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BUDGET 2027

What we can expect: An €8.5bn package — €7bn in public spending and €1.5bn in tax measures. Making work pay, raising income tax bands and boosting welfare support With just days to go before Budget 2027, we know the Government will authorise €1.5bn in tax measures and €7bn in new spending, and some specifics have been leaked ahead of time. Other proposals, such as cutting stamp duty for firsttime buyers, have been openly rejected by Government leaders, while Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said a change to VAT is unlikely. The Government has committed to restricting spending growth to 6%, but ministers have entered negotiations with many demands. As Budget 2027 begins to take shape, here’s what we know so far and what ministers are pushing for: Tax One of the most notable expected measures is the first change to income tax bands in two years after the Government prioritised a VAT cut for hospitality businesses last year. The point at which a single earner pays the higher 40% rate of income tax is set to increase from €44,000 to €46,000, with average earnings now at around €53,000. For people earning more than €46,000 a year, the change is worth roughly €400 a year, and middle-income earners could be €500 a year better off when accounting for tax credits. The Government has rejected proposals to equalise the inheritance tax thresholds across family groups, although modest inheritance tax cuts are expected across the board. Parents can gift €400,000 to their children free of capital acquisitions tax, but more distant family members can only gift €20,000 to €40,000. Tax Credits and USC The personal, PAYE and

increase by as little as €7.50, which would be the smallest raise since 2022 (€5). Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has ruled out an increase in the children’s allowance. Housing It is believed that Minister for Housing James Browne is pushing for the available tax refund to participants in the Help to Buy scheme to be increased to a maximum of €50,000 from the present €30,000. Browne is also hoping to increase the renters’ tax credit from €1,000 to €1,200. Homeowners can currently earn up to €14,000 per year in rent from a lodger, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin has floated the possibility of increasing the tax relief available to homeowners as well as the number of rooms rentable under the initiative.

What gives... Minister for Finance Simon Harris has promised the squeezed middle will not be forgotten

earned income tax credits are expected to be raised from their current level of €2,000. There could also be modest changes to USC aimed at lower-income earners as well, so that the rising minimum wage doesn’t require them to pay more. The Low Pay Commission has recommended a 79 cent increase in the minimum wage to €14.94, although the Government has yet to decide whether to accept the proposal. PRSI for employees will increase from 4.2% to 4.35% from October 1 under legislation that has already been passed.

State Investment Account A minimal 1% tax will be levied on the new state-backed investment account, which is due to be made available next year as a way to encourage people to invest their savings. Investors will be able to put money into shares, bonds, exchange-traded funds and other approved investments through a single account. The 1% tax rate will be applied annually on the value of the account above a tax-free threshold that is still to be decided, along with the maximum amount that can be contributed in a given year. The account replaces the current 38% exit tax and

eliminates the deemed disposal rule — a tax on unrealised gains every eight years — for all assets held in the account. Fuel Home heating oil is set to be removed from the scope of future carbon tax increases in a decision that could save consumers €40 per 1,000 litres. The fuel allowance is also set to increase by €5 to €43 a week, increasing the value of the payment over the standard 28-week season to €1,204, benefiting 470,000 households. More widely, the scheduled increase in the carbon tax

is set to be deferred as the Government grapples with whether to extend the excise cuts on petrol and diesel. The cuts had been due to be reversed at the start of September and will now be unwound on a phased basis from November 1 as the price at the pump surges towards €2.50 a litre. Household energy credits are not expected to feature in the Budget. Social Protection and Pensions The value of weekly social protection payments and the state pension are being negotiated from this week, but it is understood they could

Childcare The nation’s 13,000 selfemployed childminders can currently earn €15,000 per year tax-free under the Childcare Services Relief Scheme, and it is believed the threshold is set to be revised upwards, having not changed since 2007. The Government is also examining the prospect of changing the cap on childcare fees, with Minister for Children Norma Foley seeking to bring the €200 per month per child cap up to €350 during the lifetime of the Government. Meanwhile, The Living Wage Technical Group (LWTG) has published the updated Living Wage for 2026/27 at €16.00 an hour, a 3.9% increase from last year’s rate of €15.40 an hour. This rate is the minimum income required for a single adult working full-time to afford a socially acceptable minimum standard of living in Ireland.

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Listen here: Kilkenny riots of 1831 A policeman who administered first aid at a Wicklow graveside – at his own execution. A riot in a Kilkenny laneway in 1831 that still echoes in pitchside chants in 2026. An attack on four Irish policemen in an Australian swamp which led to the downfall of history’s most notorious outlaw. These extraordinary stories – and many more – are told in a brand-new podcast which premieres this week in partnership with Acast. The Póilíní Podcast brings listeners on a journey through stories from the history of Irish policing, stretching over 200 years. Each week, the podcast will take a story from our ‘Policeman’s Notebook’ to paint a picture of incredible – often untold – events. The podcast is presented by Ireland’s foremost Garda historian Dr John Reynolds and writer and journalist Helen Moorhouse. Dr Reynolds, PhD, holds 40 years’ service as a member of An Garda Síochána. Since retiring from the force, he has founded the Garda Museum and served as chief co-ordinator for the Garda centenary. Meticulously researched and curated, the podcast will feature fresh perspectives and

insightful conversations on local and international Irish policing stories. Listeners can also explore the interactive podcast story map which allows them to pinpoint the locations featured in each week’s story – from places close to home to locations of

interest. In the words of Dr John Reynolds, “In many ways, the history of policing in Ireland, is the history of Ireland in the last 200 years.” In the early 1800s, Irish people were obliged by law to pay tithes for the upkeep

of the Church of Ireland, which was the official statesanctioned church. What was ‘owed’ could be taken in the form of money, land, rent, produce or livestock. Struggling farmers did not want to be forced to pay for the upkeep of a religion that

was not theirs. So began the Tithe Wars with organised resistance to the payment of tithes. The government responded by compiling lists of defaulters and issuing collection orders for the seizure of goods and chattels (mostly livestock).

Taking back the proceeds of crime: McGuinness welcomes €50,000 for Kilkenny community safety project Carlow-Kilkenny Fianna Fáil TD and Leas Ceann Comhairle John McGuinness has welcomed €50,000 in funding for a Kilkenny project under the 2026 Community Safety Fund, with the money coming from funds seized through the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Síochána. The funding has been awarded to Amber Domestic Abuse CLG for its “Building Safer Communities: Domestic Abuse Prevention, Engagement and Awareness Initiative.” The project sought €74,445 and has been awarded €50,000 under the fund. The project is listed as one of the 56 projects recommended for support in 2026. Commenting on the announcement, John McGuinness TD said: “This is a really positive initiative because money that has been seized as a result of criminal activity is being redirected into projects that can make

a real difference in our communities. “The work of the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Síochána is not simply about taking assets out of the hands of criminals. Through the Community Safety Fund, some of those resources are being put to practical use in supporting communities and organisations working to make people safer.” The Kilkenny project will focus on domestic abuse prevention, engagement and awareness, with the €50,000 allocation supporting work in this area. Deputy McGuinness continued: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities, and prevention and awareness are extremely important parts of tackling it. “Amber Domestic Abuse CLG has secured this funding to support its work in Kilkenny, and I want to congratulate everyone involved in the project.

“Community organisations are often closest to the issues affecting people locally. They understand the challenges facing their communities and have the relationships and experience necessary to deliver practical support.” A total of 56 applications have been recommended for funding under the Community Safety Fund 2026, with €4.846 million in funding involved. The projects supported under the fund cover a broad range of community safety issues, including domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, addiction recovery and substance misuse, drug-related intimidation, youth intervention, antisocial behaviour, restorative justice, online safety and violence reduction. Deputy McGuinness said the approach represented an important link between tackling criminality and investing in safer communities. “There is something particularly appropriate

about taking money that has been associated with criminal activity and using it to support organisations working to prevent harm and improve community safety. “It is a very practical way of ensuring that resources recovered through the criminal justice system can have a positive impact locally. “I commend Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan for continuing to support this initiative and, most importantly, I want to acknowledge the organisations and volunteers working on the ground every day. “The €50,000 awarded to Amber Domestic Abuse CLG will support important work in Kilkenny, and I look forward to seeing the impact of that work in the community.”

The first clash of the war took place on March 3, 1831, in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, when a force of 120 yeomanry tried to enforce seizure orders on cattle belonging to a Roman Catholic priest. Encouraged by his bishop, he had organised people to resist tithe collection by placing their stock under his ownership prior to sale. The revolt soon spread. On June 18, 1831, in Bunclody, Wexford, people resisting the seizure of cattle were fired upon by the Irish Constabulary, who killed 12 and wounded two; one yeoman was shot dead in retaliation. This massacre caused objectors to organise and use warnings such as church bells to signal the community to round up the cattle and stock. On December 14, 1831, resisters used such warnings to ambush a detachment of 40 Constabulary at Carrickshock in Kilkenny. In 1831 the authorities recorded 242 homicides, 1,179 robberies, 401 burglaries, 568 burnings, 280 cases of cattle-maiming, 161 assaults, 203 riots and 723 attacks on property directly attributed to seizure order enforcement. In 1832, the President of Carlow College was imprisoned for not paying tithes.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Membership finally opens for Craft Guild After several years of planning and work, Kilkenny Craft Guild (KCG) is delighted to announce that membership is now open. In 2021, Kilkenny was designated a World Crafts Council City and Region of Craft, recognising the county’s rich craft heritage and its continuing importance as a place of skilled and innovative making.

KCG is a local, member-led organisation, run by makers and supporters of craft in Kilkenny. The Guild has been established to build on the World Crafts Council recognition by supporting, representing and strengthening craft practice across the county. It will connect makers, encourage learning, create opportunities and give Kilkenny’s craft

community a stronger collective voice. Martin Matthews, Chairperson of Kilkenny Craft Guild, said: “Craft has always been an important part of Kilkenny. It is in our history, our skills and the knowledge passed from one maker to another. But it is also a living practice that continues to change and develop.” “The structure is now

in place, but it will be our members who bring the Guild to life. We will get from it what we collectively put into it. Those joining in our first year will have a real opportunity to help shape what comes next.” Membership is open under four categories: • Master Maker • Emerging Maker • Student

• Cultural Supporter The categories recognise people at different stages of their craft practice, as well as those who make, teach, promote or otherwise support craft and Kilkenny’s wider cultural community. Anyone considering membership is asked to visit the Guild website and read the published information and

criteria carefully before selecting the category that best reflects their practice. Members joining during the Guild’s first year can avail of a special introductory membership rate for 2027. Applications will normally be processed within two to four weeks. Details available at www. kilkennycraftguild.ie.

Kilkenny home prices slow but three-bed now at €341,756 The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Co. Kilkenny rose by 2.1% to €341,756 in the last three months, according to the latest REA national survey. Across the county, the average time taken to reach sale agreed was four weeks, the Q3 REA Average House Price Index shows. “September was slightly quieter than anticipated, with fewer viewings than expected,” said Robbie Grace of REA Grace, Callan. “The market is currently strong and commands good prices.” The survey shows that across the county, 60% of purchasers were first-time buyers, while a total of 10% of sales in the county this quarter were attributed to landlords leaving the market. Additionally, agents across the county reported that the BER ratings of properties saw A-rated properties command 20% price increases in comparison to comparable C-rated properties. The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the secondhand property market in towns and cities countrywide. The index shows that house price increases in Dublin have slowed to a halt over the past three months. The rate of increase in actual sales prices over the past quarter has decreased to 0.1%

in the capital, compared with 0.8% three months ago. There was also no price growth in commuter counties Louth, Meath and Wicklow over the quarter. And with the average Dublin three-bed semi selling for €600,787, buyers are now slower to bid for any properties that require upgrade works due to uncertainty over future costs. The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 0.6% in the past three months to €370,293 – the first time the quarterly rate of increase has been under 1% for two successive months in over two years. This represents a 4.7% annual rise – slowing gradually from the 8.7% increase registered at the end of 2025. The percentage of landlord sales across the country declined from 28% to 25% following the introduction of new rental legislation in March. The biggest quarterly price rises in the country came in the major cities outside Dublin. They collectively saw average growth of 1.54% to €387,125 over the past three months, double that experienced in the previous three months. The largest annual price rises came in the country’s large towns, where the average home sale price increased by 6.2% – 1.1% in the past three months – to €289,136.

We’re leaving tying the knot until later... Ballyhale’s Mountain View has been named among Ireland’s top wedding venues to book for 2027 by wedding venue platform SaveMyDay.ie. The news comes as new analysis of CSO figures shows more than one in four people marrying in Ireland are now aged 40 or over, changing the kind of weddings they want. SaveMyDay analysis of CSO figures shows that more than one in four

people who married in Ireland in 2025 (25.8%) were aged 40 or over. The average age of the older partner is now 38.1 and the younger partner 36.1, compared with 27.0 and 24.7 for couples marrying 50 years previously in 1975. SaveMyDay says these couples arrive with clear priorities: exceptional food, personal service and a venue that reflects who they are. It’s a shift reflected in the winners of this

year’s SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Venue Awards, voted for by over 700 couples. All of SaveMyDay’s recommended top venues to book for 2027 can host both the ceremony and the celebration: Mountain View in Kilkenny, Fernhill House Hotel in West Cork, Jacks Coastguard Restaurant in Kerry, Clontarf Castle and Stephen’s Green Club in Dublin city, Marco Pierre White Courtyard in Dublin’s Donnybrook and the

Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford in Louth. Owned and run by the O’Neill family on 120 acres of private Kilkenny countryside, Mountain View was voted both Best Family-Run and Best Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly Wedding Venue at the 2026 SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Venue Awards. It’s a double win that reflects what couples want most: a personal welcome and a menu that works for every guest.

Two in three want to stay in own homes

LEADER ‘should be restored’ to €425m, says CEO

Two in three (66%) adults in Leinster would rather remain in their own home, connected to their communities, as they age rather than move into more structured care, according to new research from Comfort Keepers. Comfort Keepers, Ireland’s leading home care provider,

The next round of LEADER rural development funding should be restored to the €425m figure of 18 years ago, according to Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership. EU negotiations on a new funding system are underway, and there is uncertainty

which has been providing trusted care to those who need it in Ireland for over 21 years, has revealed findings from its Comfort Keepers Connection Index, which highlight a strong attachment to home and community among people in Leinster.

around the future of the LEADER programme. Speaking at the Autumn Partnership Gathering in Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre, Mr Rice called on the Government to ensure that the LEADER programme continues, and that funding is restored to 2008 levels to

meet the needs of rural communities. “We have proved that the LEADER fund offers value for money,” he said. “We’ve heard today from Kilkenny organisations who were approved for grants and have gone on to thrive.” “We are watching how the

current negotiations on the future of LEADER are unfolding and we are hopeful that the Irish Government will fight for the continuation of this excellent programme.” The Autumn Partnership Gathering marked 35 years of the LEADER fund in Kilkenny.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

We need to chat abo’t AI outsmarting us The proposed EU legislation to limit access to social media, video-sharing platforms and online games for under-15s, a move Irish ministers have advocated for some time, is as clear as the proverbial mud. How we will opt for a “gradual approach” with an effective ban on platforms has not been clearly thought-out and is open to manipulation, fake identities, skewed and toxic algorithms, parental onus and, predominantly, a lack of accountability from media giants like Meta and TikTok. But worry not. For we are all doomed if Artificial Intelligence researcher Jacob Coxon is to be believed. Last month he quit US AI giant Anthropic, saying the firm and its competitors were “gambling with people’s lives”. His fellow researcher Evan Hubinger, in a post on X, declared: “We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans.” Coxon isn’t the first to down

tools over fears of AI doom and Man’s annihilation. The idea that AI could wipe out humanity was first advanced back in 2014 in Nick Bostrom’s book Superintelligence and the belief has long since circulated among AI scientists. The core idea is that AI, advancing at a rapid rate today, could in as little as five or 10 years become smarter than humans, escape our control and destroy our place in the scheme of things. Earlier this year, Anthropic Safety Chief Mrinank Sharma departed, warning “the world is in peril”, while Alex Turner left Google DeepMind after the company signed a deal with the Pentagon permitting “killer drones”. Coxon’s resignation has made waves, with more AI developers acknowledging the risk of “losing control and killing everyone”. They argue that AI extinction risk should rank alongside pandemics and nuclear war. Even Elon

Musk has said the world needs to slow down and pull back on its “rapid” AI development. Here lies the paradox: on the one hand, plenty of observers are scared by how AI is rapidly revolutionising industries, influencing productivity and shaping our future. On the other hand, AI has grown to be so ubiquitous that some people do not even notice its presence. We merge with our machines. Ultimately, they will extend who we are. Already, our mobile phones make us able to communicate with each other on a much better basis. It’s part of us. It might not be literally connected to you, but nobody leaves home without one. To others, AI seems like a ‘black box’ in which mysterious things take place. And in the human mind, anything mysterious can easily trigger fear and distrust. In fact, for a significant number of people, AI has been transformed

into some dark danger that’s lurking in the shadows. One of the biggest fears is, of course, job replacement. As machines perform tasks at lower costs and greater efficiency than was possible with humans, AI is already eliminating certain jobs and accelerating income inequality. Other concerns tend to be

“Destroy our place in the scheme of things...

more of an ethical nature. These fears revolve around a loss of control. Many worry that AI will create vast amounts of deepfake data, making it difficult to perceive what is real. As such, AI is already being easily used to orchestrate misinformation campaigns and cyberattacks. Those bots are very real – they are behind the scams you receive in your inbox. There is the positive side, though. The scientific consensus is that, with AI, everything’s going to improve. Particularly in education and medicine, where remote surgery is now a possibility. We will be able to cure cancer and heart disease, and so on, using simulated biology – and extend our lives. Meanwhile, the development of autonomous weapon systems sees AI research with all the hallmarks of an arms race – and the US doesn’t want to lose to China. The Trump administration shows

little sign of slowing AI development at its most cuttingedge. Trump is trying to override state-level rules, arguing that caution risks losing to China. History may offer us a template for how to manage a situation like this. Nuclear weapons are the classic case. Treaties and verification systems have not eliminated the risk of nuclear war, but they have slowed proliferation and no nuclear weapon has been used in conflict for 80 years. AI capabilities have advanced faster than once predicted. ChatBot1 could barely put a sentence together – ChatBot4 can sit your uni exam. AI models will inevitably help build better AI models, and each generation will grow harder to monitor and control. Without binding rules, we’re relying heavily on the goodwill of a handful of power-hungry companies.

Honouring the faithful A delightful and enjoyable evening was recently held at Keoghs Lounge, Callan, where the Callan Branch of Fine Gael honoured four of its long-serving members. Minister John Cummins presented certificates to Liam Dunne, Ballymack; Paul Croke, Westcourt; Tommy Mackey, Edmund Rice Park; and Mick Cullen, Skaugh and Sevenhouses. Cllr Joe Lyons carried out MC duties. Between them, the four recipients have accumulated over 250 years of dedicated service to Fine Gael, remaining committed through good times and bad. Their involvement has included attending branch meetings, Ard Fheiseanna and canvassing in all weathers, gathering every possible vote. Despite their many years of service, none has any intention of retiring, and all look forward to the next election and knocking on doors once again.

Minister John Cummins presenting Callan Branch FG member, Mick Cullen with his Certificate. Others presented were Tommy Mackey, Liam Dunne & Paul Croke.

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October is Rocktober at

Ryan’s Bar

As autumn creeps in and the evenings get darker, Ryan’s Bar is keeping the flame lit with another fantastic month of live music. October brings a packed programme of local, national and international acts, with something to suit every musical taste. Highlights include Blues Ark, The Uptown Band and The Remains, while on October 11th Ryan’s welcomes the fantastic Grey DeLisle and her band, one of the hit acts of the Kilkenny Roots Festival 2026. The music continues throughout the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival weekend, when Ryan’s will host eight gigs covering a variety of genres, including a performance from the legendary Ben Reel Band. And, of course, October wouldn’t be complete without Ryan’s legendary Halloween Party on the 31st. There really is something for everyone this Rocktober at Ryan’s Bar. Keep it local, keep it lively, and keep the music playing.

Grey DeLisle

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Students, what could Irish rail look like in 2050? Iarnród Éireann has launched TY on Track: The Rail2050 Short Film Competition, a new national initiative inviting Transition Year students across the Republic of Ireland to imagine what rail could look like in 2050. The programme is an opportunity to engage with the next generation of industry leaders and give young

people a voice in the future of transport. Students are being asked one central question: What do young people in Ireland want rail to look like in 2050? Working individually or in teams of up to four, Transition Year students are invited to create a three-to-fiveminute short film exploring their ideas for the future of

rail in Ireland. Entries may consider themes including technology and innovation; education and opportunity; communities and rural Ireland; the future of travel; climate and sustainability; and accessibility and inclusion. Students can use a phone, animation, graphics, interviews or another creative approach to bring their

ideas to life. Commenting on the launch, Sai Gujulla, Strategy Integration Champion at Iarnród Éireann, said: “The young people of today will be the engineers, innovators and decisionmakers shaping Ireland’s rail network in 2050. TY on Track gives Transition Year students an opportunity to

share what they want the future of rail to look like and to think creatively about how it can connect people, communities and opportunities across the country.” “The programme is part of Iarnród Éireann’s commitment to community engagement and rail futureproofing. It is also an opportunity to introduce students to the

wide range of opportunities available across the railway sector and spark an interest in a future career in rail.” • Further information about the competition, how to register and take part, and tips to guide submissions are available on www. irishrail.ie/tyontrack. Registration closes at 5.00pm on January 29, 2027.

Lidl launches its first mobile phone with an €8.99 deal

Lidl Ireland is entering the Irish mobile market with the launch of Lidl Connect, a new premium mobile offering designed to bring the retailer’s focus on value, simplicity and customer experience to mobile customers. Available from Monday, October 5, Lidl Connect will launch with a limited offer of €8.99 a month at 'Price for Life', available to the first 100,000 customers. Lidl Connect will be available exclusively through the retailer's Lidl Plus app, allowing for seamless sign-up and ongoing management of the mobile plan in the app already used by millions of Lidl customers for rewards, offers and other services. Customers can choose between picking up a physical SIM in any Lidl store nationwide for €0.99 or selecting

an eSIM and completing registration via the Lidl Plus app. Lidl Connect customers will be able to enjoy maximum flexibility with Lidl Connect’s monthly rolling plan that offers users no long-term commitment, as they have the option to cancel at any time. The plan also offers a generous package of unlimited 5G data; unlimited calls and texts to any Irish and UK network; 50GB EU and UK roaming data; and 100 international minutes per month to 38+ countries. Customers moving to Lidl Connect can keep their existing mobile number — or choose a brand-new number — with the Lidl Plus journey designed to guide users through sign-up, activation and ongoing management of their plan in one place.

Major think-in on pesticide control Calling all farmers, growers, foodies, or those with an interest in the future of pesticide regulation. A public conference on the topic will take place online via livestream and at Europe House in Dublin on October 6, bringing together representatives of the European Commission, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, leading scientists, water sector experts, environmental NGOs, and representatives of the farming community to discuss the future of EU pesticide policy. Protect Our Health, Water & Biodiversity from Pesticides – An EU Policy Conference under the Irish Presidency on the Future of Pesticide Regulation is being organised by The Environmental Forum, Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Europe, the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN) and the Environmental Pillar,

and is being chaired by journalist and broadcaster Ella McSweeney. Bernadette Connolly of The Environmental Forum, who will lead the opening discussion at the event, says: “Ireland should take the lead in protecting our environment and our children’s health. The EU Presidency puts our government in an excellent position to let reason prevail and to protect water and health for future generations.” • When: Tuesday, October 6, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm at Europe House, 5 Balfe Street, Dublin, D02 E7K4, Ireland. It will also be available via livestream. • Full programme and registration: Visit www. pan-europe.info/events/ conferences/protect-ourhealth-water-biodiversitypesticides.

Agri Aware wants your awareness... Agri Aware is launching a new public donation campaign, inviting people across Ireland to play their part in supporting agricultural education and helping to strengthen the connection between consumers, farming and food production. The campaign comes as Agri Aware celebrates 30 years of enhancing agricultural literacy and bridging the knowledge gap between the farming and nonfarming communities across Ireland. The first phase of the campaign was launched

by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, where the public was invited to support Agri Aware by purchasing the Agri Aware and TikTok 'I Support Irish Farming' jersey. For 30 years, Agri Aware has worked with the support of Irish farmers and the wider agri-food sector to help people understand where their food comes from and the role agriculture plays in everyday life. As urbanisation grows and fewer

people have a direct connection to farming, this work is more important than ever. Building on the generous support of its industry patrons, Agri Aware’s new public donation campaign gives individuals the opportunity to directly support its work and help agricultural education reach more people across Ireland. Speaking about the launch, Agri Aware Chair Shay Galvin said: “For the first time, we are asking the public to be part of that journey too. By purchasing a jersey or making a donation, people can support

Irish farming while helping us bring agricultural education to more people across Ireland. Our ambition is to reach every home in Ireland and strengthen the connection between consumers, farmers and food for generations to come.” • Pictured above, from left: Agri Aware Chairman Shay Galvin, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, and Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran at the launch of Agri Aware’s public donation campaign.

Why your Irish passport travels better According to Passport Reports, which prepares and publishes passport reports for 199 countries in 34 languages, the Ireland Passport Ranking places the Irish passport 12th globally in 2026. The report gives Ireland a mobility score of 173 and a global access rate of 87.4%, meaning the passport falls within the report’s

visa-free, visa-on-arrival or other simplified-entry, and eTA categories for 173 destinations. The access total is made up of 116 visa-free destinations, 47 destinations in the visa-on-arrival or related simplified-entry category, and 10 destinations requiring an electronic travel authorisa-

tion. Together, those three categories equal the mobility score of 173. A further 25 destinations are classified as visa required. In percentage terms, the report records 58.6% of destinations as visa-free, 23.7% in the visa-on-arrival or simplified-entry category, and 5.1% under eTA.

The regional breakdown shows 100.0% total access across Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Gulf countries and North America. Oceania stands at 92.9%, while the Middle East is 82.4%, Asia 82.0%, Central Asia 80.0% and Africa 72.2%. Within Europe, Ireland is ranked 16th among 47 passports.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Teens to get an extra helping of culture On the face of it, giving cash-strapped 16-year-olds a card worth €100 to buy into culture from next year sounds like a great idea. It could foster autonomy, encourage teens to get off their phones and social media, and get out there to participate in events and purchase books or music. Reactions to the proposal may vary, though. It’s barely pocket money level at €2 a week, and isn’t there a whiff of appealing to future voters about it – a bit along the lines of Trump’s promise to give everyone in the US $5,000 if the Republican Party are voted in again? (Not much chance of that vote, though, when they won’t be able to buy homes here.) The value of the card would buy about five books over the year, or stretch to maybe a dozen cinema visits or about four events in venues outside principal theatres. As for af-

fording pop concerts featuring top names – the events many teens are likely to want to attend – forget it! Tickets for Oasis Live 27 at Slane will start from €181.25, and the price of an Electric Picnic camping ticket this year started from €245.50. Major venues for performances like the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre may advertise tickets from €40, but, like Ryanair, that affordable ticket is likely to end up costing more than double. Increased accessibility to culture is one of the aims, so why not lower the high price barriers with a card that allows increased discounts for 16-year-olds on top of concession rates for students? It would make the modestly valued card go further and could promote future loyalty to cultural offerings among teens. The details of how exactly this downloadable card

aimed at transition year teens, outlined by Minister for Arts, Media and Culture Patrick O’Donovan, will work are still emerging. Arts, theatre, books and cinema are meant to be covered; workshops and community events may be, but sports events are not, and the list of participating organisations is still being worked on. The card could be extended to 17-year-olds next year if successful. Culture or activity cards for youth – usually for 18-yearolds – are already used in other countries, including Spain, France and Italy, where the credit on the card may be as much as €500. In Italy, where the cards have been in operation for five years, there was an uptick in participation in events; online and e-book sales in particular benefited, with a 7% increase. Predictably, the card bene-

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fited those on lower incomes most. The Irish card will be universal, but I wonder whether it might be a better idea to give twice the amount of credit to kids in lowincome families rather than

“It’s barely pocket money level at €2 a week...

to the well-off who have the money to spend anyway. While in the capital and major cities there may be plenty of cultural choice, teens are likely to be up against a price barrier in Dublin. Kilkenny, on the other hand, is blessed with more affordable venues like the Set Theatre for music and comedy, the Watergate Theatre and Cleere’s Bar and Theatre, half a dozen bookshops, and several cinemas, as well as local festivals. The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) have been calling for the introduction of a card for 18 to 24-year-olds since 2024 after Arts Council figures showed a 12% drop in teen participation in cultural events following Covid. According to Paul Gordon, NYCI Director of Policy and Advocacy: “The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on young people’s ability to experience culture and par-

ticipation in the arts, and the cost-of-living crisis means many remain locked out of these important activities.” Sinn Féin have also been advocating an activity card for two years with a proposal to give children between the ages of four and 16 €130 for activities including sport. But does it really matter who had the idea first, when at least a start has now been made? Elsewhere, recreational cards have helped prevent the kind of activities that bored teens get up to. In Iceland, the recreational card helped reduce anti-social behaviour, substance abuse and minor crimes. On their own, though, such cards are not enough to stop criminal behaviour like the spate of wrong-way driving seen here. They can help, together with comprehensive specialised intervention including parental involvement – something we badly need.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 187

" 'Tis a great responsibility to be human"

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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News

Kilkenny County Council officially opens Crokers Hill: A landmark €35 million award-winning housing development

James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, on Friday September 25th officially opened Crokers Hill, the largest social housing development ever delivered by Kilkenny County Council. The landmark 88-home development transforms a 2.34-hectare site on Kennyswell Road into a vibrant, high-density and sustainable urban neighbourhood. Delivered by Kilkenny County Council's Housing Capital Team, working alongside van Dijk Architects, Hayes Higgins Partnership, McGann Surveyors and Ormonde Construction Ltd, the scheme provides not only high-quality homes but also the facilities and infrastructure necessary to support a thriving community. Designed with accessibility, sustainability and community integration at its core, Crokers Hill demonstrates how highquality social housing can contribute to the creation of inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods while supporting compact urban growth objectives. The development has already received national recognition, winning the Public

Sector Residential / Housing Project of the Year award at the Irish Building & Design Awards 2026 and the Architectural Design Excellence Award (Project Value Over €20 Million) at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2026. To mark the opening, Minister Browne planted a ceremonial tree, toured the development and visited the on-site Group Home. Speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing, James Browne TD, said: “It is a real pleasure to be here in Kilkenny today to see first-hand the kind of develop-

ment we need to deliver right across the country. Crokers Hill demonstrates how highdensity, energy-efficient housing, combined with strong community infrastructure, can create vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods where people and families can thrive. Supported by an overall Government investment of more than €35 million, this project shows what can be achieved when ambition, partnership and long-term planning come together to deliver real results for local communities. This development is about far more than bricks

and mortar. It is about building communities, creating opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Facilities such as the community centre will play a vital role in bringing people together and supporting social inclusion for years to come." He further added "Kilkenny County Council deserves tremendous credit for its vision, innovation and commitment in bringing this outstanding project to fruition. This is exactly the type of high-quality development I want to see delivered by local authorities across the country, and I am

determined to continue supporting and driving the delivery of similar housing projects that provide not just homes but thriving communities.” A defining feature of Crokers Hill is its focus on inclusivity. More than 21% of the homes have been constructed to Universal Design standards, ensuring they are accessible, adaptable and capable of supporting residents through different stages of life, including older persons and people with disabilities. The development also includes a purposebuilt Group Home managed by Aurora Disability Services,

providing independent living opportunities for residents transitioning from congregated settings under the national decongregation programme. The development's Community Centre has been leased to the Thomas Hayes Trust and is already serving as a focal point for community development, resident engagement and support services. The centre is helping to foster a strong sense of community within Crokers Hill while strengthening links with the wider Kennyswell Road area. An active residents' committee has already begun organising events and activities that bring neighbours together and support community cohesion. Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Joe Malone, added: "A development of this scale and quality requires vision, commitment and hard work. The project team has transformed an ambitious concept into a landmark development that will benefit the people of Kilkenny for many years to come. Strong communities look after their people, and a secure home provides the foundation for a good life. Crokers Hill will leave a lasting legacy for future generations."

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

News Nearly half (47%) of older teenagers aged 16 to 19 surveyed are struggling with pressure, anxiety and uncertainty about the future, according to new research published by The Shona Project. The findings come from The Shona Project’s second annual Perfect Storm report, conducted by Red C Research and funded by the Irish Youth Foundation, which provides a snapshot into the difficulties young people face in Ireland. For the first time, this year’s research includes teenage boys, providing a broader picture of how young people’s wellbeing changes as they move through adolescence. The results are stark, showing: • Nearly half (47%) of older teenagers (aged 16-19) surveyed are struggling. • 45% feel anxious about the year ahead. • 62% experience school or exam pressure always or often. • 44% of girls aged 12-15 report struggling. • Only 34% of boys aged 12-15 believe they are thriving. • Boys’ wellbeing declines significantly as they move through adolescence. Pressure Building Pressure emerged as a defining theme in the research, with school and anxiety about the future identified as key contributors to young people’s difficulties. Girls appear to experience challenges earlier in adolescence, with 44% of girls aged 12–15 surveyed struggling compared with 24% of boys the same age. However, wellbeing declines for both genders as teenagers get older, with the issues of pressure and anxiety rising to 55% among girls and 38% among boys aged 16–19. The findings highlight that this is not a boys versus girls issue, but a young people issue. While boys and girls experience many of the same pressures, they often experience them differently and at different stages of adolescence. Commenting on the findings, Tammy Darcy, Founder and CEO of The Shona Project, said: “It is disheartening to see that nearly half of our older teenagers surveyed are struggling. While boys and girls experience these pressures at different stages, the message is the same – too many young people are finding life difficult.” “We are calling on Government, schools, families, communities and employers to work with us to ensure young people get the support they need early, before challenges become crises and struggling becomes the norm.” Connection Matters The research also highlights the importance of belonging and connection in young people’s lives. Among teen-

Perfect Storm:

report highlights growing pressure on young At the launch of The Perfect Storm 2026 research report at Salesforce Tower, Dublin, are Zach Darcy (18), Waterford, and Bel Aghedo (18), Dublin. PHOTO: Marc O’Sullivan

tors, MARK is designed to reach boys before challenges escalate, helping them build confidence, resilience and meaningful connections, while fostering a strong sense of belonging. Dónal Kearney, Programme Director of MARK, said: “The findings in The Perfect Storm clearly show that boys need trusted adults and safe

report are Zach Darcy (18) and his mother, CEO and Founder of The Shona Project, Tammy Darcy

spaces where they can speak openly about the pressures they are facing. However, research without action changes nothing. Through MARK, we are taking action and creating spaces where boys can reflect on and question these pressures in a non-judgemental environment.” “We want boys to know

About The Shona Project... and MARK

agers classified as thriving, 62% say sport is an important part of their lives, compared with 32% of those who are struggling. The findings suggest that connection, community and positive role models play a significant role in supporting teenage wellbeing. From Research To Action In the past 10 years, The Shona Project has supported hundreds of thousands of

girls across Ireland through school workshops, events and campaigns. The results of this latest research have prompted the organisation to explore how it can combine its expertise with best practice to provide similar supports for boys, directly informing the launch of MARK, a new pilot programme for boys aged 12 to 19. In partnership with The Shona Project, and delivered by experienced male facilita-

Founded in 2016, The Shona Project empowers, educates and uplifts girls across Ireland through school workshops, digital media, mentorship and events. To date, it has supported over 300,000 young women in Ireland. The Shona Project is more than a charity; it is a movement for change in which everyone has a part to play. Awards include the European Citizens’ Prize (2023) and the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year (2021). www.shona.ie MARK is a dedicated school-based programme, affiliated with The Shona Project. It supports boys aged 12-19 to navigate the challenges of growing up today. Delivered by a team of experienced male facilitators, MARK creates structured, open spaces where boys can explore their values, their experiences and the pressures they face: www. thisismark.ie The Perfect Storm report is proudly supported by The Irish Youth Foundation. The MARK programme is proudly supported by Rethink Ireland, McCann FitzGerald LLP and Allianz Ireland.

they don’t have to figure everything out on their own.” The Perfect Storm research and MARK was officially launched at an event at Salesforce’s Dublin offices, bringing together educators, policymakers, community leaders and advocates for young people. The event explored the wider social context shaping young people’s lives, the development of MARK and the role that sport, belonging and non-judgemental conversation can play in supporting teenage wellbeing. Speakers included Debbie Ging, Professor of Digital Media and Gender in the School of Communications and Director of the Institute for Research on Genders and Sexualities, Dublin City University; the MARK team; Gavin Costello from Red C Research; and Sean Cooke, CEO of Mens Development Network. The event closed with a performance by poet Daragh Fleming, exploring what it means to be a young man navigating the pressures of adolescence today. To learn more about The Perfect Storm 2026 and the MARK programme, visit: www.shona.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Sorry Simon, Budget figures just don’t add up Budget Day is next Tuesday when Ministers Simon Harris and Jack Chambers will stand up with an €8.5 billion package and plenty of talk about “making work pay”. The tax change that now seems almost certain is a rise in the point at which a single person starts paying the 40% rate. That threshold is €44,000. The talk now is that it will go to €46,000, “and a bit”. If that is how it works out, someone already paying the higher rate would be around €400 a year better off, roughly €33 a month. If you earn below the threshold, the change does nothing for you. Jack Chambers has been clear. The package, he said, is “modest”. Workers will get “a few hundred euro”. A few hundred euro is welcome. It is not going to transform the family budget. But some households could face up to €1,000 in extra costs over the winter. The big energy suppliers are putting roughly €180 on the typical electricity

bill and another €140 on gas. Health insurance is going up as well, with several of the main plans adding another couple of hundred euro from October. Diesel is still above €2 a litre. And then there is home heating oil. As I wrote last week, a 1,000-litre fill is around €550 more expensive than it was last winter. Set that possible €400 tax gain against those increases and, for plenty of households, the numbers do not add up. Energy has been one of the key issues in the Dáil. A record 323,559 electricity accounts were in arrears in the three months to July. Sinn Féin has called for a €400 electricity credit for every household. The Taoiseach has ruled that out. The Government appears to be looking at more targeted measures instead. Harris said home heating oil was “a specific area of concern”. People who use it, he said, were generally older, lived in rural areas and tended

to have lower incomes. For those households, oil is not an abstract statistic. It is a bill that must be paid every time the tank needs filling. Carbon tax on a 1,000-litre fill is now around €180. A cut to that tax is expected, and a reduction in VAT on oil has also been discussed. Budget night will tell us which they choose. Fuel Allowance is €38 a week for 28 weeks, or €1,064 over the season. A €5 increase would add another €140 for those who qualify. That would help. But many working households will not qualify in the first place. Child Benefit appears to be off the table. Childcare may move closer to €200 a month, but that is still being negotiated. On Tuesday, I would be watching three things. First, does the 40% threshold move, and by how much? Second, does the Government cut carbon tax or VAT on home heating oil? And third, does Fuel Allowance increase, and

who will qualify? Those are the figures worth putting against your own bills. There is a reasonable case for targeted help. A pensioner heating an older bungalow with oil does not have the same costs as a high-income household in an A-rated home. There is also a case for cutting the tax on the fuel rural households actually use, and for making sure tax bands do not drag more workers onto 40% simply because wages have risen. The State is still collecting enormous amounts of Corporation Tax. Households are still paying more to heat, drive and, in many cases, borrow. On October 6, the headline number matters less than what changes at the kitchen table. A few hundred euro will help. For a lot of households, it will not cover what has already been added to the oil tank, the pump and the energy bill. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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News

Official opening of the Watergate Urban Park (Jenkins Yard) and the Boardwalk at Greensbridge successful urban regeneration and establishes Kilkenny’s first permanent outdoor performance venue. It was funded through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Kilkenny County Council. Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Malone said the project represented “a major step forward” in the ongoing strategy to rejuvenate Kilkenny’s public spaces. The second project officially opened by Minister Browne on Friday 25th was the new boardwalk at Greensbridge. Opened over the May

Bank Holiday weekend in 2026, the pedestrian and cycle link provides a safe and accessible route along the River Nore between Bishops Meadows and the Riverside Gardens at the Abbey Quarter. The boardwalk is one of three Abbey Quarter sub-projects representing a combined investment of more than €18 million, with over €13 million provided through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. The Abbey Quarter Urban Park and Street is currently under construction, while work on the Cultural Hub is expected to begin before year-end.

Official opening of Jenkins Yard - Minister James Browne with Peter 'Chap' Cleere TD, Natasha Newsome Drennan TD, John McGuinness TD, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD, An Cathaoirleach Joe Malone, Mayor Andrew McGuiness and elected members of Kilkenny County Council

Two significant urban regeneration projects in Kilkenny city were officially opened on Friday 25th September by Deputy James Browne, T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the presence of An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Joe Malone, Mayor Cllr. Andrew McGuinness and the Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council. Speaking in Kilkenny, Minister Browne noted “I would like to commend Kilkenny County Council for the incredible transformation of a former city centre car park into a wonderful multi-functional urban park. This high-quality city centre park will provide a focal point for

people to relax, enjoy and gather with your community for years to come. The Watergate Urban Park project and wider Abbey Quarter regeneration is a prime example of the kind of transformative projects that I envision being delivered under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (formerly URDF). Earlier this month, I announced a further €409m in funding for Local Authorities across the country and the list of projects that will be included under the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund programme, which includes €16.8m towards four projects in Kilkenny City.” The Watergate Urban Park, known

as Jenkins Yard, is a new urban park in the heart of Kilkenny City. Completed in 2025, it occupies the site of a former city centre car park and temporary pocket park introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. The name Jenkins Yard reflects the site’s historic use as a timber yard. Developed by Kilkenny County Council as part of the wider regeneration of the city centre, the park is strategically located between Parliament Street and the Abbey Quarter. Recent events hosted at Jenkins Yard have included performances for Yulefest, St Patrick’s Day and a Bloc Party on Culture Night. The project is a strong example of

Official opening of the Boardwalk at Greensbridge - Minister James Browne with Jennifer Murnane O'Connor TD, Natasha Newsome Drennan TD, John McGuinness TD, Peter 'Chap' Cleere TD, An Cathaoirleach Joe Malone, Mayor Andrew McGuiness, and elected members and staff of Kilkenny County Council

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer welcomes John Comerford from Kilkenny tours who will bring us on trip to visit various locations in Kilkenny city and county. The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to bring you a piece of history on the first Friday of each month. To give the full history on each location would take up too many column inches, but we hope that the information shared, will, at the very least, whet your appetite in discovering Kilkenny’s rich history, architecture, and hidden gems. This week (number 4 in the series) John visits John’s Bridge

John’s Bridge, Kilkenny, photographed by Eddie the Snapper ( Eddie Dullard) in the 1970’s

For more than 800 years, John’s Bridge has stood as one of Kilkenny’s most enduring landmarks, carrying generations of merchants, soldiers, pilgrims and families across the River Nore. Alongside Green’s Bridge to the north, it has shaped the city’s

John’s centuries of innovatio From The Kilkenny Digital archives from Kilkenny Library, an early 20th century shot of John’s Bridge

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Poem

Monument inspires a poem for Thomas Woodgate Rust Remembers development from the Middle Ages to the modern era, surviving floods, collapses and the constant evolution of urban life. The River Nore has long been central to Kilkenny’s prosperity. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, bridges were vital arteries for trade, linking markets, mills and workshops on both sides of the river. John’s Bridge, first built shortly after 1200, connected the bustling commercial district of John Street with the walled medieval city. Every cartload of grain, every barrel of ale and every herd of livestock heading passed over its span, making it one of the city’s most important crossings. But the bridge’s history is marked not only by commerce, but by tragedy. During the catastrophic flood of 1763, the Nore rose with terrifying force. Green’s Bridge collapsed first, swept away like matchwood. Crowds rushed to John’s Bridge—the last remaining crossing— to witness the destruction. Timber, carts, furniture and even parts of houses floated past. When an entire cabin came sweeping down the river, more than 100 onlookers ran to the riverbank for a closer view. Sixteen remained on the bridge. Within minutes, the weakened structure gave way, and all sixteen were lost. It remains one of the darkest days in Kilkenny’s recorded history. The present-day John’s Bridge, completed in 1910, marked a new era of engineering ambition. Designed by County Surveyor A.M. Burden and engineered using the pioneering Hennebique ferro concrete system by Louis Gustave Mouchel, it was the longest single span reinforced concrete bridge in Ireland or England at the time. To prove its strength, a steam engine owned by John Brennan of

Neigham, Gowran, was driven across the new structure during testing—an unforgettable moment of local pride and engineering confidence. Its elegant sweeping arch still makes a striking visual statement across the Nore. Today, John’s Bridge stands not just as a functional crossing, but as a symbol of Kilkenny’s resilience. It has endured medieval floods, Georgian collapses, Victorian rebuilding and the pressures of modern traffic. More than a bridge, it is a monument to the city’s ability to rise, rebuild and move forward.

Committee members of The Great War Memorial Committee pictured at the launch of The Woodgate Memorial in 2020

Possibly one of the sculptures that attracts most attention in Kilkenny city is that of Thomas Woodgate, which is situated outside The Kilkenny Courthouse at the Market Yard. Constructed by Kilkenny Company Stapleton Engineering, the story behind the monument is intriguing. It is the story of Thomas Woodgate. A boy of 14, killed in the final weeks of World War I, and commemorated with a public sculpture in Kilkenny. Thomas Woodgate duped recruiting officers by claiming he was 18 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force on September 19, 1918. He left his home in Mill Street in Callan, Co Kilkenny, to begin a journey to join his training squadron in Egypt. He sailed on the RMS Leinster steamship from Dún Laoghaire, then known as Kingstown, on October 10. However, shortly after leaving the harbour, a German submarine attacked the ship with torpedoes and sank it. The Irish boy was one of 569 men, women and children who lost their lives in the attack.

A plaque showing the rebuilding of John’s Bridge 1910

Bridge: eight survival and n in Kilkenny A wonderful shot of John’s Bridge from Kilkenny Castle. Photo from Kilkenny Library

For Thomas Woodgate, a fourteen-year-old boy from Callan

Relatives of Thomas Woodgate who laid a wreath at the monument in 2020

Over the last week, Michael McFarland Campbell visited Kilkenny and was very taken with the Woodgate monument. He said as much in a letter to the members of the WW1 memorial committee. In his letter to Donal Croghan, he told the committee that having seen the monument he was inspired to write a poem titled ‘Rust remembers’. Mr McFarland Cambell said that although he had visited the city of Kilkenny on many occasions this was his first time to take time out at the Woodgate memorial. Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Michael said the sculpture’s weathered, incomplete form and the powerful use of negative space deeply struck him. “Learning the history behind fourteen-year-old Thomas—and reflecting on how the monument honours both his individual memory and the broader, often quiet grief surrounding Ireland’s role in the Great War—led me to sit down and write this piece”, said Michael. The Thomas Having learned about the Woodgate committee’s dedication in monument which bringing this monument is situated outside to fruition alongside CDS The Kilkenny Architectural Metalwork Courthouse at the and Stapleton Engineering, Market Yard. Michael wanted to pass the ( photo Michael poem along as a small gesture McFarland of appreciation for the work. Campbell )

I am not bronze. I will not shine. The rain has had its way. I wear the colour of the fields In winter after hay. Look closer. I am made of gaps, Of spaces left unfilled; Like stories spoken half aloud, Like names no stone has held. Through me the light of Callan falls, The traffic hums nearby; Schoolchildren pass with headphones on Beneath September sky. I stand for Thomas. Fourteen years. A child by any measure. The sort who should have lost his days To fishing, games, leisure. Instead the sea closed overhead, The Leinster went below; And everything he might have been Sank with him in its flow. Yet I am more than one young life. I carry others too: The farm boys from the Barrow lands, The lads the Suir once knew. The girls who nursed through blood and smoke, The men who crossed the foam; The ones who came with altered hearts, And those who came ne’er home. For Ireland learned to lower her voice When speaking of that war. Some memories were left outside, Some never crossed the door. Too British, some would sometimes say; Too Irish, others thought. While grief sat silent at the fire For sons the island lost. But rust remembers differently. I do not choose a side. The sea receives the rich and poor, The foolish and the wise. So stand a moment if you wish. The town moves on. It should. The dead ask little from the living, Only to be understood. And when the evening settles down On stone and slate and spire, You may see through my broken shape The ghost of a vanished choir. Not singing of old victory, Nor empire, crown, or throne; Only the young of Ireland lost, And how they come on home. (— Michael McFarland Campbell)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Close encounters with ‘man’s best friend’ I love looking at dogs looking out car windows. Lowered car windows. They look so happy, so delighted to be looking out at the world go by with the wind in their hair and a plethora of odours wafting past their ultra-sensitive nostrils – new mown hay, silage, diesel fumes, whatever. And then I get to wondering – what are these mutts thinking about as the world passes them by, or as they pass the world by, whichever, at maybe 10 or 20 miles an hour or so. And mentioning miles, the other day I am passing a parked car on High St with the rear window down and the cutest little dog looking curiously out. “Hello, little dog,” I say (I’m quite sociable when it comes to dogs and most creatures except rats, alligators, boa constrictors, and jungle critters). Not something to worry about here in Kilkenny. But I’ve digressed. Back to the

cute little dog in the window of the car in High St. “What’s your name, little dog?” I continue and boy was I taken aback when I hear: “Little

Elvis.” Jesus! A talking dog! Not really until I looked in the car and saw, at the steering wheel, its owner, the one, and

only Miles ‘Elvis’ Kavanagh. ‘Little Elvis’, not a hound-dog, is a cross between a Yorkshire and Maltese terrier – and the cutest little terrier you could meet, would win a prize at Crufts though I’m not so sure Crufts entertain crossbreeds. And then I got to thinking what ‘Little Elvis’ might be thinking as he peers out that window and studies form on High St. Wow, that’s one cute looking poodle, wouldn’t mind getting her number (dog license number, that is). Ah, that poor Daschound has seen better days, sure she’s practically sweeping the path with her belly. Oh, oh, there’s one rough looking Rottweiler, wouldn’t like to meet him in a dark alley-way. Or would I? And then there’s Noodles. I met Noodles in the Castle Park a while back with it owners whom I know quite well. I took a shine to Noodles, a cute little something or other (I forget the breed) and was

quickly introduced. Noodles has an interesting background coming to Ireland from South Africa via the UK. And Noodles sleeps in the marriage bed! And snores! And fancies a fry for breakfast and is particularly partial to a sausage. Talk about a dog’s life! In the meantime, dogs are big in Japan. Oh, not anatomically but fashionably. Dogs are the in-thing. Because young Japanese couples are in no hurry to procreate they are, instead, treating their pet dogs like babies, or infants even. They dress them up as you would a toddler in the fanciest of clothes and walk them around in buggies (top of the range) just as you would a baby infant. Imagine the scenario – the local park, couples pushing their buggies, stop, engage, peer into each other’s prams, baby rollers whatever, and say: “He, she (they?) is so cute, what do you call it?” “Little

Elvis?! Never!” But you never know. I mean Elvis is big everywhere. Even in Japan. Whatever about dogs having their day they most certainly have their say when it comes to the English language. Consider the following well-known sayings: In the dog house * Top dog * Like a dog in a manger * Old dog for the hard road * Not fit for a dog * Like a dog with a bone * Can’t teach an old dog new tricks * It’s the fight in the dog, not the dog in the fight * Man’s best friend * It’s a dog-eat-dog world * A dog’s dinner * Let sleeping dogs lie * Dog’s abuse * The tail wagging the dog * Sick as a dog * Gone to the dogs * Hair of the dog * See a man about a dog * Dog-eared * Call off the dogs * Under-dog * Doggy bags * Work like a dog * To be in the dog-house * Gone to the dogs * Dogged determination * Raining cats and dogs and, of course, every dog has its day *

The Festival Quarter will also feature non-stop culinary inspiration from some of Ireland’s top and emerging talent and family entertainment. The Savour Stage and Taste Stage will host free, interactive cookery demonstrations throughout Satur-

day and Sunday featuring renowned chefs, local talent, and food champions. Families can enjoy live music from the Caravan Extravaganza with DJ Cleveland Mike, street stilt walkers, face painting along Mayor’s Walk, and the interactive Déise Medieval Village in the Castle Yard all weekend long. Food lovers won't want to miss the Avonmore Family Favourites stand as it returns to showcase the comforting, everyday kitchen staples that make everyday this good. Highlighting this deep-rooted partnership, Jim O’Neill, Chief Operating & Consumer Officer at Tirlán, shared: Tirlán and consumer brand Avonmore are proud to continue supporting Savour Kilkenny, an important celebration of food, local enterprise and community in the heart of their home city. Visitors are invited to the Avonmore stand in the Festival Quarter on the Parade to engage with one of Ireland’s best-known food brands. With deep roots in Kilkenny and strong farming connections, Tirlán is delighted to support this much-loved festival and showcase the region’s people and businesses. As the sun sets, Savour the Night, supported by Kilkenny’s Night Time Economy Fund, brings late-night market stalls, street parties and live entertainment across the city centre. A highlight is the Castle Park Concert on

Saturday, October 24th, featuring local star Robert Grace and Oasis tribute act Morning Glory against the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. To round out the long weekend, Savour Monday (October 26th) offers a more relaxed Bank Holiday atmosphere on The Parade featuring a scaled-back 30-stall artisan and street food market with family entertainment. Dogs and their owners can also join in the fun for Madra Monday, proudly presented by Connolly's RED MILLS, featuring dog-friendly activities, expert advice, canine competitions, and fun treats for four-legged companions. The full 2026 Savour Kilkenny line-up features a starstudded gathering of Ireland’s top culinary talent across the weekend, including Rachel Allen, Kevin Dundon, Rory O’Connell, Eunice Power, and Edward Hayden. Beyond the free festival stages and market stalls, ticketed highlights include exclusive dining events and high-demand entertainment like the Castle Park Concert featuring Robert Grace and Oasis tribute act Morning Glory. With limited availability for many ticketed dining experiences and special events, tickets are going fast, food lovers are urged to secure theirs soon!

One month to go until Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2026

KILKENNY, IRELAND — Excitement is building as just one month remains until we celebrate 20 years of the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, as it takes over Ireland’s Medieval Capital from 22nd to 26th October 2026. At the heart of the weekend,

running on Saturday and Sunday, is the vibrant Festival Quarter set along The Parade and Castle Road against the iconic backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. The area will host a massive market with over 100 artisan food producers and street food vendors from

across the country. Visitors can explore the bustling Savour Market, step inside the Food Producer Pavilion to sample handcrafted treats and emerging artisan brands, or visit the ever-popular Craft Brewers and Distillers Marquee.

For the full festival programme and ticket information for special events, visit www.savourkilkenny.com.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future By Judith Ashton

Speaking truth when silence feels safer Whilst studying Shakespeare, I was struck by the role of the fool or jester. Protected by humour and wit, jesters criticised people and circumstances without fear of punishment. Their sharp, veiled observations exposed a monarch’s weaknesses, reminded powerful rulers of their limits and expressed truths that advisers often dared not voice. Wise kings accepted such honesty with humility; insecure rulers silenced or banished their fools and governed through fear. Today, satirical comedians often play a similar role; by challenging political power with humour, they risk cancellation or censorship from those they mock. Perhaps times haven’t changed as much as we thought. It can be very scary to speak the truth if it runs counter to accepted narratives. Many who have shared uncomfortable truths have been imprisoned, harassed or threatened by those in power.

We call them “whistleblowers”. There is something both admirable and unsettling about a whistleblower. These are often ordinary people who find themselves in an extraordinary position. They discover something they believe is morally wrong, dangerous or dishonest, and then face a choice: remain silent and protect themselves, or speak out and risk everything. In recent years, countless famous whistleblowers have reminded us just how difficult that choice can be. Mr Bates was the whistleblower who exposed the UK Post Office’s systematic dishonesty during the 20year Horizon scandal. It was the greatest miscarriage of justice in British legal history; hundreds of subpostmasters were wrongly accused of fraud, theft and false accounting. Many were imprisoned, lives were ruined, and some died before their names were cleared. The scandal arose

because faults in Horizon, a Japanese IT system, were concealed and the government failed to act on repeated warnings. Those who challenged the aggressive legal tactics of the Post Office were brave. Legislation was eventually passed to quash convictions and award compensation. The UK Government failed its citizens and conspired to squash the truth. Where else has the truth been suppressed? Virginia Giuffre was extremely courageous. Her memoir, “Nobody’s Girl”, claimed Epstein trafficked her to the former Prince Andrew, who denied her allegations and sought to discredit her. Giuffre reportedly died by suicide. Epstein was later imprisoned, largely because of survivors such as her, and died in custody by suicide. Really? Millions of files relating to Epstein and his contacts exist. Many powerful figures are trying everything to conceal

the full truth. Whistleblowers exist in every sector of society where coverups and corruption are rife. There are countless government and intelligence whistleblowers who have sacrificed much for the truth: Edward Snowden (revealed vast US government global surveillance programmes); Chelsea Manning (US army analyst) gave WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange information regarding coverups of civilian casualties in US wars; Daniel Ellsberg (The Pentagon Papers); Mark Felt (aka Deep Throat), and Woodward and Bernstein (The Watergate scandal); and Frank Serpico, the New York police officer (corruption in the force). All were either imprisoned, fired or exiled. Recent Irish situations include Superintendent O’Reilly’s concerns regarding An Garda Síochána, Wexford GP Billy Ralph, and Prof Angus Dalglish. Many people regard such

whistleblowers as courageous heroes and defenders of the public interest. Often they are vindicated and films are made about them. Whistleblowers are ordinary people and generally pay a huge personal price. Speaking out can mean losing a career, relationships, friendships, financial security and sometimes one’s freedom. Sarah Wynn-Williams found herself facing powerful corporations, e.g. Meta and Zuckerberg, with teams of lawyers and enormous resources. A healthy society needs people who are willing to ask difficult questions. We need those who can say, “Something isn’t right here”. We need systems where concerns can be independently investigated without bias, rather than simply covered up, as many have been here in Ireland. We often say that we want honesty, transparency and accountability. Those qualities are easy to applaud when the

truth is comfortable. The real test comes when somebody reveals an uncomfortable truth we would rather not face. What can whistleblowers teach us? Their concerns deserve thorough investigation, every piece of evidence must be scrutinised, and the truth must never be concealed. Generally, the person asking the questions is not the person who created the problem; they are simply the one who was brave enough to point it out. Why do I believe we owe many of them a great debt? Because powerful institutions may conceal inconvenient truths to protect their interests, shouldn’t we always question their claims rather than accept them at face value? Whistleblowing is ultimately about more than secrets. It is about responsibility. Would you stand up for the truth or opt for a quiet life? www.judithashton.com

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Opinion Philip Lynch with his coin collection

Coins and paintings at the Power House…

The Power House in Callan hosted a three-day exhibition of coins, old photographs, and artwork focusing on aspects of local history.

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Retired farmer Philip Lynch, who mounted the display, is well known as a historian, raconteur, and teller of wonderful yarns, but he’s also a keen artist and a lifelong numismatist- or coin collector. When I entered the exhibition hall, I was struck by the immensity of the collection of coinage, art and memorabilia. It covered every phase of Callan’s development as a town through the ages…starting with the story of how the King’s River got its name… the reputed drowning of an Irish Ard Ri in 844 AD after he tried to save a servant who had fallen into the raging torrent. Philip’s oil painting of that alleged episode has the king mounted on horseback with sword raised, the floodwa-

ters to his left and helmeted soldiers massed in the foreground. He gave a lively commentary on each exhibit as visitors viewed an ambitious and tastefully arranged display that would take a whole day to appreciate fully. He recalled the arrival of the Normans and the building of the famed Callan Motte- better known locally as the Moat, in a magical watercolour, offering bold depictions of how the Callan landscape looked in the 13th century. Tullamaine graveyard near Callan also drew Philip’s scrutiny. His aerial view impression hints at the lost medieval church once located on the site, dedicated to St. Catherine, and the traces of an ancient street settlement. Philip explained that a medieval town almost certainly thrived next to the burial ground. His painting of Killamery Monastery was among the most talked about works in the

exhibition. It attempts to recreate the place of worship established in the seventh century by St. Gobhgan. Monks can be seen at work or at prayer, and the backdrop of rolling verdant countryside chimes with the nostalgic and evocative spiritual theme. Somers Mill near Mallardstown Callan

The painting inevitably has Killamery’s famed 9th century High Cross, with its intricate and ornate carvings and figures that inspired sculptors nationwide in their own fashioning of Celtic Crosses. In a series of drawings, Philip recalls the dark days of famine

The Workhouse funeral cart by Philip Lynch

Killamery monastery by Philip Lynch

in the locality. These works had visitors rapt. They stood contemplating bleak images of a time when people already reeling under the heel of tyranny and rampant evictions found themselves starving after the failure of the potato crop. Those Irishmen and women – our ancestors- were forced to either enter a workhouse or take their chances on one of the notorious emigrant vessels dubbed coffin ships. One drawing showed a funeral cart leaving Callan Workhouse. Philip opted for monochrome in the famine drawings, as that age of horror, hunger and deprivation had, in a sense, been drained of colour. Charcoal seemed apt to recreate the grim scenes. Another drawing depicted the abject poverty in which so many Irish people lived, even before famine loomed. Philip explained that families dwelt in hovels, while the landed gentry wined and dined in their big houses, or rode to hounds across a landscape strewn with the dead and dying, and roads lined with pleading families that the galloping overlords ignored. Another subject close to Philip’s heart is the location and history of the mills that once stood along the course of the King’s River. He showed paintings that brought to life those mighty powerhouses of the past. Boland’s Mill, situated between Kells and Thomastown, endures. Despite showing the ravages of time, its five millstones survive, as does the old weigh bridge, and you can still see some of the tools used for the milling of grain Somers Mill near Mallardstown, a seven-story stone and mortar structure with long narrow windows, was built in 1847. It functioned mainly as a corn and flourmill, and later produced animal feeds. It’s famous mainly because Ned Somers, who operated the mill for a while, died in the Civil War, while fighting on the Republican side. Mullins’ Mill in Kells had

supplied flour to the nearby priory since 1782, though an older mill built in 1204 had stood on the same ground. The later mill continued to operate until 1966, and the building now incorporates a lovely restaurant and a world-renowned visitor centre. The Merino Mill near Stoneyford produced fine woolen cloth in the 1800s. The artwork paid due homage to these heritage gems, among other mills in the county. Philip’s coin collection was naturally a big hit. He has been collecting coins for as long as he can remember. What started as a minor hobby many moons ago became a passion and lifelong commitment. At the exhibition he had examples of coinage dating to the Cromwellian era, and an image of the most hated man in Irish history greeted visitors when they looked down at the display case. “There he is” Philip intoned gravely, “Old Copper Nose himself, who besieged Callan for three days in 1650 and left the town in ruins!” He had coins too from the famine era (mainly showing Queen Victoria) but the most popular ones were what Philip called the “freedom coins.” The old pennies, shillings, and half crowns minted by the Free State government in 1922, and that remained in circulation until decimalization took over. The penny was there with the hen and her chicks, the halfpenny had a pig, the shilling a bull, and the half-crown a horse. Philip sees coinage as a link to our ancestry. Holding a penny, he mused, “When I pick up one of these, I feel transported to other times and places...to that other country of the past.” The Power House proved an ideal venue for the exhibition. What used to be a part of the old bacon factory is now a vibrant creative hub, famed throughout the South East for its commitment to art, theatre and ecology awareness events.

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Homes & Gardens

Choose a colour scheme that flows HOME HACK Pressfoto

Best shrubs to plant in autumn

Magnific

Choosing colours that work from room to room can make your home feel calmer and more put together. You don’t need to use the same shade everywhere. Instead, pick a small group of colours that sit comfortably together and repeat them in different ways throughout the house. A soft neutral in the hall, for example, could be picked up in cushions, curtains or painted furniture in nearby rooms. It also helps to think about sightlines. If you can see from one room into another, the colours should feel connected rather than competing for attention. Wood tones, flooring and larger pieces of furniture can also help tie the scheme together, so keep these in mind before choosing paint. Most importantly, choose colours you enjoy living with. Trends come and go, but a simple palette that feels right for your home will usually stand the test of time.

The great shed sort-out GARDEN NOTE GARDEN There’s still plenty to be done in the garden at this time of year, and planting shrubs is one job that can pay off nicely come spring. The soil is still holding some warmth, there is usually a bit more rain around and new plants have time to get their roots established before the colder weather really sets in. If you want something dependable that will give the garden a bit of shape year-round, Viburnum tinus is a good place to start. It

Lisa Fotios

The garden shed tends to gather a bit of everything over the summer, so autumn is a good chance to get it back in order before winter. Start by clearing the floor and sorting through tools, pots, bags of compost and anything else that has been pushed into a corner. Give tools a quick clean, dry them properly and put them somewhere easy to reach next spring. It’s also worth checking the roof, windows and door for any signs of leaks or damp. A small repair now can save a bigger problem after a few months of wet weather. If you store garden furniture, cushions or the barbecue in the shed, make space for them before the weather turns. If possible, keep anything that could be damaged by damp off the floor. A tidy shed isn’t just easier to use - it also makes winter storage much simpler and means you can find what you need when the first jobs of spring come around.

keeps its glossy green leaves throughout winter and produces small pale flowers when there’s not a huge amount else in bloom. Mahonia is another useful evergreen, particularly for a shadier corner. Its bold foliage gives good structure and the yellow flowers can brighten up the garden in the darker months. For summer colour, hydrangeas are always popular. Planting them now gives them time to settle in before next year’s growing season. Their big flowerheads can

keep looking good long after the main display has faded. For autumn colour, Euonymus alatus puts on a real show, with leaves turning a rich red before they fall. Cotinus, or smoke bush, is another lovely choice, bringing shades of orange, red and yellow as the season moves on. If you want a bit of colour through winter, Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ is well worth a look. Once the leaves are gone, its bright stems become the main attraction and look especially good when planted in a small

The practical utility room HOME A good utility room earns its keep every day. It may not be the most glamorous room in the house, but when it’s planned well it can make a big difference to how smoothly the rest of the home works. Storage is usually the best place to start. Tall cupboards are handy for keeping the vacuum cleaner, ironing board and cleaning products out of sight, while open shelves or baskets can work well for items you reach for regularly.

If space allows, it is worth adding a mix of cupboards and drawers rather than relying on one type of storage. A decent stretch of worktop is another useful addition. It gives you somewhere to sort laundry, fold clothes, deal with muddy boots or even unpack the shopping before it reaches the kitchen. Drying space is often overlooked, but it can be one of the most useful features in an Irish home. A ceiling-mounted clothes airer, wall rack or simple hanging rail can all

help on wet days, especially if there is good ventilation. Practical doesn’t have to mean plain either. A utility room can still feel part of the home with simple touches such as painted cabinetry, a tiled splashback, warm timber shelving or a good-looking floor that can stand up to plenty of wear. The best utility rooms aren’t about squeezing in as much as possible. They’re about giving everyday jobs a proper place, so the room works hard without feeling cluttered.

group. As with any planting, it’s worth thinking ahead. Check how large the shrub will eventually grow and whether it prefers sun, shade or a more sheltered spot. Dig a hole a little wider than the rootball, plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot, firm the soil around it and give it a good drink of water. A little work now can make a big difference to the garden next year, with shrubs ready to put on fresh growth as soon as spring gets going. Rawpixel

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Castlecomer Credit Union

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Castlecomer Credit Union, serving C generations across the community

astlecomer Credit Union spans a 32 mile radius from the Norman town stretching out from Clogh to Muckalee and from Ullard to Kilmacar. Set against the Laois border in North Kilkenny with the River Dinin rushes past to the River Nore at Dunmore West. The town and its surrounds a population stands at around 8,500 people. Steeped in history the Castlecomer is marked throughout time from the mottle and baily castle build in 1200 by William Marshal, to a rich tradition in agriculture, as a busy marketplace and mining town. Today the town is synonymous

with tourism; Castlecomer Discovery Park, fine eateries and the Avalon House Hotel along with its easy access to national road networks contribute to its appeal to visitors. Whilst Castlecomer may has changed considerably over the centuries, its greatest strength has always been its people and sense of community. The spirit of that community is also at the heart of Castlecomer Credit Union. Since 1967, the credit union has been proud to serve generation of families from ‘Comer and the surrounding area, supporting member through every life stage and milestones along the way. Speaking to The Observer, CEO, Gerry Reynolds explains “The credit union was established by a group of local people to help people with basic day to day needs like school expenses in September,

Christmas, and for one member in 1971 a loan to cover the cost of a ticket to the local dinner dance!” Starting as a small savings and loan cooperative, Castlecomer Credit Union has built steadily from there into a modern financial institution offering every modern banking convenience, from a range of tailored current accounts and insurance products to Mortgages and digital payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Pay. The Credit Union currently stands strong with assets of over €67 million and managing €56 million in savings on behalf of its members. Castlecomer Credit Union continues to evolve with its community, respond to their needs; operating as not for profit to ensure that the benefit is felt by its 6,500 members and supports a thriving local economy and society in the North of Kilkenny.

Castlecomer Credit Union

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Support spanning the generations T

rue to its founding principles, the credit union has introduced two new accounts in 2026, supporting both ends of the generational ladder. The Legacy Current Account is aimed at member who are aged 66 and over plus its new junior savers account focuses on fun and financial wellbeing from a young age.

The Legacy Current Account, for members over 66 years, was set up as a small thank you for a lifetime of membership and to acknowledge the bit of extra support some of its aging members may need. One recent story which is all too familiar one for the credit union staff is of an elderly woman in their 70s, attempting

to make a lodgement at a pillar bank. Reynolds explains “She was ushered over to the machine. The woman didn't know what to do with it so she resolved, "OK, I'll have to get my daughters to help me," and when she asked another question of the bank teller, again she was redirected to the machine. We’re hearing this type of

story again and again especially from a cohort that didn’t grow up in a digitised world. We’re also seeing the traditional banks reduce their face to face services so we are creating services and produces that respond to changes we see in in society. That’s why the time is right now to introduce our Legacy

Current Account.” Legacy Current Account Legacy Current Account holders enjoy all the usual benefits of a credit union account including a Visa debit card, contactless payments, online and mobile banking, all with the monthly account fees waived. Plus with the local personal service

Castlecomer Credit Union is so well known for. “In Castlecomer we want to solve these problems for the members. Thankfully we were able to offer that member a current account that suits her needs. We're doing it as a service because that's what our members want.” Reynolds continued.

Introducing the Junior Savings Account T

aking care of the young and emerging generation is important to the credit union too. For this, the credit union team decided to introduce a wider strategy to embrace the younger generations and their needs. “Kids need accounts and they need an education in finance,” Reynolds explains, “but we want to create a little bit of fun around it.”

Castlecomer Credit Union is launching a new account for children under 12. The account is a starter savings account based around the adventures of a small hippo. Every child that opens a junior saving account will learn about financial wellbeing and saving through a series of stories designed to encourage young people to learn about money in an accessible, engaging and

fun way. Once the junior members turn 12, and progress on to secondary school, Castlecomer Credit Union we'll have something similar to the popular Revolut-style App, with parental controls, in place while they mature. The plan is to take them to the next stage towards financial independent in the fullness of time, but with a grounding in financial

wellbeing back by the local credit union. The CEO commented, We’re taking a long term view because this future generation is very important to Castlecomer and to the credit union. These younger people will hopefully be with the credit union for life. They will become our future local leaders, volunteers in the area and homeowners. We want them to know that

it starts here, training them early on to have a foundation in financial wellbeing by having the junior account hippo teaching them through engaging little stories.” Castlecomer Credit Union was founded in February 1967 as a community-owned financial co-operative, established to serve the people of Castlecomer and its surrounding hinterland. From its earliest days, the

credit union’s common bond has reflected the natural growth of the local community. Today, Castlecomer Credit Union proudly serves members who live or work within the common bond remaining true to its founding principle of mutual support while evolving to meet the financial needs of its growing community through every stage of life.

Castlecomer Credit Union

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Castlecomer Credit Union

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Insurance cover that serves the community I

n recent years, Castlecomer Credit Union has introduced a wide range of insurance packages that are now available to its members. This is part of its wider ambition to offer a comprehensive range of financial services, making it easier to access car, home and travel insurance locally. “We want to offer a full suite of products so that any person living in this area can walk into Castlecomer Credit Union and have all their financial needs taken care of.” Said CEO Gerry Reynolds. “They can get a green energy loan, they can take care of their insurance, they can have a current account handling direct debits and plan beyond the day-to-day to whatever life has in store. We act

from a position of mutual trust, and we give the members what they want. That’s what we're trying to achieve.” Castlecomer Credit Union has partnered with Peopl., the insurance industry market leaders, to offer a range of fair Insurance. Those looking for household, motor, life or travel insurance can avail of the best rate, year after year. That means no automatic rollovers at a higher premium. The experts at Peopl. Insurance Brokers search for the best deals across Ireland. “We’re making it easy for our members. They don’t have to go through the hassle of comparing insurers themselves because our insurance partners do all the legwork for them. We answer to

the members, and work on their behalf. So members can rest assured that we’re looking out for their interests, not the insurance company’s.” Reynolds continues. Born out of the belief that Insurance should work in the members’ favour, a large portion

of the profit made on insurance goes straight back to the local community. Castlecomer Credit Union also offers Loan Protection Insurance, Life Savings as an additional incentive for regular savers, Insurance and Death Benefit Insurance.

Castlecomer Credit Union is committed to providing valuable member-focused service that supports the financial well-being of the entire community. To find out more, visit: www.castlecomercu.ie

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Shortlisted for the third year in a row in the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards Have your say and vote via the QR code!

astlecomer Credit Union has been shortlisted for the upcoming AllIreland Credit Union Awards 2026. These awards recognise outstanding achievements and showcase the best of the credit union community nationwide. For the third year in a row, the community financial institution has been shortlisted in two prestigious categories: the Rising Star of the Year Award and, in recognition of the branch itself, the Member’s Choice Award. Castlecomer Credit Union is calling on its members to cast their vote. “The Member’s Choice Awards are a great honour because they are based on a percentage of the total membership, so in other words, it truly reflects the level of service we provide to our community. At the end of the day, that is our top priority, and t it would mean the world to us. We have such a professional and caring team here in Castlecomer; I’d love to see their dedication rewarded.” says Gerry Reynolds, CEO of Castlecomer Credit Union. “It is in the hands of our members now! We’re encouraging them to have their say in the All-Ireland

Credit Union Awards this year.” One individual is also in the running for the Rising Star Award. The newcomer, Katie O’Dwyer, joined Castlecomer Credit Union a year ago and has made an indelible impression on the staff and members alike. “Katie has taken on a myriad of roles at the credit union, including serving on the marketing committee and bringing her ideas to the table. She is a real go-getter, hardworking and well-liked, so we all think the rising star title suits her well.” Reynolds commented. The awards ceremony will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, 17th October. Castlecomer Credit Union is now in the running for both the Member Choice Award and the Rising Star of the Year Award. The All-Ireland Credit Union Awards celebrate the dedication of staff, volunteers, and directors who help make credit unions Ireland’s most trusted financial institutions, topping the customer sentiment survey year after year. Members are encouraged to support their local Castlecomer Credit Union by voting online via the QR Code. For more information, please visit www.castlecomercu.ie.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

National Fire Safety Week

Promoting Fire Safety in the home By Michael Doyle There’s no place like home; the family, memories and personal belongings make up the feelings of warmth, comfort, and security in the home. Therefore, is it important to protect and safeguard the home and the family with the right alarms, routines and evacuation plans. For some, maintaining fire safety practices in the home can be forgotten; familiarity of the home environment can breed contempt, a false sense of security. Neglecting alarm tests, bedtime routines and evacuation plans can lead to delayed reactions, accidents, and worsened situations, which can have

devastating consequences for the family. On the other hand, people may know some parts of fire safety, but do they know how to set up alarms and keep in good condition, or practice evacuation plans and routines regularly and know them off by heart? For the average person, it’s unlikely, or they’ve partially forgotten. So, whether you’re unsure or in need of a refresher, this article highlights the importance of promoting fire safety in the home and how to implement it, from alarms and detectors to vital routines, escape plans and evacuation practices. One of the best ways to react to fires is having a functioning and best placed

smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector in your house. Smoke alarms detect fires by sensing tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. When detected, the alarm sounds to alert occupants, allowing them to evacuate or act before the fire spreads. Smoke alarms use two main types of technology to spot these particles: ionization and photoelectric sensors, but some modern alarms combine both methods for maximum safety. For best performance and maintenance of alarms, check your smoke detectors monthly, change the batteries once a year, and replace the entire alarm every 10 years. Also, place alarms on the ceiling

as close to the center of the room as possible, and have at least one alarm on every floor, focusing on hallways, escape routes, and spaces between sleeping and living areas. A carbon monoxide detector is a safety device that continuously monitors the air and sounds an alarm when it senses dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), an invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels. In Ireland, detectors require compliance with European Standard EN 50291 and must have CE certification. A detector should be placed in every room with a fuel-burning appliance

(like gas boilers or fires) and within 5 meters (16 feet) of every bedroom. They should be tested monthly and units must be replaced every 5 to 10 years when expired, depending on the manufacturer guidelines. It’s important to remember: a carbon monoxide detector is not a substitute for a smoke alarm. Fire safety plans and routines are important to keep your family safe and evacuate the house safely in the event of a fire. Plans require hallways, corridors, and doors to be free of clutter at all times, and the full co-operation and understanding of everyone in the home. The plan should be practiced with everyone of-

ten, so everyone knows the routine, dos and don’ts, and the assembly point outside the home. Act on the plan when the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector goes off. Before going to bed at night, everyone should collectively carry out a bedtime or 'last thing at night' routine in all rooms in the home. Close all interior doors, keep door keys adjacent to door, accessible, and known to everyone in the home. Unplug all electrical items except appliances designed for 24-hour use like fridges and freezers and keep hallways completely clear before going to sleep.

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National Fire Safety Week If there is a fire, alert and remind everyone to try to stay calm, focused, and remember the evacuation plan. Firstly, test doors for heat with the back of your hand. If it feels hot, do not open it and find another way as the fire is on the other side. Then, if there is smoke, crawl along low on the floor where the air will be cleaner and cooler. Only open doors as necessary to get out and shut doors as you leave to slow down the spread of fire and smoke. Do not look for the cause of the fire and do not stop to grab phones, keys, or personal items. Every second counts. Once you are out of the house, Call 999 or 112 from a safe location using a mobile phone or neighbour's home. Never go back inside a

burning building for any reason. Wait for the fire services to arrive and give clearance. If you are trapped, close the door and block gaps in the floor with wet towels, blankets, or clothes to keep smoke out. Open the window if possible to get fresh air and shout for help to attract attention. If possible, wave a lightcoloured cloth or flashlight to show where you are. If you catch fire, do the 'stop, drop and roll' drill where its safe: Stop what you're doing, drop flat to the ground and roll over and over or back and forth until the fire goes out completely. Do not run or move around as this feeds the fire with more oxygen, making the flames burn faster and hotter. When dropping, cover your face and eyes with your hands to protect your skin from burns and use a heavy blanket or coat to help smother the flames if one is right next to you. The adoption and implementation of Fire safety practices in all aspects of life is frequent and continuous, not just for Fire safety Week, and the gravity of such message shouldn’t be lost on people, businesses, and organisations. Never underestimate the importance of fire safety practices in any environment or situation, and don’t

leave necessary replacements, fixes, or refreshers on the long finger. Fire safety in the home helps you and others to prevent fires, fire

risks, and react quickly and safely in the event of a fire. With these practices, you can save people’s lives and protect their quality of life.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

National Fire Safety Week By Michael Doyle Whether at home or in the workplace, ensuring you have the right fire safety equipment for the right environment and knowing how to use it is crucial to mitigate damage and prevent human injury. Small fire accidents can happen at any time, and if we don’t know how to react, use the right equipment, and use it correctly in these situations, then the fire can spread, and the results can be negatively life-altering or fatal for ourselves and for others. Here is a guide on how fires can start, the different types of Fire Safety equipment used to reduce damage and put of flames and how to use them. For a fire to exist and keep burning, it requires three elements: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel is any combustible material that can burn (like wood, paper, gas, or cloth), and heat is any energy source that raises the fuel to its ignition temperature (like a spark, match, or hot surface), while oxygen acts as an oxidizing agent, usually from the air, that feeds the combustion process. A simple model to remember these three necessary elements is called the fire triangle. All three parts must be present together to cause a fire. If you remove or extinguish one element of the fire triangle, the fire will cease burning and spreading further. One piece of equipment used to extinguish fires are fire extinguishers, portable safety device used to put out or control small, early-stage fires. They work by removing one element of the fire triangle: heat, oxygen, or fuel. Fire extinguishers are critical safety tools for homes and businesses, but they are not meant for large, out-of-control fires. There are different types of fire

A guide o safety eq extinguishers for different types of fires. These are water, foam, Co2, dry powder, and wet chemical. Extinguishers are color-coded by their labels to show what kind of fire they fight: • Water (Red label): Cools solid materials like wood, paper, and textiles (Class A). Never to be used on electrical or grease fires. • Foam (Cream label): Smothers Class A materials and flammable liquids like petrol or oil (Class B). • Carbon Dioxide or CO₂ (Black label): Best for electrical equipment and small liquid fires because it leaves no residue and displaces oxygen (Class B and C). • Dry Powder (Blue label): Multi-purpose agent for Classes A, B, and C, but it can create heavy mess and reduced visibility indoors. • Wet Chemical (Yellow label): Chemically cools and seals high-temperature cooking oils and fats (Class F). When using a fire extinguisher to fight a safe, small fire with a clear exit behind you, remember the PASS Method: Pull the safety pin, aim low at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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National Fire Safety Week

on fires and quipment and sweep from side to side. Another piece of equipment is a fire blanket, a safety device made of fire-resistant material designed to extinguish small, contained fires by smothering them. They are folded inside quick-release wall containers or pouches for fast access during Fire emergencies. Fire Triangle blankets block its oxygen supply, which stops the combustion process (the fire triangle), and are used for small

grease, fat, or oil pan fires in the kitchen where using water would be dangerous. They can also be used to smother fires on a person’s clothes and as a body shield during evacuation. To use a fire blanket, pull down sharply on the release tabs and wrap your hands in the edges for protection. Hold the blanket in front of you as a shield. Then, walking slowly towards the fire, gently place the blanket completely over the burning item. Do not throw or drop it, as this can splash hot oil or spread the flames. Then, if safe to do so, turn off the power supply / heat source and leave in place for 30 minutes until the underlying material is completely cool to prevent re-ignition. The blanket must be replaced if it’s for single use. Fires are dangerous and to stop it at source, quick, safe reactions are required to reduce damage. However, only try to put out a fire yourself if it is safe to do so. If the fire spreads, causes black, heavy smoke, or if you feel any uncertainty, evacuate the building, find a safe distance outside and call the emergency services immediately on 999 or 112.

Fire does not wait – is your business ready? This Fire Safety Week, Rapid Fire & Safety is encouraging businesses, farmers and homeowners across Kilkenny and surrounding counties to take a few minutes to check their fire safety measures. A fire can break out when you least expect it, whether you’re at home, at work or on the farm. We all know fire safety is important, but it’s often something that gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Unfortunately, it can take an emergency to realise just how important those precautions are. At Rapid Fire & Safety, we see firsthand how important it is to have the right equipment in place and, more importantly, to make sure it’s working properly. Fire extinguishers, fire alarms and emergency lighting all need regular checks and maintenance to ensure they’re ready when needed. It’s also worth asking yourself a few simple questions. When was the last time your fire extinguishers were serviced? Are your fire exits clear? Would your employees know what to do if a fire broke out tomorrow? These are things that can easily be overlooked during a busy working day. For businesses, everyday items such as

electrical equipment, machinery, heating systems and stored materials can present fire risks. Farms also face particular challenges, especially around machinery, fuel, hay and straw. Fire safety is just as important at home. Testing smoke alarms, keeping exits clear and being mindful of electrical appliances are simple habits that can help prevent a serious incident. As a family-run business based in Kilkenny, Rapid Fire & Safety has been looking after the fire safety needs of local businesses, farms and organisations for over 10 years. We provide fire extinguisher servicing, fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire safety training and a wide range of safety equipment. Our aim has always been straightforward: to help people protect their businesses, their property and, most importantly, the people around them. This Fire Safety Week, don’t put those checks off for another day. Take a look around your home or workplace and make sure everything is in order. For advice or assistance with your fire safety requirements, contact Rapid Fire & Safety on 056 781 7007 or email info@rapidfireandsafety.ie.

National Fire Safety Week

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Food & Drink

Roast Pumpkin, Feta & Pearl Barley Salad RECIPE User14908974

Kilkenny food producers await Blas awards verdict

AWARDS A hearty autumn salad that works just as well warm as it does at room temperature. The sweetness of the roasted pumpkin is balanced by salty feta, nutty pearl barley and a sharp mustard dressing. Serve on its own for lunch or alongside roast chicken or grilled fish. Serves: 4 Ingredients • 200g pearl barley • 700g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 red onion, cut into wedges • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp ground cumin • Salt and black pepper • 100g feta, crumbled • 2 good handfuls of rocket or baby spinach • 50g toasted pumpkin seeds • Small handful flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped For the dressing • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp honey • Squeeze of lemon juice • Salt and black pepper Method Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Rinse the pearl barley, then place in a saucepan with plenty of cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer for around 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender but still with a little bite. Drain well and set aside. Meanwhile, place the pumpkin and red onion on a baking tray. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle over the cumin and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss everything together, then roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, until the pumpkin is tender and beginning to caramelise around the edges. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and taste for seasoning. While the barley is still warm, toss it with half of the dressing and the chopped parsley. Add the roasted pumpkin and onion and gently combine. Arrange the rocket or spinach on a serving platter, spoon over the barley and pumpkin mixture, then scatter with the crumbled feta and toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle over the remaining dressing just before serving. For an extra autumnal touch, add a handful of dried cranberries or a sliced pear. Leftovers also make a very good packed lunch the following day.

Kilkenny’s food producers will be keeping a close eye on Dingle today as the winners of the 2026 Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards are announced. Nine county businesses have made it through to this year’s finals: Arán Bakery & Bistro, Cafe La Coco, Callan Bacon, Goatsbridge Fish Processors, Highbank Orchard, Karro Food, Lekker Food Collection, McCarthy’s SuperValu at Newpark Shopping Centre and Tirlán. The competition has attracted more than 3,000 entries from across the island this year. More than 200 food

and drink categories are being judged, with gold, silver and bronze awards presented throughout today in Dingle. Reaching the final is no small feat. Blas says finalists are generally among the top five scoring products in their category, following blind tasting by panels which include chefs, buyers, academics, restaurateurs and other food industry experts. Plenty of familiar names appear in the Kilkenny line-up. Arán Bakery & Bistro has enjoyed considerable Blas success in previous years, including being named Supreme Champion in 2022. This year has brought more recognition

for the Kilkenny business too, with Arán Magic Sauce and Smoky Sesame BBQ Magic Sauce shortlisted in the Cooking Sauces category at the 2026 Ireland Quality Food & Drink Awards. Thomastown is also well represented. Goatsbridge Fish Processors, the family-run trout producer at Jerpoint, is back among the Blas finalists, while Lekker Food Collection - known for its South Africaninspired sauces, breads and French patisserie - returns after being named Best in Kilkenny at last year’s Blas awards. Highbank Orchard at Cuffesgrange, long associated with

organic apple products, also makes the final, alongside Callan Bacon, McCarthy’s SuperValu, Cafe La Coco, Tirlán and Karro Food. The results will be announced throughout today, with one Kilkenny producer also in line for the Best in Kilkenny accolade supported by Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office. And it isn’t only local food producers attracting national attention. Kilkenny’s hospitality sector also had reason to celebrate recently: McSorley’s took silver for Best Newcomer at the 2026 Bar of the Year Awards, while Left Bank took bronze for City Bar of the Year.

Nourish for Menopause COOKBOOK Rachel Graham’s Nourish for Menopause takes a straightforward approach to eating well during perimenopause and menopause. Rachel Graham is a nutritional therapist, medicinal chef and menopause educator, but this doesn’t read like a textbook. Instead, the focus is firmly on food you would actually want to cook and eat, with recipes designed to support women through a stage of life when energy, sleep, mood and general wellbeing can all feel a little less predictable. At the centre of the book is Rachel’s “MENO 8”, a group of key nutrients she believes are particularly important in midlife. But the nutritional side never overwhelms the cooking.

Recipes include Harissa Charred Salmon, Turmeric Roasted Chicken and Almond Butter Brownies, and the overall feel is practical rather than prescriptive. You don’t feel like you need to overhaul your entire diet or start cooking separate meals for yourself. That is probably the book’s biggest strength. It’s about making sensible choices, adding more nourishing ingredients where you can and still enjoying your food. Useful information on bone, heart and brain health is woven throughout, without making the book feel heavy. For anyone looking for a more food-led approach to menopause, this is an accessible place to start - and one that feels more like a cookbook than a health manual.

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What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Dakota Johnson stars as struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, hired to complete a bestselling series after its author, Verity Crawford, is left unable to work. Moving into the Crawford family home, Lowen discovers a disturbing manuscript that raises troubling questions about Verity, her husband Jeremy and what really happened inside the house. Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett co-star in Michael Showalter’s dark adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller hit novel.

Cruise digs deep in Digger MOVIE Tom Cruise is swapping death-defying stunts for something altogether stranger in Digger, the new dark comedy from Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric billionaire oil tycoon whose own actions unleash an ecological disaster with consequences serious enough to push the world towards nuclear war. His response? A frantic attempt to convince everyone that he is the man who can save them. It is a sharp change of pace for Cruise, who has spent much of the past decade

throwing himself out of planes, racing motorbikes off cliffs and generally refusing to take the easy route in the Mission: Impossible films. Here, the transformation is just as dramatic, but for very different reasons. With thinning grey hair, prosthetics, a paunch, cowboy boots and a broad Southern accent, Cruise is almost unrecognisable as Rockwell. The film also brings together an impressive supporting cast, including Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde and Emma D’Arcy. Behind the camera is Iñár-

ritu, the filmmaker behind Birdman, The Revenant and Amores Perros. Digger marks his first English-language feature since The Revenant and, judging by what has been revealed so far, looks set to lean into satire, absurdity and black comedy rather than straightforward drama. The collaboration has been a long time coming. Cruise has spoken about his admiration for Amores Perros, while Iñárritu had been developing the idea behind Digger for more than a decade. Cruise has said the role draws on everything he has learned over more than 40 years as an actor.

The premise may be catastrophic, but the tone is anything but solemn. Warner Bros has billed Digger as “a comedy of catastrophic proportions”, and the trailers suggest a film ready to poke fun at power, ego and the belief that the person who created the mess might also be the only one capable of fixing it. For Cruise fans, it is also a rare chance to see him step away from an established franchise and disappear into a character who looks, sounds and behaves very differently from Ethan Hunt. Digger opens in cinemas today, October 2.

McMurtry brings the stories JAMES MCMURTRY, SUPPORTED BY BETTYSOO | CLEERE’S | SAT, OCT 3 MUSIC American songwriter James McMurtry comes to Cleere’s tomorrow night (Saturday, October 3), with support from BettySoo. Long admired for the way he turns small details into fully formed lives, McMurtry’s latest album, The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy, is full of characters who feel as if they have wandered in from short stories: a South Texas lawman, a mechanic worrying about money and a troubled man haunted by strange visions. The songs draw on fragments of family history, old poems and memories, including the hallucinations experienced by McMurtry’s father, writer Larry McMur-

try. Rather than treating that material solemnly, he often finds dry humour alongside the sadness, giving the record the same sharp observational quality that has defined his writing for decades. Musically, the album sits somewhere around Americana, but McMurtry has always been too restless a writer to fit neatly into one box. Guitars, banjo, harmonica and barroom harmonies are all there, but the real pull is in the storytelling. The record was produced by Don Dixon, who previously worked with McMurtry on Where You’d Hide the Body?, and features his regular band, along with BettySoo on backing vocals. BettySoo also joins him on a cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Broken

Freedom Song”, which closes the album. With younger songwriters including Sarah Jarosz and Jason Isbell citing McMurtry

as an influence, his work continues to find new listeners without losing the wry, livedin quality that has always set him apart.

What to read: John Boyne reimagines Oscar Wilde’s life in this sweeping alternative history. After receiving the Marquess of Queensberry’s infamous calling card, Wilde makes a different choice, avoiding the trial that destroyed him. From there, Boyne follows an imagined second act spanning decades of social upheaval, artistic change and political history. Witty, ambitious and moving, The Weight of Angels asks how one decision might alter not only a life, but an era. What to stream: Mike Flanagan brings Stephen King’s classic horror novel to Prime Video in this 8-part reinvention starring Summer H. Howell as Carrie White. Sheltered by her fiercely controlling mother, Carrie is thrust into public high school, where relentless bullying and socialmedia cruelty collide with the awakening of terrifying telekinetic powers. Samantha Sloyan, Amber Midthunder and Matthew Lillard co-star in a darker coming-of-age story exploring cruelty, isolation and violent consequences of revenge. What to listen to: Cork singer/ songwriter John Spillane brings his mix of music, storytelling, poetry and humour to Cleers on Sunday October 4. A two-time Meteor Award winner, Spillane has built a career on songs rooted in people, place and Irish tradition, with work recorded by Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon. Expect an intimate performance spanning his extensive catalogue, including material from Fíoruisce - The Legend of the Lough, named Album of the Year. What to play: Gears of War: EDay takes the series back to the day the Locust Horde first erupted from below. Set 14 years before the original game, it follows Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago through a desperate battle for survival. The Coalition’s thirdperson shooter combines brutal cover-based combat with a darker horror tone, modernised movement, new enemies and returning weapons, alongside campaign coop, competitive multiplayer and expanded Horde Siege battles for players.

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The Lotto results for 22nd September produced a winner. The numbers drawn were 7, 21 and 29. So Brendan and Anne c/o Larkins, walk away with the Jackpot. Now you see if you’re in you can win. Next jackpot reverts back to €1000.Thank you to everyone who supports the Lotto. CONCERT NEWS Clara GAA Club is delighted to announce a special night of music and entertainment featuring two of Ireland’s best-known country music performers, Mike Denver and Philomena Begley. The concert will take place on Thursday, December 3rd, 2026, in St Mary’s Cathedral, promising a memorable evening for music lovers of all ages. Tickets are priced at €35 and are available through Eventbrite. Tickets can also be obtained by contacting Pam Cummins on 087 912 7725. This promises to be a wonderful night of live entertainment, with two hugely popular performers joining forces for what should be a highly enjoyable occasion. The concert is being organised by Clara GAA Club, with all proceeds going towards the Clara GAA Development Fund. Supporters are encouraged to get their tickets early and support what promises to be a fantastic community event. SENIOR HURLING Clara made their exit from the championship on Saturday in Nowlan Park when comprehensively beaten by Thomastown. The final score was a respectable 2-25 to 1-19 but in truth this game was over at halftime when Thomastown led 2-17 to 0-8. A major talking point at the break was a disallowed Rory Glynn goal after 22 minutes, which would have left two points in the game with Clara hurling into a strong wind. But referee Richard Holland failed to utilise the advantage rule and called it back for a free in. To compound matters the free was missed and Thomastown scored the next 1-6 without reply to put the game to bed. As in their league meeting, Thomastown flew from the traps and notched the game’s first five points. Clara lost full back Matt Kenny after just six minutes, and it took them a few minutes to reorganise and find their feet. They did settle and once Joe Power got them off the mark they got right back into it. Rory Glynn hit a brace, and Chris Bolger left the minimum between the teams. Thomastown grabbed the next two points, but Rory Glynn replied with one. There seemed to be more space in front of the Thomastown forwards and they hit the next three points before Conor O Shea converted a free. Luke Connellan then hit his third point of the game to put his side five to the good and then came the aforementioned disallowed Clara goal. The wheels really fell off after that and just before the break Thomastown struck for a second goal to leave Clara with an insurmountable deficit for the second half. To Clara’s credit they won the second half by six points. Substitute David Langton hit the first two and Paul Cody and Chris Bolger added minors. Then after Thomastown had replied with four of their own Dara Glynn took a Joe Power pass and crashed to the net which was followed by a Conor O Shea pointed free. Thomastown pointed and Clara hit the next four through Conor O Shea(free), Liam Ryan, Chris Bolger and Rory Glynn to reduce the deficit to eight. Thomastown were spurred into action and scored three of the game’s last five points, the two Clara ones coming from a Joe Connolly free and Paul Cody. So, there can be no complaints about the result as the best team won this game. They now meet champions Ballyhale Shamrocks in the semifinal and good luck to them in that. Thanks to the Clara management team of Fintan Deegan, Conor Phelan, Ger Prendergast and Brian Phelan for their efforts during the year. Team - Kevin Nolan, Luke Lawlor, Matt Kenny, Shane Staunton. Martin O Connell 0-1, Davy Barcoe, Conor Cody. Jack Langton, Paul Cody 0-2. Lester Ryan, Conor O Shea 0-4f, Ciaran Prendergast. Rory Glynn 0-4, Dara Glynn 1-0, Chris Bolger 0-3. Subs used Joe Power 0-1, David Langton 0-2, Joe Connolly 0-1f, Liam Ryan 0-1. (An additional report on this match can be read in the Sports Section of this paper) SENIOR CAMOGIE On Sunday morning in Castlecomer, Tullaroan got the better of Clara after extra time in an energy sapping encounter. After torrential rain the night before

Conor O’Shea scoring one of his points.

the pitch was slippery underfoot and well softened. Tullaroan adapted quicker and deservedly led three points to one after 10 minutes. Ciara Dunne, Eleanor Doheny and Miriam Walsh scored for the winners while Siobhan Curtis replied for Clara. Two Mary O Connell frees levelled the contest and then Tullaroan hit something of a purple patch with three points in a row from Shannon Doheny and two from Niamh Dowling. But somewhat against the run of play Lucy Boyd and Emma Shortall struck for two goals and Niamh Dowling converted a free for Tullaroan to leave the halftime score at 2-3 to 0-7 in favour of Clara. Keara Ryan extended Clara’s lead at the start of the second half before Tullaroan hit back with three from play, the first by Niamh Dowling and two from the evergreen Miriam Walsh. Mary O Connell edged Clara back in front with a free, but a strong Tullaroan surge yielded points from Niamh Dowling, Ciara Dunne and substitute Ciara Murphy. Mary O Connell closed the gap from a 45 and then the same player made a terrific run, lost possession initially, but regained it and blasted a rocket to the roof of the Tullaroan net from a tight angle. There were just 6 minutes remaining and Clara were two points up. However, a composed Tullaroan converted a Niamh Dowling free, and Miriam Walsh ensured that this game would go to extra time at 0-15 to 3-6. Newly crowned Shield champions Tullaroan started extra time in the same fashion as normal time. Miriam Walsh fired over her fifth point to start it off and Niamh Dowling added two (one free) before halftime to move 0-18 to 3-6 in front. Tullaroan again hit the ground running in the second period of extra time with Eleanor Doheny and Niamh Dowling (a free) finding the mark. The next couple of minutes would prove crucial to the outcome. First Lucy Boyd unleashed a rasper of a shot that went an inch wide of the post with Ella Walton rooted to the spot in the Tullaroan goal. Then two minutes later Ella produced a superb treble save to deny first Emma Shortall and then Siobhan Curtis twice to deflect the third shot over the bar. With those near misses went Clara’s chance of salvaging this game. Tullaroan closed it out in style through Ciara Murphy and Miriam Walsh to leave it 0-22 to 3-7 at the death. They had impressive performances from goalkeeper Ella Walton, Sinead Cash, Anna Doheny and Sinead Keoghan in defence, their midfield pairing of Grace Keoghan and Shannon Doheny, while Eleanor Doheny, Niamh Dowling, Miriam Walsh and Ciara Dunne were prolific in attack. For Clara Aoife Glynn was very solid in goal, Rachel Whelan, Gráinne Glynn, Claire Nolan and Aisling Nolan defended heroically, Rebecca Nolan tried her heart out in midfield while Mary O Connell and Siobhan Curtis threatened most in attack. Thanks to the Clara management of Gerry Byrne, Jennie O Brien and Kevin Shortall for their efforts for the year. Team - Aoife Glynn, Ónagh Fitzgerald, Rachel

Whelan, Katie Ryan. Gráinne Glynn, Aisling Nolan, Claire Nolan. Rebecca Nolan, Laoise Nolan. Keara Ryan 0-1, Aisling Curtis, Mary O Connell 1-4, 0-3f, 1 x 45. Siobhan Curtis 0-2, Lucy Boyd 1-0, Emma Shortall 1-0. Subs used Grace Barcoe, Niamh Ward, Emily Phelan. MINOR HURLING Clara finally got a win over the weekend when their minor hurlers just edged out Danesfort’s second team in the Roinn C knockout championship in Clara on Sunday evening. This young Clara side (they have nobody up to the age) had to call on all of their battling qualities to get over the line in this one in a real tight affair. Danesfort will kick themselves as they shot 18 wides here. Clara were, far more efficient with seven and also had to thank the free taking accuracy of the Meany brothers. Podge hit four very impressive ones while Micheál converted three more even longer range ones from centre back. Podge also hit two from play. Danesfort were backed by the breeze in the first half and hit the first three points. Sam Corr opened Clara’s account before Danesfort went three up again. Rory Treacy then struck for a goal and Dara Leamy put Clara ahead for the first time. After Danesfort equalised Dara repeated the trick but Danesfort equalised again with a free. Two Padraic Meany points were countered by another Danesfort free, but Rory Treacy and a scrambled Aaron Carrigan goal gave Clara a five point lead. However, a lapse in concentration allowed Danesfort score 1-1 before the short whistle which left Clara 2-6 to 1-8 ahead at the interval. The Meany brothers extended Clara’s lead at the start of the second half, but Danesfort scored a good goal to level it. Then Clara moved four clear through Sam Corr, Podge Meany (a free), and a brace by Aaron Carrigan. Danesfort answered with four of their own before the Meany brothers converted three frees between them. Danesfort levelled again with a goal and then took the lead with a free. Rory Treacy broke away to equalise, and Micheál Meany sealed the victory with a well struck free at the death. A fine game with referee Eoin Larkin again facilitating a free flowing no frills contest. Team - Ciarán Gibbons, Robert Coogan, Sam Lawlor, Ollie Butler. Matthew Cooke, Micheál Meany 0-3f, Liam Treacy. Sam Corr 0-2, Podge Meany 0-6, 0-4f. Ruairi Bowden Mullen, Aidan O Connell, Dara Leamy 0-2. Jack Byrne, Rory Treacy 1-2, Aaron Carrigan 1-2. O’LOUGHLIN GAELS END OF SENIOR SEASON O’Loughlin Gaels senior hurling team’s season came to a conclusion on Sunday last in UPMC Nowlan Park when they lost out to Tullaroan in the quarter-final of the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship. Full match report in the sports section of this paper. Thanks to all the

players and team management for their efforts and the entertainment and enjoyment they provided throughout the season. SUCCESSFUL BLITZ O’Loughlin Gaels Under-11 boys hosted a very successful blitz on Saturday last in St John’s Park against some fantastic clubs from around the country. There was skill, effort, passion in abundance in every game. Thanks to Erin’s Own from Cork, St Mary’s from Clonmel Tipperary and Ballygunner from Waterford for attending. After the games all of the boys received treats and medals. As always well done to all the coaches and volunteers who put in the hard work to make days like this so special. CAMOGIE UNDER 16’S ARE COUNTY FINAL BOUND ON THE DOUBLE Both of O’Loughlin Gaels Under 16 Camogie teams have qualified for their respective county finals. First to do so were the Under 16 team who won their semi-final in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Under- 16 Roinn B Championship by battling past a strong Piltown side in a dramatic, nail-biting encounter. The one point win 3-8 to 2-10 secured O’Loughlin’s place in the final. An incredible achievement for this talented group of players and their management team. Not to be outdone the Under-16 Roinn E girls secured their place in the County Final with an outstanding semi-final victory with a 4-10 to 1-9 win over Barrow Rangers in St. John’s Park. To have both Under 16 camogie panels qualified for their respective County Finals is a great achievement and a true reflection of the hard work, commitment and determination shown by this talented group throughout the season. The entire O’Loughlin Gaels club is immensely proud of you all. One more big push to go! BEST WISHES TO JOHN JOE Best wishes to the popular John Joe Cullen on his retirement from his butcher shop in John Street. It was always a great place to shop and discuss the latest news especially GAA. John Joe is a great Kilkenny man, GAA man and supporter of O’Loughlin’s. Enjoy your retirement John Joe. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated September 22nd. The numbers drawn were 8, 16, 26 and 27. The bonus number was 6. The winners of the Promotors draw were. 1. Theresa Shelly c/o JJ Cullen. 2. Pat Carroll c/o Pat Carroll’s. 3. The Sunday 6 c/o The Bar. 4. Martina Tyrrell c/o N Tyrrell. 5. Eleanor Rowe c/o P Greene. 6. Theresa Stapleton c/o B Maher. 7. Sean Power c/o N Tyrrell. 8. Chris McGrath c/o Online. 9. Shane Murphy c/o Online. 10. Tom McGrath c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support. UNDER 12 CAMOGIE TEAM’S YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE An amazing year came to a close for O’Loughlin Gaels Under-12 camogie team. The team took to the field for its finals last weekend and capped it all

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

Community & GAA Notes

OLoughlin_Gaels_U12_Camogie_Team and Coaches

off with a fantastic win over Ballyragget in their final match. Congratulations to every player and coach whose effort, determination and teamwork made this such a memorable season. It has been a year full of progress, commitment, and great achievements, with plenty of special memories made along the way. Well, done to everyone involved on a brilliant season. The future looks bright! DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE Congratulations to Sion Meadows resident Paul Hogan who will be releasing his debut album on October 10th 2026. Paul is well known locally as he gigs on the music scene in Kilkenny. The title track is called “Don’t Try and Change Me”. All tracks on the album were written by Paul. The album was recorded in Jam Studios, Kells, Co. Meath, with Martin Quinn on production. The album, which is a follow up to the 2024 EP release, “Bye, Bye, Bo” will be available on Spotify and the other usual platforms, from October 10th. FRESHFORD The people of the parish were saddened to hear of the death last week of Constance Hennessy late of Kilaree Threecastles. The deceased who was in her early 60s had been unwell for a while, but nevertheless her passing caused widespread sadness and regret. A devoted wife and mother both her and her family are widely known and respected in the area. She worked as SNA in Kilkenny schools where she was also highly regarded. She loved animals and especially her two dogs Benny and Toby. Funeral mass took place on Friday last in Tulla Church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. She is mourned by her husband Tom, daughters Mary, Helena and Siobhan, her sister, brothers and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended QUIZ A special quiz night was held in McGraths bar on Friday night last with ten teams taking part. The winners on the night were Paul White, Darragh Quinn, Darren Brennan and Kellie Quinn. The Quizmaster was Paul Dermot and all proceeds on the night are going to Cystic Fibrosis Association. Thanks go out to all who took part or donated or supported this event. MEETING A public meeting was held in Freshford national school on Thursday evening 24th September. The purpose of this meeting to establish a village town team for Freshford. This is an initiative in partnership with Kilkenny County Council in order to form a representative team of local people with a view to identifying and making improvements in Freshford. The meeting was held under the auspices of Kilkenny County Council and county officials presided over the proceedings. This meeting was necessary to give the people of Freshford and the public in general the opportunity to have their say in the future of the town. A further meeting will take place regarding the future of Freshford going forward. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Tony Murphy, Woodview Freshford on the death last week of his sister Mary Brigid Murphy late of Cian Bhride formerly Shragh Rathdowney. Funeral mass took place in. Church of the Immaculate Conception Galmoy followed by burial in

adjoining cemetery. Sympathy is also extended to the Flynn and Hogan families, Woodview and Creel Street on the death last week of Ms Kathleen Cunningham (nee Flynn) late of Spain and Dublin and formerly of Creel Street, Freshford. Sympathy also goes out to Kathleen Burke, Ballylarkin and Bernadette Burke, Woodview and all their families on the recent death of their Brother Jerry Kelly in Luton England DARTS A darts exhibition will be held in Farrell’s bar on Saturday 10th October with famous dart players John Henderson and Richard Burnett in attendance The chosen charity this year is Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. You can go along to watch the darts or if you would like to take them on in a game, please put your name in. All support and donations would be greatly appreciated for this very worthy cause Please put the date in your diary BIRTHDAY BOY Very special birthday wishes go out to well known local man Tony Costigan Cooleshall, Freshford who celebrated a special birthday at the weekend. Tony celebrated the occasion at a party in Kavanagh’s on Sunday evening where he was joined by his family and friends. GAA St Lachtains u14 boys lost by 1 point in the championship quarter final on Sunday morning last in Glenmore on a score of 2-15 to 4-8. The boys gave a great account of themselves on their performance on Sunday and throughout the year. Saint Lachtains school u11 will play Danesfort NS in the robin. B county final on Friday 2nd October at 4pm. The u 16 boys take on Graigye/ballycallan in the robin. A championship quarter final at 11am on Saturday next in Pairc Lachtain and best of luck to both teams. CHARITY FUNDRAISER Kilkenny GAA and Camogie club are running a charity exhibition with North v South hurling and Camogie matches on October 31st at Nowlan Park. St Lachtains will be represented by one player on each team. Kavanagh’s bar will host a cabaret on Saturday night next in support of this fundraiser. Entry is €5 and all funds go to Cois Noir, your support would be greatly appreciated. LOTTO There was no jackpot winner in the weekly lotto last week. The lucky dip winners were. Gar Doyle (€50) Deirdre Ryan and Brendan Quinn (€25 each). Tickets are €2 and can be purchased online on Clubzap or you can get your paper ticket from the ticket sellers. The club thank all for their continued support. FRESHFORD FORÓIGE YOUTH CLUB Freshford Foróige Youth Club is currently looking for adult volunteers to help support its weekly youth activities. The club provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment where young people can meet friends, take part in fun activities and develop new skills. Weekly meetings are open to all young people aged between 12 and 17, with new members always very welcome. The club relies on the support and enthusiasm of volunteers to help ensure that the meetings continue to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Anyone interested in becoming an adult volunteer,

or young people looking for further information about joining, can contact Aidan Gleeson on 086 067 4485 or by email at aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie. Barry Flynn can also be contacted on 087 458 115. SOCCER NEWS The U 13 boys beat Bridge Utd in the cup tie on Saturday on penalties after been tied at 2-2 after full time and extra time. Scorer of the two goals for Freshford town was Jack Costelloe. Freshford town junior side had their first win of the season under new manager Micheal Brophy and his management team. They defeated River Rangers in their first league game of the season on Sunday last on a scoreline of 3-1 with the goals coming from Cian Donnelly (2) and Bobby Darcy. Training takes place each Friday evening and new members are very welcome and anyone interested in signing up can come along to the field on Friday evening or contact the club secretary or the manager. The astro turf pitch is now open for bookings through sportskey online portal or Contact committee member or social media page for more details BRIDGE Summer bridge continues each Monday evening in Threecastles hall (R95WK45) at 7.30pm. All are welcome SPLIT THE POT Split the pot proceeds for each month go to funding different clubs and associations in Freshford. You are asked to kindly support this cause throughout the month. The winner last week was Kathleen English who won €403. Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’ s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated) Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening. WEBCAM The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses in at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https// church media.ie/st-lachtains-church-frffreshford. OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941. RADIO If you wish to listen to live broadcast of mass on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays from Freshford Church you can tune in to 105fm on your radio. NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours. MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla. VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office. LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub

in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon. MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610. JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB ALL-STAR NOMINATION Congratulations to the club’s star player Cian Kenny who has received a nomination for the 2026 GAA Hurling All-Star team in recent days. While acknowledged as one of Kilkenny’s most consistent players over the last three / four championship seasons, as confirmed by his nomination in 2025 and ‘26, yet the prestigious award has slipped his grasp each time. We wish Cian the best of luck when the 2026 Team of the Year is announced shortly. He surely deserves it. U-14 CHAMPIONSHIP Saturday morning’s U-14 “A” quarter final fixture between neighbours James Stephens and Danesfort produced a seriously competitive and high-quality championship encounter. In the early minutes, while playing with the benefit of a stiff breeze, the James Stephens forwards were guilty of some inaccurate striking, but when Evan Downey hit over some sweet scores (6th,10th, and18th minutes) his team mates soon found their range. Hard earned points won from a determined Danesfort back line by Conor Knox (20min), Donal Power (23min), Sean Larkin (24min), Evan Downey (26min) and Aston Maher (28min) followed to give the home team a 0-10 to 0-03 halftime lead. As expected Danesfort came out for the 2nd half with renewed determination, but the outstanding Village defenders were equal to the challenge with only a single score recorded by both teams in the first 11 minutes. In the 13th minute goalkeeper James Butler was blinded by the sun from a high delivery to the goalmouth reducing the Village lead at 0-11 to 1-04. The Danesfort revival was short lived, however as Conor Knox, enjoying an exceptional 2nd half performance, started a passing movement which was clinically finished to the net by Donal Power to widen the gap once again at 1-11 to 1-04. Points followed from the hugely influential J.J. Fogarty (17min) and Donal Power (19min) but the defiant Danesfort side responded with single scores in the 21st and 23rd minute to keep the pressure on the home club. Over the final 10 minutes a constant stream of attacks by Danesfort eventually won them a penalty award but goalkeeper James Butler rose to the occasion with a vital long reach save to hold the Village lead at 1-14 to 1-06. In the 24th minute Danesfort finally breached the Village defence for a green flag score

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Community & GAA Notes Village U5 U6

but from there, thanks to an unyielding Village defence, they could only add one more score which was countered by points by Aston Maher and J.J. Fogarty for a 1-16 to 2-07 final score and passage to the championship semi-finals. While it is accepted that forwards win games much credit for this victory must be given to the six Village defenders Conor Parsons, Luke Tyrrell, Shay McKenna, Art Cowhig, Tommy Ryle, Cathal O’Brien, goalkeeper James Butler and substitutes Eoghan and Luke O’Connor for their stoic resistance throughout a hard-fought championship fixture. MINOR CHAMPIONSHIP The club’s minor hurlers put on a power packed exhibition of hurling to overcome a surprisingly disappointing Dunamaggin lineup, 5-26 to 0-15 in their 1st round championship fixture in Pairc Sheamuis Mhic Stiofan. After Liam “Chunky” O’Brien hit the net in the 3rd minute following points by Brion Walsh and Rory Glynn the fired-up James Stephens players proceeded to dominate across every line on the field ending the half with an unassailable 3-14 to 0-09 lead. The goals were delivered by Paul Millea (12min) and Andrew Brennan (14min). Dunamaggin tried to limit the damage with a run of five points in the closing 10 minutes. The 2nd half continued in the same vein with Jack Mulcahy (3min) and Ruairi Power(18 min) adding goals to a procession of point scoring by the eager Village attacking force. In truth, while this was an impressive display of hurling, clinical finishing and quality support play it gives no indication of where the team’s 2026 minor championship ambitions stand with much stiffer opposition to be encountered in the weeks ahead. U-5 AND U-6’s “ALL-IRELAND” On Wednesday evening the James Stephens U-5 and U-6 panels soaked up the improvised AllIreland final atmosphere at the conclusion of a long evening’s coaching in UPMC Nowlan Park. Both sets of players were marched onto the hallowed ground by piper Tony Coy before undertaking a warm-up routine by their coaches JD and Dinny to the background music of Amhrán na bhFiann. The panels were then split up into teams where they hurled away to their hearts content in front of a large attendance of admiring parents and friends who appreciated the fantastic display of enthusiasm, skill, and teamwork on display from start to finish. On their return to the dressing room, they were treated to some well-deserved goodies generously supplied by their parents and friends of the club. A huge thanks to the young Village players, their coaches, parents and everyone who helped make the special event a life-long memory for many and just maybe some might even experience the real All-Ireland atmosphere in the decades ahead. BONUS BALL The September Bonus Ball number was 2. The lucky winners were Danny Carroll and Conor O’Leary who will each receive a cheque for €450 in the next few days. Well, done lads and enjoy the spend. COIS NORE CONCERT Sheila Murphy, Cois Nore advises that a Night of Song and celebration will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday night 3rd October. The evening will feature the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir who will be joined by the renowned Gwalia Singers of Wales who are on their 60th Anniversary Tour. Tickets cost €25 each and are available from Cois Nore House on the Waterford Road. They may also be purchased online at www.celticconcert. eventbrite.ie. The proceeds of the event will be donated to The Dillon Quirke Foundation and Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre. Support would be appreciated. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Kathleen Sherry of Kilkenny Bereavement Support is seeking volunteers you might be able to give an hour or two per week providing one to one listening support to people who are bereaved. Volunteer induction training, over four weeks, would be provided. For more information contact phone 086

In control for the bridge.

0670566 or email director@kilkennybereavementsupport.com. CRANNCHUR (LOTTO) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite: 6, 25, 26, 28. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir. An duaischiste don seachtain seo, €9,600. Na mion duaiseanna €40 Caroline Carroll, Aodan O’Ruairc, Michael Moore, Martin Phelan agus Ruth McCreery. Mar is gnath go raibh maith agaibh go leir as bhur dtachtaoicht. (As always, our thanks for your continued support) BENNETTSBRIDGE FUN RUN Bennettsbridge NS is holding a Fun Run on Sunday, 4th October, meeting at the play area at 11.30am with the run starting at 12 noon. The theme is “Run for Fun, come together as one”. EAST END PRE-LOVED CLOTHES SALE The success of last year’s event has prompted East End to bring back the Pre-Loved Boutique. On Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4pm, come along for a browse, you never know what fabulous finds you might discover. We’re looking forward to seeing you all and showcasing some wonderful pre-loved outfits. ART GROUP The members are settling down to painting again following the recent break. It is intended to hold the popular Christmas Fest again, it will be held on the last Sunday in November, also the 2026 Christmas Card Project is in progress, and cards will be in the local shops shortly. Thanks to the local businesses who support this initiative each year. This year the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team will share in proceeds. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the family of Anne Mulhall (née Fennelly), Ballyreddin, Bennettsbridge and formerly of Galmoy, Co. Kilkenny. Anne passed away on 25th September 2026, surrounded by family and in the wonderful care of the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. Beloved wife of Liam and much loved mother of Aileen, Gerardine and Ciarán. Anne will be dearly missed by her loving family, sisters Mary, Gerardine and Ita, sons-in-law John and Thomas, her adored grandchildren Katie, Aoife, Cara and Clara, brothers-in-law, nieces and

nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. Anne lay in repose in Johnston’s Funeral Home, John’s Green, with Funeral Prayers, followed by removal to St. Bennett’s Church, Bennettsbridge. Requiem Mass was celebrated. Interment took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. MASSES TIMES Bennettsbridge: Wednesday 10,30am. Friday 10,30am. Sunday 10,30am. Tuesday 7,30pm Tullaherin: Saturday 8.00pm. GATHERING GROUP The weekly meetings of the Gathering Group continue each Wednesday, and new members are welcome to come along any morning from 11am to 1pm. Tea and chat is the order of the day followed by chair exercises, rings and bingo. LOTTO The Lotto committee were treated to a special breakfast in Crafted on Saturday morning. The Lotto has been running for over thirty years and is a valuable fund raiser for the parish, GAA and East End Soccer Club. The meal was sponsored by PJ Cullen, Centra, a loyal member of the committee. Fr Duggan shared some financial details with the group and thanked all the people who have given of their time each Monday over the years. There was no winner of Jackpot last week. The numbers drawn were 2, 14, 16, 25. Consolation Prizes, David Power, Bridgeside Butcher’s, Olly and Conor McGee, Ian Daly, Jerpoint, Frances Leacy, Bennettsbridge, Sheila Kinsella, Bennettsbridge.

CAMOGIE Bennettsbridge Junior Camogie had a good win over Kilmacow in the Championship at the weekend on the scoreline of Bennettsbridge 5-15, Kilmacow 4-8. SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP The ‘Bridge senior team turned in a great performance to defeat Graigue Ballycallan in the quarter final last Saturday in Nowlan Park on a scoreline of 1-17 to 17 points. The lads showed great battling qualities and skill to edge an exciting game scoring the final three points of the game. We now face Tullaroan in the semi-final on Sunday week. Well, done to the players and management on a great win. (A full report on this match can be read in the Sports Section of this newspaper) UNDERAGE GAMES Our minors defeated Slievrue convincingly in the championship first round. The ‘Bridge under 14 team fought hard but came up short against Callan on a scoreline of 5-8 to 2-9. Good luck to our under 16s who play in the opening round of the championship this weekend. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for fixture details. SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN The Bennettsbridge GAA club Pitch signage campaign is still in progress with places available. Thanks to all the business owners who have supported the project so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey. SPLIT THE POT

Lotto gathering in Crafted Cafe on Saturday, lr Olive Morrin, Marie Dunne, Fr Pat Duggan, PJ Cullen, Dermot Kelly.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Community & GAA Notes

Graiguenamanagh getting the upper hand

Well, done to Paula Nolan who won €97, Kathleen Hayde €30 and Katie McGrath €20. Thanks again for the support. GRAIGUENAMANAGH HIGHVIEW Division 2 Result Callan Utd 2 - 1 Highview Athletic. Scorer Mitchell Maher A tough day at the office for our men away to Callan, a game which we were probably the stronger team for the majority just unable to hit the back of the net when it mattered. Callan took the lead just before half time before a driven strike from distance from Mitchell Maher snuck in just under the bar to bring things level midway into the second half, not long before Callan regained the lead later in the half, Highview had 5/6 chances to draw level late on but luck was not on our side this time. Fair play to Callan who held on and came out 2-1 winners in the end. Great games from the U11s A and B team. Some great goals scored. Special mention to Sonny O’Neill scoring 3 for the A team and Billy Bolger grabbing 4 for the B team. Well done boys. Our Academy for 4-6 year olds is back up and running every Saturday morning from 10am-11am. Players MUST now be registered to take part so please do so ASAP through the following link. https://highviewathleticfc.clubforce.com/products/ membership Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday morning WATERWAYS COLLEGE What is your local stream telling you? A stream is much more than flowing water. Its stones, gravel, vegetation, water clarity, flow and even the land surrounding it can all provide clues about its condition. On our 2-Day SSCS Course, you’ll learn a structured way of looking at these clues and recording what you find in the field. The SSCS survey considers features including substrate, silt, surrounding land use, livestock access, water clarity, flow and the overall stream setting. The course in on 3rd and 4th October in Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny. The Tutor is Ken Whelan. The course is called Learn how to read a river. Https://waterwayscollege.ie/learning-hub/parttime/small-streams-characterisation-system-sscs/ LOCAL LOTTO The numbers drawn were 8 ,10, 11,18. There was no winner. Consolation prizes of €30went to Agnes o Neill. Jeremy McDonald (online). Diane Brennan (online). Colette Foley. Luke and Ben Lawlor CANOE CLUB Graiguenamanagh canoe club would like to say a huge thank you to Kilkenny County Council and Waterways Ireland for their generous support and help through the Outdoor Recreation Grant. This funding has transformed our community space, making it more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. The upgrades include a new floating pontoon with an accessible kayak launch, helping people of all abilities enjoy kayaking and get closer to the water and provide a safety net in the river for swimmers with two additional ladders. New swimming steps, providing safer and easier access for swimmers. New benches, creating welcoming places for families, friends and visitors to relax, meet and enjoy the surroundings. A newly tarmacked walkway, improving safety, comfort and accessibility for walkers, to both the boys school

and linking the Slaire wood walk. Together, these improvements are helping to create a more inclusive outdoor recreation area where everyone can participate, connect with nature and enjoy the community. It is wonderful to see the space becoming more welcoming and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. We are incredibly grateful to Kilkenny County Council and Waterways Ireland for investing in our community and helping make this exciting project possible. Thank you for helping us create a space that everyone can enjoy. Saturday Morning Kick started early with a group out to do a 5K SUP challenge, with a couple of kayakers taking part too, finishing with a well deserving cool down swim. Then we had a group of kayakers out taking part in their Level 2 Assessment. Congratulations to Finn, Brian and Claire and well done to you all. Well, done SUPers with a 5k completed. Another wonderful morning here at GCC. DUISKE COLLEGE We hosted our Senior Football Blitz in Highview Athletic F.C. excellent all-weather pitch. There were boys and girls teams from Kilkenny City VS, Coláiste Pobail Osraí and Scoil Aireagal Ballyhale, with the latter winning the Cup double winning both the Boys and Girls premier competitions. The K.C.V.S. boys and the C.P.O. girls won the Shield competitions. Thanks to Mr Cheasty for organising the event, Mr Brenan for coaching the teams and Mr Dunne for helping with the officiating. A great day had by all with some excellent matches, team play and individual performances. Well, done to all involved. We look forward to more matches against each other during the season We’re delighted to share some fantastic news for Duiske College. Funding of over €180,000 has been approved for the upgrade of equipment in Graphics and DCG, Construction Studies, Home Economics, Music and Art. Our first batch of equipment was delivered last week. This comes after a full school furniture upgrade last year. Another major investment in our facilities and, most importantly, in the learning experiences we can provide for our students. Exciting times ahead at Duiske College. BARROW BUS The Barrow Bus is coming down the final stretch. Two important announcements. Due to driver shortages, the Sunday service must be discontinued immediately. On Saturday October 10th, the service will come to an end. But the project is far from over. As an action research project, we have been gathering data on the service since the beginning. And we still need your help. If you have taken a trip on the Barrow Bus at any stage, and especially if you are a regular user, please make sure your voice is heard in the final report: Complete the feedback form: https://forms. gle/tSHZEuSuefX7J1vm7. Share your experience: email info@cklp.ie to tell us how the service has made a difference GAA The club’s junior hurlers have qualified for the County Junior semi final after victory over the Emeralds club from Urlingford. Despite being out hurled for most of the game he Graig boys came out on top after extra time on a scoreline of Graiguenamanagh 3-16 Emaralds 0-21. (a full report on this match can beread in the Sports section of this newspaper) ROWING CLUB

Well, done to all our members who attended Tullamore Regatta last weekend. A lovely day out of singles and doubles, with the good weather and an amazing amount of support all along the course all day. All our rowers really showcased their skills and strength navigating the canal. Thank you so much to Offaly Rowing Club for organising this wonderful event. Well, done to our winnersWomen’s Senior 2X Emily and Kayley, Women’s J15 1X Katie. GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN Tom Healy

ACTIVE RETIREMENT Meetings and activities have resumed. The upcoming meetings are on Thursday 15th and 29th October at Paulstown Community Hall (R95 NY93). BARROW RANGERS There was no overall jackpot winner for the lotto on 22nd September. The Match 3 winner was Tony

Heffernan (€100). BRIDGE UNITED Congratulations to Jacqui Barcoe the winners of the lotto draw on 21th September (€100). CHILDRENS’ FOREST SCHOOL Will be held on Tuesdays, 4.30-6.30pm for 11-15 years old with experiences of Bushcraft, Knots, Fire lighting, Cooking, Foraging, Nature Art and Games at Shankill Castle, Paulstown. Information: Eithne 089 602 6945. CHURCH SERVICES AND PARISH EVENTS Mass Times Goresbridge: Saturday 7.30pm; Sunday at 10.00am. Paulstown:Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday Masses Goresbridge: 10am on Wednesday. Paulstown: Thursday, and Friday at 10.00am Church of Ireland (Holy Communion) on Sunday 4th October: Shankill at 10am and Borris at 11.30am. TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture. Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way. DANCE CLASSES AT IONAD DARA, GORESBRIDGE. Join us at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge each Monday at 7:00 pm. Learn and enjoy a variety of dance styles, including Jive, Line Dancing, and all forms of Social Dancing. Class Fees, per call: adults: €10 secondary school Students €5, primary school students: Free and seniors over 80 free. Information, contact Declan on 085 708 9128. BIG WIN FOR GOODLY BARROW Congratulations to the Goodly Barrow on winning the ‘Best Hospitality Provider Award’ in County Carlow at the recent Carlow Business Awards. LIGHT UP THE PARISH

The AGM will be on Monday 5th October at the Barrow Breeze. All welcome. SPLIT THE POT Support Goresbridge Rural Development by taking part in Split the Pot. Entries are available in Maher’s and online. Simply scan the QR code or visit lottoraiser.ie. The winners of the draw on Sunday, 27th September were 1st Prize (€100): Elaine Brennan, 2nd Prize (€20): Seán Maher, 3rd Prize (€20): Dillon Maher TAR ISTEACH The Tar Isteach Shop, Goresbridge, welcomes donations of bric-a-brac, including household items, unwanted gifts, toiletry sets, delph, dishes, and cutlery. All donated items should be clean and in good saleable condition. Quality handbags are also greatly appreciated, as are any customers. YOGA CLASSES Yoga classes have now resumed and take place every Tuesday morning at 10am in Ionad Dara. The classes provide a welcoming opportunity to enjoy some gentle exercise, relaxation and wellbeing in a friendly setting. New members are very welcome to come along. For further information, please contact Caroline on 087 9371 939. KILMANAGH WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE October 3rd – Tulla. October 10th – Kilmanagh. October 17th – Killaloe. October 24th – Tulla. October 31st – Kilmanagh. SET DANCING Set dancing lessons take place in Ballycallan hall on Friday evenings at 6.30pm. For further details contact Mary Dunphy at 086 401 0914. 800th ANNIVERSARY The 800th Anniversary of the passing of St Francis “The Transitus” at the Capuchin Friary Kilkenny is a very significant occasion for the whole Franciscan Family worldwide and indeed locally. It is so timely in the church following the legacy of Pope Francis and also now with Pope Leo. The Capuchin Friars are hosting a Triduum October 1st 2nd and 3rd at the 10.30 Mass. The Preacher is Fr Joe Bulman OP. Bishop Ger Nash will celebrate the 12noon Mass on Sunday October 4th which is the Feast of St Francis. All are Welcome COMMUNITY CENTRE Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh is available to hire for meetings, social occasions, etc. To check for time and date availability contact booking officer Tom at 086 315 1573. RIVER RANGERS NEWS Results: K and DL Division One: River Rangers 1 Freshford Town 3 Fixtures: Sunday, October 4th, K and DL Division One: Stoneyford Utd v River Rangers A K&DL Division Three: River Rangers B v Newpark. ACTIVE LADIES CLUB Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies will recommence meetings on Monday 5th October from 7pm – 9pm. New members are always welcome. If there is any event or occasion happening in the community and you need some extra help, please contact us as we will always have some people available to help. Contact 086 373 99 83 for further details. IRISH DANCING McAliskey School of Irish Dance will hold classes for children aged 4 and upwards on Tuesdays and Fridays in Naomh Aodhan Community Hall, Kilmanagh. Contact 083 863 8436 for further details.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Community & GAA Notes 26 and 27. There were five Lucky Dips at €40 each. The Jackpot for next Wednesday night is €5,100. TABLE QUIZ Kilmacow Home Energy will host the first table quiz in the monthly series at 8.00pm on Monday, 5th October. The cost per table of four is €20. All support welcome. COUNCIL WORKS Kilkenny County Council has completed traffic calming measures on the R448 at Ballykeoghan. The measures include a yellow lined area with SLOW markings in advance of build-outs, before the L7446 (Greenville) and L7463 (Skeard) on the southern side and the L7462 (Ballykillaboy) on the northern side. The measures also include the provision of a new public light at the junction of the R448 and L7462 and a widening of the hard shoulder area in front of local houses, crossing gates and the local licensed premises. The Council has also undertaken road safety works at the junction of the L3401 and R448 at Grannagh to tighten the exit onto the regional road. A red and white reflective chevron sign has also been erected across from the exit from the local road. A new flashing warning light to alert motorists in high vehicles of the restriction posed by the railway bridge over the R448 will soon be erected in advance of the turn off onto the L3401. MULLINAVAT

Aaron McEvoy prepares to take a free

LOTTO Results for 21st September. Numbers drawn were 2; 4; 8; 13. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners were Ollie Kennedy, Brigid Comerford and Tom Fitzpatrick. Sellers’ Prizes went to Philip Heafey and Sean O’Dwyer. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment. KILMACOW KILMACOW HERITAGE The Graveyard Working Group will undertake maintenance work at Ullid Graveyard from 2.00pm on Saturday, 3 rd. October. All offer of help will be welcomed. HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING Kilmacow Hospice Support Group would like to acknowledge with sincere thanks everyone who

supported its recent Coffee Morning. The total amount raised, €786.75, has been transferred to the Waterford Hospice Movement based in University Hospital Waterford. MARIAN HALL The Hall hosts Taekwondo from 6.00pm to 8.00pm each Monday. Please contact Audrey at 086 373 9284 for more details. It also hosts Line Dancing from 7.00pm to 8.30pm each Tuesday. Please contact Suzanne at 087 630 0336 for details. DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place between Friday, 14th May and Wednesday, 19th May ’27 inclusive. All bookings, apart from those travelling as Assisted Pilgrims, are to be made with JWT on 01 2410800. COMMUNITY CENTRE The Community Centre continues to host Chairobics, which benefits, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination at 11.00am each Tuesday. KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 2, 25,

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING A Coffee Morning in aid of the Hospice Movement will be held in the Community Centre, Mullinavat from 10.00am to 2.00pm this coming Saturday, 3 rd October. All support would be gratefully appreciated. All money raised locally stays locally. MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning numbers on Monday, 14th September were 19, 23, 25 and 28. There was one Match 3 winner. BALLYFASY WIND FARM An Commisiún Pleanála will determine the application for a 110kV Grid Connection for Ballyfasy Wind Farm and the application for a 10 year planning permission for Ballyfasy Wind Farm (consisting of 10 wind turbines and associated infrastructure) by written procedure. SMALL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS NATIONAL PLAN The consultation documents are available at www. water.ie/smallcommunitiesww. Submissions from public, community groups, environmental organisations, local authorities, business representatives etc. can be made by e-mail to smallcommunitiesww@water.ie or by post to Small Wastewater Treatment Plants, National Plan, Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 AF43 by Tuesday, 20th October. TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF DOCTOR’S PRACTICE From Monday, 28th September Dr. Ronan Cleary’s practice will operate from the Ferrybank Primary Care Centre, Belmont Road, Ferrybank X91 PK2V for

the duration of the works at the Health Centre in Mullinavat. Practice hours will remain the same and likewise the telephone number, 051 511834, will remain unchanged. The relocation is anticipated for eight weeks. RUAILE BUAILE The five-piece traditional music group will appear in the Community Centre, Mullinavat on Saturday, 7 th November. SPRAOI This new grant management system for the Community Sport Facilities Fund is live from Monday, 28 th September. The CSFF is the primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Clubs that are not already registered on the new SPRAOI system may now do so. Clubs already registered on the OSCAR system have had their registrations automatically transferred to the new system but are encouraged to check their information for accuracy. Any first-time registrations are encouraged to check their status online by visiting www.gov.ie/sportscapital and, if they require specific guidance, to e-mail sportscapitalprogrammes@ccs.gov.ie. FERRYBANK COUNCIL WORKS Road resurfacing works on 450m of the L7473 at Christendom and the cul de sac on L74734 at Greenlea have been completed along with the preparatory works for the N29 Slieverue Roundabout. The Greenway Design Team has completed the detailed design for the Link Road from the Belmount Roundabout to the Abbey Road and has also completed the detailed design for the Trailhead Carpark which will be located off the link road. PINK ROCK CYCLE LOOP AND AMENITY TRAIL Kilkenny County Council has given notice under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act of its intention to carry out active travel and road safety improvement works along the L7512 (Pink Rock Road). The works will include, designation of the Pink Rock Road as a ‘Quiet Road’. Road narrowing, verge improvements and traffic calming measures. Enhancement of an existing viewing and seating area. Creation of a new amenity and parking area. Ramped connection between the Pink Rock Road and the Southeast Greenway. Particulars of the proposal are available on the Consult Website, and at the Council Offices in Ferrybank Shopping Centre. Submissions can be made online at https://consult.kilkenny.ie or by post to Tim Butler, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, Kilkenny by Friday, 23rd October. JOHNSTOWN THE MILL CENTRE Thursday Club including Arts, Craft, Chair Yoga, music and tea/coffee. All welcome. Free SNA QQ1 level 5 and 6 every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10am to 1pm. Spaces

Traffic calming measures on R448 at Ballykeoghan

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

Community & GAA Notes available. Contact Sue or Josephine on 0568838466. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Mulhall and Fennelly families on the death of Anne Mulhall nee Fennelly, Bennettsbridge and late of Grangefertagh, Johnstown. Sympathy to the family of Mary Brigid (Biddy) Murphy, Shreagh, Rathdowney who was interred in Galmoy Cemetery recently. Also, to the family of Nigel Crofts Greene, Castlepierce, Crosspatrick who passed away. FENIAN H.C. The community project is progressing well with the walkway now open and phase two to start soon. The committee are inviting members of the community to support the “ Buy a wall space” appeal. Suggested contribution €250 or anything you wish. Pay by 1. Bank transfer to Community Concern IBAN IE97 AIBK 93333303753043 or 2. cash or cheque payable to Community Concern to John Renehan, Chairman on 0868153324 or 3, Revolut to 0868153324. COIS NORE Celtic concert with Gwalia Singers of Wales and the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir in St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sat. Oct 3rd at 7pm. Tickets €25 plus fees from celticconcert.eventbrite.ie or from Cois Nore Office, Waterford Road. Proceeds on the night to Dillion Quirke Foundation and Cois Nore cancer support services. KILKENNY BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Kilkenny Bereavement Support provides free one to one listening support to people who are bereaved. They are looking to recruit volunteers who are willing to commit one to two hours a week at a time to suit themselves. Induction training provided and all four sessions must be attended Saturday November. 7th 10am to 12noon, Tuesday November. 10th 7pm to 9pm, Tuesday November. 17th 7pm to 9pm and Sat. November. 28th 10am to 12 noon. Call 0860670566 or email director@kilkennybereavementsupport.com for more information. SPA UNITED AFC Results for the week Junior league division 2 Spa 0 Callan United B 3, Youths league division 2 Spa 5 Newpark 1, U13 girls league division 1A Evergreen 2 Spa0. SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers 3,15,19,30 produced no jackpot winner but did generate one match three winner who was Lorraine Costigan. Congratulations Lorraine! THE MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE There is a free SNA course for Level 5 and 6. Free Every Monday and Wednesday morning from 10am to 1pm, spaces are still available and it’s free. The Knitting and Crochet Circle Christmas Fair will take place at The Mill Family Resource Centre on Friday, December 4th, from 11am to 1pm. There will be a wonderful selection of handmade items available to purchase, including beautiful blankets, dolls, teddies and a variety of festive Christmas creations. It promises to be a great opportunity to pick up something special while supporting the talented members of the group. The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to be an important hub for the local community, providing a wide range of services, supports, activities and opportunities for people of all ages. The Centre offers a warm and welcoming place where people can meet others, learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and enjoy a friendly social environment. A Local Training Initiative (LTI) Programme will be starting shortly. The free programme includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable practical skills which can help improve confidence, independence and employment opportunities. A wide range of courses is available through the Centre, including SNA QQI Levels 5 and 6; Childcare and Computing QQI Level 4; Early Learning and Care Certificate and Advanced Certificate QQI Level 5; LTI QQI Level 4; Office Administration and Payroll QQI Level 5; and Basic Computers. Anyone interested in finding out more about these courses, including application details, is encouraged to call into The Mill Family Resource Centre or contact the Centre directly. The popular Youth Club has also returned and takes place every Wednesday evening from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The club is open to young people aged 10 to 12 years and provides a great opportunity to meet friends, enjoy activities and have some fun in a safe and welcoming environment. Hot news from The Mill Family Resource Centre is that the Thursday Club is being revived and re-

energised! The club is looking forward to welcoming back old members while also encouraging new members to come along and join in the fun. A great selection of activities is planned, including art, crafts, chair yoga and music, with, of course, plenty of time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. The Thursday Club meets every Thursday afternoon at 2pm at the Mill Centre. It is a great opportunity to get out, meet people, try something new and enjoy a friendly afternoon in good company. Everyone is welcome, and the organisers are particularly looking forward to meeting both new and old members. Simply call into the Centre or contact Sue or Josephine for further information. There are also plenty of bargains to be found on the Centre’s clothes rail, so why not drop in and see what is available? But don’t go on Thursdays, they will make you do chair yoga. For further information on any of the activities, courses or services available at The Mill Family Resource Centre, contact 056 8838466.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening. CLERGY COLLECTION The Third collection for the Support of the Clergy of the Archdiocese (active and retired) will be taken up this weekend, October. 3rd/4th. Your generosity as usual is always appreciated. If your offering is by cheque, please make it payable to ‘Gortnahoe Parish’ INOURHANDS CATHEDRAL REROOFING PROJECT Songs Of Hope and Inspiration: Come along and enjoy a musical evening with Des Willoughby, Louise Morrissey, Marc Roberts and Clodagh Lawlor in Cathedral of the Assumption, this Friday October 2nd. Ticket Donation: €35 – from Parish Office (0504 -22229); Bookworm (0504 22257) & Holycross Abbey Shop (0504-43124). PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth. Bring mat and water. GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. Please continue to support us this Saturday and every Saturday. It is a great afternoon’s entertainment. DANCE CLASSES Dance Classes: Learn to jive, foxtrot, waltz, etc in Gortnahoe Hall at 8pm on Thursdays, starting this Thursday, Sept 17th. €10 pay as you go. Contact Sally at 087-7931308. SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Susan Treacy who won €167 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for October is in aid of the Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated. TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. Former members would be very welcome to come on the Tuesday night and if you would like to join or find out more information, please contact this number 089 434910 AFTERNOON TEA Afternoon Tea in Glengoole Hall hosted by Millennium Family Resource Centre this Wed. 30th Sept. from 1–3:30pm. Join us for a lovely afternoon of refreshments and socialising, followed by live music from Tom Doran. Free event as part of Age Friendly Tipperary Positive Ageing Week. Booking essential Alice Teehan on 083 101 4313.

ing Piltown 1-6 to 0-2 during the time. The key score came in the final minute when Jack Rhatigan broke through to finish to the Piltown net, giving Conahy a 1-26 to 1-19 win. The locals will now face John Lockes in the county semi-final. TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner, Philip Cass, Darragh Horgan, Ciaran Rice, Darragh Hennessy, Liam Cass, Jack Murphy, Edmond Delaney, Tom Phelan, Thomas Rice, Jack Rhatigan, Bill Murphy, James Bergin, Mark Gunner. Subs.: Patrick Kennedy, Rob Ring, Karl Downey, Eoin Cahill. The minor hurlers faced Emeralds in the opening round of the Kilkenny Motor Centre Roinn B Championship in Castlecomer on Sunday last. Conahy led by a single point, 0-9 to 0-8 at the half time break. It was nip and tuck all the way in the second half but Conahy managed to hold on for a 0-18 to 0-15 victory. TEAM: Neil Webster, Mounir Zouaoui, Tadgh Hennessy, Bobby Dooley, Finn Sherman, Jack Rhatigan, James Byrne, Rory Rhatigan, Darragh Horgan, Rory Sherman, Patrick Kennedy, Jack Buggy, M.J. Buggy, Joe Boland, Billy Rowe, Padraig Quinn, Brian Phelan, Brian Tierney, Mikey Hurley, Jack Gamble. The under-14 boys played two matches in the past week, firstly taking on Dicksboro in the final round of the Duggan Steel Roinn D League, and then facing James Stephens in the opening round of the Roinn D championship in Larchfield. Though they were defeated in both games, the young Conahy side battled hard all the way and there were some very good individual performances. Well, done to all the boys after a busy year of matches. TEAM: Conor Horgan, Ethan Maher, Padraig Murphy, Daniel McEvoy, Cillian Nolan, Noah Meany, Charlie Redmond, Daragh Foley-McGee, Cian Rhatigan, Ciaran Quinn, Richie Rowe, Rory Kiernan, Adam Flynn, Tommy Murphy, Joshua Byrne, Brandon Maher, Billy Hickey, Rory McDonald, Charlie Dunne, Blaine Kenny. The under-16 hurlers are in action this Saturday morning at 11.00 a.m. when they play host to Mullinavat in Jenkinstown in the quarter-final of the Duggan Steel Roinn C championship. Best of luck to all involved. CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls played host to St. Lachtain’s in the Abbott Intermediate championship quarter-final in Jenkinstown on Sunday last and were defeated in heartbreaking fashion after a penalty shootout. The sides were level at 1-9 apiece at the end of normal time, with the Conahy goal coming from Molly O’Dornan. They remained level at 1-13 apiece at the end of extra-time, and unfortunately for Conahy, the Freshford girls proved to be more successful from their penalty shots, and advanced to the county semi-finals. Hard luck to all involved, and to the management team of John Carroll, Eoin Murphy, Shane Mulhall and Gemma Bergin. TEAM: Siofraidh Kennedy, Hollie Brennan, Grainne Comerford, Amy Lawless, Aisling Maher, Katie Brennan, Sofia Kerr, Emma Mulhall, Caoimhe Hennessy, Katie Brennan, Ellen Gunner, Naomi Kerr, Sarah Dooley, Amy Brennan, Molly O’Dornan. The under-14 girls travelled away to Kilmacow for a St. Canice’s CU Roinn D semi-final on Saturday morning last, but unfortunately the home side proved the stronger in the end, winning by 6-5 to 2-5. Well, done to all the girls on a great effort throughout the year. TEAM: Lucy Butler, Emily Joyce, Grace O’Meara, Lily O’Shea, Ella Ryan, Sophie Meany, Juliet Dunne, Rebecca Staunton, Isabelle Flynn, Aobha Dunne, Lucy O’Neill, Brid Gamble, Hannah Buggy, Michelle Cahill, Bella Buggy, Emily Lennon, Emily Walker, Eve O’Neill, Grace Kennedy. GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 3, 10 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Ann Maher, Seamus Hally, Phil Dunne, Paddy Walsh and Fr. Ollie Maher. The promoter prize winners were Teresa Dollard, Nora Delaney and Helen Cahill. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

CONAHY

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD

HURLING The junior hurlers scored a great victory over Piltown in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Championship quarter-final on Saturday last in Tullaroan. It took extra time to separate the two teams, after they finished level at the end of normal time. A Piltown goal at the stroke of full time saw them snatch a draw, with the score 1-17 to Conahy’s 0-20. The locals were the stronger team during extra time, outscor-

ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Vigil Saturday at 6.30p.m. Friday 2nd. Feast of the Guardian Angels. First Friday. Visitation with Holy Communion will take place as usual on Friday. Please let us know if you would like to receive Holy Communion in your home for the First Fridays or at any other time. PRAY FOR Maudie Dunne, Stoneyford; Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 3rd. October at 6.30p.m. Larry and Sheila Murphy, Gowlawn: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 3rd. October at 8.00p.m. Months Mind Mass: Larry Dalton, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 4th. October at 10.00a.m. ROTA (TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. John Barron. Sunday 10.00a.m. Deirdre O’Shea. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Mary O’Grady. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick; Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr. HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN: House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan, Co. Kilkenny. Tel. 056 776 8008. For an Application Form STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT A.G.M. On Wednesday, the 30th. September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their A.G.M. at 7.30p.m in the Community Centre. The Garda Crime Prevention Officer and members of our local Gardai will be in attendance to speak to us about personal safety and safety and security around the home. Everyone is invited to attend. OSSORY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2027 The dates for The Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2027 are Friday May 14th. to Wednesday May 19th. inclusive. Details regarding costs will follow shortly. All bookings apart from those travelling as assisted pilgrims are to be made directly with JWT. Tel. 01 241 0800. ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL RESTORATION FUND DRAW: The first draw for St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund 2026/2027 year will run from September 2026 to August 2027. Draw will be held at 8.00p.m on the last Wednesday of each month. Tickets are available at the Parish House, Hugginstown: Telephone contact 056 776 8693. All Tickets to be bought by this Monday 28th. September if you wish to be part of the First Draw on Wednesday 30th. September. Subscription €10.00 per month. Prize Money €5,000.00 per month. LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Numbers: 21; 26; 13; 03. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. 5 x €30.00. Winners: James Walsh, Coolmore; Adrian Hudson, “On-Line”. Kevin Dwan, Lismatigue; Pat Farrell, Lismatigue; Matty Murphy, Rockhall. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): John Power; Tommy Murphy; Ann Power. CONSULTATION MEETING FOR OUR PASTORAL AREA: A Consultation Meeting for Pastoral Areas which takes place on Wednesday 30th. September 2026. The meeting will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Slieverue from 7.00p.m. to 9.00p.m, with an opportunity for tea and a chat afterwards. Bishop Ger Nash is looking forward to meeting with Priests, Parish Pastoral Council and Pastoral Area Council members, and all parishioners who would like to attend. COIS NORE: Celtic Concert with Gwalia Singers of Wales and Castlecomer Male Voice Choir A night of song and celebration in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, Saturday 3rd. of October, 7.00p.m. For this night only the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir will be joining the Gwalia Singers of Wales 60th. Anniversary Tour. Tickets €25.00 plus fees available from celticconcert.eventbrite.ie. Tickets are also avaliable from Cois Nore House on the Waterford Road. Proceeds from the night to be donated to The Dillon Quirke Foundation and Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre.

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Sport

Pierce Blanchfield Graiguenamanagh and Sean Burke Emeralds contest a high ball.

Graiguenamanagh escape to victory Steven Kinsella Graignamanagh breaking through the tight Marking Emeralds Defence.

Report and photographs Jim Whelan Páirc Shéamuis Stíofáin, home of James Stephens GAA Club, was the venue for a remarkable JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling Championship quarter-final when Graiguenamanagh produced a stunning late comeback to overcome Emeralds of Urlingford after extra time. In a contest which appeared to be slipping away from the Barrow boys for long periods, Graiguenamanagh somehow found a way back from nine points down and eventually emerged victorious on a scoreline of 3-16 to 0-21. For much of the 60 minutes, Emeralds were the better side. They registered an impressive 21 points, displayed considerable accuracy from placed balls and appeared to have done enough to secure a semifinal place. But Graiguenamanagh had the one thing their opponents could not match, goals. Three green flags ultimately proved decisive, with the final one arriving in extra time to send the Barrow men into their first Premier Junior County semifinal since 1972. Graiguenamanagh had reached the quarter-final through impressive victories over Galmoy and Windgap in the opening two rounds, while Emeralds qualified for the knockout stages by virtue of their position in Group B following the league campaign. The game took some time to settle, but Emeralds made the brighter start with points from Conor Martin and Darragh Queally. Graiguenamanagh responded with a Steven Kinsella free before the first major moment of

the afternoon arrived in the fifth minute. Kinsella showed excellent awareness with a quickly taken free, finding Seamus Kavanagh, who made no mistake with the opportunity and dispatched the ball to the net. Michael Bolger then added a point and suddenly Graiguenamanagh were three points ahead. However, that was as good as it got for the South Kilkenny side for quite some time. Emeralds, playing with the assistance of the breeze, took complete control of the scoring exchanges. Conor Martin was particularly influential, and the talented free-taker proceeded to register seven points in succession as the Urlingford side moved firmly into the ascendancy. Graiguenamanagh eventu-

ally stopped the flow when full-forward Ted Dunne pointed from play before Kinsella converted another free. Emeralds, however, remained firmly in command. Martin added two more frees and Daniel Tobin produced an excellent point from play as the Northern side continued to find the target with impressive regularity. At half-time Emeralds led by five points, 0-12 to 1-4, and Graiguenamanagh faced a considerable challenge despite having the benefit of the breeze to come. The second half initially followed a similar pattern. Graiguenamanagh were unable to make the expected impact from the favourable conditions and Emeralds continued to find space and scoring opportuni-

With five minutes of normal time remaining, the gap had been reduced to five points. Substitute Terry Dreelan and Cian Emeralds defence shows tough O'Shea then produced as Graiguenamanagh attack important scores to cut regroups. the Emeralds advantage to ties. just three. The comeback was By now very much on. Emeralds, the 44th however, appeared to have minute, Martin had added weathered the storm when another point from a free and Adam Banville struck a superb Darragh Queally also pointed, point from the sideline to rewhile Killian Doyle was having store a four-point advantage. an influential game at centreWith the clock moving back. Those scores pushed towards the final whistle, Emeralds nine points clear the Urlingford side looked and they appeared to be firmly destined for the semi-final. in control. There was still one extraordiThen came another crucial nary twist to come. As some moment. GraiguenamanGraiguenamanagh supporters agh goalkeeper Colin Bolger began making their way toproduced a superb save in the wards the exit, Richard Foley 45th minute to deny Emeralds stood over a 21-yard free in a further goal and, significantthe 60th minute. The pressure ly, the stop appeared to prowas immense, but Foley made vide the Barrow side with the no mistake and sent the ball lift they desperately needed. crashing into the back of the Graiguenamanagh suddenly Emeralds net. began to play with greater The deficit was suddenly urgency. Kinsella continued down to one score. And there to demonstrate his accuracy was more drama. Deep into from placed balls and the instoppage time, Steven Kinsella troduction of four substitutes pointed to level the game, brought additional energy to leaving the sides tied at 1-16 to the attack. The deficit began 0-21 and sending the quarterTight marking on Cian O'Shea by Oisin Deegan as support for both arrive. to shrink. final into extra time. Few inside Páirc Shéamuis Stíofáin could have predicted such a finish when Emeralds had established a nine-point advantage earlier in the half. Extra time produced another fascinating contest. Emeralds continued to threaten and their ability to find points remained impressive, but Graiguenamanagh were now a completely different proposition from the Referee Julian O Dwyer keeps a close on proceedings as Darragh Queally tries to break the shackles of the side which had struggled for Graignamanagh Defence. long periods of normal time.

Their defence, led superbly by Ivan Bolger and Richard Foley, stood firm as every possession became increasingly important. The tension around the ground was palpable as both sides fought for the decisive score. Graiguenamanagh were now winning the individual battles and showing much greater purpose in possession. Their supporters, who had witnessed their side staring at defeat less than 20 minutes earlier, were now roaring them forward. The decisive moment eventually arrived when Steven Kinsella found the net late in extra time. It was the score that finally broke Emerald’s resistance and gave Graiguenamanagh the lead they had chased for so long. When referee Julian O'Dwyer finally sounded the full-time whistle, Graiguenamanagh had secured a famous 3-16 to 0-21 victory. It was a remarkable turnaround and, given the way the game had developed, one which will live long in the memory of the Barrow supporters. Graiguenamanagh were best served by Dylan Cahill, Richard Foley, Ivan Bolger and the outstanding Steven Kinsella, whose scoring contribution and influence increased as the game progressed. For Emeralds, Conor Martin was exceptional with his accurate free-taking and open-play scores, while Sean Burke, Killian Doyle and Darragh Queally also impressed. Emeralds will undoubtedly reflect on how a game which appeared to be firmly in their control ultimately slipped from their grasp. Their 21 points demonstrated their attacking quality, but Graiguenamanagh's three goals proved decisive. The victory sends Graiguenamanagh into their first junior county semi-final since 1972. It is a significant achievement for the Barrow club, although they will know that a much-improved performance will be required in the last four if they are to continue their remarkable championship journey. For now, however, they can savour one of the most dramatic victories the club has enjoyed in many years, a comeback which looked highly unlikely, but which ultimately carried them into the county semi-final. GRAIGUENAMANAGH: Colin Bolger, Owen O’Brien, Joe Dowling, Sean Walsh, Pierce Blanchfield, Seamus Kavanagh, Ivan Bolger, Richard Foley, Cian O’Shea, Jack Ryan, Ted Dunne, Dylan Cahill, James Meaney (C), Steven Kinsella, Michael Bolger, Subs Nicky Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Terry Dreelan, Sean Hamilton. EMERALDS: Enda Kelly, Darragh Hickey, Shane Norton., Micheal Ahern, Oisin Deegan, Sean Burke. Padraig Phelan. Killian Doyle. Eoin Moriarty. Daniel Tobin. Darragh Queally, Liam Grant. Adam Barnaville, Conor Martin (C) Gerry Troy. Subs. Jack Kavanagh Callum Lawlor.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

Thomastown cruise into county semi-final as Clara bow out

Luke Connellan evades the Clara defence to move play forward.

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Quarter Final. Thomastown 2-25; Clara 1-19. John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park 2024 champions produce commanding first-half display to end Clara’s championship hopes at UPMC Nowlan Park. Thomastown, the 2024 Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship winners, comfortably secured their place in the county semi-final when they overcame Clara in the second game of Saturday’s quarterfinal double-header at UPMC Nowlan Park. The outcome was effectively decided during a dominant opening 30 minutes in which Thomastown established a 15-point advantage. Clara battled much more strongly after the interval, making good use of the wind and outscoring their opponents during the closing stages, but the damage had already been done. Thomastown led 2-17 to 0-8 at half-time and, although Clara never stopped competing, the gap was simply too substantial to bridge. The winners made an emphatic start, registering the first five scores of the game. Robbie Donnelly was responsible for three of those points from frees, while John Donnelly and Stephen Donnelly also found the target as Thomastown immediately imposed themselves on proceedings. Clara eventually settled and began to find some attacking opportunities. Rory Glynn, who was Clara’s most prominent threat in attack, registered two points, while Joe Power also got on the scoresheet. That brief response reduced the deficit, but Thomastown quickly regained control. Ben Nevin and Luke Connellan added points to leave Thomastown 0-7 to 0-4 ahead after the opening exchanges. Glynn

Zac Bay Hammond gathers the ball with Jack Holden (T) in support as Ciaran Prendergast, Conor Cody and Jack Langton(C) press.

Thomastown break from defence as Clara regroup to defend.

Robbie Donnelly gets his pass away to Zac Bay Hammond (T) while david Barcoe covers.

responded with another well-taken point for Clara, but Thomastown were beginning to find considerable space in the Clara defence. Luke Connellan added another score before Robbie Donnelly converted a free and Stephen Donnelly followed with a point from play. By the 15th minute Thomastown had moved 0-10 to 0-5 ahead. Clara continued to search for a way back into the contest and Conor O’Shea reduced the deficit from a free. However, what followed was the decisive spell of the game. Over the next ten minutes Thomastown hit an unanswered 1-7, turning an already difficult situation for Clara into an almost impossible one.

There was one controversial moment during this period when Clara appeared to have the ball in the Thomastown net. After 22 minutes, Rory Glynn finished an attack with what looked like a potential goal, but the referee did not allow the score. There was some suggestion that an advantage might have been applied during the build-up but play continued and Clara were unable to gain any reward from the attack. Thomastown then struck for their first goal. A low shot from Daithi Barron on 26 minutes was saved by Clara goalkeeper Kevin Nolan, but the ball was adjudged to have crossed the goal line. The goal further increased Thomastown’s advantage and they

constant attacking threat and was among their more effective players, while David Langton, Paul Cody, Chris Bolger and Conor O’Shea all contributed to their second-half response. The Clara players can at least take some satisfaction from the fact that they remained competitive after the interval and never allowed the game to become a complete procession. For Thomastown, however, the principal objective was achieved in convincing fashion. Their first-half display was the foundation for the victory, with their movement, accuracy and ability to create scoring opportunities leaving Clara with an uphill battle long before the final whistle. Daithi Barron’s two goals proved particularly important, while the Donnelly brothers, Robbie, John and Stephen, were prominent throughout the contest. Luke Connellan and Ben Nevin also contributed valuable scores as Thomastown maintained control. The victory sends Thomastown into the county senior semi-final in a fortnight’s time, where they will renew their challenge for another county title. Having already lifted the senior championship continued to trophy in 2024, dictate matters. Paul Cody (C) tries to get a pass away the Thomastown Clara did while Harry Boyle and camp will now have manage to stem Robbie Donnelly cover their sights firmly set the flow with two the outcome. on another appearance points before the in the latter stages of the break. Martin O’Connell competition. registered one before Conor For Clara, meanwhile, the champiO’Shea added another from a free. onship journey comes to an end. AlHowever, Thomastown had the final though they will be disappointed with say before the interval. John Donthe manner of the quarter-final defeat, nelly won possession and the ball their senior status for 2027 has been was worked into the attack before secured, providing a solid foundation Daithi Barron finished to the net for on which to build for next season. his second goal of the afternoon. It The contrast between the two sides left Thomastown in a commanding was most evident in the opening half, position at the interval, leading by when Thomastown’s scoring burst 2-17 to 0-8. effectively settled the contest. Clara The second half was a considerably showed plenty of resolve after the different affair. With the wind behind break, but Thomastown had done them, Clara came out with renewed more than enough by then to ensure purpose and enjoyed their best spell their safe passage into the last four. of the match during the opening minutes after the restart. David Langton SCORERS scored twice before Paul Cody and THOMASTOWN: Daithi Barron (2-1), Chris Bolger also pointed, giving the Robbie Donnelly (0-8, 0-7 frees), Clara supporters something to cheer Luke Connellan (0-5), Stephen Donabout. nelly (0-4), John Donnelly (0-2), Peter However, Thomastown were not McDonald (0-2), Ben Nevin (0-2), Jack prepared to allow their opponents Holden (0-1). back into contention. They responded CLARA: Rory Glynn (0-4), Conor with four unanswered points to O’Shea (0-4 frees) Chris Bolger (0-3 re-establish the 15-point advantage frees), Dara Glynn (1-0), Paul Cody they had enjoyed at half-time. John (0-2), David Langton (0-2) Joe Power, Donnelly opened the sequence before Martin O’Connell, Joe Connolly free, Ben Nevin and Luke Connellan added Liam Ryan (0-1). further points. Robbie Donnelly then TEAMS converted another free to leave ThomTHOMASTOWN. Diarmuid Galway, astown 2-21 to 0-12 ahead by the 42nd Ned Kirwan, Peter Connellan, Rory minute. Connellan, Brian Staunton, Eddie Clara finally found a breakthrough Donnelly Zach Bay Hammond, Ben when Dara Glynn scored their first Nevin, Peter McDonald, Robbie Dongoal of the game a minute later. Paul nelly, John Donnelly, Stephen DonCody played an important role in nelly, Daithi Barron, Luke Connellan, the build-up before Glynn finished Jack Holden. Substitutes: Conor the move, reducing the deficit to 11 Barcoe for Ben Nevin, Cian Doherty points. Conor O’Shea then added for Jack Holden, John Jo Farrell for another point from a free, leaving the Robbie Donnelly, score at 2-21 to 1-13. CLARA: Kevin Nolan, Luke Lawlor, There was no shortage of effort Matt Kenny, Ciaran Prendergast, from Clara during the closing stages Shane Staunton, Conor Cody, David and they continued to take whatever Barcoe, Martin O'Connell, Jack Langscoring opportunities came their way. ton, Dara Glynn, Paul Cody, Conor Q They eventually outscored ThomasShea, Pester Ryan, Rory Glynn, Chris town by six points to four during the Bolger. Substitutes: Joe Power for Matt remainder of the game, but those Kenny, Ciaran Prendergast for David scores were largely a matter of conLangton, Liam Ryan for Lester Ryan, solation as Thomastown had built up David Langton for Ciaran Prendergast such a commanding lead during the Joe Connolly for Conor O’Shea. opening half. Referee: Richie Holland. For Clara, Rory Glynn provided a

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Sport

Fourteen-Man Bennettsbridge dig deep to reach County Semi-Final

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC Quarter Final Bennettsbridge 1-17; Graigue-Ballycallan 0-17. John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park. Bennettsbridge produced an impressive performance when they overcame Graigue Ballycallan by three points in a gripping Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final at UPMC Nowlan Park. The victory earns the Bridgemen a place in the county semi-final for the third time in five years and, after losing at this stage in 2023 and 2024, they will now approach the last four with renewed confidence. Their achievement was all the more notable because they played almost 40 minutes with 14 players after full-back Enda Morrissey was dismissed in the 22nd minute following a second yellow card. Rather than allowing the setback to derail their challenge, Bennettsbridge continued to attack and defend with purpose, eventually finishing the stronger of the two sides. It represents a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for a team who endured a difficult opening to their league campaign. Four successive defeats had left them facing a possible relegation battle, but their season has taken a dramatic turn, and they now find themselves just one game away from a county senior final.

There was little between the sides during an entertaining opening half. Graigue Ballycallan made the better start when Aaron McEvoy opened the scoring with a point from play. Bennettsbridge quickly settled, however, and replied with three points in succession. Charlie Fitzgerald opened their account before Nicky Cleere converted a free and Bill Hughes added another well-taken score. Graigue Ballycallan responded strongly. Ryan Corcoran pointed in the eighth minute before McEvoy added a free to bring the sides level at 0-3 apiece. Liam Blanchfield then edged Bennettsbridge back in front with a fine point, but McEvoy replied from another placed ball. Nicky Cleere restored the Bennettsbridge lead from a free, only for Graigue Ballycallan to enjoy a productive spell. Three pointed frees saw them move into a 0-7 to 0-5 advantage by the twentieth minute. Then came the game's major turning point. Morrissey was shown a second yellow card following a collision with Ryan Corcoran. Having already been booked in the second minute following a tackle on Sean Ryan, the Bennettsbridge full back was forced to leave the field. The dismissal changed the shape of the game, but Bennettsbridge adapted well. Their half-backs and midfielders covered considerable ground, while the forwards continued to press the Graigue Ballycallan defence. They were rewarded

before half-time when a series of good attacks produced two further points, leaving Bennettsbridge ahead by 0-9 to 0-8 at the interval. Graigue Ballycallan levelled just a minute after the restart when Sean Ryan pointed from play, but Bennettsbridge then struck for the game's decisive score. A long delivery into the attack was collected by Liam Blanchfield. Showing good awareness, he laid the ball off to Eoin Walpole, who finished neatly to the Graigue Ballycallan net. The goal put Bennettsbridge 1-9 to 0-9 ahead and gave them renewed momentum despite their numerical disadvantage. McEvoy reduced the deficit with a point from play, but Bennettsbridge responded in style. Jimmy Lennon produced an excellent point from midfield before David Blanchfield embarked on a powerful solo run through the centre of the field and followed it with another fine score. The Bridgemen now led by 1-11 to 0-10. Graigue Ballycallan refused to surrender. Billy O'Neill converted a long-distance free before Tommy Ronan

added another point in the 40th minute, reducing the deficit to two. Nicky Cleere then steadied the Bennettsbridge challenge with another free, but Graigue Ballycallan responded with two McEvoy frees, either side of a point from Jesse Roberts. With the scores level on 47 minutes, the game was perfectly poised. A superb sideline cut from Jamie Harkin put Bennettsbridge back in front before goalkeeper Alex O'Farrell struck a magnificent long-range free. Those scores gave the Bridgemen a 1-14 to 0-15 advantage. McEvoy pointed from play to reduce the gap to the minimum before Ryan Corcoran levelled matters again in the 51st minute. At that stage the momentum appeared to be with Graigue Ballycallan, but Bennettsbridge finished strongly. Their movement and running remained impressive and they began to find openings in the Graigue Ballycallan defence. Charlie Fitzgerald struck two important points before Bill Nolan added the final score of the afternoon. Those three unanswered

scores secured a three-point victory and sent Bennettsbridge into the county semifinal. David and Liam Blanchfield were outstanding for the winners, while Sean Morrissey also turned in a strong performance. Eoin Walpole and Charlie Fitzgerald formed an effective two-man full-forward line in the second half, with both making important contributions as the contest reached its decisive stages. For Graigue Ballycallan, Aaron McEvoy was a constant threat and finished with an impressive haul of scores. Billy O'Neill and substitute Sean Ryan also worked hard throughout, while Graigue will reflect on missed opportunities after failing to make their numerical advantage count in the closing stages. For Bennettsbridge, however, this was a significant step forward. After their difficult start to the year, they have now reached the last four of the county senior championship. Their previous semi-final appearances in 2023 and 2024 ended in defeats to eventual champions O'Loughlin Gaels and Thomastown respectively. This time they will enter the semi-final with a different outlook. They have already negotiated a difficult quarter-final against Graigue Ballycallan and, despite being reduced to 14 men for much of the contest, finished with three unanswered points to secure their place among the county's senior elite. The Bridgemen can now look forward to the next stage of the

championship with a genuine opportunity to reach the county final for the first time in this latest chapter of their senior campaign. SCORERS GRAIGUE BALLYCALLAN Aaron McEvoy (0-10, 0-8 frees), Ryan Corcoran (0-2), Sean Ryan (0-2), Billy O’Neill, free, Tommy Ronan, Jesse Roberts (0-1 each). BENNETTSBRIDGE Nicky Cleere (0-5 frees), Charlie Fitzgerald (0-3), Eoin Walpole (1-0), Liam Blanchfield (0-2), Bill Hughes, Jimmy Lennon, David Blanchfield, Jamie Harkin sideline, Alex O’Farrell free, Bill Nolan (Hugh O’Neill 0-1 each). TEAMS GRAIGUE BALLYCALLAN: Sean McGrath, Richie Keoghan, Tom Dunphy, Colm Prenderville, Billy Dowling, Billy O'Neill, Stephen Keoghan, Jeff Neary, Jack Walton, Jesse Roberts, Sean Ryan, Tommy Ronan, Aaron McEvoy, Oisin Egan, Ryan Corcoran. Substitutes: Sean Ryan for Jeff Neary, Conor Walton for Jack Walton. BENNETTSBRIDGE: Alex O'Farrell, Shane Byrne, Enda Morrissey, Timmy Kelly, Conor Murphy, David Blanchfield, Jamie Harkin, Jimmy Lennon, Hugh O'Neill, Sean Morrissey, Bill Hughes, Nicky Cleere, Eoin Walpole, Liam Blanchfield, Charlie Fitzgerald. Substitutes: Bill Nolan for Shane Byrne, Ciaran Brennan for Charlie Fitzgerald. Referee: Johnny Dooley (St Lachtain’s)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

Hurling matters - Review

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship 2026 After another rip-roaring weekend of action at headquarters, we now know the four clubs that will challenge for a place in the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship final. Bennettsbridge will take on Tullaroan, while Thomastown and current champions, Shamrocks Ballyhale will lock horns for the second time this season, having clashed in the recent league final. These promise to be two exciting encounters as the battle of the Tom Walsh Cup reaches the penultimate stage. Saturday saw the first of the double headers at UPMC Nowlan Park, first up was the meeting of Graigue Ballycallan and Bennettsbridge. Going into this last eight game, the men from Tom Ryall Park had reason to feel confident, having had their best season in a while, the same could not be said of their opponents Bennettsbridge, who found themselves in a relegation semifinal with Danesfort recently. Both sides appeared a little nervous in the opening exchanges, passes going astray, uncharacteristic wide. Aaron McEvoy struck the games first score, but the ‘Bridge hit back with a trio of scores courtesy of Eoin Walpole, veteran Nicky Cleere and Hugh O’Neill. GBC deadlocked matters within ten minutes, thanks to points from Ryan Corcoran and a second placed ball effort of the afternoon from McEvoy. The bustling Liam Blanchfield registered the first of his two points, just ahead of a yellow card being shown by referee John Dooley to Enda Morrissey for a clear pull of a sky-blue jersey. Nicky Cleere Jake Mullen Shields the Ball from Darragh Hartley

Shane Walsh Gets his tackle in on Paddy Deegan

Liam Blanchfield Showes great control as he heads for Goal

4 remain in race for T Last eight clashes deliver plenty of drama on Noreside popped over a second free, but a trio of frees from the deadly McEvoy saw GBC move into a 2-point lead. This lead was reduced to the bare minimum when Sean Morrissey split the posts with 20 minutes played.

Then came a big moment in the first of the quarter final encounters. A heavy challenge by Enda Morrissey gave referee Dooley no option, but to issue a second yellow, then the colour red. Sean Ryan struck a fine point, but it was Brian Lannon’s charges that hit the remaining three scores of the opening period, a pair of frees from Nicky Cleere and a second of the game from the more attacking minded Blanchfield to leave the hooped side ahead by one at the interval. When play resumed, Sean Ryan fired over a nice score, but the next score was to be a major one. A probing ball into Liam Blanchfield saw the towering full forward claim possession before he popped a pass to Eoin Walpole and the minor player showed great maturity to fire beyond Sean McGrath in the Ballycallan goal. 14-man Bennettsbridge now three clear, a big moment in the last eight clash. Richie O’Neill’s side responded with a point from Aaron McEvoy, but with a spring in their step, the Bridge

fired over the next two points, Hugh O’Neill and intercounty star, David Blanchfield the white flag raisers. The Tom Ryall Park side dug in and tagged on scores from centre back Billy O’Neill and Tommy Ronan, the arrears down to two points. With 40 minutes on the clock, Nicky Cleere popped over another free, but two of the same from Aaron McEvoy a nice point from Jesse Roberts saw the sides level with about twelve minutes remaining. A lovely sideline cut from Jamie Harkin and a free from Alex O’Farrell saw the Bridge move two clear again, but GBC responded with two fine points from main man McEvoy and the lively Ryan Corcoran to deadlock matters once more, but those would be the last scores registered by the sky blues in the contest. Bennettsbridge pushed on, striking three further scores, including a fine effort from Charlie Fitzgerald to run out 3-point winners and secure the first of the semifinal berths. Next up was the meeting of Thomastown and Clara; the bookies

heavily favoring Noel Doherty’s charges. The Grennan based side came out of the blocks quickly, establishing a 5-point lead inside six minutes, Clan Donnelly responsible for all scores, a trio of placed balls from Robbie added to be nice efforts from Stephen and John. Clara had to make an early change, Matt Kenny being replaced by Joe Power and it would be the substitute that registered the maroon-clad sides first score of the afternoon. This set the relegation survivors on their way and they notched the next three scores, a brace from speedster Rory Glynn and a free from skipper, Chris Bolger. The Town responded with scores from Midfielder Ben Nevin and Luke Connellan. Rory Glynn notched his third of the day and in doing so reduce the arrears to two points, but Donnelly’s Robbie and Stephen split the Clara posts along with a second of the game from Luke Connellan. Once again, the Thomastown lead was sitting at 5 points. A free from Conor O’Shea was wiped out immediately by another

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Hurling matters - Review Peter Connellan is hard tackled by Chris Bolger

Tom Walsh Cup quickfire trio of scores from Doherty’s men to give the 2024 champions a commanding 7-point lead. The last thing Fintan Deegan’s side needed was to concede a major score, and that’s exactly what happened, Daithi Barron firing beyond the experienced Kevin Nolan. This clearly rattled Clara, as Thomastown hit the next four points in a three-minute spell to push the lead to fourteen. The men in maroon fired over two points before the interval, but the Clara net was about to bulge once more. John Donnelly showed great power and strength before passing to Daithi Barron, who for the second time gave Kevin Nolan no chance. The Town leading by 15 points at the short whistle, the bookies proved right again. To their credit, Clara showed great character in the second period. They registered four points on the resumption of play before the boys in blue scored, but

the Town hit another three without reply. Dara Glynn goaled and this left twelve between the sides, but you felt that Noel Doherty’s outfit were playing within themselves and capable of going through the gears if required. Clara kept plugging away, but white flags were not going to cut it, given the deficit. Both sides traded scores, and those in maroon won the scoring battle in the second half, but the damage had been done. Thomastown advance to the last four with ease, tougher tests ahead. Sunday’s action at Kilkenny HQ didn’t disappoint either, and if anything provided even more drama and excitement then the previous day’s fare. First onto the hallowed turf were the O’Loughlin Gaels and Tullaroan players, and this clash had a little bit of everything. The city side started quickly and held a 3-point lead early on, thanks to a brace of points from rising star Ruarc

Sweeney. Under the guidance of Dave Mulcahy, this Sash team has been a serious attacking threat and this proved to be the case when in the 9th minute Padraig Walsh played a play into the forward line. Mossy Keoghan got out in front of his marker collected possession before racing clear of Eoin O’Shea and striking a fierce shot beyond Loughs netminder, Stephen Murphy. Tullaroan keeper Niall Holland struck over another long-range free, while Shane Walsh registered two of his own, but Brian Hogan’s outfit replied via a brace from Sweeney. The speedy Cian Byrne popped over a lovely score, but again the Sweeney vs Shane Walsh battle continued, the placed ball men sharing four points with a nice Jamie Ryan effort in the mix also. The last two scores of an intriguing game of hurling came from The Sash, Mossy Keoghan and Dylan Simpson raising white flags to leave Mulcahy’s men four to the

good at the short whistle. When John Kennedy got play back underway, Shane Walsh tagged on another placed ball, while his captain, Bill Gaffney and the hardworking Gearoid Dunne got on the scoresheet with only one free from O’Loughlin’s in reply. Robbie Buckley notched a tidy score on 48 minutes, but again Shane Walsh fired over a brace of points to leave the Tullaroan lead at seven. Ruarc Sweeney collected another duo of scores, while Buckley registered his second of the afternoon. Dunne hit another quality score, while Peter Walsh rifled over a cracking point; the Sash lead sitting at four points. As the game entered additional time, there was drama at both ends of UPMC Nowlan Park. Gearoid Dunne was guilty of squandering a great opportunity, but quickly showed his defensive nous, diving to prevent the rampaging Loughs captain, Paddy Deegan striking for goal. Hogan’s men were pushing, knowing a major score was required, but this left space and that void was filled by sub; Ciallin Brennan who struck his sides second goal, which appeared to be the insurance score for Mulchay’s team. In a game of high excitement, there was another goal, one from Ruarc Sweeney, but time was not on the St Johns Park side, game set and match Tullaroan. The last of the quarter finals saw two teams from the South of the county go head-to-head. Reigning champions Shamrocks Ballyhale would have been expecting a real battle from the Pairc na Ratha men, and that’s exactly what developed at UPMC Nowlan Park. It would be one of their intercounty stars, Adrian Mullen, that reminded everyone of his class and quality, as

the flame-haired stickman notching 0-6 from play as his side won out by five points at the long whistle. The emergence of Niall Shortall as an influential ‘starter’ in the Shamrocks side has been a real bonus for Mark Aylward and the former St Kieran’s student struck another goal, benefiting from some nice play by Jake Mullen and the inform Brian Cody to leave the Tom Walsh holders with a five-point lead after eighteen minutes of action. Seamie Dollard’s side, like they always do, hit back with scores from captain Ian Byrne, Billy Reid and Darragh Hartley to help deadlock matters. Further points followed for Shamrocks, another sumptuous sideline cut from TJ, and scores from Bian Cody and young Cathal Coogan as the Holden Plant Rentals sponsored side headed to the changing rooms with a 3-point lead. When play resumed, Glenmore manufactured a couple of decent goal-scoring chances, but the experienced Ger Aylward and Cathal Beirne couldn’t raise the green flags necessary to really hurt their opponent, Dean Mason called into action to deny the first opportunity. TJ converted his opening free in the 45th minute, midway through a run of Shamrocks scores, six unanswered points which gave them some breathing space in a tightly contested last eight clash. TJ struck again from play, and Cody’s Eoin and Brian and another three points for the holders as they led by 7 points with about 3 minutes of normal time remaining. Seamie Dollard’s charges kept plugging away and registered two further points, courtesy of their captain, Ian Byrne and Ger Aylward, but when Owen Beehan sounded the long whistle, the margin was five.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Patrick Gannon and Claire McEntee, intend to apply for Permission for development consisting of a) Modifications and additions to the existing dwelling house including single storey rear extension, internal layout modifications, and modifications to the house elevations; b) Demolition of the existing house porch, and rear garden shed; c) All associated site works, at Tower Hill, Fairgreen, Ballyragget, 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.- 1.00 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. Signed Darragh Martin, Forbairt Design & Build, darragh@forbairtdb.ie

I, Nicholas Butler intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission for elevational changes (front porch existing pitched roof changed to a proposed flat roof, proposed first floor window enlargement over porch) to existing two storey detached dwelling and all associated site works at No. 20 Robertshill, Circular Road, Kilkenny. R95 V4H5. 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 9.00 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design & Build Ltd. www.ngdb.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Tommy Egan and Sarah Drennan, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to, a). develop a single-storey sustainable dwelling and garage, b) install a septic tank and percolation area, c). develop a new site entrance and all associated site works at Ballykeeffe, Cuffesgrange, 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 Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee 20 euros, within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TOMMY FANNING 49TH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Tommy, late of 104 Newpark Close who died on October 2nd 1977. We are sending a dove to heaven With a parcel on its wings Careful when you open it It’s full of beautiful things Inside are a million kisses Wrapped up in a million hugs To say how much I miss you And to send you all my love I hold you close within my heart And there you will remain To walk with me throughout my life Until we meet again Always loved and remembered by your wife Marian and your son Tommy.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. P.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026

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 2nd October 2026

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Classifieds

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 2nd October 2026