Kilkenny Observer 7th April 2023

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Friday 7 April 2023

Launch of new look Trans Debate Callan Co-Op Homevalue When gender is not 19 Page pull-out such a neutral issue 

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€1,200 extra to buy food Food price inflation went through the roof in March as pressure on shoppers’ pockets continues to grow.

According to research group Kantar, food price inflation here rose to 16.8% in the 12 weeks to March 19, the latest figures available.

This marked an increase of 0.4% from the previous 12week period.

Total take-home grocery sales rose by 9.5% during this time.

In the four weeks to March 19, the value of Irish food sales also jumped by 13.3%, up from 10.2% the month before.

Shoppers are now spending an additional €119.6m yearon-year, according to Kantar.

Supermarkets recorded the highest footfall since March 2020 in recent weeks as consumers celebrated St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Ireland’s Six Nations victory.

However, Kantar attributed

the surge in spend in recent weeks to the impact of rising costs on supermarket shelves.

“Although value sales are up significantly, grocery price inflation is still the driving factor rather than just increased spending,” Kantar senior retail analyst Emer Healy said.

“Grocery inflation continues to rise and now stands at 16.8%, with the annual grocery bill set to rise by €1,211 if consumers don’t make changes to

their shopping habits,” said Ms Healy In the past year, consumers have already made switches to lower priced own-brand alternatives in their local supermarkets in an attempt to cut costs, with purchases of these own-label products rising by 13.5% year-on-year.

Shoppers are now spending €18m more this year on value own-label, the cheapest offering in supermarkets.

Guinness was also in high demand throughout the month of March, with sales rising 6.7%. Shoppers too spent an additional €3.8m on Easter chocolate.

Overall, Dunnes Stores retained the top spot in the Irish grocery market, with a 23.2% market share.

Tesco followed, with a 22.1% market share, with SuperValu rounding out the top three, with a market share of 20.6%.

Dublin City University graduate Colleen Whelan from Kilkenny, left, is pictured with fellow DCU graduates Laura Brennan (Dublin), Mollie Duff (Portlaoise), Conor Foster (Dublin), Iona Gardner, also from Kilkenny, Emma Malone Byrne (Dublin), and Amy Callaghan, from Donegal all of whom received a Degree in Nursing during the March Celebrations in DCU. Pic : Kyran O’Brien DCU Communications Dept More than 1,000 students graduated from Dublin City University on Friday, March 31.

The energy subsidy scheme for businesses, initiated by the Government in Budget 2023, is not making any meaningful impact on company finances six months after its introduction.

Businesses have received just €61.3m in payments from the Temporary Business Energy Subsidy Scheme (TBESS), despite the programme being allocated €1.3bn last September.

Full story Page 10

€435,000 for Kilkenny training board Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD. This funding for Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board is part of €8 million funding in further education capital grants for the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

The devolved capital grant will give ETBs the discretion to make decisions around

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Carey complains of home search

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A full list of what’s on for this Easter throughout Kilkenny can be found at https:// allevents.in/kilkenny-kk/ easter. Stay safe and have fun See Paul Hopins Page 8

Convicted fraudster Catriona Carey has taken issue with an early morning search carried out at her home in Kilkenny by detectives last year, according to sources quoted by the Irish Independent. Gardai removed boxes of records from the property.

The former Ireland hockey player made a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) about the criminal investigation into claims she ran a mortgage scam.

Full story Page 6

Colleen... and the Graduates

Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) is to receive funding of up to €435,000, Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan has confirmed.

The funding was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for

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small-scale Further Education and Training investment priorities at a local level.

“The funding for Kilkenny and Carlow and Kilkenny can be used for small scale works including necessary infrastructure and improvement works, and for the purchase of equipment,” Deputy Phelan said.

Funding is provided under Project 2040 and forms part of the ongoing investment in the further education and training (FET) sector.

Using this grant, ETBs will be able to carry out work such as upgrades to computer labs and science labs, replacement of apprenticeship equipment, roof works and planned improvement

works of FET buildings.

Making the announcement, Minister Harris said: “I am delighted to announce the continuation of this vital funding stream to the ETBs. Crucially, the fund is at the discretion of the ETB meaning it can address its priorities at a local level for delivery. The funding will be distributed through SOLAS.”

Our US trip and the Comer bus “Any craic?” he inquires.

“None whatsoever,” I tell him.

“I heard you were away,” he says.”Who was telling you?”

I ask. “Never mind who was telling me but I heard you were in the Big Apple,” he says. “I was.”

“So, any craic in the US of A?” “At €12 for a glass of beer it was damn hard to have the craic.”

Gerry Moran Page 20

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News With a recital at Thomastown Concert Hall, Thomastown, Kilkenny penciled in for Saturday, April 22, and led by one of Ireland’s most spectacular sopranos, April sees another brand new ensemble showcasing the talents of a trio of much sought-after Irish artists.

Claudia Boyle has secured a stellar international profile in recent seasons through highly-acclaimed performances in Zurich, Rome, London, Berlin and New York, and recently returned from making her house debut for Opéra National de Paris singing the role of Dede in Bernstein’s A Quiet Place to much acclaim.

Joining Claudia will be trumpet player extraordinaire Niall O’ Sullivan and exceptional pianist Conor Linehan. Presenting a varied and eclectic programme, the trio will share dazzling interpretations of Handel’s ‘Let The Bright Seraphim’, Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in Eb and Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate,operatic favorites by Donizetti and Verdi, music by the ever popular Piazzolla and a new Music Network commission by Irish composer Solfa Carlile.

A former member of the Salzburger Festspiele’s prestigious Young Singers Project, Claudia Boyle has won both 1st Prize and the Critics Award at The Maria Callas Competition in Verona where the Callas Estate presented her with

Claudia & co. for Thomastown recital the miraculous medal once owned and worn by the legendary singer. She was also chosen by acclaimed film

director Mike Leigh to star in his first ever venture for the operatic stage as the leading heroine Mabel in Gilbert

& Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance in London’s Coliseum.

Career highlights have in-

cluded the roles of Konstanze in Die Entführung aus dem Serail at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and Komische Oper

Berlin, and Alice in Alice’s Adventures Underground at The Royal Opera House Covent Garden under Thomas Adès.

Claudia collaborated with playwright Enda Wash and composer Donnacha Denny on their first opera The Last Hotel which received critical acclaim.

Niall O’Sullivan has performed all over Europe, Asia and the USA appearing in prominent concert halls to sell-out crowds with his ensemble of world class musicians. Both Niall’s self-titled debut album and Ballads EP reached No. 1 on the iTunes classical & jazz charts. His orchestral album Niall O’Sullivan and Friends was produced by Julian Lloyd Webber and Gavin Murphy and features opera star Danielle de Niese, four-time Grammy-winning jazz guitarist Larry Carlton, theatre royalty Kim Criswell and two of Ireland’s finest vocalists, Emmet Cahill and Lisa Lambe.

Niall and his wife, vocalist Shóna Henneberry, have toured the USA extensively with their sell out show My Funny Valentine.

Conor Linehan is a composer, pianist and teacher based in Dublin. He has composed theatre scores for the all of the major Irish companies as well as The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and many other British theatres.

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Abortions: State being sued Two cases of alleged misdiagnosis of fatal foetal abnormalities which resulted in abortions, have led to the State being sued. it was confirmed yesterday.

The cases have been lodged with the State Claims Agency.

There have also been 133 alleged “adverse incidence” reported since January 1, 2018 to February 28 this year relating to termination of pregnancy.

The figures were provided in a parliamentary response to Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín.

A previous case arising out of a misdiagnosis at the National Maternity Hospital was settled in the High Court in June 2021.

It comes as a review of Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 has been completed and is being examined by the Department

of Health. It is expected to recommend that the mandatory three-day waiting period for women having a medical abortion be relaxed.

Meanwhile, in a series of parliamentary responses, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said a review was also under way to decide if remote consultation for women seeking a medical abortion with their doctor, in-

troduced during the pandemic, should become permanent.

He said that in April 2020 remote consultation, instead of face-to-face consultation, was introduced in early pregnancy.

“No formal research or analysis on remote consultation has been conducted in Ireland.

“However, there has been positive feedback from providers and patients and there

is strong evidence from published literature in the UK and Europe that remote provision of abortion care is safe and effective.

“In light of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in in the last quarter oof 2021, the department requested the HSE to revisit the model of care to review its operation and consider whether it should be re-

tained going forward,” the Minister for Health said.

“This review has shown that including remote consultation as part of the termination of pregnancy service is safe, effective and acceptable to both service users and providers.

“It improves access for many women and addresses geographical and logistical barriers.”

Carey takes issue Bishop’s Tree is replanted at Freshford with home raid by the Gardai Convicted fraudster Catriona Carey has taken issue with an early morning search carried out at her home in Kilkenny by detectives last year, informed sources have told the Irish Independent.

The former Ireland hockey player made a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) about the criminal investigation into claims she ran a mortgage scam.

Gardaí armed with a warrant searched her residence in March last year, seeking financial documents and receipts.

They removed boxes of records from the property.

The nature of the complaint is not clear, and Gsoc does not comment on individual cases.

In her only interview to date, Carey told the Sunday World: “Gardaí took receipts, my laptop, some personal jewellery. They took my purse and my passport and my children’s passports — because someone told them I was a flight risk.”

She also said she was “quite happy” to be under investigation, because she had done nothing wrong.

“I phoned Gardaí after they raided my home and said: ‘Here is my number and my email. I am very happy to deal with you on anything you need. I will deal with you on everything.’ I gave them passwords to everything.”

News of Carey’s complaint has emerged as the criminal investigation into allegations that she defrauded struggling mortgage holders out of €400,000 nears an end.

The alleged con was first exposed by an RTÉ Investigates documentary in February 14,

2022, when 18 people claimed Carey had conned them out of tens of thousands of euro by promising to refinance their loans for a fee.

Some clients said they handed over deposits of €5,000, while others paid her up to €60,000.

The new loans never materialised and a number of people lost their homes as well as their deposits.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau took over the investigation following the programme. Two weeks later, on March 1, Gardaí armed with a warrant moved to search Carey’s home.

Gardaí made the first arrest in the case in February, when a man was arrested in Wexford and questioned about conspiracy to commit deception.

Garda sources said it was a “significant arrest”, though he was released without charge.

Two people who are suspected of being the organisers of the scam, are expected to be arrested within weeks.

There has been little sign that property owners who claim they have been defrauded will get their money back.

Property owners are alleged to have paid tens of thousands in deposits to Carey’s UK-registered company, Careysfort Asset Estates, over two years.

Carey also asked clients to transfer deposits to bank accounts in Germany and Belgium. Garda sources say the accounts were tracked down through international police authorities — but they contained little or no funds.

The money appears to have been frittered away.

A pleasant function took place at Ballylarkin, Freshford on a Saturday recently when the ‘Bishop’s Tree’ was replanted close to Ballylarkin Church. Legend has it that seven bishops were hanged on an old ash tree in this area. Local oral history laid the blame at the feet of Oliver Cromwell but Canon Carrigan suggested the tale probably emanated from Viking times. It is clear from his

writing that the tree was shown to him.

The tree fell in the early 1950s. Local resident Mick Burke recalled that, even though firewood was scarce in the locality at that time, not a twig or a branch was used by the locals because it would have been deemed unlucky. The tree eventually rotted away.

On the Saturday locals and visitors gathered in the field known as the

Eleven Acres. Landowners Willie and Fintan White carried out the replanting which was topped off by Mick Burke whose idea it was to replant the tree.

Ned Kennedy gave a short history of the site and of the townsland of Ballylarkin.

Ballylarkin Castle, the seat of the Shortalls, stood at the entrance to the ‘Eleven Acres’. It was later replaced by a house known as ‘Mortimer’s House’. As

the Whites are descended from a branch of the Shortall family, it can be said that these lands have been in the hands of the same family for over 800 years.

The tree for the replanting was supplied by the Acorn Project, thanks to Máire Brennan.

Pictured above local men and a woman outstanding in their own field... planting the Bishop’s Tree...

Easter activity for children at Evergreen

Wet, wet, wet ... the March gone by

This Easter will see thousands of children getting active with camps taking place across the country including Evergreen FC in Kilkenny.

Right across the country, from basketball to sailing and rowing to scouting, sports tech company, Clubforce is reporting the largest number of sports clubs running Easter Camps this year.

“We’re delighted to see the

March was the wettest for the last 83 years, according to provisional statistics from Met Éireann.

Last month, 173.3mm of rain fell across Ireland - 169pc of the 1981 to 2010 long-term average data.

Met Éireann said the previous wettest March was in 2019.

It followed the fourth-driest February ever recorded.

growth in Easter Camps this year and particularly to see the range of different sports, not just soccer and GAA,” said Noel Murray, Clubforce’s Chief Executive.

“There are so many benefits to the kids taking part, even beyond the obvious health benefits – being active boosts creativity, builds confidence and can help develop other life skills.”

Some parts of the country witnessed the driest February in more than half a century.

Johnstown Castle, in Co Wexford, recorded only 7.4mm of rainfall in February. This was the lowest amount in the country.

Provisional figures also highlighted that the UK witnessed its wettest March in more than 40 years, with

111.3mm of rainfall recorded, 91pc more than average.

Wales and Northern Ireland also had one of their top 10 rainiest Marches on record, the data revealed.

Wales recorded 197.5mm of rain, 91pc more than its long-term average.

And Northern Ireland witnessed 137.4mm of rainfall, 58pc above the average.

The only place in Britain to

buck the trend was Scotland, where rainfall was 128.7mm, just 3pc above normal data.

There will be more rain this afternoon, with the wet weather spreading nationwide by early tonight.

There will be rain tomorrow, but by Thursday the sunshine will have returned, making for a pleasant spring day. Temperatures will reach a maximum of 13C.

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Easter, the Pope, and the mystery of life As one who has long eschewed the pomp and pageantry of Catholicism, or any organised religion for that matter — I’m a great believer in going into my closet to pray — I concede, however, that it is hard not to like Pope Francis who, as I write, is home after a short spell in hospital. He’s 86.

Since he took up residence in Vatican City, we have been learning down the years about Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The first pope from Latin America, he decried the trappings of the office, foregoing a mansion for a small apartment, preferring to take the bus than use a chauffeur, and dedicated himself to pastoral work in the slums.

The affable Francis in the years of his papacy has wooed the public (and much of a fawning media)

with his disarming humility and common touch — and his obvious flair for adlibbing and humour. Francis has marked a break from the past, an ambition to focus on social relevance and justice. “How I would like a church which is poor and for the poor!” he has often said.

What I have found interesting is that Pope Francis obtained his first degree in chemistry, a later one in philosophy and another in theology, and that he once taught literature and psychology at universities. That broad education, academic bent, and humility are hardly a surprise because Bergoglio was the first Jesuit pope. The Jesuits, the largest order in the Catholic Church, are its intellectual elite and known for their independent thinking. They

also vow to live lives of austerity and never to seek high office in the Catholic Church — let alone pope.

They have focused less on doctrine than do career clergy and more on issues of social and economic injustice. I have seen firsthand their Christ-like work, when under cover, in South America among the socially and politically disadvantaged, often putting their own lives at great risk.

Contrary to widespread belief, the modern Catholic Church is science-friendly: its support for Darwinian evolution contrasts sharply with the unscientific belief in Creationism of many evangelicals both here — cue, the North — and across the world, a concept that Pope Benedict XVI rightly criticised in 2007 as “absurd”.

I mention all this because, increasingly, science, particularly in the field of astrophysics, alludes to an Original Cause or God, if you like.

Robert Lanza’s Biocentrics and Bernard Haisch’s The God Theory are not a million light years from Higgs boson and the God particle.

My Catholic upbringing did little to answer any of the Big Questions, and I could not rationalise a God who would condemn some of us to eternal damnation, nor rationalise a devil that existed outside of God for that defeats the very definition of what God is — the All That Is, encompassing all. The pontifications of the eminent evolutionist Richard Dawkins have always left me cold for he starts from the arrogant premise that there is no God and that the Big Bang of 13.8

billion years ago (science only last year added another 800 million years to that moment) and everything that has followed since is, effectively, just chance.

Could just as easily not have happened.

Sorry, but I just don’t buy that. Even Darwin never ruled out a Divine Originator.

The laws of physics are so fine-tuned: that there is Life, that you and I exist at all — a nano-nano second either side of the Big Bang and the ‘conditions’ for such would not ‘be’ — is, in the true sense of the word, a miracle.

Ergo, anything is possible.

There is just as likely a God as there is not.

My small circle of friends is, in the main, atheistic.

The familiar stark divide between people of religion and those without is, I feel,

too crude. Many atheists have convictions and experiences just as profound as those that believers count as ‘religious’. Though they do not believe in a ‘personal God’, some, nevertheless, believe in a ‘force’ in the universe ‘greater than we are’. As did, and few consider this, Einstein who wrote: “To know that what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty ... this knowledge, this feeling, is at the centre of true religiousness. In this sense, and this sense only, I belong in the ranks of devoutly religious.’’

My father once told me his grandfather’s words to his wife at his deathbed were: “Well, Mary, I’ll know the Great Mystery soon.’’

And, with that, he was gone ...

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

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Yep, it's that ploughing time of the year again Applications for the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships, in conjunction with the National Ploughing Association (NPA) are now being accepted. Irish agri companies are invited to apply to showcase their products and innovations at the Innovation Arena from September 19 to 21 at the Nation-

al Ploughing Championships 2023 in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

The Innovation Arena is a must-see exhibition platform, providing over 50 companies from the agri sector with the opportunity to showcase their pioneering innovations to over 250,000 visitors at the National Ploughing Championships.

This year the Innovation

Arena are inviting applicants from start-up companies that are under five years old and from established companies that are focused on innovation. New for 2023 is the chance for previous participants to apply for a space in the new ‘AgTech Hub’ within the Arena which will give companies the opportunity to return to the Innovation

Arena to showcase their progress and growth since first exhibiting.

The best start-up winner at the Arena will receive €10,000 and will be presented with the prize at a formal awards ceremony during the National Ploughing Championships.

Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to

Firms ignore Government energy relief, say Revenue The energy subsidy scheme for businesses, initiated by the Government in Budget 2023, is not make any meaningful impact on company finances six months after its introduction.

Businesses have received just €61.3m in payments from the Temporary Business Energy Subsidy Scheme (TBESS), despite the programme being allocated €1.3bn last September, according to the latest figures from Revenue.

Most of that money has sat unused as firms were uneasy with the tight qualifying criteria for the scheme and a lengthy application process, leaving many to struggle alone against high energy prices.

The Government agreed to extend the deadline, loosen the eligibility rules and increase the available payments in the Spring Finance Bill, but the belated revisions to the scheme are now stuck awaiting EU state aid approval in Brussels. It was the second set of changes to the scheme after professionals such as doctors, dentists and solicitors were left out of the version announced in the Budget.

A Department of Finance spokesperson said that approval should be confirmed "very soon” but in the meantime the scheme is languishing while huge energy bills are falling due for companies.

As of March 30, a total of 27,147 businesses have registered for the scheme and 22,455 of them have begun the claim process. Only 17,481 businesses

have fully completed the claims process, while another 4,974 have partially completed the claims process, according to Revenue.

Revenue has said it will reassess submissions made while the enhanced measures are waiting to be enacted. Officials will then reassess all submissions based on the new criteria once EU approval has been granted, after which firms will get bigger payouts backdated to September.

Under the revised scheme, businesses can claim if their energy costs went up by 30%, rather than the 50% required in the original version of the scheme.

Bríd Heffernan, tax and policy lead with Chartered Accountants Ireland, who lobbied enterprise minister Simon Coveney to overhaul the scheme, said "a strong communication and education campaign to businesses will likely be needed to remind businesses of the expanded scheme and encourage them to apply where they have not done so already".

She added that the increase in the monthly cap on payments from €10,000 to €15,000 was not subject to EU permission and had been in force since March 1.

Small Firms Association director David Broderick welcomed the recent changes to the scheme, which had led to an increase in payouts in March, but he indicated eligible businesses were still not signing up for the subsidies in large enough numbers.

supporting companies and entrepreneurs where innovation is at the core of their business offering. The Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships is a key platform for promoting Irish agri-technology, showcasing capabilities to both a captive domestic and international audience over a busy three days."

IAnna May McHugh, National Ploughing Association Managing Director said: “The Innovation Arena is a not-tobe-missed opportunity for anyone who has a good business idea, product or service to showcase at Europe’s largest outdoor event." * See https://www.eventsforce.net/enterpris eireland/3271/home

Car reg up 37% for Q1

New car registrations for the month of March were up 37% (17,676) when compared to March 2022 (12,907). Registrations year to date are up 16.5% (58,116) on the same period last year (49,905), according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 71.4% (3,453)

compared to March last year (2,015) and year to date are up 24% (11,587). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 26.4% (273) in comparison to March 2022 (216). Year to date HGV's are up 42.6% (964).

Imported Used Cars seen a 23.9% (4,699) increase in March 2023, when com-

pared to March 2022 (3,793).

Year to date imports are up 7% (12,474) on 2022 (11,639).

For the month of March 3,421 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 1,924 in March 2022. So far this year 9,303 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 6,235 +49% on the same period 2022.

Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share now of 24%. Petrol continues to remain dominant (32.6%), with Diesel accounting for 22.8%, Hybrid 20.6%, Electric 16% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 8%.

€3.4m. fund to boost retail store online presence

Obituary: Ned Sweeney, proud Kilkenny man

Retailers in Kilkenny are encouraged to avail of a share of a €3.4m. fund to boost their online presence.

Enterprises across Ireland that have a minimum of 10 employees can apply for a 50% ‘matching grant’ up to a maximum of €25,000.

Applicants must have a physi-

Proud Kilkenny man Ned Sweeney of Francis Terrace, and more recently of Archer’s Court recently passed away in Dublin. Ned was the first race director of the Dublin City Marathon and a brother of Jim and Mary and predeceased brothers Pat (ex RTE News) and Joe.

cal store as well as an online presence to qualify.

Minister Neale Richmond said all applications would be judged fairly and objectively; “Every application will be adjudicated on by the Department but there’s absolutely a scope for every retail business to do more online."

Following school in Kilkenny CBS, he began work in Munster Simms and continued in Dublin with Irish Shell. He lived in Dublin's Killester for many years which was especially handy for hurling matches in Parnell Park and Croke Park.

Ned is survived by his wife Ann (nee Donovan) of St Teresa’s Terrace and three sons and seven grandchildren.

He will be remembered at a month’ mind mass in St Fiacre’s Church, Loughboy (10.30am) on Sunday April 23'

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

When gender is not such a neutral issue Most of us have notions around the way we want to bring up our children and prepare them for the world.

In the early days of Women’s Lib I decided to avoid stereotyping when it came to toys and my daughter got a train set as well as a cuddly baby doll.

The upshot? Two neighbouring boys thought the train set was brilliant, came round to play and became fast friends with her. Together they were like the three musketeers, raiding orchards, building wigwams and gliders. Their friendship came to an abrupt end when the teen years struck, as teenage boys simply didn’t play with girls.

My ideas weren’t as radical as today’s non-binary approach which avoids rigid differentiation between the sexes and where gender

doesn’t have to depend on sex.

Paul Murphy, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, and his partner Jess Spear went public recently about their decision to raise their new baby Juniper as gender neutral. Little Juniper will be referred to as they or it and as a baby who is male.

Hmm, I wonder how this will work out for Juniper.

Will he, sorry they, grow up free of the social constructs around gender stereotypes, (some of which may be limiting while some serve society well in terms of what it means to be a women or man)? Or will nature win out over nurture, with Juniper heading off to play football and fight with other boys?

Paul Murphy was quoted as saying that he didn’t like the idea of people being fitted into neat little boxes

and that Juniper could decide when ‘they’ were three years old whether ‘they’ were a boy or a girl. Three seems way too young for questions about self-concept though. Identity formation is a complex process in which individuals develop a unique view of themselves.

According to psychological theory the process of personality development goes through a critical stage during adolescence and early adulthood as young people form different aspects of their identity which an important part of healthy development. Teen years are a time when young people try to see how they fit in, test out different ideas and begin to consider what their future looks like. It’s a vulnerable stage when they ask themselves the question

‘who am I’ and answering that question can be confusing if you are not sure who you are.

Trans ideology, which includes ideas about gender neutrality. is one of the latest forms of social activism to make waves. The central tenant is that people can be male or female ,depending on how they feel rather than according to their biological sex and that people can self-identify as the gender they want to be and can declare as non-binary, gender fluid or trans man (biologically a woman) or vice versa. Within a remarkably short time these ideas have become mainstream in Ireland covered in areas like SPHE (Social Personal and Health Education) at primary and secondary level education and in official literature in areas like health.

Ideas which promote freedom from prejudice, allow people to develop their full potential and offer sensible sex education covering issues like consent are welcome. But there are aspects of trans ideology which cause concern in relation to vulnerable young people. Wishing to be the gender other than the sex you were born can be a socially contagious idea.

Wind back a decade and hardly any girls presented for treatment for gender dysphoria, now they are the majority internationally.

When the controversial, now closed. UK Tavistock Clinic opened in 1989 there were just two referrals but by 2020 there were 2,378, mostly teenage girls. Numbers attending gender clinics have soared with around 9,000 transgender surgeries a year

are carried out in the US. Don’t we need to think carefully about a situation where teens who selfdeclare may be too readily prescribed puberty blockers before going on to be prescribed cross-sex hormones and maybe have life changing, sterilising surgery, decisions which in some cases may be bitterly regretted?

There is the irony too where the recognition of trans women (born male) who identify as female gender results in the deletion of the word woman in official publications.

Maybe one day in the future we may all look the same: coffee coloured and androgenous. In the meantime let’s hope that trans ideology won’t be a Pandora’s box but rather one that comes with a treat and with caution warning on the lid.

Planning your wedding this year?

CLAIR WHITTY

Are you are planning your wedding this year? Then, no doubt you’ll want to look your best on your big day.

To help your skin glow I would start with a cleanse.

Flor Essence is where I would begin. I have taken this supplement over the years and my skin glows after using it. I always feel refreshed and healthy afterwards, and that’s only after one bottle! You simply take 50ml in warm water at night for ten nights, and repeat if you wish.

Supplements to support skin and hormone balance

in the months leading up to your wedding include Cleanmarine for Women. This supplement contains Vitamin B6 supporting natural hormone balance and Vitamin B2 for healthy skin. The key ingredients also include phospholipid Omega 3 Krill Oil, Vitamins B1 and D3, as well as Rosemary Extract and Soy Isoflavones. Krill oil has no fishy smell or aftertaste plus it’s more easily absorbed than fish oil. This is a natural supplement that you can take regularly for hormone balance and for healthy glowing skin. You would need to be taking it consistently for a few months to feel the full benefit.

I often get asked if you can take Cleanmarine For Women when on the contraceptive

pill. You can, and it’s actually a bonus to do so because the pill can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamins such as B2 and B6 from food, and both of them are in this supplement. It’s suitable for young women of all ages.

Drinking plenty of water, skin brushing, and using good quality body creams or oils can also help keep your skin supple and silky smooth. Dry skin brushing is easy to do, remember to brush towards the heart in a gentle sweeping motion to invigorate the skin and to remove dry skin cells.

As you get closer to your wedding day, you might begin to feel a bit of stress building, this is normal. However, if it affects your sleep, you could try drinking relaxing herbal teas or sprinkle some lavender oil on your pillow. Or, there’s New Nordic Melissa Dream, it contains lemon balm which supports sleep, can aid relaxation, calm your overactive mind, and will help your focus the next day too.

I hope you have a glowing Wedding Day! Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands.

Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

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News

SPECIAL REPORT Coinciding with the occurrence of National Traveller Ethnicity Day last month, the HSE/South East Community Healthcare officially launched the tin-smithed copper art project involving Travellers from across counties Kilkenny and Carlow.

Entitled ‘Gloak Our Laces’ (meaning ‘look at us’), the project draws on themes of positive mental health and wellbeing.

It was arranged by the HSE/South East Community Healthcare’s mental health services, with support from the HSE’s Social Inclusion Office nationally and the HSE’s mental health engagement and recovery office in the South East Community Healthcare area, working in collaboration with Traveller Projects in counties Carlow and Kilkenny.

The arts project was led out by artist Mary Cassidy and the launch took place in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.

The ‘Gloak Our Laces’ project has been documented on a short video (see https://youtu. be/ShIDusup-eY) and the finished pieces are to feature as an exhibition at the Department of Psychiatry acute mental health inpatient facility located on the grounds of St Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/ Kilkenny.

Speaking at the launch, Traveller Mental Health Coordinator with HSE/South East Community Healthcare Mary Byrne said: “The ‘Gloak Our Laces’ project provided a space for participants to talk about minding mental health

‘Gloak Our Laces’ copperfastens mental wellbeing and wellbeing in a relaxed space while engaging in a shoulder to shoulder activity together.

“This process was supported by the Carlow/ Kilkenny Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse and Traveller Pride was embraced throughout. Participants were presented with an opportunity of personal discovery to tell their own story, in their own way

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through creative arts,” she said.

“This is a key step in building Traveller culture competence within the Carlow/ Kilkenny Mental Health Services and is in line with the newly launched HSE National Traveller Health Action Plan – ‘Working together to improve the health experiences and outcomes for Travellers (20222027). HSE SECH are cur-

rently developing a regional implementation plan of the NTHAP and are committed to fulfilling the actions over the timeline of the plan.”

Zoe Doheny (HSE/South East Community Healthcare Regional Co-ordinator for Traveller Health/Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse Carlow/Kilkenny), also speaking at the launch, said: “This copper masterpiece showcases the very special skill and craftsmanship of the Traveller Artists in the area of Tin Smiting that is traditional and valued within Traveller Culture. It will be exhibited in the Department of Psychiatry, St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, embracing Traveller Culture within the facility. The masterpiece will also promote Traveller culture awareness for HSE staff who have the opportunity to view and appreciate it. A piece by Mary Carty will be displayed at Temple St. Children’s Hospital in Dublin.”

Louise O Leary (Tullow Traveller Women’s Group) said she and so many other participants of all ages were delighted to participate.

With artist Mary Cassidy’s encouragement, Louise said participants gained experience at talents they mightn’t have even known they had, made new friends, heard valued advice throughout on health and wellbeing and were all very proud of the finished pieces.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Financial literacy: we’re bottom of the class According to a recent study from Bank of Ireland many Irish people struggle with financial matters. Many of us are not sure of the best ways to save money, how to get tax back, or what is the best way to prepare for retirement etc.

The study asked more than 1,000 adults 24 questions over nine topics to determine their understanding of things financial. Unfortunately we lag far behind other countries, like Australia, Germany and the UK, when it comes to understanding financial matters.

According to the survey there is a striking difference across demographics. For example, those aged 18-34 score lowest at 48% with the highest score of 58% achieved by the over 65s. A total of 26% of those who took part got fewer than 10 questions correct and would be considered to have very poor financial literacy.

Understanding savings and tax reliefs was lowest, with only 37% of answers scored

correctly on savings and 42% on tax relief, while all groups did poorly on ways to reduce credit card interest with just 19% able to identify the various ways to avoid paying interest on credit cards. More than half the group misunderstood the concept of compound interest.

Speaking about the results, Dawn Bailey, Head of Financial Wellbeing, Bank of Ireland said: “The right financial decisions can have a critical impact on our lives. If we are more financially knowledgeable and literate, we are better placed to make sound choices and improve our financial wellbeing.”

With the increase in the use of digital services the OECD in 2020 adopted the ‘Recommendation on Financial Literacy’ report calling on members to develop national strategies that will lead to a sustained and coordinated approach to financial literacy.

The recommendation covers three main areas, that na-

tional strategies for financial literacy, financial literacy and the various sectors of the financial landscape and effective delivery of financial literacy programmes. It also looked at how to address the needs of vulnerable groups, taking into account the increased digitalisation of finance by drawing on recent research and evidence.

With the fast-changing and increasingly digital nature of financial services particular attention needs to be paid to the development of financial literacy skills to help current and future generations face the fast approaching financial challenges.

School is the place where financial education should begin. It can provide a head start in becoming financially literate. Programmes should be implemented on a national level but in many cases its left to private and ‘not for profit’ stakeholders to roll out their own strategies.

For example, Bank of Ireland

have implemented the Money Smarts programme for secondary schools and the Talking Cents resources for primary schools hoping to teach children how to make sound choices and improve their financial wellbeing.

In 2021 the Credit Union launched the New Finan-

“Use on-line resources but educate yourself wisely...

cial Education Resource for Primary Schools covering money and maths, earning money, budgeting, spending and saving, impulse buying vs investing, financial literacy and the history of a credit union and how it works.

Robert O’Reilly, Chairperson, National Youth Committee, said: “The Start Money Smart is a brilliant new resource for primary school children. Starting financial education from an early age sets the foundation to make more informed financial decisions as the grow up. Start Money Smart has been developed for use by teachers in the classroom and for parents to have fun activities at home with their children.”

But there are warnings in the OECD report in that on the one hand “the involvement of the private sector in financial education can bring a number of benefits; the contribution of financial resources, specialist and up-to-date knowledge on financial issues, and efficient

means of communication.

“They are well positioned to reach a wide audience, to exploit teachable moments related to key financial decisions, and to combine financial education with financial inclusion efforts.”

But there are shortcomings that need to be addressed, duplication of efforts, lack of teaching experience and expertise, lack of programme evaluation, and a potentially inefficient use of resources.

Financial education can become a business in itself with the risks that private organisations are more prone than public and not-for-profit ones to target the most profitable and easy-to-reach clients, and can have a preferential focus on short-term views, initiatives and resources.

Use all the on-line resources available but educate yourself wisely. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Further 64 eviction notices in Quarter 4 for Kilkenny shows government must reinstate eviction ban BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny has said the government must reintroduce the ban on evictions after the Residential Tenancies Board Quarter 4 figures showed a further 64 eviction notices were issued in Kilkenny for the last three months of 2022.

Teachta Funchion said: "The latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board show that 64 eviction notices were issued from October to December last year in Kilkenny.

“This is on top of the 68 notices issued in Q3, which have now started to fall due this month as a result of the government ending the eviction ban.

"This is a huge number of eviction notices, and behind all of these figures are real people; workers, families and pensioners.

"The government has created a time of huge uncertainty and stress, and we are experiencing a growing number of people in despair contacting our constituency office because they simply have nowhere to go.

"While some will secure alternative private rental accommodation, most will not. The result will be an increase in hidden homelessness as people move in with family and friends and an increase in the number of single people and families in emergency accommodation.

"Kilkenny’s emergency accommodation system will simply not be able to cope with any significant increase in homeless presentations. Many people will be forced to overhold and in some cases to sleep rough.

"The government's decision to end the ban on nofault evictions was cruel, callous and wrong, and must be immediately reinstated.

"Government must also implement an emergency package of measures to prevent homelessness, accelerate exits from emergency accommodation and increase and accelerate the delivery of much needed social and affordable homes."

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

News Science & Wellbeing Despite numerous speculations to the contrary, Earth’s population is likely to decrease in all scenarios across the next century and will peak nowhere near the 11 billion previously forecast.

Population growth could grind to a halt by 2050, before decreasing to as little as six billion humans on Earth in 2100, a new analysis of birth trends has disclosed.

The study, commissioned by the nonprofit organisation The Club of Rome, predicts that if current trends continue, the world’s population, which is currently 7.96 billion, will peak at 8.6 billion in the middle of the century before declining by nearly two billion before the century’s end.

The forecast is both good and bad news for humanity: A plummeting human population will slightly alleviate Earth’s environmental problems, but it is far from being the most important factor in solving them.

And falling populations will make humanity older as a whole and lower the proportion of working-age people, placing an even greater burden on the young to finance health care and pensions.

The researchers — members of the Earth4All collective, which is made up of environmental scientists and economists — published their findings March 27 in a working paper.

“We know rapid economic development in low-income countries has a huge impact on fertility rates,” Per Espen Stoknes, director of the Centre for Sustainability at Norwegian Business School and the project lead of Earth4All, said in a statement.

“Fertility rates fall as girls get access to education and women are economically

The fruit of the cocklebur plant, which grows worldwide, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components.

The plant that is often considered a noxious weed may hold the key to better skin protection and wound healing, according to new research. In addition, compounds in the fruit appear to influence the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and prevents wrinkles.

The study, conducted by Eunsu Song, a doctoral candidate at Myongji University in South Korea, and Myongji University Professor Jinah Hwang, is the first to examine the properties of cocklebur fruit extracts as a wound-healing agent and skin protectant.

The findings were presented at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, in Seattle.

Cocklebur is a plant native to Southern Europe, Central Asia, and China that has

factors that affect women’s social independence and bodily autonomy, such as access to education and contraception. Earth4All’s model is slightly more complex, integrating variables

connected to the environment and the economy.

These include energy abundance, inequality, food production, income levels and the impacts of future global warming.

The model predicted two possible outcomes for the future human population.

The first, “business-asusual” case — in which governments continue on their current trajectories of inaction, creating ecologically fragile communities vulnerable to regional collapses — would see populations rise to 9 billion people by 2050 and decline to 7.3 billion in 2100. The second, more optimistic scenario — in which governments invest in education, improved equality and green transitions — would result in 8.5 billion people on the planet by the century’s halfway point and 6 billion by 2100.

The team also investigated the connection between population sizes and the planet’s ability to sustain human populations. They found that, contrary to popular Malthusian narratives, population size is not the key factor driving climate change. Instead, they pinned the blame on high levels of consumption by the world’s richest individuals, which they say must be reduced.

“Humanity’s main problem is luxury carbon and biosphere consumption, not population,” Jorgen Randers, one of the modellers at the Norwegian School of Business and a member of Earth4All, said in the statement.

“The places where population is rising fastest have extremely small environmental footprints per person compared with the places that reached peak population many decades ago.”

of cocklebur fruit extracts, the researchers first studied their molecular properties and isolated particular compounds that could contribute to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They then used cell cultures and a 3D tissue model with properties similar to human skin to study how these compounds affect collagen production, wound healing, and damage from UVB radiation.

The results showed that the cocklebur fruit extracts encouraged collagen production, sped wound healing, and exerted a protective effect against UVB radiation. Comparing the bioactivity of cocklebur fruits grown in different places, the researchers found that fruits grown in South Korea had slightly higher anti- oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and greater wound- healing activity than those grown in China.

“We found that cocklebur fruit has the potential to protect the skin and help enhance production of col-

lagen,” said Song. “In this regard, it could be an attractive ingredient for creams or other cosmetic forms.”

However, the researchers cautioned that high doses of cocklebur fruit extract can be harmful, and further research is needed to determine how to use it safely in cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications.

In its burrs, cocklebur fruit also has a toxic constituent, carboxyatractyloside, which can damage the liver. Therefore, finding the proper concentration is essential to commercialising cocklebur fruit extracts in cosmetics.

Moving forward, the researchers plan to further study the biological mechanisms involved and conduct experiments in animal alternatives to explore ways to safely adapt cocklebur fruit extracts for use in cosmetic products.

The potential benefits of cocklebur fruit extracts could offer a promising alternative to traditional cosmetic products.

We’ll be losing people by 2100 That’s good news... and bad news ... for humankind empowered and have access to better healthcare.”

The study is a follow-up to The Club of Rome’s 1972 Limits to Growth study, which warned the world of an imminent ‘popula-

tion bomb’. The new result diverges from other recent population forecasts.

For instance, in 2022, the United Nations estimated that the world population would reach 9.7 billion by

2050 and rise to 10.4 billion by 2100. UN estimates from a decade ago suggested the population would reach 11 billion.

Other models forecast population growth based on

Common weed may protect our skin

spread worldwide, Ireland included, and often found in moist or sandy areas such as roadside ditches and riverbanks.

Its distinctive fruits, covered

in stiff husks and burrs, have been used for centuries in traditional medicines for headache, stuffy nose, disorders of skin pigmentation, tuberculosis-related illness,

and rheumatoid arthritis. In recent years, scientists have explored its potential use in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

To examine the properties

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Travel & Leisure 1. Polignano a Mare Polignano a Mare in Puglia is a beautiful Italian town famous for the beauty of its historic centre and spectacular views of the Italian Adriatic coast.

The town is known for its many sea caves. One of them is the famous Grotta Palazzese, a natural cave overlooking the sea, home to a beautiful Michelin- starred restaurant.

Polignano a Mare has such a unique landscape because it is built on a large limestone rock that plunges into the sea.

There are other similar villages on the Gargano Riviera in Puglia, such as Vieste, but Polignano is the most fascinating.

The historic centre of Polignano a Mare is characterised by small white houses with colorful shutters and narrow alleys. Wander around the alleys to soak up the vibe and stop at the different lookout points for panoramic views of the sea.

2. Calcata Vecchia Calcata is a village in northern Lazio located about halfway between Rome and Viterbo.

Calcata’s old town, Calcata Vecchia, is perched on a scenic cliff that stands out in the middle of the lush Treja Valley.

The landscape surrounding the village features canyons and boulders and a valley in the middle of which a river flows.

The road to Calcata crosses this valley covered with dense forests. In these forests you can find the vestiges of the Falisci, the ancient people who inhabited this region several centuries before the Romans.

The phenomenon that made this hilltop village so interesting has its roots in the 1960s. It was in this era that the inhabitants of Calcata, mostly peasants, abandoned the historic centre and moved into newer houses.

At the same time, artists and unconventional people from around the world began to move to Calcata, buying up the old stone houses and opening their studios.

The artists saw Calcata as the perfect place to make art and go against the grain, breaking away from the industrialisation that was taking over the world.

Those artists and their descendants are still connected to Calcutta. This is why Calcata is now known as the artists’ village near Rome.

The architecture of Calcata Vecchia dates back to the Middle Ages. Still preserved are the only ancient entrance portal to the town, a section of the defensive walls, and the watchtower, which is part of the 11th-century Anguillara Palace.

3.Tolfa Tolfa is a town of about 5,000 inhabitants located in Lazio, northwest of Rome.

It is a village completely off the beaten path. Most international travellers but also many Italians have never heard of Tolfa.

During the 1970s, this hamlet was popular in Italy for the crafting of a type of bag that was very much in vogue in

find several beaches, some empty and some with facilities and water sports centres.

Seven beautiful small towns in Italy

university circles, the so-called catana.

Nowadays these kinds of bags are known only to vintage shoppers, but the craft workshops in Tolfa are still in operation, and they have remained mostly as they were.

One of the things you notice as you stroll through the historic town centre are the shop signs, which are still the same as they were 50 years ago.

Tolfa is a destination visited

by Italians on the weekends.

And the village really comes alive the first few days of August, when it hosts Tolfarte, a festival of street performers and theatre.

Although few people know about this event, I try to go every year.

All this is crowned by the street food market where you can find the most delicious Italian street food.

Those who travel to Tolfa do so to feel surrounded by lush, unspoiled nature.

4. Castiglione di Sicilia Castiglione di Sicilia is a medieval village located in the eastern part of Sicily, in the heart of Mount Etna Park.

The village stretches over a hill offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Coast, which you can reach within a short drive.

Dotted with narrow stone streets, old houses, and noble palaces, this village is a real jewel of medieval architecture.

The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, located on the main square, is a clear testimony to

the importance of Baroque architecture in Sicily.

Castiglione is a beautiful offthe-beaten-path town that you can use as a base for exploring the east coast of Sicily.

From here, you can plan a day tour to Mount Etna and visit other destinations in the area, such as Taormina and Naxos Gardens.

5. Trevignano Romano Trevignano Romano is one of the most picturesque villages in central Italy. Known simply as ‘Trevignano’, it sits on the northern shore of Lake Bracciano, a lake located about 40 km north of Rome.

Lake Bracciano is one of the best lakes to visit near Rome. There are other towns overlooking the lake, but

6. Pienza Pienza is a charming Renaissance village located in the beautiful Val d’Orcia, in the province of Siena, Tuscany.

The entire Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town is famous for its urban architecture, designed by the Sienese architect Rossellino on commission from Pope Pius II in the 15th century.

Rossellino followed the rules of harmonic geometry in designing the village, making it a place that benefits the body and mind of the inhabitants.

Many travellers are worried about traveling to Val d’Orcia in winter, thinking it is not worth it. They are wrong. The landscape is so enchanting that it can be enjoyed in any season.

Attractions not to be missed in Pienza include the Duomo of Pienza, the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Borgia Palace, and the Church of San Francesco.

Pienza is also known for its pecorino cheese, which you can buy at the many local food shops located in the town’s historic center.

In addition, every year in September there is the Fiera del Cacio, a festival dedicated to cheese that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Tuscan ham ‘prosciutto crudo’ is one of the most prized qualities of ham In Italy.

Try both the cheese and the ham by ordering a tagliere at the bistro Baccano Il Panino Toscano.

Trevignano Romano is the smallest and most off the tourist radar.

In the last 10 years, Trevignano Romano has become a favourite destination for retirees and for families with children. They appreciate the mild climate, the chance to swim in one of Italy’s clearest lakes, and the slow pace of village life.

The strength of this hamlet is that the historic centre is set back from the dock, along which you find a curated promenade with sculptures and gardens about 2km long.

The first half of the promenade is lined with small seafood and lake fish restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. Along the second half of the promenade you can

7. Spello Spello is a beautiful medieval village located in Umbria, in the province of Perugia.

Spello’s historic centre is very charming with the stone alleys and medieval-style houses with decorated portals, flowered balconies, and frescoes.

Speaking of flowers, the Infiorata di Spello festival has made Spello one of the most popular villages in Umbria.

During this festival at the beginning of June, the streets of Spello are covered with intricate and colorful designs made entirely of flower petals.

It’s the most anticipated time of the year in Spello.

This festival keeps the community together, creates identity, and keeps locals busy for months. Just imagine how much work must go into collecting many thousands of flower petals from the mountains near the village, storing the petals, and creating the ‘paintings’.

The infiorata is definitely what makes Spello stand out from so many other Italian villages.

As for historical landmarks, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Spello is one of the oldest churches in Umbria, dating back to the 9th century.

The interior of the church houses stunning frescoes, including one by Pinturicchio.

Outside of the church you find a lovely garden with arches.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Our American adventure and the Comer bus!

I stood in out of the rain last week and as I stood there who should I find myself standing beside only an old pal of mine.

“Any craic?” he inquires.

“None whatsoever,” I tell him. “I heard you were away,” he says.”Who was telling you?” I ask. “Never mind who was telling me but I heard you were in the Big Apple,” he says. “I was.”

“So, any craic in the, in the US of A?” “At €12 for a glass of beer it was damn hard to have the craic.”

“Jaysus, that’s steep – sure you’d get a pint for that in Temple Bar.” “And put 20% of a tip on top of that.”

“Good lord, 20%?”

“Yep, 20% is pretty much the going rate over there.

Anything less could be considered mean, though you might get away with 15.”

“So, no adventures to speak of – you didn’t bump into Donald while you were strolling down Fifth Avenue?”

“Huh’” And just as we were about to part company I decided to come clean.

Actually we did have a bit of an adventure I told him, not in the Big Apple but as we were leaving. In the airport, Newark airport.

And it wasn’t so much an adventure as a bit of a nightmare. “Go on, tell me all,” he says.

As my wife and I are about to check in our bags for the seven hour fight across the Atlantic she says: “Will you take the car keys out of the front of your case.”

“I did,” I tell her. “ I took them out when we arrived in Jack’s house.” (Jack is a great friend of ours with whom we were staying).

“And where are the keys now?” my wife asks with just a hint of concern in her voice. “Well, if they’re not in your case or handbag, I assume they’re back in Jack’s house.”

“Gerry, tell me you’re joking.”

“I am not joking. I assumed you picked them up and put them in your handbag.”

And that’s when we flung open our bags and frantically went through them more thoroughly than any airport security personnel could, or would. The keys could not be found! “I don’t believe this,” I hear my wife lament. “You always put them in your handbag,” I say. “Are you blaming me now?’ she almost hisses. “Lord, no.”

(Would I dare?). That’s when we phone Jack and, sure enough, the car keys are lying quietly on

his kitchen table. Only problem is Jack’s home is two hours away and we are boarding in 50 minutes!

We didn’t speak much after that and whoever said: silence was golden obviously never left their car keys behind them in the US while an irate wife (under-

“You didn’t bump into Donald on Fifth Ave?

standably) stares into the distance and contemplates divorce, possibly murder.

The stiff drinks weren’t stiff enough as we pondered our dilemma. We will arrive in Dublin at the ungodly hour of 5.15 am; the spare key to our car (waiting patiently in the short term car park) is lying quietly on a table in our house which is being looked after by our neighbour. After much agonising as to what we should do, we phone our neighbour who very graciously tells us not to worry that he’ll drive up with the spare key.

He didn’t say when and for sure we didn’t ask when – we were just thrilled that the spare key would arrive and no doubt after numerous cups of coffee in Dublin airport we could drive home.

Meanwhile, when we arrived in Dublin, not long

after 5am, my wife discovers that a bus leaves for Kilkenny at 6 am. She hops on (at least one of us will arrive home reasonably early) as I wait for the spare key which my good neighbour delivers around 6.30 am (and, by God, but good neighbours are a blessing; we’re forever in your debt, Denis).

“So,” says my old pal, “all’s well that ends well.”

“Not quite,” I tell him.

Due to the icy weather, and a road accident, didn’t the bus get stalled somewhere outside of Comer and my unfortunate missus was left waiting for almost an hour for a replacement bus to Kilkenny.

“And that,” I told my man, ‘“s more or less how our American adventure ended – on a slippery road outside Comer!”

“Jesus,” he says, “sure you couldn’t make it up.”

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Opinion Part one

Dame Alice and the Witch Hunters The Town hall on fair day

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Dame Alice Kyteler…After almost seven centuries, the name still sends a shiver up the spines of Kilkenny folk. Her name is linked to the shadowy world of the occult, and appears in hundreds of websites on the Internet devoted to psychic phenomena.

The mysterious lady was at the heart of Ireland’s first and only witchcraft trial. She also has the distinction of being “the one that got away.” Unlike so many of the women burnt at the stake in Europe for witchcraft, Alice thwarted her accusers and disappeared without trace from Kilkenny, never to be seen or heard of again in the county.

Today, the figure of Alice looms large in local folklore and draws vast numbers of tourists and sightseers to the Marble City. Kytelers Inn, the ancient tavern in Kieran’s Street associated with her, is both a popular eating-house and a prime tourist attraction.

Its restaurant managers and bar men/women over the years have had to recite her amazing story to thousands of visitors.

Children walking past the Inn point and ask: Is that where the witch lived? In the pubs of Kilkenny, you can still hear lively conversations about Alice, the notorious witch trial, and the unresolved question of whether she really was a witch.

So who was Alice Kyteler, and what happened in 1324 that made Kilkenny famous throughout the world?

The Kyteler affair was sensational in its day: It had everything: Devil worship, sex scandals, power politics, interfamily strife, and a rift between church and state.

Dame Alice was an attractive, wealthy, and influential woman whose four marriages

augmented the power and social status conferred on her by her own family connections.

Of Anglo Norman origin, she came to Kilkenny with her father who built a house, Kyteler’s Hall in Low Lane (Kieran Street). At a young age, she married the wealthiest banker in Kilkenny, William Outlaw. He died shortly afterwards, and Alice re-married.

Her second and third husbands also expired within a few months of her marriages to them. When her fourth husband, John le Poer, began showing signs of illness and a “wasting disease”, rumours spread that she was slowly poisoning him, and that she had

dispatched the other husbands in the same way. However, there was no evidence to support these claims.

Alice’s troubles began when her stepchildren turned against her. They accused their stepmother of bequeathing all her property to William Outlaw, a son of her first marriage and the only child she bore. They prevailed upon the Bishop of Ossory, Richard Ledrede, to charge Alice and her alleged accomplices with sorcery, witchcraft and heresy, “crimes” virtually unheard of in Ireland.

Ledrede relished the opportunity to get involved in a spot of witch hunting. While on the Continent, he had

developed an obsession with heresy and the various dark deeds attributed to witches. He was anxious to unearth a few of them in his own Diocese and Alice seemed to fit the bill. His favourite book was a massive, badly written tome that railed against the evils of witchcraft.

Among other things, it suggested that “the sin of witchcraft stems from a woman’s insatiable carnal lust”. It claimed that women, if not properly supervised by their husbands, would get up to all sorts of mischief, such as bewitching men and casting spells to “diminish their manhood.” It condemned midwives and urged that they be persecuted without mercy.

If a child was delivered safely, devilish powers were blamed,

and miscarriages were also put down to “dark forces.”

Alice’s stepchildren invented the most ludicrous stories about her to fuel the Bishop’s enthusiasm.

They alleged that she sacrificed a cock to a “minor devil” called Robin at a crossroads outside Kilkenny and made contact with other demons that appeared in the forms of cats, shaggy dogs, and exotic beings. They claimed that Alice and her nefarious “helpers” slowly killed their husbands by black magic, using powders, and potions, and by cooking up stews that contained spiders, heads of decapitated thieves, chickens and “other detestable things.”

To be continued...

The Butter Slip leading into Kieran Street

Stone carving of Bishop Ledrede

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

Global Report The American philosopher and political analyst Noam Chomsky in his bestselling book ‘Hegemony Or Survival’ posed a stark choice for humankind which, in the 20 years since the book’s publication, has only become starker.

Depending on how humanity responds to the challenges of ecological destruction and imperialistic war, in the coming decade that terrifying question “Hegemony or survival?” may well be answered.

Hegemony means leadership or dominance, especially by one state out group over another.

If history shows us anything, it is that the most dangerous periods are when two or more great powers are struggling for that hegemony. The 18th century in Europe was a time of “multipolarity,” as Britain, France, Prussia, Austria, and Russia were almost continually at war, competing for geopolitical advantage and to divide up the continent between them. The conflicts escalated in the era of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, as a mighty France, bursting with revolutionary energy, strove for absolute dominance against, in the end, Britain and Russia.

The 1815 Congress of Vienna led to a century-long relative balance of power presided over by an industrialising Britain, which soon became the supreme world power.

Once industrialisation swept the rest of Europe, however, particularly Germany, Britain’s hegemony began to be challenged, not only in the Scramble for Africa but even in Europe itself. German elites wanted their country to be the next Britain, and to a great extent it was their desire for hegemony that caused World War I. As well as World War II, of course.

Since 1945, the United States has been the global hegemon, or something close to a hegemon. The Soviets had vast power in their limited sphere encompassing Eastern Europe and Central Asia, but they were

Dominance or survival?

World holds its breath ... not a capitalistically expansive, dynamically growing imperial power in the mode of the United States — or, more recently, of a resurgent China.

Bow, for the first time since World War II, we are entering an era of real competition between two mammoth economies, a declining hegemon and an aspiring hegemon.

When people talk about the ‘China threat’ this is all they

mean. In the long run, China poses a greater threat to US power than the Soviet Union ever did. Mainstream commentators and politicians will talk of China’s threat to democratic values and human rights but US foreign and domestic policy since the Second World War tells us how much its elites care about democracy and human rights.

From the Vietnam War to the

catastrophic invasion of Iraq, and from US support for thugs like Batista, Diem, Iran’s Shah, Suharto, Duvalier, Trujillo, Somoza, Pinochet, Marcos, Rios Montt, Mobutu, Saddam Hussein, Mubarak, Sisi, Modi, Mohammed bin Salman, and Netanyahu to CIA coups and attempted coups against countless governments, it is self-evident that policymakers couldn’t care less about the

moral values they pretend to espouse.

Americans have to ask themselves: Is it worth risking nuclear war — and an apocalyptic nuclear winter — for no loftier purpose than to maintain their country’s violently enforced grasp of overwhelming global power?

The current flashpoint, of course, is the war in Ukraine, which is helping to cement a

‘partnership’ between China and Russia, both of which are also deepening their ties with Iran.

Decades ago, Zbigniew Brzezinski wrote that “a coalition allying Russia with both China and Iran can develop only if the United States is shortsighted enough to antagonise China and Iran simultaneously.” He would presumably not be very happy with US policies that are bringing about exactly this coalition. At the same time, US missteps in the Middle East and its relative disengagement from the region since the Obama presidency are allowing China to improve its position there, as illustrated by the deal it recently brokered between Iran and Saudi Arabia to normalise relations. China’s burgeoning economic interests not only in the Middle East but across most of the world, a function of its colossal, globe-spanning Belt and Road Initiative, necessitate that the country play an ever-greater diplomatic role in fraught regions. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has shown it is happy to defy Washington, even joining much of the world in disregarding Western sanctions on Russia.

While Washington’s failure to convince most countries to economically and diplomatically isolate Russia highlights the US’s declining ‘hegemony’. But the real threats to American power run deeper than diplomatic embarrassments. In the coming years, the very status of the dollar as the world’s dominant currency may be threatened. A kind of ‘de-dollarisation’ has been happening for some time now, as, for example, the share of dollar reserves held by central banks declined from 71 percent in 1999 to 59% in 2021.

But in the last few years, and especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing effort by many countries to undermine the dollar’s dominance of the global financial system has intensified.

Meantime, the world holds it breath...

France could soon legalise euthanasia Euthanasia for the terminally ill may see reality in France following Emmanuel Macron call for a law “within months” on a “French model on the end of life”.

The president has pledged to table a draft law on the right to die by the “end of summer”, a day after a group of citizens called for legislation to be changed.

President Macron said the bill would build on the work of a group of 184 randomly appointed French citizens – a bit like Ireland’s Citizen Assembly – who have debated the issue since December.

In conclusions handed to Mr Macron the other week, some 76% of the citizen’s council said they favoured allowing patients the right to some form of assistance

to die. The group has spent three months tackling the ethical issue amid growing calls to allow medically assisted deaths for terminally ill patients.

Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Spain all allow active euthanasia, where a doctor administers a fatal

dose of a drug at the request of a patient to relieve suffering.

Assisted suicide, in which the physician supplies the drug but the patient administers it, is legal in Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

In France, neither practice is legal, prompting dozens of

French to travel to Switzerland to end their lives.

Mr Macron said he wished to put in place a euthanasia process that would be up to the French parliament to agree on but within certain limits.

He said that any changes would have to “guarantee the expression of free and enlightened desire” to die and the “reiteration of this choice”.

Medically assisted death could only be allowed when a patient suffered from an incurable “psychological and physical” condition, he said.

Mr Macron ruled out assisted death being extended to children and pledged more funds for palliative care so that all French who need it can receive it.

Under legislation known as the Claeys-Leonetti law, doctors are authorised to intervene at the end of life to sedate terminally ill patients deeply until their deaths occur naturally. Such patients also have the right to refuse life-sustaining treatments and can state this preference in advance before they require end-of-life care.

The change has been spurred by the death of JeanLuc Godard, the FrancoSwiss film director, who last September chose to die by assisted suicide in Switzerland at the age of 91.

Within a week of Mr Godard’s death, France’s national ethics committee opened a new path for legal change by saying that “under strict conditions”, active assistance in

dying was ethically possible.

The country’s national council of doctors, l’Ordre des Medecins, has said it opposes involving doctors in helping people kill themselves.

In a new poll in Le Journal du Dimanche, some 76% of French said they were for assisted suicide and 36% said they would personally opt for euthanasia if they had a painful and incurable condition.

This is only the second time such a citizen’s council has been used in France, after a similar group was formed to debate how to tackle climate change. But after promising to enact its findings in full, President Macron was accused of greenwashing when he went back on the pledge.

This time, parliament will have the last word.

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Down at the Co-op

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

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allan Co-op has thrived since the day it was set up following a Town Hall meeting in March 1899. It began taking milk from farmers within hours of opening for business.

In 1905, Tim Lucy took over as Manager. He hitched a lift to Callan on an ass and cart, dusted himself off, and, according to folklore, told the first farmer he met in West Street at the Creamery: “This is the town where I’ll make my fortune-come hell or high water!”

He made big improvements, and the Co-op notched up unprecedented profits. Lucy and his workforce swam happily in a sea of milk-metaphorically speaking. The Co-op grew

strong as staff, farmers, and management worked together to make it a viable and productive venture.

For a while it made cheese, but scrapped this sideline in 1920 when sales plummeted. The following year, Lucy decided to expand the enterprise, acquiring premises in Green Street for the purpose of supplying hardware, timber, fertilisers and animal feeds.

In 1954, Pat Scriven, of Macroom, County Cork, replaced Lucy. He had served as assistant to Tim Lucy. He ran the Co-op with great skill and foresight and held his position for almost four decades, retiring in 1992.

One of his proudest moments was when the Co-op won the prestigious Read Cup-the Sam Maguire of butter making. Callan beat off stiff competition to win the coveted prize. At the Spring Show in 1960, Mr. Scriven accepted the award, flanked

by Larry Maher of anti-Summer

Time fame (see Caught in a Time Warp) and Betty Murphy, the Co-op’s ace butter-maker.

Betty was a Cork woman who took to Callan like a duck to water.

Another milestone in Mr. Scriven’s career was the decision by Callan Co-op in 1973 not to amalgamate with a larger concern. Its independent stance was vindicated by subsequent events on the national scene.

But alongside this agricultural success story went a history marked by peculiar, amusing, and sometimes mind-boggling events. The human side of the Co-op is a great deal more interesting than records of butter sales, financial spread sheets, and reports on how many gallons of milk flowed through its tanks.

The Committee’s initial hostility to the advent of electricity is a case in point. After endless rounds of meetings and consultations, it agreed in November

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1915 to allow an electric bulb to be installed in the creamery office. This innovation came in the face of stiff opposition from those who felt that God’s light, candlelight, and lamplight were good enough for anybody.

The remainder of the premises was not electrified until 1941.

A proposal by two far-seeing Committee members in 1914 to have a telephone installed in the creamery office caused ructions. One member denounced the idea as a concession to newfangled gadgetry that would encourage a “lazy attitude” and anti-social habits that would infect the Co-op’s time-honoured work ethic.

He argued, persuasively by all accounts, that a man would not bother to discuss business “in the flesh” if he had a phone nearby, and that it would be better to safeguard the “personal touch” by keeping phones out of the Co-op. He warned that he felt so strongly about the issue that he would personally rip out the telephone wires if he saw them connected to the creamery!

Another Committeeman decried the proposal as anti-Christian, on the basis that the use of telephones might contravene one or more of the Ten Commandments. When pressed

on this issue by a pro-phone campaigner, he voiced concern that females, if they gained access to “the contraption” in the creamery, might spend the whole day gossiping and end up undermining the Co-op’s milk supplying prowess, not to mention its glowing image in the farm community.

A pro-phone delegate insisted that there was nothing in the Ten Commandments about telephones. In 1924, the antiphone lobby capitulated. The Co-op got connected.

The problems occasioned by the three time zones that operated between Callan, Kilkenny, and Mullinahone were worthy of a John B. Keane drama. You can read about that episode elsewhere in the book.

And then you had the characters: Names etched in the town’s collective memory: Johnny Tobin, Mick Peters, Paddy Cuddihy, Hauley Holden, Terry O’ Brien, Ellen Wallace, Jack Marnell, Paddy O’ Sullivan, John O’ Keefe, Liz Fielding, Pat Bannam, Kitty Townsend, Brigid Comerford, Jim Power, the Carroll brothers, Willie O’ Brien, and Gerry Fitzgerald.

Johnny Tobin became something of a legend in Callan within months of joining the Co-op in 1948. He was the court

jester who entertained customers at the store with his endless repertoire of jokes and yarns.

Salesmen who visited with the intention of concluding their business within a few minutes would find themselves conversing for hours with Johnny, discussing everything from hurling to the Cuban missile crisis.

He could bring humour to bear on even the unhappiest predicament. For instance, he had a peculiar way of clearing the store yard of traffic when it became congested. He would position himself in the middle of the chaos and shout: “Okay folks, turn the wheel around, one way only. Enjoy yourselves”.

Sometimes, an irate farmer would respond in a less than complimentary fashion to his exhortations.

Gerry Fitzgerald devoted 40 years of his life to the store and creamery, retiring in 1985. He had a flair for mental arithmetic, never needing to tot up figures on paper; never mind use a calculator.

Despite suffering a stroke in 1970, he continued to work with the Co-op. He had been in the process of writing a book on his experiences when he died in 1994. The book may yet be completed.

Paddy Cuddihy was one of

the most popular figures ever to join the Co-op. He had a witty remark for every situation.

He once told a lady who complained that a mouse had been found in her bag of chick-feed that the Co-op would not be charging her for the animal. And on a plane journey to Birmingham to visit relatives, he acted decisively to put passengers out of their misery.

The aircraft was a Dakota-Aer Lingus hadn’t any jets at the time-and ventilation allowed a flow of freezing cold air to sweep through the plane. Paddy listened for a few minutes to whispered complaints, and polite exchanges on the subject.

Then, true to form, he intervened on behalf of everybody aboard. Calling the stewardess, he gently intoned: “Miss, would you mind telling someone to close the back door. There’s a terrible draught!”

Mick Peters had an equal status in the annals of Co-op folklore, offering pearls of wisdom to anyone who would listen. His favourite retort to an insoluble dilemma was “Three into two won’t go, so we won’t push it”.

The Co-op is still going strong, keeping the farmers happy and also, no doubt, breeding a new generation of characters to fill the scene.

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Not just for farmers F

ROM work boots to pasta dishes, and everything in between, you never know what you might discover at the newly renovated Callan CoOp Homevalue store.

Formally Callan Co-Op’s Farmers Store, which opened in 1889 on Green Street, serving the local farming community with a full range of agri related products, a move to West Street in 2005 allowed the store to expand its product range to include more DIY, home and building products.

However, by partnering with Homevalue and undertaking a mammoth redevelopment of the store premises, the new look store has doubled in size and is now much more than simply a Farmers Store. It is a store for everyone.

Officially launched on Friday, March 31, Callan Co-Op Homevalue now supplies its most diverse range ever for homes, gardens and the DIY enthusiast.

Customers can expect to find top-quality Canadia flooring, expanded paint supplies featuring Crown, Dulux and Fleetwood, and a range of garden furniture, accessories, footwear and protective clothing. The store also offers a full range of animal feeds, equine products, fencing supplies, hardware, solid fuel products, gardening/landscape supplies, pet and bird food and accessories. With the new look store and expanded product selection Callan CoOp offer bigger, better and more competitively priced products.

A big investment into Callan Every part of the existing building has been renovated,

expanded and refurbished.

The new Callan Co-Op Homevalue store spreads over 10,000 square feet, giving

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plenty of room to stroll and browse while you shop. It’s totally accessible for wheelchair users and baby buggies alike. With 40 free car park spaces on site (including disabled and family parking bays), it is conveniently located just off the Callan Bypass.

The expansion of the retail store and extensive re-development of the yard together with new branding represents the progressive nature of Callan Co-Op and will hopefully set them up for the next 100 years.

James Fitzgerald, General Manager of Callan Co-Op said, “Over the past two years we have completed huge

improvements in our infrastructure which will help future proof the business.

“We have upgraded and increased our feed and fertiliser storage facilities. The concrete surfacing of the entire yard has resulted in a cleaner environment for us to run our business and increased our storage area.

“It has been an amazing journey from the original

“Farmers Store” to what is the new look Callan Co-op Homevalue Store on West Street. There is now something for everyone at Callan Co-op Homevalue.”

Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays: 8.30am – 5.30pm.

Saturdays: 8.30am – 4pm Sunday: Closed Tel: 056 772 5146 https://callancoop.ie

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Celebrating the Callan Co-Op heritage

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N 1899, a group of farmers came together to form the Callan Co-operative Agricultural & Dairy Society.

From small beginnings the

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Co-Op has evolved over time to become a thriving business, which makes a huge contribution to the local area. The Co-Op now directly employs

over 40 people with activities including milk assembly, supplying agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers, building materials and hard-

ware. It also operates a Londis convenience store and Top Oil Forecourt, all located on West Street, Callan.

Now, over 120 years later, driven by its member ownership, Callan Co-Op continues to thrive and serve the needs of its community.

General Manager James Fitzgerald said, “The Co-Op was founded in 1899 to foster the co-operative ethos of member benefit, member participation and member loyalty. This ethos is central to how Callan Co-Op has evolved over the last 120 years.

“The torch of loyalty and participation has passed through the generations and has enabled Callan Co-Op to retain its independence despite serious challenges.

“As the Co-Op has evolved, so has our offering. We now cater for a range of home, DIY, building and gardening products in addition to agricultural inputs and consumables. Without our loyal farming customers, we wouldn’t have achieved what you see here now, so we are always keen to acknowledge how valuable their support is.”

Callan Co-Op prides itself on its knowledge of the local area; its customers; the products which are offered; and the

challenges facing the farming community.

Jim McHugh, Agri Business Manager was keen to stress the importance of Callan CoOp’s commitment to the agri sector, "As an Agri Business Manager, I've seen first-hand the importance of strong partnerships between farmers and co-ops. Callan Co-Op is a prime example of a Co-Op that truly understands the needs of its members and works tirelessly to support them.

“From providing top-quality agri inputs to offering expert advice, Callan Co-Op is a vital

resource for farmers in the area. I'm proud to work with such progressive farmers and look forward to helping them to continued success in the years ahead."

Callan Co-Op has a proud reputation of providing a large range of Agri products. The store provides a full range of animal feeds for cows, beef, sheep, and poultry supplied with a bulk feed delivery service; a full range of equine products including feed from Red Mills, veterinary supplies, dairy detergents, fencing supplies, gates and agri consumables.

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ALLAN Co-Op has always been known for its great value, with customers traveling from all over Kilkenny for the keen prices and the unbeatable customer service.

Siobhan Mason joined Callan Co-Op as the Retail Operations Manager 10 months ago, in the middle of the big redevelopment.

Siobhan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. “Customers are loving the opportunity to browse around now, and we are delighted to see the big mix of customers come in from all around Kilkenny, Tipperary and beyond. We are here to serve all the community of Callan and hinterlands.

“We previously had a very compact shop floor, which has practically doubled in

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Good value always travels well

size. Now we have more room to designate to different suppliers, enabling us to showcase a more extensive range of products.”

Everyday essentials Callan Co-Op Homevalue is brilliant at the essentials, whether for home or hardware they have everything you use in day to day living.

Have you ever visited? It’s worth a trip out to see the amazing, bright new store with its huge range of hardware, clothing and footwear, gardening/landscape supplies, including compost, seeds and seed potatoes, garden equipment and

paint supplies. It offers pet and bird food and accessories, and an extensive range of DIY products and items required for household jobs.

Footwear and protective clothing are also extended on the new shop floor. With a new expanded pet food and equestrian section not to mention home fuel products. The list is practically endless.

Wood flooring is a completely new range to Callan Co-Op Homevalue. They are now stocking Irish brand, Canadia flooring with a large selection and an impressive display that can be ordered. Speak to flooring

expert, Kieran about your flooring needs, he will guide you on the best options to suit your needs in terms of choice, availability and quality. What will astonish you about the flooring instore are the unbeatable prices and huge range available.

They have also expanded the paint section, with the addition of Dulux and Fleetwood paints to the already extensive selection of Crown paint. Callan Co-Op Homevalue also has a wide range of accessories such as paint brushes and rollers.

If you are looking to spring clean and add a touch of

paint to your home, you will find everything you need here.

Everything for your garden Do you want wood, wicker or cast iron garden furniture? Take a trip out and browse; you will find a set for any budget. If you are planning to get outdoors, everything you need is at Callan Co-Op Homevalue such as barbeques, a great selection of planters, bedding plants, plant feed, tools and anything you can think of to get your garden summer ready, all at unbeatable prices.

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Another happy customer at Callan Co-Op Family Fun Day

Maria anticipating the wait for face painting

Joseph Hennessy

Callan Co-Op Family Fun Day All photos

by Jack Moore

Aoibhin and Evie Maguire

Camogie Girls, Lainey Corcoran and Megan Bryan

Mabel, Florence and Scarlett O’Leary

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Millie Cahill, Eadaoin Lynch, Ruth O’Sullivan Orla O’Leary

Lynda Smith and Noreen Hayes

George Smyth and Gracie Landy

One of the many winners at Callan Co-Op Family Fun Day, Shane Cahill

Local Sponsorship for Local Club

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Supporting community

ALLAN Co-Op is more than just a business, it is an organisation with a proud heritage which has been built up over 120 years by its Board, members, staff, customers and wider Callan community.

There has always been a large community element to Callan Co-Op. It regularly supports its community associations and clubs, and is the proud main sponsor of Callan’s John Lockes GAA and Camogie Clubs.

Callan Co-Op’s association with the nationally successful

Callan Macra Na Feirme goes back generations with many of the Callan Co-Op Board members having earned their stripes in the local Macra.

From sporting organisations and Tidy Towns to the local Mens Shed, Callan Co-Op has a history of supporting many community initiatives in Callan, Ballingarry, Mullinahone, Dunnamaggin, Windgap, Kilmanagh, Cuffesgrange and beyond.

It’s really more than just a store, Callan Co-Op Homevalue is a proud community social hub.

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Family fun at Callan Co-Op Homevalue launch

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ALLAN Co-Op officially launched its new Homevalue store on West Street, Callan on Friday, March 31, followed up by a fun day on Saturday April 1, packed full of events for all the family with loads of special offers and giveaways instore.

Agri experts from Biocel, Norbrook, IAS Laboratories, Philmac and many more were in store on the Friday sharing an abundance of special offers to customers on the day. There was also a treasure trove of giveaways instore with refreshments served as they celebrated the new store launch with the ribbon cutting.

KCLR’s Edward Hayden broadcast live from the store on Saturday morning, and throughout the day, customers got the chance to meet and have a snap taken with the Dulux Dog. Crown Paint's Product Champion, Derek Maloney, provided some unmissable tips and advice on customers’ next painting projects. While children enjoyed

Ciara, Eimear and Anna Walton enjoying the family fun day at Callan Co-Op Homevalue.

Photo: Amanda Burke Photo: Amanda Burke

a different type of decorating – face painting.

Also, on hand was RTE Super Garden Finalist, Aimee Moore who provided lots of great advice on gardening design.

Members of the All Ireland winning Kilkenny Camogie team dropped in to meet and greet their fans and gener-

ously offered folks the chance to have their photo taken with the O’ Duffy Cup. While John Lockes’ Camogie team were officially presented with their new jerseys from official sponsor, Callan Co-Op Homevalue.

A customer BBQ was the perfect way to end the day’s festivities.

Refreshing times at Callan Co-Op Homevalue’s fun day. Photo: Amanda Burke

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Here’s Lucey!

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

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week after his father’s death (on D-Day: June 6th 1944) Michael Byrne sat the Intermediate Cert exam, which he passed, in spite of the grief that overwhelmed him.

He fared less well two years later with the Leaving Cert. Illness prevented him from studying for the exam and he had to skip three essential subjects as a consequence. This wrecked his ambition to fill a clerical post in the local Co-op, where Manager Tim Lucey was looking out for a bright young student who could join his staff.

There were no “repeats” of exams in those days, so Michael had to approach Mr. Lucey minus a certificate. The youngster stood shivering before the much talked about manager.

He remembers him as a small grumpy man with a hump on his back who spoke with a dis-

tinct Cork accent. Lucey looked him up and down after listening to his tale of woe, but seemed unimpressed.

The bashful youth knew his dream of a desk job was fast fading. His heart sank as the full implication of Lucey’s frowning visage became clear. A penpushing sinecure in the creamery office was definitely not on the cards.

Instead of a clerical job, Michael found himself instead working as a general assistant in the hardware and meal stores in Green Street. His weekly wage starting off was one pound-less stamp duty.

In July 1946, he set out from Castletobin on his father’s trusty old bike to begin his first day’s work at Callan Co-op. He recalls that it was “no ordinary bike, having a twenty-six inch frame- two inches longer than the standard one”. Michael had to have the bike leaning against a wall to mount it.

The Co-op was divided into two parts. The Creamery in West Street took in milk from the farmers, separated it from cream, made butter, and

crushed oats and barley into animal foodstuffs. The store in Green Street sold hardware, paint, glass, iron, and all sorts of curio goods.

A farmer would drop in to the store after he had delivered his milk to the creamery, though the general public was also well catered for. The store workers would often be run off their feet, serving customers.

The store staff at the time Michael began working there included Jimmy Ryan of Modeshill and Tommy Grace.

Maggie Maher of Knockbutton and Kitty McGrath of Ballyline had the posh office jobs.

Michael envied them, as they sat perched on their soft seats, proud as peacocks, in a little glass cubicle just inside the entrance.

Because he was the youngest, Michael got all the dirtiest jobs to do. He had to fill bags with lime, cement, and manure, or shovel coal on a wet day, the rain or hailstones pelting down without mercy.

He was the one the others let go “up the yard” on cold or rainy days, and to handle messy

items like tar, turpentine and creosote. Gerry Fitzgerald of Prologue and Johnny Tobin of Ahenure, joined the Coop around the same time as Michael. Both would remain with the staff for the next four decades or more.

The Tea-Break Dilemma There was a strange anomaly in the store that Michael could

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never quite figure out. From the day he started there, he noticed that the tea break was at 11 am, that it was an accepted routine, but that workers had to be sure Tim Lucey wasn’t around while they were having it. This created such a dilemma for Michael that he decided to skip tea breaks altogether.

The prospect of having a mug in one hand, a sandwich or biscuit in the other, and eyes constantly darting about in anticipation of Lucey’s arrival didn’t appeal to him in the slightest.

Anyone drinking tea in the office who saw the dictatorial Corkman through the window, strutting haughtily towards the entrance, had to drop everything, make a quick dash from the office, and nimbly re-position himself behind a counter, or overlooking a bag of coal up the yard, to give at least the appearance of dedication to a given task.

Lucey was happy as long as everything seemed to be moving along. Slackness he detested.

The office girls had an advantage: they could conceal the evidence of a snack by hiding cups, mugs, and eatables in a box that had the words “dockets and invoices” emblazoned on the lid to throw Lucey off the scent.

The Corkman almost caught the tea drinkers one day after Johnny Tobin had toasted bread with a blowtorch. Just as the slice of fresh rustic was turning a nice light brownish tinge, someone shouted: “Johnnie, for God’s sake, the boss man is outside!”

Johnnie slipped the toast into his shop coat pocket, switched off the blowtorch, and calmly walked over to open the door for Lucey. “Do I smell something?” snapped the Manager, his eyes narrowing and suspicion clouding his diminutive hunched frame. “Just testing the blowtorch, Sir, the customer wanted to see it operating”.

The Manager frowned, raised a forefinger in an accusatory gesture, and spoke with great deliberation: “If I find anyone, Tobin, Anyone, blowtorching bread on these premises, there’ll be hell to pay. Do you understand me?”

“There’ll be no bread blow-

torched here, I promise you that, Sir!” Johnnie replied. It was to be twenty-five years before he enjoyed another slice of toast in the Co-op.

On rare occasions, though, Michael would grab a quick mouthful of tea or Bovril and a slice of Billy Walsh’s apple tart or current bread. A fellow worker would act as lookout. To this day, Michael is unsure as to whether the Co-op tea break was “official” or not. And he wonders if Lucey ever actually saw anyone drinking tea in the store!

A Wicked Sense of Humour Desmond Fitzgerald, brother of Gerry, worked with Tim Lucey for a while in the 40s. He recalls that the Manager had little time for socialising, was a keen observer of human nature, and possessed a “wicked sense of humour”. One evening, a woman knocked at the creamery office door to look for a pound of butter.

As rationing was in force, and butter scarce, she had to be very persuasive to get her hands on the precious commodity. Smiling broadly, she explained that a big reception was planned and the butter would be required to avoid serious disappointment to her guests.

She then started praising the manager. “I’ve been told you are the most generous, decent, kindhearted, most considerate man that ever set foot in Callan town, Mr. Lucey”, she crowed, clapping him on the back.

Lucey, having listened patiently to her plea, assumed a dark, unfriendly expression and said: “No, Missus, I can’t give you the butter, close the door on the way out!”

Her mood changed drastically. She launched into a savage attack on Lucey. Flushed with anger, she shook her fist at him, shouting: “You’re a mean (pronounced mane), miserable, humpy backed bastard. God! Your mother must have been desperate for children when she reared you!”

The wily Corkman laughed and said: “I knew that’s what you thought of me, Missus”, I just wanted to be sure. Now, here’s your butter”.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

Milk, Wheat, and Big Jim Bolger Milk was conveyed to the creamery in churns of all shapes and sizes. It was weighed in pounds, and separated from the cream. The cream was converted into butter and stored. Milk suppliers were paid by cheque at the end of each month.

Consumers had a high opinion of Callan butter. Every week, lorry loads of it were transported around the county and into the neighbouring counties of Laois, Carlow, and Kildare.

Michael Carroll and Tommy Burke oversaw and implemented this lucrative trade, keeping the lorries on the road. Michael

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Byrne remembers other stalwarts too, like Jack Fitzpatrick, Tom Connors, Butter Maker Nellie Denny, Mick Peters, who decided on how much separated milk to give back to farmers (his decisions were often questioned, but never appealed, or overturned); and Jack Townsend, who took in the milk at the

creamery’s Knockulty branch.

Wheat was collected by creamery lorries at Harvest time and taken to the Co-op store.

There, it was “bushelled” for moisture content, weighed and scooped into sacks. It was then driven to Mosses Mills, Bennetsbridge. Oats and barley was crushed or rolled and sold back to farmers as foodstuffs.

In addition to this service, the creamery had its own threshing set. Michael remembers Jim Bolger (“a giant of a man”) calling to farms in the Callan area: “Besides the engine, there was the mill and elevator and setting these up in a farmyard on a dark and maybe wet night was a hazardous job. But Jim and his helper were always equal to the task” Jim’s wife, Molly, ran a pub in Mill Street. Michael heard a story about how Molly reacted to a Garda raid on the premises: Drinkers panicked when three loud knocks on the door betokened the moment they all dreaded. Stools tumbled; men ran about like headless chickens, bottles and glasses fell to the ground.

Molly, standing behind the counter, asked them to relax and not to worry. “Sit down and don’t be getting upset over noth-

ing”, she intoned, as she calmly cleaned a stout glass, “Sure it’s only auld Lynch, the big fat sergeant.”

A Wage Rise? In Your Dreams, Boy! Michael enjoyed the few occasions when he was allowed to accompany Richie Condon in the lorry on his journeys. He will never forget the coughing and wheezing, and the tears in his eyes, as he helped to load up a cargo of hydrated lime at a plant in Carlow. The dust was stifling.

Clouds of it swirled about Richie and himself as they heaved the bags onto the lorry on a sweltering June afternoon.

But at least this was different, he thought, a welcome change from the daily routine. Michael appreciated a break from the hardware store.

In February 1951, Michael found the courage to ask Tim Lucey for a wage rise. He felt he deserved it for the quality of workmanship he had provided.

The Corkman saw things differently. He had a particular aversion to workers seeking pay rises. To him, this was the ultimate impertinence.

Michael’s request was turned down, and he gave Lucey four weeks notice of his decision to

quit the job. He said goodbye to his friends and fellow workers at the Co-op.

Michael continued to work in the hardware trade for the next 31 years. He served from behind counters in places as far afield as Kildare town, Moone, Castledermot, Dublin, Granard, Oldcastle, Roscommon town, Bunclody, and Edenderry.

He ended up with Connolly Brothers of Drogheda in 1960 where he “held the fort” until the firm hit bad times in 1977.

Michael was forced to accept a redundancy payment. Thus ended a career that began in Callan in 1946.

Since retirement, he has devoted most of his energies to his life-long passion for hurling. He tells the story of his sporting adventures in a book entitled From Noreside to Boyneside. The book contains a painstakingly detailed, blow-by-blow account of almost every hurling game he has attended.

When he is not watching, listening to, or analysing a match, Michael Byrne is likely to be found spinning yarns about his days in Callan Co-op. *** (Michael Byrne died since that article appeared in the book)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

The personal touches At your service: Michael Dillon, Joanne McGrath and Claire Cunningham. Photo: Amanda Burke

The great team that you can depend upon for top advice, service and a chat. Photo: Amanda Burke

E

VEN though Callan Co-Op Homevalue has expanded and diversified its home, DIY and agri areas, the store still retains its trademark ‘per-

sonal touch’.

The real values of Callan Co-Op are demonstrated by the people who work there every day through their commitment to working as

a team, talking to customers and supporting the wider community. The longevity of the staff at Callan Co-Op is testament of its core ethos to serve the community and

its people. Some of the team have been part of the Callan Co-Op journey for over 30 years, most are well known to customers and operate on a first name basis. There have

been a lot of changes in that time but the ethos of being there for their customers still remains strong.

Customers can be assured of a warm welcome and the same great service from Jim, Siobhan, Michael, Mark, Claire, Davy, Willie, Kieran, Trevor, Brian, Jordan and Joanne. Delivery driver Mick is one of the best in the business! That teamwork is supported by Rosie and Bernie in the office who are always willing to assist their customers in any way they can.

With customers coming from Kilkenny, Tipperary and beyond, Callan Co-Op is not just a store but a community

hub where customers can browse, purchase and chat in a relaxed atmosphere.

Callan Co-Op Homevalue is also a proud member of “Guaranteed Irish”. Being a Guaranteed Irish retailer in Ireland means that a business has met the strict criteria to be part of the Guaranteed Irish network. This includes being an indigenous Irish business that contributes to the local economy, providing quality Irish-made products or services such as the new range of Canadia flooring and the regular local producer stand. It all demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

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The Dulux Dogs shopping in the new Callan Co-Op Homevalue

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

COMPETITION TIME

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The Kilkenny

Observer

WIN a €100 voucher SPONSORED BY THE KILKENNY OBSERVER

The Kilkenny Observer has linked up with Goods of Kilkenny and we are holding a competition to win a €100 voucher.

With 4 Floors of Fashion to choose from, get your entries into The Kilkenny Observer and be in with a chance of winning this great prize.

COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

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Competition Rules 1.

This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer 2. The prize will be a €100 voucher for Goods of Kilkenny 3. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 21st 2023 at 5.00pm 4. The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Monday, April 24th 2023 5. The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed. .

6. All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.

7. The winner will be advised by phone / e-mail 8. After being notified, the name of the winner will be posted in the next edition of the Kilkenny Observer.

9. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.

10. The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.

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Theatre

Legally Blonde production by Loreto Kilkenny creates an ‘Oh my God you guys’ memory A recent production of ‘Legally Blonde’ brought great praise to all involved from audiences of students, teachers and many friends.

Presented by The Loreto School, the show played to full houses over its five night run at The Watergate Theatre on Parliament Street.

According to Ceara Doocey who played the role of Elle Woods, it was the highlight of the transition year.

Ceara described the experience as one she will never forget and was, she said “a great lesson in bonding and performing as a team.”

In his programme note, principal of the school, Colm Keher thanked the students for the amount of work put into the preparation for the production.

Mr Keher also thanked the teaching staff for their enormous input and the ‘brave’ young men from Kilkenny CBS who greatly enhanced the show.

Photos enclosed by Kilkenny photographer Pat Shortall helps capture the wonderful moments created during the show.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

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Theatre

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

News

Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival 2023

Kilkenny Roots Festival launched this year’s festival at the Smithwick’s Experience venue this week and will celebrate 25 years from 28th April to 1st May with a stellar line-up of acts From USA, UK, Sweden and Ireland.

The lineup includes JAMES YORKSTON/NINA PERSSON & THE SECONDHAND ORCHESTRA, CHUCK PROPHET, DAVID KEENAN, FANTASTIC CAT, WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR, MARTINSTEPHENSON/JOHN PERRY, CARSON McHONE, EARLY JAMES, JOLIE HOLLAND, FLORENCE DORE, KASSI VALAZZA, AUSTIN LUCAS and SPENCER CULLUM. Legendary music journalist, ALLAN JONES, will read from his just published book, ‘Too Late To Stop Now,’ at the Pembroke Hotel on Sunday

30th April at 12.30. His previous book, Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down, was the Sunday Times Music Book of the Year 2017.

Many of the acts, including Kassi Valazza, Carson McHone and Fantastic will be making their first Irish appearances.

In addition to the ticketed shows, there will be over 70 gigs on the free Smithwick’s Music Trail in venues throughout Kilkenny city.

The festival kicks off with the amazing Swedish singer, Jesper Lindell, and his band in Billy Byrnes on Friday 28th April and continues with a fantastic range of music until the grand finale in Kyteler’s on Monday May 2nd with Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express. Chuck was due to perform at last year’s festival, but had to cancel and undergo

treatment for cancer. He has made a great recovery and is back touring all over the USA and Europe.

The appearance of James Yorkston, Nina Persson and The Second Hand Orchestra is a big coup for the event.

This is the only gig scheduled for the band in Ireland this year. Scottish singer, James Yorkston, has teamed up with Nina Persson of The Cardigans for this project. The eight piece band will include some big names from the music world including guitarist Peter Móren of Peter, Bjorn, and John, saxophonist Lina Langendorf and Philip Selway, drummer with Radiohead.

There is still a limited number of tickets on sale for their Saturday afternoon show at The Set Theatre on April 29th.

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

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Opinion

Girl Auction

BY NED EGAN

Part 12 His teeth now chattered, and – in the chill of this frigid night – a river of sweat broke from his pores - and then his nerve went, completely. Falling to his knees, he started jabbering words that Molly could only barely understand. Some sounded like “your mother” others like “didn’t mean any harm” and a few about “sorry” – but ‘sorry’ for what she couldn’t decipher. He didn’t mention the Dacent Boy. She couldn’t pick out any cogent words from the whining and snuffling. And didn’t want to. And cared nothing for a single word he gabbled. It was all too late. Everything between them of any value was gone, in ruins. Her only reaction to his collapse, reader, was sad acceptance that she now had him well and truly beaten. There was no joy in it, no triumphalism. Not too long ago, the last thing in life she would have wanted was her father being humiliated.

That she was the instrument in doing so gave her no pleasure, only the numb realisation that,

as of now, she and Babsie were ‘orphans.’

There could be no going back from this hard confrontation in this frozen field, where all that was now to be heard was the pained snuffling of an oinseach, and the soft warning growls of his captor – the new and strangely unworldly shep dog, Barker. No return to the grey stone farmhouse of bright mornings and sunny June afternoons. Nor to the iron silences that preceded the sullen belt or kick on the dreary midnight door, when the stumbling fool that was their once-loved father returned at last, well belliedup with porter, pocket-picked and emptied by the vile homebreaking bookies...

All these images flashed before Molly’s unblinking eyes, as she stared down the man who fathered her. He’d only been prevented from showing his innate cheapness and love of scum company by the good pleadings and example of a great wife. But in the end, he was true to form, letting her down, letting her go. Bitterness at these hard thoughts permeated Molly’s consciousness, and she felt no compassion or sorrow for the creature who was now, for the first time ever, in her power. As much pressure as it would take to pluck a

September pear – and he’d be gone. {Reader – I’m saying that – the good girl thought no such thing.} It seemed an age since she’d sent the Paudhaun and his gun flying, but it was only a few minutes. Like they say about your life flashing before your eyes when deaths dark door swings open for you – so did many things flash fleetingly past the sweet blue eyes of Molly Connolly. But, bygones have to always be so: they are events that will never come again, and cannot be rectified – only sorrowed over, and wistfully wished away into oblivion….

The Four Ten was still trained, implacably, on the suddenly very cowardly father.

Easy to bully when you have the whip in your hand, and the law and the Church behind any foul plan you come up with to ransom your little girl’s body and mind away to a Neanderthal brute, and his shrieking witch of a mother.

Different altogether when that admirable young lady drastically turns the tables – and you’re suddenly hoping she hasn’t inherited too much of the b**t***s blood that courses sluggishly and darkly through your own rapidlynarrowing old arteries.

The faint light still about – more a starlight reflection from the white-rimed grass than the residue of the fallen moon – didn’t show his daughter’s eyes. He was glad of that. If something was going to happen, he didn’t want to see

the eyes of her mother looking down from the sweet face of Molly Connolly – for the two were what is called ‘peas in a pod.’ However beastly he’d been, that he couldn’t handle – blue eyes staring down the sights of a gunbarrel, before a flash of white light ended it all. Let it come out of the dark, no warning, no last thought that this was the terrible end he’d so recklessly and brutally brought upon himself.

At last, Molly lifted the gun back to ‘high port.’ There was never a thought in her head to do the thing her father feared.

The Paudhaun she didn’t give a hang about. Even his exit from the world of the living wouldn’t cost her a night’s sleep. What he’d have done to her if he’d got his way made her shudder with disgust. The thought that she might be saving some innocent virtuous girl from a life of degradation crossed her mind. But, there was no fear of the local cuties suffering such a fate. They all had good Mammys, and Daddy’s who’d run a pitchfork or sprong into the ‘Dacent’ if he even came in their haggard gate. Only in the direst circumstance would she have ‘pulled central’ on her daddy.

And then who knows what would happen. Though she’d already thought that one out a bit, and had decided she’d leave the weapon beside him, and let whoever found him conclude he’d ‘done th’oul job’ on himself. But he’d surely be the cause of a search for the

two girls, as nobody would have any idea where they were.

Ponds would be searched, bogs and woods would be combed, anyone of low nature would be ‘visited.’ They might just be found. And Babsie would be the weak link, with her dislike for lies – even in her own interests. Molly wasn’t a liar – but whatever it took to reach freedom – well, she’d use or do.

Behind Molly, the snarling of Barker and sobs of Paudhaun had somewhat subsided. Over her shoulder, she spoke to Babs, out of the corner of her mouth: “How are things there, Babsie? Is everything all right?”

A little hand touched her back: “Good as gold, Mollers – the Barker has things well under control. The P might need a doctor sometime soon, but sure that’s his problem! Carry on, Moll – I’ll yell if anything goes wrong – but the Barker won’t let that happen.”

The elder Connolly girl now looked down at her father, cowering on the frozen grass.

All of a sudden, she wanted rid of him, wanted him gone out of her life, wanted the flower of her young life to start and grow again, in some far sweet garden. Away from this old dreary place, that no longer held any charm or loveliness.

Two things she’d miss if herself and Babsie ‘made it through.’

One was the dear old Barker – about whose present form she was justifiably very puzzled indeed – and the other was her regular visit to the Mammy’s

grave, beside the ivied back wall in the old cemetery.

Having looked down the barrel of a gun at her father, she was all at sea in her emotions. How could a girl pull a gun on her father? How had it ever came to this? In her dreamy night fantasies, it had always been a prince of the far realms who would come to rescue her from the dire chains of poverty.

A prince with golden hair, on a white charger, who’d pick her up from the endless drudgery that was the lot of a million girls. Most of whom would never see a beautiful picture, feel a sable or mink fur on their virginal creamy shoulders, or find a tall handsome hero to the foot of their waking bed, waiting to bear them away to the land of golden clouds and silver dawns.

Now it was all over. The hopes that had long survived – in the face of hard reality – were going away again, fading into time and moss, fraying like the leaves in November, wilting and waltzing away into crazy nowhere-land. Who to turn to? Molly knew that her mind had started to wander, that the night’s events were closing down her brain, that she’d have to get a grip……

To be continued….

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

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News

Kilkenny County Council Library Service encourages families to ‘Spring into Storytime’ this April Public libraries’ annual Spring Into Storytime programme launches on April 1st and promises to bring the magic of storytime to libraries across the City and County of Kilkenny, and through libraries the length and breadth of Ireland. The programme provides an ideal opportunity for children to enjoy a variety of storytimes read by library staff, authors and parents. It

allows children to experience reading as an activity which is fun, entertaining and allows families to share this happy time together.

Reading with children and access to books has many important long-term benefits. Children who develop an interest in stories and reading have been found to have greater self-esteem and well-being, greater creativ-

ity and imagination, better social and health outcomes, and an overall better quality of life as they get older. The Spring into Storytime initiative is a creative way in which children’s literacy skills can be developed.

To find a Spring Into Storytime near you, visit our website at kilkennylibrary. ie or follow our social media channels @kilkennylibrary.

Securing Lives and Property: Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd - your all-in-one Fire and Safety expert

Alice Vascu (pictured in the shop)

Open shop at No. 6 Hebron Industrial Estate

Rapid-Fire Safety office and store is located in Hebron Industrial Estate, Kilkenny where Alice and her experienced team offers essential

support and guidance regarding customer safety and requirements, along with work wear, first aid, and more.

In today's fast-paced world,

it is crucial to ensure that businesses and homes are equipped with the necessary fire and safety measures to protect your life and proper-

ty. Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd, a Kilkenny-based company, provides comprehensive Fire and Safety Services across 32 counties of Ireland. With a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, we specialise in the sales, inspection, installation, service, and certification of portable firefighting and safety equipment.

We offer professional services: As a local independent service provider, Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd offer a wide range

of emergency services tailored to your unique needs.

From fire extinguishers to medical equipment, the company delivers an extensive selection of high-quality products to ensure your property's safety and security. Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd's commitment to professionalism extends to their exceptional customer service, guiding you every step of the way to ensure your peace of mind.

Experienced installation: Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd employs a team of skilled professionals who specialise in designing, installing, commissioning, and maintaining a diverse range of fire and safety equipment. Our extensive experience ensures that your fire protection and safety systems are installed with precision and care, adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd is your one-stop fire and safety solution provider. Our company is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of your home and business across Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Wexford, Laois, Tipperary and the surrounding areas. With a range of professional services, experienced

Kieran Kirwan (Director)

installation, and access to high-end equipment, Rapid Fire and Safety Ltd is your trusted partner for comprehensive fire and safety solutions.

Kieran Kirwan and John Cahalan, directors of Rapid Fire and Safety wish Callan Co-Op continued support in the future

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

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Recruitment

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Sesame salmon, purple sprouting broccoli & sweet potato mash

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 2

So, is coffee actually good for you?

Try this Asian-inspired salmon supper with a nutty sesame dressing, crisp veg and comforting sweet potato mash. It’s heal.thy, lowcalorie and rich in omega-3

Ingredients • 1 ½ tbsp sesame oil • 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce • thumb-sized piece ginger, grated • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1 tsp honey • 2 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges • 1 lime, cut into wedges • 2 boneless skinless salmon fillets • 250g purple sprouting broccoli • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (deseeded if you don’t like it too hot) Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180 fan/ gas

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared using roasted coffee beans which are taken from the berries of the coffea plant. There are two main species of coffee beans which are the arabica and robusta, and depending on where they are grown, both the country and the altitude determines the flavour of the coffee.

Coffee is rich in polyphenols, plant compounds which may have a protective antioxidant effect. Organic fresh (beans or ground) coffee is best having a higher antioxidant content, with light or medium roast blends preferable to dark.

6 and line a baking tray with parchment. Mix together 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, the soy, ginger, garlic and honey. Put the sweet potato wedges, skin and all, into a glass bowl with the lime wedges. Cover with cling film and microwave on high for 1214 mins until completely soft.

STEP 2 Meanwhile, spread the broccoli and salmon out on the baking tray. Spoon over the marinade and season. Roast in the oven for 10-12 mins, then sprinkle over the sesame seeds.

Chocolate & salted caramel waffle bread & butter pudding

melted together and is glossy.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.

STEP 2 Spread the caramel over the base of a baking dish (ours was 30 x 22cm), then sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Cut the waffles in half diagonally, then arrange over the caramel in overlapping rows.

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 30 mins plus at least 1 hr soaking Serves: 8 Looking for a truly comforting dessert? Bake waffles in a rich, chocolatey custard, with salted caramel hiding underneath it!

Ingredients • 150g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids) • 300ml double cream • 200ml milk • 50g butter • 1 tbsp caster sugar • pinch of ground cinnamon • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 200g canned caramel or dulce de leche • 10 cooked waffles (we used toaster waffles) • 4 medium egg yolks, beaten (freeze the whites for another recipe) • icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

STEP 3 Remove the lime wedges and roughly mash the sweet potato using a fork. Mix in the remaining sesame oil, the chilli and some seasoning. Divide between plates, along with the salmon and broccoli.

STEP 3 Pour the egg yolks into the warm chocolate mixture, mixing well as you do until all of the egg is fully incorporated. Carefully pour the chocolate custard over the waffles, ensuring they’re fully covered. Leave to soak for at least 1 hr, or cover and chill overnight.

Method STEP 1 Fill a large pan with a few centimetres of water and set over a medium heat. Set a large heatproof bowl over the pan – it should sit on top

without touching the water.

Break the chocolate into the bowl, then tip in the cream, milk, butter, caster sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Reduce the heat to low, and stir the mixture until everything has

STEP 4 Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and uncover the dish if it has been chilled.

Bake the pudding for 30 mins until the custard is set with a slight wobble in the centre.

Leave to stand for 5 mins, then dust lightly with icing sugar, if you like, and scoop into bowls to serve.

What are the Top 5 health benefits of coffee?

1. May help you live longer Research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that having three cups of coffee per day may lengthen lifespan by lowering the risk of death from several conditions including heart disease. However, the mechanism and effect of coffee’s influence on ageing is not yet fully understood and more studies are needed.

2. May increase energy and performance Coffee may help some people maintain alertness and energy levels thanks to its caffeine content. When coffee is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it ‘fires up’ certain neurons which may improve memory, mood, energy and cognitive function, if consumed in moderation. Other reports suggest drinking coffee before exercise may reduce rates of exertion and potentially improve athletic performance.

3. May boost metabolism Research findings suggest that caffeine improves weight management through boosting metabolic rate and burning fat. Researchers have speculated, therefore, that caffeine may show promise in the treatment of obesity, although more research is needed.

4. May support brain function There have been numerous studies examining a link between drinking coffee and protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, including papers published in 2010, 2011 and 2015. The findings to date have been inconsistent and larger studies with longer follow-up periods are required.

5. May help with blood sugar balance There is some evidence to suggest that coffee, at moderate levels, may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although more research is needed. Consequently, there is still some debate over the suitability of coffee for those with type 2 diabetes.

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

spy series to stream right now 1. Treason

Treason on Netflix tells the tale of MI6 Deputy Chief Adam Lawrence (Cox), who’s installed as the agency’s new leader when the previous MI6 head, Sir Martin Angelis (Ciaran Hinds), is near-fatally poisoned by Russian spy Kara Yusova (Kurylenko).

Soon secrets about Lawrence’s past – including his ties to Yusova – come to light, forcing Lawrence to go on the run with his family. Cue a tensionfuelled game of cat and mouse as shocking revelations and betrayals aplenty .

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Daisy Jones & The Six ... from fiction to fact The Amazon Prime Video series Daisy Jones & The Six has taken the world by storm. The fictitious, titular band has seen some very real success on the charts, securing the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Soundtracks chart with the series’ accompanying album, Aurora.

In response to the overwhelming fan reaction to the project, Atlantic Records has shared a double single as a “special gift” to the band’s supporters.

The band is comprised of actors Riley Keough, Sam Clacin, Suki Waterhouse, Will Harrison, Sebastian Chacon and Josh Whitehouse. The series follows the group’s rise to fame, loosely based on the story

of Fleetwood Mac, as well as the emotional hurdles they have to overcome along the way.

The 11-track soundtrack was helmed by hit songwriter Blake Mills with help from Marcus Mumford, Phoebe Bridgers, Jackson Browne, Taylor Goldsmith and others.

The double single features previously-unreleased tracks ‘It Was Always You’ and the live version of ‘Aurora’.

The live version was captured during the Saturday Night Live sequence from the series. Both songs come from the penultimate episode of the US show.

“It’s been clear to all of us from the start, how passion-

ate the fanbase is for Daisy Jones & The Six,” Atlantic Records President, West Coast, Kevin Weaver shared in a statement. “Never was that more obvious than when the fans took to social media last week loudly campaigning for the releases of these two new songs that appeared in the series’ final episodes.

“In response to this overwhelming demand – and as a special gift to the band’s diehard fans – Atlantic Records couldn’t be more excited for this week’s release of ‘It Was Always You’ and ‘Aurora (Live from SNL),” he said.

Some of the songs on Aurora were inspired by lyrics included in the book ver-

sion of Daisy Jones, penned by author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Mills did take a measure of artistic liberty with the project though, changing some of the song titles and lyrics.

Nevertheless, the album has received a massive stamp of approval from fans of the book and the series alike. In addition to taking the No. 1 spot on the Soundtracks chart, the album can also boast the following accolades: No. 4 on Billboard‘s Vinyl Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts, No. 9 on Top Current Albums chart and the ]rst group from a scripted show to debut at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Emerging Artists chart.

Narcos spin-off El Chapo coming soon Netflix is planning a Narcos spin-off named El Chapo which will take place in the same universe as the fanfavourite crime drama that ran from 2018-2021.

Gaumont Television, the same studio behind Narcos and Narcos: Mexico, are the production company behind the new show, with Alejandro Edda also in talks to reprise his role as Joaquín ‘El

Chapo’ Guzmán.

Edda appeared in 24 episodes of Narcos: Mexico, starring the likes of Diego Luna, Scoot McNairy, Michael Peña, José María Yazpik, Alejandro Edda and Teresa Ruiz.

Known as one of Netflix’s greatest-ever shows, Narcos: Mexico tells the story of the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and the American DEA

tasked with the dangerous job of taking them down.

The success of the first series of Narcos, which ran from 2015-2017, helped to raise the professional profile of Pedro Pascal, who has since gone on to become a major industry phenomenon. Pascal most recently starred in the HBO series The Last of Us and the Disney+ show The Mandalorian.

Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a bipolar CIA operations officer, is reassigned to the CIA’s Counterterrorism Centre after she conducts an unauthorised mission in Iraq. In her new post, Mathison’s world collides with that of Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), a US Marine Sergeant who, eight years after going missing, is rescued from an al-Qaeda compound and hailed as a war hero on his return to the US. Mathison starts to believe Brody poses a serious threat to the US – an assumption that sets Homeland’s eight-season-long story in motion. It’s on Netflix.

3. The Night Manager

One of the more recent live-action TV adaptations of John le Carre’s back catalogue,The Night Manager tells the story of Jonathan Pine (Loki actor Tom Hiddleston), an ex-British soldier and the titular night manager who’s pulled back into the world he left behind. Tasked by Foreign Office task force leader Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) to infiltrate the inner circle of illegal arms dealer Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), Pine soon finds himself in over his head in an international political chess match where nobody is who they seem.

4. Slow Horses

One of Apple+ TV’s best-performing and fan-favorite TV series is Slow Horses, a London-based spy thriller packed with witty and sarcastic humour, riveting characters, and espionage-based action. Slow Horses stars Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, the slovenly and rude head of Slough House – aka the purgatory-style MI5 division where rejected personnel (known as Slow Horses, hence the show’s title) are sent. Lamb and the rest of the supposedly bumbling Slow Horses team regularly (and inadvertently) become involved in putting a stop to plots that threaten the UK.

5. Rabbit Hole

Like The Night Agent, Rabbit Hole, on the newest streaming service Paramount Plus, is a relative newcomer to the spy thriller genre. It stars 24 alumnus Keifer Sutherland as John Weir, a corporate spy who’s framed for murder by a mysterious group of individuals. Somewhat expectedly, Weir goes on the run as he attempts to clear his name.

Others, though, believe Sutherland’s welcome return to the espionage world will give the series enough traction and keep audiences enthralled throughout its initial 10-episode run.

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

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kilkennyobserver.ie

News Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO Lotto Results 28th March, Numbers drawn - 8, 14, and 18.

No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Alice Walsh, Susan Lehane, Brenda Glynn, Muireann Twomey, John Byrne. Next week’s Jackpot is €1,600. Thanks to all for your support.

WORK AVAILABLE If anyone is interested in cleaning work in Clara NS, please contact the school at office.clarans@gmail.com or at 0567759736.

MINORS LOSE OPENER Clara minor hurlers were beaten at home to Young Irelands, Gowran on Monday night in the first game of this year’s Roinn A League. Although backed by the breeze, Clara got off to a terrible start. They conceded a goal to Thomas Langton after just a minute and although Conor Hoyne opened Clara’s account with a free, Langton pounced for another goal after four minutes. He added a point a minute later and when Gowran struck for another goal in the ninth minute a shell shocked Clara found themselves 3-1 to 0-1 behind. It was reminiscent of last year’s league meeting between the same two sides.

When the halftime whistle sounded the visitors were 3-5 to 0-3 ahead with breeze assistance to come.

Clara were just playing for their pride in the second half and to their credit they were competitive. Padraic Meany was their only scorer outside of Conor Hoyne and they are going to need a greater spread of scoring as the year progresses. It finished 4-10 to 0-9 in favour of Gowran.

Tommy Delaney, Philip Carrigan, Hugh Kelly, Conor Hoyne and Pádraic Meany were best of the home side who will be disappointed with their performance. But this is a long season and can be turned around with the right application. Both teams here were missing their county minors - David Barcoe for Clara and Cian Phelan for Young Irelands.

Team - Orí Phelan, Daniel Ryan, Tommy Delaney, Alex Firbank. Dillon Cummins, Philip Carrigan, Hugh Kelly.

Conor Hoyne 0-8, 0-6f, 0-1 x 65, Eoin Corr. Joe Power, Luke Lawlor, Pádraic Meany 0-1. John Bergin, James Cody, Bill Kealy. Sub used Tom Murphy.

COUNTY MINORS WIN Well done to Clara’s David Barcoe who played all of Saturday’s win for Kilkenny over Antrim in Abbotstown.

The 2-21 to 1-8 result set up a top of the table clash with Galway in Nowlan Park on Good Friday. Best of luck in that one Davy.

CAMOGIE ABANDONED The Clara senior camogie team began their league campaign at home to Thomastown on Sunday morning.

Unfortunately the game ended prematurely when an accidental collision left a Thomastown player requiring an ambulance. This arrived promptly and hopefully the player will have fully recovered by the time this goes to print. At the time referee Eamonn Larkin had correctly declared the game over Thomastown were leading 0-7 to 1-2 but nobody was sure if that score line would count as a result or not.

As Clara had only 14 players at the start, Thomastown sportingly agreed to run with the same number. On a heavy pitch not conducive to free flowing hurling, Thomastown dominated the first half and led three points to nil at halftime. They increased that to five before Laoise Nolan opened Clara’s account. Two more Thomastown points were answered by a Rebecca Nolan goal and when Grace Barcoe reduced the deficit further with a pointed free it was all to play for. Then came the late drama and the early finish.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Aine McDonald, Rachel Whelan, Aoife Treacy. Katie Ryan, Laoise Nolan 0-1, Margaret Kehoe.

Rebecca Nolan 1-0, Tamsin English. Gráinne Glynn, Grace Barcoe 0-1f, Niamh Ward. Róisín Kealy, Maria Shortall.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of club lotto March 28. Numbers Drawn were 11, 14, 18, 27, Bonus 17 Next week’s top prize will be €17,800. Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. Fiona Hayes c/o Neil Loy. 2. Dermot Cullen c/o John Joe Cullen 3. Mick & Mags c/o Gerry Buckley. 4. Mark Ryan c/o Neil Loy 5. Sound Man c/o John Joe Cullen. 6. Sinead Fowling c/o Peter Dowling. 7. Michelle McCartney, Limavady, Co. Derry. 8. Evan Walsh c/o Online. 9. Andy Comerford c/o Online 10. Andy O’Keefe c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support HANDBALL NEWS

Eoin Brannigan from O’Loughlin Gaels and Willy Murphy from Kilfane had a great win on Saturday night in Carlow in the Silver Masters Leinster Final against Wexford opposition. The lads played brilliant from the start and won 21.

13 21.11. We wish them the best of luck in the upcoming All-Ireland semifinal.

EASTER EGG HUNT The big Egg Hunt is back and it’s Eggspected to be a cracking good day. Tickets are just €5 and on sale at Juvenile training on Saturday and also after Easter Camp at 1:50pm each day. Juvenile Hurling and Camogie Eggshibition games, followed by the Hunt and light refreshment. Don’t miss out and get your ticket now. All are welcome SAMMY GEOGHEGAN Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of club stalwart Sammy Geoghegan who passed away on Tuesday March 28th after a short illness. Sammy held the position of Social Chairman and pavilion manager at the club for a period and a strong supporter of all things O’Loughlin Gaels. Sammy was recently pre-deceased by his wife Madeleine who also served on the club Ladies Committee. Our condolences to Sammy’s children, family and friends.

Ar dheis dé go raibh a h-anam dílís.

PLAYER NEWS Continued success to all our players, and management teams as their respective leagues progress. Lots of great work going on at St. Johns Park between Hurling, Football, Camogie and Handball, a huge thanks to all our volunteers for their continued promotion of our Gaelic Games.

The best of luck to Paddy, Huw, Mikey and Conor in Saturdays League Final v Cork and also to Laura Greene and Danielle Quigley with the Kilkenny Camogie Intermediates in their League Final also this weekend. Greg Kelly made his mark with the Minor Hurlers last weekend with a man of the march performance in their win against Antrim in the Leinster Championship - while Ena Lawlor, Siofra O’Leary and Iveta Vasilauskaite continue with the u16s Kilkenny Camogie in the Leinster championships on Monday. Lots happening...well done all.

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS Congratulations to St.Lachtins U13 boys who won the final of the football league at Pairc Lachtain on Saturday last defeating Mullinavat on a score line of 6-4 to 3-4. Well done to the team and their management on the great win.

EASTER COMMEMORATION The Annual Easter Commemoration will take place on Sunday 9th April at the Square in Freshford immediately after 11 am Mass.The reading of the Proclamation and Raising of the Tricolour plus various guests will provide entertainment. All are welcome, and in conjunction with this event a Cabaret will be held on Easter Saturday 8th April at Kavanaghs Bar ,all support would be welcome.

These events are being hosted by the Local Fianna Fail group.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Joe Crosby of Sart, Freshford and all his family on the death last week of his brother Sean Crosby in Nottingham, England .Sean’s funeral will take place in England.

SQUASH Well done to the Walsh family from Sart who took part in the Squash competition in Carlow at the weekend.

Noel Walsh and his two young sons Jamie and Ethan all competed. This is the first time a family has all taken part together and the first time the competition has been held in Carlow for a number of years. Noel came out winner in his section while Ethan met his older brother Jamie in the final with the younger brother coming out victorious.

Well done to all on their sporting achievements BALLYLARKIN CHURCH The first event of Feile Lachtains 2023 TOOK place on Saturday evening last at Ballylarkin Church when the “Bishops Tree” was replanted. Local tradition states that seven Bishops were hanged at this spot during the Cromwellian invasion. Ossory Historian Canon Carrigan suggests the event occurred during the Viking era. The tree fell during the 1950s and local resident Mick Burke remembers that event though firewood was scarce in the area at the time not a twig or a branch was taken from the tree which eventually rotted away.

IONAD LACHTAIN HERITAGE CENTRE Ionad Lachtain reopened last weekend for the first time this year. It will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm from now until the end of summer in order to welcome visitors to the church, craft shop and museum. The church will host the official launch of Féile Lachtain 2023 on Saturday, April 15th at 3.00 p.m. The festival will be launched by Cllr. Pat

U13 Football Champions Fitzpatrick, Chairman Kilkenny Co. Council. This will be followed by the first lecture of the year delivered

by Ms. Siobhan Doyle, author of “A History of the GAA in 100 Objects.” Harpist Mary Kelly will also attend.

The usual crafts are on sale in the Craft Shop including woodwork, knitted toys and garments and artwork.

A variety of souvenirs of Freshford including greeting cards and carrier bags are available. Jewellery is a new addition to the shop this year. Other staples are natural honey and the GAA county clocks which proved popular last year.

A splendid collection of old carpentry tools is new to the museum this year courtesy of Eilís and Kieran Costelloe.

Also new is a loan of an interesting photograph of the Shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm from Kilkenny Archaeological Society. See www.ionadlachtain.com or follow us at Ionad Lachtain on Facebook and Instagram.

DARTS The second semi-final of the B league of the Freshford and District League took place on Friday night last when Farrell’s took on The Rock. Farrell’s went into a 4-2 lead but the Rock pulled it back to 4-4 and it went to the last game to decide with the Racer coming out winners and will now meet Kavanaghs in the final on Friday night next in Killeens .

The semifinal of the John McGrath cup took place in Farrells on Sunday evening last with Kavanaghs A defeating Killeens C and now take on the winners of the other semi final which takes place on Thursday night next in Kavanaghs when Farrells A take on The Valley A. The final will take place in McGraths Pub on Friday 14th April at 9.30pm.

CAMOGIE Kilkenny Minor camogie side took on Cork at Pairc Lachtain on Sunday afternoon last with the game finishing in a draw.

St.Lachtains Camogie club will be represented at county level in the 2023 season. Saiore Hickey and Mia Phelan will be representing the club at U14 level while Emma O’Connor, Ciara Hickey and Aoibheann McCarthy will be on the U15 panel and Katelyn O’Connor, Abigail Whitty and Michelle Killeen will be on the U16 panel. Meanwhile Sinead Farrell is part of the Kilkenny Intermediate panel.

NEW BOOK CLUB There are plans to set up a monthly book club, based at the Loop Community Café, Freshford. An introductory meeting will take place in the café on Thursday April 13th, commencing at 10am. Dates and times for the book club will be discussed. The meeting will be facilitated by Kilkenny County Library staff. Sets of books and support will be provided FREE by the library service. Everyone welcome, just drop in. This is a great opportunity to meet other readers in a relaxed social setting. Thanks to Katie and the staff of The Loop Café for their support.

FITNESS SESSIONS Boxing/fitness sessions at Community Hall Freshford – Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinson’s; Alzheimer’s 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. It will give you a chance to socialise and meet other people, for more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253 GAA Easter Camp St.Lachains GAA Club will once again host an Easter camp this yea. The camp will run from Monday 10th April to Thursday 13th from 10am to 2pm at GAA Grounds.

The camp will be for all boys and girls from 6 -13 years old and great fun is guaranteed with top quality coaches.

Fee is €50 per child or first 2 children per family and €40

for third child and upwards. Places can be booked online.

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.

Holy week Holy Thursday – April 6th, Freshford Church – 7.30pm, Good Friday –April 7th, Freshford Church – 3pm.

Easter Vigil – April 8th – Tulla Church – 7.30pm.

Easter Sunday – April 9th – Freshford 9th – 11am.

HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808 SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

GOWRAN AC GREAT PERFORMANCE BY GOWRAN AC ATHLETES AT NATIONAL INDOORS The U12 boys relay team ran really well in a hugely competitive timed event to place 9th overall. Well done Sean, Ross, Matthew and Daniel and coach Marie Deegan.

In the U18 Boys Shot Putt, Andrew Cooper threw 16.65m to win the event. Incredible performance!

YOUNG IRELANDS CAMOGIE PRESENTATION NIGHT There was a special night out in Gowran Park last Friday night to celebrate the achievements of the Players and Coaches that have won All-Irelands over the past two years.

Kilkenny Senior Camogie Manager Brian Dowling was on hand to make presentations to All-Ireland Senior Medal winners Steffi and Tiffanie Fitzgerald and Ciara O’Keeffe, along with Selector Pat O’Neill and 2021 All-Ireland Minor winning Captain Sarah O’Donnell.

A great night was had by all.

CIAN PART OF MINOR PANEL THAT EASE TO ANOTHER VICTORY Cian Phelan is part of The Kilkenny Minor Panel that eased to a 2-21 to 1-8 win against Antrim in Round 2 of The Leinster Minor Championship in Abbotstown on Saturday.

Kilkenny will now have a much sterner test of their credentials this coming Good Friday as they host Galway at 5pm in UPMC Nowlan Park. A win for Kilkenny will put them into a Leinster Semi-Final.

Meanwhile, Julie Lennon and Aisling Fitzpatrick were part of The Kilkenny Minor Camogie Panel that played out a 1-11 draw against Galway in Freshford on Sunday.

UNDERAGE GIRLS TEAMS RECORD EMPHATIC VICTORIES Young Irelands Minor Camogie Girls got their year off to a most emphatic start as they easily strolled to a 8-11 to 3-9 win against Thomastown, while The Young Irelands U-14s easily won 4-16 to 2-5 against O’Loughlins UNDERAGE HURLERS COMPLETE CLEAN SWEEP OF VICTORIES The Young Irelands Underage Hurling Teams got the

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

season off to a stunning start as all 4 Teams in action won last week with both Young Irelands Minors and U-15s victorious.

The Young Irelands Minor A Team easily won 4-10 to 0-9 against Clara, while The B Team won 4-8 to 1-8 away to Tullaroan.

The U-15 A Team were most impressive in strolling to a 6-15 to 0-9 win against Graigue-Ballycallan, while The U-15 13-a-side Team had a hard fought 1-8 to 0-8 win away to Erins Own of Castlecomer.

U-13 FOOTBALL The Young Irelands U-13 lost out 3-10 to 2-2 to Dicksboro in The First Round of The Championship in James Park last Friday Evening.That fixture was a replay after the teams played out an 8 goal thriller (4-5 each) in Gowran last week.

They had a chance of winning silverware on Tuesday as they hosted O’Loughlin Gaels in The League Final.

TIMMINS CAPTAINS KIERANS TO POST-PRIMARY GLORY Well done to Kieran Timmins who captained the 3rd year St Kieran’s Team who won the Regional Post Primary schools Tournament.

YOUNG IRELANDS CONTINGENT IN DCU BLITZ VICTORY Well done to Young Irelands Ben Phelan and Diarmuid Langton who were part of the St Kieran’s Team that won The DCU Blitz after beating St. Peters College of Wexford in The Final.

Eustace and Shay Healy. The promoters’ prize winners were Shay Healy, Seamus Óg Brennan and David Maher.

This week’s jackpot now increases to €2,700.

SOCCER Congratulations to the local soccer team Dinan Rovers who were crowned Floodlight League Champions after going on a fantastic unbeaten run since Christmas. Well done to all the squad.

TEAM: Andy O’Keeffe, Peter Harding, Paul Buggy, Michael Bergin, Bobby Gamble, Eddie Delaney, Brian Rossiter, Neil O’Riordan, Mark Gunner, Andy Gaffney, Martin Gaffney, Declan Buggy, Padraic Delaney, Christy Kennedy, Gavin Nolan, Padraic Nolan, John Muldowney, Darragh Dooley, Karl Downey, Tom O’Shea (always injured or late), Paul Maher, Ger Byrne.

CLOTHES/TEXTILES COLLECTION Castlecomer Golf Club is holding a textile recycling collection on Tuesday, April 18th. Bags can be dropped into the Golf Clubhouse any day between 10.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. from Monday April 3rd, to Monday, April 17th inclusive. The bags will be collected from the Golf Club early on the morning of Tuesday, April 18th. This is a great opportunity to do a bit of a clear out of all your unwanted clothes, duvet covers, sheets, blankets, towels, jeans, curtains, shoes, boots, and golf shoes (no duvets or pillows accepted).

Bennettsbridge Junior Football League champions 2023

CLUB LOTTO Results 30th March Nos:3 18 19 28. Jackpot: €8450 Not Won Draw Prizes. €50, Conor Hogan c/o online. €25 each Brendan O’Neill c/o online €25 each Mary Condon c/o online. €25 each, Billy O’Rourke c/o Tommy Hackett Hurlers Co Op, Gerry Leahy c/o Online. Promotors prize P and J Cody

EASTER IN CHURCH Easter Saturday 7.30pm Easter Sunday 10.30am.

Tullaherin – Good Friday 3.00 pm TROCAIRE Trocaire boxes or donations can be handed into the sacristy before masses this week.

EASTER OFFERINGS Easter Offering envelopes can be handed in this week.

The priests of the parish are very grateful for your support.

EASTER EGG HUNT The Nore Valley Park Easter Egg Hunt is on-going and will continue until 9th April. Come and find all the eggs and claim your prize. Book Online at www.norevalleypark. com (campers do not need to book online) SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Mary-Ann Booth, Danesfort on the recent death of her brother, Martin Hayes, Leigh, Two Mile Borris.

Predeceased by his wife Margaret and Sister Margaret (Ryan). Deeply regretted by his loving family; sons T.J. and Patrick, grandchildren Sophie, James and Hailey, daughters-in-law Sharon and Úna, sisters, Mary-Ann, Hannie, Bridget, Dakie and Liz, brothers, Thos, Robert and Michael, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-inlaw, uncle Dick (O’Connell), cousins, neighbours, Hospital of the Assumption community and friends.

LOTTO RESULTS No winner last week. Numbers, 16, 21, 23, 24. Jackpot now €6,250.00. Consolation Prizes, Helen O’Hara, Thomastown, David O’Neill, Ballinamona, Joe Murray, Maidenhall, BB Syndicate, Paul Ryan, Blackwell.

KNOCK PILGRIMAGE “Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration Pilgrimage to Knock on Sunday 23rd April Coach leaves from Woodies Carpark, Kilkenny at 7.00am.

Cost €25 per person: Contact: 086 1666547 CAMOGIE Very well done to the Bennettsbridge U16 team who played Kilmacow on what was a very windy Saturday.

A very close game until the last quarter when Bennettsbridge managed to get on top. Result, Kilmacow, 1.4 Bennettsbridge, 5.2.

CAMOGIE Bennettsbridge Camogie Club welcomes new officers for the 2023 season. Thanks went to outgoing officers for their efforts and the new officers are wished well.

Chairperson: Deirdre Cullen, Vice Chairperson: Vivienne Holmes, Joint Secretaries: Sinead Mackey and Jane Moran, Treasurer: Sinead Wall, Child Welfare Officer: Lisa Mulcahy, Coaching Development Officer: Paul Forde, Registrars: Paul Forde and Jonnie Meighan, PRO: Gemma Morrissey, Health Safety and Wellbeing: Cathriona Dooley, Additional Committee members: Alan Morrissey, James Moran. John Drea, Paul Brennan, Caoimhe Shiel, Linda Maher, Sandra Byrne, Rijan Dooley, Elaine Denieffe, Eimear Mahon.

EASTER CAMP Some places are still available for the Bennettsbridge

Camogie U 16s had a good win over KIlmacow Easter Camp which will take place from the 11th to 14th April this year. The camp runs from 10 to 2pm daily. Cost €50.00. Contact Cormac Wafer, 0879466257, or Enda Morrissey 0879343786.

GAA Junior Football League Champions Congratulations to our junior football team who captured the junior league with a good win over a tough Galmoy team in Castlecomer last Saturday. First half goals from Ciaran Brennan and a penalty from James Carroll left the ‘Bridge lads a point up at the break despite playing against the elements. A strong second half showing saw Bennettsbridge pull away to win out on a score line of 7- 7 to 1-6. Next up is the championship with the draw to take place shortly. Well done to all the players and management team on a fine win.

Underage Games A young Bennettsbridge minor team lost out to Barrow Rangers in the opening round of the league on a score line of 3-14 to 1-14 after an entertaining game. The under 15 team had a good win away to Blacks and Whites in their opening round, while the under 13 footballers lost out to Lisdowney in the Roinn B quarter final on Friday night. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for details of upcoming fixtures as the season begins to kick off.

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 now due.

Buy a Brick Campaign We are in our 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.

National League final Best wishes to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny team in the League Final versus Limerick on Sunday next.

On-line Draw The first online draw of 2023 is now live. 100 tickets only will be sold with 700 euro going to the winner. Tickets cost 10 euro. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details of the link to play. The draw will take place as soon as the tickets are sold. Thanks for the continued sup-port.

Scrap Collection The club is planning a scrap Collection fundraiser this month, so if you have any scrap to get rid of we will gladly take it. Further details to follow shortly.

Split the Pot The next draw takes place today Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Envelopes are available around the village.

If you want to play online with club-force please see the

clubs Facebook page for details. Thanks again for the continued support.

SPRING CLEAN AT THE GAA PITCH Volunteers needed this Saturday for at the GAA pitch for general clean up, grass strimming, grass cutting, painting and shed clear out.

HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES The following are the times for ceremonies throughout this forthcoming Holy Week: Conahy Church – Holy Thursday (6.00 p.m.), Good Friday (3.00 p.m.), Easter Sunday (11.30 a.m.); Jenkinstown Church – Holy Thursday (8.00 p.m.), Good Friday (8.00 p.m.), Holy Saturday (8.00 p.m.), Easter Sunday (9.30 a.m.). Confession will be available both before and after each ceremony.

CAMOGIE The senior camogie girls got their season underway with a trip to Tullaroan on Sunday last. With a number of players absent due to inter-county commitments, Conahy still performed well in the circumstances.

However, the home side proved to be the stronger, winning in the end by 3-10 to 1-8. In inter-county action, Ruth Phelan (Captain), Sofia Kerr and Katie Brennan were also in action for the Kilkenny minor team who drew with Cork on Sunday in Freshford.

Conahy Camogie Club are currently running a Sports Prediction Competition, with a first prize of €250. Cards are €10 and can be got from any committee member and must be returned by Wednesday, April 12th.

The club is also holding a fundraising table quiz in the GAA Clubhouse on Sunday, April 23rd at 5.00 p.m. Tables of 4 cost €20 and all support would be most welcome.

HURLING The under-15 hurlers played out an exciting draw away to Piltown for their first game in the Duggan Steel Roinn B League on Wednesday last. Conahy led by 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time thanks in the main to a fine goal from Jack Rhatigan. The home side fought back to take the lead during the early stages of the second half, but Conahy fought back well and managed to secure a share of the spoils, scoring 1-9 to Piltown’s 0-12. Conahy are back in action tomorrow night (Thursday) when they play host to Kilmacow in Jenkinstown at 6.30 p.m.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Rory Dunne, Tadhg Hennessy, Camryn Kenehan, Darragh Horgan, Finn Sherman, Rory Rhatigan, Ceirin Murphy, Jack Rhatigan, Joe Boland, Patrick Kennedy, Billy Rowe, Brian Phelan, Adam Morrissey, Rory Sherman, Padraig Quinn, Bobby Dooley, James Byrne.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 27, 34 and 38. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Ann Marie Feehan, Lisa Butler, Eamonn Dunne C/O David Maher, Una

CLUB REGISTERATION With training and games back in full swing please renew your membership asap where possible. Members can now renew their membership directly through ClubZap for the 2023 season and instalment options are available.

CLUB GAMES We welcome back the bright evenings and all our underage games and training please see ClubZap for training schedules, fixtures and results going forward for the upcoming season.

KILKENNY GAA We wish Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team and their Management Team and our senior Boro hurlers involved the very best in the Allianz Hurling League Final against Limerick in Pairc Ui Chaoimh Easter Sunday at 2pm.

EASTER WISHES We would like to wish all our members, players and their families a very Happy Easter.

EASTER CEREMONIES Mass times for the Easter period are as follows: Holy Thursday – Glengoole 7.00pm Good Friday – Gortnahoe 3.00pm Easter Vigil – Glengoole Saturday 7.30pm Easter Sunday – Gortnahoe 10.30am CHURCH COLLECTIONS The Parish council would like thank parishioners for their weekly envelope collection for the support of each church. Also this week the priest collection will be taken up on Easter Sunday. The envelope is included in the box of envelopes.

ANNUAL GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION Part of this fund will support the Latin Patriarchate who has been assisting those whose lives have been devastated by the horrendous earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

TROCAIRE BOXES Contributions can be returned during the Easter ceremonies. Please support Trocaire because it is only when we work together that we can build a truly just world.

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.

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 EASTER BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday at 3.00pm with doors opening at 2.00pm. Over €3,460 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game and €800 Easter special game plus numerous Easter eggs on every game. We

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News Community & GAA Notes look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their families; it will be a great day’s entertainment for all.

Please note the starting time 3.pm SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Ryan Lahart from Dualla who was the winner of €196 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of April will be in support of the Gortnahoe Senior Citizens. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated BRIGID CAMPION RIP The death took place of Brigid Campion, (nee Rafter) Coole, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, on March 25th.

Predeceased by her parents Michael and Eileen and brother infant Michael. Deeply regretted by her heartbroken daughter Catrina, T.J., brothers Sylvester (Slyvie) and John and Sister Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Brigid reposed at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford with removal on Wednesday the 29th to St. Patrick and St. Oliver Church, Glengoole for Requiem mass followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium. May she rest in peace.

CHRISTINA LONG RIP The death took place of Christina Long, Glengoole South, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. on the 29th March. Peacefully in Padre Pio Nursing Home, Holycross, surrounded by her loving family. Deeply regretted by her loving children Gerard, Andrew and Jenise, grandchildren James, Sean and Claire, daughter-in-law Janette, son-in-law Baz, great-grandchildren Charlie, Harry, Sophie, Oliver, Joey, Lexi, Kyah and Mila, brothers and sisters Ned, Cait, Pauline, Doris, Patsy and Mary, sisters-in-law, brothers-inlaw, nieces, nephews, wonderful neighbours and friends.

Christina reposed at her residence on Thursday the 30th .

With removal to St’s Patrick and Oliver Church, Glengoole for Funeral Mass, followed by burial in adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace.

JAMES HENNESSY RIP The death took place of James Hennessy, Lisduff, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny, March 29th, peacefully, in the loving care of the Palliative Team at Fennor Hill Care Facility, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. Predeceased by his parents, Tom and Bridie, sister Breda (Cooney) and her husband Alan. Deeply regretted by his loving sisters Eileen and Mary, brothers John and Paul, nieces Siobhan, Carol and Maura, nephews Fergus, David and Sean, sisters-in-law Rita and Terry, cousins, relatives and a close circle of friends. James reposed at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford on last Sunday afternoon followed by removal on Monday morning to St. Patrick’s Church, Graine, for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace.

CHURCH NEWS Ceremony times for Holy Week. Holy Thursday Crosspatrick 7pm, Graine 8.15pm, Good Friday Urlingford 3pm, Johnstown 3pm, Galmoy 7pm, Stations of the Cross Johnstown 7.30pm. Holy Saturday Urlingford 6.30pm, Johnstown 8pm, Easter Sunday Crosspatrick 9am, Galmoy 10.15am, Graine 11.30am.

Easter offerings are now due also Trocaire Lenten envelopes.

COFFEE AND CAKE Coffee morning and cake sale in Crosspatrick Hall on Easter Sunday after 9am Mass. Proceeds in aid of the Hall.

GRAINE ICA Graine ICA are arranging a trip to Monaghan staying two nights in The Hillgrove Hotel from 18th to 20th June. Information from Geraldine 0831360133 or Ann 0872356484.

TRIP Trip to Westport Woods Hotel and Spa from Sunday June 18th to Friday June 23rd June. B/B and Dinner and tours €550 pps, single €20 per night extra. Names to 0868173843. Deposit €200 before April 23rd.

URLINGFORD LIBRARY Adult art classes free 6 weeks course starting Tuesday April 4th 10.30 to 12 30. A general intro to art for all levels using a variety of materials and mediums with KCETB tutor Graham Carew. Contact 0567794182 or email urlingford@kilkennylibrary.ie.

CONDOLENCES Condolences from both the Fenian H.C. and Spa United AFC to the Tobin Family , Main Street on the recent death of Mrs. Josie Tobin.RIP. SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results Mens Junior Seanie O’Connor Shield Evergreen 46.. 2 Spa 4, U16 boys League Division 1A Thomastown United 4 Spa 0, U14 boys League Division 2 Spa 3 Paulstown 0, U13 boys League Division 1 Spa 0 Evergreen 0, U12 boys League Division 1 Spa 0 Bridge Utd 3, U11 boys Doran Shield semi final Spa 2 Evergreen

1, U10 Jagger Wemyss Plate Spa 0 Southend 4, U14 girls League Division 2 Evergreen 4 Spa 0. The U10 girls also played Southend and both teams showed great skill.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 3,6,10,27 three match threes Marguerite Dermody, John Whyte and Julia Tobin.

MARGARET READMAN RIP Sympathy is expressed to Louise Maher, Great Oak, her sisters Anita, Angela and Stephanie, her brothers Derek and Sean, and extended families, on the death recently of their mother, Margaret Readman. Her funeral and requiem mass took place in the Church of the Assumption, Callan and burial was afterwards in Kilbride cemetery.

SEAN KELLY RIP Sympathy is expressed to the family of Sean Kelly, Dama, Ballycallan whose death occurred recently. He is sadly missed by his daughter Margaret, son in law John, granddaughter Ciara, brother in law, sister in law, friends and neighbours. Sean’s requiem mass was celebrated in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan and burial was in Foulkstown cemetery, Kilkenny.

JOSIE O’DWYER RIP The death has occurred of Josie O’Dwyer, Ballyline.

Her requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. in St. Molua’s Church, Killaloe with burial in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. She is predeceased by her husband Patrick and sadly missed by her daughters Catherine, Ann and Nuala, sons John, Eddie and Patrick, sisters Sr. Francis and Brigid Kelly.

MAURA McAULEY RIP The death has occurred of Maura McAuley, Great Oak. Her requiem mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Callan with burial in Kilbride cemetery.

Sympathy is expressed to her husband Jim, daughters Marion, Martina and Rose, sons Anthony, Michael and Peter, immediate family, many friends and neighbours.

DAN GLENDON RIP The death has occurred of Dan Glendon, formerly of Dungarvan and Wales. We express our sympathy to his sister Brigid Comerford, Ballycallan. His burial took place in Wales.

EASTER MASSES IN OUR PARISH Good Friday:- The Lord’s Passion in Ballycallan at 3pm and Prayer around the Cross in Kilmanagh at 8pm.

Holy Saturday:- Vigil Mass in Kilmanagh at 6.30pm and in Ballycallan at 9pm.

Easter Sunday:- Mass in Killaloe at 9am and in Ballycallan at 10:15am QUEEN OF PEACE JUBILEE On June 22nd, we will hold a special Mass to celebrate the golden jubilee of Kilmanagh Church. Bishop Niall Coll will be the celebrant. The mass will be followed by refreshments and entertainment. All are welcome to attend.

ALONE Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area, full training and support provided. If interested please contact Emma on 086 083 4393 or via email to emma.heslin@alone.ie. If you are over 60 years and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, please call 0818 222 024.

LOTTO RESULTS Results for 27th March. Numbers drawn were 3; 4; 14; 29.

There was no winner. Lucky Dip winners were Michael Dermody, Pat Brennan Canverstown and James Young Corstown. Sellers’ prizes went to Siobhan O’Brien and Niall Egan.

MEDAL PRESENTATION St. Brigid’s Camogie Club invites you to a pre-season bash along with medal presentations for our victorious U-22 and Junior C teams of 2022 along with the well overdue All County League 2019 team in Set Theatre on Sunday 9th April at 8pm. A great night is in store, not to be missed. Tickets on sale from any committee member.

There will be a door prize on the night, look forward to seeing you there.

EASTER RAFFLE River Rangers AFC are holding an Easter Raffle with some fantastic prizes on offer. Raffle lines are now available from every player, parent, club committee, club members, Ryan’s Bar, The Pound and Mary O’Connor’s Shop. We will be holding the raffle in Ryan’s Bar Kilmanagh on Saturday 8th of April. Please keep it available for another great night of entertainment.

YOGA AND PILATES Yoga and Pilates classes with Roisin will take place in Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh commencing after Easter. Monday 6:30 to 7:30pm – Pilates.

Tuesday 6:30 – 7:45pm – Yoga and Relaxation. Thursday 9:30 – 10:45am – Yoga and Relaxation. Thursday 11.00am – 12.00pm – Chair Yoga.

Cost of 5 week Yoga Block €45, 5 week Pilates Block €50,

Combo of Pilates and Yoga Block discounted price of €80.

Booking for any or all of these classes is essential on 085 272 6047.

GOING TO THE DOGS St. Brigid’s Camogie Club are going to the dogs on Friday 2nd June at 7:30pm at Kilkenny Greyhound Track, James’ Park, Freshford Road, Kilkenny. Come join us on the night, €10 entry which includes race card. Children welcome also but need to be accompanied by an adult.

A fun night out for all the family, looking forward to seeing you there.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@ gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday and Tuesday at 9.30a.m. and Thursday 8.00p. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Thursday at 7.00p.m. Vigil Saturday at 7.00p.m.

Friday 7th. Good Friday Day of Fast and Abstinence.

ROTA Rota for next week-end. 8th. and 9th. April 2023 (Easter Sunday) Readers. Hugginstown, Saturday and Sunday. Readers arranged through the Holy Week Rota Stoneyford, Saturday. Readers arranged through the Holy Week Rota Eucharistic Ministers, Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m.

Mary Murphy, Sunday,10.00a.m. Kay Power. Stoneyford, Saturday, 7.00p.m. Kitty Wallace; TROCAIRE COLLECTION We ask that all Trócaire Contribution be returned on Holy Thursday 6th. April 2023 or as soon as possible please.

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

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 Church.

Cemetery Masses, Calvary Cemetery on Friday 2nd. June at 8.00p.m. Stoneyford Cemetery on Friday 7th. July at 8.00p.m. Hugginstown Cemetery on Saturday 1st. July at 8.00p.m.

OSSORY DIOCESAN 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.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY A Lecture on Michael Collins: “The Formative Years” will be held in Mullinavat Parish Hall (opposite Church) on Thursday, April 13th. at 8.00p.m. The Speaker will be Patrick Mannix. All are welcome.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 27th. March 2023. Numbers: 29; 11; 21; 01. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00. Winners, Walshe Family, Lawcus, Aoife and Katie Doyle, Carrickshock; Chris Grace, Lismatigue, Joe Brennan, Keatingstown, John Kelly, Rossenarra.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers), James Irish, Teresa Fitzgerald, Walshe’s Shop HOLY WEEK TIME TABLE Hugginstown Church: Friday 7th. 3.00p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion.

Saturday 8th. 8.00p.m. Easter Vigil Mass.

Sunday 9th. 10.00a.m. Easter Sunday Mass Stoneyford Church. Thursday 6th. 7.00p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Friday 7th 7.00p.m. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion.

Saturday 8th. 7.00p.m. Easter Vigil Mass PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration Pilgrimage to Knock; Coach leaves from Woodies Carpark, Kilkenny at 7.00a.m.

on Sunday 23rd. April. Please contact 086 166 6547 if you wish to travel.

Mass in the Basilica at 3.00 p.m.; Chief Celebrant: Most Rev. Kieran O’ Reilly, SMA, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly.

Followed by Benediction and Eucharistic Blessing.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person. Ms. Kathleen Sherry Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole.

LENTEN STATIONS Many thanks to all who contributed to the Lenten Station Offerings during the past weeks. Much appreciated.

STONEYFORD ACTIVE RETIREMENT Stoneyford Active Retirement Group is planning a 5 day/4 night holiday to Dundalk from 11th. September 2023.

Bus to/from Stoneyford; Tours every day; Nice relaxing Itinerary. For further information visit www.stoneyford.ie COMPUTER COURSE Course will begin during April in Gairdín an Ghorta, Newmarket. Laptops and Smartphones. If interested please contact Willie Barron 086 839 4349 or Stephen Cassin 085 726 3393.

CONVERSATIONS WITH WOMEN IN THE BIBLE A Day to explore insights from their stories and God’s transforming presence in their lives. Speaker: Sr. Therese Fitzgerald SND. Venue: Ballyvaloo Centre, Blackwater, Co. Wexford on Friday May 12th or Pembrook Hotel, Kilkenny on Saturday May 13th. More details later/ check out www. ssjg.org THEOLOGY OPEN DAY The Priory Institute provides online Theology Courses to degree level. Attend Saturday Lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Email enquiries@ prioryinstitute.com to find out more about the Open Day on Saturday 29th. April.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE 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.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family & 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.

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

Contact number for the Centre 056-883846

We received the following posts relating to Ballyline National School From Maria Dollard Spent many happy days in Lakyle Art School but we didn’t come home from Wales until 1970 so never went to school in Ballyline. Dad of course did and the poet Ciarán O’Driscoll (whose father was the Master there) did as well, at the same time as John. His autobiography ‘A Runner Among Falling Leaves’ recounts his childhood attending Ballyline and his life in Callan where they had a shop. He still lives in Limerick .

From Virginia Teehan: My grandmother, Nellie Teehan (nee Hally, Ballywalter) taught in Ballyline from the 1930s until the early 1950s.

She was a widow and lived in the Teacher’s House beside the school where she reared my father Eamon Teehan.

They both loved Ballyline and had great memories of living there.

Also the following names to go with last week’s photograph of Ballyline National School from 1966.

Photo Front row L-R Marian Conan, ( might be John Coonan). Geraldine Coonan, Nellie Lynch, Una Larkin, Jackie Doherty, -?-, Shane Doherty Middle Row -?-,-?-, O Grady , O Grady,-?Back Row -?-, think Pat Coonan, -?-, Jimmy Daly, Teacher Ms. Treacy Any other contributions would be very welcome.

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

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Community & GAA Notes

CO-OP RELAUNCH Callan Co-Op held their grand reopening of their new superstore last Saturday morning. Local radio station KCLR were present with Edward Hayden at the Helm. Edward conducted interviews with local celebs as well as members of the public and members or Callan Co-Op Staff and Committee. It was a massive undertaking over a two year period which was difficult during the pandemic but it was all worth it as today they now have an ultra modern super hardware store on West Street. It will certainly enhance the already well served Callan market and surrounds and by building such a new premises it will also help in attracting larger numbers to the town and in turn enhance other businesses in Callan. Best of luck to all on the new venture. (see Callan Co-Op Feature in this week’s Kilkenny Observer) AGRI RURAL FORUM There was a huge turnout for the special Agri Rural forum held at Callan Parish Hall last Thursday night. The whole event was organised by local fine Gael councillor Joe Lyons who received huge praise from one and all for putting together the line up of excellent speakers and experts. We all know the Agri Industry is in precarious waters with emission rates increasing as herd numbers increase.

New legislation from the European Union will change a lot for farmers and especially Dairy sector. Many with large herds are buying additional land so as to ensure they can hold their herds at the same numbers as they are today.

Other discussions centred on the costs of energy and how the farming sector can buy into wind and solar energy. This columnist has travelled in countries such as France, Spain, Portugal and Germany over the past 30 years plus and really as a country Ireland is light years behind in wind and solar energy. In all those countries mentioned every farm building has solar panels and most farms also have wind farms, so what is wrong with the Irish Farm sector and why in some areas there are so many objections to alternative energy. For many attending last Thursday they came away with some questions to ask of themselves, but also came away that Ireland can be a leader in reducing emissions and in turn can also be a leader in wind and solar energy.

OLD SCHOOL STORIES This week we will continue with more of the old school stories from the Callan area dating back to the 1930’s. They are innocent, with poor spelling but real and heartfelt. So here are a few more from Alice Glennon from Goodwinsgardens and Brigid O’Leary from Kilree.

General manager James Fitzgerald and Edward Hayden

LOCAL POETS; There were many poets around this district long ago. There was a famous poet named Thomas Donnelly who lived on the right side of the Callan road near where the Kells Creamery is at present. All the people call it Donnelly’s pit since, because it is sort of a hollow.

This poet was born in County Tipperary and he died at the age of 94 in the hospital in Kilkenny. The reason why he got to be a poet was, he inherited it from his father. It was always in English that this poet sang his songs and he was also a farmer. When he was dying he ordered his epitaph. “Here lies the body of Shoot the Moon who slipped his wind and never too soon and now he is dead and his tongue is civil thinking of God and shun the devil”

give work to people who had no work.

This road is used and the people who made those roads were not paid very much. There were many old men making these roads were not paid very much.

There were many old men making these roads namely Patrick Millea, John Braithwaite and Patrick Moore, and many other old men who are now dead. Long ago before bridges were made people had to cross rivers in shallow places where fords were. There were many fords by which the people crossed, there was one in one of Mr. Hutchinson’s fields and many others along the rivers. There is also a bye-road leading to Kells-grange and it is called Lady’s Well road. It derives its name from the blessed well where Our Lady appeared long years ago.

LOCAL ROADS The local roads in Kells are known by different names. There is a road leading to Callan which is called the Callan road.

There are three more roads leading from Kells, one is called the Kilree road the other road the Haggard road and the other the Kilkenny road. All these roads are leading to places, one is leading to Kilkenny the other to Haggard and one to Kilree. There is an old bye-road which is leading to Dunnamaggin which is called the “Crab Road”. This road was supposed to be made during the Famine period to

HIDDEN TREASURE The time the battle was in Carrickshock my grandfather was a chap. He remember a man coming to our house with two mules. The two mules were heavily loaded with big trunks. When he came to our house he inquired for Carrickshock and they told him the battle was over the day before. He told them he stopped in Kilkenny the night before he came to our house and that he left his trunks in the barracks and slept in some other house so as they would not suspect him of having any armour.

The loaded his trunks for him in the morning. He was very disappointed to have the battle over, and he showed all the swords to my grandfather and he also gave him a great many. My grandfather had a great many boxes of balls for shooting. The Summer after my grandfather used to bring the balls to school to play marbles with them. The police had the barrack in Kells at Butlers in these days. One night afterwards he met one of the police that he was friendly with. He called him over and asked him had he any guns, and added “If you have remove them as quickly as possible for there is a warrant issued to search your house in the morning” So he came home and got all the guns and went out at the back of the house and dug the headland and buried the guns.

At ten o clock the next morning there were twenty police in the yard but the got nothing. In twelve months after he dug the headland to get the guns and could not find them any more.

A STORY When my grandfather was a boy he was playing cards in Dunnamaggin one night.

At about eleven o clock he started to come home. The rest of the boys told him not to go until after twelve or he would meet a ghost. They told him that there was always a ghost seen wearing a big long coat walking up and down on Carroll’s hill near Dunnamaggin. Then he said that he would go by New Road.

The told him that there was a ghost seen there with a gallon and he was called the gallooneen. He started out for home and to avoid both places he came to Chapel Izod lodge. He was coming across Chapel Izod fields and it was very dark. When he came to the middle of the field he struck his foot against something and he put out his hands to keep himself from falling He put his hands into something very wooley with no substance. He got such a fright he was not able to go any further.

He heard a sheep bleating and he knew that it was a sheep he felt. He said all the ghosts came could not give him a bigger fright.

RIDDLES When is a motor-car not a motor car?

When it turned into a garrage. question As I was going to the fair of Veince I met nine men and their nine wives Each wife had a child Each child had a cat Each cat had a kitten. How many were gong to the fair of Venice?

Answer - one. question Add a bit to it to make it short cut a bit off to make it long. Answer - a grave? question Why is the moon like a well baked cake. Answer because it is light when it rises. question As round as an apple as plump as a pear and it never cries out until its caught by the tail. A bell Question What is the longest word in a school book. Smiles because there is a mile between the two s s What is Black and white and red all over.

A book WEATHER LORE If the clouds were black it is a sure sign of rain. If the sky was cloudless good weather is at hand. if the sun is shinning with all its splendour the following will be good weather. If the sun is shinning delicately bad weather is coming forth.

When the rainbow is in the sky rain is sure to follow. When the crows fly heigh in the air its a sign of good weather. When the crows fly Low in the air rain will follow.

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Towns Cup Rugby semi-final Kilkenny V Cill Dara With Irish Rugby at an all time high following the recent Six Nations Grand Slam double

on St. Patrick’s Weekend, their will no doubt be increased interest in Kilkenny's pursuit

of attempting to defend The Provincial Towns Cup. St. Patrick’s Weekend was also a positive one for Kilkenny Rugby Club as they secured a last gasp victory away to Gorey in the Quarter-Final to keep their Towns Cup hopes alive.

This coming Easter Sunday, Kilkenny play Cill Dara in Portlaoise from 3pm, while the other Semi-Final is an all Carlow contest between County Carlow and Tullow.

Easter Sunday was a memorable day for Kilkenny Rugby last year as they won The Towns Cup for the first time in 20 years following an emphatic 32-6 win against Ashbourne.

It was their 6th Towns Cup triumph with the first coming back in 1955.

Kilkenny had a tough path on their way to last years Cup Final as they defeated Edenderry, Dundalk and Carlow, and in this years Quarter-Final they had to do it the hard way against Gorey.

At one stage they were 12-0 down and facing defeat, but

they displayed admirable composure and resilience to fightback with tries from Rory McInerney and Lyndon Brannigan along with a Hugh Corkery Conversion bringing them level. 12-12.

Gorey fought back with another try and they held a slender advantage with time almost up. 17-15.

However, Kilkenny pulled it out of the bag and a last gasp try deep into stoppage time from Abel Viana saw them secure victory in the most dramatic circumstances to keep the defence of their Towns Cup alive with a 20-17 win.

The Towns Cup has become a saving grace for Kilkenny particularly after the disappointment of suffering relegation from Division 1A of The Leinster League.

Kilkenny's place in The Top Tier of The Leinster League next season will be taken by fellow Towns Cup Semi-Finalists Tullow.

Tullow defeated Kilkenny's Semi-Final opponents Cill

Dara comprehensively two weeks ago to gain Promotion to Division 1A next season.

The Towns Cup brought out the best in Kilkenny last season, and no doubt they will be more than hopeful of getting back into the final once again.

Overall, it's been a very positive season for Kilkenny Rugby Club with the various Teams doing very well.

The 2nds are also progressing nicely in The Cup recently and

they qualified for the QuarterFinal following a dramatic victory last Sunday.

They produced a late rally to win 29-27 away to Wicklow as they ground out a victory after a Wicklow try put them out front with time running out. 27-26.

However, Kilkenny dug deep and a late three pointer saw them snatch victory as they secured a priceless victory.

Elsewhere, The U-15s won their Leinster League Final recently with a 21-10 win against Naas, The U14s have a Cup Semi-Final to play also, while The Ladies had an excellent Season in The League as they just lost out on automatic promotion.

Meanwhile, The Kilkenny Rugby Club venue in Foulkestown is one of several venues within the province that are hosting a Summer Camp organized by Leinster Rugby.

The Camp takes place from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August, and it's best book as quickly as possible with places filling up.

Put your own mask on first EOIN EVERARD

I wrote this article on a flight out to the European Championships in Holland. One thing that strikes me is that during the safety demonstration they always stress the importance of putting on your own mask first before attending to others. Now they are not suggesting that for no reason!

They know that if you do not put on your own mask and get oxygen flowing that pretty soon you are not going to be much help to anyone!!

That makes perfect sense on a flight but how many of us ignore this advice in our day to day lives?

How many of us try to do everything for others while we let ourselves get run down? I myself have had to stop taking new patients at times to make sure I keep the quality of service high for my current patients and not burn out myself while running at a very high level. It was not an easy decision as I really want to help as many people as possible, but I if I am exhausted how can I give my best to new patients?

I cannot count the number

of mothers who have come into my clinic with their children for me to treat. When helping to get the child back to full health or putting in place a programme to prevent injuries down the road, the mother confides that she has been suffering some pain for weeks, months or even years!

Asked why she lives with it she

tells me she has too much on.

She gets her child fixed the minute they feel pain like any good parent would but will go years before seeking help herself. This is noble in ways but also foolish. If the hip pain gets so bad it results in surgery, then how are you going to bring the children to all the activities, hold down a job and run a household? I feel like giving two for one session to these parents!

Putting on your own mask first in the real-world means saying no to one or two activities to give yourself time to relax or exercise. You must schedule time to stay healthy and exercise. Over 80% of the top CEOs in the world practice 20 minutes of daily meditation according to a Huffington Post article I read. They know that they need to look after themselves first to look after major corporations. Make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night, 30 minutes of exercise and are taking the time to prepare healthy meals as a minimum.

Put your own mask on first.

For more information and tips about how to run your best get my book “How to Get to the line in the best shape possible” for free at www.everardpilates.com/ book

Letter to the editor

Dear Sir, The current system of paying in advance and online for admittance to GAA games may be very modern and suitable for younger (and some not- so-young) fans. However, I am now pleading on behalf of elderly GAA fans, who like myself are ‘a bit long in the tooth’ for using these online systems. Could the powers-that-be (especially our local GAA representatives) not open just one stile at Nowlan Park for up-to-date card holding pensioners to pay on their way into games?

I would like to point out that there are a lot of us now in the twilight of our lives that have supported the GAA all our lives as players, administrators, patrons etc. All we ask for is to be given the opportunity to pay our way into our beloved games as we have always done. Some of us elderly followers are justifiably too proud to look foolish by having to ask younger people to buy our tickets online for us. We are not doddering old fools just because we are now old.

We have all worked hard in difficult times to rear our families, to buy our homes and we supported our GAA (and still do) with unwavering loyalty. To our local GAA representatives, I now say “please don’t abandon us now when one of the very few pleasures we have left is attending a hurling match”.

Yours sincerely, Elderly GAA fan.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

Hurling matters - Preview

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz Hurling League Final 2023 Sunday, 9th April @ 2pm Páirc Uí Chaoimh Kilkenny vs Limerick

>> SHERRY SAYS LEAGUE FINAL PREVIEW

Kilkenny will make the 150km journey to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to tackle Limerick in this year’s Allianz hurling league final. Our opponent’s journey is slightly shorter, but once both teams arrive, the difficulty in the Cats task will be immense.

Hurling heads will regularly be heard talking about John Kiely’s Limerick in glowing terms and rivalling the great Kilkenny teams of the last 25 years. There is no doubting that this is a ‘generational’ Treaty team, and many wouldn’t bet against them being spoken about as glowingly as Brian Cody’s winning teams in years to come.

But how they will be judged in the fullness of time is a matter for another day. The immediate attention switches to the banks of the river Lee for Sunday’s league final which pits the Cats against the Treaty.

Derek Lyng will take charge of our senior hurlers in a final for the first time, and the fact that the Emeralds man has delivered this appearance in a decider is a sure sign of the progress that has undoubtedly been made since Mr. B Cody departed.

Listen, when you reach a final, in any competition, you want to win it, but with championship hurling on the horizon, the Kilkenny manager will be keen to test his nous against the best team around for the last couple of years.

I’d imagine that if our boys can stick with this Limerick side for 60 minutes, it will set up an interesting finale.

Both sides come into Sunday’s final with identical records, 4 wins and one defeat from five group games.

Limerick lost their opener to Cork, while the Cats came up short at home to a resurgent Tipperary at UPMC Nowlan Park.

The semi-finals saw Sunday’s finalists record 6-point wins over Cork and Tipperary respectively, the teams had had taken their scalps in the group stages.

This year’s Walsh Cup and Allianz league has provided the stage for a young man from Galmoy to showcase his undoubted talent at senior level. Yes, step forward Billy Drennan. Not only given a chance at this level by his former U20 manager that guided Billy and his teammates to last season’s All-Ireland title, but the softly spoken attacker has also been given the placed ball responsibility in the absence of the legendary TJ Reid.

Drennan has not let anyone down in the scoring stakes during this

Cats out to tear up Treaty script Eggs can wait as Easter clash beckons

Corner man Padraig Walsh

Billy Drennan

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Hurling matters - Preview

John Donnelly And David Blanchfield will aim to start

year’s league campaign, registering 2-65 in a devastating debut season at senior level. The placed ball duty has contributed 1-52 of this impressive total to date. Billy appears to be totally relaxed with the responsibility thrust upon his shoulders and seems to take it all in his stride. Sunday will be another test in the Galmoy player’s journey, and I think it’s safe to say, it could be the most difficult this season.

Kilkenny have given many players minutes during the league.

Alongside Billy Drennan, we have seen the likes of Timmy Clifford, Gearoid Dunne, David Blanchfield and Des Dunne settle into senior hurling.

As per usual, the county side had been deprived of the Shamrocks Ballyhale contingent in the first couple of months of the year. Recently we have seen this years captain Eoin Cody, Richie Reid, Darragh and Ronan Corcoran integrated into the panel, while we still await the return of Adrian Mullen and TJ Reid.

The semifinal win over the Rebels saw Danesfort’s Richie Hogan start a Kilkenny game for the first time in almost 3 years – the former All-Star hitting the first point of the game, a sight that was roundly cheered at UPMC Nowlan Park. When you add a sprinkling of stardust to any panel, the performance levels go up a notch, the competitiveness of training increases, in essence, everything improves. Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the Cork win, manager Lyng alluded to the improving squad depth.

“We want a competitive squad.

I think a lot of lads [against Cork] put their hands up again. And that’s what we asked them, grab the jersey when you have it. And you know, we’re seeing that competition coming through with the lads coming back. And that’s exactly

Mossy will look to be a menace

where we want to be.”

The Cats attack has also had a lively Martin Keoghan causing havoc amongst opposition defenders. The Tullaroan man has been getting through a mountain of work, pulling markers all over the place and raising the green flag now and again. One of those joining Keoghan in the Kilkenny attack has been Paddy Deegan. Normally operating in a more defensive role, the O’Loughlin’s man has been mightily impressive in adding a bit of muscle to the black & amber forward unit.

Sunday might come too soon for Eoin Cody and Billy Ryan, but there will be others pushing to get a start and lay down a marker for the upcoming Leinster Championship.

Another Tullaroan player, Gearoid Dunne has shown flashes of his ability, while Dicksboro’s Timmy Clifford isn’t afraid to put his shoulder to the wheel.

Against Cork, Erins Owns Conor Fogarty was influential in the engine room alongside Glenmore’s Alan Murphy. Murphy is also capable of firing over from distance, a quality which could be useful at Páirc Uí Chaoimh if Limerick lock things down in their defence. I’d imagine the middle third will be a hotbed of activity on Sunday, with both sides looking to take control of that vital sector. You’ll also see the likes of Paddy Deegan and Thomastown’s John Donnelly roaming round centre-field looking to provide the springboard for the Kilkenny attack.

In defence, the semi-final encounter with the Leesiders saw the return of O’Loughlin’s duo Mikey Butler and Huw Lawlor to the starting line-up. Both men played an important part in helping to quell the Cork attack, Lawlor operated from the number six berth with Tommy Walsh behind him. Another Walsh and Tullaroan man, Padraig has been deployed in the corner recently and this new role appears to be suiting the swash-buckling Sash man.

Behind the back six, is likely to be former All-Star keeper, Eoin Murphy. The Glenmore man’s all-round ability keeps him ahead of the chasing pack of netminders on Noreside. St Lachtains Darren Brennan, Lisdowneys Aidan Tallis and All-Ireland club winner and Sigerson Cup champion Dean Mason from Shamrocks are helping keep Murphy on his toes, like we said competition is good.

Derek Lyng’s starting XV on Sunday could be similar to that in the last four win over Cork, or he might look to shuffle his pack a little, probably depending upon the fitness and availability of TJ and Richie Reid and Adrian Mullen. Perhaps Lyng will take the longer view and introduce this trio from the bench, with the business end of the season approaching.

The Treaty will bring their now trademark physicality to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, it will be up to Kilkenny to stand firm and match this. Carlow whistler Paud O Dwyer will need to have eyes in the back of his head and will need to have faith in his umpires and linesmen. The Palatine clubman will hopefully allow the final to flow but will need to keep a firm hand on proceedings.

So, what of Sunday’s opponents?

Since John Kiely took the reins, the Treaty County is unbeaten in any final contested. From back to front they are a dangerous animal. Cian

Lynch has made a successful return from injury and is looking sharp. His Patrickswell clubmate, Aaron Gillane returned to the squad mid-March and his placed ball accuracy will rival that of the Cats Billy Drennan.

The raiding wing-backs in the limerick team will take a bit of watching. Paddy Deegan could find himself clocking up the kilometres keeping tabs on Diarmaid Byrnes or Kyle Hayes. Should Gearoid Hegarty start on Sunday, it will take a fair ‘unit’ to try and contains the St Patrick’s man. Peter Casey has been in decent shape on the edge of the square, perhaps it could mean Huw Lawlor reverting to guard against this booming threat. Ahane’s Tom Morrissey will run all day and try to be the link man, so limiting his time on the sliotar will be important.

Captain and centre back Declan Hannon is a Rolls-Royce of a hurler and sets the tempo from the six position. Sean Finn and Barry Nash will look to get forward and trouble the score board, Nash in particular is a bit of a ‘wanderer’ and you would like someone in black & amber to engage the South Liberties man before he crosses midfield.

Depending on the fitness of some

Paddy Deegan will relish the battle

players, the strength of the bench could be one of Kilkenny’s key weapons. There might be a time in the second half when a little bit of something different is required, imagine a TJ Reid or an Adrian Mullen coming on to the Páirc Uí Chaoimh pitch with about 15 or 20 left to play.

Sunday promises to be a fascinating encounter. Let’s bring the noise to Leeside and ruffle some Limerick feathers.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

Motors Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

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Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ann Nolan intend to apply to above authority for permission for the following at The Railyard Inn, Cloneen, Castlecomer, Co.Kilkenny (a) Retention of Ladies and Gents toilets to Public House (b) Associated Works 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.

Ann Nolan

056 777 1463

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

JAMES (JIM) POWER 3RD ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of James (Jim) Power, late of Two The Ring, Bennettsbridge andReeden, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny, who died on 5th April 2020.

Time slips by and life goes on But from our hearts you’re never gone We think about you always We talk about you too We have so many memories But we wish we still had you.

The Miracle Prayer

Masses offered

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.S.M.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Loved and missed everyday by his wife Geraldine, his children Nicola and Elaine, son-in-law Kenneth, grandchildren Daniel and Ollie his sister Anna Bergin, sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law.

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.O.D.

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayerM.P.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.P.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.A.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 April 2023