Kilkenny Observer 04 December 2020 by kilkennyobserver

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Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny

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Bottoms up: Cheeky chappie’s striptease JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

T WAS perhaps the day when The Kilkenny Observer got to the bottom of all that is magic in the worldwide phenomenon that is Castlecomer Wellie Race. The scene at ‘Comer Community Hall in Kilkenny Street could so easily have been an excerpt from the famous Deenside Players annual panto. BUT IT WASN’T. It was a few minutes of real life drama. It highlighted the innocence, exuberance and community spirit of how a run through fields to cure a hangover was catapulted to the greatest alfresco show on earth. Some of us sipped hospitality tea; others sat and chatted; children played children’s games, as they do. It was the morning of New Year’s Day and the hall was an ideal shelter from icy wind and driving rain that preceded the start of the Wellie Race.

it, he could also have won first prize in the fancy dress parade. Nobody took any notice as a tall, thin man of pension years, with a plastic bag under his arm, joined the illustrious company that included daughter of Kilkenny, Rosaleen Crotty, founder of the Alps Wellie Race, a sister of the real thing. The man’s wellies gave away his intentions. He sat down, looked around and then began a strip show that wasn’t on any race day programme. He shuffled off the wellies, parted with his pants and boxers, and poured himself into a pair of baggy togs. Back on with the wellies and he was all set for what we later discovered was his 25th participation on Wellie Day. No one batted an eyelid during the striptease.

SLIM AS RASHER The hardy warrior who was as slim as a rasher that had been cut from a porker on a diet, bundled his bits and pieces into his plastic holdall, left the lot on a hall bench and ambled to do his duty for the town he loved so well. The beauty of the unschedALPS WELLIE RACE uled hall show that few if anyEnter a local wellie aficionado body saw was that it was a who was to steal the show and, picture postcard of all that is adeven though he didn’t realise mirable and genuine in a town

The Major Regrets, busting with pride

and environs where the greater good surpasses all else. The Wellie Race that has stood the test of time is the bread and butter that props local charities through tempestuous winters. Following the race, our friend returned to the hall, picked up his bag, put back on his bits and bobs, and enjoyed a cuppa.

He then faded into the evening, perhaps went home to milk cows, enjoying a tipple or two in Jim Bollard’s on the way. KEY IN DOOR It all reminded of the days when families left the key in the front door day and night and nobody ever dreamed of entering their homes.

A Wellie Race that was born in 1978 has been held every year since but, sadly, the streets of ‘Comer will be deserted on New Year’s Day 2021 because of Covid-19 restrictions. However, the bold and brave Wellie Race Committee has refused to throw in the towel and instead will host The Powley Vale

Virtual Wellington Race. This will ensure that the chain of continuity of a gargantuan day of entertainment that has the support of an entire community will not be broken. The story of The Virtual Wellington Race, Page 12

Boys will be girls: Major Regrets were born T

he Major Regrets, a heartbeat of Castlecomer Wellie Race since 1983, were introduced by Jackie O’Neill who was manager and make-up artist. First Regrets were Joe Barton O’Neill, Tom Shea, Jim Bollard, Red Tom Brennan Roe, Pat Fad Byrne, John Gonnie Devlin, Frank Byrne. The Regrets were really blooming last year but, alas, Coronavirus has them cocooning this year

Pictured: Generation game in ‘Comer; and everyone wearing wellies Pics: Donal Foley EVERY FRIDAY

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Home alone as team mates play in Croker By Jimmy Rhatigan

HE BELIEF has to be that whoever came up with the rule that some panel members cannot travel to intercounty hurling game was at one time a member of the committee appointed to design a horse and came up with a camel. He or she then went on to decide how many panel players a county hurling manager can bring to matches and in his or her wisdom, or lack of it, deemed that up to 10 squad members should not travel for health and safety reasons. Whatever about horses and camels, the present ruling amounts to a pig’s ear of a directive. With respect to whoever came up with this one, it is a poke in the eye for common sense, a show of disrespect for hurlers, amateur sportsmen, who train hard, give up huge chunks of their time and totally commit themselves to a county’s cause. And as their team mates head to a championship match, they are told to stay at home. What a kick in the Hopefully common sense ers but such is the pedigree of family jewels. county hurlers that they put will prevail and someone with a up, shut up and get on with the smidgen of cop on will say hold SMIDGEN OF COP ON The former is hardly a morale business of doing their utmost for on here, this is crazy stuff. With thousands of vacant seats booster for passionate play- the cause.

in Croke Park, it must be possible to get 20 to share between competing teams’ squad members. With the horse grazing, the camel having humped off and

the pig’s ear at the heart of a bacon and cabbage plate, the time is right to restore dignity and respect to the players who should never have been left at home to

watch their team mates on telly. The tale reminds of a Christian Brother in Kilkenny CBS who did his utmost to teach us Latin, if my memory serves me right, circa 55 years ago. Brother Brett, a giant of a man with a warm heart and a great turn of phrase, he would have us reading Latin prose. PURE STUPIDITY The idea was that when your turn came you were supposed to carry on where the last lad finished. That was all very well but some of us hadn’t a bull’s notion where to continue. So after a pause, Brother Brett would intervene: Next, there is a cow on the line, he would say with a smirk. There must have been a herd of cattle on the line on the day that somebody decreed that some hurlers should be left at home on match days. What makes the situation really farcical is that there are 82,300 seats in Croker. If safe seats cannot be found for the extra panel members, then the only conclusion has to be that there is more than short sightedness involved here. Good news is that all panel players will be welcomed in Croker for the All-Ireland Final

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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Drive-in-Bingo P

OSTPONED due to the recent Covid-19 lockdown, the Drive-in-Bingo fundraiser now goes ahead on Saturday, December 12 in Castleinch (signposted 3Klms out on the Callan Road). The joint venture is being organised by Kilkenny Bingo. There will be a prize pool of €2,500, with €500 for the holder of a full house on an interval sheet. A single book will cost €10 and a double €15, with other bingo options on the night. Tickets may also be purchased on the Kilkenny Bingo Clubforce app.

Our teacher:

No first cousin of gentle persuasion By Jimmy Rhatigan photo was taken. The last class before secondary school was a ANY OF us in 6th happy-go-lucky family-like unit class at Kilkenny CBS and a majority were to go on toPrimary School fadó, gether right through secondary fadó, will have happy and other school at Kilkenny CBS, James’s Street. Our teacher was a giant memories of those days. As our class pic, kindly given of a man called Brother Grennan to us by classmate John Cleere who we also had in 5th Class. He was not a first cousin of of Cleere’s Bar, Parliament Street fame, shows there were 36 of us gentle persuasion. However, havin desks, presuming there were ing a tough teacher was to prove no absentees on the day the positive for us.

SOFT LANDING The latter years we spent in the primary gave us a soft landing in the secondary school where we were taught by some of the finest human beings on Planet Earth. It is always good to meet classmates and there are times to reflect too on the lads who have passed to their eternal reward. Our class was full of character and characters. The rest of us limped past the

finishing post. And we had great fun getting there. We have happy memories of cream buns in Mullally’s, Blackmill Street and ice pops in Garvan’s of James’s Green. We also enjoyed pucking a sliothar or heading a ball in the Brothers’ Field, as, with the permission of a sensible French teacher, Brother Lynch, we ate the forbidden fruit.

Club organiser, Pat Millea advises that experienced Bingo MC, Teresa Fitzpatrick will host the event, calling the numbers and adjudicating on the winners. The gates will open at 4.30pm with ‘Eyes down’ at 6pm. James Stephens will hold a raffle, with attractive prizes. Why not come along, tune into the radio frequency and enjoy a novelty event in the comfort of your own car. The fun outing is not limited to club members, so you can invite a friend or neighbour to enjoy the night’s entertainment and maybe win a few bob.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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Freshford: A pathway to progress S

OME TIME ago, locals dreamed about a walkway that would join the centre of Freshford Village to the Millennium Park… fantasy or reality? This is their ‘why not’ moment. Imagine a pleasant stroll with friends or family along a modern boardwalk that would start at the centre of the village and take you safely into the Millennium Park for a picnic, open air concert, or where children could enjoy a fabulous new playground. The pathway would meander through areas of natural beauty. Access to the park would be via the new bridge over the Nuenna River that would gently guide you into the park and eventually link with the extended Loop Walk. Imagine this park alive with outdoor activities and musical events that were no longer restricted to any particular season due to the new art-deco lighting that illuminates the boardwalk and park.

tage Group’s walkway proposal. The proposed (92m long – 2m wide) boardwalk is raised to minimise impact on the lands it is traversing from environmental ecological, hydrological and archaeological perspectives. The boardwalk will be fully accessible by wheelchair users and double buggies. Non-slip surfaces with barriers on each side along its length, safety and security will be priorities.

GRANTS AND FINANCE A recent Expression of Interest application was approved by Kilkenny Leader Partnership (KLP) and a grant application is now being progressed to cover the boardwalk and bridge design and for extended surveys. Some surveys already carried out as part of the Odeon Feasibility Study 2018 need to be extended due to additional lands involved. Freshford.ie has submitted an appliFANTASY TO REALITY cation under the Project Ireland 2040 The dream may soon become reality. scheme for the construction of the boardFollowing months of work, planning per- walk and bridge that also includes monies mission is being sought from Kilkenny for lighting and new signage. County Council for a raised walkway from Buncrussia Street to the Millennium Park. THE BENEFITS The boardwalk development is a cross- The boardwalk will link both sides of the community initiative involving Fresh- village for the first time. ford Heritage, Acorn Club, Tidy Towns It will provide for safe access and full and Freshford.ie with the support and utilisation of the Millennium Park by evgoodwill of Freshford Playground Group, eryone with areas of ‘significant ecologiKilkenny County Council and Kilkenny cal interest’ of immense educational, sciLeader Partnership. entific and ecological value for projects It is built on the outcomes of the Odeon run by St Lachtain’s National School and Feasibility Study 2018 and Freshford Heri- other schools as part of Natural Science

programmes. The boardwalk would also link up to a newly-extended Loop Walk. CINEMA VISION The boardwalk project has enabled the community to progress the Odeon Social Enterprise Development project with the preparation of a business plan for the ambitious redevelopment of the cinema as a commercial and social enterprise hub. The project is seen as the catalyst towards the creation and implementation of new ‘town centre’ initiatives to attract new businesses. SPECIAL THANKS None of this would have been possible without the consent, goodwill and the trust placed in the organisers by landowners. Thanks went to Edward Dooley, Pat Tallis and Pauline Staunton for their generous support. All are grateful to Barry Lynch (EDPM, Architects and Civil Engineers). Special thanks went to Andy Quinn who volunteered his extensive QS skills and provided accurate costings. Thanked too were Joe Morrissey, Julie Lowe and the Tidy Towns team for clearing a pathway on the Paddock site that enabled engineers to work. Brendan Hyland (Hyland & Co Solicitors) and Noel Ryan (Noel Ryan & Co Accountants) gave exceptional advice and support. Thanks also went to Freshford. ie team. An entire community craves a successful outcome.

Freshford Millennium Park

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

EDITORIAL EXTRA

Pore over the Wine Centre’s new website T

HE NEW, improved www. thewinecentre.ie website is now live. Established in 1965, The Wine Centre is an independent, family run, specialist off-license based at 15 John Street in the heart of Kilkenny City. The newly re-launched website carries an extensive range of wine, craft beer and spirits. It specializes in whiskey from around the world including rare and collectables, as well as exclusively sourced wines. The website is designed to offer a seamless experience for customers when browsing and purchasing online. With national and international delivery options available, there is also free nationwide delivery within the Republic of Ire-

land on orders of €100 or over, as well as a Click & Collect service for anyone based close to the store, or planning a visit to the local area. Catering for all tastes and budgets www.thewinecentre.ie has something for everyone, from a vast selection of craft beers and wines, something to celebrate a special occasion through to some rare and collectables. A member of the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild and winner of the NOFLA (National Off Licence of the Year) for the past 8 years, The Wine Centre offers a fantastic choice and also expert knowledge and advice as well as an exceptionally friendly customer service. Contact: Simon Hawkins, 086 0396370, simon@okg.ie.

Pictured with the Gardai are, from left, Laura Walsh, Niamh Fitzgerald, Darren Purcell, Meghan Fitzgerald and Rebecca Fitzgerald Pic: John O’Carroll

Newlyweds had the law on their side

LOCAL couple were joined by the long arm of the law for a photo shoot as they celebrated the happiest day of their lives. Meghan Fitzgerald, Callan and Darren Purcell, Castlecomer were married at a civil ceremony in Hotel Kilkenny. Celebrant was Mark Lovett. It was down by the riverside they strolled for wedding photos.

The Canal Walk in Kilkenny City proved to be a great location to capture memories of the family occasion. There they were joined by two local Gardai on the beat who were happy to be photographed with the wedding party. Then it was on to the hotel where the newlyweds were joined by 25 guests at a reception.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

EDITORIAL EXTRA

The first Wellie Race: There’s whiskey in the jar Powley Vale Boys who made history by taking part in the first ever impromptu Wellie Race, a hoped for hangover cure, in 1978. Back row, from left, Christy Cody, Michael Walsh, King of the Powley, Bernie Phelan, Fr Larry Wallace, first wellie champion, Paddy Phelan, Gerry Dunne, The Joker Brennan RIP. Front, from left, Tom Kennedy, Michael ‘Maca ‘ Brennan, Seamie Brennan, John Brennan, Michael Brennan, Larry Holohan, RIP, Jim Murphy

Hangover cure is now a world leader I

T IS probably the only hangover in the history of Castlecomer that natives of the former mining town will forever cherish. It was a hangover race in a bid to cure morning sickness from porter that was to lead to the birth of the now famous Wellie Race. Despite the best efforts of teams of number crunchers, no one has ever come up with exactly how many large bottles of stout, jugs of ale and tots of whiskey that it took to give headaches and billous bellies. Anyway, the story goes that in the Year of Our Lord 1978 a school of cockeyed Powley Vale

card players got fed up of Jacks, Queens and Kings and headed to green pastures in a bid to run off their muzzy heads. It worked a treat. ACE OF TRUMPS The boys had dealt themselves an ace of trumps. As none of the participants owned a pair of Nike or Adidas runners, wellies were agreed on as the chosen footwear. Winner of the first Wellington Race proved to be local hero, Paddy Phelan. Three years later, thanks to the urgings of local publican, Jim Bollard who donated a per-

petual cup, the Powley Boys agreed to moving their invention to ‘Comer and slowly but surely what started as a leisurely run exploded into a worldwide sensation. Wellie Races were born in Spain, Penvénan, France, Toronto, Canada, Australia and the Austrian Alps. Every year since ’81, thousands of supporters have gathered in ‘Comer every New Year’s Day to support the main Wellie Race, a series of peripheral races, a float parade, fancy dress and mountain of other activities including singsongs in local pubs. FULL STEAM AHEAD

The wellie run was over the Kiltown Circuit, a demanding 5k country road with two severe inclines that proved an instant hit with the people of the North Kilkenny town and environs. Alas, Coronavirus has put a full stop to all that for the time being. But as a hiccup halts the big outdoor event, ingenuity has ensured that a suitable replacement was born. The Powley vale Virtual Wellington Race 2020 will mean that followers of the wellie are kept busy from December 26 to January 6 and, more importantly, that local charities will not miss out on Last Supper cheques to

ensure that their good work goes full steam ahead. The Wellie Race Committee is inviting individuals and families to run, walk or crawl 5k over Christmas SHARE PHOTOS The message from wellie land is: Wear fancy dress, county colours, bring your pets, go as wild as you wish. The only rule is you must wear your wellies. Positive news is that reaction to a public relations campaign, with the help of local and national personalities, has been fantastic with a response from

practically everywhere around the world where wellington boots are worn. You can play your part by emailing wellierace@gmail.com or by registering at www.wellierace.com and the Castlecomer Wellie Race Facebook Page. You can share photos or videos of your activities by tagging The Powley Vale Virtual Wellington Race 2021 by using the #hashtag virtual wellie Race. Those who wish to donate to the Virtual Wellie Race and are not familiar with social media can contribute to any committee member. Chubby Brennan’s number is 087-2121639.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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shame: Locals play Santa ‘Childcare Bank lobbyists’ inside track’ to hurting families S

LOCAL childcare and community service has teamed up with a Helping the Homeless group to raise funds to help struggling families and individuals. A Christmas Hamper Appeal by Village Childcare and Community Services and Mary Pierce Helping the Homeless has already got great community support. The organisers are looking for donations of non-perishable food items, vouchers for all supermarkets, new toys in packaging and fuel vouchers to ensure a comfortable Yule for the vulnerable. Taboo are alcohol and second-hand clothing. Plan is to deliver at least 350 hampers to families and individuals. All hampers will be delivered in our city and county. Aim is to raise enough food and cash to fill hampers that will be discreetly and confidentially delivered to needy parents and children. Donations are being accepted at James Stephens GAA Club, Larchfield from today, Friday, December 4 to December 19, 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9.30pm. John Joe Cullen Butchers,

John Street and Kearns Butchers, Ballybought Street will accept cash donations which will be used to purchase meat. Donations also to AIB account at IBANIE72AIBK93319 859032021. All donors will receive a receipt. For more information contact

INN FÉIN’S Kathleen Funchion has welcomed the return of the Kilkenny Observer. “It is great to see the paper again as so many people have commented on how it was sorely missed during Level 5 restrictions. “As we all know the world of politics has been very alive and active with the controversy over the Tanaiste’s leaking of the Irish Medical Association document to a friend and political supporter in the National Association of General Practitioners. “It is the ‘inside track’ aspect that is so annoying. We brought forward a Bill to improve transparency and accountability in regard to former Government ministers taking on positions as lobbyists. “For too long Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments permitted a revolving door between politics and the lobbying industry with their former MinMartin Cornally 087-7914867, isters benefiting most. operations @vcccs.ie, Mary Pierce 085-7075348, BANKING INDUSTRY Theresa McDonald 056- “Former Junior Finance Minis7764700, 086-2249524, ter Brian Hayes (Fine Gael) of admin@vcccs.ie, Michael Golfgate fame went to work as Kennedy 087-6690361, chief lobbyist for the banking mickken@eircom.net, Cath- industry. “Former Junior Finance erine Millea 087-2416924, Minister Michael D’Arcy (Fine catherinemillea@yahoo.com

Childcare system fails everyone says Kathleen Funchion

Gael) joined the Association of Investment Managers. “These practices are corrosive to democracy as they undermine ordinary people’s expectations and belief that our political system is responsive to their needs, rather than to wellheeled unelected special interest groups. “Sinn Féin sought cross-party support. Hopefully this Bill will mark a new departure for standards in Irish public life.” As Sinn Féin spokesperson for Children, Ms Funchion reminded that early years’ professionals/childcare workers are some of the lowest paid in our country and are at the bottom of the table when compared to international counterparts. NOT ONE CENT “Sinn Féin has long advocated

for fair wages for childcare workers. Childcare is badly broken here. “It is unsustainable for staff and financially crippling for parents and providers. “We were astounded by this Government’s lack of commitment to the sector when not an extra cent was provided in the budget.” “I called for a complete overhaul of the sector, starting with fairer wages.” This would mean a living wage, an immediate minimum pay rate of €12.30 an hour. UNDERFUNDED “This involved an investment of €30m. Instead, we have woefully underfunded childcare for decades. “We have allowed a system that sees well educated early years’ professionals on half the average pay of their counterparts in similar EU countries. This must change. “Government parties’ poor attitude to childcare and its needs highlights their out of touch approach. “This summer Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael turned away from providing childcare as a public service opting instead to revert to the current unaffordable model which fails workers, parents and providers. “This is the sector which cares for our future citizens but FF/FG and the Greens are focused on satisfying those on the ‘inside track’ and the banking lobbyists.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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Publicans stagger under prohibition Along with neighbours and friends in the restaurant business, pub owners have suffered more than most from a lockdown that has torn the heart out of EDITOR small businesses and crucified in particular those flogging alcohol and grub. One would have to feel for brave but T’S a sobering thought. What was once dubbed the oasis of struggling business owners in our city the South East, the pubs and restau- and county who are on their knees, hoprants of our city are wobbling under the ing and praying that the deadly Coronavirus will feck off and leave us alone. weight of Government prohibition. For most of this year, purveyors of porter and fine whiskey poured out their KILLER DISEASE grievances as pandemic restrictions Sadly, the killer disease is without shame took their toll on public houses, some of or sympathy and close-knit families are which already had one foot in the grave ravaged as loved ones are stolen. What were once thriving family esand the other on a banana skin. The pub trade is so hurt, next door to tablishments, the heartbeat of Kilkenny mortally wounded, that local bars once tourism, pubs, restaurants, cafés, hairvalued at a king’s ransom would barely dressers, cobblers and many other rival a con-acre for growing spuds at a businesses deemed to be non-essential, have been left to twiddle their thumbs or Fonsie Mealy Auction in Castlecomer. JIMMY RHATIGAN

finger rosary beads. Our main streets are missing only the bundles of tumbleweed that bedevilled John Wayne’s Wild West. Our people remain resilient, mostly abiding by health advice, others flouting the rules, a majority united in fear. Those who call the shots came up with some puerile experiments. If you spent €9 on food in a bar or a pub cum restaurant that was then open for business, you were entitled to imbibe for an hour and a bit. One wondered how safe that was with a ruthless killer on the prowl. Hurling struggled, survived and is now thriving. A blanket ban on spectators means that the surreal is the new norm. Our little world of work and play has been torn to shreds. LIVES ON LINE

Even the dogs in the street have lost their appetites for a good bark or bite. Mercifully, local heroes, doctors in hospitals and GP surgeries, along with nurses, paramedics and a host of other frontline braves continue to put their lives on the line to save ours. If only all of us could be rewarded for resourcefulness and durability at week’s end with a pint of porter or plain, a wee Paddy or even a pudding supper. We are right back to barkeepers and chefs. We know they would be delighted to fill the creamy pints and mix the cocktails, cook the meals if allowed. Prohibition has given us all an undeserved kick in the backside. For instance, as people gather in big stores and some small shops, the pubs and restaurants remain no-go areas, hardly making for a level playing field in

tough times. For your sanity, don’t travel back in time to when prohibition was introduced in the US. Poring over the years of bootlegging and speakeasies, 1920 to 1933, a campaign that was launched to try to curb alcoholism and abuse proved to be a flop. One wonders if the hardship foisted on pubs and restaurants will have any effect. If not, it becomes a sister of big brother that failed to make an impact in the United States. Should someone be able to prove that prohibition here helps to bring us to a new beginning? Then we will all be delighted to go to our locals to celebrate. If wet pubs are still trading, a reprieve for pubs cum restaurants.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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Burning question: Will local JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

HERE was a time in our country when journalists were at the bottom of the pile when it came to popularity. Ironically, they were then the victims of a campaign mercilessly whipped up by politicians and their allies of all hues who feared the wrath of what were then sharp pens and pencils that exposed those who crossed a line. In short, men and women of the Fourth Estate were penalised for doing their jobs properly. We were then living, and indeed, still are, in a time of ducking and diving. It was the nodding and winking brigade that was akin to cantankerous farmyard donkeys in the way it sometimes carried on. Such were the traits of so many high profile or viewed from a different perspective, small time big shots of the political world. Things have changed for journalists. Lo and behold, they would appear to have leapfrogged politicians in public opinion. There are many men and women from big international business concerns who have a secret hold on our lives to all levels of politics that desperately want to control the media. QUEUED FOR PAPERS The said media is an absolute beast now in terms of the reach it has, be that via traditional newspapers, right up to websites, Twitter, Facebook and so on. The old values pertain – the

decision makers and power brokers don’t appreciate adverse publicity. The notion that news is something that someone, somewhere wants to hide and that everything else is advertising is taboo in multinational boardrooms and political pow-wows. Think for a moment why we have lobbyists swimming in political circles; what role do the latest breed fondly classed as ‘Influencers’ in fashion and so on, really fulfil? Journalists, in the newspaper industry and all over, have to ask the big question, have standards slumped? The question is asked not because of what they write or say, but rather what they don’t write or don’t say. In our country, flawed or otherwise, we have an easy habit of saying that the artisans, professions, literary and writers of another time were far superior. In the case of journalism, that view may just be accurate; for many reasons. In better times when vibrant newspapers, driven by gifted, pioneering journalists – like in the Irish Press daily and its evening sister The Evening Press, were so popular that queues formed in local shops awaiting the arrival of ‘the van man’ with bundles of ‘papers filled with pages written by journalists who commanded serious respect. In record time, the newspapers were grabbed up even before the delivery man reached the doors of local newsagents or huckster shops attached to rural pubs. Often, major events in news or sport and more particularly on days of popular featured columnists, the ‘papers were snapped up in record time. GENIUS, CON HOULIHAN

A busy newsroom

In these parts, almost as popular as pop stars was the peerless Con Houlihan, an absolute genius with words, along with Joe Sherwood, author of a famous Evening Press column called In The Soup. On the national airwaves were Frank Hall and Ballymagash Urban District Council and Dinjo; journalists were popular entertainers. People of a certain age – old timers some might class them - will still have fond memories too of the Kennedys of Castleross, a radio soap opera of yes-

Top notch: Kilkenny People Sports Editor, now retired, John Knox interviews hurling star Tommy Walsh

teryear, and its RTE comrade, Dear Frankie (Byrne), our nation’s most popular agony aunt. In our own city The Kilkenny People was then a hugely popular weekly, acknowledged as one of the top three provincials in a sea of popular prose, poetry too, that revelled in high tides and choppy waters. Journalists such as Seán Hurley, perhaps the king of all provincial scribes and editors, Pat Sweeney, Tim Donovan, Peter Holohan and Jimmy Dockery were guardians of a precious way of life. They were followed by recently retired ‘People Sports Editor, John Knox, admired in GAA as a fountain of knowledge on hurling and Carmel Hayes, a respected scribe in the fields of court, legal affairs and news. Photographer, Tom Brett, contributed hugely to the continued success of a ‘paper owned by John Kerry Keane – a great man to gauge the mood of life and to respond appropriately. CONTENT WAS KING John Kerry’s family understood and appreciated the industry and had a passion for the written word and pictures. Key to success was that journalists took real pride in their work and proud owners, long before investors took over, were fully aware that content

was king and, while advertising was part of their lifeblood, they refused to turn their publications into ad rags. Another plus was that the proven seat of learning for cub reporters was the provincial newsroom where knowledge and standards ensured a talented supply chain of talent. We think in particular of the aforementioned Pat Sweeney, a son of St Francis Terrace, a genius at the highest level; word wizard, Enda McEvoy of Michael Street, Olivia O’Leary, broadcaster and writer with RTE, Kerry McCarthy of Fatima Place who joined the Evening Herald and Eamonn Sweeney of Hold The Back Page fame on the Sunday Indo. The latter has Kilkenny blood in his veins and is a nephew of the late Pat Sweeney. For generations, newspapers were as popular as the movies at a time when John Wayne was top gun. So what has gone wrong? PRESS RELEASES Is the decline of the paper industry the fault of journalists or owners or is it the public saying you have had your day? It may be a combination of all those things. The aforementioned investors, intruders into a field of excellence and tradition, journalists who got lazy and

shrewd communities that knew the difference between professional journalism and poorly edited press releases will all figure in any post mortem. Some will blame social media, a combination of the good, the bad and the ugly. THAT IS A COP OUT. The big advantage – some would suggest it is a disadvantage - that newspapers have over social media is that ‘papers are accountable for what they publish or print while much social media may be dodgy and unpoliced. For example, look at how Twitter has started to fact check and handle some of former US President Donald Trump’s messages. So how should mainstream scribes and photographers react? Whether or not modern day journalists like or don’t care for social media, the reality is that it is now a huge part of people’s lives. A HUGE BATTLE We would suggest the most positive reaction should be an improvement in standards, a greater sense of urgency, vibrancy and respect as we service local communities, bringing the news, passing on knowledge and, most importantly, writing for people with a combination of humour and colour.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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News – KEEPING IT LOCAL

‘papers go from riches to rags?

Enda McEvoy, journalist and author, a pro with a deft pen

Newspapers have a huge battle to stay alive, to win back the thousands who drifted away. Readers moved on, not necessarily because newspaper aficionados got fed up of the written word, but because they got tired of publications that became bland and uninteresting. Ireland has always been rich in talent. We still have super journalists/writers like Gene Kerrigan and Charlie Weston in Independent Newspapers, Eamon McCann, Terry McGeehan of the Daily Star are among our favourites. Local radio is now in the mix, commercial and community, and as with the print media, it too has a big challenge. The South East is well served by professional journalists, Eimear Ní Bhraonáin in our local KCLR and former RTE correspondent, Damien Tiernan in Waterford’s WLR. Their Achilles Heel is that they have Government-supported national broadcaster RTE to grapple with. The fight is David v Goliath as millions of taxpayers’ money is poured into RTE. BEDROOM SLIPPERS On national radio we have a talented son of Kilkenny, Kieran Cuddihy, a breath of fresh air who is Newstalk’s new kid on the block of broadcast journalism. Kieran is a proud member of our local highly respected Cuddihy-Forristal medical family. Local broadcasters, regardless of whether they are good, bad or indifferent are trying

to climb mountains wearing bedroom slippers. But, to their credit, they would seem to keep reminding themselves of who won the original David v Goliath scrap. So where does the printed media stand in the midst of all this? It can survive and even thrive if journalists accept that most have to up their game, reinvent themselves in the way that they write; how they communicate with people and in times of unease or unrest in particular, they must provide the verbal feathers that tickle readers’ tummies. We must all accept also that breaking news that shocks at 7pm is old news before 7.03pm. This is a consequence of the age of communications that travels at the speed of knots. So while reporting immediate news with flair is fine for radio and television; it can be a waste of time for a provincial ‘paper that publishes once a week. FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL The answer is to take the story into the future, reminding of the facts but focusing on where a particular tale could be leading. In many respects this can be more exciting and invigorating than breaking the story in the first place. We are now in a world, crazy or not, where true professionals only will catch the attention of discerning readers in ex-

Seán Hurley in his younger years, a brilliant writer and editor and National Union of Journalists devotee

Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, a young newspaper scribe turned broadcaster who has mastered both

tended communities. At The Kilkenny Observer we have a small and dedicated team but we have no spare wheels. The latter could be our Achilles Heel. The positive for the newspaper is that it is very popular. The great majority of the newspapers in our country are fighting for survival. Sadly, many look like losing the battle. The reality is that a majority

Everything has a cycle. The printed word would be resurrected; born again. Sounds like good news for journalists of the future?

of towns in our country may have the wherewithal, the financial clout, to support one newspaper only. If we could be sure that the latter would be the outcome, then it would be reasonably positive. If Armageddon were to raise its ugly head, that too could have a smidgen of positivity. Somebody, from somewhere would eventually come up with the bright idea of reinventing newspapers.

Seán Hurley, the father of local journalism

YES AND NO Only the very best would survive, would be our view. In Kilkenny over the years we have parted company with excellent publications such as the Kilkenny Journal, the Kilkenny Standard, the original Kilkenny Reporter and The

Voice. All four had admirable qualities. YET THEY ARE NO MORE. The papers that really want to be part of any literary future will achieve their goal. Since the birth of the first newspaper, reputedly in Rome at the time of its famous Forum, newspapers have been enjoyed by billions of people all over the world. Sadly, huge, huge numbers have jumped ship for one reason or another. It is now up to the ship’s crew to plug the leaks and steer to safety before a great industry that has space for the mighty and the not so mighty, hits the rocks. Local and national media can join thousands of others by going cap in hand to Government to help fund its future. Most no doubt would support such a plan of action. OTHERS WOULD NOT. WHY? Because they would no doubt caution that there is no such thing as a free meal. We should remind ourselves that he or she who pays the piper calls the tune. Not getting support could sound a death knell for some or even many. We all have a very pertinent question to ask ourselves. Is accepting death not more honourable than living a life of prostitution in print or broadcasting?

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

News – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Observations

with Jimmy Rhatigan

Not so bright:

An Taoiseach kept in the dark H OW FAR is Taoiseach Martin prepared to stoop to ensure that himself, Varadkar and Ryan continue to rule the roost in Dáil Éireann, against the wishes of hundreds of thousands of our people? The son of Cork who holds the lucrative post of An Taoiseach, is the only one who can answer that one. On one hand, we have Varadkar defending himself at all times with a mix of arrogance, cunning and defiance that defies logic. On the other hand, we have a desperately weak Martin, giving the thumbs up, the nod, the wink of whatever in case, we would assume, the present regime implodes, thereby wrecking his half of a shared and arranged

marriage. Martin had no problem kicking the backsides of Phil Hogan and Barry Cowen in particular following Golfgate despite being completely overshadowed by An Tánaiste at times and often ment following Golfgate. being left looking silly. That caused some anger, but the blessed trinity of Varadkar, BEST BUDDY Yet he still cotton wools Varadkar Martin and Ryan had no probas if he were a best buddy, rather lem kicking a potential hand grethan a man with whom at other nade gently to touch. The manure really splattered times he had crossed political when it hit the fan as politicians swords. learned that Woulfe had been appointed by Justice Minister THE MIND BOGGLES. Martin’s genuflecting, curtsying, Helen McEntee without any nodding, call it what you will, public or even private announcewas highlighted when Govern- ment that there were other posment decided not to chase Sea- sible candidates. It was said that Woulfe, a formus Woulfe with any impeach-

mer Attorney General, was one of five who had shown interest in the post of Judge in the Supreme Court of Ireland. Straight forward enough? YOU MUST BE JOKING. As battling Labour Party Leader, Alan Kelly said Taoiseach Martin wasn’t even told of the interest of the other possibilities for the job. AKIN TO A DUNCE An Taoiseach had been left in

the dark and for one who to some may be classed as a bright boy, he certainly was more akin to a dunce than to a clever pupil in any class, or at least pretended to be. In short, Martin is being given the mushroom treatment, being fed poop and kept in the dark. Martin took it in his stride and certainly didn’t appear to be upset despite the fact that Fine Gael in particular had once again used him as a door mat.

It seems that Martin has now reached the stage where he is prepared to bare his backside for whoever chooses to kick it or perhaps throw talcum powder at it. We are living in strange times and bewildered FF TDs in particular, not all of whom have any real grá for their dear leader, must be pondering how they got themselves into a marriage where everyone and anyone wears the trousers, except their man.

Shopping plan disappoints aged and ill I

NTENTIONS may have been good but delivery was anything but. In fairness, some local supermarkets did highlight at their stores that they had dedicated hours of shopping to protect our elderly and vulnerable during the pandemic. Store owners may be impressing some as men and women in their pension years may feel safe and perhaps a little privileged as they shop. But the shops may or may not be coming out of this with glowing reports. Pensioners turned up in good numbers for the hours allocated, but so did, and do, many other shoppers. If big name stores are wallowing in self-satisfaction then they shouldn’t be. Store employees were and are excellent in their treatment of the elderly and vulnerable.

But those who made the decisions did little to ensure that the men and women who helped to build our country had the supermarket aisles to themselves for a time.

MORE THAN WELCOME Reality is that seniors were more than welcome at particular times, but, despite impressions given, so were other age groups who wanted to spend hard earned cash.

The scheme is a generous thought and a possible PR winner but, unfortunately, because of its loose organisation, it may not be remembered as a smash hit. The idea of being kind to our

elderly, we would accept, was well intentioned. But, action always speaks louder than words and in that respect an intended kind act proved to be disappointing for many.

And, far more seriously, it could put the lives of elderly and ill customers at risk. It is not too late to designate two hours a week to the vulnerable only, leaving all other hours for all other shoppers.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

News – KEEPING IT LOCAL

The smile is back on Callan’s face By John Fitzgerald in the end. When asked what had beFTER months of lock- come of his beloved pooch, down, Callan is set to Mickey shook his head and enjoy a cracking Christ- quipped: killed in action. The colour schemes of new mas. Thanks to the new one-way bollards in Bridge Street were terrific system in the town, pe- tastefully designed with the videstrians have a new spring in sual palate of the streetscape in mind. their step. Some are a soothing blue and An idyllic new walkway in a field containing a revered others creamy. For one communational monument has also nity activist they bring to mind a wacky but charming scene from boosted morale. The one-way system means the Wizard of Oz involving the that walkers no longer have to munchkins. Others suggest that they could squeeze between a car parked up on a pavement and the walls double up as works of abstract or house fronts of Bridge Street. art, so appealing are they. The new look Bridge Street People won’t dodge honking vehicles as they hop niftily out also enhances the appeal of Fenof the path of rumbling jugger- nelly’s former pub turned café and arts hub. nauts. Throughout lockdown the Callan is becoming a walker’s paradise. After over a century of café found other ways to keep the four-wheeled monster ruling spirits up in Callan. over us, the pedestrian is king CLUCKING HENS again. The pace of 21st century life Its spacious courtyard, once part has slowed down, locals are of Mrs Fennelly’s farmstead, in chatting happily in the streets the past echoed to the sound even if still wearing masks or so- of clucking hens, locals chatting, busy wheelbarrows forever cially distancing. Buggies can be rolled unim- squeaking to and fro. It played host to a successful peded along the paths by beaming mothers, and dogs have a Neighbourhood Callan initiative more relaxed look about them that offered a range of locally as they trot with tails wagging, no produced vegetables on speciawkwardly moving cars or lor- fied days throughout lockdown. For many it was the only social ries to distract them. outlet as restrictions continued to rob the light from their lives. MICKEY’S DOG They mightn’t be able to have Locals recall how the late publican Mickey Cunningham’s dog a tipple in a pub, play bingo, loved to chase cars in Bridge or even go to Church, but they Street in the bad old days of could chat (at safe distances) in Fennelly’s courtyard on Neighheavy traffic. The mutt stood guard outside boorhood Callan Day as they the pub entrance and few cars congregated to inspect organic carrots and cabbages, freshly escaped his attention. Sadly, it was a car that did him dug spuds, assortment of fruit in

Pre-lockdown at Fennelly’s: Actor/author Niamh Moroney with the Green Party’s Malcolm Noonan

stalls. Fennelly’s now famous café will be open for Christmas. Another boost has been the opening of the Moat Field Park, so called because it contains a Motte that locals prefer to call the Moat, built by the Normans circa1217. The Moat is an artificially created mound of earth that once had a wooden castle on top, with lords and ladies and knights-atarms dwelling therein. MOAT CARNIVALS It was abandoned as a lordly residence in the 14th century but came to prominence again in the late 1950s and early 1960s when Moat Carnivals were held on the Moat Field and on the hill where the castle stood. Marathon dancing sessions in marquees brought the hilltop to life, with hundreds of happy couples waltzing and jiving in a makeshift but sturdy Ballroom of Romance. Legendary boxing coach The historic Moat field, now a town park popular with walkers and picnickers Jimmy Walsh was one of many locals who stepped it out. He went on to scoop numerous awards for his dancing. The carnivals are no more but information panels have been installed along the stunning walkway that Kilkenny County Council has created around the Moat field. These panels recall the carnivals and the Norman days of glory. Other panels highlight the flora and fauna of the Moat Field. From early morning to late evening walkers enjoy the scenic beauty spot that is rivalling Callan By-pass as a walkway. The walkway is also a big hit with picnickers drawn by the attractive seating around the park. Etaoin Holahan at an apple pressing demo in Fennelly’s Courtyard. Foul humour Legends about the Moat abound, mainly revolving around the appearance of fairies and hobgoblins once the sun goes down. There’s the story of the Three Jesters. Tradition has it that back in the days of the castle on the hilltop the lords and ladies hired jesters to cheer them up twice a week. The problem for the comedians was that the Moat royalty tended to be in foul humour some mornings after a hectic night of drinking and carousing and you had to be in top form to keep them amused. Jesters, whose gags were not up to scratch, were tossed off the hilltop. They had to return with better material next day or risk another tumble. Moat Jesters are long gone, but the town is brimming with optimism despite months of Covid clampdown. Soon, Christmas lights will shine, bells will ring, and Callan will smile again. Bridge Street, Callan, deserted during Level 5 restrictions

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

Advertorial

Gentle touch is the key at Dentalcare

ENTLE Dentalcare, Kilkenny’s newest Dental Clinic opened in The Smithlands Shopping Centre, Loughboy in December 2019. It was opened by Linda Feehan Meagher, proprietor and native of Kilkenny and is one of the first, if not the first dental clinic to be opened by a Dental Hygienist in Ireland. Linda having graduated from University College, Cork with First Class Honours, has been working in dental for 25 years and working as a Dental Hygienist for over 23 years. She is committed to continued education which is so important in an ever changing world of dentistry. Having worked in various private clinics, Dr John McCarron’s, Newpark Dental, Dr Donal Blackwell and also last year in the Navan Medical and Dental Centric Centre, Dublin, she also spent some time in her early career working in the Community Care Headquarters, James’s Green.

VERY POPULAR Linda is a very popular Hygienist in Kilkenny and has a genuine interest in her patients, showing compassion, patience and empathy in her work. Having a daughter with Special Needs, she has a keen interest in treating the more vulnerable groups in our community particularly nervous and anxious patients. She is known for her gentle approach when treating patients.Gentle Dentalcare Clinic is a General and Cosmetic Dental Clinic providing a wide range of treatments from fillings, dentures, crowns, bridgework, veneers to teeth whitening, endodontic treatments and will be commencing short term orthodontics in the New Year along with facial aesthetics. Aim is to offer treatments in a warm, friendly, comfortable environment where patient comfort is a priority and building up a good rapport, which is extremely important, is best done in such an environment. Once this is achieved it helps to

lessen the anxieties which a lot of us may have when visiting a dentist. Gentle Dentalcare aims to provide top quality and modern dental care at an affordable cost in a friendly environment. It caters for all patients, private, PRSI and Medical Card patients and also works with St Canice’s Credit Union, CU easy pay partner. FREE PARKING Its modern two-surgery clinic is very spacious which is so important with Coid-19 and operates with the strictest Nphet, HSE and Dental Council guidelines. The clinic is fully computerised and has a digital x-ray system throughout. There is a separate decontamination room. It is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair parking outside the door. All parking in the Smithlands Shopping Centre is free and easily accessible being on the outskirts of Kilkenny City. Gentle Dentalcare late evening clinics are on Wednesdays and Thursdays with lunch time clinics on Saturdays.

Classy team care for all the family Dr Neil Bermingham

DR NEIL BERMINGHAM Son of Cork, Dr Neil who graduated in University College, Cork strongly believes in practising ethical dentistry in a safe, comforting environment, addressing patients concerns and providing high quality patient care. With an understanding that dentistry is ever-evolving, he regularly attends continuing professional development courses and has a keen interest in all aspects of dentistry with particular interest in prosthodontics and oral surgery. DR STEPHEN TOGHER Mayo man, Dr Stephen Togher

Dr Stephen Togher

who graduated in Trinity College, Dublin is also committed to continuous professional education and development. One of his main aspirations is to establish a reputation of providing comprehensive dental care for his patients with high standards ensuring that patients fully understand the nature of their problems and various treatments available. DR MIN-SEO JUNG Dr Jung from Sligo who graduated from University College, Cork is the newest member of the top team. She believes good communi-

Min-Seo Jung

Jacqui Holohan

cation and patience are key to successful dentistry and strives to provide as friendly and relaxing experience as possible when treating her patients. She too regularly attends professional development courses. JACQUI HOLOHAN Jacqui Holohan is often the person you see or hear when you contact Gentle Dentalcare. She has many years’ experience in administration and receptionist duties. She is an extremely important and invaluable member of the team, ensuring that each and every patient is treated in a car-

ing and professional manner. Jacqui ensures that your visit is as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Jacqui is a warm and encouraging force in the clinic. She uses her positive attitude to makes customer care the top priority. KATE O’CONNELL Kate, a Kilkenny woman, is dental nurse. She works alongside the dentists assisting them and helping to put patients at ease and comfortable. She has excellent people skills and is excited about pursuing her career as a dental nurse.

Kate O Connell

“I would hope that having opened Gentle Dentalcare that this will encourage development of the dental hygiene as a profession and who knows it may help other hygienists to follow suit. “I think we are under-utilised and as an enthusiastic profession have much to give, we just need to be given more scope to achieve this and help make a bigger difference in the field of oral health. “I do believe we need direct access to patients and I honestly do not believe this will negatively affect dentists, but think it will help patients become more reg-

Linda Feehen Meagher

ular attenders, thus improving oral health.” GENTLE DENTALCARE WEBSITE All staff members are very excited about the launch of a website, Gentledentalcare.ie which is now live. Here patients can read more about Gentle Dentalcare and what it has to offer. People can also keep an eye on Social Media pages for updates and offers All look forward to welcoming new and existing patients to clinic and wish all a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

NEWS

Blacksmith Michael passes away at 92

Michael Byrne RIP

ICHAEL Byrne, a Callan native who spent his final decades in Drogheda was a lifelong diarist, GAA fan and gifted storyteller. He never lost contact with his home town. He passed away peacefully aged 92. Michael was born in Castletobin in 1929, one of five children. Parents were Philip Byrne, Ballyclovin and Mary Gunne, Kilvemnon, Mullinahone. His father was a blacksmith who also farmed. His humble patch of land included a little garden that was his pride and joy. The garden had a variety of

fruit and veg. Michael remembered him tirelessly cutting firewood along the Ash Walk. Philip loved the circus particularly John Duffy’s Show. Michael started his education at Callan Convent of Mercy before attending, at age seven, the CBS, West Street. His CBS days, from 1936 to ‘46 were exciting Brother Quirke directed the Primary School Choir. Michael recalls the night in 1940 that the choir, of which he was a member, took part in a countywide Gregorian Plain Chant.

The Co-op Stores where Michael worked

He described the hectic occasion that saw Callan win the Chanting Cup for the first time: “Our group of 30; immaculately dressed in flannel pants, white shirts and red ties, assembled in the school before boarding Tom Nolan’s bus. “We were nervous as we mounted the stage in St Kieran’s College to sing Tantum Ergo. Winner for sure “A priest whispered to Brother Quirke: ‘That’s a winner for sure.’ Callan scored 96 out of 100.” The primary school concert brought out the best in pupils. A Mrs Halley, Bridge Street made costumes for the boys. Michael said the real fun was before the concerts and during the intervals. Jimmy Lynch and Seamus Kirwin were the wise guys and pranksters. After a concert, pupils headed to Frank Moore’s Shop. Michael said Frank was an affable character who was grateful for the custom. Frank’s son, Paddy, later ran the business. Michael looked forward to visiting the shop when back in Callan. He would buy Keogh’s rustics (batch bread). Michael spent six of his ten CBS years in primary and four in secondary. He looked forward to Wednesday afternoons when English teacher, Bill Hennessy took charge of sport on the Fair Green. Though his parents had no interest in hurling, Michael thought of little else. He travelled to Maxtown to listen to a radio commentary in Paddy Fanning’s house of the 1939 All-Ireland final, Kilkenny v Cork. Paddy was the local postman, a gifted amateur boxer. He had one of a precious few radios in the district. Michael recalled: “The kitchen was crammed. Ears were cocked, adults cautioned us to stay quiet and. It was the first time I heard Micheál O’Hehir’s voice.

hurley broke in two on Lynch’s lawn. Lynch brothers, Jack, Jimmy and Micksie played with John Locke’s hurling team. The brothers repaired hurls. The year 1941 was etched in Michael’s memory. An outbreak of Foot and Mouth raged like a forest fire in Kilkenny and Tipperary. Once it hit a farm, all livestock were shot and buried in large graves. “The army did the killing. I heard the gunfire. It was terrifying. The 100 acres of grazing land adjoining ours, owned by Pollards of Callan was affected so all animals were slaughtered.” WARTIME RATIONING Wartime rationing was a headache. Luxury items were curtailed; petrol was scarce. Travelling circuses had to rely on horses to move around. Philip Byrne had to cut old cartwheel bands into strips and hammer these into shape to make horseshoes. He got horseshoe nails on the black market. Michael yearned for chocolate, a luxury that had almost disappeared. He was ecstatic on a morning in 1943 when he called into Tom Maher’s Shop, Bridge Street and discovered a few bars. Smokers cursed the scarcity of cigarettes and pipe tobacco. Michael and his brother walked three miles to Cunningham’s, Ballymack to collect an ounce of Clark’s tobacco for their father. The ‘baccy cost 1/6. D-Day, June 6, 1944 is a date that stood out for Michael. His father died early in the morning, and he remembers Brother Cullen, the superior in Callan CBS, calling to sympathise.

The Brother said the invasion of Europe had begun. Philip Byrne’s wake lasted from early Tuesday to Wednesday evening when his remains were removed in Dick Fennelly’s hearse. The funeral edged to Old Kilbride Cemetery where the much-loved blacksmith was buried. A week after his father’s death, Michael sat the Intermediate Cert exam and passed. Two years later, illness prevented him from studying for the Leaving Cert and he had to skip three subjects. WRECKED AMBITION That wrecked his ambition to fill a clerical post in the local co-op where Manager Tim Lucey wanted a bright young student. There were no repeats of exams in those days, so Michael had to approach Mr Lucey minus a certificate. Instead of a clerical job, Michael was to work as a general assistant in the hardware and meal stores in Green Street. His starting wage was one pound less stamp duty. In July 1946, he set out from Castletobin on his father’s old bike to begin his first day’s work at Callan Co-op. The Co-op Creamery, West Street took in milk from the farmers, separated it from cream, made butter, and crushed oats and barley into animal foodstuffs. The store in Green Street sold hardware, paint, glass, iron and curios. Store staff included Jimmy Ryan, Modeshill and Tommy Grace. Maggie Maher, Knockbutton and Kitty McGrath, Ballyline had posh office jobs. Michael envied the latter,

A HUGE CHEER “A huge cheer went up after Kilkenny won by a point. My granduncle, Tommy Byrne, was among the listeners. World War Two broke out during the match. We hardly noticed. Hurling came first.” The Power family, Castletobin had noted hurlers. Michael devoured the sporting yarns he heard from Jim Power, son of the well-known Fulton as he was popularly known. Jim was a retired soldier. Throughout the ‘Thirties, he had played with the Crowraddys. Michael sat on a wall outside Jim Power’s house and listened to stories about hurling. He asked for a loan of Jim’s revered hurley. Michael held the hurley as if it were a magic wand. But he forgot to allow for the fact that the wood had completely dried out. He was shocked when the Frank Moore’s Shop in Prologue, later run by his son, Paddy

perched on soft seats, proud as peacocks. As a youth, Michael got the dirty jobs. He had to fill bags with lime, cement, and manure; shovel coal on wet days. He enjoyed when he was allowed to accompany Richie Condon in the delivery lorry. He never forgot the coughing and wheezing, and the tears in his eyes, as he helped to load hydrated lime. PASSION FOR HURLING In February 1951, Michael dared to ask Tim Lucey for a rise. The Corkman had a particular aversion to workers seeking pay rises. To him, this was ultimate impertinence. Michael said goodbye to the co-op. He continued to work in hardware for 31 years all over Ireland. He ended up with Connolly Brothers, Drogheda in 1960 where he held the fort until the firm hit bad times in 1977. He accepted redundancy payment. He devoted retirement to his passion for hurling. He recounted the story of his sporting adventures in a book called From Noreside to Boyneside. He was pre-deceased by son Brian and daughter Katie; parents Philip and Mary (nee Gunn); brothers Seán, Peter, Tom and Nicholas; sister Biddy. He is missed and loved by Maura (Allen), his wife of 57 years; children Mícheál, Mary Quinn, Noreen Curran and Siobhán McDermott; daughterin-law Winnie; sons-in-law, Mitchel, Michael and Tommy; grand-daughters Sinéad, Tara, Ciara, Niamh, Aisling, Orla and Eimear; brothers Philip and Brian; sisters-in-law; brothers-inlaw; nieces and nephews.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

News – KEEPING IT LOCAL

One Million Stars at MacDonagh Junction

Reaching for the stars to end violence K

ILKENNY is the first county in Ireland to join The One Million Stars to End Violence project. The project was created in 2012 by weaving Samoan Australian artist, Maryann Talia Pau. It began as her personal response to the rape and murder of a young Irish woman living in Australia, it grew into a powerful global movement of solidarity to end all forms of violence. It has grown into a global star weaving movement Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny along with Siobhan McQuillan, an art therapist has brought the One Million Stars to Ireland. The Amber Star project’s aim is to raise awareness and provide information about domestic violence while connecting communities through creativity.

Garda Andy Neill, Lisa Morris, Stella Coughlan, Siobhan McQuillan and Stephenie McDermott

There stars from community and youth groups, Syrian refugees, Transition Year students, Cocooners, Kilkenny ICA, local knitting groups and individuals from local villages and counties Waterford, Laois, Tipperary and Carlow. Each star represents light, hope and solidarity against violence in all its forms. DIFFICULT TIMES Groups have been working towards assembling the stars together in a public installation to mark the 16 Days of Activism to End violence towards women. Ten thousand stars are hanging together in Mac-

Donagh Junction as a symbol of community support for those experiencing difficult times this Christmas. MacDonagh Junction is delighted to host the event and members of the public are welcome to participate by weaving a star and leaving it in the drop box while shopping at the junction. The stars will be attached to a Love sign, made and donated by JM steel Cuffesgrange. Connected as a community, the project sends out love and light this Christmas. To register as a star weaver and find out more about events or to donate to Amber Refuge visit www.onemillionstarsireland.ie.

SHOW SOLIDARITY This began before Covid-19 by reaching out to a wide age and social demographic through community star weaving workshops. Since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic group weaving groups had to stop. Weaving kits were made up and sent out to communities and people continued weaving from home to show solidarity and send a message of hope for a brighter future. The stars are hand-made by members of the community. Marion Massey and John Donovan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

News – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Christmas delights as La Rivista re-opens

UR CITY’S best loved Irish Italian fusion restaurant La Rivista is set to re-open its doors with a new Christmas Menu. It will be an exclusive festive dining offer, and there will be a selection of Christmas gift hampers with all the restaurant’s seasonal favourites. This Christmas, La Rivista is to show its appreciation to customers by offering every customer a complimentary glass of Italian Prosecco before a meal. The Parliament Street restaurant is now taking bookings for festive get-togethers. The restaurant will follow strict safety and social distancing measures to ensure customers have a safe and pleasant experience. The restaurant’s new Christmas menu is a mix of traditional and best loved Christmas favourites like Turkey Roulade and Silverhill Duck to some of La Rivista’s more popular dishes like steak, pasta and gourmet pizzas. Hallmark Christmas desserts will include home-made

Plum Pudding and Salted Caramel and Chocolate Brownie Trifle. FESTIVE DELIGHTS Prices start at €21.95 for two courses to a special ‘Wine and Dine’ menu at €69 for two. La Rivista hampers are the ideal Christmas gift, packed with festive delights including brandy butter, mince pies, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Prices start from €25 and gift sets from €7.95, all available to from the restaurant and Pop Up Market open Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm Restaurant owners, Jennifer Quinn and Seamus Walsh told The Kilkenny Observer: “We are very excited to be re-opening our doors. “We have put a lot of planning into our new Christmas Menu and hampers and have no doubt our customers will be pleased with a great mix of La Rivista favourites peppered with some new seasonal surprises. “We look forward to welcoming back some old faces as well as some new ones this season. La Rivista owners, Seamus Walsh and Jennifer Quinn

Croke Park in your own back garden JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

OBBLE together your own Croke Park. That could be the challenge should you decide to attend the Fonsie Mealy Christmas Rare Book and Collectable Sale on December 9 and 10. Several of the vitals for a back garden Croker and mini museum perhaps will be on sale at the Yule spectacular that boasts a fantastic 1,038 lots. There will be medals galore from many spectacular games of yesteryear. Up for grabs will be a rare cast iron turnstile, a Bloody Sunday match ticket, a wooden framed spectator’s bench, a very special sliothar and perhaps most prized of all, a Bloody Sunday First Anniversary Tournament excessively rare gold medal. Take your pick as to what you would regard as a fine centre field piece for your own field of dreams or, if you have been saving all year for Santa, you could do a lot worse than spent your little nest egg on

a collection of memorabilia that of GAA and Irish Sport. It had surcould make your little bit of sport- vived Bloody Sunday. ing heaven the envy of an entire Estimate: €1,200 - €1,800. parish. It may cost you more but a Bloody Sunday Ticket, an original admission Ticket to Croke Park for the Great Football Challenge, Tipperary v Dublin, on November 21, 1920 would be a huge boost for your collection. Estimate: €2,000 to €3,000. The wooden spectator’s bench would appear to be very good value at an estimated €400 to €600. The bench was removed during the restoration of Croke Park and was salvaged by the NO MON’, NO FUN present vendor. Let’s start with the turnstile, an important piece of sports ground ON THE BALL equipment. After all, if there is no You can have your choice from a mon’, there will probably be no fun. number of medals on offer. One The turnstile dates right back in particular, with local interest is to Croke Park in 2014. It is cast an attractive and unusual silver iron, by Ellison & Co, Mahchester, medal of pierced and etched depainted green with maker’s stamp, sign, the reverse with central rose the main body with shaped and gold and monogram. cylindrical uprights, and rotating The reverse is inscribed ‘Won centre, now converted, with demi- at Ballycallan 3/10/97’; (1897) lune wooden top. hallmark. The stile was removed in the The All-Ireland Championship 1950s from Croker during reno- of 1897 was between Tippervation work. It is described as a ary (Kilfane) and Kilkenny (Tultrue relic from the Holy Ground laroan) with Tipperary the winner.

The medal was a provincial award won by Kilkenny (Tullaroan) for the same championship). Estimate: €700 - €900. Then there is a relic from the Thunder & Lightning Final 1939. It is an official match ball or sliothar, inscribed in biro ‘Jim Langton All-Ireland 1939, given to John Power, Lachen (1940)’, a fascinating surviving memento from the famous game between Kilkenny and Cork, played on the same day as World War Two was declared. The Cats won 2-7 to 3-3. Estimate: €1,000 to €1,500. Enjoy your sporting bargain hunting.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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Super chefs cook up a storm By Jimmy Rhatigan Board (ETB) will cook 50 threecourse meals and set up a TEAM of young chefs is GoFundMe online event to raise cooking up a storm to help funds. The meals will be donated our local community. Apprentice chefs on the to the Good Shepherd Centre Commis Chef Apprenticeship to provide top class food for programme run by the Kilkenny, the ever increasing numbers of Carlow Educational Training homeless. To mark their final Culinary Event module on the apprenticeship the chefs have set a target of collecting €500 for The Thomas Hayes Trust/Teac Tom. The link for the latter online event is gf.me/u/y9v7wt.

As a promotion for the projects the chefs are giving away five Meal Kits for two people containing a starter, main course, dessert, cheese selection,

bread and petit four. NEXT GENERATION The box will contain produce from Goatsbridge Trout, Mooncoin Beetroot, Sean Ring’s Free

Range Chicken, Carlow Farmhouse Cheese, Kells Wholemeal and Grogan & Brown Artisan Butcher, Loughboy. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will ensure entry

into a draw for the prizes. The chefs are using their Christmas gift to charities to demonstrate the skills and techniques they learned from tutors Mark Gaffney and Paula Hannigan and support from training manager, Mary Prior Butler on their course and to showcase the exceptional quality of produce available on our doorstep. Apprenticeships are now open for the next generation of chefs to join the programme run by the ETB. Information on the course from kilkennycarlow.etb.ie

Winter Wellness for the toddlers

thing put in front of them. That certainly wasn’t the case for me, my son was in his twenties before he really started eatNutritional Health Coach ing vegetables. So, if your child is a picky eater HEN IT comes to you could consider a multivitachildren’s health, we min to top up his or diet. know that there’s nothing better than a healthy RASPBERRY FLAVOUR diet, a good night’s sleep, fresh For children from age one there’s air, and exercise. BetterYou Junior Multivitamin Toddlers usually get plenty of Oral Spray. fresh air and exercise but getting It’s the only one that my young them to eat the healthy diet is niece will take. It contains 14 easier said than done for many vitamins and minerals and it’s parents. a tasty raspberry flavour which Many of you will have tried she loves. all sorts of tricks to get food into My sister said that Meara loves your child and no matter what the novelty of the spray, and acyou do they still won’t eat the tually asks her for it. Plus, she wide variety on offer. loves spraying it herself and givI’m amazed and in awe of par- ing her mam a spray too. ents whose children eat everySome parents might be more CLAIR WHITTY

concerned about Vitamin D as it’s important for immunity and bone health. Sticking with the BetterYou brand, they have a convenient Vitamin D spray suitable for infants, BetterYou D-LUX Infant Oral Spray. It’s suitable from birth to age three. Or their Junior Spray is suitable from three years plus. For children prone to respiratory issues consider elderberry. There are many brands available.

IMMUNE SUPPORT Take a look at Biocare Elderberry Complex for children, it’s suitable from age three. This also contains vitamin C and Zinc for immune support, and Elderberry which is traditionally used as a respiratory tonic. Elderberries are naturally

antiviral and immune supporting. Choose a good quality supplement to top up on their good bacteria, in particular if they’ve been on antibiotics. Gut bacteria are important for immunity and digestion too. Some children have difficulty getting to sleep. Jan De Vries Night Essence may help this problem or New Vistas Sleep Ease for children. If you can tick most of these boxes, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your little toddlers well this winter. All you can do is your best; little ones have minds of their own. For more information and advice call in to see us at Market Cross Shopping Centre. ‘Phone: 056-7764538, Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

Junior spray

All county council services are operating

N RESPONSE to An Taoiseach’s recent announcement of the country moving to Level 3 Covid-19 status, the public are advised that all county council services are operating and staff are available to meet with you on an appointment only basis. The council encourages you to make contact by telephone, email or online, to deal with a query. In the event that your query cannot be dealt with remotely an appointment can be arranged. To make an appointment for a particular service, please use the following numbers: County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny 056 779 4000 info@kilkennycoco.ie secretar@kilkennycoco.ie

Receipts Office, County Hall, 056 779 4229 cashoffice@kilkennycoco.ie Housing Department, Johns Green House. 056 779 4900 housing@kilkennycoco.ie Planning Office, County Hall. 056 779 4010 planning@kilkennycoco.ie Environment Office, County Hall Dunmore Landfill Facility. 056 779 4470, environment@kilkennycoco.ie Accounts Payable, County Hall 056 779 4222 accountspayable@kilkennycoco.ie Fire Station, Gaol Road, Kilkenny 056 779 4400 fireadmin@kilkennycoco.ie

Arrears Management coco.ie 056 779 4209 Callan Area Office rates@kilkennycoco.ie 056 779 4321 Housing Loans / callanareaoffice@kilkennycoco.ie Rent Arrears Support Unit Thomastown Area Office 056 7794056 056 779 4340 finance@kilkennycoco.ie thomastowoffice@kilkennycoco.ie Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny Area Office 056 775 2662 056 7794510 info@leo.kilkennycoco.ie kilkennyareaoffice@kilkennycoco.ie Motor Tax Office, County Hall. Piltown Area Office 051 831 370 056 779 4100 ferrybank@kilkennycoco.ie motortax@kilkennycoco.ie Most payments can be made Water Services online or over the phone on 056 7794050 056 7794229 water@kilkennycoco.ie For Homeless Services, please Kilkenny Library phone 056 7794916. 056 7794160 PUBLIC COUNTERS info@kilkennylibrary.ie The public counter in reception Castlecomer Area Office 056 779 4450 area in County Hall is open to the castlecomerareaoffice@kilkenny public.

MOTOR TAXATION The Motor Taxation Office and Traffic/Receipts public counters in County Hall will re-open with effect from 1st December, 2020, from 9.10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Customers who come to the offices must comply with all social distancing requirements and signage will assist in this regard. Members of the public attending the office are advised to wear a face mask. Some 95% of motor tax transactions can be done online and should continue to be done at www. motortax.ie To avoid high volumes of customers calling to the public counters when they re-open, and in order to avoid having to queue for long periods, please be advised that

you can pay your Housing Loan/ Rent payments, Fire Charge and Traffic fines online at www.kilkennycoco.ie or phone the following numbers to make payment by card: • Housing Loan/Rents/Rates/ Fire Charge Payments 056-7794229 • Traffic Fine payments – 056-7813019/056-7794540 • You can also send payment by cheque/postal order to the address above for processing. COMMUNITY CALL The dedicated Community Call helpline remains open to assist atrisk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and nonmedical supports. It is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The confidential freephone number is 1800 326 522 or email covidsupport@kilkennycoco.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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White Feather Shop will tickle your fancy T

HE White Feather Ladies Wear & Holistic shop is a new locally run shop selling high end preloved and new clothes. It also has a Holistic section selling new products such as Handmade Candles, Incense, smudge sticks and much more. The shop also sells books and a selection of paintings. Part of the proceeds will go to help support three local groups, Kilkenny Homeless Run, Amber Women’s Refuge and Relay for Life Kilkenny.

Melanie Seed

The shop is situated on John Street beside Keane’s Chemist and will be open Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 5pm. The store is always looking for good quality ladies clothes, footwear and books; collection will be arranged. It is looking for volunteers who have three to four hours to spare a week to help out; full training will be provided. You can contact the shop on 085-7711250.

Magic moment: Former camogie star Tracey Millea, aided by store boss, Margaret Egan declares White Feather officially open

Linda Comerford, Tracey Millea and Mary Pierce. Pics: Danny Lahart

Martin Fox, left, and Chris Egan

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At 88, boxer Jimmy won’t throw in towel By Jimmy Rhatigan were at Elite level and five were at age 18 and under. T IS one of boxing king, Jimmy KINDRED SPIRITS Walsh’s favourite photos. As a passionate pugilist and Before turning professional, then devoted and very knowl- Katie was a regular on Irish boxedgeable coach he rates Katie ing teams. Katie and Clare were kindred Taylor and Clare Grace as two of spirits, totally dedicated to a the finest female boxers ever. Hence the picture of Jimmy sport they both love. They became friends as fellow with the two girls has pride of place on the sideboard of fame members of many star Ireland at his home in Mill Street, Callan. squads. Clare’s trophy-laden career Callan Boxing Club coach Jimmy was so happy when Katie reached a crossroads when retained her world title recently she had to choose between her and he will forever and a day love of boxing and her work laud Tullahought fighter Clare’s ambitions. A great local partnership bemarvellous achievements. A world class boxer, Clare had tween Clare and Jimmy came 10 great years with Jimmy as her to an end when the Windgap woman moved to Newcastle coach in the Callan Club. She went from success at study at the age of 23. Clare is now a radiographer in under-age to the dizzy heights of a Durham Hospital. Elite level. Jimmy is so proud of Clare’s Clare won twelve Irish and three European titles. Seven Irish achievements in the ring and in

her career. He still believes that, despite her break from boxing, she could win a world title. Jimmy Walsh is now in the twilight of his amateur boxing career that began in Callan, continued in London and was rekindled again in the local boxing club he cherishes. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS He has made several attempts to retire. But good intentions to take life easy always ended up back in a ring coaching young boxers. He will be 88 on January 2. His eyesight is poor and his pins are not as nimble as they used to be. But chatting about boxing is still his favourite pastime. And his mind is as sharp as the razor he uses to keep his well Callan Boxing Head Coach, Jimmy Walsh with Katie Taylor and Clare Grace punched chin clean shaven. Stephen Walsh. leanings, one suspects that bookIf, like him, you have boxing in He is happy that he has Retirement has again raised its makers Paddy Power would give your heart, it must be difficult to good fellow coaches in John ugly head. small odds only on him throwing get it out of your system. Hickey, Michael Walsh and But regardless of Jimmy’s in the towel.

Home Alone: We can all help out A

LONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home has launched its Christmas campaign to encourage members of the public to give a helping hand to older friends, neighbours and relatives who may be struggling. For many older people, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time, made more challenging by Covid-19. TV presenter Kathryn Thomas was at this year’s launch, alongside an older person who uses Alone’s services manager, Don Johnson, for some socially distant festive fun. Since March, Alone has received over 37,000 calls from older people to their National Support Line. Alone will continue to provide support plans, assisting older people across a range of issues, health, social care, housing and transport. It will use technology and other services and activities to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Alone is for all older people, including those who are lonely, isolated, frail or ill, homeless, living in poverty or facing other difficulties. HELPING HAND Ms Thomas launched the organisation’s Christmas Campaign to encourage members of the public to give a helping hand to older people who may be finding the festive season difficult this year. People are being asked to consider donating to ALONE to ensure that the organisation can continue its work with older people at wintertime. She told The Kilkenny Observer: “I’m delighted to be helping Alone to spread awareness of such important issues.

Support local, urges Deputy Phelan

Santa’s surprise for local workers

S In great form: Pensioner Don Johnson and TV presenter Kathryn Thomas share a good laugh at Alone launch

raising efforts are allowed to continue to cater for the increased numbers of older people who have reached out for support. Although the organisation has reached fundraising targets set for 2020 (based on figures in 2019 and estimated growth for 2020) it now needs to surpass this figure to account and accommodate for the extra older people they now support. Seán Moynihan, CEO of Alone said: “This year we have seen huge growth and connection to thousands of additional older people who may not have previously required our services. “Last year Alone was supporting just over 5,000 older people; INCREASED NUMBERS that figure has since grown to It is imperative that Alone’s fund- 15,000, a remarkable 300% in“I admire the work they do with older people and I’m so happy to be a part of such a positive message.” The organisation has noted a remarkable increase in the numbers of people that require their services, including many who didn’t in the past year. Alone has been preparing to support Ireland’s growing ageing population for many years now, and had an actionable agenda to implement long before the arrival of the pandemic. Alone was prepared to implement these strategies in a matter of months to provide urgent practical supports to older people.

crease 12 months. “With the support of the public, we look forward to continue towards achieving our strategic goals, so that all older people have the opportunity to age at home, happily and securely with the care and support they need.” BOTHERING PEOPLE He continued: Many older people are often embarrassed to reach out, and think that by asking for help and support they are bothering people. “Alone wants them to know that they deserve the support they require and should not be afraid to ask for help.” To #GiveAHelpingHand with Alone this Christmas try a selection of the following:

• Check in with older neighbours, friends and relatives to ensure they are warm and have enough supplies to keep the house at a comfortable temperature • Ensure on very cold, Winter days that older people in your life have enough supplies to deter them from going out in dangerous conditions • As the evenings are getting dark so early, give an older person a little check in call to make sure he or she is okay • Consider checking in to the older person near Christmas Day to ensure he or she has everything needed and if he or she does not, then link them in with Alone The hotline is www.alone.ie.

OME €2,039,601 in arrears under the Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been paid out to people in Kilkenny, TD, John Paul Phelan told The Kilkenny Observer.. “The total amount paid out was €129.2 million. This includes €2,039,601 paid to 4,805 people living in Kilkenny. “Many who have just received arrears have not have been expecting it so this is a welcome boost, especially ahead of Christmas. “The Pandemic Unemployment has proved to be an essential lifeline for so many workers. “The money was paid ahead of the rollout of the Christmas Bonus, which will see almost €390 million paid to 1.6 million people nationwide. “Between these arrears and the Christmas Bonus, over a half a billion euro will be paid out nationwide over the course of a week. “What better approach to take than to invest it in the local economy and support small businesses ahead of Christmas. “Retailers in Kilkenny City and across the county have had a challenging time during the pandemic and all of us should buy presents and other essentials from them this Christmas.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

Motors Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Cats’ bottle uncorks Rebel dream By Daragh Ó Conchúir net in the 28th minute. The teams exchanged two points and it was 1-8 at Páirc Ui Chaoimh to 1-7 at half-time. It got even better for Kilkenny three minutes into Kilkenny 2-10 half two when Miriam Walsh timed a run from Cork 1-11 deep perfectly, carried, took the hit from Pamela HOWING passion and class, Kilkenny camo- Mackey and smashed to the net. gie girls came back from the dead to rival a Lazarus-like recovery as they wiped out a six- CHANCES WASTED A pointed free by Gaule in the 43rd minute put point deficit to win by two A goal apiece by Anne Dalton and Miriam four between the sides but Kilkenny appeared to Walsh, and a solid defensive display, especially withdraw into their shells and failed to score for 21 in the final quarter, enabled the black and amber minutes. Cronin wasted a couple of good chances from to seal a Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Final spot against Galway, a repeat of last year’s battle which frees before Katrina Mackey pointed but that was a spurned goal opportunity as the goal was gaping. the Cats lost. Thompson and Sigerson, the latter with a fantasChloe Sigerson scored an early point and by the tic score, reduced the margin to the minimum but eighth minute, Cork was six in front. Gemma O’Connor, back after injury, drilled to Cork couldn’t draw level as the Kilkenny defence performed heroics and Aoife Doyle was fouled. the net, with an assist from Katrina Mackey. Gaule brought her tally to seven points and Kilkenny was clinging on, badly in need of a boost. A bit of dogged defending by Cat Michelle edged Kilkenny to a super win and an opportunity to turn the tables on Galway. Teehan was a morale booster. Scorers for Kilkenny: D Gaule 0-7 (6fs); A DalMary O’Connell then scored a sensational point and Anne Dalton followed with another pre- ton 1-1; M Walsh 1-0; M O’Connell 0-2 Scorers for Cork: C Sigerson 0-4 (1f); O Cronin Christmas cracker. 0-3 (fs); G O’Connor 1-0; A Thompson, K Mackey 0-2 each CONFUSED CORK Cork: A Lee, M Cahalane, L Treacy, L CopMackey hit back but Kilkenny shot four of the next pinger, H Looney, P Mackey, L Hayes, K Mackey, five points, Gaule converting three frees. O’Connell added her second as the constant ro- A Thompson, A O’Connor, O Cronin, C Sigertation of the Kilkenny attack appeared to confuse son, L Collins, G O’Connor, S McCarthy. Subs: N O’Callaghan for P Mackey inj (44), C Healy for Colthe Cork defence. Poor shooting only prevented Brian Dowling’s lins (49), J White for McCarthy (54) Kilkenny: A Norris, G Walsh, C Dormer, M side from being closer to Cork. Kilkenny possession prevented the Rebels Teehan, C Phelan, M Farrell, D Tobin, A Farrell, A from finding space. A decision to persist with Far- Dalton, A Doyle, L Murphy, D Gaule, K Nolan, M rell and Davina Tobin following Cronin and Amy Walsh, M O’Connell. Subs: S Fitzgerald for Murphy (ht), N Deely for Teehan (49), K Doyle for O’Connor everywhere eventually paid off. The Cats were really motoring when Dalton O’Connell (55) Referee: Owen Elliott (Antrim) grabbed Gaule’s long-distance free and rifled to the

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 December 2020

Sport– KEEPING IT LOCAL

Blaas blaze following turnover in our deserved Leinster Final victory, were, for whatever reasons, a wee bit off colour in Saturday’s second 35 minutes. EDITOR We are not used to watching the best hurlers in the land giving ALLING IT as we saw it, hospital passes, being indecisive our belief is that the bril- and being second best in aerial liance of TJ Reid masked duels. any Kilkenny ills as we flattered MAD DOGS to deceive. Hurling can be cruel at times, Admittedly, a rejuvenated Waso cruel that a wonder hurler terford had a lot to with the latter. who scored 1-14 ended up on a But our hands were still not tied behind our backs. losing team. Sure, the mighty Blaas came Those who may have shed a tear as our beloved Cats fell to out of traps in the second half a not totally unexpected but yet akin to mad dogs that had been shocking defeat will surely have tamed and tortured in the openfelt the heartache that our team’s ing 35 minutes. The Deise was guilty of erratic master craftsman must have exshooting as Kilkenny piled on perienced. Our All-Ireland journey was the agony. Kilkenny could have terminated by Waterford that been further ahead at the break. In half one, there wasn’t any looked a bewildered team at half time and perhaps with a little bit apparent leak in the Good Ship of clever tweaking, a second half Kilkenny. After the break our vessel meltdown by our Cats, who went on to lose all of their nine lives, began to list, with tried and trusted warriors beginning to may have been avoided. One would have to admit that look a tad uncomfortable. Action was taken. We sent on some of our fine hurlers, heroes JIMMY RHATIGAN

The life of Brian, disappointed but he has brought great times. Pics: Danny Lahart

a cavalry of four subs in quick succession as we struggled against the tide. A freshening up can bring new energy. The emphasis was on score grabbing. But not all of our ills were in the vanguard. Our defensive door was beginning to creak too and could have done with an extra screw or two.

Fantastic TJ always puts best foot forward

LITTLE DUTCH BOY Akin to the Little Dutch Boy who stuck his finger in a dam to stop it from cracking, it was all fingers on deck as a brave Kilkenny crew tried its damnedest to halt a flood that would drown our Cats. The easy option would be to suggest that Kilkenny wasn’t up to it. That would be tantamount to fantasy hurling. Kilkenny was king in the first half and the notion had to be that it was the Deise that was not the bees’ knees. In half one our Cats put the wind up Waterford and fully deserved to go seven points ahead. The first half was joyous for Kilkenny. Waterford was bedraggled. Few if any could have predicted what would happen in half two Waterford exploded and

turned the game on its head. After enjoying the freedom of the park, Kilkenny was forced to batten down the hatches. The Cats faced a blue and white hurricane that blew us off course to any All-Ireland Final. ATTACK BUTTON Waterford upped the ante, kept an eye on TJ and pressed the attack button. It was an aerial battering that gutted our troops. Team gaffer, Liam Cahill may just have borrowed Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer at half time. Butterflies just may have been the fly in Waterford’s ointment in the opening period as our Cats ran amok. At the intermission, big brother must have read the riot act. The Blaas were blazing from head to toe following half time turnover. Courageous Kilkenny burst a gut in a bid to tame the onslaught but the task was gargantuan. Our battlers who may be familiar with World War Two will surely have come across a Luftwaffe fighter pilot, a ruler of the skies called Erich Alfred Hartman, credited with shooting down 352 Allied Aircraft. One could have forgiven our boys for believing that Hartman was flying somewhere over Croker.

The blitz was that fierce and with almost all their shots in anger, Waterford tacked on scores. EXPLOSIVE FINISH The writing was on the wall after 58 minutes when Darragh Lyons crashed a goal to earn a fivepoint lead. Kilkenny, now living off crumbs, scrapped bravely in a desperate bid for an explosive finish as the Cats rallied and reduced the Waterford lead to two points. Father Time showed no mercy. As the Fat Lady rehearsed her lyrics, a pulsating hurling drama, never a foregone conclusion, edged to a four-point win for our neighbours. TJ Reid was our one-man band. We had an orchestra that lifted our spirits when winning the Bob O’Keeffe Cup, but, sadly, we were hitting the wrong notes as noisy neighbours roared past the finishing post. Our squad of players and mentors had made huge sacrifices, fought the good fight, but to rewrite an old saying, the bestlaid plans of Cats and Men can go awry. Our squad and team management deserve every respect. To their credit, our wonderful supporters have been magnanimous in defeat.

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How to avoid a mid-day slump? the morning or don’t feel like eating first thing, you could always have a breakfast on the move, such as a wholegrain bagel filled with reduced fat cream cheese and salmon, or make a little pot of fruit, natural yoghurt, honey and almonds. I’m up at 6.30am and have to drive so I have a Spinach, banana and vanilla protein smoothie ready from the night before. Then I only have to clean a bowl from my porridge.

By Eoin Everard, Kilkenny Physiotherapy

E ALL have times when we have a slump during the day and work can be a struggle. I have five tips that might help avoid the slump and keep you powering through. Hope they help. None of these tips will work if you don’t. Make sure you try a few. START RIGHT Your mid-afternoon slump could be down to what you got up to that morning. If you don’t make time for breakfast, you’re more likely to feel sleepy during the latter stages of your working day. Make sure you eat a breakfast

Eoin Everard

full of protein and wholegrains, such as scrambled eggs on wholegrain toast, porridge with almonds and apple, or a fresh fruit smoothie. If you don’t have much time in

CUT DOWN CARBS Carbs and fat can fuel afternoon slumps. If you love fries or sandwiches as big as houses, your energy levels will plummet come mid-afternoon. However, you don’t need to cut out carbohydrates and fat altogether. Instead, simply reduce your

portions, eating no more than a fist-sized helping of your favourite carb and limiting that fat intake. Fat takes a long time to digest and leaves you feeling over-full and consequently rather sluggish. Maybe eat a salad with egg, turkey or chickpeas. Other good, slump-fighting meals include brown rice, served with salad and a tomato and olive oil sauce or chicken soup for chillier days. Have a snooze Your boss may not agree, but you need to take a break. Studies have found that taking regular breaks leads to increased productivity at work, and taking between five and 15 minutes can really help combat your afternoon slump. Try to get up and walk around at least once every hour through-

out the day. Then, during your break, do a few stretches and take a few deep breaths or meditation to invigorate and refresh your mind and your body. When you return to your desk, you should feel much more alert and can wave goodbye to that slump.

refreshing drink that will wake you instantly. Alternatively, soak pineapple chunks in a jug of water at lunch, then when your slump hits, pour yourself a glass of pineappleinfused drink.

GRAB A DRINK When you’ve got a lot on, it can be easy to forget to drink, but your afternoon slump might be caused by a lack of water. Dehydration can make you feel tired, so when you next feel the yawns and the fuzzy thinking associated with an afternoon slump creeping in, grab yourself a glass and get yourself some cold, fresh water. If you don’t really like the taste of water, maybe add some lemon juice. This makes a really zingy,

USE YOUR HEAD When an afternoon slump strikes, the last thing you want to do is engage your brain. But a fun, quick task gives those brain cells a blast. Crosswords, lateral thinking puzzles or even a quick puzzle game on your phone can help you beat the slump. Playing a game with others is best, but if you’re at work just quietly take five minutes to do one of these tasks. Engaging your brain this way will rouse your concentration levels and refocus you.

junior club, Knocktopher that eventually merged to form the present Ballyhale Shamrocks. It was my good friend, photographer Donal Foley who first introduced me to gentleman Denis. Do you know this man, Donal asked Denis? “Of course I do,” he said, “he writes in the paper every week.” Denis was warm and welcoming, sporting a friendly smile. He

spoke gently and generously about his hurling years, his novel shop and the people of Knocktopher and environs for whom he had huge respect. Denis passed away peacefully at St Luke’s General Hospital. He is survived by his brother, Jack in Ennis, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and other relatives.

Denis the Menace was a super hurler By Jimmy Rhatigan

N ADMIRING local community showed its appreciation and respect for a beloved hurling son and philanthropist who was interred during the week. A guard of honour of local people, keeping social distancing and wearing face masks, saluted the late Denis Heaslip, one of the all-time greats of intercounty and club hurling. The son of Knocktopher may never have been known as Denis the Menace but that is exactly what he was for opponents tormented by his silken skills, his fleet of foot, his hard work and his brilliance at grapping scoring opportunities. In his earlier years, Denis was well known and acclaimed as one of the truly great artisans of the noble game of hurling. For a lifetime too, along with other members of his family, he

Denis Heaslip RIP

was one of the welcoming front of house members in the family store that provided a great service to the local region. The family also brilliantly generous, often playing Santa to local families regardless of the time of year. SUPERSTORE Heaslip’s of Knocktopher was a

superstore long before the word had even fund its way into The Oxford Dictionary. At Heaslips you could purchase a pound of butter or sugar, dozen eggs, pair of pyjamas, shirt, clippers or hammer or a bunch of rhubarb. Sadly, with Denis will go a great institution as he was one of a trinity, all now deceased, who served in the shop. With him were his sister Mary Teresa and brother Tim who died a year ago aged 90. Denis was aged 87. Locals still recall when Mary Teresa won money in a draw and shared her luck with families in the region by gifting items from the store. The entire family had a real passion for its native place, truly appreciated the support it received from the community and in turn was kind to so many parents and children particularly at First Communion

Proud champions, Knocktopher

and Confirmation time. WARM AND WELCOMING In hurling, Denis was right up there with our greatest scoring machines, geniuses like Eddie Keher, TJ Reid, Jimmy Langton and DJ Carey. He won All-Ireland Final medals for Kilkenny against Waterford in 1957 and 1963 and also enjoyed success with his local

Hurler Harry was much loved Bid to get more girls into sport

MUCH loved hurling hero of yesteryear has passed away. Clara man, Harry Ryan of Foxfield, Higginstown, Kilkenny was a brilliant player who won an All-Ireland medal with Kilkenny in 1983. He was a brother of Lester Ryan who died in June. Harry also won three Leinster medals and two National League crowns. As a young lad, Harry was Harry Ryan RIP He played at corner-forward captain when Kilkenny won the in the 1983 win over Cork 1975 All-Ireland minor title.

Harry died in St Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny. He is survived by his children Liam, Jill, and Seb, wife Mary, brother Kevin and sisters Mary, Rita and Breda; daughter-inlaw Wendy; Jill’s partner Aaron; granddaughter Priyah; nephews, nieces and extended family. Harry had many friends in his native county and loved to talk hurling with the many loyal friends he made. Requiem Mass was at St Colman’s Church, Clara and interment was at adjoining cemetery.

By Jimmy Rhatigan

OVERNMENT is to encourage more women to get involved in sport, Deputy John Paul Phelan told The Kilkenny Observer. “We are committed to prioritising increasing female involvement as players, coaches, referees and administrators, he added. He said the push comes following revelations that the gender gap in active participation in sport is now at its lowest level, according to data published by Sport Ireland.

The South Kilkenny deputy was speaking as he revealed that €40 million is up for grabs in 2021 under a new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). The system will be open for applications from December 11 to February 12, 2021. A handy guide to making an application is at https://www.gov.ie/ sportscapital. The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure.

“The Covid pandemic has emphasised the importance of sport,” Deputy Phelan told The Observer. “As well as the pleasure and excitement generated by watching sporting heroes, actively engaging in sport is critical for our physical and mental wellbeing. “To allow as many people as possible to participate, it is essential to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment available.” First step to obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system. Clubs can register at www. sportscapitalprogramme.ie.

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