Kilkenny Observer 4th November 2022

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Friday 04 November 2022

Criminal Minds Figures back up in the South East Special Report Page 14

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Bringing Up Baby Five steps to raising brighter children Page 18

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The Kilkenny

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Observer Well, that’s great gas kilkennyobserver.ie

Kilkenny households can chill a little in the knowledge that the State has enough gas supplies to meet demand this winter, according to Gas Networks Ireland.

The energy company’s 2022/23 Winter Outlook report finds that supply disruptions are “not envisaged” in the coming months.

The report says there is both enough “gas supply sources and enough network capacity” to meet the anticipated

demand throughout the winter.

The report includes a case study of an extremely cold day that would only occur “once every 50 years”. The company says 21% of the State’s natural gas requirements is expected to be supplied from the Corrib gas field, off the coast of Co Mayo, during the upcoming winter months.

“Gas supplies from Britain via the Moffat interconnector — Ireland’s entry point for

imported gas — will account for 79% of overall gas demand this winter.

“It is expected that indigenous supplies in Britain and supplies from Norway will continue to be the main sources of gas in Britain this year,” the report says.

Gas Networks Ireland says the forecasted flow of gas from these sources are similar to last winter and together with the UK’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply and gas

reserves, there are currently “flexible and dependable supplies to meet variable demand”.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Future Networks Manager Maurice Power says the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February earlier this year has led to ongoing concerns in Ireland and across Europe about gas supply and energy security.

“However, while there is an elevated risk of disruption

due to the uncertainty resulting from the war in Ukraine, we are not forecasting any disruption to gas supply this winter,” Mr Power says.

“There is currently enough gas supply and network capacity to meet the State’s expected needs.”

Dr Paul Deane, from University College Cork’s Environmental Research Institute, says the findings of the report tally with what experts in the UK are saying.

Our Pluto is the Top Pup

The Sweater Shop in Kilkenny is currently experiencing a boom in sales of traditional Irish fashions down to the popularity surrounding the new Banshees Of Inisherin movie and the publicity it is giving to Irish fashion and fabrics.

The Sweater Shop is run by the Byrne family for the past 30 years and they have seen a recent spike in sales of Aran jumpers.

Number of homeless hits record figure

It’ll be a low Covid Christmas EVERY FRIDAY

year make predictions impossible.

Ireland and the UK could have a relatively Covid-free Christmas this year but faces another wave of cases in January, according to the researchers.

There will be a “subsequent peak” in late January.

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Ukraine has calls on the G20 to expel Russia and says Putin’s invitation to a summit in Bali should be revoked after the Russian leader acknowledged ordering missile raids.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has accused the UK of “directing and coordinating” explosions on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, without providing details.

See also, Page 22

Movie sees boom in sweater sales

Meet adorable pup Pluto who has made the county proud as he represented Petmania Kilkenny in the Puppy of the Year Competition National Final at the weekend.

Pluto emerged as the Petmania Kilkenny representative and advanced through the first two rounds of the competition, beating off ruff competition to reach the prestigious national final.

A one-year-old Great Dane, pet-parent Liam Cass describes Pluto as a nosey and curious pup who loves the comforts of home – and even drinks fresh water from the kitchen tap when he can!

By far the largest dog in the competition, Liam told judges that the inspiration for Pluto’s name came from the fact that he is absolutely out of this world.

With his beautiful and distinct colouring, and curious nature, Pluto charmed the judges and made a pawfect Puppy of the Year representative for Petmania Kilkenny.

Research from University College London suggests the next Covid-19 peak for Ireland the UK won’t come until after Christmas but may well will be bigger than previous ones. That said, an epidemiologist tells Sky News the number of Omicron sub-variants seen this

Expel Russia from G20, says Ukraine

Professor Karl Friston, a neuroscientist who led the research, said the predictions were “based on everything that has happened so far”.

This includes infection, hospital, death and vaccination rates and behavioural metrics such as transport

and Google mobility data.

“You can see a pattern in the past two years of a peak in late October or early November — and then a large one after Christmas,” Prof.

Friston told Sky News.

Asked why the winter peak is not predicted to come in December, he said: “The

peaks are usually after Christmas.

“It’s not the parties, but the week after Christmas, of being indoors with the windows closed, with your family, and travelling to see people you haven’t seen in months, when contact rates are really up.”

The number of homeless people in Ireland has hit record figures , with almost 11,000 people accessing emergency accommodation.

The latest figures from the Department of Housing show that there were 10,975 people accessing emergency accommodation between September 19 and 25, surpassing the previous record of August.

Full report, Page 6

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins.........................P8 Marianne Heron.................P12 John Ellis .............................P16 Health & Science................P18 Travel & Leisure.................P19 Gerry Moran........................P20 Ger Cody ........................ P34-35 Food & Drink.......................P38 TV & Streaming .................P39 Sport................................ P42-43

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News The call is now open for ambitious female entrepreneurs from Kilkenny, who are looking to take their business to the next level, to apply for the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development initiative.

Going for Growth is a six-month part-time programme, supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, which assists ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth aspirations. There is no charge to those selected to participate.

This is the 15th year of Going for Growth and more than 850 female entrepreneurs have so far taken part in the programme.

A total of 88% of participants on the 14th Going for Growth programme reported that their involvement brought about practical change within their business and 93% said they felt nearer to achieving their ambitions.

The entrepreneurs’ combined turnover increased from €35 million at the start of the cycle to €43m by the end, a 23% increase in just six months. Their total workforce increased by 41 people over the cycle, while 27 participants began exporting their products and services for the first time.

Past participants from Kilkenny include Aisling Carroll of Momentum Healthcare which specialises in providing people with complex physical disabilities the op-

Wanted: Ambitious female entrepreneurs

portunity to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle.

Aisling Carroll says: “This programme will challenge and support you. Take a deep dive into your company, question your role, your methods, your systems and see what you can achieve and possible change for the better. It is a commitment of time and attitude that will pay dividends.”

Other past participants from Kilkenny include Kate Fleming and Nicki Hoyne.

Kate was a participant on the 14thcycle with her business, LawEd, an educational hub that teaches young people how the law impacts their daily lives.

She says: “This programme was the first time I actually gave myself time to work on

the business and not in it! It was like a business degree in six months and touched on everything that was so relevant to a business like mine. The power of the round table was immense and the will to share, help and assist at all times.”

Nicki, founder of Nicki Hoyne, a slow fashion footwear and handbag brand, was a participant on Starting

Strong, which is part of Going for Growth but for earlier stage businesses.

“An incredible programme, I highly recommend. With the guidance of Chupi Sweetman, we came together to deep dive into monthly topics to interrogate and build strong foundations for our businesses. The group was open and honest, sharing and supporting each

Working the business: Kilkenny’s Nicki Hoyne with Aoife Newton of KPMG

other through the process.

It taught me to always be zooming out to work on my business and not just in my business,” she says * Up to 60 places will be available for the Going for Growth, which will run from January to June 2023. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 1. See www. goingforgrowth.com

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News

More women ‘needed’ on agri boards, says minister More women need to be appointed to the country’s various agriculture boards to allow for better gender balance and to bring a much-needed female perspective to decision making, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has said.

He warned all the agencies under his department’s scope that they must do

more to appoint women to their boards.

Mr McConalogue has written to all 12 government agriculture agencies reminding them that they have failed to meet the target of 40pc women board members.

He also written to the heads of the agribusiness companies telling them they must make more effort to appoint

more women to senior posts.

“In the case of the 12 State bodies for which I have responsibility, there is an under representation of women on these boards,” the minister said.

“I am asking the chief executives of agri-business companies to support women within their companies who have an interest in being ap-

pointed to the boards of state bodies.

“I’m also asking these chief executives to encourage women who may not, as yet, have considered putting themselves forward.”

Since November 2014, all vacancies on state boards, with some defined exceptions, must be advertised on the State boards’ portal www.

Homeless in Ireland now reaches a high 10,975 The number of homeless people in Ireland hit record figures in September, with almost 11,000 people accessing emergency accommodation.

The latest figures from the Department of Housing show that there were 10,975 people accessing emergency accommodation between September 19 and 25, surpassing the previous record of August.

In August, a total of 10,805 people were accessing emergency accommodation.

September is the ninth consecutive month where the number of people accessing emergency accommodation in the State has risen, and the third consecutive month where the figure has been a record high.

In total, there were 7,633 adults who accessed emergency accommodation in the last week of September. Of those, 4,832 were male and 2,801 were female.

A majority of those people were located in Dublin, with 5,356 homeless adults reported last month.

There were also 3,342 children recorded as accessing emergency accommodation.

704 families presented as homeless in the last week of September, an increase from 654 in August, while 413 new families entered emergency accommodation compared to 402 in August.

Reacting to the record high, Focus Ireland said that the monthly figures were not an accurate reflection of the crisis.

“It’s a reality that the monthly homeless figures are now a reflection of people only in emergency accommodation, the actual number of people homeless is in fact considerably higher,” Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said.

“Unlike many European countries even at the height of the homeless crisis over the last 10 years, Ireland

managed to avoid families sleeping in tents or their cars, now this grim prospect is a reality.

“More social and affordable housing is the long-term solution but in the short term we immediately need more emergency accommodation as homeless services such as Focus Ireland’s frontline team are being stretched to their maximum capacity.

Legislation to allow for an eviction ban has been passed by the Dáil and Seanad has been signed into law by President Michael D Higgins.

The legislation sets out that an eviction ban will be in place between now and April 1.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed passage of the legislation, saying it would provide for temporary stay on tenancy terminations this winter.

The Government was “very aware” of the increasing pressure on homeless services, the limited supply in the rental market and the struggles people were facing over the coming winter months, said the minister.

He said the bill’s swift passage through the Dáil and Seanad “demonstrates our collective commitment to protecting renters during this exceptional period by deferring any ‘no fault’ tenancy terminations from taking place this winter”.

Mr Denigan said that, while a no-fault eviction ban was necessary, what is “crucial” is what the Housing Minister will do for the five months that the ban is in place to tackle the underlying problem.

“We need measures to radically ramp up and accelerate delivery of social and affordable housing, meaningful policies and resources deployed to tackle vacancy, and a suite of measures to incentivise landlords to stay in the market,” he said.

stateboards.ie.

This is operated by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

In the case of the Department of Agriculture, a number of the State board appointments are made by the minister based on nominations from third-party organisations. These are for specified vacancies as set out by

law and where specialised qualifications are sometimes needed.

The State bodies governed by special board appointment procedures are the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, Bord Bia, Horse Racing Ireland, National Milk Agency, Teagasc and the Veterinary Council of Ireland.

‘I wanna dance with pop star Una ...’

Kilkenny native John Nolan says Una Healy of The Saturdays [pictured] would be his dream dance partner on Dancing With The Stars.

And the winner of the 2019 show believes the mother-of-two shouldn’t rule herself out because she has a young family.

John (32) told The Irish Sun: “I wont with Mairead

Ronan and she had a threemonth-old baby at the time.

So it definitely can be done.”

The choreographer thinks Una (41), mum to Aoife Belle, 10, and Tadhg, seven, would be a winner on the dancefloor.

John, from Kilkenny, said: “I have never met Una but she gives off a great energy.

She has the ‘sass’ from

being in The Saturdays and being a country girl from Co Tipperary. She would be somebody I could get on with.”

Despite his preference for Una — who was last month at 5/6 odds to sign up for the show — the dance champ said he hasn’t “got a clue” who might be taking part in the upcoming series.

But he reckons whoever they are, they will play a huge role in helping the country through the winter.

John said: “Dancing With The Stars wasn’t on RTE in 2021 and I feel the nation missed the show in the dark months of winter.

“You don’t realise how comforting all those bright routines are for people.”

GAA players ‘should use neck guards’ The GAA should consider the use of neck guards for hurling and camogie players to prevent serious and lifethreatening injuries, doctors at Waterford Regional Hospital have said.

They highlighted the cases of 21 players who had to be treated for laryngeal injuries — the area of the neck that contains muscles used for breathing, swallowing and talking.

Three had a thyroid cartilage fracture, while one needed a tracheotomy, where an opening is created in the front of the neck to insert a

tube into the windpipe to help a person breathe.

The patient with a tracheotomy was admitted to ICU and had to be fed through a nasal tube for nine days.

The retrospective study by doctors at the Department of Otolaryngology at Waterford Regional Hospital and the Royal College of Surgeons covered patients treated between 2005 and 2020.

The otolaryngology centre in Waterford serves five counties where hurling and camogie are popular — Kilkenny,Waterford, Tipperary, Carlow and Wexford.

The most common symptoms were hoarseness and pain when swallowing, with all patients describing either or both. Other complaints included coughing blood, surgical emphysema and shortness of breath.

“Laryngeal injuries are uncommon but a potentially fatal condition that poses a risk to the voice and airway of athletes who sustain blunt neck trauma,” the doctors wrote in the Irish Medical Journal.

The mean age of those injured was 20, and half were 16 or younger, including

three female players. Of the 21 injuries, 18 were the result of being hit with a hurley and four with a sliotar, while three were due to a collision with another player.

One concern with such injuries is delayed presentation. Overall, the patients sought help 11 hours after the injury, while one arrived three days later.

Noting injuries were an inevitable part of contact sports, the doctors said laryngeal trauma can be lifethreatening due to airway compression and a build-up of fluid.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

God rested on the seventh day, so why don’t we?

One of the ‘drastic’ proposals that many business, faced with the energy shortage and escalating prices, have put forward is to close on Sundays or at least limit the opening hours. Businesses such as local shops, the pubs, some petrol stations and the perennial Pennys!

I am up for it. Preferably not opening on Sundays at all. Surely 24/6 is enough to be getting on with. Enough for even this modern world where we seem to work frenetically 24/7 and where women have got a sort-of equal shot in the work place and where they — because, let’s face it, they still have to do all the other work that constitutes running a home and raising a family — might need to go shopping on a Sunday because on Saturday they are running here and there with carloads of children to swimming and dance classes and all that

extra-curricular stuff. That’s if they, and the men who seemingly, superficially at least, share this frenetic workload and family rearing, are not actually working on a Sunday in this 24/7 world that we have so willingly, and out of alleged economic necessity, embraced.

I well remember a time when Sundays were sacred, when there wasn’t a shop open the length nor breadth of this land — bar, perhaps, the corner-shop for the Sunday papers. (It was as far back as March 7 in the year 321 — not sure what day that was — that the Roman Emperor Constantine issued a civil decree making Sunday a “day of rest from labour” stating: “All judges and city people and the craftsmen shall rest upon this venerable day of the Sun.”) Nowadays, it seems, and I accept I am of that generation that is unfortunately heading towards, what one

noted writer said recently was, a scenario where there’s a “culture of entitlement; a bitter, resentful sense that the world owes them something”, that we have come from one extreme to the other and, that apart from not much else in life being sacred these days, Sunday certainly no longer is.

Not so long ago BBC4 did a TV documentary on the vanishing Sunday of yore and showed there was a genuine hankering, and not just among older people, after what was the traditional Sunday. The one that was spent with perhaps a lie-in, then a leisurely fry-up and then off to church to meet God and neighbours alike.

There was ritual, though not invariably, most often back then linked to religious practices – the word comes from the Latin ‘ritus’ (meaning usage, ceremony, observance).

Ritual. The smell of the

Sunday roast wafting in from the kitchen — with mothers (back then!) doing all the leaning over hot stoves while fathers read their Sunday paper that did not come with a half-tonne of ‘extra-value add-ons’ that, nowadays, do little to enlighten us where it matters but only add to the world-wide onslaught on proud and mighty trees.

Then, in the afternoon, weather permitting and for those lucky enough to have a ‘small family car’, it was a drive in the countryside when the countryside in its original guise still existed, before they paved paradise and put up the soulless shopping centres to which, today, it’s compulsory almost to go visit come Sunday.

What did you do on Sunday?

We went to that great new shopping centre off the new motorway.

Did you buy anything?

Eh, no, it was just somewhere to go.

And so it goes. Surely, Sunday should be that one day a week, after the hustle and bustle of the other six,

‘The smell of the Sunday roast wafting in from the kitchen...

when we sit back, take stock, regroup, give thanks and, even, God forbid, converse with each other. In short, take a deep breath and relax.

Indeed, many working on Sundays in public service would give their right teeth to have that day off to spend time with family.

Maybe it’s just me. But then I’m of that generation that remembers Sing Something Simple on the BBC Radio Home Service. The show featured the most popular melodies of the then last 70 years, performed by the Cliff Adams Singers. Intended originally as a six-part summer ‘fill-in’ programme, it was an immediate success with the listeners and ran for 42 years — it didn’t actually cease till 2001 — earning itself the title of longestrunning continuous music programme in the world.

It came on the radio at six.

Just as we were sitting down to our Sunday tea.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News

Top brass 63% pay rise The rising cost of living, combined with talent shortage, is a sure-fire recipe for pay inflation.

But, a new survey by specialist recruiters Engage People shows mixed fortunes in the financial and legal sectors when it comes to remuneration in the past year.

The majority of professionals

surveyed, however, appear to be happy at their work.

While 63% expect a salary increase over the next 12 months, almost a quarter (23%) of the 795 people questioned did not get a pay increase in the past year. 11% was the average increase in salary, for those who did.

A total of 61% saw their hours

impacted by Covid-19, and 47% took a Covid-related pay cut. Of those, the average drop in pay was 12%.

On the bonus front, 75% of respondents in accountancy, banking, financial services and legal roles say they received a bonus last year. Twothirds, 67%, were satisfied with the level of bonus, while 26%

of base salary was the average bonus for junior roles, across those surveyed, where earnings were predominantly under €35,000.

Between 10-15% was the mean annual bonus in the accounting area, with higher bonuses in banking relationship manager and sales roles.

Although 82% claim to have

worked some form of weekly overtime, up to three hours a week, under half, just 41%, received paid overtime. Again, overtime was more common in junior level roles, up to a €40,000 base salary.

And 55% anticipate their company’s staff numbers will grow in the coming 12 months.

Meanwhile, 84% of the

professionals responding confirmed they are happy with their current work-life balance.

But, while 58% in financial and legal roles are satisfied, or very satisfied, in their current role, almost two-thirds, 62%, admit they would leave their role if the right opportunity came up.

November marks a special moment for 351 of our SETU new graduates November 2022 will hold a special place in the memory of 351 Kilkenny graduates of South East Technological University (SETU) who have the honour of being the first graduates to be conferred with awards from the South East’s first university.

The first of the new university's conferring ceremonies took place across the University’s Waterford and Carlow campuses with more than 2,300 graduates being conferred with awards in a range of disciplines, from technology, business and engineering to the arts, humanities and science.

The Wexford campus conferring takes place on Friday, November 11 with further ceremonies taking place on the Carlow and Waterford campuses in January 2023.

Speaking at the ceremonies, Prof Veronica Campbell, President of SETU told graduates that they hold a very special place in history. “You are the pioneers. Generations of graduates will be conferred

at ceremonies just like this but you will always be the first to sign your name in the SETU graduate roll book.

“As new graduates of our new university, you are the first alumni of SETU and the reputation of any university is built upon the quality of its alumni. I hope you continue as pioneers in your chosen careers, continue to be bold and ambitious, make your mark on society and stand proud with what you achieve.

The conferring ceremonies follow on from another milestone date in the new university’s history when Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD joined staff, students and stakeholders to officially launch South East Technological University.

“It was a moment to thank those who helped establish SETU as the university for the South East and to set out some of our ambitions for the future” said Prof. Campbell.

Charities' 76,000 volunteers good for annual gathering A bumper calendar of events is planned for Ireland’s sixth Charity Trustees Week November 14 to18. The annual event celebrates the contribution of more than 76,000 volunteers across the country, including in Kilkenny, who are responsible for overseeing the operations of Ireland’s 11,500 registered charities and include directors, board members and committee members of a charity.

Organisations across the charity sector and the Charities Regulator are coming together for what is a big thank you to charity trustees across Ireland for the important and tireless work they carry out throughout the year in the governance and leadership of Ireland’s charities.

Working in partnership Boardmatch Ireland, Car-

michael, Charities Institute Ireland, the Charities Regulator, Dóchas, Pobal, Volunteer Ireland and The Wheel have created a calendar of over 20 events to suit trustees from every type of charity. And this year’s programme includes some in-person events again, as well as a range of remote and hybrid occasions.

Helen Martin, Chief Executive, Charities Regulator, said: “Charity Trustees’ Week is a well-deserved thank you to charity trustees for the important work they carry out throughout the year in the governance and leadership of Ireland’s charities.

"Their role is vital in assuring public trust and confidence, the bedrock of the charity sector," she said.

Tears from Heaven as Aika is laid to rest Heavy rain portrayed the sadness of a family who lost their only daughter and sister following an allergic reaction to a coffee she drank while on holidaying in Japan.

Aika Doheny, 23, from Greensbridge St, Kilkenny city had travelled to Japan to visit family but became seriously ill late last month when she drank what is be-

lieved to have been a soyabased coffee.

Ms Doheny was a former Presentation Secondary School student and was a degree and Masters student at the National University of Ireland Galway where she became a research assistant.

It is understood that several efforts were made to ease the allergic reaction she had to the drink with the use of

an epipen but unfortunately the effect was limited and she was rushed to a nearby hospital in Tokyo.

The young woman remained in an Intensive Care Unit in the Japanese hospital and efforts to repatriate her home from Japan by medical air ambulance succeeded.

However, Ms Doheny passed away at St James’s

Hospital during the week after being flown home by air ambulance from the Japanese city.

Tributes have been paid to a 'special' and 'bubbly' young Irish woman and a talented swimmer .An online book of condolences has been opened for Aika, with people flooding to it to pay tribute to their former friend.

Phelans welcomes €30m. support for fodder Hard-pressed farm families are to benefit from new fodder supports worth €30 million for next year, according to Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan.

Following on from September’s Budget 2023 announcement, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD launched the €30m 2023 Fodder Support Scheme. It would be an ease to many farm families strug-

gling with spiralling overheads costs, Deputy Phelan said.

“Spiralling fertiliser, diesel, energy and other costs are heaping pressure on farm families.

"This fund will help to ease those pressures somewhat and is a further example of this government’s continuing support for rural Ireland and our family farms through this continued period of uncertainty," he said.

Announcing the €30 million scheme, Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue, said: “There continues to be price pressure for agricultural input costs, in particular for chemical fertlillser and the impact that will have on the quantity of fodder produced and conserved next year.

“This scheme builds on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme which had over 71,000 applicants, with

each of them due to receive an average payment of €735 shortly. The scheme helps ensure there will be adequate fodder on farms."

The 2023 scheme is a continuance of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme and aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) in 2023 to ensure Ireland does not have any animal welfare issues next year.

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Promising future for Kilkenny’s food sector The annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival kicked-off on Thursday 27th October with a special event aimed at food product development for food business. ‘Foodpreneurs – Food Product Development’ was organized by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny to give people the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and gain insightful information into the sector.

Guest speakers on the day included Chef Brian McDermott, Eddie O’Neill of O’Neill Food Solutions, Colm Foley of BIA Innovator Campus Galway, Sarah Gough of Mileeven, and Pat Fitzgerald of Fitzgeralds Nurseries Ltd. The morning session at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle also included Q&A’s and a comprehensive overview of the supports available was presented by Senior Enterprise Development Officer (Acting), Catherine Hennessy.

Catherine Hennessy said “We were really pleased with the success of the event with people in attendance from such diverse backgrounds and interests. The future for

Pictured are the Foodpreneurs team at Kilkenny Castle. From left to right are Eddie Neill – O Neill Food Solutions, Chef Brian McDermott, Marian Flannery – Savour Kilkenny, Catherine Hennessy – LEO Kilkenny, Colm Foley – Bia Innovator Campus, John Mulcahy – LEO Kilkenny

the food sector in the City & County is looking bright with some brilliantly talented and innovated people who want to bring something new and exciting to the County.”

Marian Flannery, Savour Kilkenny, Festival Director, said “We were delighted when the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny listened to our

proposals for this event and came on board with Savour Kilkenny to organize and fund this inspiring morning event. What a fantastic way to kick-off our 2022 festival.

The speakers each shared their own experiences in a very honest and engaging way and left all guests with great enthusiasm and energized to

continue on their food business journeys.”

Marian Flannery added “Huge thanks to the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny for their support on this partnership. It’s vitally important to work together to give budding entrepreneurs the access they need to opinion leaders and industry experts. I have

no doubt that people left the event with helpful tips and advice which they’ll be able to incorporate into their business plans and we’d like to thank the brilliant speakers for their input. If anyone is interested in starting a food business or looking at developing a new food product, we highly recommend getting in touch

with Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny who have some wonderful supports available.”

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise (Acting), Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said “We were delighted to work in partnership with Savour Kilkenny on this event and it was great to see such an interest in the event. Savour Kilkenny has had an important role over the last decade, shining a light on local food producers, produce and restaurants, cafes and bistros which is in line with the Kilkenny Food Vision 20202025. This vision looks to make Kilkenny, Ireland’s strongest local food economy and food culture hub and to increase the amount of local food and beverages on menus and retail shelves in the county.”

This year, Savour Kilkenny hosted a jam-packed festival including a variety of events such as live cookery demonstrations, talks, workshops, dining events, children and family events and a busting market to sip and Savour Kilkenny’s local produce. The festival welcomed a host of celebrity chefs, local chefs and TV personalities including Derry Clarke, Rory O’Connell, Daniel Lambert, Freddie White, Grainne Mullins, Maria Walsh and Catherine O Keefe.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Let’s not play the generation blame game Resentment is a sneaky emotion – a corrosive “you’ve got what I don’t have and I blame you” feeling. I don’t like it when people foment that kind of attitude. I especially don’t like it when I am on the receiving end.

But, hey, that’s the way things are when you are a member of the senior generation these days. How about the opening of Rory Hearne’s new book, Gaff :“There is a generational fissure growing in this country, it is generational inequality in housing. A generation is being locked out of one of the most basic of human needs – a home.”

Generation Y, that’s the cohort in their 20s, 30s and 40s, are hurting. Despite all their efforts through school, college and in the jobs market, they can’t

get started on the housing ladder. Instead, they are being crucified by eyewatering rents, stuck in their parents’ homes or have left Ireland in favour of greener pastures.

That generational divide gets worse too, because not only are us baby boomers sitting on appreciating assets but homeless Generation Y are having to foot the soaring pensions bill for a growing number of retirees on top of exorbitant childcare bills, soaring energy costs and the way job security is being eroded in a fastchanging employment market. Fuel is added to the flames when the senior generation are labelled ’a pensions time-bomb’.

There is always a certain tension between generations where the upcoming one, with different values,

is impatient to do things their way once the previous generation move out of the way. But dialogue about the divide is very selective, ignoring much of the picture and stirring the resentment pot.

The gratitude element is entirely missing in the discourse about generational divide, forgetting we homeowners helped to create Ireland’s flourishing economy, battled to liberalise its laws and, as our families grew up, gave them a far more privileged childhood than they ever had themselves. Perhaps that’s why Generation Y feel entitled, and expect to be handed everything rather than contributing to solutions.

Hearne’s book, sub-titled ‘why no one can get a house and what we can do about it’, is a timely one.

Jake, Sunday Mass, bacon, and cabbage

BY NED EGAN

Part 2 – “a builder? repair man? maybe a teacher?!!” “Wrong on all three” he said. “What I wanted to be was --- a steeplejack! That business would get me up high, away from people – in whom I had no interest much. Nor had they any in me. And it would allow me to see for miles. I soon got plenty of work, as I had ‘trained up’ in the right trades, and had a good head for heights. London was full of old factory chimneys that needed bringing down carefully, or else repairing, after the Blitz. A lot of others had to have lightning conductors fitted. No bother to me, there.

“One day I was up top of a high factory chimney, when I spotted a little nest in a crevice in the bricks. A few small chicks glared at me with their black eyes!

Falcons!! Only a few left in the Country after being hunted almost to extinction.

And my good luck to happen on a tiny clutch! I reached a hand towards them, but

they ‘clacked’ and screeched at me, so I held off. Just then there was a scream from a returning mother bird, who thus warned me to mind my own human business, and leave her brood be. She had a dead pigeon in her talons; and I got a close look at how fast she plucked its feathers off. In no time at all, she was ripping strips of meat off and feeding them to her little gang, who seemed to now be ignoring me completely.

But mum kept a savage eye on me, with no fear in her at all. Often afterwards, she seemed to seek out high places where I would be working, and would build a nest near me. A strange kind of attitude from a very un-sociable breed. But every Spring, she’d show up where I’d be, up high. Maybe she watched me leave the house of a morn – falcons can spot a small bird at two miles away – so keeping an eye on me would have been a doddle for her. I knew when she would be showing up – as she would give a scream that would frighten a banshee! She obviously knew I would scare away scald crows from her chicks while she was hunting. A strange ‘friendship’, Neddie boy. Maybe I’ll tell you more some day. Not fond of

words, me.”

I heard him out. Believed every word.

For another two or three years, I kept to my routine.

I’d follow the circuit, around six farms, keeping myself in order. In early Autumn, I often felt I was being observed when near Cate’s house. But I didn’t meet Jake again. Not to speak to, like. Once, of a warm morn, I spotted him watching my moves. He just gave me a grin, and made a sawing gesture with his hands, like cutting bacon.

“I told old Kate Collins – {80 when I was about 10} about meeting him. “Ah” she said “Jake. A good lad.

Did you know that oul rip Cate codded him out of that ‘place’? Got her daddy to sign a will when he was cracked with the drink one night. Jake could have taken law over it, but he just cleared off, couldn’t be bothered. Sure, he was always a gentleman!”

Jake was all of that…

Ned E Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Kilkenny Observer.

Though there is a great deal more about what is wrong with the housing market than solutions. To be fair he doesn’t blame home-owning parents but rather the failure of Government policy for locking a generation out of the housing market. (Funny, a recent survey showed that 50% of house purchasers and 76% in Dublin were first-time buyers).

One of Hearne’s proposals is that we should have a constitutional right to housing. Really? The Constitution gives us the right to own property and the right to the inviolability of that property. It seems that only two nations, France and South Africa, have given a constitutional promise on housing. But looking around at shacks in townships on a recent visit to South Africa I can

see that such a promise is an empty one without the policy and finance to carry it through.

Part of the housing challenge is one of affordability. Housing here is commoditised and is about profit. Our first home in Dublin only cost us 5000 Punts back in the ‘70s but then, as now, it was a struggle. Parents helped, I had to take in lodgers and get freelance work to help make ends meet and that was after years living in grotty bedsits. And I mean truly grotty: one friend remembers how he killed two rats before he got out of bed in Rathmines (or should that be Ratmines). Now. the average house price in Dublin is €481,250 and property prices are rising at about €100 a day.

The dialogue bemoan-

ing the burden pensioners pose is very one dimensional (what’s meant to happen to us oldies?

Should we be disposed of ?). It ignores the fact that the birth rate has halved so there will be fewer workers in future to support pensions. It doesn’t consider how people differ widely in the way that that they age, whether or not they want to continue working, ageist employment practices and so on. The current plan to allow people to continue working to 70, if they want to, is at least a bit nuanced.

We all need to be part of the debate and solutions to housing and pensions without dividing the generations and making us oldies feel that we should apologise for ourselves.

Get moving with Zincuflex CLAIR WHITTY

Ginger and turmeric are two amazing spices, so, what do you get when you put the two together? You get Zincuflex a supplement that combines both to help you deal with pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Zincuflex may help to protect joints and help maintain joint mobility.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Ireland, affecting more than 400,000 people. It’s caused by wear and tear of cartilage in the joints. Commonly seen in knees, hips, neck, back, and big toe, and even your fingers. Any joint can be affected by the wear and tear of your joints and is often caused by repetitive movement which can cause inflammation.

This inflammation can cause cartilage to erode, resulting in painful joints.

First let’s talk about the health benefits of ginger. Ginger extract may help to maintain joint mobility and reduce the feeling of morning stiffness

when used regularly. It is a natural anti-inflammatory; it may help improve circulation which can help nutrients to circulate around the body better. It may also help reduce exercise induced muscle soreness. A scientific study found that among 247 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee with moderate-to-severe pain; those taking ginger extract for 6 weeks experienced significant reduction in knee pain on standing, compared with those taking a placebo.

Ginger is a popular spice for digestion, and, as we know if we improve digestion, we improve the absorption of nutrients from our food.

What about turmeric?

Curcumin is the active component of the yellow spice turmeric. It’s one of our most popular natural anti-inflammatory remedies, with many testimonials after its name. It may help to reduce inflammation, maintain joint mobility, flexibility, and improve the comfort of the joints. In one randomised control study, curcumin was found to be as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation. That’s pretty impressive.

Zincuflex uses a patented process npt501tm that combines curcumin with liquefied ginger to achieve 100 x better absorption compared to ordinary curcumin, making it more bioavailable and therefore more effective.

Zincuflex combines well with Omega 3 fish oils. Omega 3 fish oils like Eskimo 3 Omega 3 Liquid works well with natural anti-inflammatory remedies to protect your joints and reduce stiffness. If you’re experiencing joint pain and stiffness, I think it’s worth a try.

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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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News For out of every 10 Garda stations in Ireland recorded an increase in crime last year compared to pre-Covid levels, despite being subject to lockdown restrictions for large parts of the year.

And Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary and Wexford did not emerge with their record untarnished.

An analysis of crime figures by the Irish Independent reveals that 40% of garda stations nationwide recorded more criminal offences in 2021 than in 2019 — the last full year crime rates were unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The number of crimes in 223 of the country’s 564 stations last year exceeded the total for 2019, which had the highest annual total of recorded crime in seven years, with over a quarter of a million offences.

In contrast, there were just under 189,000 offences recorded last year — a 16% decrease on 2019 levels.

Despite the general downward trend in crime, largely due to the pandemic, the analysis highlights widely varying crime rates across communities — with some areas prone to particular types of offences.

It shows that fraud has become a predominant crime in parts of Ireland for the first time, with 70 garda stations recording it as the most common offence in 2021 as the total number of ‘white collar’ crimes and online fraud cases more than doubled last year to over 17,100 cases.

The CSO figures we used for the analysis are based on the Garda’s Pulse system.

Some Garda stations have recorded steadily rising increases in crime levels over the past five years, while others saw crime rates decrease.

The figures reveal crime rates more than doubled in 15 towns and villages over two years, including the neighbouring towns of Tallow and Lismore in Co Waterford.

The number of crimes recorded at the station in Tallow more than trebled from 19 in 2019 to 61 last year due

SPECIAL REPORT

Crime back up to pre-Covid levels And Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary and Wexford no exceptions largely to increases in assaults and thefts. * Burglary was the top crime in 136 stations, and constituted 54% of all crime committed in Myshall, Co Carlow. * Assaults and threats of assault was the top crime in 136 stations, and accounted for 52% of all crime committed in Oylegate, Co Wexford. * Theft was the top crime in 197 stations, and constituted 50% of all crime in Templederry, Co Tipperary. * Dangerous was the top crime in 24 stations, and ac-

counted for 44% of crime in Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny.

The same offences, as well as criminal damage to property, were the main drivers behind a 162% jump in crime rates 8km away in Lismore, with the annual crime total increasing from 50 to 131 over the same period.

Crime more than doubled on pre-Covid levels in Innishannon and Stuake, Co Cork, Mountcharles, Co Donegal, and Corofin and Rosmuc in Co Galway.

Crime rates increased at over twice the national av-

erage in some larger towns including Carndonagh, Co Donegal (+52%); Ballinrobe, Co Mayo (+43%); Killaloe, Co Clare (+40%); Blackrock, Co Louth (+40%); and Bunclody, Co Wexford (+39%).

In contrast, several other garda stations witnessed significant reductions in recorded crime over the past three years including Ahascragh, Co Galway (-71%); Roundwood, Co Wicklow (-62%); Cahersiveen, Co Kerry (-60%); Dungloe, Co Donegal and Enniskerry, Co Wicklow (both -57%).

WATCH OUT FOR BANK SCAM Bank of Ireland is warning customers about a tactic now being used by fraudsters to dupe people into handing over their bank details. Fraudsters are doubling down on their efforts to access customers’ accounts by first contacting them by text and following up with phone calls to convince them to hand over their details. Once they gain access to the accounts, funds are then being transferred by fraudsters into money-mule accounts or spent immediately on expensive items including electrical goods.

During the last two weeks, the number of combined fraudulent text message and phone call cases detected by Bank of Ireland’s Fraud Prevention Team has increased by roughly 40% when compared to the previous month.

Fall in gardai on road policing duty Concern is growing as new statistics show that the number of gardaí on road policing duty down by 5% in two years.

Garda traffic corps numbers have fallen by 5pc at a time when road traffic death rates have started to climb.

Although, Kilkenny Carlow, Wexford and Waterford are up in manpower by about 5% but Dublin, the west and south west are dramatically down.

Figures supplied to Social Democrat TD Catherine

Murphy by Justice Minister Helen McEntee showed the number of gardaí assigned to dedicated roads policing

has fallen by 5% since 2020.

Last June, the number of gardaí assigned to roads policing units nationwide

was 696, down from 733 in December 2020 and 736 last Dec- ember.

The counties of Cork, Tipperary, Donegal, Kerry and Kildare traditionally record some of Ireland’s highest number of fatal road accidents.

Over the past two years, only Donegal has shown an increase in garda traffic personnel, up from 22 in 2020 to 27 this year.

However, Cork has seen its roads policing personnel numbers fall across its three divisions, from a total

of 83 officers in 2020 to 74 this year.

Kerry has seen its traffic corps personnel decline from 24 to 22 over the same period, while reductions were also reported for Kildare, down from 29 to 28, and Tipperary, where the number fell from 30 to 26.

Ms McEntee said she had no role in personnel deployment and insisted resources were allocated by garda chiefs in response to national and divisional policing priorities and needs.

“I am assured, however,

that garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends to ensure their optimum use,” the minister said.

“I understand that it is a matter for the divisional chief superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to them, having regard to the profile of each area within the division and its specific needs.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Hard times as many are cutting back on spend According to the new ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’ Credit Union survey for October, sentiment has improved as consumers took some comfort from Government measures introduced in the Budget to support household spending.

A special question though was asked that focussed on the extent of spending cutbacks being undertaken by Irish households. The responses to this special question suggests that cutting back is now and will continue to be a key feature of Irish consumer behaviour in the year ahead.

Only 7% of consumers say they haven’t needed to make cutback while three out of four consumers say they have had to cut back on necessities.

All demographics reported widespread cutbacks but there were slightly more respondents reporting adequate funds to sustain spending among wealthier and older consumers (55+). These

groups were also slightly more likely to report only cutting discretionary spend. Still, all demographics tended to show broadly similar response patterns.

The most mentioned cutback relates to ‘socialising’ as this is a flexible area of spending. With one in two consumers pulling back, it won’t help the overall mood of the country and it will put further strains on the business models of many restaurants, cafes, bars, and other areas of the hospitality sector. Wealthier and Dublin-based consumers tended to show less widespread cutbacks in this area than other groupings. The travel sector continues to have problems and these seem set to remain intense in 2023 as 40% of respondents also say they will be cutting back on holiday spending next year.

Unsurprisingly, surging energy prices remain central to current cost of living pres-

sures, with two in five consumers making cutbacks in this area; the implication is many colder, darker homes this winter. “Less affluent consumers and those outside Dublin were more likely to report energy-related cutbacks. Perhaps surprisingly, those aged over 65 were also slightly less likely to report cutbacks in this area,” the survey

says. “This result could owe something to Government support and/or pre-existing constraints on spending in this area by older households.”

The survey was taken after Budget 23 measures were announced. The fact that slightly more consumers say they will continue to make cutbacks in this area in the next 12 months emphasises the intensity of the pressures in this area.

Grocery spending for one in three consumers has been cut back giving a sense of the scale of current difficulties and unfortunately 6% say they are unable to make cutbacks as their spending is already at a minimum with a similar number expecting next year’s outgoings similarly compromised.

In terms of the Christmas spend, a substantial one in three consumers are cutting back on gift-buying, with responses suggesting the costcutting is likely to intensify

rather than ease as we move forward. According to analysis by economist Austin Hughes on behalf of the Irish league of Credit Unions, “it is notable that cutbacks to child-related spending are markedly less widespread than in most other areas. In part, this may reflect relatively little spend in this area for some consumers but even in those age-groups typically parenting young children cutbacks were materially less pronounced than in other categories”.

One in three consumers are postponing ‘big ticket’ purchases such as cars, furniture, or electrical appliances while broadly similar numbers are cutting back on spending on repairs and maintenance. This could in time lead to increased risk of equipment failure resulting in increased financial pressures to replace problem goods as well as some element of safety risks.

Austin Hughes summarises:

“These survey responses suggest that many consumers are undertaking major adjustments in their spending.

Despite significant support measures in Budget 23, consumers see another 12 months of widespread cutbacks ahead of them.

“In that regard, these results suggest that Budget support measures could have been slightly larger in scale. The widespread nature of these cutbacks suggests consumers are experiencing a sea-change in their economic and financial circumstances at present,” he says.

“In turn, this explains the historically low Credit Union consumer sentiment readings at present. It also emphasises the extent to which Irish consumer spending may be constrained through the coming year.” john@ellisfinancial 086 8362622

Six month exclusion for Mother & Baby homes payment scheme must go BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has called for the six month residency requirement in the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme 2022 to be scrapped.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Teachta Funchion said: “I have been calling for this arbitrary and ludicrous six month residency requirement to be removed at all stages of this Mother and Baby Institutions Bill.

This will affect hundreds of people throughout Carlow and Kilkenny and with some 24,000 survivors excluded in total.

“Yesterday we debated this important legislation, all opposition TDs called for those resident less than 180 days to be included in the Government’s plans for redress. I have a sinking feeling our pleas will be ignored.

“I cannot for the life of me

see how any Government TDs, who I know have been in contact with survivors, can stand over this.

“There is no price that could make up for the untold harm experienced by survivors and we know that, but you shouldn’t start from a place of exclusion.

“This scheme should be changed to reflect survivors wishes as set out in the

Oak report.

“I am appealing to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party TDs in this constituency to use any influence they may have to amend this deeply flawed legislation and include all 58,000 survivors.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News & Wellbeing Science Here are five of the best recent science-based recommendations for raising brighter children: 1. Start school later Virtually every other scientific or research group that has ever weighed in on the question agree that we start school too early in the day.

An hour or two later, 10 or 11am would increase the odds that children get enough sleep and to accommodate the fact that their brains are still developing, and function better later in the day, according to those who study such matters.

Five pointers to raising successful children

2. Make sure children get enough sleep No matter how much you love your children, you love it, too, when they go to sleep.

In short, children aged six to 12 years of age need to sleep nine to 12 hours per night on a regular basis according to the Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Moreover, this study out of the University of Maryland and published in the journal Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that lack of sleep in children is associated with brain physiology, in that those children who slept less than nine hours a night “had less grey matter or smaller volume in certain areas of the brain responsible for attention, memory and inhibition control compared to those with healthy sleep habits”.

3. Give them jobs to do Anecdotally, we assume that having children do house-work helps them learn valuable lessons for life.

Writing in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, researchers from La Trobe University said they wanted to find out out whether that’s really true.

They set out to determine if children who do household jobs develop better working memory, inhibition, and other functions that predict success as they grow more mature.The results of their study

of 200 children aged five to 13 was that those asked to do jobs were more likely to exhibit better academic performances and problem solving skills. But caring for pets had no effect at all.

Theories here are that pet care simply isn’t as complex as other kinds of odd jobs, and also that taking a dog for a walk, for example, is probably more fun than doing dishes or cleaning the bath-

room, so that it feels less like a job to begin with.

4. Encourage them to ‘growth’ This one is a little more “good advice” than “scientific research based,” but it’s compelling.

In short, it comes from distilling the reflections and counsel that some very highly successful people, like Jeff Bezos, have been

giving for years about how they achieved their goals and raised their kids.

Bezos famously said he started Amazon after he realised that Internet usage in the 1990s was growing at an almost-absurd rate of 2,300% a year.

All other things being equal, encourage children to get involved in things that are growing, as opposed to those that are atrophying. It doesn’t

mean life will be easy, but it does suggest they won’t waste their efforts swimming against an unswimmable tide.

5. Try to ask more than you tell Let’s end with advice from Rachael Katz and Helen Shwe Hadani, authors of The Emotionally Intelligent Child: Effective Strategies for Parenting Self-Aware, Cooperative, and Well-Balanced Kids.

Among their many smart recommendations is to try to ask children for ideas on how to accomplish things, rather than simply telling them, and afterward, review how things worked out.

The point is that when you can, asking rather than telling is often more effective at getting children to act and learn from the results, because they feel like they’re part of the planning process.

The C-A-T guide to petting your cat Even seasoned cat owners might not know the ‘best practices’ for human-cat interactions, say British researchers. In a study published in Scientific Reports, a team from Nottingham Trent University asked 120 people to interact with three cats whom they had never met.

Oddly, the self-reported ‘cat people’ — those with the most knowledge and experience with cats — were the most likely to mishandle the felines.

They gave the cats less choice about being touched and they were more likely to rub the “danger zones” of the belly and base of the tail.

In the paper, published in July 2022, the researchers

found that older cat owners were the most likely to pick up and hold the cats, for example, which is a no-no because it robs the cat of its freedom of movement, the scientists found.

Most cats hate to be touched on their bellies or near the base of their tails.

Whether a cat likes to be touched on the rest of its body — its back, sides, tail, legs, etc. — is a matter of personal preference. (In other words, when they scratch you, you’ll know.)

Previous research by the same British scientists identified the three areas of the body where almost all cats liked to be

touched: the base of the ears, the cheeks and under the chin.

That’s about it.

“Of course, every cat is an individual and many will have specific preferences for how they prefer to be interacted with,” said Dr. Lauren Finka, the lead researcher of this new study, in a press release.

The scientists also developed handy ‘C-A-T guidelines’ for knowing when a cat wants to be petted and when you should keep your hands to yourself.

‘C’ is for choice and control: Bend down and offer a hand, and let the cat decide if it wants to approach for snuggling.

‘A’ is for paying attention to the cat’s behaviour and body language. Purring and sitting near you means “gimme more”. Flattening their ears or licking their nose means “that’s enough”.

‘T’ is for touch, as in think about where you’re touching the cat. Again, the ears, cheeks and chin are generally good, but approach other areas with caution.

“Applying [the C-A-T guidelines] with some cats might mean not touching them at all, because the cat chooses not to engage,” said Finka, “whereas for others it might involve a full on cuddling session because the cat keeps asking for more.”

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Travel & Leisure From coastal getaways to European hotspots, several of the countries are not only beautiful, but they are also extremely inexpensive, according to a new report

by International Living. And with the cost of living soaring, more and more people are setting their sights on an international destination that won’t break the bank. Some locales are so affordable that with enough savings you may be able to quit your job or just work part time and still live in the lap of luxury.

So, while the report is geared toward retirees, these may be great options for anyone with a healthy savings account or who doesn’t mind living on a budget.

Here are 10 cheap places to live abroad...

1. Spain Whether you want to spend your days soaking up the sun on the Costa del Sol or are more interested in the vibrant cultural and art scene of Madrid, you simply can’t go wrong with Spain. The European country is steeped in history, offers great healthcare and has almost every type of geography imaginable.

The cost of living in Spain is approximately Spain Whether you want to spend your days soaking up the sun on the Costa del Sol or are more interested in the vibrant cultural and art scene of Madrid, you simply can’t go wrong with Spain. The European country is steeped in history, offers great healthcare and has almost every type of geography imaginable.

The cost of living in Spain is approximately €1,100 a month, although it might be more in bigger cities or resort beach towns. Even in the most expensive neighbourhoods, it will likely still be somewhat cheaper.Plus, the first-class healthcare will save you big time.

Portofino stands out among the many desirable places to visit on the Italian Riviera.

Golfo Paradiso, a tiny stretch of Ligurian coastline in northern Italy, is home to a few less famous and equally character-rich gems.

Italians and in-the-know international travellers have been quietly flocking to the nearby town of Santa Margherita Ligure for decades to enjoy the sun-splashed Mediterranean ambience — and all the delicious food, beautiful beaches, and warm hospitality that a vacation here entails — without any fuss and fanfare.

The former fishing village wins hearts today with its enchanting architecture, beaches, shopping, and dining. Santa Margherita Ligure also provides proximity to the city of Genoa, a port, and a train station, so it’s a great home base for exploring the rest of the relaxed region

is gorgeous, the water is warm and the housing is highly affordable.

7 countries to retire in, that won’t break the bank 2. Malta Looks can be deceiving. A quick glance at the tiny island (archipelago) of Malta may make you think that only the world’s elite could afford to live there. Fortunately, the exact opposite is true. The island boasts a surprisingly affordable cost of living at €1,200 a month.

The country, surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is

stunning. Rent is somewhat expensive, depending on where you live, but it is worth it considering the 360- degree views. Not to mention the fact that food and other things are significantly cheaper than so many other places..

3. Portugal With an estimated cost of living for one person at €900, Portugal offers those hoping to live abroad a low-priced

European option. The country itself is minuscule compared to neighbouring Spain, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in culture. Portugal oozes Old World charm and is known for its incredible seaside communities.

The country’s public transportation is second-tonone, meaning you may not have to ever purchase a car.

With the money you save you may never have to work again.

Portofino stands out on Italy’s Riviera

5. Panama Panama tops the list of best places in the world to retire, which means it could be a good option for anyone to live cheaply. It regularly claims the title since the cost of living is at €1,000 for one person. Rent runs approximately €500 a month and food takes up another €320, but outside of that costs are minimal.

The country is centrally located, has a mild climate and offers world-class beaches. It seems only fitting that this charming retreat makes the list.

6. Ecuador For real bargain hunters, a country like Ecuador is cheap and safe with a very comfortable year-round climate. The cost of living for one person in the country is around €700.

Ecuador is geographically diverse with miles of endless beaches, mountains and rainforests, leaving a little something for everyone.

Housing is economical with the average rent for one person costing around €300 a month. Retirees or young adults hoping to quit the corporate grind in favour of a more enjoyable lifestyle can live in the country so very cheaply.

4. Costa Rica The Central American country of Costa Rica is the perfect place to live abroad without depleting your savings. The cost of living is around €800 and rent for one person runs approximately €400 a month.

The tropical destination has cost-effective healthcare. The locals, by all accounts, are friendly, welcoming ex-pats with open arms. The weather

7. Colombia The large South American country borders the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Andes Mountains carve through the West while the Amazon rainforest sits to the East.

The cost of living in Colombia is estimated at €500 per month. Rent, food and transportation expenses are all markedly less than you would expect to pay in the states.

Happy retirement!

as well as popular Cinque Terre.

Santa Margherita Ligure is located about 22 miles southeast of Genoa.

Depending on where you’re coming from, it might make sense to fly into Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport and then take a taxi or bus.

You can also hop on a direct train from major Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, and Naples to Genova Piazza Principe and then transfer to the regional service right to Santa Margherita Ligure station.

The Italian Riviera comes alive in the summer with locals and tourists sunning on the sand, frolicking in the warm water, and dining alfresco. It’s also the time of year when ferries frequently run between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. For these reasons, it’s both the busiest and most expensive period in Liguria. If

you’d rather save a few bucks and deal with fewer people, consider visiting in the late spring or early autumn when the weather is still pleasant, but peak-season vacationers have departed.

The endlessly picturesque Chiesa di Santa Margherita towers over the plaza where daily markets are held.

History buffs also won’t want to miss Villa Durazzo, a sprawling property with manicured gardens, cobblestone pathways, and a 17th-century mansionturned-museum. Not far away, sits the church of San Giacomo di Corte. It’s worth taking a tour of Cervara Abbey and checking out Santa Margherita Ligure Castle, too.

Among the biggest selling points of staying in Santa Margherita Ligure is easy access to the beaches and to shopping, dining, and a generally glamorous atmosphere.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Bewitching... Alice and Idona – two of a kind?

Almost 700 years ago, a young woman was dragged though the streets of Kilkenny, publically flogged, tied to a stake and burned to death. It was November 1324 and it was, purportedly, the first ever burning of a ‘witch’ in Ireland.

But there was a problem.

The wrong woman had been burned to death. The woman the authorities wanted to burn at the stake was Alice Kyteler better known as ‘Kilkenny’s Witch’.

I was telling the story of Alice Kyteler to a group of American tourists in Kyteler’s Inn in Kilkenny, once the home of the infamous Alice. I told them how Alice was anything but a toothless, old hag but an ambitious woman who had no problem attracting men.

However, she specialised in elderly, wealthy widowers. In 1324 Alice was on husband No. 4, Sir John le Poer, her previous three husbands, elderly,

wealthy widowers having died in mysterious circumstances leaving nothing, not a red cent, to their children. Instead, Alice Kyteler inherited everything making her a very wealthy and influential member of Kilkenny society.

In 1324, Alice’s John le Poer was visited, in Kyteler’s Inn, by the children from his first marriage. They were shocked when they saw him. Records tell us that he was “reduced to such a state by powders, pills and potions that he was totally emaciated, deprived of his nails and his hair had fallen out” – classic symptoms, we now know, of arsenic poisoning.

Those children, along with the children of Alice’s previous three husbands approached the Bishop of Ossory, Richard de Ledrede, alleging that by witchcraft Alice had poisoned their fathers and induced them to leave her all their

money. The upshot of it all was that Alice was tried for witchcraft. One of the charges was as follows: “.... in order to inflict death or disease on the body.....she made powders and ointments containing certain horrible worms, curious herbs and dead men’s nails which she cooked, with various incantations over an oak fire in a vessel made from the skull of a decapitated thief.”

Alice was found guilty and sentenced to be burned at the stake. However, thanks to her wealth and friends in high places (the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Roger Outlawe, was her brother-in-law) she slipped quietly out of Kilkenny, slipped quietly out of Ireland, and was never heard of again.

Frustrated that Alice had slipped the net, Bishop de Ledrede needed a scapegoat; her name was Petronella of Meath, Alice Kyteler’s lady-inwaiting. It was this 24-year-old

who was publically flogged until she confessed to witchcraft. It was this innocent, young woman they burned at the stake in 1324, the first ever burning of a so-called ‘witch’ in Ireland.

Having finished my story

‘The wrong woman had been burned to death..

about Alice Kyteler, a gentleman approached me and said: “Gerry, my name is Harry Griffith and I am here with my wife who is a direct descendent of Alice Kyteler.”

I am intrigued. Over a drink I chat with Idona Griffith from Austin, Texas who, according to her meticulous research, told me that Alice Kyteler is her 23rd great, grandmother! I was fascinated. Idona reminded me that Alice Kyteler had one son from her first marriage, William Outlawe; she also had a daughter, Alicia, from her fourth marriage to John le Poer.

According to Idona’s research, Alicia married and travelled to England where she gave birth to a daughter, Isabelle. Idona has traced her lineage back to Alicia and Isabelle.

Isabelle and her people settled in England for almost 300 years before emigrating to America, arriving in Virginia around 1630 which is where

Idona and her family came in.

Idona then astounded me by telling me that she, like her infamous ancestor, has had four husbands! I am gobsmacked and sheepishly ask Idona what became of her previous three husbands. She tells me that one has passed away but that the other two are alive and well.

“Unlucky in love?” I ask.

“Too young and immature,” Idona replied.

I then jokingly ask about the health of her fourth husband, Harry. “Hale and hearty,” Harry piped up.

Is Idona Griffith, from Austin, Texas, a direct descendant of Alice Kyteler, Kilkenny’s Witch?

I don’t know for sure. But this I do know: Idona, with her charm and intelligence, most certainly cast a spell on me. * Alice and Idona: Two of a Kind? was broadcast on RTE’s Sunday Miscellany, on October 30, 2022

Kilkenny’s newest pharmacy, PharmacyHUB is now open PharmacyHUB has officially opened its doors in Kilkenny city The new online digital pharmacy is located on Barrack Street, next to the new 12 Screen IMC Cinema, with over 100 parking spaces available for customers. PharmacyHUB is a great addition to Barrack Street which has seen a string of new businesses such as Arán Bistro and Cartoon Saloon establishing themselves there.

The pharmacy is run by lead supervising pharmacist Laura Hogan. Laura has been working in the community as a pharmacist for over 10 years and specialises in vitamins, dermo skincare and family health.

Speaking about the new pharmacy Laura stated: Our focus is always 100% on the health and wellbeing of our customers. With a young family of my own I have come across most things over the years and I am always happy

to help and offer advice. I am delighted to be working with PharmacyHUB and brining a much-needed service to my local area. ‘We pride ourselves on stocking the highest quality of vitamins available and ensure our staff are constantly training to stay up to date on the latest developments. Whilst we are an independent Irish owned pharmacy we are very competitive on our pricing so customers can achieve savings but still get first class customer service’.

The new pharmacy is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm (closed 1.30pm-2pm) and is closed on Sunday and Bank Holidays. They offer a full range of services including vaccinations, blood pressure checks, medication reviews and our unique fertility consultation free of charge with one of our expert pharmacists.

PharmacyHUB are offering a number of vaccinations services. With Flu season approaching there will be a walk in service 6 days a week and an online booking service where customers can chose a time that suits them. They also offer corporate flu vaccination services where they can come to your business and vaccinate staff in addition to vaccinations for healthcare workers including Covid boosters.

For customers who want to move their repeat prescriptions or have any queries, please speak with Laura in-store by email info@pharmacyhub.ie or by phone 056 7772692.

PharmacyHUB dispenses all forms of prescriptions: private prescriptions, medical card prescriptions, long-term illness books, high-tech prescriptions, hospital emergencies.

Customer can also order products and prescriptions online @ www.pharmacyHUB. ie and avail of next day delivery nationwide or click & collect for orders placed before 1pm.

As an introductory offer, PharmacyHUB is offering 10% on all orders over €20.00 until the end of November 2022 (terms and conditions apply and are available at pharmacyhub.ie)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

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Opinion

The heart and soul of the “Village”…

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The day of reckoning arrived: the launch of the new-look St. Patrick’s band and its treasured corps of Majorettes.

On Sunday, December 19th 1971, Thousands of people lined the route to St. Mary’s Cathedral. They awaited the band’s much-heralded arrival at the historic place of worship. Dr. Birch, Bishop of Ossory, was due to celebrate the 12 O’ Clock Mass and the band would provide the accompaniment of sacred music and Christmas carols.

It was a cold, windy morning in the City. But delighted citizens quickly forgot their shivering bones and sneezing when the band appeared. The gold braided new uniforms of the members drew whistles of admiration, and the martial tunes uplifted even the most downhearted among the teeming crowds.

But it was the vision of ineffable beauty, angelic precision, choreographic brilliance, and sheer class of the majorettes that cast a spell over the awe-struck specta-

tors. This was Ireland’s first ever Corps of Majorettes and they were here, in the heart of Kilkenny.

Their shining mini-skirted uniforms, white boots and plumed head dresses wooed the starry-eyed onlookers. As they marched in step behind the band, they added a new colour and exuberance to a frosty winter’s morning, vanquishing all thoughts of inclement weather with their colourful display of skill and martial prowess.

Flags flew and batons twirled. A carnival atmosphere developed along the band route. The Mayor of Kilkenny and the entire Corporation attended the Mass and complimented the band on its performance. The City fathers found it difficult to concentrate on their prayers with the unaccustomed presence of Majorettes in the church. But they knew God, in his infinite wisdom, would forgive them a passing glance or two at the women.

Clerics too forgot their priestly vocations for an hour or so when the ladies paraded into the church. His Holiness the Bishop forgave them.

“Sure nobody’s perfect” he quipped, slapping a worried

Man of God on the back with a knowing wink.

Sean Holland conducted the band that day and his wife Claire was in charge of the Majorettes.

The band went on to win plaudits from all over the world for its performances.

It had to keep up with a phenomenal number of bookings and enquiries. It featured on

an RTE programme, further enhancing its status, and scooped numerous awards countrywide, thanks in part to the aesthetically pleasing and imaginative drill techniques of the Majorettes.

The first Majorette leader was Claire Holland, a strict disciplinarian who set the women on the road to success.

Next came Catherine Ryan, a

Kilkenny Vocational teacher who introduced the women to a few new drill routines. Claire Larkin was the third leader. A renowned step dancer, Claire was equally famed for her beaming smile that charmed the hearts of young and old alike.

The men and women of St. Patrick’s Brass Band will be remembered with great fond-

ness in Kilkenny. With their sweet melodies and soul-stirring marches, they turned frowns into smiles and sadness to joy. Oppression and challenge they took in their stride.

The band was the heart and soul of “The Village”, as much a part of Kilkenny’s proud heritage as the Castle or the black and amber jersey.

(Pictures show: The Majorettes and the band lead Bishop Peter Birch to City Hall to receive the Freedom of Kilkenny. Some prominent band members…)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Global Report Vladimir Putin has warned world is facing the most dangerous decade since the Second World War while also attacking West in a recent speech that lasted a staggering four hours.

When asked about unleashing Armageddon, Putin chose to crack a joke instead.

Nina Khrushcheva, Professor in International Relations and great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, warned the Russian leader appeared ready to risk another world war. She also said Russians were buying radiation pills and “preparing for disaster”.

Ms Khrushcheva, who is a professor at New York’s The New School, said the dictator’s “grandiose rhetoric” about a “new world order” suggested he was contemplating a global confrontation.

Ms Khrushcheva, who is currently in Russia, also warned that the public were stockpiling radiation pills and “preparing for something disastrous” because nobody knowns what Putin might do next.

In Moscow the Kremlin leader was asked to reassure an audience at think-tank the Valdai Discussion Club that the world was not on the verge of nuclear annihilation – and chose to respond with a long pause.

When host Fyodor Lukyanov pointed out that his silence was “alarming”, a smirking Putin responded: “I did that on purpose so you would be on your guard. The effect has been achieved.”

Putin used his annual speech to the Valdai Club to lay out his foreign policy agenda, proclaiming that Western world order was crumbling and that the time had come to establish a “multipolar world order” in which Moscow gets a bigger say.

Blaming Western leaders for fanning the flames of war in Ukraine and Taiwan, Putin also accused them of sparking an energy crisis and strangling

Armageddon and Putin’s next step global food markets – all things that he has been criticised for.

The president also spoke at length about nuclear weapons, having threatened the West several times with an atomic strike – sparking fears he may also use one in Ukraine.

The Russian despot denied he had any plans to use one on his neighbour, saying there was “no political or military justification” for doing so.

But he also referred back to Russia’s nuclear doctrine which allows them to be used in the event the country is threatened which – at least ac-

cording to the Kremlin – now includes occupied parts of Ukraine.

Mr Lukyanov pointed out that this was the 60th anniversary of the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis – which was resolved when Mr Khrushchev chose to withdraw Soviet nukes from Cuba.

Putin was asked whether he could imagine taking Mr Khrushchev’s position if the crisis were to repeat itself, and replied: “No way.”

Asked to clarify whether that means there will be no nuclear standoff, or whether he would

have refused to back down, Putin responded only: “I cannot imagine myself in the role of Khrushchev.”

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Nina Khrushcheva said Putin “clearly doesn’t think in the same terms’ as her greatgrandfather.

“When Khrushchev was ousted one of the allegations was he took rockets away from Cuba and after that the Soviet Union looked weak.

“Khrushchev said,’What, I was supposed to start a world war?’

“Putin clearly doesn’t think in those terms. He thinks ‘it is our way and the way I decide it is going to be and we’re not going to back off’.

“I’m not going to put words in his mouth – he didn’t say ‘otherwise it will be a world war’ – but it does seem... that he may be ready to have a war instead of adjusting his political behaviour.”

Questioned about the current atmosphere in Russia, where she is working, Ms Khrushcheva said there was a “palpable” sense of paranoia about what Putin would do.

“Society is getting more desperate,” she said. “It is frozen in despair – not even fear, despair – we don’t know what is going to happen [or] what tomorrow brings.

“The last month of nuclear conversation... there is a story [that sales of radiation pills] went up 70%. People are preparing for something disastrous.”

Fears of nuclear escalation have been building as the war in Ukraine grinds into its ninth month with Kyiv on the front foot and Putin nowhere near achieving his aims.

Biden’s low profile in run up to primary President Jose Biden, as the Primaries November 8 date draws close, has acknowledged Americans’ struggle to cope with painfully high inflation, while touting the progress his administration had made toward a post-pandemic recovery. He closed his recent remarks with a stark warning: if Republicans win control of Congress, they would create “chaos” in the economy.

In the final days before the November 8 election, Biden will ramp up his campaign trail appearances, with plans to visit Pennsylvania, Florida, New Mexico and Maryland to stump for Democratic candidates.

But his relatively low profile is part of a concerted strategy designed for an unpopular president in a challenging election year.

“To the extent he’s less vis-

ible, and maybe even invisible, it’s a plus for Democrats because it lets the candidates run their own campaigns on

their own issues,” says Larry Sabato, director of the Centre for Politics at the University of Virginia. “Out of sight, out

of mind, so to speak...”

On the line this November is not only control of Congress. The outcome will also have far-reaching implications for Biden’s presidency – and his legacy. And Biden believes the stakes are even higher for American democracy.

“If we lose this off-year election, we’re in real trouble,” Biden told supporters at a private fundraiser in Philadelphia for the Senate candidate John Fetterman.

The violent assault on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, only underscored the danger of elevating candidates who embrace election conspiracies as several Republican nominees for state and federal office have done, Biden said.

“What makes us think one party can talk about stolen

elections, Covid being a hoax, [that it’s] all a bunch of lies, and it not affect people who may not be so well balanced?” Biden asked, delivering an urgent speech at the annual Pennsylvania Democratic Party’s Independence dinner. “What makes us think that it’s not going to alter the political climate? Enough is enough is enough.”

Historical trends and current polling point to a Republican takeover of one or both chambers of Congress, an outcome that would greatly, if not entirely, curtail Democrats policy ambitions on abortion, gun control, voting rights and healthcare reform.

The White House has defended Biden’s travel schedule, noting that he has been on the road almost nonstop in recent months to promote the party’s agenda and draw

a sharp contrast with Republicans.

“When the president speaks, he has a large bully pulpit,” White House Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. “And he has been able, in the past several weeks, to set that national conversation.”

With few exceptions, presidents tend to enter the midterm elections less popular than when they entered office, and it is not unusual for candidates to seek distance from an unpopular party leader during an election year.

Yet Biden, who relishes the rope line and retail politics, has cut a more discreet presence on the campaign trail than either Trump or Obama, both of whom saw their approval ratings fall during the first years of their presidencies.

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Clonmel Oil Steeplechase News

The Clonmel Oil Steeplechase

Clonmel Racecourse have announced details of this year’s Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Steeplechase. It is due to take place at Powerstown Park on Thursday 17th November. This will be the 20th year of sponsorship

by Clonmel Oil.

The Clonmel Oil Chase has an illustrious roll of honour with two Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes in Imperial Call and War Of Attrition and two Champion Chase winners Edredon Bleu and Sizing Europe among those to have

used the race as part of their build-up to success at the highest level. Then there was dual Cheltenham scorer Douvan, a six-time Grade 1 winner over fences during a magnificent career, who bowed out on a high when comfortably tak-

ing this race on what proved to be his final outing. The 2021 renewal race was won by the Joseph O’Brien trained Fakir D’Oudairies which followed up his Clonmel Oil Chase success with Grade 1 wins at Ascot and Aintree.

It may come as a surprise to learn that the Grade 2 contest has produced 13 Grade 1 winners over fences in the last 10 years. It’s a very good early season pointer and the timing of the race is key to it. Most of the horses have got a run under their belt and it’s perfectly timed for Christmas. It comes at a great time for trainers to give their horses a run before the big festive races and then kick on. For the previous winners to have achieved what they have done is a very positive advertisement for the race. Clonmel is a fair test and the trip of two and a half miles is ideal for horses that don’t want to stretch themselves any further at this early stage of the season.

Willie Mullins is the most successful trainer in the race’s history. He won three-in-arow from 2018 – 2020 with Kemboy, Douvan and Bachasson. He recently indicated that stable stars, dual Ryanair Chase winner Allaho and the exciting six year old Galopin

Des Champs are possible runners in this year’s race. What an attraction either of those would be if they were to make their seasonal debut at Clonmel on November 17th.

Clonmel Oil, who will be holding a race card draw during racing for a €100 fuel voucher, are sponsoring three other races on the card. The afternoon will also feature the TA Morris Memorial Irish EBF Listed Mares Chase and the Connolly’s Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.

The action gets underway at 12.40pm with the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.

Admission is only €15 (OAP €10) and can be paid on the day or tickets can be pre-purchased via www.clonmelraces.ie . There will be live music in the Club Stand Bar after racing until approximately 5.30pm. All in all in promises to be a great afternoon of National Hunt racing at one of the most picturesque racecourses in the country.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Picture special Merissa, Annalise & John O’Reilly, Kaitlyn Sweeney

Kayla & Mia O’Neill, Eli Doran

Enjoying the Halloween Party at Market Cross Shopping Centre

Halloween

Party at Market Cross

Shopping Centre All photos by Jack Moore Flynn, Stephanie, Ehlke & Yammis Jimmy O’Reilly, Daniel & Barney Heffernan

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Picture special

Kara & Kaia O’Shea

Hannah & Ellie Ryan Julia & Hazel Hoyne

Thomas & Amelia Hayes

Katelyn Fleming

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News

Row grows over new rule on anti-parasitic drugs New prescription-only rules to be placed on the sale of antiparasitic medicines from next month sees Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue under pressure to intervene in a deepening stalemate between farm organisations, merchants, pharmacists, vets and the department itself.

While farm leaders and licensed merchants demand

trained ‘Responsible Persons’ (RPs) be allowed to continue to provide products, including wormers, pour-ons, fly control and flukicides to farmers, veterinary representatives insist “the way we use anti-parasitic products has got to change” to reduce resistance.

Addressing another Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on the Veterinary Me-

dicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2022, Veterinary Ireland warned the incoming mandatory requirement for electronic prescriptions for veterinary medicinal products/feeds from December 1 may also “push some vets into earlier retirement”.

It comes as a new national database on the distribution of all

veterinary medicinal products shows prescribing for dry cow and lactating cow therapy has reduced since the first tranche of EU-wide regulations on prudent prescribing began in January.

Veterinary Ireland CEO Finbarr Murphy said: “Since January, the prescribing of intermammary antimicrobials for dry cow has reduced by 25.3pc and

the prescribing of lactating cow intermammary antimicrobials has reduced by 6.5pc.

“This not only represents a prudent reduction in antibiotics, but represents a saving to Irish farmers of approximately €3.4m in the first nine months of 2022.”

Minister McConalogue is considering legal opinion from ICOS proposing legal recogni-

tion for RPs and upskilling of staff to protect affected businesses and market competition.

A spokesperson for the minister said: “The key for the Minister is to ensure that levels of anti-parasitic resistance are addressed while crucially continuing to offer farmers choice in how they purchase their antiparasitic products.”

Basic food cost up 20% since Ukraine war, survey finds The cost of basic food produce has significantly increased since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, according to a survey by the Irish Independent.

Chicken fillets have increased by at least 20% in four of Ireland’s leading supermarkets while the cost of milk, cheese and bread has also significantly increased since February.

In the past eight months, groceries have continued to soar across the country. The survey by the Irish Independent has found that meat and dairy products are seeing the biggest increase.

Since February, a basket of shopping in SuperValu is €8.61 more expensive (up 19%), Aldi’s is €5.58 dearer (up 17%), a basket in Dunnes Stores has increased by €7.82 (up 16%), Tesco is €3.69 dearer (up 9%) and a shopping trip to Lidl has increased by €2.61 (up 7%).

As part of the analysis, the prices of bread, milk, butter, pasta, chicken breasts, soft drinks, crisps, cereal, eggs, tea bags, cheese, ham, yoghurt, potatoes, bananas, toilet roll and apples were noted.

For each shop, we stuck to the same brand for each item or the closest possible product.

The biggest price hikes have been seen in dairy and meat items. Chicken fillets (500g) in Aldi now cost €5.29, which is 28% more expensive than in February, while Dunnes Stores’ Moy Park chicken fillets are 25% dearer.

The price of milk has also increased significantly over the

past eight months, with Aldi’s own-brand three-litre carton now costing €2.90, a 61 cent increase, while Lidl’s milk is 26% dearer.

Tesco has increased the price of its own-brand two-litre bottle of milk by 8%, SuperValu’s is 20pc dearer and Dunnes Stores has increased its milk by 11pc.

A loaf of Brennan’s bread has also increased by at least 14% in all five supermarkets.

In Aldi, Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and SuperValu, a white pan of Brennan’s bread was €1.75 in February and is now €1.99.

The price of yoghurt and cheese continues to soar. Aldi’s 350g block of cheddar was €1.75 in February and is now €2.19 — a 25% increase in price — while SuperValu has similarly increased the price of its own-brand 400g block of cheddar cheese by 27% in the past eight months.

Lidl’s 1kg of own-brand Greek yoghurt has increased by 23% since February, while a 500g tub of Fage Greek-style yoghurt in Dunnes is now 10% dearer.

Compared to July, a basket of the same 17 items in SuperValu has increased by 9%, Aldi is now 8% dearer, Tesco has gone up by 4%, Dunnes is 3% dearer, but Lidl is 7% cheaper.

The items that were cheaper in Lidl this week compared to July were chicken breasts, cheese and toilet roll.

Aldi remains the cheapest supermarket overall for this basket of 17 items, followed by Lidl, Tesco, Dunnes Stores and SuperValu.

Thanks for the tip... it’s mine now Next month sees a new law coming into effect to protect employees’ tips from being taken by management or used to pay their wages.

The legislation under the Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 will force employers in industries such as food service and hairdressing to clearly display their policy on how gratuities are distributed among staff.

This will ensure more “clarity for customers” and see the distribution of service charges among staff,

according to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said employers had until December 1 to prepare for the required changes.

“Tips can form a significant percentage of a worker’s take-home pay and these changes go a long way to ensuring those tips are distributed to the people who have earned them,” he said.

“This new law is a positive step towards improving the rights and entitlements of

lower-paid workers as well as providing transparency for customers.

“While most employers treat their staff fairly, this will help to stamp out bad practices, where they exist, and give customers the confidence that gratuities are paid to staff.”

The legislation will provide employees a legal entitlement to receive tips and gratuities paid in electronic form.

It requires that tips and gratuities be paid to workers in a manner that is fair in the circumstances.

Any payment named a

“service charge” or similar, will have to be distributed to staff as if it were a tip or gratuity received by electronic means.

The legislation sets out that a fair distribution of tips will be “context-specific, taking into account such matters as the seniority or experience of an employee, the value of sales generated by them, the number of hours worked, and so on,” the department said.

The act requires the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to review the legislation after it has been in effect for one year.

Clune: the Single Market can bring us opportunities The evolving Single Market can bring new opportunities for Ireland, according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune following a high profile public hearing to mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of the European Single Market.

The event highlighted the achievements and discussed the future direction of this cornerstone of the European Union.

MEP Clune, a member of the European Parliaments Internal Market and Consumer Protec-

tion Committee, said: “The Single Market has brought huge benefits to Ireland.

“It has delivered greater quality and choice to consumers and for businesses large and small the freedom to trade in one of the world’s largest econ-

omies,” the MEP said.

Ms Clune said the Single Market was now evolving to respond to the challenges of Climate Change, Covid-19 and the invasion of Ukraine.

“The energy crisis and shortage of key products during the

pandemic have highlighted Europe’s dependency on global supply chains,” she said.

This had led to new rules reflecting the need for more strategic autonomy along with environmental sustainability.

“As a result the EU is looking

to develop a resilient economy that promotes locally produced goods alongside secure renewable energy.

“Ireland is ideally placed to play a prominent role and benefit from this new stage of the Single Market.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News

Young Food Producer 2022

MacDonagh was proud to continue its long tradition of organising and hosting the Savour Young Food Producer’s Market on Saturday 29th October 2022.

This one-day market showcased the culinary skills and delightful inventions of young chefs, bakers, and entrepreneurs from ages 10 to 17.

There were 3 judges on the day: Mary Whelan from the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, Molly Coogan Kilkenny’s Rose of Tralee, & Ian Brennan, Manager of the Clubhouse Hotel.

While every student was a winner on the day, there were several prizes on offer in the categories of: Best Presentation & Taste, Best Display and Highly Commended.

Orlaith Fallon was named overall winner; Amy Lawlor, Lauren Daly and Ella Lawlor won the Runner Up prize, Colin Murray won Best Display and Richie Mullally won Highly Commended.

Centre Manager Marion Acreman spoke of her excitement launching the event: “Our ethos of allowing young entrepreneurs test the market environment by showcasing at the shopping centre fits well into this vibrant exciting event

as part of the fantastic Savour food festival and again this year the team at MacDonagh Junction were hugely impressed with the high standard delivered by our young food producers, we predict a bright culinary future for Kilkenny as they develop their talents in the years ahead”.

MacDonagh Junction, in conjunction with LEO & Cater Care, organised food hygiene training for all the students in the run up to the market.

Follow MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on Facebook and Instagram for more event photos.

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Christmas is coming to a neighbourhood near you!

CHRISTMAS has different meanings and memories for us all. For some it’s a very happy time and for others it can be a time of sadness and silent reflection as we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, or those who just can’t make it home. Christmas begins earlier every year these days with the adverts of glossy shiny toys and games of all sorts and sizes for every boy and girl in the audience.

Now, in the days of yore our Christmas kicked off when we got the holidays from school.

The putting up of the decorations and the tree meant the big day was getting nearer. The tree with its beautiful coloured lights went in the corner of the hall, on display to one and all who called or looked through the window, for these few days would be minus the net curtains that were all the fashion of the time. Unlike today the number of sockets were limited, and none in the halls of our homes. So how did we light the tree? Easy, we just changed the lead so we could plug into the ceiling light socket. Hit the hall light switch!

hey presto! and the reflection of the shining lights was there to be seen in the eyes of the youngest child of each house.

A few days before the big day, unlike today, a real Turkey would be collected or delivered to the house. The big bird was plucked and hung by its legs on the back door to let blood flow to its head. Eventually to have its head and claws chopped off by the sharpest tool in the house ready for the big day.

It was now time to do the shopping for the presents we were going to leave Under the tree for the family Christmas morning. You were wrapped up tight. Scarf, anorak, or in later years the Duffle coat, and the hat and gloves your mother had spent evenings by the fire knitting not just for you but all the children of the household.

The last few years we have heard of people heading to foreign lands, with New York be one of the favourite destinations, but our Macy’s, the largest store in Kilkenny, was Woolworths. The home of everything you could need for

the family. With the presents now in hand, it was off home again. The streets were alive with the atmosphere of Christmas. The High street bright with lights. Stopping off at the singing crib in the centuries old Black Abbey. Taking a stalk of straw for the wallet and purse to ensure good financial fortune for the year to come.

Arriving back in the estate the first sight you saw was the bright lights shining through the hall windows. In the door, presents gone up stairs to be wrapped. If too young to do the wrapping, or unable, into the fire to warm the freezing little hands and get a hot drink into your cold body that was now starting to tremble with anticipation as the big night draws nearer. Will the big man bring you what you asked for?

It is Christmas Eve. The house now is buzzing with excitement. Underneath the hanging decorations that always, for some unknown reason stretched from the corner of the room to the centre light and then another arc to the far corner. The mothers were busy doing the preparation for the

big feast. Some watching the clock timing the cake and pudding in the oven while we were told not to make any sudden noises in case they went “Flat”.

Others watching the clock for the lost family member who sent a letter the week before saying, they’d be home for Christmas Outside the sky was clear and full of stars as some of the kids looked up to see if they could see that magical sledge passing in the sky “come in and close the door, stop letting the heat out, he won’t be here for hours yet. Listen! he is still in the North pole”. Sitting down, looking up at the big PYE valve radio as if it was a 52inch wide screen TV. “HO HO I’ll be heading your way soon boys and girls so remember to go to bed early HO HO HO”. It was now the nerves really set in.

Now we all remember how hard it was to sleep. It usually lasted for just a few hours. Then, you woke. Heart ponding. Calling one of your older brothers or sisters. “Has he been here yet?” Looking out the back window to see was there any lights on in the

houses around the block.

Slowly we would make our way down the steps of the landing. Around the steps at the top. Slowly and nervously going down the stairs one step

at a time. Around the final corner. Christmas Tree lights shining brightly………The big gasp of air…….. “ Mammy Daddy look what Santa brought me.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Butler Gallery’s inaugural Craft Fair this weekend SHOPPERS in Kilkenny are reminded that they have a unique opportunity this weekend to visit Butler Gallery’s first ever Craft Fair and support local designers, makers and jobs in the region.

The inaugural Craft Fair opens this Friday, November 4, from 10am to 7pm and continues on Saturday 5th from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday, November 6 from 11am to 5pm.

Work from a host of local Designers and Makers will be for sale, offering locals and visitors to the region a fantastic opportunity to invest in hand-made Irish gifts. The inaugural Craft Fair includes an unrivalled selection of ceramics, jewellery and glass as well as textiles, wood, metals and precious metals as well as paper and mixed media.

Rebecca Reynolds, Development Director, Butler Gallery, said: “Shoppers will recognise many of the makers exhibiting and discover lots of makers that might be new to them. It’s a great opportunity to support local South East businesses and pick up some unique and quality Irish made gifts ahead of the rush this Christmas.”

The Kilkenny

Observer

Closing date for entries Friday 25th November 5pm.

T&Cs apply

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Support Local and Support Your Community This Christmas When you support anything local you are investing in your own welfare, and this is also true when you support local business. The money you spend stays within the local community. Your money goes towards paying wages which should be re-spent within the local economy. Local business pay rates go towards paying for your street lighting, street cleaning and streetscapes along with the upkeep of playgrounds, parks, walkways, libraries, community centres etc. The list goes on.

Local businesses are owned or managed by local people who have invested their lives into their shop, salon, office, café, restaurant, bar, workshop, factory, services or facilities. They support and sponsor local charities, clubs, neighbourhoods and schools.

They are involved in the community, they know you, and you know them.

Your choice is important in

maintaining a strong local economy and community, when you buy ‘online’ you are losing that personal touch, you are now dealing with a faceless person and the rules and conditions have changed. You will struggle to receive feedback if there is an issue and you lose out on the chance that a quick re-visit to a local business will solve any problem. Instead you have the long telephone wait, obeying some machine’s instructions while you waste hours waiting to talk to somebody who in the end, does not have the authority to help you. It is so true that local business customer service is better, because it has to be. They depend on you and will go that extra mile to ensure that they have a happy customer because they want to see you again and again.

Local businesses create local jobs, they provide the training, skills, up-skilling, and education of their staff to go

further to provide a service that will deliver value to you.

Be it a new business or long established, they all need one thing, and that is your support and they in turn will support you in making sure you are a happy and longtime customer.

The experience of shopping, using a service, or spending time in a café, bar or restaurant should be a rewarding one .You should not only admire a locally manufactured product, piece of art and craft, or food produce but you should also be proud of your close proximity to its creation.

A sense of pride that you are purchasing the very best that is available in your locality.

Local businesses will interact with you to provide the service you require. You can discuss your requirements, negotiate a deal, make a plan, work together outside the normal parameters, and be

more exact or more flexible.

You can work together to best suit both of your needs. You can build a relationship with a business owner or manager so that they know how best to serve you. They can get to know your likes, taste, style, what pleases you and they can inform you of new arrivals, trends, and products. They can order stock with you in mind. They can look out for you.

Local businesses create growth in our local economy, community and neighbourhood. Their success encourages others to set up a new business, expand an existing business, develop stronger and more sustainable communities, and encourages more investment from local and national government agencies. Success builds on success, community builds on strong community efforts.

When people see good they want to be a part of that good,

when people see greatness they want to be associated with creating that greatness.

A thriving local economy encourages more people to explore the business world, setting up new enterprises which in turn serve your needs better. A strong local economy can provide additional opportunities in the expansion of people’s social interactions, education and health. It gives people more options when choosing how to live their lives.

Local businesses are working hard but need your support.

In return, you get to live within a thriving community with a promising future for our young (and not so young) individuals. A community we can all enjoy and be proud of.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

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Feature

Pope Francis appoints Father Niall Coll as Bishop of Ossory His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Father Niall Coll, a priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory.

The diocese, which covers much of counties Kilkenny as well as parts of Laois and Offaly, has been without a bishop since Archbishop Dermot Farrell was appointed to the archdiocese of Dublin in 2018. Bishop Denis Nulty of the neighbouring diocese of Kildare and Loughlin has been the apostolic administrator of Ossory since then, but the Vatican has announced that the new bishop will be Fr Niall Coll.

Fr Coll was born in 1963 in Letterkenny and has been a priest since 1988 and studied in Maynooth, Rome and Dublin.He has been a teacher at St Eunan’s College

in Letterkenny, lecturer at St Patrick’s College in Carlow and a curate and parish priest at different parishes in Co Donegal, as well as Professor of Religious Studies and

Bishop Elect, Mgr. Niall Coll, with Bishop Denis Nulty, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory, and Mgr Julian Kaboré, Chargé d’Affairés of the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin

Loreto Students who attended the mass pictured with Bishop Nulty at St Mary’s Cathedral

Religious Education between 2001 and 2019. His current parish is Donegal and Clar.

The incoming bishop is also a contributor to various publications including Doctrine and Life, The Furrow, The Irish Theological Quarterly and The Tablet.

His appointment as Bishop of Ossory was confirmed by Pope Francis and announced at a mass in the Cathedral of St Mary in Kilkenny, celebrated by Bishop Nulty and Monsignor Julian Kaboré who is the chargé d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in

Ireland.

Life and Ministry of Bishopelect Niall Coll Niall Coll was born on 25 August 1963 in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

During his ministry, Bishop-elect Niall Coll, in conjunction with his priestly appointments, has conducted retreats for clergy, is a contributor to various publications, including Doctrine and Life, The Furrow, The Irish Theological Quarterly and The Tablet, and in addition was the Editorial Director of the Catholic

Bishop Nulty with Gemma Mulligan, Ann Daly and Sr. Helen Maher

Micael Mokrzycki (Bookshop Manager) Mgr Coll, Bishop Nulty, and Mgr Julien Kabore

School ethos journal Le Chéile.

The following is the address given by Bishop Coll at St Marys Cathedral on Friday October 28th.

“Please know that I am as surprised as you that I find myself standing before you this morning as the future bishop of Ossory.

A telephone call from the apostolic nunciature on a recent Sunday evening asking me to come to Dublin for a meeting began a process that brings me here today to what is the beginning of a new life and ministry for me, and a new chapter for the Ossory diocese. Monsignor Julien Kabore, Charge d’Affaires, was kindness itself in how he broke the news and firm in his resolve that I accept the appointment. An Ulsterman in deepest Leinster? A bishop

who had spent most of his ministry in the world of education? But here I am!

Truly, I am feeling daunted by the prospect and know that it will only be by God’s grace and your welcome and ongoing support that I will be able to minister fruitfully here.

Pondering the long journey from Donegal to Kilkenny, from the northwest extremity of Ulster to the southern extremes of Leinster, I draw courage from the memory of Saint Canice, patron of Kilkenny City and secondary patron of Ossory and obviously Saint Kieran the patron of Ossory. As an Ulsterman Canice, hailing from Dungiven in Co. Derry, not too far from my native heath, who also found himself called to minister in Ireland’s sunny southeast, and Kieran too travelled from Cape

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Feature

Brian Roche, Principal St John’s Senior School, meets the new bishop

Fr Dan Bollard, Parish Priest of Thomastown and Vicar Foraine greets Mgr Coll in St Mary’s Cathedral

Fr Dan Carroll, Team Leader of St John’s Parish and Vicar Foraine meets Mgr Coll in St Kieran’s College

Clear to this wonderful part of our land. As an interested history student in Maynooth College in the early 1980s, I recall History Society excursions to both Aghaboe and Saint Canice’s Church of Ireland Cathedral where I was delighted to learn about the reach of that great man of faith from the north. But I wasn’t completely provincial in outlook at the time and was thus able to duly acknowledge the contribution of both the local Gael and Norman to the faith, history and architecture of this region in the shape of such delights as Jerpoint Abbey, Black Friar’s Church and Kilkenny Castle. In addition, I also recall trips to Saint Kieran’s College to visit fellow Raphoe students who were pursuing their studies for the priesthood there.

Coming as I do from the mainly soccer culture of east Donegal, my knowledge of hurling, that game so close to Kilkenny and Laois hearts, will test very few of you. But I have always been fascinated by the skill and dance of the game. My knowledge of this part of the world, of Ossory, comes mostly in the shape of the sons and daughter of the diocese whom I have encountered over the years.

I think right away of the untiring and much respected Sr Canice (Maura Drea) who was principal of the

CBS Secondary School greet new bishop

CBS primary school, Kilkenny talk hurling with the new bishop

neighbouring Loreto Convent School in Letterkenny when I was a student at Saint Eunan’s College. She died here in Kilkenny last year at an advanced age. May she rest in peace. I think of Fathers Tom Norris and Willie Dalton, priests of this diocese, who taught me theology and canon law respectively at Maynooth College. Both were passionate and insightful lecturers. I think also of the Ossory students I studied with both in Maynooth and Rome, and particularly those Ossory students, now seasoned priests of this diocese, I taught in Carlow College during my three-year sojourn there in the 1990s. And I mustn’t forget to mention those Ossory priests who pursued further theological studies in Carlow at the same time. It’s a relief for me to know that I

arrive here not a total stranger to all!

But arriving as something of a stranger in new places to work and minister has been, I must admit, a sustained pattern in my life. After Carlow and three years in both school and parish in beautiful Dungloe in Raphoe diocese’s northwest, I found myself out of the diocese again teaching student teachers, both primary and post primary, and postgraduates in Saint Mary’s University College, Belfast.

The partition of this island is probably at its deepest in the world of education: different paymasters and different curricula, meant that I had to acquaint myself with a quite different northern system (of Catholic education) and its wonderful personnel.

After nearly two decades

there I returned home, at the height of the pandemic, to the Raphoe diocese and parish life, first in Ballintra, then Donegal Town and Clar.

Covid-19 has been hard on people and parishes and, as you know, recovery from it has been slow and we don’t yet have clarity on its full effects. It is likely to cast a long shadow well into the future. I am heartbroken to be leaving the parish of Donegal and Clar and want to thank the people there for the welcome and support they offered me over my brief sojourn of less than a year and a half among them. I would also like to thank Bishop Alan McGuckian, the priests and so many other lay faithful of the Raphoe diocese for their support and kindness.

I come to Ossory at a time of great challenge to faith,

a time when Irish society is increasingly secular and individualistic. The fourcentury and more long dominance of the Tridentine pattern has left Catholics almost everywhere unfamiliar with and thus unskilled in discerning and negotiating possibilities for change in church life. But, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, discern and change we must, in line with Pope Francis’ emphasis on the need for ‘synodality’. I look forward to working with the priests, people and Religious of the diocese of Ossory to enhance the work already underway here to develop a sustaining theological and pastoral vision, one able to invite, inform and enthuse a new generation of Christian witnesses.

I would like to take this

opportunity to thank Monsignor Julien Kabore for his kindness and assistance and Bishop Denis Nulty, the Apostolic Administer, for his kindness and encouragement to me since he learned of my appointment. Finally, a word of thanks to Father Richard Scriven Adm and all here present this morning I know many of the Diocesan Groups are here present… most especially the Cathedral parishioners and the students of the city catholic secondary schools – Those from Saint Kieran’s College, the Presentation Secondary School, The Loreto, and CBS Kilkenny and the school leavers class from the Mother of Fair Love Special School and those young students from the CBS Primary and Presentation Primary schools of this Cathedral parish.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

News

A day in a life of a fashionista

Hi, my name is Aoibhin Cassin, I’m twenty-one years of age and live in Bennettsbridge in Co. Kilkenny. I attend Dean’s Gate Hub, supported by St Patrick’s Centre, Kilkenny, which is situated right in the heart of Kilkenny city centre. I love fashion and I love my style. I am able to access the retail shops very easily from Dean’s Gate.

While I was out and about, I soon discovered a love for the style in Penney’s. I like to be

on trend and keeping up can be expensive so I can stay up to date with the ever-changing trends by doing a lot of my shopping in Penney’s where it doesn’t cost a bomb!

I really enjoy my shopping trips to Penney’s and love their style of clothing, their accessories and affordability!

My love of style and fashion has really grown over the years and to showcase this I was supported to come up with a plan to create a Blog

on social media. Penney’s is one of my most favourite places to shop. We approached the Manager of the Kilkenny branch of Penney’s, Jackie Costigan, and asked if she would be interested in assisting me in becoming a fashionista blogger? Jackie was so obliging and very helpful in supporting me to make this happen. We meet staff from Penney’s once a fortnight who show me the latest trends of the season.

They assist me to mix and match outfits and accessorise. I have gotten to know some lovely people along the way. Lisa and Breda have been so helpful to me.

I really enjoy meeting up and chatting about the new styles that are in and what would suit me best. Lisa and Breda recently helped me to pick out an outfit for two social occasions I have since attended. I received so many compliments on both my outfits. I was thrilled!

I needed support to get my blog up and running, while all of this was going on as I didn’t have the knowledge at that time. Stephen and Domhnall from Twilight helped me out and they were brilliant. Stephen and Domhnall came and met with me.

They asked exactly what I was looking for and explored how they could help.

It was arranged that Domhnall would work with me for just over 10 weeks. He came every Friday morning and went through the process of setting up a blog. Domhnall was very patient with us and I really enjoyed meeting up with him. After ten weeks my blog has been created and entitled ‘The Day in the Life of a Penney’s Fashionista’.

I am planning the official launch of my blog in the coming weeks and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who helped to make this happen including Emma Butler and Kathleen Drennan from Dean’s Gate Hub, Stephen Mungovan and Domhnall Ó Mathúna from Twilight Inter-

national Cultural House (as well as Murty Brennan, CEO/ Chairperson who Emma met with some months ago to find out about their supports), Jackie, Lisa and Breda from Penney’s and my Mam, Dad and family.

It really has been life enhancing to learn more about fashion which is my passion!

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Feature News

­

Communication the key as Gowran Little theatre hit right cord Words: Gerry Cody Photos: Anne Phelan Gowran Little theatre is anything but. Little I mean.

As a theatre company they are amongst the best. And that’s not just the strength they have as actors. From the moment their next production is chosen, the marketing wheels start turning.

Facebook, Twitter and direct emails begin to flow, and there is not a soul within a thirty mile radius of the town that was once the residence of the Kings of Ossory, who would not be aware that a production was nigh.

Posters and road signs follow and even when the tickets are all but sold out, they leave nothing to chance.

Marketing stops when the final curtain is drawn. That is the makeup of the group.

One hundred percent from start to finish. And so to their latest offering from one of the country’s best known and respected writers Brian Friel Brian Friel was born in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, and in 1939 moved with his family to Derry. He published two collections of short stories, ‘A Saucer of Larks’ and ‘The Gold in the Sea.’ In 1980, Brian Friel co-founded the Field Day Theatre Company in Derry. His numerous awards include the London Evening Standard Award for ‘Aristocrats’ (1988) and again for ‘The Home Place’ (2005), a Tony Award (1992)

and Laurence Olivier Award (1991) for the massively successful ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Times (1999). To mark their ninth production, Gowran chose ‘The Communication Cord’.

A response to the success of translations Critics have often noted that when a particular Friel play meets with both critical and commercial success he invariably then writes another work that satirizes the themes of the earlier play.

The third Friel play produced

by Field Day, ‘The Communication Cord’, is widely regarded as a retaliatory response to the success of Translations.

The Communication Cord is a complicated sexual farce involving several couples wherein Friel relentlessly parodies both academia and the tendency to treat the Irish past with an overly reverent attitude. Irish Time journalist Fintan O’Toole, a long-time fan of the Derry author is quoted as saying: “Friel was determined to demolish a sentimental rhetoric rendering sacred all that belonged to tradition.”

The plot centres on the character of Tim Gallagher, a junior lecturer in linguistics, who is borrowing his friend Jack’s cottage so he can pretend to his girlfriend’s father (the corrupt Senator Donovan, a local politician of the “comely maidens dancing

on the village green” variety) that he in fact owns the property and is responsible for its restoration. Tim is writing a thesis on “Discourse Analysis with Particular Reference to Response Cries,” and one of the many ironies running through the play is that his character is woefully inarticulate except in the context of discussing his thesis. Confusion and chaos abound, with every character at some point confused with another or assumed to be what they are not. As is characteristic of Friel, this confusion is achieved through linguistic descriptions and failure of communication. In a nutshell, the Sir Walter Scott quote seems apt: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive”.

Thirty years experience shows Great credit must go to director Declan Taylor for firstly casting this show with very talented actors. His almost thirty years involvement in theatre served him well as he put the actors through their paces in this funny and

sometimes hilarious farce.

Timing, facial reaction, and body movement was essential if this farce was to reach its potential. One of the problems encountered by many amateur (and some professional) groups is to allow the performance to slip over the thin line that divides farce from Pantomime.

However the cast delivered in spades. Taylor’s handprint was ‘writ large’ all over the two hour show, as move after move and laugh after laugh was delivered with precision and gusto, ensuring the Panto’ border was not just kept at a safe distance, but kicked to Christmas. This is Gowrans eight production since their inception in 2012. (Covid put a halt to two further shows) The play is set in Ballybeg, acDonegal. The first two ac tors on stage to set the scene are Alan Grant and Peter MadMad den. Both were brilliant. Teasing the audience and drawing them in, as their comedic talent got the crowd relaxed, comfortable and into the mood for the rollercoaster that was to follow. There was a bond between the two that seemed to resemble two tennis players serving ball after ball, each confident in the others ability to deliver return after return. It would be difficult to cast two actors as good. A slip or a drop of word in their dialogue would have been a disaster. No such slip occurred. One imagines they would scoff at the idea of such a thing. Confidence

­ ­

on stage is a mighty tool to own.

And there followed a stream of actors, as good as you’ll get, to tell this Friel story. Judith McCormack was unrecognisable as Nora Dan. Her characterisation of the character was flawless. Mannerisms perfection personified. Credit to whoever did her make-up.

McCormack has appeared previously with Gowran, but she played the proverbial blinder in this show. She may have played equally good roles in previous shows, but I would guess none better.

Orna Ward comes from great acting stock. As they might say in Donegal “Briseann an dúchas trí shúile an chait” (nature breaks through the eyes of the cat). Her performance proved that the apple didn’t fall far from the theatrical tree. Derek Lawler and John Kennedy are both Gowran natives and have been regular performers in plays and Pantomime. Suffice to say that both men played their parts brilliantly and contributed enormously to the laughter on the night.

Two Kilkenny based actors, Kevina Hayes and Clare Gibbs had the more difficult parts insofar as they played the straight roles. In a way this was the trump casting card played by director Tay-

lor. Both ladies have been in enough shows to realise that not all actors have the comedy lines. Both excelled, and their straight acting allowed their fellow actors garner the laughter, epitomising the importance of generous actors.

Costumes, set design and sound and light contributed greatly to the show.

Backstage crew: Mary Walsh, Brian McCormack, Mike Brown, John McCormack, Malcolm Greenslade and Andrew O’Leary. Front of house: Mary Walsh, Emily McCormack. Anne Murray, Siobhán Maher and Claire Delaney.

AND FINALLY: In an interview with ‘The Examiner’ newspaper at the end of his hurling managerial career, Brian Cody was asked what sustained him over his long career. Cody replied: “As long as you love something and have a passion for it, it is easy stay with it.”

Those two qualities seem to be in abundance in the Gowran Little Theatre Group, so it looks like they are here for the long haul. And great that it is so.

NOTE: Another Friel play, ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’, will be performed by Barnstorm theatre company in Kilkenny in November, as part of Curriculum play live 2022.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

Dine Me Food & Drink

Come

With

Butternut squash soup with chilli and crème fraîche Prep: 15 mins Cook: 50 mins Serves: 4 Come in from the cold to a comforting bowl of autumnal soup. Adding a hint of chilli to this simple butternut squash soup gives it a warming kick.

America’s classic Turf Club cocktail

Ingredients • 1 butternut squash, about 1kg, peeled and deseeded • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 2 onions, diced • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced • 2 mild red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped • 850ml hot vegetable stock • 4 tbsp crème fraîche, plus more to serve Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

STEP 2 Cut the squash into large cubes, about 4cm/1½in across, then toss in a large roasting tin with 1 tbsp of the olive oil.

STEP 3 Roast for 30 mins, turning once during cooking, until golden and soft.

STEP 4 While the butternut squash cooks, melt the butter with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the onions, garlic clove and threequarters of the chillies.

STEP 5 Cover and cook on a very low heat for 15-20 mins until the onions are completely soft.

STEP 6 Tip the butternut squash into the pan, add the stock and crème fraîche, then whizz with a stick blender until smooth.

For a really silky soup, put the soup into a liquidiser and blitz it in batches.

STEP 7 Return to the pan, gently reheat, then season to taste. Serve the soup in bowls with swirls of crème fraîche and a scattering of the remaining chopped chilli.

Oven-baked rösti cake Prep: 25 mins Cook: 1 hr and 25 mins Serves: 6-8

Ingredients • 5 tablespoons (2 1⁄2 ounces) Gin • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) Dry Vermouth • 1⁄2 teaspoon maraschino liqueur (such as Luxardo) 1⁄4 teaspoon Pernod Absinthe • 1 round orange slice • Lemon twist, for garnish

Grate potatoes into a hash brownstyle patty and cook in the oven for a convenient and tasty side dish.

Ingredients • 5 rashers streaky bacon • 1 ½kg Maris Piper potato , peeled • 5 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion • butter, for greasing For the buttercream • 150g unsalted butter, softened • 300g icing sugar • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste Method

Unlike a martini which traditionally leans on dry gin and vermouth, the Turf Club Cocktail is slightly sweet from the addition of maraschino liqueur, an aromatic liqueur distilled from cherries. This recipe leans on sweet and fresh orange to balance the juniperforward gin.

When the orange slice is expressed and stirred in the mixing glass, it adds a bit of sweet juice and a welcome of bitterness from the rind. Double straining the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve will produce a gorgeous, clarified drink.

While both are historic American cocktails, the Turf Club Cocktail is the Martini’s older (way cooler) cousin. This cocktail uses ingredients inspired by the original cocktail, with a recipe that dates back to the late 1880s.

It is an ode to the past made with timeless ingredients like dry gin, maraschino liqueur and just a dash of absinthe. While the Turf Club Cocktail hasn’t seen the same kind of love in bars and restaurants as the drier Martini, which was invented about 30 years after the Turf Club Cocktail, it seems to be making a comeback on bar menus, reigniting excitement around the 140 year old recipe.

Though it’s just a quarter teaspoon, the bit of Pernod Absinthe in this cocktail brings a luscious, earthy, green flavour; it’s made from a bouquet of herbs including anise and wormwood.

STEP 1 Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Dry-fry the bacon in a pan for 5 mins until crisp, then chop into small pieces. Boil the whole potatoes for 5 mins, drain, then place in a bowl of chilled water.

STEP 2 When cool enough to handle, pat the potatoes dry and roughly grate into a large bowl. Toss with the oil as you go, to stop them from sticking. Roughly grate the onion

and squeeze out any excess juice, then stir into the potatoes along with the bacon.

STEP 3 Place a baking sheet in the oven for 5 mins to warm through. Liberally grease a 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin with butter. Scatter the potato over the tin, trying not to pack it down, then dot all over the top with butter.

Place on the hot baking sheet and bake in the oven for 1 hr 20 mins until the potatoes are cooked through and crisp on top.

Method Combine gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Pernod Absinthe in a mixing glass.

Express the orange slice into the mixing glass.

Add expressed orange slice and ice to the mixing glass. Stir until well chilled. Double strain about 2 1/2 ounces of the mixture into a chilled, straight-sided martini glass. Strain remaining mixture into a sidecar decanter; discard orange slice. Garnish cocktail with a lemon twist. Keep the sidecar chilled in an ice filled glass.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

5

Amazon Prime going from strength to strength Now that the first season of Prime Video’s hugely expensive Lord Of The Rings series has wrapped up, attention is going to increasingly turn to some of the other big new releases that Amazon’s streaming service has coming down the pike.

The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power certainly put Prime Video on the streaming map in a way that no Prime Video service or movie has been able to do before. Of course, certain Prime Video releases over the years like Transparent, Homecoming, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Bosch, and The Boys did manage to break through and insert themselves into the pop culture conversation (as did others, including a hidden Prime Video gem that deserved way more love than it got, Mozart In The Jungle).

But once Amazon’s streamer decided to go big or go home, ultimately spending an astronomical $715 million for its eightepisode Rings prequel, it was the clearest indication yet that this is a new era for a service that’s largely

operated until now in the shadow of bigger rivals like Netflix.

Prime Video has come into its own and now offers a fantastic range of choices to suit just about any streaming taste. Releases this year like Reacher and The Terminal List have proven big-time hits with viewers — and there’s still more must-watch fare to come.

Here are two worth the watch, both of which are coming soon.

The English (coming November 11) is a co-production between Amazon Studios and the BBC, and the stars include Emily Blunt [pictured above] who plays aristocratic Englishwoman Lady Cornelia Locke.

At its core, this six-episode series is basically a Western wrapped around a lengthy chase featuring the main characters, written and directed by Hugo Black.

Blunt’s Englishwoman and an ex-calvary scout (played

by Chaske Spencer) come together in the middle America of the 1890s “to cross a violent landscape

built on dreams and blood”.

Explains Amazon: “As each obstacle is overcome, it draws them closer to their ultimate destination — the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming.

“It is here, after an investigation by the local sheriff Robert Marshall (Stephen Rea, The Shadow Line) and young widow Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner, A Hidden Life) into a series of bizarre and macabre unsolved murders, that the full extent of their intertwined history will be truly understood, and they will come faceto-face with the future they must live.”

Next up is Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Season 3 (coming December 21).

The third season of a reliably solid Prime Video spy thriller is set to hit Amazon’s streamer just over a month later.

Prime Video will drop all eight episodes of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Season 3 on Wednesday, December 21. Stars John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, and Michael Kelly are all back this time around, reprising their roles as, respectively, the

titular Jack Ryan, CIA Officer James Greer, and former CIA Officer Mike November.

Here’s the official Prime Video description of the new season: “In the third season of the action-thriller series, Jack Ryan is working as a CIA case officer in Rome, when he is tipped off that the Sokol Project, a secret plan to restore the Soviet Empire, is being resurrected more than 50 years after it was thought to have been shut down.

“Jack embarks on a mission to confirm the intelligence, but things quickly go awry, and he is wrongly implicated in a larger conspiracy.

“Accused of treason, with a Red Notice out for his arrest, Jack is forced to run from his own government, if he has any hope of uncovering the rogue faction before it’s too late.

Crisscrossing Europe as he is hunted by former allies and new enemies alike, Jack races against the clock to stop the cascade of destabilising conflicts from leading to global catastrophe.”

Enjoy...

Creator Murphy defends Dahmer series Dahmer creator Ryan Murphy has stressed that the production team were always ‘thinking about the victims’ despite the ongoing backlash of the Netflix series.

The streaming giant’s 10-parter based on Dahmer’s crimes has been heavily criticised by viewers and surviving members of the victims’ families, despite achieving record-breaking viewing figures.

Jeffrey Dahmer, who was also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal or the Milwaukee Monster, was an American

serial killer and sex offender who murdered 17 boys andmen between 1978 and 1991.

Dahmer was convicted of 16 murders and sentenced to life in prison back in 1992, before being beaten to death by a fellow inmate in 1994.

However, TV writer Murphy claims that the objective was to tell a “complicated” human story.

“We weren’t really interested in Dahmer the monster,” he said.

“It was [about] who was complicit in making the monster. There were many,

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many different things involved in that. It was a complicated human story.

It tackled systemic racism, homophobia.

“We were always thinking of the victims,” he added during a press conference at Netflix headquarters.

During another event, the Glee creator also claimed that none of the contacted family members responded to them during the process.

“It’s something that we researched for a very long time,” he said.

“And we, over the course

of the three, three and a half years when we were really writing it, working on it, we reached out to 20, around 20 of the victims’ families and friends trying to get input, trying to talk to people and not a single person responded to us in that process.

“So we relied very, very heavily on our incredible group of researchers who... I don’t to us trying to uncover the truth of these people.”

The Netflix horror has been watched a massive 701.37 million hours by audiences.

Recommended.

Advertisement TV & Streaming

just landed to watch now on Netflix 1. Enola Holmes 2

If you’re ready for a new familyfriendly Netflix original film, for example, the sequel to 2020’s Enola Holmes (also on Netflix) has you covered there.

It stars Millie Bobby Brown of Strangers Things fame as the younger sister of the most famous detective in all of fiction. In this follow-up to the original film, Sherlock’s sis has now opened a detective agency of her own, in an attempt to follow in the footsteps of the elder Holmes. Eventually, a penniless matchstick girl comes to Enola with a job, asking for her help in finding the girl’s missing sister. That single case takes Enola from London’s factories to its music halls, to elite corners of high society — and even to 221B Baker Street. I

2. Blockbuster

Blockbuster has so much going for it. Randall Park plays Timmy Yoon, a wide-eyed dreamer who comes to learn that he’s operating the very last Blockbuster video store in the US. Commence an us-against-them fight to stay relevant, led by Timmy and his employees (who include his long- time crush Eliza, played by Melissa Fumero). And if all this wasn’t enough, the timeline continues bending in on itself.

3. The Fabulous

The Fabulous is an eight-episode Korean drama about the dreams and the romances among a group of friends who dedicate themselves to the fashion industry.

Definitely put this one on your list if you loved the 2017 K- drama I Am Not a Robot. The ridiculously likeable lead actress in that one, Chae Soo-bin, is one of the friends here in The Fabulous.

4. Killer Sally

This three-episode docuseries unpacks the story of one of the most notorious crimes in the world of bodybuilding. The crime, a deadly shooting, happened on Valentine’s Day in 1995. Ray McNeil was a national bodybuilding champion, shot dead by his wife Sally (also a bodybuilder) as he was choking her. Sally claimed it was in self- defence, and pointed to a history of domestic abuse.

Prosecutors argued that it was pre-meditated murder.

5. Manifest S4

The return flight, pun absolutely intended, of the canceled-andnow-resurrected sci-fi series Manifest, with Part 1 of its fourth season now on Netflix.

Two years after the brutal murder of Grace turned their lives upside down, the Stone family is in shambles as a devastated Ben continues to mourn his wife and search for his kidnapped daughter, Eden. Consumed by his grief, Ben has stepped down from his role as co-captain of the lifeboat, leaving Michaela to captain it alone.

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News Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO Lotto Results. Numbers drawn - 3, 17, 22. No jackpot winner. Next week’s jackpot - €6,050.

Winners of €30 Yvonne Moseley. Breda Gleeson. Coral Darcy.

Brian Nolan. Margaret Logue Thanks for supporting the local lotto.

ATHLETICS Well done to Aaron Carrigan in Bellurgan Park in Dundalk at the Leinster U12 even-age Cross County Championships recently.

Aaron came second and won a silver medal in the U12 Boys Leinster Championship. Aaron was just pipped when finishing after leading for practically the entire 2000m.

Aaron’s U12 Gowran AC team won Gold and the Kilkenny Boys U12 Team also won Gold with Aaron leading the way for both club and County teams.He will now compete on the 20th of November in Rosapenna Golf course, Downings in Donegal in the All Ireland even-age U12 Cross Country Championship.

Chairperson Theresa Aylward presenting the Cup to Emeralds Minor Team joint Captains Lucy Kavanagh (left) and Saoirse Bourke on Sunday in Palmerstown.

Eddie Buckley, Paddy Deegan, Pat Carroll, Mikey Butler, Johnny Holohan, and Huw Lawlor at the launch of Pat Carroll’s continued sponsorship of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. Hurler of the Year - just reward for a great year for him.

PAT CARROLL’S SPONSORSHIP O’Loughlin Gaels is grateful for Pat Carroll’s, Ballybought Street for their continued sponsorship of our adult teams. The popular pub has committed again for the 2023 season and we look forward to our continued partnership with them. First up is a run at the u21 championship which continues in two week’s time.

Best of luck to all involved U16s COUNTY FINAL The rescheduled u16s camogie county final had been fixed to 2pm this coming Saturday. A venue has yet to be confirmed but all updates will be posted on the clubs social media. Please support our teams. Sponsors - MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre

Clara’s Aaron Carrigan, representing Gowran AC, on his way to a silver medal in the Boys U12 Cross Country Championships.

U21S BOW OUT Clara’s U21 hurlers were beaten in the first round of the Roinn D championship at Palmerstown on Sunday by a good Tullaroan outfit. This game was tight most of the way but Tullaroan pulled away late to gain a flattering but deserving 2-16 to 1-8 win over a Clara side that were short a number of key players.

Team - Jack Murphy, Zach Lawlor, Evan Whearty, Ben Murphy, Noelie O Brien, Shane Staunton, James Casey, Conor Cody, Brandon Ryan, Adam Harding, Conor Booth, Sean Carrigan, Harry Boyle, Ruairi Breen, Charlie Ryan. Subs Alex McDonald, Luke Dunne, Nick O Keeffe.

EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and one sheet €10; Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support.

EMERALDS CAMOGIE Well done to Emeralds Minors for winning the Gaeltec Minor Roinn C League/Championship, beating The Rower Inistioge 5-10 to 1-02 on Sunday in Palmerstown (Dicksboro). Well done girls, a great achievement!

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO October 24th prize fund was: €10,100. Jackpot: €8,100. Numbers drawn: 1, 11, 27 and 30, bonus no 25. No winner and one match 3 winner: Melissa Beehan.

Five lucky dips of €20 each: Lorraine Nicholson, Gary Peters, Lisa Ryan, Nicholas Healy, Paul Minogue. Promoters prize: B. Troy.

Next draw takes place on Tuesday, November 1st in the Clubrooms. Results next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Save the date: Knitting and Crochet Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning on Friday, December 2 in the Centre, from 11am1pm.

Hope to see you there.

LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www.millfrcurlingford.com Defibrillator: Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

Youth Club: Please note that the Mill Youth Club has reached capacity and cannot currently accept any new members.

Mindfulness: Can help reduce anxiety and stress and improve overall mental health. We are running a 5-week Mindfulness programme beginning Thursday, November 3 from 11-12 in the Centre. If you would like to attend please contact us at the number below.

Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes one-to-one, family and teens, aged 12+.

General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.

Other Counselling Services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions.

Play therapy is now also available.

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

Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.

SET DANCING In Urlingford Community Centre, every Tuesday at 8.30pm.

Dancing to live music with Danny Webster. Sets called by Paddy Martin. Come along for a great night of dancing!

CONCERT Music, song and dance, Friday November 4th at 8.30pm in Graine Hall. In aid of Clomantagh Heritage Group. Admission €5 (including door prize). Eircode E41 WR44.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot is Sally Hickey who won €511.

Congrats Sally!

Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Urlingford Christmas Lights, thanks to everyone for their support.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

TEAM AUSSIE A local lad Richie Dalton was part of the Australian team at the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship in the Adelaide Hills 2022.

Richie is oldest son of Dick Dalton and the late Alice Dalton of Clashacrow Freshford and is a keen rally enthusiast. Richie emigrated to Australia a number of years ago where he lives with his family and is a regular visitor back to Freshford.

FLOODS Freshford area was one of the places around Kilkenny and the midlands to be hit by floods on Friday last. The Johnstown road was completely flooded and closed off and parts of Buncrussia Street, Clintstown Road and Bohergloss with a number of premises badly damaged. The local Fire services had to help drivers stuck in the floods and distribute sand bags to houses etc. and they did Trojan work and helped all in distress.

SQUASH Congrats and well done to young local boy Nathan Walsh of Boherkyle who took part in the East of Ireland Junior Squash open in Sutton recently. Nathan was competing in the U13 section and he played four games in all winning his first game 3-0 his second game 3-1 He won his third game 3-0 and was beaten in the semi final by Suttons No.2 seed in a very tough game.

Nathan finished 3rd overall after been seeded No.11 going in the tournament. This was a fantastic result for Nathan who hadn’t played much squash this year and the future ahead is looking bright for him.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winners of this week’s club lotto (Oct 25th).

Numbers Drawn 8, 15, 20, 27 Bonus 13. Next week’s prize will be €13,400 (Nov 1st). Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. Michael O’Halloran. 2. Madison Cody c/o Mary Cody. 3. Angela Barry c/o Esther Maher. 4. Anita Corcoran c/o Ann Cullen. 5. Geraldine Casey c/o Sean Casey. 6. Theresa Nolan c/o Mick Nolan. 7. Martin Greene c/o Paddy Greene. 8.

Kayleigh McGarry c/o online. 9. Padraig O’Neill c/o online. 10.

Gerry Tyrrell c/o Online.

Thank you for your continued support ALL-STARS Congratulations to Hue Lawlor, Paddy Deegan and Mikey Butler who were all nominated for this year’s Hurling All-Star Awards held on Friday evening at the National Convention Center. Huw and Mikey picked up All-Stars for their roles at corner and full back for Kilkenny while Mikey added the prestigious Young

O’Loughlin Gaels’ Paddy Deegan, Huw Lawlor, Conor Denieffe, and Mikey Butler at the All-Star Awards.

Emeralds Minor team and trainers who beat The Rower Inistioge 5-10 to 1-02 in the Gaeltec Roinn C League/Championship on Sunday. Well done girls!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

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News Community & GAA Notes BIRTHDAY GIRL Special birthday wishes go out to Joanne Grace of Woodview to celebrate a very special birthday last weekend. Joanne celebrated her 40th at a party with family and friends in Kavanaghs Bar on Saturday night last.

GAA NEWS RACE NIGHT St.Lachtains GAA hosted a race night on Friday evening last at Kilkenny Greyhound track. The Committee thank all those who supported the fundraising event and all those who sponsored races or raffle prizes.

St.Lachtains U21 hurlers started their campaign on Sunday afternoon last when they took on Tullogher/ Rosbercon at Pairc Lachtain in the Championship quarter final. In an exciting game the teams finished level at the final whistle with a scoreline of 2-22 to 2-22 NEW BABY Congratulations to Linda Doheny and her partner Brian on the birth of their baby boy recently. Special congrats to the proud grandparents also Gerry and Bertilla Doheny.

AUTUMN TALKS Threecastles Community Hall committee are hosting their short Autumn series of Talks at the minute. The first Talk was “Recycling in the Home and being clever with your electricity” given by Bernadette Moloney, Environmental Awareness officer with Kilkenny County Council.

The second talk was given last Wednesday week on “Home Insurance – the do’s and don’ts – and was given by Sean Manicle, Manicle Property Insurance Claims.

The 3rd event is “Easy yoga to get you moving “ and will be on Thursday 10th November at 7.30pm and will be given by Brigid Keoghan. (There is a charge of €5 for this event to go towards the upkeep of the hall). The Committee look forward to welcoming everyone to Threecastles Community Hall Tulla Road, R95WK46, and parking is available SOCCER There were no games in Junior or schoolboys last week due to the inclement weather and pitch conditions.

DAY CARE CENTRE Freshford day care centre recommenced recently and continues each Wednesday in the GAA Centre at 2pm. New members are most welcome CAMOGIE NEWS The Annual Peggy Dowling U13 Camogie tournament kicked off recently at Pairc Lachtain. The semifinals, Shield final and Cup final will be held on Saturday next 5th November from 10am to 12 noon the following teams are taking part: TEAM A: Saoirse Hickey (C), Keelin Walsh, Abigeal O’Kane, Kate Walsh, Eimear Murphy, Lola Boyle, Phoebe Dunne, Katie Ryan, Róisín Hickey.

TEAM B: Sarah Hickey (C), Hayley McCabe, Lily Kennedy, Muireann Flynn, Isabelle Carroll, Charlotte Hussey, Kate Hickey, Grace Dunphy, Aoibh Carroll, Ella McGree.

TEAM C: Holly Hughes (C), Mia Phelan, Nessa Gibbons, Lucy Dalton, Caoimhe Butler, Mai-Lan Loh, Niamh Butler, Eimear O’Connor, Cera Gibbons.

TEAM D: Cara Bergin (C), Kate Dalton, Maddison Walshe, Chloe Gleeson, Faith Long, Olivia Marnell, Caoilinn O Rourke, Aoife Garry, Lily Daly.

CAMOGIE AGM St. Lachtain’s Camogie Club will hold its AGM on Friday 11th November 2022 at 8pm in the St. Lachtain’s Club rooms. All are welcome SPLIT THE POT This weekly lucky winner of Split the pot draw last weekend was Tony Murphy Woodview and he won himself €85. The draw takes place each Friday. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. Boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanagh’s Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. The committee thank all for their continued support and ask people to continue to support this fund raising draw.

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Mass was held on Tuesday last at 11am for the feast of the poor souls and on Wednesday for all Saints day.

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. 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 Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 LOOP CAFE The committee of the Loop Café held a very successful Music night on Friday night last in Kavanaghs Bar with Ray Nolan providing the entertainment and singing all his Uncle Joe’s hits.

The group also held a coffee morning recently and they thank all those who supported both events or donated. Big Work is ongoing at the Community Cafe at Buncrussia Street and it is almost ready to be open. Huge credit is due to the volunteers who have worked so hard to get all the work done.

HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm)

AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

THANK YOU The Dunnamaggin Gymkhana was held on the 4th September at Goodwins Gardens, Kells on the lands of Larry and Kathryn Costello. The Gymkhana was run to raise funds for the Carlow/ Kilkenny Homecare Team and St. Josephs Home Kilmoganny.

Each charity was presented with €5000. We would like to thank the landowners, all the very generous sponsors, the competitors, ticket sellers and the large team who helped make the gymkhana a success. The weather on the day was wonderful and the ground conditions were ideal for jumping. A great day was had by all.

LOCAL LOTTO Local Lotto Results for October 24th: Winning Numbers:16, 27, 31. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x €30.Alan ( Olive Buckley ),Noreen Power ( Jimmy McCormack ), Mike ( Mags Cahill ),Fiona Roche ( Ellen Delehunty ),Maeve and Edward ( James Moylan ). Jackpot next week October 31st €3,250. Venue Delaney’s Bar, Kilmoganny, at 9pm. All Welcome.

DUNNAMAGGIN GAA Tickets for the Dunnamaggin GAA Dinner Dance (Sat 26th Nov) can now be purchased from Jim Hickey (087)9667739, Philip Tallon (087)2831590, James Rossiter (087)2755091 and Ciaran Moore (086)8395693. On the night the 25th Anniversary of Senior Hurling Victory 1997 will be celebrated with special guest Marty Morrissey. Cost €45. Please purchase your tickets early to assist the organisers.

KILMOGANNY BRIDGE CLUB The bridge results for 26/10/2022: 1 Elizabeth Lanigan and Grace Landy 2 Gerry FitzGerald and Emer Wallace 3 Jackie Kenneally and Nellie Lahart.Bridge is every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny. All welcome.

DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Wow what an event last Sunday. The Spooktacular Halloween Fun Day took place from 11.30am to 4pm. On the day we had stalls selling all manner of goods plus a host of games and fun for the children including a visit from members of the Stormtroopers Legion 501. Eamon’s famous vegetable soup and chicken curry was available as well as top notch coffee and cakes.

Nominations for the Community Spirit Award closed on Monday October 31st and the winner will be announced at a special ceremony in November.

December 3rd will see our first Christmas Lights event in Madge’s Garden at 7pm followed by our fourth Christmas Fair on December 4th where Santa will make his usual visit for the kids and adults alike. Thank you to everyone who volunteers at our events, who helps with the flowers in the village, who supports the work being done in the village and community.

FREE TRAINING WORKSHOPS Free training workshops for community groups Kilkenny PPN are undertaking a series of workshops throughout the month of November.

Good Governance (On-site) Tues 8th Nov 7-9pm. Understanding what good governance means. Adhering to your purpose and Constitution. Board meetings, agendas and minutes. Decisionmaking. The difference between governance and management.

Trainer Michael Quirke. Location: Fr McGrath FRC, St Joseph’s Road, Kilkenny Writing Funding Applications (On-site) Wed 16th Nov 7-9pm.

What makes a good grant application? Articulating the need for funding. Attendees will have an opportunity to see a sample grant application and to submit questions during the Workshop.

Trainer: Evelyn Fitzpatrick. Location: St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall, The Butts, Kilkenny. R95 X72P. Developing a Business Plan (Online) Tues 22nd Nov 7-9pm.

Key components of a business plan. Using business models to underpin plans for new initiatives. Tailoring business plans to meet specific stakeholder needs. Trainer: Donal McKenna.

Register in advance for this online meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ocumhrT4rG9VrB-LxQYAL3aaKXIHkoiG5 Anyone who has an interest in one or all of these workshops should register with Bortha or Mags via email: ppnkilkenny@ kilkennycoco.ie or call 087 1731634.

SR. REGINA BYRNE A zealous and dedicated member of the Presentation Order in the person of Sr. Regina Byrne has died. Sr. Regina was born at Ballykeeffe in the parish of Ballycallan where she spent her childhood and youth. In time she trained and subsequently qualified as a teacher in August 1960. Margaret, as she was known to her family, neighbours and friends, decided that religious life was to be her vocation and so entered the Presentation Order. For some years she taught in various schools of the order where she was loved and respected by pupils and parents. After a fulfilled forty six years of dedication and love of teaching, Sr. Regina retired to the presentation convent, Kilkenny.

For sixteen years her life was one of prayer, peace and joy. She loved the Franciscan Friary where she attended morning mass and other ceremonies which took place from time to time, until illness forced her from going outdoors. On Friday, October 21st, Sr. Regina entered eternal life. Many members of her order, her family and many friends attended both occasions of her obsequies. Her requiem mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Cathedral by Fr. Willie Purcell and co-celebrant, a member of the Franciscan Order, with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Sr. Regina is predeceased by her parents Edmond and Catherine, brother Jackie, sisters Brigid and Judith.

Sympathy is expressed to her sister Nellie Bates, brother Paddy, nieces and nephews, sister in law Brigid Byrne, brother in law Frank Murphy, cousins, relatives and members of the Presentation Order. May the Peace and Love of the risen Lord be with Sr. Regina forever.

FR. JAMES STAPLETON The parish community express our sympathy to Nellie Ryall, Kilbraghan, to her family, relatives and friends on the death of her brother Reverend Fr. James Stapleton, CSSP, which has occurred in Dublin. Fr. James was a member of the Spiritan Order (formerly Holy Ghost Fathers) and served as a missionary priest in Africa.

A native of Moyne, Co. Tipperary, his obsequies took place in Dublin. May his gentle soul rest in the peace of the risen Lord.

DEFIBRILLATOR COLLECTION The defibrillator collection last week raised €868. Thanks to all who sponsored the appeal. As church goers are only one part of the parish, we will now be making representations to other groups for support. The parish will also be making a contribution. This is a cross-community initiative that benefits everyone.

Incidentally, one machine costs in the region of €1400, while batteries are around €300 each. There will always be ongoing maintenance costs involved. In the New Year, we will be offering training to volunteers in the use of these machines.

PRAYER SERVICE A prayer service will be held each Wednesday night at 7pm in Kilmanagh. It’s a quiet time for prayer, intercession, music and time with God. Why not take some time out from a busy week and join us. All are welcome.

SINGING CIRCLE AND CEILI A wonderful new initiative is about to begin in our parish. On the first Saturday of each month, join Liam Ronan and friends for a singalong, tell a story or enjoy a waltz or half set, or just come along to listen and enjoy. The first night will begin on 5th November from 7:20pm to 9:20pm in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre (formerly Old School), Kilmanagh. All are welcome. Lifts can be arranged for any local senior citizens who might like to attend. Tel: 086 395 7425. Refreshments will be served. €2 donation.

OSSORY PILGRIMAGE TO ROME The Adult Faith Development in our diocese is planning a pilgrimage to the eternal city from March 9th to 14th 2023. The cost of this trip is €710 per person. See all the major sights of Rome and learn the rich history of our church. A €300 non refundable deposit is required to book your place. Contact Kieran & Laura

The Spooktacular Halloween Event in Dunnamaggin saw a visit from the Star Wars Stormtroopers Legion 501

Troy on 057 935 5050 or email info@myriam.ie.

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.

MASS TIMES AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Wednesday Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil Saturday 5th. at 8.00p.m.

Sunday 6th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford: Vigil Friday at 7.00p.m Saturday 5th. at 6.30p.m.; Saturday 5th. Feast of St. Martin de Porres Friday 4th. Feast of St Charles Borromeo. First Friday Visitation with Holy Communion will take place as usual on Friday. Please let us know if you would like to receive HolyCommunion in your home for the First Fridays or at any other time.

PRAY FOR Jim and Mary Barron, Sheepstown.

Remembrance Masses for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated on Saturday 5th. November: In Stoneyford Church at 6.30p.m and in Hugginstown Church at 8.00p.m. We will remember all who have lost a family member during the past twelve months.

Families will be invited to bring a candle to the altar in remembrance of their loved ones during Mass.

If you had a family member who died outside the parish and would like them included in this Remembrance Mass, please let us know during the week. All are invited to write down the names of their own departed ones and place them at the altar for the month of November. They will be remembered at all Masses in November.

Months Mind Mass: In Hugginstown Church on Sunday 6th. November at 10.00a.m.

- Ger Cantwell, Carricketna.

ROTA Rota for next week-end: 5th and 6th. November (Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherina Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer; Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Carroll.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill; Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

Parish Contributions: Many thanks to all who have contributed to the “October Station” Contributions during the past weeks.

November Offerings: November Offerings Envelopes 2022 are available at the Church Porch. Your contribution can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly – Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

ALHOMECARE Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 991 6791 or 087 744 0729.

Our website is www.alhomecare.ie PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will make a much welcome return having been suspended during the pandemic. The dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage are Tuesday 23rd. May to Sunday 28th. May 2023. Further information available later.

CLOTHES COLLECTION A Clothes Collection has been arranged for Monday 7th.

November at Monroe School. It would be very much appreciated if bags of unwanted clothing, linen, curtains, belts, handbags and shoes (paired) could be left into the school shed before that date.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 24th.

October 2022 Numbers: 03; 14; 02; 26. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00 Winners: Padraig Fitzgerald, Athenry; Pat Delahunty, Catstown; Catherine Barron, Catstown; Rosie Kelly, Ballintobber; Patrice and Christine Power, Hugginstown 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Teresa Fitzgerald; James Irish; Trish Power..

Next Draw on Monday. Please submit returns by 8.30p.m. Draw at 9.00p.m.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry, Telephone: 087 100 0232 or email: dlp@ossory.ie. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole WINTER BURGLARY PREVENTION Winter Burglary Prevention: by the Crime Prevention Officer, Kilkenny and Carlow, As we approach the time of year when the clocks are set to go back, we are once again appealing to people to secure their homes and premises and to Lock Up and Light Up during the winter months. Traditionally Burglaries increase by 20% over the winter months of October to March. Some simple methods can make your home and premises less vulnerable to Criminal Attack.

Lighting around the house on a sensor or photocell: Lighting inside on timers: Natural Surveillance- trim shrubs down to 1m and trees up to 2 m.:Use Bogus Caller Cards: Close Curtains during hours of Darkness.

What Attracts the Burglar: Signs of being unoccupied: Open Windows: Hidden keys: A buildup of Post /Milk, etc. No alarms: High vegetation: Ladders or tools in easy reach: Easy access to the rear of your house: Poor lighting or house lights on at the wrong time.

See www.garda.ie for Home Security Tips and Advices.

CONGRATULATIONS Best wishes and congratulations to Very Rev. Niall Coll, Diocese of Raphoe, Donegal; who has. been announced as the new Bishop of Ossory by Pope Francis on Friday 28th. October 2022.

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 04 November 2022

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Hurling matters

Sport

Top Cats!!! Your Kilkenny All-Stars 2022

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

At a star-studded evening at the National Convention Centre in Dublin last Friday night, four members of Brian Cody’s last ever Kilkenny AllIreland Final side picked up All-Star awards in recognition of their outstanding performances in the 2022 Championship.

The All-Stars scheme was first held in 1971 and the teams in both hurling and football are selected by a panel of GAA journalists from across print, radio, digital, and broadcast media, chaired by Uachtarán CLG. TJ Reid, Adrian Mullen, Huw Lawlor and Mikey Butler were the deserved recipients and secured places on the 2022 PwC All-Star team of the year. For Butler, it would be a double celebration as the diminutive defender was also named Young Hurler of the Year for 2022, having had a remarkable breakthrough season in the black and amber and succeeds Eoin Cody who held this award for the past two years.

For the winner’s respective clubs, Shamrocks Ballyhale and O’Loughlin Gaels, it was a proud night as all the work that goes in, week-in, weekout was acknowledged on the national stage.

For three of Kilkenny’s winners, it was a first taste of All-Star success, whereas for TJ Reid, it would be the sixth time the legendary forward has been recognised for his exceptional performances for his county. 2022 was no different, with TJ spear-heading the bid to bring the Liam McCarthy Cup back to Noreside for the first time since 2015.

While the Cats fell just short following an epic battle with Limerick, TJ Reid hit nine points in the final defeat and finished overall top scorer in the 2022 hurling championship with an impressive total of 2-65, eight clear of his nearest rival, Galway’s Joseph Cooney.

Reid’s Ballyhale club mate and former county captain, Adrian Mullen was selected in midfield as he collected his first award. Mullen has really blossomed into a first inter-county hurler, having burst onto the scene and appears to be reveling without the extra responsibility of the captaincy. Moreover, Adrian is fit and free from the injuries that blighted his earlier career.

Mullen puts in an incredible shift all over the park and is the ultimate team-player. Adrian also has the knack of scoring from distance and can mix it with the best of them. When the going gets tough, he isn’t afraid to get stuck in, a quality I really admire.

A former winner of the Young Hurler of the Year award in 2019, Adrian still has his best years ahead of him, and he will be crucial as the post –Brian Cody era takes shape under the guidance of new boss Derek Lyng.

For TJ and Adrian, they will put the awards in the cabinet and turn their focus to the Leinster

Cats to the FOUR PwC All-Star Awa

TJ gets All-Star No.6 as Mikey Butler is named Young Hurler of the Year

The joy of SIX - TJ collected All-Star No.6

Provincial Hurling Championship which for them begins on November 13th with a home fixture against Westmeath champions Castletown Geoghegan.

Alongside the Shamrocks Ballyhale duo, it would be the city slicker’s Huw Lawlor and Mikey Butler that joined the former in lifting the much-coveted awards.

Huw Lawlor richly deserved his full-back award. He is a Rolls-Royce of a defender and appears to glide through games, keeping the door well and truly shut on his attacking opponents. One of the defender’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to read the danger

Mikey Butler - All-Star & Young Hurler of the Year

and snuff out the threat before it fully develops.

For a tall man, Huw is also deceptively quick.

When required, Lawlor can also operate in the No.6 jersey and this versatility marks him out as a top-end defender. With Huw, it’s not all about the destructive side of defending, he has also shown himself to be an accurate passer of the sliotar and can help launch attacks from deep inside his own half.

Lawlor’s O’Loughlin’s defensive team mate, Mikey Butler was also honoured for his outstanding defensive displays as he more than earned his county stripes!

Butler has been a great find for the county

and the 22-year-old could well be one of the main-stays in the Cats defence for years to come. One of his outstanding performances was keeping the great Tony Kelly of Clare quiet when Kilkenny met the Banner earlier this year.

All defenders will tell you that limiting the effect that TK has on a game is anything but easy, but to Butler’s credit he reveled in the task and certainly came out on top when some may have expected otherwise.

Along with securing one of the corner-back spots on the All-Star team, Butler was also voted Young Hurler of the Year 2022, beating fellow Kilkenny man and former two-time winner Eoin

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

43

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters Goalkeeper 1. Nickie Quaid (Effin, Limerick) (Previous winner in 2020) Defenders 2. Mikey Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny) 3. Huw Lawlor (O’Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny) 4. Barry Nash (South Liberties, Limerick) (Previous winner 2020, 2021 5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell, Limerick) (Previous winner 2020, 2021) 6. Declan Hannon (Adare, Limerick) (Previous winner 2018, 2021) 7. Pádraic Mannion(AhascraghFohenagh, Galway) (Previous winner 2017, 2018) Midfielders 8. David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona, Clare) 9. Adrian Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks, Kilkenny) Forwards 10. Gearóid Hegarty (St. Patrick’s, Limerick) (Previous winner 2020, 2021) 11. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry, Limerick) (Previous winner 2020, 2021) 12. Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg, Clare) 13. Aaron Gillane (Patrickswell, Limerick) (Previous winner 2019, 2020) 14. TJ Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks, Kilkenny) (Previous winner 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020) 15. Tony Kelly (Ballyea, Clare) (Previous winner 2013, 2020, 2021)

at 2022 rds

PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year David Clifford (Kerry) PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick) PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year Jack Glynn (Galway) PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year Mikey Butler (Kilkenny)

Cody and Cork’s Ciaran Joyce to the accolade which is voted on by fellow players. Being recognised by those with whom you play with and battle against is a great achievement.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Larry McCarthy said: “The PwC All-Stars stand the test of time in reflecting the outstanding displays that define our Gaelic games season.

“Another magnificent hurling season has produced an All-Star team brimming with iconic talent, and they are ambassadors for all of our players and the clubs and volunteers who

Adrian Mullen - was selected in midfield for his All-Star

they proudly represent.

“I congratulate all of our winners and also salute our players of the year David and Diarmaid and young players Jack and Mikey for

their deserving additional awards and thank PwC for their continuing support of this great GAA tradition.”

Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA, added: “In reality, any of the 45 PwC All-Star hurling nominees would have made worthy winners and that just emphasises the level of performance that the final selection put in, to merit inclusion.

Congratulations to the 15 winners, all of whom stood out in a year of excellent individual displays.

“A special word of congratulations to our PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Year and PwC GAA/GPA Young Player of the Year winners. To Diarmaid and Mikey in hurling and to David and Jack in football, you’ve been voted by your fellow players as being the standout performers in 2022. They know what it takes and for them you were the standard bearers this year. Very, very well done.”

Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “On behalf of everyone in PwC, I would like to congratulate all of the 2022 PwC AllStar Hurling team on their awards.

To be chosen as one of the best 15 players in the country is a significant achievement and one that each of them should be hugely proud of.

Supporting the developing talent is a strategic imperative for PwC. “We would also like to congratulate Kerry’s David Clifford and Limerick’s Diarmaid Byrnes, the winners of the PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Year awards for football and hurling respectively. As All-Ireland champions, to stand out above everyone else really is the mark of an outstanding season. And congratulations also to Galway’s Jack Glynn and Kilkenny’s Mikey Butler, the winners of the PwC GAA/GPA Young Player of the Year awards in football and hurling.”

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Four cracking players, four deserved awards. The icing on the cake, Mikey Butler being named Young Hurler of the Year 2022.

As you would expect, Limerick led the way with seven awards, and also had their scoring wing-back Diarmaid Byrnes named Hurler of the Year, succeeding county colleague Cian Lynch.

Glenmore’s Eoin Murphy was probably a little unlucky to lose out to the Treaty’s Nickie Quaid in the goalkeeper position, but Murphy will be back.

Along with the Treaty 7 and Cats 4, The Banner had three players chosen and the remaining spot went to the Tribesmen.

TJ picking up All-Star No.6 was richly deserved, Adrian Mullen also. The O’Loughlin’s duo of Huw Lawlor and Mikey Butler thoroughly deserving given the great defensive shifts both put in throughout the season.

While TJ may be in the twilight of his inter-county career, the other 3 gents have a lot of games left in the tank for the Cats. Derek Lyng will have some quality hurlers at his disposal next season. Roll on 2023.

Huw Lawlor - Faultless Full-back

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

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Online

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

SEAN KENNEDY 6TH ANNIVERSARY

TOM CODY 26TH ANNIVERSARY

KATHLEEN CODY 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Anniversaries of Tom and Kathleen Cody, Newpark Lower, Kilkenny.

“A great man and a great woman” They were also good people.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday November 6th at St John’s Church at 11.30 a.m.

DEATH NOTICE DUNPHY

Upper Norwood, London.

Son of the late Anastasia and Joe, and brother of John, Bridget, Kathleen and Mary, Formerly of The Pill Road, Kilmacow, Kilkenny.

The death has occurred of Bernard (Benny) Dunphy At Croydon University Hosptial London.

Funeral mass will take place at St Senan’s church Kilmacow On Sunday November 20th at 11 a.m.

May he rest in peace

JULIA KENNEDY 5TH ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Sean and Julia Kennedy, late of Grovine, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.

Just a prayer from the family who loved you Just a memory fond and true In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you Sadly missed by your son Colm and Family XX

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. E.M.T.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.L.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.L.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.L.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 November 2022