Kilkenny Observer 03 January 2025

Better mortgage deals

Every credit union to offer mortgages, current accounts and debit cards

Every credit union in the country will be able to offer mortgages, business loans, current accounts and debit cards, following landmark regulatory changes coming in 2025.

She said:

“We are at a landmark moment in the evolution of the role and value of the credit union sector in Ireland.”

The regulatory changes for

The changes are coming about due to the enactment of the Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023, a piece of legislation that is set to transform the sector, according to Helen Carbery, the new chief executive of the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA), a representative body for the lenders.

Maeve joins Royal College of Physicians

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland welcomed a new Member from Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny at a recent ceremony.

Dr Maeve O’Connor became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (MRCPI) at a special ceremony at No. 6 Kildare Street, Dublin. She pictured with Mr John O’Connor and Ms Angela O’Connor.

MRCPI is an internationally recognised benchmark of excellence, valued by healthcare employers worldwide, and is a major milestone on the path to becoming a specialist. Members join a global network of close to 13,000 respected physicians whose roots date back to 1654

credit unions coming in under the Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023 was one of the most important pieces of credit union legislation to ever be developed, she said. It will transform the whole credit union landscape, she said.

“It is thanks to this new legislation that for the first

time ever, all credit unions will be able to offer a service or product such as a mortgage to a member of another credit union, under a formal arrangement with that other credit union.”

This effectively means that every credit union in the country will be able to offer mortgages, business loans, current

accounts and debit cards.

Ms Carbery said smaller credit unions will be able to offer these services by essentially partnering with other credit unions or through credit union shared organisations.

Time of trauma and despair for 820 children

Childline has reported that 820 children and young people contacted Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service during the three days of Christmas, representing a 12% increase in connections made this year compared with Christmas 2023.  The heartbreaking data compiled over a three-day Christmas period (December 23, 24 and 25) shows that for many children, Christmas is not a time of joy but one of fear and misery as they contact Childline to talk about suicide, abuse, neglect, bereavement and loneliness

Sadly, such stark revelations come as no surprise to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers at ISPCC.

There has been a noticeable trend in the last year whereby those children engaging with Childline are at extremely high risk of harm.

Elizabeth Donlon Fox, National Childline Listening Co-ordinator, said:  “Our data reveals that December 26 was one of the busiest days of the year for our team of staff and volunteers at Childline, and that more

it like it is. And with no holds barred

than 250 children and young people reached out to us on that because of something that has happened to them over Christmas.”

John Church, CEO, ISPCC said: “For too many children and young people, Christmas simply doesn’t happen.

“They turn to Childline for support, and our amazing staff and volunteers

“Importantly, the legislation enables credit unions to maintain their independence and uniqueness while they partner with others to provide the services needed by their members,” she said.

are there for them 24/7 over Christmas, as they are throughout the year. We depend on donations for up to 90% of the funding which keeps us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

“Without this help, we would not be able to be here for every child who needs us.”

The act also modernises governance structures and reduces operational burdens on volunteer boards to enable credit unions to play a more active role in areas such as housing, SME lending, and environmental sustainability.

A Happy New Year to all

The Kilkenny Observer and its staff would like to thank all its readers and advertisers for the ongoing support in 2024. We hope to continue to grow that support in 2025.

A very Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful New Year to all of you. Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise.

St Luke’s plea on flu dangers

The annual winter flu sees more than 1,000 people are hospitalised with the flu, with the HSE CEO saying that the health system is “under pressure”. Bernard Gloster urged people who have flu symptoms to restrict their contacts and refrain from visiting people in hospital or care settings. At time of going to press, there were nine patients in St Luke’s who have it and while most people are not too hard hit by it, some can be.

Clinical Director Professor Garry Courtney says we all have a part to play in preventing it from spreading –including his own team. Full story, Page 6

Water worries

Up to 150 days of water outages a year by 2049 could face Irish householders and businesses if nothing is done to address infrastructure deficits, according to a worst-case scenario in an Uisce Éireann study.

Special report Page 14

Photo: Bobby Studio

Belgium first in EU to ban disposable vapes

Belgium will this month become the first European Union country to ban sales of disposable vapes because of concerns about their use among children and the environmental damage they can cause.

The move is part of an antitobacco drive in the western European country, where government data shows most young smokers start the habit with electronic cigarettes (vapes), rather than regular tobacco cigarettes.

“Disposable e-cigarettes are designed to attract young people, to appeal to new users who maybe never smoked,”

Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke told Reuters.

Supporters say vapes can help people to give up smoking regular cigarettes, but health authorities are concerned that their colourful designs and fruity flavours attract children. It is illegal in Belgium to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18.

In a 2022 World Health Organisation survey of 20,000 Belgian 11-to-18-year-olds, 12% said they had used a vape in the last 30 days – more than double the amount in 2018.

Germany and France are working on laws to ban singleuse vapes as is Ireland. Britain, no longer an EU member, will ban their sale in June.

The Department of Health

here has published the general scheme of the proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.

Vape advertising will be banned under the Bill except in dedicated vape shops, while new packaging restrictions will regulate colours and imagery as well as banning devices “resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games”.

Only tobacco-flavoured vapes will initially be allowed under the Bill, though provision will be included for the amendment of the list of allowed flavours as new evidence emerges.

Flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names will be banned outright.

Significantly, the Bill will provide for a prohibition on the import, manufacture and sale of single-use or disposable vapes.

Belgium hopes its ban will also reduce the environmental impact of discarded single-use vapes that contain plastics, chemicals and a non-rechargeable battery.

Steven Pomeranc, who owns an e-cigarette shop in Brussels, said he supported the ban and that most customers did not recycle their batteries.

“I think it’s a good thing for customers to use reusable models,” he said.

Flu sees 1,000 in hospital

The annual winter flu sees more than 1,000 people are hospitalised with the flu, with the HSE CEO saying that the health system is “under pressure”.

Bernard Gloster urged people who have flu symptoms to restrict their contacts and refrain from visiting people in hospital or care set-

tings. At time of going to press, there were nine patients in St Luke’s who have it and while most people are not too hard hit by it, some can be.

Clinical Director Professor Garry Courtney says we all have a part to play in preventing it from spreading – including his own team.

“We have vaccinated our

Budget 2025 kicks in putting cash in people’s pockets

Households will this month start to benefit from several changes announced in Budget 2025 as they put more money in people’s pockets.

Income tax changes could deliver savings of close to €800 for a worker on the average wage of €50,000.

The State pension will increase to €289.30 a week this month, a €12 hike.

From today, the Government is increasing the main tax credits – the personal, employee and earned income credits – by €125 each.

A tax credit is an amount you offset against the tax you pay, or an amount you can earn before paying tax.

This means the maximum employee tax credit for this year will be €2,000 for a single person.

Mr Chambers also provided for increases in the home carer tax credit and the single person child carer tax credit by €150 each and increases in the incapacitated child tax credit and blind person’s tax credit by €300 each.

There has also been an in-

crease of €60 in the dependent relative tax credit.

If you are married or in a civil partnership and both of you have PAYE income, you are both entitled to claim the employee tax credit.

There is also a €2,000 increase in what is called the standard rate cut-off point.

It means workers will be able to earn more before paying the top tax rate of 40%, the standard rate cut-off point goes from €42,000 to €44,000.

Mr Chambers also reduced the Universal Social Charge (USC) middle rate from 4% to 3%. This applies to income between €25,000 and €70,000.

The entry threshold to the new 3% USC rate is being increased by €1,622 to €27,382, in line with the increase to the national minimum wage.

This means that a full-time worker on the minimum wage will get an increase in their net take-home pay of €1,424 a year.

A single person earning €20,000 or less this year will now be outside the income tax net.

MEP: Follow Spain in lowering drink drive limits

Ireland South MEP and member of the EU Transport Committee, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has said Ireland should follow Spain’s lead in reducing our blood alcohol limit for drink driving from 0.5 grammes per litre down to 0.2 grammes per litre.

According to Ms Ní Mhurchú, the new lower limit that Spain has introduced puts them on the same level as Norway and Sweden, two of the safest countries in Europe in terms of road safety.

She said testing for drink driving in the Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow districts

staff, and we hope, and we’ll get through it without losing too many staff to flu, but of course staff have to stay at home like everybody else if they get the flu.”

The HSE said this number was “increasingly rapidly” and that hospitals are “extremely busy”, with GP out-ofhours services, GP surgeries,

ambulance services, hospital emergency departments and inpatient services “all feeling the effects of respiratory illnesses, primarily influenza”.

Mr Gloster said there were 322 people waiting on hospital trolleys “and they were being cared for in both hospital wards and in our EDs”.

“All our staff and systems

are responding and managing very well.

‘Even though we have improved on recent years, there is no doubt that the system is under pressure.”

Mr Gloster said the health service is urging everyone to help and cooperate with infection prevention control measures that are currently in operation in hospitals. This includes any visitor restrictions that may be in place. “We know that can be difficult for families and loved ones, especially at this time of year, but we must protect our patients and prevent the spread of infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings,” he said.

Mount Juliet celebrates the double at 59Club

Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club and their Director of Golf, Matt Sandercock have been inducted into the 59Club’s ‘Eminent Collection’ at the end of season 2024 59Club Dinner. At the ceremony held in The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Mount Juliet Estate’s Director of Golf and PGA Fellow Matt Sandercock collected the two awards, one for Mount Juliet Estate Golf and one award which saw his own endeavours at Mount Juliet Estate recognised by the judging panel.

by Gardai had remained relatively static with a marginal increase towards the end of 2023. The number of Mandatory Intoxication Testing Checkpoints conducted by An Garda Síochána in Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow increased from 749 checkpoints in Q4 2022 to 754 checkpoints in Q4 2023.  Ms Ní Mhurchú also feels we should follow the lead of countries like Italy and Germany in lowering the legal alcohol limits for Learner Drivers to zero. According to Ní Mhurchú, learner drivers should not be allowed to consume any alcohol when learning how to drive.

The 59club’s Annual

Dinner distinguishes individuals and venues within the global golf hospitality industry for customer service excellence and sales performance. Judging is conducted through an anonymous visitor program, allocating scores to detailed benchmarks of service and operations.

After winning the coveted ‘Gold Flag’ award for 2024, Mount Juliet Estate was also invited into the coveted 59Club ‘Eminent Collection’. This is a collection of the best performing venues worldwide, that excel in cus-

tomer service over a 5-year period at the highest level.

In addition to the venue being assessed during this period, the 59Club also recognised the work of Matt Sandercock, the Mount Juliet Estate Director of Golf and PGA Fellow, into their ‘Eminent Collection’ for 2025. One of only four individuals worldwide to receive the accolade at the awards ceremony.

Mr Sandercock said: “I am honoured to be recognised alongside a distinguished list of people who have also received ‘Eminent Status’,

makes me very proud. We have achieved a lot over the past five years at Mount Juliet Estate from the development of the course and academy, to hosting two Irish Open tournaments.”

Mount Juliet General Manager Mark Dunne said, “We are delighted to be recognised by the 59Club panel. Entry in to the ‘Eminent Collection’ is deserved recognition for Matt and his team for their dedication and passion in delivering a magnificent golfing experience for guests, members and competing pro-golfers.”

Wexford death sees men held by Gardaí

The death of a man who was found with suspected head injuries at a house in Co Wexford on New Year’s Eve is being investigated by Gardaí.

The man, named locally as John O’Connor, who was 58, was pronounced dead at the property in Cluain Fada, New Ross.

At time of going to press, a man aged in his 30s was ar-

rested nearby a short time later and remained in Garda custody on suspicion of assault. Twenty four hours later a second person was arrested. It is understood the first suspect is known to local Gardaí.

Sources said Mr O’Connor was found at around 11am by emergency services with injuries to his head.

However, Gardaí said they are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to see if he was assaulted or if the injuries were the result of an accident.

News of his death shocked the local community, where neighbours described him as a “lovely and kind man”.

This is the second tragedy to rock the community in New

Ross within a month.

December 1.

Local councillor John Dwyer said the two tragedies in such a short space of time have devastated the town.

“This is only a small town of 7,500 people. The people of the town knew John O’Connor,” he said. The case is ongoing.

Malika Noor Al Katib (8) was fatally stabbed on

The Fact Of The Matter

Paul

Hopkins

Reeling in the years, and getting older

It seems like it was only yesterday that I wrote in this column, Where did that year go, what with 2024 just upon us? Now, here I am again, wondering where the last 12 months went. I may not be any the wiser but I am, unfortunately, another year older and it seems, with each passing year, time flies at an alarming pace.

In research from the University of Kansas to understand this phenomenon, scientists tested the theory, first proposed by the contemporary physicist and philosopher Douglas Hofstadter, that time appears to speed up because we start grouping distinct individual experiences into larger ‘chunks’, like all our Christmases into one. When we are young we have many big moments, experienced for the first time. So, going to a park can be quite a big deal, with many memorable sensations experienced.

But, as you grow older, going to that park offers fewer and fewer new experiences. So, we start collapsing them into memory ‘chunks’, putting everything that happened simply under ‘a walk in the park’ — making that particular span of time feel brief. At least that’s Hofstadter’s contention and backed up by the findings at the University of Kansas.

Although I do my very best not to dwell on this inevitable aspect of ageing, I can imagine that, for many people of my vintage, perceiving life as rapidly slipping away can prove unpleasant and somewhat demotivating, psychologically harmful even which may in part explain mid-life depression for many people. Or, at the very least, a sense of nostalgia for things gone by, to which I put my hands up. A new Irish study, released earlier this month, shows that we are all living longer.

It’s a Western world factor too. Centenarians here were born before the foundation of the State and are one of the fastest-growing demographics in Ireland. (There’s hope for me yet.) The study gives a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of people who have lived beyond 100 years.

The group — who have lived through the Civil War, World War II, the advent of electricity and the Moon landing, never mind the smartphone — has almost doubled in five years to 736 last year (2023) compared to 386 in 2018. While advances in medicine and better nutrition are cited as reasons to explain exceptionally long lives, the Irish study has also examined the psychological and social factors. The study of 17 Irish centenarians — 10 women and seven men — gives an insight into their childhoods, their ties to family and friends, their religious beliefs and their outlook on

lifestyle and ageing itself. The pivotal role of the family was a theme that ran through the study. Many participants recalled being nurtured and protected and most remembered their childhoods in a “remarkably positive manner” despite their various hard-

“A new Irish study shows that we are all living longer...

ships during a “tumultuous epoch of Irish history”. Participants also remarked on the value of belonging to their wider communities.

The author of the study, Dr Alison Fagan, a lecturer at the Department of Nursing and Healthcare at the Technological University of the Shannon, said: “What became really apparent from the interviews was the absolute importance centenarians placed on their social connectedness. This connectivity though wasn’t something that became significant as they aged, but was notable throughout their lifetimes. They placed a lot of emphasis on relationships that were curated and fostered from a young age.”

She said religion also fostered friendships and relationships in their lives.

Meantime, I endeavour to live life each day in the ‘moment’. A kind of mindfulness, if you like, which is

all the buzz at the moment. Living ‘in the moment’ seems to allow me to appreciate such moments more fully, creating meaningful memories. At the end of the day, these days I find myself more often re-sensitised to the satisfaction of the simple things life offers. Spring was never so vibrant but autumn does, most days, seem richly gold. Increasingly, I find people are of abiding interest — observed on the street, overheard on the bus, down the pub of an evening. Small pleasures have greater meaning now; that pint, the walk by the mill, my best female friend, my daughter’s phone call, my four beautiful granddaughters... In their own way, such simple things counteract life’s quickening pace.

That I have lived another year is a miracle in itself. May your New Year bring you all the good life has to offer. Miracles even...

Wicklow's Aengus Cox appointed new RTÉ agri corr

Wicklow native Aengus Cox is RTÉ's new Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent. Mr Cox has worked with RTÉ News across radio, television and online since 2012. He has reported for, edited, and presented RTÉ's flagship radio news programme Morning Ireland. As a reporter for Morning Ireland he regularly covered food production, the envi-

USIT launches 'life-changing' Camp US 2025 programme

USIT, Ireland’s leading work abroad and travel experts, has announced the launch of its popular Camp USA Package for Summer 2025. Summer camps across the USA are already recruiting counsellors, and those interested are encouraged to secure their placement sooner rather than later.

As one of Ireland’s most affordable options, USIT’s €449 programme package offers a guaranteed payment of $2,250 at the end of the summer — an increase from last year and the highest available to Irish participants. The programme covers everything from placement, food, and accommodation to three months of medical insurance, DS 2019 work papers (allowing 30 days of travel after camp), J1 visa application, and full pre-departure support from the USIT team.

Key benefits of the USIT Camp USA 2025 package include:

• €449 programme cost with a guaranteed $2,250 payment at summer’s end

• 8 to 10-week placements running from early June to late August

• Food, accommodation, and three months of medical insurance included

• DS 2019 work papers, J1 visa assistance, and 30 days of travel time after camp

• Full support from USIT, including US Embassy preparation and pre-departure orientation

Ideal for first and secondyear college students, Camp

USA offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work abroad in a safe and friendly environment. Participants must be 18 by the June 1 2025 and up to the age of 30 to be eligible to apply, offering flexibility to suit various schedules. Whether you're looking to build lifelong friendships, explore the US, or boost your CV, this experience is perfect for anyone ready for a summer of adventure.

Niall Callaghan, Camp USA Programme Coordinator at USIT, who has been a camp counsellor six times himself, says: “Camp USA is more than just a summer job – it’s a transformative experience. Year after year, we see students return with new skills, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. With demand higher than ever, we encourage students to apply early and secure their spot for a summer of adventure, growth, and opportunity.”

USIT’s comprehensive support ensures that participants can enjoy their summer adventure, while all logistics are handled by the expert team. From the application process to the final day of camp, USIT will be there every step of the way. With placements filling fast, we encourage interested applicants to apply now to guarantee their ideal camp placement.

*To learn more, register for upcoming virtual Q&A sessions and explore full package details at https://www.usit.ie/experiences/summer-camps/campusa/.

Gallagher appointed CEO of Irish hotels

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Gallagher as its new Chief Executive. With over four decades in the tourism and hospitality industry, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and senior leadership expertise to the role, positioning the IHF for continued success as the national rep-

ronment, biodiversity and regular investigative features on the reasons behind steep rises in the cost of motor and public liability insurance.

Previously,  Aengus Cox worked as a business reporter for RTÉ News where he covered a wide range of topics including personal finance, housing, the cost of living and  an extensive series on Brexit which looked at the

impact the UK leaving the EU was having on various sectors such as agriculture and IT. He has also reported from London during the summer on the British General Election and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Most recently he travelled to Sudan, where he was one of the few Western journalists reporting from inside the country on the devastation caused by

the ongoing civil war there in a special series for all RTÉ News platforms.

Prior to working with RTÉ, Aengus Cox was a reporter and presenter with East Coast Radio in his home county of Wicklow. He hosted a weekend current affairs programme on the station discussing the issues facing people in both urban and rural parts of the county.

Mr Cox said he was excited to take on the role, saying: "Farming in Ireland has reached a pivotal point, with competing pressures from key environmental targets and the ever-increasing cost of doing business. Farmers are looking to quickly adapt practices in reducing carbon emissions, while at the same time needing to stay competitive."

€1m. fund to tackle literacy needs

Minister for Further and Higher Education Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced funding of €1 million to support adults with unmet literacy, numeracy, digital and financial literacy needs.

The Minister made the announcement as the latest figures from the Programme for International Assessment for Adult Competencies (PIAAC), published by the OECD, showed that one in four adults in Ireland struggle with everyday maths, while 29% of adults are at Level 1 or below for adaptive problem solving.

Furthermore, one in five adults in Ireland, aged between 16-65, are at or

below Level 1 in literacy. This means that around 740,000 adults in Ireland struggle with reading and understanding everyday text.

They may, for example, be unable to fill in a form, read instructions on medicines, add up a bill, and help children with homework.

Minister O’Donovan said: "I am delighted to launch the 2025 Collaboration and Innovation Fund. Over the last number of years, the fund has supported almost 150 innovative projects in communities across Ireland.

“We know that accessing literacy supports can be very difficult for people, and the recent survey by the OECD

shows that unmet literacy needs are prevalent in our society.

“Literacy is a human right as it allows us to fully engage in society and be active citizens. We must do more to support people with unmet literacy needs as we know there is often a stigma attached to not being able to read, write, or participate in the world online, and it can create isolation," he said.

“Initiatives such as the Collaboration and Innovation Fund are vital with critical investment used to support projects and activities that enable adults to gain the necessary literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial literacy

they need to fully engage in society and realise their potential.”

Kevin O’Brien, member of the CCPC, said: “We’re delighted that the CCPC is partnering with SOLAS to fund financial literacy projects though the Collaboration and Innovation Fund.

“We want more adults across Ireland to have access to practical tools and education to manage their finances effectively. By partnering with SOLAS we hope to reach those communities that need it most.”

Further information about last year’s projects are available on the Adult Literacy for Life website.

Countdown is on for Kilkenny sports clubs

resentative body for over 900 hotels and guesthouses.

Paul will oversee the strategic direction and operation of the IHF, working closely with industry partners, Government and State agencies on behalf of the hotels sector to ensure the right conditions are in place to support the growth and development of Irish tourism.

Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan (pictured) has issued a call to sports clubs in Kilkenny reminding members that the countdown is on to the January 31 closing date by which applications for a €5,000 award under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative must be made.

Noting the benefit to be gained by the award, the popular broadcaster and adjudicator confirmed that “entry is open to all clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal, or gender,

including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.”

Now in its fifth year, the annual initiative has already seen funding of over €500,000 distributed to clubs across the 26 counties, of which €20,000 has come to Co. Kilkenny with successful applicants Kilkenny Hockey Club (2021), Marble City Boxing Club (2022), Piltown AFC Football Club (2023) and Kilfane Handball Club (2024) receiving €5,000 in each case.

Further information can be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

PHOTO: April Walker / Unsplash

As I See It Marianne Heron

Can we restore threatened Nature in Ireland?

Meadows and hedgerows were a thing of wonder when I was growing up. They were starred with wild flowers with evocative names: Ragged Robin, Lady’s Bedstraw, Scarlet Pimpernel, Bird’s Foot Trefoil and Cowslips. When I walked on the short turf by the sea in Co. Down I trod on the miniature faces of Heart’s Ease and wild Thyme. Not anymore, for those flowers are gone, supplanted by pasture grass fuelled by fertiliser.

The sounds that lifted my heart then are nearly gone too, cuckoos and swallows arriving in spring, corncrakes, soaring skylarks and curlews trilling the shoreline. Habitat loss and intensive agriculture methods are blamed for their disappearance but, as the days lengthen and the spring bulbs begin to show, I wonder if we will ever get these flora and fauna back?

The answer is that we can, at least to some extent, if we are prepared to make the effort:

that is the hopeful message in Richard Nairn’s book Future Wild about nature restoration in Ireland. We have heard a lot about rewilding, like leaving areas of lawn unmown. While rewilding leaves nature to its own devices, restoration is more proactive in that it “requires continual management from people to ensure that nature can survive and prosper” as Nairn puts it.

“Nature restoration in certain types of habitats requires intervention to restart the natural processes that have been interrupted.”

The difficulty with biodiversity loss is that it happens slowly so that it the incremental effect can go unnoticed. At national level we have the 4th National Diversity Action Plan and the overarching EU Nature Restoration Law 1924, where overseeing biodiversity is the responsibility of National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Local Government and

Heritage but how do things actually work out locally in practice?

Nairn’s book has plenty of encouraging examples. The Bride Project in the Bride River Valley in Cork and Waterford is a good example of the way nature restoration and farming can co-exist, without impacting productivity, (Bride also stands for Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairying Environment.)

It was designed by farmers for farmers and farmers get extra payments for increased biodiversity gains with innovative measures like skylark plots, new wildflower mixes for pollinators, hedgerow management, ponds and nest box schemes.

Another is the Burrenbeo Trust, an offshoot of the Burren Programme, which has set up a network of farmers, tourism interests and naturalists involved in appreciation of the Burren and encouraging good nature restoration man-

agement on farms through the Farming for Nature network. Can bird species make a comeback? They can if a restoration project in Co. Wicklow for breeding waders

“Nature restoration in certain habitats requires intervention

is anything to judge by. The NPWS bought a stretch of coastal grassland and a lagoon near Kilcoole, water levels were managed, wet pools and muddy edges created and an electric fence to deter predators like mink and foxes introduced. From just five nests in 2017 the number was up to 76 for 10 different bird species, including lapwing, redshank and plover, by 2023.

Our freshwater systems are in crisis. “The number of rivers that can be described to a handful,” writes Nairn. But the main pollutants, run off fertiliser and slurry can be dealt with by creating settlement ponds with wetland plants to absorb the nutrient or plantations of trees on river banks to form a buffer.

Restorative measures can really make a difference to our rivers where fragmentation with artificial barriers interrupting their flow and the movement of fish and animals is a problem. Some of these,

like old mill races are obsolete and their removal or the introduction of fish ladders beside weirs would help fish, salmon, trout and lamprey reach their spawning grounds. Nature can be resilient, there are now revenant buzzards gliding the thermals close to my home in Co. Wicklow and adventurous Greater Spotted Woodpeckers which arrived from Wales and are now established on the West Coast. Red squirrels are making a comeback, thanks to the return of the Pine Martin, which preys on the less nimble grey squirrels which were responsible for the decline of the reds.

Nature is generous too, my favourite gift this year was the Christmas Eve sight of two otters playing together as they shared a fishy feast on an old pier in Connemara.

Future Wild by Richard Nairn is published by New Island Books

Reflections on 2024

Here at the Natural Health Store, we’ve had a rollercoaster of a year. Happy times and new milestones reached were sadly interwoven with several bereavements amongst ourselves and our staff. However, there is also hope amongst this sadness in the form of the birth of Natural Health Store’s first baby, a beautiful baby boy – a big congratulations to his family. This year, Wexford welcomed the Plein Air Painting Festival, the Fleadh Cheoil, the Wex-

ford Festival Opera and the Fringe Events in the Spiegel tent, bringing lots of new faces for us into the store.

In Kilkenny, Market Cross Shopping Centre celebrated 30 years of business, and we celebrated alongside them with an Outdoor Broadcast, bringing Community Radio Kilkenny City into the Shopping Centre. With the support of many of the wholesalers that we deal with, we were able to organise fantastic prizes and giveaways throughout the year, along with fantastic sales such as our Green Friday Deals. Training our staff on new products and keeping up with trends is always paramount and we were very busy in that regard this year.

Almost every week there is new research or a new product to get to know. We had lots of in-stores, with company reps coming into the store to chat with you directly and to keep us up to date as well. These are important events as we feel that we are cutting out the middleman, giving you a chance to talk directly to experts in their given fields. There were several products that caught the attention of customers: Celtic Sea Salt, Castor Oil, Peppermint Oil (for creepy crawly control), Shilajit, and Batana Oil to name but a few. These can be one week wonders or they can create a storm, so we must keep ourselves constantly informed. One of the interesting new products was Revive Active’s Omega 3 fish oil, the first plant-based enteric coated fish oil capsule to be launched globally. The capsule does not dissolve in the stomach, instead breaking down in the upper intestinal tract. This new technology ensures there is no fishy aftertaste, and customers have reported that they are happy with it. Overall, 2024 was an interesting year for us and we would like to wish you all a Happy New Year for the year ahead.

CLAIR WHITTY

SPECIAL REPORT

Ireland is now the fifth most attractive country in the world to invest in renewable energy projects on a GDPnormalised basis according to the latest EY Renewable Energy Attractiveness Index. Now in its 63rd edition, the index ranks the world’s top 40 markets based on their attractiveness for investment in renewable energy and deployment opportunities.

The largest global markets including the US, China and Germany naturally tend to top the index due to the scale of their energy demand but there are many smaller markets like Ireland where renewable energy is growing rapidly and becoming highly attractive to investors. GDP-normalisation allows a fair comparison between all markets, regardless of size. Ireland follows behind Denmark, Greece, Chile, and Australia in the normalised ranking.

Ireland’s ambitious energy transition plans and progressive decarbonisation policies are creating significant opportunities for investors in the country’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

During 2023, an additional 600MW of new grid-scale renewable energy was installed across the country – 200MW of wind and 400MW solar. This represents a tripling of the 200MW that was connected in 2022. While this is significant progress, more will need to be done if Ireland is to meet its targets of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. This will require an average increase of 1.6GW annually.

This is in line with the global trend where, despite investment in clean energy reaching a record US$1.8 trillion in 2023, including US$660 billion earmarked for renewables, the overall target of a tripling in renewable

capacity by 2030 is likely to be missed by around 20%.

Renewables generating capacity is not the only issue at play, however. Decades of underinvestment in grid infrastructure have led to severe constraints in terms of connecting renewable power. A 2023 International Energy Agency report found that globally approximately 1,500GW of renewables capacity was languishing in ever-lengthening queues awaiting grid connections. There is a need to redouble the focus on finding solutions that will accelerate delivery and connectivity of renewable energy at scale.

In Ireland, EirGrid has responded with its ambitious Shaping Our Energy Future investment strategy which aims to make the grid ready to carry 80% of Ireland’s electricity from renewable

sources. This is undoubtedly contributing to Ireland’s attractiveness for investment in renewable generating capacity.

Indeed, progress made to date has been impressive and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that power generation emissions decreased by a record 21.6% (2.2 Mt CO2eq) in 2023.

Another contributory factor is the growth in the Irish Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPA) market where businesses commit to purchase electricity directly from renewable sources. Ireland climbed one place to rank 16th in the EY Global CPPA Index in 2023. This reflects a growing use of these agreements in Ireland as organisations continue to invest in renewable energy both to meet their energy needs and

to deliver on ambitious individual climate commitments. Also playing in Ireland’s favour is the significant progress being made in battery energy storage systems (BESS) capacity. As renewables proliferate and electrification of the economy grows, BESS will play a key role in a dynamic energy system by smoothing supply and demand peaks and helping defer the cost of grid expansion and upgrades. Data from the International Energy Agency projects a fourfold increase in global BESS deployment between 2023 and 2030. Governments around the world have been taking action to boost this growth.

The US, bolstered by a 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, takes the top spot in the new EY ranking of the world’s most attractive markets for BESS investment.

China, which is deploying strong government support and subsidies with the aim of reducing BESS costs by 30% by 2025, is a close second.

The UK, with a new energy bill that classifies BESS as a generation asset, is in third spot.

Fortunately, the Irish Government understands the importance of BESS and, as part of the Climate Action Plan, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications recently published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework. This policy clarifies the key role of electricity storage in Ireland’s transition to an electricity-led system, supports Irelands 2030 climate targets, and is a stepping stone on Ireland’s path to net zero carbon emissions.

Ireland now has over 1GW of electricity storage con-

nected to the grid – enough to power the equivalent of approximately 450,000 homes for one hour. This includes just over 730MW of battery storage. With Ireland’s current peak demand just under 6GW, it is very promising that a significant amount of BESS is already operating in our electricity system and some 4.45GW of battery storage capacity is projected to be installed by 2030. Against this backdrop of enlightened and ambitious Government policies, growing demand for electricity from renewable sources, grid upgrades to support the incorporation of additional renewable power, and a strong pipeline of battery storage projects, Ireland is in a strong position to maintain its attractiveness for investment in renewable energy projects.

Our water not good reason to raise a glass Ireland fifth most attractive country to invest in renewable energy projects

Up to 150 days of water outages a year by 2049 could face Irish householders and businesses if nothing is done to address infrastructure deficits, according to a worst-case scenario in an Uisce Éireann study.

A cost-benefit analysis prepared by consultants EY showed maintaining current water supplies and capacity in the greater Dublin area would not be enough to prevent mass outages in future.

Its worst-case scenario predictions said on an average year from the mid-2040s onwards with higher than anticipated demand for water and supply challenges, households could expect to “suffer approximately 80 days outages per annum”. This would rise to about 150 days

for the average household by 2049. “These would clearly be catastrophic outcomes,” the report said. “Avoiding such an outcome clearly has a major positive impact on society and the economy.”

However, even delivering the Shannon pipeline would

not prevent water outages in the report’s worst-case scenarios.

It said in the event of a very dry year with higher than expected water demand and supply pressures, households and businesses throught Ireland could still experience some disruption after

the pipeline had been constructed.

In such pessimistic scenarios, installing a desalination plant instead of building the Shannon scheme would also not prevent outages.

The “theoretical forecast” for water supply and demand used by EY was generated by Uisce Éireann.

Uisce Éireann said the optimistic and pessimistic scenarios presented in the exercise have been given a “low probability likelihood”.

A review of the Shannon proposal by consultants HR Wallingford showed “the scheme is flexible and can meet a wide range of future supply and demand scenarios”.

Optimistic scenarios presented in EY’s analysis suggested if current water sup-

plies and infrastructure were maintained, with minimal work done to upgrade them, households could experience 30 to 70 days of outages per year by 2049.

“Given Uisce Éireann’s remit to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable longterm water supplies to facilitate domestic and economic development, and the size of the supply deficit forecast for the region over the evaluation period, the ‘do nothing’ option was not chosen. In this context Uisce Éireann could not ‘do nothing’,” a spokesman for the company said.

Optimistic scenarios forecast lower than expected demand from customers, less leakage, greater network reliability, sustainable levels of abstractions from water

sources and less adverse climate change impacts. Pessimistic scenarios forecast the opposite.

EY’s study also showed there is a risk of more immediate disruption to the water network, with between two million and 6.4 million “household disruption days” a year between 2025 and 2029. This is accumulated, so if 500,000 households experienced five days of supply outage in a year the number of household disruption days would be 2.5 million.

A spokesman for the company said it would continue to manage supply systems to minimise disruption by carefully handling the storage of treated water, pressure management and avoiding daytime outages where possible.

Opinion

Time to reassess your budgeting and debt Your Money & You

The start of a new year, much like any other, brings its own mix of challenges and opportunities. Now is the time to reassess and realign your budgeting and debt management strategies. Ignoring the incoming Christmas bills will not help. You need to take charge. Use some or all of the following practical steps toward your financial stability and peace of mind. Review Your Finances: Begin by getting a clear picture of your current financial situation. Review your income, expenses, and outstanding debts. Most importantly, specify your goals for the coming year, for example, paying off that loan, starting a savings account, or planning a family holiday. If you have a clear goal, you will keep your focus.

A great resource for getting started is the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) website. They offer useful

John Ellis

tools like a debt checklist, financial planning spreadsheets, but especially try the spending calculator (sobering!) — all free at www.ccpc. ie.

Create A Precise Budget:

An effective budget reflects all areas of your family’s life both fixed and variable expenses. See saving as essential as even a small amount set aside regularly will grow into a significant emergency fund or contribute toward education or retirement. Consider using budgeting apps to simplify the process and gain insights into spending habits. The MABS online app, “My Budget,” is a secure tool to track your expenses and contrast them with your income with your information staying private.

Deal with high-interest debt first:

Debt is a major strain especially after Christmas for many families. Focus on paying down high-interest debts like credit and store

cards. These can mount up if left unchecked. Consider combining debts or negotiating lower interest rates with creditors. You could opt for a term loan to amalgamate your debts, but you need to be disciplined: immediately cut up those paid-off credit cards!

Should you get a windfall such as a tax refund or a bonus put the majority toward reducing your outstanding debts. Progress will seem slow at first but persist as each payment brings you closer to financial freedom. Be or become prepared for the unexpected. Life often

throws the unexpected at us so build an emergency fund. Plan to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses as a shield against unexpected challenges like medical emergencies, car repairs, or job loss. Should the worst happen be careful how you use your

savings. Do not rush to pay off whoever “shouts the loudest,” instead, manage your obligations wisely and talk with your creditors, most are understanding and willing to work with you during tough times.

Teach your children financial literacy: Financial planning is for all the family so involve your children in age-appropriate discussions about budgeting and saving. Teaching them about responsible spending sets them up for a lifetime of good habits. So, as we move on and out into 2025, with wise saving, sensible spending, and careful planning you will set the foundation for a year of financial security with resulting happiness. Hopefully this time next year you will have 12 months of progress to celebrate. So, here is to a prosperous and stress-free 2025!

john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Science & Wellbeing

Martin Heidegger (September 1889 – May 1976) was a German philosopher best known for work that covers a wide range of topics including ontology, technology, art, metaphysics, humanism, language and history of philosophy.

He is often considered to be among the most important and influential philosophers of the 20th century.

So many of our choices do not pass our conscious decision-making process. They are the result of our underlying moods. For Martin Heidegger, moods show how much we are “thrown” in the world — they nudge our decisions, they frame the world, and they define our experiences.

What made you start to read this article? What part of your bubbling unconscious made you open this page today? I suspect there wasn’t much of a conscious decision. You probably didn’t stare into space for five seconds weighing up the pros and cons of doing so. Something about you, something in your being, pushed you to open this article.

This article will carry on a bit longer, but will you? Because just as there was something that made you turn to it, there will be something that makes you read to the end or something that pulls you away.

There is no easy answer to what that thing is. The neurolimbic, biological processes underpinning decision-making are unknown to the best of modern science, let alone available to you right now. And those swirling, unseen forces deserve more recognition. They push us far more than we appreciate.

For Martin Heidegger, we need to pay far more philosophical attention to our moods.

You are a moody person. Your moods define how you perceive the world. They define how you remember the world. Your moods define what the world even means.

That daily cuppa may be causing harm to your health – or at the very least our environment

A recent study conducted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) revealed alarming levels of microplastic and nanoplastic particles released from commonly used teabags. According to research published in the journal Chemosphere, a single teabag can release approximately 1.2 billion micro and nanoplastic particles into each millilitre of water when brewed. This finding raises concerns about a hidden source of plastic pollution in everyday life.

The invisible puppet master pulling your strings

And that’s why Heidegger thought they were so important.

Moods are not the same as emotions. Emotions are temporary moments of feeling that act as a kind of response to the world. They bubble up from inside in reply to some thought or experience. They might linger or disappear. They might be strong or barely noticeable. But emotions are often far more reducible to a kind of input-output model. While they might force our

minds a certain way and motivate our actions, they do not define our life as much as our moods do.

Heidegger argues that moods show us how far we are “thrown” into this world because moods will cut out the kind of world we see. As Heidegger put it, “moods are prior to all volition and cognition, but yet beyond disclosure”. They are the unknown and unseen, like some invisible puppet master pulling the strings.

Heidegger talks about anxiety, for example, as different from the temporary state of fear because the anxious person sees everything through their anxious lens. Things of great magnitude are reduced to nothing, while trifles are made into terrible beasts. And the same could be said of the depressive, the joyful, or the restless person. All are moods, and all are vantage points on the world.

We are slaves to our moods, those untold and unseen

The study focused on teabags made from three different materials: nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose. Researchers discovered that these bags release immense numbers of particles when immersed in hot water. Polypropylene teabags were identified as the largest emitter among the materials tested, releasing approximately 1.2 billion particles per millilitre, averaging 136.7 nanometers in size, as reported by Science Alert. Cellulose teabags, often perceived as a more natural option, were not exempt from

contributing to microplastic pollution. The research indicated that cellulose teabags released about 135 million particles per millilitre, with an average size of 244 nanometers. This poses health risks despite the material being considered more eco-friend-

ly, according to Earth.com. Nylon-6 teabags typically released 8.18 million particles per millilitre, averaging 138.4 nanometers in size, which is fewer than the other materials tested, as noted by Earth.com.

To analyse the particles generated during brewing,

moodiness.

Try another day. As you sit down at your desk on a Monday morning, there will be some jobs you have to do there and then, but others you have to do “at some point” between now and a distant deadline. Being aware of our moods demands that we respect “at some point” more.

Read the signs. One of the defining characteristics of Heidegger’s theory of “mood” is that it happens to us. We wake up in a mood. We are overcome by a mood. Our minds are saturated by a mood. But that doesn’t mean that we need to be entirely passive when it comes to moods. Because moods are one of the oldest, and most helpful, tools by which to make decisions. Even so-called “negative moods” are not negative at all but hugely useful tools. They are like a red warning light in the car. They are telling you something, and you need to address it.

This reframing of “negative moods” helps us deal with them. Anxiety is not something to suffocate under. It’s a tool to put on the table and study. It’s a letter from a concerned friend. Moods can tell us if we’re unhappy in a job or a new role. They can tell us if we need to change something at work or take time to appreciate what we have.

preconditions of perception. Heidegger’s point is that when we consider our moods more, we realise just how arbitrary decisions can be sometimes.

The reason you’re reading this article is because of your mood this morning. On another day, in a different mood, you’d have moved on looking for cat stories.

So how can we apply our newly earned Heideggerian awareness to our daily worklives? Here are three practical applications of philosophical

the UAB team employed techniques including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. These methods allowed the scientists to collect detailed information on the pollution of the beverage, including the number, size, and composition of the particles released during infusion, as reported by Earth.com.

“We have managed to innovatively characterise these pollutants with a set of cutting-edge techniques, which is a very important tool to advance research on their possible impacts on human health,” said Alba Garcia, a researcher at the UAB, according to a report by ndtv.com.

The study also explored how these microplastics and nanoplastics interact with human intestinal cells. After 24 hours, a specific type of digestive cell that produces

A bad day. You are not the only moody person in the room. Everyone in your office, meeting, Zoom chat, or café is moody. Every interaction we have with another human being is filtered through moods. Their moods will make them say a thing, and your moods will make you interpret it a certain way. If someone says something harsh to you — someone who is normally level-headed and kind — then try to frame it in a Heideggerian way. Something about their mood that day erupted in that. Or, alternatively, something in your mood made you sensitive to it.

mucus in the intestines absorbed considerable amounts of micro and nanoplastics. This indicates the key role of digestive mucus in this process, as reported by Boing Boing. Some particles were detected entering the cell nucleus, where genetic material resides, posing possible biological risks and potential interference with cellular functions, according to Real Life.

Researchers warn that once absorbed, microplastic and nanoplastic particles can reach the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, raising concerns about their potential health effects. These include oxidative stress, toxic chemical release, microbiome disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects, as reported by ndtv.com. “The results show that these teabags are a significant source of microplastic contamination,” Garcia stated, as reported by Milenio.

From otherworldly landscapes to architectural marvels and quirky cultural sites, the continent of Europe is brimming with extraordinary places that challenge our expectations and spark our sense of wonder.

These hidden gems offer travellers the chance to experience Europe in a whole new light, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Meteora, Greece

Greece’s Meteora presents a different kind of wonder for those seeking surreal places to visit in Europe.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Greece, ancient monasteries perch precariously atop towering rock pillars, seeming to defy gravity.

Visitors can climb to these spiritual retreats, marvelling at their natural beauty and the ingenuity of the monks who built them centuries ago.

Santuario Madonna della Corona Monestery, Italy

The Santuario Madonna della Corona Monastery in Italy is an architectural marvel built into the side of a cliff.

This precarious structure offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and a sense of spiritual tranquility. It is one of those places that looks unreal but exists ! It’s a testament to human ingenuity and faith, making it one of the most unique destinations in Europe.

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy is a unique town in Europe. Often called the “dying town,” this ancient hilltop village is accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge.

Perched on a crumbling volcanic rock and constantly threatened by erosion, it offers a haunting glimpse into a vanishing way of life.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands in Norway represent one of the most unusual European holiday destinations (and one of the most beautiful in Norway).

This arctic archipelago boasts dramatic landscapes where jagged peaks rise directly from the sea, picturesque fishing villages dot the coastline, and the Northern Lights dance across the winter sky. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, kayak, or even surf in this stunning natural playground.

Mont Saint-Michel, France

Mont Saint-Michel in France is one of the most unusual European holiday destinations. This medieval French town and abbey is perched on a rocky tidal island looks straight out of a fantasy novel.

Visitors can explore the winding streets, visit the abbey, and witness the dramatic change as the tide comes in and surrounds the island. You can easily visit

Unusual places to visit in Europe

Mont Saint-Michel on a day trip from Paris.

Rocamadour, France

Rocamadour, France, is a medieval village perched dramatically on the side of a limestone cliff.

As an important pilgrimage site, Rocamadour is home to the Black Madonna statue and the Shrine of Our Lady of Rocamadour.

Visitors can climb the 216 steps of the Grand Staircase to reach the château at the top, offering breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon below.

Cappadocia, Turkey

There is always a question of which parts of Turkey are in Asia and which are in Europe. But included here is Cappadocia in Turkey because it offers an almost alien landscape.

Famous for its ‘fairy chimneys’ – tall, coneshaped rock formations – and elaborate cave dwellings, Cappadocia is best experienced from the air. Hot air balloon rides at

sunrise provide breathtaking views of this surreal landscape, making it one of the most unique European destinations.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain

One of the most unique places in Europe is Setenil de las Bodegas, located in Spain. It is also one of the best places to visit in Spain. This remarkable town is

built directly under massive rock overhangs, with many houses and streets tucked beneath the stone.

Visitors can wander through narrow alleys where the rock forms natural roofs, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like stepping into a cave dwelling.

Ronda, Spain

Ronda, Spain is one of the most unique places in Europe,

visitors can experience the midnight sun in summer or the polar night in winter. Activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling, and Arctic wildlife watching.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello is one of the most magical towns in Italy . It is known for its unique trullo houses, which are whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.

This UNESCO World Heritage site looks like something out of a fairy tale, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe.

Visitors can wander the narrow streets, stay in a trullo, and learn about the fascinating history of these unusual structures.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Again, let go of the argument about whether Pamukkale is in Europe or Asia. Pamukkale, Turkey, is home to stunning white travertine terraces from mineral-rich hot springs. These “cotton castle” formations create natural infinity pools that visitors can bathe in, offering a unique and relaxing experience. The nearby ruins of Hierapolis add a historical dimension to this natural wonder.

Saxon Switzerland

National Park, Germany

Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany offers unique European destinations for nature lovers. It is one of the prettiest of the natural wonders in Europe . The park is known for its bizarre sandstone formations, deep gorges, and table mountains. Rock climbing and hiking are popular activities here.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

famous for its dramatic setting atop a deep gorge. The Puente Nuevo bridge spans this chasm, offering vertigo-inducing views and connecting the old and new parts of the city.

Visitors can explore Moorish ruins, visit one of Spain’s oldest bullrings, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Diamond Beach, Iceland

Diamond Beach in Iceland is truly one of the weirdest places in Europe.

This black sand beach is dotted with glistening chunks of ice that wash up on shore, creating a surreal landscape that looks like scattered diamonds.

It’s a photographer’s paradise and a testament to Iceland’s raw, elemental beauty.

Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard, Norway, is such a truly unique sight in Europe. This remote Arctic archipelago is home to more polar bears than people, and

For those drawn to unique destinations in Europe with a mix of history and adventure, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a must-visit. This country might just be one of the most underrated countries in Europe . The city is famous for its historic bridge-jumping tradition, where daring locals leap from the iconic Stari Most bridge into the chilly Neretva River below.

Some final thoughts on the most unique places to visit in Europe.

Europe’s most unique destinations offer travellers a chance to step beyond the ordinary and experience the continent’s hidden wonders. These unusual places promise unforgettable adventures and Instagramworthy moments, from otherworldly landscapes to architectural marvels.

They showcase Europe’s diverse beauty and rich cultural tapestry in ways typical tourist hotspots can’t match.

Ready to continue your exploration of Europe’s most fascinating places? Visit our Europe Travel Blog now and let your next adventure begin!

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Some random memories of mine from 2024

Let’s start with the little old lady in Dunnes Stores car park who politely asked if I could spare 20 cents to release a trolley. “But trolleys require a euro,” I said. “Twenty cents works,” she informed me. She was right. What’s this they say – you learn something new every day. And then - a thought. Maybe this old lady spends her days in the car park asking for 20 cent coins. I mean who’s going to refuse a little old lady 20 cents? On a good day she could clear a couple of euro, five days a week she might make €10. Isn’t it awful to have a suspicious mind?

Then there was my visit to a pharmacy. I popped in to purchase a cosmetic item for my wife which she is fond of. As I go to pay the sales assistant quietly informs me that the item will be on offer next week; a gesture that I appreciated

and reciprocated with a wee box of chocolates hoping that she wasn’t counting calories.

Regarding sales assistants I spotted a book, Wisdom For Modern Times’ in the window of the Cancer Research shop in Parliament Street. I went in with a view to buying it but was informed that items in the window go on sale Thursday morning at 10 am. “Could I look at the book?”

“No.” NO! I was taken aback by the curt reply as if looking at the book was going to effect the Thursday morning scenario. This salesperson badly needed a shot of wisdom because for sure she lost this customer who supports Cancer Research as my sister, Eadie, succumbed to cancer aged 45. And then there was the episode in the Castle Park where I take my daily con -

stitutional. It’s October and, as I am walking around, there’s a man, maybe mid30s, washing himself in the fountain! A new one for sure. There he was, barechested, scrubbing himself vigorously – his armpits, his chest oblivious to those around him! Wonder will it catch on?

And what about this:

“You’re receiving this email because we know that you are a passionate Trump supporter who believes in his leadership. Our team has been hard at work creating something we know you’ll love – a full coloured, gold foil Trump $2 bill. The collectible was inspired by the desire from patriots like you who want to see Trump make America great again. One bill, $34.99 plus $5.99 shipping. Buy two, get one free, $69.98. Buy three get three free, $104.99. And so my friends received a $2

Trump bill in their Christmas cards! Like hell they did! I can be silly at times but not that silly.

“This salesperson badly needed a shot of wisdom ...

Now it’s not often that Tipperary people bring joy to Kilkenny but that’s exactly what happened during Yulefest. A group called Uproar Rock Chorus Choir, from Clonmel, gave it socks in the tent on the Parade. They were brilliant. Thank you folks and come back soon.

In September my wife tripped on the Parade and immediately two young girls rushed to her rescue. Not that she needed much rescuing, but still. I myself dropped a bag of shopping in a supermarket car park and a young girl immediately came to my assistance. It’s good to know that kindness and caring are very much alive with our youth.

For Father’s Day my son sent me a Father’s Day card and some family photos from Wales. They never arrived. Why? Because they were refused by Irish

Customs! The following notice was stamped on my son’s returned envelope: ‘Your item has been returned to Royal Mail by the destination country’s custom authority (ie. Ireland) as being non-compliant to customs regulations. Items exported from the UK require a fully completed customs declaration’ which my son did as he showed me the properly completed declaration on the returned envelope, ‘Father’s Day card plus photos’ when I visited him in December. I blame Brexit for this nonsense but also the idiot in Irish Customs; maybe the wife left him, taking the kids with her depriving him of a Father’s Day celebration! Isn’t it awful to have a suspicious mind?

Finally, I wish you all a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2025

Ireland’s Prawn Cocktail Revolution The Last Word Pat Coughlan

A few weeks ago, we chatted about the dreaded Brussels Sprout. Did the article change your mind about the “little verdant orb”? Was it on the menu in your house? This week I am going back to a starter that had its birth in Ireland in the 1960s and ‘70s –the prawn cocktail.

In 1960s Ireland, the prawn cocktail emerged as a culinary sensation, featuring a delicate balance of succulent prawns and tangy Marie Rose sauce. More than just a starter, it was a statement at events like the Co. Kilkenny sports club’s annual dinner dance, symbolising change and new experiences.

Attendees celebrated athletic achievements while exploring beyond traditional Irish fare. The prawn cocktail offered sophistication, becoming part of a culinary revolution mirroring broader societal shifts. Each bite at these gatherings was a cultural moment. The prawn

cocktail’s prominence at the Kilkenny event reflected Ireland’s evolving palate, a harbinger of the diverse culinary landscape that was to come. The 1960s and ‘70s marked a time of transformation in Ireland. Change swept through the Emerald Isle, loosening past rigid structures and introducing new ideas. Modernity challenged and redefined traditional norms. Global movements influenced Irish identity, introducing new music, fashion, and cuisine, like the prawn cocktail. Social events such as the Shamrocks Hurling Club’s dinner dance (no not the Ballyhale one but there West Waterford cousins) and the local Labour Party Annual do in Dungarvan highlighted the intersection of tradition and modernity, marking Ireland’s journey towards a more diverse cultural landscape. This elegantly presented dish of prawn cocktail, with exotic ingredients, captivated

the burgeoning Irish middle class. More than a culinary delight, it was an aspiration and progress statement. Delicate prawns in crisp lettuce, drizzled with tangy Marie Rose sauce, became common at dinner parties and upscale restaurants. Serving it was

akin to opening a window to the world, reflecting cosmopolitan influences and ambitions. The prawn cocktail symbolised cultural shifts, mirroring societal aspirations and evolving tastes of the Irish people.

In 1960s and ‘70s Ireland, in-

ternational cuisine subtly yet profoundly influenced dining habits. Foreign flavours entered Irish kitchens, sparking curiosity and a desire for novelty Each unique blend of textures and flavours represented a cultural dialogue between Ireland and the world, a gateway to broader culinary horizons reflecting the period’s dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. I can’t say, however. that I saw such on the dinner table in The Riordans or Tolka Row.

In those decades, media and advertising played a vibrant role in shaping Ireland’s culinary landscape. The prawn cocktail became more than a dish; it symbolised modernity, artfully marketed to captivate the Irish. Advertisements tapped into society’s aspirations, presenting it as a gateway to culinary adventure. This era showcased how media and advertising elevated the prawn cocktail from a

mere starter to a cultural icon, demonstrating marketing’s power in shaping tastes.

However, some critics saw it as a fleeting trend lacking authenticity. Traditionalists lamented the departure from familiar Irish fare and questioned its place in the culinary bible. Despite this, the prawn cocktail’s popularity endured, capturing the imagination of a transitioning nation, sparking debate, and ultimately shaping Ireland’s culinary landscape.

The prawn cocktail’s enduring legacy in Irish cuisine is remarkable. Once a symbol of modernity, it deeply influenced Ireland’s culinary landscape. Its legacy endures not just in the dish, but in the spirit of exploration it inspired, forever transforming the culinary experience. I like to think that the diverse range of restaurants we have in Kilkenny is due to the 1960s and 70s chefs and the prawn cocktail.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 99

'Every New year brings dreams and possibilities, let's hatch something good'

Light of hope in an everchanging street…

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

This is often a time for looking back over the past year. As I happened to be researching Callan in a bygone era I couldn’t help but cast my mind further back…far beyond my own lifespan, to how different the town looked a century ago, The raising of the festive lights in Callan illumined a town that has changed a thousand-fold over that period. There were more than thirty pubs back then, three hotels, and five time more businesses than now… drapers, tailors, bakeries, fishmongers, hardware, smithy’s forges…and so

many stalls selling fruit, veg., and every known household or workplace gadget

Every second house had a bird cage hanging above the front door, with thrushes or linnets singing their hearts out…for joy possibly or, from what we know today, just a longing to be free.

Now the birds have flown, the small shops have all gone, nobody plays hopscotch in the streets anymore, and the Supermarket era has made its presence felt with a vengeance as in most other towns.

The change is starkest in Bridge Street. In the early 20th century, it had a whopping 27 businesses, with every house in Upper Bridge Street doubling as a shop catering for every conceivable need. Now the businesses have gone, which is

why those Christmas lights might well have lighted on a desolate thoroughfare. Might…but for the success that is Fennelly’s café and arts hub. The former pub has renewed this part of Callan, with its showcasing of talent across a whole gamut of the arts. Painters, singers, songwriters, poets, comedians, and old-fashioned storytellers regale their audiences, sometimes small but occasionally large- with barely standing room- entertaining at the fireside in what used to be the rear of the old pub when Mrs. Fennelly ran the place.

In spring, summer and autumn the spacious courtyard, once part of the Fennelly farm enterprise, plays host to bands playing rock, pop, jazz, or trad…all genres are catered for.

Proprietor Etaoin Holahan, a consummate artist herself, has steered this creative space through the turbulent storms of austerity, pandemic, and the downside of modern “progress” that has taken a toll on small business enterprises, wrenching out the hearts of towns and villages, eroding a way of life that’s fast morphing into something that would, I suspect, have left our forebears gasping for words.

The Hearse Room lives again…

The latest attraction at Fennelly’s is the Open Mike on the first Friday of each month. I went along to the recent one and was not disappointed. Upon passing through the door of Fennelly’s I headed right into the converted pub and was

decades.

Last time I stood at the threshold of this building was on the occasion of an upcoming funeral back in the mid-1980s. I didn’t know what to expect. Pushing in the door I was met by a pleasant wave of heat from an old stove that artist Julia Bohan had got working again.

Seated on wooden chairs and quaint ancient sofas were the artistically-minded folk who’d gathered to sing, recite; or just share their creative insights in the space that once served as a portal between this world and the next.

It was a joy to listen as each artist held forth. There were soulful laments and rousing ditties from the guitarists, chicly interspersed by readings of poetry.

The poems reflected the diverse range of talent… It would be hard to find a different pair of poets for example than the flamboyant Philip Lynch, the local historian, who read a selection of his favourite comic verse, and the evocative and utterly gripping presentation by Julia Bohan, author of a collection titled Not Yet, which touched on highly absorbing themes such as the relevance of poetry itself and aspects of mental wellbeing.

surprised to find no poets or singers. So I headed for the courtyard, thinking that, despite the freezing night, the gathering might be out there. Not a sign of anyone…and then I heard the strumming of a guitar and spotted a thin ray of light from a building that I’d not noticed, or given a thought to, for years. It was what in Mrs. Fennelly’s day was known as the Hearse Room. It was from here that the mortal remains of many a decent local man and woman departed when the pub/farm/undertaker business thrived in former

The use of the Hearse Room for such a cheerful and life-enhancing event was an inspired move and I couldn’t help wondering what some of those people who passed through the room on their final journey would think of it.

If they’re “looking down”, I hope they’ll be happy to see that the place still thrives in a very different age from theirs.

There’s talk of urban renewal that may inject new life…brighten up the town maybe. But in the meantime, it’s nice to see this hub of culture, amity, and enterprise in Callan.

Upper Bridge Street Callan in times past

Etaoin Holahan welcomes poets writers singers and comedians to Fennellys of Callan

The cover of Not Yet , a poetry collection by poet artist Julia Bohan who also designed the lovely flower motif

Kilkenny county council arts act grants and residency bursary announced

Kilkenny County Council Arts Office is delighted to announce their annual call out for applications for the Arts Act Grants and Artists’ Residency Award Bursary 2025. Deadline for both awards is Monday 27th January 2025 at 4pm. For queries, please contact the Arts Office at 0567794547 or email deirdre.southey@ kilkennycoco.ie

Arts Act Grants 2025

The 2003 Arts Act permits a local authority to provide financial assistance for the purposes of stimulating public interest in the arts, promoting the knowledge, appreciation and practices of the arts or improving standards in the arts. In this act, the expression ‘the arts’ means creative or interpretative expression (traditional or contemporary) in whatever form and includes in particular visual arts, theatre, literature, music, film, literature, dance and multidisciplinary practices and events.

Kilkenny Artists’ Residency Bursary

Kilkenny County Council’s Arts Office is offering funding for one-week artists residencies, at the both the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Monaghan and Greywood Arts, Cork for 2025. The bursary aims to support both established and emerging practitioners by providing them with dedicated time to research and develop their practice and / or work intensively on a specific body of work relevant to the development of their current arts practice.

Who can apply?

• Artists across art forms

• Artists must be based in Kilkenny for a minimum of 2 years

• Artists over 18 years old

Residency Details:

• The residencies must be taken up at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre or Greywood Arts and the panel will match the successful artists to the residency centres

• https://greywoodarts.org/

• https://www.tyroneguthrie.ie/

• Your residency must take place within this calendar year – 2025

For further information and to download application forms visit the Arts Office Blog at: https://kilkennyartsoffice.ie/kilkenny-countycouncil-arts-act-grants-and-bursaries/

Men's shed

By Ger Cody

Photos: jbs photos Kilkenny

Men's sheds, or community sheds, are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and well being of older men.

However some have expanded their remit to anyone regardless of age or gender. There are over 900 located across Australia, with thousands of active members. Men's sheds can also be found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Canada, Finland, Estonia, New Zealand and Greece.

The slogan for men's sheds is ‘shoulder to shoulder, shortened from "men don't talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder,"

adopted after the 2008 Australian Men's Shed Association (AMSA) conference.

The users of men's sheds are known as ‘shedders’. In 2014, Professor Barry Golding coined the term ‘shedagogy’ to describe "a distinctive, new way of acknowledging, describing and addressing the way some men prefer to learn informally in shed-like spaces mainly with other men."

Sheds as a venue for mentoring other men and inter-generational mentoring is a growing outcome.

Academics are using men's sheds as a research venue and research partner in exploring men's health and social needs.

And so to Kilkenny. Recently, The Kilkenny Observer received an invitation to visit the Kilkenny Men’s Shed on Church Lane in Kilkenny.

To many Kilkenny folk, the location is where the Loreto convent was

based. But the history doesn’t stop there. The building was originally a twin towered house in the 18th century, owned by Viscount Clifden and called St James Park House. In 1789 he died and the house was bought by the Roman Catholic Diocese and used as Diocesan College and later known as the Old Academy. In 1868 the Loreto nuns arrived to found a day and boarding school. That building today is in the ownership of The Good Shepherd Centre and their work is legendary. To the right of the building is the Kilkenny Men’s shed. And if we go back to the fundamental idea of starting such sheds, learning was at the core. So whereas the wonderful nuns in 1868 may not have taken too kindly to a lorry load of men folk traipsing into their grounds, the educational and well being aspect of the project would have received approval.

Group pictured at the Men’s Shed on Chapel Lane, Kilkenny

Darragh Hayden putting some finishing touches to a bicycle at the Men’s Shed

Noel Rafter in the middle of a dig at the Men’s Shed

Chairman of the Men’s Shed on Chapel Lane, Mick Bergin

Shoulder to shoulder as Men’s Shed goes from strength to strength

Established in 2010

The Kilkenny Men’s shed was founded in 2010, and is the longest established shed in Ireland. The project is the brainchild of Ann Jones, who is the coordinator of the Men’s Shed and who had heard of the success of similar projects in Oz, so she was keen to give it a go here. You might say that the seed was sown by Ann and certainly the flower has blossomed.

Ann stressed the importance of the support the men’s shed receives from; The Good Shepherd Centre, HSE, Kilkenny County Council and KLP to name a few.

“One thing that is important to clarify is that the Men’s shed is not just for retired people,” said Ann.

“Once you are 18 years or over you would be very welcome,” continued Ann. Men are welcome to drop in any Tuesday from 2pm. The members have extensive skills ranging

from woodwork, bicycle repair/ upcycling, painting, restoring old furniture, building etc.

Secretary at the Men’s Shed is Pat Glennon. “You could say that my story is similar to most men who are volunteering here,” said Pat. “I arrived here some time back, didn’t know anybody and just fell in love with the place. A Tuesday visit to the shed is now something I look forward to each week.”

One thing that stood out on our visit was the banter that existed amongst the menfolk. It certainly was obvious that a major bond of friendship exists. We spoke to two men from Jordan who are currently working there, having received a recommendation from the volunteer centre in Kilkenny.

Osama Suleiman and Baker Alabed were busy in the timber work shed when we met them. Their first comment was to explain about

health and safety. “We are just loving our work here,” Osama said. “It is the kind of work we are used to and it is special for us to come to the shed each Tuesday.” Baker believed that the similarities between the Irish and themselves was huge. He said that “the work ethic is wonderful and we really are having a lot of laughs while still turning out good work.” Both Osama and Baker said that the Tuesday Men’s Shed fills a very important part of their week.

A welcome on the mat

We also met the chairman of the group, Mick Bergin who explained that the Tuesday gathering has become part and parcel of many lives and fills a social gap that may not have existed pre 2010.

“There is a warm and friendly atmosphere here each week,” Mick said. “By our very nature we are not made to be alone, but circumstances sometimes determines this can be the case and people are unsure how to remedy that.” Mr Bergin went on to explain that the Tuesday sessions at the shed prove to be a great outlet with conversations varying from politics to sport to current affairs.

If you or anyone you know would like to join the Shed, please call up any Tuesday afternoon from 2pm. Alternatively you can phone/ text them on 085 838 1653 or email kilkenny@menssheds.ie

Shem Muldowney and Eddie Corr

Secretary of the Men’s Shed on Chapel Lane, Pat Glennon

Leo Wyse is a regular attendee

Happy at his work at the Men’s Shed was Eoghan Murphy

From Jordan, friends Osama Suleiman and Baker Alabed

Marianne leads the way to the Christmas Cribs…

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers rounded off a year of enthralling and highly informative talks and walks in festive style:

The group organized a beautifully choreographed visit to some of the much-loved churches of the City, with special emphasis on the cribs to be seen within these hallowed centres of devotion.

Marianne Kelly brought all her celebrated knowledge of Kilkenny’s spiritual heritage to bear in her presentation, which took the form of a “rolling talk” that began at St Patrick’s church, continued at the Capuchin Friary, went from there to the Dominican Black Abbey and the towering St. Mary’s cathedral, on to St. Canice’s Catholic church, before concluding at the world-renowned St. Canice’s Cathedral.

Marianne opened her wellresearched address with an insight into the origin of the Christmas Crib tradition itself. Francis, the great Patron saint of Animals and Ecology is believed to have initiated the custom, fashioning the first crib in the central Italian town of Greccio in 1223 in an effort to re-focus on the essential spiritual meaning of Christ-

mas, to counteract the trend towards materialism that was evident even back in his day. So, the image of Baby Jesus was placed in the crib between a cow and an ass. Within a few years, the idea had caught on and spread throughout the Christian world.

Standing in the flicking luminescence of the crib at the Capuchin Friary, Marianne connected to a past that, though beyond recall, has much relevance to today’s troubled world where a spiritual void has opened up in so many lives.

She spoke of the simplicity of the crib scene, the humble setting for a great story of hope and a better life after this Vale of Tears…the child shielded by innocent animals gathered about, the loving Mary and Joseph, and the Magi calling to that nativity scene all those centuries ago… just as the Heritage Group set out on its own symbolic visit to cribs so far removed from the actual one of 2000 years ago, and yet so powerfully evocative of that ancient mystery.

She also enlightened listeners on the history of the sacred buildings in which they had gathered…the late 19th century St. Patrick’s, with its barrelled wooden ceiling, ornamentally stunning altar, its other-worldly stained glass and the striking array of statues. The one of St. Joseph

especially catches the eye.

Marianne alluded to the equally ornate high altar section at the Friary, a church established in the second half of the 1800s and noted for its captivating arches, columns, and tranquil side chapels. A painting overlooking the altar provides an apt backdrop, and among the statuary is the harrowing depiction of Christ having fallen from the cross, encircled by grieving women.

The Black Abbey, standing since the mid 13th century, is a time capsule replete with antiquities. The building itself survived a succession of plagues, wars, and natural disasters to still be with us in the 21st century.

Sacred vessels famously floated away from it during the 1947 flood and pictures show the friars taking to boats.

Marianne drew gasps of surprise and admiration when she pointed to a preserved statue of St. Dominick, which survived despite having served as target practice by Cromwell’s troops in 1650!

St. Canice’s Catholic Church was built in the early 19th century, a remarkable achievement in its day as the parish had to move Heaven and Earth to fund its construction. Over the decades it has been refurbished and upgraded, always delicately so as not to detract from the oasis of peace within its walls or the architectural intricacy

that remains intact and lovingly preserved.

The 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral has the distinction of being the second oldest cathedral in Ireland, famed especially for its round tower and the fact that one of the accused in the case of Alice Kyteler agreed to help repair the church ceiling as atonement.

Having taken the walkers to see the crib at St. Canice’s, Marianne indicated the many sights open to a visitor, including the 16th century monuments and a range of attractive stained glass designs that could have been crafted in Heaven itself.

As the group prepared to leave this historic church that could double as a museum, it

caught sight of a second crib. The first one was displayed in an open space, with life-life figures in the straw laid on the floor.

But this second one was a kind of “alternative crib”, the figures metallic in appearance and looking a bit like robots in a sci-fi setting, calling to mind Cat Stevens’ song A Spaceman came travelling, that cast the nativity scene in terms of an extraterrestrial visit.

The tour complete, the

walkers duly disbanded, but not before thanking Marianne Kelly for a noteworthy insight into a great Christian tradition. Her presentation also underlined the importance of the city’s built heritage and the continued relevance of spirituality in today’s strifetorn world.

The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers will resume their trips down memory lane in the New Year, setting off most Saturdays at 1.1.am, from the Horse Box on the Parade.

Marianne Kelly at the Friary crib

A crib scene at St Canices Cathedral

The Black Abbey has stood the test of time

Newpark resident’s

There was a large turnout of residents for the Newpark Christmas celebrations in the Glendine Inn on Saturday 14th December. Chairman Jack Fahy welcomed all guests and thanked them for their attendance. Jack had special words of welcome for guests of honour Fr Dan Carroll, Jane Dineen and Garda Stephen Hogan and thanked them for their enormous contributions throughout the year that helped the Newpark Residents Association c ontinue to grow and develop. Entertainment on the day was provided by the Seán Shortis Big Band, with a special guest appearance by the talented Donie Phelan. During the afternoon there was great excitement when the much coveted prize in the Christmas Jumper competition went to Frankie Kavanagh, who retained the title for the third consecutive year. Before the celebrations concluded, Jack Fahy had special words of praise for the organising committee and praised their commitment and dedication. Finally, h e wished all a happy Christmas and a prosperous 2025.

festive celebrations

Russian

dissident Alexei Navalny dies in prison

In February, Russia’s state prison service released a statement saying that opposition leader Alexei Navalny had lost consciousness and could not be revived. Navalny had been behind bars since his return to Russia in 2021, having narrowly survived a poisoning attempt that he – and many others – believed had been orchestrated by the Kremlin in a brutal attempt to silence one of its most popular critics.

In 2023, Navalny had been sentenced to a further 19 years in a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle for a slew of charges seeking to paint the politician as a dangerous extremist.

New memoir from Russian dissident Alexei Navalny reveals he knew he would die in prison

The precise cause of Navalny’s death remains unclear, with a Russian investigation saying he had died due to a combination of diseases – a claim rejected by Navalny’s widow.

Renewed protests in Georgia

The streets of Tbilisi are no stranger to protests. In May, the Georgian capital was the site of widespread demonstrations against a law that would require non-governmental organisations receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to be registered as “foreign agents”.

The law, which its critics hold to be directly inspired by a similar Russian article that has been used to stifle civil society groups critical of the Kremlin, was passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party – though fiercely opposed by their former ally-turned-chief opponent, Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili, who has called parliament ‘illegitimate’, and says will not step down

The streets would erupt once again following the parliamentary elections in October, where the ruling party officially won 54% of the votes, beating a divided opposition that sought to portray the election as a referendum on the country’s long-held desire to become part of the European Union. The opposition immediately rejected the results. Just weeks after the disputed vote, the government added fuel to the fire by putting the country’s EU accession process on hold until 2028.

Ukraine’s Kursk incursion

After more than two and a half years of fighting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both sides seemed to have settled into a grinding war of attrition. Russian and Ukrainian troops remained bogged down in the devastated Donbas region, with the cities of Donetsk, Luhansk, Mariupol and later Bakhmut having steadily fallen under Russian control.

In Ukraine’s north, Russian forces crossed the border from the Belgorod region in May, bearing down slowly on the crucial city of Kharkiv. The war was being won – or lost – by inches.

The top global news stories that defined 2024

In August, though, Kyiv stunned the world by launching a lightning offensive of its own across the Russian border, sending troops and tanks into the Kursk region and seizing hundreds of kilometres of territory. Moscow, whose forces were spread thin along its front lines in Ukraine, ordered the evacuation of 200,000 civilians and declared a state of emergency, seemingly unable at first to slow Kyiv’s advance.

By November, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky said that Russia had managed to bring some 50,000 troops to bear in Kursk – troops, he said, that Moscow would otherwise be free to send to the front in Donetsk.

Lebanon under fire

Although Lebanon’s Shiite armed group Hezbollah has been trading low-level rocket fire with Israel since the day after the Hamas-led October 7 terrorist attacks, the prospect of the Israel-Gaza conflict spilling across the northern border into Lebanon seemed, for a while at least, like the last thing that either side wanted.

That all changed in September, when hundreds of pagers belonging to people believed to be members of the Iran-backed group exploded. The next day, Beirut’s shaken southern suburbs were hit by another string of explosions, this time from booby-trapped walkie-talkies. The damage was scattered, and severe – more than 3,000 people were wounded, and dozens killed, including children.

The unprecedented attack, widely assumed to have been orchestrated by Israel, marked the beginning of the war’s expansion into Lebanon. Within

days, Beirut was pounded by air strikes and artillery fire and Israeli troops crossed the border into the country’s southern reaches – territory largely under the control of Hezbollah, its cadres now in disarray and its communications networks in shreds.

The worst was yet to come – a series of air strikes in Beirut’s suburb of Dahiyeh brought half a dozen apartment blocks crashing down, killing a number of senior Hezbollah leaders including long-running secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah. By the time a ceasefire was declared in late November, more than 3,000 people had been killed in Israeli bombardments.

Donald Trump’s triumphant return

Former US President Donald Trump is headed back to the White House. Four years after having been voted out of office at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the former real estate mogul and reality TV star is set to be sworn in again as president on January 20.

The final year of the campaign was tense. In July, the Republican presidential candidate narrowly avoided being shot in the head in an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, with one of the bullets nicking his ear and leaving him bloodied and defiant before the cameras.

The race took a turn towards the unknown following a halting debate performance in June by incumbent and Democratic candidate Joe Biden, whose stumbling remarks whipped up weeks of media speculation about the aging president’s mental acuity into a fever pitch. After a month of

frantic speculation and threats from leading Democratic donors to pull funding, Biden announced that he would be stepping down as candidate in favour of his vice-president, Kamala Harris. It wasn’t enough. With American households (and most of the world) still struggling from years of rising prices caused by Covid-linked inflation – to name just a single possible factor in the once and future president’s victory – Trump emerged triumphant on election day, winning back the swing states he’d lost in 2020 and narrowly securing the popular vote for the first time.

ICC arrest warrant for Israel’s Netanyahu Poland will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Red Army’s liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp this month, held on the annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu won’t be there – he risks arrest if he sets foot on Polish soil.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant and three senior Hamas leaders. Netanyahu is accused of being behind war crimes and crimes against humanity in Israel’s brutal Gaza campaign, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and using starvation as a weapon of war.

Netanyahu has fiercely rejected the charges, accusing the ICC of being motivated by antiSemitic hatred. But the warrants have shrunk Netanyahu’s world considerably – the ICC has 124 member states, each

vote with a “massive” promotion of Georgescu’s candidacy as well as cyberattacks. The EU has since launched a formal investigation into TikTok’s role in the vote, saying the social media app failed to “assess and mitigate systemic risks” linked to the integrity of Romania’s election.

South Korea under short-lived martial law

Then South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol made an unannounced television address at the start of December. Speaking to the nation, the rightwing leader announced that martial law was in effect, saying it was his duty to protect the country from communist and “anti-state” forces in league with North Korea.

Political activities would be illegal: the National Assembly could not sit. Protests, local assemblies, political gatherings and political party activities were now prohibited. Soon, police began to barricade the parliament, and truckloads of armed soldiers poured into the building. The nation was in shock.

The fall of the House of Assad

bound under the Rome Statute to arrest the Israeli prime minister should he enter their territory.

Romanian presidential vote annulled

Had you heard of Calin Georgescu before the results of the first round of Romania’s presidential election were announced in November? If not, you’re not alone.

The little-known far-right independent candidate shot to national, then international, prominence after his shock first-round win in the country’s presidential ballot, squeezing past centre-right opposition leader Elena Lasconi to take first place.

Georgescu, who has gone out of his way in the past to praise Romania’s wartime dictator Marshal Ion Antonescu – who was responsible for carrying out the state’s bloody contribution to the Holocaust – was largely unknown before the presidential race. His campaign relied heavily on social media – and TikTok in particular.

The outsider’s outsider, Georgescu’s widely shared and pro-Russia messaging savaged Romania’s established political parties while tapping into deep-seated frustration over the country’s stagnant economy and the poor living and working conditions facing the millions of Romanian migrant workers eking out a living abroad.

In December, just two days ahead of the second round of voting, the country’s constitutional court annulled the results. Declassified Romanian intelligence documents allege that Russia interfered in the

In hindsight, the isolated regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was more fragile than it seemed. Propped up by Russian air support and Iran-backed militias that had poured into the country to prop up the government in Damascus as opposition forces advanced, Assad had managed to drag the brutal Syrian Civil War to an uneasy halt, with swaths of the country’s north and west still under the control of disparate armed groups backed by competing world powers.

The civil war, which erupted following Assad’s bloody suppression of a series of antigovernment demonstrations across the country in 2011, had cost the country dearly. More than a decade of fighting had killed more than half a million people and driven millions more from their homes.

Crippled by years of economic sanctions, Assad’s government had nonetheless begun the crawling process of normalisation, having been welcomed back into the Arab League last year by regional governments that had themselves backed many of the rebel groups that fought to topple his regime.

Since then, Syria has witnessed the proverbial weeks where decades happen. Surging forth from their stronghold in Idlib province in Syria’s northwest, a coalition of rebel groups led by former al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al- Sham (HTS) launched a shock offensive on the second city of Aleppo, capturing it in just three days and beginning a lightning march down the road to Damascus.

With Russia entrenched in a war of attrition in Ukraine and Lebanon’s Hezbollah trading fire with Israel, Assad quickly realised that help wasn’t coming. He fled to Russia, leaving Syria’s capital to pass into rebel hands without a fight.

Club House plays host to St Mary’s Christmas get together

The wonderful Club House Hotel was the venue for the St Mary’s Voluntary Housing Association annual Christmas dinner. A large gathering enjoyed a beautiful meal in Kilkenny’s longest established hotel. It was the first establishment of its kind in the city to take the name of 'hotel' in place of the old term 'inn'. They got the name ‘Club House’ from the Kilkenny Foxhunters' Club, which was established on Patrick Street in 1797 by Sir John Power. In 1817, to exploit the opening of the new Cork Road, it was formed into a

hotel. Apart from catering for weary travellers, the hotel provided accommodation and sustenance for hunt members who were too exhausted (or not exhausted enough) to go home .

Managing director of the hotel, Ian Brennan, welcomed the group from St Mary’s and said he was thrilled to work with the group on an ongoing basis. Chairman of St Mary’s, Eamon Corcoran, welcomed the gathering and paid

special thanks to the Club House for their usual excellent service. Eamon paid special tribute to the staff of the hotel who always go above and beyond with their wonderful service.

In 2005, St Mary’s parish built houses and apartments on the land and it now includes St Mary’s Day Care Centre which provides a range of activities including meals, recreational activities and health promotion. The

centre is just a hop, skip, and jump from The Kilkenny Observer office on Friary Street and so on Christmas week we were thrilled to join in the Christmas get together and lunch. There was laughter, chat and stories. A lot of stories. Providing the music and creating a fantastic atmosphere was Kilkenny musician and singer Johnny Scully who played the proverbial blinder. What a fantastic afternoon it was.

Food & Drink

Come Dine WithMe Saddle of lamb

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 1 hr and 25 mins

A classicfavourite, this saddle of lamb is stuffed with crunchy shallots, garlic and pancetta for a depth of flavour guaranteed to please you and your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 b oned saddle of lambweighing approx 1.5kg/3lb 5oz, skirts removed (ask your butcher to do this for you)

• 2 rosemarysprigs

• 1 ts p olive oil

• 50ml whit e wine vinegar

• For the stuffing

• 25g b utter

• 4 b anana shallotsfinely chopped

• 2 garlic clovescrushed

• 50g p ancettacubes

• small pack flat-leaf parsleyroughly

Slow-roasted mutton shoulder with garlic bean mash and gremolata

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 5 hrs and 30 mins plus cooling

Serves: 6-8

Pair this slow-roasted mutton shoulder with a zesty gremolata and a rich bean mash. It’s a great centrepiece dish for your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 garlic bulb

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2kg bone-in shoulder of mutton

• 2 x 700g jar white beanssuch as butter beans

• 4 rosemary sprigs

• 1 parmesan rind(optional)

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 onionthinly sliced

• 2 tbsp capersrinsed and chopped

• 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

For the gremolata

• 1 lemonzested and juiced

• 20g parsleyfinely chopped

• 20g mintleaves picked and finely chopped

• 3 garlic clovescrushed

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method

STEP 1

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Trim the top of the garlic bulb to expose the tops of the cloves and remove any excess papery skin. Put the garlic bulb in the centre of a square of foil, drizzle with 1 tsp of the olive oil and season. Wrap well

and roast in the oven for 30-35 mins until softened and browned. Set aside until cool enough to touch. Alternatively, you can buy roasted garlic in a jar, use around 2-3 tbsp.

STEP 2

Reduce the oven to 160C/140C fan/ gas 3. Heat a large, deep casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Season the mutton with salt all over, then put in the casserole, fat-side down. This will render after a few minutes, then turn the shoulder to brown on all sides. Remove the mutton to a plate, splash 2 tbsp water into the pan and scrape any browned bits from the base then pour in the beans along with their liquid. Mix in the rosemary, the parmesan rind, if using, bay leaves,

chopped

• 6 s age leavestorn

• 1 ts p grated lemonzest

• 50g fresh white breadcrumbs

• 1 e gg yolk

STEP 1

First, make the stuffing. In a large pan, melt the butter over a gentle heat and add the shallots. Cook slowly for about 10 mins until softening, then add the garlic and stir to combine for 1 min. Turn up the heat and add the pancetta and a little seasoning. Cook until the pancetta is crisp, and the shallots are tender and turning golden. Take off the heat, add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine (it should not be too wet, as the stuffing should absorb some of the lamb juices when cooked). Set aside to cool.

STEP 2

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas

6. Lay the lamb saddle out on a board, fat-side down. Arrange the stuffing in a line down the middle, bring the sides up and roll into a large sausage shape so the stuffing can only be seen at the ends. Using string, tie the saddle, tucking the rosemary under the string, then rub with salt and a little pepper.

STEP 3

Heat the oil in a large pan over a high heat and place the rolled lamb in the pan to seal the outside, turning every minute or so, until golden – about 6 mins. Remove from the pan and place in a roasting tin. Pour the vinegar over – this will help to crisp the skin – then cook in the oven for 1 hr. Leave to rest for at least 10 mins on a board covered loosely with foil.

onion, capers, paprika, tomato purée and the rest of the olive oil. Pour over 200ml water until the beans are just covered. Squeeze in the roasted garlic and stir well with seasoning, then nestle the mutton on top. Cover with a lid and roast in the oven for 5 hrs until tender. Alternatively, cook in a pressure cooker on high for 1 hr without the 200ml water.

STEP 3

Meanwhile, make the gremolata. Stir together the lemon zest, lemon

juice, parsley, mint, garlic and olive oil. Season to taste. Put the mutton aside on a plate to rest and fish out the parmesan rind and whole herbs and discard. Using a potato masher, mash the beans until smooth, then season to taste. You can also use a hand blender. Spread the bean mash over a large platter, then remove the bone from the mutton. Lay the mutton over the mash, then gently shred the mutton using two forks. Spoon over the gremolata to serve.

Our guide to what to stream for New Year

Severance Season 2 (January 17 Apple TV Plus)

Severance hit TV like a wrecking ball when it premiered in 2022, quickly fascinating viewers (myself included) with its complex story of a group of individuals who decide to split their consciousness between an “innie,” who works for the mysterious Lumen company, and an “outie,” who goes about their life outside the office, with neither knowing anything about the other.

Of course some kind of foul play is at hand, and with the cliffhanger ending we were left with with Severance Season 1, the threeyear wait has been hard. But it ends early in 2025 thankfully, with Severance Season 2 letting fans clock back in on one of the more fascinating shows going right now.

Harlem Season 3 (January 23, Prime Video)

Harlem became a buzzy hit comedy during its first season, and fans are heading into Harlem Season 3. The series helps fill a void left in the wake of Insecure no longer being on the air, and the characters being in their 30s speaks to those of that. The show tackles real issues while also making sure to add levity to any given situation. When it comes to the new episodes, one wonders what may happen between Camille (Meagan Good) and Ian (Tyler Lepley) now that she’s uncertain of her desires to have a baby, and if Angie (Shoniqua Shandai) will actually be able to sustain her new relationship with Michael (Luke Forbes).

The Studio (March 26) (Apple TV Plus)

If yo are someone who is fascinated by the history and machinations of Hollywood, The Studio likely have you with little effort. But throw in the fact that Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (producers of This Is The End, Sausage Party and The Boys) are behind it and the trailer teased a stellar cast and cameos from Hollywood legends, including Martin Scorsese,

Charlize Theron and Anthony Mackie presumably as themselves, one could be incredibly excited for the satirical dive into the studio system this show promises.

Stranger Things Season 5 (Netflix)

There is no bigger TV event this year then the final season of Stranger Things. Netflix’s sci-fi series has become a global phenomenon, so the anticipation to see how Eleven and the rest of our group of heroes try to defeat the monsters of the Upside Down once and for all is sky high. Bingeing is not a practice but everyone but you will likely will be watching every episode of Stranger Things Season 5 as fast as you can to make sure that nothing is spoiled for you.

One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Netflix - YouTube)

One Hundred Years Of Solitude might not appeal to everyone, which likely explains why it didn’t make it into the Top 10. But the timing didn’t help either. Shows like Black Doves and No Good Deed dominated conversations when it premiered, pulling focus from this hidden gem. As a result, it slipped under the radar, which is a shame because its powerful narrative deserves to be seen. Despite the quieter reception, audiences have embraced it, giving it an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, while critics have awarded it a solid 84%.

Based on Gabriel García Márquez’s 1967 novel, the show chronicles the Buendía family’s multigenerational saga in the mythical town of Macondo. The narrative begins with José Arcadio Buendía and his wife, Úrsula Iguarán, who establish Macondo, and follows their descendants as they navigate themes of love, war, and a foretold curse condemning them to a century of solitude. The adaptation stays true to the novel’s essence, featuring a Colombian cast and filming locations across Colombia, aiming to authentically capture the story’s cultural and magical realism.

The Helicopter Heist (Netflix - YouTube)

This show has all the makings of a hit: relentless action, thrills, and a narrative that’s based on a true story.

It is a Swedish action thriller miniseries that dramatises the real-life 2009 Västberga helicopter robbery in Stockholm, where a group of thieves executed a meticulously planned heist, stealing approximately 39 million kronor (around €4.5 million) from a cash depot. The robbers used a stolen helicopter to land on the depot’s roof, employed explosives to gain entry, and cleverly hindered police response by planting decoy bombs and scattering caltrops to disable vehicles. The show delves into the intricate planning and execution of the heist.

Terminator Zero (Netflix - YouTube)

Back in early September 2024, Terminator Zero made a blink-andyou’ll-miss-it appearance in Netflix’s Top 10. Really brief. So short- lived that Netflix didn’t even include it in

their official weekly Top 10 stats for 2024. Sadly, Terminator Zer0 barely managed a few hours of fame (felt more like seconds). Set in Tokyo in 1997, Terminator Zero follows scientist Malcolm Lee (André Holland), who is creating an artificial intelligence to compete with Skynet. Just as Judgment Day approaches (the moment Skynet becomes self-aware and launches its war against humanity), Malcolm and his family become the targets of a relentless cybernetic assassin. This deadly machine, voiced by Timothy Olyphant in the English dub, is sent back in time to eliminate Malcolm before his work can challenge Skynet’s dominance. Fortunately, Eiko (Sonoya Mizuno), a resistance soldier sent back in time, steps in to protect Malcolm and his children.

Nightmares

And Daydreams (Netflix)

Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams is an anthology series from the acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker, Joko Anwar. Similar to Terminator Zero, the show briefly claimed the No. 10 spot on Netflix back in June 2024, only to vanish just as quickly and fade into obscurity. But it’s definitely a show worth watching, especially if you’re looking for something bingeable and intriguing.

It is about ordinary people who are thrust into supernatural predicaments.

The anthology tracks characters who take drastic measures to safeguard their money, loved ones, or themselves, only to encounter unimaginable threats from unknown realms.

Anwar, celebrated for his

unique approach to horror, creates stories that are both chilling and bizarre. The show explores the hidden fears and anxieties that simmer beneath everyday life.

The Believers (Netflix - YouTube)

This is a Thai crime drama that, unfortunately, didn’t make it into the Top 10 either. It’s a real shame because shows like this, with their fascinating characters and compelling storylines, truly deserve more attention.

The story follows three entrepreneurs — Win (Teeradon Supapunpinyo), Game (Pachara Chirathivat), and Dear (Achiraya Nitibhon) — who are burdened with massive debt from their failed startup. They discover an unexpected and morally questionable opportunity, which is to exploit the loosely regulated donation system of Buddhist temples to repay their debts. As they delve deeper into this unorthodox business venture, they encounter unforeseen challenges and moral dilemmas.

Danielle Morrissey

Darragh Joyce

Ellen Molloy

Maureen Mullins RIP

I AM MAXIMUS

2024 Sporting review of the

2024 SPORTING REVIEW OF THE YEAR

Kilkenny Sport Focus

By Michael O’Leary

2024 was one of the great years for Sport with so many great memories, highlighted by the wonderful success of the Irish at both the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris.

Willie Mullins achievements throughout the year were extraordinary even by his highest standards, and in March he trained nine winners at the Cheltenham Festival including State Man in the Champion Hurdle and Galopin Des Champs who successfully defended the Gold Cup. He also trained his 100th winner at the Festival when Jasmin De Vaux won the Bumper with his son Patrick on board - 28 years to the day (1996) after riding and training Wither or Which to the first of his thirteen Festival Bumper victories.

Further glory followed with I am Maximus winning the Aintree Grand National along with Macdermott winning the Scottish National with Danny Mullins following a photo finish, while Willie also won the British Jump Racing Championship in the 2023–24 season as he became the first Irish trainer to win the championship since Vincent O'Brien in 1954.

There was a sense of poignancy about his achievements following the passing of his Mum Maureen in February, who was an ever present at race meetings and would have been proud of his amazing feats.

Meanwhile, Donagh Meyler from Kilmacow enjoyed one of the great days in his career when partnering 20/1 shot Pinkerton trained by Noel Meade to win the Galway Plate, while the Joseph O'Brien trained Nurburgring - with his cousin JJ Slevin on board -was an emphatic winner of the Galway Hurdle.

2024 began with double All-Ireland glory in January in Croke Park, as both TullogherRosbercon and Thomastown most impressively won the Junior and Intermediate Final respectively.

Unfortunately, there was heartbreak for O'Loughlin Gaels who lost the Senior Final by a solitary point to 14-man St. Thomas of Galway, where a first-half goal that was not given despite the ball clearly crossing the goal line proved most costly in the final outcome.

The Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team reached the League Final where they lost to Clare and after making it five Leinster titles in a row with a comprehensive victory against Dublin, they lost out to the eventual All-Ireland Champions again by two points in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.

The Kilkenny Minors reached the All-Ireland Final where they lost out to 13 man Tipperary in UPMC Nowlan Park, while there was AllIreland Final heartbreak also for The Kilkenny Intermediate Camogie Team who lost out by a solitary point to Cork.

However, Danielle Morrissey was named Intermediate Player of The Year following a string of outstanding performances

Following the conclusion of The InterCounty Season, attention turned to the Club Championships as Thomastown memorably won their first Senior Hurling title in Kilkenny in 78 years(1946) as they defeated the defending Champions O'Loughlin Gaels in the County Final.

Lisdowney won the Intermediate Final against Young Irelands Gowran, while St. Lachtains Freshford won the Junior Final against Windgap before going on to win the Leinster Junior Final. Meanwhile, following a string of near misses Piltown won their first Senior Camogie Final with victory against the defending County, Leinster and All-Ireland Champions Dicksboro, while Muckalee Ladies won their fifth consecutive County Senior Football title with victory against John Lockes Callan in the decider.

Loreto Kilkenny Camogie and St. Kierans College Hurling retained their respective Senior Colleges All-Irelands, while Presentation Kilkenny were also celebrating Schools AllIrelands in Basketball and Volleyball respectively as Kilkenny City Vocational School Girls also enjoyed Volleyball All-Ireland glory.

Darragh Joyce from Rower-Inistioge has been playing Australia Rules Football for almost a decade now, and he is now with the Brisbane Lions Club who won The AFL Final by 60 points against Sydney Swans.

Bridge United won their first McCalmont Cup Final in 29 years (1995) as they overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 against Freebooters, while Evergreen continued their dominance in defending the Premier Division title.

Freebooters won the Pat Maher Shield Final against Evergreen on St. Patrick’s weekend, while John Martin from Paulstown played a central role as Shelbourne won a dramatic League of Ireland Premier Division title race.

Ellen Molloy made a welcome return to competitive action following a lengthy injury lay-off as she moved Cross Channel to join Sheffield United, while Thomas O'Connor enjoyed promotion with Wrexham for a second consecutive year as they now compete in League 1.

Sean Maguire also enjoyed promotion on his return to Cork City, as he played his part in helping the Leesiders run out landslide winners of the First Division.

The Ireland Rugby Team defended the Six Nations Championship, as the highlight for many was the performance of Stevie Mulrooney singing Irelands Call before the start of The Ireland-Italy match at the Aviva Stadium.

Meanwhile, Kilkenny man Tadhg O'Carroll is Physio to The Ireland Ladies Rugby Team who qualified for next years Rugby World Cup, as they have enjoyed a revival with victories against Australia and New Zealand.

Kilkenny were well represented on the International stage as Jeremy Duncan (Hockey) and Mia Griffin (Cycling) competed at the Olympics in Paris, while Damian Vereker (Cycling) and Mary Fitzgerald(Shot Putt) competed at the Paralympics.

Pia Langton and Molly Daly from the Kilkenny City Harriers Club performed with distinction at The European U-18 Athletics Championships in Slovakia, while Cathal O'Reilly recently competed at the European Cross Country Championships in Turkey.

One of the highlights of the year was Mia Griffin winning the Ras Na Mban in what was a most popular success on home territory, while Castlecomer Golf Club were celebrating when the Ladies Team won the All-Ireland Intermediate Foursomes competition for the very first time Finally, two World Handball Championships came to Ireland this year with The 2024 World Four Wall Handball Championships taking place at a variety of venues including across Kilkenny in late October, and there was plenty of local successes at both World Championships across the various categories.

Plenty of wonderful memories to look back on the Sporting Year of 2024.

Beannachtaí na Nollaig oraibh go léir!

St Lachtain’s winners of the Leinster Junior Hurling Final

Pia Langton and Molly Daly

Tadgh O'Carroll

BY PAUL BOLGER

Posture is not all that important when it comes to back pain and health. So many other things are much more important to consider if you wish to care for your body in the long run. I believe you could lead a perfectly healthy life without ever giving posture a second thought. Let me explain...

Our ancestors

In my last article I discussed how modern-day hunter gatherers, who lead lives that likely resemble those of our ancient ancestors, often sit around 10hrs per day. They don’t use chairs, so their positions and postures vary. They rarely sit for longer than 20 minutes – breaking up those bouts of rest. Also, they sit quite actively – often squatting or kneeling, lightly working their muscles.

Another very important consideration is that their lives vary in other ways that are so important to health – like a varied diet that isn’t so caloriedense and regular physical activity.

Today we will stick to the topic of sitting at work and how we can lead healthier office lives.

Don’t think posture, think movement

Think less about posture

Think less about posture and more about regular movement

The body of research looking at how posture impacts pain is inconclusive. Some researchers find a link, while many others don’t. If posture was as important a factor as many of us always thought, you would think that we would

have overwhelming evidence from studies supporting this point. The simple truth is that we do not.

I’ve written about posture here before – you can search ‘posture’ on the Kilkenny Observer website for more on this.

If you catch yourself in the coming days thinking “uh-oh, my posture is bad, better fix it” - think instead, “I’ve been sitting still for a while, better move!”.

These bodies of ours get good

at what they do regularly. If we use our entire range of motion on a regular basis, we are less likely to stiffen up in the long run. Plus, joints, muscles and the other tissues of the body love movement – it helps to keep them healthy and mobile.

What to do

Sustaining any posture for long periods, day in day out, without changing positions often or moving our body through its available range of movement is not a good idea.  Here are some things that you can try in the coming days – see if you can make them a part of your usual work routine.

Set a reminder to get up and move every 30 minutes (there will be times you can’t for different reasons but stick to it when you can).

Move through your full range of movement often during the day – if you slouch a lot, try extending your back, opening your chest, pulling your shoulder blades together and reaching your arms as wide as you can. Twist, turn and bend your way around in any way you can. Get those legs and hips moving too. A little bit and often is the trick here.

Put a visual reminder somewhere you will see, like a sticky note on the desk or on the wall. Changing habits takes some effort. Reminders help.

If you have trouble with any of these suggestions, it is worth discussing it with a physiotherapist to see how you might bring healthy office habits into your day. We will continue to explore this area and help us all to lead healthier lives, even if we spend a large portion of them at our desks.

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A healthy, prosperous and happy New Year to everybody for 2025.

COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Clara U21s secured the final championship on offer for 2024 when getting the better of St Lachtains, Freshford at the James Stephens grounds on the Kells Road just three days before Christmas Day. Being without a game for so long because of Freshford’s involvement in the Leinster and All Ireland Junior championship, Clara could have been easily forgiven for starting slowly. Instead of that they struck for a goal just 12 seconds in. Team captain Conor Cody (the only Clara starter up to the age) won possession from the throw in and delivered it first time into the full forward line. Here Rory Glynn broke the ball down to himself, gathered possession, rounded his man and buried the sliotar in the corner of the net. Freshford responded with a Mark Donnelly point which turned out to be their only point from play for the whole game. Two Conor Hoyne points left Clara four up but Cian Donnelly replied with three pointed frees. Then, after Conor Hoyne had pointed from a free, the same Cian Donnelly got on the end of a flowing Freshford move and fired to the net to give his side the lead. Conor Hoyne restored parity but Donnelly again gave Freshford the halftime lead with another pointed free. 1-5 to 1-4 was where it stood. With a biting cross field wind getting stronger the second half scores were hard to come by. But it was noticeable that Clara resumed with more intent. They began the second half with three points from Conor Hoyne (free), Rory Glynn and a long range peach from Davy Barcoe, who was now thundering into the game, helped in no small measure by the loss of Cathal Hickey for Freshford. Cathal picked up a rib injury and everyone will hope that he is fit to play for Freshford in the Junior All Ireland final in 3 weeks time. Once Clara took the lead in the second half they never looked like getting caught but some wayward shooting (Clara had 14 wides as against 7 by their opponents) kept this game on a knife edge until the end. Two points each from Conor Hoyne (one free) and Cian Donnelly (two frees) completed the scoring but the possibility was always there that Freshford could have grabbed a late goal to pilfer the title. However the Clara defence stood tall, particularly goalkeeper Cian Kelly, Hugh Kelly, Harry Boyle and Luke Lawlor. Daniel Ryan brought a real edge to the fray when introduced also. Captain Conor Cody worked tirelessly in midfield while Conor Hoyne, Rory Glynn and Davy Barcoe carried most of the threat up front.

The Clara sideline team of Martin O Connell, Shane Staunton and Dara Glynn will be delighted with their first foray into management. With eight U19s, one U18 and five U17s in the starting lineup they will be hoping to move up the grades with this crop over the next couple of years. However any title in Kilkenny is hard won and these Clara lads will enjoy their Christmas after this victory.

Clara - Cian Kelly; Ben Crow, Zach Lawlor, Hugh Kelly; Ben Murphy, Harry Boyle, Luke Lawlor; Philip Carrigan, Conor Cody (captain); Joe Power, David Barcoe 0-1, Sean Carrigan; Rory Glynn 1-1, Ned Langton, Conor Hoyne 0-7, 0-4f. Subs: Jake Maher; Daniel Ryan, Dillon Cummins, John Bergin, Eoin Corr, Noelie O Brien, Alex McDonald (inj.).

AARON MOLLOY MEMORIAL CUP

Well done to all involved in the annual soccer tournament for the Aaron Molloy Memorial Cup held recently. This year the chosen charity was the Dillon Quirke foundation and €1000 was raised through the players and a generous donation from Pat Carroll’s where the after game analysis of the soccer skills took place. Many thanks to Freebooters AFC for allowing use of their facilities and also to Pat Carroll’s for their usual fantastic hospitality and support. Until next year!

Congratulations to the winners of O’ Loughlin’s Handball Club annual Christmas tournament last Sunday morning, Joe Hennessy and Noah Manogue, who got the better of our own recent world champions, Joe Daly and Stephen Hally in the final. The final was nip and tuck the whole way to the end with Noah and Joe just getting ahead at the right time and seeing out the clock. A great morning’s handball was had by all competitors and well done to organiser John Morrissey.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels’ club lotto

dated December 23rd. Numbers drawn were 1, 13, 17, 22 and the Bonus was 19.

Promotors Draw. 1. Neil Loy.2. Ml Murray c/o Ml Nolan. 3. Lennon c/o B Murphy.4. Dinny Tyrrell. 5. Finn and Anna c/o D O’Connell. 6. David Coyne c/o Ml Doran. 7. Ml O’Halloran 8. Derek McKenna c/o Online. 9. Pauline Murphy c/o Online. 10. Barry Delaney c/o Online

There was no winner of club lotto Dec 30th. Numbers drawn 14, 15, 20, 27 Bonus 1. Next week’s top prize will be €11,000 (Jan 7th)

Promotors Draw. 1. Liam Lanigan. 2. Carmel Guidera c/o E Burke. 3. Suzanne Tyrrell c/o D Tyrrell. 4. Geoff Doyle. 5. Ml Dreeling. 6. Theresa Nolan c/o Ml Nolan. 7. Maurice Nolan c/o Ml Nolan. 8. John Morrissey c/o Online. 9. Kayleigh McGarry c/o Online. 10. Declan Gibbons c/o online Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto. Thank you for your continued support and Happy New Year from all on the Lotto Committee

BOOKINGS FOR OCCASIONS

O’Loughlin Gaels Club boasts the best club facilities for its members in the city. With plenty of free parking, kitchen, bar and lounge facilities available it can cater for all your party needs. Contact 086-8919312 to book your special occasion-christening, communion, confirmation, birthdays and anniversaries, special wedding guests gatherings or any group occasion you require. The large Hall is available for larger community events and the space outside is safe and secure for all the family.

NOTES

If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels. kilkenny@gaa.ie

FRESHFORD

MICHAEL BROPHY RIP

The people of Freshford were saddened last weekend to hear of the passing of Michael Brophy late of The Square Freshford and formerly of Old Callan Road, Kilkenny. Mick as he was affectionately known was a photographer and came to live in Freshford some years ago where he became well known and respected. He was always around to film or snap events that happened in the village over the years. He was a quiet and unassuming character and although he had been unwell in recent weeks his death caused widespread sorrow and sadness. Internment service took place on Monday afternoon last in St. Kieran’s Cemetery Kilkenny. He is mourned by his sister Pam brothers Noel and Gerry, sisters in law, nieces and extended family and friends to whom sympathy is extended.

GAA NEWS

St. Lachtain’s Junior Hurlers have booked their place in the All Ireland Junior Club championship final where they will face Russell Rovers on Sunday 12th January with throw in at 12.30. They defeated Easkey of Sligo in the semi-final on a scoreline of St.Lachtains 3-15 Esker 0-13.

U21

St. Lachtain’s U21hurlers were defeated by Clara in the JJ Kavanagh & Sons U21 D county final in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan recently. It was a bitter cold day in the Kills Road venue with a strong breeze swirling towards one corner of the country end. Lachtain’s got off to a bad start conceding a goal in the opening 20 seconds of play, but showed great resolve against a physically superior Clara side to fight back and go in ahead at half time by 1 point. However the Clara men’s physicality, aided by some skillful hurling saw them over the line in a closely contested second half on a final score of . St. Lachtain’s 1-7 Clara 1-9. Team M. Murphy, C. Bowden, C. Donnelly, J. Cantwell, J. Bergin, C. Hickey, L. Phelan, M. Donnelly, C. McCabe, M. Durnan, C. Dalton, J. O’Connor, C. Donnelly, J. Whitty, M. Campion. Subs: B. Dermody, J. Denieffe. The Club held a very successful Raffle and Cabaret in

CLARA

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

CHRISTMAS HANDBALL TOURNAMENT

Winners Noah Manogue and Joe Hennessy with finalists Joe Daly and Stephen for Hally and organiser John Morrissey after O’Loughlin Gaels Christmas Handball Tournament.

The Victorious Clara Panel With Their Mentors.

Happy group of participants in the Aaron Molloy Memorial Cup Tournament.

Community & GAA Notes

Kavanaghs bar on Sunday night last with West Life and Take That tribute band on stage. A big Thanks You goes to all those who supported the raffle and event or donated prizes. Winners of the raffle were: 1at prize – Breda Dermoid, 2nd Prize – Luke Kelly, 3rd prize –Amanda Connolly, 4th prize - Richie Maher, and 5th Pried – Colin Dumpy, 6th Prize – Harry and Rachael McGree, 7th prize

– Ella Farrell, 8th prize Mark Bowden.

BUS TO MATCH

A bus will travel to the All Ireland Junior Hurling Club final from Kavanaghs Bar on 12th January. Names are now being taken. If interested in travelling please give your name at the bar asap.

HOME FROM AUSSIE

Home on holiday at present from Australia is Paul White, Inch Freshford. Paul emigrated to Australia early last year and is enjoying Christmas with his family and Friends in his native Freshford.

Also home from Australia at present is Paul Deacon Buncrussia St., Freshford and his wife, daughter and son. Paul and his Australian wife Jenny and family emigrated back to Australia some years ago and are regular visitors back to the village.

CHRISTMAS BINGO AND PRESENTATION

Before the bingo game on Friday 20th December the bingo was officially opened and the ribbon cut by Cllr. Michael McCarthy with Cllr Maurice Shortall also in attendance. They remembered the late Gerry Watson whose brainwave it was to start back up the weekly bingo in Freshford. Special presentations were made to three members of the North Kilkenny Wheelchair Association for forty years of service. Local lady Patricia Watson was presented with a special plaque and also Margaret Barnaville and Dick Brennan.

The North Kilkenny Wheelchair association held a special Christmas bingo session which was held on the Friday before Christmas and it was a huge success with a full house in attendance. It is now on a two week break and will resume on Friday 10th Januray and continue each Friday evening in Freshford Community Hall at 8pm with good prize money and a raffle each week. So why not go along in the New Year and support a very worthy cause.

DEATHS

The death took place on the 21st December of Jack Lacey late of Cascade, Freshford and formerly from Wicklow. The deceased had been unwell for some time. He and his wife Rose moved to Freshford some years ago and made their home at Cascade where they made many friends and acquaintances. His funeral mass took place in St. Lachtains Church followed by burial in St. Lachtains Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Rose, son, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons in law, brothers, sisters, sisters in law and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

The death also occurred last week of Coleman Walsh late of Kilkenny Street, Freshford. A native of Connemara, Coleman was a fluent Irish speaker. He went to UK as a young teenager and spent many years there before returning to live at Lodge Park for some years and then moving into the village in later years. He was well known in the area and was a hard working and jolly character. His funeral mass took place in St. Lachtains Church on Saturday last followed by burial in Danesfort Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Patricia, son Sean, daughters Amanda, Caroline, Marie, Lisa and Donna, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons in law, brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

SQUASH

Freshford Squash club held their annual Christmas Draw and thanks to all those who donated or contributed to same. Winners were as follows: 1st Prize : Sponsor THM €200, B. Dunphy.2nd Prize: Sponsor Brendan O’Reilly Crash Repairs €100, T.Bergin. 3rd Prize : Sponsor Pat

newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards

Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory. ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL

beautifully decorated with the crib being the main focus. Thanks went to all who helped with preparations and Liturgy. The Parish Choirs were in good voice and the age old Christmas Carols were enjoyed. In Bennettsbridge, soloist, Deirdre O’Brien gave her usual beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night”. Organist, Christine O’Neill provided accompaniment.

YEAR OF HOPE

Morrissey Plumbing and Heating €100, T. Hayes. 4th

Prize Sponsor Dr. Beckett €100. L. Hennessy. 5th Prize, Sponsor Mace Freshford €50, P. Jnr Phelan. 6th Prize : Sponsor Freshford Garages €50, M. Moriarty. 7th Prize, Sponsor Chadwicks €50, L. Kennedy. We would like to thank all our sponsors and everyone who supports our club and bought a ticket. Special thanks to Mace Freshford for hosting us.

IONAD LACHTAIN

St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre. Is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm.

BRIDGE

Bridge classes which commenced in Tulla Hall on 4th November continue each week from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for 10 weeks. Anyone interested in attending the classes should contact Mary on 087 2369535

SOCCER

Freshford Town had no games over Christmas. On St. Stephens day the annual Soccer Tournament took place with 16 teams taking part this year. The winning team received the Liam Phelan memorial cup. The boys from Lisdowney were the winners on the day and they took home the cup. Thanks goes out to all those who helped on the day, to those who refed games, organised teams and who prepared and served refreshments.

SPLIT THE POT

There was no split the pot draw over the Christmas but it will resume in January. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs. Revolut is also available on 08330411011 remember to include your name and address...

LOOP CAFE

Loop Community Café in Freshford is looking for people on both sides of the counter.

More than just a place for a coffee and cake – although it’s mighty good cake – the Loop offers breakfast, lunch, and on the first Friday of every month, a three-course gourmet evening meal dreamed up by a series of guest chefs. Takeaway and light catering are also on offer. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities, from the ok club to art classes and a knitting circle. You can rent the Green Room for private meetings or lunches. But all this activity takes many hands. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers. Use your skills and develop new ones. If you’re great at fixing a door hinge, baking a cake, or working in a kitchen – or just willing to learn – there’s got lots to do. Find the Loop on Facebook to keep up with events, or stop by any time. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

FOROIGE

Foroige youth club is on Christmas break at the moment and will resume in the New year. The group meet each Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Community Hall. They have music, a free library, stationary corner, games, chat and treats each week. New members are always welcome. The youth club is members only so if you are interest in joining please sign up while there are still spaces available. They are looking for adult volunteers. For more info contact Aidan n 086 0674485 or Aidan. gleeson@foroige.ie

PARISH NEWS

Mass

is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am. with Mass in Tulla Church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm., and 11am Mass in St. Lachtains Church on Sunday. The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB SYMPATHIES

The sympathies of the membership are extended to the Cody family on the passing of Martin Cody, “Newmore” Callan Road, who passed away peacefully, in his 90th year with his family by his side in his home on Friday last. A long-retired employee of Siúcra Eireann, Martin in his earlier years was a much respected Agri science teacher in St. Kieran’s College. Martin was a loyal Kilkenny and Glenmore GAA supporter throughout his life, his sons Dan and Richie continue the tradition with important administrative roles with the James Stephens club while his grandson Fionn lines out with the club’s Junior hurling and senior football teams. Our sympathies are also extended to Martin’s wife Noreen and sons Carl and Martin, brothers Micheal, Fr. Tom (in Florida) and sister Breda. Martin was laid to rest in Foulkstown cemetery following Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. “Air dheis Dei go raibh a anam dilis”

ST. STEPHEN’S DAY RUN

The annual St. Stephen’s Day 5/10 K Fun Run / Walk was, once again, a resounding success with 358 participants willing to brave the bracing cold but dry weather in support of the joint club and charity fundraiser. The proceeds will be split evenly between the club development fund and our chosen charity, the School of the Holy Spirit. The winner of the U-14 boys race was Rudhan McGuinness, while Lucy Cunningham was first home in the U-14 girls race. In the Men’s 5K event James Kelsey crossed the line in 19.05 minutes while Tara McGuire won the girls race in 21.15 minutes. In the 10K men’s race Ray Lahart breasted the tape in 36.50 minutes while Claire McDonald raced home in 43.58 minutes to claim the girl’s title. The winners in each category received Fitbit watches while the juvenile winners received One4All vouchers sponsored by Scanlon Brothers. As co-ordinator Richie Manogue points out, the annual fun event is very much part of the club’s social calendar with members and friends enjoying the chat over a cuppa tea/coffee both before and after the morning’s exertions.

BONUS BALL

The December Bonus Ball number was 22. The lucky pre-Christmas Day winners were Martin Cornally and Matt Ruth who will each receive a cheque for €500 in the next few days. The first draw of the new year will take place on Saturday 17th January. With the renewal of the draw in January, organiser Richie Manogue requests that contributors who pay upfront should private message him should they wish to continue supporting the fundraiser while thanking all for their support to date.

LOTTO

The Christmas week lotto draw numbers were 7, 10, 13, 24 which matched the numbers of lucky winners Mary and Tom Hutchinson, Mullinavat to scoop the jackpot of €20,000. The ticket was purchased in Michael Nolan’s, Centra Store adjacent to the clubrooms in Ardnore. Congratulations to Tom and Mary and enjoy the spend. The jackpot for the last draw of 2025 will be €3,200. Meanwhile, our thanks to the club’s loyal weekly contributors, whose continuing support ensures the success of this vital fundraiser.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year to all and best wishes for health and happiness in 2025.

CHRISTMAS IN CHURCH

Christmas was celebrated in a meaningful fashion in Tullaherin Parish with both having a full attendance. Celebrant was Fr Pat Duggan. Both churches were

2025 has been designated as the Jubilee Year of Hope. On Sunday last, mass was celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral to mark the beginning of the diocesan celebration. Representatives of each parish were invited to attend. SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to Fr. Pat Duggan, on the death of his sister, Peggie (Margaret) Dwyer, née Duggan, Croan, Dunnamaggin, Co. Kilkenny and formerly of Ballinteskin, Hugginstown.

Peggie passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, 21st December 2024, in her 93rd year, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her parents William and Margaret, her husband Neddie, brothers Michael and Seán, and her sister Pauline who died in infancy. She is survived by her children, Bridget (Fennelly), Pat, Willie, Christy and Eddie, her sisters Bridget (Kearns) and Kitty (Gorey), her brothers Fr. Pat and Liam, sonin-law Eddie, daughters-in-law Catherine (Keoghan), Brenda (Mullen) and Willie’s partner Maria Fitzgerald, her grandchildren Alison, Eoin, Fiona, Liam, Edward, Michelle, Jody, Kiah and Darragh, great grandchildren Cara and Padhraic, sisters-in-law Mary (Cork) and Frances (England), brother-in-law Donie, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours, relatives, friends and her two wonderful carers, Breda and Carmel. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Hugginstown on Christmas Eve. Burial took place in Knocktopher Cemetery.

NOLLAIG NA MBAN

Members of the Art group will celebrate Nollaig na mBan with lunch in Crafted, Bennettsbridge. Art Classes will resume shortly after the Christmas break.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

The Christmas Card Project was a great success this year. Thanks to all who continue to buy the special Bennettsbridge Christmas Cards which are sent far and wide each year. Special thanks to PJ Cullen, Lily in the Post office, James Crotty and Larry (Moth to a Flame), who provide space to display the cards. Thanks to all the artists whose artwork appears on the cards, also people who donated photos and drone images. This year as there is no local presence of the St Vincent De Paul Society, the customary donation has been made to the Thomastown Branch

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to Jim O’Connell, Knockanore on the death of his sister, Betty Rice (Nee O’Connell) Tullow, Knocktopher, Kilkenny. Formerly of Knockanore, Thomastown, Kilkenny.

Betty passed away on 23rd December 2024, in the Oak Ward, University Hospital, Waterford. Survived by her husband, David, children, Brendan, Paul and Mary. Betty will be deeply missed by her loving family, grandchildren Dáithí, Naoise and Éilis, Sarah, Edie and Will, her brother Jim O’Connell, son-in-law Shane Scully, daughter-in-law Regina Fitzpatrick, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Betty lay in repose in the Mercy Side Chapel, in the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown with Rosary and Vigil Prayers. Requiem Mass was celebrated in The Carmelite Church, Knocktopher, followed by burial in the Abbey Cemetery, Knocktopher.

DOREEN EGERBACHER (NEE O’BRIEN) RIP Sympathy is extended to the O’Brien family on the death of Doreen Egerbacher (nee O’ Brien), Unterschleissheim, Munich, Germany, formerly Dunbell, Maddoxtown, Kilkenny.

Doreen passed away peacefully at her home on the 25th November 2024 in Unterschleissheim, Munich. Predeceased by her parents, William and Madge O’ Brien. Brothers: Billy, Michael, John, Kevin, Martin and her sister Ann.

Deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving husband Werner, her loving Sister Chris O’ Shea, Brothersin-law, Colm and Gunter, Sisters-in-law, Kitty, Anne and Brunchilde. Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, extended family, friends and great neighbours.

Doreen was laid to rest on the 4th December 2024 in Unterschleissheim, Munich, Germany. A memorial mass for Doreen will be celebrated on Sunday the 12th January 2025 at 12 noon (Irish time) in St Fiacre’s Church Loughboy, Kilkenny.

BRONZE MEDAL FOR ANNE

Local Photographer, Anne Dowling was among the prizewinners in the Kilkenny Photographic Society’s Photographer of the Year for 2024. Anne won the bronze medal in the Intermediate section for her picture “Riding my Trike”.

Congratulations went to each of the winners and runners up and also to everyone who participated in competitions during the year. Some of Anne’s images are

Cllr Michael McCarthy cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the Bingo in Freshford

included in the local Christmas Card project each year.

CAMOGIE CLUB

Advance Notice; Bennettsbridge Camogie Club will hold a Clothes collection on 9th February 2025. Save the date. Full details will follow in the next few weeks.

BIRDIE KENNEDY RIP

Family members, neighbours and friends gathered in Bennettsbridge Cemetery on Saturday for the burial of the ashes of the late Birdie Lawlor (nee Kennedy) who died in Luton, England in January. Fr Pat Duggan officiated and funeral prayers were recited. Birdie was predeceased by her husband Tom and daughter Jacqui and was laid to rest in the family grave. Survived by her daughter, Carol, nephews, nieces and extended family members.

LOTTO

There was no winner of the jackpot. Numbers, 2, 9, 12, 17. Consolation Prizes, Patrick O’Neill, Bennettsbridge, Claire O’Sullivan, Bennettsbridge, Bridget Moran, Woodlawn, S and P Connery, Norewood Heights, Catherine Murphy, Bohergaddy, Lianna Murphy, Kilkenny, Rosie, ℅ Fr Duggan.

DR JAMES DRYNAN RIP

Sympathy goes to the family of Dr. James Drynan, Thomastown, who died at his home on Tuesday, 17th December surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his wife Olive and children. Mary Margaret, Anna, Sarah, Katie and Pippy. Also mourned by his grandchildren, Charlie, Guy, Poesie, Pia, Roman, Ava, Jimmy, Lottie, Madison and Ryan, his sister Linda, sons-in-law, extended family and friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in The Church of the Assumption, Thomastown, followed by interment in St Kieran’s Cemetery, Tullaherin, Co Kilkenny.

Dr Drynan will be well remembered in Bennettsbridge as he looked after many local people during his time as a doctor in the area. Rest in peace.

MENS SHED

It was a full house for members of the Mens Shed who enjoyed their first Christmas Dinner as a group. They were looked after in a royal fashion in Hotel Kilkenny where a sumptuous meal was enjoyed.

GATHERING

A real treat was enjoyed by members of the gathering Group at their last meeting of 2024. Anne Marie Mahon continued her tradition of giving a demonstration of Christmas Centrepieces and she created some splendid work. Afterwards all the arrangements were raffled among the members. Thanks went to Anne Marie for her support over the years.

GAA

Christmas Split the Pot

Well done to Jane Coe who won 229 euro, Noel Skehan who won 30 euro and Alan Hoyne who won 20 euro. The Christmas hamper was won by Luke Dowling and Paula Nolan won the book voucher. Thanks again for the continued support during 2024.

Steps Challenge 2025

Let your New year resolution be to join Team Bennettsbridge in “My life step challenge”, which starts again on Januar y 8th for six weeks. If you have already taken part in our previous step challenges all you need to do is sign up again to Team Bennettsbridge on My Life App. Otherwise download My life App. Go to social / challenges / My life Every Step counts / provinces / leinster/ Bennettsbridge.

Tractor Run 2025

We hope to run our annual tractor run in mid January this year. More details will follow in the new year. Happy New Year

Bennettsbridge GAA Club would like to wish all players, members and supporters a Happy New Year, thanks for all the support and we look forward to a successful 2025.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN

BRIDGE UNITED Bridge Academy starts 25th January 2025 for boys and girls (aged 4-7). Information from Conor English 085 1321 589

Recent club results: U13 Div 1 - Bridge yellow 4-0 Spa Utd with Bridge scores by Peter Grimley, Charlie Carter, Ollie Maher, Diarmuid O’Neill, In the U13 Div 2 - Paulstown 0-2 Bridge blue with Bridge scores by James Whitehead, Patrick Drennan. In the U15 there was a draw with Freebooters 0-0 Bridge CALENDAR

The Goresbridge Calendar available in Maher’s and Goresbridge Pharmacy. €15 for two and €10 for one.

CHURCH SERVICES

Weekend masses in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday and in Paulstown at 11.30am on Sunday. Mass at 11am this Friday in Paulstown. CUPLA FOCAL (IRISH LANGUAGE CONVERSATION

CIRCLE)

Resumes on Friday 17 January 2025 at 11am in the Goodly Barrow. Athbliain faoi mhaise romhaibh go léir!

GOODLY BARROW

The Goodly Barrow will be closed from Monday 30th December until Wednesday 15th January.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT FOR 2025/26

Scoil Bhríde (Goresbridge) is now accepting admissions for the coming school year. Please contact the school between 9 am and 1 pm for an admissions form. Phone 059 9775168 or email to Office@GoresbridgeNS.ie

Scoil Bhríde (Paulstown) is now excepting Admissions for next year. More details available on the school website or phone 059 9726149.

RECYCLING OF CHRISTMAS TREES

You can drop off your tree at the bottle bank near the cemetery in Goresbridge from 6th January.

SPLIT THE POT

In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie

TAR ISTEACH

Tar Isteach Reopened on Thursday 2nd January.

YOGA

Why not start the New Year on a healthy note with Yoga classes each Tuesday from 10.30am to 11.30am in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge. This will be a six-week course for €60. Limited places are available. Information from Catriona telphone 087 6811240.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL

The Ballyragget Cois Nore Outreach Cancer support ser vice returns after Christmas on Monday the 6th of January 2025. Please call into Dr Hogan’s Rooms, the Square Ballyragget from 10 am to 12 noon. Call in for cancer support for you or your family and find out how to avail of the free services available at the Cois Nore Centre in Kilkenny City. All are welcome

AMBER WOMEN’S REFUGE

Many thanks to all who attended the St Stephen’s Day Walk in Gathabawn in aid of Amber Women’s Refuge which provides a 24 hour Helpline, emergency refuge accommodation, community based support and information services and counselling/therapeutic services to women and children living in Kilkenny, Carlow and surrounding counties who are victim/survivors of domestic abuse. 24/7 confidential Helpline 0818 42 42 44.

MASS PATH

There was a great turn out to the first St Stephen’s Day walk along the Mass Path in in aid of Cois Nore and in memory of Padraig Brennan and Kathleen Carroll. Ballyouskill the inaugural Mass Path Walk held in the memory of Padraig Brennan and Kathleen Carroll.

WREN BOYS

The Wren Boys were out and about on St Stephen’s Day collecting funds for the O Gorman Home. Well done to them

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Well done to all involved in the 2024 Light up the Night on New Year’s Eve. To the organising committee, stewards and those who partook in the event a massive well done.

JOHNSTOWN

CROSSPATRICK TRACTOR RUN

The recent run raised the princely sum of € 7,400 in aid of St. James ‘Hospital Foundation. The organising committee would like to thank all those who supported this event with special thanks to Donal at “The Crosspatrick” for the use of the field, the Hall Committee for the use of the Hall, the ladies for providing the teas and refreshments, those who sold tickets, helped with the BBQ, parking, setting up and cleaning after the event. A very successful fundraiser.

CONCERT

Dana’s Cross And Cloak Concert in aid of the Sacred Heart Crusade will take place on Sunday February. 2nd at the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix at 7.30pm with entertainment by local artists. Admission € 25 (eventbrite.ie). All proceeds to the promotion of the Sacred Heart Crusade culminating at Knock Shrine on June 22nd. This mission will have a focus of engagement at parish level and with the youth of Ireland.

TEA AND TALK

The Hall Committee will host the January “Tea and Talk” in St. Kieran’s Hall on Tuesday January 7th at 11am after Mass. Please come across to the hall for refreshments and a chat. All are welcome.

WELCOME

A warm welcome to the Faith Community, of baby Chloe Rufina, daughter of Rhona McCormack and Ryan Nolan, who was baptised recently in St. Kieran’s Church by Fr. Paddy Carey.

ALL REOPENING

The Mill Family Resource centre will reopen on January 6th. Cois Nore will resume on Friday January 10th. The parish office will reopen on January 2nd from 10 to 1.30pm.

RETURN

Bingo will return to St. Kieran’s Hall on Wednesday. January 8th with Split the Pot which, for the month of January, will be in aid of the Hall.

LOTTO

Spa Development/Fenians Lotto, The winning numbers for December 19th were 7,16,20,21. There was one match three, well done to Paschal Ryan.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

PARISH ENVELOPES FOR 2025

The Priest Collection was taken up last weekend and is for the support of priests, active and retired in the Archdioces. It is the last collection for 2024 and Míle Búiochas to all those who contributed so generously to all the collections during the past year. Envelope boxes for 2025 are being distributed at this time and we express our thanks to the distributors. We are very grateful to all who contribute to our collections for the upkeep of both Church’s in the parish.

SACRAMENTAL DATES

The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May at 11am.

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo continues this Saturday evening 4th January 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. A sincere thanks to everyone who supported our bingo during 2024.

GORTNAHOE CHRISTMAS DRAW

The Hall committee would like to thank everyone who supported the Christmas Draw on Sunday 22nd December in aid of the Community Hall. The support of each household in the Parish for the purchase of tickets for the Christmas Draw exceeded all expectations. We also appreciated the donations from the local businesses and the local households who gave items to make up the hampers and prizes for the Christmas Raffle. A sincere thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make the draw a success.

1st Prize- Ann Pembroke, Garnagale Urlingford. 2nd Prize- Edward Doyle, Longfordpass. 3rd Prize- Willie Dunne. Graigue. 4th Prize- Michaela Phelan, Inchorourke. 5th Prize- Angelina Moore, Barnane Templemore. 6th Prize- Mary White, C/o Jimmy Meighan. 7th PrizeAnne Lyons, Graigue. 8th Prize- Adam Phelan, C/o Mary Phelan. 9th Prize- Anne Maire Meighan, C/o Jimmy Meighan. 10th Prize- Pat Rochford, Fennor. 11th PrizeDarragh Ryan, Boulick. 12th Prize- Mary Wall, Fennor. 13th Prize- Ellen Stokes, Kilbrough. 14th Prize- Mary Phelan, Inchorourke. 15th Prize- Therese O’Gorman. Boulick. 16th Prize- First Ireland Spirits -c/o Albert Stanley. 17th Prize- Jimmy Meighan. 18th Prize- Maura O’ Brien, Urard. 19th Prize- Mary Phelan, Inchorourke. 20th Prize – Margaret Purcell, Fennor. 21st Prize – Conor McNamara, Coalbrook. 22nd Prize – Una Fogarty, The Islands Urlingford. 23rd Prize – Ciara Ryan, Boulick. 24th Prize – Joanne Glynn, C/o Nellie Campion Graiguewood. 25th Prize -Brid Fogarty, Longfordpass. 26th Prize- Darragh O’ Riordan – Renaghmore. 27th Prize- Mary White , C/o Jimmy Meighan. 28th Prize – Mary Ann Fogarty –Longfordpass

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 434910

CLUB CALENDAR

Gortnahoe Glengoole Juvenile GAA club calendar is now available at €10. A fabulous Christmas gift and is available from the committee members and Cahill’s shop.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to last two winners in the Split the Pot draw, Joan Morris, Gorteen who won €267 and Michael Maher, Fennor who won €169. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of January Split the Pot will be in support of the St Vincent de Paul. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

NEW YEAR GREETINGS

Wishing all a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2025 to all the contributors and readers of the Gortnahoe Glengoole Notes.

JOSEPHINE COSTELLO RIP

The Death has occurred of Josephine Costello (nee Long), The Glen, Lisduff, Urlingford, December 19th, peacefully at home in the presence of her adored family. Predeceased by her husband William, parents Hugh and Josephine, sisters Sally, Mary and Patricia (who died in infancy) and brother Eamon. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, Marie, Liam, Joseph, Brendan, Carmel, Hughie and Niamh, sons-in-law,

daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends. Josephine reposed at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford on Friday December 20th. Removal from her residence took place on Saturday morning to St. Patrick’s Church, Graine arriving for Requiem Mass. Interment took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May she Rest in Peace

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH

Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Wednesday at 7.00p.m. Vigil, Saturday at 6.30p.m.

FRIDAY 3RD. FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 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

Sr. De La Salle; (Kitty Murphy late of Newmarket who died in New York). Peggy Dwyer, Croan, William Farrell, Oldtown. Baby Sadie Martin, Ballinteskin, Robert McMunn, Cherrymount, Betty Rice, Knocktopher. Anniversar y: William Dalton, Lismatigue, Tommy, Kitie and Cissie Delahunty, Catstown: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 4th. January at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS)

Readers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Rita O’Farrell. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan, Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Mary O’Grady. Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy, Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power

THANKS

Many thanks to all the Children; Parents; Teachers; Musicians; Choirs; Readers; Eucharistic Ministers; Servers and others who prepared the Christmas Masses: and to all who cleaned and decorated the Churches in the Parish for the Christmas Season and throughout the year. Thanks to all who erected the Cribs; donated flowers and Christmas trees etc. A sincere thank you and appreciation to all.

BABY MASSAGE CLASSES

Classes commencing the Thursday 9th. January for 5 consecutive weeks in Croan, Hugginstown at 12.00p.m. Contact Helen for more details on 083 857 9883, or www.kilkennyoccupationaltherapy.ie

CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS

Envelopes for your Christmas Offerings 2024 may be collected in the Church Porch, and your contributions may be handed in during the coming weeks: or you may wish to donate directly – Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D). Many thanks for all your support and contributions during the past year. Roman Catholic Diocese and Parishes of Ossory – Registered Charity No. 20015831

LOTTO

Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 23rd. December 2024 Numbers: 13; 18; 04; 16. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €50.00 Christmas Winners: Eileen Aylward, Catstown, Breda O’Meara, Croan.

€30.00. Winners,Eileen Lawlor, c/o Teresa Fitzgerald, Pat Drea, Croan, Catherine Dwyer, Croan, Rita Long, Stoneyford, Fred Malzard, Stoneyford. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Ann Power. Ger Carroll, Mary Doyle. Next Draw on Monday 6th. January. Please submit returns by 8.30p.m. Draw at 9.00p.m. Next week: Match 3: €500.00; (First 3 Numbers Drawn) Jackpot: €7,600.00. (4 Numbers) Many thanks to the Lotto Promoters and Supporters for their committed and ongoing support of the weekly Lotto. All funds generated are returned through prizes and by dividends to Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G.A.A. Club. These funds are critical to the development of all our facilities

JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE. THEME: PILGRIMS OF HOPE

On Christmas Eve, 24th. December the Holy Year of Hope began with the opening of the Holy Door by Pope Francis, in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Each Diocesan Bishop celebrated Mass on Sunday, 29th. December, ‘Feast of the Holy Family’, to mark the solemn opening of the Holy Year. Bishop Niall celebrated Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, on the 29th. December at 5.30p.m. when the Diocese of Ossory, in communion with the whole Church, solemnly began our celebration of the ‘Jubilee Year of Hope’.

Tom Healy

Hurlng matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

As the new year kicks in, Gaels across Noreside will be hopeful that 2025 can bring an end to the long wait for senior All-Ireland glory. It seems like we have been stuck on thirty-six titles for forever, but with every new year, comes new hope and the upcoming season will be no different with belief that Liam can return to the Marble City.

The 2024 season provided some glimpses of hope for our men in black and amber. As usual, The Walsh Cup was the first bit of competitive action for Derek Lyng’s charges as they sought to claim the pre-season silverware for the first time since 2018. Victory over Carlow gave the Cats a good start to matters, but they came unstuck in the group game against rivals Wexford in Callan, where Keith Rossiter’s outfit progressed to the final, courtesy of a 1-point win, despite finishing the contest with 13 men.

Attention then turned to Allianz National matters as the Cats competed in Division 1A of the competition. We opened our campaign with an entertaining draw in UPMC Nowlan Park against The Yellowbellies, before hitting the road to Leeside, where we fought hard to secure a confidence building 1-point win over the Rebel County. Next up was a home win over Offaly before travelling to Ennis where Brian Lohan’s team emerged winners by

Out with the old...

2024 promised much, but the wait goes on

League decider. Walsh Park was the venue for the final group A fixture, a clash with neighbours, Waterford. The Cats ran out three-point winners, setting up a last four clash against the green machine of Limerick.

The league semi-final was held in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and a large crowd was in attendance as Kilkenny lay down a marker against a Treaty side that has dominated intercounty hurling scene for the last few years. TJ was in sparkling form, finishing with 1-8 as Derek

Lyng’s men condemned Limerick to an 8-point defeat. This win showed that John Kiely’s team could be beaten and the Cats would take heart from this victory.

The Allianz League decider pitted Kilkenny against the only side to register a victory over them during the campaign – Clare. FBD Semple Stadium was the venue for the clash with The Banner and just like the earlier meeting between the two sides, it would be Brian Lohan’s team that prevailed by 2 points and took the silverware back to Ennis. Walsh Cup and Allianz League

done and dusted; the focus was now on provincial matters as Kilkenny went in search of a 76th Bob O’Keefe Cup. Ulster’s finest, Antrim were first up, as we welcomed Darren Gleeson’s men to UPMC Nowlan Park. Lyng’s charges ran up an impressive tally of 5-30 in a demolition of the Saffron’s. Round two saw the Cats make the journey west, to tackle Henry’s Galway. A real cracker this one proved to be, with matters deadlocked at the long whistle, so a share of the spoils for last year’s finalists. Round three saw the Noresider’s

Links to Liam -

Eoin Murphy one of 3 men from our last All-Ireland victory

but it was John Donnelly’s impressive showing that was crucial in propelling his side to the win in the Capital. Round five saw Keith Rossiter’s Wexford side roll into town, and another rip-roaring encounter ensued with the Marble City men getting over the line by the bare minimum, thanks in no small way to TJ’s personal tally of 1-13. With three wins’ apiece, Kilkenny and Dublin progressed to the provincial

head to Netwatch Cullen Park to take on the challenge of Carlow. Many expected Kilkenny to get back to winning ways, but a Marty Kavanagh inspired performance saw the Dolmen County claim a famous and deserved draw against their illustrious opponents. Having stuttered in the Carlow game, a trip to Parnell Park to face Dublin was next up for the Cats, and this game turned out to be another cracker, with just 2 points between the sides at full-time, again, TJ top scoring,

following their earlier meeting, but the wide-open spaces of the Jones’s Road venue suited Kilkenny better than the tighter confines of Parnell Park and Derek Lyng’s side ran out 16-point winners in a game that only ever looked to have one winner from the first whistle, with Adrian Mullen putting in an excellent performance for the Cats. Having negotiated another successful Leinster campaign, Kilkenny advanced to the semifinal of the All-Ireland series where they would face a third meeting of the season against Brian Lohan’s Clare, hoping that it would be a case of ‘third time lucky’. Having got the better of Clare in both the 2022 and 2023 semi-finals the Cats were hoping that that history would be the dominant factor. Eoin Cody scored a cracking first half goal, but by my reckoning, the Cats had five major chances in the first half but only managed to beat Eibhear Quilligan once before the short whistle, as the Feakle man ensured Clare remained in the game with a string of great saves. The Leinster champions held a 5-point lead at the short whistle and hopes were high that a third final appearance on the bounce was about to be secured, but The Banner had other ideas. Clare fought their way back into the game and kept their opponents on a much tighter leash in the second half, Kilkenny registered only 1-6 after the interval. When Mark Rodgers fired over a stunning effort from distance to level matters, their tails were up, their fans support was echoing around Croker with verve. Richie Reid was adjudged to have fouled the enigmatic Shane O’Donnell, again Aidan McCarthy stood over the placed ball. The InaghKilnamona man split

the Kilkenny posts and The Banner led for the first time in the game, with about one minute remaining. In injury time, Clare worked the sliotar to Tony Kelly and the Ballyea man rifled over from way out the pitch to leave his side two points clear. Richie Reid floated in a late free, knowing that a goal was needed, but Clare emerged with the ball and Liam Gordon sounded the long whistle, and the long journey home began for the Cats. When the dust settled over the summer and club matters take centre stage, the fear begins to creep in, as the inevitable is on the horizon, intercounty retirements. The name on most people’s lips was TJ. Thankfully, it appears the legendary Shamrocks Ballyhale man is signing on for one more year in the black and amber. So far Derek Lyng has lost three vastly experienced trusty lieutenants, Cillian Buckley, Conor Fogarty and Walter Walsh. This trio of All-Ireland winners departing the panel, means the Liam MacCarthy connections are down to Reid’s, TJ and Richie and Eoin Murphy.

It’s not only on the pitch that change has happened, Derek Lyng is making changes to his backroom team, with Conor Phelan and Peter Barry departing the backroom team. Thomastown’s mastermind and senior club winning manager, Noel Doherty is expected to come into the fold as a coach / selector, while Declan Wall who had been heavily involved with match analysis is expected to have more of a ‘hands-on’ role next season. Further additions are expected to the management team before things get underway for 2025.

There are no pre-season competitions across the Island in 2025, so we get straight into Allianz League action in January with a trip to Cusack Park in Ennis to face current League and All-Ireland champions, Clare. More about that in a couple of weeks. Next week we will build up to St Lachtain’s AllIreland Junior Final against Russell Rovers. It’s unusual to only have one Kilkenny side still involved in the business end of the club season, but perhaps we were spoilt last season with a trio of champions. New Year, new hope.

The Boss - Derek Lyng

Not going awayTJ Reid

A big miss -Walter Walsh

Two halves - John Donnelly And David Blanchfield key men at both ends of the pitch

Planning notices

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Brian and Martina McCann for full planning permission to construct a 2 storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, connection to mains water supply, soakpits and all other associated site works at Baunoge, Callan, 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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Jamie and Mairead Monahan for full planning permission to construct a 2 storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Boheragaddy, Bennettsbridge, 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

PATRICK RYAN 2ND ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Patrick, late of Kilkenny and Tramore, Co. Waterford whose 2nd Anniversary occurs at this time

R.I.P

Sadly missed Your cousin Anne

Will those who think of Patrick today

A little prayer to Jesus say

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. M.B.

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. L.T.

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. A.C.

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. M.M.

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. M.K.

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. M.B.

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. B.H.