Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO

Lotto Results for 11th April - Numbers drawn- 2, 23, 29.No Jackpot winner.

€30 each to Adrian Murphy, Lily Ryan, Louise Moore, Rose Mullally, Alice Walsh.

Next weeks Jackpot is €2,200. Thanks to all for your support.

SUPPORTERS CLUB

Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club

For anyone wishing to join or pay their membership renewal please contact Martin Nolan of Clara at 086-2343254. Thanks for the support.

MINOR HURLING

Clara’s winless streak was extended to four games in Castlecomer on Monday of last week when they were comprehensively beaten by a very strong Erin’s own outfit. Shorn of the services of county minor Davy Barcoe and Pádraic Meany before the throw in, they went into this contest with Conor Hoyne nursing a very dodgy ankle, and Conor was very curtailed as a result. For a club like Clara to compete in Roinn A everything needs to go their way and this was certainly not the case here.

Midway through the first half it was 1-9 to 0-7 in favour of ‘Comer and Clara were competing quite well. Then disaster struck when a dropped catch enabled Eoin Brennan to latch onto it and make ground before sending an unstoppable shot past impressive goalkeeper Lukas Healy. The home side confidently kicked on from this and led 2-17 to 0-10 at hal ime. The Clara scores had come from Conor Hoyne (6) and one each from Luke Lawlor, Tommy Delaney, Joe Power and Bill Kealy.

Clara actually scored the first two points of the second half through Conor Hoyne from a free and Eoin Corr but this was as good as it got and Castlecomer reeled o a succession of points to run out easy winners long before the final whistle. One more Conor Hoyne free was all that Clara could manage a er that. It was a sobering defeat but the Clara boys would do well to remember that last year’s club minor side su ered even heavier defeats going back a few years and would compete with the best of them now, as many of them are now showing at adult level.

Hugh Kelly, Philip Carrigan and Alex Firbank tried hard to stem the tide here as well as those already mentioned.

Team - Lukas Healy, John Bergin, Hugh Kelly, Tom Murphy. Daniel Ryan, Philip Carrigan, Alex Firbank. Tommy Delaney 0-1, Dillon Cummins. Joe Power 0-1, Luke Lawlor 0-1, Bill Kealy 0-1. Conor Galvin, Eoin Corr 0-1, Conor Hoyne 0-6, 0-5f. Subs Sam Lawlor, Jim Carrigan, Ross Gormley.

Just three nights later the Clara boys had to travel to Dunnamaggin to face the high flying locals. When Dunnamaggin led 2-5 to two Conor Hoyne frees a er 15 minutes it would have been very easy for them to hang their heads and fold. But instead they played some superb hurling to claw their way back into the game. It began with a fantastic Eoin Corr strike from the sideline and three Conor Hoyne points (2 frees) added to two Luke Lawlor specials saw Clara cut the deficit to 2-5 to 0-8. Another Conor Hoyne free was sandwiched between two Dunnamaggin points before Eoin Corr gathered a brilliantly struck line ball by Dillon Cummins and fired an unstoppable shot to the home net. A single point separated the teams and Dunnamaggin were visibly rattled. The Clara work rate of lads like Joe Power and Tommy Delaney was paying dividends and every Dunnamaggin attack was being thwarted by the likes of John Bergin, Tom Murphy, Daniel Ryan and Alex Firbank. The switch of full back Hugh Kelly and centre half Philip Carrigan had also shored things up. However Dunnamaggin rallied before hal ime and hit 3 unanswered points to lead 2-10 to 1-9 at the interval.

Unfortunately the second half was all about the home side and they bossed the exchanges. Luke Lawlor added two points to his tally as did Conor Hoyne and players like Conor Galvin and Bill Kealy tried valiantly on limited possession. And just before the end Eoin Corr managed a second goal from a tight angle but it was merely a consolation score at that stage. Were it not for two magnificent saves from Pádraic Meany the gap could even have been greater. As it was it finished 5-21 to 2-13. But these lads are learning in defeat and, hard as it may seem now, these days will stand them in good stead as they get older. Next up is Piltown at home.

Team - Pádraic Meany, John Bergin, Hugh Kelly, Tom Murphy. Daniel Ryan, Philip Carrigan, Alex Firbank. Conor Hoyne 0-8, 0-6f, Dillon Cummins. Tommy Delaney, Luke Lawlor 0-4, Joe Power. Bill Kealy, Eoin Corr 2-1, Conor Galvin.

COUNTY

Well done to selector Conor Phelan and trainer John Murphy who were part of the Kilkenny senior hurler’s draw with Galway in Sunday’s pulsating Leinster final clash in Nowlan Park.

CAMOGIE

Clara U14 Camogie played their second league match at home in Clara against Windgap on Sunday 23rd April. Conditions were good for what turned out to be a cracking game with plenty of skill shown from players from both sides. Clara started well and put the Windgap defence under ferocious pressure and a er some neat passing Amelia Ryan scored a fine goal. The Clara girls continued to make chances and this led to a free which Amy Bergin scored a goal from. Windgap replied with a goal. Clara got the next two scores, points from play scored by Olivia Power. Windgap finished the half strongly and scored 2 goals and a point to leave the half time score Clara 2-2 Windgap 3-1. Windgap defended well but Ella Tierney scored a goal to put Clara ahead. Windgap responded with a goal and a point to lead by a goal with very little time le on the clock. One final attack from Clara led to a goal from Amy Bergin to draw the match level. The referee blew the whistle shortly a er. A fine team e ort from Clara to fight their way back to gain a draw.Final score - Clara 4-5 Windgap 5-2. Next Match Wed 3rd May against Bennetsbridge in Clara.

Scorers: Amy Bergin 2-2 (1-0 free) Olivia Power 0-2, Emilia Ryan 1-0, Lucy Kealy 0-1, Ella Tierney 1-0.

Team: Eva Dreeling, Lucy Kealy, Ónagh Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Cooke, Orla Carrigan, Caragh Brennan, Katelyn Shortall, Caoimhe Kenny, Katie O’Connell, Aoibheann McDonald, Olivia Power, Alice Kennedy, Amy Bergin,. Amelia Ryan, Claragh Roche

Subs: Snezhana McPartlan, Ella Tierney, Kate Mulrooney, Amy Breen, Aisling Whelan, Áine Bowden Mullen, Kayleigh Watkin, Orlaith Carroll, Shona Brennan.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of club lotto (April 25th). Numbers drawn were 6, 10, 12, 28 Bonus 16 Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto

Promotors Draw. 1. Margaret Brennan c/o Pauline Greene. 2. Annmarie Healy c/o Damien O’Connell. 3. Neil Loy. 4. Mary Kearns c/o Damien O’Connell. 5. Jim Byrne c/o John Joe Cullen.

6. Francis Walsh c/o Benny Walsh. 7. Liam and Aoife c/o Damien O’Connell. 8. Marina Tyrrell c/o Online. 9. Tony Preston c/o Paul Cleere. 10. John and Olivia Collins c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support PLAYER NEWS

Well done to all O’Loughlin Gaels players from Hurling, Camogie and Handball who represented Kilkenny teams over the weekend. Well done to Cian Byrne who recently won a Leinster Handball title. Cian also plays with Kilkenny u15s Development Squad team alongside club mates Adam Maher, David McGee and Conor Holohan.

A Leinster Title was also claimed by Kilkenny Camogie u16s which includes club players Ena Lawlor and Síofra O’Leary who both had key roles in their win over Wexford in the Leinster Final last Monday.

Well done too to Greg Kelly who scored five points from play with the Kilkenny Minor hurlers’s win over Wexford in the Leinster Semi-Final. Dan McCormack joins Greg in the panel and we wish them both the best of luck for the Final.

Also on the scoring board was one Mikey Butler with the senior hurlers in the drawn game v Galway at Nowlan Park.

In a weekend of activity for county squads we also congratulate Je Tyrrell and James Holohan (u16 hurling), IvetacVasilisukaite (u16 b Camogie) and Aoife Dillon, Ruth Crowley, Ava Butler & Orlaith Donnelly (u15s Camogie) Lovely Hurling

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS SUMMER CAMP

The news every young Gael is waiting for is just announcedSummer Camp 23 runs from 24th of July to 4th August. All the details will be distributed to the parish schools and club in the coming days. Book early and don’t be disappointed.

IRISH LANGUAGE SUMMER CAMP

Bígí linn a chairde! I nGaeltacht Chill Chainnigh. Tobar Eoin!

Come join in the fun in Kilkenny’s newest Gaeltacht Johnswell! A Summer Camp experience through Irish! For ONE week only!Tuilleadh Eolais. More Information tobarnagaeilge@yahoo. com nó 0877006324

U13 CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to St.Lachtain’s U13 footballers who won the county final when they beat Kilmoganny decisively at Pairc Lachtain. Well done to the young boys and to their management team for this great success.

BIRTHDAYS

Special Birthday wishes go out to a set of triplets and twins who all celebrated their 21st Birthday at a party in Farrell’s Pub. Triplets Oran, Saoirse and Orlaith Bergin, Clashacrow and twin brothers Michael and Jack Phelan, Woodview marked their coming of age at a joint party.

Special birthday wishes also go out to former St.Lachtains and Kilkenny stalwart camogie start Gillian Maher (nee Dillon) who also celebrated a very special birthday last weekend.

FEILE LACHTAIN 2023

St. Lachtain’s Church of Ireland was alive with music and story on Friday night last when a Night of Nostalgia of Freshford’s bands and musicians was remembered with an emphasis on the performers over the last fi y years. Included were The Lords and Looney Tunes. Music was provided by the three remaining members of the Super Noodles Jim Byrne, Gary Barnaville and Gerry Delaney with many of their music friends returning to meet the guys and hear their music. MC was Marie Kennedy and the story was narrated by Ned Kennedy with music in between recalling many tunes from the past. The relaunch of the museum also took place during Friday’s event with some new displays which were generously donated All were unveiled by Committee member Richard St. George.

WEDDING WISHES

Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Lyndsey Kavanagh, Clintstown Road, Freshford and Brian Hayde, Barna who were married on Friday last in Graine Church. Reception took place a erwards in Hotel Kilkenny.

DAYCARE TRIP

Freshford Daycare Centre are organising a bus trip to Fota Island and Cobh in County Cork on Tuesday next the 9th May. The bus will leave from the GAA grounds at 9am and return home at 9.30pm approx. They group will stop for a meal on way home at Corbett Court Hotel in Fermoy. Names should be given in by this Friday to Marie O’Connor – 086 2547439, Ann Burke 086 2030224 or Paddy Butler on 087 6367667

IONA LACHTAIN HERITAGE CENTRE

Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30. Gi s on sale to suit every occasion.

DEATH

The death occurred last week of Paddy Hogan late of Kilrush, Freshford. Although advanced in years his passing was unexpected and caused widespread sadness. He was predeceased by his brothers John and Billy and his sister in law Marie. He was a quiet and good living gentleman and was well known and respected in the village. Funeral mass took place in St.Lachtains Church on Saturday morning last followed by burial in St.Lachtains Cemetery He is mourned by his nephews and nieces and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

CAMOGIE AND GAA

St.Lachtains Juniors had the first outing of the year when they took on Thomastown in the All County League in Freshford. The local lads came out winners in the end on a score line of 0.18 to 0.13.

Team: J Burke. C Donnelly. L Kennedy. A Dawson. J Bowden. C Bergin. B Quinn. D Maher J Hickey. A Ra er. C Powe. P Donnelly. P Killeen. C O’ Leary. A Ra er. The Junior F had their second outing of the year and came out victorious against neighbours Lisdowney in Freshford on Sunday Team; R Dowling. C Bowden. M Nolan. J Cantwell. J Bergin. J Bowden. J hickey. J Campion. P Maher. C Leahy. D Quinn. J O’Connor. M Durian. D Killeen. E Landers Keep up to date on all games St Lachtains by following St Lachtains GAA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Kilkenny Intermediate Camogie side were beaten by Cork in the replay on Saturday last. Sinead Farrell is the sub keeper with the team.

SQUASH

Congrats to local man Pat Morrissey who was part of the Ireland U40 squash team taking part in Nottingham at the weekend and they finished 2nd overall. Well done to all

FITNESS SESSIONS

Fitness sessions Boxing/fitness sessions at Community Hall Freshford – Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinsons; Alzheimers or other neurological condition? If so maybe you are keen to get some level of fitness back or work on you balance or upper body strength? If so, these classes are just what you need. Classes take place each Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon - sessions cost just €10 each and are facilitated by a boxing coach. They will also give you the chance to socialise and meet other people.For more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253

PARISH NEWS

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

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish O ice. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be le in or emailed to the Parish O ice by 11am on Thursdays. Parish o ice hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards

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

HELP FOR ALL

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

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

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

CRAFTED

Cra ed Café in Bennettsbridge got the ”thumbs up” from the Trip Advisor platform last week as follows, “Worth a detour. If you are close to Bennettsbridge take the time to visit this daytime cafe. They serve tasty salads, hot food, cakes and desserts. Great value for money, friendly and helpful service. Parking adjacent. We enjoyed a lovely lunch in the sunshine”

TIDY TOWNS

A massive thank you to everyone who turned up for the annual Bridge Cleaning exercise. Bennettsbridge Tidy Towns really appreciates your support. Many thanks to PJ Cullen in Centra who provided welcome refreshments.

CHURCH NEWS

MASS TIMES

Wednesday and Friday 10.30AM.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to Lorraine Simpson, The Ring on the death of her mother, Brigit Brennan née Carroll, Raheen-Killane, Ballon, Co. Carlow and formerly Liscolman, Tullow, who passed away on April 28th, 2023 at Saint Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. Brigit was pre-deceased by her parents Paddy and Alice and sister, Mary. She is survived by her husband, John and children, P.J., Linda, Christina, Lorraine, John, Niall and Alan. Deeply regretted by her husband, sons, daughters, sons-in-law Joe, Ger and Alan, daughters-in-law Deirdre, Shelia and Leah, grandchildren Megan, Alison, Katelyn, Cillian, Shane, Darren, Danial, Gillian, Andrew, Michaela, Esme, Fionn, Willow- Mae, Conor, Dasie and Charlie, sister Elizabeth, brother-in-law Donie, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and her many friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in Saint Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballon. Burial a erwards in Ballon Cemetery.

LOTTO RESULTS

24th April 2023. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 5, 20, 26, 28. Jackpot now €6,850.00.

Consolation Prizes, Lianna Murphy, Kilkenny, Kathleen Hayde, Hillview, Cleere x 5, Anne Ryan, Woodlawn, Kiera Barcoe, Carn.

GATHERING GROUP

Meeting on Wednesday as usual. The Li ey Valley trip was a great success and enjoyed by all.

ART GROUP

No class this week due to Bank Holiday. Some members met for a co ee and catch up. Classes resume next Monday as the group works towards finalising material for their exhibition for Kilkenny Arts Week.

CAMOGIE

A super performance from the U16s against Conahy in the League. Despite lots of tired legs on the pitch the girls put in a huge e ort and played with great determination and teamwork. Well done to all the girls on a well-deserved win Bennettsbridge 2-11 Conahy 0-6

GAA

Inter county Hurling. The club was well represented by David Blanchfield in the Leinster championship draw against Galway in Nowlan Park.

Bennettsbridge GAA Scrap metal collection

Bennettsbridge GAA club are having a scrap metal collection this Saturday 6th May. You can drop o your unwanted scrap metal/ copper from 10am to 12pm at the GAA grounds. All scrap metal items are welcome except refrigerators. If you need any large items collected please contact Leo 086-8861906 or Tim 0863441652 and they will arrange collection.

CLUB HURLING

The junior E team played out an entertaining draw with Piltown in the league. Our minors conceded a later goal versus The Rower to lose out by three points. The under 13 team get their season underway at home to Graiguenamanagh tonight. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for all club fixtures and changes. MEMBERSHIP 2023

Membership for 2023 is now being collected by registrar Samantha McGarry or any committee member. Membership remains the same as last year. 120 for adult players, 80 for student players and 40 euro for non-playing members. Early payment would be most appreciated as the bills for 2023 are coming in fast.

BUY A BRICK CAMPAIGN

We are in the fourth year of our “buy a brick” campaign. Thanks to every-one who has supported so far. Anyone new who wishes to contribute please see BBGAADEV@gmail.com. All contributions go towards club development and repayment of the loan on the club house as quickly as possible.

ON LINE DRAW

Well done to Niall Skehan who won 700 euro o a ten euro ticket in the latest Bennettsbridge online ra le, thanks to everyone who supported.

CAMOGIE NIGHT AT THE DOGS

The camogie club is running a dog night in Kilkenny track on Friday 12th of May. This is the clubs main fundraiser for the year. All support greatly ap-preciated.

HURLERS CO-OP DRAW

Hurlers Co-op draw tickets are now on sale through all committee members. Prizes to the value of 125,000 are on o er including three cars and two holidays. The first of 5 draws will take place on June 13th. Tickets cost 50 euro and half of proceeds from all tickets sold is returned to the club.

SPLIT THE POT

The next draw takes place this Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Envelopes are available around the village. If you want to play on-line with club-force please see the clubs Facebook page for details. Thanks again for the continued support.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Ruth Stapleton on her big win on Today fm last week, winning the cash builder. Great excitement.

POST BOX MOVE

The post box had moved from outside the now closed post o ice to the Square. Post o ice services are available in Attanagh, Durrow and Castlecomer. Local shops have stamps for sale.

FUNDRAISERS

Naomh Brid Camogie are hosting a fundraising 24 hour walk at the pitch from 2pm Saturday May 20th to 2pm Sunday May 21st. Contact Kieran Delaney or JJ O Sullivan to support. There is also a go fund me page and Juvenile players will have sponsorship cards.

Debra Ireland Fundraiser at the Wheel Inn on May 5th with music by Sean Keane. Your support of this charity works would be greatly appreciated.

TIDY TOWNS

Many thanks to all who are taking on this great endeavour in the town, if everyone could do a bit outside their own homes or in their area that would be much appreciated.

ST PATRICKS GAA

The Minor side were defeated by James Stephen’s at home. The lotto jackpot stands at €20,000 tickets are on sale locally or online via Clubforce. Your support of the lotto is welcomed.

BINGO

Bingo continues in the CYMS hall on Wednesday evenings.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The first Holy Communion is on May 13th this year wishing all making it the very best.

DONATIONS

Ballyragget Vet’s clinic are seeking donations of blankets, and towels new or used. No duvets or pillows please.

BÓRD NA NÓG AND CAMOGIE FUNDRAISER

Due to pitch works in the Polo Grounds on Saturday morning last, the “Bring and Buy” sale organised by Conahy Camogie Club and Conahy Shamrocks Bórd na nÓg was postponed until next Saturday, May 6th. All families and everyone in the community are welcome to donate any unwanted hurls, helmets and playing gear. Donations of a minimum of €5 are welcome from those who buy any items available. Refreshments will also be served on the morning.

GAA SUMMER CAMP Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Bórd na nÓg will once again host a ‘Future Stars’ Summer Camp this year. It will take place in the Polo Grounds, Jenkinstown from Tuesday 1st August to Thursday 3rd August (inclusive). The Camps is open to Boys and Girls between the ages of five and twelve and will take place on each of the three days from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. (with a lunch break from 12.00 p.m. until 12.45 p.m. Detailed and quality coaching will be given to all participants and Kilkenny InterCounty Players will contribute to the coaching, subject to their availability. Registration can be done online via the GAA club website – www.conahyshamrocks.gaa.ie .

CLUB LOTTO

The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 32, 34 and 38. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Annette Colclough, Cora Buggy, Rian and Culainn Guilfoyle, Mona Dooley and Kathleen Maher. The promoters’ prize winners were Teresa Dollard, Anne Downey and Peter Mulhall. This week’s jackpot now increases to €3,100.

CHURCH NEWS

First Holy Communion for the children of Johnstown and Crosspatrick in St. Michael’s Church, Crosspatrick on Saturday May 6th at 11am. They are wished a lovely day.

Sunday May 13th has been chosen for a public Rosary Rally for the conversion of Ireland. A Rosary will be recited on that day at 4pm in the grounds of St. Kieran’s Church. This is one of 500 rallies all over the country.

Welcome to the Faith Community baby Ava Grogan who was Baptised recently, daughter of Lorina Duggan, Johnstown.

St. Patricks Church, Graine will celebrate its golden Jubilee on May 21st at 11.30 am with chief celebrant Bishop Niall Coll at the Mass. If anyone has photos or memorabilia from the old church which can be displayed on the day please contact Fr. Ollie or Ann Pembroke.

MR. JEROME FOGARTY RIP

Jerome, Tullovolty, Johnstown died peacefully at Waterford Regional Hospital recently. Predeceased by his parents Katie and Ger, he will be greatly missed by his brothers Simon and John, sisters Breda and Carmel, brother in law Mick, sister in law Kathleen, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. A er Requiem Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Galmoy, he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is also extended to Paddy Bowe and Family, St. Kieran’s Place on the recent death of his sister Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowe RIP, Rathdowney.

FENIANS HC

Bingo starting in St. Mary’s Hall, Johnstown on Wednesdays May 17th at 8.30pm and each Wednesday a er that. Prize money €2,000.

ADVANCE NOTICE.

Johnstown Town Team will host a Field Day in the sports field on June 25th at 11.30am followed by a musical evening from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. The day will feature a D.J., Dog Show, Sports, Fittest Team, Food and Cra stalls, funfair and more.

SPA UNITED AFC.

U16 boys league division 1A Callan UTD 1 Spa 1, U14 girls league division 2 Spa 2 Southend 0, Thomastown Utd 5 Spa 0, U13 boys league division 1 Spa 0 Freebooters 1, U13 boys league Division 2 Dean Celtic 5 Spa 0, U12 boys league division 1 Spa 3 Clover Utd 2 , U12 boys league division 2A Evergreen 0 Spa 5, U12 girls Credit Union cup Lions 0 Spa 5. SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO...

Winning numbers 2,8,15,23 three match three Karina Grehan, Billy Garrett and Tadas Maliauke. Next weeks jackpot €20,000.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 11am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 11am to 1pm

GOOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY

Last Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday and it was a day of prayer for Vocations to Priesthood and Religious life. Leaflets were le in the church and anyone interested in having a chat or would like to find out more information, please contact Fr. Joe Walsh of the Thurles parish or any member of the parish council.

HOLY COMMUNION

The month of May is the month for the first Holy Communions in the parish, we would like to thank the teachers, pupils and parents and all who are helping to celebrate this wonderful Sacrament.

CASHEL AND EMLY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

The annual pilgrimage will take place from the 17th - 22nd June 2023, anyone interested in the Parish please contact the Parish council for further information.

400 CLUB DRAW

The results for March 2023, 1st Prize €200 was Karen Gleeson, Coole, 2nd Prize €100 was Teresa Bartley, Rathbeg. Other prize winners were, Michael Shortall, Lisdu , David O’Neill, Glengoole, Helen Morris, Foilacamin, Stella Purcell, Fennor, Paddy and Louise Cleere, Rathbeg, Liam and Biddy Hogan, Gortnahoe, Carina Burrows, Glengoole and Breda Hogan, Clonora.

Promoters Prize Winner, Majella Ryan and Andy O’Gorman. The results for April 2023, 1st Prize €200 Mick and Rose Delaney, Inchorourke, 2nd Prize €100 Margaret Campion, Graigue. Other prize winners were, Mary Ryan, Fennor, Lorraine Morris, Foilacamin, Catherine Cooney, Boulick, Mary McGivern, Glengoole, Donal O’Shea, Knockatoreen, Joan Kennedy, Shelbourne, Sarah Cahill, Gortnahoe and Hannie and Sarah McCormack, Poynestown. Promoters Prize Winner, Mary Phelan.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106

GORTNAHOE BINGO

Bingo continues this Saturday night at 7.00pm with doors opening from 6.00pm and will continue each Saturday night at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on o er including a special €500 game. Our bingo received great publicity from Fran Curry and Johnny Looby on Tipp Fm last week, they were making the point that Gortnahoe is the place to be on a Saturday night for the big payout bingo. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family, it will be a great nights entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Noreen Bambrick from Grange who was the winner of €228 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of May will be in support of the Gortnahoe National School. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated

FREE LIBRARY

A lot of new books have come in to Gortnahoe Community Hall library. They are free to take home and the library is based inside the main door of the hall. When the hall is opened anyone can go inside the main door and select a book or books of their choice and they will disturb no one in the hall. This is a Gortnahoe Community Hall Initiative and this idea will succeed with the local parish support.

MASS TIMES

Aghaviller Parish: Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.Vigil - Saturday 6th. 8.00p.m.; Sunday 7th. 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Wednesday and Friday 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 6th. 6.30p.m Friday 5th. Feast of Blessed Edmund Rice. First Friday,Home 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 at any other time.

PRAY FOR

Joan Foran, Monrue; Denis O’Hara, Owning; who died during the week.

Months Mind Mass: Wazzie Kenneally, Barnadown; Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 6th. May at 8.00p.m.

Anniversary Mass next weekend: Angela Lee, Cherrymount, Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 6th. May at 6.30p.m.

ROTA

Rota for next week-end: 6th. and 7th. May 2023. (Fi h Sunday of Easter)

Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Margaret Ryan. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Catherine Dwyer; Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Pat Kenny.Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy; Sunday 10.00a.m. Kay Power.

OSSARY PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2023

Lourdes Pilgrimage will take place from May 23rd. to 28th. this year. Accommodation in the Agena, Solitude and Padoue Hotels. Price includes return bus journey to/from Loughboy Shopping Centre Car Park to Dublin Airport. Return flights from Dublin to Lourdes; Transfer to/from Airport to Hotel. Full board and hotel accommodation for the 5 nights. For further information and bookings contact niamh@jwttravel.ie or Phone 01 685

2244

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

New Eucharistic Ministers needed in both Hugginstown and Stoneyford Churches for weekend Masses. Preparation Training can be done on-line in your own home with just a meeting in the local church for practical help. Please let me know if you can help.

It is also recommended that Present Eucharistic Ministers be involved in this training.

EASTER OFFERINGS

Many thanks for your Easter O erings during the past few weeks. This o ering is for the support of the priests of the Parish and Diocese. Thank You.

DATES TO REMEMBER FOR 2023

First Holy Communion. For Stoneyford School on Sunday 14th. May at 11.00a.m. in Stoneyford Church. For Monroe/Newmarket Schools on Sunday 21st. May at 11.00a.m. in Hugginstown. Cemetery Masses: Calvary Cemetery on Friday 2nd. June at 8.00p.m. Hugginstown Cemetery on 1st. July at 8.00p.m. Stoney- ford Cemetery on 7th. July at 8.00p.m.

LOTTO

Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 24th. April 2023 Numbers: 17; 24; 09; 10. One Winner

First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €500.00. Match 3 Winner. Michael Irish, Hugginstown. €25.00. Seller of Match 3 Ticket: James Irish. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Mary Doyle; Tom Cassin; John Power.

PADRE PIO NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE

Pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles on Sunday 28th. May. Ceremonies will begin at 1.30p.m. If interested in travelling please contact: Kay Power 086 168 7073 or Lily Burke 056 776 8008

THE TOTUS TUUS WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE 2023 Conference will be live on Radio Maria Ireland this coming Saturday May 6th. from 2.00p.m. You can follow the conference by: 1. Going online at www.radiomaria.ie. 2. Download the Radio Maria IRELAND App to your smartphone or tablet. 3. Listen live via Facebook. 4. Call 01 4373277 and listen live 5. Listen through your TV on Channel 210

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Coach Trip to Doneraile Court and Mallow on Saturday, May 27th. The cost includes coach hire, a guided tour of Doneraile Court, a walking tour of Mallow and an evening meal at the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel. For further information on booking places for the Coach Trip please contact: Brigid Barron, Kilmacow; 087 950 7295, or Mary Ryan, Carrigeen, 086 379 0655.

THE STONEYFORD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 3rd. May at 8.00p.m. in the Community Centre, Stoneyford. Membership and nomination forms are available on www.stoneyford.ie. You can also text “AGMFORMS” to 087 255 6722.

STONEYFORD 5K AND 10K CHALLENGE

Challenge is on May 21st. Preparations are well underway for what should be another exciting day for runners from all over the South East and further afield. It will be a case of all hands on deck for a few hours as everyone welcomes our visitors. The day begins at 10.30am with a kids’ 1k for all national school aged children and will be followed at 11.00am by the 5k and 10k events. Runners or walkers can register on the day prior to the event or online at myrunresults.com. All locals are encouraged to come along and take part on the day, or simply come and cheer everyone one. To help out or for enquiries or more detail, contact Adele on 087 9384521.

COUNSELLING SERVICES

Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family and Teens, aged 12 plus.

General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance & Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

DEFIBRILLATOR

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

SENIOR ALERT

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

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS

Any further clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be le into the Centre, please call before dropping o . Contact number for the Centre 056-8838466

L.T.I. RECRUITING

L.T.I. Pathway to Employment Course QQI Level 4. There are still some placements available on our L.T.I. Programme which is due to start in May. If interested, please call the Resource Centre on 056-88-38466 or call into us here at the o ice.

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship

UPMC Nowlan Park

Kilkenny 0-28 Galway 1-25 e Westerners had championship debutant Declan McLaughlin to thank for leaving the Marble City with a point after the forward’s late late scoring intervention. It had looked like the home side would claim maximum points when TJ slotted over a 68th minute free to leave 3 points between the rivals. e Tribesmen dug deep and registered scores from Evan Niland and substitutes Liam Collins and that man McLaughlin to punish the Cats and some wasteful nishing late on from the home side. ere was one late change to Derek Lyng’s side with Erins Own’s Conor Fogarty replacing Shamrocks Paddy Mullen in mid eld. e visitors lined out as selected with Henry She in exchanging pleasantries with his opposite number before throw-in at the venue, he knows oh so well. e veteran Shamrocks Ballyhale legend was fouled and punished the opposition by ri ing over the resulting free. ree minutes gone, Kilkenny were up by two points, 0-3 to 0-1. e frantic start continued. A long ball out of the Galway defence saw Conor Whelan beat Tommy Walsh before pointing from way out on the

It was honours even when Derek Lyng’s Kilkenny clashed with Henry She in’s Galway in UPMC Nowlan Park last Sunday. e game lived up to its hype with both sides hardly pausing for breath over the 70 plus minutes of pulsating action.

From the moment Limerick whistler Johnny Murphy threw the sliotar in, it was frantic from both sides with the game swinging from end-to-end. A fast start from the teams saw two points red over in the rst 60 seconds. Galway struck rst; with the impressive Brian Concannon pointing from out on the left before the restart saw Eoin Murphy nd Billy Ryan who passed to captain Eoin Cody who levelled matters after 40-odd seconds of play. e next two scores came from the hosts. Some great pressure applied to the Galway defence by John Donnelly and Eoin Cody resulted in the latter slotting over his second point of the game. Next up was TJ Reid.

Henry’s men struck back immediately. Netminder Eanna Murphy found Cianan Fahy unmarked from the puck out and the Ardrahan man split the posts from distance to help settle the travelling supporter’s nerves. Some lovely play close to the sideline saw Bennettsbridge’s David Blanch eld advance before passing to Timmy Cli ord and the Dicksboro man sent over a ne point from out on the right.