Kilkenny Observer 04 April 2025

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Friday 4th April 2025

Kids On Screens Adolescence... and toxic masculinity  Paul Hopkins, page 8

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Haves, Have Nots Deep flaws within the welfare system  John Ellis, page 16

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We need more houses Major developer plans to invest significantly in Kilkenny Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes, one of Ireland’s leading property development firms, has reaffirmed its commitment to landowners by pledging to fully cover the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) on any residentially zoned land it purchases. With the tax now in effect as of February 1, 2025, the company is actively seeking sites for development, particularly in Kilkenny, as part of its

expansion strategy.

Ciaran Fitzpatrick, CEO of Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to accelerate housing delivery. The firm currently has 350 homes under construction across Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, and Cork.

Now, they are looking to scale up and deliver more than 150 homes in Kilkenny.

“Ireland’s housing crisis

demands innovative and immediate solutions,” said Mr Fitzpatrick. “The Residential Zoned Land Tax is intended to encourage development, but it also places a financial strain on landowners who may not have the means to build. By absorbing this tax on any land we purchase, we are providing an immediate solution — offering landowners a viable exit while ensuring much-needed

housing is developed without delay.”

The RZLT, introduced under the Finance Acts, imposes an annual tax of 3% on the market value of undeveloped, residentially zoned land. This could mean substantial costs for landowners, particularly those who are unable to proceed with development.

Significant financial impact of RZLT:

• Who is affected: Landowners, including individuals, businesses, and entities with residentially zoned but undeveloped land.

• Tax rate: 3% annually on the land’s market value, potentially amounting to tens of thousands of euros each year.

• Exemptions: Only active construction sites and certain agricultural lands qualify for relief.

As part of its expansion strategy, Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes is actively looking to acquire residentially zoned land in Kilkenny. The company welcomes discussions with landowners who wish to sell or explore partnership opportunities that will lead to the rapid development of much-needed housing.

“This is a win-win solution,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

Road accident woman named in Callan death

To Castlecomer we go walking...

The latest road death fatality has involved a Kilkenny pedestrian in her 30s who lost her three-day battle for life after she was seriously injured in a road traffic collision on Friday, March 28.

The woman has been named locally as Jelena Kuzic.

Her death brings to 40 the number of people who have died on Irish roads so far this year. It is 15 deaths fewer than the total number of deaths (55) for the same period last year.

The young woman was injured following a collision on the N76 at Westcourt Demesne, Callan, Co Kilkenny around 9pm .

She was taken to St Luke’s Hospital but died three days later.

Two new walking trails in the centre of Freshford and Castlecomer have been officially launched by Cllr Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny Co. Council.Regarding the opening of the walking trails, Cllr.

McCarthy said, “The Wonder Wander Trails are designed to celebrate the rich and often diverse heritage of Architectural Conservation Areas.

I commend the strong engagement from the local community, schools, and individuals who have been vital for a successful outcome.”

Our Photo shows students from the Presentation Convent National School, Castlecomer who were involved with this project PHOTO: Vicky Comerford

Wexford Verona survives vote of no confidence

Full story Page 6

US tariffs: we’re none the wiser but pharma OK After almost half an hour of waffle, President Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs. These were set at half the rate those countries charge America, though he included non-tariff barriers such as VAT. So the rate on the EU is 20%, supposedly half the 39% the EU imposes on America. This was “kind”, Trump insisted. As

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

expected, there’s a 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars.

Ireland got off lightly as we were expecting Trump to put 25% tariffs on all.

The EU’s is one of the lowest rates, but the UK is getting away with just 10%. Some of America’s trading partners in Asia are really being battered.

Cambodia is facing 49%, and Vietnam 46%. Chinese im-

ports will be hit with 34%.

Irish whiskey will now be going up against the likes of Scotch and Bushmills, which will be hit with only 10% tariffs, so that’s going to be difficult for southern exporters.

Ibec reckons that, overall, the tariffs will result in a net overall export impact of about 2-3% in the short term. Our exports are worth €200bn a year.

There was no mention of sectoral tariffs. Trump said previously he would soon declare tariffs specifically on the pharma industry, which have been exempt from past trade wars.

The largest multinational firms believe tariffs targeting medical products are inevitable, and their only hope is the ramp-up will be incremental rather than 20% from day one.

The endgame is probably talks between the EU and US, which might take in defence spending and regulation of Big Tech as well as trade.

EU officials’ attempts to engage the US in discussions have proved frustrating, saying they were “regularly confused and frustrated” with Washington.

Special Report Page 14

The Government won a confidence vote in the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, with the Taoiseach decrying opposition “mob politics”.

Ms Murphy, a TD for Wexford since 2020, said she bore no “ill will” towards those who brought the motion over the speaking-time row.

The vote of no confidence was defeated by 96 votes to 71, a margin of 25.

The TDs voted on an opposition amendment aimed at reversing the Government motion of confidence.

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Walking on sunshine, and don’t it feel good With brighter evenings returning, a new survey of consumers across Ireland conducted by outdoor clothing brand, Regatta Great Outdoors, shows the universal appeal and mental health benefits of spending time in the outdoors – 95% of respondents ranked getting outdoors as important for mental well-being.

The survey also showed screen time concerns of respondents: 68% of consumers believe they spend too much time on screens during winter’s darker days, while 80% agree that reducing screen time in favour of outdoor activities could significantly boost their mental well-being.

As spring gets fully into gear, 82% of respondents plan to spend more time outdoors, taking advantage of the extended daylight hours. In terms of preferred activity for getting out and about, walking was by far the favourite outdoor activity (83%) versus those who prefer running (5.5%) and cycling (4.9%).

More than a third of respondents (39%) admitted to spending 3-4 hours on devices per evening during winter.

However, with the arrival of longer, brighter evenings, over half (58%) are eager to try a “digital detox” by replacing an hour of screen time with outdoor activities daily. A further third (32%) said they

would be willing to try a digital detox if ‘they can fit it into their routine’.

Ireland’s unpredictable weather means preparation is key. Nearly nine in 10 (89%) respondents emphasised the importance of appropriate outdoor clothing. More than

a third of respondents (34%) highlighted the importance of layers for warmth and comfort that can be added to or taken off according as the weather changes throughout the day.

A total of 31% of the sample said that a good waterproof jacket was essential to cope

with unexpected showers, while a similar number felt that comfortable, durable footwear was a priority to get right.

“This survey really shows how much people in Ireland value the outdoors – not just for staying active, but for

supporting their mental wellbeing too,” said Brian Fox, Managing Director of Regatta Ireland. “With longer evenings arriving, it’s great to see so many planning to get outside more and take a break from screens.

“Our advice to people

is simple: get outdoors – whether it’s for half an hour or a whole day. In Ireland, you’re never far from a scenic view or a great place to walk, so make the most of it. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost both your physical and mental well-being.”

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Half of low-incomes made ‘risky’ financial changes More than half of low-income households made ‘risky’ financial changes due to cost-of-living crisis, according to a new report It also found that 87% of low-income households have cut back on day-to-day spending as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

The report from the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) surveyed

more than 1,600 low-income households between May and June 2024 for the report.

Participants reported on changes they made in their day-to-day spending, borrowing and saving due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Such a crisis is defined as the period following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The most

common cuts were to groceries (63%), clothing and footwear (60%) and electricity and heat (53%).

Meanwhile, some 54% of low-income households have undertook at least one measure described as “risky” financial behaviour.

Such high-risk measures include entering arrears, increasing debt, cutting back on health spending, taking

a mortgage or loan payment break, and cutting back on savings or a pension.

The ESRI classify such actions as “risky” due to their potential for longterm negative consequences.

And while 54% of lowincome households have undertaken at least one risky financial response to cope with the cost-of-living

crisis, this figure is 79% for households in deprivation.

Some 15.7% of people live in deprived households, according to the latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office. (CSO) Material deprivation is an inability to afford two or more items from a list of 10 essentials.

See John Ellis Page 16

Pay-related money on way for parents and for carers Parents could see a new payrelated benefit early next year, following the roll-out of a scheme for jobseekers.

People who lose their jobs can now apply for jobseeker’s benefit worth up to €450 a week for three months, depending on their previous earnings. The rate falls gradually after this.

The Government is now considering the introduction of more pay-related benefits including those targeting parents.

A spokesperson for Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary said pay-related parent’s benefit is most likely to be introduced next. He said the ambition is to have it in place early next year.

“The timeline for that is looking like there will be a consultation in the coming months, and it may be part of the budget negotiation with a view to launching it early next year,” he said.

Mr Calleary said the roll-out of the jobseekers scheme and its success will be kept under review.

Parent’s benefit is paid while you are on parent’s leave from work if you have enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions. It is worth €289 a week and paid to workers and the self-employed with young children.

The payment allows them to take up to nine weeks off before their child’s second birthday.

The Government committed to introducing pay-related parent’s benefit in the Programme for Government.

And a number of other pay-

related benefits may be coming down the track.

The Government is also examining the introduction of a pay-related carer’s benefit for people who have to give up work suddenly to provide fulltime care for a loved one.

It said it would explore “other payments where a similar model could be applied” in the Programme for Government.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) is calling for maternity and paternity benefits to be linked to salaries.

A department spokesperson said it is “exploring” the rollout of a pay-related model to other benefit schemes, including those supporting parents, as set out in the Programme for Government.

“The experience from the implementation of the Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit scheme will assist in the development and roll-out of the model across other schemes as may be approved by government,” he said.

Under the latest developments, jobseekers can now apply for benefit payments that are based on their previous pay.

According to department officials, the scheme is designed to “better insulate” people who become unemployed from the “income shock” of moving from an average income of about €800 a week after tax to a net income of €244 a week.

It is available to those whose first day of unemployment is on or after March 31, once they have paid PRSI contributions for a certain number of years.

Roses for Cystic Fibrosis funds People in Kilkenny are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, on Friday, 11th April. Volunteers across the country will be selling purple

roses tn shopping centres Dunnes Stores, Kieran St, Kikenny; Dunnes stores, MacDonagh Junction, Kilkenny and McCarthy’s SuperValu, Newpark Shopping Centre, Kilkenny.

Castlecomer Walking Trail: from left, John Beattie, National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Cllr Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny Co. Council, Edel McWeeney Moran, CEO, EZxploring, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, Kilkenny Co. Council, and Jane Wales, National Inventory of Architectural Heritage PHOTO: Vicky Comerford

To Freshford we go walking...

Following a collaboration between the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, the Architectural Conservation Office of Kilkenny County Council, and the local community, two new walking trails in the centre of Freshford and Castlecomer have been officially launched by Cllr Michael McCarthy, Cathaoirleach . The launch events took place in Ionad Lachtáin and Castlecomer Library respectively.

Regarding the opening

of the walking trails, Cllr.

Michael McCarthy said, “The Wonder Wander Trails are designed to celebrate the rich and often diverse heritage of Architectural Conservation Areas. I commend the strong engagement from the local community, schools, and individuals who have been vital for a successful outcome.”

The trails are within the confines of the Architectural Conservation Areas in both localities, and bring walkers on a route past some of their

most significant structures, while also providing snippets of interesting information.

A ‘Scavenger Hunt’ is also available for participants of all ages to seek out some of the more notable and fascinating architectural features within the Architectural Conservation Areas.

These trails are part of Kilkenny County Council’s ongoing promotion and safeguarding of Kilkenny’s local architectural heritage.

The trails are self-guided

and supported by a map providing user friendly information about the selected points of interest.

The trail stops, which have been featured, reflect a cross section of the types of buildings found in our Architectural Conservation Areas.

Both events were followed by the opportunity to do some of the trails afterwards. All walking trails are free and are available to download as PDFs on www. buildingsofireland.com now.

Have you got an innovative business idea?

Kilkenny County Council, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, South East Technological University (SETU), and the Urlingford Town team are delighted to announce START Exit 4 Competition 2025.

IT runs from Friday, April 4 until the end of June.

START Exit 4 is open to anyone with an innovative business idea in the early stages of trading (within the first 18 months of trading or pre-trading) If you have an original and innovative idea within the technology sector (eg.

Agri-Tech, AI, Ecommerce, FinTech, Gaming, Health-

care, ICT, IOT, Robotics, etc.) and intend on setting up a business in Kilkenny, or are already in the early stages of development, check out this competition.

The initiative will involve availing of LEO Kilkenny and SETU training and mentoring where appropriate, and will culminate in a final comprising of an investor ready pitch for an investment fund worth €6,000. The prize fund will include access to office space to the value of €1,500 at the newly opened Exit 4, conferencing and remote working hub located in Urlingford.

To encourage budding en-

trepreneurs to come forward, LEO Kilkenny will run a START/Exit 4 workshop and Start Your Own Business Course at Exit 4, Urlingford during spring/summer 2025.

South East Technological University (SETU) will also be onsite to support applicants in the area.

The competition will be open for applications from Friday the 4th April through the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny website at www. localenterprise.ie/kilkenny.

In conjunction with this competition, The Local Enterprise office will also be holding a workshop and Start your Own Business

course in Exit 4 on the below dates along with mentoring sessions with SETU. It is not a requirement to take part in the workshop and course if you enter the competition, however it is recommended as this will prepare you for the competition pitch. Mentoring will also be provided for competition entrants who do not take part in workshop and course.

We also encourage participants in the workshop and course who do not wish to enter the competition but are interested in starting their own business or are in the early stages of starting their own business.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Adolescence and the role of toxic masculinity The mental health knock-on from the pandemic lockdown, perceived lack of opportunity for a good income, lack of housing, and the concerns of climate change are cited as reasons for the changing attitudes of young males, some of which borders on criminality – think riots and robbery – and for toxic attitudes towards women.

Anecdotal evidence implies links between social media and a rise of discriminatory gender norms – acceptable, appropriate behaviour – in adolescent boys but research suggests it is not a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Social media comprises many platforms but personal experiences, preexisting attitudes and social context play pivotal roles in influencing boys’ views on gender norms.

So-called ‘influencers’ are, to my thinking, the ones parents need to guard against in rearing teenagers. ‘Influencers’ like the Tate brothers

and the fighter Conor McGregor.

Rape victim Nikita Hand is, allegedly, not the only victim of McGregor. Two months before his appearance with Donald Trump in the White House, a woman filed a civil lawsuit against McGregor, claiming he assaulted her in a bathroom at an NBA final in Florida in 2023. The woman is a vice-president on Wall Street.

In 2020, McGregor was detained in Corsica over alleged sexual assault. The case was dropped over a lack of evidence. In another case, later dropped by the complainant, a woman claimed she had to jump off a yacht after an alleged attack by McGregor in 2022. McGregor denies both allegations.

Immigration has been raised many times by McGregor as a domestic political issue in Ireland. He wrote inflammatory social media posts ahead of, and in the middle of, the Dublin riots. These

included: “Ireland, we are at war”, “There is a grave danger upon us”, and “Make change, or make way.” The DPP is considering a case against McGregor.

Self-confessed misogynist Andrew Tate has targeted Simon H ­ arris in a scathing online post after the Tánaiste said the “likes of McGregor and Tate should not be social media influencers – they should be social pariahs”.

In a post on X, the influencer, facing charges of rape and trafficking offences in Romania, which he denies, told his 10 million followers: “Jealous weak men will do anything it takes to stop powerful men regaining control of the systems.”

Tate (38) – who now faces allegations of rape by his ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern – has been accused of hateful behaviours and violence against women since he was removed from British TV show Big Brother in 2016, after a video showed him attack-

ing a woman. Tate turned to social media, where he has cultivated countless young men and boys – promoting his troubling take on modern masculinity and claiming, erroneously, that 80 per cent of young women are attracted to only 20 per cent of young men.

The concept of toxic masculinity is used in academia

“So-called ‘influencers’ the ones parents need to guard against...

to refer to those aspects of masculinity that are socially destructive, such as misogyny, homophobia and violent domination – and their promotion of sexual assault and domestic violence. Socialisation of boys sometimes also normalises violence, as in the saying “boys will be boys” – an adage promoted by the Tates, among many online ‘influencers’.

The week of St Patrick’s Day heard former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate say he fears young men are spending too much time watching pornography – and they need better role models beyond online influencers.

At the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby lecture, he said parents, teachers and authorities needed to do more to encourage young men to make the right choices in life and to not fear failure – because of our rapidly changing world.

In the same week, Netflix began streaming Adolescence, the four-part tale of a

teen, just 13, who has been accused of killing a female classmate. The young boy is quickly revealed to be guilty and the series begins a larger, steeper dive into Incel culture – the ‘right’ of sexual male entitlement and gender violence, promoted by the Tates and their ilk.

The compelling series, which should be seen by all parents, is a damning indictment of the role of social media, and of the questionable lack of a responsible role by parents, teachers and authority, resulting in the young girl’s murder.

Part four ends with the young boy changing his plea to guilty but, more pertinently, his parents coming to terms with what their son has done and questioning their role in it all.

Did they ever question what was going on with his laptop in his locked bedroom?

Do you know what’s going on behind your teenager’s locked bedroom door?

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You could be seven years older than you think According to new research, your heart could be as much as seven years older than you – increasing the risk of seemingly premature death.

The study, presented to the European Society of Cardiology congress, showed that while, everyone's heart has an exact chronological age, it also has a 'biological' age associated with how well

it is functioning, The study showed that biological heart age exceeding chronological age by seven years increased risk of all-cause mortality by 62% and doubled the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Researchers used data from almost half a million standard electrocardiograms (ECG) to create an algorithm to predict

the heart's biological age.

It could be used to identify individuals with higher biological heart age and target them for intensive interventions So someone who is 50 but has poor heart health could have a biological heart age of 60, while someone of 50 with optimal heart health could have a biological age of 40.

"Our research showed that when the biological age of the heart exceeded its chronological age by seven years, the risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events increased sharply,” said Associate Professor Yong-Soo Baek, of Inha University Hospital, in South Korea.

"Conversely, if the algorithm

estimated the biological heart as seven years younger than the chronological age, that reduced the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events.”

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical diagnostics presents novel opportunities for enhancing predictive accuracy in cardiology, he said.

"Using artificial intelligence to develop algorithms in this way introduces a potential paradigm shift in cardiovascular risk assessment,” said Associate Professor Yong-Soo Baek.

An AI ECG heart age that was seven years younger than its chronological age reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 14% and MACE by 27%.

Judge cites AI in case of golf range in Tipperary A High Court judge has accused a Tipperary man of using artificial intelligence to prepare an unsuccessful legal challenge against the development of a driving range roof near his home.

It is understood to be the first alleged use of the technology in a submission to the courts in Ireland.

Judge David Nolan said sections of David Reddan's arguments against Nenagh Golf Club's plans had "all the hallmarks of ChatGPT, or some similar AI tool”.

Mr Reddan brought the judicial review over a decision

by An Bord Pleanála to grant the club planning permission last year to build a roof over

six bays of its driving range.

He bought land next to the driving range in 2019 and complained that stray balls from the practice area have been landing on his property.

The club claimed the complaints about wayward golf balls were not substantiated, but it tried to engage with Mr Reddan and was unsuccessful.

Refusing the judicial review, Judge Nolan said none of nine grounds argued by Mr Reddan could be seen as "reasonable, arguable or weighty”, and they had failed to establish any substantial issue.

"On the other hand, it could be said that they are both trivial and tenuous,” the judge said.

Mr Reddan alleged the golf club's architect was "subordination to perjury”, a term Judge Nolan said is not used in the Irish legal system and appears to derive from American or Scottish law to define a person who is alleged to have sworn a false oath.

The judge said this was inappropriate "and one cannot say such things, without the strongest of evidence”.

The judge added that when Mr Reddan was challenged on this statement, he said it was something he discovered during online research.

"This sounds like something that derived from an artificial intelligence source. It has all the hallmarks of ChatGPT, or some similar AI tool,” the judge said.

He said another argument Mr Reddan made about his right to safety and peaceful enjoyment of his property being at risk also "looks like a cut and paste from some form of pseudo legal online text”.

The judge said it appeared to be generated by a third party or "by some form of artificial intelligence tool”.

Something good in the air ...

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has said that the South East of Ireland can become a global centre of excellence for the aviation industry. She was speaking at a special event celebrating SETU’s recent achievements in the aerospace sector.

SETU is one of only two technological universi-

ties in Ireland to receive Irish Aviation Authority approval as an EASA Part 147 Training Organisation, enabling them to deliver their Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship. The SETU are also advancing plans to establish the National Aerospace Academy, with a focus on Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) in partnership with

Waterford Airport.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has described it as an exciting time for the region, for Waterford Airport and for SETU. She has said that she is confident that Waterford Airport is a priority on the new minister's desk and that a rejuvenated Waterford Airport would copper-fasten the South East as a location

for the further development of aviation technology.

Ms Ní Mhurchú, a former member of the governing board of SETU, has described the South East as the perfect base for a centre of excellence for the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for the aviation industry, a key goal of the EU Commission.

Kilkenny in Top 10 for movie locations Kilkenny ranks ninth among Ireland’s most popular filming locations, reinforcing its status as a top choice for filmmakers, according to research from New Virgin Media.

This research examined more than 250 movies and TV shows filmed in Ireland using IMDb data to reveal the most in-demand filming locations.

Kilkenny has been featured in films such as The Poster Boys, Circle Of Friends, Wolfwalkers, and more.

Kilkenny has become a favourite among filmmakers, thanks to its stunning landscapes and unique charm, making it the perfect spot for the movies and TV shows you love.

Kilkenny ranks ninth, proving it's not only a prime filming location but also a rising hub for talent like Rory Fleck Byrne known for Vampire Academy, The Foreigner and This Is Going To Hurt.

The top filming hotspots: • Dublin • Wicklow • Cork • Galway • Donegal Dublin is a top spot for filmmakers, with 104 films and TV shows choosing it as their backdrop. From the charming cobbled streets of Temple Bar to Trinity College Dublin, where Marianne and Connell's complicated relationship unfolds

in Normal People. The city’s mix of old and new makes it an ideal filming location.

Famous films and TV shows like Kin, Lies We Tell, and The Quiet Girl were all shot here.

Wicklow, often called the “Garden of Ireland,” ranks second with 40 films and TV shows shot there. Its lush forests and historic castles make it an ideal setting for rom-coms like The Irish Wish starring Lindsay Lohan, as well as gripping psychological thrillers like The Wonder, which was nominated for Best Film at the 2023 Irish Film & Television Awards.

Cork takes third place with fifteen films and one TV show filmed there. Cork is quickly becoming a rising

star in the film industry.

From the stunning coastlines of West Cork to the lively city streets, like Oliver Plunkett Street, films like The Young Offenders and the hit TV show Bodkin which became the 6th most-watched series on Netflix globally highlight the county’s charm.

Galway and Donegal round out the top five counties for filming locations. Galway has appeared in 14 productions, earning a special place among filmmakers. From the breathtaking backdrop of The Banshees of Inisherin to Leap Year, where Amy Adams' character sets out to propose to her boyfriend but unexpectedly falls for an Irishman, Galway's charm shines through on screen.

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St. John’s School impress Leinster House

Catherine Callaghan TD, Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, Principal St. John's School Brian Roche, Leas Cheann Comhairle, Deputy John McGuinness.

St. John's Students and Principal Brian Roche and staff

Visiting the Dail this week St. John’s School (Students and Principal Brian Roche and staff ) joined with the local Oireachtas members Deputy Catherine Callaghan, who organised the trip and Leas Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness TD to impress on Minister Helen McEntee

T.D., Minister for Education, the urgent need to provide a new school at Ballybought Street in order to amalgamate St. John Junior and Senior schools.

“Both schools have increased numbers and recently the Department granted both DEIS

status. “St John’s Parish is growing at a pace and requires a new amalgamated school to cope with the demands arising from this growth and the need to modernise the school infrastructure” said Deputy John McGuinness.

“A very high standard of education

is being provided by both schools but the school community now deserves a state of the art educational facility to give the pupils of today and tomorrow the best possible chance of being well prepared for secondary school and their future prospects in further

education and employment” concluded Deputy John McGuinness.

Deputy Callaghan gave her full support to the project and stated that she is “fully committed to the delivery of the new amalgamated school building.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Stop the future – I want to get off...!

A story about an automated taxi confirmed my worst suspicions about the perils of technology taking over from humans. This rogue AV ( autonomous vehicle) lost the run of itself with a passenger on board. It went ceaselessly round and round a car park while the hapless man trapped inside was unable to stop it.

Funny in the telling, but not so funny if you happened to be the unfortunate passenger. Mind you, I can see some advantages in having an AV. I could head off in my driverless car, go to the pub or out to dinner and ask it to come back for me later without worrying about drink driving or finding a parking spot. It might go and pick up shopping for me but would I trust an AV to look after the school run?

Automated taxis have been on the streets in the US for a while with mixed results.

Waymo’s self-driving taxis were suspended after one crashed into a roadside pole (what was it thinking?) and Cruise automated taxi service in San Francisco was taken off the roads after a year. Private vehicles haven’t yet gone the full Monty, where human input is totally redundant but it’s on the way. Tesla’s self-driving taxi Robotaxi is expected to start within months in the US in a couple of cities, initially with a chauffeurtype service, later with a ride-hailing service and will be the precursors of private AVs. A chatbot– what else?!

– popped up as I tried to find out whether a person could take control if an AV ran amok. Apparently it depends on its stage .”Vehicles at Stage 3 require a human driver to actively monitor conditions and be ready to take control in an

emergency or when the automated system encounters a situation it cannot handle,” replied the bot. Interestingly, if there was a crash, who would be liable, the human driver or the manufacturer of a car that couldn’t cope in an emergency?

Commercial AVs could take the drudgery out of goods deliveries, while selfdrive buses could help to provide the answer to traffic congestion and lower the cost of public transport.

They are already in use in the States and are an easier proposition to deploy than cars, since they drive set routes. Drones are already signed up to do deliveries for Just Eat and DoorDash and Manna’s drone delivery service for groceries, medicines and takeaways ,which began in Blanchardstown, is about to expand to other Dublin districts.

Personally, the idea of a

car with no steering wheel, no pedals and a mind of its own makes me uneasy.

It’s the psychological effect

“Would I trust an AV to look after the school run?

of being disempowered, made redundant in my role as a driver. If the vehicle is autonomous where does that leave me? I could be freed up to do other things, work on my computer while sitting in the AV’s back seat perhaps. But here, another takeover is going on, predictive text insists on trying to write what it thinks I am going to say in emails – never gets it right though.

AI can make my writing skills redundant, ChatGPT could produce this article in a fraction of the time that it has taken me to research and write it. (I promise I did.)

Unlike earlier modern conveniences, like washing machines which did away with drudgery, the scary thing about AI and AVs is that they make decisions independently. They will also do away with the human element and with jobs. What

happens to bus drivers, heavy goods vehicle drivers and Deliveroo cyclists?

One prediction suggest that robotics and automation will do away with as many as 40% of jobs in the near future.

You can hardly speak to a real person these days if you are looking for assistance to make a booking or troubleshooting. Lose your rag speaking with a bot when it’s unhelpful and tell it to ‘eff off’ and it will simply say: ”I’m sorry I don’t understand the question.”

Maybe I am being a wimp about the future though.

Think of some of the advantages. AVs capable of returning home solo or autonomous buses could solve the vexed problem of getting to Dublin Airport. Getting the Regional Independent Group to put questions of a chatbot might even solve the Dail’s speaking rights row.

The brain-boosting benefits of omega-3 fatty acids CLAIR WHITTY Omega-3 essential fatty acids have many health benefits.

They are best known for their role in supporting heart health, but they are also beneficial for joint, skin, brain and cognitive function, a real benefit for those preparing for exams this season.

Omega-3 is made up of EPA and DHA, two components which are crucial for your brain structure and function, and are important for concentration, memory, and overall mental alertness. Your body cannot make these essential fatty acids; they must be obtained from your diet or through taking a supplement.

One of the main ways that omega-3s work for cognitive function is that they promote healthy brain cell membranes.

DHA is a major structural component of the brain.

It helps keep cells flexible and helps communication between the brain’s neurons.

Keeping the grey matter healthy can help improve your learning ability and memory retention.

There is lots of research around essential fatty acids,

especially around brain health and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with cognitive decline, so if we can keep inflammation under control we are on our way to a healthier, happier brain.

Making Omega-3s part of your dietary regime is a great way to help promote a sharper brain, which is essential during study periods. Eating oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, and sardines is one of the best ways to get your omegas. They can also be found in flax, chia, and walnuts plus there are lots of supplements to choose from, including vegan alternatives too.

One of my favourite brands

is Eskimo Omega 3. I have been working with this brand for over 25 years now and they remain as popular today as ever. It is one of my go-to brands when I am asked which Omega Oil supplement is the best. They are a super brand of supplements that don’t back down on quality. One teaspoon of the liquid Eskimo Omega-3 Fish Oil with Vitamin E is all you need, and if you prefer, they have a capsule option. For the younger students Eskimo 3 Kids Omega 3 6 9 is a great option.

Including omega-3 fatty acids into your daily diet could be a very simple way for you to boost your brain power!

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre | Phone: 056 7764538 | Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

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SPECIAL REPORT

US tariffs and the Irish economy US President Donald Trump is to push ahead with his socalled ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs despite a clear warning that Europe will retaliate.

White House aides have given Mr Trump proposals for 20% tariffs on most imports - but the detail is being held back for the US president to announce.

The Government is waiting along with the rest of the world to see exactly what the fallout will be, with particular concern for the future of Irish-based US pharma companies.

Key ministers have been briefed on scenario planning exercises that have been carried out and on the worstcase scenarios. However, they are publicly adopting a “wait and see” approach to the looming challenges.

There is an acceptance that an economic shock is now inevitable, albeit over a period of time rather than in one swift blow.

Ireland’s response will be led at EU level. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyden has said there is a “strong plan” to retaliate.

Drug giants’ internal allocation of value will be key to how hard the pharma sector

is hit by Donald Trump’s expected tariffs, according to analysis from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

The sector is being closely watched in Ireland because it now accounts for the largest single category of goods shipped from here to the US and potentially 80,000 jobs could be at risk, according to the Irish Government.

However, the sector may escape the full impact of an initial tariff wave, according to the analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, although they believe tariffs are now coming for the sector.

A number of factors will mitigate the fallout, according to the analysis. They includes high margins in the sector, which provide a cushion, as well as the ability to pass on the tariff hit to consumers.

Transfer pricing, the process used within multinationals to assign value and, for example, determine where tax should be paid in relation to profits, will also play a key role in determining the impact of the tariffs – including whether they apply based on the cost of goods, within a supply chain, or are tied to transfer pricing.

In theory, a US multination-

al might reduce the notional value it places on medicines shipped from Ireland while redistributing the value it places on US-based activities linked to the same product, particularly if the home base of valuable intellectual property is moved.

That could reduce the value subject to tariff – even an unchanged volume of exports – though probably at the cost of boosting profits booked in the higher-­taxed US. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has highlighted the importance of Irish food, drink and pharmaceutical industries during a call with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen as the threat of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs looms large over the EU. Mr Martin said that there had been a “useful and constructive call” with Ms von der Leyen, who “outlined her expectations for developments on tariffs this week”.

Several Irish ministers have expressed deep concern over how exposed Ireland is to possible double-digit tariffs on exports.

Mr Trump and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have both suggested US pharmaceutical multi-

nationals located in Ireland will be targeted in what is expected to be a major tariff announcemt.

Posting on X, the Taoiseach said he “raised Ireland’s particular focus on the food, drinks and pharma indus-

tries” in the conversation with Ms von der Leyen. “We both agreed that the EU should be measured and considered in any response, and focused on our own competitiveness, and an ambitious trade agenda,” he

The Trumpification of America Three months into a fouryear term Donald Trump’s Administration has launched a voracious assault on the norms and conventions of American democracy.

The country is being led by a cabinet of conspiracy theorists, TV personalities and religious zealots, all of whom secured their place at the top table by positioning themselves as Trump loyalists. There are no voices of reason, no safeguards.

This should be easy pickings for the Democratic Party, but rather than counter the Trumpification of the Republicans, the Democrats are flailing in the wind, directionless. The inability of the Democratic Party to form an effective opposition empowers the Trump administration and widens the ideological rift in American society.

The left feels abandoned, while, inversely, those who support Trump and ‘Make America Great Again’ – an extreme protectionist agenda isolating America – grow more emboldened.

said. Ms von der Leyen has described the US tariffs as “bad for business, worse for consumers”.

She said the EU would continue to protect its workers and its own interests, but it was braced for further announcements this week.

Tánaiste Simon Harris issued an appeal for calm and measured EU co-operation before the expected tariffs announcement.

The Tánaiste – who is also Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Minister – has emphasised the importance of the EU working closely together in a “calm, strategic and measured fashion” while continuing to engage “positively” with the US. “How Ireland and the EU respond to the coming days and weeks won’t just impact the months and years ahead, but our economic model and ­wellbeing for the next generation,” he says.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said that tariffs could mean 50,000 to 80,000 jobs would not be created or kept in Ireland in the next four to five years. Tariffs will be like “Brexit multiplied”, businesses here are being warned, with bruising immediate and long-term consequences.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Sludge: deep flaws with the Welfare system The cost-of-living crisis has driven many low-income households into “financial distress”, forcing them to make high-risk decisions that could have lasting consequences; so states the newly published report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) shedding light on the stark realities faced by these households and detailing their struggles to live.

The research of more than 1,600 low-income households, revealed that an overwhelming majority (87%) had to reduce their spending on essentials like food, clothing, and energy. While budget cuts are often necessary in times of hardship, many families were forced to go further, falling into arrears, borrowing money or using up their savings. These high-risk financial choices are linked to long-term negative effects, including deteriorating mental health and increased stress levels, particularly for households with children.

For many, the crisis has also meant sacrificing opportunities for the future with some reporting they have cut back on education or training thereby limiting their ability to improve their financial circumstances in the long run.

The study underscores that these choices are not simply the result of poor financial literacy or short-term thinking but are driven by “dire life circumstances and pre-existing financial difficulties”.

Government benefits are meant to provide a safety net during times of crisis, yet the ESRI report exposed significant challenges in accessing them. Nearly one-third of eligible households failed to avail themselves of crucial benefits, not due to ineligibility but because of bureaucratic barriers. Many were unaware of the supports available, while others found the application processes confusing and time-consuming.

Households struggling the most are those on very low

incomes, and those regularly unable to afford essentials reported the greatest difficulty in accessing aid. Programs such as the Additional Needs Payment, Carer’s Benefit, and the Energy Hardship Fund were frequently described as frustrating and burdensome to apply for.

Further findings of the report point to deep flaws within the welfare system,

with administrative hurdles, referred to as “sludge” in public policy, preventing vulnerable households from receiving the support they desperately need.

The study calls for immediate reforms to simplify the process, suggesting measures such as “a single-point application system” and the introduction of benefit calculators to help individuals under-

stand their entitlements.

Dr Lucie Martin, co-lead author of the report, noted: “The complexity of the welfare system may have blunted its effectiveness during the crisis.

Simplifying the system could significantly reduce frustration and improve access for those who need it most.”

Additionally, the research highlights the importance of “targeting aid to households experiencing deprivation rather than relying solely on income levels as a metric”, indicating that more precise methods of giving support are needed.

The weakness if left unaddressed, will leave low-income households continually vulnerable. Policymakers must act to reduce governmental barriers and ensure that the most at-risk families receive the support they need without unnecessary obstacles.

Beyond reforming the welfare system, there is a pressing need for long-term

solutions to protect low-income households from future economic shocks, ensuring affordable access to essential services, creating more resilient financial assistance programs, and improving public awareness of available benefits.

Dr Diarmaid Ó Ceallaigh, co-lead author of the study, warned: “These financial changes that households had to make are likely to have a lasting negative impact. The most deprived households and those with children would especially benefit from assistance beyond recent temporary measures.”

The cost-of-living crisis is more than a financial struggle —it is a humanitarian issue.

Unless meaningfu l changes are made, vulnerable families will continue to bear the brunt of economic downturns, trapped in a cycle of hardship. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

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News Science & Wellbeing

By Justin Stebbing Professor of Biomedical Sciences Anglia Ruskin University ----------------------------------Hard on the heels of impressive research findings that a glass of milk is good for reducing cancer risk, another recent study has highlighted the potential benefits of yoghurt consumption in lowering the risk of certain types of cancer – particularly colorectal cancer.

The number of new colorectal cancer cases among people under 55 has doubled globally in recent years, with diagnoses increasing by nearly 20%.

The emerging evidence suggests that regular yoghurt consumption may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer by modifying the gut microbiome, the natural bacteria that live in the gut.

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, influencing digestion, immune function and even cancer risk.

The gut bacteria can live inside cancer itself, and in general a healthy balance of these bacteria is thought to be essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development.

Yoghurt contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus, which can help maintain this balance.

The study found that consuming two or more servings of yoghurt a week was associated with a lower risk of a specific type of aggressive colorectal cancer, which occurs on the right side of the colon and is associated with poorer survival outcomes compared with cancers on the

Why yoghurt may be very good for your health left side of the colon.

The study analysed data from over 150,000 participants followed for several decades, indicating that long-term yoghurt consumption may alter the gut microbiome in ways that protect against certain cancers.

Researchers surveyed the participants every two years about their yoghurt intake, and measured the amount of Bifidobacterium (a type of bacteria found in yoghurt) in the tumour tissue of 3,079 people within the sample who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

While yoghurt did not directly lower the risk for all types of colorectal cancer, those who ate two or more

servings of yoghurt a week had a lower risk of developing “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer”, a type of colorectal cancer that occurs in the right side of the colon and has one of the lowest survival rates.

This new work also validates and builds on previous studies showing similar findings.

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how yoghurt might reduce cancer risk. One key mechanism is the modulation of the gut microbiome. Yoghurt’s probiotics can enhance the diversity and balance of gut bacteria, potentially reducing inflammation and levels of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens).

Additionally, yoghurt may exert anti-inflammatory effects on the colon lining cells, called the mucosa, which could help prevent cancer development. Improving gut barrier function is another potential mechanism, as yoghurt may reduce gut permeability, which is linked to increased cancer risk.

Beyond its potential anticancer effects, yoghurt offers several other health benefits.

Like milk, it is rich in calcium, which supports bone density and may reduce the risk of brittle bones, known as osteoporosis.

Regular yoghurt consumption has also been associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiovascular

disease. Some studies suggest that yoghurt intake may help prevent type 2 diabetes and other diseases too.

But when incorporating yoghurt into your diet, it’s important to choose wisely. Opt for plain, unflavoured yoghurt to avoid added sugars, which can negate health benefits – for example by causing weight gain, which is a risk factor for obesity and cancer.

Different fermentation processes can result in varying levels of beneficial bacteria, so look for yoghurts with live cultures. Plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt is generally higher in protein and lower in sugar, while full-fat yoghurt often has fewer processed ingredients than reduced-fat or

non-fat variations.

Yoghurt contains all nine essential amino acids, and aside from improving gut health, a serving of plain Greek yoghurt contains 15 to 20 grams of protein.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer globally – but many of these are preventable.

According to cancer research 54% of all bowel cancers could be prevented by having a healthier lifestyle.

Smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol, eating processed meat, and poor diet are all well-recorded significant factors in the development of bowel cancer.

The emerging evidence suggests that yoghurt, particularly when consumed regularly, may play a role in reducing the risk of certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer.

While more research is needed to fully understand these effects, incorporating yoghurt into a balanced diet could be a beneficial choice for overall health.

But, as with any dietary recommendation, it’s crucial to consider the broader context of a healthy lifestyle, including a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with regular physical activity.

While yoghurt is not a magic bullet against cancer, it is a nutritious food that can contribute to a healthy diet and potentially offer protective effects against certain cancers.

As research continues to uncover the complex relationships between diet, gut health and cancer risk, incorporating yoghurt into your daily routine may be a simple yet beneficial step towards a healthier life.

*Republished under Creative Commons licence.

Signs of future Alzheimer’s may hide in your speaking Scientists from Boston University have developed a new AI ( artificial intelligence) algorithm that analyses the speech patterns of those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

It can predict a progression from MCI to Alzheimer’s within six years with an accuracy of 78.5%.

The team’s study, published in 2024, continues their previous research, where they trained a model – using voice recordings from over 1,000 individuals – to accurately detect cognitive impairment.

Their new algorithm was trained on transcribed audio recordings of 166 individuals with MCI, aged 63–97.

As the team already knew who had developed Alzheimer’s, a machineearning approach could be used to find signs in their

transcribed speech that linked the 90 people whose cognitive function would decline into Alzheimer’s.

Once trained, the algorithm could then be applied

in reverse: to try and predict Alzheimer’s risk from transcripts of speech samples it had never processed before.

Other important factors, including age and self-

reported sex, were added to produce a final predictive score.

“You can think of the score as the likelihood, the probability, that someone will remain stable or transition to dementia,” said computer scientist Ioannis Paschalidis from Boston University, when the results were published.

“We wanted to predict what would happen in the next six years – and we found we can reasonably make that prediction with relatively good confidence and accuracy. It shows the power of AI.” Considering there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, you might wonder what the benefit of detecting it early is – but we do have treatments that can help manage Alzheimer’s to some extent, and these can be started earlier.

What’s more, early detection gives us more opportunity to study the disease and its progression, and from there develop a fully effective treatment.

Those known to be likely to develop Alzheimer’s can participate in clinical trials ahead of time.

There’s a lot to like about this approach, if it can be further developed. It’s the sort of test that could be done quickly and inexpensively, even at home, and without any specialist equipment.

It doesn’t need any injections or samples, just a recording, and it could even be run through a smartphone app in the future.

“If you can predict what will happen, you have more of an opportunity and time window to intervene with drugs, and at least try to maintain the stability of the

condition and prevent the transition to more severe forms of dementia,” Paschalidis explained.

The recordings used here were rather rough and of low quality. With cleaner recordings and data, the algorithm’s accuracy is likely to get even better.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s gives us more opportunity to study the disease and its progression.

That could lead to a better understanding of how Alzheimer’s affects us in the very early stages – and why it sometimes develops from MCI, and sometimes doesn’t.

“We hope, as everyone does, that there will be more and more Alzheimer’s treatments made available,” said Paschalidis.

The research has been published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

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Travel & Leisure It’s not that Cádiz is unknown among holidaymakers. However, it tends to be the Spaniards who spend their summer holiday here or explore the beautiful port city on Andalusia’s Costa de la Luz on a short trip.

Spring is particularly worthwhile for a city trip to Cádiz. When the mild evenings begin, people are drawn outside to the parks, bars, and nightclubs between the harbour promenade and Plaza Mina. There is a very special atmosphere then.

And a visit to Cádiz is definitely worthwhile.

Why a visit to Cádiz is definitely worthwhile

One of the Oldest Cities in Europe Cádiz was founded around re000 years ago by the Phoenicians, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city, with its whitewashed houses and historic buildings, sits on a headland, flanked by water.

On the side facing the open sea is a kilometre-long sandy beach which begins south of the old town of Cádiz.

Sights in Cádiz The old town is particularly worth seeing. It is a kind of labyrinth of cobbled squares and alleyways with colourful facades, pretty cafés, and lively bars.

Almost all of the city’s sights can be found here and at the harbour.

A popular photo motif is the 18th-century cathedral with its two domed towers.

However, the Church of the Holy Cross from the 13th century is much older — and just as worth seeing.

Another special attraction is the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave), with works by the master Goya.

If you want to see where Halle Berry climbed out of

the water in the James Bond film Die Another Day in a scene captured in beautiful photos, you have to go to the city beach by the old bathhouse.

Other sights include the San Sebastian fortress on the harbour promenade, the Santa Catalina castle, the representative squares Plaza de España, Plaza Constitución, and Plaza Mina, as well as the Museo de las Cortes Cádiz

(Museum of the History of Cádiz).

The cathedral is one of the landmarks of Cádiz.

Eating and Going Out in Cádiz Those looking forward to a good paella or fresh tapas can simply stroll through the Barrio de la Vina district in the evening. The Plaza de San Juan de Dios and Plaza Mina are home to the best restaurants and

bars.

In Cádiz, the street ‘La Punta,’ nestled between the harbour and Plaza de España, is a particular favourite among night owls.

There are dozens of discos and clubs here.

Other popular meeting places for young people can be found in Plaza de San Francisco, Calle Rosario, Calle Manuel Rances, and Calle General Munoz Arenillas.

The Best Time to Visit Cádiz Anyone visiting Cádiz on Andalusia’s Costa de la Luz in July and August should definitely take the heat into account.

You might find it best to spend your days in resorts like Conil de Frontera and venture into the city as the evening cools.

Those who prefer moderate temperatures and cooler nights should travel to the

Andalusian city in October or November.

For those eager to soak in the culture and sights, early May is the ideal time for city travellers.

Also, consider a February detour to experience the vibrant carnival in Cádiz and the timeless sherry bodegas of Jerez de la Frontera.

The latter is open for visits by tourists throughout the year.

Enjoy...

Bali clamps down on ‘naughty’ tourists with strict new rules Indonesia is among the favourite destinations for Irish tourists, particularly solo travellers. However, Bali has now introduced a series of new guidelines for tourists in a bid to clamp down on inappropriate behaviour.

Authorities say the strict measures aim to safeguard the Indonesian island’s cultural integrity and sacred sites.

The rules cover clothing and behaviour when visiting temples and religious complexes, including prohibiting menstruating women from entering.

The mayor has warned that some transgressions could be met with legal consequences under Indonesian law.

“We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt. This ensures that Bali’stourism remains

respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values,” Bai Governor Wayan Koster said.

The guidelines focus on ensuring respectful behaviour when visiting sacred sites and enforcing the payment of Bali’s tourist levy.

They also oblige tourists to use licensed guides and accommodation, follow traffic laws and exchangecurrency at

authorised outlets.

“I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” Koster said.

The new rules require tourists to wear modest and respectful clothing and to “behave respectfully whether at religious sites, restaurants, shopping areas, or public roads”.

Visitors are banned from swearing, causing

disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials, or fellow tourists and travellers.

The mayor also said that “sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media is also prohibited”.

Other outlawed activities include entering sacred temple areas without permission, littering, and working without permits.

Single-use plastics, including plastic bags, styrofoam, plastic straws,

and plastic-packaged drinks, are also banned.

Under the new guidelines, foreign tourists “should observe and honour Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, especially during ceremonies” and “dress appropriately when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces”.

In addition, foreign visitors are not permitted to “enter sacred temple areas unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire”.

Tourists are also not allowed to climb sacred trees or monuments or take inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites.

In February, Bali introduced a one-time entry fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (€9) for international visitors to fund conservation efforts.

As part of the new

guidelines, “tourists who fail to pay the tourist levy will be denied access to attractions, and those caught violating the regulations will face legal consequences in accordance with Indonesian law”.

Recently, Balinese officials floated a daily tourist tax similar to the €95 Sustainable Development Fee that Bhutan charges most international visitors.

“Foreign tourists who are naughty will be immediately dealt with firmly,” Koster was quoted as saying by The Bali Sun. He added that the island’s civil service police unit will be monitoring tourist behaviour and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

“Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,” Koster said.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Happiness is NOT a cigar called Hamlet Thursday, March 20 gone by was International Happiness Day. And no one told me (I only found out later).

Not one relation, friend or acquaintance phoned me, texted me, emailed me – to let me know because, if they had, that gesture in itself would have made me happy.

Or at least happy-ish! Can one be happy-ish? I guess if one can be sad-ish one can be happy-ish.

Had I known that March 20 was International Happiness Day I would have made an effort to be happy. How? By parking, for the day, any issues I had (all two) and practising a bit of positive thinking.

Whenever I hear happiness mentioned I think of the late, great Billy Hoare from Graiguenamagh and a chat we had many years ago.

Billy was 74 at the time and looked sprightly and

full of the joys (as he always did). “Billy Hoare tell me this and tell me no more,” I asked, “what’s the secret to your good spirits and happiness?” Without blinking an eye Billy replied: “I put it all down to four Gs and a B.” Billy left that answer hanging for a few seconds as he watched, in amusement, my brow furrow in puzzlement. “Go on,” I said, “explain.’”Billy duly obliged.

“The four Gs are: grandchildren, gardening, golf and the GAA.” “And the B?” I enquired.

“Brandy,” laughed Billy. “In moderation, I hope,” I said.

“But, of course,” smiled Billy and proceeded to tell me about the night he bumped into an ass in the dark going home from the pub; after considering the situation for a moment he did the sensible thing – he hopped up on the ass and rode it home.

“You did in your ass?”

“I did,” said Billy and we burst out laughing. For Billy, happiness was ‘Four Gs and a B’ while American author William Lyon Phelps wrote: “If happiness consisted in physical ease and freedom from care, then the happiest individual would not be a man or woman; it would be, I think, a cow.” (Or maybe Billy’s ass!). The Swiss explorer and writer Isabelle Eberhardt reckoned: “One should never look for happiness, one meets it on the way,” while the great American writer Henry David Thoreau declared: “If you want to be happy – be.”

Kenneth Benjamin, founder of ‘Happiness International’ believes: “Happiness is when your life fulfils your needs. If you’re not happy, do you change your life to fulfil your needs or change your needs to fulfil

your life?” Food for thought for sure.

The German poet Goethe

“I’m thinking of Billy Hoare and his brandy..

wrote: “He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.”

For those of us who remember black & white television – happiness was a cigar called Hamlet, smoked to the soothing sound of Bach’s Air on a G-String (I puffed a few in my time but I wasn’t any happier).

I’m still working on a definition of happiness myself but three words that I am happy using when it comes to defining happiness, or at least contentment (the next best thing) are: “Peace of mind.” Because it’s damn difficult, if not impossible, to be happy, or content, without that peace.

I rather like this offering from the British poet Wilfrid Scawen Blunt: “The real thing in life is to be happy. The older I get the more convinced I am that no ambition is worth pur-

suing except that of being happy. I would not give a brass button to be the greatest general that ever won a battle or the greatest statesman that bamboozled the world. But I should like to be quite happy to the last day of my life and to inspire affection at the age of 80.”

(William lived to be 82).

I’ll leave you with my favourite – Jerome K Jerome’s take on happiness, from his classic Three Men In A Boat: “Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need – a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog… enough to eat and a little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing.”

And suddenly I’m thinking of Billy Hoare and his brandy.

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News

Community Connect Fund launches with €150,000 to support local projects Photo: Harry Reid St. Canice's Credit Union Kilkenny is thrilled to announce the launch of the Community Connect Fund, a €150,000 initiative designed to support local projects that will enrich the community for years to come. This funding is open to organisations in the areas surrounding the branches in High St. Kilkenny, Bagenalstown, Callan, Piltown, Graiguenamanagh, Ballyragget, Durrow, Mountrath, and Rathdowney.

The Community Connect Fund aims to assist projects that make a real difference in the community. The fund seeks initiatives that are sustainable and meet social, cultural, or charitable needs. Each application should appeal to a broad range of members and reflect the values of St. Canice’s Credit Union. Since 2017, over 90 organisations have received support from this fund, including Windgap Community Shop, Kilkenny SPCA, Freshford Community Café, and St. Patrick's Boxing

Club.

"When our members use our services, they not only help to keep a thriving financial institution in their local area for them and their families, they also directly contribute to efforts like Community Connect which puts money directly back into our local areas," said Carmel Butler, CEO of St. Canice's Credit Union, pictured here with Stephen McLaughlin, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Avilene Casey, Vice Chairperson.

St. Canice's Credit Union is especially interested in projects that show collaboration, offer services to multiple groups, and have cross-community appeal. The outcome of these projects will be visible and sustainable over a significant period, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the community. The application process is simple and can be found on the St. Canice's Credit Union website. www. stcanicescu.ie.

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Opinion

The Last Word Pat Coughlan

Could loyalty be your biggest blind spot?

Loyalty. It’s a word that rolls off the tongue with a certain charm. You know what I mean. In Ireland, loyalty is more than just a word; it’s a way of life, a badge of honour.

From the tales of old to the bustling streets of our towns, loyalty has always been a guiding light.

But there is a sting in the tail. While loyalty is often seen as a virtue, it can also be a bit of a blind spot. You see, when loyalty takes the wheel it can sometimes steer us into murky waters, clouding our judgment. We have seen it all on our sports fields.

The player lines out wearing the club shirt and badge with pride. But with the club loosing and the thought of going home with nothing entering the mind queer things happen and in a flash he or she is off. Disaster.

So, is loyalty our greatest strength, or could it be leading us astray?

Loyalty can be the tangled

web of devotion, where fidelity can sometimes lead us down a rabbit hole of vulnerability. You see it when loyalty becomes blind allegiance – it opens the door to manipulation, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Take a moment to think about those times when loyal intentions carried hidden costs, leaving you wondering if it was you who was the fool.

For instance, consider the story of a faithful friend who,

out of loyalty, supported a companion’s deceptive plans, only to face broken trust when the betrayal was eventually uncovered. Balancing steadfast faith with a healthy dose of scepticism is no easy feat. Loyalty, while a steadfast virtue, can be a veiled trap, a con waiting to be spotted. So, how do we navigate this maze without losing ourselves?

In business, can a manager truly be loyal to staff if their primary duty is enhancing

shareholder wealth? The workplace presents a complex environment where loyalty is a double-edged sword. Managers must balance employee demands with shareholder satisfaction, creating a conundrum. Genuine loyalty to staff might seem compromised when profit maximisation directs decisions.

Blind loyalty may lead to prioritising corporate goals over employee welfare, raising concerns about the

true beneficiaries. Managers often feel like followers of a modern Pied Piper, believing in mutual benefit but realising shareholder objectives prevail over workforce wellbeing.

The challenge for managers is navigating the line between genuine staff loyalty and meeting shareholder expectations. Transparent communication, ethical decisionmaking, and a commitment to employee well-being must align to build workplace trust.

Recognising that employees’ first loyalty is to their families is essential for harmony.

In Kilkenny’s history, loyalty is often that double-edged sword. Consider the aftermath of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne [pictured]. The residents, mostly supporters of King James II, faced a dilemma as their allegiance clouded their judgment. Even after King William’s victory, many maintained unwavering support for James II, a

devotion that clouded their recognition of shifting power dynamics, leaving the town vulnerable to retaliations and oppression from the victors. It was a crossroads: was loyalty a beacon or a blindfold?

In Kilkenny’s past, moments arose when devotion became a blinder, leaving people vulnerable. So, is loyalty your guide, or is it leading you down a path of short-sightedness?

Loyalty in today’s world is like trusting a mate to have your back, only to find out they were just in it for themselves. The trick is to suss out the difference between genuine trust and a bit of trickery.

Are your loyal intentions lifting you up or leaving you open to a bit of a con? So, how do you keep loyalty as your ally?

By keeping your eyes peeled and your heart open, ensuring it enriches rather than ensnares your life.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Michael English concert at Hotel Kilkenny Michael English remains one of Ireland's best loved singers & entertainers. 2025 will see him embark on a special nationwide concert tour of Ireland and coming to Kilkenny to Hotel Kilkenny on Sunday 13th April.

Michael’s remarkable career has gone from strength to strength and critics are unanimous in their approval and admiration for both his recorded work and legendary performances.

Michael English has raised performances to a different level, garnering rave reviews across Ireland, the UK and America.

Michael has numerous accolades and awards under his belt including Entertainer Of The Year & Male Vocalist Of The Year, with many albums recorded throughout his illustrious career and a very special one due for release in 2025.

This brand new concert show will feature Michael with his superb band of musicians and singers performing in venues and theatres across Ireland, with tours of the UK and America already planned! In this new show, audiences can expect to hear lots of familiar

sing-along Irish songs with Michael’s own unique touch as he performs them at the piano, including intimate ballads and of course many great country favourites from the likes of Charley Pride, Jim Reeves & Hank Locklin.

Not forgetting some of his own biggest hits and most requested songs.

So join Michael with his new concert show on Sunday

13th April at Hotel Kilkenny as he brings you on a musical journey of Ireland's most loved country and Irish songs.

Tickets on sale now from hotel reception by calling 056 776 2000 or online from www.michaelenglish.ie.

Limited number of tickets available on the door on the night.

30 new homes in Kilkenny under Social housing NewBuild Projects has been announced by a delighted Leas Cheann Comhairle Deputy John McGuinness Leas Cheann Comhairle Deputy John McGuinness is very pleased to announce that Minister James Browne has given money for the development of 30 new homes in Kilkenny under Social housing New-Build Projects.

“The government is committed to housing and has a diverse list of plans which they are currently rolling out across Ireland”, he commented.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., confirmed on Monday 31st March 2025 that he has allocated €436m to meet social housing needs.

This includes capital funding allocations totalling €325m which have now been notified to local authorities in respect of the secondhand social housing acquisitions programme for 2025.

Minister Browne has also allocated €111m for 82 new social housing projects which will provide over 1,300 newly built homes with a total development cost value of €517m. This €111m has been allocated from the €450m for social and affordable housing recently announced by Government

acquisitions programme will provide for the acquisition of second-hand homes for the following priority needs: • Tenant-in-Situ Acquisitions; • Older persons and persons with a disability; • Exits from homeless services; and • Buy and Renew acquisitions which tackle vacancy

Social housing New-Build Projects The approvals issued in recent weeks provide funding in 2025 to progress 82 projects which will deliver 1,325 homes over the period 2025 – 2027, 575 of which will be delivered this year.

Speaking about the funding for new-build social homes, Minister Browne emphasised: “The Government’s commitment to the new-build social housing

programme as increasing overall housing supply is key to addressing the housing challenge and in particular preventing and ultimately eliminating long term homelessness. That is why Government has set ambitious targets for new-build social housing in the Programme for Government of an average 12,000 homes per annum out to 2030. To meet this ambition, we need to scale up supply, and these approvals

represent a further expansion of the new-build social housing pipeline.”

Second-Hand Social Housing Acquisitions Programme Funding of €325m will support the second-hand acquisitions programme which has been an important element in the prevention of homelessness since Government introduced the Tenant-in-Situ acquisitions stream in 2023.

The 2025 second-hand

Under revised arrangements for 2025, local authorities have received a capital funding allocation for the acquisition of second-hand dwellings. The authorities can target this funding at their discretion – whether on tenant in situ purchases or other purposes – allowing them the flexibility to respond to local needs and demand within the categories of acquisitions being supported.

Speaking about the funding for the second-hand acquisitions programme Minister Browne reiterated Government’s commitment to the acquisitions programme and the tenant-insitu acquisition stream, given its important role in the prevention of homelessness.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Opinion

Jimmy Hennessy: “The Boy who hit Back”

Part two

West Street Callan in 1900s

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Last week I recounted how Jimmy Hennessy, in that classroom in the Callan CBS back in the 1920s, was relieved that he’d worked out the right solution to a maths question, one that every other pupil in class had got wrong.

After leathering all the other lads, the teacher, known as the Bulldog, came to Jimmy, but when he saw that Jimmy had solved the “little conundrum”, as the teacher called it, the Bulldog gave him a severe beating after accusing him of thinking he was better than

everyone else in class.

It was one of the countless savage beatings administered in the school, but Jimmy felt especially aggrieved because he was punished without just cause.

Resuming his seat behind the desk, he was stunned.

He ached all over from the beating. It seemed you just couldn’t win with The Bulldog. Or for that matter with any of the other teachers who were a bit too fond of using the canes and leather straps, even against pupils who were slow learners but making an effort to improve.

Word of this incident spread quickly through the school, and a fellow pupil, Bob Lamphier, urged Jimmy to take a few boxing lessons.

Jack Rice a teacher at Callan CBS when Jimmy Hennessy attended

Bob introduced him to an older pupil in the school, Jimmy Gethings, who was involved in Callan’s amateur boxing club. Every day after school for the next fortnight, he practiced the noble art.

Jimmy Gethings- though not much older than himselfthought him everything he knew.

At school, Jimmy Hennessy accepted the usual quota of leathering in silence while he honed his boxing skills.

But the inevitable happened one day when another cruel teacher, The Bear, in a savage mood due to a CBS team losing a hurling match, decided to punish every pupil for the school’s bad luck on the Green.

The Bear taught Irish and was every bit as rough as The Bulldog. One practice that really upset the pupils was his habit of standing on their feet when he called them up to account for some misdemeanor- real or imagined.

The idea was to ensure that a boy could not dodge the leather or bamboo stick or a swinging fist if the interview “got physical.” Jimmy and his fellow pupils had endured this humiliation in silence.

To avenge Callan’s hurling setback, The Bear stepped on the feet of the boys and whacked them, on the hands and across their faces. Jimmy gritted his teeth and resolved not to be beaten this time.

His turn came. The Bear screamed: “Hennessy, up here!”

Jimmy’s stomach was in a knot as he approached his teacher. Fear and anger mingled to create a cocktail of emotions. The Bear planted a foot on one of Jimmy’s feet and raised the leather to

Jimmy Gethings in his latter years with the late Bishop Forristal

strike him across the neck.

But Jimmy lashed out. He landed a punch on the big growler, hitting him in the solar plexus. The whole class shrunk in terror as The Bear shrieked and fell back against the blackboard, before sinking to the floor.

Jimmy stood motionless, looking down at him, not knowing what to do. Nothing like this had ever befallen the school, and the pupils were petrified. Loud noises echoed through the corridor outside the classroom. The door swung open. It was a teacher from another class. Jimmy closed his eyes, expecting the

Mother of all Beatings.

Instead, a hand clapped him on the back and he heard a hearty voice ring in his ears: “Don’t bother about him, Jimmy; he’s had that coming for years.” To his utter astonishment, Jimmy got away with his act of defiance.

He was even respected for it.

The Bear never laid a hand on a pupil in Callan after his encounter with the “boxer.”

“The boy who hit back”, the other pupils called Jimmy. “How I ever found the strength to resist I don’t know. Maybe someone had to. And I’ll never forget that kind teacher from the other

room, a man called Jack Rice, God be good to him.”

The Wheel Turns When Jimmy taught in Borris Vocational School years later, he refused to administer corporal punishment. This was at a time when it was widely used. His own experience turned him against it for life.

He recalled one of his pupils whose behaviour brought home to him the destructive effects of beatings in the classroom. The boy had come to Borris from Graiguenamanagh, and Jimmy noticed that this newcomer put his hands over his head when he passed close to the boy’s desk.

He asked the pupil what he was afraid of, and had to listen to a tale of rough treatment in a previous school.

The boy was a slow learner, and had been beaten almost every day by a teacher for his poor performance.

Jimmy, upon learning that the boy had a singing voice, encouraged him to join the school choir, and told him he was a far better student than he believed he was. Gradually, the boy’s fear gave way to cheeriness and he lost his mortal dread of the classroom.

Reflecting on this, and the rest of his long teaching career, Jimmy said to me: “In a way, I learned a lot from the big growlers in Callan.”

He retired from teaching in 1975. In 1982 Corporal Punishment was banned in schools, banished from the classroom in response to a national campaign.

But Jimmy had struck the first blow back in the twenties- the day he fought The Bear.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Labour’s Councillor Seán Ó hArgáin in Kilkenny has called on all local authorities to take action to make public spaces more accessible and autism-friendly

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 112

"In the evenings I just like to shut out the world"

Marking World Autism Day, Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin said: “Having spent a third of my teaching career as a Learning Support teacher, much of it supporting children with autism, I believe that too many neurodivergent people and their families face barriers when trying to access public spaces, from sensory overload to a lack of quiet zones and inadequate facilities. Labour is calling for a nationwide commitment to ensuring towns, cities, and villages meet the needs of autistic people.

“Public spaces in Kilkenny and across the country must be inclusive to the greatest extent possible. Many neurodivergent people and their families struggle with everyday activities that should be accessible to all – from shopping to using public transport or simply enjoying community spaces. Sensory overload, unclear signage, and a lack of quiet areas can make public places overwhelming.

We shouldn’t have to wait for piecemeal progress. It’s time for local authorities to step up and make these necessary changes.

“Marking World Autism Day, we must acknowledge that creating autism-friendly spaces is just one step towards realising the rights of neurodivergent people. Too often, decisions are made without consulting those most affected. Local authorities must actively engage with neurodivergent people to

understand what changes will make the biggest difference.

“Labour is calling for a national strategy to support local authorities in making public spaces autism-friendly. This must include dedicated funding for essential improvements such as sensory-friendly areas, clear signage, and staff training. These measures should be implemented in consultation with the neurodivergent community, ensuring real, meaningful change that reflects lived experiences.

“We’ve seen excellent examples of autismfriendly initiatives across Ireland, but we need to see more towns and villages following suit. Kilkenny has several autism-friendly initiatives, including autism-friendly status for Kilkenny Library and Smithwick's Experience, and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre and other shops offer autism-friendly shopping hours. Supervalu, Loughboy, Kilkenny provide autism friendly shopping hours every Wednesday evening.

Becoming an autism-friendly community requires all sectors of society to come together.

Businesses can play their part by introducing quiet shopping hours or training their staff.

Schools and community groups can lead by promoting understanding and awareness. This must be a collective effort. On World Autism Day, I am calling for urgent action to ensure that no one in Kilkenny or beyond is excluded from public spaces.”

P.J. Ryan RIP P.J. Ryan who passed away last week was a man who played a pivotal role in the development of Bennettsbridge from the seventies onwards. A proud Wexford man he hailed from Barrystown, Wellington Bridge.

Following his marriage to the former, Ann O’Brien, Kilkenny, the couple made their home in Bennettsbridge and raised three daughters. A real family man he took great pride in all their achievements. Ann and P.J. would have been 56 years married in August. The family bungalow was in Ballyreddin beside Woodlawn Estate. They later moved to Barronsland. P.J. worked for thirty years in the Meteorological Service in Kilkenny.

He was an active member of the Bennettsbridge Community Council and was involved in a number of projects including the provision of a tennis and basketball court which ran successful tournaments in the eighties. P.J. worked tirelessly with other local volunteers when the Woodlawn houses were built, clearing mountains of clay and rubble, preparing the ground for the beautiful green lawns that exist in Woodlawn today. Trees were sown and most have survived. He played a major part in Tidy Towns activities, taking on the task of

looking after all the machinery.

The large ornamental flower bowls dotted around the village were made by P.J. who obtained the mould from an Inistioge man.

Another parish event which benefited from his boundless energy was the Bennettsbridge Festival and when Festival time came round he was in the thick of it helping to set up the various stands and stalls. He was a founder member of the Penny Bank which had a very successful run and was a popular way for locals to save for Christmas.

In recent times his woodturning skills came to the fore and he enjoyed creating beautiful pieces for all occasions. One such piece was presented at the Offertory Procession during his funeral mass.

He was a member of the South East Chapter of Irish Woodturners and Bennettsbridge Hall was the venue for their monthly get togethers.

A fun piece, “a round tuit” is a favourite with people. It is worth recording that a cherry tree which came down in Woodlawn during a storm lives on in three wooden cherry bowls turned by P.J. and presented to some of his Tidy Town colleagues.

A keen fisherman, he was a prominent member of the Fishing Club and liked nothing better in his “spare time” than a walk on the

riverbank with his dog. He was also an active member of the Gun Club.

P.J. lay in repose in Johnston’s Funeral Home where many friends, neighbours and work colleagues called to pay their final respects and to support his family. Following funeral prayers the remains were removed to St Bennett’s Church where Fr Pat Duggan officiated. The large attendance included former work colleagues from the Met Office in Kilkenny and was an indication of

the esteem in which he was held in the community.

Requiem Mass was celebrated

by Canon Pat Duggan who welcomed the large attendance to the celebration of P.J’s life. In his homily, Fr Duggan described him as a friend and great neighbour who would do a good turn for anyone. He attended mass regularly and supported all parish activities. He offered sympathy to the family on their sad loss.

The lessons were read by, Paula

Rogers (sister-in-law) Hugh Coffey (son-in-law).

Prayers of Faithful: Helen (daughter) Kevina Ryan (niece) Marian Treacy (niece).

Offertory Gifts, narrated by Joe (P.J’s grandson). Siobhán (daughter) brought up P.J’s pipe.

Helen (daughter) brought up a piece of P.J’s wood turning. Water and Wine, Jim Treacy, Aileen Kennedy (sister-in-law).

Music was by James Rice on piano accompanied by singer Trish Carroll – James incorporated a beautiful instrumental version of “A thing called love” by Johnny Cash– PJ’s favourite – into the ceremony.

P.J.’s daughter, Louise spoke on behalf of the family sharing some memories and a reflection.

P.J. passed away peacefully on 17th March 2025, surrounded by his family, in the wonderful care of the staff at Kilkenny Care Centre, Newpark. Beloved husband of Ann and devoted dad to Helen, Louise and Siobhán. Cherished granddad to Thomas, Joe and Eoin.

P.J. will be dearly missed by his heartbroken family, brother Dick, son-in-law Hugh, Louise's partner Joe, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Members of the South East Woodturners Guild formed a Guard of Honour outside St Bennett’s Church as the cortege made its way to the adjoinng cemetery.

The community of Bennettsbridge is all the poorer for his passing.

Rest in peace P.J.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Ballyragget

Ballyragget is ‘Beal Atha Ragat’ in Irish, which means the ‘Pass of Raggeds Ford’. The ford was the broad and shallow part of the river at the present Ballyragget bridge. Ragged is the Norman French ‘Le Ragot’ the fat or comical and refers to the Norman settler, Richard le Ragged who held lands in the vicinity at the beginning of the 13th Cent ury.

The town of Ballyragget took shape between 1700 - 1800 under the direction of George Butler and his grandson Robert Butler, who held the Ballyraggett estates during that period. In 1801, Ballyragget had 214 houses, a brewery and two distilleries.

In 1847 there were 1629 persons occupying about 300 houses.

The castle Ballyragget Castle is a rectangular keep standing in the middle of a court or baun. The court is surrounded by a 15ft wall.

The keep is five storied, the fourth being vaulted. The feature of the castle and of most interest to visitors is the lookout turret that rises above the parapet in the north east corner of the keep. It is known as the ‘wishing chair’; formerly it was known as ‘Mairgead’s Chair’ because it was her favoured watch tower, the builder of the castle.

Mairgead Ní Ghearoid was daughter of Gearoid Mor, the Great Earl of Kildare of whom King Henry V11 said “Then if all Ireland cannot him, he shall rule all Ireland.” Mairgead was the wife of Piers Rua, Earl of Ormond who did his utmost to sabotage the power of his father in law and later his brother in law, Garret Ogwho were Lord Deputies of Ireland. Piers Rua succeeded in having himself appointed as Lord Deputy for a short time.

It is said the Earl was himself a plain simple gentleman and yet nevertheless he bore out his charge of government very worthily through the singular Ballyconra house

A history of Ballyragget and district wisdom of his wife, a lady of such port that all the estates of the realm crouched unto her that nothing was debated without her advice. She was man like and tall of stature, a sure friend, a bitter enemy.

In folklore she is pictured

as frequently making war upon her neighbours, riding to battle at the head of her vassals in rich trappings and always coming home victorious. Later legend tried to explain her prowess by associating her witchcraft.

Mairgead, Countess of Ormonde, had the Ballyragget and Baleen portions of the Ormonde estates settled on her second son, Richard who was made first Viscount Mountgarret of Ballyragget Castle.

Mountgarret is explained as Moat Garret.

Motes and moats: Mote is often applied to the mound, usually higher than the Irish Rath on which the Normans built their early wooden castles. Such as the original castles at Castlecomer, Clogh and Threecastles. Moat

strictly means the water filled trench that warded the Norman Castle and Mote.

Carnaduff, now Toor Hill north of Ballyragget was a burial place. The many raths near Ballyragget such as Grange, and Rathdug were dwelling places. All our raths were associated with spirits and ghosts because they have been the habitats of humans, contain their bones, or have been dedicated to pagan deities.

Rathbeagh has been described as the site of the palace of King Hermon, and the place of his burial.

The “mote” in Moat Park was the site of the earliest wooden Norman Castle in Ballyragget. There is no evidence of a stone castle being built, as was done in Castlecomer. On the mound

in Moat Park the sand would not support a stone castle. The old name of this mound was Tullabarry, it was also the ancient name for Ballyragget, as Tullabarry included the present site of Ballyragget. Tullabarry in Irish Tulach Uí mBarrche, i.e The Mound of Uí Barriche - an ancient tribe from Wexford.

Airgod Ros: The legends of Heremon gives us some insight into the history of the Gael. We are told Heremon erected a palace at Rathbeag and a fortress at Threecastles.

The hill at Threecastles was dedicated to the Firbolg god Lugaid. The Gaels called the valley of Rathbeag from Durrow to Threecastles Airgod Ros, The Plain of Silver. In ancient times silver was found in the area and

Eauna made silver shields for his men.

Uí Duach: is variously written: Idough, Odagh, Ideiff, the old name is still preserved in Odagh near Threecastles and Firoda near Castlecomer. The land of Uí Duach was largely hemmed in by the Slievemargy and Coolcashin ranges, whose foothills converge at the junction of the Nore and Dinan. The ancestor of Uí Duach was Duach Cliach who led the Munster invasion conquest of Airgod Ros. Christianity came to Uí Duach in the wake of the invasion chiefly through the efforts of St. Ciaran.

St. Patrick consolidated the work of Ciaran and is credited with the founding of Donoughmore near Ballyragget.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Ballyragget

Donoughmore cemetery Art by John Walsh

Donoughmore means ‘Great Sunday’ and was the name commonly applied to churches founded by St.Patrick because he chose the Lord’s Day to consecrate churches. The ruin at Donoughmore is partly pre Norman and partly 15th Century. The church was taken over at the Reformation and was in use until 1747. Within the church and graveyard are monuments to Butler, Purcell, Cleere, Gorman, White and Bradshaw. The Butler monument within the church commemorates the founders of Ballyragget.

Ballyragget Lodge: It was completed by Robert Butler in 1788. His brother George lived at the Lodge until his death around 1880.

The Lodge was then taken

over by the successors to the Ballyragget estates, the Kavanaghs of Borris. Art McMurrough Kavanagh, the most spectacular of the Kavanagh family, was born in 1831. Though armless and legless, he wrote, hunted, shot, fished, and attended Parliament, making extraordinary use of his limb stump. McMurrough’s tub-like saddle complete with complicated straps was at the Lodge when the nuns took over but returned it to the Kavanagh family.

After his death The Lancet organ of B.M.A. writing on McMurrough noted “He was one of the most striking personalities of the 19th Century. His case was well nigh unique in the annals of gynaecology- the umbilical cord constricting and amputating legs and arms alike just below their upper third.”

Fr. Edmond Kavanagh: He was Parish Priest of Ballyragget from 1729 until his death in 1761. His name is linked with the folklore of Ballyragget. His ancestors were the Leinster Kavanaghs who were the chief quarry of the first Viscount Mountgarret, in his effort to gain royal favour, through warring with them, the Mountgarret title was gained. The descendants of these Kavanaghs later intermarried with the Butlers and finally became owners of the Ballyragget property and Lodge. Fr. Kavanagh built a private church and house near Tullabarry and nearby is Fr. Kavanagh's apple tree.

Folklore tells a story of ‘The Drowning of the Geese’ in connection with the priest’s garden. The geese of the local bigot used to trespass on his garden and when Fr. Kavanagh complained, the bigot replied “why don’t you drown them?” Fr. Kavanagh took him at his word. The geese were there in the water with their tails up, and Fr. Kavanagh said “Down geese, down geese,” and the geese went down and never came up again.

Who was Mabel Cahill?

Mabel Cahill has been reclaimed for history by Mark Ryan, who published his work on the tennisforum. com website. It is a masterpiece of biographical research — and a genuinely tragic tale. She was born in 1863, the 12th eldest of 13 children of Michael Cahill (a barrister and land agent) and Margaret Magan. The family lived at Ballyconra house in Ballyragget. Although both her parents died before she finished in school, Mabel Cahill (along with several of her siblings) were active in the social life of Co. Kilkenny in the 1880s.

In 1886, Cahill played in those championships, before emigrating to America in the late 1880s. She lived in Manhattan — alongside Central Park — and began playing tennis in the new

Ballyragget Castle Art by John Walsh

Mabel and Emma Leavitt-Morgan

courts built in that park.

Then, as she established herself in the city where one of her brothers also now lived, she became a member of the New York Tennis Club in 1890. Later that summer she travelled across to Philadelphia and was the only non-American of the eight women to compete for the singles championship.

She lost to Ellen Roosevelt, the eventual winner of the competition. The following year, she returned and exacted revenge. She defeated both Grace and Ellen Roosevelt to claim the honours. The final victory over Ellen Roosevelt was 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 victory in a bestof-five sets match. She then added the women’s doubles championship to her singles’ success — and duly came back in 1892 to repeat this double. To extend her record, she also added the mixed doubles championship, becoming the first man or woman to record a treble at a

major championship. Mabel Cahill was now a sporting star and a syndicated article about her appeared in the American press.

Ballyconra House A detached seven bay two story with dormer attic dated 1724. A substantial house representing an element of the early 18th Century.

Possibly having associations with the nearby Ballyconra Mills. Connections with the Butler family, Viscounts Mountgarret of Ballyragget (1495) and the Cahill family.

Now in use as offices.

Sources: Old Kilkenny Review 1956/57. Tom Lyng.

Mabel E.Cahill, Herstory Ireland’s Epic Women. Epic Museum.

Mabel E.Cahill, Dictionary of Irish Biography.

Contributed by Paul Rouse.

Ballyconra House. National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

News

Smithwick's Kilkenny Roots Festival 2025 A celebration of music, heritage, and community Jim Lauderdale

The Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival, taking place from the 2nd - 5th May, is an annual celebration of music, culture, and heritage that takes place in Kilkenny. This vibrant event, typically held over the May bank holiday weekend, draws music lovers from across the globe,

offering a rich lineup of performances and festivities.

Since 1998 the festival has attracted some of the finest names in the Americana/ Roots canon, including Calexico, Giant Sand, DriveBy Truckers, Jason Isbell, Alejandro Escovedo, Guy Clark, Chuck Prophet, Ray

The Courettes

The Delines

LaMontagne, Richmond Fontaine, Rodney Crowell, Phosphorescent, Sturgill Simpson and Alabama

Shakes.

Audiences wind their way through the medieval streets sampling the huge range of music in the 30 plus venues, hosting over 40 Irish and international acts, with over 70 ticketed and free shows from early afternoon until late into the night. The event not only celebrates the town’s musical heritage but also fosters a sense of community, making it a highlight in Kilkenny’s cultural calendar.

This year the Festival has exclusive Irish performances from some of the biggest names in Americana.

Jesse Malin, The Delines, Jim Lauderdale and The Courettes are amongst the headlining acts. With a blend

Jesse Malin

of world-class performances, rich cultural history, and a lively, inclusive atmosphere, the Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival is set to be one of the year’s most anticipated events in Ireland.

Booking is available now at www.kilkennyroots.com.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Global Report

the epidemic was worst. Today, nearly two-thirds of people with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, and nearly all live in low- and middle-income countries.

HIV can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

The latest study wanted to estimate the impact of recent funding cuts from on HIV infections and deaths.

With the 24% cuts and PEPFAR discontinued, it is estimated there could be 4.43 million to 10.75 million additional HIV infections between 2025 and 2030, and 770,000 to

2.93 million extra HIV-related deaths.

Most of these would be because of cuts to treatment.

For children, there could be up to an additional 882,400 infections and 119,000 deaths.

In the more optimistic scenario in which PEPFAR continues but with 24% still cut from international HIV funding, it is estimated there could be 70,000 to 1.73 million extra new HIV infections and 5,000 to 61,000 additional deaths between 2025 and 2030.

This would still be 50% higher than if the current spending

were to continue without cuts.

The wide range in the study’s estimates reflects low- and middle-income countries committing to far more domestic funding for HIV in the best case, or broader health system dysfunction and a sustained gap in funding for HIV treatment in the worst case.

If funding cuts continue, the world could face higher rates of annual new HIV infections by 2030 (up to 3.4 million) than at the peak of the global epidemic in 1995 (3.3 million).

Sub-Saharan Africa will experience by far the greatest

effects due to the high proportion of HIV treatment that has relied on international funding.

In other regions, it is estimated vulnerable groups such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and trans and gender diverse people may experience increases in new HIV infections that are 1.3 to six times greater than the general population. *Republished under Creative Commons licence.

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Trump’s aid cuts could see millions die

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Up to 400 people working for Concern worldwide have been made redundant due to the US aid funding cuts, and the Irish humanitarian organisation expects that figure to rise.

Similarly, GOAL is planning redundancies of up to 900 workers.

In a statement, Concern Worldwide confirmed that it “has been forced” to make staff redundant both in Ireland, where it has a head office in Dublin, and in some of the countries in which it works.

It said that the largest job losses were across 13 of the 26 countries in which it works: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Syria/Iraq, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Haiti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Burkina Faso.

Among other issues, Donald Trump’s drastic cuts has significant effect on US funding for HIV. The US has been the world’s biggest donor to international HIV assistance, providing 73% of funding in 2023.

A large part of this is the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which oversees programmes in low- and middle-income countries to prevent, diagnose and treat the virus.

What’s more, recent funding cuts for international HIV assistance go beyond the US. Five countries that provide the largest amount of foreign aid for HIV – the US, the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands – have announced cuts of between 8% and 70% to international aid in 2025 and 2026. Together, this may mean a 24% reduction in international HIV spending, in addition to the US foreign aid pause.

In a new study, it was found the worst-case scenario could see more than 10 million extra HIV infections than would otherwise be anticipated in the next five years, and almost three million additional deaths.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’ s immune system. HIV can be transmitted at birth, during unprotected sex or thorough blood-toblood contact such as shared needles.

If left untreated, HIV can progress onto deadly AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition in which the immune system is severely damaged, and which can be fatal.

HIV was the world’s deadliest infectious disease in the early 1990s. There’s still no cure for HIV, but modern treatments allow the virus to be suppressed with a daily pill.

People with HIV who continue treatment can live without symptoms and don’t risk infecting others.

A sustained global effort towards awareness, prevention, testing and treatment has reduced annual new HIV infections by 39% (from 2.1 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2023), and annual deaths by 51% (from 1.3 million to 630,000).

Most of that drop happened in sub-Saharan Africa, where

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A Bulgarian football club have apologised for holding a minute’s silence for a former player who is still alive.

Arda Kardzhali, which is located in the southern Bulgarian town of Kardzhali, and play in the country’s top division, held the minute’s silence in honour of Petko Ganchev before a game against Levski Sofia.

Both teams lined up near the centre circle before kicking off in the 1-1 draw, bowing their heads to mourn Ganchev. But, before the match was over, Arda posted on their Facebook page saying they had received wrong information about Ganchev’s death.

The club said: “The management of PFC Arda would like to express a huge apology to the former Arda player Petko Ganchev and his relatives after the club received wrong information about his death.

“We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda.”

--------------------------------A Chinese company that set a deadline for single workers to get married has responded to obvious criticism by withdrawing its notice.

The Shuntian Chemical Group, in eastern China’s Shandong province, told its 1,200 employees that any unmarried workers aged between 28 and 58, including those who are divorced, were required to “resolve your personal marriage issues” by next September.

“If not completed by the first quarter, you must write a self-reflection,” its announcement read, according to NBC News.

“If not completed by the second quarter, the company will conduct an evaluation.

If you cannot get married and establish a family by the third quarter, the company will terminate your labour contract,” it said.

--------------------------------A British fish and chip shop has been hilariously lamented for “going too far” after it introduced a new item to its menu in time for Easter.

The Oxfordshire chipper caused a stir after a customer shared a snap of it advertising ‘Battered Malteser Bunny ‘delicacy for £1.50 each “Things have gone too far,” quipped the customer in the CasualUK subreddit, who also pointed out the takeaway offers battered Cadbury’s Creme Eggs and a “takeaway fried breakfast for seven quid”.

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News

Leas Cheann Comhairle, Deputy John McGuinness is delighted to receive the news of the allocation of €6,582,426 Investment in the roads both in Carlow and Kilkenny

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced that the Department of Transport will provide €633 million funding for national roads.

This substantial funding of €633 million is an increase of €92 million on the funding provided in 2024. In addition to today’s funding announcement, national road funding under the current NDP is set to increase throughout the remainder of the decade.

TII will allocate the funding in support of the following outcomes, in line with the NDP: • Protection and renewal of the existing national road network • Progressing major new road projects that are in or near construction • Progressing major new road projects that are in the development pipeline.

The allocation for protection and renewal of the existing national road network will fund a range of activities including road safety improvements, pavement renewal, maintenance of bridges and structures, and measures to ensure the network can withstand the increased number of severe weather events.

Announcing the funding allocation, Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said: “Funding new roads and advancing the national road projects in the current NDP is a priority for this government. The allocations I’m announcing today will enable multiple new road projects on the national road network to progress, including those that are at or close to construction. This will improve regional connectivity, support economic development, and remove traffic from towns and communities across the country – making the roads safer for all users.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Bishop Niall Coll

Bishop calls for courage in face of pressure

Bishop Niall Coll of Ossory has emphasised the importance of speaking the truth with love and courage in today’s world, urging people to be faithful to their own values in the face of the pressures of life today.

In his homily for St Patrick’s Day in St Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop Coll pointed to the emptiness that can be so much part of life today and went on to say that “many people now are growing weary of a secular pattern of life that forgets about God. While secularism promised freedom and progress, it has often left people feeling isolated, anxious and without meaning.

The pursuit of material success and personal autonomy has not satisfied the human heart.”

Bishop Coll praised the involvement of the Diocese of Ossory in the Kilkenny St Patrick’s Day parade. Reflecting on the event, he emphasised that such gatherings provide both an opportunity to celebrate St Patrick’s enduring mission of love and forgiveness, and provided a real experience of belonging and community.

Faith Bishop Coll went on to say that “The presence of the Diocese of Ossory in the parade highlighted that we are a community of faith, pilgrims of Hope. Seventy-five young people from various secondary schools throughout the Diocese accompanied a float of St Patrick in a boat, carrying banners displaying

the much-loved words of St Patrick’s breastplate. These young people are not only signs of hope for the future but

hope for today,” commented Bishop Coll as he commended “their generosity of spirit and enthusiasm.”

me, Christ behind me’, reminds us that Jesus walks with us always on our path of life,” said Bishop Coll. Bishop Coll encouraged everyone to carry the spirit of St Patrick beyond the festivities, fostering love, forgiveness and unity in their daily lives.

“Patrick’s deep trust in God is a lesson for all of us irrespective of our ethnicity or nationality. He prayed

constantly, relying not on his own strength but on the power of Christ. His famous prayer, ‘Christ with me, Christ before

Homily The following is a copy of Bishop Coll’s homily delivered at St Mary’s cathedral on March 17th.

St Patrick’s Day is traditionally marked by Mass, shamrocks, parading, a good bit of drinking, and in more recent times by the wearing of green leprechaun hats. I look forward to viewing the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade here in Kilkenny in the early afternoon – though I will not be wearing a leprechaun hat!

Thinking just now about the life and teachings of St Patrick, it is good to recall that his mission was not just for his time—it is for ours as well. St Patrick’s journey from slavery to sainthood speaks powerfully to us Catholics and to fellow Christians in Ireland and globally today. His unwavering faith in Christ and his courage in the face of opposition call us to renew our own faith and share the Gospel with the world around us.

St Patrick’s story began in suffering. Taken as a slave from Roman Britain to Ireland, he spent years in isolation, tending flocks on the mountains. But rather than becoming bitter, he turned to prayer. In his Confessio, he wrote, "More and more did the love of God and my fear of Him and faith increase, and my spirit was moved." Patrick encountered God in his suffering, and it was this encounter that shaped the rest of his life.

Pope Francis, who has been seriously ill of late and for whom we pray now, has repeatedly reminded us that "the Lord always enters through the wounds." Like Patrick, we all experience wounds—pain, loss, disappointment—but these are precisely the places where we are often most disposed to meeting the God who seeks to meet us.

Patrick’s return to Ireland was an act of love and forgiveness.

Having escaped from slavery, he could have remained in the safety of his homeland and middle-class family and comforts. Instead, he underwent a theological education in France, responded to God’s call to go back and share the Gospel with those who had once oppressed him, the Irish.

This is true Christian love. Patrick had encountered Christ, and because of that, he could not keep the Gospel to himself.

Today, Ireland faces many challenges of faith—secularism, materialism, indifference, and a loss of trust among many in the Church. Like Simon Peter and his companions in today’s Gospel, we can be tempted to despair …! But they didn’t. Heeding Jesus, they once again paid out their nets, netting a huge catch of fish.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Slow cooker coq au vin

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 4 hrs Serves: 4

Use budget-friendly chicken thighs in this delicious slow cooker coq au vin – they make the best cut for slow cooking. Enjoy with mash or tagliatelle.

Ingredients • 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs • 30g butter • 140g smoked bacon lardons or diced smoked pancetta • 400g pearl onions or small shallots peeled and left whole (see tip, below) • 2 large or 4 small carrots peeled and cut into chunks • 2 garlic cloves crushed • 3 tbsp plain flour • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 300ml chicken stock • 600ml red wine • 2 bay leaves • 1 large thyme sprig • 300g button chestnut mushrooms kept whole, larger ones chopped • handful of parsley leavesc hopped (optional) • mash or buttered tagliatelle to serve

If you’re after something a bit lighter than potato-packed fishcakes, try these simple salmon burgers with ginger, soy sauce and coriander. Oily fish makes a hearthealthy alternative to red meat burgers.

This recipe would also be delicious with tuna steaks.

Ingredients • 4 boneless, skinless salmon fillets about 550g/1lb 4oz in total, cut into chunks • 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste • thumb-size piece fresh root ginger grated • 1 tsp soy sauce • 1 bunch coriander half chopped, half leaves picked • 1 tsp vegetable oil • lemon wedges, to serve

STEP 2 Tip the bacon into the same pan and fry for 5-6 mins until crisp, then add to the slow cooker. Tip the onions or shallots and carrots into the pan and fry in the bacon fat for 5 mins until starting to colour. Add the garlic, cook for 1 min more, then sprinkle over the flour and cook for 1-2 mins until you have a sandy paste. Stir through the tomato purée and cook for 2 mins more. Bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer for 2 mins.

STEP 3 Tip the contents of the pan over the chicken. Pour the stock and wine into the pan, bring to the boil, then pour into the slow cooker. Nestle in the bay leaves and thyme, season, then set the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hrs, 5-6 hrs on medium or 7-8 hrs on low, stirring once or twice, until the chicken is tender.

STEP 4 While the chicken cooks, heat the remaining butter in a clean pan and fry the mushrooms for 4-5 mins over a medium heat. Tip into the slow cooker about an hour before the end of cooking and stir. At this stage, the coq au vin can be cooled and kept chilled for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Defrost and reheat in a pan over a medium heat until piping hot. Scatter over the parsley, if using, and serve with mash or buttered tagliatelle.

RECIPE TIP Baby onions or shallots can be tricky to peel, but if you leave them soaking in boiled water for a few minutes, then drain and leave to cool, the skins just slip off.

Superhealthy salmon burgers Prep: 20 mins Cook:10 mins Serves: 4

STEP 1 Season the chicken. Melt half the butter in a deep frying pan or large flameproof casserole over a medium heat and cook the chicken, skin-side down, for 10 mins until deep golden.

Flip to seal the fleshy side for a few minutes – you may need to do this in batches. Put in the slow cooker.

For the salad • 2 carrots • half large or 1 small cucumber • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar • 1 tsp golden caster sugar Method STEP 1 Tip the salmon into a food processor with the paste, ginger, soy and chopped coriander. Pulse until roughly minced. Tip out the mix and shape into 4 burgers. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan, then fry the burgers for 4-5 mins on each side, turning until crisp and cooked through.

STEP 2 Meanwhile, use a swivel peeler to peel strips of carrot and cucumber into a bowl. Toss with the vinegar and sugar until the sugar has dissolved, then toss through the coriander leaves. Divide the salad between 4 plates. Serve with the burgers and rice.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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You can’t go wrong with a Stephen King series If there’s anyone who knows good TV and film, it’s Stephen King.

King has behind some of the best horror movies that have ever been made, which have been based on his terrifying books.

From IT and Pet Sematary, to Carrie and The Shining, King’s mind has concocted some spinechilling novels over the years.

But not all of King’s books that have been adapted into movies have been horrors. In fact, you might not know that The Green Mile is based on King’s 1996 book of the same name.

With his vast experience in mind, it’s safe to say

that if King likes something that’s been on TV, then you should watch it too.

One show that he’s previously gushed about is a series that’s available to stream on Prime Video, where all four seasons currently available to watch.

Titled The Man In The High Castle, the programme, which first debuted in 2015, has been described as “just wonderful” by King.

Based on the book of the same name by Phillip K. Dick, the show’s first season explores an alternative world in which the Allied Powers lost WWII, allowing Japan and Germany to rule the US.

After Sofia Carson emotionally wrecked us with Purple Hearts and was in the second most popular Netflix movie ever, CarryOn , she stars in The Life List . The new film is about a woman who’s dealing with the death of her mother (played by Connie Britton).

Following her passing, Carson’s character, Alex, learns that her mom has decided to hold her inheritance until she achieves everything on the ‘life list’ she created for herself

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

to stream right now on Amazon Prime 1. The Marvelous Mrs Maisel Set in the colourful and fast-paced world of 1950s New York City, this Emmy-winning dramedy follows Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel, a witty and resourceful housewife who takes control of her life and transforms her future after her husband leaves her. She discovers a knack for stand-up comedy and enters the male-dominated comedy scene while also juggling her responsibilities as a mother and daughter. By the acclaimed writer-director team of Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, of Gilmore Girls fame.

2. The Expanse

The Expanse (2015 – 2022) is set against the backdrop of a future where humans have colonised the Solar System and divided it into three large powers. As tensions simmer between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt, a full-scale war is just around the corner. The series begins with a missing persons case that spirals out of control and leads to the discovery of new alien technology. We follow the crew of the Rocinante, led by morally conflicted James Holden, and two others, as they navigate a conspiracy that could alter their reality.

One of the best sci-fi shows in recent years.

Adding to it’s allure, the series stars the likes of Pretty Little Liar’s Luke Kleintank and The Diplomat actor Rufus Sewell, as well as being executively produced by Blade Runner and Alien director, Ridley Scott.

“Some of the images, while disquieting (American children giving the Nazi salute, a Nazi storm trooper replacing the Statue of Liberty), are jawdropping. Start from the beginning,” said King.

Backing the acclaimed author’s rave review, the series has an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 4/5 stars from viewers on Prime Video.

On Twitter, King said the

series was “wonderful”.

Replying to King’s tweet, another fan of The Man In The High Castle said at the time: “My wife and I just watched all three seasons.

Really well done and we were glued to each and every episode.

“Kind of eerie how familiar a lot of the scenarios felt.”

Another said: “It’s amazing. Binged Season 3 in a long weekend. Battle of oppression.”

And yet another viewer penned: “Great for bingewatching. Fascinating, provocative and engaging with some surprising character arcs. The opening title sequence is enough to make me cry.”

The Life List much more than a rom-com While we typically expect to see a romantic comedy and want to immediately fall in love or bask in having our own personal love story.

The latest of Netflix’s 2025 releases, The Life List , is apparently prone to have its viewers rethinking their relationships and life overall.

So proceed with caution next time you use your Netflix subscription... maybe…because this film led some to break up with their partners.

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when just 13 years of age.

This causes Alex to reassess and really work on her life, and it sounds like it inspired audiences to do the same, as Carson said: “[Writer/director Adam Brooks] would call me all the time after test screenings, and he would say that there were so many people that would [tell him], ‘I ended up breaking up with my boyfriend,’ or ‘I ended up changing or quitting my job’.”

When Carson spoke to Entertainment Weekly

about The Life List , she shared the interesting effect the movie had on early viewers.

They started raising “all these existential questions” for themselves afterseeing the new project.

“That’s the beauty of this film. It’s so much more than a rom-com.

“If you’ve seen the movie, it’s not hard to understand why breakups happened in real life, and why that’s honestly kind of beautiful.”

Now streaming.

3. Fleabag

A groundbreaking dramedy written, created by, and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag (2016 – 2019) follows a young woman as she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and existential angst in modern-day London. It begins with the protagonist dealing with the aftermath of a personal tragedy in a world that fails to understand her and finds her trying to take an unconventional approach towards romance, only to fail in a chaotic yet deeply relatable way.

An intelligent and hilarious masterpiece.

4. Reacher

Wherever he goes, trouble seems to find him. In Reacher (2022 – Present), when a former military police officer named Jack Reacher arrives in a small Georgia town, he is wrongfully accused of murder and he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy.

Using his razor-sharp instincts and lethal physical skills, Reacher partners up with the local law enforcement and gets to the bottom of the corrupt cycle to free the town of more deaths.

A quest for justice drives the heartpounding action and clever detective work.

5. Bosch

Drawing inspiration from a series of novels written by Michael Connelly, Bosch (2014 – 2021) transports viewers into the gritty streets of Los Angeles and tells the story of veteran LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch as he tirelessly pursues justice in the city’s criminal underworld. The series begins with him investigating the murder of a young boy. At the same time, the wife of a suspect Bosch killed in selfdefence filed a lawsuit against him.

The series has established itself as one of the most well-crafted TV shows.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Sport

BY PAUL BOLGER Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny WWW.NANOPHYSIO.IE

Nobody is quite themselves when they are hungover.

If you’re anything like me, your thoughts and behaviours change. This is a great example of the mindbody connection at work – showing us that mind and body operate together in an inseparable way.

Thoughts & Emotions If I'm badly hungover my thoughts can get drawn into worry and insecurity.

Things that aren’t a problem on normal days become imminent and terrifying.

Insecurities flood to the surface and I’m convinced that I may well be a pretty awful person after all.

Regrets from the past rise to the surface, and memory of personal achievements wither away out of sight.

Thankfully these thoughts and emotions, like all things in life, are temporary and they pass. Why are they so powerful during a hangover?

The Body’s Response Excessive consumption of alcohol affects your body in so many ways.

Dehydration affects the function of all organs.

Inflammatory chemicals and immune system activity rise. Acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol

Hangovers & the mind-body connection What a hangover can teach you about the mind-body connection

breakdown, accumulates.

Sleep quality has been badly interfered with. The balance of the gut microbiome (the trillions of living bacteria and other microscopic organisms living in your intestines) is thrown off. Chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine which affect mood and motivation, are depleted.

Essentially, your body is working overtime to deal with toxin removal, dehydration, inflammation, poor sleep, and metabolic stress.

The Mind’s Reaction While the body is under such strain, mood, emotions and thoughts change in response.

Brain function is hindered.

Brain chemistry alterations may push a person into a more anxious and depressed state. Body-wide inflammation can do this too – with increased immune system activity making us want to rest and isolate ourselves.

All of this can impact on behaviour – our actions are

influenced by the emotions we feel and the thoughts running through our minds.

Taking It Up a Gear So, the changes that we see within the body as it tries to cope with excessive levels of alcohol lead to changes in how we feel, think and, subsequently, how we

behave. Often, we then take this a step further.

If we get drawn into a negative thought spiral, this can further affect the biology within us. A negative thought or memory takes hold, and you run over it again and again in your mind's eye. This process affects your body – causing increased activity in regions of your brain associated with pain, rejection and fear. Signals from your brain cause the release of chemical messengers into your bloodstream (hormones) that tell your adrenal glands to release stress hormones.

This stress response causes changes to your body’s functions – like raising heart rate, increasing blood sugar levels and impairing healing.

The hangover example is a pretty negative example of this mind-body relationship.

There are so many more positive examples - such as how laughter, community and spending time with good friends affect these same systems in the body. We will explore this next week.

Thankfully, even the worst hangovers pass. We promise never to drink again (or at least we will do things differently next time!). One good thing to take from a hangover is the lesson that the processes of body and mind are inseparable and involved in an ongoing, multi-directional relationship.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The Lotto results for 25th March 2025, the numbers drawn were - 6, 19 & 24.

There was no jackpot winner. The following €30 Lucky dip went to, Andrew O Carroll, Liam Ryan, Tony Byrne, Joanne O Connell and David Shortall.

COUNTY SCENE Clara have had a number of players involved with county teams recently. Pádraic Meany was part of the minor panel that recorded a good challenge victory over Tipperary, while David Barcoe and Luke Lawlor were involved with the U19 team that defeated Wexford in Wexford. Later that day Rory Glynn was with the U20 squad that got their championship underway with a win away to Wexford in testing conditions. Well done to all.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS PEDAL TO THE SEA Preparations are gathering momentum for O’Loughlin’s “Pedal to the Sea” and the peleton is continuing to grow. Another pre-event cycle took place last weekend and further ones are scheduled, so to be included register now by texting your name and number to 086 030 4449. Call into the club on Tuesday evening between 8pm and 9pm or call to Noel at Tower and Castle for any queries and to sign up. The cycle takes place Friday May 2nd and Saturday May 3rd.

CAMOGIE SUCCESS O’Loughlin Gaels Laura Murphy, Laura Greene and Danielle Quigley all played their part as Killenny maintained their Very Camogie League Division 1A status with a strong 2-16 to 0-14 away win to Dublin in O’Toole Park. Well done also to O’Loughlin’s played Síofra O’Leary who was part of the Kilkenny Minor A panel which defeated Galway in the All Ireland Quarter Final 6-16 to 2-11.

EASTER CAMP There are limited places remaining on O’Loughlin Gaels Easter Camp. The Camp will run from April 14thApril 18th. It is open to all O’Loughlin Gaels members aged 5-13 years. Don’t miss out ! Message Stephen at 085-7181325 to register.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated March 26th. The numbers drawn were 14, 18, 19, 21 and the bonus number was 3. Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com. Thank you for your continued support.

Promotors Draw: 1. Leah Tyrrell c/o D Tyrrell. 2. G Trehy c/o JJ Cullen. 3. Pat Ryanc/o G Buckley. 4. Molly/MJ/ Tom c/o Ml Nolan. 5. Theresa Nolan c/o Ml Nolan. 6.

Benny c/o M Cody. 7. Angela Barry c/o B Maher. 8. Con Moore c/o Online. 9. Michael Henebry c/o Online. 10.

Leanne Hickey c/o Online 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.

BEREAVEMENT SERVICE The Kilkenny Bereavement Support Service provides free one to one listening support to people who are bereaved and can be contacted on 086 0670566 to arrange an appointment.

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 CAMOGIE Congratulations to the camogie girls who represented St.Lachtain’s National school in the 7s in Johnstown recently. They won two of their games beating Johnstown and Lisdowney. The girls and their management team are wished the best of luck in the finals in Nowlan Park.

Two local girls Michelle Killeen and Ciara Hickey were part of the Kilkenny minor camogie panel who beat Galway on Sunday last in Ballinasloe.

NEW GARDA Congratulations to Killian Hughes of Moate Road, Freshford who was among the recruits passing out from the Garda Training Centre in Templemore recently. Killian is the son of Eugene and Bernadette Hughes and has been assigned to a station in County Wexford.

He is wished all the very best in his new career.

SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to Mrs. Pattie McCarthy, Buncrussia Street, Freshford on the death last week of her sister Teresa O’Dwyer late of Paulstown. Funeral mass took place in St.Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny followed by burial in Paulstown Cemetery.

SUMMER CAMP The annual summer camp run by local lad JJ Grace and which is the longest running camp in the area takes place this year from 28th July to 1st August. For booking or more information on same please contact 086 8629666 GAA NEWS Last Sunday was a busy day in Pair Lachtains as the GAA seasons starts to swing into action. There was training for U6, U8 and U12 followed by a practice game for the Junior B hurlers against the Emeralds.

Later in the day Bennettsbridge defeated Tullaroan in a well attened Junior football league final.

Upcoming underage fixtures, the U14 boys are out in the football championship first round when they take on John Lockes on Sunday morning in Pairc Lachtain at 10.30am. The U16s will play St.Martins in Roinn B League on Monday in Coon at 6.30pm.

Well done to local lads Cathal Hickey and Cian Donnelly who represented victorious Kilkenny teams at U20 and U19 levels respectively last weekend.

EASTER CAMP The annual Easter camp will take place at GAA grounds for all boys and girls from 6 to 13 years old from Monday 14th April to Friday 18th April.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side had no game last weekend either. They suffered a heavy defeat to Newpark in their last league game.

In the schoolboys/girls section the U 12 girls had a 4-2 win over Evergreen White with goals from Cora Gibbons Lucia Stanley and Siun McCarthy.

The U 16 boys had a 3-3 draw result against River Rangers with the goals coming from Charlie Kavanagh, Nathan Walsh and Patrick O’Connor The U14 boys were defeated by Evergreen on Saturday on a 3-2 scoreline with the Freshford goals coming from Luke Dermody and Patrick O’Connor.

The club are presently planning for the regeneration project which was put together and permission for development of a synthetic grass playing surface to the existing grassed area is intended, erection of LED floodlighting to both the existing main grassed and proposed synthetic grass pitches with additional car parking provisions, two new sports dug outs to grassed pitch and upgrade of existing boundary walls and fencing drainage and all associated works.

IRISH DANCING The Malone school of Irish dancing continues every Monday evening at 5.15pm in St.Lachtain’s GAA Clubhouse. All those interested should go along or for more information contact Michelle on 087 2063912 BINGO North Kilkenny Wheelchair association weekly bingo continues each Friday evening in Freshford Community Hall at 8pm with good prize money and raffle each week. This is for a very good cause indeed and the committee are asking people to come along and support the weekly bingo and bring a friend or two with you for a night out and help keep this fundraiser going.

NUENNA GROUP People are living longer, stronger and healthier lives nowadays so why not have fun while improving your fitness with the local Nuenna social community group.

Membership to Nuenna AC club for the year is €60.

SPLIT THE POT The winner of Split the pot last week Bernie Murray Woodview who won €100. The proceeds for the month of March went to Nuenna Athletics club. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs. Revolut is also available on 08330411011 with your name and address.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter, so why not support your own local café, it makes sense to stay local. You can meet a friend for a chat

and a nice beverage or some lovely homemade food or try out their new tarts. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities. 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.

IONAD LACHTAIN Ionad Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre has reopened and is now open every Saturday and Sunday.

FOROIGE Foroige youth club meet each Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Community Hall. They have music, a free library, a stationary corner, games, chat and treats each week. New members are always very welcome. The youth club is members only so if you are interest in joining please go along and sign up.

They are also 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. Mass in Tulla Church is held on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

The damage done to parts of the roof of the Parish Church during the recent storm has now been repaired.

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website. Please note community notices for the parish 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 that number or on 087 25235 21 JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB SENIOR FOOTBALL In Sunday afternoon’s early start to the senior football championship quarter-final, Tullogher on home ground, took an early lead with a point in the first minute and continued the pressure, winning a penalty in the 4th minute. Fortunately, the resultant penalty strike by former county star Walter Walsh was saved by goalkeeper Ryan Scanlon which gave a much-needed boost to the Village men who took charge of the game from there knocking over hard won points from the boots of Luke Scanlon (5mins) and a two pointer from Sean Manogue (7mins) with another single score in the 10th minute for a 0-04 to 0-02 lead. With the balance of play swinging from side to side due to hard graft and cluster defences the scores dried up until Fionn Cody struck for points in the 22nd and 26th minutes to give James Stephens a 0-06 to 0-02 halftime lead. For the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half the James Stephens players lost their way as Tullogher broke through in waves to register a succession of points to level proceedings at 0-06 each at the end of the third quarter. A Sean Manogue point briefly halted the Tullogher advance but a huge Walter Walsh strike rallied the home club again in the 17th minute to set up a nail biting finish to the game. When Sean Manogue pointed from a free in the 17th minute and Fionn Cody kicked over for the visitor’s 9th point in the 19th minute it was advantage James Stephens at 0-09 to 0-07. The defining moment came in the 21st minute when a strike from a Tullogher breakaway attack rebounded off Ryan Scanlon’s goal post much to the relief of the travelling supporters. With the game swaying from side to side in the 23rd minute Niall Mullins won possession from a breaking tackle and drove through the Tullogher backline to drill the ball over the bar and give James Stephens a three point lead at 0-10 to 0-07. Buoyed by the home support Tullogher came back again and put over points in the 28th and 31st minutes but they ran out of time to secure the levelling score much to the relief of a fast tiring James Stephens players who deserved their hard earned 0-10 to 0-09 victory and a place in the county semi-final.

SENIOR CAMOGIE

Anna with the Purcell Cup

On Sunday morning the senior camogie team travelled to Inistioge to take on The Rower- Inistioge in the first round of the 2025 Senior Camogie League and came home with a deserved share of the league points following a 1-05 draw. This was a great achievement for a young inexperienced side forced to line out without the services of county players, girls travelling and some away at college. In the first half, with wind advantage, the Rower girls gained plenty of possession but due to pressure from the Village backs were errant in their shooting. Midway through the half a deflected shot fell to the Rower full forward who finished to the net to give them a 1-03 to 0-04 lead. The Village scorers were Rachel Leahy, Niamh O’Hara, and two points from Roisin Leahy to help keep the Village girls in touch at the break. With the aid of the breeze in the second half the Village girls went on the attack and in the early minutes Rachel Leahy hit the net to lift the spirits of the Village girls and give hope for victory.

However, the Rower defence applied a lot of pressure limiting opportunities for the Village forwards to score as did the Village backs to their opponents making for a low scoring game. For the Village, Tara Murphy was sharp and vigilant in goal with huge help from defenders Kerri Hennessy, Molly Burke, Niamh Leahy and Mia Dunne. Anna Bergin worked tirelessly at midfield along with Lucy Coomey who was moved to centre field in the 2nd half from where she scored a quality point. In attack Rachel Leahy won a lot of possession, winning frees while Roisin Leahy was a threat to The Rower defence throughout. In the circumstances the draw was a creditable result for an understrength Village lineup on the day. On the county scene well done to Lucy Lennon who was a member of the Kilkenny U-16 team that won the Leinster final beating Offaly 2-20 to 1-06 in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan on Sunday afternoon.

BEST WISHES We extend best wishes to Gretta Kelly who is recovering from a major hip operation in University Hospital, Waterford following an accident at home in recent days. Gretta is the much-respected finance manager of the club’s weekly lotto, a vital funding project for the day to day running of the club. Best wishes to

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Community & GAA Notes Gretta for a speedy recovery and an early return home to Ardnore from the club’s management committee and especially her colleagues on the weekly Lotto Committee.

BILLY WALTON TOURNEY On Saturday next the annual Billy Walton internal hurling tournament takes place in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan. Sixty players from the senior, Junior, and U-21 panels have committed to line out in the four team tournament which commences at 10am sharp.

Why not come out and support the fun competition in memory of the late Billy Walton a member of the club’s 1982 All-Ireland club championship team.

KILKENNY U-20 On Saturday last, the Kilkenny U-20’ hurlers secured a comfortable 1-13 to 1-06 victory over Wexford in their first round Leinster U-21 championship fixture in Chadwicks Wexford Park. Contributing positively to the win were James Stephens players Stephen Manogue, Edward Lauhoff, Ed McDermott, and Sean Bergin. Uniquely, the panel includes a second Village goalkeeper as Daniel Power is named as the deputy netminder and the extended panel includes Billy O’ Sullivan.

JUNIOR HURLERS Junior selector, Shane Campion is anxious to encourage new residents to the parish and former club hurlers who have stepped away from the game for whatever reason to register and come along, knock off the cobwebs, enjoy a “puck around”, get fit and possibly even win a place on one of the club’s junior teams. For anyone interested in the challenge contact Shane at 087-2124816.

HANDBALL SUPREMO Congratulations to the club’s three times All-Ireland medal winner and five times GAA Hurling All-Star, Joe Hennessy who continues to break national records.

Last weekend Joe and his longtime handball partner, Johnny Brennan (Mothel) completed a hat trick of All-Ireland Ruby Masters 4-Wall Doubles titles when they defeated the Galway representatives, 21 -18 and 21-08 in the title decider in the Croke Park Handball arena. Earlier in the semi-final they had accounted for the Limerick partnership with some ease. Obviously, advancing age is no drawback to these super-fit sportsmen. Well done, lads.

COLLEGE’S CAMOGIE Congratulations to club camogie star Anna Doheny on winning a Purcell Cup medal with Mary Immaculate College (Limerick) when edging out their city rivals University Limerick 1-17 to 2-12 in a thrilling final at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in recent days.

They accounted for Queen’s University, Belfast in the semi-final. Anna lined out at right half back in a pulsating finale to the national competition, defying a late 2nd half rally by their neighbours, UL to claim the prestigious title for the seventh time. The Purcell Cup was presented to the Camogie Association by their former president, Una Ui Phuirseil, (1976-’78) and her husband Padraig Puirseil, the renowned Gaelic Games reporter with The Irish Press.

UNDER-AGE HANDBALL Continuing the handball story and reflective of the growing interest of James Stephens players in playing the game as members of the Talbot’s Inch Handball Club, Liam O’Brien won the Leinster U-16”B” singles title beating the Wexford representative 21-15, 21-18 in the provincial final in Garryhill, Carlow last weekend.

On the home front David McDermott, the younger brother of Kilkenny U-20 and Minor players, Edward and Bill McDermott won the Kilkenny U-11 “B” title last weekend. Well done to all.

GOLF SOCIETY James Stephens Golf Society secretary Seamus McGuire has posted the schedule of outings for the coming season and extends a welcoming invitation to any new members who might wish to join the popular social club group. The first outing of the year takes place in Gowran G.C on Saturday 12th April, followed

by Callan on the 17th May. After a mid-season break the society moves back to Kilkenny G.C. on Saturday 23rd August and finishes in Athy G.C on Saturday 20th September. For further information contact Seamus at 087 9524669 or Richie Manogue at 087 2573697.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 10 : 16 : 23 : 30. There was no winning ticket. The €40 consolation winners were Terry Cantwell, Sean Brennan, Mary O’Shea, Pat c/o Playwright and Gunder c/o Playwright. As always, the committee appreciates the loyal support of players, so valuable for the financial wellbeing of the club.

be held at Ionad Dara, Community Centre, Goresbridge on Thursday 10th April 2025 commencing with registration, tea/coffee from 10.30 and concluding with light lunch at 1pm. Older people are invited to attend, where information on the purpose/role, organisation etc, of the Older People’s Council will be presented.

GOWRAN PARK Flat racing returned on Wednesday and summer racing continues, April 16th in Gowran Park Early Bird offer - gowranpark.ie YOUNG IRELANDS GAA Congratulations Young Irelands U14s! What a game! A massive well done to the Young Irelands U14 football team on their incredible Roinn A League Final victory against O’Loughlin Gaels!

It was a tit-for-tat battle right to the final whistle, with both teams leaving it all on the pitch and finishing level at full time. But in extra time, the Gowran boys dug deep, dominated, and sealed the win with an outstanding performance, finishing on a scoreline of 7-6 to 1-8.

Congratulations to captain David Caroll who accepted the cup on behalf of the Young Irelands team. A huge congratulations to the players, coaches; Pat, Tom, Seamus, Martin, Dick and all the supporters—this was a victory to remember!

DALTON HOUSE DAYCARE Come along and join in the craic with a singalong at 8pm every Wednesday night at Dalton House

Erin and Holly helped Kilkenny U16s win Leinster Final against Offaly

BENNETTSBRIDGE BILLY DOBBYN RIP The death occurred last week in New York of Billy Dobbyn, formerly of Marian Place, Bennettsbridge.

Billy, who had reached the great age of 93, was a prominent hurler with Bennettsbridge, winning 3 senior hurling championships with the club in the fifties. He emigrated to New York in the early sixties where he continued to hurl with a Kilkenny team. He ran a successful bar and restaurant there for a number of years. He was a great supporter of Kilkenny hurling and would entertain visiting teams from Kilkenny on a regular basis. Sympathy goes to his family, sisters, Margaret (Bennettsbridge) and Mary (Kildare) sisterin-law, Ann Dobbyn, nephews, nieces, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Jim some years ago.

SYMPATHY Sympathy goes to the O’Mahony and Coyne families on the death of Marie Coyne (née McCormick) Sandfield, Freshford Road, Kilkenny.

Marie passed away, in her 97th year, on the 24th March 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her family in the wonderful care of the staff at Gowran Abbey Nursing Home. Predeceased by her husband Brian, son Quentin, daughter Fiona (O’Mahony) and infant grandson Brian. Beloved mother of Breen, Johnny and Caroline. Marie will be sadly missed by her family, her grandchildren Hugh, Rebecca, Jessie, Natalia, Luke, Isabelle, James, Cian, Grace and Sadhbh, great grandchildren, sons-in-law Tony and Willie, daughtersin-law Susanna and Barbara, extended family and friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. Funeral afterwards to Tullaherin Cemetery, Co. Kilkenny.

LOTTO There was no winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 2, 11, 12, 21. Consolation Prizes David Dowling, Bennettsbridge, Shane Dowling, Station Road, Keith O’Gorman, Hillview, Breda Ryan, Blackwell, BB Syndicate.

ART GROUP

James Carroll, Captain Bennettbridge Junior Football Team

GOWRAN OLDER PEOPLE’S COUNCIL. Kilkenny Older People’s Council are running a workshops for older people in the Goresbridge, Gowran, Paulstown and surrounding areas. The Workshop will

Bennettsbridge Junior Football League Champions 2025

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Community & GAA Notes Members of the Art Group meet each Monday under tutor, Julie Moorhouse. Artists are working towards mounting their annual exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week.

GATHERING GROUP Gathering Group meeting each Wednesday morning from 11 am until 1pm. All welcome to join this social get together for tea, chat, exercise, bingo and games.

Arrangements are being made for a summer outing to Dove Hill Shopping Centre in Clonmel.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP The Kilkenny Bereavement Support Service provides free one to one support to people who are bereaved and can be contacted on 086 0670566 to arrange an appointment.

TROCAIRE The traditional collection for Trocaire will take place during Lent and this year Bishop Niall Coll has requested that we support this collection for the relief of hunger, suffering and neglect in Third World Countries. You are asked to take home a Trocaire Box and continue to contribute to this important cause.

LENTEN STATIONS OFFERING The Lenten offerings are being handed in at the moment. Some Easter offerings have been received also.

The priests of the parish are very appreciative of your support.

FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION MASS The Final preparation First Communion Preparation Mass will be held this Sunday, 6th April. Palm Sunday will be on the following week.

Parents of the First Communion class are being asked to bring their children to the Holy Thursday mass.

More news in the next newsletters.

ALTAR SERVERS REVIVAL Bishop Niall Coll has urged parishes to revive the practice of having altar servers at weekend masses.

Efforts will be made to encourage boys and girls to serve at mass. Safeguarding of children regulations would have to be strictly adhered to. Further details to follow soon.

MASSES Bennettsbridge , Wednesday and Friday mornings, 10.30am. Saturday (Tullaherin) 8pm. Sunday (Bennettsbridge) 10.30am.

CAMOGIE Congratulations to ‘Bridge girls,Erin and Holly and all the Kilkenny U16A panel on winning the Leinster Final last weekend against Offaly, Leinster Champions.

JUNIOR Best of luck to our Junior team and management in their first game of the league at home to Erins Own EAST END SOCCER East End U14 Yellow team scored a crucial 3-0 win over Lions! Despite a slow start, the boys stepped up in the second half, netting some fantastic goals and securing a well-deserved victory. Great effort all around.

GAA Junior Football League Winners Well done to our junior football team who won the junior league title with a 12 points to 1-7 win over Tullaroan in Freshford last Sunday. Good luck in the championship quarter final against Gowran in Bennettsbridge next Sunday at 12.30.

Club Games Our minor and under 16 teams kick off their league season this week with the under 16s away to Gowran and our minor team away to Kilmacow. Best of luck to both teams in the weeks ahead.

Signage Campaign Bennettsbridge GAA club will this week launch the Pitch signage campaign. This will be used to pay off the outstanding loan on our development. A sub committee has been formed so any businesses wishing to have their name advertised on the surrounding pitch wall please contact the subcommittee members for the terms and details: Alan Flynn, Alan Morrissey, Tommie Hughes, Tim Dooley and Mary Blanchfield.

Club Membership Club membership for the coming year is now due.

Membership can be paid to Samantha McGarry or to any committee member. Fees for non playing members €40, student players €80 and adult players €120.

Membership can also be paid online through club spot. Early payment would be greatly appreciated as the bills for 2025 are coming in.

Under 20 Hurling and Minor Football Well done to Brian Lannon, Timmy Kelly and James Hughes and the Kilkenny under 20 panel who had a good win over Wexford in difficult conditions in the opening round of the championship last Saturday.

Good luck to the lads in the next round on Saturday next against Dublin. Well done also to Liam Keogh and Eoin Walpole who played well in Kilkenny’s hard fought draw with Carlow in the opening round of the minor south Leinster shield in Nowlan Park last Saturday . Next up for them is Wexford in Kilkenny on

Kilcumney Players in Goresbridge (See How They Run).

April 10th.

Easter Camp The popular Easter camp takes place again this year, from the 22nd to the 25th of April. Registration night is March 27th from 7 to 8 pm in the clubhouse.

Grand National Draw Lines are now available for the Bord Na n-Óg annual Grand National draw. In the shops around the village and from all players and coaches. The draw will take place Friday evening ahead of the race next Saturday.

All support is greatly appreciated for the main juvenile fundraiser of the year.

Last Man Standing Our senior players are once again running a last man standing competition for the upcoming All Ireland hurling series. This was very popular last year and it would be great to get the same interest again this year.

Details will be on the clubs social media pages in the coming weeks.

Split the Pot Well done to Brendan Walpole who won 124 euro, to Bill Nolan who won 30 euro and to Breda Cleere who won 20 euro. Thanks again for the continued support.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN Tom Healy

ACTIVE RETIREMENT The Active Retirement Group meets, next, on Thursday 10th April at 11am in the Paulstown Community Hall. Are you able to help out? We need tools, gardening equipment and DIY parts for the Mens Shed and Active Retired Veg Garden. Got anything that you don’t use anymore??

AUCTION OF ANTIQUES An auction of antiques takes place on Monday 7th April in Goresbridge Auctions. To includes Georgian, William IV, Victorian, Edwardian and Other Quality Furniture, Oil Paintings, Watercolours, Prints, Brass, Glass, Silver, Plate, Clocks, Porcelain, Pine, Rugs, Garden Furniture, and other interesting and collectable items. Contact Martin on 087 2569496 or email goresbridgeantiques@gmail.com for more information.

BARROW RANGERS There was no winner of the latest lotto (25th March).

Next week’s match 3 will win €150.

BRIDGE UNITED Easter Summer camp will take place from 15th – 17th April, 10am-1pm for boys and girls aged 4-15..

The club is looking to put an over 35 team in The Carlow and District League. For information please phone James 087 7971276.

In the McCalmont Cup Quarter Final Fort Rangers drew with Bridge Utd (AET). Bridge score by Josh Barcoe. On penalties Bridge won 5-4.

PAST PUPILS DINNER Brigidine Convents Annual Past Pupils Dinner takes place on Sunday 27th April in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise at 12.45pm. Cost is €50 and bookings before Thursday 17th April. Info: Dolores 087 414 8093 CHURCH SERVICES Weekend masses in Goresbridge are at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday in Paulstown on Sunday at 11.30am.

TALK THE TALK The Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues every Friday at 11am in the Goodly Barrow.

MENS SHED The Mens Shed meets next on Tuesday 8th April at 11am in the Community Centre Paulstown (R95NY93).

Motor Home Aire Cois Bhearbha, Goresbridge reopens on Friday 11th April. Daily entry fee is €10. Information: 083 474 8900 MR WHELAN (GORESBRIDGE) Ronan passed away on 27th March 2025, unexpectedly, at home. Predeceased by his parents Eric and Mary (Mae). Ronan will be sadly missed by his heartbroken son Eric, Eric’s mother Lorraine, partner Helen, brothers Trevor and Sean, sisters-in-law Deborah and Charmaine, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.

MRS DWYER Teresa passed away on 24th March 2025, after an illness bravely borne, peacefully, surrounded by her family in the exceptional care of the staff at Castlecomer District Hospital. Predeceased by her beloved husband John (Jackie) Dwyer, parents Jimmy and Margaret O’Neill and sister Ursula (O’Leary). Much loved mother of Alison and adored grandmother to Tyler. Teresa will be dearly missed by her loving family, sisters Ann, Etta, Pattie and Mary, brother Tom, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie The results of the draw on 30ht March were: 1 Ollie Maher (€100), 2. Julia Guidera (€20), 3 Collette Murphy (€20).

YOGA A yoga course is running every Monday 7-8pm in the Paulstown Community Hall. You can get further information by calling Caroline on 087 937 1939.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 27th March 2025.

Nos: 14 20 21 25, Jackpot not won. Draw Prizes – €50 M and M c/o T Hackett, €25 each Grainne Butler c/o

Liam Barry, €25 each Aoife Prendergast c/o Online, €25 each Declan Lacey c/o Online. Hurlers Co Op Barry Oneill c/o Gerry ONeill. Promotors prize Ned Buggy We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

EASTER CAMP Our Easter Camp will be back again this year from the 14th to the 16th of April suitable for 5-13 year olds.

Three days of packed activities. Secure your place by booking through our ClubZap as places are filling up quickly.

U16 KILKENNY CAMOGIE Well done to Club Players Emma, Lily and Eva who were members of the Leinster U16 A Camogie Championship winning team last Sunday. Eva was also named POTM. The girls will now turn their attention to the last round of the All Ireland Championship Round Robin game against Dublin to try qualify for the All Ireland Semi Finals. Best of luck to the girls and their team mates.

KILMACOW CLOTHES COLLECTION A Clothes Collection will be held at the Sports Complex, Kilmacow from 9.00am to 11.00am on Saturday, 12th April. See Kilmacow Community Newsletter for a list of acceptable items.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 11, 13, 21 and 26. There were three Match 3 winners.

BENEFIT NIGHT An 80s and 90s Disco in aid of Seán McCarthy will be held in the Seantí Bar, Smartscastle from 8.00pm on Friday, 4th April. Admittance is €5 on the door. There are lots of prizes for the raffle. All support is welcome.

BASKET WEAVING Kilnaspic will host a basket weaving course from 10.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday, 12th April. Please contact Cait Barden at 087 417 5039 or e-mail caitbarden@gmail.com for more information. Cost is €45.

TRAIL SIGNAGE Well done to the Parks Department in Kilkenny County Council on the installation of the trail signage at the Community Complex and along the course of the Community Loop Walk including along by the River Blackwater, the High Field, Goouch’s Road and the L3401. The signage includes an information board and a history of The Farm (on which the Complex is located) and the poem Kilmacow which describes the landscape features in the immediate vicinity.

COUNCIL WORKS Resurfacing works under the Restoration Improvement Scheme will be undertaken by Kilkenny County along the L3408 at Newtown/Cappagh, Kilmacow commencing on Monday, 7th April. Diversions will be

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Community & GAA Notes in place with access for local traffic only for the duration of the works.

Flood and bridge rehabilitation works on the L3405 at Strangsmills West will be undertaken by Kilkenny County Council from Monday, 14th April. Diversions will be in place. Local access only for the duration of the works.

ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN The annual Spring Clean in Kilmacow will be held on Sunday, 27th April. Meeting point is at the Church Gates at 12.00 noon. Please contact Edward Doyle, David Williams or Tomás Breathnach for further information.

MULLINAVAT MULLINAVAT MATTERS The AGM of Mullinavat Matters was held in the Community Centre on Thursday 28th March. In her review of the year Chairperson Sarah Dermody noted some of the achievements of the past year including the annual Spring Clean, provision of a community storage facility, installation of bicycle parking in the village, new planters at the entrance to St. Beacon’s and the murals at the GAA Grounds and Community Walkway.

She also acknowledged the work of other groups with whom Mullinavat Matters worked with over the year including the GAA, Spring Clean Team, Gardening Gang, Defibrillator Team, Foróige Youth Group and Christmas on the Green.

Treasurer, Patricia Ryan, presented the accounts for the year. Receipts included grants from Kilkenny County Council under different programmes, donations and contributions and also fund-raising events, the table quiz and the cake sale. Expenditure included costs associated with the storage shed, murals and insurances.

A discussion on the objectives of the group focused on liaison with Kilkenny County Council on the provision of a footpath along the Mill Road to make the connec-

The Gowran team, winners of category A, the under 11 years old

tion between the village, GAA grounds, the primary school and Community Centre.

Also, the group will continue to push for the upgrade of the sewerage scheme in Mullinavat and investigate the possibility of the reinstatement of a stop for passengers at the train station for the Iarnród Éireann service to Waterford and working with the steering group on school bus services and to explore the potential of Cork Lane as a heritage project.

For the coming year Mullinavat Matters will continue to work with and, support, local groups and will continue to work for improvements in local infrastructure, services and the presentation of the parish generally.

The committee elected for the year includes: Sarah Dermody (Chairperson), John Haberlin (Secretary), Patricia Ryan (Treasurer), Catherine Bolger (Vice Chairperson), Jenny Catt Slattery and Tomás Breathnach (Joint PRO), Éamon Aylward and Liam Maher.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a lecture by Bridie Keneavy on Bridie Aylward in the Parish Hall, Mullinavat at 8.00pm on Friday, 25th April. Admission is €5 for non-members. All welcome.

NEW RAMP The new ramp opposite the hurling field in Mullinavat is due to be installed shortly. Nearby lighting on the L1042 has been operational since January.

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL FACILITIES CAPITAL GRANT SCHEME ‘25 Kilkenny County Council is inviting applications from community groups and organisations for its Community & Cultural Facilities Capital Grant Scheme.

The terms and conditions of the scheme are available from the Council’s website www.kilkennycoco.ie or by contacting the Community Department in the Council by telephone at 056 779 4920 or by e-mail at community@kilkennycoco.ie. The Community Development Officer for the Piltown Municipal District is Lianne Kelly (056 779 4345). The closing date for completed applications to the Community Department, Kilkenny County Council, John’s Green, Kilkenny is Wednesday, 30th April.

TALK ON ONLINE SAFETY Scoil Aireagail Parents’ Association will host a talk on online safety in the new building at Scoil Aireagail from 7.30pm on Friday next, 4th April. Guest speaker is Alex Walsh. All welcome.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL

Dicksboro Club Players Emma, Lily and Eva who were members of the Leinster U16 A Comigie Championship winning team last Sunday

SYMPATHIES Sympathies are sent to the family of Edward Murphy (Oldtown) on his recent passing. To his sisters Brigid, Mary and Angela, brother-in-law Kevin, nieces Annie and Ellie and their families, cousins, relatives and good neighbours and friends. He was laid to rest after Sunday morning Mass with his parents in St Finnans

Cemetery. May he rest in peace.

MENS SHED Ballyragget mens shed held their first AGM last Wednesday night. The group continues to flourish and work is progressing in their own shed at the mill. New members are always welcome. Contact John McGrath or any member EASTER CHICKS The Circle of Friends morning group have Easter chicks on sale all funds raised will go to Cois Nore.

Many thanks to all who have supported this cause so far.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Happy Birthday Fr O’Gorman. Fr. Eamon will celebrate a special birthday this coming week. Wishing Fr Eamon a very happy birthday from all in Ballyragget Ballyouskill.

JOHNSTOWN ST. KIERAN’S HALL The hall committee are delighted to get the news that the community hall has again been awarded funding from the Community Centre Investment Fund. This fund was first introduced three years ago and the funding received has made a tangible difference to the hall in Johnstown and to community life. It is really important to spend this latest fund to ensure that the fabric of the building is secured for its longevity and use to the local community. The Town Team and the Hall Committee would like the community to continue to have their say. The AGM is due in the next few weeks and perhaps more people would join the committee.

MATHS GRINDS Maths grinds are being held in St. Kieran’s Hall for three mornings during the Easter holidays, Tuesday April 15th to Thursday April 17th 9.30 to 12 noon. € 20 each day or € 50 for the three days, do the sums! To book call Mary on 0878075670 (Places limited).

CONGRATS Congratulations to Padraig O’Sullivan, Donoughmore and his bride Sunika who were married recently, they are wished a long and happy life together.

HERE WE GO AGAIN Well done to the TY students and their teachers from Colaiste Mhuire who have completed a four- night run with their show “Here we go again” featuring songs from ABBA. A truly splendid show with song, dance and dialogue. You should be all proud of yourselves.

CHURCH NEWS Lenten station offerings are now due.

A Penitential Service in preparation for Easter will be held in the Church of the Assumption, Urlingford on Monday April 7th at 7.30pm.

If you would be able to help out and share the duties in the Church in Johnstown for Mass etc. please give

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Community & GAA Notes your names to Fr. Ollie Maher, Caroline Phelan or Breda Campion.

SPA UNITED AFC Results U16 boys league division 2 Highview 1 Spa 2, U14 boys league division 2 Paulstown 4 Spa 1,U12 boys league division 1ASpa 0 Freshford Town 1, U12 boys league division 2A Stoneyford 2 Spa 2, U16 girls league division 1 Bridge 1 Spa 1, U13 girls league division 1 Spa 1 Thomastown 0, U10 boys hosted Lions in their development games.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers were 3,11,17,28. There was no jackpot winner, there was three match threes Mary Whelan, Liz Tynan, Barry’s Crew.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE RECEPTIONIST VACANCY The Mill FRC require a receptionist with IT skills. The candidate must is also be eligible for the relevant CE Scheme.

SAFE PASS A Safe Pass Course is available in Centre on 10th April.

Ring to book a space.

BASIC COMPUTERS There is a Basic Computer Course being held every Friday morning from 10am – 12pm. Contact the Centre for more information.

JUNIOR CERT MATH GRINDS Math Grinds are run every Wednesday 5-6pm, €10 per session. Places are limited so please contact the Centre if interested.

YOUTH CLUB Mill Youth Club is back every Wednesday night.

Juniors 5 – 6.15 pm – 8 to 11 yr. Seniors 6.15 – 7.30 pm – 12 to 15 yrs COIS NORE There is a Cois Nore Outreach Advice Clinic, at the Mill every Friday Morning from 10am to 12pm COUNSELLING SERVICES: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-toOne, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance or Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+.

Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

SENIOR ALERT If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be dropped off during our opening hours.

Please call before dropping your donation.

ALLOTMENTS There are free beds available in the Polytunnel, €15 per bed, contact Sue in the MFRC. 056 88 38466 For further information, please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466.

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.

SACRAMENTAL DATES First Holy Communion for the school children in the parish will be held on Saturday 17th May at 11am.

TROCAIRE BOXES Trocaire boxes are available in the porches of both Churches. Please take one home with you as well as one for a neighbour who cannot attend Mass. Please support Trócaire in their work of helping communities and families impacted by climate change. A little can make a great difference for others.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK There is a bus leaving Cashel at 7am on Sunday 6th April. Contact Margaret Carrie on 087/ 0568216 or Mary Jo on 086/ 2112019 PARISH GRAVEYARDS When tending the graves of your loved ones, please remove and take home all old flower wreaths, debris and litter to keep the Burial grounds tidy POBAL ÉILE YOUTH MINISTRY – YOUTH FAITH HIKE Following the success of the 12 cribs of Christmas, a Youth Way of the Cross up the Devil’s Bit has been organised for all secondary school teens from our 4 parishes on Monday, April 14th. Drop off and collection at Littleton Church - meeting at 1pm. Bus €5. Bring a packed lunch for picnic on summit. Contact Olivia McCormack, 087- 1273273 or Fr. Walton, 087-2396534.

MEN ON THE MOVE Classes are held every Monday 11:15-12:15 in MFRC to book a place please contact Alice 083-1014313.

SENIOR SOCIAL GROUP

Every Wednesday afternoon 1pm-3pm. This includes 2 course meal followed by tea/coffee and live music, with transport to and from the centre available. Please contact Alice Teehan on 083-1014313 for further information.

CASHEL AND EMLY PILGRIMAGE June 13th - 18th. Cost from €969, flights from Shannon. Pilgrimage Director: Rev. Jimmy Donnelly. Bookings and Enquires: Contact Joe Walsh Tours @ info@ joewalshtours.ie or 01 241 0800. Assisted Pilgrims only, please contact: Very Rev. Joe Tynan, PP: lourdesassistedpilgrimage@cashel-emly.ie or 087 222 5445.

400 CLUB DRAW The results for March. 1st prize €200, Marie Delaney, Glengoole, 2nd prize €100 Michael Scott, Inchorourke.

Other prize winners were Cara and Alan Bartley, George’s Park, Edel Pollard, Coole, Sean Maher, Rathbeg, Suzanne and David O’Brien, Gortnahoe, Paddy Maher, Inchorourke, Seamus Troy, Ballinastick, John and Christine Barnaville, Urard and Leaonard and Emma Stanley, George’s Park. Promoters prize winner was Mary McGivern.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

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 SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Mairead Maher, Gortnahoe who won €202 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday.

Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of April Split the Pot will be in support of the Youth Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

JOAN CLEARY RIP The death has occured of Johanna (Joan) ClearyBamford, Frodsham, Cheshire and formerly Graigaheesha, Urlingford, Via Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Johanna departed this life on March 9th 2025 at her beloved daughter Laura’s residence in Scotland surrounded by her loving family. Johanna is survived by her daughter Laura, son-in-law Mark and her cherished grandchildren Erin, Mirren and Evelyn. She is also deeply missed by her brothers Timothy, John and Michael and her sisters Molly, Catherine and Brigid, sisters-in-law Rita and Adrienne, brothers-in-law Hugh and David, her much loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and all her extended family and friends.

Johanna is predeceased by her husband Mike, parents John and Brigid Cleary and her brother Tom Cleary.

Her memory will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved her. Johanna reposed at home last Friday afternoon at Kirkfield Lodge Lanark. Johanna’s funeral Mass took place on Saturday in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 70 Bannatyne, St. Lanark, Scotland. May she rest in peace.

PETER PONSONBY RIP The death has occured of Peter Douglas Ponsonby, Ballylanigan House, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary formerly of Kilcooley Abbey, Thurles. Peacefully at Waterford Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Sadly missed by his dearly beloved wife Faith, loving daughters Emma, Sarah and Julia. Sons-in-law Jim, Gavin and Dan. Grandchildren Jamie, Tiggy and Coco. Youngest brother to Thomas and Henry and nephew to his Aunt Rosemary. Greatly missed by his extensive relatives and friends at home and around the world. Peter reposed at his residence Ballylanigan House, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, last Friday the 28th March. A celebration of his life was held last Saturday at Kilcooley Abbey Church, Thurles, followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard. May he rest in peace.

KILMANAGH BALLYKEEFFE 2025 - VOLUNTEERS We are looking for more volunteers to help out with this year’s events during the summer of 2025. All volunteers must be over 18. Please send all enquiries to ballykeeffe@gmail.com.

CASH FOR CLOBBER St. Aidan’s N.S. are holding a Cash for Clobber event between 12th April and 24th April. Drop as many bags as you can into the hall at the school from 12th April. All proceeds will go towards interactive screens for each classroom. Acceptable items are clean rewearable clothes, paired shoes, handbags, belts, soft toys. Please do not leave any phones/laptops, books, cds, dvds, pillows, duvets, mats, rugs, cut off materials, dirty, soiled or ripped clothes or single shoes.

MOUNT CARMEL DRAW RESULTS

February 2025. €200 Nicky Hawe Windgap. €100 John Fitzgerald Tullamaine, €30 each to Ellen Murray Cuffesgrange, Katie Dillon-Keane C/O Fergus, Julie O Brien Garryricken, Mary Clancy Tinnamona, Seamus Bergin Callan, Philip Lonergan Inver, Rick Burke Mollassey, Finn Maher Slade, Sean Byrne C/O Fergus, Allen Kennedy Clonmel Rd. €15 promoter’s prizes to Rachel Murray, Mick Maher and Margaret Ryan.

March 2025. €200 Billy Phelan Kilkenny, €100 Michael Saunders Coolagh, €30 each to Gerry Coady Templeorum, Catherina Bailey Kilminick, Elaine Bryan Callan, Mark Fitzgerald Ballycloven, Conor Dermody Slade, Caroline Murphy Kilkenny, David and Therese Lynch Knockreagh, Leigh Blackmore Piltown, Margo Roche Ahenure and Jodie Maher Supervalu. €15 promoter’s prizes to Nancy Power, Fergus Keane and Tom Maher.

BALLYKEEFFE BOOK KBK group are hoping to publish a booklet on the history of Ballykeeffe (from start to current day) in honour of 25th year anniversary of the Amphitheatre.

We are looking for any memories, stories, pictures you may have that we can include in this booklet. We are also looking for pictures and history of any old equipment that would have been used in the quarry in olden times. We need to have all the information for the booklet by end of May to give us time to have it published for the summertime. You can be assured that all photographs or documents you lend us will be copied and returned immediately to their owners and will not be damaged in any way. We can arrange to collect or photograph any items you may have. Please contact Eileen Lanigan on 086 373 99 83 or email lanigan.eileen@gmail.com with any information you may have. Items can also be given to any member of the KBK Committee.

LOTTO RESULTS Results for 24th March. There was no winner. Numbers drawn were 9; 23; 24; 29. Lucky Dip winners of €50 each were Mossy c/o of camogie club, Liam Ronan senior and The Brennan Family, Drakelands. Promoters’ prizes go to Martin McGrath and Shane Lynch.

WELL DONE Well done to our own Will Cody from Graigue Ballycallan GAA Club who was part of the Colaiste Abhainn Rí team that won the 2nd Year South Leinster Final on Thursday last. Well done to the team and management. Great achievement.

TAIZE VIGIL FOR PEACE Led by the Island of Ireland Peace Choir will take place at the Edmund Rice Centre, Westcourt, Callan on Saturday, April 5th, 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Admission Free.

Donations on the night go to the Peace Choir.

PILATES AND YOGA Beginner friendly, inclusive classes return to Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh on Mondays, from 6pm to 7:15. €14 per classes or 5 week class €65.

Bookings with Roisín at 085 272 6047.

RUNNING CLUB With the clocks having changed, the Tuesday and Thursday night gatherings return to Kilmanagh village, for the summer months. The latest ‘Couch To 5k’ (C25K), begins on next Tuesday, April 8th. Come along and speak to any of the enthusiasts and they will point you in the right direction.

BINGO Callan Bingo in the Parish Hall (R95 AW99) continues each Sunday, at 7.45pm. 37 games and Split The Pot. Ballingarry Bingo continues each Tuesday in the Ballingarry Community Centre. Start time is 8.15pm, with an attractive range of cash prizes. All are welcome.

SOCCER FIXTURES Saturday April 5th, U17 Schoolboys League: Thomastown Utd v River Rangers.

Sunday April 6th, Ken and Michael Byrne Division Two Cup: Stoneyford Utd v River Rangers.

SOCCER RESULTS U16 Schoolboys League, Freshford Town 3; River Rangers 3.

K & DL Div 2: River Rangers 3; Evergreen 6.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

CONAHY HURLING / FOOTBALL Conahy Shamrocks underage action continues this week in both hurling and football. The under-14 footballers will travel to Mullinavat next Sunday morning in the Duggan Steel Roinn C championship, while the under-16 hurlers will also go to Mullinavat next Monday night for a 6.30pm throw in the Duggan Steel Roinn B League.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 5, 9 and 29. There was no jackpot winner so

the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Jimmy Tierney, John and Margaret Bergin, Leahy Sisters, Paudie Brennan and Catherine Meany. The promoter prize winners were Brian Lacey, Nora Delaney and Shay Healy. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD PRIESTS IN THE PARISH Liam Cassin (Parish Priest) Telephone: 056 776 8693 or Mobile 087 231 2354. Peter Hoyne (Retired) Telephone: 056 776 8678 or Mobile 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 5th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 6th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil Saturday 5th. at 6.30p.m.

Friday 4th. 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.

SERVICE OF FORGIVENESS AND HEALING Service of Healing and Penitential Service will be celebrated in preparation for Easter during Masses next weekend: on Saturday 5th. April in Stoneyford and Hugginstown Churches and on Sunday 6th. April in Hugginstown Church.

PRAY FOR Anniversary Mass next weekend: Wazzie Kenneally, Catstown. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 5th. April at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT) Reader, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Lennon.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. John Barron. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Carroll. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Jakub Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Marion Barron; Sunday 10.00a.m.

Lillian Carr..

SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIOCESE OF OSSORY Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

LENTEN STATION COLLECTION Envelopes for the Lenten Station Contribution are available in the Church. Your contribution is for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese.

(To donate directly.) Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D). All Parish Property and Accounts are registered under the (Diocese of Ossory, Reg. Charity No. 20015831) EUCHARISTIC ADORATION The Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration National Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 6th.

April 2025. Bus will leave from Woodies Car Park in Kilkenny at 7.30a.m. Please contact 086 1666547 if you need to book a place on the bus.

OSSORY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 19th to 25th May. Bus transport from Loughboy Shopping Centre to Cork airport. Direct flights to Lourdes. Full religious programme. Bookings at JWT 01- 2410800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie.

TRÓCAIRE Every year during Lent, Trócaire asks for your help to fund lifesaving programmes around the world. Please collect a Trócaire Box which is available in Church Porch. You can contribute Online at www.trocaire. org or By Phone: 1850 408 408. The contents of each and every Trócaire Box, no matter how small, come together to make a significant difference.

ST. IGNATIAN SPIRITUAL EXERCISES FOR MEN From Friday May 2nd. to Monday May 5th. a reflective time in An Tobar Retreat Centre, Ardbraccan, Navan, C15 T884. Cost €190 - includes all meals and en-suite single rooms. Call 087 348 2148 or email: iveireland@ ive.org” LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 24th. March 2025 Numbers: 15; 07; 27; 01. No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners, Pat Fennelly, Ballycaum, Eugene O’Neill “On-Line”, Caroline Raggett, “On-Line”. Brophy Family, Sheepstown, Katie Grace, Ballycaum. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers):Ger Carroll, Caitlin Roche; Catherine Duggan.

CONFERENCE ON STROKES The 2025 National Conference on Stroke, organised by the South Tipperary Stroke Communication Group, will take place on Monday April 28th. from 9.30a.m. to 1.30p.m. at the Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary. All are welcome.

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

Dowlin on Slan

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

oneills.com Leinster U20 Hurling Championship

McEvoy accuracy crucial as Lyng shines in Cats win

Tier 1, Group 2, Round 1 Wexford 1-6 Kilkenny 1-13 Chadwicks Wexford Park Mark Dowling’s U20 team got their oneills. com Leinster U20 Hurling Championship up and running with a vital win in winter like conditions at Chadwicks Wexford Park last weekend as they headed back up the road with a 7-point victory over the Slaneysiders. A stunning introduction from substitute Sean Bergin, who not only scored Kilkenny’s goal, but played a major part in the buildup to help push the visitors four points clear of their hosts in the 44th minute and the Norseiders pushed on from that point to secure the victory.

With Aaron McEvoy keeping the scoreboard ticking over and Eoghan Lyng dictating matters from centre back, this was the ideal start to this year’s campaign for manager Dowling who has seen his side lose consecutive semi-finals to both Wexford and Offaly since taking the reins from Derek Lyng.

Wexford had the wind advantage in the opening period, but didn’t build enough of a lead before the interval to give themselves a chance of securing a home victory on the opening day. Indeed, it was the visitors who registered the first score of the day, a lovely point from The Village’s Ed McDermott in the opening minute of the game. The hosts were level soon after, thanks to a good strike from Oulartthe-Ballagh’s Jack Dunne.

Conditions were far from ideal, and prevented both sides from showing their best, but it would be one of Kilkenny’s best performers on the day, Eoghan Lyng who nudged his team ahead on 9 minutes with a welltaken placed ball, the Rower Inistioge man looked a class act throughout.

The Yellowbellies collected the next score, midway through the first half courtesy of a placed ball effort from their captain, Simon Roche, who would be his side’s top scorer in Chadwicks Wexford Park. Two minutes later, Erin’s Own wing forward, Michael Brennan rifled over to give the Noresiders the lead once again, but the opposition were level soon after when midfielder Jack Nolan split the posts, a sweet score from the Oylegate –Glenbrien clubman.

Again, it would be the travelling side that retook the lead, Graigue Ballycallan’s Aaron McEvoy striking over the first of his 6-point haul. As was the case throughout the opening period, the home side responded with a score of their

own, David McCarthy firing over to become the second member of the Wexford engine room to get on the scoresheet as the sides were deadlocked once more.

The weather was certainly not Spring like, but Ronan Joyce’s Yellowbellies were about to finish the half with a spring in their step.

Wexford were awarded a free, on their own ‘65. Simon Roche stepped up and struck his effort well. The ball appeared to hang a little, perhaps wind related, but as it dropped, Cats netminder, Stephen Manogue’s attempt to stop the shot resulted in the James Stephens man deflecting the sliotar to the

net. The home side somehow had a 3-point lead with a couple of minutes remaining in the first half.

There was one more score before the interval, a second placed ball converted by Aaron McEvoy to leave the visitors 2 points in arrears at the short whistle.

When play resumed, the Cats had the benefit of the wind and made good use of it from the off. Eoghan Lyng sent over a beautiful score to cut the Wexford lead to the bare minimum and just two minutes later the sides were level, thanks to Graigue Ballycallan’s Aaron McEvoy’s accuracy from another free. It was at this point that the Kilkenny management made their

first change of the afternoon, with Marty Murphy replacing fullforward, Ed McDermott. With eight minutes of second half action played, Aaron McEvoy pointed to give the Cats the lead once again, but his Wexford nemesis, Simon Roche converted a placed ball of his own to level matters one more time.

The second roll of the dice by the Noreside management saw Fenians Rory Garrett withdrawn and Sean Bergin entering the fray. The next score came from the visiting side, Clara’s Rory Glynn popping over a sweet point to nudge the Cats ahead. Then came the pivotal moment in the half, and indeed the game. Jeff Neary collected the

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Hurling matters - Review

g’s 20’s deliver eyside!

Lyng (02, 1f ); Ed McDermott, Michael Brennan, Ryan Corcoran, Cathal Hickey, Rory Glynn (0-1 each) Wexford Scorers: Simon Roche (1-2, 2fs); Dylan Purcell, Jack Nolan, David McCarthy, Jack Dunne (0-1 each) Kilkenny: Stephen Manogue; Timmy Kelly, Ivan Bolger, Jeff Neary; Rory Garrett, Eoghan Lyng, Cathal Hickey; Tom McPhillips, Darragh Vereker; Ed Lauhoff, Aaron McEvoy, Michael Brennan, James Hughes, Ed McDermott, Rory Glynn.

ball deep inside his own half before setting off on a run. The midfielder gave a pass to Sean Bergin who returned the favour as the move developed down the left-hand side.

When The Village player collected the second pass from Neary, he popped the ball to the supporting Timmy Kelly whose pass back to Bergin give the James Stephens man the angle to unleash a fierce low shot past Paddy Quigley in the Wexford goal. Mark Dowling’s men now 4-points clear with 44-minutes played on Slaneyside.

Having secured a major of their own, a third change of the round 1 game saw Anthony Ireland Wall replace James Hughes in the

Kilkenny attack. The black and amber clad side built on the green flag raising by taking the next score, the reliable Aaron McEvoy adding to his personal tally. A third score on the bounce for the Cats followed, via St Lachtain’s Cathal Hickey, a player who was instrumental in in his club sides march to AllIreland glory earlier this year. With about seven minutes of normal time remaining, the Noresiders made another change, this time O’Loughlin Gaels Greg Kelly replacing Castlecomer’s Michael Brennan. Further indiscipline from the home side gave Aaron McEvoy another opportunity to convert a placed ball, and he duly did as the

Graigue Ballycallan contingent on the field increased with the arrival of Ryan Corcoran, who swapped places with Clara’s Rory Glynn.

The latest Kilkenny substitute didn’t take long to mark his mark, striking over a nice point, his side’s thirteenth and final point of the contest. The home side did register the final point of the afternoon, Duffry Rovers clubman Dylan Purcell striking over deep into stoppage time to leave the hosts seven in arrears at the long whistle.

Final score, Wexford 1-6, Kilkenny 1-13.

Kilkenny Scorers: Aaron McEvoy (0-6, 6fs); Sean Bergin (1-0); Eoghan

Subs: Marty Murphy for McDermott, 37 mins; Sean Bergin for Garrett, 42 mins; Anthony Ireland Wall for Hughes, 46 mins; Greg Kelly for Brennan, 55 mins; Ryan Corcoran for Glynn, 57 mins.

Wexford: Paddy Quigley; Eoin Hughes, Padraig Jones, Niall Furlong; Paidi Doyle, Charlie Roark, Ciaran Doyle; Jack Nolan, David McCarthy; Doran Daly O’Toole, Simon Roche, Jack Dunne; Eoghan Cassin, Dylan Purcell, Colin Carley.

Subs: Sean Hyland for Dunne, 44 mins; Conor Fanning for Cassin, 46 mins; Ryan Donohoe for P.Doyle, 51 mins; Jack Hennessy for McCarthy, 55 mins; Patrick Kinsella for Hughes, 57 mins.

Referee: Padraig Dunne (Laois)

>> SHERRY SAYS...

A great start to the U20’s Leinster campaign. A tough place to go, and even tougher when conditions were so terrible. Mark Dowling’s panel got the job done on Slaneyside and can now look forward to a home tie tomorrow against the Dubs in UPMC Nowlan Park (Throw-in 5pm).

Rower Inistioge’s Eoghan Lyng looked a class act at centre-back, while Graigue Ballycallan’s Jeff Neary and Aaron McEvoy put in decent performances, the latter with 6 points to his name. The goal Kilkenny scored on 44 minutes, was beautiful. Great energy, accurate handpassing, players coming off the shoulder, supporting each other and a terrific finish. Hopefully the crowd in attendance tomorrow will see this developing team ply their trade in better conditions and show Gaels on Noreside that the talent line is there.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans We, Peter Treacy & Ciara Ryan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission for a two-storey dwelling, vehicular entrance, borewell, detached single storey garage, foul treatment tank & percolation area and all associated site works, at Ballyvalden, Castlewarren, Co. Kilkenny. Ref. No. of the application: 24/60429.

Significant Further Information/Revised plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation 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

Planning Permission is required for 1). the removal of existing Machinery Storage Shed.

2). Construction of new machinery Storage shed 3). Construction of new above ground slurry storage tank and all associated site works.

Rathmore Road, Fiddown, Piltown Co. Kilkenny For Donal and David Norris.

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 9.00a.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 a period of 5weeks 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 Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client John Phelan. Permission to construct (i) agricultural Storage shed with concrete apron (ii) Manure area and all associated site works at Blanchville, Dunbell, 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 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application 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, Ger O’ Brien intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing agricultural dry store sheds and all associated site development works at Coolalong, 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 Richard & Jackie Hayes for full planning permission to construct a bungalow, 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.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I Smithstown Dairy Partnership am applying to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for the construction of a cubicle shed with an underground slatted slurry storage tank and all associated site works at Smithstown, Maddoxtown, Co. Kilkenny.

The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during Office hours i.e. 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Laura Doyle, wish to apply for planning permission to construct a dwelling house, sewage treatment system and percolation area, including all necessary site works, at Earlsgrove, Knocktopher, 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

Planning Permission is sought for a standalone garden room / studio to the back garden ancillary and associated with the main residence to include all external works and landscaping at no 20 Talbotsinch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny which is a Protected Structure with reference C217 and is located in the Talbotsinch Architectural Conservation Area.

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

Applicant: Gerard Casey

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

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. J.H.

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.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. H.H.

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.’ON.

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.D.

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. D.C.

46

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

Classifieds Motors

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

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4th April 2025