Kilkenny Observer 5th April 2024

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Nursing home protest Staff and families rally over 43 residents in Callan

A protest of around 60 staff and families took place on Good Friday against the closure of the Callan nursing home being shut down by the HSE. A total of 43 residents at Aperee Living were told the facility was closing down in the next five to six weeks.

Residents in the nursing home, which has a maximum capacity for 61 people, have been informed that they are

being moved to other facilities.

In November last year the HSE took over the running of the state-of-the-art facility, formerly known as Strathmore Lodge nursing home, when the licence of the private operator was cancelled by the industry watchdog Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and a District Court Order.

The move surrounded concerns over fire and safety issues at the nursing home, staffing levels and overall governance.

The protest came as Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny, Kathleen Funchion and local Sinn Féin representative Stephanie Doheny called on Aperee Living, the owners of home, to give a commitment that all 43 residents would be

able to remain in the home while remedial works are undertaken.

Stephanie Doheny said: “I’m really concerned to learn that residents weren’t given any real notice that there is a number of significant issues with the building, they have been completely blindsided by this news.

“I have since learnt that HIQA inspected the home and

gave the owners a list of upgrades.

“I along with Deputy Funchion have written to Aperee Living calling on them to guarantee residents can remain in their homes whilst they comply with the HIQA report; to ensure the works are finished in a timely manner; and to guarantee as little upheaval as possible for all residents.”

Deputy Funchion said: “It

Credit union best for mortgages

Dancer Zahra is top of the world!

Credit unions have emerged as the cheapest lenders for those taking out a mortgage.

Repayments on a typical mortgage from a credit union are around €720 a year less expensive than borrowing from a bank or a non-bank lender, new research shows.

Around 100 credit unions are offering mortgages, with the sector reporting a surge in growth in home-loan lending.

New figures show that credit unions have the lowest interest rates on mortgages for firsttime buyers, switchers and movers.

The average mortgage interest rate being charged by credit unions is 3.72%. This compares with an average new mortgage rate for banks and non-banks across the market of 4.27%.

A young Kilkenny woman is the new World Irish Dancing Champion.

Zahra Khodabacksh from Bennettsbridge took the Senior Ladies title at the event in Killarney recently.

According to KCLR, it is understood this will be her last year competing.

Zahra is a student at the Kilkenny Academy of Irish Dance.

Kilkenny stars to hold Gig For Gaza To show solidarity with the people of Palestine Kilkenny artists and musicians are coming together this month use their talents to show solidarity with Palestine.

The Kilkenny Indie Collective and the South East Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign have organised a “Gig for

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

Gaza” to help raise funds for the Palestine Red Crescent.

Headlined by Engine Alley, Kilkenny artists and musicians have agreed to donate their time and talents for a gig that is promised to be a great gig.

Annika Kilkenny, The Donnys, Barflies, Raindogs, Dead

is pretty outrageous that the care of elderly people is now in jeopardy, that we have is a situation in which the HSE is now in a mad panic to find alternative arrangements for residents, when they should be ensuring that residents can remain in their homes whilst works are carried out.”

This was all against a backdrop of the loss of nearly 900 nursing home beds nationally

Alien Tourist, Captain Moonlight, and DJ Kevin Shore will play on the night along with a raffle and other surprises yet to be announced.

Kilkenny singer-songwriter and Tik Tok star Robert Grace has also confirmed he will be joining the line up of Kilkenny musicians who will be per-

forming on the day. This is not the first time Robert Grace has used his platform to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. He recently decided not to perform at the South by South West (SXSW) music festival in Texas as he stated that although the decision would impact him financially, the

loss is “absolutely nothing in comparison to the loss being experienced by the people of Palestine.”

The concert will take place this Sunday. April 7 in the Set Theatre in Kilkenny. Doors open 3pm and tickets are still available on the Set Theatre website.

Sports guidance on transgender Sport Ireland has published a guidance document to provide information and insights to sport associations to assist with decision-making and policy development for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people.

The document provides recommended steps and considerations for the participation of transgender and non-binary people.

Full story Page 10

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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Unveiling Bristol’s After-Dark Revolution after dark, presenting both its historical depth and modern innovation.

BY PAT COUGHLAN

Part five of a six-part series In England, Bristol’s nighttime economy has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from its traditional roots into a bustling hub of entrepreneurial activity. This shift not only mirrors the city’s broader cultural and economic changes but also highlights the innovative spirit of its residents.

As Bristol continues to attract global attention, its afterdark scene emerges as a vibrant landscape, teeming with diverse business ventures that contribute significantly to the local and wider economy.

Evolution Of Bristol’s Night-Time Economy Bristol’s night-time economy has witnessed a remarkable transformation, tracing its origins from traditional pubs and eateries to a vibrant tapestry of innovative ventures.

This evolution showcases the city’s adaptability and creativity, with the emergence of food trucks, unique nightlife options, and evening cultural

events enriching the afterdark landscape. Such diversity not only reflects Bristol’s dynamic spirit but also its commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving nocturnal environment.

The Culinary Scene And The Food Trucks Bristol thrives after dark with a culinary scene defined by variety, from bustling restaurants and cafes to the lively food trucks that line its streets, offering everything

from classic British fare at ‘The British Palate’ to ‘Curry Kings’ authentic Indian dishes and ‘Bella Pasta’s homemade Italian specialties. As night falls, food trucks like ‘Taco Revolution’ and ‘Bao Bun Bliss’ serve up quick, diverse bites, contributing to Bristol’s reputation as a food lover’s haven and enhancing its cultural and economic vitality.

Night-Life Diversification And Cultural Revival

Bristol’s nocturnal landscape has undergone significant transformation, broadening to encompass a variety of evening entertainment choices. Clubs and wine bars, offering unique experiences, have become thriving hubs of activity. The local theatre scene, previously waning, has experienced a resurgence, now catering robustly to night-time audiences. Art exhibitions, once confined to daylight hours, now illuminate the city’s cultural fabric

Innovative Business Ventures And Community Support The heart of Bristol’s afterdark economy beats with the pulse of innovative business ventures. Community support has been the bedrock for the emergence of these new enterprises, enabling a symbiotic growth between entrepreneurs and patrons.

From bespoke cocktail bars harnessing local ingredients, to tech startups offering app-based services for night-time revellers, creativity and adaptability have been paramount. These ventures, thriving in the nocturnal hours, reflect a city embracing change and fostering a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Challenges And Responses In addressing the vibrant yet complex terrain of Bristol’s night-time economy, proprietors and authorities have faced multifaceted challenges. Key concerns include ensuring patron safety, curbing illicit activities, and adopting sustainable practices.

Through collaborative efforts, initiatives such as increased surveillance, stringent regulatory compliance, and

eco-friendly operations have been implemented. These measures aim to safeguard the community and environment, while promoting a responsible and flourishing after-dark sector.

However, clear evidence that all is not well is the commissioning of a report commissioned by Bristol Nights entitled ‘Harm Reduction And The Night Time Economy: Taking action to reduce the harm of drugs and alcohol in Bristol’s night time economy’.

The full report can be read at https://bristolcitycentrebid. co.uk/news/harm-reductionand-the-night-time-economy/ Conclusion Bristol’s nightlife has evidently transformed, showcasing a rich tapestry of varied entrepreneurial endeavours.

This change not only underlines the city’s capacity for adaptation and progress but also highlights the substantial benefits such a revolution brings to its inhabitants and the economy at large. Bristol’s nocturnal landscape seems poised for further innovation, promising an even more dynamic and inclusive future for all. But dangers have been identified and the future of the project will be determined by the action taken.

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On track for railway history The first in a series of talks will be presented at The Cave Bar on Tuesday April 16 at 8pm by Donie Butler, Kilkenny Railway enthusiast. The principle focus in this first lecture will be the Railway Station at Corbetstown. Corbetstown is located just to the side of the N78 before the Cave Bar on the Kilkenny to Castlecomer main road.

Corbetstown station was located on the Dunmore West Junction to Castlecomer railway branch line. The line opened in 1919 with the first passenger service commencing from Castlecomer to Kilkenny on February 21, 1921. Corbetstown was sometimes described as a ‘halt’ rather than a station.

The catalyst for the opening

of this branch line off the main Kilkenny to Maryborough (Portlaoise) line was the coal mines at Deer Park Colliery and the Leinster Coalfield in general.

Captain RH Prior-Wandesforde of Castlecomer House was the main promoter of the building of the railway line as he had been lobbying the Government for the

railway line for more than 25 years.

Mr WT Cosgrave MP for North Kilkenny played a pivotal role in enabling the funding of the line through securing a British War Office grant.

British engineering was in dire need of fuel to aid its industry to support the War effort and rebuild the

country following World War I. The 1901 Census tells us that there was just 14 families resident in the townland.

It also had an RIC Police Barracks with three Constables and a Sergeant based there.

The Muldowney family had the Licensed premises over several generations with Elizabeth Muldowney the

Publican in 1901 and her son George Muldowney the Publican in 1911.

Donie Butler will talk you through the specific route listing all the level crossings, known gate keepers, heritage landmarks still surviving along the way. * Further Information: Donie Butler danielbutler1948@gmail.com

‘Kilkenny full’, declares independent candidate Michael McGrath Another contender has declared for Kilkenny City in the upcoming local elections.

Michael McGrath will run as an Independent in Kilkenny City Local Electoral Area in June.

He was educated to seven honours Leaving Certificate and went back to SETU and TCD as an adult studying computer engineering, science and programming. “I believe in lifelong learning,” says Michael, who is considered a polymath by those who know him. He has just had a book published and is selling well.

He has a passion for driving real change in Irish politics.

And, though he is an avid Kilkenny hurling fan, he supports Everton as the genuine Liverpool Irish football team.

Expressing his motivation to enter the race, Michael McGrath highlighted his concerns over various issues plaguing the country, including the migrant crisis, healthcare crisis and the housing crisis.

He wants hidden cameras across the city with a new

control room in the Garda station.

He has always stood for an element of pedestrianisation of the city centre that need not include the whole of High Street, but only as far as Dores opticians/James’ Street corner in a new plan that would suit drivers too, that would connect James’ Street to the Market Yard.

For years he has campaigned to house the Irish first! He says he would love to serve his beloved city as a councillor before he dies and thus seeks one last chance from the voters. “I have been fighting these issues long before the far right ever emerged in Ireland.

I don’t agree with them as I am concerned about the liberty of the individual.

He emphasized his commitment to offering the people of Kilkenny City a real alternative and a strong voice to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

He pledges to be a present and accessible representative, actively listening to constituents’ concerns and advocating for their needs

Call for ban on vaping Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has said the Government should completely ban the sale of vapes and move towards an incremental ban on all forms of tobacco smoking

Mr Kelleher, a former Fianna Fáil National Health Spokesperson, was commenting on the 20th anniversary of the ban on work-place smoking by then Health Minister Micheál Martin.

First time: Evan Barry (right) with Aaron Quigley (left) and Ferdia Bridgeman

First candidate pledges drive for change Evan Barry is among the cohort of first-time candidates running for Sinn Féin in the Kilkenny City Local Election Area (LEA). Born in Clonmel in 1991, Evan moved to Kilkenny City with his mother in 2001, where he resides still to this day.

Twice a year Evan visits his family in Alsace, France, and he also has family in Tipperary, Cork and Clare, whom he visits as often as possible.

“Growing up with two distinct cultures has certainly given me a deep appreciation for my rich heritage,

the lessons that history has taught us and the nuance of the political landscape,” Evan told The Kilkenny Observer.

Educated at University College Cork, Evan Barry holds a Master’s degree in International Public Policy and Diplomacy, and has honed his skills and expertise as a policy advisor and constituent advocate within Sinn Féin in Leinster House.

In addition to this, he has spent time working for Sinn Féin’s Liadh Ní Riada in the European Parliament, Brus-

sels. His commitment to public service is driven by a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing our communities, particularly young people who feel their lives are “on hold” or that they must move abroad due to ineffective government policies and unaccountable bureaucratic practices.

As one of Kilkenny’s newest candidates, Evan is dedicated to being a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that the welfare of the community is at the forefront of his agenda.

“Our community deserves better. I pledge to work tirelessly and passionately to improve the quality of life for every resident of Kilkenny.

“I want Kilkenny County Council to have a grassroots approach to local government, where policies and actions reflect the needs on the ground and are quick to react. No more top-down bureaucracy, I promise to be accessible to my future constituents for a phone call or a chat whenever they need me.”

Plea to grocery trade to be more understanding of farmers Grocery retailers in Ireland, as well as suppliers to farmers, such as co-ops, must be more accommodating to the Irish agricultural sector in light on the ongoing bad weather which is having a serious impact on productivity, according Fianna Fáil MEP and Ireland South Candidate Billy Kelleher.

“The last number of weeks and months have been incredibly tough and stressful for Ireland’s farmers.

Whether it is our tillage and horticulture sectors that have been unable to plant their crops, or our dairy, sheep or suckler farms who have been unable to put their animals out on their land due to it being so wet and paying through the nose for fodder, Irish agriculture is in difficulties,” the MEP told The Kilkenny Observer.

“Rainfall for the country in March was approximately 140% of the average with

certain parts of the country receiving even more rainfall.

The bad weather has hampered spring operations such as planting.”

He said farmers had been forced to keep their animals in sheds rather than putting them out to graze. This was costly for farmers who must now pay for feed rather than using the ample supply of grass in their fields.

“I am calling on our grocery retailers to be more gener-

ous with their pricing at this time. Perhaps a short-term solidarity payment can be made to affected farmers to alleviate their challenges.

“Additionally, those suppliers of Irish agriculture need to be understanding in terms of payments and prices.

There’s no point making a higher profit off of a farmer this year when he or she is in trouble financially if your actions might put them out of business next year. We all

need to think about the long term.

“While I have no doubt the government will step in and support farmers with their own measures, I believe the sectors that rely on a productive and profitable agricultural sector, i.e. co-ops and retailers, have to do more to support farmers.

“This is about surviving 2024, and making sure all of our farmers are still in business for 2025. It’s in ev-

eryone’s interests for that to happen,” said Mr Kelleher.

Meanwhile the Department of Agriculture has said there is no money available to subsidise feed purchases, after farm organisations have, in recent weeks, called for supports in light of dwindling fodder stocks on some farms. a meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee heard.

See Special Report Page 14

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Men, the long and the shorts of it is ...

My bugbear are the hordes of men who don shorts at the first sign of the clock going forward. More specifically men over a certain age, an age when they really should know better, who assail my senses with visions of knobbly knees, bow legs or flat feet, pot-bellied or worse, attired in shorts of all shades and shapes that do nothing to enhance their standing in the community.

Here’s my rationale: if we men are planning on making a century, then the age of 50 is a speed hump we just have to get over. It’s like surviving a Wednesday during the working week; you can crawl under your office desk and sob, or you can be a man and face your demons.

The best knack to getting over the middle of your life is to do it with as much grace and elegance as possible. Problem is, grace and elegance seem to be bygone words in the era of the per-

petual ‘kidult’. In days of old, teenage boys looked up to their fathers and tried to emulate them, Nowadays, it’s the other way around, with fathers trying to be like their teenage sons.

Okay, okay, I admit it: I have a pair of torn jeans somewhere at the back of the wardrobe and I have a collection of Converse footwear that would have been the envy of Imelda Marcos but I draw the line at donning on this island, save on the beach, in the main because our post-clockforward days are never that hot or the days are never one long ray of sunshine to merit such but mainly because I know that, being of a certain age, and, unfortunately flatfooted, I would look bloody ridiculous.

I see such men every day poncing about in their shorts at the shops, on the bus, in the pub and they look ridiculous if not downright ugly.

I am not alone in my thinking. Fashion designer Tom Ford says men in shorts are “disgusting” and “repulsive,” and they look “ridiculous, like children” in them.

Yes, I do have a pair of shorts, heavy khaki, cargo

style, but I only use them if down the Costa del Whatever or, more likely, in my beloved Africa where, in bush or on beach, they seem at home. Shorts are not at home with the pot-bellied, red-faced, 50-something in

a string vest, having a latte at the pop-up coffee shop.

Come on lads, you are big boys now and big boys don’t wear short pants in places of industry, culture and sophistication. If it’s a hot Irish day, find yourself a pair of light cotton chinos, or linen trousers. And as for cut-off jean shorts? Just no. Plain no. Stop it now, please.

Here’s an interesting snippet: in 1939, a Gallup poll asked about 1,500 people the following (now, politically incorrect) question: “Do you think it is all right for women to wear shorts on the street?”

A total of 1,020 said no.

Oops, this just in: the number of men seeking cosmetic surgery treatment is on the rise in Ireland according to private health- care search engine, WhatClinic.com.

Popular treatments include male breast reduction, liposuction as well as facelifts.

OMG...

This also just in: hoodies, base-ball caps and skinny jeans should never be worn by men over the age of 40, according to a new study.

When I had hit the wrong side of 50 and was wearing torn jeans and a base-ball cap back to front, my daughter said: “Dad, don’t be daft. You think you’re cool, a legend, but... “ Then I went to one of her parties and, man, did I cringingly dance the night away and discussed Elbow, the opening of the local Nando’s, re-runs of SATC (if you don’t know, don’t bother asking) and the merits of social networking.

Some days later the same daughter said to me: “My friends think you are a legend ... now the girls in my new job can’t wait to meet you ...’’

“Neither can,” I said, “neither can I...“ Out of earshot.

Naturally...

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Bank is warning of student JI ‘money-muling’ Bank of Ireland is warning that ‘money-muling’ – or allowing a bank account to be used to transfer stolen money for a fee – can lead to a criminal record and impact travel or employment prospects. The warning comes as some students will be planning their J1 summer trips abroad.

The practice of fraudsters recruiting students and

young people as ‘money mules’ is on the increase with much recruitment done through social media.

Criminals are increasingly recruiting people as young as 14 to help launder stolen or illegal money using their bank account.

'Money mules’ receive stolen money into their account, then transfer it to another account, usually

overseas, and keep some of the cash for themselves as payment or withdraw the cash and pass it on to the money mule recruiter.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Offers to make quick and easy money can seem appealing but this is a way that fraudsters use people as ‘money mules’. Young people and students are being ap-

proached with increasing regularity through social media channels including TikTok and Snapchat and recruited as money mules.

Sometimes people are approached to do this as a favour, but, more often, they are offered a payment for use of their account.

“We understand the temptation, but we are urging students and young people

to be very clear on the consequences. Allowing your bank account to be used in in this way is a criminal offence carrying potentially very serious consequences. It’s J1 season but a criminal conviction for money muling could mean restrictions to travel, ruling out that opportunity out for students.

“If you allow your account to be used, it will be reported

to Gardaí and your account will be closed. Gardaí may arrest you or search your home," she said.

"We are reminding young people that the use of bank accounts for illegal activity can have longer term impacts. Being naïve is not a defence. Money muling through your bank account is a crime, which can result in a criminal record.”

Sport Ireland offers guidance to assist clubs on transgender Sport Ireland has published a guidance document intended to provide information and insights to Irish sport associations to assist with decision-making and policy development for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people in sport.

The document provides recommended steps and considerations when putting a policy in place for the participation of transgender and non-binary people in a particular sport. It also highlights practical considerations for implementation and review of these policies.

Along with this, Sport Ireland has also launched a suite of resources to support the sport sector, which will be updated regularly to reflect the everevolving nature of the environment in which the policies will operate.

This guidance document is underpinned by a comprehensive consultation process which took place over a period of six months.

The key stakeholders consulted as part of this process were involved in every element of Irish sport from grassroots to high-performance, transgender and non-binary people and their families, advocacy and representative groups, and the general public.

In total, more than 4,000 people were consulted through a number of surveys, focus groups and interviews.

The initial phase of this work,

which spanned 12 months, also explored the environment in which the guidance operates, including analysis of the national and international policy landscape.

Speaking about the publication of this document Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “This is a very important guidance document which is designed to provide support and education to National Governing Bodies when developing policies for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people in their specific sport.

“We acknowledge that this is a complex issue and by the very nature of sport there is no one-size fits all approach that can be applied across the board. Equally it is an area that is constantly evolving, and as such we at Sport Ireland will evolve our support to the sector through a suite of resources which are regularly updated," he said.

“Our ambition is always to make sport as inclusive as possible so that everyone, regardless of their background, can reap the many benefits that participation in sport brings.

We would encourage all NGBs to put a policy in place if they don’t already have one.”

*For further information please visit www.sportireland.ie/transgenderguidance

Boyle moves to Mountain View Previously crowned best chef in Leinster and Munster at the Irish Restaurant Awards, executive chef Keith Boyle is joining as culinary lead of Mountain View’s weddings and events including hosting a much-anticipated series of pop up dining events across the year with the first an-

nounced as ‘Dinner with the MasterChefs’ on Saturday May 4 as part of the inaugural Foodie Fest.

In addition, Keith Boyle will develop the estate’s kitchen garden, overseeing a zero waste street food truck named ‘LOADED’ as part of their weekly Sunday Market.

Musical society’s The Sound of Music for sell-out With just under two weeks to go until opening night, Kilkenny Musical Society’s 2024 production of The Sound Of Music is well on its way to being a sell out show from April 17 to 20. This award-winning local group of performers are swapping their Easter eggs for their scripts as they prepare to take to the stage with this iconic and time honoured show.

Featuring some of the most beautiful songs in musical theatre history, such as Edelweiss, My Favourite Things and Sixteen Going On 17, the stellar cast of both new and familiar faces is shaping

up to put on the standard of show that we have come to expect from Kilkenny Musical Society.

A much loved aspect of this revered show, are the beautiful Von Trapp children.

Auditions were held late last year to cast this iconic family and Kilkenny audiences are in for a treat with the feast of local talent on display.

Leah Comerford, Charlie Duffy, Harry Duffy, Orla McCabe, Ruby Bourke, Maisy Ryan & Laoise Reade [all pictured) were the supremely talented young performers chosen to depict the achingly sad story of the young family trying to

find moments of joy and levity while trapped in the midst of a cruel and turbulent chapter in history. It is no wonder that tickets are selling so fast for this show considering the fabulous job that these young actors, singers and dancers are doing in rehearsals.

Local secondary teacher Rachel Leydon will star in her first leading role with the society in the part of Maria, one of the most stunning parts in musical theatre.

Kilkenny audiences will be familiar with Kevin Reade from his previous roles with the society ranging from Oliver as a young boy to

Seymour in Little Shop Of Horrors and Sweeney in Sweeney Todd.

Kevin plays the part of the beloved Captain Von Trapp.

This is an extra special performance for Kevin as his daughter Laoise will perform alongside him in the role of Gretal. Other title roles will be played by Sarah Brennan, Nicola Harding and Declan Taylor, all experienced and talented members of the society that Kilkenny audiences both know and love. * Tickets can be purchased from the Watergate Theatre website or box office on 056-776167

Could you be Ireland’s Fittest Family?

Now in its 12th year, Ireland's Fittest Family competition is more intense than ever.

The organisers are combing the country to find the fittest, fastest and strongest families.

Last year, rugby ace Donncha O’Callaghan coached the Stratfords from Co. Cavan to victory. Maybe this year it could be your family scaling the ramp for the title of Ire-

land’s Fittest Family.

Does your family have what it takes to win €15,000 and be crowned Ireland’s Fittest Family? If so, apply now!

Requirements: • Teams must have at least one male and one female member.

• A team can be made up of four immediate family members (a minimum of

one parent/step- parent, one child), or if this isn’t possible, three immediate family members (as above) and an extended family member (Grandparent/First Cousin/ Aunt/Uncle).

• Minimum age to take part is 14 years old by 1st June 2024.

• The series will be filmed between May – mid August

2024 and families will be required for up to eight filming days (mostly on location) over this period. * More information, and link to the application form, can be found at rte.ie/irelandsfittestfamily Contact: fittestfamily@animotv.ie or call the production team on 085 243 1061

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

The choice to end suffering at the end of life Like most, when I pop off, I would like to have a peaceful departure. But, although death itself is certain, there is no certainty about how it may come about. I hope, as we all do, to be able to die with dignity, pass away peacefully in my sleep or cease instantly with a heart attack but there is no telling what GR, the Grim Reaper, may have in store for me.

If I were to have a nasty prognosis would palliative care be effective enough for the symptoms to be borne?

Hopefully it would but, if it didn’t, I might like to have a choice; it’s a choice which the late, brave Vicki Phelan pointed out was not a choice between living and dying when you have a terminal illness but a choice to end the suffering.

At present the only way to

do this, while I am still able to travel, would be avail of Dignitas in Switzerland or end things myself.

But this situation may change shortly. Last month the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying recommended that the Government legislate for assisted dying or euthanasia with those who have only six months to live or 12 months for those suffering from neurogenerative disease.

The committee’s recommendations are strict; the law should apply only where the illness is progressive, incurable and terminal and where palliative care cannot relieve suffering in a way that is tolerable for the individual. Two doctors should be involved in the decision making with a conscientious objection opt-out.

Inevitably, the recommendation will give rise to many conversations and arguments. It is an emotional subject, arousing strong feelings for and against. Both the College of Physicians and the College of Psychiatrists are against introducing the measure, the former holding that legislation would run contrary to medical ethics. “We believe it will place vulnerable people at risk, and will lead to harmful consequences, such as an increase in the numbers requesting euthanasia or assisted suicide,” they say.

They argue that requests to end life may be due to other causes other than physical suffering, such as depression, fear, loneliness (surely forms of torment) or a wish not to be a burden to carers.

Why is my hair falling out?

CLAIR WHITTY

I often get asked about thinning hair and hair falling out.

This can affect people of all ages. It is a distressing problem that can cause stress, anxiety, and embarrassment.

For most people there is a cause at the root of it.

Common reasons for hair loss: Hormonal changes, especially during the menopause, can contribute to hair loss. Low testosterone levels in men and women can cause issues with hair

growth. Thyroid problems or other medical issues can be a factor. Stress can affect your hair growth and you may not see the negative effect of stress for several months after a highly stressful period.

Stress can deplete your B Vitamins and Vitamin C. It can lead to inadequate digestion of the food that you eat which can mean that you are not absorbing the vital nutrients for hair health, so stress management is important.

Nutrient deficiencies can include: B Vitamins, amino acids (the building blocks of protein), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and omega 3,6, and 9. Nuts, seeds, oily fish, good

quality seed oils like hemp, flax, or walnut would provide extra omega oils. Nuts and seeds are a natural source of B Vitamins and protein.

Pulses and lentils, poultry, red meat, nuts, and eggs are other sources of protein.

Pumpkin seeds provide zinc.

Vitamin C, found in fresh fruit and vegetables, will help support collagen production.

Biotin is one of the most sought-after supplements for hair loss. Many hairdressers recommend it to their clients. Biotin is a B vitamin also known as vitamin B7.

It’s an important vitamin most commonly known for skin and hair health. You will find it in eggs, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Biotin is in many supplements for hair support, but some may be looking for a higher dose.

Solgar Biotin 5,000ug is one of our most popular Biotin supplements as a one-a-day capsule. It would combine well with Solgar B100 Complex if you are experiencing a lot of stress and would work alongside any omega oil that you take.

Trying to figure out what is causing the problem can be difficult. A combination of healthy diet, lifestyle, stress reduction and additional support of supplements may help your hair growth get back to normal.

It does sound to me as though the medics, with their superior knowledge, claim the right to make life or death decisions without their patients having much of a say.

There is the slippery slope argument and it does seem that, once the door to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is opened, it can widen. Canada for instance, where Medically Assisted Dying (MAD) – an unfortunate acronym – was legalised in 2016 and saw an increase in legally assisted deaths in 2022 of 31% over the previous year.

Next year the legislation there will be extended to allow assisted dying for those whose sole condition is mental illness and where funding may not be given to hospices where MAD is not an option.

It is now over a decade

since the death of Marie Fleming, who suffered from terminal multiple sclerosis, and whose challenge to the law criminalising assisted suicide in the Supreme Court paved the way for the Oireachtas Committee and their proposals. “We hope that the Government will have the commitment to follow through and not to kick the can any further down the road. People who are terminally ill don’t have time to waste,” says Janie Lazar, Chair of End of Life Ireland.

The organisation believes in giving individuals control over their deaths in the same way that they have control over other aspects life and that having the choice to die at home on their own terms is a fundamental human right.

“Once people have been approved of VAD in certain

cases Their quality of life improves, with the knowledge that they can end their life gives them peace of mind, the legislation will also protect doctors,” says Janie Lazar. ”What are the alternatives? If people take their own lives, it can go horribly wrong.”

In the US state of Oregon, where VAD has been available for 20 years, research found one third of those approved for the procedure didn’t go ahead but benefitted from the comfort of having a choice.

Whether or not the the legislation will be passed in the life of the current Dail remains to be seen. One thing I hope is that TDs who don’t agree with the measure for themselves will consider is that if they vote against it may take the choice of dying with dignity away from others.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 63

'We all had a hand in the past. Will we have one in the future’?

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News

SPECIAL REPORT The Department of Agriculture has said there is no money available to subsidise feed purchases, after farm organisations have, in recent weeks, called for supports in light of dwindling fodder stocks on some farms.

Slurry storage, dwindling silage stocks and cashflow are causing farmers huge stress, a meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee heard, with concerns raised that with more rain forecast for the next week, farmers will be put under more pressure.

A recent meeting heard that less than 10% of Teagasc farmer clients were out of silage, but this figure could grow if the weather doesn’t improve, while 49% of drystock farmers don’t have enough silage for the next three weeks.

However, Louise Byrne, Deputy Chief Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, said that, while it was important to acknowledge the concerns raised at the meeting and it was clear farmers were under pressure, she dismissed claims of fodder issues as there was availability of fodder in the country.

“From what I’m hearing, there isn’t a fodder issue.

There are people in different circumstances, but there is an availability of fodder.”

She said there were supports available for farmers if there were animal welfare issues. “There have been a number of calls for supports... the bottom line is there are no supports. There is no money for subsidising feed purchases or for having a fodder support scheme for 2024 or any other money for that matter in relation to fodder.”

She also said that any delay in inspections would lead to a delay in payments after farm organisations and ICOS called for Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia in-

Farmers near ‘breaking point with wet weather spections to be postponed.

“Nevertheless, there are some concerns and I have noted those in relation to the challenge of an inspection and the additional stress of an inspection, and I will relay that,” she said.

“Maybe it’s just that we need to be very mindful that

if inspections have to be done for regulatory purposes, they are done so bearing in mind the pressure that farmers are under.”

IFA President Francie Gorman said some farmers were “at breaking point” and while there is enough fodder in the country, he said there

are issues with individual farms.

He also said cashflow is a “massive issue on farms” and called for a crisis fund to be put in place by the Department and for the co-ops and processors to bring forward a hardship top-up for dairy farmers of 3c/L on March

Agribusinesses reminder of looming TAMS III deadline Ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is reminding farmers across Kilkenny that the closing date for the next tranche of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS III) is April 12.

The next tranche will open on April 13.

The grants available under TAMS III are 40% of €90,000 and this increases to 60% if an applicant is a Young Trained Farmer. Registered farm partnerships also allow for an increased ceiling of a grant claimable on a total

spend of up to €160,000.

Ben Fogerty, Partner at Ifac’s Kilkenny office, said: “The Low Emissions Slurry Equipment grant is another grant that is often forgotten about. The grants available here on certain slurry spreading equipment are 40% of €40,000 and this increases to 60% if an applicant is a Young Trained Farmer (must apply through YFCIS). And, registered farm partnerships are allowed an additional ceiling with a total spend of up to €60,000.

“But the key advice is not to rush the decision on

investment for the sake of meeting a deadline – this could be far more costly than delaying your application and making the right investment for your farm. Always get expert advice to help you plan for the future.”

The following are three key areas when looking at capital investment.

Should You Make the Investment?

• Will the capital expenditure give a Return on Investment?

Cash flow Pressures

• Have you adequately financially planned the investment?

• If borrowing, have you the required borrowing capacity?

Tax Planning Issues • Consider the Value Added Tax (VAT), Income Tax and Capital Repayment Trap.

A Top 10 accountancy firm with a 30-office footprint and a dedicated team of 500 professionals, Ifac has been committed to serving its farming, food, and agribusiness clients across the country for the past 49 years.

milk, as well as a reduction in feed prices.

ICMSA President Denis Drennan said silage stocks would be “completely decimated” in the next week or two on dairy farms and called for a fodder support scheme to grow more silage next year.

He also called for prepara-

tions to be made regarding the possibility of importing fodder or moving it between areas. Maybe we need to get the wheels in motion if we need to import or transport [fodder] from various parts of the country to the other.”

Meanwhile, more wet weather is forecasted.

Crop planting is way down for this time of year As little as 10-15% of crop planting has been done in some areas due to the wet conditions, with a week of dry weather needed for crops to be sown.

Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, said it is too late for winter wheat and getting late for spring wheat, beans and oats, which should ideally be established by mid-March.

“As planting gets later into mid-April, there is higher risk and ‘perfect’ growing conditions after sowing are needed,” he told a recent National Fodder and Food Security Committee meeting, while the harvest window later in the year will be a challenge. Based on previ-

ous years, late-sown crops are vulnerable if followed by a short or moderate drought in May or June, he said.

“It’s all pointing to the area of risk with these later-sown crops,” said Mr Lalor. “There are years where it’s happened before and been done, and sometimes it’s worked out well and, more times, has been very challenging.”

All this, he said, would put further pressure on the availability of spring barley seed.

“Late-planted spring wheat could be considered for whole crop silage if a suitable client is available,” he said.

Tillage farmers were advised to review cropping plans based on ongoing assessment of likely cultivation,

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

A no-brainer switching broadband and TV contracts Price walking, also know as a loyalty penalty, is a form of price discrimination whereby longstanding, loyal customers of a service provider are charged higher prices for the same services compared to customers that have just switched to that provider.

The pricing strategy was recently banned by the Central Bank of Ireland in the general insurance industry but seems to continue in some areas like the telecommunications industry.

This week most customers of Eir and Vodafone will see their bills go up by 7.6% as the companies’ so-called ‘annual price adjustments’ take effect. It means hundreds of thousands of households are bracing themselves for yet more price hikes. This is due to the providers’ policy that bills go up each April by the annual rate of inflation as of January each year plus an additional 3%. Customers of Three see their prices go up by a flat 4.5% each April regard-

less of the rate of inflation.

According to Bonkers.ie the price hikes are controversial as they are tantamount to price signalling i.e. businesses making their competitors aware that they intend to increase prices which is supposed to be against the law under the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission own definitions.

So far though the competition authority has taken no action. Bonkers.ie are calling on the CCPC and ComReg to clarify their positions regarding the use of automatic price adjustments in the Irish market.

Other providers such as Sky and Virgin Media are also upping their prices in April. However, they haven’t

committed to annual automatic price hikes for now.

Sky is hiking its prices by an average of 4.1% on some of its products for example.

In the meantime, households are advised to shop around and look to offset the price hikes by switching to a new provider as there is still very good competition for new customers.

According to Darragh Cassidy, Head of Communications in Bonkers.ie, we are in the bizarre situation where telecommunications providers are engaging in both price signalling and potentially price walking even though price signalling is against the law and price walking has been banned by the Central Bank of Ireland.

He said: “The CCPC and ComReg should clearly state and explain their position on this as soon as possible. I feel they’re both asleep at the wheel here. I’m more disappointed at them for not doing their jobs properly than I am at the providers who have upped their prices to be honest.

“I understand that telecommunications providers need to invest heavily in their networks and will, like all businesses, have to increase their prices from time to time. But price signalling is ultimately bad for competition and bad for consumers and should

not be tolerated in any form.

It’s no coincidence that all the main providers now hike their prices by a similar amount and at a similar time each year.”

Despite the rising prices, there is still strong competition among all providers for new customers. Unfortunately, loyal customers are changed more for the same service while the prices on offer for new customers have remained relatively steady over the past few years. By switching customers could easily save €40 or €50 a month on their broadband and TV bills for an entire year.

According to Bonkers. ie “many of us will jump through hoops to shave €40 or €50 a year off our car insurance”. So, it’s a no-brainer to look at switching our broadband and TV contracts now. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

News Science & Wellbeing Forget the chicken breasts and the beef curry and say hello to python curries and satay skewers. Some snake scientists think eating these reptiles — already customary or at least acceptable in parts of the world such as Vietnam — might help lessen the damage our food choices have on the environment.

With some eight billion people on the planet today, all of whom require protein to stay healthy, finding new sources of these nutrients is a crucial issue.

“The general conundrum we somehow need to solve is: Where do we get the appropriate amounts of protein for a still-growing global population without the big environmental footprint?” says Monika Zurek, a food systems scientist at the University of Oxford, who was not involved in the new research. Humans’ dietary staples, particularly those of Westerners, have serious consequences.

The environmental impacts of cattle products such as beef are especially costly: the animals produce nearly 10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and growing food for them spurs deforestation. Pork brings a separate set of environmental hazards, notably water pollution from pig waste. The chicken industry faces similar issues.

But how do you get from the challenge of providing sufficient protein to farming pythons, as in Vietnam, for meat? For Dan Natusch, a herpetologist at Macquarie University in Australia, the idea came about tangentially. He and his colleagues were working with existing commercial python farms in Vietnam and Thailand to determine whether they could distinguish wild-bred snakes from captive-bred ones. During the study, the researchers noticed the farmed pythons’ propensity for speedy growth, which they’ve documented in research published in Scientific Reports.

“As snake biologists, we already knew that pythons had impressive physiologies,”

When we’re meeting a new dog for the first time, we all want to make a good impression and help them to feel relaxed around us.

This is especially true if the dog is reactive or anxious, as they might feel stressed around new people particularly if they are rescue dogs You might have tried buttering them up with the best dog treats or sticking your hand out to their face so they get used to your scent.

These both sound like good ideas, right?

We’ve been guilty of doing both of these things, but it turns out that it’s not the best way to achieve what you want, we were shocked too!

In a recent Instagram post, Adam Spivey, an expert dog trainer and the founder of

Fancy a snake curry tonight?

Natusch says. “After speaking with the python farmers and continuing to monitor their growth rates, their remarkable physiologies became even more apparent.”

Part of the explanation boils down to biology. Pythons, like all snakes, are

Don’t behave woof with a dog

ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals, which means their body temperature is controlled by their surroundings.

This lifestyle makes snakes prone to sunbathing, but it also means that, unlike mammals, ectotherms don’t need to produce heat to keep

themselves warm—a major source of energy savings that allows them to efficiently convert food into body mass.

Natusch and his colleagues decided to quantify that efficiency. The team studied reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) and

Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) on the farms, analyzing what they ate and how quickly they grew.

In particular, the researchers were struck by the pythons’ resilience during long fasts: the animals sometimes went months without eating Southend Dog Training in the UK, revealed why such an approach to a dog is actually a bad idea.

Meeting that dog for the first time, our natural instinct is to stick our hand out to its face and let them have a sniff.

Adam Spivey revealed on his Instagram that this is actually the wrong thing to do.

He says: “I don’t know who decided that this was a good way to greet dogs but it’s actually a very threatening act and can get you in trouble very very fast. You must look at it from a dog’s perspective. This looks like you’re reaching out to touch the dog. If the dog’s nervous, he’s going to back away, growl, even snap at your hand.”

Although these obviously

but also without losing much weight. “Observing the ability of relatively young snakes to go many months without food and remain in a healthy state with minimal loss of body condition was really astounding,” Natusch says.

Notably, he and his colleagues think that such resilience could be valuable during a major disruption to the food system, such as what occurred during the early days of the Covid pandemic, when some farmers couldn’t afford to keep feeding their livestock but also couldn’t get them to processors.

“Because we expect even greater global economic and climatic volatility in [the] future, pythons could be a solution for those future challenges,” Natusch says.

“Farming pythons could be a big part of the solution for a part of the world that is already suffering from severe protein deficiency,” such as Africa.

Yet Zurek says it’s too early to bet on snakes, despite their impressive metabolic feats, to revolutionize our food systems. She sees a need for many more studies about pythons—especially detailed analyses of the environmental impact of farming them and of their nutritional content, including both proteins and micronutrients.

“The current study opens up an interesting step in that direction, but you need to complement that with a whole bunch of additional studies to look at these other aspects before you can really say, ‘Yeah, that’s an option,’” Zurek says.

And of course, it all depends on whether people will take to eating python.

Natusch says python meat is “pretty tasty and versatile” and argues that by his tally, a billion people in Southeast and East Asia, as well as parts of Latin America and Africa, already consider snake meat a culturally acceptable food.

“It is really just Western cultures (which have few naturally occurring large reptiles) that haven’t been exposed to it,” he says.

aren’t our intentions, he describes it as a “very intrusive way to say hello to a dog” and something that should be avoided.

So what should we do instead?

Before you go to pet a dog, it’s important to have a good understanding of dog body language to gauge how they’re feeling.

According to Preventative Vet, you should always let the dog come to you first and avoid staring at them.

This makes you seem less threatening and intimidating to them. Once they’ve come over to you (and you’ve got permission from their owner), stroke them from the side or underneath the head, as opposed to over their head or behind them.

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Travel & Leisure Madrid: A Feast For The Senses The Spanish capital is having a moment, with a flurry of hot new restaurants like Tramo and Bao Li, the just-opened Royal Collections Gallery, and a crop of fabulous new and revamped hotels. There’s never been a better time to visit.

Regardless of your travel plans, you’ll want to set aside time to stroll around the UNESCO-recognised El Retiro Park, which spans 308 acres of classical gardens, trickling fountains and lakes, and expansive green lawns perfect for beating the summer heat.

The park itself is home to a clutch of stellar museums, but nothing compares to the nearby Museo Nacional Del Prado — one of the world’s most important institutions for European painting — or the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which houses Picasso’s Guernica, among other masterpieces.

And don’t sleep on the galleries, either: there has been a wave of recent openings including the Malaga-born Badr el Jundi, the laboratory-like El Chico gallery, and the up- andcoming Arniches 26.

Stay here: Set inside a 19thcentury palace in the upscale Salamanca district, Rosewood Villa Magna exudes an air of hushed luxury. Still, it manages to feel very local and stitched into the fabric of the city — its restaurants and seasonal pop-up concepts are just as much of a hit among madrileños as out- of-owners.

Don’t leave without enjoying a scalp-tingling treatment in the property’s fabulous new hair spa.

Mallorca: More Than Sun And Sand In recent years, Mallorca has shed its reputation as a package holiday destination

1. Durango & Silverton Railroad Durango To Silverton, Colorado USA Today ranked this as the Top Train in the US for 2021 and 2022. Once you step inside, you’ll agree.

This train is a throwback: It was declared a national historic landmark and gives passengers a real glimpse of what locomotives were like in the late 1880s. The trip is special, too — passengers travel through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains between Durango and Silverton. It’s a 3.5-hour trip, but you’ll probably wish it were longer.

2. Rockies To The Rocky Mountains Denver, Colorado To Moab, Utah If you love dramatic landscapes, this train trip could be perfect for you. The Rocky Mountaineer’s newest luxury train route traces the Colorado River, with views of mountains, canyons, and

antique furniture, views of the city’s 11th-century Arab Baths, and artful details around every corner — from a Joan Miró lithograph to custom pieces by 300-year-old Mallorcan glass company Gordiola.

Great parts of Spain to visit

and emerged as one of Spain’s most sophisticated hotspots.

Now, the Balearic island is synonymous with art and culture, hip hotels, and stellar boutique shopping. Get in step with the island’s rhythms in the capital of Palma, home to indie shops like Arquinesia Perfumes and Cortana, lively

bars and restaurants including Brutus and CAV, and one magnificent 14th- century cathedral— the island’s most recognisable landmark.

Learn about Mallorca’s rich craft traditions such as basket weaving and textile design by signing up for a workshop on the dada-days platform, or

Fresh Air And Bold Flavour In Asturias Northern Spain has long been overlooked by tourists, but the mountainous principality of Asturias is (finally) having its moment in the sun. A new high-speed train—20 years in the making — now links Madrid and Asturias, reducing the journey to just over 3 hours. And the capital city, Oviedo, has been named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2024 for its gastronomic delicacies (fabada stew, hundreds of regional cheese varieties) and fabulous restaurants like NM

by Michelin-feted chef Nacho Manzano, who also runs the region’s legendary two-starred Michelin restaurant Casa Marcial.

Beyond being a gastronomic paradise, Asturias is also a haven for outdoorsy types: a third of the region is environmentally protected, making it prime for adventures such as hut-tohut trekking in the Picos de Europa mountain range (which also straddle Cantabria and Castilla y León). Don’t miss the tiny village of Covadonga — the gateway to the Picos de Europa — which is famed for its dramatic, cliffhugging Basilica of Nuestra Señora de las Batallas. head to the mountain towns of Deià and Sóller to discover locally-made goods and artworks at creative businesses like Earth Core, Datura Studio Isla or the café-cum-ceramicshop De Moniö.

Stay here: Mallorca’s new kid on the block is the 14-room

3. Glacier Discovery Train Anchorage, Alaska If you’ve never explored Alaska, Anchorage is a great place to start. It’s the state’s biggest city and is chock full of great restaurants, hotels, and cultural destinations.

But in Alaska, it’s the natural landscape that takes centre stage — so trains are a great way to take it all in. The Alaska Railroad offers round-trip service from Anchorage to several coastal cities and the state’s interior. Don’t miss the Glacier Discovery Train, which starts in Anchorage and heads southbound to Grandview. You’ll have views of the Bartlett Glacier, Trail Glacier, and Placer River Valley.

Five best US train trips

cliffs. If the scenery out your window isn’t enough, enjoy the luxury on the train. You’ll enjoy gourmet dining and

deliciously crafted cocktails, all under the coach’s beautiful glass-domed ceilings. Rocky Mountaineer

Portella Palma, launched by brother-and-sister team Enrique and Inés Miró-Sans of Barcelona’s Casa Bonay fame and designed by Parisian design duo Festen. Once the home of Spanish painter Joaquín Torrents, the 17thcentury palazzo still feels like an artist’s residence, with

has a reputation for luxurious train travel in Canada, and this is their first route in the US.

4. Denali Star Train Fairbanks, Alaska Head north on the Denali Star Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, a 12-hour journey with enchanting

Stay Here: The best new addition to the region’s hospitality scene is CoolRooms Palacio de Luces, a restored palace located just outside the charming fishing village of Lastres. Don’t be fooled by its aristocratic interiors — rates start at around $180 per night — and be sure to make reservations

views of fresh snow and frozen rivers. This is the land of the northern lights, so you’ll be in for a treat.

But keep an eye out for bears, moose, and eagles — from the safety of your train window, of course.

5. Southwest Chief (Amtrak) Chicago, Illinois To Los Angeles The Southwest Chief runs all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles — and what a way to see this country.

You’ll see the rolling plains of the Midwest, cross the Mississippi River, traverse Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and voyage through the New Mexico desert. If that’s too much, consider doing just a segment or two. You can hop on and off as it suits you. No matter how much time you spend on this train, you’ll enjoy a glimpse of America like never before.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Cleere’s Bar: the Last Ashtray – 20 years on April 2005. My wife and I are sipping Bellinis in Harry’s Bar in Venice (a favourite haunt of the writer Ernest Hemmingway). We are celebrating a birthday, a big, birthday. Down the bar an American couple are chatting loudly (as Americans do); the man lights up a cigarette and immediately the barman rushes down the bar towards him: “Non, non, signore, no smokink now in bars in Idalee. Grazie. Grazie.”

On his return I tell him that we’re Irish and that last year Ireland was the first country in the world to ban smoking in public places. Our Minister for Health, Micheál Martin, I inform him. brought in the ban. “I-ah kizz hizz azz’” the barman proclaims. And that was the one and only time I ever heard anyone offering to kiss a politician’s ass!

Indeed when Minister Martin first introduced the

ban in March 2004, a lot of folks wanted to kick, not kiss, his ass. Including me.

A smoker at the time I was none too happy having to step outside in the wind and rain for a smoke while inside my pint was going flat and the conversation was continuing without me.

And so I quit, easier I thought than huddling in doorways of pubs puffing furiously on a fag like the demented nicotine addict I was. Twenty years on I’m still off the fags and, though I wouldn’t go so far as to kiss Micheál Martin’s ass, I am, nevertheless, grateful to him for helping me kick my nicotine habit. As it happened I was in Cleere’s Bar on the March 28, 2004, the night before the Big Ban, enjoying a pint and my last legal, indoor smokes. As the 28th slipped into thes 29th I watched the ashtrays being piled high ready for

Banned to the bin Without fanfare or din Oh, does anyone care Will none shed a tear For this friend who stood by us While drinking our beer Who was part and parcel Of every party and session Will there be no reprieve Will there be no concession?

Will we just turn our backs Will we all walk away And consign to the dump The Last Ashtray?

the dump. (I even have had a smoke during the process, illegal of course, making it all the sweeter). As I left John Cleere’s Bar I brought with me the last ashtray on the table as a souvenir so to speak. I subsequently, out of sentiment and a modicum of sadness, wrote a poem about it. Here be that poem.

The Last Ashtray Here’s to the Last Ashtray The creature has had its day Now in pubs, clubs, hotels The death bell knells For this harmless thing Once full to the brim With ashes and butts Now there’s no “ifs or buts” It’s finished, it’s done Its glory-days gone

Will we show no respect Will we not have a wake And bury it proper Out of sympathy sake?

But where shall we bury The Last Ashtray Arrah damn it, we won’t We’ll cremate it, okay?

We’ll step out on the street (Just as we’re told) Where we’ll have a quick smoke In the rain and cold

Then we’ll set it alight With our matches and lighters And should anyone call Our intrepid fire-fighters We’ll simply explain It’s a wake, it’s the end That we’re laying to rest A once very dear friend.

But where shall we sprinkle The Last Ashtray’s remains In litter-bins, lane-ways In potholes, in drains?

Certainly not But with dignity, pity We’ll sprinkle a bit In every pub in this city.

Just one thing remains: Some brief epitaph For the Last Ashtray Now considered “riff-raff” This to be etched On every publican’s bar Where all can see it While having a jar Here lie the remains Of the Last Ashtray Passive in life Passively passed away.

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News

Castlecomer woman Lisa is ‘The Gem’ of Roses Castlecomer woman Lisa O’ Rourke has been selected as Kilkenny Rose for 2024.

And the judges had a difficult job on their hands, as all twenty three participants were wonderful in their own right.

However, as they say, there can only be one winner.

Lisa was quick out of the blocks to congratulate all her fellow roses.”

There was a lovely bond between all the roses”, said a delighted Lisa.

“I honestly believe that any of the girls could have been chosen, and I am very humbled that my name was announced as the winner” continued Lisa.

The qualifying event for this years Kilkenny Rose was held on Easter Sunday night at the Ormonde Hotel with MC Ollie Turner.

Twenty Three local Rose participants took to the stage after a day which included solo and group interviews.

Last up on stage was Lisa O’Rourke

Family members and friends celebrate as Lisa O’Rourke is announced as Kilkenny Rose 2024

Kilkenny Rose Lisa O’Rourke pictured with current Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley representing New York

A Jubilant Lisa O’Rourke holds her bouquet high as she is announced Kilkenny Rose 2024

Participants in this years Kilkenny Rose of Tralee held at The Ormonde Hotel

from Castlecomer who was crowned the 2024 Kilkenny Rose of Tralee.

She closed the show by discussing her love for music and singing “Thank You for the Music” as a tribute to her late mother Eilis.

When her name was called out as the chosen candidate, her family and friends present on the night were overwhelmed with joy.

Lisa was sponsored by her Grandad

Johnny O’Rourke under their family business in Castlecomer, “O’Rourke’s The Gem”.

She mentioned that she was “on cloud nine and appreciated all the good wishes she has received so far and looks forward to the exciting months ahead”.

The Kilkenny Rose Committee comprised of Lyn Moloney her daughter Rachel and Steve Cronly who organised a fantastic event, enjoyed by all.

Lisa will represent Kilkenny in the Rose of Tralee festival taking place from the 16th-20th of August.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Global Report

How Soviet Afghan invasion led to Moscow attack In August 2021, Ibrahim Al-Marashi wrote an essay for Al-Jazeera, “The threat of ISKP in Afghanistan has been underestimated.” The tragic culmination of this prediction unfolded during the night of March 22, an attack on a Moscow music hall killed more than 100 people, an attack conducted by the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), otherwise known as ISIS-K, the Afghanistan affiliate of ISIS. The Kremlin and some Russian lawmakers were quick to accuse Ukraine, but ISIS-K not only claimed responsibility for the attack, but targeting concert halls is its modus operandi, such as its parent organisation ISIS’s attack on a Paris concert in November 2015.

Although foreign and Russian media will now start to

pay attention to this group, ISIS-K has been terrorising Afghans since 2015. However, its origins are much earlier, the product of the Soviet empire’s legacy in Afghanistan. When the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979, little could it anticipate that it would lead to a series of events that brought violence back to Moscow in 2024.

While the Soviets were in Afghanistan in the 1980s, neighbouring Pakistan was ruled by a general, Zia alHaqq, who turned a blind eye to the formation of militant Islamist groups, who were also fighting the USSR next door.

In that decade the Sunni Muslim Sipah-e-Sahaba organisation formed in Pakistan, breaking away from the main Deobandi movement, an austere South Asian Is-

lamist revivalist movement, to focus primarily on a sectarian, anti-Shia terrorist campaign at home. Another group known as Lashkar-eJhangvi split from this group in the 1990s, claiming its parent group had deviated from the original anti-Shia platform.

Back in neighbouring Afghanistan, the 1990s witnessed the Taliban emerging out of the chaos of the Soviet invasion. It was during that instability that al-Qaeda was also able to establish a base in Afghanistan, forming a tacit alliance with the Taliban.

Finally, neighbouring Tajikistan witnessed a civil war between the state and an Islamist insurgency, which ended in 1996, in which Russia intervened, ultimately destroying its economy.

It was exactly a decade ago, in 2014, when ISIS was formed by defectors from al-Qaeda who then attacked their parent organisation and its Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al-Nusra. In 2015, ISIS-K was formed primarily by defectors from the Taliban of Afghanistan, who then went on to attack their mother organisation. Eventually defectors from the Pakistani Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group would also join ISIS-K in Afghanistan, attracted by even its more brutal anti-Shia campaign.

In both cases, the defectors considered their former organisations not extreme enough or not committed enough to attack Shia Muslims, whom they considered deviants. Yet ISIS-K was able to do so, perpetrating its most brazen attack, a May

2020 massacre at a maternity hospital in a majority Shia Muslim district of Kabul, which killed more than 20 people, including newborn babies and mothers.

A year later, in May 2021, it launched an attack at a school in the same district, killing at least 90 people, most of them schoolgirls.

That it would conduct such a massacre in a Moscow suburb in 2024 is no surprise given its past.

By August 2021, ISIS-K began to gear up for a fight with the Taliban as it consolidated control over Kabul as the US withdrew.

While ISIS-K numbers were close to 2,000, it could still challenge the estimated 60,000-strong Taliban, with the latter forces spread thin across Afghanistan. It did so in September 2022, when

ISIS-K claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing of the Russian embassy in Kabul. Then in March of this year, the terrorist group brought their campaign into Russia itself. Russian security forces fought ISIS-K terrorists in the Ingushetia region and thwarted an ISIS-K attempted to attack a synagogue in Moscow.

Desperate communities like these make for an ideal demographic for ISIS-K to prey upon, as the terrorist group has an entire faction recruited from this nationality.

The attacks in Moscow shed light on the liminality of Tajiks in Russia and how they provided a vulnerable demographic that both the Russian state and Islamic state could mobilise for violence.

Watch what Vladimir Putin will do next The huge security failure on Vladimir Putin’s watch — the catastrophic attack at the Crocus City Hall, in which a handful of terrorists massacred at least 139 people in a concert venue just outside Moscow — will, some analysts argue erode the president’s image and weaken his hold.

History, however, tells us that will not happen. In fact, history has much to tell us about what comes next. That’s because Putin’s unlikely rise to power 25 years ago and to autocratic rule can almost be told as a tale of terrorist atroc-

ities exploited to carry out political and military moves aimed at strengthening his grip.

When a declining President Boris Yeltsin plucked Putin from near-obscurity in 1999, in a time of turbulence and insecurity, setting him on course to become Russia’s president and, as we now know, the seeminglypermanent 21st century czar, Putin very deliberately set out to flex his muscles before the cameras, displaying his judo skills or donning boxing gloves. Literally and

figuratively, Putin was telling Russians — who would soon vote in a presidential election — that he was the man to protect them.

One can make a credible case, as some have, that without terrorism Putin would not have become president in the first place. Once in office, attack after attack gave him the pretext to dismantle democracy brick by brick. Now, all power flows from him, not from the people, and no alternative or counterbalance to his one-man rule is allowed to survive.

That’s why even though ISIS has already claimed responsibility for the Crocus slaughter, releasing videos as evidence, there is every reason to expect it is Ukraine that will end up paying the price, along with the Russian people, whose freedoms are systematically restricted more with every successful terrorist attack.

Terrorism, to put it bluntly, has paid off for Putin. So much that people with inside knowledge have accused his security apparatus of orchestrating some of the attacks.

Putin denies any involvement.

As Russians grieve the latest, horrific loss of life, you’d expect it to take a significant toll on Putin’s standing, given that the US embassy in Moscow had publicly warned of extremists with “imminent plans to target large gatherings,” including concerts.

The US has a commendable practice of publicising alerts about terrorist attacks even when they target its adversaries. Amid tense relations with Washington, Putin rejected the warning, blasting the US

for seeking to “intimidate and destabilise our society”. Had he listened, perhaps scores of Russian civilians killed by the attackers would be alive today. The slow response by security services makes the negligence even more shocking.

When the images of flames shooting into the sky first emerged on Friday, followed by videos of gunmen shooting into the crowd, social media exploded with conspiracy theories. That’s routine these days, but in Russia’s case it has a unique track record.

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Smithwick’s KilkennyAdvertisement Roots Festival

Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival 2024 The launch of the 26th Kilkenny Roots Festival took place at the Smithwick’s Experience venue on Thursday night. The large attendance were given a rundown of the exciting lineup for the event, which takes place from 3rd to 6th May in venues throughout Kilkenny city.

The exciting line-up features performers from the USA/ Canada UK, and Ireland.

Acts making a return visit to Kilkenny include THE HANDSOME FAMILY, JEFFREY FOUCAULT, MY DARLING CLEMENTINE and JOHN BLEK & THE RATS. Among the newcomers are ROBERT FINLEY, JOACHIM COODER, SAM OUTLAW, WILLY MASON, JEFFREY MARTIN, HAYSEED DIXIE, BROWN HORSE, THE ZIPHEADS THE ZIPHEADS and THE WHITE HORSE GUITAR CLUB. The Handsome Family will be making a welcome return to Kilkenny for what promises to be an unforgettable show with the band playing songs from their beguiling new album, Hollow, as well as many old favourites..

The Handsome Family (songwriting and marriage partners Brett and Rennie Sparks) have been defining the dark end of Americana for over 30 years. Brett writes the music and Rennie writes the words. Their work has been covered by many artists including Jeff Tweedy, Andrew Bird and most-recently Phoebe Bridgers. Their song “Far From Any Road” was the opening theme for HBO’s True Detective season one and still receives thousands of

Shazams every week from all over the world.

More recently a new song, “The Lost Soul” closed out episode 7 of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen on Netflix.

The “Low ticket” alert sign has already gone up for their show at The Set Theatre on Sunday 5th May. The festival kicks off with highly rated American singer/ songwriter, Jeffrey Martin at Billy Byrnes on Friday 3rd May at 7pm and will continue with over 90 events until the closing show at Kytelers Inn on Monday May 6th with Canadian artist, Sam Outlaw.

Tickets for the individual shows are available through the festival website, https:// kilkennyroots.com/.

In addition to the ticketed shows, there will be over 70 Hayseed Dixie

gigs on the free Smithwick’s Music Trail in venues throughout Kilkenny city.

mesmerising, brilliant album….. a masterpiece in any time zone.” - Uncut

ranch-hand aesthetics into a laid-back blend." - Pop Matters

White Horse Guitar Club Join The White Horse Guitar Club who will play fresh tracks from their upcoming album, along with beloved classics that have solidified their evergrowing fanbase at home and around the globe.

Sam Outlaw "Outlaw combines Glen Campbell’s ‘70s crossovercountry, James Taylor’s breeze-borne melodicism, and George Strait’s neotraditional

Cosmic Country Revue The Cosmic Country Revue is saddling up again for 2024, bringing an evening of transatlantic Psychedelic Country and Ambient Americana. The five piece band features Jeffrey Silverstein, Bobby Lee & Joe Harvey-Whyte - three stalwarts of the current Cosmic Americana scene, performing individually and together.

Joachim Cooder “Joachim Cooder: Ry’s son beats his own path to fame…..there’s a reassuringly Cooderesque familiarity to it. Perfect late-night listening accompanied by a tumbler of something strong.” - Mojo Jeffrey Martin Thank God We Left The Garden: “It’s Martin’s most

The Handsome Family

Hayseed Dixie Hayseed Dixie plays hard rock and bluegrass music on electrified acoustic bluegrass instruments. They have played over 1,400 live dates in 31 different countries since its inception in 2000. They finally make it to Kilkenny!

“Superlative musicians with a deep love and understanding of the dynamics of both modern rock and ancient hillbilly music” - The Times Dan Stuart Dan Stuart aka Marlowe Billings make two appearances at the festival.

His show features songs from across his solo and Green on Red catalogue and a brief reading from his third and latest novel.

“Gripping and hugely entertaining.” Americana UK Willy Mason “With an indie-inflected sound that echoes the style of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, whilst simultaneously drawing from the grit and cynicism of

punk, Mason's songs are an immediately recognisable, yet remarkably distinct fusion of sonic excellence….Mason's shows are a remarkable display of passion, conviction and artistry.” Hot Press John Blek & The Rats John Blek & The Rats return to Kilkenny Roots and The Set Theatre as part of a very limited run of gigs with just two shows planned for Ireland. John will also perform a solo show at Billy Byrnes.

Brown Horse Rooted in a collaborative approach to songwriting, the six-piece mix guitar-driven 90s alternative rock with the folk and country sounds of the 70s.

‘Reservoir’ is the debut album from Brown Horse. “stunning debut” 9/10 UNCUT My Darling Clementine “Alongside their extensive back catalogue, skilled playing and harmonious vocals, they also include an element of free and easy humour, and that combination makes for the perfect evening’s entertainment.” Lonesome Highway Jeffrey Foucault Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power, an amalgam of blues, country, rock’n’roll, and folk.

“Jeffrey Foucault sings stark, literate songs that are as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest.” THE NEW YORKER

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Picture special Shane & Jacob Keily

Fay ONeill

Asher & Adalyn Vinson

Happy faces at the Easter Party at Market Cross Shopping Centre All photos by Amanda Burke

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Picture special Ella Condon & Aine Keegan Fantasy Face Art Brody Callie & Leyla Johnson

Olivia Dalton

Noah & Isla Bergin & Fiadh Sendall

Visitors from Dubai Lexi & Kian Delaney Scott & Amelia & Poppy Delaney

Merissa O Reilly Anne Heffernan & Caitlin Sweeney

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Opinion

Part two

Ambush on Friary Street The Capuchin Friary in 1921

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Continuing the story of the infamous Friary Street Ambush: If you missed part one last week you can read it on the Kilkenny Observer website...

The Threecastles group was to disarm the rearguard of the military patrol outside the Friary church. The Kells men were to waylay the ass and cart, its driver, and the two soldiers that walked closely behind it, at Gargan’s stonecutting yard.

The Bennettsbridge group had the task of disarming

Tom Kearney of the Race Course

the advance guard of the patrol outside Hackett’s pub. All the volunteers had strict orders not to fire at the patrol.

On the evening of Sunday February 19th, the eve of ambush day, Tom Kearney (the Racecourse) and Tim Gaffney drove to Dillons of Cuffesgrange in a pony and trap. Early next morning, Phil Dillon took this horse drawn transport into the yard of Smithwick’s Bottling Store, off Friary Street.

His orders were to await the arrival of captured weaponry after the ambush.

He was to take this out onto an agreed meeting point on the Callan Road and hand it over to Kearney and Gaffney.

From shortly before nine

a.m., Tom Kearney had positioned himself on a hill in Shellumsrath. His vantage point gave him an excellent view through binoculars of Walkin Street and the top of Friary Street. He expected to see the pony and trap once it set off with the guns and ammo. Jack Maher and Tom Hurley flanked Tom as he scanned the relevant section of the city.

As nine a.m. approached, the men of the ambush team cycled into Kilkenny.

The Threecastles men left their bikes outside St. Mary’s Cathedral, while the Kells and Bennettsbridge groups dropped theirs in the bottling store yard.

Ned Dunne and Dick McEvoy (Threecastles) entered and exited the Capuchin

Friary church several times as they frantically awaited the arrival of their colleagues Michael Dermody and Tom Hennessy. A minute or two later, they turned up and the four Threecastles men, standing in the middle of the street, discussed the situation rapidly.

They broke into pairs: Dermody and Hennessy took up positions in Garden Row laneway (in later years Regent Lane) at the side of the street opposite the Friary. Dunne and McEvoy re-entered the church. Inside they noticed a friendly local friar, Fr Pat, kneeling in prayer. He gave them a knowing nod and Dunne was sure the priest also made the sign of the cross at them.

From their positions in Garden Row Lane, Hennessy and Dermody fixed their eyes nervously on the entrance to Friary Street.

Any second now, they surmised; the military patrol would swing into the street and begin its languid approach.

At the top of Friary Street, the Bennettsbridge men settled into position at Hackett’s pub. Ned Gooley and Danny Murphy lay down at the jamb of the pub door. Dick Fitzgerald stood behind them, while John Greene and Paddy Murphy stood at the corner of Friary Street -or Hackett’s Corner as it was called because the pub formed the cornerpiece of the street. One of them pretended to be read-

ing a newspaper and the other leaned on a bike, the idea being to appear casual and not give the game away.

Meanwhile, the Kells men had joined Jim Brien in Gargan’s stonecutting yard. All the rebels anxiously waited for the patrol to appear at the bottom of the street.

While they waited, Martin Mulhall had already cycled past the ration party as it set off from the barracks.

He had checked to ensure that it consisted of the same number of men as on previous days, and everything seemed to be as normal.

From High Street, Martin cycled into Friary Street. He signalled the Threecastles group that the patrol was approaching and would soon swing into Friary Street.

He halted at Gargan's yard and gave the same information to Jim Brien and the men from Kells and, finally, he waved at Paddy Murphy and John Greene at Hackett’s Corner that the moment of truth was just a minute or two away.

As he cycled out of Friary Street, Ned Dunne and Dick McEvoy from their positions in the Friary porch noticed a door to a house on the opposite side of the street opening. The house was situated further up the street from them, directly facing Gargan’s stonecutting yard.

A woman emerged from the doorway, scratched her head, and began looking up and down the street.

McEvoy wanted to shout at her to go back into the house…but could not. The patrol had just entered Friary Street and was trudging towards them.

To be continued..

(More stories of those bygone times can be read in my book Callan in Words and Pictures, which is available from Amazon)

Gargans stone cutting yard in Friary Street

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A journey of vengeance, as Shrughawadda present ‘By the Bog of Cats’ Shrughawadda Players are preparing to perform Marina Carr's great play ‘By the Bog of Cats` at The Concert Hall, Thomastown on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th April, 2024.

Having performed this play in early February in Kilmoganny to great success and large crowds each night, there were many requests to stage the show again.

With the help of Seamus Quigley from theThomastown venue Shrughawadda Players decided to take the play to Thomastown for two nights.

All of their plays have been performed in St Eoghan`s Centre, Kilmoganny since 2005.

Michael Dowling RIP directed all plays until 2018 and present director Alycia Kearney took on the directers role since then.

The backroom team is made up of: Jackie Kenneally, Marie Kelly, Willie Kearney, Stephen Gilmore. Ciaran and Aobha Moore always take control of lights and music.

THE STORY OF THE BOG OF CATS Set in the mysterious landscape of the Bog of Cats, a bitter stretch of the Irish midlands stalked by ghosts and vengeful characters, this play tells the story of Hester Swane, an Irish Traveller abandoned by all those whom she loves.

Tormented by the memory of her mother who abandoned her at the age of seven, she is once again being deserted, this time by the father of her child, Carthage Kilbride, who is about to marry a young girl from a well off farming family.

Broken hearted and rejected, Hester is drawn into a whirlwind of desperation.

Having been evicted from her house, and in fear of losing her daughter, Josie sets Hester on a terrible journey of vengeance.

Despite warnings from the Catwoman who not only speaks to ghosts but is a fountain of wisdom, she will not leave the Bog of Cats.

The entire community seems to be against Hester whom they refer to as a `tinker`.

Hester is tough and defensive, softening only

with her beloved daughter Josie who is a precocious adorable seven year old child.

Hers it seems though is the most tragic inheritance.

Zavier Cassidy wants Hester gone to leave the path clear for the marriage of his daughter Caroline to Carthage. Mrs Kilbride hates Hester and wants her son to

marry well so she also wants Hester out of the way.

Only her friend Monica Murray offers her any comfort in the Bog of Cats.

One of the highlights of this wonderful piece of writing is the epic wedding scene which has some great comedy.

Mrs Kilbride delights audiences as does Fr Willow and Catwoman, although not all are happy at their arrival.

Shrughawadda Players are to be complimented for the

use of some lovely music and lyrics throughout the show..

Tragedy, comedy, inheritance and ethnic prejudice are to be expected in abundance in the `By the Bog of Cats` by Marina Carr.

Cast:Jackie Kennedy, Sophie Gilmore, Bobby Murray, Biddy Hawe, Carolne Doran,Gerry Carroll,Stephen Gilmore,Jake Butler, Emily Freaney Aisling O`Bryan, Willie Kearney and Thomas Deegan.

The show is directed by Alycia Kearney.

Backstage and front of house: Jackie Kenneally

and Marie Kelly. Music by Aobha Moore. Set design and Art:Stephen Gilmore.

Set carpenters and builders: Willie and William Kearney Lights Ciaran Moore.

Costumes and props: Alycia Kearney.

Tickets are on sale online http://www.gr8events.ie/ shrughawaddaplayers2024 Or Booking; Alycia Kearney 0876757490 .Jackie Kenneally:0879553532.

Tickets €12. Online booking fee €1.20.

Proceeds will go to St Joseph's Care Home, Kilmoganny.

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News

Kilkenny County Council Arts Office Career Development Programme for emerging musicians Talks running: April 9th - May 1st This Spring join Kilkenny County Council Arts Office for a series of talks for new and emerging musicians.

Gain valuable insights from experienced artists and professionals, practiced at navigating the oftenchallenging journey of music production, touring, and securing a record label. Join other Kilkenny based musicians to share knowledge, expand your network and acquire valuable skills.

Academy of Music in New York, Cork Midsummer Festival, Film Society at Lincoln Centre in New York, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. Visit www. matthewnolanmusic.com to learn more.

Location: Cleeres Pub, Parliament street, Kilkenny Time: 6pm-7.30pm Booking info: €7 a ticket (2 tickets for €10 and 4 tickets for €20) To book email: kathy. conlan@kilkennycoco.ie April 9th Richard EganThe Creative Process Richie Egan better known as Jape, is a songwriter, producer and musician who has been making music professionally for the last 20 years. Join Richie for this session as he discusses in depth his creative process regarding songwriting and music production, how to keep things fresh if you are a long -term creative person, the happy accidents and why tape is still the most creative medium. Learn about writing songs for children’s tv shows as Richie shares hints and tips he’s picked up along the way. Whether you're a songwriter, musician, or budding producer, we’re sure this talk will provide you with some insights, practical tips, and strategies you can use to develop your practice.

April 17th Brian Bradley of MCD Production- A Guide to Festivals and Touring Delve into the intricate world of touring, promotion and

festival circuits with our speaker Brian Bradley, Senior Promoter - venues/ touring/ festivals at MCD Productions. Learn strategies and get insider tips for navigating these aspects of the music industry. Learn how to get on a bookers radar and how to securing coveted slots at prestigious festivals, this talk will empower you to seize opportunities, expand your reach, and maximize your touring potential.

April 24th Matthew Nolan - Marketing & Audience development Led by musician, music curator and academic Matthew Nolan this talk will delve into the intricacies of audience development and marketing strategies for emerging musicians.

The talk aims to equip artists with the knowledge and techniques essential for fostering a dedicated following. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into audience engagement methodologies, marketing strategies specifically for the music industry.

May 1st Nick Roth -Recorded Music in the Digital Age In this workshop, saxophonist, composer and producer Nick Roth (Diatribe Records) outlines the ways that the record industry has evolved in the digital era.

Exploring both the process of recording itself, and the dissemination of recorded work, the talk focuses on the ways in which a contemporary record label functions as part of a living,

musical ecosystem and how best to engage with this as an individual artist or group.

About Richard Egan Richard Egan is an Irish songwriter, producer and composer working between Malmo, Sweden and Dublin, Ireland. Richard has been making music professionally for the last 20 years playing bass in The Redneck Manifesto, and then becoming the main songwriter in double Choice award winning act Jape.

In recent years, Richard has turned his hand to composing songs and music for TV shows, advertisements and documentaries. Writing songs for children’s TV shows is a strong point in his skillset, having written all the songs for the Nickelodeon show, ‘Becca’s Bunch’, and the Amazon Prime show, ‘Jessy and Nessy’. Richard has also composed the music for the award-winning television advertisement for Team Ireland / FBD Insurance as well as many other short films, advertisements and documentaries About Matthew Nolan: Matthew Nolan is a Dublin based musician, music curator, and academic.

He was the founder and artistic director of 3epkano from 2004 to 2015, an instrumental music ensemble who specialised in the production of original music for movies from the

silent era.

He established the WIRED music strand at the Kilkenny Arts Festival, which ran from 2008 until 2013. Since 2013 he has run Note Productions, a music promotion company dedicated to expanding the Irish audience for jazz, world music, electronic and contemporary classical music.

Over the last 10 years, he has been involved in producing new music for several award winning Irish films including Exile in Hell, Runners, and Somewhere Down the Line. He teaches Film Studies at Dublin Business School and Trinity College Dublin. Ongoing and current projects include Dracula and People on Sunday. Matthew has also worked on commissions from a range of performing arts institutions and arts organisations, including: The Audi Dublin International Film Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, National Gallery of Art, Cork and Dublin French Film Festivals, Brooklyn

About Brian Bradley Brian Bradley is a Senior Promoter specialising in venues, touring, and festivals at MCD Productions with over three decades of experience in the music industry. His extensive background encompasses roles in band management, music retail, public relations, and promotion.

Beginning his journey as an Independent under the moniker 'Import Promotions,' Brian's career evolved through roles at Aiken and the setting up of FOREVER Presents, before founding Brassneck Music where he successfully orchestrated shows and managed venue bookings and festival arrangements in the UK. He returned to MCD Productions, where he continues to excel in curating unforgettable musical experiences.

About Nick Roth Nick Roth is a saxophonist, composer, producer and educator. His work seeks the liberation of improvisation from composition, the poetic syntax of philosophical enquiry, and the function of music as translative epistemology. He is artistic director of the Yurodny Ensemble, a founding member of the Water Project, co-director of Unreal Cities, and a partner at Diatribe Records, Ireland’s leading independent record label for new music. He has served as artist-in-residence at institutions including the European Space Agency (ESTEC), California Academy of Sciences (CalAcademy), dlr LexIcon, Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris (CCI), and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

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Twilight

Twilight Cultural Hub 1. Seniors Club Here we have a meeting point for our seniors (55 +) including our cultural library, Specialist assistants for Chair based Exercise, Sessions with our friends in the Fire Service, Garda, Credit Union, Our Solicitors, and Money Advice as they all advise on security, personal safety, and legal matters that concern our seniors and of course, afternoon tea and dances and trips to places that the seniors themselves choose for days out. At Twilight we believe that Seniors are undervalued and are the most important cohort of our community.

2. Digital Media and Online Courses: As we become part of the digital revolution, no group, including our seniors, should be excluded.

Twilight’s International Cultural House was rocking & rolling, for their open day on Easter Saturday with just the lift installation to be completed as the final part of the jigsaw.

The concept of this Cultural Hub was devised in 2018 and was set into this progressive Kilkenny Community Group five-year plan. The hub is for all communities to come and share the facilities and benefit from a safe and secure environment.

“This is a cultural hub for everyone, including all our Kilkenny Community groups and individuals.” CEO Martin Brennan told the Kilkenny Observer. “Sometimes when we hear the word culture or cultural many wrongly assume that it's for migrants, immigrants, and refugees. At Twilight we welcome Men, Women, Boys, and Girls in all their diversity and our motto is ‘Communities Are Stronger Together’ #cast therefore everyone can avail of our services and participate in our projects, the Host Nation’s communities.

The former Chairperson of

the Older People’s Council and current Councillor John Coonan was thrilled with the

Venue and the services it has to offer “This is something that is really needed as it brings everyone together especially as we see what is happening not just across Europe but Ireland as well!

Cultural houses should be the way forward to assist integration.” Councillor Colleague David Fitzgerald who has been a supporter of this project and Twilight since day one commented on the size of the new Cultural House “The space is incredible, Community Hall, Digital media studio, and the meeting rooms, classroom, and the unique sensory room, the work done has to be commended and supported by the public and the authority to ensure its success”.

Well, Councillors are you interested in using Twilight Studio to make your election videos for social media? Just call and we will guarantee the high quality of your video.

So, what will be available in the Twilight International Cultural House for the Senior community?

3. Join the studio Team and learn how to record, edit and publish our video programmes

for our Twilight Seniors

4. Our weekly podcast as we take the streets to get the voice of the people on topics that concern our communities

6. Arts / Drama and dance groups. These groups are across all age groups as the Twilight Choir is a major project for 2024 with Stefan J Doyle of X Factor fame leading the way

5. Twilight Youth Inclusion Group A youth club is open to all nationalities regardless of status. This club takes part in Erasmus+ programmes with exchange programmes to all European countries as part of our Connecting Cultures programme. Discussions are well underway to build an exchange programme for our Senior Club. With our French and Moroccan Partners on board, oh yes, a wonderful winter sun holiday in Morocco is on the agenda

All our upcoming projects are designed by our Intercultural forum and our seniors have two seats, like all other groups on this forum. We are an open and inclusive community group and welcome all ‘New Communities’ to utilise this new and developing project.

If you wish to be part of this exciting venture for all nationalities and communities all you do is email info@twilight.ie or call 086 3255840

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Marble City Music Festival Kilkenny man and world renowned violinist, Patrick Rafter

Celebrated Irish pianist Michael McHale

Fantastic line up for Marble City Festival Irish harpist Claire O Donnell

Maldovian Pan Flute Player Julian Pusca

Megan Ruby Walsh performs a magical Disney Classics

Pianist Billy O'Brien

Tickets now on sale for Marble City Music Festival. Friday 17th to Sunday 19th May in St. Mary’s Cathedral Kilkenny.

Following a sell out 2023 festival, Marble City Music Festival returns for 3 spectacular concerts in Kilkenny this May 17th - 19th.

Kilkenny man and world renowned violinist, Patrick Rafter teams up with some of Ireland's finest and most exciting musicians for 3 spectacular and mesmerising concerts in Kilkenny City this May! On Friday 17th 8pm Patrick Rafter joins Maldovian Pan Flute Player Julian Pusca, Irish harpist Claire O Donnell and pianist Billy O'Brien for a magical concert of cinema classics featuring the greatest soundtracks and love themes of the 20th century!

Themes from the Lord of the Rings, Out of Africa, the Godfather and many more!

Saturday 18th at 8pm a concert is presented by RTE Lyric FM’s Lorcan Murray.

Patrick Rafter joins celebrated Irish pianist Michael McHale to perform an incredible programme including the epic Franck Sonata!

Sunday 19th at 3pm, former Celtic-women soprano, Megan Ruby Walsh performs a magical Disney Classics with piano, violin and harp featuring themes from Frozen, the Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Cinderella and the Prince of Egypt! A magical family event to witness these incredible musicians performing showstoppers.

Tickets on sale now at marblecitymusicfestival.com Tickets from 15 Euro plus booking Fees Free car parking at the Cathedral and wheelchair access .

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Recruitment

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Clogh Writers Group

In November of 2023, Clogh Writers group launched ‘Where I am’, a collection of poetry and prose from eleven different writers.

As co-ordinator of the writers group Jane Meally said: “Where I am” is a publication where each writer communicates their passion to the reader.”

Having attended the launch in Clogh, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper was quite taken with not only the publication, but the work ethic of the writers group. Over the next 11 weeks we reproduce some of that work, and are delighted to work hand in hand with this North Kilkenny writers group.

WEEK 8: This week we feature the work of Linda Nolan

Behind The Blue Curtain His trolley is guided expertly away, ‘We need to conduct some more tests’ they said, Beep, beep,beep, Machines ringing out all around me, Some lifesaving, I’m sure.

Technology beyond my knowledge, Waiting patiently, praying, That intense antiseptic hospital odour, Seeps into my senses.

Silence just for a moment as the machines go quiet, A distant cough, somebody laughs out loud, And the alarming beep starts again.

A kind eyed porter pops his head in and says, ‘Don’t worry love, he’ll be grand, won’t be much longer’, A flickering light in the corner needs attention, The door buzzer rings again, it’s really busy, Lots of frantic footsteps rushing past, Some confidently, others seem hesitant and a bit lost.

Alone in this little cubicle, behind the blue curtain, I feel isolated, in the midst of all this madness, Time stands still, I send up another silent prayer, Chest drain, c-spine collars, IV lines, spontaneous pneumothorax, Labelled boxes full of life saving bits, The trolley arrives back; the porter pushes aside the blue curtain, Still secured by the backboard and collar, My powerful protector, suddenly vulnerable, sore and helpless, Now we wait for results.

Medication kicking in, he falls into an uneasy sleep, I hold his hand, a tear slips out and slides slowly down my face.

My Foggy Jewels Spiders busily weaving their intricate webs That overnight evolve into the crown jewels, A mundane hedge in the pre-dawn gloom Bursts into life.

Draped in a sequinned evening gown As the sun begins to climb, A Pandora’s Box of wonder Bursts open, When it glitters and twinkles, And dances to life.

The sparkling jewels perch mystically, Upon the spring fresh foliage Miniature crystal balls cling precariously from the tips, Creating that magical, atmospheric, upside down world That Mother Nature is so willing to share.

Linda Nolan

Linda Nolan

Get Busy Living

Then Sings My Soul

As I wait for the sun to shine a little brighter As I wait for these dark clouds to clear As I wait for life to get a little bit easier As I wait for the time to be right As I wait for someone else to be ready As I wait for restrictions to ease As I wait To hug To meet To get close To be together I ponder awhile on what it has meant I now realise that ‘Isolation’ is a horrible word.

My Granny was right about how important it is to ‘Wash Your Hands!’

Two metres is too far away for a hug Blowing kisses through a window isn’t the same Online gatherings aren’t great Going for a drink is not necessarily about the drink.

Missing normal Can’t wait to get back there Fear of the unknown, the invisible, the killer Realisation dawns, nothing is guaranteed Don’t put it off ‘til tomorrow Don’t miss out on anymore It’s TIME....

TO GET BUSY LIVING!

What a difference a day makes Nature brought yesterday a treat The madness, the sound, the surge, the swell Crashing, churning, roaring, rough, Pounding, brutal, violent, tough, Blustery outbursts blasting and whipping, Bracing myself I had to stand my ground.

In solitude I ploughed ahead The damp mist spraying me Dark clouds obscured the sun, Anticipating the rhythm and repeat Of the absolute bedlam of the waves, I gripped tighter to my coat and propelled myself forward, Trying to befriend this moody sea.

Today a dramatic and striking change One rotation of Mother Earth and the drama has ceased, Calm, gentle, soft, tranquil, Still humble, mild, tender, Finding myself in the solitude, reflecting on the reflections, Admiring, relaxing, unwinding, Leaving only footprints behind in the sand, Letting everything else disappear into the white mist, Then sings my soul in light-hearted peaceful serenity.

Linda Nolan

Linda Nolan

Narcissus – A Golden Moment A regal riot of colour captured me, Heads bent in magnificent glory, Graceful, humble, conspicuously trumpeting all their frills, Heralding spring.

A gentle, whispering, fragrant breeze Rustled through the golden crowned greenery and started the dance, This dramatic performance totally commandeered my attention, They are not fussy at all, peeping up in the sun, shade or even snow, Pushing through barriers, year after year of golden sun- kissed reliability, A welcome bouquet of new life, Persevering, Prospering, Precious, Sharing happiness.

I continued on with a smile.

I cherished my golden moment.

Linda Nolan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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Healthy clubs

Healthy club launch and La na gClub night

O’Farrell Family Eoin, Grace, and John Joe providing beautiful music

Guest Speaker Noreen Malone shares her memories of the club

Paul and Jessica Shannon, Sophia and Olivia Kelly and Skynora Mullally

Healthy Club Team Thomas Kelly Catherine Shannon Marie Fitzpatrick and Sarah Mullally

Colouring Competition Winner Olivia Kelly

Colouring Competition Winner Paul Shannon

Guest Speaker Dave Gallagher

Healthy Club Officer Sarah Mullally

Raffle Winner Chloe Fitzpatrick

Raffle winner Tom Cleere

Sarah Mullally and daughter Skynora Mullally

Shauna and Sadie Malone

Colouring Competition Winner Conor Cody

Colouring Competition Winner Davy Gallagher

Colouring Competition Winner Shauna Malone.

Colouring Competition Winner Sophia Kelly

Shamrocks Ballyhale GAA Healthy club held their official launch night in collaboration with La na gClub, on Easter Sunday, with their overall focus to make the community of Ballyhale a healthier, happier, more connected place to live.

On Friday night we took a step down memory lane to revisit some of our favourite times in the club over the last few decades. When we launched our healthy club, we looked at ways we can continue to enhance the health and wellbeing of our members and local community into the future.

Lá na gClub is a national day that celebrates our clubs and communities. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, while welcoming members and newcomers for a fun-filled evening.

This year, we have so much to celebrate as the GAA celebrate it’s 140th anniversary while Camogie celebrates it’s 120th anniversary nationwide.

For more information on the project you can find us on Facebook/instagram at Shamrocks GAA Ballyhale Healthy Club

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Double cheese and spring vegetable tart

This savoury make-ahead tart has a delicious crumbly base – no one will realise it’s shop-bought pastry! Fill with goat’s cheese and beautiful spring veg including asparagus and fresh peas.

Ingredients • 500g block shortcrust pastry • plain flour, for dusting • 25g mature cheddar, finely grated • 200g asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed • 100g fresh podded or frozen peas • 2 eggs

Super-healthy salmon burgers Prep: 20 mins Cook: 10 mins Serves: 4

• half large or 1 small cucumber • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar • 1 tsp golden caster sugar

If you’re after something a bit lighter than potato-packed fishcakes, try these simple salmon burgers with ginger, soy sauce and coriander.

Method STEP 1 Tip the salmon into a food processor with the paste, ginger, soy and chopped coriander. Pulse until roughly minced. Tip out the mix and shape into 4 burgers. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan, then fry the burgers for 4-5 mins on each side, turning until crisp and cooked through.

For the salad • 2 carrots

STEP 1 Roll the pastry out into a rectangle on a work surface lightly dusted with flour. Scatter over the cheese, fold the pastry in half and roll out again into a circle that fits a 25cm tart tin with an overhang. Chill for 20 mins. Meanwhile, cook the asparagus in boiling water for 3 mins, then drain and refresh under cold water. Cook the fresh peas the same way for a minute, or simply defrost the frozen peas.

STEP 2 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

Prick the base of the tart well with a fork, line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake the tart for 30 mins, remove the parchment and beans, prick again if it has puffed up, then bake for another 10-15 mins until biscuit brown.

STEP 3 Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a bowl, add the crème fraîche and cream, season and add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Scatter the peas and most of the watercress over the tart and crumble over half the goat’s cheese. Pour over the creamy egg mixture, then lay the asparagus spears on top. Finally, slice the remaining goat’s cheese and arrange on top, then bake for 25-30 mins until the custard is just set and the cheese is golden brown. Leave to cool in the tin, trim the edges of the pastry, then remove from the tin, scatter with the remaining watercress and serve cut into slices. Can be made up to a day ahead, leave out the fridge to keep the pastry crisp.

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 1 hour Serves: 8

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

• 100g crème fraîche • 150g double cream • whole nutmeg, for grating • 100g watercress • 300g or 2 logs of soft, rindless goat’s cheese

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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5

Maggie Q to star in Bosch spin-off

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

for you to stream this week 1. Testament: The Story Of Moses

This is a docuseries new to Netflix that chronicles the journey of Moses from an outcast to a prophet/liberator with the help of expert historians and theologians. And runs over three 80minute episodes.

2. Ronja The Robber’s Daughter

Based on Astrid Lindgren’s novel of the same name, Netflix’s new fantasy drama Ronja the Robber’s Daughter tells the tale of a young girl whose bond with a young boy of a rival clan ignites a feud that exposes the dark and hidden secrets. The situation gets more complicated when a bailiff threatens to rid the magical forest of all robbers.

3. A Beautiful Mind GM Studios’ Bosch universe is expanding in a second spin-off, with Maggie Q [pictured] reportedly set to lead the untitled Renee Ballard series based on novels

by Michael Connelly. This will be the first entry of the studio’s Connelly-based franchise to not be headlined by Titus Welliver as Hieronymus ‘Harry’ Bosch.

According to the entertainment journal Deadline, the new series will bring Detective Renee Ballard to screen as she finds herself in charge of running the LAPD’s new cold-case unit.

While attempting to clear down the city’s mountainous volume of unsolved crimes, she uncovers a conspiracy that will see her looking to the retired Detective Bosch for assistance.

The series, which will

feature Welliver’s Bosch in a supporting role, acts as a follow-up to the original Bosch series and its sequel show, Bosch Legacy, both of which have been hugely successful for Amazon Studios. Ballard and Bosch have crossed paths several times in Connelly’s novels, with the former appearing in five novels, starting with 2017’s The Late Show, with a sixth book, The Witness, set for release in November 2024.

This means that, just like the Bosch series, Ballard’s series could run for several seasons.

Maggie Q has a long list of credits to her name, including the Kiefer Sutherlandled Designated Survivor, and playing the lead in The CW’s Nikita series. Her film credits have included Mis-

sion: Impossible 3, Live Free or Die Hard, and The Family Plan with Mark Wahlberg.

Some of the most popular TV series are based on crime novels, and Amazon’s Bosch is no exception. Debuting on Prime Video in 2014, Bosch ran for seven seasons and adapted many of Connelly’s novels, sometimes with one novel encompassing a whole season and other times combining two or more stories into one.

The series was well-received by fans of Connelly’s work, who praised the casting of Welliver as Bosch, and the faithfulness of the adaptations. The series became one of Prime Video’s longest running scripted shows by the time the final season aired in 2021. But that was not the end for Bosch.

Bosch: Legacy Cast and Character Guide Hot on the heels of that series, a spin-off series entitled Bosch: Legacy picked up the story with Bosch having left the LAPD and now working as a private investigator. The series, which is currently set to air its third season, debuted in 2022 and has continued to deliver the same kind of gripping police procedural action that has engaged crime fans for a decade.

The new Ballard series comes from the same production team that has been responsible for Bosch’s onscreen success, including author Connelly on board as executive producer. There has been no date currently set for the new series’ premiere, but it is likely to be sometime in 2025.

When truth is stranger than fiction Prepare to be shook, for Netflix has added a new psychological thriller that’s poised to weird you into submission.

Entitled Cat Person, it’s the latest creepy big screen tale stemming from a bizarre real life encounter.

Based on a very real story first reported in the New Yorker by Kristen Roupenian back in 2017, Cat Person is a twisting tale stemming from a chance encounter in a cinema foyer.

Transformed into a big screen release back in 2023, the viral short story gripped the internet, with this bizarre first date tale spiralling into a story that resonated

with an entire generation.

Described as “nightmareish” by major news outlets including The Times, this is one film that captures the dating sphere where millennials-meets-Gen-Z are concerned.

The premise is simple: Margot, a 20-year-old sophomore college student, meets Robert, a 34-year-old man who’s a regular at the movie theatre where she works.

However, things take a suitably dark turn when an in-person date with Robert (played by Succession’s Nicholas Braun) leaves Margo (played by CODA’s Emilia Jones) stumped.

A genre-bending release, the film explored the horrors of modern dating – and how humans can make truly dangerous projections about strangers we barely even know.

In this instance, using a ping-pong of a text messages.

Directed by Susanna Fogel, the release received less-than-positive reviews when it was first hit cinemas back in 2023, gaining a tepid critics’ score of just 47% on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, it’s a film that continues to perform – primarily down to the popularity of the original tale.

Described by Variety as

“a squirmy, uncomfortable movie no teenager wants to watch with their mom, but maybe everyone should” – this is a tale that proves reality can really be stranger than fiction.

The Guardian labelled it a “tense adaptation”, The Times describes the release as a “nightmare-ish daydream”. However, the Independent described the film as “the cinematic equivalent of the loudest person in the room with the least amount to say.” Ouch.

Either way, we feel this film will soar up the charts – if only thanks to the viral and intriguing nature of the original story.

Sweeping the 74th annual Oscars, A Beautiful Mind from 2021 scooped up Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted and Best Supporting Actor with further nominations in four more categories including Best Actor for Russell Crowe’s leading turn as celebrated mathematician John Nash. A Beautiful Mind (Amazon Prime) opens with the brilliant but socially awkward Nash arriving at Princeton University in 1947. Flash forward a few years and Nash’s brilliance is noticed by the Pentagon who enlist his help studying encrypted telecommunications.

4. She Said

Based on the book of the same name, She Said recounts the New York Times investigation that exposed decades of sexual abuse and misconduct by famed Hollywood product Harvey Weinstein.

The film is centred on two dogmatic journalists, Jodi Kantor (Carey Mulligan) and Megan Twohey (Zoe Kazan), who worked tirelessly to expose Weinstein. Very powerful stuff.

On Amazon Prime.

5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

One of the most consistently funny comedy alms of the 2000s, Forgetting Sarah Marshall sees Jason Segel play Peter Bretter, a composer for a popular crime drama show that stars the titular Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell).

Oh, and Peter’s also been dating Sarah for ave years, and she just dumped him to date a British Rockstar (Russell Brand) instead.

It’s a situation ripe for comedy, and the film gets great mileage out of some truly toe-curlingly uncomfortable situations. On Amazon

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Kilkenny Tennis Club With the clocks having gone forward last weekend over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, outdoor sports and actitivies will be very busy throughout the Summer months.

With the longer evenings now in situ, Kilkenny Tennis Club has plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.

This week, with the school kids on Easter Holidays there was a Kilkenny Easter U-12 and U-14 Tour, while tonight (Friday) The Kilkenny National Doubles Open Weekend commences with the finals down for decision this Sunday.

Meanwhile on next Friday night the 12th of April, the Friday Night Social Tournament will return at 7.30pm, while the following day on Saturday April 13th the finals of The Frostbite Doubles will take place.

The Junior matchplay competitions continue at the weekends, while The Kilkenny Spring Matchplay which started in March continues till the end of May. There is plenty happening in Kilkenny Tennis Club right

BY PAUL BOLGER

Nano Physiotherapy WWW.NANOPHYSIO.IE

Keeping strong to stay healthy in the modern age

throughout the year, with the Kilkenny Open week starts on Saturday June 8th with finals day on Saturday June 15th, while from Saturday 6th to Saturday 13th July is The Junior Kids Open.

Meanwhile, The St. Patricks Tennis Tournament sponsored by Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel was held on St. Patricks Eve Saturday March 16th. It was a major success where a huge turnout was in force despite the inclement weather throughout the day.

So much to look forward to over the Summer months and with 8 class 1 grade courts on offer, Kilkenny Tennis Club are in a most priviliged position to cater for anyone who wants to play on a court.

For further information on events that are happening or how to get involved in the club, check out The Kilkenny Tennis Club website https:// www.kilkennytennisclub. com/ or The Kilkenny Tennis Club page on Facebook.

Resistance training:

What is it and why do we keep hearing about it?

You will likely have heard of ‘resistance training’ being talked about on the radio, TV on online. But what is resistance training? Why are we hearing more and more about it? And is it important for health? Here is a chartered physiotherapist's opinion.

What is Resistance Training?

Resistance training is a form of exercise where we place resistance (strain or force) through the body – through our muscles, bones and joints. It includes classic weight training, bodyweight training and other exercises where we take more weight through the body than what we do during normal daily tasks (e.g. hiking with a backpack, floor exercises in yoga or pilates, etc).

Why do I keep hearing about it?

Modern life, for many of us, does not demand that we put much strain through the body. The phrase ‘use it or lose it’ comes to mind – it's important to regularly expose our whole body to some

degree of strain consistently if we want to stay strong.

In previous years, people had no choice but to lift, drag, carry, pull and exert their bodies in every which way daily. Think about carrying a basket from one shop to the next; walking miles to get from A To B;

chopping and carrying wood.

The list goes on. Modern comforts allow us to avoid doing this regularly.

As we move away from regular strenuous work, resistance training is becoming more important.

While previous generations maintained their strength

simply by completing their weekly tasks, now many of us must go out of our way to keep our muscles and joints strong and our bones healthy.

Is it really that good for my health?

The short answer – yes.

Research shows that those who maintain strength are much more likely to remain independent, mobile and involved into later life. This results in them leading healthier and happier lives.

We know all about the muscle and strength gains resistance training offers,

but it is also key for bone health. Bones, like muscles, are constantly changing and adapting. Astronauts perform resistance training in space to try to mitigate the harmful effects that zero gravity has on their bodies, including their bones. Placing added weight through the bones with consistent resistance training has been shown to slow, or even stall, bone density loss as we age.

There are so many more examples of how resistance training helps us – such as balancing blood sugar levels, improving metabolic health and reducing the risk of injuries and falls.

Where do I start?

The starting point will be different for each person – but the benefits will come with consistent effort. For someone who is inactive and unfit simply standing and sitting from a chair for 30 seconds might offer similar physical demands as squatting with a heavy weight offers to a fit athlete.

The best advice I can give is to join a group, club or class who perform resistance training. Here you can be guided by someone who can help you to adapt to your current ability. For those with significant medical concerns, seeing a healthcare professional might be the place to start.

As always, consistency and maintaining activity in the long run are key.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA MEMBERSHIP Membership for Clara GAA, Camogie & LGFA Clubs is now due.

With the bright evenings back the underage training is due to commence on Monday 8th April. Thanks to all who have paid their membership to date, it is very much appreciated. Please login to your Foireann account at Foireann.ie.

Anyone experiencing difficulties can contact, registrar.clara@ gmail.com or any Committee member.

Thanks, from Clara GAA Executive Committee.

CLUB LOTTO Lotto results 26th March. Numbers drawn - 3, 6, 13.

Congratulations to Pauline Bergin of Revanagh, winner of the €2,650 jackpot.

Next weeks jackpot reverts back to €1,000. Thanks to all for your support.

LAST MAN STANDING Congratulations to Ger Prendergast, winner of this years Last One Standing, first prize €500.

Thirty players made it to the end, with Ger 10 points clear on a score of 154.

GOOD LUCK Good luck to Kilkenny in next Saturday’s League final v. Clare in Semple Stadium at 7.15. Conor Phelan and John Murphy are part of Kilkenny’s backroom team.

PARISH NEWS

Guard of Honour

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS EASTER CAMP Over 140 children attended a very successful Easter Camp in O’ Loughlin Gaels GAA club last week. Despite the wet weather spirits were high throughout the week and a good time was had by all. Well done to Stephen and Mark for organising and running the camp and many thanks to the fourteen coaches and their assistants. A special word of thanks to Damien O’Connell for his usual efficient organisation of traffic flow and parking. The Summer Camps are already eagerly anticipated.

SWEEPSTAKES FUNDRAISER Our Under 8’s trainer Corey O’Neill is organising a different type of fundraiser for O’Loughlin Gaels juvenile teams. Based on the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia taking place from 11th to 14th April each entry is drawn to a golfer. Cost is just €10 for one entry or €15 for two entries. Prizes are € 150 for first, €75 for second and €50 for third place. You can enter by Revolute Corey at 085 1199285. Alternatively Corey will be in the Clubhouse on Tuesday 9th April from 7.30pm to 8.30pm to take entries. The Draw will take place on Wednesday 10th April. With all proceeds going to our juvenile hurling and camogie teams why not enter and have some fun while supporting them.

INTER COUNTY PLAYERS Well done to O’Loughlin Gaels players with Kilkenny camogie in their win against Waterford in the Very Camogie League last Saturday. Involved were Laura Greene, Danielle Quigley and Laura Murphy.

Also well done to Greg Kelly, a member of the Kilkenny Under 20 panel who enjoyed victory over Wexford in the Leinster Championship last weekend.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated March 26th. Numbers Drawn 11, 18, 19, 20 Bonus 5. If you are not already a member of the club lotto why not join and Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw 1. Maurice Nolan. 2. Tommy and Imelda Galvin c/o Mary Deegan 3. Martin Wall c/o ML Nolan. 4. Peter Dowling. 5. Rachel Loy c/o N Loy 6. Fr. Dan Carroll c/o H Mahon. 7. Cathleen Deegan. 8. Martin O’Keeffe c/o James O’Keeffe 9. Linda Murphy c/o Online. 10. Mary McEvoy c/o Online Thank you for your continued Support NOTES If you have any item you would like to have included in the O’Loughlin Gaels Notes please email : pro.oloughlingaels. kilkenny@gaa.ie

Michael Bourke raises the Tricolour

FRESHFORD EASTER COMMEMORATION The Annual Easter Commemoration took place on the Square in Freshford on Sunday last, with a good crowd in attendance. The Proclamation was read by Ali Rafter, a Wreath was laid and the Tricolour was raised by Michael Burke there was also a variety of songs and readings. Gillian Queally gave a beautiful rendering of “Grace” accompanied by Gary on guitar. M C on the day was John Meagher. Local Cllr Michael McCarthy thanked a number of people including the Local Committee who organised the event, and various people for their participation including Photographers and all who provided memorabilia (Flag and Wreath) and everyone who helped in any way. There was a special mention for MEP Billy Kelleher and TD Jackie Cahill who were in attendance on the day. The Commemoration concluded with a rendering of Amhrán Na bhFiann by PJ Norton and refreshments were provided in the Hall.

The previous night, a very successful Cabaret was held in Kavanagh’s Bar. Seamus Bergin thanked all for their support and attendance. Winners of the raffle and door prizes on the night were: 1st Michael Brophy, 2nd Jack Whitty, 3rd Declan Buggy, 4th Joe Dermody, 5th John McGrath, 6th James Burke, 7th Michael Cass. Door Prize 1st Katie Mc Ardle, 2nd Jim Hayes.

DEATH

The Proclamation was read by Ali Rafter.

The people of Freshford were saddened last week to hear of the passing of Tom Foley late of Mill Street, Freshford. Although he had been unwell in recent time he fought his illness with such courage and bravery but nevertheless his passing caused

widespread regret and sorrow. Tom who was originally from Parliament Street and Ardnore, Kilkenny. He was a very quiet and unassuming gentleman. He was courageous and hard-working and moved to Freshford some years ago, where he renovated his house over some years. He was a karate expert and had many belts and was a tutor in later years. He was widely known and respected by all who knew him. Funeral liturgy took place in St. Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy on Friday morning last followed by burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery . He is mourned by his brother Peter, sisters Deidre, Annette, Noreen and Patricia, brothers in law, sisters in law, goddaughter, aunt, nephews, nieces and extended family and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

HOLIDAYING Home on holiday over the Easter break and staying at Buncrussia Street, Freshford, all the way from Norway were Bjorg her daughters Sara and Martine and her partner and four grandchildren.

Also spending Easter in Freshford from UK are Michael and Maura O’Donnell, Botherless.

IONAD LACHTAIN The launch of Feile Lachtain 2024 took place recently at St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre. Monsignor Kennedy donated to the museum, a beautiful commemorative limestone bench which Pat Nolan and Niamh Kennedy unveiled in the Garden of remembrance Easter vigil took place in St.Lachtain Church on Saturday evening with St.Canices Cathedral choir in attendance.

The Museum Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm.

FUNDING SUCCESS. Cllr. Michael McCarthy is further pleased to see the inclusion of the L1000-23 Clintstown Road Bridge, Freshford €30,000 Under 2024 Bridge Rehabilitation Works on Regional and Local Roads.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side took on Evergreen B on Sunday morning last and came out on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline.

Mark Donnelly scored twice for the Freshford side. There were no schoolboys games over the weekend GAA The hurling season got underway last Wednesday when St Lachtains U16’s took on Glenmore in Glenmore at 18.30pm.

The U14 footballers take on Erins Own in Pairc Lachtain at 10.30 Sunday morning in the Roinn B championship quarter-final. The minor hurlers kick off their year when they take on Shamrocks in Pairc Lachtain next Monday evening at 18.30.

This year’s Easter camp was a great success despite the very difficult weather. 70 children aged between 5 and 13 braved the conditions to take part and great time was had by all. The club would like to thank all the volunteers who helped out and special thanks goes to Michael Farrell who runs this camp every year. Roll on summertime!

Well done to local lad Cathal Hickey and the Kilkenny U19 team who won the first two games of the development league at weekend LOOP CAFE The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend and try some of their lovely food and support a local community café.

They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.

BRIDGE Freshford bridge club continues every Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Three castles. New members are always very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.

COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford Community alert annual fee is now well overdue and you are asked to please pay same as soon as possible as they will be removing unpaid members. Envelopes are available from Community members and new members are very welcome to join.

Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm 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.

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.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOIGE CLUB SENIOR FOOTBALL FINAL On Friday evening the James Stephens and Thomastown footballers served up a highly entertaining senior football league final in MW Dunmore Park despite the very difficult underfoot conditions. Both clubs gave an impressive display of football skills, solo running, short passing and support play before running into well managed defences on both sides which minimised scoring opportunities. Sean Manogue opened the scoring in the 2nd minute for James Stephens before Thomastown responded with a point of their own in the 5th minute.

Thomastown then broke the deadlock with a cross field kick which deceived goalkeeper Anto Larkin and ended up in the net.

Keeping in touch Sean Manogue kicked over two quality points by the 14th minute to reduce the Thomastown lead at 0-03 to 1-02. With the game continuing to ebb and flow in the 26th minute Eoin Deely’s drive through the centre was abruptly halted resulting in a penalty award from which Fionn Cody drilled the leather to the net. The half time score read 1-04 to 1-03 in favour of The Village. With scores hard to come by Thomastown eventually levelled the game with a point in the 12th minute of the 2nd half just after Anto Larkin saved a certain Thomastown strike for goal one minute earlier. In the 17th minute goal scoring specialist Fionn Cody finished a neat James Stephens passing move to the net to open a three point lead for The Village at 2-04 to 1-04. Over the closing five minutes in the energy sapping conditions the fast tiring James Stephens defence which had stood defiantly against a constant stream of Thomastown attacks was forced to concede three points, the last from an angled free in the 31st minute to deadlock the game at 2-04 to 1-07. Unfortunately from a James Stephens perspective in the 20 minutes of extra time the All-Ireland club championship winning team’s winter training regime came to fore for Thomastown as they completely dominated scoring 2-07 to a single point to claim the 2024 senior football league title. The James Stephens panel that fought valiantly in defeat to bridge a 23 year gap since the clubs last league title win was Anthony Larkin, Jim Ryan, James Tyrrell, Sam McEvoy, Oisin Bateman, Niall Delaney, Luke Murphy, Eoin Deely Jamie O’Keeffe Sean Manogue Niall Brassil, Allen Larkin, Fionn Cody, David McCormack, Eoin Larkin, David Walton, James Rafter, Ross Whelan Jacob Breslin. Credit also to Diarmuid Berry’s management team who put so much time into coaching the team over the last few months.

DOGGIE SUCCESS When the family greyhound Birchfield Pa crossed the line to win the feature race, The Tom Browne Memorial trophy in the Thomastown G.A.A. Club’s recent “Night at the Dogs” fundraiser it signaled celebrations in the Brennan household in St. Fiacre’s Place. The flying two and a half year old greyhound is very much a family favourite, jointly owned by former James Stephens “great”, Fess Brennan, sons Michael and Philly and grandson, Sean. The Village connection goes even deeper as Birchfield Pa is trained by the highly respected greyhound trainer and former club star midfielder Thomas Leahy. Congratulations to the Brennan family and trainer Thomas Leahy on yet another Village successful sporting story.

CAMOGIE After a number of indifferent national league performances the Kilkenny senior camogie team continued their upward trajectory with a deserved 2-10 to 0-13 victory over Waterford in the SETU Arena on Saturday. In a bid to inject new enthusiasm in the panel before the championship campaign begins club star Niamh Deely started at full back alongside club mate Michelle Teehan while Sophie O’Dwyer was selected at full forward. The first round fixtures for the 2024 All-Ireland championship will take place on the weekend of 25th May. PODCAST

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Community & GAA Notes Why not tune into Liam Kelly-O’Rourke’s latest podcast over the Easter holiday break which features reflections from Stephen Manogue and Sean Bergin on winning the 2024 All-Ireland Colleges senior hurling title in a titanic battle with St. Raphael’s College Loughrea Galway over the St. Patrick’s weekend. In winning the Croke Cup for the 25th time the talented S.K.C.panel included seven James Stephens players, Stephen Manogue, Sean Bergin, Ed Lauhoff, Bill and Ed McDermott, Sean Deely and Oisin Bateman all of whom got game time on the hallowed turf of Croke Park on the day.

LOTTO This week’s numbers were 4 : 7 : 11 : 17. There was no winner.

The € 40 consolation winners were Lorraine Breen, Aisling Burke, Tommy Hennessy, Marian Noonan and Breda O’Grady.

Zahra Khodabacksh, Bennettsbridge, World Irish Dancing Champion Senior Ladies (2)

GOWRAN GOWRAN PARK The race meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday 3rd April will now take place on the 17th April.

The Complimentary Shuttle Bus service will leave from Kilkenny City Centre (just above the gates of Kilkenny Castle) One Hour before the first race.

GOWRAN PARISH Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly are happy to announce the opening of Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes in Dalton House Day Care Centre at the end of March.

If you have any high quality clothes that you would like to turn into cash contact 0860276332.

GOWRAN AC Congratulations to all the juveniles who competed at the 45th St. Senans Open Day in Kilmacow. The athletes got to compete in various different disciplines including sprints, middle distance, walk, high jump, long jump, shot put and javelin. Well done to everyone on their fantastic performances, especially Méabh Mosely (U7, 660m silver), Heidi Ryan (U15 1500m walk bronze, U15 Javelin bronze) and Lucy Cunningham (U15, 700m bronze).

A great day was had by all, in the glorious sunshine and congrats to St Senans AC for hosting another excellent event again this year.

U7 Girls, Méabh MoMéabh. U8 Girls, Clodagh Mosely. U9 Boys,Tom Hunt, Tom Pollock. U10 Girls, Emma Hayden. U10 Boys, Brian Carroll. U11 Girls, Laoise Mosely. U11 Boys, Shane Nolan. U12 Girls, Abigail Hunt. Sarah Mulrooney, Robyn Goodwin.

U12 Boys, Sean Carroll, Oscar Langton, Jay Pollock. U13 Girls.

Laoise Glynn, Roisin Mosely, Emer O’Callaghan, Hannah Phelan.

U13 Boys. Matthew Byrne, Sean Farrell, Ross Hutton. U14 Girls, Heidi Ryan. U15 Girls. Lucy Cunningham, Maeve McEvoy Lusty.

U15 Boys, Evan Ryan. U16 Girls,Kate Hayden. U16 Boys, Jack Gardiner, Darragh O’Dwyer.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIG NOTES If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc., you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook. com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.

LOTTO. GAA AND SOCCER Numbers drawn on 25/03 /24 were 1, 4, 22, 32, and there was no winner. The following won €30 each Geraldine Keating, Sean O’Brien, Jeremy Mc Donald, Keith Murry. RoisinKehoe, Tickets are available from any club member.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in. The next Session is on Friday April 12th.

TIDY TOWNS JACKPOT 1st Prize €473, Alec and Brody, 2nd Prize €50 James Hickey, 3rd Prize €25 Eileen Whitty, and the following Won€25 each Eilish Costello, Mary Broaders ,Aine Miller, Milly Connolly.

CLINIC Cllr Peter Chap Cleere will have his Clinic at his Office at Main Street Graiguenamanagh on Monday Evenings @ 7pm GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN PAULSTOWN BOXING CLUB Congratulations to Paulstown Boxers on reaching the finals of the Leinster Championship Finals and to our two new Leinster Champions Annalise O’Reilly and Mary Harty. Both girls will now box in the Irish National Championships.

BADMINTON Badminton returns after the Easter break to Paulstown Community Hall at 20.00 each Monday from 8th April. Entry: €5.

New players including beginners are welcome. Contact Tommy for information: 087 2303495 BARROW RANGERS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB For the weekly Lotto online tickets are available at www.lottoraiser.ie/BarrowRangers The Camogie Association’s Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Course schedule for 2024 is now available to view. See learning.gaa.ie/ICGG ROAD RUN FOR DANNY Car, tractor run, vintage, bike motorbike and truck run in aid of Danny’s MS treatment Fund on Sunday 14th April from 10.30-12.30 with registration in the GAA Barrow Rangers Club, Paulstown. Some refreshments and raffle after the run back in the community hall.

DANCE FIT Classes on Tuesday. No class on following Tuesday of Easter

Tom Healy

Lucy Doyle, Annalise O’Reilly, Johnny McNamara, Mary Harty and Grace Fenlon. week. Contact Stephanie Lennon on ‘Dance Fit’ on Facebook or instagram where you can sign up via Google forms link. Cost is €8 per class.

CHURCH SERVICES Saturday 6th / Sunday 7th April: Masses in Goresbridge at 19.30, 10.00 and in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Sacred Heart Prayer Group meets on Fridays after 10am mass in Paulstown.

Legion of Mary Thursdays at 3pm in Paulstown. New members welcome.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Paulstown resumes Tuesday 9th April after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.

DEATHS The death has occurred of Anne Brennan (nee McGrath) of Castlewarren, Co. Kilkenny, formerly of Burncourt, Co. Tipperary. Mrs Brennan died peacefully after a short illness surrounded by her loving family in St. Luke’s Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Joe and brother John. She will be deeply regretted by her sons Sean, Seamus and Aidan, her adoring grandchildren William and Katie. Daughter-in-law Niamh, brothers-in-law and sister-in-laws, brothers David and Jimmy, nieces, nephews and her wide circle of friends. Mrs Brennan was buried in the Holy Family Cemetery, Paulstown following a funeral service on Saturday, the 30th March in Paulstown Church of the Assumption.

The death has occurred of Kenneth Anthony Lanigan, Knockmanus, Goresbridge, Kilkenny late of Inchicore, Dublin. Mr. Lanigan passed away peacefully at his home on the 27th of March 2024, pre-deceased by his loving wife Valerie, and leaving behind his sons, Joe, Kenneth, and Marcus, and his daughter Una. Sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Mr Lanigan was buried in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery following funeral Mass on Monday 1st of April at the Church of the Holy Trinty, Goresbridge.

CUPLA FOCAL All welcome! Weekly Friday chatting in Irish over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday 5th April at 11am. Whether it is a few words or many, it doesn’t matter. Contact Ann on 085 7529485 for further information. Fáilte roimh chách.

BENNETTSBRIDGE WORLD DANCING TITLE FOR ZAHRA Local Irish Dancer, Zahra Khodabacks excelled in the World Irish Dancing Championships held in the Gleneagles Hotel in Killarney last weekend.

Members of her family were there to see Zahra crowned world champion in the senior ladies 2024 competition.

Zahra dances for the Kilkenny Academy of Irish dancing. Her teachers are Evelyn, Janine and Sarah.

Her sister Sofia also came home with two world medals.

EASTER CEREMONIES The Easter ceremonies were well attended in the parish.

Celebrant in both churches was Fr. Pat Duggan. Both churches were beautifully adorned for the ceremonies. Fr Duggan thanked all concerned with the preparations over the week, especially, sacristans, readers, Ministers of the Eucharist, parish choir and those who looked after the flower arrangements.

LOTTO No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 3, 6, 24, 27. Consolation Prizes, Liz Griffiths, Gowran Road, Bridget O’Connell, Killarney, Donncha and Leah Croke, Kilree Park, Noel Ryan, Woodlawn. Anne Doran, Woodlawn.

MENS SHED The Hall Committee wishes to acknowledge the significant painting job carried out in the hall by Kevin Davey. The Pool Table in the little meeting room is working well and the removable table top fashioned by Pat Lawlor blends in well with the hall decor.

Meetings are going well and new members are made welcome.

The parish as a whole is lucky to have such an amenity at its disposal.

ART CLASS Members of the Bennettsbridge Art Group would like to extend sympathy to the Comerford and Lambert families on the unexpected death of Helen recently. Helen was a friend of the group and only last August she performed the opening of our Art Exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week.

Art Classes resume next Monday following the Easter Break.

Artists are concentrating on producing work for their Annual

Exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week. Julie Moorhouse will be in attendance to give her advice and help.

GAA Intercounty Games Good luck to the three Blanchfield brothers and the Kilkenny senior team that play Clare in the league final this Saturday in Thurles. Bill Hughes played centre-back for the Kilkenny under 20 team that defeated Wexford in the championship first round last weekend. Timmy Kelly and James Hughes were part of the panel also. Brian Lannon was selector and Dick O’Neill was part of the backroom team. Best of luck to all the lads against Laois in round two next Saturday. Jack Campion was part of the Kilkenny under 19 team that defeated Wexford last Friday night.

Club Games The junior football team played Railyard in the championship semi final on Monday last. The under 14 footballers are at home to Thomastown in the championship quarter final next SundayOur minors play Bagnalstown at home next Monday evening. Best of luck to all ‘Bridge teams over the next week.

Bord na nÓg Annual Grand National Draw Lines are now on sale from committee members and in businesses around Bennettsbridge, all support greatly appreciated for our annual draw.

Spring Clean 2024 Many thanks to all who helped out at the GAA grounds last Saturday in preparation for the upcoming season. A great lot of work was done and all help was greatly appreciated.

Club Spot The club has adopted a new app for all GAA business going forward, replacing clubforce. We ask as many people as possible to download this new club spot app. Details are on the club’s Facebook page. This is a great way to communicate club business. Membership, split the pot etc., and all club business can be done on this so it is vital for members to download the app as soon as possible.

Membership 2024 This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member. Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non-playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players.

Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the club’s Facebook and twitter pages for details.

Split the Pot The next draw takes place this Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse.

Thanks to all for the continued support.

Club Shop

Some new items have been added to the online O’Neill’s shop.

Simply put Bennettsbridge in the search box on the O’Neill’s website to see all the gear.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 28th March 2024. Nos: 3 5 21 23, Jackpot, not won Draw Prizes – €50: Pat and Jackie Cody c/o Pat Cody. €25 each Sophie Phelan c/o Joe Phelan €25 each Ciara Larkin c/o Online. €25 each David Ryan c/o Online Hurlers Co Op Draw Niall Cody c/o Brian Fitzpatrick. Promotors prize Pat Cody We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up & play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

JOIN OUR CLUB The new Hurling, Camogie and Gaelic Football season is fast approaching and our Hurling and Camogie Nursey and underage teams will be back in the thick of it in Palmerstown and James Park. For more information contact any member of our Committee or See our ClubZap for more details.

KILKENNY HURLING Congratulations to Kilkenny u20’s on their win against Wexford on their first game out this season. Well done to our Club Man Mark Dowling Kilkenny Manager and our Boro Hurlers Cillian Hackett (Captain) , Harry Shine, Tom McPhilips and Evan Murphy.

Well done to Club Hurler Mikey Stynes who was involved with the u19 Kilkenny Team who also had a very impressive win over Wexford last Friday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park.

KILKENNY CAMOGIE Congratulations to Kilkenny Camogie & our Senior Girls Aoife, Ciara, Asha, Katie and Niamh who secured a 3 point win against Waterford at a bright and blustery SETU Arena Saturday afternoon. Late Points from our own girls Katie Byrne and Asha McHardy sealed a victory for The Kilkenny Ladies. Well done to all involved.

CLUB CAMOGIE Great to see our Junior and Senior Teams back in action last weekend in the ACL League our Junior Team was out last Friday evening and unfortunately went down in the 2nd half to a strong Tullogher Team while our Senior Ladies had a very convincing win over Barrow Rangers Sunday morning.

FIXTURES/RESULTS Our games are back in full swing. For updates on upcoming games and results please see our ClubZap for more details.

EASTER CAMP 2024 Thanks to all our Coaches, Leaders and Mentors and all the young boys and girls who made our Easter Camp this year a memorable one. The 3 days was packed full of fun, games and laughter and an Epic Easter Hunt.

JOHNSTOWN CHURCH NEWS Easter Offerings are now due for the support of the priests.

Thanks to all the parishioners who contributed to the Lenten Stations. Trocaire envelopes for Lent are also to be returned. The Holy Week ceremonies were very well attended in the parishes of Urlingford, Johnstown and Galmoy.

JOHNSTOWN HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Happy Campers at Easter Camp

Thanks to our Brilliant Coaches

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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Community & GAA Notes Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town or Revolut 086 3799582. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Next week’s draw will be for Emeralds Club Field Hurling Development.

GRAINE CARDS Graine progressive 25 card game every Wednesday night at 8.15pm in Graine hall. All are welcome.

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.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

Taking Time Out

Hurl Ogs

Johnstown Heritage Committee are keen to create a Social History of all the different events that took place in the Community Hall over many years and frame them for hanging in the front meeting room. They would appreciate old brochures, photos, newspaper cuttings etc. that you would be willing to share. They can be given to Kathleen Renehan or left into Morrisseys shop for the attention of the Heritage Committee.

HOPE FOUNDATION TY PROJECT Cara Delaney would like to thank everyone who contributed to the HOPE Foundation TY Project. Cara returned from India in late March and witnessed first hand the poverty and struggles from the people of Kolkata and how the €3,000 raised in the community can make a real difference.

ST. KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, URLINGFORD Applications are invited for the tenancy of a one bedroomed house at St. Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny Co. Council housing list. Application forms from the Mill Centre. 0568838466.

FENIANS HC Bingo continues each Wednesday night in St. Mary’s Hall. For the next four weeks the split the pot will be in aid of the local First Responders who do such great work in association with the ambulance service.

SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results. Youths League Division 1A Evergreen 8 Spa 4, U15 boys league division 1A Spa 2 Thomastown 0, U14 boys league division 1A Spa 4 Deen Celtic 0, U14 boys league division 2 Thomastown 1 Spa 3, U14 girls league division 1 Spa 4 Southend 0, U12 girls league division 1 Thomastown 0 Spa 1, U12 boys league division 1A Spa 3 Highview 0, U12 boys league division 2 Evergreen 1 Spa 0, U11 boys shield Spa 1 Thomastown 1, U10 boys cup Spa 0 Lions 1.

URLINGFORD HAPPY VALLEY TRACTOR RUN The Happy Valley Tractor Run Committee recently presented a cheque for €25,755 to Dr Bill Cuddihy, Chairperson of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. Dr Cuddihy praised our community who raised this incredible amount of money which will be used to provide much needed support for so many whose lives have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. A huge thank you to Norton Engineering for providing their yard for the event and to each and every one who helped out in so many ways which helped make this New Year’s Eve event such a success.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO March 25 prize fund was €17,300. Jackpot: €15,300. Numbers drawn: 2, 11, 18, 29, bonus no 26. No winner and two match three winners: Michael Manton, Erin Harnett. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Dan Norton, Gary Peters, John Campion, Olivia Donnelly, Henry O’Grady. Promoters prize: Joan Campion.

SET DANCING In Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Live music, sets called by Paddy Martin. All are welcome. Contact Phil Fogarty 086 8638782; Mary Webster 087 7936113.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT March 31st winner of Split the Pot is Laura Caschera who will receive €827. Congrats Laura on behalf of Emeralds Club Field Hurling Development.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm COLLECTIONS The Parish council would like to thank parishioners who supported the priest collection and Trocaire collection last weekend. If you have overlooked it, please give them at masses this weekend.

EASTER CEREMONIES It was great to see such a large attendance from our parish at our Easter ceremonies in both Churches. A special word of thanks to Fr Walton who marked his first opportunity to celebrate the various Easter Ceremonies as our new P.P. Thanks also to the Sacristans, Readers, Musicians, Ministers of the Eucharist, Servers, Collectors and anyone else who helped over the Easter period.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The annual pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from June 14th to 20th. Any enquiries please contact Fr Walton or any member of the Parish pastoral group.

GAVIN GLYNN FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the fundraising bingo last Saturday in Gortnahoe hall. We had a full attendance.

A sincere thanks to all the patrons who attended and were so generous. The hall Committee were delighted to donate €3,400 to the Gavin Glynn foundation in support of Tuiren Phelan and family.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to the last weekend’s winner of Split the Pot draw, Louise Cleere, Rathbeg who won €193. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of March Split the Pot will be in support of the Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL SYMPATHY Deepest Sympathy is extended to the family of Josephine (Jo) Delaney (Nee O’Sullivan) Brookfield, after a short illness. To her loving husband Eddie, sons Derek and Eamonn, daughters Niamh and Louise, grandchildren Maggie, Anna, Eddie, Dylan, Harry, Lennon, Bobby and Emmy, son-in-law Jason, daughtersin-law Emma and Maria, brothers, sisters, brothrers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her through her work in both St Brigids Girls school, Dr. Hogans, her volunteering and kindness. May she rest in peace.

THANKS Fr. Eamon O’Gorman would like to thank all who helped out with the Easter ceremonies and to all who helped to distribute the parish draw tickets and collected same: to all who bought tickets and supported the draw your support is greatly appreciated with this vital fundraiser. Winners 1st Susan and Mailee Greenview.

2nd James Phelan Bridge St. 3rd CJ Culleton 4th Tom Butler 5th Mary Byrne 6th Tom Butler 7th Mary Brennan Greenview SAFETY FIRST Following complaints made to him, Cllr. Michael McCarthy is pleased to inform of a successful outcome on the double for Ballyragget. “The surface on the Square, at the Bookmakers is being resurfaced. This should solve the issue of water lodging in that particular area. Also scheduled for attention is the entrance to Brookhaven Nursing Home. Here the uneven section will also be planed prior to the planned resurfacing. These works will benefit pedestrians and residents and assist in overall safe mobility.”

Said Cllr. McCarthy.

GAA MEMBERSHIP REMINDER Just a reminder to those of you who have not got around to paying your membership with the club so far. This can be paid to any or committee member, by bank transfer or on the GAA portal https://returntoplay.gaa.ie/ or via the Sumup links below. Individual membership for €50 -Couple €90 -Combined membership and Piltown ticket €90 Family memberships options are also available. For full details contact Tomas Healy or Enda Mooney.

Thanks once again for your continued support.

CONAHY FOOTBALL AND HURLING The intermediate footballers scored a dramatic victory for the

second weekend in succession as a late goal snatched an extratime victory against Rower-Inistioge in the quarter-final of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Intermediate championship on Saturday morning last in The Rower.

The home side started the brighter with an early goal and point, but Conahy responded well with a goal from Eoin Cahill. But the Rower came back in fine style to outscore Conahy by 0-6 to 0-1 in the remainder of the first half to lead by 1-7 to 1-1 at the interval.

Conahy enjoyed a good spell in the third quarter and managed to reduce the deficit to two points by the twentieth minute (1-8 to 1-6). However, the home side looked set for victory in the final minute, leading by three points. Yet a dramatic goal from Brian Rossiter saw Conahy snatch a draw with time almost up.

Extra-time saw the Rower once again open up a three point lead by the middle stages of the second half. But once again, Conahy dramatically fought their way back, and with time almost up, a goal from Rob Ring stole victory on a 3-8 to 1-13 score line.

TEAM: Karl Downey, Padraig Gunner, Philly Cass, John Paul Gamble, Ciaran Rice, Darragh Hennessy, Eoin Carroll, Eoin Cahill, Brian Rossiter, Rob Ring, James Bergin, Thomas Rice, Bill Murphy, Darragh Dooley, Billy Mulhall. Subs (Used) – Tom Nolan, Paddy Mullan, Kieran Mooney, Jake Dooley.

Competitive hurling action for 2024 kick off this week, on Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. when the under-16 hurlers played Kilmacow in Jenkinstown in the Duggan Steel Roinn C League.

The minor hurlers are also back in action next Monday night when they travel to Hugginstown to face Carrickshock at 6.30 in the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Roinn D League. Best of luck to them.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 15, 18 and 29. There was no winner of the €2,300 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Siobhan Hennessy, Padraic Delaney, Eva and Amy Lawless, Micheál Lawler and Damien Lawler. The promoter prize winners were Larry Bergin, Nora Delaney and Seamus Óg Brennan. This week’s jackpot now increases to €2,400.

TABLE QUIZ A table quiz fundraiser in aid of Conahy Shamrocks Camogie Club will take place on Sunday, April 26th at 5.00 p.m. in the GAA Clubhouse. Tables of four cost €20, and a raffle will also be held on the night. All support is welcome.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Local Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick has welcomed the recent allocation of €175,000 for Restoration Improvement Works between Jenkinstown and the N77. This work is part of the Roadworks Scheme 2024.

“This allocation under the Municipal District Roadwork’s Scheme will ensure that some very important improvement works will be carried out in Conahy. Over the last number of months I have been raising this section of road with senior engineers and I’m very pleased that they have taken my views and the views of the wider community on board and put the resources in place to carry this work”.

KILMANAGH SINGING CIRCLE Due to unforeseen circumstances the Singing Circle meeting in the Old School (Naomh Aodhan Community Centre) planned for Saturday April 6th has been cancelled. This event will return in the Autumn.

BINGO Rivers Rangers will hold “Bingo” in Ryan’s Bar, Kilmanagh on Saturday 6th April at 9pm. There will also be a raffle on the night. All are welcome.

RIVER RANGERS RESULTS U16 TC Tyres League Div 2, Thomastown Utd Boy’s 1, River Rangers 4 PARISH LOTTO Results for 25/03/24. Numbers drawn were 3; 13; 15; 25. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €50 each were Peggy Hoyne, Eamon Delaney and Martin McGrath. Sellers prizes went to John Robinson and Pat Comerford. Jackpot next week will be €20,000 with reserve jackpot of €4,800. Next draw will take place on 1st April at 9 pm.

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.

HUGGINGSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Wednesday and Friday only, at 9.30a.m.

Vigil - Saturday 6th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 7th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford, No Mass Wednesday or Friday, Vigil - Saturday 6th. at 6.30p.m.

Anniversary Mass Agnes Kenny, Lawcus Fields. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 6th. April at 6.30p.m.

Wazie Kenneally, Barnadown. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 7th April at 10.00am ROTA Rota for next week-end. 6th. and 7th. April 2024 . (Divine Mercy Sunday) Readers: Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m. Tom King. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell; Sunday 10.00a.m.

Marie Ryan. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m.

Bernie Grace. Hugginstown. Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy.

Sunday 10.00a.m. Kay Power.

OSSORY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2024 The Annual Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 is now available to book! The departure will take place on 22nd. May 2024 from Cork Airport; flying direct to Lourdes with accommodation available in the hotels La Solitude, Padoue or Agena.

With capacity being limited this year, it is strongly advised that pilgrims wishing to travel to Lourdes book as soon as possible.

Should you require any additional information on the pilgrimage, please do not hesitate to contact 01 2410800 or info@joewalshtours.ie. For Assisted Pilgrims please contact, Fr. Anthony O’Connor 087 251 7766 or maoc50@me.com DATES TO REMEMBER FOR 2024 First Holy Communion, For Stoneyford School on Sunday 12th.

May at 11.00a.m. in Stoneyford Church. For Monroe/Newmarket Schools on Sunday 19th. May at 11.00a.m. in Hugginstown Church.

TRÓCAIRE COLLECTION We ask that all Trócaire Contributions be returned as soon as possible please.

EASTER OFFERINGS Envelopes for the Easter Offering Collection are available at the Church Porch. Please take one and return it with your offering during the Easter Season. This offering is for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person:Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

THE KILKENNY PILGRIMAGE TO MEDJUGORJE Pilgrimage will be held from Wednesday 1st. to 8th May. The hotel will be based near to the Church and the group will be travelling with Marian Pilgrimages. The cost includes Insurance.

Contact Ann on: 086 199 1620 or 086 882 5622.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 25th.

March 2024 Numbers: 13; 21; 06; 31. One Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €500.00. Winner. Fred Malzard, Stoneyford. €25.00 Seller of Match 3 Ticket, Fred Malzard.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers). Ger Carroll, Pat Dwyer, Padraig Crowley.

CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN IN THE BIBLE: This Conference will be on 11th. May 2024 in The Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street, Kilkenny from 10.00a.m. to 4.30p.m. The speaker will be Thérèse Fitzgerald. Booking essential: Contact Sara or Catherina at 056 772 2870 between 9.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. on Monday to Friday or e-mail regionaloffice@ssjg.ie before May 7th.

STONEYFORD – HISTORICAL AND HERITAGE ARCHIVE: It has been suggested that a historical and heritage archive of the Stoneyford area be setup. Initial suggestions are that local people are asked to provide information, either in writing or orally, on areas of particular interest to them. These are then stored on a word processor and thus are available to all.

Initial suggested areas are: The milling industry; history of Carrickshock GAA club; the Kings river bridges; the development of the roads infrastructure; developments in agriculture, the cricket club; memories of school; etc. The list is endless. Depending on positive feedback, contact will be made with locals who have relevant knowledge.

STONEYFORD 5K AND 10K: The very successful 5k and 10k event returns to Stoneyford on Sunday May 19th (just in 8 weeks time). Runners and walkers come from far and wide to take part in this longstanding event in aid of Scoil Náisiúnta Chiaráin Naofa each year. Numbers have continued to grow year on year, in spite of the 2Year Covid hiatus.

If you would like to take part, or want more information on the event, or on training for either distance, check out Stoneyford 10k Challenge on Facebook, or Stoney10k on Instagram.

CHAPTER HOUSE BOOKSHOP The Bookshop is now Open 5 days a week Monday to Friday from 9:30a.m. until 5:00p.m. In the wide range of products, you can find religious gifts, for any occasion including Confirmation and Communion, selection of Parish supplies, and religious books. We have a large variety of Candles, Holy Water fonts, Crosses, pictures and statues of the saints.

Also now in stock, a large selection of Gifts and Bibles.”

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY Applications are invited for the vacant tenancy of a onebedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list.

Applications are available from the Centre.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME LTI Names being taken for LTI QQI Levels 4 and 5 due to start soon.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost counselling services, includes one-to-one, adult and teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression. Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions. Play therapy is also available. Age 5+.

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

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

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

JOBS Training Board: We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.

For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056 8838466.

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 5th April 2024

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Hurlng matters - Preview

Sport

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

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz National Hurling League Final FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, Saturday 7:15pm Kilkenny vs Clare This year’s Allianz National Hurling League Final takes place tomorrow evening and sees Kilkenny once again lock horns with Clare to determine where the silverware will rest for the next 12 months. FBD Semple Stadium is the venue, and this should add to what is sure to be an exciting encounter (Throw-in 7:15pm, Live on TG4).

Both finalists will have a couple of weeks to then prepare for their respective provincial championships, with the Cats at home to Antrim and the Banner welcoming John Kiely’s Limerick to Cusack Park Ennis. The latter of these two games is sure to be a clinker, but for now the league final takes centre stage in Thurles.

Cats seek to lower Banner on trip to Tipp Silverware at stake in Semple showdown

Adrian Mullen central to Cats cause

When these two sides met during the group stages, it was Clare that prevailed, winning by 3 points in Ennis just over three weeks ago.

The exciting David Fitzgerald was in sparking form as Brian Lohan’s charges secured the victory. That game also saw TJ Reid make his first competitive appearance in the black and amber of 2024, and the Shamrocks Ballyhale legend showed little signs of rustiness, having had his first winter off in a few seasons.

While the clash in Ennis perhaps lacked a little intensity, tomorrow night’s clash should be a little more keenly contested as both counties seek to bring serious momentum into championship hurling. You

would fancy both Clare and Kilkenny to feature heavily when we reach the business end of the season and be chomping at the bit to get another crack at the Treaty.

Brian Lohan’s outfit went unbeaten through the group stages of the league, the only blemish on their record was a draw against Keith Rossiter’s Wexford in Chadwicks Park in late February while tomorrow’s opponents also had to settle for a share of the spoils against the Slaneysiders. The Banner’s reward for topping Group A was a semi-final clash with Tipperary who had finished just behind Group B winners Limerick, a match played in Laois Hire O’Moore Park.

Fortunately for Clare, Liam Cahill’s men were well off the boil throughout and hit far too many wide’s to lay down a serious challenge to The Banner who led from start to finish in Portlaoise.

Indeed, Clare had eight points on the board before The Premier County opened their account, and in David Fitzgerald they met a player who is in eye-catching form and the Inagh-Kilnamona man hit an impressive 1-3 while the lively David Reidy notched 0-3.

During the group clash with the Cats in Ennis, Fitzgerald finished with a tally of 0-5 had had good support in the form of Peter Duggan and Keith Smyth who hit 0-4 between them. Fitzgerald’s

fellow clubman, Aidan McCarthy top scored for The Banner with 0-6, all from placed balls as he took over from Mark Rodgers, whose radar was out early on.

Clare certainly appeared the hungrier of the two teams that day, and bossed the contest with superior physicality, something which Derek Lyng will hope his side matches in Thurles tomorrow evening.

In defence, Diarmuid Ryan and David McInerney have been solid in the half-back line which has taken a little pressure off the four players behind them. Between the sticks, Eibhear Quilligan is an experienced netminder who can be relied on to put on a good

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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Hurling matters - Preview

Eoin Cody will defend from the front

Treaty side in five seasons, the job in hand for the black and amber is to register victory at the home of Tipperary tomorrow.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the win over John Kiely’s team was the performance of Cian Kenny and Jordan Molloy in the engine room. The O’Loughlin Gaels man has made the step up to the black and amber and has looked very much at home with his non-stop all action harassing and harrying of opponents. This was particularly evident when faced with the Limerick duo of Will O’Donoghue and Cian Lynch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh recently.

Out in front! Paddy Deegan will hope to stay ahead of David Fitzgerald

performance in goal. There have been some questions about the form and fitness of John Conlon, who had a tough afternoon in Laois, and probably should have been red carded following his challenge on Jason Forde, having been booked earlier.

Cathal Malone has had a decent league campaign in midfield and has weighed in with vital scores in games also. The Noresiders will need to be up the battle in the engine room and keep tabs on the surging forward runs by the Clare players to ensure those more talented ahead of them don’t have free reign to wreak havoc. The manager’s son, Darragh Lohan may get another run out against

the Cats, having impressed in the previous meeting in Ennis, prior to his late red card. Clare also has a few players to spring from the bench, should fresh legs be required in Thurles. The likes of Seadna Morey, the Hayes boys, Rory and Ross, Ian Galvin and Shane Meehan can all add something to Lohan’s team if called upon.

Cats boss Derek Lyng will no doubt have been content to get one over Limerick in their recent semi-final clash on Leeside, but the Emeralds clubman will want to add silverware to this Allianz campaign ahead of bigger days out. Having inflicted the first defeat in knock-out hurling on the

Kilkenny’s quick transitions were lovely to watch and created many goal scoring opportunities against the green machine, and the Marble City faithful will hope that this style of play is repeated as the season progresses. Eoin Cody, Luke Hogan and TJ all looked very sharp and on the same hymn sheet in Cork while Adrian Mullen, Billy Ryan and Thomastown’s John Donnelly provided a solid platform for the former trio to reap huge rewards. As usual, former captain Mullen struck over 3 lovely scores, underlining his superb form to date and the All-Star hurler will be determined to continue this in Thurles.

With the likes of Mikey Butler, Conor Heary and Mikey Carey likely to remain absent until the championship, it will be down to the experienced duo of captain Paddy Deegan and his deputy, Huw Lawlor to lead from defence.

Had Mr. Butler been available, you would have wanted him to try and shackle David Fitzgerald, but another piece in the defensive jigsaw will have been prepared for this very important job, in the continued absence of Banner talisman, Tony Kelly. Glenmore’s Shane Murphy and Tommy Walsh have been putting in decent shifts of late and will want another outing tomorrow night. The goalkeeper’s brother in particular, has been settling into intercounty hurling nicely and is a joy to watch, especially when roaming forward.

With every game David Blanchfield seems to be developing into a key cog in the Cats machine. His aerial catching is tremendous, and he is one player who loves battles and isn’t afraid to mix it when necessary.

The Bennettsbridge man is likely to have Paddy Deegan inside him, but it remains to be seen if Dicksboro’s Cillian Buckley will get the nod on the other side of the half back line.

If Kilkenny can contain Fitzgerald, Peter Duggan and David Reidy, while not conceding silly free’s for Aidan McCarthy to punish, the Cats should have enough quality to deliver a first national title at senior level for Derek Lyng. Thurles is ready.

Kilkenny expects.

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Andrew and Grainne Power intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission for the Proposed renovations to existing dwelling to include internal layout changes and elevational changes, proposed singles storey front and rear extensions, proposed stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Lismateige, Hugginstown, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is sought by J and M Healy Ltd. for development at Healy’s Pharmacy, Market Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, R95 EEY5, a protected structure Ref.: C619, and NIAH Ref.: 12317064. The development will consist of the installation of solar panels to the roof of the existing building, and all associated works to facilitate the development.

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

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933.

Web: www.gmarch.net.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.B.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. P.K.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.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. K.MON.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.H.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.S.

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. P.K.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

Classifieds Motors

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th April 2024