junction pictured from the Dungarvan side.

Funding secured for re-alignment of notorious Cushcam Cross junction THE end of the road is finally in sight for a solution to dangerous traffic conditions at Cushcam Cross, Ballinroad, following a 100 percent funding allocation of €525,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for remedial work at the infamous N25 junction. The news was roundly welcomed at January’s Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District meeting, where it was received as the meeting was drawing to a close. The danger at Cushcam – or Garranbane – Cross has repeatedly featured at local authority meetings over the past 20 years. The junction, with its poor sightlines, has been the scene of several accidents, including fatalities and featured in a list of the 50 most dangerous bends in Ireland compiled by the TII’s predecessor, the NRA.

Waterford Council supports abuse victims’ call for inquiry A STANDING ovation was given by members of Waterford City and County Council at the January Plenary meeting of the local authority, in tribute of the bravery and courage of the child abuse survivors who waived their anonymity to have their abuser, convicted paedophile, Bill Kenneally publicly named, and in support of their continuing fight to have a Commission of Inquiry established. Three of the five survivors of the Kenneally abuse, Jason Clancy, Colin Power and Paul Walsh, were present at the Plenary meeting of Waterford Council seeking support from Councillors to call on the Justice Minister to commence the Commission of Inquiry without further delay. The Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr. Declan Clune, seconded by Cllr. Mary Roche, and unanimously supported by the Council.

ARDMORE Junior Hurlers came home with the silverware when they beat Wexford’s St. Mogues Fethard in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling clash at Croke Park. It was a noted historic occasion as well, because Ardmore is the first Waterford club to achieve All-Ireland victory at Headquarters.

It is a fabulous feat for the club which celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year.

Ardmore Junior Hurling Captain Declan Prendergast and Niall Hennessy with the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling Cup. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Drugs misuse spread across City and County THERE is now less of a distinction across urban / rural areas in relation to substance misuse, according to a presentation made at the recent meeting of Waterford City and County Joint Policing Committee. Chris Purnell, Co-ordinator with the South East Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (SERDATF) who gave the presentation to the JPC meeting, said that in the past, illicit drug use was more urban-based, and was mostly heroin, which didn’t exist in rural areas to the same extent. “But over time there has been less of a distinction between urban and rural. In rural areas there are significant levels of drug problems, such as prescribed medication and benzodiazepines,” he said. Mr. Purnell pointed out: “The biggest problem in substance misuse has always been and remains alcohol - that problem is spread across the State, in ruraland urban areas”.

No waste of money THE Chief Executive of Waterford Council, Michael Walsh, has roundly defended the corporate governance of the local authority and said he is satisfied there has been “no waste of money” in the Council’s finances, after one Councillor said there was “a shocking failure in governance and oversight in the Council” due to the unauthorised purchasing of 60 vans at a cost of €1.46m. An Audit Report for the year 2016, which was completed by Local Government Auditor, James Moran, was presented to the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

But senior management came under heavy criticism from Cllr. Joe Conway who noted a very “serious matter” in relation to an investigation into the purchase of 60 vans at a cost of €1.46m.

Battle lines drawn as Comeragh District seeks more Councillors Council to prosecute A POLITICAL battle looks set to break out in mid-County Waterford as non-compliant landowners members of Comeragh Municipal District Council strongly voiced their support to increase the number of seats they hold by poaching from either the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District in the West or the Metropolitan District in the East, as the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee examines the configuration of electoral areas before the next local elections in 2019. The Comeragh District is the smallest of the three areas with six Councillors. Dungarvan-Lismore has eight Councillors and the Metropolitan area has a total of 18 Councillors. If the Comeragh area is successful in making its argument for more Councillors, it could see the Dungarvan-Lismore area lose a Councillor and drop to seven Councillors in total; and / or the Metropolitan area could drop to 17 Councillors if the Comeragh area is also successful in poaching a seat from the East.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

A SENIOR Engineer at Waterford Council has issued a stark warning to landowners who ignore requests to trim their roadside hedgerows before the 1st March deadline, that proceedings will issue to prosecute them for non-compliance. The hedgecutting and gorse-burning ban operates from 1st March to end of August each year in order to protect nesting birds. Senior Engineer, Gabriel Hynes, issued the warning at recent meetings of Comeragh Municipal District Council and Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District Council. Mr. Hynes said the Council has issued a lot of notices to landowners in the last six weeks. “They were given four weeks to complete the work. But we are warning that those landowners who fail to co-operate with us will be prosecuted,” Mr. Hynes said.

MARCH Elderly targeted in phone scam ELDERLY members of the public are being warned not to give out their bank details to anyone over the telephone after a number of incidents locally.

It is understood that several calls were made by fraudsters to some local elderly people claiming there was a problem with their bank account and the caller was seeking the account details to solve the prolem.The scam involves criminals tricking people, such as elderly or vulnerable people, out of their savings over the telephone. People should note that no genuine organisation or person would call and ask for such details and they should always be wary of any individual who cold calls, particularly those who ask for money, credit card or banking details.

A deserted Grattan Square on Saturday morning, 3rd March, after the blizzard brought by Storm Emma.

Clean-up operations continue WATERFORD County is slowly getting back to normal after Storm Emma brought one of the most severe snow storms ever experienced in the past 55 years. The last time such a similar extreme snow storm was experienced in Waterford was in January, 1963. A full report on the storm and clean-up operations will be presented to Councillors at the March Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council. The whole country shut down between Thursday, 1st March and Sunday, 4th March, as snowfalls well in excess of 300 mm accumulated while snow drifting in some areas of County Waterford were in excess of two metres. Waterford’s coastal area was particularly affected with extreme levels of snowfall causing many local roads to be impassable.

Funding boost for Dungarvan United AFC A LOCAL soccer club has received a major boost of just under €112,000, after appealing an initial unsuccessful application under the government’s Sports Capital Programme. Dungarvan United AFC had appealed the assessment of its initial unsuccessful application under the 2017 programme and a review by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport resulted in an allocation of €111,900 being approved. Sports Minister Brendan Griffin personally confirmed the funding to local TD John Deasy, who informed the club of the good news. Delighted United Secretary David Walsh said the funding will go towards the upgrade of the old astro-pitch floodlighting, the addition of two much-needed extra dressing-rooms with toilets, showers, the development of a jogging-walking track around the pitch and natural playing-surface improvements.

Woman injured in Lismore gas explosion A WOMAN was taken to hospital with injuries following a gas explosion in Lismore. The emergency services were alerted to an explosion at Lios an Oir, Lismore at 9.50 a.m. on Sunday, 18th March. Cappoquin and Lismore Fire Brigade responded to the incident, along with the Gardaí. On arrival, the Fire Brigade found significant damage both internally and externally to the single storey house. There was no fire in the house and no damage to any other property. A woman who was in the house at the time of the explosion was in the care of neighbours with non-life threatening injuries. It is understood she received leg injuries and minor flash burns in the explosion.

Fire crews administered first aid to the casualty while awaiting the arrival of the Ambulance Service.

Save our Health Centre THERE were growing fears in the Nire Valley area that the Health Centre in Fourmilewater, Ballymacarbry could close and the services transferred to Clonmel because there is no full-time doctor and a lack of locum relief.

The closure of the Health Centre could affect in excess of 1,200 people who use the service. It is the only Health Centre practice between Dungarvan and Clonmel and covers an area of 200 square miles However, the HSE denied there are any plans to close the Health Centre.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

APRIL

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

MAY

21

JUNE

New Kilrush houses will be completed

No support for Comeragh Drive one-way system

WATERFORD City and County Council is confident that the delivery of 39 houses in Dungarvan are not under threat after contractor ‘Sammon Group’ was placed into examinership earlier in April. All construction work ceased at the site in Kilrush, on the N25 outer bypass as the Sammon Group contractors pulled out. Marquis Developments Ltd., are developing the scheme of 39 dwellings in Dungarvan for Waterford City and County Council.The Sammon Group were engaged by Marquis Developments Ltd., to construct the dwellings, which began in October, 2017. Last January, a sod-turning event for the new residential development was held at the site, with Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and Mayor Pat Nugent in attendance. At that stage, construction was well underway with some houses completed to roof level; while others were complete to wall plate level; and foundations laid on other houses.

A SUGGESTION to have the Comeragh Drive loop which leads to Mahon Falls, as a one-way traffic system was met with ‘total and absolute opposition’ at the Comeragh Municipal District Council, and caused one Councillor to vehemently vow there was “no way in the world - over my dead body” that the Comeragh Drive will become a one-way system.

The suggestion for the one way traffic system was previously made in this newspaper by Comeragh resident, Kieran Hartley, Fianna Fáil European candidate for Ireland South (and substitute for MEP Brian Crowley) who noted that due to the growing popularity of the Comeragh Mountains and the Greenway, there are more and more visitors to the Mahon Falls.

Camphire on track All-Ireland winners! Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside National School pupils, Kate McKeon, Emily Fahey, Sarah Fahey and Keeley Flynn who were crowned the national winning team in the U-13 category of the 27th Annual All-Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz, held in the RDS, Dublin. They are pictured here with Irish League of Credit Unions President, Charles Murphy and Quizmaster, Aidan Power.

Two solar farms given green light

EQUESTRIAN enthusiasts, local businesses, the wider community and not least the event organisers themselves, are feeling much relieved following the reinstatement of the Camphire Horse Trials.

The trials were cancelled last March after Horse Sports Ireland (HSI)’s €3,000 funding was withdrawn, along with a reduced allocation from SHI subsidiary Eventing Ireland. A new and increased funding arrangement has been agreed following prolonged negotiations. The arrangement means the five-day event, close to Cappoquin and Lismore, will now take place for the 18th consecutive year. In the aftermath of the cancellation Camphire International Horse Trials organiser Paul Brady said the funding had no longer been adequate to meet the requirements of the increasingly popular event.

Additionally, increased levies applied to prize money by both governing bodies had amplified the problems.

PREVIOUS decisions by Waterford Council to refuse permission for two solar farms in Mid and East County Waterford have been overturned by An Bord Pleanála and granted permission, while a third solar farm in the Lismore area has been refused. An Bord Pleanála granted permission with conditions for a solar farm at Cooltubbrid West, Kilmacthomas; and a solar farm at Keiloge, County Waterford, adjacent to Waterford Airport. The refusal by Waterford Council for a ten year permission to construct a solar farm on a 12.6 hectare site at Ballymoodranagh, Lismore, was upheld by An Bord Pleanála.The grounds for refusal of permission by the Council relate to policy with regard to a road realignment for the N72 Lismore to Cappoquin bypass and how the proposed development could compromise the preferred route for the realignment.

Garda appeal over copper cable theft GARDAÍ have appealed for information from the public in relation to the theft of a large amount of copper cabling which was stolen from the grounds of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dungarvan. The heavy copper cabling with black plastic casing, valued at over €3,000, was taken sometime between 4.00 p.m. on Friday, 13th April, and 7.00 a.m. Sunday, 16th April last, from the rear car park of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dungarvan. Gardaí said the culprits who took the copper cabling would have needed a vehicle and it would have taken them around an hour to load the copper cabling into the vehicle – long enough for someone to have observed some type of activity. Gardaí have asked that anyone who saw any suspicious activity, vehicles or people at the rear car park of the hospital to contact detectives at Dungarvan Garda Station on 058- 48600.

Gardai seek witnesses to stabbing An Incident Room has been set up at Dungarvan Garda Station in relation to a stabbing in the town at the weekend which resulted in the hospitalisation of a teenager. Gardaí received a report around 10.55 p.m. on Saturday, 21st April, that a teenage male had been stabbed in the St. Patrick’s Crescent area of Dungarvan. It later transpired that the stabbing incident happened nearby, in the Caseyville area.The young male suffered laceration cuts and was taken to University Hospital Waterford and underwent surgery. He is now in a stable condition and it is understood his injuries were not lifethreatening.

Two males were later arrested and taken to Dungarvan Garda Station. They were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, and were released from custody the following day, Sunday, 22nd April. A file is to be prepared and will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Accusations of ‘betrayal and bribery’ WATERFORD Councillor James Tobin has accused the wind energy company intent on building a wind farm at Knockanore, of trying to “bribe” the local community into accepting its plans. Cllr. Tobin was speaking at June’s Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District meeting, where he further condemned the “divisive” nature of the plans by Dublin-based Innogy Renewables Ireland and accused State forestry company Coillte of betrayal.

Cllr. Tobin recalled being told by a Council Planner at a previous meeting that he was “scaremongering” when he raised the issue, after the company had initially erected a wind test mast. “Well, the scaremongering has come home to roost now,” Cllr. Tobin stated. He said it “isn’t scaremongering” to fear for 800 people in his locality facing the “monstrosity” of 25 wind turbines reaching a height of 150 feet every day of their lives.

Calls to extend Greenway WATERFORD Councillor John Pratt has called on the local authority to investigate the possibility of extending the Greenway back towards West Waterford to include areas such as Tallow, Lismore and Cappoquin. However, the suggestion has invoked serious doubt amongst Council officials as to it materialising. Cllr. Pratt raised the matter at April’s Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District meeting, calling for a feasibility study to be conducted into the proposal. The Labour Councillor said he hoped the issue could be presented as a joint motion from the Municipal District to a Plenary Council meeting. Cllr. Pratt called on “any interested parties, community groups or businesses who might have a part to play” to contact him. Cllr. Damien Geoghegan said the notion had merit and an extension would “open up” the areas referenced. The Greenway had “transformed mid-County Waterford”, he observed but noted that the rail line west from Dungarvan no longer existed, in contrast to the eastern route.

Immrama Festival of Travel Writing in Lismore in County Waterford; Pictured in Lismore Castle gardens ahead of the Immrama Festival of Travel Writing in Lismoref is ‘Explorer’ Joe McCabe, age six and a half.

[Mary Browne]

Enrolment crisis Winnie Keenan and Kelly Tutty who took part in the Dungarvan Darkness Into Light walk.

[John Foley]

Cushcam proposals don’t go far enough DUNGARVAN-Lismore Municipal District Councillors have welcomed Waterford Council’s plans to realign the Cushcam junction but say the measures don’t go far enough. The realignment plan was circulated at May’s municipality meeting where it was approved prior of going to public consultation. The junction is situated about five kilometres east of Dungarvan on the N25. The plan signals the reconstruction of an area where fatalities, injuries and collisions have spanned over 20 years of efforts to have it redesigned.The realignment works are proposed for the N25 intersections with both the L3005 to the north and the L3013 to the south. Both roads intersect with the single carriageway N25 at skewed angles. The location offers no hard shoulder and has verges that vary considerably in width.

Crucially, there is no ghost island for right turning vehicles.

Low score in survey disappoints Council WATERFORD Council said it is disappointed that they were ranked third lowest in the National Integrity Index 2018 which was published by Transparency International Ireland. According to Transparency International (TI) Ireland National Integrity Index for 2018, Waterford City and County Council was third last – ranked 28th out of 31 local authorities and scoring an overall score of 30 percent (9 points out of 30). The survey found that Waterford Council scored one point (out of 12) on transparency; and five points (out of ten) on accountability; while there was a score of three points (out of eight) for ethics. The study found that Waterford is one of six local authorities that does not have any women in senior management positions.

Fearghal Reidy, Director of Services for Corporate, Culture, H.R. and I.S. at Waterford Council, said they are disappointed with the overall score of 30 percent. However, he did welcome the scorecard and said the Council sees it as “a good tool for measurement of transparency”.

AN enrolment crisis at Saint Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas, has left up to 21 distraught families from the area with no other option but to consider sending their children to school 20 km away.This is despite those 21 children coming from immediate feeder primary schools in the area, including ten children, who are coming from Kilmacthomas Primary School which is adjacent to St. Declan’s College - and some children who already have siblings attending St. Declan’s College. It is understood that St. Declan’s College, which serves the entire mid-County Waterford area, received more than 170 applications for enrolment in September, 2018.This is an additional 50 applications more than usual, as the school normally enrols around 120 students each year. However, the school is currently experiencing accommodation issues.

Councillors angered over ‘objector’ label THE anger was palable at the June Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, as eight Councillors who were labelled as ‘objectors’ by a wind energy company, proposed a Notice of Motion to change the wind energy strategy map of the County Development Plan to make the Knockanore / Tallow area a ‘no go’ for wind turbines. Standing Orders were suspended at the Council meeting in City Hall, Waterford, to hear the emergency Notice of Motion, which lasted nearly 50 minutes of the meeting.The motion was proposed by Cllr. James Tobin who said he was “in a far worse temper than I was in yesterday” over German energy company (Innogy Renewables Ireland Ltd.,) proposing to put a large scale wind farm “into my parish.”

Ten local people targeted by CBA THE Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) are currently targeting ten people in Waterford City and County in active investigations where the person is suspected of amassing assets and wealth as a result of criminal activity. The public have also been reassured that anyone who makes a report to CAB will never be called as witnesses to give evidence in court, because CAB conducts its own investigations, so anyone with suspicions about certain people and their assets can report in confidence to CAB. Chief Superintendent, Patrick Clavin, Chief Bureau Officer at CAB, gave a presentation to Waterford City and County Joint Policing Committee and said the Bureau are working closely with local Gardaí in the Waterford Division to identify suspected proceeds of criminal activity. He said there are currently ten active investigations in Waterford, three of which are full investigations and seven which are preliminary investigations.

22

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

JULY Hunt goes EU-wide for suspects in local theft EUROPOL and Interpol are now involved in the hunt for an Eastern European gang suspected of stealing €5,000 from a Dungarvan woman who had withdrawn the cash just minutes earlier from the bank to pay for her brother’s funeral. Garda Inspector Larry Sheahan described it at the time as an extremely ‘mean and sneaky theft’ on an elderly woman and when the story broke locally at the end of April, it went nationwide and shocked people across the country. It is believed the gang, composed of two men and two women (Romanian and Polish nationals) fled the country in the wake of the publicity over the theft from the elderly Dungarvan woman. The incident happened on Thursday morning, 26th April last, when the 73-yearold woman had withdrawn €5,000 from a local bank in Dungarvan.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Reopen our Cove!

Bomb scare in Stradbally

STRADBALLY residents and Comeragh Councillors are demanding that Waterford Council reopens Stradbally Cove, which has been closed indefinitely since last September. Thousands of people have been flocking to the coastline to take advantage of the hot weather spell which the country has been blessed with over the past two months.

However, Stradbally is losing out on all the benefits of the influx of tourists and visitors to the area because of the closure of Stradbally Cove. A sign erected at Stradbally Cove informs the public that swimming is prohibited due to the presence of high bacteria counts which may cause illness. According to the sign, the likely cause is river and village wastewater discharge and the prohibition on swimming is in place ‘until further notice’.

For many years, the horseshoe-shaped Stradbally Cove, which is sheltered by cliffs on each side, has been extremely popular amongst families and visitors for swimming, sunbathing and playing.

THE Army Bomb Disposal Unit carried out a controlled explosion at Stradbally Cove after a suspicious device was found washed up on the beach.

The alarm was raised by a local woman and Gardaí put a security cordon in place at the beach, closing it to the public.The Bomb Disposal Team arrived and carried out the controlled explosion on the device, which was believed to be a gas cylinder.The area was made safe and the beach was later reopened to the public.

Kilmacthomas enrolment crisis averted

Post Office closures a ‘direct assault’ on rural areas

AN enrolment crisis has been narrowly averted at St. Declan’s Community College in Kilmacthomas, after the Department of Education sanctioned immediate temporary accommodation which now ensures that all those children who applied for enrolment in September will get a place. The school normally enrols around 120 pupils per year, but this year, the school received an additional 50 applications for September.While school management went to great lengths to accommodate the additional applications, they were only able to accept an additional 30 applications, leaving 21 families in limbo.This newspaper previously reported how those 21 pupils had to consider enrolling in secondary schools more than 20 kilometres away from their homes. The resolution to the issue was announced by the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), which will come as a huge relief for parents and their children.

THE Fine Gael-Independent minority government has been accused of a “direct assault” on rural areas, particularly in County Waterford, after two communities (Ballinamult and Kilmeaden) discovered they could be in line to lose their post offices later this year. A voluntary redundancy package which was brokered between An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union and revealed last week, offers a retirement package worth up to €50,000 to postmasters / mistresses, in a bid to close 161 post offices, reducing the Post Office Network reduce from 1,111 outlets to 950. The CEO of An Post, David McRedmond said the cost of laying off 161 post masters/mistresses would cost in the region of €8m, which is part of the wider €50m deal. It is understood that an ‘exact list’ of closing branches will be released by the end of the month after the list of 110 communities which could be affected was ‘leaked’ last week showing which post offices have applied for the voluntary redundancy scheme. An Post said it won’t release exact numbers yet, because there are some postmasters/postmistresses who have indicated they may change their mind.

Dungarvan looking colourful and resplendent

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Gardaí and Army in discussion after the controlled explosion at Stradbally Cove.

[Richard Cutbill]

Arrests made in connection with spate of stolen jeeps

The remains of one of the log cabins at Glenshelane Woods, which was gutted in a blaze.

Local artist Sinead Wynne Violet decorates the old buoys at the Strandside Roundabout with yellow roses against a blue background to highlight the official colours of Entente Florale. Judges from eight countries will be present in Dungarvan on Thursday, 19th July, to carry out their adjudication of the town.

Final appeal ahead of Entente Florale DUNGARVAN is buzzing with excitement ahead of a visit by Entente Florale judges when they will adjudicate on the town during a six-hour judging process.The town is looking ship-shape, colourful and resplendent, but the Steering Committee behind Dungarvan’s bid in the Entente Florale competition has made a final appeal to the people of the town to row in behind their efforts and be on high alert to ensure areas are clean and tidy in time for adjudication day. Earlier in the year, it was revealed that Dungarvan will represent Ireland in the international competition, alongside Kilkenny village Inistioge. Dungarvan won its first gold medal in the Tidy Towns Competition last year, and from that it was selected to represent Ireland in this year’s Entente Florale.

Fears grow over rural fire service coverage THERE are growing fears that mid-County Waterford is not being properly covered by the fire service due to Kilmacthomas Fire Station being ‘off the run’ as a result of insufficient staffing levels. The situation is becoming critical, as the fire station hasn’t operated in weeks due to a rostering dispute and staff shortages, which results in very little time off, or no time off for the fire fighter crews. It is understood that the fire station in Portlaw was also ‘off-the-run’ for periods in the recent past as well.The matter was raised at the July Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council by Cllr.

Seanie Power and Cllr. John O’Leary. He said if an emergency arises in the Kilmacthomas area, then it is the fire service from Portlaw which attends.

But if Portlaw Fire Station was also ‘off-the-run’ it means the fire brigade has to attend from Dungarvan,Tramore or Waterford City. “The fire service do a brilliant job, a dangerous job, and it is a very essential service,” Cllr.

Power said.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses to log cabin blaze in Glenshelane GARDAÍ believe a fire which gutted a log cabin in Glenshelane Woods, Cappoquin, was started maliciously and have appealed for witnesses to come forward with information. The emergency services were alerted to the fire at Glenshelane Woods and Fire Brigades from Cappoquin and Lismore attended the blaze. On arrival they found the log cabin well alight.There were fears the fire could have spread to the surrounding trees, but the Fire Service quickly brought the blaze under control. The Fire Service remained at the scene for several hours until the area was made safe.

Large sum of cash taken in Arcade burglary A SUBSTANTIAL amount of cash was taken in a late night burglary of an Ardmore amusement arcade. The burglary occurred at Perks Amusement Arcade, which is located at the junction of Main Street and College Road, Ardmore, sometime between 10.30 p.m. Saturday, 18th August, and 12.30 p.m. on Sunday, 19th August. The culprits made off with a large sum of money in coins during the weekend burglary.The arcade is busy at this time of year with the influx of tourists and visitors to the popular seaside town. Gardaí are continuing their enquiries and are anxious to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Perks Arcade, Ardmore, at the time and may have noticed someone acting supiciously or any suspicious vehicles.

Councillors’ €3.5m pay and perks WATERFORD’S 32 Councillors have been paid up to €3.5m since they were elected to the merged local authority of Waterford City and County Council in 2014 - and nearly €1m of that was paid last year - the highest amount in the past four years. A breakdown of the figures shows that last year, taxpayers’ money paid the 32 Councillors a total of €996,869.16 - which is the highest amount paid since the merged authority was formed in 2014. In 2016, the 32 members claimed a total of €976,597.41, while in 2015 they claimed a total of €952,944.40. In 2014 (June to December), they were paid a total of €551,369.30. The eye-opening figures, which are freely available from Waterford Council, shows that the elected members were paid a total of €3,477,780.27 from June, 2014 to December, 2017.

GARDAÍ arrested two people in connection with a spate of thefts of 4x4 vehicles which occurred throughout the county over the past nine months. Since last February, there have been a total of eight jeeps (4x4) vehicles stolen right across County Waterford, with the most recent 4x4 vehicle stolen in Clashmore. Detectives from Dungarvan and Tramore District were involved in the operation and searches were carried out as part of the investigation.Two people were arrested and detained at Tramore Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. The two individuals were later released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP. Gardaí have again appealed to the farming community and the public in general to be mindful and not to leave their keys in unattended vehicles, as it makes the vehicle an easy target for theft.

Kilmacthomas fire station was unable to respond to local crash A SERIOUS road traffic collision which occurred in Kilmacthomas had to be attended by fire brigades from Dungarvan and Portlaw, because Kilmacthomas Fire Station is still ‘off the run’ due to insufficient staffing levels. The incident was highlighted at the September Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council by Cllr. Liam Brazil who said “there is something wrong with our fire service in the county”.

He outlined that people were banging on his door at 3.00 a.m. or 4.00 a.m. in the morning “saying there was a bad crash in Kilmac’ and no fire service, yet there’s a fire station down the road!” Cllr. Brazil said a female was “left sitting in her car for nearly half an hour” before the fire service from Portlaw arrived.

“Yet, down the road from this crash is the fire station. I don’t think it’s good enough for me as a Councillor, or for us as a Council, to leave a place like Kilmacthomas with no-one in the fire station,” Cllr. Brazil said.

Community CCTV being hindered by Data Protection ISSUES around data protection and a review by the Data Protection Commissioner into usage of CCTV is preventing communities from installing CCTV to tackle crime in their area. Cllr. Liam Brazil slammed the bureaucracy and red tape surrounding the application process for communities to apply for CCTV and pointed out that a newly formed community group in the Kilrossanty area were prepared to fund up to six CCTV cameras “out of their own pocket” in a bid to tackle illegal dumping and other crime in the Kilrossanty area. He said that funding of up to 60 percent of the cost can be applied for under the community CCTV scheme launched by the government earlier in the year.

However, he said it has come to his attention that the group could be breaking the law under data protection, if they install CCTV. “Littering and illegal dumping is still as bad as ever around County Waterford, particularly around my own area up in the Comeragh

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

OCTOBER

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

NOVEMBER

23

DECEMBER

Another transient halting site Garda and Fire vehicles damaged in Hallowe’en incidents would be ‘a bridge too far’

Ross slammed at local JPC on new drink driving laws

WATERFORD Councillor Damien Geoghegan has stated his “total opposition” to any plans to provide a transient halting site in Dungarvan, claiming that the permanent Traveller facility in Shandon was “trouble enough.” The Councillor declared his stance at Dungarvan - Lismore Municipality meeting after Cllr. Siobhán Whelan asked if the Council was “obliged” to provide a transient site. Cllr.Whelan said the arrival of Travellers at the Quanns area on the eve of the Entente Florale adjudicators had “annoyed a lot of people” and with clarification on the transient site matter “that issue might not be there.” Cllr. Geoghegan said. Dungarvan was the only town in the county with a permanent halting site but it had “brought nothing but trouble, hassle and aggravation.”

TRANSPORT Minister Shane Ross was labelled ‘a twit’ and accused of not giving “a god-damn about rural Ireland” over his stricter drink driving legislation which was introduced last October, as he failed to introduce any improved rural transport alternatives in tandem with the new legislation.

Donal Murphy, representing the Public Participation Network (PPN) on Waterford City and County’s Joint Policing Committee, told the JPC meeting that the new drink driving laws “are having a serious effect on rural Ireland”. Mr. Murphy reiterated several times that he wasn’t condoning drink driving, but said that while Minister Ross may think he has solved one problem, “he has actually created a bigger one – rural isolation”.

GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information after a Garda patrol vehicle and a Fire Brigade vehicle were damaged on Hallowe’en night in Dungarvan. Gardaí were investigating a report of anti-social behaviour near The Cove, Abbeyside, on Wednesday night, 31st October, where a large number of individuals had congregated. It is understood that one individual threw a stone which caused damage to the windscreen of the Garda patrol vehicle. During the same night,Waterford Fire Service attended three bonfire incidents at Kyne Park, Abbeyside. It was at one of the incidents when a stone was thrown and caused minor damage to the Fire Brigade vehicle. There were no injuries reported in either of the incidents and no arrests were made.

Farms hit in crime spree GARDAÍ have reiterated a warning to farmers and landowners to be extra vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity after a spate of rural thefts from farms in the Lismore and Nire Valley areas, when nine gates were stolen, along with a cattlebox and fuel.The criminals specifically targeted rural, isolated farms in the crime spree in the townlands of Reanabarna and Poulfadda in the Lismore subdistrict, where one farmer had a set of gates stolen and a second farmer had two gates taken.

A third farmer had six gates stolen, as well as a cattlebox. Another farmer had diesel stolen from agricultural machinery in the Nire area, near Ballymacarbry around the same time. Sgt. Bourke pointed out that the criminals would have needed a trailer or a large vehilce to load the gates onto and take them away.

Ear to the Ground comes to the Comeraghs – TV presenter, Ella McSweeney, from RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground, visits the Kiely family on their poultry farm in the Comeragh Mountains. The episode was broadcast on Thursday, 6th December.

Grief-stricken community mourns tragic road death Sisters Jana and Rebecca McCarthy (Kent) who played at the Concert for ACT in The Park Hotel. The Concert, which was organised by Clara Mannion, raised over €2,500 for the charity which promotes information about Meningitis and Septicemia around the country.

Kamila Kernan, Purchasing Manager, and Linda Drohan, Operations Manager, Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, receiving the ‘Best Hotel Restaurant’ award from Sinéad Nolan at the National Hospitality Awards 2018 held in Dunlin’s Shelbourne Hotel recently.

Eight Ring Lifebuoys damaged

Low uptake of repair and lease scheme

EIGHT ring lifebuoys were destroyed in a spate of wanton vandalism over one weekend recently between the Boardwalk in Abbeyside and The Cove.

Some of the lifebuoys were deliberately set on fire and completely damaged beyond repair, while others just had their cord cut and were left in the yellow box. “Unless the Council inspected them, you wouldn’t know the cord was cut on the lifebuoy, except if it was taken out to save a life,” said Sgt. Mick Bourke, Sergeant-in-Charge at Dungarvan Garda Station. Gardaí are investigating the vandalism and are working closely with Waterford Council.

Over the past 12 months there have been spates of anti-social behaviour, fires, graffiti, litter and drinking sessions taking place by groups of individuals, mostly youths, who congregate at the Boardwalk, located at the rear of the soccer club and further along the coastline at The Cove, a quiet, peaceful, scenic spot located between Landsend and Priory Avenue.

€100k for Cappoquin CAPPOQUIN is one of six towns around the country which have been selected to receive €100,000 as part of a scheme to address vacant properties and encourage more people to live in rural town centres. Cappoquin, along with Callan in Co. Kilkenny, Boyle in Co. Roscommon, Ballinrobe in Co. Mayo, Banagher in Co. Offaly and Castleblaney in Co. Monaghan have received funding of €100,000 through the Town and Village Pilot Residential Occupancy Scheme. The six towns have been invited to develop innovative proposals to encourage more people to live in rural town centres and the funding will help them engage with their communities and local businesses, and arrive at practical solutions that can be delivered to achieve the objective of increasing the number of people living in our rural towns.

Figures show 348 vacant houses in Comeragh area IN the midst of the housing crisis, figures from the Central Statistics Office have revealed that there are at least 348 vacant properties in the Comeragh area, and something in the region of 5,000 vacant properties throughout Waterford City and County. The shocking figures on vacant properties was revealed during the October meeting of Comeragh Municipal District Council. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ray Murphy read out the figures which were contained in a report from the Council’s housing section. He said in a breakdown of the figures, the CSO states there are 27 vacant properties in Ballymacarbry; 17 vacant properties in Dunhill; 61 in Kill; 45 in Kilmacthomas; 37 in Kilmeaden; 19 n Lemybrien; 101 in Portlaw and 41 in Stradbally.

WATERFORD Council has expressed disappointment with the uptake on its repair and lease scheme, is somewhat mystified as to why, but is committed to continuing the initiative. The issue was raised at November’s Municipal District Meeting when Cllr. Declan Doocey reported that some local property owners told him it “wasn’t worth the bother and is too complicated.” Chief Technician for Housing Derek Lyons did not inform what the uptake has been in County Waterford or specify any distinct problems in his response but conceded there were “teething problems.” He said the Council, however, saw it as “another mechanism for us to provide social housing above the normal ones.” Figures for 2018 show that 217 applications were received nationally up to Q2, with 60 lease agreements signed but only 22 properties operational.

STRADBALLY and the wider Copper Coast communities are still coming to terms with the tragic death of a local man after an horrific car crash.

Darrell Hurley (24) was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, 8th December, when his car and a lorry collided on the N25 at Bawnard, Ardmore. Gardaí are continuing to investigate the fatal collision which occurred at around 4.30 a.m. Gardaí said the sole occupant of the car (Mr. Hurley) was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of the lorry, in his late 40s, was taken to University Hospital Waterford with non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Hurley, from Ballyvooney, Stradbally, also lived in Tramore.

He worked as a Validation Engineer at DePuy Synthes Ireland, based at Ringaskiddy, Cork, and was a past pupil of St. Declan’s Community College, Kilmacthomas, and a graduate of Waterford Institute of Technology.

Tallow Hill may need more traffic measures WATERFORD Council Engineers are to liaise with Gardaí in relation to what further action to take, if any, to help prevent further collisions at the top of Tallow Hill on the approach from Lismore. However, Senior Engineer Gabriel Hynes believes the continuing collisions are a result of “driver error” and approaching the bend at “too high a speed”. Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District Council, Cllr. John Pratt has repeatedly and successfully sought traffic safety measures for the area over the past couple of years while reporting regular single vehicle collisions on what is a combination of a sloping gradient and a sharp bend. Cllr. Pratt brought news of yet another collision at the spot to November’s monthly meeting of the Municipal Council, in which a car “went over its head.” He asked what could be done before someone was seriously injured or worse.

Ballinamult Post Office to remain open ONE rural Post Office in the Comeragh area which was earmarked for closure in the New Year has decided to take a stand against the government and An Post’s “attack” on rural communities by remaining open. Ballinamult Post Office, which is based in Touraneena, was one of three Comeragh Post Offices identified for closure under An Post’s restructuring plan. However, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan revealed at the November meeting of Comeragh Municipal District Council that Ballinamult Post Office “will not be closing”.

He said the Postmistress, Nuala Dunne “has forgone a financial settlement in the interests of serving her community”.

Siobhan Lally, Trish Kiely, Siobhan Gough, Eimear Fennell and Pamela Roche pictured at the Eurofins Christmas Party in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

[Dan McGrath]

Councillors want ‘no go’ area for wind farms THE Chief Executive of Waterford Council, Michael Walsh, has once again been called on to vary the current County Development Plan to make an area of West Waterford a ‘no go’ area for wind turbines. Cllr. James Tobin (Fianna Fáil) along with his Council colleagues, Mayor Declan Doocey (Fine Gael) and Cllr. John Pratt (Labour) put forward a revised Notice of Motion at the December Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, which called on the Chief Executive to “forthwith initiate a process of varying the current Development Plan of Waterford City and County Council so as to remove from the Wind Energy Strategy Map annexed to the current plan the area coloured blue on the annexed map”.The motion is in response to a German energy company ‘Innogy Renewables Ireland Ltd.,’ which has an office in Dublin, and is proposing to erect 25 industrial-sized wind turbines, known as ‘Lyrenacarriga Wind Farm’ at various townlands which straddle the county boundary between Waterford and Cork, near Knockanore and Tallow. The motion was passed with 25 Councillors in favour, but the CEO did not make a decision immediately on it.

24

PICTORIAL

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Dungarvan Lions Club Annual Christmas Swim Fundraiser DUNGARVAN Lions Club thanks you for all your generous support to the annual Christmas Appeal! Once again, the Dungarvan and West Waterford community helped make the annual Lions Club Christmas Appeal a big success. The icing on the “Christmas Cake� was the largest ever Christmas swim fundraiser at Clonea Beach on the day. Big thanks goes out to Aoife O'Brien for her magical restorative soup, Dr. Jim Stacey for medical support and bugle fanfare, Mark Knowles for access to Clonea Hotel Carpark and finally, for all the swimmers and support teams that participated in the swim. The Dungarvan Lions Club would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year and many happy returns!

[Sean Byrne Photography]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

PICTORIAL

25

ENTERTAINMENT Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 | e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | Website: www.dungarvanobserver.ie / Twitter: @DungarvanObserv | Find us on Facebook

Moe Dunford featured in three top Irish Films of 2018 EVERYONE who saw the film ‘Patrick’s Day’ some years ago will forever remember the performance by Dungarvan’s Maurice ‘Moe’ Dunford in the lead and title role of Patrick. It was a major tour de force and showed a talent which has brought him parts in films continuously since then.

Moe’s career has been in the ascendancy since then and 2018 provided its own rewards, having featured in the top three rated Irish films of the year, as voted by the Dublin Film Critics Circle. ‘Rosie’, a very moving and realistic account of the homeless crisis in Dublin written by Roddy Doyle, took the top spot in which Moe starred with Sarah Greene with whom he had worked in ‘Vikings’. Second was ‘Michael Inside’, about a young man’s term in prison for a peripheral role in drugs and third was ‘Black ’47’, a truly remarkable and gripping film set in Famine Ireland.

Given the themes and their depiction by cast and crew, the Judges’ decision was almost predictable. According to them,

separating the top two was a difficult task.

These accolades come on top of Moe’s IFTA Award for the ‘Best Actor in a Lead Role – Film’ at the 2015 ceremony and the EFP Shooting Star Award at the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival. The following year he won the IFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for ‘Vikings’.

As well as the three mentioned above, Moe has featured in a string of films over the last two years including ‘Handsome Devil’, ‘Metal Heart’, ‘The Dig’ and Frank Berry’s ‘Michael Inside’, which picked up the IFTA for ‘Best Film’ at the 2018 ceremony.

Of those, the film which won everyone’s heart who saw it was ‘Rosie’, a poignant story of a young family who became homeless and spent the last night of the film sleeping in their car.

The practical difficulties of homelessness and the additional psychological pressure, as well as the sadness it imposes on families, was brought home starkly to the audience, most of whom left the theatre in tears.

and the coming year looks to be as fruitful and productive as the

Rosie and her film partner know, from daily news reports that it would be far from their last night in that paltry shelter.

In an interview with IFTN (Irish Film and TV Network) journalist Nathan Griffin before Christmas, Moe spoke of what he will be working on in the year ahead.

“There are a few more episodes of Dublin Murders left to shoot,” he said. “I am enjoying the work up there and the cast and crew have all gelled together well. The scripts are great and I am spoiled to be working with Sarah Greene again. She is just wonderful. I’m also excited about a short film project I’m doing in the New Year that Kerry Fox is directing. It’s about two Irish scaffolders in London and is a romantic comedy of sorts. I can’t wait to shoot it.”

Moe also recalled one of the great highlights for him in 2018.

“Without a doubt it was getting to go to Kenya with Self Help Africa, and seeing the work they do there. This was an experience that will stay with me for a long time.”

2018 was a great year for Moe

past. ‘The Dig’ has yet to emerge, and is a film worth waiting for

and there is a full pipeline ahead for the man from Dungarvan.

Maurice ‘Moe’ Dunford with the cast of ‘Rosie’ with Director, Paddy Breathnach, Ellie O’Halloran, Ruby Dunne, Mollie McCann, Darragh McKenzie, Sarah Greene and writer Roddy Doyle.

WLR raises over €80k for People in Need

Teresanne O’Reilly, WLR; Gary Walsh, Waterford Warriors and Michael Curran, Area President of the SVdP Waterford.

[Noel Browne]

Call a cab …

WLR are delighted to have gone beyond their target raising over €78k through the ‘Be a little Star’ Christmas Appeal this December with the support of the wider community in the city and county.

A number of events took place over the course of the month contributing to the total. One of the main fundraisers was the Waterford Warriors 24 Hour Row which took place in Waterford Warriors Cross Fit Gym in the Six Cross Roads Business Park.

Owner Gary Walsh enlisted the help of over 230 members, colleagues and friends to take part, keeping his ten rowing machines on the go from Friday, December 7th, at 1.00 p.m. and until Saturday 9th at 1.00 p.m.

A massive €27k was raised through this event alone.

Now a regular day on the Christmas calendar ‘Red to Work Day’ was another huge success with over 120 companies taking part with schools, retailers and business’s embracing the event.

All monies raised by WLR listeners in the 2018 Christmas Appeal will go to assist the needy in Waterford City,Tramore, MidWaterford and Dungarvan and West Waterford by supporting the services of the St. Vincent De Paul in those areas.

WLR would like to thank all the businesses and loyal listeners for the continued support for the WLR ‘Be a little star’ Christmas Appeal for the St. Vincent de Paul.

Joe Cliffe

Ann O’Dwyer

Nicholas Drohan

Liam McCarthy

087 7935393 /

058

087

68101 /

058 44570

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Friday 4th – Thursday 10th

CROTTY’S INN

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Spurling Group Cinemas

The Tragedy of King Richard The Second WIN @ SGC Dungarvan

The Tragedy of King Richard the Second (National Theatre Live) Tuesday, 15th January, at 7.00 p.m.

Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to cinemas. This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre. Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain.

His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar.

Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule. Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy.

The Dungarvan Observer , in association with SGC Dungarvan, has a pair of tickets to give away to the lucky winner of our competition. All you have to do is answer the following question and post your entries into King Richard Competition, Dungarvan Observer , Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 8th January. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

✄ Question: The Tragedy of King Richard The Second is screened at SGC on what date?

!

John Treacy, Chief Executive Sport Ireland, pictured with Councillor Declan Doocey, Mayor of Waterford City and County, and Senator Grace O'Sullivan at the launch of the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan at the Garden Room in the Medieval Museum, Waterford. [David Clynch Photography]

✄

BOOK ONLINE @ www.sgcdungarvan.ie

!

WIN

PETER BURKE

ON SALE!

I’M NOT RUNNING NT LIVE PRESENTATION

Saturday, 5th January DANCING TO

✄

✄

JANUARY 15th

JANUARY 31st

ON SALE!

LEAMYBRIEN

Answer: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………..…………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………...………………………..………………... …………………………………………………………… Tel. No. ………………………...….………………...

Councillor Tom Cronin and Councillor John O'Leary, Board member, pictured at the launch of the Waterford Sports Partnership Strategic Plan at the Garden Room in the Medieval Museum, Waterford. [David Clynch Photography]

28

PICTORIAL

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Nicky Sheehan, Dungarvan Aglow & Mens Shed, and Johnny McGrath, Terra Nua Building Contractors, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

David Owens, An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen; Lisa McGrath, Allied Irish Bank, and Catherine Downey, Allied Irish Bank, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Rachel Kinsella, Park Hotel; Ola Flynn, Park Hotel, and Eugene Tobin, SGC Cinema, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

Anne Butler, Printmaster; Mary Whyte, Printmaster, and Pat Whyte, Printmaster, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

Mary Beresford, Coady Quay Management Co.; Gerard Kelly, Environet Solutions, and Jenny Beresford, CEO President Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

David Owens, An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen; Chríostóir Ó Faoláin, Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, and Irial O'Ceallaigh, Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

David Owens, An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen; Jenny Beresford, CEO Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber; Grace O’Callaghan, An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen, and Joe Roche, President Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Hilary Britton, Bilbary Camping; Kolette Enright, Eyes on the Road; Les Ford, Eyes on the Road and Karen Dempsey, Karen Dempsey Photography, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Maurice Kiely, Maurice Kiely Domestic Appliance Repairs; Paul Curran, Comeragh Landscaping, and Maurice Kiely Jnr., Maurice Kiely Domestic Appliance Repairs, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

Cormac O'Dwyer, Dungarvan Brewing Company; Joe Roche, President Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, and Liam McDonnell, Legacy Irish Cider, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Grace O’Callaghan, An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen; Joan Clancy, Joan Clancy Gallery, and Emer Barry, Harty & Co. Auctioneers, pictured at the Chamber After Hours at An Seanachai Pub & Kitchen in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 | e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | Deadline for all adverts is 10.00 a.m. each Tuesday

SERVICES AVAILABLE MUNSTER TRUCK, TRAILER AND BUS SERVICES – Tachograph Calibration and Installation • Speed Limiter Installation and Repair • DOE Preparation • Servicing • Sand Blasting • Spray Painting • Contact: Gerard on 058-68855 or 087-2884113 • www.truckrepairs.ie • info@truckrepairs.ie • Garryduff, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. (ind.)

SEAMUS O’NEILL, Clashmore – Welding Fabrication and Concrete Works. Repairs to Sheds, Gates and Crushes.

Shuttering Works. Contact: (087) 2778712.

(5-1)

MASSAGE THERAPY IF YOU ARE FEELING MUSCLE TIGHTNESS, PAIN OR RESTRICTION – Massage Therapy can help.

Call Niamh on (083) 1418246 to book an appointment. €40 per 60 mins. €25 per 30 mins. Greenway Health Clinic, Dungarvan.

TARMACADAM TARMACADAM & TAR & CHIPPINGS – Drainage and Kerbing. Michael Fennell, Stradbally, (086) 8342233 / (051) 293943. (ind.)

PAINTER & DECORATOR PAINTER AND DECORATOR AVAILABLE SERVING DUNGARVAN AND SURROUNDING AREA – No job too big or too small. Over 30 years experience. Fully insured. Competitive rates.

Wallpapering service also.

Call: Michael on (085) 8566631.

(22-3)

DUNGARVAN SELF STORAGE DUNGARVAN SELF STORAGE – For all your household or business storage needs. From as little as €20 per week. Call REA Spratt (058) 42211 or (086) 2577958.

(7-1)

SAMARITANS WORRIED? DISTRESSED? SUICIDAL? – Whatever you're going through, we're here to listen and help, 24 hours a day, every day. Call SAMARITANS in confidence Freephone 116 123, or e-mail us jo@samaritans.ie (ind.)

RE-UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY, CARPETS, CURTAINS, FURNITURE – Free estimates in your own home. Collection and delivery. Sofas and Couches made to order.

Curtains and Pelmets made to measure. Extensive range of fabrics to choose from.

Colour co-ordinating service free in Showrooms. A visit to our Showrooms is a must.

Open Monday to Saturday incl. All work guaranteed.

Ned O’Connell, Seafield, Youghal. Tel. (024) 93106.

John Phelan Skip Hire MURRAY’S ROOFING DUNGARVAN – Re-roofing specialists. Slate/Tile • flat roofs • guttering/downpipes • chimney work • chimney cowls • ridge tiles • lead flashing lead valleys • supply/fit roof velux windows • UPVC fascias/soffits • insurance work undertaken • all work holds a full written guarantee • all areas covered • For a free written quotation and emergency work call Paul on (058) 43992, mobile (086) 2109547. (ind.)

TO LET SHERRY FITZGERALD REYNOLDS LETTINGS – Urgently require Houses and Apartments TO LET in all areas of Dungarvan and West Waterford. Please contact Gerardine Reynolds on 087 2458848 / 058 23444. (ind.)

STAIRS CUSTOM JOINERY 087 2420124

• Domestic & Commercial Skip Hire • Wide Range of Skip Sizes from Mini to RoRo • Mattress Collection • Contaminated Soil Collection • Sludge Collection

Sam Hall Chimney Sweep CLEANING AND STOVE REPAIR INSTALLATION SERVICE

Call Gary for quote 085 7352961

PLANNING PERMISSION

WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – We, Paul and Michelle Lacey, wish to apply to the above Authority for full Planning Permission to construct a New First Floor Extension to the side of existing dwelling and Single-storey flat roof extension to the rear of existing dwelling together with the demolition of existing single-storey annex to the rear of existing dwelling and ancillary works at No. 59, Tournore Park, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority at Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford, during it public opening hours 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday – Friday (excl. public holidays). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Skip Hire and Waste Collection Services in Dungarvan and surrounding areas

15 years experience Reg & Insured HETAS trained

Dungarvan Observer

WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Fiachra Breathnach, hereby wish to give notice of my intention to apply to Waterford City and County Council for planning permission to construct a new bungalow, connection to existing public mains sewage disposal system, recessed entrance and all associated site work at Ballinagoul Mor, Ring, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Planning Authority at Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford, during its public open hours [9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.] Monday-Friday (excl. public holidays). A submission or observation in relation to application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Call us on 051 645445 • 087 9677797

Leaf Blowers From €275

SITUATIONS VACANT Hedge Trimmers From €260

Bob Troy & Co

38 O’Connell Street, Dungarvan Ph. 058 41590

MANUAL WORKER REQUIRED FOR TREE NURSERY NEAR DUNGARVAN – Full-time work, Monday – Friday, for three months. Start date 7/01/2019.

Apply by email info@coronet.ie or by phone 0872558731.

(4-1)

ALL MAKES SERVICED & REPAIRED

BRIDGE ABBEY BRIDGE CLUB (Christmas Party 18/12/2018) – Joint 1st Colette Power & Christine O'Keeffe; Sheila Veale & Lorraine Vart; 2nd Margaret Foley & Joan Mansfield; Joint 3rd David Wright & Teresa Sullivan; Phil Barry & Ann Stack; Joint 4th Margaret Curran & Kay Shanley; Kolette Enright & Mary M. Dee; 5th Patrcia Doyle & Declan O'Keeffe.

DEISE BRIDGE CLUB (17/12/2018) – 1st Viola Rej-Mielczarek & Cait Christopher; 2nd Paddy Lannon & Maureen O’Neill; 3rd Nuala De Paor & Justin Spratt; 4th Anne McGrath & Margaret Hannafin.

The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does!

Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

TEMPORARY CLEANER – Required for Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan. 10 hours per week. Application letter and CV to The Principal, Ard Scoil na nDeise, Convent Road, Dungarvan, by noon on Wednesday, 9th January.

DAIRY FARM WORKER REQUIRED FOR SPRING SEASON – Experience in milking and calf rearing.

Contact: (087) 6492419.

CHILDMINDER REQUIRED IN AGLISH – To mind children in their own home and do light housework, 3 days per week. Own transport essential for school runs. Contact: Box No. 7037.

We are recruiting for a

Full-time and part-time Chefs TO JOIN OUR BRILLIANT AND FUN TEAM Applicants must have a full driving licence and a sense of adventure!

Please contact Eunice@eunicepower.com (11-1)

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

IN MEMORIAM McKEOWN (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Dick McKeown, late of Chapel Road, Stradbally, who died on 7th January, 2016. R.I.P.

BYRNE (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Liam Byrne, late of Abbeyside, who passed away on 2nd January, 2016.

We think about you all the time, We talk about you too, We have such special memories, But we wish we still had you.

Nothing can replace you, Nothing ever will, In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

–Remembered and missed by your wife Kitty, Gerry, Honor, Dee, Pat, Darragh and Anna and all your family.

DRUMMEY (16th anniversary) – In loving memory of my father Tom Drummey whose Anniversary occurs on 6th January.

HICKEY (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of Sean Hickey, late of Cahernaleague, Ballinamult, Co. Waterford, who died on 10th January, 2017. R.I.P.

LYNCH (8th anniversary) – In loving memory of Brigid Lynch, late of Ballykerogue, Stradbally, who died on 7th January, 2011. R.I.P. Mass offered.

January comes with sad regret, The day, the month, we will never forget, Quietly and sadly came the call, Without farewell you left us all.

Your life was one of kindly deeds, A helping hand to others’ needs, Sincere and true in heart and mind, Beautiful memories you left behind.

–Always remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife Mary; daughters Kathleen, Bridget, Fiona, Lillian and Aoife; sons Mike, Kevin, Eugene and Aidan and their families.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 5th January, 2019, at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Touraneena, Co. Waterford.

Our thoughts are always with you, Your place no one can fill, In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

We know you walk beside us, And when our lives are through, We pray that God will take our hands, And bring us straight to you.

–Always remembered by your loving son Thomas; daughterin-law Rose; grandchildren Simon, Eoin, Aoife and Ciara; great grandsons Callum and Cian; and great grand-daughters Carly, Mischa and Maya.

FOLEY (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of Jack Foley, late of Garryduff, Colligan, who died on 8th January, 2017.

Masses offered.

Just a prayer from the ones who loved you, Just a memory fond and true, In our hearts you will live forever, Because we thought the world of you.

–Always remembered by all your nieces and nephews.

Dungarvan Observer

058-41205 058-42042 Fax: 058-41559 adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

Dungarvan Observer

We often lie awake at night, When the world is fast asleep, And think about you Dad, With tears upon our cheeks.

We can’t get over losing you, No matter how hard we try, We will always keep you in our hearts, Until the day we die.

Remember him with a smile today, He was not one for tears, Reflect instead of memories, Of all the happy years.

Recall to mind the way he spoke, And all the things he said, His strength, his stance, The way he walked, Remember these instead.

We see him in our children, A smile, a look, a sigh, Some have his laughter, Others have his joy, Wrap your arms around him Lord, Don’t leave him on his own.

For he is missed so very much, And we know he can’t come home, May God be with you dear Dad, Today and ever more.

–Always loved and missed very much, Billy, Michael, John, David, Joseph and families.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 5th January, 2019, at 6.15 p.m., in St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore.

The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does!

Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

–Always remembered and sadly missed by your son Michael and daughter-in-law Patricia.

MAHER (24th anniversary) – In loving memory of Bridie Maher, late of Gortnadiha, Ring, who died on 3rd January, 1995.

If roses grow in Heaven Lord, Pick a bunch for us, Place them in her arms, And tell her they’re from us.

–Remembered always by all the family at home and away.

WALSH (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Michael Walsh, late of Johnstown House, Ballymullala, Cappagh, whose Anniversary occurs on 6th January.

POWER (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of John Power, late of Beechcroft, Deerpark Road, Lismore, who died on 7th January, 2015.

R.I.P. DAD Thinking of you today, And every day.

–Sadly missed by your daughter Sinead, son-in-law Michael and grandchildren Ellen, Joe and Kate.

WALSH (9th anniversary) – In loving memory of Kathleen Walsh, late of Killishal, Cappagh, who died on 5th January, 2010. R.I.P. Do not stand, At my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle Autumn rain.

MAHER (24th anniversary) – In loving memory of Bridie Maher, late of Gortnadiha, Ring, who died on 3rd January, 1995. R.I.P.

–Always remembered by your loving husband John and all the family.

Precious memories, Keep you near, Despite the, Passing years.

POWER (5th anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear brother Seano Power, late of 25 Childers Estate, and Gorteen, Ring, who died on 4th January, 2014.

Anniversary Mass for Seano will be celebrated on Saturday, 5th January, at 7.30 p.m., in the St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan.

Time slips by and life goes on, But from our hearts you’re never gone, We think about you always, We talk about you too, We have so many memories, But we wish we still had you.

Each day without the love of our brother, We give thanks we still have each other, Hold him in our hearts forever so dear, Always in our prayers, keeping him near.

Memories so fond come softly our way, Remembered dearly year after year, Wishing our embrace he could still share, Together we stand one for the other, Missing always our wonderful brother.

–Sadly missed by Tony, Mary and family.

–So loved, so missed, West, Michael and Hughie.

MAHONY (30th anniversary) – In loving memory of James Mahony, late of Carronbeg, Clashmore, who died on 22nd December, 1988.

Though we have mourned your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts, Where no storm or night, Or passing of time can reach you.

–Inserted by Marian, Jack and family.

–Always remembered by your daughter Cissie and grandchildren.

–Always remembered by Liam and family.

NORRIS (11th and 23rd anniversaries) – In loving memory of Nellie Norris, late of Ballinacourty, who died on 20th December, 2007. Also her husband Paddy who died on 8th January, 1996.

Will those who think of Ann today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

MAHER (24th anniversary) – In loving memory of Bridie Maher, late of Gortnadiha, Ring, who died on 3rd January, 1995. R.I.P. Thoughts return of days gone past, The years go by but memories last, Time passes, memories stay, Quietly remembered every day.

†

WALL (29th anniversary) – In loving memory of Ann Wall (nee Power), late of 30 Comeragh Crescent, Dungarvan, who died on 4th January, 1990. R.I.P.

–Sadly missed by your loving family.

–Always remembered by your son Seán and family.

LANDERS (14th anniversary) – In loving memory of Michael Landers, late of 16 Townspark, Lismore, whose Anniversary occurs on 2nd January, 2019. Mass offered.

As time goes by without you, And days turn into years, They hold a thousand memories, And a million silent tears.

Our lives have changed in many ways, Since we were all together, But memories of those happy days, Will live with us forever.

Tonight the stars are gleaming, On a lonely, silent grave, Where sleeps in dreamless slumber, One we loved but could not save.

No one knows the silent heartaches, Only those who have lost can tell, Of the grief that we bear in silence, For the one we loved so well.

Time speeds on, three years have passed, Since death its gloom, its shadow, cast, Within our home, where all seemed bright, And took from us a shining light, We miss that light and ever will, His vacant place there is none to fill, Down here we mourn, but not in vain, For up in Heaven we will meet again.

–Always remembered by your wife Margaret; daughters Belinda and Imelda; sons-inlaw Eamonn and Sean and all the family.

For Quick Results WALSH (9th anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear sister Kathleen Walsh, late of Killishal, Cappagh, who died on 5th January, 2010. R.I.P. What woman who lives in a foreign country, Would not hurry to return home, We believe paradise to be our true home, A great throng awaits us there – Parents and family members, What joy they share with us, When we come into their sight and embrace them.

–Always loved and remembered by her brothers, sisters and all their families.

Use the Small Adverts. Section Call our Office or use your Credit or Debit Card by Phone Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Tel. (058) 41205 / 42042.

Fax: (058) 41559.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

ADVERTISEMENTS

31

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT † ANN KEATING Ballinabanogue, Kilmacthomas Acknowledgement and First Anniversary

POWER – In loving memory of a dear and special daughter and sister Noreen Power (nee Gough), late of Lickoran, Ballinamult, whose birthday occurs on 4th January.

POWER – In loving memory of my sister and friend Noreen Power (nee Gough), late of Lickoran, Ballinamult, whose birthday occurs on 4th January.

Thinking of you on your birthday Noreen, With sadness in our hearts, For a very special someone, From whom we had to part.

Your memory is precious, And never grows old, It’s locked in our hearts, In letters of gold.

Your presence we miss, And memories we treasure, Missing you always, Forgetting you never.

We seldom ask for miracles, But today just one would do, To leave our door wide open, And see you walking through.

Today is full of memories, Happiness and tears, Of birthday celebrations we’ve shared, Throughout the years.

And though I’ll always miss you, The endless joy you brought, Warms my heart with gratitude, And fill my every thought.

Wherever you are resting, I hope that you can see, How precious and uplifting, Your memory is to me.

I feel that you are with me, In everything I do, So I’ll celebrate your birthday, But I’ll spend it missing you.

–Always loved and sadly missed by your heartbroken Mam and Dad and brother Michael.

–Loved and sadly missed on your birthday by William and Claire.

POWER – In loving memory of a my sister and friend Noreen Power (nee Gough), late of Lickoran, Ballinamult, whose birthday occurs on 4th January.

What we would give if we could say, We’ll go and see Noreen today, To hear her voice, to see her smile, To sit and chat with her a while, A silent prayer to keep in touch, We miss you Noreen so very much.

–Loved and sadly missed on your birthday by James and Siobhain.

It is a condition of acceptance of advertisements orders that the proprietors do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a special date or at all. Although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers; further they do not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccurracy in the printing of any advertisement. They reserve the right to refuse or alter any advertisement, no matter by whom or where accepted for publication; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisements previously published.

Advertisements paid or otherwise are therefore accepted only subject to the above conditions. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the proprietors against all liability for any civil action arising out of publication of the advertise(ind.) ment.

† BIRDIE CUDDIHY (nee Hade) Ballinagoul, Ring, Dungarvan

POWER – In loving memory of Noreen Power (nee Gough), late of Lickoran, Ballinamult, whose birthday occurs on 4th January.

Thinking of you on your birthday Noreen, But that’s nothing new, For no day dawns and no day ends, Without a thought of you, Put your arms around her Lord, For today is Noreen’s birthday, Her sixth away from home.

–Sadly missed by your loving husband Felim.

James Kiely & Sons Prop. DAVID KIELY David & Margaret, ‘Garrán Mhuire,’ Kiladangan (058) 42200 / (086) 2525663 (Est. 1919) Irish Association of Funeral Directors

Funeral Home Embalming & Cremations Arranged We attend to all the details: Church & Cemetery

The family of the late Ann Keating, who died on the 7th of January, 2018, wish to thank most sincerely all those who supported them on their sad loss. We wish to thank those who sympathised with us and who sent Mass cards and messages of condolences; those who attended the Rosary, removal and Requiem Mass; those who travelled long distances to be with us and to our relatives, neighbours and kind friends for their support and help throughout.

A special word of thanks to the wonderful staff of The Bons Secours Hospital, Cork, and especially to Dr. Conleth Murphy and his team, for their attentive care and kindness throughout Ann’s illness.

Also, to Dr. Micheal Griffin along with the Nurses and staff of the Kilmacthomas Health Centre for their excellent care, help and support. We would like to acknowledge the assistance and wonderful care given to Ann by the Public Health Nurses from the Fermoy area along with the Doctors and staff of the Family First Medical Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

Many thanks goes to Fr. Jerry Condon, P.P., for his kindness, comforting words and support at all times and to the Clergy who assisted him during Ann’s Requiem Mass. Thanks also to Mala and Tony for the beautiful music that they provided and to all those who assisted in any other way.

Finally, we wish to extend our thanks to James Kiely and Sons, Funeral Directors, for their wonderful care and professionalism.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the intentions of all.

Deep in our hearts your memory is kept to love, to cherish and never forget.

First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated for Ann in St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen, at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday, 6th January, 2019.

Notice to Advertisers

Floral & Artificial Wreaths Supplied Obituary Notices

SHANDON STREET & KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Phone: David (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663 Fax (058) 48712. www.kielyfunerals.ie

Philomena, John and Breda would like to thank everyone who sympathised and supported them on the death of their beloved mother Birdie on the 7th January, 2018. Thank you to all our relatives and friends who travelled long distances to be with us; we extend our sincere and grateful thanks to our relatives, neighbours and friends who, on the night of Mam’s death, helped in any way; Fr. Kelly, Dr. Grainne, Ambulance Paramedics, Gardaí, especially Garda Aidan, we cannot thank you all enough. Our grateful thanks and appreciation to all who called to our home, attended removal and funeral, sent Mass cards, sympathy cards and floral tributes. Thank you to Mam’s GP Dr. Grainne Ní Fhoghlu and to all at Kelly’s Pharmacy, High Street. To Fr. Conor Kelly who recited the Rosary in the Funeral Home, celebrated Mam’s Requiem Mass and called to her every 1st Friday. Also to Mairead who called to her with Communion, she looked forward to your visits and, of course, the chats, mile buochas. Thank you to Dinah Walsh and Tomas Walsh for the beautiful singing of Mam’s favourite hymns. Also to the pallbearers and gravediggers.

A special mention to Mam’s regular callers, you all know who you are and to everyone who called to see her on her last Christmas with us, she always enjoyed your company. To Aine, Jacinta and all at An Linn Bhui, what can we say, the food, the service, fantastic, thanks girls. We would also like to thank everyone who brought food to our home and to Liam Morrissey and his staff in Mooney’s for their hospitality. Thanks and appreciation to David Kiely, Funeral Director, and his staff for their sensitive and professional handling of Mam’s arrangements.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions.

First Anniversary Mass will be offered for Birdie on Saturday, 5th January, 2019, at 7.30 p.m. in Seipeal San Nioclas, An Rinn.

May Mam Rest In Peace, XXX. Those we love remain with us, For love itself lives on, Cherished memories never fade, Because a loved one is gone.

Dungarvan Observer

058-41205 058-42042 Fax: 058-41559 adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

DAVID KIELY

† Drohan Monumentals †

MONUMENTAL WORKS

Headstones in Marble, Granite & Limestone Inscriptions Cut Existing Stones Cleaned & Restored Graves Chipped Tel. (058) 43211.

Mobile: (087) 2540295. www.drohanfuneraldirectors.ie

KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Showroom at Kiladangan (near Radley’s Engineering Ltd.) over ONE HUNDRED headstones on display Telephone: (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663.

Fax: (058) 48712. www.davidkielymonumentals.com

HEADSTONES IN LIMESTONE, MARBLE, POLISHED GRANITE We restore existing headstones, kerbs, graves, chipped, inscriptions, etc.

FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER OPTIONS + DESIGNS

Distance no problem to us – Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Ring for appointment: Open Saturday and Sunday

32 & 33

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Dungarvan Christmas Community Concert at the Friary Church as part of the WLR Christmas Appeal for St. Vincent de Paul on Wednesday, 12th December, 2018.

Stephanie and Sophie Byrne, Carol, Ella and Alex Gaffney.

Caoimhe and Meabh Connors and Fionn Ó Churráin.

Mary Beresford, Shellie Jones, Sheelagh Mai Curran, Sadhbh Curran and Izzy Cunnage.

[Noel Browne]

[Noel Browne]

John Foley, Maureen Veale, Sr. Alice and Nuala Fahey.

WLR’s Oliver Carroll who was MC is pictured with Fr. Tony Egan, The Friary Church, Dungarvan.

[Noel Browne]

Ellie Walsh from Abbeyside enjoying her singing.

[Noel Browne]

Éabha and Ciara Martin with Caroline Burke.

[Noel Browne]

Jacinta Morrissey, Patricia Boland and Mick Johnson.

[Noel Browne]

[Noel Browne]

Joanne Fennell, Elsa Fennell-Tjore and Mary Fennell.

Billy Kelly, Martha Macklan, Elaine, Jan, Katie, Fiadh and Isabel Doyle, Meadhbh Doyle and Aoife Doyle.

[Noel Browne]

[Noel Browne]

Looking as proud as punch at the Dungarvan Christmas Community Concert for St.Vincent de Paul as part of the WLR Christmas Appeal.

[Noel Browne]

[Noel Browne]

Simon Power, Jack Gardner, Ronan O’Lowry and Daniel Mirza who performed for the first time at the Dungarvan Christmas Community Concert for St.Vincent de Paul as part of the WLR Christmas Appeal as part of the Dungarvan Youth Band.

[Noel Browne]

Some of the huge audience at the Dungarvan Christmas Community Concert for St. Vincent de Paul as part of the WLR Christmas Appeal.

[Noel Browne]

Pictured at the Dungarvan Christmas Community Concert for St.Vincent de Paul as part of the WLR Christmas Appeal.

[Noel Browne]

COUNTY NEWS Simon Community Donation Drive a huge success TO the people of Dungarvan, a million ‘thank yous’ for your generosity and your support for this year’s Simon Community Donation Drive. Words can’t describe what it means to see so many of you come out and support this wonderful cause. It was a huge success and on behalf of myself and my mother Ann we want to say a massive thank you for all you gave. I would also like to thank Vicky and the Dungarvan Soccer Club for allowing me to host this year’s event there.

I am forever grateful. Until next year, just know that you helped put a smile on people’s faces that needed it most. There is truly no better gift.

Happy new year to you all, AARON PATRICK COWMING

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

35

ARDMORE ARDMORE TIDY TOWNS CHRISTMAS SWIM There was a record turnout of swimmers and spectators for this year’s Christmas swim helped of course by the very mild weather and also helped by a huge show of support for the originator and perennial organiser of this wonderful event, Catherine Fitzgerald-Hourigan. Catherine has been ‘laid low’ in recent weeks and we wish her a speedy and full return to health and fitness.

COMMUNITY CHOIR Ardmore Community Choir gave a wonderful rendition of carols and harmony at their annual pre Christmas events when most of them joined the resident choir at St Paul’s Church on Sunday 18th and again at their main presentation at St Declan’s Church on Saturday 22nd, which was as good as any Christmas choir you would hear anywhere.

Then we had the grand finale at Christmas Eve mass and it was superb in the presence of a packed church.

Full credit to all the members who practice virtually every Wednesday of the year and especially to director and organist Ann Gartland. We are so privileged to have you all.

DAFFODILS Its deep dark winter but defying the lack of daylight and sunshine we have a few hardy daffodils in full bloom in one of the boats at the Sluggera.

A bit of light at the end of the road!

VINTAGE TEA PARTY, ST DECLAN’S HALL, NOLLAIG NA mBAN Many of our local girls and boys are currently with The Ryan School of Irish Dance and they are having this novel fundraiser on ‘Little Christmas’ January 6th. Some of the dancers from the school have qualified for The World Championships to be held in The U.S.A. in 2019.

Tickets are €20 each so why not come along and support them between 2.30 and 4.30 pm.

GAA DRAW Well done to Ardmore GAA Club who put on an extra special and most generous draw for their patrons over the Christmas.Their weekly draw is a lotto and to win the jackpot you must have the right numbers. Because the jackpot wasn’t won for a while they very generously put on a special ‘must be won’ draw with no numbers for Christmas and gave out 17 prizes totalling €6,000.

Aoife Troy won the top prize of €2,000 and there were 6 winners of €500 each and 10 winners of €100 each – a lot of happy campers over Christmas.

SPLIT THE POT Well done to Pauline Flynn who won €297 in the Split the Pot last week. The Ardmore National School Parents Association also received €297.

Don't forget to get your envelope in Ardmore before this week’s draw, simply put €2 in the envelope and write your name and phone number on it and leave with any of the participating

businesses in the village. Thank you all for your continued support and thanks to all the businesses who sell and keep the envelopes for us.

BIRD SURVEY We have a number of families engaged in The National Garden Bird Survey and this is just a reminder of keep up your weekly count. Starting out on this project I thought the numbers would be the same every week – but to my amazement they show quite a variation. This is just a reminder to all to keep up the good work.

POKER AT ROUND TOWER HOTEL Cork based Ardmore man, Liam Cashman, paid us a visit for Christmas and went away with our money courtesy of a narrow victory over Patrick Reardon with Jerome Curran filling 3rd spot.

In the ‘also rans’ game, Ann Mooney made the price of the Christmas turkey with Damien Gleeson earning the price of the pudding and Jason Lenane making do with the price of a nice bottle of wine – the rest of us had to make do with cold comfort.

Then in our St. Stephen’s Day game Ger Cronin swept aside the challenge of James Bryan with Redmond Foley in 3rd and Nathan Bryan won the runner up table.

TURKEYS & PROGRESSIVE 45 AT KEEVERS We have a few ‘turkey’ finals to be played and maybe even a

Some of the huge crowd who participated in the RNLI Christmas Swim at Ardmore.

A few early daffodils add some colour to the roadside near Ardmore. couple of more first rounds too and hopefully we’ll get a couple of finals played this week. I hear talks of a few games Friday and Saturday night, so that might push it on a bit. Also, we’ll try to kick-off the progressive sharp at 9.30 p.m. so we might get a couple of rubbers afterwards as well.

Competition was intense at last week’s Progressive and ended up with top of the handicap Willie & Brian Keane picked up the Christmas win with, with Michael & Anne sharing 2nd place with Liam Foley & Thomas Power and Liz Griffin & Anne Hally. Marie Stilwell & Peggy Keevers were best of the last 5 and Billy Harty & Fr. Finbarr Lucey won the last game.

Then at last week’s game Thomas Power & Liam Foley

made a long awaited return to the winners enclosure.There was a three way tie comprised of Tommy Power & Michael O’Reilly, Anne & Michael Keane and Fr. Finbarr Lucey & Martin Keevers behind them. Catherine Scanlon & Michael Cronin were best of the last 5 & Jay Prendergast & Mattie Cronin won the last game.

BUSY BUSY CHRISTMAS Christmas is a wonderful time of the year when families get together; exiled and living away locals return and renew old acquaintances through the week.

Here in Ardmore we get loads of opportunities to meet and mix and mingle. The hunt met in the village just before Christmas.

The GAA draw was a huge talking point as was the Split The Pot Christmas Party.We have the

usual Christmas draws and card games in the pubs, the fabulous carol services in both churches and of course the Christmas eve Mass.

Then on Christmas day hundreds came along to the swim, some to support, huge numbers to swim and loads of people just mingling, enjoying a hot toddy or a cup of soup.

On Saturday Ardmore GAA Club held their annual long puck competition and then we look forward to the visit of Rebecca Storm on New Years Day. I think ‘tis after all this we’ll need another rest.

BEREAVED Ardmore Tidy Towns offer our sincere sympathy to one of our long serving stalwarts, Breda Hennessy, whose mother died during the Christmas holidays.

36

COUNTY NEWS

S u p e r b C a r o l Co n c e r t in The Woodhouse E s t a t e, S t ra d b a l l y

by St. Mar y’s Parish A Fundraiser for Choir Sesame School Abbeyside

STRADBALLY STRADBALLY MARKET The winners of the Christmas Hamper raffle were as follows: 1st prize hamper - Matt Kiely, Monakirka, Stradbally; 2nd prize a selection of handmade cards Matt Kiely, Monakirka, Stradbally; 3rd prize kindling firewood - Jim Maitland, High Street, Stradbally; 4th prize vegetable hamper - Fr. Jerry Condon, Stradbally.

Following a short break the Market will be open for business as usual on Saturday, 5th January, 2019 at the Cove Bar with all the usual producers.

CHRISTMAS CEREMONIES There was a large attendance at all church ceremonies in Stradbally for Christmas. The Children’s Mass at 6.00 p.m. was packed to capacity where Holy Cross Church was tastefully decorated in red and gold with the beautiful crib and Christmas tree adorning the altar.

Well done to all the ladies who prepared and decorated the church. Well done too to the choir, organist and soloist who enhanced the whole celebration.

Of course, Santa Clause much to the delight of all the children attending made his annual phone call to Fr. Condon at the end of Mass to inquire into the behaviour of all the Stradbally children.

Fr. Condon was quick to tell him of how they were so well behaved.

Some chocolate treats were then distributed to all the little ones and everyone went home in happy anticipation.

APPOINTMENT Congratulations to Canon Brian O’Rourke, St. James Rectory in Stradbally on his appointment as Rector of the Tullow, Co. Carlow group of parishes. We wish him and his wife Agnes all the best for the future. Agnes is very well known from the Stradbally Market as the designer of the beautiful personalised cards for all occasions.

Canon Brian’s institution will take place on 22nd February, 2019.

ANNUAL RAFFLE The annual raffle in aid of Waterford Dialysis Unit and Dungarvan Civil Defence took place at Whelan’s Bar recently.

Grateful thanks to all those who bought and sold tickets.The winners were as follows: 1st prize hamper - Michelle Renehan, Rathboy, Co. Meath; 2nd prize Christmas cake Daniel O’Connell, c/o Flahavan’s, Kilmacthomas; 3rd prize Bottle of Brandy - Stephen Ryan, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; 4th prize bottle whiskey - Tadgh Crowley, Ballydwane.

SOCCER LOTTO No jackpot winners in the club lotto draw recently held.

The numbers drawn were: 1, 3, 4, 21. The €25 winners were: Johnny Fennell, Ned Gough, Mike Fennell. The promoter was Diarmuid Crowley.

The next draw will take place on Sunday night, 6th January, 2019 at the Cove Bar, Stradbally.

The jackpot prize on offer will be €2,600. Thanks to all who continue to support our lotto.

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM Once more a large crowd brave the elements and entered the Atlantic Ocean at Stradbally Cove for the Soccer Club’s annual pre Christmas Dinner Swim. All proceeds this year are in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association and it is still not too late to contribute to this event.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT Next gathering of “Tay and Mahon Valley Active Retirement” Monday, 7th January, Barron Hall at 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.This is our first gathering of the new year, hope to see you all, happy, healthy and in good voice, we have a pleasant surprise in store. If you want to come along more than welcome.

Any queries Tom 087-9386209 or brianjcorry@yahoo.ie

Barron Hall Calendar 2019

Pat Fennell (Ballyvoile Agri), Dave Pollock (Chairman), Nicola Blair (Treasurer), and Alan Darcy (Stradbally Soccer Club) at the launch of the Barron Hall Calendar 2019. Chairman Dave Pollock thanked all the sponsors, for being so generous. Dave also spoke of the Barron Hall's support for local business, other community groups and the importance of supporting those businesses and groups, working together when possible, and wished all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.

[Richard Cutbill]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Jim and Sally Thompson making a presentation to Sesame School.

By Richard Cutbill FOR those fortunate to obtain a ticket for this event they were treated to an excellent concert by the St. Mary’s Parish Choir from Dungarvan in Woodhouse, Stradbally.

The event which was sold out, was held in the hall of the main house, the home of Jim and Sally Thompson.

The reason for selecting the main hall in the house was a member of St. Mary’s Parish Choir Nicola Beresford’s father once owned the Estate.

She was brought up in the house and every Christmas carols were sung by her family on the staircase in the main hall.

The new owners Jim and Sally Thompson thought it would be rather lovely to revive this tradition, and if they raise some funds for a good cause so much the better.

This was booked for Tuesday, 18th December and was a most successful event.

An excellent buffet was served before and after the Choir’s performance.

The Choir was in excellent form, the rendition of the Carols they selected was just beautiful.

Jim and Sally were delighted with the performance and very pleased to have raised a substantial sum for their chosen charity, Sesame School, Abbeyside who benefitted from this wonderful evening. A presentation was made by Jim and Sally; to Natanya Geoghegan and Eleanor McGrath on behalf of Sesame School, who thanked and explained how helpful and most needed the funding was towards the running of the school.

Choir on the staircase in Woodhouse, Stradbally.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

COUNTY NEWS

37

Michael Power Memorial Swim Pictured taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2018 which was held at Kilmurrin Cove.

John Power Photography

Maura Collins and Mary Murray.

David and Lukaz Pacud.

Cathy and Evrett Nolan and Edgardo Savoy.

Caitriona O'Sullivan and Aoife Mooney.

Ger Mooney and John Power.

Gerard and Eileen Marshall.

Jasmin and Thomas Kirwan.

Padraic, Donnchadh and Róisín Ó Fuartháin.

Martina McGrath and Paudie Dunphy.

John Doyle and Willie Coleman.

38

MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Hayden Lenihan, Oisín Power and Mia Lenihan.

Pictured taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2018 which was held at Kilmurrin Cove were the Kiersey family.

[John Power]

James, Isabelle and Mary Fitzgerald.

Ruth and Dan Cusack.

Tomás Casey, Liam Farrell and Michael Casey.

Lauren and Jack Cowman.

Pictured taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2018 which was held at Kilmurrin Cove were the Kavanagh family.

Eamonn Flynn, John Mulcahy and David Mulcahy.

Juliette and Suzie Moore.

[John Power]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM

39

Pictured taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2018 which was held at Kilmurrin Cove were the Casey family. [John Power]

Pictured taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2018 which was held at Kilmurrin Cove were the Dunphy family.

Donal Queally, Jack Mulcahy and Percy O'Callaghan.

Johnie Collins, Justin and Niall O'Callaghan.

Aoife McMahon and Bríg Kavanagh.

Barry Kennedy, Helen and Siobhán O'Reilly.

Pat Brophy and Glen Hughues.

Martha and Flannan Cleary.

Keegan and Cillian Lenihan.

Bernadette, Irene, Martha and Hilary.

Una McHugh and Helen McMahon.

[John Power]

40

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

NEWSREEL …

Anxious or Depressed?

COME to our Support Group Meeting in Dungarvan.Venue: Deise Day Care, Dungarvan, Community Centre, Mitchel Street. Date: Every Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. Helpline: 1800 804 848. You are not alone! Please note change in time.

Pickardstown Commemoration 2019 SINN Féin McGrath/O'Brien Cumann, East Waterford, are holding the 98th Anniversary Commemoration of the Pickardstown Ambush on Sunday, 13th January, 2019. Assemble at Pickardstown Cross, Tramore, Co. Waterford, at 11.40 p.m.

Parade to shrine at 12.00 noon sharp. Carrick-on-Suir Flute Band and Colour Party will be in attendance. Speaker: TBC. Refreshments afterwards in the Micheal MacCraith GAA Club, Riverstown. All are welcome.

Lismore Christmas Lights WE would to thank everybody who bought lines or supported our Churchgate collection in raising funds to mantain and purchase new lights. Thanks to Waterford City & County Council for their support. Winners of hampers - Sally-Anne O’Grady, Ballyin, Lismore; Shane Minnock, Dungarvan; Brian Kearney, Ballyheaphy, Araglen. Thank you again.

A young cyclist enjoying the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co.

Event sponsor Maurice Troy approaching the finishing line in the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co.

[Dan McGrath]

[Dan McGrath]

Anthony and Carmel Prendergast, Mary Butler TD and John McGrath at the opening of the new Gym Extension

CAPPOQUIN Cappoquin Community Centre (058) 52746, Facebook - Cappoquin Community Centre; Email ocappdev@eircom.net THE THREE AMIGOS Cappoquin Community Centre are delighted to announce that The Three Amigos are back again to play live in concert in the Community Centre on Monday, 28th January, 2019.

Tickets are available from the Community Centre office (058) 52746.With Santa looming concerts tickets are always a safe bet.

GYM Opening Hours MondayFriday 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Membership €200 per year, €60 for 3 Months, €25 per Month, €5 per casual, OAP/ Unemployed €3 per session.

Top of the range equipment cardio equipment, we provide a wide range of the lasted cardiovascular equipment, from cross trainers to rowing machines to help maximize your fitness.

Resistance equipment- These states of the art machines provide resistance against a certain movement, isolating the targeted muscle group. They operate using weight stacks, allowing total control of your work out. Up to 37.5

Kg Dumbbells, loaded machines including chest press, shoulder press, seated row; pull down, leg press, stack squat and new addition cable machine with large selection of handles and attachments including cable crossover (chest), single standing exercises and duel action pulleys. Also, selection of racks including Olympic flat bar, incline and decline bench press and smith machine and adjustable benches.

We have large selection of loose weights plates ranging from1.25kg to 20kg.

Functional Area, a dedicated area aimed to help improve fundamental strength, acceleration and endurance using the following equipment, Kettle bells, Swiss balls power bags, medicine balls dumb bells and suspension training.

Physical Trainers - Connor Prendergast (087-1247025) fully trained in strength and conditioning training (LIT Certified).

Claire Egan (087-9713895) Health and fitness Degree from UL. Both our gym trainers will help clients reach their goals with

are expert knowledge, they will encourage you to work to the best of your ability whatever your level.

These trainers will focus your fitness and training regime to work to your schedule, abilities, interests and life style, both can be contacted at any time to get you started in your new life style challenge.

WEEKLY EVENTS IN HALL Monday - Ladies Exercise Classes with Paul Murray 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., Active Retirement 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m., Affane Bridge 7.30 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.

Thursday morning Ladies Exercises with Paul Murray 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., Community Soccer 8.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Friday Gymnastics 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

COMMUNITY CENTRE LOTTO JACKPOT HITS €2,500 Lotto draw 31st of December, 2018 - Jackpot €2,400.00 Numbers drawn 2, 3, 24, 28 Winner: No Winner.

Consolation Prize winners: David Hannon Gort Dara, Noel O’Donoghue Shanbally, Cappoquin Parish C/O Very Rev Fr. Pat Gear PP, Kerry McLaughlin Barrack’s Street, Jean Manahan Shanbally.

Next week’s draw is on the 7th of January 2019, with a jackpot of €2,500.

Remember anyone looking to buy our lotto tickets, call to any of the local shops in Cappoquin, the Community Centre, Miriam Coughlan or Carmel Prendergast will look after you.

If you wish you can also buy the popular annual tickets, if you’re not in you can’t win!

MARY BUTLER TD Mrs. Mary Butler TD Fianna Fail will hold a Clinic on the first Saturday of every month at 12.30 p.m. in the Community Centre, all are welcome.

WATERFORD WEXFORD ETB Just a reminder anyone interested in doing a wide range of courses contact Aoife Fitzgerald (058) 52570 First Floor of the Community Centre.

Parish of Lismore & Ballysaggart

Jenny Beresford with her children Leo and Izzy before the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

A BLESSED and prosperous New year to the editor of this paper and all the staff associated with its weekly production. May it continue to pick up new readers. Loyal readers of this column I wish you every success and courage to meet life's opportunities and challenges that are sure to mark our shared year ahead. I look forward to keeping in touch weekly with you.

Our new pastoral council will bring their own vision of pastoral work to bear on our parish. I encourage both the council itself and the wider parish to see the council are an integral part of the leadership within the parish. Our parish exists for only one reason, namely to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Without that personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Faith will lack life and will easily be discarded for even light reasons.The same is true in personal relationships, relationships that we starve of time become starved and died quietly.

Our New Year Day is World Day of Prayer

for Peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict, it is the positive atmosphere where human relationships can grow and where God is allowed to be God. Learning Peace making begins in the home and family.

It would be good if we could just take a little quiet time every day and consider what we actually value in our lives. Only ourselves can see and learn our truth.

This is also the day when we honour Mary, the mother of Jesus with her greatest title, namely Mary, the Mother of God. It took considerable time for the Church leaders to arrive at that definition. They did so in the process of coming to say who Jesus is. They came to say that Jesus is true God and true Man. Daily praying the Angelus is our own personal encounter with the Mystery of the Incarnation. May the Angelus Bell continue to survive in the public arena.

The future viability of daily Mass will depend on an increase in the daily congregation. If you have time please gather with those

who faithfully come. No use crying when the shop is closed for want of customers. The same forces are at work in parishes as Faith communities as in wider local communities.

Simply circling the waggons is not a response to what is happening. If we think clustering of parishes will hold off the inevitable day we have the camel mentality.

Our week day Mass is at 10 am and on Tuesdays we have a lay leadership led liturgy.

Great credit is due to those who care for the Tuesday Liturgy in the absence of a priest.

May we read the signs of God's providental presence in our days of 2019.

MASS TIMETABLE Weekday Mass at 10 am.

Saturday, 5th January Vigil Mass in Lismore at 6.15 pm Sunday, 6th January, 2019 Morning Mass in Ballysaggart at 9.30 am Sunday Mass in Lismore at 11 am.

PRO(E) Pastoral Council Parish Radio Link 103.9FM

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

COUNTY NEWS

41

TOURANEENA

By Donal Buckley

Now, That’s What I’m Talking About IRISH men have taken the art of small talk to another level. It’s not because they are better at it than Irish women, its because they want to avoid the interpersonal sharing of feelings. It’s a sort of macho way of intimacy between men. It involves a lot of exaggeration with the intention of impressing the other guy, while the other guy coolly accepts the tall tales as insignificant gossip.

For instance; “Well, how was the Christmas?”

“Ah, 'twas quiet” “tis the right way to have it. I heard you had visitors though” “Oh, the lads in the space ship? Yeah, they were looking for directions to Alpha Centauri” “What? Again?”

“Yeah, I sent them in to the wife. She knows everything” “Ha, true enough” “Sure, she was looking at them like they had two heads, Mind you, they had” “I bet she wasn't too happy with you, after that.”

“I couldn't tell you. I haven't seen her since” “That's them alien boys for ya.You don't know whether to praise 'em or curse 'em” “Anyway, how was your Christmas?”

“Much the same, quiet” “They took yours as well, did they?”

“Yep” “Pint?”

“Oh, go on, sure what have I to go home to?”

Ballinameela Creatives want to express deep gratitude to all those that have supported us, bought our work and put up with our untidiness in 2018. We can only promise that there will be more untidiness in 2019.

Douglas Adams, author of Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy, wrote, “He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which.”

LITTLE BOB'S TRACTOR RUN Don't forget Little Bob's Tractor Run which is being held today,Tuesday, 1st January starting at the community centre,Touraneena.

Registration starts at 12.00 noon with tractors leaving at 1.00 p.m. Entrance fee is €20 per tractor with refreshments served afterwards in the community centre.The proceeds from this years Tractor Run will go the Sesame School Special Needs Pre-School, Dungarvan and to St. Mary's National School, Touraneena. Looking forward to seeing you there!

SLIABH gCUA LOTTO The last draw before Christmas was held in Hanrahan's Bar, Ballinamult, and there was no winner of the €1,100 jackpot. The 5 x €20 winners were Marian & Dermot, Dean Cliffe, Tom McCarthy, Anthony Gleeson and Mick Sullivan.

The promoter’s prize was won by Mary Hanrahan. As it was Christmas week, there was an extra draw for 5 x €20 and the winners of that draw were: Una Power, Eileen Keane, Jamie & Mary Cullinan, Thomas Keane, Dylan c/o Keanes.

There will be no draw for two weeks.

Next draw will be in Dunne's Bar on Sunday, 13th January for a lotto jackpot of €1,200.

CONGRATULATIONS Many congratulations are extended to Thomas Keane, son of Eileen and the late Michael Keane, Ballinagulkee, on being the recipient of the Waterford County Board Special Achievement Award for 2018. The awards banquet will be held in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, on Friday night, 18th January.

Tickets are available now from divisional board secretaries,Tricia Walsh in the west and John Sheehan in the east. We wish Thomas and his family a wonderful night out on such a great occasion.

BIG BREAKFAST Many thanks for the massive support for the Sliabh gCua/St. Mary's G.A.A. Big Breakfast event held on Stephen's Day in the

law, uncles, aunts, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.

Funeral Mass was in St. Joseph The Worker Church, Moyglass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May Diarmuid rest in peace.

NEW YEAR Christmas Eve and Christmas Day mass services were very well attended in the village.Thank you to Teresa Butler and the choir for providing the beautiful hymns. Christmas passed peacefully in the parish, the weather was a little foggy but at 10-12 degrees celsius, it was exceptionally balmy for this time of the year and Santa Clause had no difficulty in getting to all the boys and girls on Christmas Eve. A happy New Year is extended to the newspaper editor, staff and all readers of this column. Also, a huge thank you to everyone who contributed articles to this column throughout the year. Your contribution is invaluable and it is hoped that for the coming year, people will continue to contribute and to let us know of all the local activities and the many achievements of those in our community and beyond. Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh.

SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to the Fraher family on the recent passing of Jackie Fraher, Kilbrien Upper, Ballinamult.

We extend our sincere sympathy to his wife Peg; sons Billy, Pat and Noel; daughters Marita and Elaine; grandchildren Ian, Bryan, Amy, Craig,Tara, Jack, Kate, Lucy, Cian, Ross, Leanne, Doireann, Síne, Clara, Beatrice and Jesse; sons-in-law John and Brendan; daughters-in-law Tisha, Anne and Helen; sisters Sr. Eugene Bon Secours, Cork, Alice and Margo U.S.A.; brothers Paddy and Liam; sisters-inlaw, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Mass was in St. Patrick's Church, Kilbrien followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

May Jackie rest in peace.

Community Centre, Touraneena.

Thanks to all the players for preparing the breakfasts, many of whom showed great skill in the kitchen! Thanks to the Community Centre for the use of their premises. We are already looking forward to next years Big Breakfast. Proceeds from the day will go towards the Kirwan Park Track.

SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to the Coffey families on the recent passing of Josie Coffey, Knockavannia.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to her husband John; daughters Breda, Mary and Elizabeth; sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece Mary Carmel, extended family, relatives and many friends.

Requiem Mass was in St. Helena's Church, The Nire, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May Josie rest in peace.

SCÓR NA nÓG Our young boys and girls will be taking part in the first round of Scór na nÓg which will be held in Modeligo on the 4th January, 2019 at 7 pm.We hope to see a great turnout of support for all our young boys and girls.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations and thanks to Brendan Tobin, Renadampaun, for his 10 years service to the Waterford County Board and his five years service to the Munster Council.

Brendan's commitment to the GAA has always been outstanding and we thank Brendan for his first class representation of both club and county.

SYMPATHY It was with sincere regret that news of the passing of Diarmuid O'Rahilly, Bawnbrack, Killenaule and Ballymacarbry, at a young age following a tragic accident, was received in the locality last week.

We extend our sincere sympathy to his loving parents, Patsy and Mary; partner Debbie; sisters Elaine, Trisha, Paula and Yvonne; brothers Michael and Padraig; nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law sisters-in-

Group pictured before the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co.

[Dan McGrath]

BALLINAMEELA BALLINAMEELA LOTTO RESULTS 24th DECEMBER, 2018 Winning numbers: 23, 24, 25. No winner. €20 winners: Pat Fletcher, Ballylemon; John Christopher, Ballylemon;Tom Barron, c/o Ger Flavin; Ellie O’Brien and James Power, c/o Kereen; Brid Leahy, Lismore.

BALLINAMEELA LOTTO RESULTS 30th DECEMBER, 2018 Winning numbers: 4, 19, 30. No winner. €20 winners: Amy Ryan, Cappagh; Tom and Grace, c/o Tony McCarthy; Caroline O’Brien, Kilmolash; Brendan Fox Mernin, c/o Cruiscin; Niamh Maher, Ballinameela. Next week’s jackpot €2,450 and will take place in the Cruiscin Lan.

Santa pictured at the end of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ with Maurice Troy & Seamus Cunningham, Bob Troy & Co., sponsors.[Dan McGrath]

A young cyclist enjoying the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co.

Rosarie Kealy pictured taking part in the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co.

[Dan McGrath]

[Dan McGrath]

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BALLYDUFF UPPER SOCIAL DANCE The next dance is on Saturday, January 5th with Declan Aungier at the usual time of 9 pm.

CARDS Results from 12th December are as follows: 1st: Mary Fitzgerald & Sheila Lonergan; 2nd: Pat Noonan & Delia Cashell.

Lucky Tables: John Conway & Mary Fennessy, Dan Howard & Eddie Sheehan, Joan Hannon & Christy Higgins, Bill Leddy & Helen O’Keeffe.

Raffle: Mary Pratt, Pat Noonan, Tommy Feeney, Pat Kirby, Dan Howard, Rita Leamy, Delia Cashell x 3, Joan Hannon x 2, Mary Allen.

Results from 19th December are as follows: 1st Mary Fitzgerald & Sheila Lonergan; 2nd Stephen Cunningham & Nellie Devine.

Lucky Table: Bob & Mary Allen, Dan Howard & Eddie Sheehan, Rita Leamy & Ann Geary, Mike Fennessy & Finbarr Byrnes, Joan Hannon & Christy Higgins, John Conway & Mary Fennessy Raffle: Helen Walsh x 2, Hugh Collins, Stephen Cunningham, Mike Fennessy x 3, Helen O’Keeffe, Tommy Feeney, Pat O’Connor, Dave Fennessy, Christy Higgins x 3, PJ McInerney, Sheila Lonergan, Dan Howard, Helen Morrissey, Mary Fitzgerald, Pat Noonan, Joan Hannon, Finbarr Byrnes, Eddie Sheehan, Helen Morrissey.

BINGO The next bingo is on 18th January.

LOTTO No winner of the local GAA Lotto of Tuesday, 18th December.

The numbers drawn were: 2, 13, 19 and 25. Lucky €30 draw winners were: John Kenny Junior, Clare Drislane, Ger Hickey and Elain Millar.

The Christmas Draw took place in The Log Cabin on 21st December. The numbers drawn were: 9, 12, 16 and 21. There was no winner of the jackpot. The lucky €30 winners were Lorraine

Hannon, Helen Feeney, Bobby Nugent and Jim Hannon.

The winners of the extra prizes on the night were as follows: Meat Hamper, Betty Keating; Whiskey Hamper, Mark Geary; Bottle of whiskey, Mary Hannon; Bottle of whiskey, David Walsh; Bottle of wine, Helen McNamara; Bottle of wine, Ciara Kearney; Box biscuits, Dolores Caples; Box of biscuits, Gerry Woolrich; Box of sweets, Ger Feeney; Box of sweets, Morrison grandchildren; Christmas candle, Jamie Kearney; Rechargable lamp, Shirley Flynn; Bottle wine, Rachel Murphy; Box of biscuits, John O’Keeffe Jnr; Croke Park ticket, Jamie Kearney.

Results from the draw on 1st January coming from An Síbín with a jackpot of €8,250 next week.

Tickets are on sale in St. Michael’s Hall from 9 am – 1 pm on weekdays, before Sunday Mass. They are also available in Bridget Scanlon’s Hair Salon,The Log Cabin and An Síbín.

POP UP GAELTACHT The Pop Up Gaeltacht took place on 29th December last and it was very much well attended.

Thank you to Mono and his staff for allowing us to use the Log Cabin. There were people from An Rinn, Fermoy, Belfast, Monaghan as well as many locals.

PARENT & TODDLER GROUP Returning on 11th January at the usual time of 9.30 am in the Carnegie Centre. Parents, grandparents and childminders are very welcome for a cuppa and a chat.

NEWS FOR INCLUSION THANK YOU! Thank you to all who contributed this week. To keep this notice page topical everyone’s help is needed. If you have any photos, announcements, congratulations or condolences and stories you would like to be included, please contact Denise at ballyduffuppernews@gmail.com, or 087 2273737 by Sunday night each week.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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KNOCKANORE Annual Senior Citizens Par ty KGK COMMUNITY COUNCIL. Check us out on our Facebook pages, (Knockanore Area KGK Community Council) and (Knockanore Heritage and History) ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY The Senior Citizen’s party took place in Knockanore on Sunday, December 16th. Old friends met up and new friends were made and once again a great evening was had by all.

KGK HERITAGE AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY PARISH MAGAZINE REMINDER Our Community and Heritage Magazine will make the ideal gift for your friends at home and abroad, Ask any Community Council member or call to Fordes, Lombards or Crowleys.This year’s issue has a free Heritage Map of the area. All funds go to the community.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

WEST WATERFORD

Wa te r fo rd J u n i o r M a s te r A n g l e r 20 1 8

CONTACT INFORMATION Please note items to be included in the West Waterford notes column must be submitted at the latest 10.00 p.m. on the Monday night before publication.

Items for the notes are always welcome and can be submitted by email to westwatnotes@yahoo.co.uk or by call, text, whatsApp or viber to 087 2076704 or calling 024 92249, thank you.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY On the 13th of January, 2019, we will host our Senior Citizen Parish New Year Party in Kinsalebeg Hall, with starting time at 12.30 p.m. Lunch followed by music with Martin Walsh. There is no charge, but pre booking your meal and choice of courses is required please ring Joan on 024 94594 to book your place, as we need numbers to book meals.

CLASHMORE – KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO Our Clashmore/Kinsalebeg GAA club weekly lotto Christmas special draw took place on Monday night, December 24th. The following were the numbers out of the drum this week 1, 3, 13, 28. We had no jackpot winner.

This week our jackpot will be €3,000 when our draw takes place at The Ole Mill.

Last week the lucky winners of €50 each in our special Christmas draw were: Aoibhin Hickey, David Byrne, Liam Curran, Mike O’Neill (Clashmore), Pat Walsh (Modeligo), Tony Lyons, John Hurton, Nick

Troy.

Wishing you all a happy New Year and thanks to all of you for supporting our lotto draw throughout the year.

SYMPATHY News of the death on Christmas Day following an illness of Mrs. Anne Marie Corcoran, Bohadoon, Dungarvan, was received with great sadness by all that knew her throughout West Waterford.

A former Nurse and Midwife, Anne Marie, a native of Kiskeam, Co. Cork, was dearly loved by all in her adopted county of Waterford.

Dearly loved wife of former Glanbia Chairman Tom Corcoran and loving mother of Martina and Carolanne, Aidan, Thomas and Danny, Anne Marie will be so dearly missed by them and by all her grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sisters-inlaw, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

To all of you we extend our deepest sympathy.

Reposing at Drohan’s Funeral Home, Dungarvan, Anne Marie’s removal took place to St. Patrick's Church, Kilbrien, on Saturday morning, where Requiem Mass

was celebrated for Anne Marie at noon.

Afterwards Anne Marie was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace.

TRIO STRIKE SIX Three local celebrities Lucy, Matt and Ethan (better known in Clashmore as the O’Rourke Triplets), share their birthday, with a very special baby, as they celebrated their big “6th” on Christmas Day. 2018 has been a busy year for the trio who celebrated the arrival of their baby brother Luke in March and in September they headed off to big school where they joined the other boys and girls in Miss O’Donovan’s junior infants class, in Clashmore National School.

A very happy sixth birthday to you Lucy, Matt and Ethan.

THURSDAY CLUB The weekly community get-together of our Thursday Club located in Kinsalebeg Hall resumes after the Christmas Break on Thursday, 10th January, at 2.00 p.m.

New members are always welcome and transport is also available – please come along you will be very welcome.

Clashmore and Piltown Parish PARISH OF CLASHMORE & PILTOWN Weekend Mass times – Piltown Church: Saturday Vigil 6.00 p.m. Clashmore Church: Sunday morning 9.00 a.m.

Dates for your Diary – First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 11th, for Clashmore & Ballycurrane; Saturday, May 18th, for Piltown. Confirmation: Clashmore Church on Wednesday, May 15th, at 2.00 p.m.

Parish Office – Bridget our Parish Secretary is available in the office located at the Parochial House each Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon. She can also be contacted on 087 3550252.

Big Congratulation's to 10 year old Tom Flynn Power from Currabaha, Kilmacthomas on winning the Waterford Junior Master Angler recently at Oaklands with this 9lb 7oz Carp. A Star of the Future! Well done to all the other Junior Anglers from Waterford.

KILMACTHOMAS BIRTHDAY WISHES A huge congratulations to Danny Kirwan, Main Street, Kilmacthomas who celebrated his 102nd birthday in Care Choice Nursing Home on Friday, 21st December surrounded by his loving family.

Danny a well known and well loved businessman in Kilmacthomas is wished peace and happiness from all his friends in Kilmac.

WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to Sabrina Whelan and Brian Murphy, Hillside Crescent who were united in holy

matrimony on Friday, 28th December.

The Wedding Ceremony and blessing in Our Lady of Mercy Church was officiated by Fr Martin Keogh, P.P. The wedding reception for family and friends took place in Coach House, The Union, Kilmacthomas and a great night was had by all.

We wish Sabrina and Brian good luck and every happiness in the future.

HAPPY NEW YEAR A very happy new year to all readers and contributors to these notes.

The O’Rourke triplets Ethan, Matt and Lucy who celebrated their birthday on Christmas Day pictured here on their first day in Clashmore National School in September 2018.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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Portrait of an artist …

By Donal Buckley

Gilbert O’Sullivan

Abbeyside Scouts (4th Waterford) AFTER the prayer, we had a quick rendition of Jingle Bells to get us in the mood before we went on our annual Christmas trip to town. Unfortunately, the rain was really coming down, so we had to shelve our plans for an activity around the town.

Instead, we headed straight to McDonalds where Tomasz was again ready to take our massive order! We spent the rest of the meeting chatting and enjoying the food. Thanks again McD’s!

That’s it for us for 2018. We will be back on Wednesday, 9th January, 2019 refreshed and rearing to go! We would like to wish our friends and supporters a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Members of the Red Cross on duty for the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

WAY back in the 1970's, a friend of mine had a younger sister who was obsessed with Gilbert O'Sullivan. Her room was festooned with posters. She kept a scrapbook of newspaper clippings that mentioned his name. She had all of his records (yes children, records, the size of satellite dishes and would get scratched and become useless if you so much as looked at them). Nor did she hide her love for Gilbert. At every possible opening she would somehow sneak some snippet of news about him in to any conversation. To say she was irritating was an understatement.

My friend thought a little lesson was needed, so he waited for an opportunity. It arrived in the pages of the RTE Guide radio listings. On a Thursday at 9 O'clock Radio Eireann would be broadcasting a two-hour concert of Gilbert & Sullivan. With a little bit of ingenuity he doctored the "&" into an "O" and left the magazine where she could find it. That was 40 years ago. They have only recently started exchanging Christmas cards.

At the height of his fame, Gilbert O'Sullivan was more worshipped than Beyonce, George Ezra and Daniel O'Donnell put together. Yet, he had a modesty and even shyness about him that was endearing to both the teenyboppers and their parents.

He was born Raymond Edward O'Sullivan on the 1st of December 1946. The family lived on the Cork Road in Waterford until 1953 when they moved to Battersea in London. Shortly afterwards the O'Sullivans moved to Swindon in Wiltshire. While attending Swindon College of Art, Gilbert played drums in a band called Rick's Blues led by Rick Davies who would later go on to found the very successful Supertramp. In 1967, manager Stephen Shane suggested changing his name from Raymond to Gilbert to capitalise on the operetta composers Gilbert & Sullivan, hence my friends sisters confusion. Shane, however, did not suggest the 1950's street urchin look. That was Gilbert's own idea and it proved to be an immensely popular one. Later he matured his look to a more American college fashion with a large letter "G" on the front of his sweater.

Gilbert wasn't just a pop singer, but also an accomplished musician and more importantly a brilliant songwriter. When The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band showed an interest in recording some of his songs, Gilbert took the £12 advance and bought a piano (I know, right!).

Gilbert O’Sullivan Between 1970 and 1975, he was as successful as such musical luminaries as Elton John, T Rex and David Bowie. He had 11 top twenty hits in the UK, as well as hits in Ireland, Holland, USA and Japan. Many of these self penned songs reached Number 1. In the UK, he topped the charts with "Clair" (1972) and "Get Down" (1973).These were also Number 1 in Ireland along with "Ooh Wakka Doo Wakka Day" (1972). "Clair" joined "Alone Again, Naturally" (1972) as Number One hits in The U.S. In the Netherlands "Nothing Rhymed" (1970) and "Underneath the Blanket, Go" (1971) both reached the top spot.

Gilbert O'Sullivan also achieved chart topping success in the Album Charts. "Himself" (1971), "Back to Front" (1972), "I'm a Writer, Not a Fighter" (1973) and "A Stranger In My Own Back Yard" (1974) found their way in to Top Ten's across the world. His "Greatest Hits" in 1976 had similar successes. Some of his songs that reached cult status without hitting the top spot in the charts were "Matrimony" (1972), "Why, Oh Why, Oh Why" (1973), "I Don't Love You But I Think I Like You" (1975) and "Whats in a Kiss" (1980).

His belief that romantic entanglements would interfere with his creativity meant that he hadn't any serious relationship during his most successful period. In 1980, Gilbert finally succumbed to love when he married his Norwegian girlfriend Aase. They have two daughters, Helen Marie and Tara.

On the 24th of August last, Gilbert O'Sullivan released his 19th studio album enigmatically titled "Gilbert O'Sullivan". It entered the UK charts at Number 20. He lives with his family on the island of Jersey and has no intention of retiring. But then, why should he? He is a writer and performer of pop music, but his lyrics mean so much more than teenage jingles about puppy love. Its worth listening closely to hear the philosophy of this son of the Deise.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Samaritans Waterford and South East marked the Longest Night of the year by reminding those struggling most that they are there for them during their darkest hours. Friday, 21st December was the Winter Solstice, the shortest day - and the Longest Night - of the year. To mark the date Samaritans in Waterford held a candlelight vigil at Cathedral Square, Waterford from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Samaritans volunteers highlighted that whatever people are going through, they are there to listen every day of the year, even on Christmas Day. Samaritans offer emotional support to those who need it most, when they need it most. You don’t have to be suicidal to ring Samaritans. Many people call because they are stressed, depressed, anxious, bereaved or lonely or struggling with everyday life. Anyone who is struggling over the coming weeks can call us on Freephone 116 123, text on 087 260 9090, email us on jo@samaritans.ie or visit us at our Branch at 16 Beau Street, Waterford. Pictured were Cllr. Joe Kelly, Mayor, Waterford Metropolitan District, Councillors Eddie Mulligan and Jim Griffen and John Cunningham, Dir. Samaritans, Waterford & South East and Samaritan volunteers.

[John Power]

H e l v i c k L i fe b o a t s ays Thank You!

AS we close out 2018 we wish to convey our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, the media and to the public for your hard work, enthusiasm and generosity in 2018.

Looking forward to 2019, we wish everyone a very happy and safe new year!” said Hon Fundraising Chairman Kevin O’Morchoe. The fundraising committee work hard to supplement the often heroic and dangerous work carried out by the volunteer crews from all walks of life who give

up their time and comfort to carry out rescues and train for them, in difficult and often dangerous conditions in all kinds of weather to save life at sea 24-7-365.

Visit us on Facebook: RNLI Dungarvan and Helvick Head Fundraising Branch Pictured is the RNLB Robert Armstrong, the Helvick Lifeboat with crew Alan Kelly at the helm, with Dónal Ó Faoláin, Terence Morrissey and Mike Tobin. [Patrick Browne]

“All Shook Up” The Rock n’ Roll Musical DUNGARVAN Junior Musical Stage School make a welcome return to The Sports Centre Cóis Trá with their production of the Elvis Presley musical All Shook Up for four nights from Wednesday, 23rd to Saturday, 26th January at 7.30 pm nightly.

The stage school will once again transform the sports centre into a theatre venue complete with a forty-foot stage, stunning stage sets, and lighting as they bring all the hits of Elvis to life live on stage, hits that include Love Me Tender, Heartbreak Hotel, One Night With You, Devil In Disguise, It's Now Or Never, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, If I can Dream, Don't Be Cruel, Falling In Love With You, Teddy Bear and many more. All Shook Up is one the one musical for all the family that you don't want to miss and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles and singing along to the all the Elvis Presley classics. The talented students of the stage school can’t wait to hit the stage again follow-

ing their recent productions at the Sports Centre that include Sister Act, Annie and Legally Blonde.Tickets are available from The Wine Buff Grattan Square and Kelly's Pharmacy Abbeyside and early booking is strongly recommended to guarantee your seats at the musical event of the year.

The Story's All New the Music Is All Elvis.

NEW TERM The stage school are now taking names for their new term that will commence on Monday, 4th February and run until June.

The school is now in it's tenth year and new students are always more that welcome into our stage school family. We cater for students aged 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 18 in our classes that take place every Monday and Wednesday in St Joseph's school Dungarvan.

We have a strong emphasis on confidence building, having fun and making new friends while learning all the skills of the performing arts from the industries

most talented and in demand professionals, skills that stay with and benefit our student’s way and beyond the world of the stage and rehearsal room.

If you like to sing, dance and act or you just like to have fun and make new friends then Dungarvan and West Waterford's premier stage school is the place for you.

All our students get to perform live on stage in our much talked about end of term full scale musical productions, so why not see for yourself why so many happy students cant be wrong.

Our previous productions include Joseph, High School Musical, Beauty And The Beast, Grease, Seussical, Hairspray, Cat's, Annie, Sister Act, Legally Blonde and many more.

Places are limited in all our classes so don't delay and secure your place today by simply calling or texting Brian or David on 087-2360330 or you can send us a message on our Facebook page and we will happily answer any questions you might have.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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Lovesong at Garter Lane Arts Centre Thursday, 17th January - Saturday, 19th January at 8.00 p.m.

RED ‘N BLUE THEATRE present the Irish Premiere of Lovesong, a story of one couple, told from two different points in their lives – as young lovers in their late 20s and as worldly companions looking back on their relationship. Their past and present selves collide in this beautiful tale of togetherness. All relationships have their ups and downs; the optimism of youth becomes the wisdom of experience. Love is a leap of faith.

It will be performed in Garter Lane Arts Centre from Thursday, 17th January to Saturday, 19th January at 8.00 p.m.

Lovesong is supported by Waterford City and County Council and Creative Waterford.

‘Compelling, understated perfection, both poignant and uplifting’ – The Stage ‘Deeply moving, potently mixing memory and desire’ – The Telegraph ‘This portrait of enduring love tugs on the heartstrings’ – The Independent Abi Morgan is an Emmy and BAFTA award-winning writer of theatre, film and television.

Credits include The Hour, Suffragette, The Iron Lady, Shame,Tiny Dynamite, Birdsong, Brick Lane, Splendour, The Night is Darkest Before Dawn, Fast Food, The Invisible Woman, Royal Wedding, My Fragile Heart, White Girl and Tender.

LOVESONG will be performed by Jenny Fennessy, Dylan Kennedy, Sean Ahern and Mary Flavin Colbert.

Jenny Fennessy whose credits include Call the Midwife (BBC), King Lear directed by Greg

Doran (Royal Shakespeare Company), Cymbeline directed

by Melly Still (Royal Shakespeare Company), Liola directed by Sir Richard Eyre (National Theatre, London), Othello directed by Mark Lambert (Theatre Royal), A Life directed by Eleanor Rhode (Finborough Theatre) Blink directed by Killian Collins (Central Arts), The Bus directed

by Philip Hardy (Barnstorm Theatre Company) and The Salvage Shop directed by Jim Nolan (Garter Lane).

Dylan Kennedy whose credits include The Young Graham Norton (Channel 4), Katie Roche directed by Caroline Byrne (Abbey Theatre), Hansel and Gretel directed by Katie Mitchell (National Theatre), Philadelphia Here I Come directed by Lyndsey Turner (Donmar Warehouse), Peter Pan directed by John Tiffany (National Theatre of Scotland), The Beauty Queen of Leenane directed by Tony Cownie (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh) Romeo in Romeo and Juliet directed by Ben Horlsen (Antic Disposition), The Bus directed by Philip Hardy (Barnstorm Theatre Company) and All Over Town directed by Tom Creed (Project Arts Centre, Dublin).

RED ‘N BLUE THEATRE COMPANY Dylan and Jenny hail from Cork and Waterford respectively.

Early in their careers they left Ireland to pursue acting work in London. Fifteen years later Dylan and Jenny have worked with some of the best theatre directors including Tony award winner John Tiffany, Oliver award winners Katie Mitchell, Lyndsey

Lovesong which will be performed by Sean Ahern, Mary Flavin Colbert, Dylan Kennedy and Jenny Fennessy.

Turner, Sir Richard Eyre and current artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Greg Doran. Dylan and Jenny have now returned to Ireland, combined their experience, passion and knowledge and formed Red ‘n Blue theatre company.

This will be their debut production.

As young actors they were given excellent opportunities from local drama groups before working in London. Jenny played Bridget in Jim Nolan’s Moonshine with Brideview Drama group which won the All Ireland Drama festival final. This success led to her first professional acting job in Jim Nolan’s The Salvage Shop in Garter Lane. Dylan played Joseph in The Everyman Palace, Cork in Joseph and his Techni-Coloured Dream Coat and Rolf in The Sound of Music at The Cork Opera House. Giving professional acting opportunities to amateur actors is something that Blue ‘n Red Theatre Company feel very passionate about. In Lovesong Sean Ahern and Mary FlavinColbert will make their professional debuts.

Sean Ahern won best supporting actor in the RTE All Ireland final with Brideview drama for his portrayal of Mick Tracey in The Stolen Child. In fact he is no stranger to All Ireland finals having won the One Act Drama League of Ireland final last year playing Nashie in The Quiet Land and finishing second this year with Where is this Malabar?

Both shows were produced by The Palace Players – who have been in All Ireland Finals on three other occasions with Sean in The Lonesome West,The Wake and The Gigli Concert. Sean’s credits include Bull McCabe in The Field, Jap Kavanagh in The Kings of the Kilburn High Road, Byrne in Big Maggie, Pato in the Beauty Queen of Leenane and John Bosco in The Chastitute.

Mary Flavin Colbert is also an award winning actress having picked up the best actress in a supporting role award in 2015 playing Missus in Conversations on a Homecoming.This production by The Palace Players went on to win the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival final. Mary has also just been nominated for the best performance award for Hannie in Where is this Malabar?

She is well known at The All Ireland Drama Festival finals having been in The Wake and The Crucible with The Palace Players and in Out of Order and Albertine in Five Times with Ballyduff Drama Group. Other credits include the title role in Moll, Maggie in Dancing at Lughnasa, Mag in The Beauty Queen of Lennane and Madge in Philadelphia Here I Come.

Orla Glascott, Deirdre Collender, Margaret Dennehy, Siobhan Buckley and Padraigin Kiely, Dungarvan Dramatic Club making a donation to Phyllis Davis, President Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Christmas Appeal 2018. Included is Des Power, Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne]

Movie Reviews In association with SGC Dungarvan

Mary Poppins

By Tamara Ní Shíocháin TÁ Mary Poppins ar ais arís tar éis 54 bhliain.

Seo é an dara scannán den tsraith agus is é Rob Marshall an stiúrthóir.

Tá sé suite i Londain sna 1930í, 25 bhliain tar éis an chéad scannáin. Is iad Emily Blunt, LinManuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Pixie Davies, Nathaniel Saleh agus Joel Dawson na príomhaisteoirí sa scannán seo… ach tá Meryl Streep agus Colin Firth le feiceáil sa scannán freisin!

Filleann Mary Poppins agus a draíocht ar ais go Londain 25 bhliain tar éis a céad cuairt.

Tugann sí cuairt eile ar Jane agus Michael Banks (ach is daoine fásta iad anois) agus ar chlann Michael tar éis tubaiste clainne a tharla. Tríd a scileanna draíochta, agus le cabhair óna cara Jack, cabhraíonn sí leis an gclann chun áthas agus iontas a athaimsiú.

Cheapfaí nach mbeadh éinne eile ábalta an páirt Mary Poppins a dhéanamh, ach amháin Julie Andrews. Níl aon dabht ach go léiríonn Emily Blunt nach bhfuil sé sin fíor mar bhí sí go hiontach sa scannán seo. Tá go leor cosúlachtaí idir an dá scannáin, go háirithe na hamhráin agus mar sin, tá sé saghas athráiteach in áiteanna. Ach

é sin ráite, is scannán greannmhar agus taitneamhach é atá foirfe do pháistí agus do dhaoine fásta araon agus níl dabht ar bith ach go mbeadh miongháire ar dhaoine tar éis an scannáin seo a fheiceáil.

Ráta 4.5/5

Bumblebee

By Bill Tubbritt HARD to believe it but Bumblebee is taking us into the sixth instalment in the transformers franchise. This time around we are back with a different director in the form of Travis Knight who takes over from Michael Bay and really does put a different spin on this somewhat old franchise. The movie was written by Christina Hodson, and stars Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr, John Ortiz, Jason Drucker, and Pamela Adlon. BumbleBee is set in the 1980’s which seems an excellent decision as we are taking back to the time when the autobots first landed on earth in a fun visual dose of nostalgia.

The story starts in 1987 when the autobots attempts to relocate on earth are disrupted by the decepticons resulting in a badly injuryed bumblebee being the only autobot that makes it to earth. A young girl named Charlie finds Bumblebee in an old junkyard hiding in the form of a VW Beetle. She is given him as a birthday present from her friend Hank and decides to repairs him. It doesn’t take her long to realise that bumblebee is no ordinary car and has a much greater purpose here on earth.

This movie really does the throwback to the 1980’s cinematography really well even apart

from the overly obvious 1980’s product placements. Many have compared the story to another very popular movie from that decade ‘ET’ which I think lots of movie fans will agree with.

Bumblebee is a fun, wholesome family movie and may well end up being one of the most popular of the 6 transformer movies to date.

3.5/5

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Dancing in the Rain for Youghal Cancer Support House IT was a terrible day in Youghal on Saturday last wet, freezing cold and dark skies, but this did not stop the young Walsh School of Dancers from dancing up a storm to help raise funds for their local Youghal Cancer Support House. Aged from 5 to 12 years and dressed in seasonal gear, upwards of 25 girls stepped it out with enthusiasm on the forecourt in Tesco in the pouring rain, drawing cheers, hand clapping and foot tapping from the fascinated customers.

It was a performance with a ‘twist’ as, led by Nora Veale, Dance Teacher, they showed their expertise by performing all the social dances including Waltz of the Bells, Mississippi Dip, Military Two Step and a hectic demonstration of the Jive - all to popular festive Christmas music.

Tesco shoppers from all over the East Cork and West Waterford areas, and the volunteers members of Youghal Cancer Support House, were very impressed that the young dancers came out on such

Zoe Mills and Chloe McCarthy performing the Military two step at the Walsh School of Dancing Christmas Social Dancing Fundraiser in aid of Youghal Cancer Support.

a bad day to dance in the rain, with not a thought for the dreadful weather conditions and cold. They twisted and turned to the music for well over an hour, raising not only the spirits of everyone, but also the fantastic sum of €330 for the local Charity.

The generosity of the local people is well documented, and again they reached deep into pockets to show their admiration for the spunky, but very talented dancers, and to support a Service which helps people with cancer and their families in the

East Cork and West Waterford areas.

A very special Thank You to Nora Veale and her young dancers, to the customers who supported the fundraiser, and to Tesco Youghal for their welcome because - “Every Little Helps”.

Youghal Cancer Support, 29 Friar St.Youghal.

Giving support to cancer patients and their families in East Cork & West Waterford.

Opening hours 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Email info@youghalcancersupport.ie

Back row from left Tina O’Driscoll, trustee of Youghal Cancer Support; Chloe McCarthy (dancer); Nora Veale (teacher) and Noel Murray (Volunteer of Youghal Cancer Support). Front row Kate and Emma O’Connell and Ruby.

Déise Animal Sanctuary’s Pet of the Week: Mullingar!

MULLINGAR, appropriately nicknamed “Black Jack” is looking for his forever home.

It’s hard to get a good photo of Mullingar, due to his dark coat.

He is a lurcher, about two years old. What you also can’t see is that Mullingar has a sweet temperament and is great with people. He loves attention and is good on the lead. Mullingar would be best in a home without cats.

Mullingar has been neutered, microchipped and is up to date on his shots. If you would like to find out more about him or other pets up for adoption, please contact Pat at 087-3119509.

HAPPY NEW YEAR All of us here at Waterford County Museum would like to wish you a happy New Year and we hope that you had a wonderful Christmas.

NEW BOOK

The Déise Animal Sanctuary is a registered charity: CHY 21017 and helps all types of animals that need care. Check out their Facebook page for details on how to donate or contact Pat at 087-3119509.

NEWS ITEMS All news items and notes are to be forwarded to the following email address: news@dungarvanobserver.ie

The Towns & Villages of the Waterford Greenway - A history of Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Stradbally, Kilmacthomas, Portlaw and Waterford City.

This impressive 270 page book priced at €20 is now available in

the following local outlets: Dungarvan: Eurospar Abbeyside, Reader’s Choice, Shalloe’s Newsagents, Dungarvan Tourist Office,Waterford County Museum, David Walsh Office Supplies and Easons.

Stradbally: Cunningham's Supermarket.

Dunhill: Education Centre.

Kilmacthomas: Post Office.

Kilmeaden: Hickson's Centra.

Lismore: Heritage Centre.

Portlaw: Portlaw Heritage Centre and Fogarty’s Shop.

Waterford City: The Book Centre, Waterford Museum of Treasures and Ardkeen Foodstore.

It is available to purchase online at www.waterfordmuseum.ie/greenway YOUR CHANCE TO SUPPORT THE MUSEUM Museum membership is available for an annual fee of €15 if you would like to support the work of the museum. The museum relies heavily on membership fees, donations and fund raising activities, so we would be

delighted if you would join us as a member.

DONATION OF OBJECTS AND OLD PHOTOGRAPHS The museum relies on donations of objects from members of the public.

We do not have funds to purchase objects, so we would be very grateful for any objects of local historic interest which you would kindly be willing to donate to us. Also if you have any old photographs of people, places, ships, sports events etc. with a County Waterford connection we are very happy to accept them.

VISITING THE MUSEUM We welcome visits from schools, community groups, and local history societies. Please contact us at (058) 45960 to arrange a visit.

OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 10 am-5 pm. Admission is free.

Contact Details - Tel: (058) 45960. Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie Website: www.water-

fordmuseum.ie Facebook: waterford county museum. Twitter: @waterfordmuseum TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS See what people think of our museum on TripAdvisor at https://bit.ly/2ODTk9b Waterford County Museum is a non profit organisation, curated and managed by a voluntary committee.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

COUNTY NEWS

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The Towns and Villages of the Waterford Greenway a history of Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Stradbally, Kilmacthomas, Portlaw and Waterford City.

AN excerpt from the Abbeyside chapter of Waterford County Museum’s new book The Towns & Villages of the Waterford Greenway. The book is a history of Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Stradbally, Kilmacthomas, Portlaw and Waterford City. The Abbeyside chapter was written by Eddie Cantwell, Chrissy Knight-O'Connor & Willie Whelan.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S PRIORY

THE village of Abbeyside derives its name from St Augustine’s Priory. A priory in simple terms is a small abbey managed by a prior. Technically, a minimum of twelve monks were required to form an abbey. The building has been described as a church of national significance, on account of the continuation of a long-standing ecclesiastical presence on site. The current parish church incorporates the fabric of a much earlier medieval Augustinian priory, built c.1290.

The bell tower, dating from c.1450, gave the ruins the local name of ‘the Clogchas’, a name derived from the old Irish for belfry (bell tower). The priory was founded by the Augustinian order, who came from Clare Priory in Suffolk, England. They were invited over by their patron Thomas FitzGerald. FitzGerald was appointed Justiciar of Ireland in 1295 by King Edward I of England. This position was

roughly equivalent to that of a modern prime minister. Thomas FitzGerald had an unusual nickname. Legend has him being snatched from his cradle by an ape when he was a child.

Fortunately for the future foundation of Abbeyside he was returned safely to his cot by the ape. Ever after this incident Thomas was nicknamed Tomás an Apa or Thomas Simiacus.

A story about the arrival of the Augustinians tells of how they were undecided where to land when they sailed into Dungarvan Bay. After praying for guidance, they launched a small raft with a statue of St Augustine on it.

Where the raft came ashore is where they decided to build their abbey.

The original building was constructed with traditional rubble walls. These are built using a variety of building stones and a lime mortar. The lime is mixed with sand and this makes for a strong mortar. This method of construction is the same as that used in constructing the thatched cottages which dotted the landscape once upon a time. The walls, both inside and out, were treated to several coats of whitewash, a solution of lime and water used for painting walls white. In other Irish monasteries the whitewashed interiors were decorated with paintings of parables and scenes from the Bible. It is likely that the priory at Abbeyside was decorated in a similar fashion.These illustrations were helpful teaching aids and helped illustrate sermons delivered at Mass. The current dull

A view of Abbeyside church from the sea, July 1966.

appearance of the priory ruin is a far cry from the building’s whitewashed heyday.

At their 14th-century peak, the Augustinian order had over 800 friars across England and Ireland.

The monastic life was generally one of hard physical work, scholarship and prayer. The monastery at Abbeyside would have been much more than a place of prayer – it was also a place of work, and of learning.

The monks grew their own food, tended herds of animals, and did all their own building.

During the medieval period, monasteries were practically the only repositories of scholarship and learning. As a general rule, monks were by far the best-educated members of society – indeed, in a small community like Abbeyside, they were often the only educated members of society.

The end of this first phase of Christian occupation on the site came with the the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1541.

Sometimes referred to as the Suppression of the Monasteries, this was a set of anti-Catholic administrative and legal processes carried out between 1536 and 1541. King Henry VIII disbanded Roman Catholic monasteries, priories and convents across England, Wales and Ireland, appropriated their income and disposed of their assets. This was a catastrophe for monastic life and the monastery at Abbeyside was not to be spared. When the monastery was dissolved in 1541 the records show that it func-

Abbeyside church incorporates the remains of an Augustinian priory, built c.1290. tioned as the local parish church.

The monastic buildings on the two-acre site were deemed to be suitable for farming use.

The holdings of the abbey included 165 acres, four dwelling-houses with adjacent buildings, thirty-eight small homes with gardens, and a subsidiary farm known as a camera.

This is the earliest known description of the village of Abbeyside.

The present church was built on the site in 1832.

BUY THE BOOK This impressive 270-page book priced at €20 is now available in the following local outlets:Dungarvan: Eurospar Abbeyside; Reader’s Choice; Shalloe’s Newsagents; Dungarvan Tourist Office;Waterford County Museum; David Walsh Office Supplies and Easons. Stradbally:

Map of Abbeyside by Michael Power and Anne Lannon Power.

[Pat Kenealy]

Cunningham's Supermarket.

Dunhill: Education Centre.

Kilmacthomas: Post Office.

Kilmeaden: Hickson's Centra.

Lismore: Heritage Centre.

Portlaw: Portlaw Heritage Centre; Fogarty’s Shop Waterford. City: The Book Centre; Ardkeen Foodstore.

Online: www.waterfordmuseum.ie/greenway.

All profits go towards supporting Waterford heritage groups.

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FOR our December meeting we enjoyed a very festive end of year Christmas Party in the Park Hotel where we presented awards for Photographer of the Year and other achievements also.

Thanks to The Park Hotel for serving a delicious meal and decorating our meeting room in festive garlands, much appreciated.

Chairman John Foley praised the standard of photography throughout the year and noted the positive attitude and eagerness to learn to be a wonderful spirit shared among all members.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR – MARY HERLIHY This award is given to acknowledge and recognising the hard work put in by one person in particular over the past twelve months of competitions.

Everyone earnestly takes part but consistency and dedication pays dividends and we extend massive Congratulations to Mary Herlihy who was awarded

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Deise Camera Club members presented with their awards by Chairman John Foley. (L. to r.): John Murphy, Mary Herlihy, John Foley, Brigid Coffey and Bernadette Blaney.

Deise Camera Club Chairman John Foley presenting Mary Herlihy with Photographer of the Year Award 2018.

Photographer of the Year 2018.

Mary has had an amazing year often garnering top three places

in our monthly competitions.

Fantastic achievement Mary!

Also congratulations to John

Murphy, Bernadette Blaney and Brigid Coffey being awarded with runner up positions respectively. Superb work from everyone and we look forward to the New Year ahead.

CLUB COMPETITION The theme for December’s monthly competition was VIGNETTE and we had an exquisite array of photos on display. Congratulations to Mairead Forrestal taking first place with ‘Gaulstown Dolmen’, 2nd place Brigid Coffey with ‘Letters from Home’ and Joint 3rd place was shared between John Murphy with ‘Leaf Illumination’ and Mary Herlihy with ‘Red Door’.

The Quarterly theme was

TEXTURE. Again we were treated to an amazing collection of images making it difficult to choose our top three.

Congratulation to Mary Herlihy taking 1st place with ‘Tree Bark’, 2nd place John Murphy with ‘Rusty Plate’ and 3rd place ‘Flora Feast’ by Bernadette Blaney. Well done again everyone.

The theme for January 2019 is ABSTRACT. Upcoming themes include fog/mist, eyes, open colour and black/white. Keep an eye out for other themes over the holidays … you never know what you may see!

NEXT MEETING Our next meeting will be on 8th January, 2019, in The Park

Hotel, Dungarvan. Until then we wish a very happy Christmas to one and all and thank you for your support throughout 2018.

Nollaig Shona!

Check us out on Facebook, DEISE CAMERA CLUB DUNGARVAN and see what our members get up to! Thanks to all you who have found us already, we appreciate your time and interest!

CONTACT You can view our website at www.deisecameraclub.com and follow us on FACEBOOK at DEISE CAMERA CLUB DUNGARVAN and you can contact us by emailing deisecameraclub@gmail.com

VIGNETTE: Joint 3rd ‘Leaf Illumination’ by John Murphy.

VIGNETTE: 1st place ‘Gaulstown Dolmen’ by Mairead Forrestal.

VIGNETTE: 2nd place ‘Letters from Home’ by Brigid Coffey.

TEXTURE: 2nd ‘Rusty Plate’ by John Murphy.

VIGNETTE: Joint 3rd ‘Red Door’ by Mary Herlihy.

TEXTURE: 1st ‘Tree Bark’ by Mary Herlihy.

TEXTURE: 3rd place ‘Flora Feast’ by Bernie Blaney.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

DUNGARVAN AGLOW CYCLE WITH SANTA

Santa and his Elf cross the Ballinacourty Road during the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

Orlaith Brady, Gourmet House and Raymond Kirwan pictured at the end of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co., where they served hot drinks to the cyclists.

[Dan McGrath]

Virginia Mugicn, Ocean Hayes and Aisling Hayes pictured with Maurice Troy, Bob Troy & Co., sponsors, at the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

Mella Von Badher and Simone Borer pictured before the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

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Donnacha and Margaret Cleary pictured before the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

Michelle Daly and Jemma Jacob, Waterford City & County Council pictured at the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

Stewards & volunteers for the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co., are pictured ahead of the event with Maurice Troy, Bob Troy & Co., sponsors, and Garda Martin Neilon.

[Dan McGrath] Nikita Kulhava, Dana Patzeltova and Radim Kulhavy pictured before the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

Ruth Stearn, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan and Michelle Daly pictured at the start of the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. [Dan McGrath]

Prize winners in raffle held after the Dungarvan Aglow ‘Cycle with Santa’ sponsored by Bob Troy & Co. Included with Santa are Maurice Troy and Seamus Cunningham, Bob Troy & Co., sponsors; Vaughan Daly, winner of the bike with Peter and Hannah Daly, the Murray family who received 2nd prize and [Dan McGrath] Collette Bannon, Dungarvan Aglow.

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COUNTY NEWS

Srey, a kid we found wandering on our way to Kampot, no home, no parents.

Snakes on a plate . . . if your hungry enough.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Claude with street kids at football tournament.

RBK Fresh Fit Food / BBTG Local Food Company with Global Impact

By Ross B I AM just back from a two week trip to Cambodia and am amazed by how much progress we have made in the two communities at opposite ends of the country. I have come to realise that when we unite around a common cause and commit to working together to address a problem, that’s when real change happens. This is what has taken place between RBK Fresh Fit Food / BBTG and our partners in Cambodia, Laos & Kenya.

We believe everyone in this world has the right to the nutrition necessary to live life to his or her full potential. Since our first trip to Cambodia in 2015, Bad Boy Turned Good & RBK Fresh Fit Food has grown more and more rapidly

— and the ways in which we seek to end hunger continues to evolve. From the putting into practice of workable community development projects to our meal packaging outreach that connects the passion of local volunteers, we strive to make an impact on hunger by building resilience, self-sufficiency and empowerment among the communities we work in and with.

Our volunteer-packaged food packs support children’s attendance at school, motivate adults to learn a new trade or strengthen hospital patients’ health in order to bring about complete and transformational growth in each of their lives.

In 2018, for the first time we responded to an emergency, when parts of Laos were flooded and many lost their lives and many more their homes. From

Football outreach in Rangkor, Northern Cambodia.

droughts to floods and in conflict zones, food is often the most immediate need and we works through our in-country partners to address these needs where possible….

Food means life for starving children, and gives them hope. Cold facts can tell the impact of hunger. But to truly measure its effects, and the nourishment and promise a meal can give to a hungry child, there is no substitute to being there.

Corruption is deep-rooted and Cambodia is still one of the world's poorest countries so on our recent trip to Cambodia, we travelled to the most rural parts of the country, into the jungle to meet with the people that lived in poverty there. To the mountains, to spend time with the Mon-Khmer.

We distributed food packs, feed orphans and organised soccer tournaments for the children in these places.

“There is no doubt that the meals make a difference each and every day in the lives of the children that we spent our time with,” says Ross, founder of Bad Boy Turned Good / RBK Fresh Fit Food. “We saw children eat their small meal but take a portion home to share with other family members or save for another meal. They had beautiful smiles, were happy that we were there, and enjoyed the activities that we did with them.”

I would like to thank all those who donated, gave their time to support our mission. We are only small but in 2018 we have managed to give out 22,000 meals in 3 countries.

Regardless of your location on the map, age, schedule or resources, we believe you can make a positive difference in peoples lives. Small contributions can add up to a BIG impact. We have experienced this first hand.

You can be certain your help is needed and wanted on our trips. Each trip engages you in important community development projects, cooking in the hearts of rural villages, walks through the jungle giving out food packs, such as teaching conversational English, caring for at-risk children and families, teaching at local slum schools or playing football — and so much more.

Want to learn more about how you can join like-minded people and deepen your global impact? Give me a call on 087-9551227.

SCHOOL NEWS

Students from Ard Scoil na nDeise making a donation to Phyllis Davis, President Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Club Christmas appeal 2018. Included is Jennifer O'Keeffe, School Principal and John Harnedy, Lions Club. [Sean Byrne]

Louise Byrne and Fiona O'Brien making a donation on behalf Scoil Naomh Gobnait to John Harnedy, Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Christmas Appeal. Included is Phyllis Davis, Club President.

[Sean Byrne]

Pupils from St. Joseph’s NS making a donation to the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas appeal 2018. Included are Phyllis Davis, Lions Club President, Lorna Murphy, SNA and John Harnedy, Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne]

Pupils from St. Johns School making a donation to the Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Club Christmas appeal 2018. Included are Bethan Price, Teacher with Phyllis Davis, President and John Harnedy, Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne]

Students Buena Ventura and Gabor Villanyi, St. Augustine’s College making a donation to Phyllis Davis, President Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Christmas Appeal 2018. Included are Heather Foley, Teacher with John Lawless and Paul Curran, Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne]

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Well done to all of the Ard Scoil students who took part in the recent Camogie Blitz.

ÁRD SCOIL NA nDÉISE

Árd Scoil na nDéise teams compete in First and Second Year Camogie Blitz ON Thursday, December sixth, the First and Second Year camogie players from Árd Scoil na nDéise travelled up to the WIT Sports Campus in Carriganore for a camogie blitz. There were also teams there from Blackwater Community School and Our Lady of Mercy, Waterford.

For four weeks before the blitz, Calum Lyons came down and trained the Ard Scoil students

We are in awe of Brenda for remembering all of the words to her rap and for having enough breath to get through it.

who were going to be taking part. He also trained the other two schools before the blitz so there was a level playing field going into the blitz! We had three teams taking part in the blitz, all of which were very strong teams.

They each played three matches before reaching the semi-final stages. Everyone got to play in a semi final between two divisions, A and B. Árd Scoil 1 reached the A final and Árd Scoil 3 reached the B final.

Unfortunately, Árd Scoil 2 were narrowly defeated in their semi. Both finals were great games to watch with all teams showing great skills. Their hard work paid off as both of the Árd Scoil teams that reached finals came out on top!

We must also give a special mention to Eve Dwyer in Second Year who received a special award for most improved player from the Árd Scoil over the course of the programme.

A great day was had by all.

Thank you to Ms. Kiely and Ms. Prendergast and the four Transition Year Students who coached, refereed and helped out

We were in good hands with our two excellent hosts!

during the day. Well done to all the girls involved!

Written by Niamh Fennell, Míde Delaney, Laura Cosgrave & Gillian Whelan.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT ARD SCOIL NA nDÉISE On Friday, December 21st, we had our annual Ard Scoil Christmas Concert.This is a great opportunity for staff and students alike to showcase their many talents! It is always an exciting event with a truly festive theme as the Christmas holidays approach.

This year we were thrilled to have numerous acts from every year group so our line up was comprehensive and varied. We literally had everything from rapping, to singing, to dancing, to synchronised swimming . . . something to appeal to everyone!

We had whole classes performing singing and dancing routines as well as smaller groups of students and solo performances. It made us so proud to see the girls up on the stage performing confidently

Feeling festive.

Synchronised swimming is now one of the official sports of the Ard Scoil. in front of their peers. We would like to say a special thank you to Ms. Crotty and Ms. Prendergast for organising the concert ably assisted by their excellent Transition Year committees. It was a great end to what has been a busy term and we are already looking forward to next year’s Christmas concert!!

FUNDRAISING FOR DUNGARVAN LIONS CLUB Well done to the staff and students of Ard Scoil na nDéise Keeping it in the family. Cifa and Lowri Clancy Davies performed beautifully who raised €500 for Dungarvan at the concert.

Lions Club this year through holding the annual Christmas Jumper Day organised by our Fifth Year mentors, the Cairde Girls.

Congratulations to our Most Improved Player, Eve Dwyer.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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Pupils from St. Mary’s Primary School, Dungarvan, making a donation to Phyllis Davis, Presedent Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Club Christmas Appeal 2018. Also included are Ann Quinn, Teacher with Dermot Arnold and John Harnedy, Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne]

ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, DUNGARVAN

Christmas in St. Mary’s Primary School WE hope you are all enjoying this magical time of year and that Santa called to all our boys and girls! Before we broke up for the holidays, we held our annual

Congratulations to Ceilena Cavanagh from Senior Infants on her recent achievements in boxing.

carol service in the Parish Church. The children read and sang beautifully and a huge thank you to Ms. Quinn for organising it all. Also well done to Ms. Kiely and Ms. Carroll Lawlor who provided the music and to all the teachers for ensuring their children were well prepared.

The whole school enjoyed the annual trip to the cinema on the day before the holidays. There was great excitement as the children headed off with their friends to watch a movie and have some treats.Thank you to Ms.Veale and to Eugene at SGC for organising it all.

Congratulations to all the lucky prize winners from our Christmas raffle. We could not have held the raffle without the wonderful support from local businesses and friends who provided very generous prizes.

Thank you to Glanmore Foods, Supervalu, Anne Quinn, Hallahans Pharmacy, The Country Store, Quinlans Butchers, Amber Garage, Grehans Centra, Niamh Harty, Monicas, Subway, Lorraine Shanahan, Genoas and Caseys Florist.

Enjoy the rest of the break and we look forward to seeing you all back on the 7th January at 8.50 am. Happy New Year to all our lovely families from all the staff at St. Mary’s.

North Pole Post Express!

Junior Infants and Senior Infants teamed up to make reindeer food.

Santa came to visit the children on the day of the holidays much to the delight of all.

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GLENBEG NATIONAL SCHOOL

News from Glenbeg MINI 7’s Children from 5th & 6th class in Glenbeg NS competed in the football mini 7's in Abbeyside GAA pitch.They all played really well. Our boys went all the way, playing Carriglea in the final.

They will face Tallow in the Western Final in the new year.

ASF Currently we are taking part in a ‘Run Around Ireland’ challenge. Everyone runs a km daily.

After four weeks the whole school has ran 1075km. We have just reached Benwee Head in Mayo.

SCIENCE WEEK For science week we had a 'Science Hat' competition.

Science themed hats were made out of recyclable materials to link in with our Green Flag. At the end of the week we had a fashion show. There were winners from both the senior and junior classes of the school. There were lots of

incidents with experiments, from oblique solidifying on hands, to slime sticking to hands and even though there were no explosions it was still a BLAST! CHRISTMAS December 14th was ‘Wear red to school Day’ and we raised €407 for the Lions Club. We had our annual Carol Service in the Parish Church on Monday. The children sang and played musical instruments – it was a very special night.

Santa trekked through the fields to visit us in Glenbeg on Thursday – he had a lovely surprise for us all. He also visited our ASD class, getting a lift from Dungarvan Fire Brigade. Thank you to our Parent’s Association who bought Christmas annuals for all the children in school, we have enjoyed doing the puzzles and reading them.

David N., Megan & Sam (Rang 6)

Santa gets help from Dungarvan Fire Brigade.

Parents Association presenting Christmas Annuals for all students.

Be Active - poster competition prizewinners.

Santa's Little Helpers!

Carol Service – Junior Infants.

Science Hat Parade!

Carol Service - 6th Class.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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Kilmacthomas Primary School wins National Art Competition

FIRST and Second class in Kilmacthomas PS won the County Waterford entry in the National Art Competition called 'Someone Like Me' which celebrates differences and encourages inclusion.

This was our second year in a row being selected and we should be very proud of ourselves.

Everyone worked together on our piece, 'This Is Us' and we were very happy with our work of Art. Kian and Tyler travelled to Dublin on December 6th to collect our prize in Dublin City Hall.

We went on the train when everyone else was still in bed and it was all very exciting!! The boys did a great job going up on stage in front of all the other schools and collecting the prize.

There were schools all over the country at the prize giving which makes it even more of a privilege to be selected.

Well done to all my first and second class for their constant effort and hard work!! Visit kilmacthomasprimaryschool.weebly.com/firstsecond-class-20182019 to follow our whole day.

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SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

SCOIL MHUIRE, ABBEYSIDE

Christmas Charity Appeal 2018 WE were thrilled and excited with the amount raised for our Christmas Charity Appeal for 2018.

Sixth class pupils raised a staggering â‚Ź1,234.24 for Autism Assisted Dogs Ireland which was their chosen charity.

Many thanks must go to the pupils of Scoil Mhuire for their generous donations, to their parents and also to the sixth class teachers for organising the collection.

We welcomed Carla and dog Spinks from Autism Assisted Dogs Ireland on December 19th who very gratefully accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity.

This collection has become a much favoured event and it goes from strength to strength every year.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT We held a wonderful

Christmas concert on Wednesday, 19th and Thursday, 20th December with singing,

dancing, bell ringing and drama.

It was a great event and enjoyed by all.

Sixth class students Aisling Hurney and Anna Skrzypczak on the final day of the collection for their Charity Christmas Appeal.

Mrs. Geraldine Barry's Third class who performed the Nativity play "Stable Manners."

Ms. Kate Doherty's Fifth class who performed "The Legend of Golden Arrow" for the Scoil Mhuire Christmas concert.

Rian Conroy Fahey, Anna Skrzypczak, Evan Walsh and Julia Raszewska from Sixth class making a presentation to Carla and Spinks the dog from Autism Assisted Dogs Ireland.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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Students from Dungarvan CBS making a donation to John Harnedy, Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Christmas Appeal 2018. Included are Phyllis Davis, President and Geraldine Veale, Dungarvan Lions Club.

Science week experiments at Glenbeg National School.

Pictured are a group of students fron Newtown School making a donation of food and gifts to the Lion's Club Christmas Hamper Appeal 2018. Included are Eoin O'Neill, President, Lions Club, Tara Coady, Newtown School and Patsy Sheridan, Lions Club. The food and gifts were donated by the students.

[John Power]

Scoil Mhuire Abbeyside – Participants in the recent Scoil Mhuire Chess League organised by Mrs. Colette O'Mahony. Included are winners Nicky Donnelly (1st), Mattie Mullaney (2nd) and Rody Morrissey (3rd).

4th & 5th playing tin whistles at Glenbeg National School.

[John Power]

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SCHOOLS/NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan

Kilrossanty National School – Pupils from 5th and 6th class who attended the Never Such Innocence Awards ceremony in Glasnevin Museum Dublin recently.

Kilrossanty National School – Pupils from Junior and Senior infants on their balance bikes.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - 1 Sam 1:20-22,24-28 Samuel is made over to the Lord for the whole of his life. 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24 - We are called God’s children, and that is what we are.

Colossians 3:12-21 - Family life in the Lord.

Prayer for the New Year The new year, like a new born child, is placed in our hands as the old year passes away. The days and weeks to come are God’s gift; they carry God’s blessing.

As a blessing we welcome them. Our hope for the year ending is that all that was good in it will remain with us and all that was harmful be left behind.

Bless us, O Lord, and bless the time and seasons yet to come. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.

And fill this new year with your kindness, that we may be glad and rejoice all the days of our life. Amen.

Sunday, 6th January: The Epiphany of the Lord - This feast celebrated the visit of the Wise Men (Magi) from the East to the child Jesus. It is the twelfth day of Christmas.

Probably the most famous carol of the day is:We Three Kings of Orient Are written in 1857 by

Rev John Hopkins. Two verses and chorus follow.

VERSE 1 We three kings of Orient are Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star.

Chorus: O Star of wonder, star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy Perfect Light.

VERSE 2 Born a King on Bethlehem's plain Gold I bring to crown Him again King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

Parish Office - Located in St. Mary’s Church and is open Monday to Friday office hours.

If you want to book Masses or Baptisms call during these times. Phone 058-42374.

Daily Mass broadcast on 98.5 FM. Phone No: Fr. Ryan 42374, Fr. Harris 42384, Fr. Cooney 41136.

Emergency Phone No: To contact Priest on duty: 0862334282.

St. Vincent de Paul Helpline No.: 087-7747870.

Samaritans Waterford Beau Street, Waterford FREEFONE 116 123 Lonely – Suicidal – Despairing?

Talk to us any time, any day in complete confidence Phone – write – visit

When Day is Done Kilrossanty National School – Pupils taking part in our Santa Dash recently to raise money for the Lions Club Christmas Appeal.

I ask not for fleet-footed fame, I ask not gifts of gold, I ask not for the world’s acclaim, But peace as I grow old.

When I walked through pastures green, Wild flowers fringed my way, Where stinging nettles might have been, I turned my steps away.

Conflict I have always spurned, And sheltered ‘till life storms were past, The other cheek I’ve always turned, And oil on troubled waters cast.

I thought sleeping dogs should be let lie, Have I lost what others won?

Maybe a coward soul am I, Yet, I’m content when day is done.

Kilrossanty National School – Santa visit.

Kilrossanty National School – Song Writer Marty Longstaff who recently held a song writing workshop on the theme of World War 1.

JOHN DALY

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Letters to the Editor …

Address Letters to: The Editor, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Fax: 058 41559. e-mail: news@dungarvanobserver.ie ALL letters MUST include your name, address and telephone number for authenticity purposes.

Thank you to readers for their support to Self Help Africa Dear Sir/Madam, THROUGH your pages, I would like to express my sincere thanks to your readers, for their kindness and generosity in supporting the work of Self Help Africa over the past year.

2018 was an incredible year for us – we invested more funds and undertook more work than at any other point in our long history.

We worked with more than two million people across sub-Saharan Africa.

We helped hundreds of thousands of farming households in some of the poorest parts of Africa to increase their income through agriculture, allowing families to improve their homes and provide their children with an education and a brighter future.

For all our success in supporting families work their way out of poverty, 2018 has also been a very challenging year. The devastating spread of the invasive Fall Armyworm caused the loss of harvest and livelihoods throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the region, particularly in Malawi, Self Help Africa has been at the forefront of the fight against the pest. We’re working with farmers on the ground to equip them with the knowledge and tools to combat the pest, and leading innovative research to prevent further spread of the Armyworm.

This year, Self Help Africa also started two of its largest projects to date - creating a network of farmer fields schools in Malawi and supporting smallholder farmers with access to markets and building capacity in the cassava value chain in Kenya. Together, those two projects alone will increase incomes for close to 500,000 small farmers and entrepreneurs.

Small-scale farming can be a risky and unreliable means of supporting your family, but for hundreds of millions of families in Africa, it is the only option that they have. We know that by increasing production, improving plant varieties, supporting small enterprise and assisting Africa’s farmers to source new markets, our work can and is transforming lives for the better.

None of this vital work would have been possible without the generosity of the public. As we approach 2019, on behalf of Self Help Africa, I’d like to wish all of your readers a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year, and again say a heartfelt thank you for your remarkable kindness and support.

Yours sincerely, RAY JORDAN, CEO Self Help Africa Find out more about the impact of your donations at www.selfhelpafrica.org

Christian Aid Ireland thank you Dear Editor I WOULD like to take this opportunity to say a sincere and heartfelt thank you for the prayerful and financial support given to Christian Aid Ireland by the people of County Waterford.

Your support has enabled Christian Aid to reach some of the poorest and most marginalised communities in the world.

During Christian Aid Week in May, our supporters organised events - Big Breakfasts, coffee mornings and lunches - and carried out door-to-door fundraising and church collections, raising more than £500,000. The focus this year was our work in Haiti where our partner KORAL is building new houses for people whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Matthew and the 2010 earthquake.

Public generosity enabled Christian Aid to reach people caught up in three emergencies: the monsoon floods in the southern Indian state of Kerala; Typhoon Mangkhut in the Philippines; and the Indonesian earthquake and tsunami. Tens of thousands of affected people received vital aid such as food, water, shelter and hygiene kits.

We also lobbied on issues such as tax justice. In November, the Irish Government announced that it would close its ‘Single Malt’ tax avoidance scheme, which was first identified by Christian Aid in 2017. We will continue to press for the closure of tax loopholes so that developing countries can properly collect taxes to invest in healthcare, education and infrastructure.

I am grateful to those who took part in sponsored events around the country. Our supporters donned their hiking boots to take part in our sponsored walks across the island, particularly on the stunning Sheep’s Head peninsula in west Cork. Special thanks go to the twenty-two brave individuals who reached new heights for us in September by taking part in our two skydives and to the many others who sponsored their challenge.

LETTERS/OBITUARY So, on behalf of Christian Aid, I would like to thank the individuals, communities and churches from County Waterford for their prayers and their generosity. I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and God’s blessing for 2019. cid:image003.jpg@01D49799.9CE43920 ROSAMOND BENNETT Chief Executive, Christian Aid Ireland

We still can change the world Dear Editor IT’S been 50 years since the horror of starvation in Biafra played nightly across black and white televisions in Ireland. Fifty years since an ordinary Dublin couple, John and Kay O’Loughlin Kennedy, started ‘Africa Concern’ in their living room and, in doing so, defied the odds to make a difference.

1968 was a very different time in Ireland, when only the church or state managed anything of scale and yet, despite having no experience, John and Kay mounted a fundraising campaign that went on to raise the equivalent of €60 million.

That money channeled desperately needed relief supplies into the experienced and strong hands of those on the ground, people like Aengus and Jack Finucane whose courage and leadership went on to shape and build the organisation.

What John and Kay managed to do, and what the Finucane brothers continued to do, was to tap into the conscience and generosity of a nation that itself had experienced the brutality of starvation and conflict. Their approach marked a move towards a modern Irish humanitarian response, bringing together public support and on-theground response and recovery, paired with a relentless focus on the poorest and hardest to reach.

To this day, it is the cornerstone of Concern’s work and it is what I learned when I joined back in 1982. It is why I ended up in some of the toughest, most challenging contexts in the world including Kosovo, Darfur, Rwanda and many more. In every one of these places, I have snapshots of people, faces and moments of time that sum up both the horror and humanity of war.

People like the incredible Martha, who I met in South Sudan. One of two million people driven from her home by the brutal conflict, Martha arrived at the Concern centre with her severely malnourished child. With the help of our local staff, her youngest was healthy within weeks. Martha went on to study at night, taking all the training available, and is now helping to run the centre.

I was there at a great time. A peace agreement was in place and Martha and the team were able to leave the camp and join Concern’s 50th party. Looking radiant in a long red sparkling dress, that evening she danced for the first time in years.

These are the people you take with you, that inspire you. And today we need that inspiration. In this, our 50th year, we are calling for a resurgence of humanity - one that challenges the politics of isolationism, of indifference and intolerance.

Humanitarian aid at its best embodies a very human response of love and care, a force for good against the cruelty and devastation of war and disasters. The most powerful reminder of this force is the testimony of those who have received aid, recovered and rebuilt their lives and also, the people who have contributed to making that possible.

These include the thousands across every community in Ireland who support our work and people like Uzo, a keen runner, who ran the Dublin Marathon for Concern in 2018. Uzo’s family originally came from Biafra and it struck me as a great example of the generational journey that Concern and Ireland have gone through.

Like John and Kay in 1968, and every person who has supported us this year and throughout the last half century, Uzo was taking a stand against indifference.

This year has brought home to me just how important our values are, values which are rooted in the Irish experience. They have imbued us with a compassion and a confidence that others can overcome the scourge of conflict, hunger and poverty.

50 years ago, we believed we could change the world. We still do.

Thank you.

Concern Worldwide Chief Executive DOMINIC MacSORLEY

JOSIE COFFEY (nee Coffey) Knockavannia, Ballymacarbry The passing of Josie Coffey on December 24th, Christmas Eve, in the loving care of staff in St.Vincent's Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital, evoked feelings of deep sorrow and regret across a wide area of County Waterford and far beyond.

Josie is deeply mourned by her husband John; daughters Breda, Mary and Elizabeth; sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her niece Mary Carmel; extended family, other relatives and friends.

We extend our deepest sympathy to all of Josie’s family, relatives and friends.

Josie lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on St. Stephen’s Day and to where large numbers of people came to pay their respects to a greatly respected member of the community.

Following Rosary and prayers recited by Fr. C. Kelleher, P.P., the removal took place to St. Helena’s Church, The Nire.

Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Kelleher, P.P., on Thursday, 27th December, and afterwards in the presence of a huge concourse of mourners, Josie was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

I líónta Dé go gcastar sinn le chéile.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

61 ANNE FAHEY (nee Flynn) "Áit Aoibhinn", Tournore, Abbeyside, and formerly of Toor, Ballyduff Upper We write with deep sorrow and regret of the passing of Anne Fahey on Thursday, 20th December. Predeceased by her husband Seosamh Ó Fathaigh, Anne is deeply mourned and sadly missed by her son Mattie; daughter Teresa; daughter-in-law Geraldine; grandchildren Sinéad, Joseph and Aoife; great-grandchildren Ornaith, Treasa and Ruairí; extended family and friends, we extend our sincere condolences to Anne’s family, relatives and friends.

Anne lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Friday evening, 21st December. In the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends, the Rosary was led by Fr. Colin Fives, O.S.A. Later the removal took place to St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside.

On arrival Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P., led the Service of Reception assisted

by Fr. Fives, O.S.A., and Fr. Tony Egan, O.S.A. Requiem Mass for Anne was celebrated on Saturday morning, 22nd December, by Fr. Hassett, assisted by Fr. Fives, and afterwards Anne was laid to rest in Kilgobinet Cemetery.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

MAURICE HACKETT Fitzgerald's Terrace, Dungarvan Feeling of deep sorrow and regret were evoked with the passing of Maurice Hackett on Christmas Day, in the loving care of staff in St. Michael's Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. Predeceased by his wife Bridget, we express our heartfelt sympathy to Maurice’s sons Jim and Patsy; daughters Mary and Carmel; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, extended family, other relatives and friends.

Maurice lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Thursday afternoon, 27th December. Following funeral prayers recited

by Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A., the removal took place to St. Mary’s Parish Church, the cortege pausing in tribute at Fitzgerald’s Terrace.

Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Maurice’s life was celebrated by Canon W. Ryan, P.P., on Friday, 28th December, and afterwards Maurice was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. A huge concourse of mourners was present to pay their respects to Maurice, one of nature’s true gentlemen.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

FR. JOHN (Jackie) POWER, O.S.A. St. Augustine’s, Taylors Lane, Ballyboden, Dublin, New Ross, Co. Wexford, and formerly of Lower Main Street, Dungarvan We learned with feelings of deep sorrow and regret of the passing of Fr. Jackie Power, O.S.A., which occurred peacefully on Thursday, 20th December, at Tallaght Hospital.We express our deepest sympathy to Fr. Jackie’s sister Rita, nephews, nieces, extended family, many friends and all his Augustinian Confreres.

A Prayer Service in Remembrance of Fr. Jackie took place at the College Chapel in Good Counsel, New Ross, on Friday evening, 21st December, and was led by Fr. John Hennebry, O.S.A., and Fr. Michael Collender, O.S.A. Concelebrated Requiem Mass for the repose of Fr. Jackie’s soul was offered on Saturday morning, 22nd December, in the Friary Church, Dungarvan, the Chief Celebrant was Fr. John Hennebry, O.S.A. (Augustinian Prior Provincial), assisted by a full choir of both local and visiting Clergy, the Rite of Commendation was led by Most Rev. Alphonsus Cullinan, D.D. (Bishop of Waterford and Lismore).

Throughout the Mass beautiful, sacred, hymns were sung and played by the Friary Choir. Afterwards Fr. Jackie was led to rest in the adjoining Augustinian Cemetery. A huge concourse of mourners was present, who had travelled from both near and far, a testament to the esteem in which Fr. Jackie was held.

Requiescat In Pace.

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” – St. Augustine.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

Samaritans Waterford Beau Street, Waterford Freefone 116 123 Lonely – Suicidal – Despairing?

Talk to us any time, any day in complete confidence Phone – write – visit

FARMING Investing in Agriculture’s Future Leaders THE IFA 2018 Future Leaders programme, developed by Farm Business Skillnet was completed Friday last, 14 December by 22 delegates from around the country. The programme, now in its sixth year contains modules such as; leadership development, business planning and communications and is run over three days in Athlone and Dublin.

The programme is chaired by Farm Business Skillnet chairman Nigel Renaghan who said, “IFA is committed to supporting and promoting the interests of all Irish farmers. Therefore, it makes complete sense to invest in the future leaders of the sector and provide them with skills and insights that they can apply.”

He continued, “A key element of this programme is encouraging young farmers to examine their own business and explore the links with policy at both national and European level affects their farm business.”

This intensive course is open to IFA members who are active at branch level. Delegates from previous years have gone on to hold positions on IFA’s executive council and national commodity committees.

Important step forward for retail regulation with agreement in Brussels IFA President Joe Healy has welcomed the agreement reached in Brussels between the EU Commission, Parliament and Council on a fairer food chain.

“Today’s agreement shows there is significant political momentum behind the EU directive to rule out Unfair Trading Practices. What we need to see now is our Government move this forward without delay.

This includes the appointment of an independent retail regulator for the food sector.”

The IFA President, as Chairman of the COPA and COGECA Group on the Food Supply Chain, has led the campaign on behalf of European farmers on retail dominance and Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs).

Joe Healy said it’s less than a week since IFA held a protest at Marks & Spencer over their discounting of potatoes and vegetables.

The IFA President said, “It is clear that farmers are not getting a fair share of the retail price. Many retailers are behaving like modern-day dictatorships, abusing their power to accumulate vast profits. The current situation, where processors and retailers make a margin, with farmers forced to produce at or below the cost of production, is unacceptable”.

Joe Healy acknowledged the work Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development is doing in this area. “IFA has campaigned for many years, nationally and in Europe, for a re-balancing of power in the food supply chain, to deliver a viable price for farmers, and a return on their work and investment.”

M&S below cost selling of fresh produce is unethical ADDRESSING a protest at an M&S store in West Dublin recently, IFA President Joe Healy accused the retailer of gross hypocrisy by slashing the price of fresh produce below the cost of production.

“I want to nail the lie that vegetable and potatoes can be sold below cost without hurting Irish growers and ultimately driving them out of business.

Using farm produce as a tool to drive footfall undermines Irish production and the financial viability of specialist growers and producers.

The number of field vegetable growers fell from 377 in 1999 to 165 in 2015, a drop of 56% and this trend has continued. Farmers have invested hugely in their businesses to ensure sufficient supplies of fresh Irish produce. This predatory pricing model takes the inherent value out of fresh produce lines, leaving it difficult to ensure sustainable farm gate prices and demeans the category in the minds of the consumer,” said Joe Healy.

The IFA President said, “It’s been a very tough year on producers, with significant extra costs because of the late Spring and the drought conditions during the summer. Reducing the shelf price of some vegetables and potatoes to as low as 20c/kg sends a very misleading message to consumers regarding the costs, risks and skills associated with this sector.”

He pointed out the gross hypocrisy of this practice in light of M&S’s stated commitment to supporting the sector, “It is ironic that in the M&S ‘Farming for the Future’ programme they refer to sustainability and ethical standards. It begs the question as to what is ethical and sustainable about these predatory pricing tactics?”

The President also added that he was disappointed at the lack of support for Irish growers by M&S as he remarked at the number of vegetable lines in the store which were non-Irish.

Joe Healy said the Grocery Goods regulations introduced in 2016 totally neglected to address unsustainable discounting, and he re-iterated IFA’s call on the Enterprise Minister, Heather Humphreys T.D. to address this issue immediately.

Christmas Hamper Appeal-Dawn Meats – Pictured at Dawn Meats where a cheque was presented to the Waterford Lions Club Christmas Hamper Appeal

by Dawn Meats Management & Staff were Patsy Sheridan, Waterford Lions Club; Mary Hennigan, Dawn Meats and Eoin O'Neill, President, Waterford Lions Club.

[John Power]

Local authorities must develop post-Christmas plans to tackle illegal dumping in the countryside IFA Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney has called on all local authorities to develop plans to address the annual increase in littering of the countryside that takes place post-Christmas, as people recklessly dump cans, bottles, used wrapping paper and even the left overs of Christmas dinners.

Thomas Cooney said,“Recent reports indicate that packaging

waste generated from online shopping will increase by 33% this year to 10,000 tonnes. The fact is that this will lead to increased dumping by passing motorists who have no regard for our rural countryside. And it’s time to get tough with these people.”

IFA is calling for more severe sanctions on serial dumpers and changes to the legislation so that

farmers are no longer held legally responsible for reckless dumping by others.

Thomas Cooney said,“The on the spot fines for littering introduced this year have not worked.

We need increased enforcement action by local authorities, as well as tougher sentences and penalties for large scale serial dumpers.

Local Authorities must now begin planning their post-

Christmas anti-littering blitz to ensure Ireland’s countryside is no longer used as a dumping ground.”

In a recent meeting with Environment Minister for State Seán Canney T.D., IFA also called for changes to existing litter legislation, by removing the current threat of fines and prosecution of famers on whose land others irresponsibly dump their litter.

Suckler survival needs strong Government support Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture recently, IFA President Joe Healy said of the many challenges to the Irish beef sector and our specialised suckler cow sector - Brexit, CAP reform, Mercosur trade negotiations, prices below the cost of production - the biggest single issue is low farm incomes.

The latest Teagasc data for 2018 shows average farm income of only €10,175 for cattle rearing, down 19%. This is not sustainable and we need a much stronger and more supportive Government policy for the suckler cow sector.

As part of the IFA campaign to secure additional targeted direct payments of €200 per suckler cow, we retained the services of the eminent agricultural economist, Professor Thia Hennessey, Head of the Cork University Business School in University College Cork.

Professor Hennessy and her team undertook a full assessment and overview of the suckler beef sector and produced a compre-

hensive report in August 2018 entitled The Economic and Societal Importance of the Irish Suckler Beef Sector.

Among its findings are: • The beef sector accounts for over onethird of all agricultural output and over 20 percent or €2.6bn of our exports.

• The suckler cow herd of 900,000 is distributed throughout the country, but particularly dominating in the West.

• Suckler cows account for over 80% of cows in the West, with the figure in excess of 90% in some counties.

• 77,738 specialist cattle farms spend over €1.5bn annually on agri-inputs, most of which is spent in the local rural economy.

• A €1m increase in the beef sector output would generate a further €2.11m in the wider economy and support an additional 16 jobs. The comparative figure for the agriculture sector more generally is €1.44m.

Previous research has estimated that every €1 of direct payments to cattle farmers supports

€4.28 of output in the wider economy.

• Suckler farmers contribute to wider societal sustainability, particularly as they are often located in marginal or economically disadvantaged areas, where their presence is vital to the social fabric and cultural capital.

• They produce public goods such as protection of the environment and biodiversity and the preservation of the landscape and unique features such as stonewalls and hedgerows all of which positively contribute to the image of rural Ireland and rural tourism.

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said farmers need a much stronger and more supportive policy from Government for the suckler cow sector and we need to maintain our vitally important suckler cow herd.

In order to do this, we need a targeted direct payment of €200 per cow. We need a major price premium for suckler beef. We need a strong live export trade that will drive competition.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

FARMING

Continuation of DAFM supports towards BVD eradication – Creed THE Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D., confirmed the continuation of the supports from his Department for the early removal of PI (persistently infected) calves under the national Bovine Viral Disease (BVD) Eradication Programme in 2019.

Minister Creed expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing progress being made in the eradication of BVD. The Minister noted that substantial savings were being achieved by farmers, in excess of €85m in 2018 alone, with the incidence of PIs falling this year to just 0.06% from 0.66% in 2013 – the first year of the compulsory phase of the Eradication Programme.

He said “the DAFM supports were helping the eradication effort. In addition, the automatic restriction of herds with retained PI’s had proven very effective.”

The supports available in 2019 in respect of early removal of PI calves will be as follows:

DAIRY · €160 if the female dairy and dairy cross calves are removed within 10 days of the first positive or inconclusive test. · €30 if the female dairy and dairy cross calves are removed between day 11 and 21 of the first positive or inconclusive test. · €30 towards the disposal of dairy bull calves through the abattoir or knackery within 14 days of the first positive or inconclusive test.

BEEF · €220 if the calf is removed within 10 days of the first positive or inconclusive test. · €30 if the calf is removed between day 11 and 21 of the first positive or inconclusive test.

HERD RESTRICTIONS In a further tightening of the eradication effort in 2019, the system of automatic restrictions and notification of neighbours will now apply at 3 weeks following the date of the original

Government must set out plan on Brexit cliff edge for farming and agri sector, warns IFA President IFA President Joe Healy said with just 100 days to Brexit, there is massive concern among all farmers and especially livestock farmers about prices and exports to our most important export market in the UK. Joe Healy was speaking at a meeting of the IFA National Council in Dublin recently: “Our Taoiseach & Tanaiste have told us about all sorts of contingencies like customs posts and hiring extra vets, but we haven’t heard anything about what plan has been put in place to protect Irish farmers, who are the most exposed in Europe.”

The time has come for the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar & Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, along with the EU Commission, to come forward with a comprehensive programme of supports that will

address the real issues around market supports and cattle prices.

“The problems with currency volatility and the Euro and sterling exchange rate has already hit cattle prices this year and we are down 20c/kg or over €70 per head on this time last year, when prices had already been hit. If the UK crashes out next March, we are facing a far more serious situation and the potential wipeout of beef production in this country,” he said.

Joe Healy said IFA has already discussed the need for strong EU market supports with the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, but it is now time for the Government to set out their plan and exactly what market and other supports will be put in place.

positive or inconclusive test in the event that a date of death is not recorded on AIM by that time.

CONFIRMATORY TESTING In the small number of cases where it is requested, confirmatory testing will be done through blood sampling similar to the arrangements in 2017 and 2018.

Under this arrangement the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will continue to fund the collection of blood samples by a Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP), and their subsequent testing and when sampled at the same time, testing of their dams.

The Minister also confirmed that the system of mandatory farm herd investigation once a PI is disclosed (TASAH) will continue.

This arrangement, funded under the RDP 2014-2020, has proven beneficial to farmers in assisting them in the eradication

of the disease. An increased level of testing within these herds will take place as part of this arrangement into 2019.

In addition, farmers will be strongly advised not to sell animals that were in-calf while the PI was present in the herd.

Imported animals will be tested by DAFM and those that turn out to be PI will not qualify for supports.

There will also be an increased level of communication to farmers in the course of the year emphasising the need for prompt testing of calves.

Collectively, these measures are aimed to ensure that both the prompt identification and removal of PI animals to ensure that the goal of eradication is achieved as rapidly as possible.

Finally, the Minister took the opportunity to thank Animal Health Ireland and the Industry’s BVD Implementation Group for their valuable work in the course of 2018.

READER’S QUERIES Question: Whilst having a stroll along my GLAS hedgerow to walk off the turkey and ham, I noticed quite a few gaps have formed since first planting. Seeing as the full 200m was planted day one and I have receipts for this, is there a tolerable limit of failures that will be accepted on inspection? Can you please advise?

Answer: In GLAS, all hedgerow failures must be replanted during the contract period, which means there is a little more exercise on the cards for 2019.The important thing to note is that the replanting must take place before the end of the next planting season, in your case is the end of February 2019. Plants must be replaced at the rate of 6 per metre and all plants must be sourced from a DAFM registered supplier to certify they are disease free.

Make sure to keep all receipts as these must be available for inspection. It is also important to note that all newly planted hedgerows will need routing maintenance where necessary, such as, control of grass and weeds, pruning and maintenance of fencing. I trust this will clear things up for you.

Tip of the Week: We would like to wish all our clients, readers and contributors a happy, peaceful, prosperous and safe 2019.

FA R M E R S !

HAVE YOUR FARMING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT

TERENCE MORRISSEY Send your queries to: Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan,Co. Waterford, or to Morrissey & Associates, Mweelnahorna, Ring, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

63

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Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate Vol. 106 (Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper) Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Tel: (058) 41205 / 42042.

Fax: (058) 41559.

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Déise Newsround A penny for the Missions

tomekeith@hotmail.com We welcome positive, good news stories for this page! Where the news is always good! info@dungarvanobserver.ie

OUR picture shows what must have been the most striking and effective Mission Box to grace any shop counter. In decades past, it was usual to have a number of Mission Boxes in shops requesting a small donation towards the work of religious orders in the Foreign Missions, mainly in Africa and Asia. These were normally small boxes with a slot for some coins, usually donated from the small change of a transaction.

However, for decades one stood out above all the rest, that of the Augustinian Foreign Missions, which featured a young black child as shown in the photo. These were to be found in many business premises, especially in towns where there was an Augustinian House.

This box was the brainchild of a Limerick man, Gerry Wharton who was born in London to Irish parents, but spent most of his childhood and all of his adult life in Limerick. Gerry trained as a carpenter /

joiner in the 1950s and was both a talented and gifted craftsman.

I spoke recently to his daughter Anita Hickey in Limerick, who gave me some of the background to the boxes.

“As a young married man with a growing family Gerry turned his talents to creating

Gerry Wharton

a little extra money after work by making Mite Boxes for the Augustinian African Missions,” said Anita. “This started out as a small venture at home and my father designed these unique boxes with their very distinctive red colours and animation. In some of the boxes, when a penny dropped through the slot, the child on the box would bow his head in thanks.

“The figure on the box was African, which was a novel idea in Ireland in the sixties. He made these boxes for a number of years and they could be seen in almost every shop and public house in Ireland right up through the seventies. Gerry went on to teach in St. Martin’s Centre in Limerick which was a training and rehabilitation centre for travellers, young offenders and underprivileged young men. He spent many happy years there and loved being creative with his students.

Gerry also taught woodworking skills in the evening

in Limerick Prison and always had a full class.

Until his death in 2013 Gerry always had something in his hand to make and another idea in his head that would be unique and different.”

The figures and the box’s textured finish was of plaster of Paris, painted and finished in appropriate colours. When the figures came out of the mould they would be still wet and everyone had to take care not to go near them or rock the table lest they disintegrate before they were fully set.

A wire connecting the moving head and a little plate under the money slot caused the head to nod when the coin dropped in.

Gerry Wharton made hundreds of these Mite Boxes for the Augustinian Community, but few of them survive. The box featured in the photo is now safely with Gerry’s daughter, Anita where it is a daily reminder of her family and their happy childhood in Limerick.

Ringing in the New Year IN my early childhood I remember being told as we were put to bed early in the night that we would wake up in the New Year.

For some unknown reason, this always struck

a sad chord with me.

As we grew up, we were allowed to stay up a little later and the favourite programme on Radio Éireann, later RTE, was a review of the happenings

for the year. This ran until midnight when the Bells of Christchurch Cathedral took over and rang in the New Year and the station closed down at 12.05 without further comment.

Some of the crowd assembled in Grattan Square for the Ceremony of Last Light on New Year's Eve 1999 listening to Neil Hurley sing ‘Dungarvan My Hometown’ to the accompaniment of Dungarvan Brass Band. Also present were the late Mai O’Higgins composer of the song and the Mayor of Dungarvan, the late Cllr. Lar Harte.

[Rory Wyley]

Further on, I recall being brought to The Square in Cahir where the Brass and Reed Band would play in the New Year. Watches were scarce in those days and transistor radios had not yet been invented, so the universal signal for the arrival of midnight was the extinguishing of the street lights which occurred at midnight . . . or thereabouts. How accurate this was no one knew or cared, as they cheered and played in the New Year of 1959.

Then, in 1961, as the year came to a close, the new TV service, Telefís Éireann came on the air on New Year’s Eve and the Floor Manager was the one to announce the arrival of 1962 in front of the nation – or at least the few who had a TV – as well as the carefully selected audience of the great and the good of the time.

As a late teenager, I remember being warmly greeted when I called to some family friends on New Year’s Eve and found myself first caller of the New Year. Apparently, the appearance of a tall dark man (handsome was optional) near midnight was a sign of good luck for the year. On the other hand, a red-haired girl arriving on New Year’s Eve was believed to be a sign of bad luck.

In Dungarvan, it was the preserve of the Pipe Band to ring in the New Year an event which was always well attended, sometimes by hundreds.

Then there was Millennium Eve, the event people could hardly wait for when thousands assembled in Grattan Square to hear the music from the stage, but mostly to be with friends on what had been billed for almost a year as ‘the moment of a lifetime’. I remember it

well as it was I who did most of the ‘billing’ as the PRO for the Millennium Committee.

While the change of century could be described in those terms, this was the change of a Millennium, only happening once in a thousand years.

At 4.25 p.m., there was a ceremony commemorating the last light as the sun sank beneath the horizon for the last time in the Second Millennium. It was a poignant moment, well celebrated and acknowledged by the large crowd which had gathered.

It is strange to think that that is nineteen years ago, almost two decades.

In the words of our native tongue ‘Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís’, that we may all be here in twelve months time to celebrate the completion of two decades of the Third Millennium.

@DungarvanObserv

Vol. 106

Friday, 4th January, 2019

REMEMBERING 1983 ON THE GAA SCENE IN WATERFORD

SUPER GOALS SEALS TITLE FOR BALLYDUFF

Championship winning teams of 1983 Pages 2 to 8

Katie Power and Ghost Rider in action at the FEI Pony Jumping Trophy final in Mechelen, Belgium.

INSET: Katie Power holds the FEI Pony Trophy aloft after victory in Belgium.

[Temps de Poses Photography]

By Brian Hennessy WATERFORD’S Katie Power and The Irish Sport Horse pony Ghost Rider have claimed a superb victory in the season ending FEI Pony Jumping Trophy Final, which attracted Europe's best riders under 16 years of age to the World Cup show in Belgium.

SPORT

sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

Ballyduff 3-10; Roanmore 2-6.

€5,457 RAISED AT ST. STEPHEN’S DAY JOLLY JAUNT IN AID OF REHAB FUND

CLONEA LEISURE CENTRE SWIM AWARDS

Page 9

Pages 15 & 16

Page 23

WATERFORD'S KATIE POWER BEATS EUROPE'S BEST TO WIN IN BELGIUM Fifteen-year-old Power from Dungarvan was in third place on the league table coming into the final on the back of impressive results at Herning in Denmark and Stuttgart in Germany.

A brilliant performance at the final in Mechelen saw Katie Power produce the only double clear round, to win the

final leg and in the process claim overall victory in the 2018 series.

The final in Mechelen was run over three days and despite not getting off to the best start, Katie Power saved the best till last to come out on top.

“Day one was not very good because my helmet slipped and I had two fences down. Day two was better

with only one down, and today my pony jumped amazingly!” Power explained.

"In the last round I was lying second and I knew I had to go clear.

Britain’s Red Morgan was in the lead but he made a mistake and I won - I can hardly believe it!" said Power who finished tenth individually and was a

member of the Irish team that just missed out on bronze at the FEI European Pony Championships at Bishops Burton (GB) this Summer.

Katie Power’s win comes 12 months after another Irish rider, Seamus Hughes Kennedy, claimed the inaugural FEI Pony Jumping Trophy in 2017.

2

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Remembering 1983 on the The Observer is pleased to continue its annual review of the GAA scene of 35 years ago in Waterford THE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING TEAMS OF 1983

Kilrossanty win their eleventh county title Kilrossnaty ……………..… 1-10; Ferrybank ……………….…..1-7; KILROSSANTY senior footballers are back at the top, as at Dungarvan’s Fraher Field on Sunday last, their youthful side turned in a marvellous spirited display and out played the warm prematch favourites Ferrybank to bridge a nineteen year gap by bringing the County title back to the Comeraghs for rhe first time since 1964.

The wearers of the famed Green and Gold overcame a shaky start to thunder into the exchanges and they electrified the large attendance as they went in front through a Nicky Hayes goal in the 28th minute. Then in the second half they stretched their lead further and withstood a strong finish by the city team to win their 11th title.

When the final whistle sounded there were scenes of wild unrestrained excitement as their success starved supporters acclaimed the 1983 County champions and team captain Pierre Whyte and trainer Jimineen Power were chaired shoulder high from the pitch as one of our most famous football celebrated their return to the top.

Ferrybank opened the scoring with points by Liam Murphy and Frank Hayden with five minutes gone. In the 7th minute Micheal Walsh opened Kilrossanty’s account and two minutes later John O’Neill and John Mulhearne exchanged minors.

Ferrybank were having the better of the exchanges and further scores by Frank Hayden and Carl Phelan had them three points in front with 14 minutes played and they were looking good for the win at this stage, 0-5 to 0-2.

In the second quarter Kilrossanty grew in confidence and their very fit young team were now finding their feet in earnest. Nicky Hayes (18th minute), Jim Maher (20th minute) and Tom Keating (22nd minute) kicked three great points to level the score at 0-5 each.

It was still all even with 28 min-

Kilrossanty Senior Football champions 1983. Left to right back row: Nicky Hayes, John Patrick Foley, Jimmy Fraher, John Mulhearne, Nicky Tobin, Ger Walsh, Michael Walsh, Tom Keating. Left to right front row: Harry Quinn, Pat Keating, Noel Walsh, Pa Walsh, Pierce Whyte, Jim Maher, Pat Hayes. Child in front Seamus Coffey. utes played when a sixty yards free

by Jim Maher found Ger Walsh and his lob across the square was met by the incoming Nicky Hayes who flicked the ball to the net. John Mulhearne added a point in the 29th minute and Frank Hayden (f) replied for Ferrybank to leave the half time score 1-6 to 0-6 in Kilrossanty’s favour.

On the resumption Kilrossanty forged further ahead with scores per Jim Maher (2) and John Mulherane all by the the 36th minute to consolidate their advantage at 1-9 to 0-6. Ferrybank

moved County player Stephen Breen to midfield and they began to lord the exchanges.

Frank Hayden pointed a free in the 39th minute, awarded for a foul which denied Ferrybank a goal but they persisted in trying to work the ball in when more direct tactics may have brought better results.

There was no further scoring until the 55th minute when a fine movement resulted in a well taken goal

by Frank Hayden producing a dramatic last few minutes of play, 1-9 to 1-7.

Tom Keating was put clear in the

56th minute and his effort at goal was deflected over the bar by sub goalie Derek Chestnutt. The final minutes proved to be very tempestuous with some players, subs, club officials and even a few spectators getting embroiled in disgraceful scenes before order was finally restored.

When the final whistle sounded, the pitch was a scene of green and gold and such was the excitement in the Kilrossanty camp that it took all of 15 minutes before Chairman of the County Board John A Murphy got the opportunity to pres-

ent the Conway Cup to the winning captain Pierie Whyte.

Gate Receipts: £2,800.

Scorers – Kilrossanty: Nicky Hayes 1-1, Jim Maher 0-3, John Mulhearne 03, Tom Keating 0-2, Micheal Walsh 0-1.

Ferrybank: Frank Hayden 1-4, Liam Murphy, John O’Neill, Carl Phelan 0-1 each.

Kilrossanty: Noel Walsh; Jimmy Fraher, Pa Walsh, John Foley; Nicky Tobin, Pa Keating, Pat Quinn; Jim Maher, Pierre Whyte; Pat Hayes, Ger Walsh, Nicky

Hayes; John Mulhearne, Tom Keating, Micheal Walsh.

Sub: Pat Connors for John Foley.

Ferrybank: Paudie Forristal; Pat Kelly, John Heffernan, L. Myres; J. O’Meara, Stephen Breen, Shane Ahearne; John O’Neill, Derek Jacob; Carl Phelan, Pat O’Meara, Liam Murphy; Frank Hayden, J. Hayden, B. Power.

Subs: J. Sweeney for Pat O’Meara, J. Burns for B. Power, D. Chestnutt for P. Forristal.

Referee: Noel O’Sullivan (Portlaw).

A senior hurling final best forgotten Mount Sion ……………...…5-11; Ballyduff Upper …………..…2-6.

MOUNT Sion senior hurlers regained the County title when they came out on top in a replay in Walsh Park in a game marred by very poor sportsmanship. The game of hurling was the loser as players on both sides went outside the bounds of sportsmanship in a game in which for periods the ball was only of secondary importance.

The attitude from the start was all wrong when tempers never really cooled following an incident in the 6th minute when a player was kicked when he was on the ground.

At this stage many of the players were quite obviously taking the law

into their own hands and tempers were frayed all over the pitch.

Then if all of that was not enough, we had further scenes on the sideline in the second half when a team official was struck and a frightening free-for-all took place.

That Mount Sion fully deserved their 26th title is beyond dispute as they adopted the more direct tactics and the placing of veteran Martin Geary at full forward was a key factor in their victory as dashing here and there he never allowed Seamie Hannon to dominate as in the drawn game.

As a result the champions defence never really settled and goals

by John Dalton in the 13th minute,

Kevin Ryan 17th minute and Jim Greene in the 21st minute left Mount Sion in front by 3-2 to 2-4 at the interval.

Ballyduff had elected to play with the freshening breeze in the first half into the city goal but they never really got their game together and over the hour only Seamie Daly and Richie Walsh played up to form with Liam Power to a lesser extent also showing up. Goals from Michael and Mossie Walsh kept them in the hunt, but they drove several wides from placed balls prior to the interval.

On the resumption, despite the fact that Michael Walsh pointed a free to level the scores, it was

Mount Sion who were in command and by the 40th minute they had swept into a six point lead. When a long range free from Pat McGrath wound up in the net the game was over as a contest.

The new champions fifth goal came in the final moments per Anthony Cooney.

Eamonn Ryan showed that he still has a deal to offer the County team. Pat Ryan was again at centre half forward while Jim Greene was sharper this time. Yet, it was the better first time hurling of Mount Sion that paved the way for their 26th title.

PRESENTATION County Board Chairman Mr. J.

A. Murphy presented the News and Star Cup to Mount Sion captain Pat Ryan after the game.

GATE RECEIPTS The gate receipts at last Sunday’s replay were £4,711.

Drawn Game: Ballyduff 0-11 Mount Sion 1-8 (Walsh Park).

Scorers – Mount Sion: Pat McGrath 1-2, Kevin Ryan 1-2, John Dalton 1-2, Jim Greene 1-0, Anthony Cooney 1-1, Pat Ryan 04.

Ballyduff: Michael Walsh 1-3, Mossie Walsh 1-1, Liam Power 02.

Mount Sion: Stephen Greene; Brendan Knox, Jess Kehoe Tommy Cusack; Pat O’Grady,

Eamonn Ryan, Pat McGrath; Karl Heffernan, George O’Grady; Anthony Cooney, Pat Ryan, Kevin Ryan; John Dalton, Martin Geary, Jim Greene. Sub: Mike Briggs for George O’Grady.

Ballyduff: Mike Leamy; Maurice Geary, Seamie Hannon, Seamus Hyland; Liam Power, Seamus Daly, Seamie Daly; Richie Walsh, Liam Drislane; Mossie Walsh, Sean Prendergast, Paudie Prendergast; Michael Walsh, Sean Quirke, Donie Hannon.

Subs: M. Kearney for Donal Hannon, Mike Quirke for Sean Prendergast.

Referee: Eddie Cunningham (Tallow).

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

3

GAA scene in the Déise 1983 INTERMEDIATE HURLING AND FOOTBALL

St. Mary’s win second intermediate hurling title St. Mary’s ……………………2-7; Ballygunner …………………1-9.

ST. Mary’s Touraneena staged a strong last quarter rally in Walsh Park last Sunday to snatch victory in dramatic fashion in the County Intermediate hurling championship final from a Ballygunner team which for three quarters of the hour had played some fine hurling.

St. Mary’s, whose previous success was achieved in 1980, never really clicked in the opening exchanges. With the usual accurate Declan Fitzpatrick, who played despite a recent illness, well off target for once from frees and from play they were not getting the scores in a period when Ballygunner were notching up the scores at the other end.

Ballygunner had early points from Paul Warren (free) and Johnny Connors before veteran Vinny Connors nipped in to rattle the net in the 5th minute. John Connors added a further point from a free in the 6th minute to put the Eastern side six points clear.

Albert Burke opened St. Mary’s tally with a point in the 10th minute before Charlie O’Sullivan chipped over a point for the Gunners. St. Mary’s called up Lar Whelan to take a free and he drove it straight and true for a point. Still Ballygunner had two further points to lead by 1-5 to 0-2 with 18 minutes played.

Now St. Mary’s struck back. Lar

Whelan pointed two frees and Declan Fitzpatrick added one from play with Paul Warren pointing a ‘65’ at the other end with the standard of hurling increasing all the time. The final first half point came from Gerry Connors and Ballygunner led at the interval by 1-7 to 0-5.

SECOND HALF On the turnover the play was fast and furious and the hurling was quite good. John Connors in the 35th minute and John Fraher in the 40th minute exchanged points.

Sean McGrath came on for the injured Albert Burke and John Fraher moved from defence to attack.

John Connors pointed a Ballygunner free at the end of the third quarter and the Eastern side now led by 1-9 to 0-6.

FINISHED STRONGER St. Mary’s half backs Declan Kiely, John Dalton and Tom Condon were now outpacing their opponents and the placing of Patrick Whelan at midfield to oppose the heretofore rampant Ballygunner veteran Tony Cummins also was a key factor.

John Fitzpatrick was at right half forward and he fared somewhat better on Jim O’Keeffe who was Ballygunner’s best player.

Lar Whelan had a point in the 45th minute to narrow the gap. In the 49th minute St. Mary’s were awarded a 20 metre free and Lar Whelan’s low shot went to the net,

St. Mary's County Intermediate Hurling final wining team. Back Row: Micheal Quinlan (Selector), Pierce Butler (Chairman), Pat Hearn, John Hourigan, Declan Kiely, Eddie Kirwan (President), Declan White, John McGrath, John Dalton, John Fitzpatrick, Ned Power, John Fraher, Ned Burke (Selector), Tom Condon, John Power, Sean Whelan (Selector). Front Row: J. P. Fitzpatrick (Mascot), Billy Esmonde, John Whelan, Gerald Butler, Brian Whelan (Mascot), Lar Whelan, Paddy Whelan, Declan Fitzpatrick, Aiden Fitzpatrick (Mascot), Tom Power, Eamon Power, Albert Burke, David Whelan (Mascot), David's teddy, Tomas Quinlan (Mascot).

1-9 to 1-7.

St. Mary’s were now in full flight and the excitement was at fever pitch as the sliotar flashed up and down the pitch. Vinny Connors got a goal chance but Touraneena goalie Ned Power effected a vital save and his defence was now well on top.

With 57 minutes played, Ballygunner were still hanging on

to their lead. Quite a few times they were forced to clear over the sideline as St. Mary’s launched attack after attack.

A long high ball into the Ballygunner goal area was caught by full forward Declan White and the big full forward found the net to put them ahead for the first time, 2-7 to 1-9.

This proved to be the winning

score as Ballygunner missed three scoreable frees before the end.

St. Mary’s: Ned Power; John Fraher, Tom Power, Eamonn Power; Declan Kiely, John Dalton, Tom Condon; Gerard Butler, Lar Whelan; Albert Burke, Billy Esmonde, Patrick Whelan; Declan Fitzpatrick, Declan White, John Fitzpatrick.

Sub: Sean McGrath for Albert

Burke (inj.), John M. Power.

Ballygunner: Pat Flynn; C. Power, Michael Whelan, John Fitzpatrick; T. Sullivan, Paul Warren, Jim O’Keeffe;Tony Cummins, Ed O’Sullivan; John Warren, Gerry Connors, Johnny Connors; L. Whitty, C. O’Sullivan, Vinny Connors.

Referee: Tony Mansfield (Abbeyside).

Nire are worthy intermediate football champions Nire ………………………… 0-10; Ballyduff Lower …………… 0-4.

NIRE intermediate footballers duly gained their expected victory in this County Final played at Fraher Field last Sunday afternoon, when they always had the measure of a disappointing Ballyduff Lower team in a poor game.

The main reason that it was a poor final was that the Eastern champions never lived up to expectations and at no stage did they look like upsetting the pre match favourites.

The Nire recaptured a title they last won back in 1971 because they were the better balanced fifteen and because there was more purpose to their play over the hour.

GOOD START The Nire got off to a flying start when wing forward Pat Crotty kicked a point after just eleven and a half seconds. Further points from P. J. Ryan, Michael Ryan, J. Hogan and Michael Ryan again, left the Western champions no less than 0-5 to nil up with nine minutes played.

Even at that early stage it was obvious that the Nire were on their way to victory. Two points from Michael ‘Junior’ Power brought Ballyduff some hope. Eamonn Gough in the Nire goal almost made a slip, but recovered to save and clear. In the 23rd minute a drive for goal by Martin Power for the Eastern side was deflected for a ‘45’. At the interval, Nire led by 0-6 to 0-2.

SAME AGAIN On the turnover, the Nire had a point in the 34th minute when Paddy Cooney and Michael Ryan combined to put Paddy Joe Ryan in to stretch the lead. After that score the pattern of the game settled into what we had seen for most of the first half.

Martin Power soloed through for a fine point in the 45th minute and, with the score at 0-7 to 0-3 some hopes of a tight finish were rising before points from Michael Ryan and Sean Guiry put the issue beyond Ballyduff.

Pat Crotty closed the scoring as he had opened it with a point. Final score was the Nire 0-10; Ballyduff 0-4.

DESERVED WIN This was a fully deserved win for the Nire and they were much the better team over the hour. They played what good football we saw.

Their defence was tight marking and solid throughout with half backs Kevin Mulcahy, Pat Hally and Ger Coffey forming a solid barrier upon which most of the Ballyduff attacks floundered and inside them Michael Hally, Denis Hogan and in particular Tom Guiry mopped up, while Eamonn Gough kept his net intact.

At centre field, minor player Tony Condon excelled and I would rate him as my man of the match with Jack Hogan lending valuable support.

In attack every player worked hard and while Sean Guiry, Paddy Joe Ryan, Paddy Cooney and Michael Ryan were always in the

THE NIRE WATERFORD INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 1983. Back Row Left to Right: Jackie Hogan, Sean Guiry, Pat Halley, Michael Ryan, Eddie Gough, Gerry Coffey, Tony Condon, Paddy Cooney. Front Row Left to Right: Pat Crotty, Tom Guiry, Michael Halley (Capt.), Kevin Mulcahy, Paddy Joe Ryan, Maurice Power, Denis Hogan. thick of things, it was the dashing play of Maurice Power and in particular Pat Crotty which gave them the extra mobility in this sector.

For Ballyduff K. Shannon, J. Power and in particular Albert Kearns were best. J. Cummins was best at centre field where Michael ‘Junior’ Power both in attack and at centre field impressed. Otherwise, Martin

Kennedy, Martin Power and goalkeeper Michael Power were best.

Scorers – Nire: Michael Ryan 0-4, P. J. Ryan and Pat Crotty 0-2 each; Sean Guiry and John Hogan 0-1 each.

Ballyduff Lower: Michael J. Power 0-2, Martin Power and Ger Harris 0-1 each.

PRESENTATION After the game, Chairman of the

County Board John A. Murphy presented the cup to the Nire captain Michael Hally and the Nire’s supporters were in joyous mood.

Nire: Eamonn Gough; Michael Hally, Denis Hogan, Tom Guiry; Kevin Mulcahy, Pat Hally, Ger Coffey; Tony Condon, John Hogan; Paddy Joe Ryan, Sean Guiry, Pat Crotty; Maurice Power, Paddy Cooney, Michael Ryan.

Ballyduff Lower: M. Power; D. Ryan, K. Shannon, A. Kearns; P. O’Shea, J. Power, M. O’Leary; J. Cummins, D. Hayes; M. J. Power, M. Kennedy, L. McCarthy; A. Whelan, T. Whelan, M. Power.

Subs: G. Higgins for A. Whelan; D. Larkin for L. McCarthy; J. Millea for P. O’Shea.

Referee: John Walsh (Tramore).

4

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Remembering 1983 on the Ballyduff Lower take Junior hurling title

1983 Ballyduff Lower Junior Hurling County Champions. Back Row, Left to Right: John O’Leary, John Kennedy, Johnny Cummins, Tony Boland, Derek Larkin, John 'Jinx' Power, Albert Kearns, Ger Boland, Tom Whelan, Denis Hayes, Derek Whelan, Jack Laffan (Trainer). Front Row: Left to Right: Louis Dunne, Michael Junior Power, Tomas Larkin, Tom Cheasty, Paul O’Shea, Declan Ryan, Anthony Whelan, Martin O’Leary.

Ballyduff Lower …………… 4-7; Stradbally ……………………2-8.

BALLYDUFF Lower junior hurlers recorded a five point winning margin over Western champions Stradbally at Walsh Park Waterford on Sunday last to recapture a County title they last held 22 years ago in 1961.

Overall, the Eastern champions just about deserved their victory in a closely contested decider in which the difficult underfoot conditions arising from two days of consistent rain and a game on Saturday plus the under 21 decider made good hurling very difficult indeed.

VITAL GOALS Stradbally, had the opening score a point from a twenty metre

semi-penalty when Noel Costelloe’s shot was deflected over the bar. Tom Hearne had to retire injured after just four minutes and he was replaced by young Conor O’Brien.

In the 9th minute a rather easy shot from Anthony Whelan ended up in the net for a soft goal. Tom Larkin added a point with Tom Whelan tacking on another as Tom Cheasty removed his helmet and tossed it aside.

In the 13th minute, Derek Larkin’s low drive for a goal seemed to be deflected to the net.

(2-2 to 0-1).

A well taken goal by Fintan O’Brien in the 23rd minute brought Stradbally very much back into the picture. Michael Crotty added a

point (2-3 to 1-2).

Even when Tom Larkin pointed for Ballyduff with twenty nine played, Stradbally were still in a good position as the assistance of the breeze was still to come.

Then almost on the stroke of half-time, Tom Whelan got in for Ballyduff’s third goal to give them a cushion of 3-4 to 1-2 lead which subsequently was to prove invaluable.

ISSUE JOINED On the turn-over, Noel Costelloe, who had an excellent hour for the Western champions added points in the 34th, 36th and 40th minutes and an Eoin O’Brien goal in the 43rd minute set up by Sean Ahearn and Colm Barnes (3-5 to 2-5) left only a goal between

them. Tom Larkin and Eoin O’Brien exchanged points before Noel Costelloe’s pointed free in the 46th minute left only two points between them (3-6 to 2-7) and the issue hung in the balance.

Tom Larkin and Eoin O’Brien again exchanged points and with 55 minutes played it was 3-7 to 2-8.

Stradbally were trying all they knew to snatch the game from the embers.

Then in the 58th minute, Denis Larkin finished a strong Ballyduff attack by crashing home their fourth goal to clinch victory.

Still Stradbally came back and a side- line cut per Fintan O’Brien from 35 metres struck the upright.

A twenty metre free resulted. Noel

Costelloe shot low and hard and a goal mouth tussle ensued with time now up.

A Stradbally forward was sent to the line and the game finished seconds later.

Best for Ballyduff were John Cummins, Jinx Power, Martin O’Leary, Albert Kearns, Gerry Boland, Tom and Anthony Whelan, Denis Larkin and Tom Larkin.

Richie Dunford, Michael Coffey, Robin Aherne, Alo Curran, Sean Aherne, Noel Costelloe, Eoin and Fintan O’Brien were best for Stradbally, Eastern Board chairman Paddy Dunphy presented the cup to Ballyduff captain Denny Ryan.

Ballyduff Lower: Paul O’Shea; J. Kennedy, John Cummins, T.

Boland, Martin O’Leary, Jinx Power, Denis Hayes; Albert Kearns, Gerry Boland; Tom Cheasty, Tom Whelan, Tom Larkin; Anthony Whelan, Declan Ryan, Derek Larkin.

Sub: Martin Power for Declan Ryan.

Stradbally: Pat Curran; Pat Fennell, Robin Aherne, Liam Carroll; W. Morrissey, Richie Dunford, Michael Coffey; Sean Aherne, Alo Curran; Fintan O’Brien, Noel Costelloe, Colm Barnes; Tom Hearne, Pat Clancy, Eoin O’Brien.

Subs: Conor O’Brien for Tom Hearne (inj.), Pat Hickey for Conor O’Brien.

Referee: Denny Duggan (Butlerstown).

Geraldines record clearcut Junior football victory Geraldines …………………. 1-9; Dunhill ………………………. 1-2.

AGLISH Geraldines swept to an emphatic victory over Dunhill in the Junior football County final at the Fraher Field last Sunday afternoon.

In truth, the issue was never in doubt, as the Aglish men tore into the fray with relish from the word go. For a while it seemed as if they would overwhelm the Eastern team.

Con Sullivan had a point in the 2nd minute and Eddie O’Grady, Brendan Mernin and David Moore were also on target to put Geraldines 0-4 to nil clear by the 9th minute.

In those opening minutes Geraldines played the best football

that I have seen from them all year and at times the Dunhill goal bore a charmed life but keeper Liam Daniels deserves credit also. Now Dunhill began to knit a few moves together, but they wasted many good scoring chances including misses from three close in frees.

Geraldines centre forward Pad O’Brien whose work rate was enormous, landed points in the 13th and in the 16th minutes and Eddie O’Grady pointed a ‘45’ in the 20th minute to leave the Western champions in a very strong position at the interval, leading by 0-7 to 0-0.

Barring a major improvement by Dunhill the title was on its way to Aglish.

QUICK GOAL From the throw in to start the second half, Geraldines swept into the attack and Brendan Mernin crossed the ball into the Dunhill square and in the clash for possession Eddie O’Grady fell to the ground, but he still managed to kick the ball with his foot to the net.

That was that, as while Dunhill played well in the final quarter the result was never in doubt after that goal.

Points by Brendan Mernin in the 54th minute and per Eddie O’Grady (free) in the 55th minute left it at 1-9 to 0-2.

A well taken goal by John Whyte in the 56th minute at least put a fairer look on the scoreboard.

EXCELLENT DISPLAY This was another excellent display by the Geraldines in which each and every player contributed his fair share. Johnny O’Grady was as safe as ever between the posts, while John O’Brien and Mick Landers excelled in the full back line of defence with Paud O’Brien lending good support.

In the half line ‘’Jock’’ O’Connell had another whale of a game and Michael O’Connell and, in particular, Pat Hally on the left wing excelled. At centre field Billy Cotter again played a star role and Daithi O’Brien had his best game for quite some time.

Up front Geraldines were really on song. David ‘Whattle’ Moore

had a blinder, Pad O’Brien we have already mentioned and Eddie O’Grady as always took his scores well. Tony Hally and Charlie O’Sullivan were at their best and Brendan Mernin has rarely played better.

Dunhill’s best were Joe Power, Anthony Raher, Gerry and John Drohan, K. Murray, John Murphy and John Whyte.

PRESENTATION Amid scenes of some excitement, County Board chairman, J. A. Murphy presented the cup to Geraldines captain Eddie O’Grady.

Scorers – Gearldines: Eddie O’Grady 1-3, Pad O’Brien and Brendan Mernin 0-2 each, Con O’Sullivan and David Moore 0-1 each.

Dunhill: John Whyte 1-0, K. Murray and G. Drohan 0-1 each.

Geraldines: Johnny O’Grady; Johnny O’Brien, Mick Landers, Paud O’Brien; Michael O’Connell, Jock O’Connell, Pat Hally; Billy Cotter, Daithi O’Brien; David Moore, Pat O’Brien, Eddie O’Grady; Tony Hally, Brendan Mernin, Con O’Sullivan.

Dunhill: Liam Daniels; Joe Power, M. Guiry, E. McKenna; D. Veale, Anthony Raher, M. O’Brien; Gerry Drohan, T. McGrath; J. Queally, John Drohan, K. Murray; C. Murphy, John Murphy, John Whyte. Subs: M. Drohan for M. O’Brien, J. Ryan for D. Veale.

Referee: Tomas Maher (An Rinn).

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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GAA scene in the Déise Kilrossanty win first under 21 football title Kilrossanty ……………….…1-5; Tramore ……………………...1-4.

KILROSSANTY’S under 21 footballers, aided by players from Ring, collected their first County title in the grade at the Fraher Field last Sunday and into the bargain completed the senior/under 21 double to make it a truly memorable year for the Comeragh club.

A gale force wind (Sunday, December 18th) blowing straight down the pitch into the country goal ruled out the possibility of a good standard of football but overall Kilrossanty deserved their victory.

Yet in the second half, Tramore came close to earning a second chance which looked likely towards the end of the action.

Kilrossanty captain Pat Hayes won the toss and decided to play with the elements but when they kicked three early wides some of their supporters began to murmur.

Their goal came when Pierie Whyte lobbed the ball goalwards and with the breeze gusting, Tramore goalkeeper Michael Power, advancing off his goal line, grabbed for the ball and while he stopped it, he failed to hold on to it.

In the ensuing scramble, John Mulhearne got the vital touch to find the net. Two more Kilrossanty wides followed before Carthach McGrath played in John Condon for the latter to score a point, 1-1 to 0-0.

At this stage with over seven minutes played, a little needle crept into the game and one Tramore

player had to go off injured. Jim Maher from a ‘45’ and John Mulhearne scored further points for the Western champions before John Grace opened Tramore’s tally with a point and the issue was thrown wide open a few minutes later.

Tramore hit back in style. Ger Lenihan, who was introduced for a second injured Tramore player, wing back Paddy Kelly, was put through by John Grace and he lashed the ball to the net to rock Kilrossanty back on their heels, 1-3 to 1-1. In the remaining minutes of the first half, Jim Maher from a free and John Mulhearne had points to leave the half time score, Kilrossanty 1-5; Tramore 1-1.

SECOND HALF KILROSSANTY POSITIONAL SWITCHES Facing the gale, when Kilrossanty lined out for the second half, they had rearranged their defence. Team captain Pat Hayes was now at centre half back, Pat Connors had moved to full back and Pat ‘’Harry’’ Quinn was switched to the wing.

Kilrossanty made the early running before P. Dunne pointed a free for Tramore in the 33rd minute.

Points in the 43rd minute by Peter O’Leary and from P. Dunne from a ‘45’ left the score at 1-5 to 1-4 with fourteen minutes left to play and certainly at this point it looked as if Tramore would win.

Tramore forced the pace but kicked three wides.

John

Kilrossanty U-21 Football Champions 1983. Left to right back row: Tom Behan, John Mulhearn, Ger Fitzgerald, Harry Quinn, Eddie Walsh, Carthach McGrath, Pat Whyte, Pierce Whyte. Left to right: front row: Ray Hahessy, James Tobin, Pat Hayes, Tommy McGrath, John Condon, Patrick Connors, Jim Maher.

Mulhearne was also off target in the 53rd minute. Kilrossanty’s defence commendably put up the shutters, including wing back Ger Fitzgerald effecting a vital save in the last Tramore attack.

A great year then for Kilrossanty which ended on a high note with Pat Quinn, Pierie Whyte, Jim Maher, Pat Hayes and John Mulhearne all winning senior and under 21 County medals on the

field of play.

Kilrossanty’s best on Sunday included John Mulhearne, Pat Hayes, Pat Connors, Pat Whyte, Ger Fitzgerald and Tom Behan while such as Johnny Grace, P. Dunne, Paul and Peter O’Leary, N. Burns, D. Morrissey and D. Power achieved most for Tramore.

PRESENTATION After the game, County Board chairman John A. Murphy pre-

sented the cup to Kilrossanty captain Pat Hayes.

Scorers – Kilrossanty: John Mulhearne 1-2, Jim Maher 0-2, John Condon 0-1.

Tramore: Ger Lenihan 1-0, P. Dunne 0-2, John Grace and Peter O’Leary 0-1 each.

Kilrossanty: Eddie Walsh; Tom Behan, Pat Quinn, Pat Whyte; Ger Fitzgerald, Pat Connors, Pat Hayes; Jim Maher, Pierie Whyte; Ray Hahessy, John Condon, Tommy McGrath; John

Mulhearne, Carthach McGrath, Johnny Tobin.

Sub: M. Whelan for J. Condon.

Tramore: Michael Power; B. Reddy, D. Power, Paul O’Leary; G. Dalton, D. Morrissey, Paddy Kelly; D. Purcell, Peter O’Leary; N. Burns, John Grace, G. Taylor; C. Jones, Tom Brennan, P. Dunne.

Subs: D. Lenihan for Kelly (inj.), M. Carbury for Paul O’Leary).

Referee: Declan Hennessy (Ardmore).

Tallow under 21 hurlers win fifth County title Tallow ……………………... 3-12; Roanmore ………………... 2-11.

FROM start to finish this under 21 County hurling final replay was an epic at Walsh Park on Sunday last.

Though cold, wet and windy, this was a memorable hour’s hurling and despite the unsuitable underfoot conditions, full marks to both sets of players for serving up a marvellous entertaining encounter.

For Tallow this was a victory to savour with the finest they have achieved over the past eighteen years as their side, caught at the post in the drawn game two weeks ago, threw caution to the wind and tore into the fray from the word go to set a cracking pace which never faltered thereafter.

Roanmore were stronger on this occasion with the return of Sean McGrath and County player Kieran Delahunty, who were out of bounds following the Eastern final.

THE PLAY Tallow opened with a brace of points from frees per Philly and Paul Curley before Roanmore with points by Kieran Delahunty and Noel Crowley levelled in the 7th minute. Delahunty, with a point, and a softish goal by Brendan Roche put the city team four points clear despite playing into the breeze.

Following minors by Pat Murphy and Philly Curley and a reply by Brendan Roche, Tallow received a big boost when Man of the Match, midfielder John Fitzgerald’s free from a distance went all the way to the Roanmore net, 1-4 each and

17 minutes played. Tallow led by the minimum of margins at the break by 1-8 to 1-7 after further scoring by John A. Tobin (2f) and Philly Curley (2) with response by Kieran Delahunty and Noelie Crowley, 0-2 (1’65’).

CLASSIC GOAL On the turnover, Roanmore had the breeze behind them playing into the city end but it was Tallow who laid siege on the Roanmore goal and twice keeper Ray Sheridan effected good saves under pressure. Kieran Delahunty levelled matters in the 33rd minute before John A. Tobin put Tallow ahead again, 1-9 to 1-8.

In the 37th minute Roanmore put a move together involving five players, starting in defence and ending with Sean McGrath crashing the ball to the net for a truly classic goal. The sky blues held this advantage to the end of the third quarter on a score of 2-10 to 1-11 but a head injury to key player Noelie Crowley and his subsequent temporary retirement cost them dearly while he was absent.

Philly Curley moved to midfield, he pointed in the 49th minute but Tallow then struck four wides and Roanmore two as the tension mounted. In the 56th minute, John Fitzgerald’s cross to John A. Tobin was saved by Ray Sheridan but sub Michael Condon was on hand to force the ball to the net, 2-12 to 2-10.

Noelie Crowley came back on in a desperate attempt to save the game and with 57 minutes played,

Tallow under 21 Hurling Champions 1983. Back Row: left to right: Michael Creed, Jim O'Donoghue, Pat Murphy, Aidan Ryan, Martin Murphy, Bart O'Donoghue, John Fitzgerald, Philly Curley. Front Row: Gerry Hogan, Martin Allen, Paul Curley, Tomas McCarthy, Aidan O'Brien, John A. Tobin, Johnny Geary.

Kieran Delahunty pointed a free, 212 to 2-11 and everyone in the ground was caught up in the excitement.

Roanmore tried all they knew to draw level but Tallow had the bit between their teeth and their defenders J. O’Donoghue, Martin Murphy, B. Allen, Aidan Ryan, Aidan O’Brien, Tom McCarthy and Johnny Geary repulsed every attack by the city team. Michael Condon missed a great chance to sew it up before John Fitzgerald

drove the ball goalward with just seconds remaining and sixteen year old Paul Curley first timed the sliotar to the net to seal a famous victory for the Bridesiders.

David Creed supported John Fitzgerald well in midfield and up front for the winner’s, Philly Curley was the key figure with others such as Pat Murphy, John A. Tobin and Paul Curley also showing up. For Roanmore Ray Sheridan, in goal, Noelie Crowley, Kieran Delahunty, Brendan Roche and Sean

McGrath could not be faulted.

PRESENTATION Chairman of the Eastern Board Paddy Dunphy presented Tallow captain Philly Curley with the cup, the Tallow club winning it for the fifth time in all.

Scorers – Tallow: Philly Curley 0-6 (1f), Paul Curley 1-1, John A. Tobin 0-4 (3f), John Fitzgerald 1-0f, Michael Condon 1-0, Pat Murphy 0-1.

Roanmore: Kieran Delahunty 0-7 (1f), Brendan Roche 1-1, Noelie Crowley 0-3 (1’65’), Sean McGrath 1-0.

Tallow: Martin Murphy; B. Allen, Jim

O’Donoghue, Aidan Ryan; Aidan O’Brien, Johnny Geary, Tom McCarthy; David Creed, John Fitzgerald; Paul Curley, Philly Curley, John A. Tobin; Pat Murphy, B. Hogan, B. O’Donoghue, Sub: Michael Condon for B. O’Donoghue.

Roanmore: Ray Sheridan; D. White, L. Coady, John Ryan; T. McInerney, S. Browne, E. Roche; Noelie Crowley, Michael Wadding; D. Walsh, Kieran Delahunty, P. Power; D. McGrath, F. Keoghan, Brendan Roche. Subs: R. Tubritt for N. Crowley (inj.), N. Crowley for M. Wadding.

Referee: Noel Dalton (De La Salle).

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GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Remembering 1983 on the Dungarvan win tenth County minor hurling title Dungarvan ………………… 3-9; Erin’s Own ………………..…1-1.

DUNGARVAN proved to be the better all round team in Walsh Park last Sunday to bridge a 17 year gap to their previous County title win in this grade back in 1966.

With the cross wind blowing in their favour the Blues opened the scoring with points by Morrie Ferncombe (2) and Dermot O’Callaghan.

It was all one way traffic in the first half with Morrie Ferncombe (2) and Tony Hamilton adding minors and Tomas Mac Craith scoring a goal that his side’s first half efforts deserved. Erin’s Own only score in the first moiety came from Liam ‘Chuck’ O’Connor as the half-time scoreboard read 1-16 to 0-1.

IN THE BALANCE On the turnover, Erin’s Own had a goal per Martin Coady after he connected with a well flighted sideline ball and the city team continued to press and press but they lacked the forward power to punch home their outfield advantage at this stage.

DECISIVE SWITCHES In the 46th minute Dungarvan brought on sub Fergal O’Donnell at right corner forward and at the same time the Erin’s Own’s mentors moved their full back Damien Byrne to centre half forward and these switches effectively decided the destination of the 1983 minor hurling County title.

Firstly, Fergal O’Donnell was as busy as a bee and secondly, Damien Byrne’s absence from the Erin’s Own back line resulted in the

Dungarvan U-18 hurling team prior to their County Final win over Erin’s Own (3-9 to 1-1) at Walsh Park, Waterford on Sunday, September, 11th, 1983. Back row left to right: Tomás Curran, Tony Hamilton, Willie Coward, Paddy Ferncombe, Colin Quarry, Seamus Mansfield, David Power, David Burke, Peter Quealy, Chris Meehan, Ger Moran (Captain), Sean McGrath. Front Row left to right: Johnny McGrath, Dermot Callaghan, Michael Butler, Tomas McGrath, Fergal O’Donnell, Derek Lyons, Michael Dwyer, Sean McGrath, John Fitzgerald, Denis McGrath, Morrie Ferncombe. city’s side defence creaking and then cracking as Dermot O’Callaghan’s centre was finished to the net by Fergal O’Donnell for a goal in the 48th minute.

Minutes later a well placed centre by O’Donnell was flicked into the net by Tony Hamilton for the Blue’s third goal and the title was on its way to Dungarvan.

DESERVED WIN Erin’s Own were out classed in this final and only Damien Byrne, Derek Egan, Paul Coady and Liam O’Connor played to form. This was a fully deserved win for Dungarvan.

Michael Dwyer had an excellent game between the posts while

team captain Ger Moran was rock solid in the no nonsense goal mouth clashes with John Fitzgerald very effective in his new role at right corner back and David Burke’s ability to catch the high balls and his lengthy puck-outs were important in this sector.

Their rearranged half-back line proved to be the vital sector of the team especially in that difficult third quarter.

Tomas Curran had his best game of the year on the right wing with Chris Meehan going about his task quietly and most effectively in the vital centre half back position.

Sean McGrath played some fine

hurling on the left wing to complete their best line.

At centre field, Peter Queally fared very well against Erin’s Own’s best player, Liam O’Connor with each having his moments while Seamus Mansfield’s steady play and excellent work rate helped especially in the final quarter to give Dungarvan the edge here.

Up front, Morrie Ferncombe was at his best in the opening half.

Tomas Mac Craith, Fergal O’Donnell and Tony Hamilton took their scores well with David Power and Derek Lyons always in the thick of the action.

Left half forward Dermot

O’Callaghan gave another excellent performance and his speed and skill were one of the features of this decider.

BRIDGED 17 YEAR GAP Full marks then to all concerned with bridging that 17 year gap including mentors Tom Cunningham, Pa Meehan, Mikeen Lyons, Noel Sheehan and Jim Mullins.

Scorers – Dungarvan: Tony Hamilton and Tomas Mac Craith 1-1 each, Fergal O’Donnell 1-0, Morrie Ferncombe 0-4, Dermot O’Callaghan 0-1.

Erin’s Own: Martin Coady 1-0, Liam O’Connor 0-1.

Dungarvan: Michael Dwyer;

John Fitzgerld, Ger Moran, Capt., David Burke; Tomas Curran, Chris Meehan, Sean McGrath; Seamus Mansfield, Peter Queally; Morrie Ferncombe, Tony Hamilton, Dermot O’Callaghan; Derek Lyons, David Power, Tomas Mac Craith.

Sub: Fergal O’Donnell for Derek Lyons.

Erin’s Own: M. Tierney; S. Ryan, D. Byrne, B. Doyle; P. Cooley, D. Egan, B. Flynn; L. O’Connor, Tom Maguire; M. Power, E. Murray, A. Murphy; M. Coady, D. Jacob, D. Reide.

Sub: S. Rea for M. Power.

Referee: Noel O’Sullivan (Portlaw).

Dungarvan minors complete championship double Dungarvan ………………… 1-9; Clan na nGael ……………… 0-3.

DUNGARVAN minor footballers created club history at the Fraher Field last Sunday when they won the County title for the first time since 1961 and in doing so competed the minor football-hurling double for the first time in their history, the club being formed in 1885.

This was a facile victory for the Blues as from the moment that a high lobbing ball from Tommy McGrath ended up n the Clan Na Gael net in the 19th minute when Dungarvan were playing into a stiffish breeze, this final was over as a contest. Dungarvan led at the interval by 1-3 to 0-2 and it was all one way traffic in the second half.

Only some poor finishing by their forwards and excellent goal keeping by Dermot Delaney kept the winning margin from being a landslide.

A DAY TO REMEMBER County Board chairman John A. Murphy had the happy task of presenting the cup to team captain David Power after the game as the supporters celebrated the winning of the double for the first time.

In defence Ger Moran remained safe and sound throughout the hour with the lengthy kick outs of goalie Johnny Roche a feature.

John Fitzgerald and Tomas Curran caught the eye in the half back line while David Burke, Chris Meehan

Dungarvan Minor Football team who defeated Clan na nGael (1-9 to 0-3) in the County Final at Fraher Field in 1983. Back Row Left to Right: Michael Dwyer, Colin Quarry, Seamus Mansfield, Tony Hamilton, Tomas Curran, David Burke, David Power, Chris Meehan, Peter Queally, Ger Moran, Willie Wade, Sean McGrath. Front Row Left to Right: Denis McGrath, Sean McGrath, Derek Lyons, Michael Butler, Fergal O Donnell, John Fitzgerald, Johnny Roche, Tomas Mac Craith, Dermot O’Callaghan, Morrie Ferncombe. and David Power excelled in the second half.

At centre field, Seamus Mansfield, whose fielding was first rate, and Peter Queally held the upper hand throughout and this pair laid the foundations for their deserved win. Up front, their forwards, without ever striking a top note so to speak, always had the

Clan Na Gael defence stretched.

Wing forward Dermot Callaghan, who had another busy hour, and Derek Lyons had excellent games and full forward Morrie Ferncombe again impressed emerging as the leading scorer with Tony Hamilton and sub Colin Quarry also having their moments.

On a disappointing Clan Na

Gael team, goalie Dermot Delaney had a star game with Ray O’Brien, Pat Trihy, Paul Murray and especially Greg Power also playing well.

Scorers – Dungarvan: Morrie Ferncombe 0-6, Tomas Mac Craith 1-0, Derek Lyons, Fergal O’Donnell and Tony Hamilton 0-1 each. Clan Na Gael: Greg Power 0-2, M. McGrath 0-1.

Dungarvan: Johnny Roche; Ger Moran, David Power, Chris Meehan; John Fitzgerald, David Burke, Tomas Curran; Seamus Mansfield, Peter Queally; Derek Lyons, Tony Hamilton, Dermot O’Callaghan; Tomas Mac Craith, Morrie Ferncombe, Fergal O’Donnell. Sub: Colin Quarry for Fergal O’Donnell.

Clan Na Gael: Dermot Delaney; G. Kennedy, P. McCabe, J. Power; J. Walsh, Ray O’Brien, Greg Power; Pat Trihy, Paul Murray; D, McMahon, M. McGrath, K. Murray; B. Kennedy, Ronan O’Brien, M. Corbett. Subs: R. Mahony and J. Costelloe.

Referee: Jim Joe Landers (Affane/Cappoquin).

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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GAA scene in the Déise BORD NA nÓG GAME IN 1983 LISMORE TAKE THEIR FIRST UNDER 16 ‘A’ HURLING COUNTY TITLE Lismore ……………………...5-7; Ballygunner …………………3-0.

LISMORE under 16 hurlers delighted their supporters at Walsh Park on Saturday last when they captured the Cathedral town club’s first ever County title in this grade.

The opening quarter produced the best fare and with 15 minutes played the score stood at 2-1 to 20 in Lismore’s favour following some exciting hurling. Then the Western champions scored two rather soft goals and led by 4-3 to 2-0 at the interval.

The scoring was low in the second half but the issue was never really in doubt. A goal by substitute Paul Prendergast wrapped up the game for the Western champions who were well served by Brendan Crowley, S. Prendergast, Richard Ronayne and A. Maher in defence.

Frank Power and P. Roche worked hard at centre field and in attack Brendan Lawton, Dan Geoghegan and M. Feeney achieved most.

Ballygunner played well in patches with their half backs Liam Hartley, M. Boyle and Stephen Frampton outstanding. C. Cantwell, J. Mullally and S. Lyons also played well.

A great deal of credit for Lismore’s victory must go to team officials Michael Ormonde, Billy

Kenneally, Denis Buckley, John Flynn and Donie Coughlan and of course the ground work put in at Lismore CBS by Bro. Dormer. After the game the County Board Chairman Tony Mansfield presented the cup to Lismore captain Dermot Lawton.

Scorers Lismore: M. Feeney 3-1, Frank Power and Paul Prendergast 1-0 each, Brendan Lawton and Dan Geoghegan 0-2 each, Brian O’Gorman and Richard Ronayne 0-1 each.

Ballygunner: M. Cummins, P. O’Connor and J. Mulally 1-0 each.

Lismore: M. O’Brien; M. Power, B. Crowley, J. Barry; S. Prendergast, R. Ronayne, A. Maher; F. Power, P. Roche; G. Sheehan, B. Lawton, B. O’Gorman; D. Geoghegan, M. Feeney, P. Kenneally.

Subs: Paul Prendergast, M. Coughlan, K. Lawton.

Ballygunner: R. Whitty; D. White, C. Cantwell, C. Hartley; M. Boyle, L. Hartley, S. Frampton; J. Mulally, S. Lyons; F. Tobin, D. Warren, N. Warren; P. O Connor, M. Cummins, B. O’Sullivan.

Referee: John Moore (Eire Og).

ST. SAVIOURS WIN UNDER 16 HURLING GRADE ‘B’ TITLE St. Saviours …………………8-9; Shamrocks ………………….1-1.

As expected, Eastern champions St. Saviours took the under 16 ‘B’ hurling title over a gallant Shamrocks team who battled to the final whistle.

St. Saviours: P. Halligan; A. Power, C. McLawrence, B. Thompson; R. Kent,

T. Power, D. Wyse; H. Power, M. Corcoran; B. Cheasty, B. Brophy, B. Oates; M. McHenry, K. Wilson, P. O’Keeffe.

Shamrocks: L. Murphy; K. Landers, L. Roche, M. Bumster; B. O’Sullivan, C. Geary, J. Treacy; L. Dalton, A. Murphy; E. Flanagan, B. Murphy, M. Sheehan; K. Leahy, M. Barron, P. Murphy.

Referee: David Kiely (Dungarvan).

UNDER 16 FOOTBALL TITLES GO EAST ‘A’ FINAL: De La Salle ………………… 1-7; Dungarvan ………………….1-4.

DLS dominated from the start and led by 1-5 to 0-1 at half-time. A goal and two points by Ger Beresford after the break brought Dungarvan back into the game but DLS held on to deservingly win a title that they last held in 1979.

Team captain Eamonn Mulligan was presented with the New York Cup which was donated by the Waterford Men’s Association in the ‘Big Apple’.

DLS: P. O’Neill; J. Dalton, N. O’Keeffe, P. Maher; M. Kelly, E. Mulligan, T. Pascal; M. Fanning, T. Clooney; M. Hennessy, J. French, J. Clooney; M. Murphy, D. Doyle, A. Brennan.

Dungarvan: Kealan O’Neill; John Ormonde, Sean McGrath, Anthony O’Mahony; Michael Veale, Johnny McGrath, Brendan Morrissey; Dermot O’Callaghan, Denis McGrath; Martin Geoghegan, Michael Dwyer, Owen Mansfield; Ger Beresford, John Carroll, Kieran Curran.

Referee: Noel O’Sullivan (Portlaw).

‘B’ FINAL St. Saviours ……………….. 3-7; Lismore ………………………1-6.

Lismore led by 1-5 to 1-3 after 40 minutes but goals by Ian Thompson and team captain Harry Power secured the under 16 ‘B’ football and hurling titles for the Ballybeg club. The first presentation of the magnificent Billy Henley Commemorative Cup was made to St. Saviours and Billy Henley senior presented a Man of the Match award to Derek Wyse of the winning team.

St. Saviours: E. Power; M. Corcoran, T. Ryan, B. Oates; B. Thompson, T. Power, B. Reidy; H. Power, B. McInerney; T. Higgins, D. Wyse, C. McLawrence; L. Quilty, S. Troy, B. Brophy. Sub: B. Cheasty.

Lismore: A. Bolger; S. Prendergast, B. Crowley, M. O’Brien; G. Sheehan, R. Ronayne, P. Roche; F. Power, B. Lawton; D. Geoghegan, M. Twomey, B. O’Gorman; A. Maher, M. Feeney, P. Kenneally. Subs: O. Madden, J. Barry.

Referee: Danny Duggan (Butlerstown).

COUNTY UNDER 14 FOOTBALL AND HURLING FINALS RESULTS UNDER 14’A’ FOOTBALL: Tramore 5-4; Dungarvan 0-2.

UNDER 14’B’ FOOTBALL: Gaultier 9-6 Sliabh gCua 0-1.

UNDER 14’A’ HURLING: Mount Sion 4-4; Dungarvan 0-2

UNDER 14 ‘B’ HURLING: De La Salle 6-6 St. Mary’s Touraneena 2-4 EAST WINS INAUGURAL JOHN REGAN TROPHY IN EXTRA-TIME THE first ever inter Divisional Under 14 football representative game for the John Regan Perpetual Trophy turned out to be a real cracker at the Portlaw venue on the first of September.

The Eastern boys had the edge all through yet the West side, with Tom Veale starring at full back, kept battling away and a goal by Kieran Hallahan kept them on level terms at the interval, 1-1 to 0-4.

On the turn over the Eastern boys pulled away and led by 2-6 to 1-3. Then in the final ten minutes, Martin Geoghegan converted a penalty and Pat Roche, now at midfield, scored a great goal from play to send the game to extra time.

The East led by 3-6 to 3-4 at half time in extra time and on the turn over their greater strength saw them get the scores for a deserved win over a great hearted West team.

East Waterford: A. Power (St. Saviours); K. Fitzgerald (St. Mary’s), A. Whelan (St. Mary’s), E. Fitzgerald (Gaultier); J. Power (St. Mary’s), L. Dobbyn (Tramore), L. Reynolds (Tramore); A. Sullivan (Kilmacthomas), D. Wyse (St. Saviours); E. Kehoe (Gaultier), L. Daniels (St. Saviours), V.

Burns (Tramore, Capt.); T. Walsh (DLS), T. Browne (Roanmore), M. Flynn (Gaultier).

West Waterford: T. McGrath (Dungarvan); B. Wade (St. Pats), T. Veale (Kilrossanty), E. Lonergan (Sliabh gCua); T. Allen (Dungarvan), P. Roche (Dungarvan), B. Morrissey (Dungarvan); M. O’Brien (Stradbally), P. Hallinan (Sliabh gCua); K. Hallahan (Sliabh gCua), M. Geoghegan (Dungarvan), J. Hallinan (Sliabh gCua); E. Burke (Dungarvan), R. Power (Kilrosanty), P. Power (St. Pat’s).

Referee: Tony Mansfield (Abeyside).

FOUR COUNTY TONY FORRISTAL UNDER 14 HURLING TOURNAMENT Organised by the Waterford Glass GAA, Kilkenny beat Waterford by in one semi final at the Mount Sion Grounds and Tipperary defeated Wexford in the second semi at the Glass Centre pitch. The Tipp boys won the final and Waterford beat Wexford for third spot.

Waterford Team: P. Flynn (Mount Sion); J. P. Moran (Dungarvan), L. Quinn (Mt. Sion), D. Power (Mt. Sion); J. Dower (Mt. Sion), T. Browne (St. Saviours), M. O’Brien (Lismore); P. Hallinan (St. Marys, West), F. Drohan (Mt. Sion); E. McGarry (Dungarvan); D. Wyse (St. Saviours), J. Meaney (Erins Own); J. J. Henley (Tallow), R, Frisby (Mt. Sion), M. Geoghegan (Dungarvan). Subs: J. Walsh (Mt. Sion), D. Duggan (DLS).

Selectors: Fr. P. Fitzgerald (St. Olivers), L. Looby (Ardmore), P. Power (St. Pats), J. Hennessy (Mount Sion), M. Brophy (St. Saviours).

COUNTY TEAMS IN 1983 MINOR FOOTBALL: Waterford 0-6; Limerick 0-5.

Tipperary 2-7; Waterford 0-6.

Waterford v Limerick: Dan McNamara (Ardmore); Ray O’Brien (Clann Na Gael), Conor O’Brien (Stradbally), David Mulvihill (Abbeyside); Kevin Mulcahy (Nire), David Burke (Dungarvan), Paul Connors (Stradbally); Liam O’Connor (Erin’s Own), John Douris (Clashmore); Kieran O’Brien (Tallow), Ronan O’Brien (Clann Na Gael), Pat Curran (Stradbally); Peter Queally (Dungarvan), Michael Guiry (Nire), Tomas Mac Craith (An Rinn).

Subs: Patsy Coffey (St. Pats), Ned Power (Kilmacthomas).

UNDER 21 HURLING: Waterford 1-11; Cork 1-11.

REPLAY: Cork 1-14; Waterford 1-10.

Replay Team: Pat Curran (Stradbally); Johnny Geary (Tallow), Frank O’Doherty (St. Mollerans), Paul Warren (Ballygunner); Sean Browne (Roanmore), Pat Connors (Passage), Pat Ryan (Mount Sion); Noelie Crowley (Roanmore), Pat Bennett (Ballysaggart); John Warren (Ballygunner), Michael Walsh (Ballyduff Upper), Kieran Delahunty (Roanmore); J. Dalton (Mount Sion), A. Cooney (Mount Sion), Philly Curley (Tallow).

Sub: Tom Larkin (Ballyduff Lower.).

JUNIOR HURLING: Cork 2-25; Waterford 3-13.

Waterford: P. Flynn; Joe Ahearne, M. Whelan, Ollie Whelan; M. Walsh, Pat Hally, P. Moore; Paul Warren, Liam Ahearne; S. Ahern, S. Harnedy, J. Connors; John Michael Kelly, P. J. Moroney, Vinny Connors. Subs: J. Connors, T. Reid.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Tipperary 2-8; Waterford 0-6.

Waterford: B. O’Connor; T. Patridge, N. Hayes, N. O’Donovan; J. Murphy, M. Crowley, P. Halley; K. Cliffe, R. Doyle; P. Keane, M. Costelloe, P. Daniels;

T. O’Grady, M. Lawlor, J. Purcell.

Subs: F. Murphy, C. Jones. P. Murphy.

SENIOR FOOTBALL: Clare 4-15; Waterford 0-5.

Waterford: Tom Hunt (Mitchels); David Kirwan (Stradbally), Michael Coffey (Stradbally), Martin Sheehan (Dungarvan); Roger Hynes (Clashmore), Tom Hayes (Bunmahon), Tom Condon (Sliabh gCua); Michael Goodwin (Tramore), Pat Keating (Kilrossanty); John Hartery (Tramore), Martin Reid (Killure), Denis Conway (Ardmore); Michael Hogan (Old Parish), Roger O’Halloran (Clashmore), Micheal Drummy (An Rinn). Subs: Pierie Whyte (Kilrossanty), Tom O’Brien.

SENIOR HURLING MUNSTER FINAL: Cork 3-22; Waterford 0-12 Waterford: John Power (Dunhill); Kevin Ryan (Mt. Sion), John Galvin (Portlaw), Seamie Hannon (Ballyduff Upper, Capt.); Connie Curley (Tallow), Pat McGrath (Mt. Sion), Pat Ryan (Mt. Sion); Mossie Walsh (Ballyduff Upper), Jimmy Hennebry (Portlaw); Eddie Rockett (Portlaw), Stephen Breen (Ferrybank), Tomas Maher (St. Finbarrs); Tom Casey (Dunhill), Michael Walsh (Ballyduff Upper), Jim Greene (Mt. Sion). Subs: Liam O’Brien (Tallow), Eddie Nolan (Roanmore).

UNDER 21 FOOTBALL: Cork 1-12; Waterford 0-9.

Waterford: Kevin Heffernan (Stradbally); Brendan Curry (Rathgormack), Gerry Casey (Faha), John Troy (Kilmacthomas); Pat Ryan (Brickeys), Martin Sheehan (Dungarvan), Shane Ahearne (Ferrybank); Michael Kavanagh (Dunhill), Pierie Whyte (Kilrossanty); Pat Hayes (Kilrossanty), Eoin O’Brien (Stradbally), Jim Maher (Kilrossanty); Peter Coughlan (Kilmacthomas), Liam O’Connor (Erin’s Own), M. Veale (Ardmore).

Subs: B. Reddy (Tramore), David Burke (Dungarvan).

MINOR HURLING: Tipperary 0-11; Waterford 1-7.

Waterford: Pat Curran (Stradbally); J. Regan (Portlaw), Damien Byrnes (Erin’s Own), Pat Power (St. Pats); Chris Meehan (Dungarvan), Ray O’Brien (Clan Na Gael), Pat Trihy (Clan Na Gael); Kevin

Ryan (Mount Sion), Peter Queally (Dungarvan); Patsy Coffey (St. Pat’s); Ronan O’Brien (Clan Na Gael), P. Murray (Clan Na Gael); Liam Ryan (Ballysaggart), Liam O’Connor (Erin’s Own), K. O’Brien (Tallow).

Subs: M. D. Curran (Clonea), Pat Ryan (Ballysaggart).

COUNTY CHAMPIONS 1983 HURLING Senior Hurling: Intermediate Hurling: Junior Hurling: Under 21 Hurling: Minor Hurling: Minor Hurling Special: Under 16 Hurling ‘A’: Under 16 Hurling ‘B’: Under 14 Hurling ‘A’: Under 14 Hurling ‘B’:

WINNERS Mount Sion St. Mary’s Ballyduff Lower Tallow Dungarvan Portlaw Lismore St. Saviours Mount Sion De La Salle

RUNNERS-UP Ballyduff Upper Ballygunner Stradbally Roanmore Erin’s Own Fourmilewater Ballygunner Shamrocks Dungarvan St. Mary’s

FOOTBALL Senior Football: Intermediate Football: Junior Football: Under 21 Football: Minor Football: Minor Football Special: Under 16 Football ‘A’: Under 16 Football ‘B’: Under 14 Football ‘A’: Under 14 Football ‘B’:

WINNERS Kilrossanty Nire Geraldines Kilrossanty Dungarvan Abbeyside De La Salle St. Saviours Tramore Gaultier

RUNNERS-UP Ferrybank Ballyduff Lower.

Dunhill Tramore Clan Na Gael Erin’s Own Dungarvan Lismore Dungarvan St. Mary’s

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Remembering 1983 on the GAA Scene in the Déise Gaelic Jottings from the year 1983 Newly formed Primary Schools Committee FOLLOWING a seminar in St. Augustines College, organised jointly by Bord Na nOg and Coiste Iomana Na Mumhan, a newly formed County Primary Schools Board has been set up. The chairman is Tallow’s Ned Power.

A mid County schools committee has already been set up by the County committee with John Duggan, Michael Culloo Jn. and Sheila Murphy in charge.

Our Primary school teachers clearly hold the key to the future and as we enter 1983 it is safe to say that Waterford is now in a stronger position than at any time before thanks to the interest and dedication of our National teachers to our games.

was suspended for two months for striking a player and for three months or discrediting the Association after his unauthorised incursion on to the field of play after his sending off.

Dublin’s Ray Hazley and Galway’s Tomas Tierney were both suspended for one month for striking a player. Dublin’s team manager Kevin Heffernan was suspended for three months for coming on to the field of play despite a warning from the referee. Galway’s former team manager Mattie McDonagh was cautioned for coming on to the field of play.

The Games Administration Committee is to meet again to consider the alleged incidents which took place in the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms at half time. It all certainly adds up to a very firm stand, and proper order, as we must all realise that our games must be conducted within the normal bounds of good sportsmanship.

Clubs regrade

Tradition Again

WITH Stradbally being granted regarding from intermediate hurling to the junior grade, there will be fourteen junior hurling team in 1983. Lismore, at their AGM opted to seek regarding to intermediate status which, if granted, will bring the number of teams in this grade to six for this year’s championship.

Shamrocks are seeking regrading to the junior grade in football which would leave four teams in the intermediate championship.

ON the Coise Clodagh in the Premier football championship at Dungarvan’s Fraher Field on Sunday last was John Mitchell’s Vinny Kirwan, one of the best corner forwards that we have seen in modern times in Waterford football. With him on the group side was his nephew Ray Kirwan, son of former Ralway Cup star Billy Kirwan to give us another example of tradition coming through.

Disappointing – “hit him” RECENTLY at an underage fixture it was most disappointing to have to listen to people on the sideline encouraging young players to hit their opponents. The policy or tactics apparently in some quarters is that a skilful player can only be contained by “softening him up’’ and sure enough one particular player was struck to the ground on three separate occasions after he delivered the ball.

Trophies BORD NA nOG is currently examining the position of all its trophies and in respect of the ‘A’ grades, everything is in order as the Ned Lonergan Cup is presented in hurling and the Tim Barry Cup in football.

At under 16 level, both cups were presented in 1966 by the Waterford Association in New York to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1916 and are so engraved and are magnificent trophies.

For the centenary year in 1984 it has been decided that decent trophies must be on offer for the Grade ‘B’ competitions and already a firm commitment to provide a cup for the under 14 hurling has been received. This leaves just three grades to be covered.

Any Old Time LAST Friday evening’s junior hurling championship (August 6th) replay between Cappoquin and Ballyduff, scheduled for a 7.30 p.m. start eventually got under way a few minutes before 8 p.m. as Ballyduff awaited the arrival of their jerseys.

Recently a game in another County got underway about 50 minutes late. A man remarked that up to a few years ago they always went by ‘’old time’’ for the late start.

Firm stand THE Games Administration Committee have certainly taken a very firm stand on the incidents which took place in the Dublin v Galway All Ireland football final. Dublin’s Kieran Duff has been suspended for twelve months for allegedly kicking a Galway player on the ground. Dublin’s Brian Mullins

For the record FOR the record we give the highest winning margins in the Munster senior hurling finals since they commenced in 1887.

1918: Limerick 11-3; Clare 1-2 = 31pts.

1982: Cork 5-31; Waterford 3-6 = 31pts.

1903: Cork 5-16; Waterford 1-1 = 27 pts.

1904: Cork 7-12; Limerick 1-4 = 27pts.

1895: Tipperary 7-8; Limerick 0-5 = 24pts.

1899: Tipperary 5-16; Clare 0-8 = 23pts.

1896: Tipperary 7-9; Cork 2-3 = 21pts.

1893: Cork 4-8; Limerick 0-0 = 20pts.

1905: Cork 7-12; Limerick 3-4. = 20pts.

1962: Tipperary 5-14; Waterford 2-3 = 20pts.

1915: Cork 8-2; Clare 2-1 = 19pts.

1983: Cork 3-22; Waterford 0-12 = 19pts.

1965: Tipperary 4-11; Cork 0-5 = 18 pts.

1900: Tipperary 6-11; Kerry 1-9 = 17pts.

1925: Tipperary 6-6; Waterford 2-2. = 16pts.

1958: Tipperary 4-12; Waterford 1-5 = 16pts.

1942: Cork 4-10; Tipperary 4-1 = 15pts.

Fined AT last week’s Western Board meeting, the Ballinacourty and Modeligo clubs were fined five pounds each for being late for their recent junior football league matches. This action by the Divisional Board is certain to result in clubs paying more attention to prompt time-keeping or otherwise they will also be paying fines.

County crest HERE we go again with the vexed question about the Waterford County crest. On Friday evening last in the Munster minor football semi final against Tippperary, the crossed hurleys crest was again in evidence and in truth nothing looks more sillier than this crest on footballers’ jerseys.

Brothers all

Pictured are the Walsh brothers Michael, Mossie and Richie Walsh in 1983.

LAST year, the three Walsh Brothers from Ballyduff, Mossie, Richie and Michael lined out for Waterford’s senior hurlers and it was the first time in thirty years that three brothers had played together on the County team in an official fixture. Going back those

thirty years to the 10th of February 1952 we find that on the Waterford team to play Antrim four Fives brothers from Tourin were on duty i.e. Paddy, Moss, Jim and Tom. They were big men in every sense of the word. At full back that day was Davy Walsh, then

Mossie O’Connor THE news of the death of Cappoquinn’s Mossie O’Connor came as a shock to GAA fans all over the County last week. He died watching a game in progress at the Cornerstone venue.

Mossie O’Connor gave outstanding service to the Cappoquin/ Affane club as a player and club official over the years. He also helped out the Modeligo club in recent times.

In former times, he hurled with the Sarsfield club in Cork and he won two County medals with them and an All Ireland medal with Cork in 1952.

Falling attendances IT comes as no great surprise that the question of falling attendances was addressed at the Annual Congress of the GAA in Galway. The policy of continuing to televise the All Ireland football semifinals live is going to ensure more than ever in the current economic climate that fans will weigh up the transport, meals and admission costs before making a journey and the gradual decline in the attendances in the football semi finals will continue while they are televised live.

Remembered

Glory for the Glens

THERE was a fine attendance at the Kilgobinet Handball alley on Saturday evening last and one heard a lot of discussion on the subject of former players. Often mentioned were the names of the Fahey brothers of Kilnafrehan, Joe and Tommy who won many County handball titles and for many years kept the local club going.

ON Sunday last at Casement Park in Belfast, Antrim hurling champions Loughgeil captured the All Ireland club senior hurling title when they defeated Offaly champions St. Rynagh’s and by any standards it was a truly magnificent achievement by the hurlers from the Glens.

Down through the generations, they have kept the

playing with Tourin.

Davy played for Dublin in the 1948 All-Ireland final against Waterford and interestingly only four years on from that victory, only Mick Hayes and Jackie Goode were listed for duty that February against Antrim.

game of hurling alive against all the odds and their dedication and loyalty to our National games has been rewarded in capturing the highest award at club level that is possible.

Hurling men in every corner of the 32 Counties were delighted with Loughgiel’s victory.

In top condition MAY 1983: The Stradbally pitch was in top class condition on Sunday last and at a time when most venues were close to being unplayable it was a very pleasant change to see a football actually hopping off the sod.

Coaching Course TEACHERS interested in participating in the hurling coaching course at Dungarvan CBS which will be staged from July 4th to 8th inclusive can contact James Bennett (Ballysaggart) who has been appointed as course administrator.

Fr. P. Fitzgerald, chairman of the newly formulated County Coaching committee is most anxious that this important course receives the support it deserves.

Memorial to Christy Ring ON Sunday last, Jack Lynch unveiled a bronze memorial in the village of Cloyne in East Cork to commemorate the memory of the great Cork hurling star Christy Ring and afterwards the hurlers of Cork and Wexford played a senior hurling tournament game.

Ring deserves o be remembered as his very spirit and attitude epitomised all that is best in hurling.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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SUPER GOALS SEALS TITLE FOR BALLYDUFF JJ Kavanagh and Sons County Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Championship Final County Board Chairman Paddy Joe Ryan presents the cup to Ballyduff Upper's captain Andrew Casey after they defeated Roanmore in their J. J. Kavanagh & Sons U-21B County Hurling Final played in the Fraher Field. [Maurice Hennebry]

Ballyduff ……………………3-10; Roanmore ………………...…2-6.

THE Fraher Field on a dark December evening, three days before Christmas, was the last place one would want to visit but in retrospect it was well worth it as this County under 21 ‘B’ Hurling final produced four of the best goals witnessed at the venue this year.

They say they keep the best wine ‘til last and this was indeed the case here goal scoring wise with Fionnan Hickey bagging a brace of quality green flags for the winners, Andrew Casey scoring the best of the lot and then Billy Nolan burying the sliotar in the town end goal from a close in free that the net itself was stretched to save.

The wet underfoot conditions made life tough for both teams but Ballyduff adapted the better and their first touch was superior throughout to their Eastern counterparts. Certainly, Ballyduff mentors Kevin Casey, Pat Murphy and Jamie Hannon had their charges firing on all cylinders and once again it is positive to see club senior players getting involved in training their underage sides.

Ballyduff captain Andrew Casey led by example from start to finish and an attendance that paid €820 in saw him score the first of his game tally of 1-5 (2f) from a placed ball in the 4th minute. Roanmore’s Billy Nolan, lining out at centre for-

ward, equalised five minutes later in a moiety that was very evenly played out for the first 25 minutes.

Sean Casey edged Ballyduff ahead in the 10th minute before Roanmore took the lead for the only time during the course of the hour per minor scores by Cian Wadding and a contender for score of the match from play by Billy Nolan. Both sets of forwards were guilty of a number of wides at the beginning of the second quarter before the best defender on view on both sides, Ballyduff’s Oran Leamy, timely intercepted the sliotar on rout to an empty net twenty minutes in.

The winning captain, Andrew Casey gave us signs of imminent happenings when he dissected the Roanmore defence in the 24th minute before passing to younger brother Sean, whose effort on goal was well stopped by Roanmore custodian Callum O’Brien Connolly.

Ballyduff were beginning to turn the screw though and a brace of pointed frees by the influential throughout Eoghan Murray left the Westerners to the good by 0-5 to 0-3 after 28 minutes of play.

They say that a goal just before the break is the timeliest of all scores in a game and in the first of the two minutes of added time, Ballyduff scored a classic. There were four players involved in the best team move of the night before

Fionnan Hickey knocked the dew of the town end net with an unstoppable strike. Andrew Casey quickly added a point from play, and a good one it was too, with the Reds firmly in the driving seat entering the dressing rooms, 1-6 to 0-3 in front. Both teams struck four first half wides each and Ballyduff conceded five frees to Roanmores eight.

The start of the second half belonged to Ballyduff. Andrew Casey pointed a free to keep Roanmore on the backfoot and after three minutes, Fionnan Hickey had a good goal scoring chance from a Sean Casey pass with perhaps Sean Tanner a better option unmarked inside.

However, the Reds’ second goal was not that far away and in the 35th minute, Andrew Casey scored the best individual major score at the venue this year. Collecting the sliotar on the half way line, he first of all had to shrug of the close attentions of Billy Nolan before soloing through the heart of the Roanmore defence, weaving around sky blue jerseys before planting the ball without catching it into the country end goal. This effort best describes Casey’s true potential and it is a score that he nor anyone else at the Shandon venue will forget quickly, 2-7 to 0-3.

Roanmore’s plight was emphasised in enduring a 28 minute bar-

Ballyduff Upper who defeated Roanmore in their J. J. Kavanagh & Sons U-21B Co. Hurling Final played in the Fraher Field. [Maurice Hennebry]

ren scoring spell straddling both halves before Billy Nolan pointed a 39th minute free from a distance.

Even at this early stage when trailing by 0-10, the Eastern champions set their minds on scoring goals alone to reduce their huge deficit.

To their credit, it worked to a certain degree, Billy Nolan’s 46th minute effort skimmed over the bar before his close in free two minutes later proved unstoppable, reminiscent of three such goals by Ballyduff goalie Aidan Power against Dungarvan some years back in the senior championship, 2-8 to 1-5.

The next score was going to be crucial here and we didn’t have to wait long for it, two minutes in fact.

Eoghan Murray’s long delivery from a free was met off the sod by Fionnan Hickey, directing it into the roof of the net, reminding the older generation present how the game of hurling used to be played.

Back to the other end of the field in this thrilling second half and on this occasion Billy Nolan’s close in free in the 52nd minute was blocked by a determined Red’s defence which overall coped very well with Roanmore’s final quarter onslaughts.

At the same time Roanmore’s renowned spirit was rewarded in the 54th minute when Billy Nolan’s long delivery was finished by Tadhg Ryan to the net, 3-8 to 2-5. This

final goal of the evening was practically negated by quality points from play by brothers Andrew and Sean Casey before Billy Nolan (f) finished off the scoring in the 62nd minute.

Christmas came early so to the aptly coloured Reds, whose work at underage this year saw them win County under 16 and under 21 titles as well as contesting the minor decider against Kilrossanty.

Ballyduff’s solid defence confined Roanmore to 1-4 from play with Peter Kennedy catching the eye and corner forward Aidan O’Brien also did some valuable work back helping this sector at times. His older brother Eoin and Sean Kenny worked tremendously hard around the centre of the field and all who saw action up front contributed to a famous victory in this final under 21 game in the County.

Roanmore came to the Fraher Field after a very good win in the Eastern championship just four days previously and maybe this match was still in their legs as they never seemed to get going here.

Billy Nolan did all and more than what one man can do but the spark was lacking in the side to bring this game down to the wire.

PRESENTATION Chairman of the Western Board Paddy Joe Ryan presented the cup to the winning captain Andrew

Casey in front of the huge Ballyduff support amid scenes of great excitement.

Ballyduff’s Top Three: Andrew Casey, Oran Leamy, Fionnan Hickey.

Roanmore’s Top Three: Billy Nolan, Cian Baldwin, Ciaran Lane.

Observer’s Man of the Match: Andrew Casey.

Number of Scorers: Ballyduff 4.

Roanmore 3.

Scores From Play: Ballyduff 3-5.

Roanmore 1-4.

Frees For: Ballyduff 12. Roanmore 14.

Wides: Ballyduff 11. Roanmore 6.

Score of the Match: Andrew Casey’s 35th minute goal for Ballyduff.

Scorers – Ballyduff: Andrew Casey 1-5 (1-2f), Fionnan Hickey 2-0, Eoghan Murray 0-3f, Sean Casey 0-2.

Roanmore: Billy Nolan 1-5(1-2f), Tadhg Ryan 1-0, Cian Wadding 0-1.

Ballyduff: Conor Sheehan; Eanna Hyland, Oran Leamy, Thomas McDonagh; Peter Kennedy, Eoghan Murray, Jack McDonagh; Eoin O’Brien, Sean Kenny; Aidan O’Brien, Andrew Casey, Fionnan Hickey; Bill Keane, Sean Tanner, Sean Casey. Subs: Jack Barry for Sean Tanner (43), Paddy Drislane for Bill Keane (60).

Roanmore: Callum O’Brien Connollly; James Morrissey, Cian Baldwin, Ciaran Lane; Craig Norris, Craig Reidy, Sean Barrett; Harry White, Conor Ryan; Jake O’Sullivan, Billy Nolan, Ian Chester; Tadhg Ryan, Josh O’Brien, Cian Wadding. Subs: Shane Roche for Conor Ryan (23), Reece Flanagan for Jake O’Sullivan (43), Max O’Mahony for Ciaran Lane (53).

Referee: Thomas Walsh (Modeligo).

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

REMEMBERING OTHER DAYS …

Tournament games in Waterford

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Pat Veale, Ballysaggart GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer and Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

FROM THE FILES OF THE DUNGARVAN OBSERVER 66 Main Street, Dungarvan This week's photograph features some of the stewards at the Kill GAA Senior Football Tournament Final between Stradbally and Ferrybank in 1983. Left to right: Paddy Regan, Bobby Mulcahy, Bernie O’Brien, Tom Joe Dunford, Nicholas Power, Donal Flynn, Peter Whelan, Michael Og Regan.

(058) 45590 nicky@mckennacomputers.com

Club Focus Wednesday, 2nd December, 1998.

LADIES FOOTBALL

Ballymacarbry lands All-Ireland title number ten Ballymacarbry 2-15; Portabello 0-8.

BALLYMACARBRY chalked up All-Ireland title number ten in twelve years at Bit on Sunday last when they overcame Dublin champions Portabello.

Played as part of a double header with the Junior decider which saw Louth’s Cooley defeat Ballyvourney, it attracted a large attendance on a beautiful day.

The pitch was soft but as good as one could hope for on the last Sunday of November and Ballymacarbry were quickly into gear as Catriona Casey pointed a free after sixty seconds. Portabello looked very fit and sharp and within a minute Marie Gallagher levelled it up. Martina O’Ryan, who turned on a five star performance marking Fionnuala Ruane, nudged Ballymacarbry back in front where they comfortably stayed for the rest of the game.

Claire Ryan, who had an excellent game, scored the first of her five points in the 5th minute. But Portabello broke down field and Fionnula Ruane pointed. In the 11th minute Annalisa Crotty’s pinpoint pass put Geraldine O’Ryan in and she slammed the ball past goalkeeper Gabrielle Ruane. Fiona Crotty clipped over a point and Ballymacarbry were now in full flight.

Claire Ryan (twice), the second following a quick taken free by Geraldine O’Ryan, added points.

Before Aine Wall and Fiona Crotty put Annalisa Crotty through and she virtually signed, sealed and delivered victory with an excellent goal, even though

there was only 18 minutes played. Further points from Aine Wall (twice) and Claire Ryan, to a lone effort from Christine McGinnitty, left Ballymacarbry 2-9 to 0-3 ahead at the interval.

Portabello did make a great effort in the third quarter shooting five points per Marie Gallagher (2), McGinnitty, Mary Brennan and Mary Breheny. But Rebecca Hallahan (2) and Catriona Casey (free) left the score 2-12 to 0-8 after 45 minutes. Once again Ballymacarbry took over and Hallahan, Geraldine O’Ryan and Claire O’Ryan all found range to ensure a comfortable victory.

Aine Ryan made a couple of excellent saves but overall got protection from her defence. The full back line of Paula Walsh, Siobhan O’Ryan and Helen Fitzpatrick proved a major stumbling block for Portabello, not that too much got past Sinead Walsh, Noirin Walsh and Regina Byrne.

Both midfielders Martina O’Ryan and Catriona Casey, scored, along with all six forwards and that was essentially the difference between the teams.

When the need arose the Ballymacarbry attack stepped up a gear and notched the necessary scores.

National President, Noel Murray, presented the Dolores Tyrrell Memorial Cup to Ballymacarbry captain Rebecca Hallahan. Full credit goes to team manager Bridget Grant who ensured that the team didn’t get carried away in the tide of celebrations after Waterford’s victory over Monaghan and were well prepared for this game.

Catriona Casey, Aine Wall, Sinead Walsh, Ann Dunford and Patricia Butler were winning their 10th All-Ireland Club medal. Indeed for Catriona and Aine it was All-Ireland medal No. 21 in all grades since 1986.

Ballymacarbry: Aine Ryan; Paula Walsh, Siobhan O’Ryan, Helen Fitzpatrick; Sinead Walsh, Noirin Walsh, Regina Byrne; Martina O’Ryan (0-1), Catriona Casey (0-2); Annalisa Crotty (1-0), Rebecca Hallahan (0-3), Fiona Crotty (0-1); Aine Wall (0-3), Claire Ryan (0-5), Geraldine O’Ryan (1-1). Subs: Amy Fahy, Ann Dunford, Melissa Wash, Leanne Walsh, Shirley Condon, Linda Wall, Patricia Butler.

Youghal Road, Dungarvan, Co Waterford. 087 2674890 Dungarvanstatoil@cablesurf.com

FORDE’S DAYBREAK FORECAST CORNER 2014: 529 Forecasts: 342 Correct. 187 Incorrect. Success Rate: 64.6%.

2015: 565 Forecasts: 345 Correct. 220 Incorrect. Success Rate: 61.1%.

2016: 516 Forecasts: 363 Correct. 153 Incorrect. Success Rate: 70%.

2017: 479 Forecasts: 327 Correct. 152 Incorrect. Success Rate: 68.3% 2018: 454 Forecasts: 305 Correct. 149 Incorrect. Success Rate: 67.1%.

“OLD GAELS CAN PAUSE AND PONDER, WHEN THE SHADES ARE DRAWING NIGH, AND OUR MINDS BEGIN TO WANDER BACK, TO DAYS NOW LONG GONE BY’’.

IN years gone by, club football and hurling tournaments proved very popular and they attracted large attendances to venues when there wasn't as many championship games in a year on the fixtures calendar.

These tournaments provided valuable games for the participating

clubs while from the organisers point of view, they were, more often than not, a financial bonanza.

In the 1960's Dunhill attracted the best senior hurling teams in the Country to their tournament with the crowds flocking to the east Waterford venue to see some tremendous hurling.

At one stage or another all the top hurlers in the Country graced the venue with their presence.

Up West in the 1970's, the Keaneland Cup in aid of the Lismore CBS Building Fund was the mecca for hurling followers with the Castle Farm venue packed on many occasions.

This tournament was arguably number 2 in importance and in popularity after the County SHC itself.

Back East and Kill staged a very attractive senior football tournament in the 1980's and the results annually gave a guide as to who were the front runners for the Conway Cup. The intermediate and junior clubs also catered for teams in their own grades in both divisions in Waterford in organising tournaments and the pity is now that this once very popular aspect our games is consigned to the history books.

Dungarvan GAA Annual 2018 hits the shelves THE Dungarvan GAA Annual covering the happenings of the town club both on and off the fields in 2018 have hit the shelvesand are available in Conor Lannon's Country Store, Johnny Lynch, Fruit and Veg in the Shopping Centre and in Albert McGrath's Newsagents, Mitchel Street, all three outlets great supporters of the Blues.

Priced at €10.

McGrath’s Newsagents MITCHEL STREET, DUNGARVAN 058-41661 Newspapers • Sweets • General Grocery

TEAMS OF TIMES GONE BY EASY FOR LONGFORD Championship: National Football League. Date: Sunday, 29th November, 1998. Venue: Pearse Park.

Half-time score: Longford 0-9; Waterford 0-6. Full-time score: Longford 1-14; Waterford 0-10.

Waterford scorers: A. Fitzpatrick 0-6, A. Ahearne 0-2, F. O’Brien 0-1, P. Foley 0-1.

Waterford: T. Brennan; D. Crotty, M. Fenton, J. Crotty; G. Walsh, V. Murray, J. Fitzpatrick; R. Power, F. O’Brien; D. Whelan, A. Ahearne, R. Hennessy; P. Fitzgerald, P. Foley, A. Fitzgerald. Sub: K. Lonergan for Murphy (54 mins.)

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

11

Gaelic Jottings Ballyduff’s first and last County Under 21 Hurling title BALLYDUFF Upper’s recent victory in the under 21 ‘B’ hurling final against Roanmore raised the question did the Reds win a County title in this age group previously? Subject to correction, this was indeed Ballyduff’s first County title win. What is very interesting is that after many years of earnest endeavour, Ballyduff achieved this coveted win in the very last year that the under 21 championship is being played. The Reds tasted defeat in four previous finals up to this year, including two in the 'A' grade and one of these premier grade finals was after a replay.

Back in 1995, the Reds won the Western ‘A title against Tallow/ Shamrocks by 0-12 to 1-4 in Cappoquin after defeating Lismore in the semi-final.

They then went on to draw with Mount Sion in the County final on a score of 1-12 to 2-9 before losing out in the replay by 3-13 to 0-9, both games being played at the Portlaw venue.

The 1995 Western final winning team lined out as follows: John Twomey; P. Scanlon, T. Scanlon, T. Molumphy; M. Drislane, T. Feeney, G. Feeney; A. Martin, P. Molumphy; J. Feeney, D. Drislane, K. Geary; G. Barry, I. Corcoran, B. Hannon. Sub: K. Barry.

In 2005, Ballyduff again won the Western ‘A’ title with a 2-8 to 2-6 win over Abbeyside before losing out to Ballygunner in the County final by 1-14 to 0-8.

2005 Western final winning team: A. Power; D. Twomey, S. Feeney, K. Moroney; S. Hannon, S. Cunningham, C. Hannon; S. Molumphy, G. O’Donovan; S. Hannon, P. Hickey, J. Kearney; S. Kearney, W. Power, P. Kearney. Sub: C. Feeney.

In 2010, Ballyduff won the Western ‘B’ final against the Brickeys but again tasted defeat in the County final, this time to Portlaw.

The 2010 Western final winning team was as follows: James Daly, William Keane, Maurice McNamara, Tomás Moroney, Bernard Flynn, Alex Noonan, Jamie Hannon, Eoin Hogan, Conor Geary, Shane Kearney, Tom Noonan, Eoin Scanlon, Kevin Casey, Liam Byrnes, David Walsh. Sub: Colm Horgan for Liam Byrnes.

On to 2016 and Ballyduff defeated An Ghaeltacht in the Western final by 1-14 to 1-8 before losing out to Passage in the County final by 2-9 to 1-7 at the Fraher Field in January 2017.

The 2016 Western final winning team: Conor Sheehan; Oran Leamy, Denis McDonagh, Eanna Hyland; Thomas McDonagh, Eoghan Murray, Oisin Hickey; Eoin O’Brien, Mikey Kearney; Mark Dooling, Andrew Casey, Adam Feeney; Cian Leamy, Sean Tanner, Sean Casey. Subs: Sean Kenny for Sean Tanner, Bill Keane for Mark Dooling.

Well, Ballyduff are well known for their determination to the cause and the County title in this age group, in its very last year of existence, came their way most deservingly in the 2018 decider against Roanmore before Christmas on a score of 3-10 to 2-6.

The 2018 Western and County winning team: Conor Sheehan; Eanna Hyland, Oran Leamy, Thomas McDonagh; Peter Kennedy, Eoghan Murray, Jack McDonagh; Eoin O’Brien, Sean Kenny; Aidan O’Brien, Andrew Casey, Fionnan Hickey; Bill Keane, Sean Tanner, Sean Casey. Subs: Jack Barry for Sean Tanner (43), Paddy Drislane for Bill Keane (60).

New Western Board Chairman ABBEYSIDE/BALLINACOURTY’S Neil Moore takes up the reins of chairman of the Western Board for 2019 following the election of Pat Grant as one of the Waterford representatives on the Munster Council at the recent County convention. The Fourmilewater/ Nire clubman recently began his fifth and final year as Western chairman but he has stepped down from this position, as expected, now that he is on the Provincial Council.

There was only one nominee to replace the outgoing chairman and so the current vice chair Neil Moore will take the helm in the coming weeks thus leaving a vacancy for the latter position with nominations closed since December 28th last. This position will be filled at the affiliations meeting of the Board on the 10th of January. The championship structure meeting of the Western Board will take place on the 28th of January.

Transfer deadline THE final date to apply for a transfer inside the County for the 2019 season is this Friday, January 4th. Inter County transfers for club players can be applied for at any stage during the year if the player hasn’t lined out for his current club in the meantime.

County teams in action this Sunday McGrath Cup Senior Football: Waterford v Clare in Gold Coast Sunday, January 6th at 1 p.m.

Munster Senior Hurling League: Waterford v Clare in Fraher Field at 3 p.m.

The McGrath Cup semi-final between ourselves and Clare has been moved from the Fraher Field to the Gold Coast and this game will be Waterford’s first competitive outing under its new management. Participating in a higher division than us in the National Football League, the Banner County will be expected to prevail but this will be a worthwhile outing for Benji Whelan’s charges ahead of the first league game at home to Wicklow on the weekend of January 26th/27th.

Our hurlers also play hosts to Clare this Sunday, who have already defeated Cork in the first round of the Munster hurling league. Waterford play Cork in Mallow this Wednesday evening, January 2nd ahead of the Clare game and both Deise teams should have an experimental look about them.

Waterford’s hurling opponents win Round 1 A LATE scoring blitz saw Clare get the better of Cork in the opening round of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League in Ennis on Saturday last. The Banner trailed the Rebels for all but three minutes of regulation time, but hit 1-03 unanswered in the closing six minutes to snatch victory in front of an attendance of 1,987 at Cusack Park.

The Rebels appeared to be closing out the game when the home side roared back into the contest, much to the delight of the sizeable crowd. Substitute Colin Guilfoyle’s goal two minutes from time was the catalyst and reduced the

The Casey family pictured after Ballyduff under 21 hurlers beat Roanmore in the County final at the Fraher Field. Left to Right: Cathal, Sean, Geraldine, Andrew (Capt.) and Mossie.

gap to the bare minimum.

A Deasy free drew the sides level for the first time and the momentum was very much with the home side. Clare took the lead for the first time with the clock in the red courtesy of Ryan Taylor, with Diarmuid Ryan sealing a dramatic 1-20 to 0-21 victory.

Players of the Faithful THE RTÉ documentary about one of the most famous moments in GAA history aired on last Friday night, and it proved to be a hit with viewers. ‘Players of the Faithful’ recounts the story of how Offaly defeated Kerry in the 1982 All-Ireland SFC final and stopped one of the greatest ever football teams from winning an unprecedented five-in-a-row.

Interviews with various players from that Offaly team are featured in the programme, along with the manager who masterminded that incredible feat, Eugene McGee. It also includes archive footage from the game and other events surrounding Offaly’s triumph. Various GAA figures including Tomás Ó Sé and Carlow football manager Turlough O’Brien were impressed by how the story was told.

Matt Connor the Best.....Darragh Maloney Players of the Faithful features Offaly legends Matt and Richie Connor, Seamus Darby, Martin Furlong and Gerry Carroll and steps inside the dressing room during one of the richest periods in Offaly’s past. Matt Connor’s talent, in particular, stands out during the film. His performance against Kerry in the 1980 All-Ireland semi-final, where he scored 2-9 in a five-point defeat, was seen as a warning sign to the Kingdom for what was to come.

“Matt Connor was the best footballer I’ve ever seen, even now – he was just an absolute genuis,” says RTÉ presenter Darragh Maloney. The way he was able

to sort of stroll around the field. He had this languid style – his head was kind of pushed forward a little bit, the shoulders pushed back and he just had this incredible way of kicking the football.”

The documentary also examines the influence of Bórd na Móna and the ESB in providing steady jobs for young men in the midlands in the 1970s and 80s. This played its part in building the team that shocked the Kingdom, which included five sets of brothers. Offaly’s All-Ireland win arrived during a time where Mick O’Dwyer’s Kerry and Kevin Heffernan’s Dublin were enjoying considerable success in the game.

Called it a day A HOST of well-known Gaelic footballers departed the inter-county arena this year.

All-Ireland winners and provincial champions were among them, while some long-serving servants also hung up their boots.

1. Michael Shields (Cork). 2. Gary Sice (Galway). 3. Brian Kavanagh (Longford). 4. Diarmuid Masterson (Longford). 5. Mark Breheny (Sligo). 6.

Seanie Buckley (Limerick). 7. Johnny McCarthy (Limerick). 8. Kieran Donaghy (Kerry). 9. Donnchadh Walsh (Kerry). 10.

Eamonn Callaghan (Kildare). 11. Sean Armstrong (Galway). 12. Anthony Maher (Kerry). 13. Darran O’Sullivan (Kerry) 14.

Charlie Harrison (Sligo). 15. George Hannigan (Tipperary). 16. John McGrath (Wicklow). 17. Ciaran Hyland (Wicklow).

18. Mark Lynch (Derry). 19. Donncha O’Connor (Cork). 20. Colm O’Neill (Cork). 21. Alan Mulhall (Offaly). 22.

Brian Darby (Offaly). 23. Darren Strong (Laois).

Board of Directors for Pairc Ui Chaoimh THE newly formed Board of Directors of Páirc Uí Chaoimh has held its first meet-

ing and has tasked board directors with examining figures to clarify the costs relating to the stadium redevelopment.

The establishment of the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh Board of Directors was a move designed to separate the finances of the stadium from the finances of the Cork County Board.

Croke Park stadium director Peter McKenna estimated that the final cost of the redevelopment would be in the region of €110m and while Cork GAA Chairperson Tracey Kennedy insisted that Páirc Uí Chaoimh will stay in Cork hands, they have entered into a threeyear commercial arrangement with Croke Park. The new board - Stáid Cois Laoi - has been formed out of that arrangement based on the business model of Pairc an Chrocaigh Teoranta, run by McKenna.

The playing surface will be one of the first things addressed in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.The meeting confirmed that remedial work will take place on the playing surface to ensure that it will be capable of hosting games fixed for Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 2019.

"This work will be completed ahead of the commencement of the Allianz Leagues and it is not expected that a replacement of the pitch will be needed in the short term."

Scór Na Seachtaine ANDREW Casey’s superb 35th minute solo goal for Ballyduff in the County under 21 ‘B’ hurling final against Roanmore in the Fraher Field.

Sympathy THE Observer extends its sincere sympathy to Tom Corcoran and family, Bohadoon on the death of his wife Ann Marie recently. Ann Marie was a native of Kiskeam, Mallow.Tom is a key part of Club Deise that supports our County teams in a very practical way every year.

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GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Kilrossanty CLOTTO SPONSORED BY KILL AGRICULTURAL LTD. CLOTTO RESULTS No winner of a Jackpot of €10,100 held in Micilin's Bar, Kilrossanty, on Sunday night 23/12/18 numbers were 2,12,13,19. €30 won by the following people: Ger Foley, Grawn; Pat Hayes, The Pike. Seller’s prize of €30 won by Jason Dee, Leamybrien.

On duty on the night were Michael Keating and Benny Whyte.

No winner of a Jackpot of €10,200 held in Crotty's Inn, Leamybrien, on Sunday night 30/12/18. Numbers were 4, 8, 9,11. €30 won by the following people: Nicola Griffin, C/O Crotty's; Cyril Raher, Clonea. The Seller’s prize of €30 won by Tom Barry, C/O Crotty's. Next Clotto to be held in Micilin's Bar, Kilrossanty, on Sunday night 6/1/2019 for a Jackpot of €10,300. On duty on the night Kenny Houlihan and Jason Dee. CLUB DEVELOPMENT DRAW The Third Club Development Draw took place in Micilin's Bar, Kilrossanty on Saturday last 29th December the next Draw will take place in March 2019 in Crotty's Inn, Leamybrien Thank to everyone for your continued support. The lucky winners to come out are as follows: 1st €500 Will Cusack.

2nd €300 Frances Hogan.

3rd €200 P. J. Comyn.

4th €100 Tom Prendergast.

5th €100 Ger and Mary Walsh.

6th €75 Extra Christmas Prize James Comyn, 7th €75 Extra Christmas Prize Mark and Lynda Lonergan, 8th €75 Extra Christmas Prize Jimmy Doocey, 9th €75 Extra Christmas Prize Barry and Aoife Prendergast, 10th €50 Eamon and Margaret Walsh, 11th €50 Stephen Fahey, 12th €50 Dinny Barry, 13th €50 Dermot and Rosemary Ahearne, 14th €50 Keith Hogan, 15th €50 Seamus and Amy Veale, ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The AGM takes place on Friday, 11th January, 2019 at 8 p.m. in St. Bridget's Hall, Kilrossanty. All are welcome including new members.

MONSTER BINGO Our Next Monster Bingo will take place will in the New year 25th January, 2019 in Crotty's Inn, Leamybrien.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Kilrossanty GAA would like to wish all its members and supporters and Players a happy Peaceful and prosperous 2019.

ASTROTURF PITCH BOOKINGS Kilrossanty GAA are now taking bookings for our recently developed artificial playing pitch. If you would like to book a time slot please contact Kevin on 0876021964.

GYM MEMBERSHIP Now that the New Year is upon us, why not join the Gym and get fitter. And stronger membership for the year is only €99 so why not call in any evening and try out our facilities before you join, or give Jason a call on 087 7836731 if you would like a price for families or couples.

RECYCLED CLOTHES We are still collecting old clothes, shoes, curtains, sheets etc. So, if you are doing a clear out please bring them to the GAA club and put them in the recycling bin.

Kilmacthomas KILMACTHOMAS GAA AGM Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday, 11th January, 2018. After a very successful year we have big plans for 2019 and we're looking for volunteers to come on board and help us! For more information contact Tyrone (087) 1234110.

KILMACTHOMAS SOCIAL The club will hold a victory social in The Park Hotel Dungarvan on Friday, 25th January. This will be a four-course meal, with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Live music on the night from The Renegades. Tickets will cost €40 per person. This is guaranteed to be a great night offering us a chance to look back on what has been an amazing year. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the club or by contacting Tyrone on (087) 123 4110.

Kill LOTTO At last week’s lotto draw held in Kirwan’s Bar there was no winner of the €10,000 lotto jackpot. There were two match 3 winners on the night, who were Peter Torpey and Eimear Corcoran. The numbers drawn were 1, 8, 15 & 19.

CHRISTMAS DRAW The five winners of our Lotto Christmas draw worth €100 each were Killian Power, Ger Guiry, Eddie Casey, Sean Power and a combined ticket of Ray and Imelda Murphy.

AGM Kill GAA club’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, 3rd January in the club house starting at 7.30 p.m. We would ask all existing members to attend and any new members are more than welcome.

LONG PUCK Last Thursday, 27th December Kill GAA club’s 17th annual long puck took place and once again proved to be a great day in the village. In what were perfect weather conditions for the long puck. There was a great buzz in the village from 12 o clock on as young an old gathered and seventy seven teams took to the roads around the village from one o clock on.

The winners of this year’s long puck were in first place a team consisting of Davy Gooney, Julie Torpey and Brian Hennessy and whose prizes were sponsored by the Kazbar. In second spot were were a Stradbally team of Trevor Curran, Cormac Gough and Alo Gough whose prizes were sponsored by Pisces Restaurant. The third placed team were Corey Kennedy, Michael Mooney and Ger Mooney whose prizes were sponsored by Jones Oil. The club would like to thank the organising committee for all their hard work and all the volunteers who helped out on the day to make the long puck such a huge success.

HAPPY NEW YEAR The club would like to wish all our members and supporters a happy new year and thank everyone who helped out and supported the club during 2018.

DUNGARVAN GAA CHRISTMAS RAFFLE PRESENTATION – Kathleen Lynch (Kilgobinet) receives her €1,000 Garvey’s SuperValu voucher which was top prize in the Dungarvan GAA Christmas raffle from Imelda Killigrew Morrissey and Paddy Fitzgerald. Also included are back row left to right: David Kiely, (Chairman Dungarvan GAA), Liam Power (Garvey’s) and Kevin Fleming.

Ballyduff Upper U-21 HURLING History was made as our U-21 hurlers defeated Roanmore in the U-21 B Final on Saturday night on a scoreline of Ballyduff Upper 3-10; Roanmore 2-06 in the final ever U-21 game in the county. A top class performance from start to finish ensured the result was never in doubt from the off. There were heroes in red throughout the field, encouraged all the way by a gallant band of supporters.

Conditions in Fraher Field couldn’t have been much better considering it was three days before Christmas and the team took full advantage. After a cagey opening which saw us trailing 03 – 02 after 17 minutes we sprung into life.

The workrate throughout the team was immense and this was duly rewarded as we scored the next 1-04 and held Roanmore scoreless for the remainder of the first half. The goal epitomised the general play of this team. Eoghan Murray delivered a perfect pass into Seán Casey who rounded his man and drove at the heart of the Roanmore defence. Casey handpassed to Eoin O’Brien who drew the last defender before placing Fionnán Hickey who finished in style to the top corner.

This goal just before half-time gave all in red on the field and in the stands a huge lift. The half-time scoreboard read Ballyduff Upper 1-06; Roanmore 0-3.

The boys in red resumed the second half in determined fashion and were relentless in their workrate throughout the field. Again they carved open the Roanmore defence and Fionnán Hickey, after being teed up by Seán Casey, drew a brilliant save from the Roanmore goalkeeper, his second big stop of the game after a tremendous save from Seán Casey in the first half also.

The game stood still for a moment as on 35 minutes we saw a goal for the ages. Seán Kenny rose to win the Roanmore puck-out in the middle of the field before laying the ball off to Andrew Casey, who bobbed and weaved a merry dance through the heart of the Roanmore defence sending defenders scrambling in all directions before finishing to the net off the hurley to send the fans wild. It was reminiscent of the great Austin Gleeson goal against Cork in 2017 and I’m sure Andrew can look forward to a call from Littlewoods shortly!

Credit to Roanmore they never died and came back hunting for goals when 10 points down. Barry Nolan led their charge and nearly took the net off the goals with his close in free on 48 minutes. Roanmore were on the rise and the next score was vital. Ballyduff Upper stepped up in true style in this moment with Fionnán Hickey letting fly first time on a breaking ball to restore our advantage to 3-08 to 1-05 with 10 minutes remaining.

The defence was resolute for the remainder of the game as Roanmore laid siege to our goal. The use of the ball under pressure was a joy to behold as they played excellent ball to our forwards resulting in a point a piece for Andrew and Seán Casey from play. Roanmore struck for another goal late on but the boys in red insured they wouldn’t steal a third with some astute defending.

Having played their opening game in this championship versus Ardmore back on the first weekend of August, a full 20 weeks later this great group of players got just rewards for their efforts throughout that period.

Final Score: Ballyduff Upper 3-10; Roanmore 2-06.

Team vs Roanmore: Conor Sheehan, Éanna Hyland, Oran Leamy, Thomas McDonagh, Peter Kennedy, Eoghan Murray (0-3, f’s), Jack McDonagh, Eoin O’Brien, Seán Kenny, Fionnán Hickey (2-0), Andrew Casey (1-5, 2f’s), Bill Keane, Aidan O’Brien, Seán Tanner, Seán Casey (0-2). Subs: Jack Barry for Seán Tanner, Patsy Drislane for Bill Keane.

Congratulations to the management team of Kevin Casey, Jamie Hannon and Pat Murphy who put in a tremendous amount of work with this team over the past few months.

Victory here brought the curtain down on our 2018 season with all in the club now looking forward to 2019 with anticipation.

CHRISTMAS WISHES A very happy Christmas to all our members and supporters, both near and far. Wishing you all a wonderful festive period and may 2019 bring you all that you wish for.

CLUB LOTTO Club lotto tickets are available in St. Michael’s Hall from 9 am – 1 pm on weekdays. Tickets are also on sale before and after Sunday mass and available in Bridget Scanlon’s Hair Salon, The Log Cabin and An Síbín.

A big thank you to all who supported our Lotto Christmas party held on Friday night in The Log Cabin. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,100 but plenty of spot prizes on the night. Thanks to Mono for hosting us, a great night was had.

CLUB SHOP Our O’Neills club shop has a great variety of club leisurewear in both adult and children’s sizes available by logging on to www.oneills.com and searching for Ballyduff Upper. There is plenty of options available for Christmas gifts for both young and old.

Brickey Rangers MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE Congratulations to those who were the lucky prize winners in our Christmas Draw: 1st prize winner West Connolly.

2nd prize winner Damian Byrne.

3rd prize winner Brian Wakefield.

4th prize winner Mary O'Connell.

5th prize winner Michael Keating.

Thanks to all who supported the draw by buying and selling tickets, to The Tudor House for providing the venue for the draw.

WEEKLY LOTTO DRAW Held 20th December. Jackpot €1,300 - no winner. €100.00 prize to Marion McCarthy, €25.00 to each of the following: Mary McGrath, Siobhan Goggin, Katie & Aileen & Teresa Daly.

Held 27th December – Jackpot €1,4000 – no winner. €25.00 to each of the following: Tim & Nuala Foley, Deirdre Lombard, The Brophy Family, Philip & Edel Walsh.

Draw this Thursday night in The Enterprise Bar with a jackpot prize of €1,500.00.

Tickets are €2.00 each available from any promoter or McGrath’s or Shalloe’s Newasgents.

EXERCISE CLASSES Lorna's exercise classes resume after the Christmas break on Monday. 7th January. Class time 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. All are welcome.

SYMPATHY The sympathy of the club is extended to Carmel Kelly and family, Mapstown on the death of her father Maurice Hackett and also to Michael Walsh and family, Coolnagour on the death of his sister Margaret Mellerick, Conna, both of whom passed away over the Christmas period. May they rest in peace.

GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

13

Ballinameela AGM The club will hold its AGM on Friday, 4th of January at 7:45 in the Community Centre.

CLUB SHOP Our club shop is up and running on the O’Neill’s website for those wishing to buy some club gear. Simply go to oneills.com and search for Ballinameela.

CLG an tSean Phobail CRUINNIÚ CINNBHLIANA CLG AN TSEANAPHOBAIL Reachtáilfear Cruinniú Cinnbhliana de chuid Chlub CLG an tSeanaphobail sa Chlubtheach ar an 5 Eanair, ag tosnú ar a 8.00 i.n.

Affane/Cappoquin CLUB LOTTO Tuesday 28th December, Jackpot €12,000. Numbers drawn 6-11-16-19. No winner. The five €20 consolation prize winner are E. Mason, Ardfinnan; Nellie O’Driscoll; Emily McCarthy, Affane; Anthony Prendergast, Main St. and Anthony Rooney, Carrigeen.

GAA SEASON TICKET 2019 The very popular Waterford GAA Club Only Season Ticket is now available in both Intersport Elverys Waterford and Dungarvan, David Walsh’s Dungarvan and Walsh Park. This Season ticket includes all club games from Minor-Senior and County Finals.

Alternatively you can purchase the club and county one directly from Croke Park see link for more details on this option. This is the best value option! http://waterfordgaa.ie/taggedNews/10045570/2119/2019_national_season_tickets CLUB GEAR Our O’Neil’s online club shop has a great variety of club leisurewear in both adult and children sizes available.

THREE TO ANSWER 1, Who was the Man of the match in the 2018 All Ireland senior hurling final?

2, Man O War is a club in what county?

3, Where did Galway win the 2018 Leinster senior hurling final?

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS 1, Clare were last Munster Senior Football champions in 1992 2, David Kilcoyne was the first Westmeath All-Star in 1986 3, Alfie Kirwan, Kilrossanty was goalkeeper for Waterford when they won the All Ireland junior football titles in 1999 and 2004.

Cois Bhride Cois Bhride Notes kindly sponsored by Cunningham's Hardware ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Cois Bhride AGM is fixed for next Wednesday night, 9th January at 8.30 p.m. at the clubhouse in Tallow. All welcome.

The Waterford Senior Camogie team also had a great year and had four players nominated for All-Star awards, the Waterford Camogie Board made a presentation to the nominee’s and pictured is Niamh Rockett who was also named on the Sunday Game Team of the Year receiving her presentation from Ita Murphy, Chairperson, Waterford Camogie Board.

[Noel Browne]

Aine Lyng was also nominated for an All-Star award and Ita Murphy, Chairperson, Waterford Camogie Board makes a presentation to her to mark

Pat Casey, Treasurer Western GAA Board making a donation to John Harnedy, Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Christmas Hamper Appoeal 2018. included are Des Power, Lions Club, Pat Grant Chairman Western GAA Board, Neil Moore, Patrica Walsh, Emer Barry, Clodagh Kearns and Richard Tobin, Western GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

Stradbally HAPPY NEW YEAR Stradbally GAA would like to wish all our supporters, members, volunteers, sponsors and players a very happy and peaceful new year. Let’s hope 2019 is a very successful year for us all.

RORY’S STORY Stradbally GAA club is proud to present an evening with Rory’s Stories in the Park Hotel on Friday, the 18th January at 8.30 pm. This will be an evening filled with GAA Comedy from the famous GAA comic Rory O’Connor, tickets are now on Sale in Cunninghams Shop, Park Hotel or contact Eamonn Clancy 087-9078101. Tickets are selling fast and this event is expected to be sold out soon so please book early to avoid disappointment on the night.

2019 MEMBERSHIP At our recent AGM it was agreed to maintain the current membership rates for 2019.

Adult €70, Couple €120, OAP €50. Student/1st child in a family €40, 2nd child in family €30, 3rd & subsequent children €30. U-5/U-6 €5.

Membership can now be paid to membership officers Ollie Costelloe and Pat Fennell or alternatively you can pay online by visiting www.stradballygaa.com.

Again in 2019 we have several membership packages available if you wish to avail of these. They can be purchased on line or can be paid by direct debit. Direct debit forms are available from any committee member or by email to our club secretary at secretary.stradbally.waterford@gaa.

Adult Package. Membership €70, Déise Draw €90, 50/50draw €130, National Ticket €10.

Total €300 or €25 per month.

Couple Package. Membership €120, Déise Draw €90, 50/50 Draw €130, National Ticket x 2 €20 Total €360 or €30 per month.

OAP Package. Membership €50, Déise Draw €90, 50/50 Draw €130, National Draw Ticket €10, Total €280 or €23.23 per Month.

NATIONAL CLUB DRAW National Club draw tickets are now available to purchase from any Committee member. The National club draw is organised by Croke Park to support clubs with their day to day running costs. Tickets are €10 with fantastic prizes on offer. All proceeds of these ticket sales go directly to our club.

2019 WINTER LEAGUE Preparations are currently underway for the eagerly anticipated Winter League which will be commencing in early February. We will be contacting the schools shortly and would hope to see as many children as possible from 3rd Class to 6th Class compete in the league again this year. Managers and teams will be finalised in the coming weeks. Further updates will be provided on a weekly basis.

SUNDAY NIGHT MUSIC January 6th Reunited January 13th Quickstep January 20th Connie & Collette January 27th Mary Prendergast SCÓR The County Final and 50th anniversary of Scór na nÓg takes place in Modeligo this Friday night the 4th of January at 7 p.m. Stradbally will compete in the Figure Dancing and Leiriu. Liz and all the competing children have been working hard towards this for long hours during their Christmas holidays and hopefully their efforts will bear fruit. Best of luck to all involved.

U-12 COUNTRY LEAGUE Stradbally competed in the U-12 Town & Country League in 2018. Our team was recognised for their exemplary behaviour towards the opposition and officials during this tournament and were delighted to be named joint winners of the Give Respect/Get Respect initiative. Well done to all involved.

LADIES NOTES The Ladies AGM will be held on January 3rd, 2019 at 7.30 p.m. in the clubhouse.

The ladies held their annual Christmas Party in the Cove Bar recently and would like to thank Richard Hickey for hosting the event and to everyone who turned up on the

night to support the event and those who sponsored prizes on the night.

CLUB PHONE NUMBER Stradbally GAA has a new phone number which is 087 1165549 and if anyone wishes to make contact with the club regarding club matter can do so at this number.

SOCIAL CENTRE Our social center is a very important facility, which is used by a wide variety of people for various purposes. We encourage all our members to consider booking the club for any family events they may be planning, the center is for the benefit of our members and we are lucky to have it, anyone who is considering making a booking can contact Breda Kiely on 087-6291930 for further information.

FUNDRAISING 50:50 Draw: Is our main development draw, which helps us to fund our ongoing pitch development. This draw takes place every second Sunday and the tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5. Tickets are available from Cunningham’s shop, Farm Relief Services, Whelan’s Bar and The Cove Bar as well as from any of the club committee.

You can now log onto www.stradballygaa.com and purchase your tickets on line. The club would like to thank these local businesses for supporting this vital initiative and all those who purchase these tickets.

Field Signs: We will be making a big drive this year for businesses to put up field Signs. This will be a great opportunity for businesses to advertise their products and services. Contact Virgil Power (Alaska) on 087-7797401 for more details.

Coach Laurence Walsh receiving the award on behalf of the Stradbally Town & Country League Under 12 team.

14

MUNSTER COUNCIL GRANTS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Pakie Hurney and Michael Briggs, Abbeyside/Ballinacourty GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer and Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Jason Dee, Kilrossanty GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer and Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Denis Tobin, Tallow GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer and Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Francis Tobin and Gerry Quinlan, Colligan GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer; Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board; John Dunphy and George Walsh, Stradbally GAA Club.

[Sean Byrne]

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Breda Kiely, Stradbally GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer. Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board; John Dunphy and George Walsh, Stradbally GAA Club.

[Sean Byrne]

Munster Council Grants presented to Waterford Clubs. Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council presenting the grant to Maurice Cahillane, Cappoquin GAA Club. Included are Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer and Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

Representatives from Tallow, Ballysaggart, Abbeyside/Ballinacourty, Ballygunner, Kilrossanty, Stradbally, Cappoquin, Ballyduff Lower, Colligan and Gaultier who were presented with Club Grants from Munster Council in Lawlor’s Hotel recently with seated from left: Neil Moore, Western GAA Board; Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board; Emer Barry, Co. Development Officer; Anthony Walsh, PRO Munster Council and Pat Grant, Chairman Western GAA Board.

[Sean Byrne]

ATHLETICS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

15

17th Annual Kilmacthomas 5

There was no stopping Micheal Connolly’s group at the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of Rehab Fund.

THE penultimate race in the Michael Roche carpets series will be on Sunday, February 24th at 11 a.m., the 17th Annual Kilmacthomas 5. Entries will be taken at the Community Hall, Kilmacthomas at the top of the town with the entry fee being €8.

Shower facilities will also be available in this hall after the event for both men and women.

A very attractive prize fund will be on offer for the top competitors and plenty of spots for down the field finishers also.

Sandwiches and refreshments will be available to all after the event.

Happy New Year to all WEST Waterford Athletic Club extends New Year's greetings to all its members, sponsors, friends, supporters and helpers, may 2019 bring you all the health and happiness you desire.

Running Quote Peter Cunningham was a finisher at the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of Rehab Fund

It’s a thumbs up from Ian Noctor as he completes the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of the Rehab Fund.

YOU can't do in a race what you haven't prepared for.

Well done to this brilliant group of ladies who looked after the catering at Dungarvan GAA clubhouse for the St. Stephen’s Day run.

Michael Roche Carpets Race Series - Race 3

31st Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup THE Michael Roche Carpets Series will continue on Sunday, 20th January with the 31st Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup. The Juvenile race starts at 11.00 am.

The senior race is over the usual 5 miles Colligan Wood circuit and Juveniles will have a single 1-mile circuit to run.

The Colligan Cup is a unique event in that it is run on a handicap

basis where you simply predict your finishing time over a 5 mile run, with the winner being the person who is nearest to that predicted time.

This makes the race open to all no matter what your standard is, everyone has the same chance of taking the title.

Now in its 31st year we would like to thank sincerely our sponsor for all of those 30 years David Kiely

of Kiely Monumental for his ongoing support for the local running club West Waterford AC. So for a great fun event on the yearly running calendar Colligan is where you need to be come Sunday, 20th January.

Also remember if you haven't already done so that entry to the series is just €2 and this can be paid when entering the race in Colligan on the day.

37th Annual Diese College Dungarvan 10k

Derek Lyons leads this group home at the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of Rehab Fund

THE final race in the Michael Roche Carpets Series, the Déise College Dungarvan 10K will take place on Sunday, March 10th at 11 a.m.

Now in its 37th year and one of the oldest races on the local road running calendar the Déise College Dungarvan 10k is always one of the more popular races.

The club is delighted that Déise College and its proprietors Caroline

and Alan Ryan are continuing their sponsorship for this race.

The race will also see a number of perpetual trophies being presented.

We have the Seamus Power Memorial trophy to the first male finisher and the Mikey Roche Memorial trophy for the first local female finisher.

We will be using the fast canal circuit as we have used now for the

past couple of years for this race with the race headquarters at the Dungarvann GAA club pavilion which is where the presentation of prizes for the race and for the overall series will also take place.

The race will start and finish in the same place as always at the Industrial Estate just off the N25, with just a short jog to and from the Dungarvan GAA club grounds for the runners.

Your help is needed for John Treacy Dungarvan 10 on Sunday, 3rd February

Michael and Marie O’Mahony along with Nicky Sheehan keep pace at the front of this group at the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of Rehab Fund

IT’S that time of year again when we take on the mammoth task of organising the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile on Sunday, 3rd February.

We have been fortunate in the past to have had help from club members and also from many outside of the club circle who come along each year to give a few hours of their time.

This year we are in need of that same help again and even more, with a much bigger field assembled this year we will be under more pressure in making sure these visitors to our town leave with a good experience of what Dungarvan has to offer and we hope such will be the impression we will make on them that they will want to come back again

to visit the town for maybe a longer stay.

We will need stewards and people to help with catering on the day, if you have a few hours on Sunday, 3rd February please contact stewarding co-ordinator Karen Ryan on 086-8245683.

Support your local athletics club.

Many hands make light work.

16

ATHLETICS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Pictured at the cheque presentation for €5,457 proceeds from the St. Stephen’s Day Jolly Jaunt at Dungarvan GAA club in aid of the Dane Power Rehabilitation fund l-r: Paddy Fitzgerald event organiser; David Kiely, Chairman Dungarvan GAA Club; Dane Power, Aisling Power and Sharon Higgins, West Waterford Athletic Club.

Padraig Healy sets the pace for this large group of runners at the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of the Rehab Fund.

€5,457 raised at St. Stephen’s Day Jolly Jaunt in aid of Rehab Fund THE 20th annual St. Stephen’s Day fun run jointly organised by Dungarvan GAA in association with West Waterford Athletic Club was held again this year, the weather was ideal which brought out by far the largest attendance in the 20 year history of the event which also saw the largest amount of monies ever raised also with €5,457 donated by those who participated which included walkers and runners.

All are to be congratulated on this huge amount of raised for the Dane Power Rehab Fund.

A delighted event organiser Paddy Fitzgerald would like to sincerely thank all those who came along in such

Libby and her crew out enjoying the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of Rehab Fund.

The Kiely family, Abbeyside out in force at the St. Stephen’s Day run in aid of Rehab Fund.

big numbers and who donated so generously on the morning.

The cheque presentation was made by Paddy Fitzgerald to Dean. Very special thanks once again this year to the ladies of the catering committee who provided the cuppa and the sandwiches which greeted the participants on their return to the centre.

Thanks also to Jamie Mills and Tony Ryan who looked after the stewarding and parking.

Finally, we all wish Dean and Aisling and extended family the very best for the year ahead on his continued recovery.

The 27th Annual Michael Roche Carpets Race Series THE Michael Roche Carpets sponsored series is in full swing with two races completed. The Murray’s Pharmacy Brickey 4 mile road race and the Paddy Joe Curran Memorial Turkey Trot with the next race, race number 3 The Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup coming up on Sunday, January 20th.

The series is only €2 to enter and you can enter right up until the Kilmacthomas race.

To count in the series you have to participate in 4 of the 5 events as per normal for this series to count in the overall standings.

The series events remaining are the Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup January 20th, The Kilmacthomas 5 on Sunday, 24th February at 11 a.m. and the final event is the Déise College Dungarvan 10k on Sunday, March 10th at 11 a.m.

Once again, West Waterford Athletic Club thanks Michael, Bridget and family for their contin-

ued support to the club by sponsoring this series now in its 27th year.

As always we urge or members to support all our sponsors when appropriate.

MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS RACE SERIES The following are the entries to date in this series please check that your included if you have entered.

MEN 1 Martin Tobin W.W.A.C. 2 Pat Fitzgerald W.W.A.C. 3 Tom Enright Waterford A.C. 4 Micheal O Chuirrin W.W.A.C. 5 Brendan Bullen Ind 6 Pete Cunningham Ind 7 Liam Dwyer W.W.A.C. 8 Declan O'Callaghan W.W.A.C. 9 Mark Beer Blackwater A.C. 10 Martin Hayes W.W.A.C. 11 Thomas Kavanagh Ind 12 James Whelan W.W.A.C. 13 Padraig Healy W.W.A.C. 14 Kevin Casey W.W.A.C. 15 Patrick Ryan W.W.A.C. 16 Anthony Dwyer W.W.A.C.

17 John Downey W.W.A.C. 18 Ruairi Cusack Ind 19 Niall Cusack Ind 20 Danny Smith Ind 21 Mark Cliffe W.W.A.C. 22 Joe Barry W.W.A.C. 23 Fkadu Kebede Ind 24 David Connors W.W.A.C. 25 Kevin Kenneally W.W.A.C. 26 Jimmy Connors W.W.A.C. LADIES 1 Eveleen Drohan W.W.A.C. 2 Jackie Carthy Kilmore A.C. 3 Sandra Moore W.W.A.C. 4 Margaret Conway W.W.A.C. 5 Rose Power W.W.A.C. 6 Deirdre Clancy W.W.A.C. 7 Caroline Russell W.W.A.C. 8 Molly Fitzgerald W.W.A.C. 9 Sarah Howley 10 Sharon Higgins W.W.A.C. 11 Sandra P Flynn W.W.A.C. 12 Marita Murray Ind 13 Onra Power W.W.A.C. 14 Kelly Shalloe W.W.A.C. 15 Debra Doherty W.W.A.C. 16 Sharon Nugent W.W.A.C.

ATHLETICS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

17

25th Annual Forde’s Daybreak Winter League

There’s still time to join us at the Winter League

Kevin Casey, Top Oil presents weekly voucher prize to Kevin Carey winner on the long route recently.

Santa gets Top Oil's number off Kevin for a fill for his sleigh.

FORDE’S DAYBREK WINTER LEAGUE - "VENTURE CLOTHING" WINTER LEAGUE STEWARDS DRAW. A huge thank you to Cathal and all at Venture Clothing Dungarvan who donated a beautiful hamper which was raffled among all stewards of our Forde's Daybreak Winter League. The lucky winner of the hamper was Pat Earley. Congratulations Pat and thanks once again Cathal for your kind gesture.

THE second half of the West Waterford Athletic Club Winter League kicks off again on Wednesday, 2nd January at the Sports Centre, Quanns, Dungarvan at 6.50 pm.

A large crowd is expected for the first night of 2019 and we hope that all those of you who have made the New Year resolutions to improve your health and fitness will come on down and join the league.

Our motto at the winter league is that it’s never too late, so why not come along and get on your way to a healthier and fitter 2019.

If tonight is your first night please come along around 6.30 p.m., so that we can issue you with a number and explain the procedure to you. Newcomers are welcome each night of the league and if you can’t make it tonight then come along next week and bring a friend or two with you, the more the merrier!

Now that we all have had a break from the league it’s time to get back on track and concentrate on the next six weeks of the league. Even if you haven’t managed to get some training in don’t let that put you off coming tonight, we will all be a little bit sluggish tonight for the first mile or two, just adjust your pace and in no time you will be back to your normal running pace.

The starting times will vary each week in order to make each run as interesting as possible and also to give us all that extra push and motivation to get to the finishing line as quickly as possible.

Don’t forget your reflective bib and your number for tonight. See you at the Sport’s Centre!

THANKS TO ALL OUR WINTER LEAGUE RUNNERS AND HELPERS Our thanks to Santa who made a welcome visit on our charity night at the recent winter league just before our customary break for Christmas, the league will resume again on Wednesday, January 2nd.

Now that the first half of the league is over we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those involved in the league as without their help and support the league could not possibly to organise each and every week.

We are most fortunate to have a dedicated team of stewards, timekeepers, administrators and traffic controllers who help out week after week regardless of the weather or conditions and we are extremely grateful for their invaluable help.

And a very special well done to all of you our winter league runners who have now reached the half way point of this year's league each and every one of you should be well please and proud to have made the start, we wish you all a very happy new year and injury free running 2019. See you all again for the 2nd half of the best league in town on Wednesday, January 2nd and remember please do bring a friend.

PLEASE NOTE COLLIGAN CUP - GUESS YOUR TIME TONIGHT AT WINTER LEAGUE We will start back the league for

2019 on January 2nd with the Colligan Cup style guess your time run. It's always a great fun night with just about everyone having a chance of coming out on top on the night.

Both clocks will operate in the hall "only" on the night and both will be starting at the same time. For the short course runners the clock will start at 30.30 and it will count backwards, so whatever time you think it will take you to run the league short course route you leave at that time and the first runner past the finish line after the clock hits 00.00 is deemed the winner.

The long course runners will have the clock starting at 60 minutes and counting backwards also, again you leave the hall at whatever time you predict it will take you to run the course, the first runner crossing the finish line after the clock hits 00.00 is deemed to be the winner. Simple.

JUST PAST THE HALFWAY ON LONG COURSE LEAGUE Last Wednesday night was the last night of The Forde’s Daybreak Winter League for 2018 before our break for Christmas and once again there was a great number running.

The first runner home on the night was Mick Concannon in a time of 38.44 and 2nd runner back to the sport centre last week as David Traynor 41.27, Patrick Carey in a time of 41.11 was next and Mary Cahill was our first lady finisher in the fina round before the Christmas break and Mary ran a time of 47.26, next finisher in 6th place on the night was Claire Connors in a time of 44.06 and our 3rd lady home were sister Claire Meehan and Deirdre Hahesy both recording a time of 55.54.

You can join in this league any week and we love to see newcomer's added to the list. There are more people registering for the league each week, so come along and give it a go – in the new year you have nothing to lose. You can make it a new year’s resolution even.

This is only the seventh week so remember there is a long way to go and aim to slowly improve. There are six more weeks after Christmas starting on January Wednesday, 2nd.

The top 10 on the long course league table just past the half way mark are: Jordan O’Rourke Joe O'Rourke Debra Doherty Lee Martin Brendan Cosgrave Nicky Mckenna Mark Lenihan Brie Llyod-Evans Jim Barry Sarah Lynch SHORT COURSE RUNNERS SIGN OFF IN STYLE FOR CHRISTMAS Conditions were far from ideal as the runners gathered at Dungarvan Sports Centre for week 7 of the Forde’s Daybreak winter league before heading out on the 2.4 mile run.

Conditions were cold and wet for our runners, but luckily we had a special visitor with us of to raise the Festive sprits as Santa Claus himself was on hand to deliver some spot prizes to our runners as they finished.

It is also on wet, cold nights like last Wednesday and we really need to thank and be grateful to our stewards.

It is one thing to go out and run on a wet, cold evening. It's a tougher task altogether to go out and steward in those conditions so a special thanks to our stewards and helper without whom we'd be unable to have our leagues.

There was a great number out again last Wednesday when 60 runners took up the challenge, on what was our seventh and final night of the winter league for 2018.

It was great to see some new runners that were trying out the league for the very first time.

This section of the league specifically has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.4 miles in total. After registering make sure to check your start time on the sheets posted on the wall.

First on the night was Elaine Curran in 24.12, followed by Liam Hansbury in 22.37. Liam was followed by Collette Bannon in 26.07.

Gavin Whelan was next in 14.22 (an improvement of 1.10) with Claire Moffat next in 20.09 (a 50 second improvement).

Vicki Mulhall and Marcella Scanlan finished together in 24.17 to both knock 1.10 off last week's time.

Others to record good improvements included James Fennell (19.12), Leisa Fleming (23.49), Gayle Burke (23.10) and Jackie Tobin (26.19) who all improved their times by between 30 and 45 seconds. Michael Coakley will be very happy with his run having dipped under 20 minutes when clocking 19.57.

Fastest time on the night was once again, Ciaran Frisby in 13.58 - the first time 14 minutes has been broken in this year's league. Ciaran was followed by Gavin Whelan in 14.22. Fastest Lady was Brigid Coffey in 17.37 followed by Lisa Collins in 20.09.

The league table are also starting to take shape. short course.

1st Christopher Phelan 2nd Theresa Curran 3rd Patrick Ryan 4th Michael Coakley 5th Claire Moffat 6th Elaine Curran 7th Oliva Curran 8th Brigid Coffey 9th Aishling Hourigan 10th Conor O'Neill 20th James Fennell 30th Deirdre Daly 40th Lorna Murphy 50th Aine O'Brien 60th Kevin Murphy 70th Karen Coleman REMEMBER THAT THE ROADS ARE NOT CLOSED SO BE CAREFUL OF TRAFFIC For safety, high vis must be worn. Also the rules of the league prohibit the wearing of watches.

Anyone not wearing high vis or that

is caught wearing a watch won't be included in the results.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our runners and stewards a very Happy New Year and we'll see you again when we start back for 2019 on Wednesday, 2nd January.

TEAM COMPETITION GETS UNDERWAY As part of the Fordes Daybreak winter league, we also have a team competition. Teams are made up of three members with the best two scorers on each night counting to the score. This competition has been up and running with the past three weeks. On the Long route, the leaders are "Not Fast, Just Furious" (Joe Grant, Mark Shalloe and Kelly Shalloe) on 233 points.

In second are "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" (Joe O'Rourke, Jordan O'Rourke and Mark Lenihan) on 262.

In third are "Pavement Princesses (Geraldine Barry, Onra Power and Michelle Finnegan) on 439.

On the short routes, the leader are "Curran and Co" (Theresa Curran, Elaine Curran and Nicola McCarthy) on 97 points.

In second place are "West Cork Crew" (Michael Coakley, Conor O'Neill and Lisa O'Neill) on 141.

TOP OIL - ASSOCIATE WINTER LEAGUE SPONSORS For the 2018/’19 Forde's Daybreak Winter League we have been fortunate enough to have received associate sponsorship from our friends in Top Oil, our own Kevin Casey and James O’Sullivan have come on board to generously sponsor two €20 vouchers, one for the short route and one for the long route each week. We decided the best way to allocate the vouchers was to pick the 50th finisher in each route every week and to date we have 6 winners and they are: Week 1 winners were short route Nicola McCarthy. Long route - Cathal Dwane.

Week 2 winners were short route - Jackie Tobin. Long route Linda Foley.

Week 3 winners were short route - Oisín Downey. Long Route - Éanna de Faoite.

Week 4 winners were short route - Áine O'Brien. Long route Phillipa Keating.

Week 5 winners were short route - David Towey. Long Route Lee Martin.

Week 6 winners were short route - Sheilanne O'Donoghue.

Long route - Patrick Carey.

Week 7 winners were short route - John Power. Long route Eoin Walsh.

VENTURE CLOTHING WINTER LEAGUE STEWARD’S DRAW A huge thank you to Cathal and all at Venture Clothing, Dungarvan who donated a beautiful hamper which was raffled among all stewards of our Forde's Daybreak Winter League, the lucky winner of the hamper was Pat Earley, congratulations Pat and thanks once again Cathal for your kind gesture.

18

GOLF/GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB Tel. Office 058-43310, Fax. 058-44113, Pro Shop 058-44707.

Bar/Restaurant Tom Daly Catering 087 2680597 Timesheets online at www.dungarvangolfclub.com Email: dungarvangc@eircom.net

WE hope you all had a very happy and peaceful Christmas and enjoyed the fine weather and some good golf over the festive week!

We would like to wish all our members, sponsors, societies, friends, staff and future members a very Happy and Healthy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all at Dungarvan Golf Club throughout 2019.

We would like to remind all our members and visitors that the new rules of golf commence from 1st January. Information books are available from the office and information is also available online.

CAPTAIN’S DRIVE-IN AND SCRAMBLE Our Captain’s Drive-In and Scramble takes place on New Years Day at 12.30 pm followed by a scramble. We look forward to seeing you all out on the course and supporting our Captain, Lady Captain and Junior Captains.

We will welcome to office our Captains: Men’s Captain: David Shanley Lady’s Captain: Maria Kiersey Junior Captains: Daniel Raher and Ciara Wheelan Barrett We will witness our new Captains showing their great skill at driving from the first tee so please make every effort to be there to start off 2019 at Dungarvan Golf Club.

Entry Fee of €10 Adults, Juniors €5 to include food and prizes, will be collected from 11.30am.

Our Pro David Hayes with Grace will provide a welcome drink at this time so turn up from 11.30am to socialise, enjoy a winter warmer and find out your tee.

Presentation of Prizes will take place afterwards in the bar when food will be served.

DAVID HAYES PGA WINTER LEAGUE To date Team 3 and Team 4 tie on 129 points each. There is still 1 week to go for the other teams to pass them out!

GENTS RESULTS – 24TH – 30TH DECEMEBER – DAVID HAYES PGA WINTER LEAGUE DIVISION 1: 1st Neil J. Power (5) 34 2nd John Reynolds (0) 32.

DIVISION 2: 1st Martin Lynch (11) 34 2nd Derek Kiely (12) 31.

DIVISION 3: 1st John T. Moloney (17) 38 2nd Brian Beatty (17) 34.

DIVISION 4: 1st Derek Power (19) 37 2nd Tony Power (22) 34.

GENTS FIXTURES Tues., 1st Jan. Captains Drive In & Scramble, Wed., 2nd Gents 14H Open Singles S/F David Hayes PGA Winter League.

Thurs. 3rd Gents 14H Open Singles S/F David Hayes PGA Winter League.

Fri., 4th Gents 14H Open Singles S/F David Hayes PGA Winter League.

Sat., 5th Gents 14H Open Singles S/F David Hayes PGA Winter League.

Sun., 6th Gents 14H Open Singles S/F David Hayes PGA Winter League.

Mon., 7th Open Seniors 16H Singles S/F. LADIES RESULTS Fri 28th & Sat 29th Dec. Open 14H S/F: 1st Miriam Matthews (24) 31pts, 2nd Betty O’Brien (14) 28pts, 3rd Anne Hennebery (30) 27pts.

LADIES FIXTURES Tues. 1st Jan Captain’s Drive-In & Scramble.

Fri. 4th Ladies 14H Singles S/F,.

Sat. 5th Ladies 14H Singles S/F. Tues. 8th Ladies 11H Singles

S/F & Ladies GIG. 60.COM Our last competition of 2018 took place on 19th Dec. Despite the rain over the previous week the course was in great condition – particularly the fairways! The golf was up to the usual high standard with the winners being: 1st Mossie Walsh (6) with 19 pts; 2nd Jack Elstead (21) with 18 pts.

Our next competition will be on 2nd January. Many thanks to everyone who played in our competitions over 2018 and to the people who make each Wednesday so special for us - Tom, Chris, Kevin and Cassie in the bar- David and Grace in the Pro-Shop – Karen and Jimmy in the Office and Scholar and his staff on the course. They are all stars and are much appreciated.

If you are interested in social golf and a chat join us any Wednesday.

FUN FRIDAY FOURSOMES AND CHRISTMAS PARTY This fun event lived up to its title with a large number of golfers participating. Yet again the men were in the majority as the morning dawned bright and clear on Dec 21 (the shortest day of the year!!) They created a great atmosphere in the club house later as they enjoyed the fresh sandwiches and mince pies prepared by Tom and his staff.

Much appreciated by all.

RESULTS First: Jack Elstead and Marcella McGovern Second: Sam Mc Connell and Anne Hennebry Third: Pat Power and Ann Moloney Fourth: Declan Walsh and Ian Gourlay Fifth: Martin Landers and Kate Morrissey Many thanks to all our supporters over 2018. We are also very grateful to Karen and Jimmy in the office for ensuring we have a slot on the timesheet every Friday. To Grace and David in the Pro Shop mile buiochas - we would be lost without you. A huge thank you to all the members who have been very generous to us over the year supplying us with prizes and sponsorship.

OUR FIRST FUN FRIDAY FOURSOMES OF 2019 will be on FRI., JAN. 11th - put that date in

Maria Kiersey, Lady Captain, Dungarvan Golf Club making a donation to Phyllis Davis, President Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Club Christmas appeal 2018. included are Martin Landers, Vice Captain, Mary Power, Vice Lady Captain and John Moran, President Dungarvan Golf Club.

[Sean Byrne]

your diary please and look forward to seeing you then.

Happy New Year to everyone.

LOTTO – A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The draw was held in the clubhouse on Sunday, 30th December.

The numbers drawn in the Lotto were 5 10, 12, and 22.

We are delighted to report that our Lotto Jackpot of €5,800 was won this week by Shane Hayes.

Shane, and his parents Theresa and Vincent, are loyal members of our club - their support in all club activities is excellent.

Congratulations to Shane – we hope that this is the start of a great 2019 for him.

As the jackpot was won there is no match three process for this week. Our new Jackpot of €2,000 will commence next week The draw next Sunday will be held at 4.30 pm in the clubhouse.

The official handover of the cheque for €5,800 will take place in conjunction with the draw – please come along and support us.

The fundraising committee

thanks the members and their families and friends for their support of our Lotto during 2018. Hopefully, 2019 will be equally successful!

PROGRESSIVE 45 We had a great turn out for our Progressive 45 on 27th December.

Thank you to all our players that continue to join us every week and we look forward to seeing you throughout 2019.

1st: Cait Mulcahy and Jack Elstead 2nd: Seamus O’Neill and Cyril Power Last 5: Maura Boland and Tom Cummins Lucky Table: Michael Kelly and Pat McGovern MEMBERSHIP 2019 We have some fantastic new membership rates for 2019. If you are interested in hearing more please call our office on 05843310. Rates for Under 35s start at €200 per year with rates for over 35s starting at €300 per year!

SOCIETY BOOKINGS Our golf society bookings are filling up fast and we look forward to

Scoil Mhuire, Tallow who beat Coolnasmear in the Roinn B Final of the Western Allianz Cumann na mBunscoil Portlairge Football Finals 2018 played in Dungarvan's GAA Grounds

welcoming lots of new Golf Societies this year along with all our much valued familiar faces from societies who return each year to play on what they consider a fabulous course. We are very proud of our Golf Club and Course here at Dungarvan Golf Club and we look forward to sharing it throughout 2019 with all those that visit. To book your golf society in for 2019 please call our office on 05843310.

PRO SHOP NEWS Our Pro Shop was very busy on the run up to Christmas with many people giving the gift of golf equipment and clothing for Christmas!

David has all you need to stay warm and dry this winter with many special offers so call in and grab a bargain. David’s special offers can be found on his website www.davidhayesgolf.com UPCOMING EVENTS Our Captains Drive In takes place on New Year Day. Contact us on 058-43310 or visit our website www.dungarvangolfclub.com and find us on Facebook.

[Sean Byrne]

GOLF

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

WEST WATERFORD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Telephone: 058-43216. Fax: 058-44343. info@westwaterfordgolf.com

www.westwaterfordgolf.com GENTS RESULTS Club Competition 13 Hole Dec 17th to Dec 24th: 1st. Kenny Walsh (15) 32pts. 2nd. Jimmy Murphy (8) 29pts.

Round 2 Winter league 13 Hole stableford Dec 26th to Dec 30th: Category 1. Winner: Colin Houlihan (9) 28 pts b7, 2nd.

Stephen Spillane (9) 28 pts b7.

Category 2 Winner Liam Hansbury (12) 32 pts, 2nd. Kenny Walsh (14) 30 pts Category 3 Winner Alan Darcy (18) 31 pts, 2nd. Ger Donnelly (16) 27 pts Category 4 Winner Pa McCarthy (22) 30 pts, 2nd. Tom Shanahan (21) 29 pts b5.

13 Hole CSS (domestic) 28.

FIXTURES Mon., Dec. 31st – Sun., Jan. 6th Comeragh Oil Winter League Round 2 including weekly 13 hole club competition.

Sunday, Jan 6th: Captain and Lady Captain’s Drive-in at 3 p.m.

Captain Tom Higgins and lady captain Jean O’Donovan will officially launch the 2019 golfing year when they co-host the cap-

tain’s drive-in on Sunday, 6th January at 3 p.m. Join us afterwards in the clubhouse for an informal chat with Tom and Jean. All paid up members will be entered into a draw for a €150 club voucher and we will also have a club lotto draw. We ask all members to make a special effort to be present on the day.

COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND ONE Kinsalebeg 142, Ballymacoda 139, Tivoli 137, Glenbeg 135, Mount Odell 135, Ballyduff 134, Helvick 133, Ballyguiry 133, Old Boro 129, Carriglea 126, Old Parish 124, Cappagh 110.

ONE GOVERNING BODY – GENTS MEMBERS MEETING TUESDAY, 8th JANUARY Since 2015 the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and Irish Ladies Golfing Union (ILGU) have been engaged in significant consultations with member clubs, volunteers, club golfers, and branch and union officials with the aim of establishing a new governing body – Golf Ireland – to govern and promote the game of golf on the island

GOLD COAST GOLF CLUB You can contact us by phoning 058-44055 Our email address is:

goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com www.goldcoastgolfclub.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations on your life. Wishing you a year loaded with happiness and good health. AS we welcome in the new rules in golf may these new rules help you to enjoy the game better.

JOHN WHITE CARPENTRY WINTER LEAGUE With close on 1000 games played so far in the league and with 43 players having now completed their 10 games the league is starting to take shape. Dunhill are still the ones to catch as they lead with 418 pts, Copper Coast are still in 2nd for the 3rd spot, Dungarvan and Abbeyside are battling it out for the 5th spot at the moment but both of them will have to keep an eye on Deise as they always come with a late run.

Dunhill 418 Copper Coast 413 Touraneena 403 Ballinacourty 403 Dungarvan 397 Abbeyside 385 Deise 388.

FIXTURES FOR 2019 Derek Power will be starting to put the calendar of events together over the next few weeks and hopefully it will be ready for publication by the end of the month.

NEW RULES TO COME INTO FORCE ON 1st JANUARY 2019 Listed below are the changes

that will come into effect on 1st January. Also there could be some new local rules as well.

Drop from knee height (NOT shoulder height) Measure the area to drop in with the longest club in your bag (except a putter) Drop in and play from the relief area When dropping back-on-theline, your ball cannot be played from nearer the hole than your chosen reference point Time to search – 3 minutes (NOT 5 minutes) If you accidentally move your ball when searching for it, replace it without penalty No penalty for a double hit – it only counts as one stroke No penalty if your ball hits you or your equipment accidentally after a stroke No penalty if your ball strikes the flagstick when you have chosen to leave it in the hole Spike mark and other shoe damage on the putting green can be repaired Ball accidentally moved on putting green – no penalty and replace Ball marked, lifted and replaced on putting green is moved by wind to another position –replace ball on the original spot Penalty areas replace water hazards, and you can move loose impediments, ground your club and

of Ireland, replacing the existing organisations, the GUI, ILGU and Confederation of Golf in Ireland.

Already, based on those discussions a proposal on how these objectives can be achieved has emerged, and this proposal has been approved unanimously by the Board of the GUI and also by the Board of the ILGU. All affiliated clubs are urged to vote on the proposal. In view of this all members of the mens club at West Waterford golf club are invited to a meeting in the clubhouse on Wednesday, 8th January, 2019 at 7.30 p.m. sharp.

Members can familiarize themselves with this proposal by logging on to Golfnet and clicking on the One Governing Body link.

A selection of relevant podcasts is also available on this website.

RULES OF GOLF Members are reminded that a number of changes to the Rules of Golf come into effect on January 1st, 2019.

A summary of the new rules is posted on the notice board and booklets on the changes are available at the sign-in desk. Don’t wait till the last minute, check out the changes now.

CUPS AND SHIELDS DRAW 2019 AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield 11th/12th May at Faithlegg – West Waterford v Dungarvan.

AIG Pierce Purcell Shield 25/26th May at Waterford Castle – West Waterford v Youghal.

Irish Mixed Foursomes 15/16th June at Gold Coast – West Waterford v Youghal.

AIG Senior Cup 22/23rd June at Thurles – West Waterford v Mitchelstown.

AIG Barto Shield 13/14th July at Dungarvan – West Waterford v Faithlegg. take practice swings in penalty areas without penalty, just as you can on the fairway or in the rough You can’t take relief from a penalty area unless you are at least 95% certain your ball is in the penalty area In bunkers you can move loose impediments In bunkers you cannot touch the sand with your club in the area right in front of or right behind your ball, during your backswing or in taking practice swings Free relief is allowed if your ball is embedded on the fairway or in the rough (but “embedded” means that part of your ball is below the level of the ground) Unplayable ball in bunker – extra option to drop outside the bunker for 2 penalty strokes You cannot have your caddie or your partner standing behind you once you begin taking your stance Pace of Play - it is recommended that you take no longer than 40 seconds to make a stroke (and usually you should be able to play more quickly than that) and Ready Golf in stroke play is encouraged GENTS FIXTURES Monday, 31st to Fri., 4th Jan. WK 10 Winter League Tuesday, 1st Jan Open Gents/Ladies Seniors (50+) Singles Friday, 4th Dec: Open Gents 18 holes Singles.

Saturday, 5th Dec – Sunday 6th Dec: WK 11 Winter League Monday, 7th Jan– Friday, 11 Jan: WK 11 Winter League Tues., 8th Jan. Open Gents/Ladies Seniors (50+) Singles GENTS RESULTS Monday, 17th Dec– Friday 21st Dec: WK 8

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Jean O'Donovan, Lady Captain, West Waterford Golf Club making a donation to Phyllis Davis, Presedent Dungarvan Lions Club towards the Club Christmas appeal 2018. included are Tom Higgins, Captain WWGC and John Harnedy, Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne] LADIES GOLF Captains’ Drive In: This Sunday, January 6th Jean O’Donovan, Lady Captain and Tom Higgins, Mens Captain are kicking off the 2019 season with their drivein. Proceedings get underway at 3.00 p.m. followed by entertainment in the Clubhouse. A draw for an Annual Subscription voucher will be take place. This draw is eligible for all paid up members, now is the time to get your sub paid -you may be lucky enough and enjoy a nice reduction in your annual subscription!!

Winter League: The first round matches in the Winter League have now been played. While no

official results were available at the time of going to Press I hear that there were some great matches.

Round Two matches must be completed by January 20th.

Club Competitions: Currently there is an on-going 13 Hole competition kindly sponsored by Joan Ronayne and also a 9 hole competition.

Coastal Alliance: The next round of the Coastal Alliance will take place on February 7th in West Waterford.

New Rules and Changes to GUI and ILGU: Our Lady Captain Jean tells me that we are having a night on the Rules of Golf in the very near future. Also members

should be aware that there is a proposal at National level to amalgamate the Men’s Golfing Union of Ireland and the Ladies Golfing Union of Ireland. West Waterford will be holding a meeting in the very near future as all the golf clubs in Ireland are required to hold a ballot in their clubs on this issue.

If you would like to get further information please visit the GUI and ILGU websites.

Best Wishes for 2019: On behalf of our lady members I would like to wish our Captains Tom Higgins and Jean O’Donovan all the very best for a bumper year in 2019 and to our members a happy, Peaceful and Healthy New Year.

Winter League CSS 40pts 1st Gerry Comerford (13) 42 pts Gross Alan Harty (0) 41 pts Friday, 21st Dec: Open Gents 18 holes Singles Winner John Flynn (10) Youghal 46 pts.

Saturday, 22nd Dec – Sunday 23rd Dec: WK 9 Winter League 1st: David Hallahan (15) 44 pts Cat (0-7): Larry Whelan (5) 41 pts Cat (8-13): John Enright (9) 42 pts Cat (14-18): Jack Moore (17) 42 pts Cat (19+): Liam Clancy (19) 44 pts Monday 24th Dec– Friday 28th Dec: WK 9 Winter League CSS 40 pts 1st Ger Darcy (14) 47 pts; 2nd Declan Kiely (12) 43 pts; Gross Michael White (1) 39 pts Friday Open Gents Singles 1st Tom Joe Daly (Lismore) (13) 41 pts; 2nd Ger Stokes (Monkstown) (21) 40 pts Best Gross Willliam Jones (Youghal) (1) 39 pts Saturday, 29th Dec – Sunday, 30th Dec: WK 10 Winter League CSS 40 pts 1st: Dave O’Connor (15) 46 pts Cat (0-7): Seanie Lenihan (6) 43 Cat (8-13): Brian Fahey (9) 43 Cat (14-18): Tom Moore (15) 40 Cat (19+): Des O’Brien (20) 42 MALE MEMBERSHIP RATES The following are the standard male rates for 2019 inclusive of GUI fees:

EVERY TUESDAY OPEN GENTS & LADIES SENIORS Every Tuesday we host our popular Open Seniors (50+) Gents and Ladies Singles competition. Visitor Entry is €12 or Golf and Carvery €20.

EVERY FRIDAY OPEN GENTS SINGLES Every Friday at the Gold Coast we host an Open Gents Singles Stableford competition. Visitor Entry is €15 or Golf and Carvery €25. For bookings visit our club website www.goldcoastgolfclub.com or phone 058 44055.

SOCIETIES AND GREENFEES WELCOME Gold Coast Golf Club warmly welcome Societies and Green fees and we look forward to greeting you and your guests and friends in 2019. Our society rates are very competitive for 2019 and our Director of Golf Irene Lynch is available to provide advice and assistance to the Organisers of outings and Classics. Contact Irene on 05844055 or goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com for favourable rates and to discuss your booking requirements.

FEMALE MEMBERSHIP RATES The following are the standard female rates for 2019 inclusive of ILGU fees:

The Moorings Bar & Restaurant: Our winter league kindly sponsored

by The Moorings Bar and Restaurant over 10 holes has now finished Round 4 with the Daisies still in the lead with an ever expanding margin followed by the Bluebells who are being chased by the Pansies. However, as we know with team events things can change dramatically and this was very evident after Rd 4 with a big shake-up amongst the remaining groups. With the New Year approaching and hopefully some drier weather, it’s all to play for!! Well done to the team managers who are very busy contacting and encouraging their members remember a point is awarded for each round played even when your score is not counting!!

Round 5 starts on Monday, 7th January and runs for two weeks, weather permitting.

FULL: €575 DISTANCE: €435 HUSBAND & WIFE: €845 COUNTRY: €230 SENIOR: €435 STUDENT: €150 JUVENILE: €90

*For Special introductory offers for new members, contact Irene Lynch on 058 44055.

FULL: €420 HUSBAND & WIFE: €845 DISTANCE: €360 COUNTRY: €180 SENIOR €340 STUDENT: €120 JUVENILE: €80

*For Special introductory offers for new members, contact Irene Lynch on 058 44055.

LADIES NOTES FIXTURES 10 Hole On-going Ham Competition. 13 Hole 2 card Competition sponsored by Dalton Jewellers. 9 Hole on-going for beginners.

Winter League sponsored by

League Results after Rd 4 Daisies (Mairead) 258 Bluebells (Elaine) 239 Pansies (Peig) 235 Violets (Noirin) 212 Tulips (Lil) 225 Snowdrops (Marie) 223 Daffodils (Mary D) 224 Primroses (Rosie) 206

18 HOLE WINTER LEAGUE Our ladies are playing a blinder in the 18 Hole W/league with some having passed the ten rounds and are now eliminating their worst scores!! There has been some fantastic scores returned and all 7 have been putting in a tremendous effort so far. Well done!!

COMMITTEE MEETING Our first meeting of the New Year takes place on Friday, 11th January at 8 pm.

NEW YEAR WISHES Our very best wishes to all our members for a happy and peaceful New Year. See you all on the fairways for 2019 and a very successful golfing year!!

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SOCCER

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

Waterford Schoolboys Football League Tables As at 16th December, 2018.

WSFL UNDER 12A LEAGUE p w l d 1 Dungarvan Utd A 5 5 0 0 2 Bohemians A 3 3 0 0 3 Tramore A 5 3 2 0 4 Carrick United A 5 2 3 0 5 Ferrybank A 5 1 3 1 6 Southend Utd A 4 1 2 1 7 Park Rgs A 5 1 3 1 8 Villa A 4 0 3 1 WSFL UNDER 12B LEAGUE p w l d 1 Piltown A 5 5 0 0 2 Kilmacthomas 5 5 0 0 3 Ballinroad 7 4 1 2 4 Johnville 5 3 2 0 5 Dungarvan Utd B 7 3 4 0 6 Bohemians B 4 2 1 1 7 De La Salle 8 1 6 1 8 Southend Utd B 7 1 6 0 9 Tramore B 4 0 4 0 WSFL UNDER 12C LEAGUE p w l d 1 Stradbally 9 8 1 0 2 Seaview Celtic 7 7 0 0 3 Kilmacow 7 4 3 0 4 Piltown B 7 3 3 1 5 Mooncoin Cel. A 7 3 3 1 6 Tramore C 6 2 4 0 7 Carrick United B 5 1 4 0 8 St Pauls 6 1 5 0 9 Abbeyside 6 0 6 0 WSFL UNDER 12D LEAGUE p w l d 1 Carrick United C 8 7 0 1 2 Waterford Crystal 7 6 0 1 3 Piltown C 7 4 2 1 4 Villa B 7 4 2 1 5 Ballyduff 8 3 5 0 6 Portlaw United 6 1 4 1 7 Park Rangers B 6 1 4 1 8 Ferrybank C 6 1 5 0 9 Bohemians C 7 0 5 2 WSFL UNDER 13A LEAGUE p w l d 1 Bohemians A 7 4 1 2 2 Tramore A 6 3 1 2 3 Villa A 6 3 1 2 4 Southend Utd A 4 3 0 1 5 Carrick United A 5 3 1 1 6 Park Rangers A 7 2 4 1 7 Ferrybank A 7 2 4 1 8 De La Salle 8 0 8 0 WSFL UNDER 13B LEAGUE p w l d 1 Piltown A 5 5 0 0 2 Dungarvan Utd A 6 4 0 2 3 Bohemians B 7 2 4 1

pts 15 9 9 6 4 4 4 1 pts 15 15 14 9 9 7 4 3 0 pts 24 21 12 10 10 6 3 3 0 pts 22 19 13 13 9 4 4 3 2 pts 14 11 11 10 10 7 7 0 pts 15 14 7

4 Seaview Celtic 7 2 4 1 5 Portlaw United 5 2 3 0 6 Tramore B 6 1 5 0 WSFL UNDER 13C LEAGUE p w l d 1 Kilmacow 8 8 0 0 2 Kilmacthomas 8 6 1 1 3 Villa B 10 6 3 1 4 Ballinroad 7 6 1 0 5 Ballyduff 8 3 5 0 6 Mooncoin Celtic 8 3 5 0 7 Tramore C 7 2 5 0 8 Bohemians C 9 1 8 0 9 Abbeyside 0 0 0 0 10 Carrick Utd B 7 0 7 0 WSFL UNDER 13D LEAGUE p w l d 1 Waterford Crystal 8 7 0 1 2 Dungarvan Utd B 5 3 1 1 3 Stradbally 7 3 3 1 4 Ferrybank B 7 2 3 2 5 Piltown B 7 2 3 2 6 Park Rgs B 5 2 2 1 7 St Saviours 0 0 0 0 8 Villa C 7 0 7 0 WSFL UNDER 14A LEAGUE p w l d 1 Southend United 4 4 0 0 2 Bohemians A 4 3 1 0 3 Carrick United A 6 3 3 0 4 Dungarvan Utd 4 2 2 0 5 Villa A 2 1 1 0 6 Tramore A 4 1 3 0 7 De La Salle 4 0 4 0 WSFL UNDER 14B LEAGUE p w l d 1 Piltown A 7 4 1 2 2 Park Rangers A 7 3 2 2 3 Kilmacthomas 6 2 3 1 4 Kilmacow 4 2 1 1 5 Seaview Celtic 5 2 2 1 6 Waterford Crystal 3 1 1 1 7 Ferrybank 6 1 5 0 WSFL UNDER 14C LEAGUE p w l d 1 Ballyduff 9 7 2 0 2 Ballinroad 8 5 2 1 3 Bohemians C 5 4 0 1 4 Bohemians B 5 3 1 1 5 Piltown B 7 3 4 0 6 St Pauls 8 2 3 3 7 Villa B 7 2 3 2 8 Mooncoin Celtic 5 2 3 0 9 Tramore B 6 1 5 0 10 Abbeyside 3 1 2 0 11 Park Rangers B 5 0 5 0 WSFL UNDER 15A LEAGUE p w l d 1 Ferrybank A 7 6 0 1

7 6 3 pts 24 19 19 18 9 9 6 3 0 0 pts 22 10 10 8 8 7 0 0 pts 12 9 9 6 3 3 0 pts 14 11 7 7 7 4 3 pts 21 16 13 10 9 9 8 6 3 3 0 pts 19

2 Southend United 6 5 0 1 3 Villa A 8 4 1 3 4 Carrick United A 6 2 2 2 5 Bohemians A 7 2 5 0 6 Park Rangers A 8 0 5 3 7 Tramore A 8 0 6 2 WSFL UNDER 15B LEAGUE p w l d 1 Ballinroad 7 7 0 0 2 Ballyduff 9 2 3 4 3 Dungarvan Utd A 6 3 2 1 4 Piltown A 5 2 2 1 5 Dungarvan Utd B 6 1 4 1 6 Villa B 7 1 5 1 WSFL UNDER 15C LEAGUE p w l d 1 Mooncoin Cel. A 8 6 2 0 2 Ferrybank B 7 5 2 0 3 Kilmacow 6 5 1 0 4 St Pauls 5 4 1 0 5 Bohemians B 7 2 4 1 6 De La Salle 4 2 1 1 7 Carrick United B 7 1 5 1 8 Tramore B 6 1 4 1 9 Kilmacthomas 6 0 6 0 WSFL UNDER 15D LEAGUE p w l d 1 Waterford Crystal 5 5 0 0 2 Bohemians C 6 4 1 1 3 Portlaw United 4 3 1 0 4 Villa C 7 2 5 0 5 Piltown B 6 1 4 1 6 Mooncoin Cel. B 4 0 4 0 WSFL UNDER 16B LEAGUE p w l d 1 Southend Utd. A 4 0 0 0 2 Park Rgs. A 5 3 1 1 3 Dungarvan Utd. 4 3 1 0 4 Villa A 4 3 1 0 5 Tramore A 4 2 1 1 6 Piltown 8 2 6 0 7 Carrick Utd. A 4 1 3 0 8 Johnville 5 0 5 0 WSFL UNDER 16B LEAGUE p w l d 1 Southend Utd B 8 6 0 2 2 Ferrybank 8 6 0 2 3 Villa B 7 4 1 2 4 Ballyduff 8 4 3 1 5 Carrick Utd B 7 3 2 2 6 Abbeyside 4 3 0 1 7 Kilmacow 8 3 5 0 8 Tramore B 6 2 2 2 9 Railway 4 2 0 2 10 Bohemians 6 0 5 1 11 Tramore C 5 0 4 1 12 Ballinroad 5 0 5 0 13 Park Rangers B 6 0 6 0

WATERFORD SCHOOLBOYS FOOTBALL LEAGUE (WSFL) FIXTURES THE WSFL fixtures schedule will now break for Christmas and fixtures will resume on Saturday, January 5th, 2019. There are no results as all fixtures were postponed due to the recent inclement weather.

Saturday, 5th January, 2019 WSFL Under 12A League 10:30 Ferrybank A v Southend United A 10:30 Carrick United A v Tramore A 12:30 Bohemians A v Villa A 12:30 Dungarvan United A v Park Rangers A WSFL Under 12B League 10:30 Dungarvan United B v Bohemians B 10:30 Southend United B v De La Salle 12:30 Piltown A v Ballinroad 12:30 Tramore B v Johnville WSFL Under 12C League 10:30 Stradbally v St Pauls 10:30 Abbeyside v Kilmacow 10:30 Tramore C v Mooncoin Celtic A 10:30 Piltown B v Seaview Celtic WSFL Under 12D League 10:30 Park Rangers B v Waterford Crystal 10:30 Villa B v Piltown C 10:30 Ballyduff v Ferrybank C 10:30 Bohemians C v Carrick United C

WSFL Under 14A League 12:30 De La Salle v Bohemians A 12:30 Villa A v Carrick United A 14:30 Tramore A v Dungarvan United WSFL Under 14B League 12:30 Kilmacow v Kilmacthomas 12:30 Ferrybank v Seaview Celtic 14:30 Piltown A v Waterford Crystal WSFL Under 14C League 12:30 St Pauls v Tramore B 12:30 Mooncoin Celtic v Villa B 12:30 Ballinroad v Park Rangers B 12:30 Ballyduff v Abbeyside 14:30 Bohemians B v Piltown B WSFL Under 16A League 12:30 Park Rangers A v Southend United A 12:30 Carrick United A v Villa A 14:30 Johnville v Piltown 14:30 Dungarvan United v Tramore A WSFL Under 16B League 12:30 Southend United B v Villa B 14:30 Park Rangers B v Tramore C 14:30 Ferrybank v Tramore B 14:30 Carrick United B v Railway Cappoquin 14:30 Ballinroad v Kilmacow 14:30 Abbeyside v Bohemians.

Stradbally FC 16 15 8 6 3 2

pts 21 10 10 7 4 4 pts 18 15 15 12 7 7 4 4 0 pts 15 13 9 6 4 0

LAST MAN STANDING We have a winner !! Or rather winners. Reaching week 15 there was no separating Martin Harrigan and Ryan Norris, so the prize money was divided between them.

A big thank you to Dermot O'Brien of Sallyfort Mini Farm who sponsored the winning prize.

Another Last Man Standing will commence on Saturday, January 12th.

To ensure that you are entered please talk to your regular promoter or to Organiser, Stephen Lawlor at 083 1732221.

LOTTO There were no Jackpot Prize winners in the Club Lotto Draw recently. Numbers drawn 1, 3, 4, 21. €25 Winners: Johnny Fennell, Ned Gough, Mike Fennell. Promoter’s Prize: Diarmuid Crowley.

Next draw is on this Sunday night, January 6th in the Cove Bar. Jackpot Prize on offer will be €2,600. Thanks to all who continue to support our Club.

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM The Christmas Day Swim was once more an outstanding success. A fine crowd gathered to enjoy the dip and the spectacle.

Thanks to Daidí na Nollaig who travelled at short notice all the way from An t-Oileáin, to welcome everyone.

Cunningham’s Shop who, as always, generously supplied soup for the Aprés Swim. Farm Relief Services and Liam Connors who donated An t-Uisce Beatha for the Big People.

Bridget Drohan for the loan of Thermos Flasks to keep the aforementioned drinkies warm and to Whelans Bar for the annual loan of glasses.

To the two Marys who womanfully womanned the Refreshment Table.

To Paparazzi-in-chief Straphen Lawlor for snaping the snaps.

But most thanks to all those who participated and who donated money, all of which is in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association. If anyone has outstanding swim money, please contact Damien Sheehan at 087 9126998.

JUNIOR Back to action for both sides this weekend as there are Munster Cup and Division 3 ties pencilled in.

League game in Portlaw on Sunday and Munster Cup at home versus Hibernians on Saturday.

SCHOOLBOYS Our Under 12s start the New Year wirh a home game versus Portlaw on Saturday. Kick-off 10.30 a.m.

ACADEMY & LITTLE DRIBBLERS Academy and Little Dribblers will return for 2019 on Saturday, January 12th. See you all then.

ASTROTURF HIRE Astroturf Pitch is available to hire. A game of 5-a-side with your friends, is an ideal way to keep fit during the winter. For booking details contact Alan D'arcy at 087 698 7387.

ON-LINE CLUB SHOP Our on-line club shop is now open for business. For a myriad of playing and leisure gear, go to www.oneills.com Ideal birthday presents.

FIXTURES Saturday, January 5th Waterford Schoolboys League Under 12: Stradbally v Portlaw 10.30 am Munster Junior Cup: Stradbally v Hibernians 2 pm Sunday, January 6th Waterford Junior League Div 3: Portlaw v Stradbally 11 a.m.

pts 12 10 9 9 7 6 3 0

pts 20 20 14 13 11 10 9 8 8 1 1 0 0

(Left to right) Stephen Lawlor (Last Man Standing Co-Ordinator), Ryan Norris (Last Man Standing Prizewinner), Dermot O'Brien of Sallyfort Mini Farm (Last Man Standing Sponsor), Daidí na Nollaig.

(Left to to right): Damien Sheehan (Club Secretary), Martin Harrigan (Last Man Standing Prizewinner), Dermot O'Brien of Sallyfort Mini Farm (Last Man Standing Sponsor), Daidí na Nollaig, Stephen Lawlor (Last Man Standing Co-Ordinator).

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

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Waterford Raceway – St. Stephen’s Day ST. Stephen’s day saw early rising in many houses as all roads led to Waterford Raceway for a day of racing sponsored by John O’Connor welding supplies. With almost 60 drivers signed on, it was going to be a busy and entertaining day with cups up for grabs in all classes and of course the finale of the day would see the running of the demolition derby.

The rookie junior class was as competitive as it has been throughout 2018 with the possibility of any driver climbing to the top of the podium at the end of the day.

It was Ross Ryan who proved most consistent over the three rounds of racing to claim the cup, with Martin Power 2nd and Aaron Kenneally 3rd. The production junior class saw the biggest grid of the day, and the young drivers

HAPPY NEW YEAR Dungarvan Cycling Club wishes to extend its thanks to the editor and staff of Dungarvan Observer for coverage during 2018 of all club notes.

The club wishes to extend its good wishes for 2019 to all members, past and present, friends, associate members and sponsors.

Happy cycling, safe cycling, and good health to all.

DCC JUVENILE NOTES Some of the DCC Juniors took a spin to the Coachhouse Coffee in Kilmacthomas prior to Christmas for a pancake extravaganza.

Separately, and email went out recently to all club members in relation to the possible formation of a DCC Juvenile Club. Any adult member who might like to be involved with this is asked to contact info@dungarvancc.com or relay your interest to any committee member. This venture will proceed subject to interest.

Finally, under 18’s are welcome to cycle with adults only when parent/guardian present with them, or where a private arrangement is in place with a willing adult who is a club member. The captain should be informed before the club spin, to make sure that the route for the spin is acceptable for the minor rider. If the rider is U-16 the distance they can do in the ride is 60km and their bicycle should be equipped with gearing of 52*16.

CLUB CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2019 Many thanks to the many members who recently returned feedback for 2019 events. These suggestions will be reviewed and it is anticipated that a full calendar of events will be ready within the coming weeks. There are many interesting ideas, both competitive and social, to cater for various ability levels within DCC. Please contact any committee member if you have further suggestions. DCC will be requesting assistance from members in helping to organise events as they roll out.

MEMBERSHIP January 1st is the renewal day for Cycling Ireland licence for many of our members. You are requested to renew promptly. For others, whose licence is valid for a specific end-of-month during 2019, please do likewise at expiry time. All licences are renewable online via Cycling Ireland website. In the event that members wish to complete an application form manually, membership forms will be available at Bob Troy & Co on O'Connell Street). Members wishing to join

didn’t disappoint with some exciting racing. Ted McGrath eventually came out on top with Aidan Heney claiming a creditable 2nd, in an unfamiliar car after his Micra developed problems early in the day, and Eoghan Burke 3rd.

Modified juniors, a class that will be discontinued in 2019, was won by Jack Hickey with Jack Maher 2nd and Adam Browne 3rd.

Orla O’Sullivan was 1st in the ladies class with maximum points, with Jamie Egan 2nd and Nathanya Houlihan getting 3rd.

The adult 1B class, where a number of the production junior cars were being double driven, had Stephen O’Shea take to the top step of the podium with Willie Heney 2nd and Declan Heney 3rd.

Some very close racing in class 1 made it hard to know who would

go home with the cup until the chequer flag was waved after the 3rd race. In the end it was Ben Hickey who proved most consistent, Gerard Walshe 2nd and Shane Dillon 3rd.

Jason Ryan achieved maximum points to win the cup in class 2 with Eddie Baldwin 2nd and Michael Coughlan 3rd. Class 3 was won by Ronan Waters with Boo Mahon 2nd and Pat Nolan 3rd in a class that gave plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Mick Boland was top man in class 4 with Peadar Wall 2nd and Alan Houlihan 3rd.

There was some very close driving over the 3 races in class 5.

In the end it was Alan Darcy who went home with the cup with Padraig Smiddy having to settle for 2nd and Raymond D’arcy 3rd.

Donal Linehan proved too good

Action from the St. Stephen’s Day racing at Waterford Raceway. for Brian Whelan to win the class 6 cup.

The demolition derby was as entertaining as ever to finish off the day.

Kevin Forbes was out to make it

three wins in a row, but it wasn’t to be, as he came to a stop a bit earlier than he had hoped.

The last man moving this year, despite quite a bit of damage to his car, was Jack Houlihan.

The club wishes to thank everyone who helped to make it another successful day’s racing at Waterford Raceway.

Finally, we would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful new year.

Camphire into Cappoquin and back to Dungarvan. It was an almost perfect winter cycling day not cold, dry except for an odd bit of drizzle with the sun momentarily coming out throughout the morning. The roads were very wet in places with rough surface from Tallow to Cappoquin via Camphire.

A good 70Km spin at an average just over 25Kmph. Wishing Tony Sheehan our captain and Tony Condon all the best in Group 3.

We'll see you on the road in 2019.

Happy and safe cycling in 2019 to one and all!

Group 5 (20kph pace): G5 had a large number out last Sunday. All were delighted to see Michael back with them after a sabbatical of 18 months. On the hill, before the Five Cross Roads, one of the group felt unwell and turned for home in the company of one volunteer. Happy to report on reaching Abbeyside they had a coffee stop at Cafe Bliss. The remainder turned for Griffin's Garage and Kilmacthomas.

Stopping in Kiersey's the group treated themselves to cream buns and a cuppa. As usual plenty of chat and banter.

Home was by Mahon bridge, Lemybrien, Durrow. On this mild damp morning, 52k was covered at 21kph. Happy new year to all and hope to see everyone out in 2019.

New Group 28-30kph: Finally, feedback received indicates that there is a strong interest in forming yet another DCC group. It is hoped to finalise this within the coming two weeks.

The group will be aiming to complete regular Sunday club spins at a pace of 28-30kph. Any member who feels that this group would be suitable for them, please make your intentions known. As with many of our DCC groups, a group leader will be sought.

Currently, it is felt that this additional group will complete the DCC selection of groups. For your information, the groups are as follows: Group 5: pace approx. 20kph Group 23: pace approx. 23kph Group 4: pace 24-26kph Group 3: pace 26-28kph New Group: pace approx. 2830kph Group 2: pace 30kph + Happy New Year to all. Safe cycling out there. Please have lights and wear high visibility clothing to increase safety.

DCC Group 3 on Mountain Road from Clashmore last Sunday.

Dungarvan Cycling Club are urged to register through the Cycling Ireland website but may visit the shop to complete an application form if preferred. Queries in relation to membership should be directed to Membership Officer Tomás McGrath via email tmaccraith@gmail.com.

Cyclists from other clubs who have membership and insurance are most welcome to cycle with DCC. Note: any rider from another club who chooses to cycle regularly with DCC is expected to become an Associate Member. Contact any committee member, group captain or the Membership Officer to arrange.

Other than above, a cyclist must be a member of Dungarvan Cycling Club. Intending club members may cycle for three spins and at that point, they are requested to join DCC if they wish to continue.

ORGANISED SPINS Last weekend was again very mild, and many DCC riders completed 2019 in fine style on one of the many organised spins. Here's how they rolled...

DCC SATURDAY SPIN The Saturday Spin had a big crew out, with a good mix of age, gender and ability for the last visit of the year to the Vee. A steady climb up Colligan fol-

lowed by an acceleration through Ballymac and over to Newcastle. A dodgy chain halted the group while repairs were carried out. On the climb to the Vee it was each man, woman and boy to their own, with Kyle first past the post. The promise of coffee at the bottom caused some mighty speeds to be reached as the group raced downwards.

After refreshments, it was a nice brisk pace home. 90k at 29.5kph.

Thanks to Frank for keeping order and the Saturday crew look forward to many happy miles in 2019.

Group 3 (27kph pace): It was a perfect morning for cycling as a large group of cyclists set off from the Civic Office. It wasn't long before we lost one of our members due to an injury.

As we reached the coast road from Ring to Ardmore the view of the dead calm sea was spectacular. The mist then descended as we passed through Old Parish eliminating any further views. As we left Clashmore some departed, deciding not to take on the ascent of the Mountain Road.

For every ascent, there is a very nice descent and this was the case as we headed for Geoish and home. On the hill in Ballinamuck we heard what we thought was a shot ring out but it turned out to be

Anthony's rear tyre expiring violently. At least it wasn't far for the rescue service to come and collect him.

Another great day in the saddle.

78 kilometres travelled at 27kph.

Happy New Year to all from Group 3.

Group 4 (25kph pace): Group 4 completed their last spin of 2018.

The two regulars picked the route on the morning were joined by Ed from Group 3 getting back into the saddle after a few months off.

The route was out to Lismore and onto Tallow back though

DCC Juniors enjoying festive pancakes at CoachHouse, Kilmacthomas

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GENERAL SPORT Finisk Valley AC

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

All-Ireland Cross Country Championships THE All-Ireland uneven Cross Country Championships were held in Navan on Saturday, 15th December and Finisk Valley had two athletes competing on the day.

Storm Deirdre was crossing over Ireland making conditions extremely difficult for the athletes.

First up for Finisk Valley was Conor Lynch, who competed in the

boys U-11 race. This was Conor’s first time qualifying for the All Ireland and ran exceptionally finishing 95th out of 174 athletes in this race. Conor was also part of the Waterford team in which finished 11th on the day. Well done Conor keep up the hard work.

Eimear Griffen competed in the girls U-13 race, and had a super

run finishing 119th out of 165 athletes. This is Eimear’s second year in a row qualifying for the AllIreland, and with each year getting better and better.

Well done Eimear.

Finisk Valley would like to wish all our members and their families a Happy New Year and roll on another successful year for our club.

On a wet and windy Saturday morning in December, we were delighted to present our Dungarvan Credit Union Player of the Month Awards to our underage players. Congratulations to our December winners; Brian Collender (U-8), Rian Casey (U-10), Tadhg Flavin (U-12), Tadhg Foley (U-14) and David Hickey (U-16).

Dungarvan Rugby Football Club Eimear Griffen and Conor Lynch, Finisk Valley AC who competed at the All-Ireland uneven Cross Country Championships in Navan recently.

Causeway Tennis & Bowls Club TENNIS NEWS The club has continued its participation in Winter League competitions with mixed results. It must be said that conditions have not been ideal for playing tennis.

The Grade 5 mixed doubles team of Michelle Durand, Jo Moran, Roman Polakov and Javier Nogueira lost to Whitechurch of Cork in the Causeway on a score line of 0-4. However, this score does not reflect a closely contested encounter. Whitechurch are currently the top team in their group.

The Grade 4 mixed doubles team of Colm O Cleirigh, Peter Finnegan, Ber Sheridan and Sarah Feeney put in a credible performance playing away from home in poor conditions to gain a draw against Tralee on a score line of 2-2.

The Grade 2 mixed doubles team of Gill Mahony, Jill Sullivan, Brian Heylin and Brendan O’Hara were narrowly defeated by Ennis in a fiercely contested match in the Causeway losing on a score line 2-3.

The new year brings new challenges and we wish all our teams’ success in their future games. We look forward to 2019 with a sense of optimism and look forward to seeing new members and members enjoying their tennis.

We wish all our members a happy new year.

BOWLS NEWS No news at time of going to press. We hope that membership will continue to grow this year. We wish all members a happy new year.

Pictured recently at the Broadcast Centre in WLR. L-R: Gavin Whelan (Sports Editor WLR), Ballygunner and Waterford hurler Philip Mahony (November winner of the WLR/Granville Hotel GAA Award), Thomas Bar (Athlete of the Year), Joe Gough (Masters Athlete of the Year), Neil Gough (Sales Manager WLR), and Matt Keane (WLR Sport).

[Noel Browne]

DUNGARVAN CREDIT UNION PLAY OF THE MONTH AWARDS FOR DECEMBER On a wet and windy Saturday morning in December, we were delighted to present our Dungarvan Credit Union Player of the Month Awards to our underage players.

Congratulations to our December winners; Brian Collender (U-8), Rian Casey (U-10), Tadhg Flavin (U-12), Tadhg Foley (U-14) and David Hickey (U-16).

Thanks as always to all our underage volunteer coaches - we couldn’t do it without you!

THANK YOU! A big thank you to Garvey’s Supervalu, for giving us the opportunity to help out with bag-packing in-store during the busy few days before Christmas. This is a very important annual fundraiser for the club which we all look forward to each year. Thanks to all the players, parents and coaches for giving up their time to help out at this hec-

tic time of year, you’re good cheer and can-do attitude added so much to the festive cheer. Thanks to Mick McMahon and all the coaches for co-ordinating the helpers over the four days!

NOW BOOKING! DUNGARVAN RUGBY CLUB BOOT CAMP FOR BOYS AGED 13 TO 18 Want to improve your rugby skills and fitness, start playing rugby or just want to get fitter?

We are running a FREE FITNESS BOOTCAMP at Ballyrandle on Wednesday, 2nd January, Thursday, 3rd January, Friday 4th January, 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. each day! Come to one or all the sessions, whatever suits - Players will be grouped according to age and ability! Never played rugby before? don’t worry, most sessions will address overall fitness, wellness and ball-handling skills that will benefit all sports.

Sessions will be tailored to participants’ ability so that whether you are novice or experienced player

you will have fun and work up a good sweat. There will be a mix of high intensity interval exercises, non-contact rugby based drills, ball handling skills and team based drills.

INTERESTED? Please e-mail join@dungarvanrugby.ie or text/whatsapp 087-9795085.

This will enable us to prepare coaching sessions appropriate to the different participant levels.

We would like to wish all our members and friends a very healthy and active 2019 UPCOMING FIXTURES & TRAINING Sunday, 6th January Munster Junior Cup, Tralee v Dungarvan KO 2 p.m.

U-14’s & U-16’s Training will recommence on Saturday, 5th January at 10.30 am Mini's Training will recommence on Saturday 12th January at 10.30 a.m.

New players always welcome!

Why not give rugby a go in 2019!

Dungarvan Hillwalking Club Post-Christmas Walks ON Sunday, 30th December, we have two walks. Our B walk is Leaders’ Choice. If you want to do a B walk, come along to Scanlon’s Yard Carpark in Dungarvan just before 10 a.m., and the group will pick a leader and decide where they will be go. It will be an adventure into destinations unknown. Our C walk is to Cruachan Paorach with Ronagh Baumann. It leaves Scanlon’s Yard at 12 noon.

MULLED WINE WALK 16th DECEMBER The Mulled Wine and Mince Pies walk was a great success, despite the mixed weather. Dozens of walkers converged on Ardmore and walked along the cliffs, singing carols as they went. Afterwards, they enjoyed a feast of mulled wine, mince pies and other treats, including some excellent brown bread. A collection was organised for the Lions Club, West Waterford Hospice and South-East Mountain Rescue. We will reveal in future weeks what it fetched.

EPIC SOCIAL EVENTS Our Christmas Party (8th December) and our Thursday Walk Lunch (13th December) enjoyed massive turnouts. Much was eaten and much merriment was made.

Thanks to the staff at Merries, where we had our Christmas party, and the staff of Eurocuisine, which

was the venue for our Thursday Walk Lunch.

Unfortunately, the weather was very bad on the day of the lunch and only four brave souls ventured out for the walk afterwards. But an epic crowd of 38 people came to the lunch, proving what a vibrant club this is.

If you’d like to join our vibrant club in the new Year, you’ll find out all you need to know about joining on our website. You can find out more by visiting www.dungarvanhillwalking.org. Or you can contact dungarvanhillwalking@gmail.com. Remember, no walking boots, no walk.

Mulled wine walk 16th December, 2018.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January, 2019

23

Ella Casey and Teeyah Nyuyki with their Clonea Leisure Centre swim awards for November and December.

[Sean Byrne]

Shannon Radley with her Clonea Leisure Centre swim awards for November and December.

[Sean Byrne]

Kara Curtin with her Clonea Leisure Centre swim awards for November and December.

[Sean Byrne]

Kiara Martin and Caitlin Foley with their Clonea Leisure Centre swim awards for November and December.

[Sean Byrne]

Killian Hagan and James Hughes with their Clonea Leisure Centre swim awards for November and December.

[Sean Byrne]

24

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 4 January 2019

Talking Horses Upcoming Fixtures Fairyhouse - Tuesday, January 1st, 2019 (First Race 12.20) Tramore - Tuesday, January 1st, 2019 (First Race 12.00) Dundalk - Friday, January 4th, 2019 (First Race 5.30) Cork - Saturday, January 5, 2019 (First Race 12.20) Naas - Sunday, January 6, 2019 (First Race 12.50)

Merrion Group to take over running of Down Royal THE owners of Down Royal Racecourse Merrion Group, who from this year will take over the day-to-day running of the Course, have come to an agreement with the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders which will ensure a smooth handover of the site and a seamless transition into racing at Down Royal from 2019 and beyond.

The two sides had been in discussions facilitated by Horse Racing Ireland.

The agreement, which has been signed off, covers the fixtures and fittings at the site as well as the branding associated with the historic Racecourse which has staged horse racing for over 200 years.

When the Merrion Group signalled its intention to take over the management of the course, Horse Racing Ireland pledged to talk to both parties around outstanding issues.

Kilbree Shadow in action with Tommy Feeney on board.

INSET: Brothers Gerry, on right, and Jimmy Collender pictured with Kilbree Shadow.

Tourin Trainer completes December double CARRYING the colours of the Tourin GAA Club, Jimmy Collender tasted success at venues in Wexford and Cork in December when seven year old Kilbree Shadow, ridden by Ballyduff Upper’s Tommy Feeney was a clear cut winner on both occasions.

First up was a trip to Linxstown in Wexford, the concluding Irish Pebble Company Ltd. six year old and upwards Maiden saw Kilbree Shadow (8/1) return to her delighted connections to the winner’s enclosure following her 10 lengths success in the hands of Tommy Feeney.

Placed on four previous occasions, the seven year old was not winning out of turn for owner/ handler Jimmy Collender. Given a positive ride, the daughter of Witness Box and Kinsella’s Rose galloped on well in the closing stages to see off the favourite Witches Glen.

Afterwards, the winning Jockey commented, “we fancied her today, the mare will go to Boulta in two weeks time for a winner’s race. I’m delighted for the lads, especially Gerry Collender who puts plenty of work into her at home’’.

On to Cork then to the ever dependable Boulta circuit for the Annual Clonmult/Dungourney point-to-point meeting and the Kilbree stable were all smiles following the authoritative success of his charge at 4/1.

The only mare in the seven-runner field moved through to lead from the fifth last of the fourteen fences and she had just been joined by odds-on shot Gaye Breeze before three out. However, the winner finished strongly to win by five lengths and thus complete a notable December double.

Said the well known and popular Tourin GAA man after the race, “I train just two horses and my brother Gerry is the main man at home. All options are now open and we may actually run her in a bumber’’.

All Gaels wish Jimmy continued success with Kilbree Shadow and no doubt he will be hoping that his club’s colours will enter the winner’s enclosure in the Western Junior hurling championship in 2019.

Mixed fortunes for racing powerhouses over Christmas SPEAK to the bookmakers who stood at Leopardstown and one thing is nearly certain: they will be smiling.

These were four excellent days for the Foxrock layers. That a small number of individuals can dominate these meetings is something that punters are more than conscious of and the fact that if the bounty was spread so widely – while admirable in a sporting sense – was probably more than a bit unexpected.

JP McManus declared 12 horses in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown, before five of the seven runners in the Nevills Hotel Novice Chase wore the maroon of Gigginstown House Stud. And while McManus, indeed, snared the big handicap (Auvergnat under Donie McInerney) and Michael O'Leary the Grade One (Delta Work), that was not at all reflective of the week.

The powerhouses essentially had mixed Christmas periods. Gordon Elliott had just two winners from his first 50 runners over the course of the first couple of days across Ireland and Britain, whereas he also had to ruminate further over where they are going with Samcro, which did not look himself when beating one home in the Ryanair Hurdle.

Willie Mullins, meanwhile, enjoyed some big winners but Annamix was turned over at Limerick, Limini and Melon suffered comprehensive beatings and

Faugheen suffered a horrible fall – one, to the relief of everyone in the grandstand – that did not leave him injured.

Indeed, the stats are quite incredible over the four days and certainly Horse Racing Ireland can reflect on a really uplifting spread of the success: from 63 races in Ireland over the Christmas period, 29 trainers won a race; 37 jockeys prevailed in victory; 37 winning owners had days to remember; and eight different syndicates prevailed.

For the Supreme Horse Racing Club, this was pretty unforgettable stuff. Aramon, which was still somewhat unheralded and set off 6-1, took the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle in sensational fashion by ten lengths, very much suggesting that he is a player in the Supreme Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

A day later, Kemboy's victory in the Savills Chase was pretty extraordinary in itself in the colours of the racing club, providing David Mullins with another bigrace winner.

The Savills Chase was fascinating on many levels. The winning rider made a mid-race move that other jockeys – certainly when riding for someone as legendary as Willie Mullins – would not even have contemplating, sensing that the slow pace was favouring those up front and thereafter pretty much

dictating matters himself.

It is tempting to think that Kemboy, beaten a long way behind Shattered Love at the Cheltenham Festival, is flattered by the bare result to an extent, but since falling in the Irish National he is four from four, and has essentially won easily every time. It seems astonishing that the champion trainer has never won the Gold Cup but his record in this race has been relatively unimpressive too and Kemboy essentially looks unexposed as a stayer on good ground.

The horse, arguably, to take out of the race is also housed in a barn awaiting its first winner in the Gold Cup. Road To Respect, sent off favourite after a commanding return at Down Royal, suffered a nightmare of a run in the last mile of the race, losing a huge amount of ground and facing a next-to-hopeless task under Sean Flanagan, only to rally bravely and nearly snatch second.

With Might Bite and Native River both well-beaten in the King George, this does not look an unwinnable Gold Cup for the Irish, and perhaps the main disappointment about Leopardstown at Christmas was that Presenting Percy did not contest the Savills Chase, as trainer Pat Kelly feared that the ground was too hard.

On that note, the sight of bees in Dublin City on December 30 is a shocking anomaly, and one which again reminds us that climate trends seems to be gone long beyond our control. This will become a major challenge for trainers, ground staff and racing generally in this country.

Apples Jade will not be too bothered by all of this, as she seems to handle all ground much the same and was far from asked a serious question when Faugheen tumbled in the Squared Financial Festival Hurdle. It would appear that she will stick to mares' company at Cheltenham but do not entirely rule out a shot at the Stayers' Hurdle.

It is possible, too, that Samcro could end up going there, as he was not nearly able to match the pace shown by Sharjah in the Ryanair Hurdle, a race also notable for how well Supasundae ran over an inadequate trip.

That was a Grade 1 for Patrick Mullins and another for Keith Donoghue as Hardline somehow mastered Getabird in an incredible renewal of Limerick's first top-rung race, the Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Steeplechase. For both men – and Finny Maguire, who somehow won three bumpers at Leopardstown – it was fairytale stuff.

For those who put their money on the favourites, it was a little more taxing!