Kilkenny Observer 05 June 2026

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Friday 5th June 2026

Why AI Will Be OK How it is all a part of our evolution  Paul Hopkins Page 8

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Balance The Books Turn over a new leaf on your finances  John Ellis Page 16

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

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Slieverue school report Supervising 34 junior infants will fall on just one teacher Parents in South Kilkenny have raised concerns that the responsibility for educating and supervising 34 junior infants in a small rural school will fall on just one teacher come September.

Aontú’s Gary O’Neill says: “Parents whose little children, aged just four to five, have come to me to voice their worries over this situa-

tion at Our Lady of Lourdes National School in Slieverue.

“This situation arose following the loss of a full-time teaching position, reducing the staff at the school from nine teachers to eight. The school principal appealed this decision; however, it was rejected by the Department of Education.

“This situation is understandably a source of much worry for parents who, while acknowledging the wider staffing pressures facing schools, are very concerned.

Junior infants in particular require constant supervision and support.”

O’Neill says: “How is one teacher expected to have an adequate duty of care

while simultaneously trying to juggle toileting, emotional regulation, play-based learning and early literacy development, while also ensuring all 34 infants feel included and settled?

Instead of splitting the incoming class into two smaller groups of 17, one teacher will now be responsible for managing 34 infants at one

of the most important stages of their development.”

There are also concerns around health and safety.

Planning drawings for the classroom show a layout designed for approximately 30 pupils, yet 34 children are expected to occupy the same room. Parents fear this could create issues around space and in the case of emergen-

Taoiseach has words with Malcolm Byrne

Praise for Lyng’s ‘immense’ play

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spoken with the Fianna Fáil TD arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

Mr Martin has previously adopted a hard line on drink driving and sacked a Cabinet minister who did not tell him about a drink-driving ban.

However, what disciplinary action the Fianna Fáil leader may take with his TD, Malcolm Byrne, is unclear. Mr Byrne was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after he failed a breath test at a garda checkpoint in Dublin city centre last Thursday morning.

The Wicklow-Wexford TD was driving to Dublin Airport to travel to a conference at which he was speaking when he was stopped at a mandatory checkpoint on Pearse Street.

Derek Lyng’s contribution to Kilkenny hurling in almost three decades has been “immense”, GAA County Board Manager, PJ Kenny, has said. “His commitment to the county has never been in question, and he has always carried out his role with honesty, integrity and pride.”

Lyng has stepped down as Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team Manager, a week after its defeat to Dublin.

As a player, he enjoyed a remarkable career, winning six All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, ten Leinster Senior Hurling Championships, five National Hurling League titles, three Railway Cup medals and two All-Stars. As a member of Brian Cody’s senior management team from 2014 to 2019, he helped secure two All-Ireland titles, three Leinster Championships and two National Hurling League titles.

Derek subsequently guided Kilkenny to Leinster and All-Ireland U20 Championship success in 2022 before taking charge of the senior team later that year.

No deaths on our roads

See page 37 for full report

Big step to mobility access The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) has welcomed a decision by Kilkenny local councillors to pass a motion calling for an Access & Inclusion Officer position in Kilkenny County Council.

Cllr Maria Dollard tabled the motion, which was passed unanimously by councillors at the last meeting.

Rosaleen Lally, IWA National Access Programme Man-

ager, has thanked councillors for getting behind the campaign to improve disability access in Kilkenny. “We are pleased the council passed this motion to support an Access & Inclusion Officer role in the council.

“We know that people with disabilities cannot use many public buildings, paths, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, train stations, parks and

cy evacuations.

This local issue also highlights a national issue. According to the Department of Education, more than 43,000 Irish primary school pupils were in classes of 30 or more last year, while the average primary school class size remains at 22.5 pupils, which happens to be the highest in the EU.

beaches etc. in our communities across Ireland,” said Rosaleen. “Every local authority in Ireland should have a dedicated Access & Inclusion Officer. Thanks to councillors in Kilkenny, we are a step closer today.”

In late March, IWA contacted local councillors across Ireland as part of its campaign to improve access to local services and amenities

for people with disabilities and mobility issues. The campaign highlighted that 81% of local authorities do not have a dedicated Access Officer appointed to make public services and amenities more accessible.

Kilkenny is one of 10 counties that have already passed the motion to support IWA’s campaign since April, including Longford, Waterford,

Mayo, Kerry, Sligo, Carlow, Cavan, Galway and Tipperary. The Irish Wheelchair Association is hoping for more nationwide support over the coming months, as representatives from 23 out of 25 county councils have reached out to the Irish Wheelchair Association to support the organisation’s call for dedicated local Access & Inclusion Officers.

Kilkenny is just one of two Irish counties to have avoided fatal road crashes this year, as the Gardaí confirmed that almost 800 motorists were stopped for speeding offences each day of the June Bank Holiday safety campaign.

A total of 72 people have died on Irish roads so far this year, with three dying in Dublin, Louth and Roscommon over the holiday weekend.

That is four more deaths than for the same period last year.

Only Kilkenny and Offaly have avoided road traffic fatalities this year.

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News

When Ryan and The Monk are game for a win In 2002 Abbey Community College launched Computer Science as a subject. From the outset, this yielded great returns as Abbey Community College has been represented in the National Coding finals since.

Sponsored by the Irish Computer Society (ICS), this competition reaches across Ireland, bringing together Ireland’s brightest and best at coding using Scratch.

The finals are judged at the University of Limerick.

Abbey have won the past three years and 2026 was no different. Third Year Ryan Duggan [pictured] came back with the trophy, his second in three years.

Ryan’s game ‘Monk’s Adventure 2’ is an advanced platformer that takes the player through a number of scenarios and challenges where problem-solving and speed are of the essence.

Computer Science teacher

Tim Slight isn’t surprised by Ryan’s success. “When you organise these lunch clubs, you know you have people there that want to learn or have some interest and it is always the hope that some pupils fall in love with coding and pursue it as a hobby or even a career.”

He loved seeing Ryan expand his skill set: “Ryan always had a vision and huge ambition, I would love to take any credit but this is purely down to Ryan’s dedication and passion.”

Ryan is from good creative stock as his mother is an Art teacher and this is reflected in his creative process.

“When he showed me the final game, I was stunned, the layout and design were amazing,” his teacher said.

“The colours and animation all worked well to give the user a real, interactive and fun experience.

“In software development

the design stage is so important, but often overlooked just to ‘get coding’, thus the product might work, but the user experience or satisfaction is off. Ryan has both the technical and design skills, I also saw this with him evolving the main character ‘Monk’ over different versions and storyboarding the game.”

Ryan is clearly proud of himself, but also has an eye on the future and the next chapter. “I started making this game in October 2025 and it has been a challenging journey with issues saving work, the app crashing, bugs in the game and having to learn a lot about problemsolving.

“My childhood toy was the inspiration for the main character in the game and I’ve always loved playing video games myself so it has been really cool learning about how a game is designed and made. I’ve created the

Last Train from Holyhead comes to Thomastown Two men discover more than they bargained for as they drink and gamble the night away on the last night train from Holyhead.

The play follows a chance encounter between two men on a late-night boat train to London. When a mysterious Gypsy woman joins their carriage, what begins as a casual meeting gradually unfolds into something far more profound. Through her intervention, hidden truths begin to surface, revealing an unexpected connection between the men.

Rooted in real events from Ireland’s recent past, Last Train from Holyhead is a gripping and thought-provoking drama – full of tension, unexpected twists, and moments of humour.

“A story you’ll remember and are sad to have heard as you step off the train.” — Irish Theatre Magazine Reflecting on the revival, writer and director Bernard Field says: “Bringing Last Train from Holyhead back after a gap of 11 years and finding it as relevant as ever has been a great discovery for me. Some questions and issues, it seems, never get fully resolved and so always require further

interrogation. The fantastic cast have been a joy to work with – they know how to deliver.”

The decision to revive the play comes in light of renewed public attention on the Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam and the wider history it represents within Ireland’s collective memory.

Audience responses to the play highlight its emotional impact: “An engrossing drama where characters bring us on a universal journey, revealing their past lives. A play which resonates long after reaching its final destination.”

“A very moving, engaging and thought-provoking piece, with intriguing twists in the tale that kept my attention right through.”

Following its performance in Thomastown, the production will tour to eight other venues across Ireland by the end of June 2026, before travelling to London in October. The production will be staged at the Thomastown concert hall on Saturday June 6 at 8p.m. Cast includes Michael Irwin and Sara Giammanco. Written and directed by Bernarn Field.

artwork myself on my tablet which is fun and colourful.

My perseverance and patience have been tested, but

I was determined to make a game that I could be proud of. I would like to try out other coding apps next year

when I’m in TY and I have some spare time.”

“Monk’s Adventure is not over yet!”

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News

Duiske College at one with nature Students from Duiske College, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, celebrated the completion of Coillte’s World of Work Programme 2026 at a special event held at their school, where the students shared their feedback and learnings from this year’s programme.

The celebratory event marked a significant milestone

for the students, who joined peers from schools across Kilkenny, Galway and Mayo as part of this year’s programme, with a total of 128 students taking part nationwide.

The programme, which is delivered in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), saw students avail of the opportunity to visit a Coillte forest with a Coillte

forester to gain direct insight into what’s involved in a career in forestry.

Now in its fifth consecutive year at Duiske College, the programme continues to provide students with unique, handson insight into the world of forestry, sustainability and future career opportunities. To date, over 400 students nationwide have participated in the ini-

tiative, which showcases the variety of roles available in the forestry sector, as well as the many benefits forests provide for climate, nature, wood and people.

Commenting on the World of Work Programme 2026, Ken Sweeney, Regional Manager at Coillte, said: “We hope this experience inspires students to consider the diverse and

rewarding careers available within the forestry sector.”

Kevin Cheasty, a teacher at Duiske College, said: “The programme gives students a valuable opportunity to learn beyond the classroom in a way that is engaging, interactive and activity-based. It has increased students’ knowledge of forestry and sustainability in a fun and collaborative en-

vironment.”

Mel Flynn, Education Programmes Manager from Business in the Community Ireland, said: “By connecting students with real-world workplaces and experiences, the programme helps to build essential skills, broaden perspectives and encourage students to stay engaged in their education.”

Come on, take the plunge for a good cause

On a course, with No Name Young people from Kilkenny were recognised at the 2026 No Name Club National Youth Awards Gala Dinner, held before a packed function room in the Tullamore Court Hotel.

Chloe Brennan of Kilkenny No Name Club (seated, fifth from left) represented the club as a national finalist during the annual celebration of youth leadership,

volunteering and community involvement at the Host of the Year awards ceremony.

The annual gala welcomed finalists and representatives from clubs across Ireland and celebrated the achievements of young people involved in No Name Club activities nationwide.

The evening also featured the presentation of honorary and memorial trophies con-

nected to the organisation’s national No Name’s Got Talent competition, recognising creativity, teamwork and talent displayed by clubs throughout the country.

There were the Eamon Doyle and Eddie Keher honorary cups, as well as the Fr Tom Murphy and Tommy Hannon memorial cups.

In his programme notes, Chairperson of the No Name

Club Board of Directors Dr Garrett Keenaghan described the National Youth Awards as “an occasion to celebrate and to recognise that through our weekly club activities we successfully empower, engage and elevate all of our young people.”

He added that the event was “an opportunity to remind ourselves of the incredible potential that lies

within all of us”, describing No Name Club members as “visionaries, change-makers and architects of a better tomorrow.”

Founded in 1978, No Name Club provides alcohol and drug-free social spaces for young people aged 15 to 18 across Ireland. Kilkenny No Name Club meets weekly on Monday evenings in Ossory Youth Services from 7:30pm.

A blooming great 20th Bord Bia festival!

Business flourished, awardwinning gardens inspired visitors and conversations around sustainability, wellbeing and the future of urban living took centre stage, as Bord Bia celebrated its 20th Bloom event in style.

The Phoenix Park attracted more than 90,000 visitors over the June Bank Holiday weekend, with Bord Bia Bloom once again showcasing the very best of Irish food, horticulture and sustainable living.

Speaking on Monday, the concluding day of the 2026 festival, Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia’s Chief Executive, highlighted the significance of this year’s event.

“The quality of this year’s show gardens has been exceptional and what has always set Bloom apart is its ability to use gardens to spark conversations about issues that affect us all, from sustainability and biodiversity to mental health and community wellbeing. As

we conclude our 20th festival, we are already looking forward to welcoming visitors back in 2027.”

Sustainable Gardens In keeping with Bloom’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, many of this year’s gardens will continue to have a life beyond the festival. The gold medal-winning Fingal County Council Garden will be relocated to Brackenstown

Walled Garden near Swords, where Fingal Co. Council is restoring the historic site and establishing a new community gardening group.

The ‘Shared Roots, Common Shade’, sponsored by the European Commission and designed by Oliver and Liat Schurmann, will be relocated to Cork, where it will become a publicly accessible garden for local communities to enjoy.

The garden highlighted Ire-

land’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Meanwhile, the plants and materials from the ‘Nature in Balance’ organic farming garden, designed by Linda McKeown, will also be reused, with trees and plants redistributed to charity, school and community garden projects.

Bord Bia also announced that Bloom has retained its event sustainability certification, becoming the first event in Ireland to achieve ISO accreditation for sustainable event management.

Final Day Awards The final day of the festival also marked the announcement of two highly anticipated awards.

The People’s Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the show, was awarded to ‘Rooted in Resilience’, designed by David Negus. The garden was inspired by people living with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer.

The Designers’ Choice Award, selected by the Bloom 2026 garden designers, was presented to Joe Eustace for the ‘Future in Mind’ garden, sponsored by the Mental Health Commission. The garden reflected Ireland’s transition from institutional mental health care to a recovery-focused, communitybased system.

Business Bloomin’ Consumers once again demonstrated a strong willingness to spend at Bord Bia Bloom, with exhibitors reporting robust sales and strong engagement from visitors.

Paul Robbins of The Plant Emporium by Arboretum noted especially strong demand for larger specimen plants. “Plant sales have been really strong, in particular for larger specimens, which is great to see. This has been a good year for plant sales, and people are certainly willing to spend,” he said.

With daylight stretching long into the evening, Grow Mental Health is inviting people across Ireland to celebrate the summer solstice by taking the plunge for a good cause.

DIP@DUSK, the nationwide open-water swim fundraiser, runs from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, encouraging individuals and communities to embrace the outdoors, boost their mental wellbeing and raise funds to support people experiencing mental health challenges.

Participants can register for €25 and take part in a swim at a beach, lake or river of their choosing. With no set locations, the event is deliberately flexible, inclusive and community-led. Swimmers are encouraged to invite friends, family or local groups to join them in marking the longest days of the year in a way that’s meaningful and uplifting.

“We know the benefits of cold-water swimming go far beyond the physical – it’s an act of connection, resilience and mindfulness,” said Síle Tracey, Marketing, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Grow Mental Health. “DIP@DUSK celebrates the power of community and nature, while directly supporting our work with people facing mental health challenges across Ireland.”

The positive effects of openwater swimming on mental health are now well recognised. A 2024 study reported that cold-water immersion was linked to reductions in depressive symptoms, anxiety and emotional distress, while also improving mood and energy levels.

Cold-water swimming has also seen a surge in participation across Ireland in recent years. According to Swim Ireland, local clubs and groups are reporting record turnouts, with many swimmers attributing their continued dips to both physical and emotional wellbeing.

• Register, donate or learn more at: https://fundraise. grow.ie/event/dip-at-dusk

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

AI is just the next step in our evolution A report in front of me says workers fear automation replacing their livelihoods, about the loss of traditional work, and society as a whole is unsettled by the rapid shift.

Sound familiar? But this is from the early 1800s during the birth of the Industrial Revolution, when fear and anxiety manifested in many ways, not least textile workers protesting against automated machinery. Known as Luddites, they believed automation would destroy their professions, lower wages and degrade their product.

And so, history repeats itself with fear for the future and for livelihoods as the rise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) surges. A concern now felt by 350 workers at the Irish HQ of Meta and by thousands globally about jobs being replaced

by AI. Meta and other big tech firms, like Microsoft and Google, are cutting staff and

costs and citing AI as the main reason for the fate of their 350 employees, on top of 700 outsourced workers at Irish company, Covalen, a main contractor for Meta.

Meta has repeatedly said that advances in AI would mean it would need fewer workers.

“We’re starting to see projects that used to require big teams now accomplished by a single very talented person,” founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in January.

Meanwhile, the Facebook operator recently lost a key legal challenge against a State watchdog’s preliminary draft decision which signalled the possibility of fines of up to €430m to be levied against the tech giant. The case stems from a single complaint made eight years ago relating to personal data processing.

Meta had mounted the High Court challenge arguing that Ireland’s Data Protection Commission acted outside its

powers by widening its investigation, in part related to the concerns about young people and what they can access online and about Meta’s use of algorithms.

Another concern has been ‘deep fakes’. Martina Larkin, CEO of Project Liberty, a non-profit global alliance seeking to promote internet safety, has warned that politicians are “at the top of the pyramid” when it comes to AI-driven misinformation by high-profile figures digitally cloned in realistic videos. US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy have already repeatedly fallen victim to such clips. Is that really Simon Harris we’re watching spout away on the internet?

In the US, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has filed a lawsuit against the state of Colorado over a new AI law set to take effect next week. The company claims

OBITUARY

Maureen Duggan, Grannagh, Kilmacow It is with deep sadness that we note the passing of Maureen Duggan, who bore her illnesses with great courage and dignity and always had a smile for all who knew her.

Born and raised in Kilmacow, Maureen was the eldest of a family of five. She began her career in psychiatric nursing at St. Otteran's Hospital in Waterford, where her caring nature and compassion for others were evident from an early age.

Following her marriage to her beloved husband Pat Duggan in Kilmacow in 1964, the couple moved to London for work, as did so many young Irish families of that generation. During their years there, their family grew to include their three children, Robert, Evelyn and Alan. All the while Ireland and family gatherings there remained close to their hearts.

In 1970, Maureen and Pat returned home and lovingly restored the “Cosy Thatch” pub in Kilmeaden. Seven years later, they settled in Kilmacow in a new home of their own. In 1978, the well-known Duggan Coaches bus business was established, serving the growing Waterford & South East areas and becoming a familiar and respected name in the community.

Maureen Duggan

Maureen became especially well known for her work transporting and caring for children with special needs throughout the region. Over more than 30 years behind the wheel, she provided not only safe transport, but kindness, reassurance and friendship to countless families. Her calm nature, patience and everpresent smile left a lasting impression on all who met her and helped many young

people gain access to respite, education and independence.

A gifted musician, Maureen was at the heart of many family gatherings, sharing her love of music and passing her talents on to future generations. Nothing brought her greater joy than time spent with her family, especially her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were always assured of a warm welcome.

Maureen also had a lifelong love of badminton and took great pride in supporting her family’s involvement in local athletics and camogie clubs.

Her family wish to express their sincere gratitude to the many doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who cared for Maureen throughout her illnesses, and especially to the dedicated staff of the Oak Ward at University Hospital Waterford for the compassion, kindness and support shown to Maureen and her family during her final weeks and months.

The family would also like to thank all those who offered their sympathy, attended the funeral, and shared in their grief during this difficult time.

May Maureen rest in the peace she so richly deserves.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis

laws regulating AI systems infringe on First Amendment rights to freedom of speech.

But it is not just social media and its ilk that are being affected by the rise of AI. Already, we’re seeing changes in retail, finance and banking, transport, media, commerce, the medical world – and indeed,

“To fight it is a battle we will lose…

human interaction. And more change to come.

At the recent Cannes Film Festival, Demi Moore said her peers could not resist the rise of AI. The actor said: “AI is here. And so to fight it is a battle we will lose. To find ways in which we can work with it I think is a more valuable path to take.”

Is she right? Is there an inevitability about it all? History would argue that since Man first discovered the wheel, we have come through the various ‘revolutionary’ changes, industrial et al, relatively unscathed. AI will likely prove no different and life will evolve, our destiny in one guise or another and a lot of it for the better, like the huge advances in medical procedures. And Covid showed us there was more to life than 60 hours a week, nose to the grindstone.

Other ‘work’ will evolve out of necessity. Take the Ying

with the Yang and we will survive.

Though I am not sure about Toby. I had trouble with my internet the other day and rang my service provider. “Hi there, this is Toby. I am your AI assistant. How can I help you?” it said in a monotonous tone. Not human, for sure.

I explained my problem in about 40 or so words. There was a pause, then Toby said: “I am sorry. I do not understand you. Can you explain in just a few words?”

I repeated, twice, in fewer words. Toby was still flummoxed. I was frustrated. I hung up.

Later, I dialled another number to my provider. Like a beautiful breath of fresh air, Salma, based in Cairo, came through, her interaction with me proving impeccable.

The young woman fixed my problem… and renewed my faith in our future and humankind.

Noonan urges Government to introduce new capital scheme for accessible swimming pools SENATOR MALCOLM NOONAN

A report commissioned by the Minister for Sport and Swim Ireland found that Ireland is poorly served with municipal swimming facilities and that full accessibility remains a challenge in many, disenfranchising people with mobility issues and physical disabilities from accessing swimming as a therapy.

Senator Malcolm Noonan raised the matter with Minister for Sport Charlie McConalogue at a recent meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee of Culture, Sports and Media. Senator Noonan told the committee that the Watershed in Kilkenny had to decommit significant funding for accessibility due to a delay in

delivering the project because and inflation.

‘It is unacceptable that in 2026 people with mobility issues or with significant physical disabilities cannot avail of a municipal facility locally, having to make round trips to other counties to avail of private facilities’ Senator Noonan told the committee.

He said that the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) had been transformational for clubs and facilities around the country but was not sufficient in scale for complex projects like installing hoists and changing facilities in municipal pools.

Senator Noonan called on the Minister to consider developing a standalone fund for both the construction and retrofit of municipal pools.

Minister McConalogue acknowledged the findings of the report that he had commissioned and

said that everyone should have access to a facility locally. He said that he would consider the findings of the report and how Government might respond.

Senator Noonan said that everyone, regardless of mobility or disability should have full and equal access to swimming and hydrotherapy facilities in swimming facilities funded through public monies. ‘The Watershed has over time proven itself to be an immense asset to the people of Kilkenny and beyond. It now needs to be a fully accessible facility and provide a much needed resource for people with disabilities and significant mobility issues. This will require investment beyond the resources of the facility.

Government support is needed to ensure that it is fully inclusive to all in the community’ concluded Senator Noonan.

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EU ‘confirms failure on housing’ Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has said comments from the Chair of the European Parliament’s Housing Committee “confirm that the Government is not doing everything in its power to tackle the housing crisis”.

Following a visit to Ireland, Committee Chair Irene Tinagli MEP described Ireland’s housing crisis as

“among the most severe and complicated in Europe”.

MEP Funchion said: “I welcome the visit to Ireland

by Irene Tinagli MEP and her comments should be a wake-up call for Government, who should be making full use of all funding and supports available from Europe, including social housing investment funds, while also negotiating for the

Homeless crisis like nothing we've seen before, says Depaul Commenting on the release of the latest homeless report by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, David Carroll, Chief Executive of Depaul, notes he is reminded that the scale of this crisis is like nothing we have seen before. The newly released numbers show that, as of April 2026, 17,548 people are living through the burden of homelessness, including 11,944 individuals and 5,604 children who are accessing local authority-managed short-term emergency accommodation.

"While these numbers are hugely disappointing, we are also mindful that they do not include the full extent of the issue, including the 5,000-plus individuals with permission to remain who are currently stuck in IPAS emergency accommodation.

"Of those, more than 1,000 have received letters requir-

ing them to leave IPAS accommodation this summer.

Without intervention, many of those affected — despite having refugee status or permission to remain — are at serious risk of ending up in homelessness."

Homeless people faced immense pressure to secure accommodation within tight timeframes, placing additional strain on an already overburdened private rental market and were likely to increase reliance on emergency homeless accommodation. Depaul were calling for urgent co-operation between departments and a specific strategy to enable people to leave international protection accommodation.

"We look forward to plans being developed by the Department of Housing, alongside the Department of Justice, to prevent homelessness for those in the IPAS system."

relaxation of fiscal rules to deliver social and affordable housing.

“Our domestic criticisms of government housing policy and their lack of ambition are now being echoed internationally,” she said.

“Government has for too long relied on the institutional investment private rental sector to boost supply.

This has resulted in workers

and families being priced out of housing in their own communities.

“This crisis can be fixed, but we need a government with ambition, and that can only be done with a radical reset of housing policy.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin, has set out practical measures to achieve this.

“Alongside using all the

tools available to them at an EU level, the Government should double the output of social and affordable homes by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies, while at the same time activating the SME sector to build more good-quality homes for working people to buy.

“Another practical step would be to introduce an

emergency package of measures to end long-term homelessness by 2030, including a temporary ban on no-fault evictions,” the MEP said.

“If the Government is serious about solving this crisis, they must use every tool available domestically and at an EU level to increase housing supply and deliver genuinely affordable homes.”

Let's have a tea party! Team Hope CEO Deborah Lowry, with pupils Ava Mooney and Matthew Bradshaw.

PHOTO: Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.

Go on, go on, got on ... for charity People throughout Kilkenny are being invited to host Team Hope Tea Parties in June as the charity launches a nationwide drive to support children and communities affected by poverty across Africa.

Best known for its Christmas Shoebox Appeal, the all-island charity is encouraging communities to come together around kitchen

tables, in school halls, gardens and workplaces to help create lasting change for children in countries including Burundi, Rwanda and Malawi.

The campaign aims to raise €50,000 nationally to support initiatives that help families build brighter futures, including community savings groups, education projects and supports

for vulnerable children.

Primary schools are being encouraged to lead the way, and the campaign was officially launched by pupils from Kill O’The Grange National School in Deansgrange, Dublin, sparking what Team Hope hopes will become a nationwide movement of community tea parties throughout the month.

The charity is also encouraging sports clubs, businesses, community groups and families across Ireland to host their own events by registering at teamhope.ie.

Team Hope CEO, Deborah Lowry, said the campaign builds on the extraordinary generosity

already shown by communities across Ireland through the Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

“For years, children and families in Kilkenny have shown incredible kindness through the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, sending gifts and messages of hope to children who may otherwise receive nothing,” she said.

“Every Tea Party hosted this June will help bring hope, opportunity and lasting change to children and families who need it most.”

Participants who register a Tea Party at teamhope. ie will receive a digital fundraising pack, recipes, ideas and resources to help organise their event.

Jockey Ruby Walsh and his courses for horses ...

Ruby Walsh is jumping into a fresh challenge as he spearheads a new agency, Complete Sports Management, aimed specifically at jockeys.

The retired champion jockey (47), who quit in April 2019 after his Punchestown Gold Cup win, wants to help others deal with the financial aspects of racing.

He's hoping other jockeys

will "learn from my mistakes" and empower them to take stricter control of their personal affairs and their futures post-racing.

He said: "Essentially, all jockeys are self-employed business people. So if you're a sportsperson, you're also running a business. This is to help with everything that comes with running a business."

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

How can we retain the people we need?

Emigration is in our genes.

Since 1800 around 10 million people have left Ireland. But once upon a time, people left largely because, without work or hope, they had to.

Now leaving is likely to be a choice. Around 65,000 to 69,000 leave Ireland each year, but only half of these are Irish citizens according to the CSO, with graduates more likely to leave than others.

So what is the current fuss about? It’s because the people who want to leave are the very people we need here. These are doctors, teachers, builders and others whose departures have left us short of essential professions.

So what can be done to stop them leaving and what can we do to attract them back?

Tricky questions! Young people are inclined to go off to broaden their horizons, often with the intention of returning and why shouldn’t

they? That’s a pull to leave.

But what if it’s a push to go because they are unhappy with the situation here?

It was US political strategist James Carville who first said: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Maybe, in this case, it’s the conditions, stupid! Added together, the massive stumbling block of the housing crisis, the cost of living and childcare diminish expectations for a decent life here.

Add adverse working conditions and you have plenty of push factors for leaving.

Doctors face long hospital hours and concerns about the quality of patient care.

Last year, 630 doctors received visas to go and work in Australia. Teachers suffer staff shortages, burnout and paperwork overload. Hundreds have left to work in the Middle East and Australia for better pay and conditions.

Tens of thousands of builders left during the 2008-2012

crash. At one point the workforce went down to 85,000 compared to 240,000 at the peak. Numbers are now about two-thirds of that, but builders are involved in projects other than housing and there are too few apprentices in trades like bricklaying and plastering.

Some of these conditions could be improved given political will and finance – the former seems to be in short supply if the latter isn’t. It seems counter-intuitive to bring people back to Ireland when we can’t provide enough homes, and the housing target for this year has already been lowered to 35,000.

In many ways we have a lot to be thankful for; a democratic society, near full employment and a temperate climate. Recently though, the population has swelled by a million between 2006 and 2022, and housing and infra-

Health benefits of creatine By now we all have seen the benefits of CLAIR creatine monohydrate to help build WHITTY muscle in the gym. Big muscular men (and women), working out with a glass of creatine in one hand and a barbell in the other.

As well as helping with muscle building there is increasing evidence that it benefits women in peri menopause and post menopause.

As Estrogen declines it impacts how the body uses and stores creatine. Creatine is made in our body using 3 amino acids, arginine, glycine and methionine. We also can get creatine from protein rich foods such as red meat and fish.

As we age, we have a decline in muscle storage, called sarcopenia. With less muscle storage, we have less skeletal muscles to store creatine. Aging also shrinks type II muscle fibres, which hold the highest concentrations of creatine.

Lower creatine phosphate levels reduce the body's ability to regenerate ATP. ATP equals energy for our cells. Our brain uses a lot of ATP. As we age creatine levels are reduced in the brain causing mild cognitive decline and mental fatigue. Because of the reduced amount of creatine in our muscles, the physical loading capacity is reduced, which indirectly accelerates bone mineral density loss.

Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high intensity exercise.

Daily creatine consumption can enhance the effect of resistance training on muscle strength in adults over the age of 55. With weight bearing exercise, creatine can help increase muscle mass and restore lower body muscle groups

structure simply haven’t kept up with that growth, swelled by returning Irish, EU nationals, those from the UK and the rest of the world. We are

“Young people go off to broaden their horizons...

used to shedding people, not gaining them.

Now the Government is offering a few carrots to get people to stay or return. An offer to doctors for a Statebacked loan to cover fees for graduate-level doctors on condition they continue to work here for a period is being considered. Allowing back garden cabins and the possible relaxation of planning laws to allow people to build stand-alone homes in the areas they are from or on family land are other ideas.

But who is going to build the houses and what about the lack of schools? Allowances for teachers living in cities have also been mooted, or we could try other incentives like tax breaks.

These sticking-plaster remedies may help a bit. But maybe the problem goes deeper and it has to do with life satisfaction. Since the World Values Survey began

in 1995, happiness has become a popular topic for debate and for studies. Findings agree that there are two key factors in life satisfaction: one is the sense of being in control of your own life, the other is being valued for what you do.

Those factors are hard to satisfy if you can’t put a roof over your head and start a family and poor working conditions give a sense that you are not valued.

Cash incentives have been mentioned as a way to encourage returners but as the aforementioned surveys have found, money doesn’t equate with happiness.

We need more houses. How about Niall Mellon-style volunteers to build temporary homes for guest builders?

Or a mum and dad army to come out of retirement and sort things. They won’t want to lose their future grandchildren.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

which are the muscles most aggressively degraded by the aging process, therefore improving functional mobility and helps increase bone density.

But studies also suggest that it boosts memory, attention and mental fatigue, depression and sleep!

Creatine might be something to consider for us peri menopause and post menopause women.

For men, the extra benefits of creatine are there for you too! You also lose muscle and ATP as you age. Taking creatine will boost you cognitively as well.

One Nutrition Pure Monohydrate Creatine is one of our customers favourites, as it its highly micronized it is more easily dissolved in water and absorbed in the body. One Nutrition Pure Monohydrate Creatine is a clean, single-ingredient formula with no additives Drink plenty of water while taking any creatine supplements.

Call in for more information.

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

WEEK 171

"Put your phones away for a while"

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

KILKENNY FOOD SHOW Here are some of our exhibitors

Company Profile Kitchtech is a leading provider of innovative digital HACCP solutions, transforming food safety management for businesses across Ireland and beyond. As food safety regulations become increasingly stringent, Kitchtech empowers food businesses to transition from traditional paper-based systems to streamlined digital compliance.

Our comprehensive cloud-based platform enables restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and food production facilities to efficiently monitor, record and manage critical food safety processes in real-time. With intuitive mobile and desktop interfaces, teams can easily log temperature checks, cleaning schedules, supplier documentation and corrective actions ensuring complete traceability and regulatory compliance.

Kitchtech reduces administrative burden by automating routine tasks, generating instant reports for audits, and providing alerts for non-compliance issues before they become critical. Our solution not only helps businesses meet legal requirements but also demonstrates their commitment to excellence in food safety management.

Trusted by 1000’s of food businesses, Kitchtech combines cutting edge technology with deep industry expertise to deliver a user- friendly, cost-effective solution that protects brands, ensures customer safety and provides peace of mind in an increasingly regulated environment.

Products & Services • Digital HACCP Cloud-based HACCP management system for creating, monitoring, and managing food safety plans in real-time across all locations with automated workflows and instant notifications.

• Temperature Monitoring & Alerts Intelligent temperature tracking for refrigeration, cooking, and hot holding equipment with automated alerts and complete audit trails for regulatory compliance.

• Audit Tool Comprehensive internal audit management with customizable checklists, photo documentation, corrective action tracking and instant report generation.

• Document Manager Centralized storage for supplier certificates, specifications, safety data sheets, and staff certifications with version control and automated expiry alerts.

• Food Label Printing Integrated labelling solution for generating compliant food labels with use-by dates, allergen information, ingredients, and batch codes for full traceability.

• E-Learning Online food safety training platform with interactive courses on HACCP, allergen management, and hygiene, featuring progress tracking and automated certification reminders.

Website: www.kitchtech.ie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KitchTechApp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchtechapp LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/kitchtech

TranquiliTea Profile TranquiliTea is an Irish functional beverage brand on a mission to change the way people think about what they drink.

Our lightly sparkling, zero sugar, zero calorie canned drinks are crafted for people who want more from their beverage — more calm, more focus, more intention — without compromise.

Each can is carefully formulated with a powerful blend of Lion's Mane, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Lemon Balm, Magnesium and Jasmine Tea — ingredients with deep roots in traditional wellness, now delivered in a format built for modern, on-the-go lives. Available in three vibrant flavours — Tropical Calm, Citrus Chill and Berry Bliss — TranquiliTea sits at the intersection of great taste and genuine function.

As consumer demand for healthier, functional alternatives accelerates, TranquiliTea is perfectly positioned for the premium soft drinks fixture in retail, hospitality and food service. It taps directly into the fastest-growing wellness movements — the sober-curious shift, the retreat from sugar, and the growing mainstream appetite for adaptogens and nootropics.

For buyers and operators, it represents a differentiated, conversationstarting SKU that turns heads and builds loyalty.

TranquiliTea is proudly Irish-made and exhibiting at the Kilkenny Food Show on 16th June at Lyrath Estate. We'd love to talk.

Website: www.tranquilitea.ie Email: info@tranquilitea.ie Social TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/tranquilitea8 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitea_wellness_drinks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.p?id=61576251549788

Excellence At Excellence, we take pride in delivering exceptional products and service to the Irish catering and hospitality industry.

With over 50 years of experience, we have built a strong reputation for providing quality, choice, and value across our extensive product portfolio.

Our Brands & Commitment We are proud to supply a range of market-leading brands, including Schwartz, Heinz, and Santa Maria, alongside our exclusive Newforge brand.

As a one-stop shop for foodservice professionals, we continuously invest in our operations to maintain outstanding service levels.

By working closely with chefs across Ireland, we gain valuable insight into the demands of the industry, ensuring we provide the best solutions for our customers.

Taste, Quality & Value Our products are designed to enhance flavour, simplify preparation, and maximize value.

Whether using Schwartz seasonings or Newforge essentials, a little goes a long way in delivering consistency and exceptional taste.

With a diverse range of high-quality, easy-to-use products, we help our customers streamline their kitchens while increasing profitability.

At Excellence, our mission is to support chefs and catering professionals with the best ingredients, allowing them to create outstanding dishes with confidence. https://excellence.ie/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/excellence-ltd/

Nic Nic Ireland is the leading supplier and innovator in the ice cream, frozen drink, and dessert solutions industry. Based in Omagh, County Tyrone, we’re proud to support businesses across Ireland with premium products, reliable equipment, and expert support, all designed to help your business succeed.

We believe dessert is more than a treat, it’s an experience. That belief drives our mission to deliver joyful, next-level ice cream and frozen drink solutions that help our customers surprise and delight theirs.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and partnership. We work closely with every customer, from independent cafés and artisan gelaterias to large hospitality groups, developing bespoke recipes, inspiring creativity, and providing the tools needed to achieve consistent results.

Over the years, we’ve built a trusted reputation for reliability and forward-thinking solutions. By continually evolving our range to reflect emerging trends and consumer tastes, we ensure our customers stay ahead with exciting new flavours, including our new açai mix, as well as innovative frappe machines and kits.

We’re more than a supplier - we’re your partner in growth. Driven by passion and generations of industry knowledge, we’re dedicated to elevating every frozen dessert experience and helping your business thrive, one scoop at a time. website: www.nicice.ie Instagram: nic_ireland Facebook: Nic Ireland https://www.linkedin.com/company/107184002

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Turn over a new leaf with your finances Summer is here and whether it is sunny or pouring (typical Irish weather!), it is the perfect time to dive into a good book about your finances. You do not need to be a financial expert to enjoy these. They offer straightforward, practical ideas that can really help you get a better handle on your money.

So, grab a comfortable chair in the garden or down at the beach and have a look at my top summer reading picks this year.

One book that has made a huge impression on so many people is The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.

Instead of complicated charts and formulas, Housel looks at why we make the financial decisions we do. Through real-life stories, he shows how our emotions, habits and upbringing often matter far more than raw intelligence or complicated strategies.

It is one of those books that quietly changes the way you think about your own saving

and spending.

If you have ever wondered how the world’s top investors built their wealth, Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green is brilliant. Green spent years talking to people like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. He pulls out the simple habits and mindsets

they share – patience, longterm thinking and living below your means – and shows how anyone can apply them, whether you are investing seriously or just want more peace with money.

Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez is a classic that still feels

fresh. The big idea is that every euro you spend is really an hour of your life you have traded away. Once you start looking at purchases that way, it completely shifts what you consider worth buying. It gives nine clear steps to help you align your spending with what matters to you and your

family.

For Irish readers, Money Doctor 2026 by John Lowe is still the one to reach for.

Now in its 21st edition, this guide is packed with up-todate, no-nonsense advice on mortgages, pensions, tax and saving, all written for the Irish market. What I like is how practical it is. You can open it at any page and walk away with something useful, no matter your age or budget.

Eoin McGee’s How to Achieve Financial Freedom goes a step further than basic budgeting. The well-known Irish expert shows how small, consistent choices can build real wealth over time so that eventually work becomes something you choose rather than something you must do.

What works well is that the steps are simple enough to actually stick with.

If investing has always seemed confusing or overwhelming, try The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins.

Collins explains in plain

English how to save regularly, avoid bad debt and put your money to work in low-cost index funds. It is probably one of the easiest investing books to follow if you are new to the subject.

Finally, Mindful Money

by Kel Galavan (Mrs Smart Money) brings a very relatable Irish voice to the table.

After dramatically cutting her own family’s spending for a full year, Kel shares the seven habits and mindset shifts that helped her gain more freedom and happiness. Kel mixes her own experience with practical advice, which makes the book feel very relatable.

Any one of these books could give you a fresh way of thinking about money this summer. Even reading just one can make a real difference to how confident you feel about your finances.

Happy reading. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

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News

Kilkenny tourist attractions to stay open later as part of Six After 6 - Summer Cultural Series campaign This summer, Kilkenny City comes alive again during midweek evenings as six attractions throw their doors open late for the Six after 6 - Summer Cultural Series.

Featuring 36 free and ticketed events from June to early September, the Six after 6 - Summer Cultural Series will bring many of the city’s great attractions alive in the evening for locals and visitors alike across the summer.

Enjoy memorable events from craft workshops at Medieval Mile Museum, fusion music sessions at The Smithwick’s Experience, garden tours with tea at Butler House & Garden, to Ceoltóirí concerts at Saint Canice’s Cathedral, themed workshops and artist talks at Butler Gallery, and intimate traditional music sessions at Rothe House.

Mayor of Kilkenny City Municipal District, Cllr. John Coonan, commented “Kilkenny County Council is again pleased to support the Six After 6 - Summer Cultural Series for the late opening of many of our top tourist attractions in Kilkenny City, offering a diverse range of events from garden tours to music sessions, and artist workshops. This collaboration underpins our commitment to showcasing our city after 6pm for locals and visitors alike, with a range of varied and inclusive events to suit all interests.”

Night Time Economy Advisor for Kilkenny City, Feargus Dunne,

Left to right: Martina Comerford (Tourism Officer, Kilkenny County Council), Miriam McGrath (Kilkenny County Council), Valerie O’ Sullivan (Rothe House), Bryan Hogan (Butler Gallery), Debbie Mangan (Medieval Mile Museum), Feargus Dunne (Night Time Advisor-Kilkenny City), Grace Rinehart Macrae (Medieval Mile Museum), Cllr John Coonan (Mayor of Kilkenny City), Tess Kavanagh (Butler House), Lorraine Kerwick (Butler House), Ignacio Peregrina (Smithwick’s Experience), Anne Marie Hallinan (St Canice's Cathedral)

remarked, “I’m delighted to see the launch of a new Six After 6 - Summer Cultural Series in Kilkenny City this summer, with many of our amazing heritage and tourism attractions opening their doors later midweek to host a range of exciting events.

We will be promoting the Six After 6

campaign across the Fáilte Ireland, Visit Kilkenny and the Kilkenny App platforms throughout the summer to increase access to our cultural heritage in the city for new audiences.

The collaborative efforts of the six tourist attractions to stay open later help to further strengthen our night

time economy work in the city.”

The first Six After 6 event takes place on Thursday 4th June and the series of events will continue until Friday 4th September. Full calendar of events is available on www.visitkilkenny.ie and The Kilkenny App. Bookings, if required, can be made

directly through the website or booking link of the participating tourist attraction.

The Six after 6 - Summer Cultural Series is supported by Kilkenny County Council, Fáilte Ireland – Ireland’s Ancient East, and the Kilkenny Night Time Economy Pilot.

LÉIRIÚ SPÉISE IONAID TACAÍOCHTA POBAIL

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRES

Beidh príomhról ag na hionaid seo ó thaobh tacaíocht a thabhairt do phobail le linn éigeandalaí ar nós teagmhais adhaimsire, gearrthacha cumhachta nó bristeacha eile, trí spás sábháilte inrochtana a chur ar fáil inar feidir le daoine rochtain a fháil ar bhunsheirbhísí agus faisnéis.

These centres will play a key role in supporting communities during emergencies such as severe weather events, power outages, or other disruptions, by providing a safe and accessible space where people can access basic services and information.

Tá Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh ag lorg Léirithe Spéise ó ionaid pobail, áiseanna spóirt agus ionaid áitiúla oiriúnacha eile lena mbreithniú mar Ionaid Tacaíochta Pobail ainmnithe.

Aithníonn an Chomhairle an ról ríthábhachtach a imríonn eagraíochtaí pobail agus oibrithe deonacha ó thaobh a bheith ag tacú le teacht aniar áitiúil, agus tá sí ag féachaint le bheith ag obair i gcomhpháirt le hionaid atá i riocht mhaith chun tacú lena gceantar áitiúil nuair is gá.

Kilkenny County Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from community centres, sports facilities, and other suitable local venues to be considered as designated Community Support Centres.

The Council recognises the vital role that community organisations and volunteers play in supporting local resilience and is seeking to work in partnership with centres that are well positioned to support their local area when needed.

Mar chuid den tionscnamh seo, tacóidh an tÚdarás Áitiúil le hIonaid Tacaochta Pobail trí ghineadóirí iniompartha a sholáthar, ar féidir iad a chur in úsáid nuair nach mbeidh leictreachas príomhlíonra ar fáil, chun leanúnachas seirbhísí bunriachtanacha a chinntiú.

Ina theannta sin, fuarthas maoiniú ar bhonn náisiúnta chun lasca athraitheacha a shuiteáil in ionaid ainmnithe, lena gcumasófar nascadh sábháilte gineadóirí i bhfoirgnimh.

As part of this initiative, designated Community Support Centres will be supported by the Local Authority through the provision of transportable generators, which can be deployed where mains power is unavailable, ensuring continuity of essential services. In addition, funding has been secured nationally for the installation of changeover switches in designated centres, allowing generators to be safely connected to buildings.

Moltar d’ionaid pobail a bhfuil áiseanna oiriúnacha acu, mar aon le bonn gníomhach oibrithe deonacha, Léiriú Spéise a chur ar aghaidh. Tá fáil ar iarratais ar an suíomh gréasáin www.kilkennycoco.ie nó trí theagmháil a dhéanamh le community@kilkennycoco.ie nó glaoch a chur ar 056779420. Beidh na hionaid a n-éireoidh leo mar chuid de fhreagairt chomhordaithe áitiúil, ag obair taobh leis an Údarás Áitiúil agus gníomhaireachtaí ábhartha.

Community centres with suitable facilities and an active volunteer base are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest. Applications are available on the website www.kilkennycoco.ie or by contacting community@kilkennycoco.ie or Telephone 056779420. Successful centres will form part of a coordinated local response, working alongside the Local Authority and relevant agencies.

An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le Léirithe Spéise ná Dé hAoine, an 12 Meitheamh 2026.

The closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest is Friday 12th June, 2026

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News The Just Transition Commission of Ireland has published a new report calling for a fairer, more accessible and more affordable transport system in Ireland, warning that climate policy will only succeed if it improves people’s daily lives, including for households and communities across Kilkenny.

The report builds on the commission’s earlier calls for a National Just Transition Strategy and a National Climate Dialogue, and its wider work on embedding just transition principles into the design and delivery of climate policy across Ireland’s economy.

The report - Towards a Just Transition in Transport: How can Ireland create a transport system that is fair, accessible and sustainable for all? - sets out eight recommendations aimed at ensuring Ireland’s transport transition reduces emissions while also tackling transport disadvantage, improving accessibility, ensuring more people in Kilkenny have genuine choices beyond private car use and making mobility more affordable for households across the country.

The report recommends prioritising sustainable transport - public transport, walking and cycling - and highlights challenges that are particularly relevant for many communities in Kilkenny, including rural households, carers, older people and people with disabilities.

Among the recommendations are: • A review of weight-based car taxation to ensure the costs of the transition are shared fairly; • Replacing blanket electric vehicle subsidies with targeted supports for lowerincome and high-mileage households; • Greater investment in rural and accessible public transport; • Recognition of “care journeys” such as school runs and hospital visits in transport planning; • Faster delivery of major public transport projects; and • Stronger protections to ensure climate policy does not deepen existing inequalities.

The report outlines how policy and planning for Ireland’s transport transition needs to recognise that significant economic barriers remain in transitioning the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) fleet away from fossil fuels and the ongoing challenges associated with volatility in fuel costs. It says that, compared to wider international trends where zero-emission HDV adoption is progressing more rapidly, uptake in Ireland remains low, highlighting the importance of ensuring that financial supports are appropriately designed and targeted to address real-world barriers.

The report acknowledges that electric vehicle ownership is concentrated in wealthier and urban areas

A road to inequality New report highlights issues facing Kilkenny’s households and vulnerable communities and advises that electric vehicle grants move away from universal rates towards targeted interventions such as means-tested or localbased subsidies to address barriers for lower-income households in Kilkenny.

Chairperson of the Just Transition Commission Ali Sheridan said: “A just transition means ensuring climate action is fair, practical and improves people’s quality of life, including in Kilkenny.

It goes beyond emissions alone; it is also about whether people can get to work, undertake care-related travel for school runs and hospital appointments and also participate in community life and afford to travel in the first place.

“Recent geopolitical events have shown the precarious nature of our relationship with fossil fuels. Price spikes in fuel have placed real pressures on households and workers.

“Transport costs are placing growing pressure on households across Ireland, including many families and rural communities in Kilkenny.

We must ensure that we are designing a transport system where walking and cycling are safe and enjoyable, and that accessible public transport is a viable and attractive

alternative to the private car. The transition to a lowcarbon transport system must not deepen inequality or place disproportionate burdens on workers, rural communities or lower-income households, including in Kilkenny.”

The Just Transition Commission’s eight transport recommendations are: 1. Prioritise sustainable transport modes The commission recommends that public transport, shared mobility, walking and cycling be prioritised to reduce car dependence.

This should include accelerating the delivery of major public transport projects and sustaining investment in services such as Connecting Ireland, with particular attention to hard-to-reach communities and real mobility needs, including care journeys.

2. Improve accessibility and safety in public transport The Commission recommends sustained investment in public transport accessibility and safety, including sustained funding for the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme to ensure that public transport

is inclusive, reliable and suitable for all users. It notes that accessibility to bus and rail is a significant issue for people of all ages and abilities.

3. Embed gender and care-related mobility in transport policy The commission recommends that gender- and care-related mobility, such as journeys for school runs and hospital appointments, should be systematically integrated into transport planning and delivery to reflect this reality of mobility.

4. Integrate equity into electric vehicle policy The Commission recommends that the Government integrate equity into electric vehicle and charging policy through more targeted supports. It says this should include reforming universal subsidies for electric vehicles to prioritise supports for lowincome, high-mileage and car-dependent households, greater support for secondhand electric vehicle access and prioritisation of charging infrastructure and grid upgrades in rural and disadvantaged areas.

5. Plan for skills and workforce transition The commission recom-

mends early and structured engagement with workers, trade unions and education providers as part of skills planning and just transition governance. Recognising that new skills are required of mechanics, planners, engineers and design professionals, it recommends opportunities for accredited training and upskilling in sustainable mobility must be developed across regional education bodies and through Education and Training Boards.

6. Strengthen transport appraisal and evidence The commission recommends strengthening the application and evidence base of wider impacts in transport appraisal. It says appraisal should continue to evolve beyond time savings and more clearly demonstrate how health, wellbeing, air quality, accessibility, affordability, safety, equal treatment and social equity are being considered in decisionmaking.

7. Review transport taxation for fairness The commission recommends that the role of weight-based car taxation be examined as part of a broader review of transport taxation.

It says a review of car taxation

presents an opportunity to ensure that the costs of the transition are shared more equitably, particularly by reflecting the wider societal impacts of larger and heavier vehicles.

8. Enhance social dialogue and participation The commission recommends strengthening social dialogue and participation through ongoing, structured engagement. It says such engagements should bring people’s lived experience to the fore and, include communities, representative organisations and young people and support the wider use of place-based, participatory approaches to address transport disadvantage.

The commission believes that projects such as the CONUNDRUM (Co-Creating Sustainable and Shared Community Mobility) project in Enniscorthy provide a structured process for developing co-created community mobility strategies, which could be replicated across communities in Ireland and should be actively pursued by the Department of Transport.

• Read the full Transport Report at JustTransitionCommission.ie.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Haircuts, young men and the Old Spice ...

Two things I hate. (Only two, Ger? Okay maybe three, now moving rapidly on). Two things I hate: I’m searching for a space in a busy parking lot, I spy one just up ahead but as I’m approaching someone cheekily shoots in before me. Hate that. I curse and swear and call the driver every name under the Sun. Names that would make my dear departed mother turn in her grave, names that I probably picked up from my father (sorry, Da).

The second thing that I hate is going for a haircut and just as I approach the barber’s door some fellow walks in before me. Lord, how I hate that. Worse than the parking scenario. I just hate having to wait for a haircut. I have better things to be doing than sitting for ages in the barber’s, leafing through old magazines or scrolling through my phone. And if I don’t have better things to be doing I convince myself that

I have.

So, I’m not prepared to sit and wait while Life passes me by. And besides I’m only having my hair-cut because my wife wants me to. I’m quite prepared to let my hair (my grey hair) grow long and languid making me look

poetic, artistic and interesting! My wife assures me, however, that a haircut takes years off me. Game, set and haircut then to Mrs M. So, if there’s more than one person waiting – I’m gone.

Now as it happened a fellow did walk into the barber’s

before me just last week. I almost resorted to my lexicon of curse and swear words but didn’t because there were only the two of us, himself and myself, in the premises. He’s up first and makes himself comfortable in the barber’s chair while I calmly await my turn and peruse a copy of The Kilkenny Observer (this barber’s got good taste in reading material).

And then, just as I am about to read John Ellis’s financial advice column, my man (he’s young, early 20s, I reckon) pipes up: “A No. 2 please, then a three and back then to a one.’”I’m not sure whether he’s having a hair-cut or doing the Lotto.

What the hell is it with all the numbers? I know it has something to do with the blades but he seems to have some sort of mathematical formula, tried and tested I assume, for his hairdo.

In my entire life I have never involved numbers

when it comes to a haircut.

And God be with the late Sheamie Bolger, a master of the ‘short-back-andsides’ who did not entertain numbers when plying his trade. Sheamie sat you down, scissored up, snipped away and away you went. And whatever about you being happy, or unhappy, with the cut your mother was more than happy as you didn’t have to visit Sheamie again for another two, or three, months. Maybe more.

Ah, yes, Sheamie, God rest him, was some stylist! As for my man he was only getting started. He also wanted some ‘gradation’ (whatever the hell that is) leaving the long bits plus a touch of a mullet on top! Good God! Is he having a haircut or is he having his entire scalp reconfigured? As I’m sitting behind this guy listening to his litany of requests I’m thinking I’m going to be here until the Strait of Hormuz reopens!

But that’s youngsters these days – they’re very much into their looks, their image; moisturisers, anti-ageing creams, exfoliating emollients – these are just a few of the cosmetics young men spend good money on to make themselves look, dare I say, beautiful? God be with the days (my young days) when a splash of Old Spice and a dab of deodorant were the only beauty products to help us ‘conquer’ the Carlton.

The Carlton, however, and the lovely girls therein, dancing mostly in groups together were not for ‘conquering’, not with Old Spice anyway. Eventually, and I mean eventually, when my man was finished I was called to the chair. “What can I do for you?” my friendly barber asked and I like to think that he was mightily pleased, maybe even relieved, when I said: “A decent haircut, please.”

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News

Kilkenny Libraries launch “Handy Helps” Collection to support independent living Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to announce the launch of its new Handy Helps collection, a practical and accessible resource designed to support older members of the community to live more independently in their own homes.

Officially launched on Wednesday May 27th in Loughboy Library, the Handy Helps collection reflects the evolving role of public libraries as inclusive community spaces that support wellbeing, lifelong independence and quality of life; not just access to books and information.

The collection consists of a range of carefully selected aids and gadgets that assist with everyday tasks and activities. These items are grouped into 3 themed Handy Helps packs: Culinary Aids, Mobility Aids and Social Aids. Each pack contains several items and is loaned as a single unit, allowing borrowers to try the aids in their own homes for up to eight weeks.

Items in the Culinary Aids pack include lightweight foam-handled cutlery, an incurve plate surround to help keep food on the plate,

Senior Executive Librarian Aisling Kelly, Librarian Alan Dunne, Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Director of Services Fiona Deegan, Mayor John Coonan, and Occupational Therapist Manager Carlow / Kilkenny Community Services, Regina Doyle at the launch of the Handy Helps collection in Loughboy Library on Wednesday 27th May

a bottle opener, jar opener and contour turner to reduce strain on hands when gripping or turning objects.

The Mobility Aids pack supports independent dressing and movement, with items such as a button hook and

zip puller, a plastic shoehorn, and a sock aid. Ideal for people with limited mobility, flexibility or hand dexterity.

The Social Aids pack includes everyday supports such as a doorknob turner, a plug pull, a two-key turner

and a portable car assist handle, helping to make daily tasks safer and more manageable.

Each Handy Helps pack includes clear information sheets explaining how to use and care for each item,

allowing borrowers to make informed decisions about what best suits their needs.

Speaking about the initiative, Kilkenny Library Age Friendly Coordinator Alan Dunne said: “Libraries play a vital role in supporting

people at every stage of life.

The Handy Helps collection is about empowering people to maintain independence, dignity and confidence in their own homes. By making these aids freely available through our libraries, we are removing barriers, ensuring everyone has access to practical supports when they need them.”

The Handy Helps items were chosen by Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Age Friendly Coordinator, with expert input from Kilkenny’s Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme and HSE Occupational Therapy services.

This initiative forms part of Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Age Friendly Programme and underlines the library’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community wellbeing.

Handy Helps packs are available to borrow from Mayfair Library, Loughboy Library, Thomastown Library and Castlecomer Library.

For more information, please contact: Alan Dunne – Phone: 056 7794176 Email: alan.dunne@kilkennycoco. ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Living through a changing summer climate The transition into very hot weather feels rather sudden.

Last week there was cold air from Siberia and I was well wrapped up against it. This week my body is trying to adapt to extreme heat. It’s very confusing and doesn’t feel right at all. When I was younger, I loved the heat, the sun and getting a tan. I always felt so much better when the sun was shining.

I felt I could expand, take up more space and the heat would warm my bones. I would head to the nearest swimming place and dive in and feel the exhilaration of the sudden cold, which would really wake me up and make me feel so alive.

These days, that is no longer the case. We now fear hot weather and are warned, “Too much sun is bad for your health. Too much sun can cause skin cancer. Diving into cold water could trigger a heart attack. Pale is beautiful, and the only good tan is no

tan — or a fake one!” Our planet is heating up. We failed to act on the warnings issued 40 years ago, when global action might still have prevented this climate catastrophe. Humanity can unite in an emergency, as we saw during the pandemic.

Drastic collective action was swiftly ignited, governments co-operated and billionaires prospered.

The climate emergency is an uncomfortable message for humanity, so what have governments done? In my view: too little, too late.

There are initiatives such as solar panels, recycling and improved insulation which can only be positive, but at the same time huge billionaire-owned data centres are consuming vast amounts of water and energy. Utility bills continue to rise. Water, even in Ireland, is not limitless.

Shortages, droughts and conflicts over water are inevitable. One overly

tanned president, who knows nothing about science, denies the problem entirely.

Certain sectors are already speaking of food security and food shortages. The fertiliser crisis caused by Trump’s Iran war may result in broken economies and famines due to crop failures.

Lenin used the phrase, “three meals away from chaos!” It is a well-known socio-political saying that suggests civil order is fragile and depends on a secure food supply. Irish society is vulnerable; our food systems, including transport, hauliers, fodder suppliers and farmers, are all tightly interconnected. We have recently seen how easily such a system can break down, as the current fuel crisis demonstrated.

Supermarket shelves can empty very quickly.

We are all familiar with price gouging, where unscrupulous businesses

exploit a crisis by raising prices and making the cost of living even harder to bear.

The cyber attack on the HSE reflected the vulnerability of major institutions to hackers.

Banks are constantly on high alert. A day might come when none of the cash machines work and transactions become impossible. Panic ensues.

“Changing seasons remind us how fragile life remains

Ireland has not seen food riots since the famine and the memory of such hardship still runs deep.

Many European countries have sent leaflets to every home, e.g. Denmark, telling people to get supplies “just in case”. Just in case of what, we may ask?

Do European governments know more than they are telling us? They say, in case of natural disasters, e.g. floods, possibly wars and food shortages.

I have heard it said that most households are only three meals away from starvation. It makes me wonder how many people keep food reserves at home. The Danes are told to stockpile essentials such as matches, cash, candles, toilet paper, sanitary ware, medication, cooking oil, flour, tinned food, pasta or rice, batteries and ways to charge phones without electricity. But with so many people struggling to afford

their weekly shop, setting aside even a week’s extra supplies may be impossible.

In a crisis, how long could your household manage?

Better still, we’re told that we should all grow at least some of our own food. This year, if there’s another crisis, I will manage on a good crop of parsley, lettuce, rocket, mint, chives, beetroot and spinach, and with a few bags of brown rice and some red lentils to go with it, things are not quite as bleak as they might otherwise be, and I should make it through the summer. But what about winter? I haven’t planted any crops, so I am currently researching “Breatharians” — people who claim they can live on air and cosmic energy alone. It is cheap, freely available and I am a fast learner, so there is clearly nothing to worry about! www.judithashton.com www.beprepared.ie

Sport leaves a mark that doesn't fade when the final whistle blows, cinematic dance film shows

A cinematic dance film that celebrates the source and energy of former hurling and camogie stars and their impact in the community has premiered in Kilkenny.

Fearghus Ó Conchúir’s ‘All to Play For’ was developed and shot on location in Kilkenny, with multiple All-Ireland medal winners and heroes Anne Dalton, Ann Downey, Liam Fennelly and Tommy Malone all featuring prominently.

Their incredible on-field power, talent and skill and their off-field inspiration as role models is captured in the short film that uses dance to embody connection, community, drive and determination.

All to Play For is one of five community-rooted projects

commissioned by Kilkenny County Council’s Public Art Programme 2024-2027, and funded by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage and Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Further screenings are planned in the coming weeks and months.

More than a sports story, All to Play For lifts the viewer into something felt rather than simply seen. After the whistle blows and the lights go down, it's still all to play for, choreographer, Fearghus Ó Conchúir, explained as the film was premiered to a private audience in Thomastown including the players, their families and others from the sporting world.

“I hope the film shows the

drive that powers hurling and camogie, a drive you see especially, but not only in the people who excel in the games. That drive doesn’t go away when the whistle blows and I wanted the film to celebrate the fact that there’s always more to play for.

“Growing up in a strong GAA family, I know how camogie, hurling and all the GAA sports shape lives and communities. My dancing comes from that background too and so I’m using it, thanks to the beautiful film work that Stevie Russell has directed, to show something familiar in a new and exciting light.”

Speaking at the premiere, Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Catha-

oirleach of Kilkenny County Council, said the local authority is proud to support such a public art project, adding that investment is not defined by permanence alone, but by its ability to connect, to inspire, and to engage.

“It is something we are committed to building on — continuing to broaden the scope of what public art can be, and who it is for. Tonight, we turn our focus to something deeply embedded in the identity of this county — our extraordinary and proud tradition of hurling and camogie.

“These games are far more than sport here in Kilkenny; they are a living legacy, passed down through genera-

tions, woven into the fabric of our communities, our language, and our sense of pride.”

Seven time All Star and two time All Ireland Senior Camogie Final medal-winner, Anne Dalton, says she was completely blown away by the fitness levels of the dancers who performed as part of All to Play For. “My hope for audiences watching this is that it might open their eyes and their minds to the fact that dancers are athletes. Merging dance and sport will hopefully inspire others to train hard, to be as strong as that girl lifting the guy, to get active, play a sport, take up dancing, start

something new.”

Mary Butler, Kilkenny County Council’s Arts Officer, said the local authority’s Public Arts Programme approach to the film and other projects now underway spans a wide range of artforms — visual arts and film, music, literature, and performing arts — recognising that public arts does not belong to one discipline alone.

“These projects ensure that the public is not just an audience, but a participant — central to the work itself. They create space for people to share their voices and stories, to imagine the future, and to engage with the past in new and meaningful ways.”

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LCSP Breda Carroll, Kilkenny LCSP, Maria O'Shea, Kilkenny LCSP, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh

Joan Brennan, Ballyfoyle, Diane Seale, Kilkenny PPN, Bortha Maria Woudsma, Kilkenny PPN

Crowd attendance

Lia Conway, Teagan Emmett, Emma Lynch, CYPSC

Kilkenny LCSP Safer Together event The Kilkenny Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) hosted a hugely successful "Safer Together" event.

Garda Sgt. James Neary

Over 150 people were in attendance at the Rivercourt Hotel, with 20 organisations agencies, and support groups.

This event marked the first of

its kind for the Kilkenny LCSP, which focuses on issues rooted in our local communities—from tackling anti-social behaviour to supporting vulnerable individuals

Mayor Cllr John Coonan, Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, LCSP Chairperson Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Maria O'Shea, Kilkenny LCSP

and improving public spaces.

By listening to communities and acting on their concerns, the LCSP can help to make practical and a positive change in the

Community.

Chairperson of Kilkenny’s LCSP, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick said, “I was particularly encouraged by the

Maria O'Shea, Coordinator, Kilkenny LCSP, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Chairperson Kilkenny LCSP

strong level of engagement and the support across all our partners. This gives us a solid foundation to build on, as we continue to develop initiatives that will make a real and lasting difference across our communities”.

Speaking after the event to the Kilkenny Observer reporter he noted that the theme of the evening, Your Community, Your Safety, Our Priority, really captured the spirit of cooperation, trust, and early intervention.

Together with the event Coordinator Maria O’ Shea, he thanked all participants and partners, and we look forward to more events Siobhan Maher, National like this in the DRIVE Project Coordinator future.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

Opinion

Uproar in Callan: The day Josie hid the “Bata”

Josie playing the piano in later years

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Sisters of Mercy were the great teachers in Callan for decades. But they also had a strict code of discipline in the early part of the twentieth century. Learning through kindness and a politically correct teaching method was unheard of-with rare exceptions: The infamous Bata-a long ruler or skilfully crafted stick-was all the rage.

At the Callan convent-and indeed in similar schools nationwide- nuns entered the

classroom armed with the wooden slappers, ready to administer punishment whenever necessary to maintain a high standard of education and impeccable behaviour among the pupils. At the Callan Convent of Mercy, some nuns were more merciful than others.

The late Josie O’ KeeffeCuddihy had an interesting angle on the bad old days of corporal punishment. Her father, Kieran O’ Keeffe, was one of Callan’s noted carpenters. In addition to his more conventional business, he had the distinction of being the man who supplied slappers to the Convent. This sideline continued until the early

1950s.

He won the lucrative contract after a nun asked him if he could produce a superior quality Bata to the ones she had been issued with in the past. She was breaking too many of them on the hands of pupils and wondered if Kieran might be able to make a tougher, user-friendlier model-one with a longer life span that could withstand a ferocious bout of slapping.

Kieran went into his workshop and, after a lot of trial and error; he managed to create a number of alternative models. One was a long round stick fashioned from pinewood. Then there was a squarish ruler type Bata that

the nuns. Whenever a fresh consignment was ready, she would carry them to the Convent under her arm, or in a box, depending on the quantity involved. Needless to say, this did little to endear her to fellow pupils, who left school every day with sore hands from the slapping.

(In the fifties, more than twenty years after Josie’s schooling, Annie Byrne was asked by a nun in the convent who had just broken a slapper to “go down to Kieran O’ Keeffe and get another one immediately”. Annie remembers Kieran as a friendly and thoughtful man with a little moustache who peered out from over Philip O Keffee remembered silvery specthe pigeons who conveyed tacles at her in match results his workshop.) to Callan One day, Josie defied her father and the nuns by hiding a batch of Batas. She refused to tell the nuns where she’d hidden the dreaded instruments of chastisement. The head nun ordered a search of the entire school. The guards and the Parish Priest were called in, and Josie was locked in the cloakroom for several hours as punishment.

Decades later she remembered her ordeal: sitting in a dark, shadowy room looking at coats hanging on hooks for what seemed an eternity and wondering if the search teams would locate the slappers.

Eventually, they found them, measured about a foot and a and the nuns were back in half in length and had knots business. protruding from it. The others In later life, Josie took over were variations of these two the famed Cozy Inn pub in models.

Callan...

The nuns discussed the pros and cons of the various Winged Messengers and Batas Kieran had submitted Hostile Fire… for approval. After lengthy In the days before TV or even deliberations and reflecradio coverage of hurling tion, they decided to test matches-when Barrie Henthem all in field trials in the riques was just a distant speck classrooms. Eventually, they on the broadcasting horizonsettled on both a round and people who couldn’t attend a square slapper, and Kieran game had to wait for the lads started turning out these in to arrive back in the towns, his workshop. villages, farms, or country That was all very well for homes with the good or bad Kieran, but his daughter Josie, news about. Phones were who attended the convent scarce too, and most contact primary school, had the job was by word of mouth. of delivering the slappers to

Josie Cuddihy at her pub the Cozy Inn with Brian Byrne

But in the early 1920s, Callan had an edge over every other part of Ireland in this respect. I’m indebted to the late Philip O’ Keeffe for this intriguing story: Postman John McCormack and his wife Maish in Lower Bridge Street devised a way of getting the match results to Callan after the final whistle blew. They trained a squad of thirty or more carrier pigeons to fly to the various match venues, and return with the results of each game.

The Callan lads in the crowd- or stadium, in the case of high profile showdownswould spot the pigeon, which would alight in a suitable place for one of them to attach a note detailing the final score, and sometimes a few hastily scribbled observations, depending on who happened to catch the pigeon first.

Hundreds of people, including many from outlying country areas, would line up in Bridge Street, and at the Cross, waiting with bated breath for the pigeon to return. A mighty cheer broke the tension if the bird conveyed good tidings. If the news was bad, John McCormack had to be sure to get the pigeon out of sight for its own safety.

There is the story of one pigeon that was killed “on active service”. It was flying over the Tipperary countryside and preparing to alight at the edge of a pitch where a friendly game between Kilkenny and Tipperary teams was in full swing.

The Tipp fellows had fallen a bit behind, and it seems that a hot-blooded man who lived not far from the pitch decided to vent his annoyance on the winged messenger. The cats might win the day, he said, but he swore that pigeon would never see another dawn over Callan.

A single shot rang out. The feathered sports hack halted momentarily in mid-air and fell from the sky like a downed fighter plane.

After this incident, John McCormack made a point of training two pigeons to cover each venue, allowing for the possibility of one falling victim to hostile fire.

John’s imaginative service to the sporting world, and to the people of Callan, continued until the early 1930s, when radio put his carriers out of business.

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LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS: NEWS, LAUNCHES OR EVENTS ACROSS HEALTH & BEAUTY? CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Health & Beauty

Three skin-drying habits

Cian and Jordan Adams, The FTD Brothers

SKINCARE Freepik

Brothers run for families facing dementia HEALTH Two brothers who know their own future may include frontotemporal dementia have completed an extraordinary marathon challenge across Ireland to raise awareness and funds for families affected by the disease.

Jordan and Cian Adams, known as The FTD Brothers, set out to run a marathon in every county, carrying with them a deeply personal story.

Their Kilkenny leg took place on May 21, marking their 25th marathon in 25 days and attracted huge crowds of supporters, many of whom ran

behind the brothers for the local circuit.

The brothers, aged 31 and 25, have both been told they carry the rare faulty MAPT gene linked to frontotemporal dementia, or FTD. It means they are almost certain to develop the condition, possibly as early as their 40s.

Their mother Geraldine died from FTD in 2016 at the age of 52. The condition has affected many members of their wider Irish family, including their grandmother and aunt.

For Jordan and Cian, this campaign is about their mum, but also about every family trying to cope with dementia

at home.

FTD can be especially cruel because it often affects personality, behaviour, speech and decision-making before memory loss becomes obvious. Families may notice that a loved one seems withdrawn, changed or unlike themselves, and diagnosis can take time.

The brothers have spoken openly about growing up as young carers, watching their mother lose her independence, her speech and eventually the ability to manage basic daily tasks. Rather than let that grief silence them, they have chosen to use the time they have now to speak

up.

Their challenge has raised major funds for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and The FTD Brothers Foundation, with the money supporting dementia services, family support and research.

At the finish in Dublin, the brothers were greeted by family, friends and supporters, after a journey that touched communities across the country. Their father Glenn said their mother would have been extremely proud, not only of the awareness raised, but of the way her sons had reconnected with their Irish roots.

If your skin feels tight, dull or flaky, dehydration may be part of the problem. Unlike dry skin, which lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water, and everyday habits can make it worse.

First, long hot showers may feel relaxing, but they can strip the skin’s natural barrier and leave it feeling tight afterwards. Try warm water instead, and keep showers shorter where possible.

Second, too much caffeine or alcohol can contribute to dehydration, especially if you are not drinking enough water during the day. You do not have to cut them out completely, but balance them with regular fluids.

Third, skipping moisturiser after cleansing can leave skin more vulnerable to water loss. Applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp helps lock in hydration.

Art camps for young patients HEALTH Freepik

Could honey help fuel your workout?

EXERCISE Honey has long been used as a natural source of energy, and new attention is being given to its possible role in exercise and recovery.

According to a report published by The Conversation, honey may work in a similar way to some sports gels and energy drinks because it contains two simple sugars, glucose and fructose. These are absorbed in different ways by the body, which can help provide a steady supply of carbohydrate during exercise.

It is not just theory. Sebastian Sawe, the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon, reportedly fuelled up before his race with bread and honey.

For anyone doing a longer or more intense session, carbohydrates matter. The body stores carbohydrate as glycogen in the muscles and liver, but those stores can run low during prolonged activity. When that happens, tiredness can set in and performance may drop.

Jcomp

A generous tablespoon of honey provides around 20 grams of carbohydrate, roughly similar to the amount found in some commercial energy gels. Taking a tablespoon before training, particularly first thing in the morning, may help top up

energy stores.

The evidence is mixed on whether honey directly improves performance, but studies suggest it can perform comparably to other carbohydrate sources. Where it may be especially useful is after exercise, helping restore en-

ergy between sessions.

For local walkers, runners, cyclists or gym-goers, honey can be a low-cost, natural option for fuelling longer exercise. It won’t replace good training, hydration or balanced meals, but it may be a handy addition.

Helium is bringing its free creative workshops to Kilkenny this summer, giving children and young people with long-term physical health conditions the chance to take part in art, creativity and fun close to home.

Bookings are now open for two Kilkenny summer camps, both led by professional artists in local venues. The workshops are designed to be safe, inclusive and supportive, with no previous art experience needed.

For young people aged 13 to 16, workshops will take place at Butler Gallery from July 7 to 9. Children aged 8 to 12 can join workshops at St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall from July 21 to 23.

Activities may include drawing, painting, photography, storytelling, clay modelling, film-making, animation and more. As well as learning new creative skills, participants will have the chance to meet others with similar experiences, build confidence and enjoy a positive summer activity in their own community.

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How charity shops help the environment

Charity shops have become an important part of communities across Ireland, offering far more than affordable

shopping. They play a valuable role in protecting the environment while also helping important causes and

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

local families. At a time when waste and overconsumption are major environmental concerns, charity shops encourage people to think differently about the items they buy, use, and throw away.

Every year, thousands of tonnes of clothing, furniture, books, toys, and household goods end up in landfill sites, even though many of these items are still in excellent condition. Charity shops help reduce this waste by giving unwanted items a second chance. Instead of being discarded, donated goods can be reused by someone else, helping to reduce unnecessary waste and pollution.

Buying second-hand items also reduces the demand for new products to be manufactured. Producing new clothing and household goods requires huge amounts of water, energy, transport, packaging, and raw materials.

Fast fashion in particular has become a major environmental issue worldwide. Choosing pre-loved items from charity shops is a simple but effective way for people to reduce their environmental impact.

One charity shop making a positive difference locally is the Jack and Jill Charity Boutique on Friary Street in Kilkenny. The shop has become a popular destination for shoppers looking for quality second-hand clothing, accessories, books, toys, and household items, while also supporting an important

cause.

The shop supports the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, which provides in-home nursing care and support for families caring for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. Every donation made and every purchase in the Friary Street store helps fund vital services that allow families to care for their children at home with dignity and support.

Charity shops like Jack and Jill also help build stronger communities. People donate items they no longer need, volunteers give their time, and shoppers know their purchases are helping both the environment and local families. It creates a positive cycle where small actions can have a meaningful impact.

In recent years, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular as more people recognise the importance of sustainable living. Many shoppers now actively seek out charity shops not only for value, but also as a conscious environmental choice.

Supporting charity shops is one of the easiest ways people can help reduce waste, reuse valuable items, and support worthwhile causes. Simple decisions, such as donating unwanted goods or buying second-hand, can make a lasting difference for both the environment and the wider community.

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The importance of bees, birds and wildflowers

The return of bees, birds, and wildflowers is far more important than simply making the countryside look beautiful. These small signs of nature recovering are essential for the health of the environment, the production of food, and the overall balance of life around us. As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, more people are beginning to understand just how closely connected humans are to the natural world.

Bees are among the most important creatures on the planet because they pollinate plants, crops, fruits, and vegetables.

Without bees and other pollinators, many of the foods people rely on every day would become difficult to grow. Apples, strawberries, tomatoes, and countless other crops depend on pollination. In recent decades, bee populations have declined due to pesticides, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Their gradual return is therefore a hopeful sign that

environmental conditions can improve when habitats are protected and nature is given space to recover.

Wildflowers also play a vital role in supporting biodiversity. Native flowers provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, insects, and birds. They help maintain healthy ecosystems and improve soil quality while adding colour and beauty to the landscape. For many years, wildflower meadows and roadside blooms became less common due to overdevelopment and intensive land management.

Today, however, many communities are encouraging pollinator-friendly spaces by planting native flowers and reducing unnecessary mowing.

Even small patches of wildflowers can make a significant difference.

Birds are another important part of a healthy environment.

Their songs and movement bring life to gardens, parks, hedgerows, and farmland, but birds also help control pests, spread seeds,

and maintain natural balance. A decline in bird populations is often a warning sign that ecosystems are under pressure. The return of birds to certain areas shows that cleaner

habitats and healthier environments benefit wildlife as well as people.

The importance of protecting biodiversity goes beyond nature itself. Green spaces, birdsong, flowers, and wildlife can improve mental wellbeing and help people feel calmer and more connected to the world around

them. Children especially benefit from growing up close to nature and learning to appreciate the environment.

The return of bees, birds, and wildflowers reminds us that nature can recover when people make thoughtful choices. Protecting habitats, planting native species, reducing pollution, and caring for local environments are all small actions that can have a lasting impact for future generations.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

Concept Solutions – Questions and Answers EG: Why is it more important now more than ever, for companies to have effective environmental monitoring and measurement solutions in place?

for all’ approach exists. As an example: It is easier run a well-funded Treatment Plant that services a large city however for several smaller towns throughout a mountainous region the challenge is very different.

As our Populations, Industries and need for goods and services increases it is critical now more than ever to consider what we dispose of, what pollutants we create and how we keep our surroundings clean, tidy, pure and life giving.

It is so important in these ages of expansion of Industrialisation at a global level that we protect the world from which we take the resources to live. To understand the processes, we simply need to measure what we are doing and at what rate it is increasing so we can produce adequate counter Measures.

For this main reason we need effective environmental monitoring solutions in place.

EG: What are the challenges associated with wastewater treatment plant optimisation, and coagulant dose control for drinking water optimisation?

Wastewater treatment is a complicated process with many inputs, the treatment itself involves chemical

EG: What fundamental elements would you say set apart Concept Solutions as 'the gold standard for environmental monitoring' in ways that competitors cannot emulate?

Edward Keating Managing Director

additives, pH adjustments and biological processes combined with well designed mechanical plant.

Many times, with population increase, personnel changes and equipment deterioration the Waste water Treatment Plant is run on

a day-by-day basis by an experienced operator, once this operator retires there is a knowledge gap. This combined with the topography and population dispersion means there are numerous deigns and types of treatment plants in place, not ‘one fix

The Key main and specific reasons a client should look to Concept Solutions is as follows: 1) We have the Experience, 35 years in Industrial Instrumentation with varied experience.

2) Having worked with companies like Hach, formerly Hach Lange who are an icon manufacturer of water and wastewater measurement equipment.

3) Application knowledge is key combined with a passion for continuous learning. At concept solutions we are not trying to sell you a box, as black box or a magic potion.

We want to sell you a solution based on real time measurement equipment, suitable for your application and with a positive outcome for our client and the Environment.

4) WE take a personal inter-

est in this Outcome and work tirelessly to overcome the unforeseen challenges.

5) We embrace AI and Cloud Data provision to turn complicated big data into valuable information; we bring this direct to our client’s desk via our cloud based data management systems.

EG: What are some of the innovative technologies you possess that organisations should be aware of, which can significantly mitigate pollution and help them reduce their carbon footprint?

We embrace the use of Technology including UV/ VIS technology and multiple wavelength technology, Ion Selective Technology and Virtual sensor technology.

Combining these tools, with skills earned over many years and combined with correct application knowledge and experience, we can generate the correct data to develop the required control needed to ensure Treatment plant runs efficiently and produce savings in both energy and chemicals while often producing a capacity increase of approximately 30%.

EG: Tell us more about the critical importance of building a knowledge based

organisation in this industry, and how it positively impacts results?

Building a knowledge based organisation is a key to pioneering systems for optimization while innovating within an organisation. One has to have a passion for learning and progression. This passion should be a main value of the business, we encourage staff to embrace further training and learnings that will help them further their experience, enhance their work or professionally develop themselves.

As an example: to elevate the sales and marketing of our optimization systems, we quickly saw that our clients required further Training on wastewater systems. We developed a Training Course and filed the course with CPD in UK to externally accredit our work. We also dispatched a member of staff to CPD for to Qualify as a Master Trainer. While there is a high cost to these activities, it is our Mission to offer clients the best we can of ourselves and our solutions.

It is really so important to speak to clients from a place of learning (knowledge), competence, experience and support while being open to new scenarios and new learning opportunities.

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Keep Kilkenny Beautiful marks World Environment Day 2026 by championing Nature Restoration and Sustainable Communities As communities across the globe celebrate World Environment Day 2026, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful (KKB) is highlighting the important role local action plays in restoring nature, protecting biodiversity, and building a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

For many years, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful has worked with volunteers, residents, schools, businesses and community groups to enhance the local environment through litter management, planting initiatives, biodiversity projects and public awareness campaigns.

These efforts contribute to cleaner streets, healthier habitats and more attractive neighbourhoods throughout Kilkenny.

Nature restoration remains at the heart of KKB's work. Through tree planting, pollinatorfriendly projects, habitat protection and community gardening initiatives, the group is helping to create spaces where wildlife can thrive while improving the wellbeing of local residents. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier and more resilient environment.

In addition to environmental improvement projects, KKB is helping households and community organisations reduce carbon emissions and lower energy costs through the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Sustainable Energy Community (SEC). The SEC supports residents in understanding energy efficiency measures, accessing expert advice and exploring opportunities for home energy upgrades and renewable energy solutions.

By reducing energy consumption, families can not only cut their carbon footprint but also achieve significant savings on household energy bills. This demonstrates that climate action can deliver both environmental and economic benefits for local communities.

On World Environment Day 2026, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful encourages everyone to get involved in protecting and restoring the environment. Whether through volunteering, reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, or improving energy efficiency at home, collective local action can make a meaningful difference.

A Spokesperson for KKB said, “Keep Kilkenny Beautiful have a track record in leadership on climate and nature issues, which form the basis of the modern competition. We continue to attract volunteers from all backgrounds and ages and form partnerships with individuals and groups across Kilkenny. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Kilkenny for current and future generations.”

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Jim Treacy Wexford corner-forward Fergie Duff is held in a vice like grip by Kilkenny captain Jim Treacy

Jim Treacy-Artful giant of Kilkenny hurling Former Kilkenny hurler Jim Treacy has died at the age of 82. Treacy, from Bennettsbridge, captained the Stripy men to their 1967 AllIreland triumph over Tipperary. It was a significant victory with the team having lost two of the previous three finals. It also marked a first win over neighbours Tipperary in the final since 1922.

He was a well regarded defender and picked up a first All-Star Award in 1971, the first year they were presented, and another one the following year.

Treacy also won All-Irelands with Kilkenny in 1969 and 1972 and 1974, while he was part of the extended panel for the victories in 1963 and 1975 before retiring.

1967 CHAMPIONS Back: Ted Carroll, Pat Henderson, Claus Dunne, Eddie Keher, John Teehan, Pa Dillon, Jim Lynch, Ollie Walsh. Front: Martin Coogan, Martin ‘Goggy’ Brennan, Séamus Cleere, Jim Treacy (captain), Jim Bennett, Paddy Moran, Tom Walsh

This week, the Kilkenny Observer pays tribute to one of the giants of Kilkenny hurling.

All tenacity and intelligence, Jim Treacy turned the much maligned role of defending into an art form.

He set and maintained consistently high standards throughout his illustrious career. He was a fearless competitor, brave in the tackle and assured on the ball. With the minimum of fuss Jim dominated opponents and demolished many an inflated ego in the process. The complete team player, he often sacrificed his own instincts for the greater glory of the county unit.

Not renowned as the fastest of players, his reading of the game allowed him time and space to affect clearances. He adhered to the Fr Maher mantra of defending: ‘Get it out of the danger area.’

You rarely saw Jim Treacy send

raking clearances. Usually it was the deft flick or the short puck to a well placed team-mate. Jim firmly believes that hurling is a game of inches: those between the two ears. Although he played in an era when the physical demands of defending were immense, this redoubtable Bennettsbridge man never flinched. In the fiercest of battles Jim Treacy was unflappable, always hurling with assurance and composure. There is no doubt that his performances for bear favourable comparison with players from any era. Indeed, after consultations inside and outside the county, there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that Jim Treacy is possibly the best left full-back that ever played the game.

Club man Speaking at the weekend, a repre-

A giant of Kilkenny hurling, Jim Treacy

A brilliant display in defence by Jim Treacy helped Kilkenny to a victory in the All -Ireland final in 1972

sentative for Bennettsbridge GAA club said that all members were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great Jim. “When the history of Kilkenny hurling is written, Jim will be recognised as one of the great corner backs” said the spokeperson.. The club also remembered Jims brothers Martin, Michael ,Sean and Paddy. “After retirement Jim , along with his wife Marie , was heavily involved with Bord na Nóg and always supported the club in anyway possible, be it helping out in the grounds or in fundraising of any kind.”, concluded the spokesperson. The club provided a guard of honour for Jims removal.

Key Role Treacy first arrived on the intercounty scene at the age of twenty when he first linked up with the

At the launch of the book on Ollie Walsh in Langton’s of Kilkenny. Martin Treacy (Kilkenny), Martin Codd (Wexford), Jim Treacy (Kilkenny) and Tim Flood (Wexford). Photo Eoin Hennessy

Mighty ‘Bridge men of the 1960’s

Kilkenny senior team. He joined the team during the1963 championship. Treacy went on to play a key role over the next decade, winning four All -Ireland Medals,

eight Leinster medals and one National League medal. He captained the team to the All-Ireland title in 1967. At club level Treacy was a five-time championship medallist

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Jim Treacy

Carlow Little Theatre Society

Defender and Bennettsbridge man Jim Treacy playing for Kilkenny gets the better of Limericks Ned Rea and Eamon Grimes in the ‘74 final

Remembering the team. The 1974/75 Kilkenny team honoured at Nowlan Park Kilkenny. Photo Willie Dempsey

David Keenan takes home double playwriting prize (L to R) Jamie Dockery, President of Carlow Little Theatre Society, with 2026 Playwriting Competition winner David Keenan with his prizes and Mark Cradock, MD of sponsor DigiAbú at the GBS Theatre in the Visual

Bennettsbridge Senior hurling players from the 1960's who were honoured by the Kilkenny County Board at the Springhill Hotel. Jim Treacy is pictured 3rd from right in front row

The 1967 Kilkenny All-Ireland senior hurling champions were famously honoured at Croke Park as the official jubilee team during the 2017 All-Ireland SHC final, exactly 50 years after their historic victory over Tipperary.

The legendary squad, was captained by Jim Treacy

with Bennettsbridge. Throughout his career Treacy made 30 championship appearances. He retired from inter-county following the conclusion of the 1975 championship.

The Kilkenny Observer wish to thank the

following for photos used: Kilkenny Library service, Eoin Hennessy, The Stripy Men book by Joe Cody, Willie Dempsey and Mary Morgan communications officer at Kilkenny GAA

The winners of Carlow Little Theatre Society’s popular One-Act Playwriting Competition for 2026, sponsored by DigiAbú, were recently announced, with David Keenan of Celbridge winning both the overall Best International Play and the Best Irish Play categories with his exceptional play, The Halo Effect.

Now in its sixth year, the competition received submissions from across the world, with entries from 12 different countries. Mr Keenan, a freelance writer and journalist, takes home the winning trophies, along with monetary prizes of €500 for the international award and €300 for the Irish award. He was presented with the trophies, handmade sculptures

by Irish Celtic Bog Oak, at VISUAL last Friday, shortly before Carlow Little Theatre Society’s performance of Big Maggie.

The Halo Effect is a two-hander oneact play involving Dee, the mother of a teenage boy, and Darren, a misogynistic online influencer. The play tackles a range of subjects and issues, including toxic masculinity, narcissism, abuse, the difficulties of parenting in the modern age of smartphones, and the negative side of online influencing, particularly on young people.

Mr Keenan was delighted to receive the awards: “I was absolutely thrilled when I heard the news. I think opportunities like these are brilliant and very important for the thriving theatre scene in Ireland.

I’m really excited now to take this project further and hear about the work of my fellow winners.”

Leah Philbin of Nottinghamshire in the UK took second place in the competition, and €300 prize money, with her play The Smothered Fool, and Samantha Dols of California took third place, and €200,

with her piece Duck Body.

CLTS President Jamie Dockery commented that: “The One-Act Playwriting Competition exists to give writers a platform and to bring new voices to Irish theatre. This year’s entries, from Ireland and eleven other countries, showed the kind of ambition and originality that makes that work worthwhile. The Halo Effect is exactly the kind of bold, socially engaged writing this competition was created to champion, brave, relevant, and beautifully crafted. With entries from all across the world, the standard this year was exceptional, and we look forward to seeing these plays reach audiences.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of DigiAbú, whose commitment to this competition makes a real difference to writers and to the wider theatre community.”

Mark Cradock, Managing Director of DigiAbú, sponsors of the competition, was full of praise: “We are delighted to support this wonderful competition. It provides a substantial prize and recognition to the writers and helps them to promote themselves and their play in the theatre world. It is a serious undertaking

by Carlow Little Theatre each year and I’d like to thank the group and its volunteers for running and managing the competition so impressively. I would also like to congratulate David Keenan for his awards with his extraordinary play.”

DigiAbú is a Carlow-based agency that provides digital marketing services, including social media, email, website and CRM services, to businesses in the region.

DigiAbú is part of Maven TM, which was recently shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Digital Consultancy category of the national Tech Excellence Awards 2026.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

Barrow Bus

Barrow Bus launches to make the case for bigger and better rural public transport The free summer service will link towns and villages along the River Barrow for the first time, while connecting with national bus and train routes to attract visitors to the region.

(May 29th 2026) The Barrow Bus project was launched today at Barrow Valley Activities Hub, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny. The free service will run 8 daily trips along the River Barrow this summer. An action research

project, it has been devised

by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership in consultation with the local community, aiming to fill a gap in the existing transport network and inform stakeholders on rural mobility services that could be developed in the area.

For this summer at least, it will make it possible for people all over the country to access the amenities of Ireland’s second biggest river by train and bus. The Barrow Bus route will run from Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag) train station in Co. Carlow through the scenic East Kilkenny villages of Paulstown, Goresbridge, Skeoughvosteen and Graiguenamanagh. Some services will extend further to St. Mullins in Co. Carlow before making the return journey.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to make the beautiful Barrow valley more accessible to people all over Kilkenny, Carlow and beyond. Walkers from near and far will now be able to explore the tranquil Barrow Way with a free bus service back to their starting point. This will make for fantastic day trips for families, friends and community groups, creating opportunities for local businesses along the way. I am sure the many connecting bus and train routes will attract visitors from all over Ireland, and I would encourage visitors to Kilkenny City to extend their trip into the great outdoors here along the river.”

The project organisers stressed that the tourism appeal is intended to complement the need

for locals to access services without relying on their car, and ever expensive fuel.

Speaking in advance of the launch, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership CEO Declan Rice explained: “Despite recent improvements, rural bus services are still not a viable daily option for most people. Our research shows that the 75,000 people in Kilkenny county have less than 10% the daily bus trips per person that Dublin city has.

Services are too sparse and not integrated sufficiently with other modes of public transport. Skeoughovosteen, for example, has not had any bus service in living memory.

"This summer, people there will be able to get all the way to Dublin by bus and train for €10. Goresbridge and Paulstown are one parish with no bus link between them. Now, teenagers will be able to get to their GAA club without needing a lift, saving their parents time and money.

Where there are existing services, such as the Local Link route from St. Mullins to Graiguenamanagh to Bagenalstown, we have designed the Barrow Bus to add more trips and create higher frequency. We have worked hard to make sure the timetable connects with bus and train services all along the route, especially the nationwide

services in Paulstown and Bagenalstown.”

This week’s EPA report showed Ireland was projected to fall far short of 2030 emissions targets, with the transport sector slow to change and heavy fines looming if targets aren’t reached. According to Rice, the Barrow Bus project also aims to stimulate a broader conversation and political urgency for making rural bus services a bigger part of this picture.

“We have excellent road infrastructure in Ireland.

The fastest and cheapest way to transform public transport is to have buses running through every village and town every hour or two per day, connecting with the national bus and train network. The impact this would have on quality of life in rural Ireland would be huge.”

To book a free journey, go to www.barrowbus. palisis.com. Booking is not required, but is recommended to ensure a seat.

The service is operating as a research project, with passengers asked to participate in a survey that will be linked by QR code on their free ticket.

Follow @thebarrowbus on Facebook and Instagram for up to the minute information.

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AfterWords

‘AfterWords’ collective return to The Tea Houses

Following a highly successful debut that drew hundreds of visitors, the “AfterWords Collective” is set to make a welcome return to The Tea Houses on Bateman Quay this June.

The talented local group is preparing to unveil an engaging exhibition that blends visual art and poetry. The exhibition offers a unique cultural experience where the written word migrates into visual imagery, the poetry acting as a springboard for the artists' creative interpretations.

Last year’s showcase was a great success and this year, the collective promises an equally compelling display of fresh work, curated to highlight the connection between local literary and visual arts.

“Having lost both my parents in the past 3 years, I acutely feel the connection with the poem ‘On the Eve of Sixty-Three’ in which Frances recounts the loss of her mother”, said Elanor.

“I also connected with the poem ‘Painted Lady on Stained Glass’. The butterfly, caught within the confines and beauty of the church, struggles to reach its natural habitat” continued Elanor .

Memory Eleanor Kilroy McDonald, Artist said that for this exhibition, she was drawn to Frances’ evocative poems which explore themes of loss and memory.

Elanor Kilroy McDonald

Joy Also taking part is artist Ann Mulhall Foley who said that when she read the poem ‘Injection of Joy’, she was drawn to the words ‘the miracle of a lake’, and ‘heron tapering off the river’. “On my cycles around lower Drakelands, I pass a lake in the Poulgour area. I have spotted a heron in the distance and sometimes in flight which always makes my heart skip a beat!” sais Ann. Rewilding “The “Millennium Woods”

Anne Mulhall Foley

poem resonates with me. In the year 2000 these woods were planted and each Kilkenny household was gifted with a newly planted native Irish tree.” These are the words of Siobhán Hegarty, who went on to say that we are all represented there. “A rewilding has happened. As I have walked the pathways throughout the years since its planting, I have seen the woods become a place of growth, peace and life.

It is a spiritual place of replenishment and nourishment”, said Siobhán. Artist Kathleen Ryan told the Observer that her monoprints draw inspiration from the poem ‘Mullins Mill’.

“The composition of each print is informed by the solid structure of the Mill Wheel — within this wheel I contemplated weighty shapes that evoke timber, stone and iron.

The mighty wheel carries the memory of an industry which lasted 184 years. A sense of contained force runs through each piece as if motion still

Siobhán Hegarty

Kathleen Ryan

lingers beneath the surface” said Kathleen.

Rejoice “The catalyst for my work evolved from reflecting on the first verse of “Four times, every second.” The words “rejoice” and “crying deliverance” resonated deeply in me and with me.” So said artist Alice Power who said that Frances’s poetry was a springboard into my lived journey of motherhood, intimacy, and relationship dynamics.

Heritage Poet Frances Moore explained that for this year, the group focused on local heritage. “I was delighted with the range of poems that the artists were drawn to, which highlighted different aspects of our local culture: settings such as The Millenium Woods, Canice’s Cathedral, Mullin’s Mill; subjects - from the local heron resident in Drakelands to the legacy of motherhood and

Alice Power

identity. The visual pieces that were prompted by the poems are truly beautiful in that they are truthful, thoughtful and expressed through the unique lens of the individual artist.

“I have chosen to present one poem in the exhibition this year which takes the River Nore for its inspiration. In “Tea House Window” I reflect on the way that our life journey can be compared to the life of a river. I find it very powerful that this poem about the Nore is exhibited with the Nore so closely present. I am very grateful for this opportunity”, comcluded Frances.

Grounded Curator is Shane Gallagher who informed the Observer that his curatorial practice is grounded in site-responsive and community-focused approaches that connect contemporary art with everyday public life. “Through my work across galleries, festivals, studios, and artist-led spaces

Frances Moore

in Dublin and Kilkenny, I have developed a strong commitment to supporting emerging artists, creating inclusive cultural experiences, and building meaningful relationships between artists, audiences, and place. I am particularly interested in how exhibitions and events can activate spaces socially, encourage participation, and make contemporary art more accessible and welcoming to diverse communities”, said Shane .

The exhibition will be hosted at the picturesque Tea Houses located at 1 Bateman Quay, Kilkenny. Everyone is warmly invited to drop in to view the exhibition, on our opening night on Saturday June 13th, 7.00pm or at our artists’ talk on Tuesday 16th June, 6.00 – 7.00pm. Dates and times as follows :Wednesday, 10th June - Wednesday, 17th June from11:00am – 5:00pm.

The official opening will take place on Saturday, 13th June, 7:00pm

Shane Gallagher

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Hurling

Sport

Lyng departs Cats hotseat

Emeralds clubman Lyng at this season’s Tirlan sponsorship launch

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Some might have been expecting the news; others may have been hoping for it, but Derek Lyng’s brave decision to step aside as Kilkenny senior hurling manager has left a huge void to fill on Noreside. News broke on Tuesday evening that Emerald’s clubman Lyng was stepping down as the Cats Bainisteoir and was communicated via a statement from County Board PRO Mary Morgan.

In the statement, Kilkenny County Board Chairman, PJ Kenny said: “Derek’s contribution to Kilkenny hurling over almost three decades has been immense. His commitment to the county has never been in question, and he has always carried out his role with honesty, integrity, and pride.

On behalf of Kilkenny County Board and the people of Kilkenny, I would like to sincerely thank Derek for his outstanding service as a player, selector and manager.

We are deeply grateful for everything he has done for Kilkenny hurling and wish him and his family every success in the future.”

The process of appointing a new Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team Manager will now begin. The County Board will not be issuing any further statement.

Having been appointed to the role in 2022 when the great Brian Cody left the hotseat, Lyng set about trying to revive his county’s fortunes and end the long wait to be reunited with the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Having captured the All-Ireland U20 title with a narrow victory over Limerick, many felt that the natural progression for Derek Lyng was to lead the senior side, and that’s exactly what he did, when many shied away from taking the reins from such a legendary and successful figure as Cody.

During Lyng’s tenure, Kilkenny captured three Leinster Senior Hurling Championship titles, reached the 2023 All-Ireland Final, contested two National Hurling League Finals and reached two All-Ireland semi-finals. Last season’s last four defeat at the hands of Tipperary was a bitter blow, as the men in black and amber hurled well that day, and got caught with a later sucker punch from Oisin O’Donoghue. That was an opportunity missed for the Noresiders and the team looked off the pace since that Croke Park defeat.

A disappointing league campaign saw the Cats head into the Leinster

Emeralds Clubman steps down as Kilkenny boss

Cillian Buckley & Richie Reid celebrate winning the Leinster title

Championship seeking a sixth consecutive provincial title and a 78th in total, but draws against Wexford and Offaly meant that Lyng’s charges needed a win over Dublin on the last day to stay in the All-Ireland race, but another below-par performance brought a painful season to a premature conclusion.

The loss of key players to injury and travel was costly for all concerned with hurling in the Marble City and attention will now turn to who will take the managers role ahead of the 2027 season. The names mooted so far include former Shamrocks Ballyhale and Galway manager and iconic player, Henry Sheflfin and AllIreland winning camogie boss and current Kildare hurling Bainisteoir, Brian Dowling.

Another name to throw in the mix would be former Cats captain, Michael Fennelly, who did some terrific work laying strong foundations with the Faithful County,

and the Ballyhale legend’s work is certainly coming to fruition now in Offaly.

The search is underway, and this will be a vital appointment for a County Board that has come in for plenty of criticism in recent years. Many feel that change may be needed at that level, before hurling can prosper once again on Noreside. One thing is certain; I don’t expect the exuberant Davy Fitzgerald to be in the conversation for the role, unless everyone else declines the offer.

We wish Derek all the best going forward and no doubt he will be back on the sideline soon.

Lyng masterminded his U20 side to All-Ireland glory

Return of the King - Henry Shefflin

In the running...Brian Dowling

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LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS: NEWS, LAUNCHES OR EVENTS ACROSS HOMES & GARDENS? CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Homes & Gardens

Soak before you plant GARDEN NOTE

Torsten Dettlaff

Before planting summer bedding plants, give them a proper drink while they are still in their trays or pots. Place the plants in a shallow tray of water for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the roots soak up water from the bottom.

This is especially useful if the compost has dried out in warm weather, as dry root balls can be hard to rewet once they are in the ground or a container.

When planting, loosen the roots gently if they look tightly packed, then water the hole before the plant goes in. After planting, water again around the base rather than over the flowers.

For containers and hanging baskets, leave a small gap at the top so water does not spill straight over the edge. A good soak at the start helps bedding plants settle in faster and cope better with summer heat.

Clear the air GARDEN HACK

Fresh ideas for summer living HOMES

Trickle vents are easy to miss when you’re cleaning your windows, but they play an important role in keeping air moving through the home. If they become clogged with dust, cobwebs or paint, rooms can feel stuffier, and condensation may build up more easily on windows.

Every few months, check the small vents at the tops of your window frames. Open and close them to make sure they move freely, then use a vacuum brush, dry cloth or old toothbrush to clear away dust. If they have been painted shut, gently free them rather than forcing them.

It’s also worth checking that curtains or blinds aren’t permanently blocking airflow. Even a small gap can help a room breathe better, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.

At this time of year, many of us feel the urge to give our homes a lift, but the thought of a full redesign or major spend is often enough to keep those urges in check.

The good news is that creating a lighter, fresher feel for summer doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch.

One of the easiest ways to begin is by changing the palette. Swapping darker winter tones for soft whites, warm beiges, muted pastels and natural wood finishes can instantly lift a space.

These colours reflect daylight and create a greater feeling

of openness, particularly in living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas.

Fabric choice can also make a big difference. Linen, cotton and lightweight blends are ideal for summer, offering comfort without the heaviness of more wintery textures.

A lighter sofa, an occasional chair in a softer shade or new cushions and throws can all help bring a fresh seasonal feel.

Holly McMahon, Store Manager at Caffreys Furniture in Kilkenny Retail Park, says customers are increasingly looking for interiors that are both practical and uplifting.

“People want their homes

to feel comfortable, but also bright and easy to live in,” she says.

Caffreys Furniture opened in Kilkenny Retail Park earlier this year, bringing its direct-to-the-public furniture offering to one of the city’s established shopping destinations. This Saturday, June 6, the store will mark its official Grand Opening event.

“We’ve had a great response since opening the doors and we are delighted to launch our official Grand Opening event,” says Holly. “We have invested heavily in the store fitout and included all our exclusive brands on show.”

Those exclusive ranges are

Courtyard appeal GARDEN A courtyard garden doesn’t have to be big to be useful.

In fact, some of the nicest outdoor spaces are small, sheltered corners that are easy to look after and pleasant to sit in.

The first thing to think about is how you actually want to use the space. If it’s mainly for sitting out with a cup of tea, a simple table and chairs may be enough.

If it’s overlooked, a few taller plants, a trellis or a climber can help provide a bit more privacy without completely closing the area in.

Because courtyards are

often surrounded by walls or buildings, they can be shady.

It’s worth watching where the sun falls during the day before buying plants. Ferns, hostas and hydrangeas are good choices for shade, while herbs, lavender and small roses will be happier in brighter spots.

Try not to overcrowd the space. A few good-sized pots usually look better than lots of small ones scattered around. Evergreen plants are useful because they keep the garden looking alive yearround, even when summer flowers have finished.

The ground surface matters too. Paving, gravel or brick

a key part of what makes Caffreys stand out. The retailer handcrafts a number of its own in-house brands in County Meath, including Irish Custom sofas, the Homelee collection of beds and Gleneagle furniture pieces, alongside selected international designs such as the Inspire Italian sofa collection.

For homeowners planning a summer update, speed and choice are also important.

With many collections available for fast and efficient delivery, and up to 80 percent of stock ready to go, Caffreys aims to offer a quicker option for refreshing interiors.

JR Harris

can all work well, but keeping to one or two materials will help the space feel tidy and calm.

Finally, add a few simple touches that make you want

to spend time there. A bench, some outdoor lights, a bird bath or a few colourful cushions can make a courtyard feel less like a leftover space and more like an extra room.

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Twilight group

Gathered at The Set theatre to celebrate the cultural life of the Romanian community in Kilkenny.

Included are :Andrew McGuinness, Sean Ó hArgáin, Liviu Iftime , Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, H.E Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan, Romanian Ambassador to Ireland, Mayor John Coonan, Minister Cllr. Georgeta Bratu and Gabi Martinescu , theatre director.

Set plays host, as Romanian

By Peter Senan Photos: jbs When the ‘Twilight group’ in Kilkenny, was founded, the Romanian sector, resident in Kilkenny, could hardly imagine how successful it would be. However, the success of the group was plain to see, as the Set theatre came alive with theatre, music, song and crafts recently.

It was a special cultural event celebrating the growing friend-

ship between Ireland and Romania bringing together local authorities, diplomats, artists, and members of the Romanian community for an afternoon of culture, literature, music, and theatre.

Strong bond Speaking at the event H.E Laurențiu-Mihai Ștefan, Romanian Ambassador to Ireland said: “Romanian connections showcased the strong bonds between

Romania and Ireland, between the Embassy of Romania in Ireland and the county and city of Kilkenny. The glue is a vibrant and well-integrated community of Romanians who decided to make Kilkenny their home. The number of local and national officials attending the event was a strong indication of the appreciation towards the Romanians living in this beautiful city. I am extremely happy any time I have the opportunity to return to Kilkenny,

and thankful for the extraordinary welcome from the part of Romanians and Irish alike."

Making an extra special impact on the day were Romanian theatre company Boemii who presented a theatre production of “Emigranții” (The Immigrants), an extraordinary play exploring migration, identity, and human connection. "They were delighted to kick off their national tour at the Set theatre, led by Gabi Martinescu, performing in front of

the lovely Romanian-Irish community from Kilkenny. The group was particularly impressed by the Irish friends who managed to stay until the end and read the translated play while the show was on. Boemii were grateful for the invitation to have the chance to perform in such a wonderful and unique theatre."

The Kilkenny Observer also chatted with Stefan J Doyle who played a major role in proceedings as host. The former X Fac-

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Twilight group

and Kilkenny culture shines

tor contestant told the Observer that it was a real honour to host the event. “Seeing the different cultures together is something I would love to see more of” said Stefan.

Strength Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh said she was delighted to attend the event and Paid a special welcome to the Romanian ambassador.

“Your work to strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties

between Ireland and Romania is deeply appreciated here in Klkenny” said the council chairperson.

Mayor John Coonan congratulated the organisers and thanked the Romanian community for their contribution to Kilkenny in such areas including hospitals, restaurants and the arts. “I must say I am very impressed with the display of arts, crafts and literature on display here, which contributes greatly to our city and county” said Mayor Coonan. An-

drew McGuinness, Chairperson of The Southern Assembly described the Romanian community as hard working people with wonderful traits such as craftsmanship, hospitality and communities where people still genuinely look out for one another. “What I particularly admire about the Romanian community in Kilkenny is how they have integrated into Irish life so naturally, but without losing their own identity, culture or pride”, concluded the city councillor.

Friendship The afternoon also included a presentation of the celebrated travel book “Transylvania and Beyond” by acclaimed Irish travel writer Dervla Murphy. The book review was presented by Dr. in political science Ms Simona Chirchiu.

Also on view was an exhibition of sculpture and painting by Valeriu Cazacevski, pottery by Oana Alexandra, flowers by Daniela Bogdan, and cakes by Cinderella Javed.

Guests also enjoyed a musical

performance by Irish band ‘Trei Prieteni’ and later ‘The Four Quarters’. The venue was full and the audience included people from Romanian, Kilkenny and Carlow.

Present also was Kilkenny TD John McGuinness Organizer of the event Liviu Iftime said: “This proved a great opportunity to celebrate friendship, cultural exchange, and the important contribution and opening of the Romanian community to life in Kilkenny and Ireland.

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Food & Drink

Simple Curry SauceAI for the weekly shop RECIPE Freepik

Why familiar flavours are back on the menu ASphotofamily

FLAVOUR A good curry sauce is one of those handy recipes worth having up your sleeve. It is quick, inexpensive and can be used with chicken, vegetables, chips, rice or whatever leftovers you have in the fridge.

Serves: 4 • Prep time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes • Total time: 30 minutes Ingredients • 1 tablespoon oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, or ½ teaspoon ground ginger • 1 tablespoon curry powder • ½ teaspoon turmeric • 1 tablespoon plain flour • 300ml chicken or vegetable stock • 100ml coconut milk, cream or milk • 1 teaspoon mango chutney, honey or sugar • Salt and pepper • Squeeze of lemon juice, optional Method Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 6 to 8 minutes, until soft but not browned. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.

Add the curry powder and turmeric, stirring well so the spices coat the onion. Let them cook for about 30 seconds. This helps bring out the flavour and stops the sauce from tasting powdery.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir to make a paste. Slowly pour in the stock, stirring as you go to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until it thickens.

Stir in the coconut milk, cream or milk, then add the mango chutney, honey or sugar. Season with salt and pepper. If you like a smoother sauce, blend it with a hand blender, or leave it as it is for a more homemade texture.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a little freshness.

Serve with cooked chicken, prawns, roasted vegetables or chips.

To make it hotter, add chilli flakes. To make it milder, use less curry powder and a little extra coconut milk.

This sauce also keeps well in the fridge for two days and can be frozen in portions for a quick midweek meal.

From old-school sweets and retro desserts to family-style recipes and childhood favourites, nostalgic flavours are having a moment.

At a time when many households are watching their spending and looking for small comforts, familiar tastes can offer more than just flavour.

They can bring back memories, create a sense of reassurance and make everyday food and drink feel like a treat.

According to Mintel’s The Future of Flavours: 2026, a

market research and consumer trends report, nostalgia and comfort are now important drivers of food and drink innovation. The report says economic uncertainty is encouraging consumers to seek out familiar, comforting flavours that provide a sense of security, emotional comfort and confidence in quality.

That helps explain why flavours linked to childhood, family recipes or older food traditions continue to appeal.

They feel safe, recognisable and easy to enjoy. For many people, a biscuit flavour from

years ago, a pudding that reminds them of home or a drink with a familiar scent can feel more satisfying than something completely new.

But nostalgia doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned. One of the big opportunities for food brands, reports Mintel, is to take familiar flavours and give them a modern twist. That might mean a classic dessert flavour in a yoghurt, a retro sweet taste in a drink or a traditional recipe reworked in a healthier or more convenient format.

Mintel also points out that

we’re not only looking backwards. We still want discovery, new textures, global flavours and products that look and feel exciting. The challenge for food and drink brands is to get the balance right: comforting enough to feel familiar, but interesting enough to stand out.

Texture and aroma are also becoming more important.

The smell of vanilla, cinnamon, toasted coconut or freshly baked biscuits can quickly trigger warm memories, while crunch, creaminess or melt-inthe-mouth textures can make a product feel more indulgent.

More shoppers turning to AI for the weekly shop GROCERIES Artificial intelligence is starting to play a bigger role in the weekly grocery shop, according to new research.

A study by Rithum found that 36 percent of shoppers have used AI tools, such as chatbots or large language models (like ChatGPT), to help them buy groceries in the past six months.

For many people, the appeal is simple. Grocery bills remain a concern for households, and shoppers are looking for quick ways to compare prices, check alternatives and find better value.

Of those who used AI for grocery shopping, two-thirds said they used it to compare prices or look at other options before buying. Almost half used it to find product information, while 28 percent said they had already completed a grocery purchase through an AI tool.

This means shoppers are no longer relying only on su-

Freepik

permarket websites, apps or search engines. Some are now asking AI tools for suggestions before deciding what to buy.

That presents a new challenge for supermarkets and food brands. It’s no longer enough to have products on the shelf or listed online. Retailers also need to make sure

their prices, offers, delivery details and product information are accurate, so AI tools can find and recommend them properly.

But trust remains a big issue. Rithum also found that 58 percent of shoppers would lose trust in a brand if an AI tool gave them wrong infor-

mation about a product. A further 16 percent said they would avoid buying that product altogether after a poor recommendation.

As AI becomes part of everyday shopping, accurate product information may become just as important as price, convenience and availability.

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What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, AND MORE OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Based on Kane Parsons’ viral YouTube series, Backrooms turns internet folklore into a tense, unsettling horror about a therapist searching for a missing patient in a strange world of endless rooms and humming lights. Starring Renate Reinsve, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mark Duplass, it trades cheap scares for atmosphere, dread and disorientation. For horror fans, this looks like a clever, claustrophobic trip into the unknown. Now showing at IMC Kilkenny.

Robert Grace comes ‘Home’ SET THEATRE | JUNE 20 | 8-9.30PM MUSIC Kilkenny’s own Robert Grace is set to take to the stage for what promises to be a great night of live music for local fans.

Robert, who hails from Graiguenamanagh, has come a long way in the music world over the past few years.

Since signing with Columbia Records in Germany in 2020, his songs have been streamed more than 200 million times, while his music and videos have reached huge audiences on TikTok and YouTube.

Many will know Robert from TikTok, where he has built up more than 3.5 mil-

lion followers. At one stage, he was the most viewed Irish music artist on the platform, ahead of some of the biggest names in the country.

His song Fake Fine proved to be a major breakthrough, clocking up more than 32 million streams and going Double Platinum in Ireland.

Another fan favourite, Not OK, reached one million streams in its first week and has now been streamed more than 53 million times.

In November 2025, he released his uplifting generational anthem Home, which features the vocals from his son Lincoln and dad, Bob Grace.

“Home is about navigating

parenthood with the lingering question of whether you’re doing enough,” said Robert. “Despite the uncertainties, the core message shines through: an unbreakable promise to love and support your family endlessly.”

“When I began writing this song and exploring its meaning, a thought struck me: why not invite some of the very people I’m writing about to sing alongside me? I envisioned my dad, who inspired me with his own singing and performing, and my son, who’s now watching me follow in those footsteps, joining me in the studio and we made it happen. It’s a beautiful collaboration of three gen-

Jarlath Regan - Gas Man SET THEATRE | JUNE 13 | 8.30-10.30PM COMEDY Jarlath Regan brings his new stand-up show, Gas Man, to the Set Theatre, with a fresh set of stories, observations and sharp everyday humour.

Known for his popular online clips, Jarlath has built a big following by finding the funny side of family life, Irish habits, awkward conversations and all the little things people recognise straight away. His “Mammy translator” sketches have made him a familiar face to audiences at home and abroad, but Gas Man is a chance to see him live, away from the phone screen and in full flow.

The new show features 90

minutes of material that has not been seen on stage or online before. Audiences can expect the same warm, quick and very Irish style that has made him one of the country’s most popular comedians in recent years.

Jarlath’s rise has been a remarkable one. His videos on Instagram and TikTok brought him to a huge audience, while his live shows have since sold out across Ireland, the UK, America, Canada and Australia. His previous tour included five nights at the Gramercy Theatre in New York, and his January run at Dublin’s 3Olympia has quickly become a regular date in the comedy calendar.

erations on one track, making it incredibly special to me.”

As well as releasing his own music, Robert has also written songs for other artists, including Ryan Mack and Bradley Marshall. One of his co-writes, Perfect for Me, performed by Bradley Marshall, was even featured on ITV’s Love Island earlier this year.

His single Euphoria also picked up strong support from BBC Radio 1, while his recent collaboration with Ryan Mack, Memories, reached number one on the Irish Breakers Chart. The track was also named Track of the Week on RTÉ 2FM and has already gathered millions of streams on Spotify.

What to Read: John Connolly returns to Charlie Parker’s dark world in A River Red with Blood. A drowned teenager and a missing young woman pull Parker into Maine’s Kennebec Valley, where murderers play by chilling rules of their own. As the investigation deepens, he confronts men without mercy, and a darkness that seems alive. Fans can expect gripping crime, supernatural menace and moral weight in classic Connolly style, from start to finish.

What to Stream: Starting this weekend, Cape Fear brings a fresh, starry take on the classic thriller to Apple TV. Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson play married attorneys whose comfortable life is threatened when Max Cady, played by Javier Bardem, is released from prison. With its mix of legal tension, family danger and slow-building menace, this two-episode opener looks like a strong choice for a darker, gripping watch at home this weekend.

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The lotto results for 26th May 2026 were as follows, the numbers drawn were 12, 22 and 23, and still there was no jackpot winner. The €30 Lucky Dip prize went to Ella Costigan, Sadie Knox, Brenda Glynn, Alice Manning and Lil Bryan. Your support helps so thank you for playing.

GIVE US A WAVE IF YOU HAVE OUR FLAG Is there any household in Clara that may have the large maroon and white ‘Clárach’ Flag tucked away in the attic or hot press? If so, can you please let us know! Contact Caroline on 087 2330026.

FIELD DAY SAVE THE DATE NOTICE The Field Day will be held on 20th JUNE 2026. The following will be part of the agenda. Launch of Development Plan and Fundraising drive. Juvenile Hurling and Camogie blitz. Adult 7-a-side Hurling & Camogie. Field day entertainment, BBQ/food, Gear Sale & more!

More details to follow. Put the date in your diary now, See you there.

GEAR COLLECTION A pre-loved sports gear sale will operate during the Field Day (20th June) - if you have items to donate, drop then to the club on Monday or Thursday evenings. Thank you.

SENIOR SUCCESS Clara played two games in the Senior/Intermediate league on last week. Both games were played in Clara against Southern opponents and resulted in a draw and a win for the home team.

First up Mooncoin provided the opposition, and both sides will rue missed opportunities here. Clara in particular hit 17 wides. They got to the break trailing 1-12 to 1-10. The goal had come from Dara Glynn and Jake Maher had hit a sublime point, and the hardworking Sean Carrigan had struck for a brace as well.

The second half had barely started when Martin O Connell struck for a goal and Clara hit the front. A third goal from substitute Sean O Shea following a fumble by the Mooncoin netminder gave Clara the initiative and the lead grew to seven at one stage but a late rally by Mooncoin gave them a share of the spoils.

Team - Ben Murphy, Paddy Ryan, Bill Carrigan, Zach Lawlor. Jake Maher 0-1, Shane Staunton, David Langton. Martin O Connell 1-3, Dara Glynn 1-1.

Ciarán Prendergast, Conor O Shea 0-1, Conor Hoyne 0-5, 0-1f. Peter Nolan 0-1, Chris Bolger 0-5, Sean Carrigan 0-2. Subs used Sean O Shea 1-0, Killian Fitzgerald.

Later it was Tullogher who came to Clara and jumped out of the blocks with a goal after 20 seconds. Backed by the breeze they went on to lead 1-10 to 0-9 at the interval. They had the ball in the Clara net again within 20 seconds of the restart and they added an immediate point to lead by 8.

But Clara gradually clawed their way back and hit 6 points on the bounce. The next four points were shared before Dara Glynn took a Conor O Shea pass before goaling to give Clara the lead. Again, the next four points were shared before Conor O Shea goaled and Dara Glynn pointed to give Clara a five point lead. Tullogher did outscore Clara from there to the end but couldn’t quite reel them in and Clara ran out 2-22 to 2-18 winners.

Team - Ben Murphy, Zach Lawlor, Bill Carrigan, Killian Fitzgerald. Davy Barcoe 0-1, Shane Staunton, Jake Maher. Martin O Connell 0-1, Paul Cody 0-5.

Ciaran Prendergast 0-2, Conor O Shea 1-9, 0-7f, 0-2 x 65s, Lester Ryan. Sean Carrigan, Dara Glynn 1-4, Peter Nolan. Sub used Sean O Shea.

COUNTY SCENE Well done to Emma Shortall who was on the Kilkenny senior camogie team which accounted for Dublin in Parnell Park in Saturday’s championship clash.

Meanwhile Mícheal Meany was on the losing Kilkenny minor team that exited the championship at the hands of Cork on the same day in Thurles. Kilkenny badly missed the services of Micheal’s older brother Padraic who was absent through injury.

of the Dillon Quirke Foundation and also to their own club. The money had been raised by their very successful and enjoyable cycle at the beginning of May. Pedal to the Sea organiser (and cyclist) Noel Buckley thanked all of the following for their support.

Committee Planning and organisation— Gillian Tyrell, Conor Denieffe, Eoin Lawlor, Stephen McCormack, Paul Cleere, and Sean Casey. Joan Galway and Nigel Leydon, support and guidance. Support crew and social media team, Coverage and connection. Community Radio. Returnleg broadcast. Matty Walsh and MW Hire, Safety lights. Lynches Bakery, Lunch support. Tower and Castle. Lunch stops. Ruth

Comerford, Club setup and hospitality. Caroline McCormack, Nichola Roache, Frankie Woods, Food and bar. Families and Supporters, Homecoming welcome. Stephen McCormack, Table quiz and fundraising. An Garda Síochána, Safety support.

Kevin McGarry, Raffle items and refreshments. Lawlor’s Hotel, Hospitality. Colin and Stephany Rea (R Ware), Jerseys for all cyclists. Van Owners, Transport support. McCarthy’s SuperValu, Fundraising and voucher. Mary and Andy Burke (Kilkenny Cycles), Bike prep and advice. Garry Wall (Wall Cycles) Ongoing support. KCLR Interviews and promotion.

All Sponsors and Supporters ,800+ contributors; incredible generosity

Jerseys were presented to Aisling O’Donnell who received the Heart and Spirit Award, Paddy Delaney who was King of the Mountains and to Kevin Mc Garry who received the Yellow Jersey.

UNDER 12 BOYS SHIELD SUCCESS Well done to O’Loughlin Gaels Under 12 boys who competed in the brilliantly run Mooncoin blitz last weekend. The boys battled against Rathnure, James Stephen’s, Sarsfields and Cashel King Cormac’s. To top off the day the boys celebrated by winning the Shield final. A great day’s hurling and a good result for all involved.

UNDER 12 GIRLS ENJOY A TREAT As a little treat, O’Loughlin Gaels Under 12 girls’

O’Loughlin Gaels Chairman Nigel Leydon and Vice- Chairman Noel Buckley along with the Pedal to the Sea cyclists make a presentation to Dan and Hazel Quirke of the Dillon Quirke Foundation.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS PEDAL TO THE SEA PRESENTATION NIGHT The O’Loughlin Gaels Pedal to the Sea group enjoyed a most enjoyable night in the clubhouse as they made presentations to Dan and Hazel Quirke

O’Loughlin Gaels Under 12 team, winners of the Shield final at the Mooncoin Hurling Blitz

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Community & GAA Notes

Victorious St. John’s boys and girls Under 10 mixed relay teams at the Cairn Community Games finals at the Watershed

camogie team headed for brunch at The Pantry in MacDonagh Junction after their Saturday training session last weekend. It was a lovely way for such a big group of players to spend time together, get to know one another, and build team spirit. A big thank you to all the coaches and parents who helped organise the morning, and to The Pantry at MacDonagh Junction for looking after everything so well.

CLUB LOTTO DRAW There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated May 26th. The numbers drawn were 12, 16, 19 and 24. The bonus number was 7. Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com Winners of the Promotors Draw were: 1. Bobby Woods c/o P Greene. 2. Margie Coady c/o D O’Connell. 3. John Holohan c/o G Buckley. 4. Emer McCarthy c/o D O’Connell. 5. Kitty Gaffney c/o K Cleere. 6. Johnny Phelan. 7. Ber Maher. 8. Tina Donovan c/o Online. 9. Fiona Noonan c/o Online.

10. Anthea Hogan c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

SENIORS EXCITING DRAW O’Loughlin Gaels played out an entertaining draw with Tullaroan in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Byrne Cup senior hurling League in Tullaroan with the final score 2-23 to 0-29.

Tullaroan enjoyed the better of the first half and led by 0-19 to 1-9 at the break with O’Loughlin’s goal coming from Alex Sheridan thanks to a good pass from Eoghan O’Brien. The city based team improved after the break but still trailed by 0-24 to 2-13 at the three quarter way stage, Alex Sheridan netting his second goal, the assist this time coming from Robbie Buckley. Tullaroan maintained their lead of five points with time almost up but five points in succession for O’Loughlin’s, scored by Fionán Mackessy, Alex Sheridan, Robbie Buckley, Conor Kelly and Ruarc Sweeney secured a draw for the visitors. The team was Stephen Murphy. Jack Lawlor, Eoin O’Shea, Oisín Murphy, Jamie Young, Fionán Mackessy, Cian Loy, Jack Nolan, Eoghan O’Brien, Paddy Butler, Conor Kelly, Ruarc Sweeney, Jamie Ryan, Robbie Buckley, Alex Sheridan. Subs: Greg Kelly, Ruaidhrí Galwey, HANDBALL SUCCESS Congratulations to two O’Loughlin Gaels handballers who enjoyed success last weekend. First up was Jonny Delaney who was part of the Kilkenny 60x30 Under 12/13 team of 6 that beat Wexford and were crowned Leinster Champions for 2026.

Then came Ollie Morrissey who became All Ireland champion in the Under 14 60x30 in Ballinaon defeating his Tipperary opponent to take the title. It’s a great achievement for Ollie after already winning the 40x20 All Ireland title earlier this year. Well done to both Jonny and Ollie.

SUMMER CAMP O’Loughlin Gaels much anticipated Summer Camp will take place from 27th-31st July (Week 1) and

from 4th-7th August (Week 2). Bookings are now being taken and places are filling up. Stephen and Paddy will be in the club on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7pm for registration and payment for this year’s Summer Camp.

COMMUNITY GAMES WINNERS A good number of St John’s Parish athletes represented the parish is the Cairn community games county athletics finals held in the Watershed recently. The St John’s athletes who won medals and will progress to the national (gold medallists) and provincial (silver and bronze medallists) finals are as follows: U8 girls 60m 1. Aideen Brett. U8 boys 60m 1. Jack O’Mahony 2 Blake Wall 3. Ben Callanan. U10 girls 100m 2. Holly Quinn 3. Florence O’Donoghue. U10 boys 100m 3. Noah Callanan. U12 girls 100m 2.

Freya Okunkwo, 3. Eve Coogan. U12 boys 100m 2.

Cian McIntyre. U8 boys 80m 1. Feidhelm Norry, 2.

Fionn Quinn, 3. Darragh Brennan. U10 girls 200m 2.

Elena De Ruscio. U10 boys 200m 1. Ciaran Brennan 2. Harry Comerford 3. Sam Chadwick. U12 girls 200m 1. Amenze Victor. U12 girls 600m 2. Grace Okunkwo 3. Alice Burke. Relays u10 mixed 1. Ciaran Brennan Harry Comerford Elena De Ruscio Florence o’Donoghue 2. Sam Chadwick Noah Callanan Ruby foster Holly Quinn. U12 girls 1. Freya Okunkwo, Grace Okunkwo, Amenze Victor, Eve Coogan. U12 long puck 3 Jack Brett The automatic qualifiers who did not participate in the day but qualify for nationals are: U8 girls 80m Eimear Walsh. U14 girls 100m Lexi Keating. U14 girls 200m Mia Ryan. U12 boys 600m Danny Quinn.

U14 boys long jump Daniel McIntyre. U12 boys ball throw Patrick Comerford. U12 boys relay team. U14 girl relay team.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB SEAMUS FRY TOURNEY Tournament organisers Mark Hennessy and Brian Dunlop have scheduled the annual Seamus Fry U-12 memorial tournament to take place on Saturday,13th June in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan starting at 10am. The three clubs competing with the hosts, James Stephens, include Glen Rovers (Cork), Naoimh Eanna (Wexford), Ballyboden St. Enda’s (Dublin) with each club travelling with a panel of 30 players. The four clubs will field two teams to ensure all panellists get plenty of game time over the duration of the tournament. Julie Fry will represent the family on what will be a poignant occasion with the recent passing of Paddy Fry (O’Loughlin Road) himself a loyal supporter and sponsor of the tournament for over 30 years in memory of his late brother Seamus, club president (1987-1991). As always, supporters can expect a high quality competitive day’s hurling with plenty of skills on display by the players of the future.

HANDBALL

In recent times two James Stephens players, Sean O’Neill and Rory O’Connor won the Kilkenny U-10 Roinn A (60x30) handball doubles championship.

Sean is a son of Paddy and Cora O’Neill (Kilfera), and Rory is the son of Shane and Ciara O’Connor (Pairc na Gowan). Sean’s brother Liam with his partner Tadhg Cody also won the Kilkenny 40x20 and 60x30 U-12 county doubles titles and went on to give a good account of themselves in the Leinster championships. Kilkenny handball Officer Jim Neary reports that there is a large contingent of under-age James Stephens players currently training in Talbot’s Inch for the National Feile competition to be held later this month.

CHALLENGE FINAL We send best wishes to club players Liam “Chunky” O’Brien and Hugh Power members of the Kilkenny minor “B” team who take on Tipperary in the final of the Celtic Challenge Cup final on Saturday next in Abbottstown (Dublin). Clubman, Mark Brennan is also a selector with the team. After the disappointment of the minor “A” team’s defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland quarter final on Saturday last in Semple Stadium hopefully the younger U-17 panel will bring home silverware to compensate for a poor season for the Black and Amber teams.

JUNIOR F HURLING LEAGUE Despite the doom and gloom in Kilkenny hurling circles in the last week, anyone who attended the Junior F game vs Tullaroan would have felt far more upbeat about the game in the county. This was a game that had it all, people attempting to kick a sideline ball, substitutes being drafted in from the spectators at half time but also some great tactical play with the Village forwards falling back to help out in defence and some elegant short passing. The first half was cagey but, the Village men packing the midfield gave the opportunity for some fine longrange scoring by Colm Byrne. A Joe Greene goal midway through the second half put the Village ahead and Tullaroan worked hard against a resolute Village defence. A last ditch Tullaroan effort by a former Kilkenny legend flashed wide and ensured the Village could breathe a sigh of relief as they picked up their first win at this level. Final score, James Stephens 1-14, Tullaroan 1-11.

LOTTO (CRANNCHUR) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite 16, 17, 26, 28. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir. Na mion duaisneanna €40: William Murphy, Alison Brett, Thomas Buggy, Jim Dollard, Frank Morrissey. Mar is gnath, go raibh maith agaibh go leir as bhuir dtachtaoicht. (As always, our thanks to all for your continuing support).

FRESHFORD NICKY BERGIN RIP Freshford lost one of its most popular and well known characters at the weekend with the passing of Nicky Bergin Late of Kilkenny Street. Although

he had been unwell in recent times nevertheless his passing caused widespread sorrow and regret amongst local people and all who knew him.

Nicky had just reached his 70th birthday. He was a member of a well known and respected family in the village and made an impact on all who knew or met him.

A talented chef in his earlier years he spent many years working in Dublin and the UK as well as working as a barman pulling the odd pint. He visited USA and loved music (especially Queen) and the craic and quizzes. He was a movie buff and often went to the theatre over the years to see various plays and if Nicky didn’t know the answer to a question, he would Google it. He was predeceased by his brother Tony. He will be sadly missed in the village by all who knew him. Funeral mass took place on Monday morning in St Lachtain’s church followed by burial in St Lachtain’s cemetery.

He is mourned by his brothers Noel and John, sisters in law Siobhán and Irene, nephews, nieces relations and many friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

GOOD LUCK Best wishes and good luck is extended to all the boys and girls from the village and parish sitting their Leaving and Junior cert exams this week in all the secondary schools around the area.

OPENING OF ASTRO PITCH Former Irish international soccer star Glen Whelan visited Freshford Town soccer club on Sunday last to officially open their new astro turf pitch at Woodview. The club held a fun day in conjunction with the opening with plenty fun and games for everyone. There was a special penalty tournament with teams of five including goalie at €100 per team.

The winners received €1000 and the Gerry O’Reilly cup. There was also fun, games, music and food.

DEATH The death took place of Mary Doyle late of Rathmoyle, Freshford. The deceased who was in her 90th year was a member of a well known family in the village. She worked for many years in St. Luke’s hospital where she became well known and respected by all. She was a friendly kind and good living lady. She was predeceased by her husband Jim and her sons John (Ringo) and Patrick her four sisters and two brothers.

Her funeral mass took place in at Patrick’s Church Ballyragget followed by burial in St Finnans cemetery, Ballyragget.

PILGRIMAGE The annual pilgrimage to knock takes place on Sat 27th June with the bus leaving from The Square Freshford at 7.30 am(sharp). Adults €30 children €15. For further details contact Lucy Byrne on 087 6322193 or Anna Rafter on 085 1815571.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Lena Cuddihy, Johnstown Road, Freshford on the death of her brother Christian Cuddihy late of Bishop Birch Place, Kilkenny last week. Funeral mass took place in St Johns church Kilkenny, followed by burial in St Kieran’s cemetery.

GAA The junior F hurlers took on Windgap in Pairc Lachtain and came out winners on a scoreline of 1-23 to 2-5 making it four wins out of four. They now travel to Mullinavat on Friday evening (tonight) to play hosts at 7.30 pm.

The u 14 travel to Piltown on Friday evening with the throw in at 7pm The intermediate side take on Clara in Clara on Sunday with the throw in at 12noon.

LOTTO There was no winner of the jackpot last week. The lucky dip winners were Mark Nolan (€50) Maureen Tallis and Luke Kelly (€25 each) Tickets are €2 each and you can play online through Clubzap or from any of the local sellers.

BRIDGE Summer bridge commences in Threecastles Hall (R95WK45) on Monday evening next 8th June at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

WELL DONE OLIVIA Congratulations to local girl Olivia Marnell who is on the Kilkenny and District League squad to play in the Norton Cup which will be held soon. Olivia is a member of the Lions soccer club.

SPLIT THE POT Split the pot this month is going to st Lachtain’s Camogie club. The winner of last week’s draw was Karen Delaney, Crosspatrick who won €412. Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses and the camogie club thank all who supported them throughout the month.

CAMP Freshford’s first and longest running camp will take

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 5th June 2026

Community & GAA Notes place again this year under the helm of local man JJ Grace and his helpers. This camp has been running for almost 20 years and will be held from the 27th to 31st July at and has a wide range of activities for all kids from junior infants to 6th class places available.

For more information pls contact JJ on. 0868629666 SOCCER The u 15boys had a good win against Evergreen recently in the semi final of the cup winning on a score of 4-1 with goals from Patrick O’Connor (2) Jamie Maher and Sean Moran CAMOGIE Local girl Maria Brennan of Bohergloss, Freshford was a star of the Kilkenny senior camogie side who defeated Dublin on Saturday last in Parnell Park.

Maria played a great game in defence. Maria plays her club camogie with Gautiers in Waterford.

GATHABAWN NS Gathabawn NS are excited to announce a summer party night on Saturday June 13th at Mackey’s bar Gathabawn. Sweet Freedom will be performing on the night to ensure a great night. Additionally, they are organising a summer raffle with the top prize being an overnight stay at The Brandon House Hotel. Tickets can be purchased through their donate page and your support would be greatly appreciated.

PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening. Fr. Mark will attend the sick and housebound In Freshford parish on Friday 5th June.

CEMETERY MASS The annual cemetery mass will take place in St Lachtains cemetery Freshford on Friday 3rd July at 7.30pm. The annual mass in St Nicholas cemetery Tulla will take place on Saturday 1st August at 6.00pm.

WEBCAM The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses in at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https// church media.ie/st-lachtains-church-frffreshford.

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941.

RADIO If you wish to listen to live broadcast of mass on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays from Freshford Church you can tune in to 105fm on your radio.

NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours.

MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla.

VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon.

MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610.

BENNETTSBRIDGE MASS TIMES Bennettsbridge, Wednesday and Friday 10.30am.

Sunday 10,30am. Tuesday 7,30pm. Tullaherin, Saturday 8pm.

CEMETERY MASSES The dates for the Cemetery Masses have been announced, Tullaherin Cemetery, Saturday, 1st August. Bennettsbridge Cemetery, Sunday, 2nd August 10.30am.

CORPUS CHRISTI On Corpus Christi which falls next Sunday, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving. The mass will be a little more special this year as the chief celebrant will be Bishop Gerard Nash, BIshop of Ferns and Episcopal Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory.

Mass will be at the earlier time of 10am to facilitate the bishop celebrating mass in Gowran at 11.30am.

As is traditional first communion children will dress in their first Communion clothes.

SCOUTS The 14th Kilkenny Bennettsbridge scout group are having their 30th anniversary get together on Sunday July 5th in the hall from 11am to 12:30. All past and present participants are invited for tea, cake and a reflection of the last 30 years of scouting in Bennettsbridge!

MENS SHED A group from the Men’s Shed travelled to Dublin for a tour of Croke Park and its facilities on Wednesday last. A very enjoyable day was had by all, and thanks went to the organisers for seeing to all the arrangements, SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Donovan family on the death of John Donovan, Norewood Heights, Bennettsbridge and formerly of Ballybought Street, Kilkenny.

John passed away on 26th May 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Byrne) and much loved father of David, Eileen, John Joe and Damien. John will be sadly missed by his loving family, grandchildren Danielle and Isabelle, sisters Patty (McDonald) and Tess (Comerford), brothersin-law and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, extended family, neighbours, friends and former work colleagues at St. Luke’s Hospital.

John’s family would like to acknowledge all at Drakelands House Nursing Home for the kindness and care shown to him during his time spent with them. Reposal was in Johnston’s Funeral Home, John’s Green, Kilkenny on Friday with Funeral Prayers at 6.15pm followed by removal to St. Bennett’s Church, Bennettsbridge. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning and Interment took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Rest in peace John.

LOTTO There was no winner of the Jackpot. The numbers drawn were, 9, 16, 19, 23. The Jackpot remains the same at €12,000.00. Consolation Prizes went to, Carmel Hearne, Liam McEvoy, Gowran Road, Kieran Tobin, ℅ Ann Tobin, Ann Duggan, ℅ Fr Duggan, Kevin Davey, Woodlawn.

CARDS 12th May, First Prize, Brian Blackmore/Annie Lehane (10 games). Second Prize, Rose Hayes/Paul Gurrie, Richie Proctor/Bridget Cottrell, Michael Kelly/Eugene Malone. Table Prize Richard Murphy/Bridget Malone.

19th May. First Prize, Mary Doyle/Bridget Cottrell (11 games). Second Prize Jack Bolger/Tom Drennan (10 games). Table Prize Brian Irelan/Pat Savage.

26th May. First Prize, Vinnie Horgan/Andy Barcoe.

Jack Bolger/Tom Drennan, Declan Twomey/Pat Murphy, Tommy Hayes/Bridget Murphy (9 games).

Table Prize Joan O’Gorman/Siobhán Donovan JIM TREACY RIP Bennettsbridge GAA club offers its deepest sympathy to all the Treacy family on the sad passing of Jim. One of Kilkenny’s great corner backs, Jim was the winner of 6 senior All Irelands, 9 Leinster titles, one national league as well as two all star awards.

With the ‘Bridge Jim was an integral part of the great team of the sixties that won 5 championships.

Jim was a gentleman who always had a word for everyone, and he will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Marie, daughters, Anne, Aileen, Marion and sons, James and David, his brother Willie and all his extended family at this sad time. May Jim rest in peace.

INTERCOUNTY MINOR HURLING Hard luck to Jamie Walsh and the Kilkenny minor team who lost out to Cork in the All Ireland quarter final in Thurles last Saturday.

SENIOR GAMES In the coming week our seniors will play Erin’s Own and Tullogher, with the Junior B team playing Conahy and our Junior E team will play Danesfort.

These games were postponed from last week.

Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for details.

Best wishes to all teams.

MEMBERSHIP 2026 Membership for the season is still open and can be paid to any committee member or online via clubspot.

EXAMS Best wishes to all our young hurlers and camogie players in the upcoming Leaving and Junior Cert exams.

UNDERAGE GAMES The under 14 team played St Martin’s last Monday in the second round of the league. Our younger age groups are now in action in go games while our under 16s and minors take a break for exams.

PILTOWN DRAW Reminder that the 2026 Piltown draw is approaching fast with the first draw on the 16th of June.

Tickets available from committee members. Great prizes on offer again from cars to cash prizes.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN Bennettsbridge GAA club continues to promote the Pitch signage campaign. There are still places available and many thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH LOCALOTTO The Numbers drawn were 5,6,17,31, there was no winner. Consolation prizes of €30 went to Orla O’ Donnell. Joe Dowling (online), Conor O’ Brien, Bridget Malone. Billy Farrell.

TIDY TOWNS Painting has started now on the pots and other areas around the town. A huge thanks to the lads on the CE scheme for the great job they are doing and to Kilkenny County Council for the paint.

GRAIGUEFEST 2026 Graiguefest takes place on August 7th, 8th and 9th, with a full weekend of music, camping and great atmosphere in Graiguenamanagh.

This year we are expanding the camping options.

As well as campervans, caravans and tents are now welcome too. Camping Weekend Tickets are €75 per motorhome, caravan or tent. Early Bird Weekend Music Passes are €30 per person. This covers Saturday and Sunday in the Hub. Music in the Meadows Friday night is Free.

All camping will be based in The Meadows: Field 1: Motorhomes. Field 2: Caravans. Field 3: Tents. The festival itself will take place in The Hub, with: Friday in The Meadows featuring Men in Black and Mean Streets. Saturday at The Hub with 80s bands and DJs. Sunday at The Hub with folk bands and DJs. Tickets available now at gr8events.ie/graiguefest26 FERRY BRIDGE Local people should be aware that the Ferry Bridge is due to close for repairs. The closure is set to begin June 24 and is expected to last until the end of August. Local Diversions will be in place.

ROWING CLUB On the Saturday of the Carlow Regatta weekend, our Adults attended the Recreational Regatta. It was a great day of racing both with and against the Carlow crews, with a much needed BBQ afterward.

We had three wins on the day, and hope for many more from our junior, club and masters crews on the Sunday.

Experienced Women: Thelma, Jennifer, Mary, Rosy and cox Paul. Ladies mixed experienced and Novice: Thelma, Rosy, Deirdre, Mia and cox Nick. Mixed men/women: Aaron, Matt, Penelope, (Carlow) Jennifer and cox Mag (Graiguenamanagh) CANOE CLUB This Course is Run over 4 nights - you will need to attend all 4 evenings. Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th, Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th June 2026. What is included in this course fee: your Beginner Course, Club Membership, CI Insurance and access to all club gear (Level 2 Skill Assessment - at end of season) Juniors are welcome with parent / guardian paddling with them on the course or if a parent is already a club member - the minimum age is 12 years old. You MUST be able to SWIM at least 30mtrs and be happy to get wet. This hands-on course designed for newcomers. Our experienced Canoe Ireland registered instructors will teach you the basics of kayaking, from paddling techniques to safety tips and once you have successfully completed this course you will be eligible as a club member to take part in our weekly club nights and trips and you will be well on your way to gaining a Level 2 Kayak Skill Award at the end of the paddling season.

We will supply all the equipment and necessary gear you will need, (kayaks are sit in boats). What to bring: wetsuit if you have one -wetsuits are

available if you require one, old pair of shoes you can get wet in (runners are perfect, no flipflops), a towel, change of clothes if you require). Toilets and shower facilities are available. Booking is essential so don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill, join our club and make some splashing memories.

HIGHVIEW ATHLETIC Congratulations to our U12 boys’ team and coaches who completed the league and cup double with a brilliant win against Bridge United in the cup final. In very hot conditions it was a tough game, but the lads started strong and a brilliant goal by Harry Barron had us 1 up in the first half. The boys pressed and pressed for the second goal, but a brilliant young Bridge United keeper kept them out so we had to settle for a one goal lead at halftime.

Start of the second half and Bridge equalised from a long free kick which could have rocked our boys but instead it kicked them into gear. Fionn Delaney put us 2-1 ahead from a corner and a brilliant run and finish from Harry for his second quickly turned the match, Caden added a fourth from the penalty spot which wrapped up the final and a great 4–1 win. The boys Finish their season with a record of 17 games and 17 wins, absolutely brilliant year for them and they can now have a well deserved break.

Squad: Cormac Walsh, Joe Mahon, Fionn Delaney, Teddy Rooney, Dara Flynn, Caden Moore, Ollie Dawson, Loughie Holohan, Harry O’ Brien, Harry Barron, Aaron Byrne, Jake Kavanagh, Liam Walsh, Michael Walsh and George Langley.

OVER 35 RESULT St Joseph’s 2 - 6 Highview Athletic: Our seniors were away to Tinryland outfit St Joseph’s in the Carlow Seniors Division 2. A fantastic performance from our lads on the day and some fantastic goals saw us come away with the win. Also, a massive shoutout to David Broaders celebrating his 43rd Birthday and grabbing himself a brace on the night.

FUNDRAISER It’s that time again for our highly successful Michael Carey Golf Classic Fundraiser. This year’s event will take place on Saturday June 27th at Borris Golf Club. This is our largest fundraiser, and funds will go directly into supporting the running of our club, from equipment to jerseys etc. If you or someone you know may be interested in supporting, please use the following information to do so. To enter a team, contact Lee on 086 061 4667. To be a Gold Sponsor, to sponsor a tee box or for more information on sponsorship, contact Dean on 085 835 9023. We’re just one month away and can’t wait for another great day in memory of one of the Highview greats.

BARROW BUS The Barrow Bus is launched. Route and timetable available at barrowbus.palisis.com. Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fantastic launch at Barrow Valley Activities Hub earlier today. Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh cut the ribbon with help from community leaders across Kilkenny and Carlow - all committed to making the project a success. The free Barrow Bus service is officially in operation from May 30th. Book your first journey now at barrowbus.palisis.com and let your friends and family know the news.

CUSHENDALE Another wonderful celebration of wool, culture and creativity at the mill yard yesterday. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the day and support this community event where we can all reflect on the wonderful town where we live and celebrate our rich and living culture.

Thank you to all the people who were involved in making this year extra special: Paddy Morgan, John Morgan from Dalton Farm. Luke Barrett, shearer extraordinaire. Jamie Dunne Art and Trisha O’Callaghan Art for their live artwork of the event.

Globaldanceclubkk, bringing dance and vibrancy to our streets. Sheley Travelling Tea Chest for her syrups and treats made from seasonal plants and petals. Bake off entries voted by the public and Chef Edward Hayden with two worthy winners, Jade Barrons Raspberry Buns and Jamie Concannon Focaccia Bread. Michael O’Neill for his vintage tractor, Graiguenamanagh Rowing Club whose tent was a god sent with some initial showers, Tracy of Daisy Chain Graig for flowers, the Mill team for getting stuck in no matter what the job. A particular thanks to Niamh Dunne and Majella Keating Artist for coming on board this year and helping elevate this event with Dathanna, celebrating Graignamanaghs art, music, heritage and craft. This years’ event was part funded by Creative Kilkenny and Kilkenny County Council.

We Wewelcome welcomeall allGAA GAAClub Cluband andCommunity Communitynotes notesfor forpublication publicationin inThe TheKilkenny KilkennyObserver Observeremail emailto tosales@kilkennyobserver.ie sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Community & GAA Notes GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN BARROW RANGERS A summer camp for 4–14-year-olds will take place 7-9 July in Goresbridge. Information from Conor English 085 132 1589.

On Sunday 31st May 2026, Barrow Rangers Intermediate team will host their annual tournament day in honour of the Club’s dear friend and teammate, Johanne Barcoe. All proceeds will be donated to the cancer support group, Éist. If there are any teams interested in playing, please contact Club on social media. Following the tournament there will be’ a retro jersey night in Mahers bar Goresbridge where there will be music from 8pm.

The new Barrow Rangers Clubspot App is now available to download from the Apple App or Google Play Store.

CHURCH SERVICES/EVENTS Weekday Masses for this week: Goresbridge at 10am on Wednesday; Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am.

The recitation of the rosary will continue, daily, at 8pm at Our Lady’s grotto to the rear of Paulstown church.

The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Knock takes place on Sunday 7th June. Information: Brenda at 085 782 2933.

The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3pm in the parish hall, Paulstown. New members welcome. The Sacred Heart prayer group gathers every Friday after 10am mass in Paulstown.

Advance notice of cemetery mass at Ballyellin: this year the Mass will be on Friday 12 June at 7.30pm.

TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture.

Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Gaeilgeoirí, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way.

OLDER PEOPLES COUNCIL There will be a gathering of older people on Thursday 11th June at 10.30am in Paulstown Community Hall, R95NY93. The topics to be covered include the role of the Kilkenny Older People’s Council, planning ahead and assisted decision making as well as health and wellbeing. The gathering will conclude with a light lunch at 1:00pm. Information: Mary: 085 1942174 SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development is also online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie.

Tom Healy

KILMANAGH LORY MEAGHER CUP Killaloe area trio: Mick Wall, Denis Byrne and Eamon Butler were part of the Leitrim hurling management team who reached the Lory Meagher Cup Final in Croke Park recently. On the day, their neighbours Longford were victorious, turning a half-time deficit into a 5 point winning margin. Nevertheless, it was good to see the Connacht County back in their first final since 2019.

LOTTO Results for 25th May. Numbers drawn were 1; 17; 22; 30. There was no winner. Lucky Dip winners were Michael Dermody Galmoy, Ger Flynn and Ballycallan Parish. Sellers’ Prizes went to Eddie Brennan and Mary Dunphy.

KRSP 2026 SPORT GRANT WEBINAR Stronger clubs start with strong support. Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership (KRSP) is holding a free information webinar regarding grants being offered by KRSP Funding and Support Initiatives.

Join KRSP 2026 Sport Grant Webinar to learn how your club or community group can secure funding for programmes, equipment, and participation initiatives. Get the Link at krsp.ie. Monday 8th June 7:00–7:30pm BRIDGE Summer Bridge games will commence in Threecastles Hall, Tulla - Eircode R95WK45 on Monday

8th June, 2026 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

BALLYKEEFFE AMPHITHEATRE EVENTS June 27th: Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill. July 18th: Heaven Can Wait - Meat Loaf Experience.

July 25th: Rebel Rebel - David Bowie Tribute. Aug 8th: Hothouse Flowers. Aug 15th: Derek Ryan and Guests. Aug 22nd: Cry Before Dawn. Tickets: ballykeeffeamphitheatre.com ACTIVE LADIES GROUP The next meeting of Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies Group will be Monday 22nd June at 7pm. New members are always welcome. For enquiries contact 086 373 9983.

BINGO Bingo continues each Tuesday in Ballingarry Community Hall. Eyes down at 8.15pm.

BROTHER RICE CENTRE Healing of Childhood Trauma and Abuse - Born out of immense suffering in the Christian Brothers Order and arising from revelations of Sexual Abuse within their schools, a significant initiative has been launched at the birthplace of their founder Blessed Edmund Rice in Callan to create a Garden of Healing. This will be 15 large Stations of the Heart, sculptured in marble, that will reflect essential stages of the journey towards recovery.

A unique seminar will be offered on Sat 20th June where the models, originally made in wood, will be used to guide participants through a process of healing. It will also be an opportunity at this time of new beginnings for those taking part to refine the vision based on their own experience and create a legacy for the future. This will be facilitated by Jim Cogley and Luba Rodzhuk from 10am to 4pm and bookings can be made to Jim Maher on 0861276649. Early booking is advised.

RESIDENTIAL RETREAT A five day residential retreat will be given by Jim Cogley and Luba Rodzhuk in the Spiritan Retreat Centre in Navan June 22nd to 26th. This will be entitled Coming Home to Ourselves –The healing Journey. As these events tend to fill up quickly early booking is advised on 046-9078973.

SOCCER NEWS Fixture – Friday June 5th at 6:30pm U17 Schoolboys Shield Final in Derdimus Park: River Rangers v Freebooters.

RIVER RANGERS WORLD CUP PREDICTOR To enter please follow the link https://sites.google. com/view/riverrangers-aft/home. If you have problems or cannot do it online, there will be paper tickets available soon. 1st Place = €500, also prizes for 2nd and 3rd places.

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.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL CEMETERY MASSES St Finans (Ballyragget) will take place on Friday night the 5th of June at 7.30pm Rosconnell Tuesday 9th 7.30pm Donaghmore Wednesday 10th 7.30pm Ballyouskill Saturday 13th at 6pm.

SYMPATHY Sympathies to the family of Doyle, Southgate and Kavanagh Families on the passing of Mary Doyle of Oldtown Ballyragget to Edward, Francis, Peter, Sheamus, Marguerite and Julie, her grandchildren great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends. May She rest in peace.

THE PHELAN STONE TOURNAMENT The Phelan Stone tournament took place over the Bank Holiday weekend at St Patrick’s Ballyragget with 24 teams from all over Kilkenny and other counties participated over the weekend. Honours in Roinn C went to Lisdowney who overcame Round Towers (Dublin) in the final. Kinvara (Galway) defeated St. Lachtain’s in a well contested Roinn B final while Dicksboro won the Roinn A final. A huge word of thanks to the referees and army of club volunteers who made the event enjoyable for participants and spectators alike.

PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Saturday 27th June. A bus will leave Freshford at 7.30am, Jackmans Jenkinstown at 8.00am and Ballyragget at 8.15am. Bus fare €30. Bookings call 0567767676/0863655418.

SUPPORT GATHABAWN N.S. We are hosting a Summer Party to support Gathabawn National School in collaboration with Sweet Freedom at Mackey’s Bar on Saturday, June 13th.

It promises to be a fantastic night! We are also conducting a summer raffle with great prizes, including

a first prize of an overnight stay at Brandon House Hotel. All funds raised go to the school. Tickets can be purchased through our iDonate page: https:// www.idonate.ie/raffle/gathabawnnationalschoolend KILMACOW BUS ÉIREANN 365 The 365 Bus Éireann service provides four daily return journeys between Waterford and Carlow from Monday to Saturday and three on Sundays. The full timetable and further information including route map is available at www.transportforireland.ie LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 1 5, 18 and 25. There were three Match 3 winners.

KILMACOW HERITAGE The working group on graveyards will be carrying out maintenance work in the graveyard in the Lower Street from 2.00pm on Saturday, 6th June. All offers of help will be welcomed.

MOONCOIN DAY CENTRE The Centre hosts bingo at 1.30pm, every Wednesday with cards being available in the Supper Room at the same time for those who do not play bingo.

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served afterwards. Please ring 087 929 2005 for more information. All welcome.

KILMACOW GLAS Kilmacow Glas now has its own e-mail address, kilmacowglas@gmail.com. The next meeting of GLAS in the Community Centre is at 8.00pm on Tuesday, 16th June. Well done to the group members who filled the planters in the Upper Street.

They are blooming lovely.

KILMACOW YOUTH CLUB Kilmacow Youth Club will host Éire mo Dhúchas as part of the Cruinniú na nÓg/Creative Ireland Programme in the Community Centre from 6.00pm to 8.30pm on Saturday, 6th June. This exhibition will showcase artwork from local youth (aged 10-17 years) who have been brought together through art.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

GO FUND ME There is still time to contribute the Community Complex Go Fund Me initiative. The target each year is €10,000 which is needed to keep the facilities and amenities to the high standard appreciated by all who avail of them.

GRANT AWARDS The Marian Hall Committee was successful in its application under the Community Climate Action Grant Scheme to revamp the hall, retain heat and make it more environmentally friendly. The existing single pane windows in the hall are to be upgraded, and doors sealed to make better use of the new recently installed heating system. A new composting initiative will be pursued to make compost available to the community or for use on the garden plot on the hall grounds. The amount of the grant award was €7,000.

MULLINAVAT Bus Éireann 365 The new enhanced 365 service, operated by Bus Éireann, provides four daily return journeys, ensuring access for passengers travelling between Waterford, Carlow and intermediate communities.

The full timetable and further information including route map is available at www.transportforireland.ie MUSIC WORKSHOP The Parish Hall will host music workshops at 5.00pm (beginners) and 6.00pm (intermediate) from Thursday, 11th June during which people can learn to play the tin whistle, keyboard or the piano accordion. Please contact Suzanne on 087 248 5850 for more details.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT St. Colmcille’s National School (Bigwood) is now accepting application for enrolment for September ’26. Telephone 051 885525 or e-mail stcolmcillesschool@gmail.com for more information.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE The annual Ballyhale Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on 11th and 12th July. The cost is €230 (sharing) or €250 (single). Please contact Larry Cody, Éamon Murphy or Pat Bradshaw for more details.

SUMMER CAMP St. Beacon’s National School will host a Summer Camp for Junior Infants (including incomers) to Sixth Class from 10.00am to 2.00pm from 10th August to 14th August. Cost per child is €65 (sibling discount will apply). E-mail Conor Duggan at conorduggan96@gmail.com to register.

MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning lotto numbers on 25th May were 1, 10, 26 and 28. There were four Match 3 winners.

FERRYBANK CLOVER CENTRE The Masterplan for the Clover Centre has been put on display until Friday, 12th June. A public information meeting will be held in Abbey Community College from 7.00pm on Wednesday, 17th June.

Submissions on the Masterplan can be made on the consult website, by e-mail at cloverfield.ferrybank@ kilkennycoco.ie or by post to the Planning Department, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny. The closing date for completed submissions is Friday, 26th June.

KILKENNY OLDER PEOPLE’S COUNCIL Kilkenny Age Friendly will host a gathering and information talks in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Slieverue from 10.00am to 1.00pm on Wednesday,10th June.

Talks will cover the role of the Council, managing finances, assisted decision making and keeping safe. The gathering will conclude with a light lunch.

Please contact Susan at 087 674 5336 or Kay at 086 821 4078 for more information.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK The two big flower beds in the Neighbourhood Park were recently replanted by the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council. The latter in collaboration

Planter in Upper Street filled in by members of Kilmacow GLAS.

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 June 2026

Community & GAA Notes with 5th Class in St. Mary’s National School recently created a new 500 m2 biodiversity bed on the Belmont Road side of the park.

PARKING PROVISION ON THE NORTH QUAY The current Public Infrastructure Project works includes the construction of a pick-up/drop-off area at the northern entrance of the train station (at Dock Road/Rockshire Road junction). This area will provide 50 set-down spaces for buses, coaches, taxis and private cars (including disabled parking bays). Thirty bicycle parking spaces are being provided as well as facilities for a scheduled bus stop at the train station. In addition, 45 car parking spaces are being provided for Bus Eireann staff and 55 parking spaces being provided for Bus Eireann buses to optimise operations at the Bus Eireann depot to the immediate east of the train station.

This also allowed the project to utilise part of the pre-existing bus depot for the train station set-down area.

Phase 1 of the SDZ development will provide 575 car parking spaces in total, including 200 car parking spaces designated for the train station. The remaining 375 spaces are a mix of public surface car parking and underground car parking for apartments, hotels etc. Over 200 surface bicycle parking spaces are being provided as well as over 1,000 underground bicycle parking spaces for apartments, hotels, office block, retail, creche etc.

IRISH CIRCLE Ferrybank Library hosts its Irish Circle, a friendly space to chat, learn and to enjoy the Irish language together at 2.30pm each Tuesday. Everyone welcome.

JOHNSTOWN SUMMER PARTY Gathabawn parent’s council are hosting a summer party in collaboration with Sweet Freedom and Mackey’s Bar on Saturday. June 13th to support Gathabawn N.S. There will also be a raffle on the night with fabulous prizes. Tickets may be purchased through idonate page.

BRIDGE Summer bridge commences in Threecastles Hall, on Monday June 8th at 7.30pm.

COMMUNITY SPORTS Johnstown Community Sports Field Project.is being delivered in phases with a total investment of over € 1 million. Phase one due to finish in August followed by Clubhouse facilities and Spa Astro Turf. A fundraising campaign is seeking € 100,000.

Families and the Diaspora are invited to support the project through family donations of € 250 or larger. Contributions via bank transfer to Community Concern IBAN IE 97 AIBK 93333303753043 or by cheque to Community Concern c/o John Renehan, Violet Hill, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny. Information call 0868511190.

CRUINNIU NA NOG The following events are being run at the liabry for Cruinniu na nOg.1. Drumming workshop, (outside weather permitting), on Saturday. June 6th from 11.45am to 12.45 pm. 2 Bringing the past to the present, a collection of short stories and interviews documenting school life in the community in Johnstown over the years presented by students of St. Kieran’s N.S. also on June 6th from 10am to 1pm.

SPA UNITED AFC The U15 boys made it to the Shield Final with a 2-1 away victory in the semi final against Bridge Utd, Eoin Barnaville and Charlie Moriarty were on the score sheet with Charlie’s free kick sealing the win.

The final is this week against Freshford Town in Fair Green. Good luck boys!

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers 7,14,28,30. produced no jackpot winner but there were six match threes, Caroline Cahill, Helen Gleeson, Sean O’Gorman, Siobhan O’Donoghue, Brid and Shelly Kirwan and Sean Shortall.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages.

One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme. This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing participants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and ap-

plication information.

The Youth club is back every Wednesday from 5.30 – 6.30pm. For Ages 10yrs – 12yrs The Mill Family centre is offering free courses for September, SNA level 5 and 6, Childcare and computer QQ1 level 4, Early learning and care cert. and advanced cert. QQ1 level 5, LTI level 4 and Office admin. and payroll QQ1 level 5.

A variety of essential community services are available through the Mill Family Resource Centre. These include the provision of Senior Alert Alarms, which offer peace of mind and safety for older members of the community, as well as clothes donations for those in need. The Centre also facilitates a Youth Club, community allotments, and the Cois Nore Advice Clinic, ensuring access to practical advice and supports close to home.

Counselling services are available for both adults and teenagers, offering a confidential and supportive environment. Counselling supports include bereavement counselling, addiction support, and general counselling, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with professional guidance. In addition, Play Therapy is available for young people aged 4 years and over, providing a child-centred approach to emotional wellbeing and development.

The Centre’s Active Retirement Group meets every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. This group offers a relaxed and social setting where members can enjoy activities, conversation, and companionship.

New members are always welcome, and the group continues to grow as a valued part of the Centre’s weekly programme.

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

EXAMS Best of luck to all who are doing the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. A candle will be lit for all exam students in both Churches during the exams.

FINAL FAMILY MASS The final family mass before the summer break takes place this weekend June 6th/7th in both churches. All First Holy Communion and Confirmation children and their families are especially asked to attend.

KILCOOLEY PARISH FETE Kilcooley Parish Fete will take place on Sunday 14th June at 1pm. Further details next week.

CEMETERY MASSES The following dates has been set for the annual cemetery masses in the parish. All mass times will be at 7.30pm. Tuesday 23rd June, Glengoole Church graveyard, Aglish cemetery, Thursday 25th June, Thursday 9th July, Good Shepherd cemetery, Tuesday 28th July, Fennor cemetery and Tuesday 18th August, Boulick cemetery.

LOUGH DERG Three Day Lough Derg Pilgrimage takes place on June 29th, 30th and July 1st. Contact Fr Martin Murphy (Drom and Inch) 086-3868877 for further details.

PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth.

Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We had a great crowd last Saturday at our special June bank holiday weekend bingo.

Hope the support will continue this week especially from the Parish.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to John Lyons, Graigue who won €207 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Mary Willie’s, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for June is in aid of Gortnahoe Playschool. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

SYMPATHY Sympathy to the family of Patrick Hogan, Enfield, Co. Meath and formerly Gortnahoe who passed away last week.

JOAN MCCORMACK The death has occurred of Joan McCormack, Churchtown, Dublin and Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary 21st May, Joan passed away peacefully in

Beneavin House Nursing Home, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. Deeply regretted by her brothers, sisters, family and friends. Joan reposed at Massey Bros. Funeral Home, Templeogue Village, last Tuesday. Her funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Gortnahoe followed by burial in Aglish Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers travelled to Piltown in their latest game in the Michael Lyng Motors League on Wednesday night last. The home side were the better team in the opening half and led by 1-6 to 0-4 at half time. Conahy were immediately under pressure in the second half when they were reduced to 14 men, and Piltown increased their lead to 2-8 to 0-4.

However, Conahy battled bravely in the final twenty minutes, reducing the gap bit by bit. A late goal from an Edmond Delaney penalty was a reward for those efforts, but it came too late as Piltown held on for a 2-10 to 1-11 victory. Conahy are next in action against Windgap on Saturday week, June 13th, at 12.00 p.m. in Windgap.

The junior B side have a busy upcoming weekend as they are twice in action in the JJ Kavanagh Junior B League, against Danesfort on Friday at 7.30 in Danesfort and against Bennettsbridge on Sunday at 11.30 in Bennettsbridge respectively, following recent postponements of both games.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 21, 36 and 41. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Brian Hennessy, Eamon Lannon (Ballycarron), Liam Byrne, Roisin Keogh and John McGrath. The promoter prize winners were Teresa Dollard, Peter Mulhall and David Maher. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

WORLD CUP PREDICTION COMPETITION Conahy Shamrocks adult hurling and camogie players are joining forces to raise money for the GAA and Camogie Club, and are looking for support from club members, family and friends.

They are running a 2026 FIFA World Cup Prediction Competition, in advance of it starting next month.

Entries cost €10 and a prediction sheet can be got from any adult hurler or camogie player. Alternatively, check the club’s social media channels for an online entry form. All support is welcome.

FUTURE STARS SUMMER CAMP Registration is now open for the annual “Future Stars” GAA & Camogie Summer Camp taking place from Tuesday, August 4th to Thursday, August 6th in the Polo Grounds, Jenkinstown. Any child attending primary school in August 2026 is welcome to attend.

Each day runs from 10.00 to 1.45 and the cost per child is €40. Check out the ClubZap app or the club’s social media channels for further information.

KILKENNY GAA HURLERS CO-OP DRAW GAA and Camogie Club members are encouraged to buy a Kilkenny GAA Hurlers Co-Op Draw ticket and get a free Kilkenny Camogie Raffle ticket, with some fantastic prizes on offer in both the Draw and the Raffle. Kilkenny Camogie Raffle tickets can also be purchased separately if members so wish. All support is appreciated.

KNOCK SHRINE PILGRIMAGE The annual local Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine takes on Saturday, June 27th. A bus will leave Freshford at 7.30 a.m., going to Jackman’s in Jenkinstown for 8.00 a.m., and on to Ballyragget for 8.15 a.m. If interested in travelling, names as soon as possible to 056-7767676 or 086-3655418. The bus fare is €30.

CEMETERY MASSES The annual Cemetery Mass in Kilmacar Cemetery will take place tomorrow night (Thursday, June 4th) at 7.30 p.m.

FRESHFORD BRIDGE CLUB Summer Bridge commences in Threecastles Hall, Tulla (Eircode R95 WK45) on Monday next, June 8th at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH

Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford Vigil – Saturday at 6.30p.m: FRIDAY 5TH. Visitation with Holy Communion will take place as usual on Friday. Please let us know if you would like to receive Holy Communion in your home for the First Fridays or at any other time.

MONTHS MIND MASS Richard Sheehan, Stonecarthy. Anniversary Mass Patricia Sheehan Stoneyford; Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 6th. June at 6.30p.m.

ROTA (FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI) “The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ”. Readers: Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer.

Sunday10.00a.m. Mary Foran.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Bernie Grace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Margaret Kenneally. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

New Rota Available for Hugginstown Church; please collect in Sacristy.

PASTORAL AREA PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK: Fr Sean O Connor will lead the Pilgrimage to Knock on Saturday July 11th. and returning Sunday July 12th. Bookings are now being taken, please contact Larry Cody 087 983 4031; Eamon Murphy 087 294 0598 or Pat Bradshaw 086 456 7852. Travel agenda will be issued closer to the time.

CEMETERY MASSES Mass in Calvary Cemetery on Friday 5th. June at 8.00p.m. Mass in Kilkeasy Cemetery on Friday 19th.

June at 8.00p.m. Mass in Stoneyford Cemetery on Friday 3rd. July at 8.00p.m. Mass in Hugginstown Cemetery on Saturday 4th. July at 8.00p.m. Mass in Sheepstown Cemetery on Friday 10th. July at 8.00p.m.

The Cemetery Masses are commencing this week; please help to clean and tidy the Cemeteries by taking away all old wreaths and withered flowers.

Please try to cut weeds and grass around your family graves. Your help is much appreciated.

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY The 41st. All Ireland Rally will take place in Knock Shrine on June 6th. The Rally is focused on Peace in the World and Renewal of the Faith in Ireland. Over 10,000 pilgrims are expected to attend and so far over 50 buses are travelling from the four corners of Ireland.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. The draw for Monday 25th. May 2026 produced the following numbers: 21; 32; 06; 10. There was no winner of the first 3 Numbers Drawn. There was one Jackpot winner of €14,600.00. Pat Holden, Red Acres. €200.00 Seller of Jackpot Ticket, Teresa Fitzgerald.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers) James Irish, Mary Carroll, Ann Power.

PILGRIMAGE TO ASSISI AND ROME Pilgrimage takes place from 25th to 30th October 2026. It includes visits to the Tombs of St. Francis of Assisi, Saint Carlo Acutis and St Clare of Assisi.

Spiritual Director will be Fr. Marius Tomulesei OFM. Full itinerary available or to book your place contact Marian Pilgrimages 01 878 8159. Early booking is advised.

PRINCIPAL’S RETIREMENT Newmarket School, Hugginstown, wishes to announce the retirement of its Principal, Margo Brennan, following an outstanding 39 years of dedicated service to the school community.

Margo’s connection with Newmarket School extends far beyond her professional career, as she is also a former pupil of the school. Throughout her years as teacher and principal, she has played a central role in the education and development of generations of children, while providing strong leadership, guidance, and support to staff, pupils, and families alike.

Her commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment has left a lasting impact on the school and the wider community. Under her leadership, Newmarket School has continued to grow and thrive, maintaining its strong tradition of excellence in education.

As Margo prepares to begin a well-deserved retirement, the school community would like to acknowledge her remarkable contribution and express sincere gratitude for her years of service, dedication, and care.

A Retirement Mass in honour of Margo Brennan will be celebrated on the school grounds at 7.00pm on Thursday, 18th June. Past pupils, parents, staff members, friends, and members of the wider community are warmly invited to attend and join in marking this special occasion.

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

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Sport

Mullinavat GAA report Under the high ball

Taking possession Clearing the lines

By John Power JJ Kavanagh Junior A Hurling League Barrow Rangers 2-18 Mullinavat 2-16 Barrow Rangers recorded a hardfought two-point victory over Mullinavat in an entertaining and competitive contest played in Paulstown.

The visitors made the brighter start and quickly settled into their rhythm, opening the scoring through points from Conor Duggan, Fiachra Knox and Padraic Gahan. Those early scores helped Mullinavat establish a foothold in the game, and they looked confident during the opening exchanges.

However, Barrow Rangers gradually found their stride and began to take control, making full use of the favourable wind conditions in the opening half. Their attack started to click into gear and a crucial goal from Martin Bamrick midway through the half proved to be a major turning point. The green flag lifted the home side and gave them the momentum needed to push ahead on the scoreboard.

To Mullinavat’s credit, they continued to battle and remained within touching distance for much of the opening period. Goals from Padraic Gahan and Daniel Walsh ensured that the visitors stayed in contention despite the growing pressure from the Barrow Rangers forwards. Every time the home side looked capable of pulling away, Mullinavat found a response.

Nevertheless, Barrow Rangers finished the half strongly. Their greater efficiency in front of goal, coupled with a steady stream of points, allowed them to build a significant cushion before the break.

A second goal from Martin Bamrick

Making a break

further strengthened their position and by half-time the home side held a commanding six-point advantage, leading 2-13 to 2-7.

With the wind at their backs after the restart, Mullinavat knew they had an opportunity to work their way back into the game. They showed plenty of determination and effort throughout the second half, with experienced performers Conor Duggan and Padraic Gahan leading the charge. Gahan, in particular, was influential as Mullinavat tried to reduce the deficit and put pressure on the Barrow Rangers defence.

The visitors succeeded in narrowing the gap and ensured there would be a tense finish, but they were never quite able to draw level. A number of missed scoring opportunities proved costly, with several wides denying them valuable points at key stages of the contest.

Barrow Rangers remained composed in the closing minutes and did enough to protect their lead, eventually securing a deserved 2-18 to 2-16 victory. While Mullinavat will take encouragement from their second-half display, they were left to rue missed chances as Barrow Rangers claimed the spoils after an absorbing encounter.

Mullinavat Team: James O’Keeffe,

Donnacha Walsh, David Maher, Ian Mansfield, Darragh Davis, Simon Aylward, Eoin Dempsey, Padraic Gahan, Patrick Walshe, Conor Duggan, Fiachra Knox, CJ Fitzpatrick, Daniel Walsh, Mark McNamara, Jack Byrne Doyle.

Substitute: Stephen Law. JJ Kavanagh Junior F Hurling League Mullinavat 3-19 Carrigeen 1-12 Mullinavat continued their impressive run of form in the JJ Kavanagh Junior F League with a deserved 3-19 to 1-12 victory over a determined Carrigeen side at a blustery Asper Park. Despite difficult weather conditions, both teams produced an entertaining contest, with Carrigeen showing plenty of spirit throughout. However, Mullinavat’s greater scoring power and ability to take their goal chances proved decisive as they secured another valuable league win.

The visitors settled quickly and took advantage of the strong breeze during the opening half. Their attacking play was sharp and direct, creating problems for the Carrigeen defence from the outset. Corner forward Tadhg Knox was a constant

threat close to goal and he gave Mullinavat a major boost when he found the net in the opening period.

The goal helped the visitors establish control and they continued to build momentum as the half progressed.

Midfielder Jake Morrissey then added a second goal for Mullinavat, further strengthening their grip on proceedings. Morrissey’s energy and work rate around the middle third were key factors in the visitors’ dominance, while the forward line continued to convert chances at an impressive rate.

Carrigeen battled hard to stay in touch and were rewarded with some excellent scores, but they struggled to contain the Mullinavat attack. By half-time, the visitors had opened up a commanding lead of 2-10 to 0-6 and looked firmly in control of the contest.

To their credit, Carrigeen refused to let their heads drop after the restart. They worked tirelessly around the field and enjoyed some good spells of possession. Their standout performer was free-taker Ollie O’Neill, who delivered an excellent individual display. O’Neill finished with an impressive tally of 1-4, including a remarkable goal scored directly from a sideline cut that drew admiration from both sets of supporters.

Jamie O’Keeffe and Ollie Dermody also made important contributions for the home side, working hard throughout and helping Carrigeen remain competitive despite the scoreboard deficit.

Mullinavat, however, never looked in danger of surrendering their advantage. They continued to move the ball well and maintained a steady flow of scores during the second half. Any hopes of a late Carrigeen comeback were extinguished in the closing stages when Stephen Law converted a penalty to register Mullinavat’s third goal of the afternoon.

That score capped a polished team performance and sealed a victory that was rarely in doubt. Mullinavat will be pleased with another strong display as they continue their positive league campaign, while Carrigeen can take encouragement from the commitment and determination they showed throughout the encounter.

Mullinavat Team: Declan Duggan, Ciaran Holden, Tommy Lannigan, Mossy Jones, Jack Whelton, Daniel Walsh, Luke Byrne Doyle, Jake Morrissey, John Reade, Jack Byrne Doyle, Pat Mulhearn, Billy Delahunty, Jack Power, Stephen Law, Tadhg Knox. Substitutes: Gavin Morrissey, Joe Wall.

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Camogie - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Glen Dimplex Senior Camogie Championship Group 2, Round 2, Parnell Park Dublin 1-12 Kilkenny 2-16 Kilkenny made it two from two in Group 2 of this season’s Glen Dimplex Senior Camogie Championship when they travelled to take on the Dubs last Saturday in Parnell Park.

Building the opening day win over Limerick was crucial; and Jimmy Meagher’s young side put in a good performance to condemn Dublin to a second straight defeat and leave them in a very precarious position in the group. Sarah Barcoe was in sparkling form during the second half as her personal tally of 2-2 helped the Stripeywomen claim victory in the Capital.

Our senior ladies will take on Offaly in round 3 this weekend where they will hope to take another step towards a quarter-final berth.

It was Bill McCormack’s ladies that opened the scoring in the Donnycarney venue, thanks to a placed ball effort from the experienced Aisling Maher. One of the Noresiders Dicksboro contingent, Asha McHardy got things moving for the visitors and her clubmate Aoife Prendergast registered a quickfire brace of placed balls to give the travelling side a 2-point lead after 7 minutes of action in Parnell Park.

The home side reduced the lead, thanks to a tidy score from one of the Gannon trio; this time it was wing back Claire that raised a white flag, but this would be the

Barcoe is talk of the Town!

Sarah earns her stripes in Capital win

Aoife Prendergast was on target from the placed ball

last score taken by the girls in blue for some eleven minutes, as Kilkenny took control of the group 2 clash. ‘Boro’s Prendergast fired over her second placed ball of the afternoon, and this would be the first of a 6-point unanswered blitz from Meagher’s side.

Thomastown’s Sarah Barcoe opened her account in the 17th minute, and the black

and amber clad side built on this with a lovely score from Clara’s Emma Shortall a minute later. Wing forward Asha McHardy added to her tally soon after with two well taken points either side of a sweet strike from Young Irelands Steffi Fitzgerald as the Marble City side opened up a 7-point lead in Parnell Park after 21 minutes. Dublin, beaten by The Banner County in round one were struggling, got a couple of badly needed scores from vice-captain Aisling Maher and talented Cuala player, Sinead Wylde before the former split Aoife Norris’s posts with a cracking effort from play to reduce the deficit to four points. The last score of an opening period dominated by Kilkenny was a third of the day from the very impressive Asha McHardy as the

visitors headed for the changing rooms with a deserved 5-point lead at the short whistle sounded

by Derry referee EP Cassidy.

When play resumed, the Stripeywomen got the scoreboard moving, courtesy of Caoimhe Keher Murtagh, the RowerInistioge clubwoman showing her class with the finish two minutes into the second half. St Vincents Aisling Maher was doing her level best to keep her side in the contest and added to her tally with another placed ball before the game became a little scrappy. We would

Jimmy’s winning matches - Meagher will hope to make it a trio against Offaly

go five

minutes without a score before this lull was broken by a lovely point from Ballinteer St John’s Grace O’Shea. Kilkenny ended a nine-minute baron spell with a well taken score from Sarah Barcoe to leave the Noresiders

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Camogie - Review Sarah Barcoe hit 2-2 in the Capital

their own to get back into the game, but it would be white flags that the umpires would continue to raise for the home side. Two further placed balls from Aisling Maher left two majors between the sides, but again Kilkenny responded, another Laura from O’Loughlin Gaels, this time Greene splitting the opposition posts for a sweet score.

Dublin’s taliswomen, Aisling Maher kept the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts, again with an accurate free and they struck another score shortly after, thanks to a lovely effort from their captain, St Jude’s Niamh Gannon who joined sister Claire on the scoresheet with about six minutes of normal time remaining in Parnell Park.

Kilkenny’s placed ball expert, Aoife Prendergast got the next two points of the game, both from frees, in the 25th and 30th minutes of the game

as Jimmy Meagher’s outfit held a commanding eight-point lead as the contest entered additional time. Cuala’s Sinead Wylde got her second of the game, but it appeared nothing more than a consolation score for the metropolitans. There would still be time for two more scores in the tie, and both would raise green flags. First up was a second major of the afternoon for Thomastown’s Sarah Barcoe, who having been denied minutes earlier by a super stop from Ciara Jones in the Dublin goal, made no mistake to seal her Player of the Match award.

As the final whistle approached, Oak Leaf whistler Cassidy awarded a penalty to Bill McCormack’s side which St Vincent’s Aisling Maher dispatched beyond Piltown’s Aoife Norris in the Kilkenny goal to leave the full-time score in Parnell Park, Dublin 1-12 Kilkenny 2-16.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Asha McHardy was in good form in Parnell Park

lead at 5 points. Bill McCormack’s charges were awarded another free, and this was duly converted by topscorer Maher. The hard-working Laura Murphy then got on the scoresheet, the O’Loughlin Gaels player, one of the young teams’ more experienced heads.

Then came a major moment in the round two encounter. The pacey Sarah Barcoe collected possession, and despite the attention of two Dublin defenders, the Thomastown attacker fired her shot beyond Kilmacud netminder Ciara Jones in the Dubs goal to the corner of the net. Kilkenny now in complete control in the Capital, leading by eight points as the midway point of the second period approached.

You sensed that the ladies in blue would need to raise a green flag of

So far so good for Kilkenny’ senior camogs. Jimmy Meagher’s side have recorded two wins from the opening two rounds in Group 2 of the Glen Dimplex Senior Camogie Championship. Having defeated The Treaty County by some 14-points in UPMC Nowlan Park a week earlier, The Stripeywomen never looked in danger when they travelled to the Capital last Saturday. Let’s not forget, this is one of the youngest sides operating in this year’s campaign, but they appear to be playing with little or no fear this season.

Sarah Barcoe took the plaudits, finishing her day’s work with a personal tally of 2-2 as she showed her attacking prowess. But for a brilliant save by Dubs netminder Ciara Jones, the Thomastown forward would have had a hat trick of goals on the day. With the likes of Katie Power and Miriam Walsh no longer plying their trade in the stripes, it is the likes of Barcoe and Dicksboro duo, Asha McHardy and Aoife Prendergast to provide the cutting edge to the side. There is still a strong spine in the side, Aoife Norris, Michelle Teehan, Niamh Deely, Laura’s Greene and Murphy behind the vastly experienced Steffi Fitzgerald are the more experienced heads, helping and supporting the ‘young guns around them.

Next up for the Stripeywomen is the visit of Offaly tomorrow in UPMC Nowlan Park (4:30pm Throw-in). The Faithful County have a narrow win over Wexford and a defeat away to Limerick in the group so far. Securing a third win of the campaign will be the target for the management team as they look to secure a last eight berth.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 29th May 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Bridget Hickey and Joanne Cushen intend to apply to the above named authority for planning permission to construct a stalled undergound effluent tank adjacent to existing suckler house also lean to type building covering this tank joined onto existing building together with all associated site works at Courtna Boughla, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

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

Signed:- Bridget Hickey/Joanne Cushen

I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intends to apply to Kilkenny County Council on behalf of my client Jimmy Brophy. Permission to construct Slatted shed & (ii) Silage pit and all associated site works at Rathkyle, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Madeleine Carroll, hereby apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission to construct; (A) Single-storey rear and side extensions to existing two storey dwelling, (B) Proposed attic conversion to storage, (C) Change of use of existing side garage to habitable use, (D) Elevational changes & Interior alterations. Including all associated site works. At 3 Beech Park, Kilkenny. R95 X4HN. 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 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 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: Mark Kelly, www.mkelly.ie

I, Joseph Corcoran wish to apply to Kilkenny County Council for full planning permission to construct a single storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment area, bored well, new splayed entrance and all associated site works at Moneynamuck, Galmoy, Co Kilkenny.

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

Signed DB Design Studio, info@dbdesignstudio.ie

056 777 1463

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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. H.H,

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

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.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. P.K.

The Miracle Prayer

St. Anthony 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.

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

A Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

a Prayer to obtain a special favour through the intercession of Saint Joseph

(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.

O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Merciful Heart of Jesus all the help and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporary welfare; particularly for the help of a happy death and the special favour we now implore (Here mention or reflect upon your lawful requests) O Guardian of the Word incarnate, we trust that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. P.K.

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