Kilkenny Observer - January 31, 2020

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Friday 31 January 2020

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Shinners and FF?

his DNA. Garda Whistleblower Maurice McCabe will testify to that.

FG’s defence of its term in office is at best wishy washy.

Its representatives on RTE and Virgin Media are mediocre, just about hanging on to the aforementioned ropes.

One would think that FF would be as busy as bees, buzzing for a rattle at its former lovers, gagging for a power trip.

It too has a flat tyre.

It is behaving more like a drunk who would opt for a hangover sleep, spluttering and breaking wind, rather than tackling a day’s work.

JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

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HE Fine Gael Party smacks of a heavyweight boxer clinging to the ropes.

But any heirs to a throne may not have the energy to land a knockout punch.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s former Premiership outfit reminds of a team that is leaking goals and cannot buy a score.

Fine Gael has the trappings of a spent force. For too long the party has relied on spin as it tried to convince us that it had homelessness, a gravely ill health service, marauding vultures and a pensions’ time bomb under control.

The FG and FF parties have worn the same pyjamas, would appear to have scrapped their motto of make love not war, and may be happy to swap a honeymoon suite for a divorce.

What is worrying is that the bigger parties don’t appear to have an appetite for family rows.

Both remind of local teams that abandoned the training field in favour of the pub and don’t have the bottle for a battle.

PLAY POKER Even though An Taoiseach had the final call on an election date, it smacked of a situation where Varadkar didn’t want to play poker until mid-year.

But circumstances dictated otherwise. A proposed vote of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris was the contrary turn that saw FG hit a ditch.

Our own Deputy John McGuinness was the spanner in the works. He gave notice that, unlike his lukewarm FF colleagues, he would support the no confidence vote. Harris was a dead man walking. Our Captain Courage may relish a mutton chop but being a sheep is not in EVERY FRIDAY

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DIRTY WATER The FF party reminds of a mop that is so fed up of having its golliwog head stuffed into dirty water that it has had enough.

So we have a tame run up to our Scrap Saturday Election that would have produced a cracking show for the satirical radio sketches created by the late Dermot Morgan.

Continued on Page 6 Boxing or dancing?

The late Dermot Morgan would have loved the idea of a Scrap Saturday General Election

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An unambitious Everest called Daly’s Hill a respectable lifestyle for our people.

FG and FF are adamant that they won’t jump into bed with Sinn Féin.

Don’t believe it, either or both would coalesce with the devil and his mother to keep power.

A wild card maybe, but in order to kick FG where it hurts most, and to feather its own nest FF would gladly walk up the aisle with SF. So SF may very shortly have its tummy tickled by FF.

Continued from Page 3

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eneral Election 2020 is, when compared to elections of yesteryear, a storm in a teacup, a damp squib, an unambitious Everest called Daly’s Hill.

The apathy, the laziness of FF and FG, may however lead to an explosive election where Sinn Féin, smaller parties and independents could be the rabbits in a hat.

Sinn Féin, a dark horse, has upped its percentage points of popularity. Its major mission is to get comrades to turn out and vote.

SF’s Pearse Doherty is as sharp as a Wilkinson Sword. Mary Lou McDonald is champing at the bit.

Only a very shrewd punter would forecast the make-up of the next Government.

Any new Government could be akin to singer Seamus Moore’s Piebald Ass. HEAVY LIFTING Sadly, a status quo in any shape or form will again see everyone relying on everybody else for any heavy lifting.

The word vision will remain a dirty one.

Pencils will be in the hands of the electorate on February 8.

God willing our people will vote wisely.

TDs may look well in natty pinstripe suits and evening wear, but too many would sit comfortably in a dunces’ corner.

We must forget about tribal or Civil War politics, support the best man or woman regardless of party.

We should now know that all parties have more than their quotas of misfits.

Fear is that the whole shebang will again be devoid of vision and passion.

It reminds of a boxing match when two heavyweight slobs

did more mauling, groaning and hissing than throwing punches.

The pair could easily have been a courting couple.

A wag’s summary was brilliant.

“Will somebody turn off the lights the lads want to be alone.”

What we need is to leave the lights off.

WON’T JUMP INTO BED And place our faith in red blooded warriors who will fight bravely, not for their own personal wealth, but for

A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN? Hardly.

An improvement on the Confidence and Supply Charade?

Most definitely.

And smack on for Valentine’s Day. At this juncture Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness and Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion are fighting separate battles in a bid to retain their Dáil seats in our Carlow/Kilkenny Constituency.

In the near future they could well find themselves as part of the same Government team.

Stranger things have happened.

It would appear that more and more of our people believe than change is vital at this time, FG and FF having overstayed their welcome in Government as a couple.

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Bobby vows: ‘We will pay pensions at 65’ S

ITTING TD Bobby Aylward has a promise today for the pensioners of Carlow and Kilkenny.

“Fianna Fáil will reinstate the State Pension at age 65 and increase by €25 a week by 2025,” he told The Kilkenny Observer.

“The Government’s decision to increase the State Pension age must be postponed and reviewed,” he insisted.

“Our people need a secure, fair and sustainable pension system that can cater for changing demographics.

“The decision to increase the age of State Pensions to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028 must be reversed.

“We must consider workers with demanding occupations such as manual labour.

“We must care for workers with health issues who may not be able to work to 67 or 68.

CRAZY SITUATION “The crazy situation where people are expected to sign on for social welfare supports or face the prospect of no income between retirement and reaching pension age must be scrapped.

“It is unfair to place this burden on people. All this is showing lack of respect for the very people who built our country,” Bobby blasted.

“Should I be re-elected pensions and fairplay will be a top priority for me.

“If in Government, Fianna Fáil will reinstate State Pensions at 65; increase the rate of payment and legislate to ban contracts “I am encouraged that this Bobby Aylward: Battles for issue has come to the fore as it is pensioners now receiving the national atten“People who have worked and tion it deserves. contributed to State coffers all “Older people feel they haven’t their lives should not have to face been listened to in recent years. It this uncertainty. is time we respected our elders.”

Jockey Donagh Meyler with stylist Fiona Foley at the launch of Red Mills Day. Pic: Anthony Woods Photography

Smile in style on our Red Mills Day C

Eminent journalist Vincent Browne, right, supports older people

Alone fights for neglected elderly

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LONE, the organisation that supports older people to age at home, has called on General Election candidates to prioritise actions on housing and health.

The organisation is calling on candidates to commit to four key asks ahead of the election to ensure the diverse needs of older people are included in the next programme for government.

Alone criticised the lack of funding dedicated to older people’s services resulting in the basic needs of older people going unmet, particularly in housing and health.

“There are 20,000 more older people in poverty now than there were last year.

There are over 7,000 people on the waiting list for home support.

The number of people aged 70 and over in need of social

housing has increased by 9.9% in one year.

“These numbers are stark and they highlight the real experiences of older people,” Alone CEO Seán Moynihan old The Kilkenny Observer.

“Older people need more than a commitment to a fairer State Pension. We need representatives who will deliver real change for older people who are experiencing homelessness, who can’t afford to heat their homes.

“We think too of elderly on hospital trollies, on waiting lists for home supports and those who are lonely and isolated,” he continued.

“While we have seen progress and commitments in relation to some of these areas, ultimately the people we support need to see real action now, not in five or ten years’ time. “Older people need financial security, safe

housing, support with health and wellbeing, and to have their voices heard.

“We need to urgently rethink how we are supporting older people, particularly in the context of our ageing population.”

Alone is asking candidates to commit to: Funding home supports and health services which enable older people to age at home Setting targets for housing for older people and link to supports to prevent a worsening housing crisis for older people Halting increases to the pension age and triple lock the State Pension Appointing a Minister of State exclusively for Older People and Demographic Change ALONE’s full General Election Manifesto is available at https://alone.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2020/01/ALONEGeneral-Election-Manifesto.pdf

ONNOLLY’S Red Mills and Gowran Park have launched the Red Mills Race Day & Style Event which is on February 15 at Gowran Park Racecourse.

Widely recognised as the South East’s premier racing event of the winter, the day will combine the best of Racing Style with a top notch Cheltenham trials’ day.

Stylists Marietta Doran, Fiona Foley and Chris Kavanagh were joined by jockey Donagh Meyler and Tom Mullins-trained Spiderweb for the launch, which marks Connolly’s Red Mills 40th year of sponsoring Gowran Park.

The Best Dressed event will have guest judges. Deciding the winning lady will be Emily O’Donnell, presenter and Fashion Stylist with Virgin Media One. Crowning the best dressed gent will be Kilkenny’s TV chef Edward Hayden.

The theme is Winter Racing Chic, with the judges keeping an eye out for the lady and gent who are extremely stylish, as well as warm and comfortable.

Think wools, tweeds, faux furs and feathers, with stylish boots, brogues and loafters, and headwear is a must.

Fedoras, headbands, tweed caps and country-themed headpieces will be the order of the day.

The Best Dressed Lady and Gent will each receive a €500 voucher to spend in the Red Mills Store, on brands including Welligogs, Fairfax and Favor, Dubarry, Hicks and Brown.

Each will also receive a twonight stay for two with one evening dinner, in a Talbot Collection Hotel.

STANDS OUT Emily O’Donnell told The Kilkenny Observer: “I’m looking for someone who really stands out and embodies the Winter Racing Chic theme.

“I always believe in being well dressed for an occasion, so I’ll be looking for someone who has dressed for the weather, so fashionable and functional style is where it’s at for me.”

The Style Quarter returns with fashion shows throughout the day hosted by TV stylist Marietta Doran, as well as a pop-up shop featuring the best clothing, footwear and accessories from the Red Mills Store.

Red Mills Day has always been one of the key milestones on the road to the Cheltenham Festival.

Feature races, the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase and the Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle both benefited from a prize-money boost last year bringing their value to €60,000 each.

HISTORIC WINNERS Both races have produced historic winners over the years, including Danoli, Un De Sceaux and Our Duke.

Entries for Red Mills Raceday will be published on February 11 and with many of the leading trainers targeting the day its sure to produce another fascinating line-up.

CEO of Connolly’s Red Mills and Chairman of Gowran Park Racecourse, Joe Connolly said: “This year marks our 40th year as sponsors at Gowran Park Racecourse.

“We have made many wonderful memories, seen some dramatic changes and of course some incredible horses over these years.

“Just like the team here at Gowran, we are constantly looking to the future at Red Mills.

“This year we will continue to expand our facilities in Goresbridge which will have a positive effect locally.

“Red Mills Day has always been a diary date for racing fans and it’s a day that we look forward to meeting many friends and customers.

“We will be watching with great interest, last year’s Red Mills Chase winner Monalee on his road to the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.”

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Open your mind at Ormonde College O

The Sweater Shop: Warm and comfy wear

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HE Sweater Shop has been the home of Authentic Irish knitwear in Kilkenny since 1989.

Since opening its doors, the Sweater Shop has always stood firm on its principles of providing the best selection and best quality knitwear, at the best prices.

Its collection of Women’s, Men’s and Kids’ knitwear ranges from classic to contemporary, comfy to cute and practical to fashionable.

The Sweater Shop also offers a wide range of finer merino knits from brands such as Castle of Ireland, Ireland’s Eye and Kellerman.

Whatever your woollen wardrobe requirements are, for whatever the occasion, the Sweater Shop will have what you are after.

You will be able to choose from an array of knitwear, from extra fine merino wool offerings to supersoft merino wool heavier knit sweaters.

WIDE VARIETY The shop also offers a wide variety of outer wear, stocking jackets from Jack Murphy and Lighthouse to keep you warm, dry and looking great with a splash of colour this winter.

It also has a variety of tweed products, from women’s

blazers, to ponchos, to hats.

The Sweater Shop will have you looking sharp this winter.

The shop will also look after your home needs, with a large selection of throws, blankets and comfy wool slippers for the house. With winter now here the selection of pure wool, or wool and cashmere blend throws will have you cosy at home. Pop in and say hello, The Sweater Shop team of Aiva, Margaret, Teresa and Sophie will be delighted to show you around the new selection.

You will not be disappointed with the shop’s quality knitwear, unbeatable value and variety of selection.

RMONDE College of Further Education holds an Open Evening on February 6, 4pm to 7pm.

This will provide our local public with the opportunity to see directly the wide range of programmes and facilities on offer at the college.

Staff and current students will provide advice and discuss all aspects of the various full time courses that will run from September 2020.

This is a wonderful opportunity for anybody to get to know what Ormonde College of Further Education has to offer.

The programmes have strong vocational and work-orientated foundations but also offer excellent progression routes to higher education and further study.

On completion of a course at Ormonde College learners may access the labour market directly in a wide range of employment fields.

level programmes both in Ireland and abroad.

Ormonde College has established a reputation for consistently providing educational standards of the highest level while always maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Each programme is delivered by vastly experienced and caring staff who ensure that learners experience the opportunity to achieve their own potential during their time at the college.

Class sizes are maintained at levels that are conducive to effective teaching and learning.

A historical learning environment, the main campus of Ormonde College occupies one of Kilkenny’s most historic and HIGHEST LEVEL recognisable sites, encompassOr they may choose to use their ing parts of the original city qualification to progress to third walls, and convenient to local

and regional transport routes.

However, the college operates a dispersed campus and is very much woven into the fabric of Kilkenny City.

BEAUTY THERAPY Its Beauty Therapy Training Salons are located in the equally historic former Presbyterian Church adjacent to the college while the state-of-the-art hairdressing and barbering training unit is located in the Village Business Centre on nearby Patrick Street.

Now entering its second year of operation, the Visual Arts and Animation campus at Gaol Road is developing a vibrancy and this year, the college has developed beyond the city limits and now operates the internationally renowned Grennan Mill Craft School, Thomastown.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get a closer look at what Ormonde College of Further Education can do for you or someone you know. Doors open from 4pm and all are welcome.

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Dipetane: How it works for you D

IPETANE addresses and solves the fundamental problem existing in standard combustion, which is that some of the valuable carbon remains unburnt.

Irish scientists are the first and only scientists worldwide who have discovered how to enable the existing fixed oxygen to gain proper access to burn the valuable carbon much more completely compared to standard combustion.

Injector Protection Dipetane protects costly injectors and valve stems from the EC 90% cut in sulphur, the sulphur had been acting as a lubricant for Injectors and valve stems.

Dipetane’s full burning of the carbon leaves no hard unburnt carbon grating in the system and combined with its built in lubricant greatly increases lubrication thereby protecting injectors and valve stems.

PARTICLE FILTERS Minimising regeneration, minimising fuel usage and protecting DPFs is very efficient As mentioned above protecting DPFs through the use of Dipetane is critical and very costeffective.

Dipetane treated fuel’s ability to burn the carbon more completely, compared to all standard fuels means that much less un-burnt carbon enters the DPF and therefore the regeneration occurs less often.

In some 6.8 litre engines Dipetane’s use has extended the regeneration from 70 hours out to over 200 hours.

This is a substantial fuel saving and protects the DPF from the very high ‘revs involved in the regeneration process 10% FUEL SAVINGS Dipetane’s independent Scientific Chassis Dynamometer and Boiler Tests under controlled conditions show up to 10% fuel savings.

Mix rate for Dipetane is always 1:200. One litre treats 200 Litres Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene, Heavy Oil. It does not change the spec of the fuel. It is not an ‘additive’, being 100% hydro-carbon.

Newpark Hotel launches its own Bridal Magazine

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HE luxurious 4-star Newpark Hotel is tolaunch of its brand-new magazine Brides of Kilkenny.

This magazine will combine everything you need to know about a Newpark Wedding.

The magazine will allow newly engaged couples to be introduced to the hotel’s carefully chosen bridal specialists including the best bakers, florists, photographers and bridal wear stylists.

The launch will coincide with a showcase on February 9 from 2pm to 5pm.

One of Ireland’s most popular wedding venues, the hotel is set on 40 acres of gorgeous lush parkland with stunning award-winning landscaped gardens.

It is an idyllic setting for wedding photography.

With over 50 years’ experience in hosting which combines olde worlde charm with modern weddings, newly engaged couples and their luxury and beautiful grounds for those allfamilies will get advice from the hotel’s top experts. important wedding day photos.

GUEST ROOMS The couples will also get an exclusive first look at its wedding offer, including the beautifully refurbished suites, its stunning ballrooms and exclusive private gardens for wedding guests.

Couples will be introduced to the hotel’s thoughtfully created wedding packages with every detail considered, including a selection of delicious menu options, gourmet canapes, bubbly reception, evening buffet and complimentary guest rooms.

The dedicated wedding team and co-ordinator, Sinéad Fortune, take pride in creating tailored wedding packages for all tastes and budgets and can design a special wedding day to suit the requirements of every couple.

Sinéad, wedding co-ordinator with Newpark Hotel Kilkenny told The Kilenny Observer: “Newpark Hotel is a stunning wedding location

NEWLY ENGAGED “We are looking forward to welcoming newly engaged couples to the showcase event in February and delighted to present them with our brand-new bridal magazine.”

All newly engaged couples who make a booking on the day will receive a complimentary overnight stay with dinner and a complimentary Gin Cart for your arrival drinks’ reception at Newpark Hotel.

Newpark Hotel regularly hosts civil ceremonies and can cater for small intimate groups and large parties of 320 guests.

There is a selection of churches to choose from nearby. To arrange an appointment with Newpark Hotel’s wedding team please contact Sinéad on events@newparkhotel.com or go along to the wedding showcase.. www.newparkhotelkilkenny.com

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Good health Uneasy with your health from Sinn Féin concern?

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INN FÉIN candidate for Carlow/Kilkenny, Deputy Kathleen Funchion has welcomed her party’s manifesto on Mental Health.

She told The Kilkenny Observer: “We need a different approach to the provision of mental health services and I believe that it is our duty as policy setters and legislators to do better.

“I believe that better is not only possible but deliverable.

“What this means is adopting a modern outlook and developing an understanding of the changed world we live in so that we can respond better to the needs of the people.

“Our Health Service must treat our minds as well as our bodies and it is essential that the provision of services should not be obstructed by backward thinking or by some kind of stigma.

PEOPLE FIRST “Sinn Fein wants to transform mental health care. To do this we will put in place strategies that work and crucially, we will back these strategies with appropriate

CLAIR WHITTY Nutritional Health Coach

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Katheen Funchion: Passionate about mental health

and necessary level of resources.

“It is important that a mental health care that puts people first is delivered Our comprehensive manifesto is one that meets the scale of the challenge we face.

“Examples of some of the proposals of our manifesto include the need to fully staff the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services which provide assessment and treatment for

young people and their families.

“We need to fully implement the Vision for Change document, invest in mental health primary care and have a school curriculum for positive mental health.

“We have heard the call from the communities for better mental health and Sinn Féin is answering that call,” Kathleen concluded.

RE YOU embarrassed by your health condition?

I know I am. Look at the photo on this page. That’s my nail.

Talk about being embarrassed, I am hiding my nails from you when I am talking to you at the store.

The change in my nails was sudden. I am sure of this because I was manicuring my nails regularly before my niece’s wedding in July and my nails were in great condition then.

I asked my doctor what she thought. She told me that I was deficient in calcium and to take a supplement with vitamin D. So I decided that I would go back on my Better You Vitamin D + K oral spray, and the NHP Osteosupport that I normally take.

BEAU LINES The Osteopsupport contains magnesium and calcium, as well as digestive enzymes. I told my doctor that I had consulted the internet and to the best of my knowledge they were beau lines.

But of course, ultimately, you know yourself; I could end up dead, as there could be any number of causes when you consult the internet. She hadn’t seen nails like this before so she is looking into it for me.

But, one interesting theory that I read about is trauma. Trauma could be a cause of these lines.

And you may remember me telling you about my fall at the wedding in July.

While it may not have been the most traumatic event possible, it was a severe trauma to me. So I am putting my money on that possibility.

They are very ugly looking, so I will be glad to see the back of them.

This got me thinking about how you might feel if you have a health issue that doesn’t look great. It can be embarrassing, it really can. I understand. But, we won’t get a solution unless we ask. So, my message is, don’t VERY UGLY be embarrassed by your health Now, six months on, the lines are concern, believe me, we have growing out. I am optimistic that seen it all before. Call in for and that will be end of the problem. see how we can help.

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In memory of freedom fighters A

GROUP has been formed with the aim of erecting a fitting monument in Kilkenny City to commemorate the brave men from Kilkenny Brigade IRA and the area under its command who sacrificed their lives in the cause of Irish freedom.

The memorial will remember all others, including Cumann na mBan members who survived but suffered much to achieve the same noble cause. Two Kilkenny men lost their lives in 1916 and 10 volunteers connected to Kilkenny Brigade IRA made the supreme sacrifice during the War of Independence between 1919 and 1921. The only memorial in Kilkenny City for any of these martyred dead is a small plaque in Friary Street remembering two of them who died in the Friary Street Ambush.

ULTIMATE SACRIFICE Kilkenny is one of the few cities or indeed large towns in Ireland without a memorial to all those who lost their lives in the struggle for Irish Independence within its jurisdiction.

While there are individual memorials throughout the county and of course in Mullinahone, there is no memorial within the city to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The memorial group states that it is a group of individuals not affiliated to any political party but with plans to call a public meeting in the coming weeks to draft plans for raising funds for the project and to follow that up with making an application to Kilkenny local authorities to erect a fitting monument in Kilkenny City.

PATRIOT ANCESTORS Because the brave freedom fighters hailed from all parts of County Kilkenny and environs, the group call on all County Kilkenny County Councillors and officials to lend their full support to the project.

The memorial group has been in touch with relatives of some of the men and women who died or actively participated in the struggle for independence in the period of 1916 to 1921 and all are very keen for a monument to be erected to their patriot ancestors.

The memorial group will make efforts to get in touch with all relatives who are interested before the public meeting and will invite them to the meeting.

All other members of the general public who wish to participate in this project are also invited to attend.

Lovers’ Lane: Strictly for the birds Fancy a trip to Lourdes in May?

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O MARK World Wetlands Day, BirdWatch Ireland’s Kilkenny Branch, with support from the Heritage Council of Kilkenny County Council, will lead a guided walk at Newpark Fen, Lovers’ Lane, Kilkenny tomorrow, Saturday.

Meet at 11am at the entrance to the Newpark Fen (Lovers’ Lane , just off the Castlecomer Road, behind Newpark Hotel.

The event is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

As the paths may be quite wet, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

Limited parking available. For information, please contact Mary Durkin at 0567762130.

For more info on World Wetlands Day and events, see irishwetlands.ie/wwd-2020events/ This is an action of the Kilkenny County Council Climate Adaptation Strategy.

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he ST. PATRICK’S Parish Lourdes Committee is inviting persons from the parish to avail of a sponsored trip to Lourdes, in May, 2020.

If you have been ill or are

suffering with illness, elderly or going through a tough time, please forward names to the parish office or a member of the Lourdes Committee to be considered for this special trip.

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Joined Tans for pay and pension ‘informers’ into them.

I didn’t believe that.

When one of the Brody children came to the door, invariably hungry, my ma would always give them a bit of our scant rations – generally a cut of bread.

By Ned Egan

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s controversy rages on about the idea of commemorating the RIC, and by extension, the hated Black and Tans, local author/raconteur Ned Egan writes of that dark era and his own family’s experiences of it…

IT SEEMED to always be cold on the bleak crossroads of Baurscoobe, near Dunnamagin, back in the 1940s.

Several families lived out their impoverished lives around the ‘Cross’, one lot poorer than the other.

To compare alleged ‘poverty’ these days to that time would only suggest that you didn’t live through it.

A case in point would be the family of Lar Brody. Not his real name, as I have no intention of piling ashes on those whose mortal remains are six feet under.

I start out with my mother, an old Cumann na mBan member.

The Tan I’ll be talking about lived down the road, about 200 yards from us, in one of the council redroofed cottages that were then being built for workers or any poor person lucky enough to get one.

Rumour had it that the Government of the day liked to put

BAR-STOOL REPUBLICANS Back to the father, who was a scapegoat for the usual bar-stool Republicans.

He had rather brought trouble towards him – by an act of some stupidity.

He’d joined the Tans, for the pay and pension…which wasn’t much use if accompanied by an un-signed death certificate.

Lar Brody came from a local village and was enticed by the shillings all right. He wasn’t a bad man, but the word ‘consequence’ wasn’t in his vocabulary.

To the best of my limited knowledge, Lar, after joining up and doing a spell of duty, was allotted a spying mission by the RIC, Tans, or whoever.

This involved him being slotted into a prison cell, alongside a seriously clever gent called Ernie O’Malley.

In piscatorial terms you could liken Lar to a shrimp – and Ernie to a Great White shark.

Lar was to extract info from Ernie, but O’Malley sussed him out from the start, and all Lar got was ”good day to you.”

Lar had been told by his military boss to “just act the innocent gobshite” - a role that came natural enough to him.

DIRE INSULTS Having wasted their time, the ‘handlers’ withdrew Lar. How long he lasted with the Tans I don’t know.

However, short or long, it was enough to ruin whatever name Brody had in the community.

Death would have been preferable to the horrible name-calling and dire insults that came his

The War Memorial at Dunnamaggin Village

way after the Tans went home to anonymity – and good pensions.

Did Lar get one?

I don’t know that one, but he hardly did.

He eventually finished up down the road from my house.

The cottage had a kitchen and two small bedrooms.

No running water, no toilet – you ‘went’ behind a bush – not much dissimilar from the animals. Our family were Old IRA people: My uncle Jim picked up fellow-footballer Mick Hogan on Bloody Sunday.

Jim was later to be shot by former comrades in the Civil War. Our pub was raided by the Tans, who drank it out, and tied up my father’s thumbs with strings cut from my mother’s violin.

A PARIAHDOM But neither ma or da ever used the words The Tan Brody in our house – or allowed the words to be used.

My parents reckoned Lar Brody had brought enough demons down on himself and his family, without the Egans joining in. There was another recruited Tan up Mullinahone way. I don’t know how he fared after the fighting ended.

People these days like to be judgmental. A hungry family and an empty head can lead you into pariahdom in quick time.

If Mick Collins had not been shot, some would now tar and feather him too.

Not a clever idea to commemorate savage mercenaries, which the Tans were, but there you are.

It’s a funny old country…

• On another occasion I may relate the story of the Tans and Shirley Temple.

You may wonder why I bracket the hated ‘Tan’ soubriquet with that of a tiny Hollywood superstar of the day, the adorable Miss Temple.

That’s for a future article.

Black and Tans make their presence felt in an Irish village

Mick Hogan…Ned’s uncle, Jim Egan, picked fellow-footballer Mick Hogan up off the pitch at Croke Park after Mick was shot by the Tans on Bloody Sunday

IRA leader Ernie O’Malley: The Tan Brody was assigned to spy on him

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Observations

with Jimmy Rhatigan

Good health: Party chiefs have safety nets W

latter as, the reality is that our apathetic coalition of FG and FF has done very little to rid our communities of the scourge of illicit drug taking. Nor have they gone to war to weed out those who supply the killer tablets and powders that are polluting so many young and not so young lives.

Kenny’s question on private health membership was perhaps the one that put everything into perspective as to where we are as a nation at this time.

Varadkar and Martin both admitted to having private health care.

HATEVER about attracting votes for their respective parties, one suspects that political party leaders who have taken part in TV debates will hardly have done much to boost viewer ratings on telly.

To be blunt, the head-to-head between the chosen two of Varadkar and Martin, was about as exciting as watching paint dry.

The Virgin Media confrontation, if one could call it that, well chaired by Pat Kenny was akin to a scoreless draw between two pub soccer teams of tippling heavyweights.

In fact we suspect that were viewers given the option between watching the bar stool footballers and the so-called elite of Irish politics, most would have opted for the amateur antics of the public park lot who would at least throw up a few good belly laughs.

Varadkar and Martin certainly have little or no Laurel and Hardy blood in their veins.

The exchanges between the pair were mostly bland, uninteresting and certainly nothing was said that would energise viewers.

As for even a reason for a giggle or two, you must be joking.

VILIFY EACH OTHER Sour pusses would have turned milk sour.

Other viewers who may have felt a wee bit like ourselves will most likely have reached for the zapper and changed to a different station, any station.

The verbal exchanges were mostly negative as, akin to a pair of primary school chisellers, the FG and FF gurus tried hard but mostly unsuccessfully to vilify each other.

Both ranted and raved about what they had achieved.

That didn’t take too long.

Neither of course was going to wear his sins on his forehead and come clean about what wasn’t done since FG came to power, later to be joined by its new found prop, FF, in what was called a Confidence and Supply Arrangement.

Were the pair to show a smidgen of courage even then it would have taken quite some time to remind us how they had failed miserably to deal with homelessness, a disastrous health service, their lack of protection for unfortunate families turfed out of their homes by vicious vulture funds and brazen banks.

And, lest we forget to remember, there was also their shocking disrespect for the very young and very old of modern Ireland.

TOTAL DISRESPECT So if that is the kind of confidence or indeed lack of it that the duo has in our health services, then what hope have the rest of us?

Politicians will admit to the odd catastrophe and lots of bungling mainly due to a drastic shortage of personnel in our health service but despite having to wait for months and even years to see a specialist or consultant, our people of all ages are supposed to have confidence in a shoddy health organisation that appears to have no respect for staff.

As a result there is total disrespect from on high for those who rely so much on our public health service.

Big numbers of our people, notably our very ill and aged, scratch and scrape to fund private health care, not because they want to go private or indeed can afford to go private but because they fear that public health delays could be the beginning of the end of their lives.

Laurel and Hardy, miles ahead of Varadkar and Martin

LINE OF COKE Varadkar did get ruffled when he was asked if he had ever taken an illicit drug. To be fair it is a long time since he came clean with a ‘yes’ answer to that one but he still looked very uncomfortable about dealing with the topic again.

He needn’t have been so cautious.

Sadly, the Ireland of today doesn’t seem to care less about who guzzles what or who sniffs a line of coke.

Perhaps both Varadkar and Martin could have blushed at the

SAFETY NET Varadkar and Martin were not asked why they have private health insurance. But the answer to that one is very obvious.

The private membership is their safety net.

They know damn well that walking a public health tightrope can be a dangerous exercise that for many reasons could cost a life.

Hence the private safety net.

That both party leaders have admitted to going private serves to highlight how disingenuous our politicians are, expecting us to believe that our health service is honky dory.

But they then covered their bare backsides in the cotton wool of privacy, a costly service which of course they can well afford from their crazy salaries and bags of expenses.

There will be more political interviews before voting on February 8.

Keep an eye on your TV schedules.

Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges, the Last of the Summer Wine and Charlie Chaplin will surely be available on UK Gold.

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Punters Recall is Total Delight JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

A

LTHOUGH they had much in common, they were not even second cousins, and despite hazy names all three were remarkably successful.

The Fog was a 1980 American supernatural horror film.

It starred Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis and Hal Bolbrook.

It was the story of a strange glowing fog that swept over a small coastal town in California bringing with it the vengeful ghosts of mariners killed in a shipwreck 100 years earlier.

Despite mixed reviews, The Fog was a huge box office hit.

Fog No. 2 was not a movie but rather a drama at Gowran Park Racecourse in 2015 when it was nigh impossible to tell what horse was where in any race.

A brilliant steed called Djakadam cut loose in the fog and romped to Thyestes glory for trainer Willie Mullins’s sixth success with ace jockey Ruby Walsh on board. The champ won at 9/2.

The fog did its utmost to be a spoilsport but it hadn’t a hope of upsetting any party as a packed Gowran Park had a fantastic alfresco celebration that not even the elements could discommode.

FOGGY RETURNED The hat-trick of fog spectaculars was completed when Foggy returned to Gowran with a vengeance.

But once more the magnificent Gowran Park venue beat any possible adversity and an old hand, 11 year old Total Recall, under outstanding jockey Danny Mullins, a son of Tony, rode to victory to mark his uncle Willie Mullins’s eight Thyestes success. Again the great festival was a cracker, a terrific

seven-race programme that was the fulcrum of a smashing day of outdoor and indoor entertainment.

Once more the fog failed to upset the aficionados of the Sport of Kings who turned out in their thousands and cheered home Total Recall.

The feature event is called the race that stops a county but it was more like country as racegoers descended on the Kilkenny venue from across Ireland for the annual January pilgrimage.

The crowds enjoyed thrilling racing. A magnificent day was capped by a great local story as Danny Mullins who grew up just across the road from Gowran Park claimed the big Thyestes prize.

APPLES JADED The John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle was a mouthwatering affair billed as the battle of two superstar mares Apples Jade and Benie Des Dieux.

However, there was no sizzling finish as the Willie Mullins-trained Benie Des Dieux showed her class and versatility winning by 21 lengths from Penhill.

With great racing and lively post-race music it was another hugely successful day for Gowran Park, a field of dreams for owners, riders, trainers and the greater racing public.

The addition of a new marquee close to the parade ring worked a treat with After Dark entertaining once the action on the track ended.

General Manager Eddie Scally told The Kilkenny Observer: “It was a great day and the culmination of a lot of hard work by the team at Gowran Park, officials, stewards, media, jockeys, caterers and gardai who made it all happen.”

Gowran Park’s next meeting is Red Mills Day on February 15. Tickets are available on www.GowranPark.ie First race goes to post at 1.10pm with complimentary buses departing from close to Kilkenny Castle gates one hour before the first race.

More Gowran Park pics Pages 61, 62 & 63

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for Mullins uncle and nephew

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TUESDAY

17 MARCH

2020

LÁ Le Padraig 2020 1.30pm St. Patricks Day Parade Route: Market Yard | High Street | Rose Inn Street | Market Yard

3pm - 5.30pm John street party KILA in concert — Street Feast — Facepainting Balloon modelling — Giant Community Drum Viking Village with Deise Medieval — Uilleann Pipe Taster Sessions & Classes — Harp making - Meet the Maker — Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Putting Green — Surprise Celebrities — Choral Performances

2020 PARADE THEME IS

BIOdiversity Every Creature Counts

Parade application forms; wwwstpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com

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Families united in times of trouble T

HE 19th St Brigid Service is in St Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy tonight, Friday is at 7.30pm.

The service will remember all whose lives have been touched by pain, depression and loss.

The Kilkenny Gospel Choir will lead the service with songs and prayers to remember all families touched in different ways by problems and worries.

St Brigid, ‘the Mary of the Gael’, as she has been to generations of Irish people, commands affection and respect.

She is remembered for her hospitality and hard work, as a woman of God and a woman of the people.

A powerful personality, she appealed to all, from those on high to the humble beggar.

This is her story. Brigid’s life begins in Faughart, a few miles from Dundalk, in the year 453.

Her father was a chieftain named Dubthach.

SLAVE DUTIES Her mother was Brocessa, a Christian bondswoman. Shortly after Brigid’s birth, Deubthach’s wife persuaded him to send Brocessa away, to Murroe in East Limerick.

Brigid was put to fosterage.

When she came of an age, she returned to her father’s house, taking her mother’s place in slave duties - minding livestock,

serving meals.

It was already apparent that Brigid had a calling as she constantly reached out to the poor.

She kept a store of clothes and food for them, and requisitioned her father’s property when there was nothing else available.

Brigid’s genius for leadership and organization came into its own. A woman of wisdom and commonsense, she made provision for the sick, tending to them with her knowledge of contemporary medicine.

She established schools, she set sisters to work making vestments, and she organized the Episcopal Government of her city.

SPIRIT LIVES ON Brigid is renowned for her hospitality. After some years in charge at Kildare, she was the most prominent religious leader in the Liffey Plain. Many and notable were those who went to her for help.

St Fiacre sought her guidance in the founding of his monastery in Laois, as did St Finnian for his monastery at Clonard.

Brigid had a long and productive life in the service of others.

She died shortly after her 70th birthday.

Her spirit lives on in the hospitality afforded by the nuns at Kildare, and she is remembered as a patron of Irish women and

Fran Treacy of the Kilkenny Gospel Choir getting water from St Brigid’s Well in Kildare for tonight, Friday’s service. Fran has collected water every year since the first service 20 years ago

motherhood, someone to call on for help in domestic matters and in times of sickness and loss.

Tonight’s service will include holy water from the well of St Brigid as well as red flannel associated with the healing ministry of St Brigid.

UNITED IN SUPPORT All are invited to bring St Brigid’s Crosses to be blessed or buy them on the night.

“Every year hundreds of people attend the service and take the water and red flannel home with them invoking the

protection of St Brigid.

It is said that St Brigid’s cloak was made of red flannel and when she spread her cloak over the sick, the worried or the anxious they were healed,” Fr Willie Purcell who will lead the service told The Kilkenny Observer.

“At this difficult time in the

lives of all people it’s important we are united in support of each other and what better way than to gather and pray for each other,” said Willie.

For further information contact the Kilkenny Gospel Choir @ kilkennygospelchoir@gmail. com, or 056-7770261.

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You are warmly invited to come and listen to Thoughts shared from In the Hoban Hotel (Formerly Aspect Hotel Kilkenny, ring road R95, XV2D )

Sundays 7-8pm Also in

Kilkenny Education Centre Callan rd, Wetland.R95 RH97 TALKS ARE FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME

Contact no: 087 7421964

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Fired up singers raised €100k

Ambulance and Fire Services personnel with beneficiaries of their great work

JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

A

DEDICATED group of singers will be the first to admit that hitting No. 1 in any charts is highly unlikely.

Yet after 22 years of Christmas Carols and Yule favourites at our City Hall, the men and women of our Fire and Ambulance Services have raised over €100k for local charities.

The seeds of success were sown when Ger Carroll and Seán Ivory kicked off the Christmas cheer when they raised funds for the Children’s Ward at St Luke’s General hospital.

The boys worked in tandem with fireman Michael Kavanagh of Loughboy.

Seán Heffernan, the uncrowned king of Drakelands on the periphery of our city was quickly on board and went on to do brilliant work for over two decades.

Andy Ramsbottom, Anthony Tyrrell and Corrib Wise Pics: Donal Foley

JINGLE BELLS In the early days of the fund-raiser the cracking festive fun alfresco outings of our fire and ambulance heroes one week of singing and dancing raised €15k with choral offerings of Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Generous shoppers responded by digging deep into their pockets.

Early on too, Kilkenny Unity Singers musical director Seán

O’Neill very kindly gave his time and expertise to give the wannabe choristers a beginners’ course in public singing. But despite his best efforts, Seán was beaten by the bell, retired fireman Michael Kavanagh recalled.

“We would get a good attendance but almost every time Seán started his good work our bleepers would ring and off we would have to dash to a fire,”

Michael remembered.

DANCING SANTA Andy Ramsbottom as a Dancing Santa, Corrib Wise as fireman Sam and Declan Lawlor, now station manager, threw themselves enthusiastically into the project. A recession saw a drop in finances but Christmas warbling still brought in €5,000 for charities. A resident committee

Lorraine and Eddie Butler

including Anthony and Michael Kavanagh, Ger Carroll, Seán Ivory, Andy Ramsbottom, Corrib Wise and Seán Heffernan, along with retired army man Paddy Horohan kept the novel show on the road.

Support also came from Michael Kavanagh’s son Gary and Anthony Tyrrell of SOS Kilkenny who provided musical accompaniment for the performers. Anthony was

Eight in a row for Wine Centre

T

HE VINO flowed in style The Wine Centre, John Street celebrated winning the Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2020 award at the NOFFLA (National Off-Licence Association) Award. It was the eighth consecutive year that the team in The Wine Centre has won this award.

The awards, now in their 24th year, recognise and showcase excellence in the independent offlicence sector.

The awards also highlight those

retailers that offer exceptional customer service and demonstrate excellence in retail standards.

Wine Centre manager Mark Tormey told The Kilkenny Observer: “We are delighted to have won the award again. Winning is a culmination of the expert knowledge of my team and the great range of products we offer.

“We are constantly seeking out new ranges and Irish products from craft and small producers

that epitomise what The Wine of the year. The Wine Centre is an Centre is about; selection, exper- independent family off-licence tise, quality and value for money.” serving the people of Kilkenny from its John Street premises FAMILY OFF-LICENCE since 1965. It has a wide range Over the past 10 years, The Wine of wine, whiskey and craft beers Centre has won a NOFFLA with expert staff who are passionaward each year. ate about sharing their drinks’ The Customers’ Service of the knowledge.

Year award was won in 2011, SpirThe store has also upgraded its Specialist of the Year in 2012 its online presence with online and each year since maintaining ordering and a free Click & Colan exceptionally high standard by lect service now available through winning the Leinster Off-Licence www.thewinecentre.ie.

Celebration time at Wine Centre

presented with a special plaque on Tuesday by Fire Chief John Collins in recognition of his unselfish contribution.

At a function in Kilkenny Fire Station on Tuesday, donations went to the local branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association and the family of a little girl who is battling illness.

The charities received €2,473 each.

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Sleeping Beauty is truly wide awake to the spirit of ‘Comer JIMMY RHATIGAN EDITOR

J

UST LIKE its famous Wellie Race, Deenside Players Pantomime is part of life in the vibrant North Kilkenny Town of Castlecomer.

The common denominator is that the outdoor extravaganza and indoor spectacular have many of the same local people manning the pumps and an entire community puts its heart and soul into these two sensational traditions.

The 40th anniversary Wellie Race early in January was awesome, attracted huge crowds and oozed community spirit.

Fittingly, as the month edges to an end, the men, women and children of ‘Comer and surrounds are celebrating another magical annual stage performance that once more won hearts and minds and made God only knows how many families so proud and content.

The panto has been part and parcel of ‘Comer life right back to the 1950s when mothers and fathers, grandparents, uncles and aunts, first and second cousins of the extended present cast and volunteers were steeped in panto cheer.

The colour was spectacular, the singing and dancing children were amazing and the old and no so old reliable hard core, John Coogan, Midgy, Chubby and Mary Buggy et al, was the fulcrum of another feast of circa two hours of nightly entertainment.

To pick a man or woman of the show would have been unfair.

It is not a cop out, but we would have to say that the wholehearted effort that goes into this great tradition has to be akin to the Herculean work of Brian Cody’s hurlers as they rampaged to victory after All-Ireland victory.

Friday night will be remembered by all as a Good Friday.

Tickets for the show were as scarce as hens’ teeth. If you were even a couple of minutes late for curtain up the only free seat would have been someone’s lap.

That is not encouraged in ‘Comer.

PHOTOGRAPH ENTHUSIASM From the first chairs behind the orchestra seats of musical director Ollie Hennessy and his assistant Jimmy Byrne, seats were together Ryanair-style right to the back wall of the parochial hall.

One could almost photograph the enthusiasm on stage and among the audience the eagerness and inter-action was admirable.

There was a real buzz when NO COP OUT various groups of wee dancers, From its first performance on fantastically prepared by choreMonday of last week to its last ographer Michele Wise, bounced hurrah the sold-out Sleeping on to the stage, to the delight of Beauty was wide awake.

older brothers and sisters, doting parents and grans and grandads with tear-filled eyes.

That kind of local passion and participation you simply can’t buy.

It is priceless.

On any evening, comedy with Dame Lola, aka John Coogan who also directed the show with Sarah Brennan, her/his many sidekicks, class after class of superb dancers and singers was light and easy.

Those on stage ranged in age from a few years right up to the inimitable Boris, Michael Midgy Dowd and Johnson, Gerard Chubby Brennan who accidentally on purpose forgot to bring along their birth certs.

HAPPY FAMILY The panto is a show that brings together one big happy family for a few fantastic hours of fun and games.

On that score the future of the show is in safe hands. Love and pride in place are the keys that will always unlock outpourings of helter skelter and happiness.

But, as with most major community events there is always an underbelly of hard work and unbelievable dedication to the cause.

For instance it cost roughly €17,000 to put Sleeping Beauty on the road.

Costumes for everyone and a multiplicity of other expenses and miscellaneous deemed that there was much to be done to keep the wolf from the door.

Once more the greater population responded with huge support, aided and abetted by a collection of great friends in local businesses who once more, with generous sponsorship, showed how they appreciate the custom of ‘Comer families.

On stage there were 95 children, a cast of 20, backed up by a committee of five.

DOZEN HEROES Backstage we had a dozen heroes who ensured the smooth running of all performances.

When all invoices are covered, there will still be cheques of goodwill for up to 40 local and national charities that will benefit at what is called The Last Supper on a date to be announced shortly.

There are many more people, too numerous to mention who play vital background roles in ‘Comer Panto.

Naming everyone with a panto input would be akin to publishing the guest list at the marriage feast of Cana when water was turned into wine.

In Cana the wine flowed freely.

In ‘Comer it is community spirit that continues to be the soul of Wellie and Panto parties.

Many who served both so well and have gone to their eternal reward, will never be forgotten.

Relatives, neighbours and friends who are continuing a wonderful tradition will make sure of that.

More ‘Comer Panto pics Pages 40 and 41

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Local chef scoops €31k prize A

LOCAL chef cooked up a storm when he won €31,000 when he appeared on the National Lottery TV game show Winning Streak.

Mick Harvey of Talbot’s Inch Village on the periphery of our city was thrilled with his win of €28,000 in cash and a holiday to Venice, Italy worth €3,000.

Mick spoke of how he was back in his native Dublin visiting his mother and was watching Winning Streak.

Mick had sent in a scratch card with three stars to the National Lottery. The first two names out of the drum were from Cork.

Mick jokingly shouted at the TV, Come on Kilkenny.

With that, Winning Streak presenters Marty and Sinead, pulled his ticket from the drum and called his name.

Mick began to jump around his mother’s house shouting in celebration.

Mick has two children, Mary, called after her grandmother and William, as well as his wife Sheila who were all watching in Kilkenny.

LOVES LIFE HERE Mick and Sheila celebrated a decade of marriage on New Year’s Eve. Mick has five siblings, all of whom live in Dublin except one sister, Margaret, who is in Ottowa, Canada. The other four,

who were cheering him on from the RTE audience are Gerry, Angie, Liam and Helena.

Sheila is from Kilkenny and Mick met her when he moved here to work as a chef. The couple hit it off and Mick loves life here.

Mick is now a chef for KSG and looks after catering for MSD Pharmaceutical company in Carlow, where he keeps 650 employees in culinary delights.

In his spare time he loves to sing and is a member of two choirs, the The Unity Singers and Sapero Men’s Choir.

The Winning Streak National Lottery TV game show is copresented by Marty Whelan and Sinead Kennedy and features some perennial favourite games.

ELECTRIC CAR The latter include Play or Pay, Roll for Riches, WinFall and Electric Dream where one player will win an electric car worth €25,000.

Each of the lucky five players will get the chance to spin the wheel and win up to €500,000.

An exciting element of the show is that one €100,000 segment will be added to the Grand Prize Wheel every show if less than that amount was won in the previous show, improving players chances to win a massive prize.

A brand new-look Winning Streak scratch card is available

Chef Mick Harvey receives his Winning Streak prize

in more than 5,800 National Lottery retailers.

In addition to the chance to appear on the Winning Streak TV game show if you get three

All set for great day out at Gowran Park

At the launch of the Red Mills Race Day were stylists Chris Kavanagh, Fiona Foley and Marietta Doran. Pic: Anthony Woods Photography

stars, players will also be in with a chance to win cash prizes up to €5,000.

The odds of winning a cash prize or a three star prize for

those who purchase a Winning Streak scratch card is 1 in 1.86.

All who purchase a scratch card can send their stubs into the National Lottery using grey en-

velopes, available in all National Lottery agents, where each week on the show, a player will be drawn as the winner of a Luxury Cruise for two valued at €5,000.

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Charming children win hearts and minds in local pantomime

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RECRUITMENT

Smyth Recruitment have exciting opportunities available to work with one of the BEST recognised brands in Ireland!

Your role as a Broadband Sales Executive is to gain sales and marketing experience through prospect research, market intelligence gathering and campaign execution. **We are looking for applicants NATIONWIDE to interview and commence ASAP** Duties include: • Cold calling into targeted areas with the goal of promoting our client’s product and lead generation.

• Effectively communicate the value of our client’s product features and map those values to meet prospect needs.

• Build rapport with potential customers and gather key information to update CRM system, assign a nurture path and follow-up strategy • Establish company profile best practices and target account research techniques • Provide lead quality feedback to their marketing team to better score and route warm leads The ideal candidate will have the following: • Full clean driver’s license (over 2 years driving experience on a Full Licence) • Excellent communication skills • Self-Motivator and driven *This role will require candidates to be on the road away from home Monday to Thursday (first 4-6 weeks) then you will be working in your own region. 3pm finish every Friday!

Salary €23k plus uncapped commission, (OTE €47k first year) all expenses paid, Company vehicle plus fuel card, along with tablet & phone. Internal promotions available within 3-6mths (Team lead /Sales Manager roles) If this role is of interest to you, please apply NOW for immediate consideration to louise@smythrecruitment.ie

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RECRUITMENT

WE’RE HIRING PRL are currently recruiting for a Warehouse Supervisor to join their team in Kilkenny.

The Warehouse Supervisor is responsible for overseeing a wide variety of warehouse activities including but not limited to; allocating work assignments to warehouse operatives to ensure that work schedule is completed on time and that priority issue are given precedence. Demonstrate leadership, accountability and responsibility in the performance of duties while on shift.

Duties of the job: • •

Supervising the functions and working of the all warehouse team members.

• •

Monitor and report on a range of KPIs as agreed with the Operations Manager.

• •

Supervise and assist in daily warehouse areas including delegating and assigning work to be completed on shift, monitor progress and intervene/ provide support as needed.

Actively monitor and manage attendance including absenteeism, time keeping and adherence to breaks. Produce monthly trend reports for management review when requested.

Ensure that work procedures in practice are in line with current iteration of relevant SOP and Health and Safety standards Provide day to day support to Operations Manager.

Requirements of the job: • • • • • • • •

Previous people management experience in a warehouse environment Good numeric ability and excellent attention to detail Team worker with strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively at all levels in and outside the company Ability to multi-task, skill in establishing priorities and managing workloads Basic IT skills in excel/word/outlook.

Forklift experience desirable Flexible working schedule required Fluency in English required.

If you wish to apply please email a cover letter and your CV to HR@prl.ie.

Closing date for application is SUNDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2020

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RECRUITMENT

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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Motors

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Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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Motors

The All-New

IONIQ Electric

From €34,850*

Try our BIK Online Calculator Hyundai announce the arrival of the all new IONIQ Electric, the latest in our expanding range of electric cars. With no Benefit-In-Kind on company cars, you can make the smart decision by using our online BIK Calculator at Hyundai.ie 2020 is the year to go electric with Hyundai.

For more information or to book a test drive, contact: Michael Lyng Motors,

Hebron Road, Kilkenny info@lyngmotors.ie, 056 777 0700 www.lyngmotors.ie

Proud Sponsor of the Kilkenny Hurling Intermediate Championship

BEST OF ALL WORLDS Discover Why

*Price includes: VRT exemption - €5,000, Residual VRT - €745 (Paid by Hyundai), SEAI grant - €5,000. Excludes delivery and related charges. Subject to stock availability. 1 The Hyundai 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty applies only to Hyundai vehicles that have been originally sold by an authorized Hyundai dealer to an end-customer, as set out in the terms and conditions of the warranty booklet. Local terms and conditions apply.

2 8 years or 160,000 km warranty on vehicle battery unit. Contact your official Hyundai dealer for further information.

Lending criteria terms and conditions apply. Model shown for illustrative purposes. 201 offers exclude electric models. The BIK calculator is to be used for guide purposes only. It is recommended that you seek independent tax advice from your accountant or tax advisor.

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Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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Motors Classifieds

SEPTIC TANKS Septic Tanks emptied, drains cleared, licensed waste disposal.

Call 056-8832334 or 087-6572327

LANGTONS DETURE CLINIC • Natural Looking Dentures • iDentures

• Full and Partial Dentures • Gum Shields

• Cobalt Chrome Dentures

• Night Guards

• Denture Repairs

• Bleaching Trays

• Relines

• Essix Retainers

2 Priory Square Dean Street Kilkenny

T: 056 7712741

KILKENNY ROCK MUSIC SCHOOL Teaches all ages and levels guitar, drums & playing in a rock band!. Private lessons and entry & tuition for RGT grades also available. Please visit www. kilkennyrockmusicschool.com or call 087 9092700.

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Memoriams

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams/Miracle prayers Planning notices

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News

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Barrow Valley Community Development Ltd. intend to apply for permission for 1) retention permission for storage shed to rear of existing building, 2) permission to erect solar panels on roof of existing building, 3) modifications to existing green area to allow for parking of campervans with electrical connection points, 4) 2no. sewerage disposal points for campervans, 5) electric car charging point and 6) 4no. fishing platforms and all associated works at Brandondale and Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd, Architecture and Engineering Services (059 9725684).

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, James and Annette Kelly intend to apply for Permission for development at this site situated at No 11 & 12 Irishtown Kilkenny, within the City Centre Architectural Conservation Area. The development will consist of: Change to shopfronts and entrance doors onto Irishtown, and all associated siteworks.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

We are delighted to announce that it is now an approved newspaper for publishing planning applications as certified by Kilkenny County Council

Call in to see us at our office - 12a Parliament Street

(across from the Courthouse under the arch to Market Cross car park) Telephone: 056 777 1463

Email: accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Lean and mean: Lively Cats torpedo Dubs’ machine

By Jimmy Rhatigan of the Kilkenny crew had been sent CRACKING GOALS ashore.

They were delighted with the wholehearted display of the black LIM, TRIM and brimful of en- HEROIC YOUNG MEN If the message to the local hurl- and amber but our canny aficioergy.

That was the largely ex- ers before the game was that there nados will know that one swallow perimental Kilkenny senior hurling could be places up for grabs then all doesn’t make a summer or a winter squad that led the Dubs a merry the boys were listening attentively. either.

An early goal by Ger Aylward, Practically every one of the dance in the opening game of the National Hurling League at UPMC younger players staked some sort followed by two crackers from of a claim for a role in future action. Gaigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan left Nowlan Park.

Slowly but surely, the heroic gaping holes in Dublin’s defensive With several regulars on resting duty after tough and very success- young men of Kilkenny had the visi- armoury.

And to add to the Dubs’ woes ful All-Ireland club campaigns, tors on the back foot.

Kilkenny play was intense, ac- they didn’t have the firepower to a team of prowling January Cats proved to be lean and mean and curate and wonderfully upbeat, a retaliate.

Some locals may have got somemuch too strong for a hapless Dub- brilliant post-Christmas present for what nervous when Richie Leahy supporters in the crowd of 5,605. lin machine.

But the very impressive and was sent off approaching half time.

A mix of young guns and tried But, as we all know pressure is for and trusted knitted together beau- well deserved win that brought tifully in a game that opened at a two league points had a caveat at- tyres.

If anything Leahy’s misfortune tached. somewhat lethargic pace.

The Dubs will no doubt be a dif- served to galvanise further KilkenBut while Dublin played what might be loosely described as a ferent kettle of fish when they play ny’s ambition of an open day vicpretty game, the Cats were well host to Kilkenny in the champion- tory.

Perhaps the sending off was a tad armed with fireworks and a fantas- ship in their own back garden, Parharsh. But Leahy is a fine player and tic work-rate, an admirable combi- nell Park, next May. Supporters were cock-a-hoop will bounce back. nation that blew the blue ship out Many local students of the senior of the water, even though a member after the rotund lady sang.

S

game will have fired themselves on to teacher’s radar.

CHIP OFF OLD BLOCK Michael Carey, a chip off the old block, a son of team selector DJ, is a terrific young hurler who is bursting on to the scene at the rate of knots and may just emulate the Herculean feats of his dad, albeit with a different style.

You could have tossed a coin to settle Man of the Match between Conor Fogarty and Paddy Deegan.

The omens were obvious from the brisk and quite vibrant warmup by the Kilkenny players.

The mood was mighty, the application was excellent and the final score of 3-21 to 0-18 told its own story.

Dublin manager Matty Kenny may still be scratching his head.

He will relish the opportunity to get his own back in May. But judging by Sunday’s whirlwind start by the Cats, Matty could have another too hot to handle battle on his hands.

Pics: Donal Foley

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Guns blaze: Youth and experience does the trick

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Triumphant trinity: From left, James Bergin (Conahy Shamrocks), Joey Holden (Ballyhale Shamrocks) and Shane Walsh (Tullaroan), captains of our All-Ireland Club Champions Pics: Donal Foley

Representatives of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland Club Champions receive cheques for their clubs to mark terrific achievements

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Observer Soccer Fixtures Newpark travel to Mayo for a Brilliant show by Karate Kids historic clash Karate Kids love their sport

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HE BUDO Martial Arts Centre, Kilkenny aka Kilkenny Karate Club held its annual competition in the Watershed Sports Complex.

It had a great turnout with competitors across all grades and ages taking part.

The club is training very hard as it sends a 37-strong squad to the Irish Karate-do Federation International Championships in the Waterford Institute of Technology Arena on February 9.

The Kilkenny Club expects to face stiff competition as there will be entries from clubs and associations all over Ireland and internationally.

However, club chief instructor Sensei Kevin Shortall feels confident.

He told The Kilkenny Observer: “We have been training

extremely hard and we have a huge pool of talented karate athletes who train regularly. I expect us to do very well’.

Results of the recent competition in the Watershed Sports Complex: White Belt Kihon 1 U12: 1 Ava Murphy, 2 Amelia O’Keeffe, 3 Tom Hoban and Cassian Grigore.

White Belt Kihon 2 U12: 1 Ava Murphy, Lucas Almeida, Joint 3 Tom Hoban and Joseph Dunphy.

White Belt – Orange Belt Kata U12: 1 Lucas Almeida, 2 Paul Murphy, Joint 3 Owen Shine and Abigail O’Kane.

Green Belt – Black Belt Kata U12: 1 Matilda Mallon Rafter, 2 Doug Duffy, Joint 3 Evija Dimane and Wiktoria Kaczka.

Senior’s Kata All Grades: 1 Sarah Grogan, 2 Moya Kehoe,

Joint 3 Kevin Molloy and Emma Brennan.

White Belt Sparring U12: 1 Luke Hanrahan, 2 James O’Kayay, Joint 3 Joseph Dunphy and Cassian Grigore.

All Grades Sparring U8 Mixed: 1 Daniel McGree, 2 Wiktoria Kaczka, 3 Katie Murphy and Tom Hoban.

All Grades Sparring U9/10 boys: 1 Tristian O’Kane, 2 Paul Murphy, 3 Dylan Condon.

All Grades Sparring Under 9/10 girls: 1 Tara McGree, 2 Lily Ella Boland, Joint 3 Evija Dimane, Matilda Mallon Rafter and Emer O’Shea.

All Grades Sparring U11/12 boys: I Cougar Costa, 2 TJ Brennan, Joint 3 Doug Duffy and Oran Mealy.

All Grades Sparring 11/12 girls: 1 Leah Peters, 2 Ruby Flynn,

3 Alena Van Buggenhout.

All Grades Sparring U14-16 boys: 1 Kevin Molloy, 2 Sean McGlone, 3 Oisin Mealy All Grades Sparring 15-17 girls: 1 Moya Kehoe, 2 Sarah Grogan.

All Grades Sparring U17/18 girls: 1 Siobhan Brennan, 2 Emma Brennan All Grades Sparring girls 19 and over: 1 Sonia Lazer, 2 Isabella Kol, 3 Ewelina Kol. All Grades Sparring boys 19 and over: 1 Eddie Cahill, 2 Lee Chadwick and Joint 3 John Purcell and Richie Brennan.

Thanks went to referees and officials including parents/ guardians who supported.

The club trains regularly at the Watershed, Kilkenny. Visit www. budomartialartscentre.com for further information. Classes are held for all age groups.

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HE GOOD wishes of all in Kilkenny soccer will be with Newpark when the city club travels to Mayo tomorrow, Saturday, for a last 16 FAI Junior Cup clash with former cup winners Westport United.

A big contingent of supporters is expected to travel with the team. Squad, officials and supporters will have an overnight in Westport before the Sunday kick-off.

Regardless of the result, Newpark has done the local game proud in a tremendous cup run that brings the club to the last 16 of the competition with a possible last eight in the prestigious cup at stake.

A Kilkenny club has never won the FAI Cup but Evergreen went oh so close when the club reached the final and put up a gallant performance before losing to the mighty Sheriff FC at The Aviva Stadium.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 LEINSTER U19 CUP Freebooters v Edenderry, 2pm U19 LEAGUE (2PM) Lions v Evergreen, Callan v Thomastown SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 FAI JUNIOR CUP Westport v Newpark, 2pm

Senior Group

Kids’ Group

ST CANICE’S CREDIT UNION PREMIER DIVISION (11AM) Clover A v Deen Celtic, Bridge A v Freebooters B, Freebooters A v Evergreen A, Highview A v Thomastown A DIVISION 1 (11AM) Ormondevilla v Fort Rangers, Evergreen C v Evergreen B, Callan v Stoneyford DIVISION 2 (2PM) Castlewarren v Thomastown B, Lions v Highview B, River Rangers v Bridge B

Ladies Events

U17 LEAGUE (2PM UNLESS STATED) Thomastown v Callan, 3pm, Evergreen v Lions, Highview v Freebooters

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Gowran Park: Our Field of Dreams

Pics: Donal Foley

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 January 2020

Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

Croker for hurling, Gowran

The pride of Red Mills

Ladies in waiting for the next race

Foggy, yet the day was beautiful

Happiness is being first past the post

A delightful trinity

Champions Tullaroan hurlers out for another winner

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 24 January 2020

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Sport – KEEPING IT LOCAL

for racing: A super double

John and Mag Kelly

Joe Whitley and Pat Phelan

Rose Corcoran and Kathleen Gaffney

Observer photographer Donal Foley put runners, riders and punters in the picture

Pics: Donal Foley

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31 January 2020

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