Kilkenny Observer 07 August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Abuse scandal move 341 Christian Brothers named in historical Kilkenny case The names of 341 former Christian Brothers have been published in the Irish Independent following an order from the High Court in relation to a historical abuse case in a Kilkenny school, the CBS in Stephen Street.

The court heard that none of those to be named are accused of abuse, but their names are to be published in

the hope that they will come forward.

The civil case was before Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty on July 29, brought by a plaintiff who was abused by Christian Brother Liam Coughlan (90) while the victim attended school in Co Kilkenny in the 1970s.

In 2023, Coughlan, of Pine Grove, Tramore, Co Wa-

terford, received two jail terms of three years and two months and four-and-a-half years, for 49 counts of indecent assault.

The High Court previously criticised the now-head of the Christian Brothers, David Gibson, for an “obstructive” approach towards civil lawsuits alleging abuse.

As an unincorporated as-

sociation, the Christian Brothers cannot be sued if it does not provide a ‘nominee’. Brother Gibson has refused to act as a nominee for the congregation, leaving litigants needing to bring legal action against individual members or former members of the order.

The case has been taken by the male survivor of abuse,

who cannot be named, against Coughlan as the first named defendant and against Brother Gibson, who is the second named defendant.

Ms Justice Gearty last week granted permission for the plaintiff’s lawyers to publish in the Irish Independent the names of 341 individuals who are now co-defendants

Price of spuds is due to rise because of drought

Dedicated followers of fashion ...

Enable Ireland has announced the launch of ‘The Final Find’, a nationwide search for Ireland’s most creative stylists and upcyclers. The competition is open for entries until August 31.

Now in its second year, the charity invites upcyclers and stylists from Kilkenny to prove the unlimited potential of pre-loved clothing by creating an iconic outfit. The catch: the outfit must be created from a mystery bag of secondhand clothing provided by Enable Ireland charity shops.

To enter, participants must first demonstrate their flair for sustainable fashion by introducing themselves and their unique style via Instagram or TikTok. All entrants must also complete a short submission form at enableireland.ie/ thefinalfind.

Our picture shows last year’s winner of the Styling Trophy, Azania Dodo (22), from Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.

Carey company to be dissolved Former hockey player Catriona Carey’s company is set to be dissolved, according to a notice published by the UK’s companies registration agency.

Careysfort Asset Estates Limited is to be dissolved through compulsory strikeoff, according to a notice on the UK’s Companies House website.

The firm is co-owned by

Carey, who is listed as its sole director.

The company was hit with a “Final Gazette dissolved via compulsory strike-off” notice, according to Companies House.

This notice means a company has been struck off the Companies House register, ceasing its existence as a legal entity, according to Moore Recovery, a corpo-

in the case but who are not accused of any assaults.

The 341 former brothers face summons to the central office of the High Court within six weeks.

“In default of your so doing, the Plaintiff may proceed in the said action above, and judgement may be given against you in your absence,” says the notice.

rate insolvency expert in the UK. A company strike-off is similar to liquidation in that it brings about the end of a business.

Compulsory strike-offs often result from not meeting Companies House regulations, which can include not filing accounts or a confirmation statement on time.

The most recent accounts

filed for Careysfort said it had total assets worth £65,208 (€76,035) in 2022.

Directors may face legal and financial fallout, according to Moore Recovery, whereas creditors face losing what is owed to them.

Last week, Carey – a sister of former Kilkenny hurling captain DJ Carey and a mother of two – was cleared to drive again after a judge

ruled she could have her licence restored two-thirds of the way through a four-year ban.

Carey, a financial adviser who is also a former intercounty hockey star with Kilkenny, received the ban and a suspended sentence in 2022, when she pleaded guilty to road-traffic offences including driving without a licence or insurance.

The price of potatoes looks set to rise in the coming weeks as drought conditions in Ireland and across Europe hit supplies and threaten this year’s harvest.

This year’s main potato crop is back around 700ha, the lowest in seven years, according to Dublin-based agronomist Richard Hackett.

He said that, even if an average 41t/ha was achieved this year, total production would be 336,000t, which would be the fourth-lowest output in 11 years.

“Forty-one tonnes per hectare average looks to be a high target given the level of drought in the main planting area experienced in 2026 to date, especially given the higher proportion of (lower yielding) earlies and seed crops in total area,” he said. “The probability is output will more likely be similar to 2018 output.

Drought conditions in the UK and mainland Europe will also limit access to potatoes to meet market demand,” he told the Farming Independent.

Hurler DJ is back in jail Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey is back in Mountjoy Prison after a scheduled stay at Dublin’s Mater Hospital.

Carey was returned to the jail after spending several nights at the Mater for treatment for what is believed to be a heart issue.

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News Kilkenny Animated returns to Kilkenny City from September 11-13 with a programme that reaches far beyond the screen — mixing big-name comedy, home-grown talent, premiere screenings and live drawing across the medieval streets of Kilkenny.

Leading the bill is Dylan Moran, one of Ireland’s most beloved comedians, who takes to the stage on Saturday night for an evening of laughter, surprises and the rare sight of a comedian painting his way through an evening of glorious unpredictability.

Also headlining is Aoife Dooley, the acclaimed Irish artist, author and comedian whose bestselling books and animated work have made her one of the country’s most recognisable creative voices.

Dooley will host The Making of a Zine, a lively conversation with the creators behind Kilkenny’s home-grown Zine Machine collective, a group of local artists and illustrators, on the art of independent publishing, sharing the challenges, surprises and triumphs of bringing a zine to life across four editions.

Audiences will receive a free copy of the latest zine and are encouraged to drop by the Artist Market @ KKA on Saturday and Sunday to browse or buy original work from the local community of artists, many of whom work in the local animation scene.

Cartoon Saloon will also hold a table at the market for a special book signing of their

The wonderful world of Kilkenny Animated returns

eagerly anticipated visual retrospective, The Art of Cartoon Saloon: 25 Years.

From Japan, acclaimed filmmaker Naoko Yamada

[pictured] joins the festival as Guest Director, leading a masterclass as well as personally introducing a screening of her award-winning

feature, The Colours Within, giving audiences a rare chance to hear from one of the most admired directors in animation today. Yamada’s A

Silent Voice also features on the screening programme.

Storytelling takes centre stage in Drawing the Stories Out, where musician and

storyteller Aindrias de Staic spins vivid tales to the sound of his fiddle while artists, including Dylan Moran, draw their responses live before the audience’s eyes. Anime fans, meanwhile, can catch the Irish and UK premiere of the year’s most anticipated anime feature, The Keeper of the Camphor Tree, plus a late-night 18+ screening of the cult psychological thriller Perfect Blue, introduced

by Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore.

Alongside the headline events, the festival offers screenings, workshops, sketching tours and familyfriendly activities for animation enthusiasts young and old. A lively social schedule, including Cosplay Karaoke and the return of the infamous KKA Animation Pub Quiz, promises plenty to keep the party going. Meanwhile, students and graduates can look forward to the Pathways to Animation strand presented by Cartoon Saloon and Lighthouse Studios in partnership with the National Talent Academy for Animation.

Kilkenny Animated is hosted by Academy Award®nominated studio Cartoon Saloon, BAFTA-winning Lighthouse Studios and Schweppe Curtis Nunn Events.

Tickets are now on sale. For full programme details and booking, visit kilkennyanimated.com.

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News

St Luke’s is 3,400 drivers nabbed over weekend facing extra pressure on bed places Gardaí detected motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs at an average of one every 47 minutes over the August bank holiday weekend.

They also said more than 3,400 drivers were caught speeding during the first four days of the force’s bank holiday road safety campaign.

More than 300 motorists

St Luke’s General Hospital is under pressure again and is extremely busy, experiencing significantly high levels of activity, with large numbers of people presenting to the Emergency Department.

Many of those attending need to be admitted for ongoing treatment, which is leading to pressure on bed availability.

The hospital is currently dealing with high levels of activity and patients with serious illnesses, according to the HSE. This is also impacting on bed capacity across the hospital.

These ongoing pressures are resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the ED who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.

Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds

will become available for patients who need to be admitted at the earliest opportunity.

A spokesperson said: “Our hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may experience long waiting times.

“We ask that the public consider their care options. If your health problem is not an emergency, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the GP outof-hours service, in the first instance, or a local pharmacy, where healthcare advice and support are available under the Common Conditions Service (CCS). More details available here.”

Trump three-day visit to cost €20m The security operation for US President Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland next month is set to cost close to €20m for three days.

Gardaí are liaising with the US Secret Service, and about 4,000 personnel will be involved in logistics, planning and operational matters.

Mr Trump will visit Ireland from September 12 to 14 to attend the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf course in Co Clare.

While he will miss the opening days of the tournament, security will be tight throughout the entire week of the event.

Garda overtime in respect of Mr Trump’s visit to Doonbeg in June 2019 cost €11.3m, but sources said next month’s operation will dwarf that, given the enhanced security measures in light of three assassination attempts on the president in just over 18 months.

were caught holding their mobile phone or were not wearing a seat belt while driving.

Two people died on the roads in separate incidents in Donegal and Carlow over the weekend, bringing the death toll for the year to 110.

There have been 13.5% more traffic fatalities this year than in the same period last year, despite the fact that

2025 ranked as the worst for road safety since 2014.

Gardaí appealed to motorists to slow down, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and be conscious of vulnerable road users.

Separately, concern over motorcyclist safety mounted after another biker, a motorcyclist in his 40s, died following a collision with a car at Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow,

on Sunday. The man was the 14th motorcyclist to have died on Irish roads since January 1.

Biker safety is in the spotlight after the death of Glen Hansard (56), frontman of The Frames, in a motorcycle accident at the Strawberry Beds in Dublin last week.

Thirty motorcyclists died on the roads last year – the highest number in almost two decades.

Bluetongue high alert for farmers Farmers are being reminded to be vigilant for the clinical signs of bluetongue, with an increase in confirmed bluetongue cases both here and in the UK in

recent weeks.

There have been over 84 cases of bluetongue in the UK since July 1.

Livestock owners are advised to remain vigilant for signs of bluetongue and to consult their private veterinary practitioner regarding vaccination.

Bluetongue has been detected in Wexford, Wicklow, Laois, Louth, Monaghan, Kildare, Cork and Tipperary. Earlier this year, the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, warned that sustained

warmer temperatures make replication of the bluetongue virus possible within infected midges and advised cattle and sheep farmers to consult their veterinary practitioners to decide whether to vaccinate their flocks or herds.

Sheep vaccination takes three weeks to take full effect, and cattle vaccination takes six weeks, so it is important to discuss this with your private veterinarian now and decide whether or not to vaccinate.

Bluetongue virus is spread via midges, and temperatures need to be greater than 12°C for a sustained period for the virus to replicate within the midge so that the midge can spread the virus.

The Minister further explained that BTV vaccination can reduce the impact and severity of bluetongue virus on livestock and, in that way, mitigate both animal health and welfare issues and the production losses which an infection may cause.

Calves export fear in ferry move costs €370m Brittany Ferries’ decision to stop transporting calves to mainland Europe significantly undermines not just the calf export industry but Irish agriculture in general. The Agriculture Minister must be prepared to step in if the market fails to respond, warns Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

Mr Kelleher, who previously negotiated a balanced but progressive animal transport and welfare report in 2023, commented after Brit-

tany Ferries unilaterally announced it would no longer transport animals to mainland Europe.

“This is a disaster for the calf export industry, which supports the wider dairy sector in Ireland. It will also have major implications for the wider agriculture sector.

“The economics are quite clear. Live animal exports from Ireland were valued at an estimated €480 million in 2025, a year-on-year increase

of 40%,” he said.

“Unless another operator enters the transport market, it will be next to impossible to maintain the same level of exports.”

This would mean two things: more animals remaining on the island, thereby increasing Ireland’s emissions and creating potential animal welfare issues, as Irish farms were not designed to house this number of young animals.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Water rats? Govt is living a pipedream A drought is generally defined as a prolonged period of abnormally dry weather that can lead to water shortages, crop damage, low river flows or depletion of soil moisture.

In Ireland, droughts usually occur in spring and summer when a persistent high-pressure system results in such weather.

Agricultural drought refers to the shortage of precipitation during the growing season that impinges on agricultural activities, whereas meteorological drought occurs when the amount of cloud moisture in a specific area is considerably less than normal. A ‘dry spell’ is 15 or more consecutive days with less than 1mm of rainfall, an ‘absolute drought’ is 15 or more consecutive days with less than 0.2mm and a ‘partial drought’ is 29 consecutive days with less than 0.2mm of rain.

Unlike a flood or a hurricane, drought builds up slowly, sometimes over

months. That slow onset makes drought one of the most damaging natural hazards on the planet, say scientists, costing more than $307bn a year globally in crop losses, water scarcity and economic disruption.

If Uisce Éireann thinks setting snitches against splashers with its informers’ line to tell on defiant neighbours – water rats – who break the hosepipe ban is going to make a difference, think again, as the amount of water saved will be a mere drop in an ocean of wastage by all of us. The real issue is that of our carefree attitude to a muchneeded resource. One in four globally (2.2bn) have no access to drinking water.

There are other reasons for our predicament. There is climate change, the hot spell a nightmare for much of Europe, where temperatures approaching 40 degrees are causing devastating wildfires and fatalities.

The planet’s surface has already warmed by 1 degree Celsius and could see a catastrophic 1.5C increase between 2030 and 2052, scientists say. “This is concerning because we know there are so many more problems if we exceed 1.5C global warming, including more heat waves and hot summers, greater sea level rise, and, for many parts of the world, worse droughts and rainfall extremes,” says Andrew King, a climate science academic at the University of Melbourne.

The same UN report says Ireland’s commitments on climate change fall far short of what is required of the Paris Agreement if global warming is to be limited to that rise of 1.5 degrees. Prof.

Valérie Masson-Delmotte, an expert in climate extremes, has told the Government that achieving such a target “is not impossible but requires unprecedented transitions in all aspects of society”.

To achieve the target, global emissions of carbon dioxide need to fall by about 50% by 2030 and reach “net zero” by 2050, the professor says. Ireland’s current targets are only a 30% reduction by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

Then there are the old pipe leakages which cause 38%

“Ireland’s drinking water sources will be scarcer and more polluted

of water to be lost (at least it’s down from 49% in 2014) before it reaches our taps in networks which date back to the 19th century. Population growth too, which has jumped by 1.6 million since the millennium, driven chiefly by inward migration. The lack of water infrastructure is restricting our ability to build homes to solve the continuing housing crisis.

Our water usage is heavier than most of our European neighbours, yet, unlike most, we don’t pay for it. Perhaps it is time we did – then we might be more careful about our usage. Talk about splashing out on the wrong things!

The European Drought Observatory has most of Ireland under drought watch or drought warning – stages two and three of its three-step threat index – and a number of local areas are already at stage three.

Meantime, Ireland’s drinking water sources will be

scarcer and more polluted as climate change plays out, a Government analysis shows.

The report looks at the expected impacts on water quality and water infrastructure for the next 25 years and warns that substantial risks loom. More frequent summer droughts will deplete supplies and see natural minerals such as manganese become more concentrated, discolouring our drinking water.

Higher temperatures yearround will make rivers and lakes warmer and that, in turn, will kill plants and fish. According to the report, their decomposing remains will contaminate water sources which will also be prone to higher levels of disease-causing (diarrhoea) cryptosporidium, a nasty little parasite that thrives in warmer temperatures.

Hmmm.

Barman, another whiskey... but maybe skip the drop of uisce. Don’t want them water rats squealing on me ...

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News

Internet plan near complete National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the Government’s National Broadband Plan, and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport have announced that more than 500,000 homes, farms and businesses have now been passed by its highspeed fibre network.

The landmark achievement means that more than half

a million premises across rural Ireland can now place an order for a fibre broadband connection through a participating internet service provider.

NBI expects it will complete the main infrastructure build in 11 more counties before the end of October. Six counties have been completed to date: Kilkenny, Longford, Meath, Tipperary, Waterford

and Westmeath.

A total of 89% of the approximately 566,000 premises currently included in the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area have now been passed. The Intervention Area has grown by approximately 29,000 premises since the contract for the National Broadband Plan was signed, when 537,000 premises were identified for inclusion. The

main infrastructure rollout remains on track for completion by the end of 2026.

David McCourt, Chairman of National Broadband Ireland, said: “The National Broadband Plan is creating essential infrastructure that will serve generations.

It demonstrates what can be achieved when Government, industry and communities work together towards

a shared ambition: ensuring that where someone chooses to live does not limit their access to opportunity."

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “Building a fibre network across some of Ireland’s most rural and remote locations is an enormous engineering and operational undertaking. We are now firmly in the final phase

of the main build, and our focus is on maintaining the pace of delivery and completing the remaining premises by the end of 2026."

One county completion will be achieved in August, six in September and four are expected in October.

August: Dublin. September: Monaghan, Laois, Leitrim, Sligo, Offaly and Kildare.

October: Louth, Wexford,

Economic ‘dangers of fall in role of Irish-Americans' Ireland is running the risk of losing future FDI into the economy if the historical and cultural links to the US aren’t maintained and strengthened, argues Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.

Kelleher, a member of the European Parliament’s Delegation with the United States and its committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) and Taxation (FISC), was commenting on the current strength of US FDI into Ireland but the lower levels of migration to the United States.

“We must put in place mechanisms to build up the transatlantic cultural and historical relationships at a time when the Irish American community is aging and shrinking.

“FDI, at present, is an essential component of the Irish economy and, while I have previously said we should diversify away from it to reduce dependence, it should never be ignored or rejected as a means of providing employment in our country."

While FDI decisions were made based on economics, local skills base, access to the EU’s Single Market and our English-language usage, it would be churlish to ignore the fact that many American CEOs had chosen Ireland due to their own familial connections.

“However, those bonds are now under threat as fewer and fewer Irish people emigrate to the US. Ireland needs to find a way of reimagining this relationship," he said.

Kilkenny hears the train a-comin' ...

The Kilkenny Railway Heritage Society (KRHS), established in 2025, has launched Railway Heritage Trail No 1. Speaking at the launch at MacDonagh Junction, Mayor Andrew McGuinness said: "The railway’s rich heritage deserves to be preserved, protected and promoted so as to hand it on to the next generation as well as to showcase it to tourists and visitors alike to our beautiful medieval city.”

Railway Heritage Trail No 1 focuses on Kilkenny City and North Kilkenny and will be rolled out in phases. Stations at Ballyragget, Corbetstown, Castlecomer and Kilkenny feature prominently in the new brochure. Eventually it is intended by the KRHS to mark these locations with etched zinc wall plaques.

Some of the landmarks in Kilkenny City are the Great Western Railway Office (Blaa-Blaa) at Canal Square, the Railway Hotel (Kilford Arms Hotel), Upper John Street, Woodlock’s Railway Saloon (JB’s), the Station

Master’s House (Dunamase), Dublin Rd, the World War Memorial at MacDonagh Station, the Goods Shed, the Famine Memorial Garden at MacDonagh Junction SC, John’s Green Viaduct, the ‘Kissing Gate’ at Broguemaker’s Hill and the Weir Bridge.

The more rural landmarks of North Kilkenny will feature Dunmore Park (former railway bed), Dinin River lattice bridge, Ballyragget Station, several railway level crossing gate lodges, Corbetstown Station just south of the Cave Bar, Dinin Bridges at Dysart, Station Master’s House at Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer, Clohogue Bridges, Castlecomer and Deer Park Colliery.

At present, Railway Heritage Trail No 2, which will cover south Kilkenny, is being developed and this will cover Bennettsbridge, Goresbridge, Thomastown, Mullinavat, Glenmore, Kilmacow, Grange/Mooncoin and Fiddown/Piltown.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

The toll taken by porn abusive to women How much tragedy does it take before action is taken to curb the harm done to victims? It took an outcry over the number of brain-injured children to look at stricter measures to be taken on escooters, but these have yet to be implemented. It took the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch from Dublin’s Finglas, who was fatally struck by a scrambler, before the bikes were banned from public spaces. How long will it take before the horrific toll taken by violent and abusive porn on the lives of women and girls is controlled?

It is hardly a coincidence that the sharp rise in domestic abuse has happened at the same time as increased access to porn, which is becoming ever more violent and abusive towards women. Women’s Aid found a 33% increase in the number of reports of domestic abuse last year, with the highest figures ever. Among these were 381 involving rape

and 512 cases of non-fatal strangulation.

Women’s Aid Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Benson, said: “The number and nature of the disclosures of abuse to our frontline services is utterly appalling. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg,” noting research showing that nearly one third of women in Ireland experience physical, psychological or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. The violence goes further. The eight women murdered this year here has already surpassed the number for the whole of 2025.

The contributory effect of hard-core porn, featuring degrading or violent acts like strangulation, is far wider than that. Driving home a message of male dominance and female submission, they influence attitudes and expectations around sexual behaviour between the sexes, especially those of young men. Taken to extremes, the malign influ-

ence of hard-core porn can contribute to addiction or be one of the factors involved in murder.

The details of the sexploits of Lorcan Murphy, convicted earlier this month in Hungary of the murder of American nurse Mackenzie Michalski in 2024, make for grim reading.

Clinical psychiatrists involved in assessing Murphy found that he had a serious porn addiction dating from his teens.

His computer diaries revealed that his goal was to pick up and have sex with as many women as possible in different cities. In his defence, Dubliner Murphy, who strangled the nurse, restraining her with a belt and assaulting her, claimed falsely that Mackenzie had asked to have ‘rough sex’ with him on their fatal one-night stand.

The observations of John Douglas, the FBI’s pioneer in investigative profiling, make equally chilling reading. “With most sexually based killers

it is a several step escalation from the fantasy to the reality, often fuelled by pornography.

Manipulation, domination, control, these are the three watchwords of violent serial offenders,” he writes in his book Mindhunter, co-authored with Mark Olshaker.

“Much of this mainstream porn features female degradation and violence”

Dealing with the issue of the harm done by porn comes up against questions around definition, access and policing of content in an industry which is huge, bigger than the film industry, with an estimated value of $80-100 billion and thousands of different sites. And porn is enormously popular, with around 60% of the overall population using it and access predominantly via mobile or smartphones. Males are twice as likely as females to access it, with top sites like Pornhub recording billions of views a month.

Nothing wrong with looking at sites to satisfy curiosity, for a turn-on or to spice up sex lives goes the argument. But when content crosses the line from portraying mutual enjoyment into violent, degrading sex, the effects can be damaging. Availability has greatly increased via smartphones and streaming sites, and much of this mainstream porn features female degradation

and violence.

One content analysis of more than 300 scenes from popular pornographic videos found that nine in 10 scenes contained physical aggression towards women, with 94% of aggressive acts showing them reacting neutrally or with pleasure.

As for porn watchers: a report by the UK Equalities Office on the relationship between porn use and harmful sexual behaviour towards women spells out four effects. Desensitising men to see women as sex objects, shaping porn-like expectations of sex, acceptance of sexual aggression towards women and influencing the likelihood of sexual aggression towards women.

Abusive porn is bad for us, but how to end its malign effect? Remember that it took 15 years after the report showing cigarette smoking causes cancer for governments to begin to take action.

Discover Weleda's new hair & body mists There's something special about summer self-care when CLAIR it's simple, natural WHITTY and feels good for both your skin and your wellbeing.

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It’s a gorgeous collection designed to refresh and uplift.

They are made with 100% natural fragrances and carefully selected plant-based ingredients.

These versatile mists are suitable for both hair and body, making them the perfect companion for warm summer days. A quick spritz instantly cools and refreshes the skin while leaving hair lightly scented and feeling revived between washes.

Each mist offers its own unique botanical experience. Tropical Crush provides an energising boost to start the day, Vanilla Cloud creates a sense of calm, while Mystic Aura fresh herbal aromas capture the feeling of being outdoors in nature.

These exciting mists are ideal for popping into your handbag, gym bag or beach tote, giving you an instant pick-me-up whenever you need a little refresh throughout the day.

Weleda also has you covered if you are looking for a naturally radiant summer complexion without having to use heavy make-up. For this we love pairing Weleda's Bronzing Booster with Weleda Skin Food. Simply mix a few drops of the Bronzing Booster with a small amount of Skin Food before applying to your face or body.

Skin Food's nourishing blend of calendula, chamomile and pansy delivers intense hydration, while the Bronzing Booster adds a buildable, sun-kissed glow without feeling heavy on the skin, perfect for those no-makeup summer days or as a glowing base under your favourite

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At the Natural Health Store, we're always looking for products that combine quality, sustainability and effective natural ingredients.

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Pop in to see us in Wexford or Kilkenny to check out these lovely new hair and body mists, we think you’ll love them. We would be delighted to help you find your favourite scent and show you the full range of the exciting new Weleda Boosters. These are all available in store or online.

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News The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is offering a new free Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme to support children experiencing ADHD and their parents.

High energy levels, an inability to sit still, constant fidgeting and impulsive behaviour: it’s not easy being a child with ADHD, and it can be a challenge for their families as well. ISPCC is here to help with free online programmes designed to support children and those who care for them.

Symptoms of ADHD are among the most common reasons children and young people turn to ISPCC for support. It can affect their confidence, relationships, education and overall wellbeing. Many families tell us they don’t know how best to support their child.

That’s why ISPCC is now offering two specific Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes focused on the challenges posed by ADHD that provide practical, evidence-based support when it’s needed most.

The programme, Living Well With ADHD, is suitable for young people aged 16-18 who are experiencing ADHD-related challenges. A formal diagnosis is not required, making the programme suitable for young people awaiting assessment or seeking practical support to manage everyday challenges.

Young people doing this programme will: • learn how ADHD affects everyday life and recognise personal strengths and challenges.

• develop practical skills to improve focus, planning and organisation.

• explore ways to manage impulsivity, procrastination and overwhelming situations.

• strengthen self-esteem, problem-solving skills and emotional wellbeing.

The programme, Supporting a Child With ADHD, is designed for parents and carers of children aged six to 12 experiencing ADHD-related challenges, with or without a formal diagnosis. The programme focuses on helping them to better understand ADHD and develop practical strategies to manage everyday challenges, strengthen relationships and support their

Help for families coping with ADHD child’s wellbeing.

The two programmes are part of ISPCC’s suite of free Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes. These are available to parents and carers of either anxious children or teens, while a third is aimed at teenagers experiencing low to moderate levels of anxiety.

The online programmes are based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are created by SilverCloud, a leading digital mental health provider.

ISPCC offers these programmes to all; it isn’t necessary to be on a CAMHS waiting list to avail of them.

Parents can refer themselves and ISPCC also accepts referrals from professionals such as GPs, guidance counsellors and family support workers.

For Susan Nicholson, who completed the Supporting an Anxious Child programme after her GP recommended that her daughter Lauren attend CAMHS, the ISPCC programmes were invaluable.

CAN YOU HELP? VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ISPCC is currently recruiting volunteers for its Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing programme. Volunteers with the service come from all walks of life and are united by one common purpose: to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face their challenges alone.

An excellent team spirit and sense of support prevails at Childline units throughout the country. Volunteers receive full training in advance of being assigned their first client, with ongoing support and upskilling thereafter. The training will take place in September.

ISPCC’s delivery of these programmes is supported by the HSE, Healthy Ireland and St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.

ISPCC is a national charity with a mission to protect childhood and ensure that every child has the opportunity to live a better, safer and happier life. The charity provides a suite of Childline services and supports for children and young people up to and including those aged 18. Childline’s 24-hour support line can be contacted free, 365 days a year, 24/7.

Children turn to Childline for any reason, at any time and about any issue that might be concerning them.

No problem is too big or too small. Children can chat online at childline.ie or call 1800 66 66 66.

“I wanted to do something that would help our family to support Lauren. Going through the programme, you could see what other parents were going through and you’re able to relate to their challenges. To know that other people are going through it is very helpful. As a parent, you’re supposed to know all the answers, and it’s scary.

“Starting the programme was such an easy process.

I liked the fact that it was anonymous, nobody knew me and I didn’t have to go to a meeting in person. It was such a personal experience – in a good way. I didn’t feel like I was just another number.”

Users have 12 weeks in which to complete the programme under the guidance of a volunteer, known as a supporter, and can avail of an unsupported version of the programme for one year after this time.

Dee Higgins, an ISPCC volunteer who works on its Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing programmes, be-

lieves that the programmes are empowering for users of all ages. “It gives parents and young people a chance to deal with their anxieties before it becomes a huge issue,” she said, adding that “if parents can understand what their child is going through, that’s a huge step.”

To find out more, go to https://www.ispcc.ie/guideddigital-programmes/ ISPCC is a national charity with a mission to protect childhood and ensure that every child has the opportunity to live a better, safer and happier life. The charity provides a suite of Childline services and supports for children and young people up to and including those aged 18.

Childline’s 24-hour support line can be contacted free, 365 days a year, 24/7.

Children turn to Childline for any reason, at any time and about any issue that might be concerning them.

No problem is too big or too small. Children can chat online at childline.ie or call 1800 66 66 66.

Survey shows why it’s good to talk ... and also why it pays From quick check-ins to daily voice notes, group chats and life advice, Irish friendships are always on, with new research from Virgin Media revealing that three in 10 18-34-year-olds speak to their closest friend several times a day, while more than half speak to them every day.

Among all adults, almost four in 10 speak to their closest friend every day, while 85% stay connected at least once a week.

To celebrate the power of

friendship and trusted recommendations, Virgin Media has launched Bring a Pal, a new rewards programme that gives customers the chance to share Virgin Media with the people closest to them.

When a customer refers a friend and they successfully join, both receive a €50 reward voucher for retailers including Just Eat, Tesco and Currys.

The research shows that friends are not just the people we turn to for a chat

– they are also trusted voices when it comes to advice, decisions and recommendations. More than four in 10 Irish adults seek advice from friends on health and wellbeing, 38% turn to them for friendships and social situations, and almost one in three seek their input on big life decisions.

Friends are also playing an important role in everyday purchase decisions.

Just under one in three Irish adults say they turn to

friends for technology and everyday recommendations, while half have already referred a friend to a business or service.

Connectivity is already part of that trusted friend-tofriend conversation. Among those who have referred a business or service, 22% have recommended a phone or broadband provider, highlighting the role personal recommendations can play when people are choosing the services that keep them

connected.

The research also points to the growing role of digital connections in building real-world friendships. More than one in three 18-34-yearolds say they have formed meaningful friendships through online communities that later led to meeting in person, compared with 23% of adults overall.

Virgin Media customers can start referring friends by visiting https://www.virginmedia.ie/bring-a-pal.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Pay attention: here’s a lesson in ‘free education’ If you’ve ever stood in a shop in August staring at a school uniform price tag or sat at home trying to work out how you’ll cover grinds and a new pair of runners, you’ll know the official line that “education is free” doesn’t quite match reality.

Zurich’s latest Cost of Education survey puts numbers on that feeling. According to parents who took part, primary school costs about €1,794 a year for one child.

Secondary jumps to €2,928.

By the time a student is in college and living in student accommodation, the annual bill reaches around €14,450.

From junior infants through to a four-year degree, the total can easily exceed €90,000 for one child.

Parents consistently underestimate these costs. Many expect primary school to cost closer to €1,140 a year and secondary around €1,685.

That gap between expectation and reality is one of the survey’s clearest findings.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a different picture. Its Household Budget Survey looks at what the average Irish household spends on education and training overall. That works out at roughly €11 to €19 a week, depending on factors such as where people live or whether the main earner

The Canal walk the canal that was never finished

has a mortgage. Over a year, that amounts to about €600 to €980 – far below Zurich’s estimates.

So who’s right?

Both are, because they’re measuring different things.

Zurich asks parents what they spend on an individual child – lunches, school trips, uniforms, branded sports

The Kilkenny Observer welcomes John Comerford from Kilkenny tours who will bring us on trip to visit various locations in Kilkenny city and county. We hope to bring you a piece of history on the first Friday of each month.

To give the full history on each location would take up too many column inches, but we hope that the information shared, will, at the very least, whet your appetite in discovering Kilkenny’s rich history, architecture, and hidden gems. This week (number two in the series) John visits The Canal Walk in Kilkenny.

gear, after-school activities and, at secondary level, the biggest extra expense of all: grinds, which average €620 a year. The CSO, by contrast, averages education spending across every household in Ireland, including those with no children in education. One is a close-up of family life; the other is the wide-angle view of

Not every story in Kilkenny ends the way it was planned - but some leave behind something better. The Canal Walk began as part of an 18thcentury effort to improve navigation along the River Nore, with canal cuts and towpaths laid out in the 1750s.

Funding for the canal was provided by Parliament of Ireland in 1755 to value of £10,000. The main backer of the of the building of the canal was the Coles family, owners of Kilkenny Marble Works, who had their Marble factory in Maddoxtown on the River Nore .

This was a hugely successful company exporting Kilkenny marble all over Britain The canal would provide a cheaper form of transport for their marble products However, due to various Challenges including the need to construct locks and canals to bypass various obstructions, the project was abandoned in 1761.The canal is recognised in the National inventory of architectural heritage highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

The failure to finish the building of the canal which

the country as a whole.

College costs tell a similar story. Zurich records average annual fees and charges of about €3,832. The maximum student contribution is now €2,500 after the permanent cut in Budget 2026, and many students from households with incomes below €120,000 pay less again through SUSI support. Zurich’s higher figure almost certainly reflects additional course costs alongside the much bigger expense of living away from home. Student accommodation alone averages more than €7,600 a year in the survey.

That doesn’t make the CSO figures any less useful. They show that education accounts for only a relatively small share of overall household spending across the population. What they cannot show are the concentrated financial pressures families experience during the secondary school and college years. Zurich’s research captures those peaks.

For parents in Kilkenny

would have made the city navigable from the sea was to have an enduring impact. It led to the development of rival market places on the River Barrow and Clonmel on the River Suir, from where it was cheaper to ship goods to Dublin and Waterford. While the scheme never fully succeeded, the route it created, settled into the city’s life as a place for walking, gathering, and taking in the city’s quieter side . The path runs beneath the walls of Kilkenny Castle, following the line of the old canal and river edge. Along the way, you’ll notice traces of the city’s working past - stone walls, mill races, and old boundaries that once served industry rather

and across the south-east, the message is simple. Free education is not free of cost.

The bills rarely arrive all at once. Instead, they come as a steady stream of school contributions, books, uniforms, laptops and extracurricular activities, with grinds becoming another significant expense for many families.

Planning ahead with regular savings, understanding the financial supports available and budgeting for the full cost of education – not just the headline fees – can make those years far more manageable.

Taken together, the two sets of figures tell the same story.

The CSO provides the national picture, while Zurich captures what families actually experience. And that experience is clear: educating a child in Ireland costs far more than the phrase “free education” suggests. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

than leisure. These days, it’s the setting that draws people in: the trees arching overhead, the steady movement of the river, and the views back towards the castle. If you continue on, the walk links naturally with the Nore Valley route and the Lacken Boardwalk, offering a longer stretch of riverside that feels a world away from the streets, though it’s only minutes from the centre.

It’s a lovely place to have a morning stroll, rewarded with a coffee at the end. I often include this stretch when talking about how the city has evolved over time. If you’d like to see how it all fits together, you’re very welcome to join me on one of my walking tours.

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Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, officially opened the Gowran Outdoor Intergenerational Inclusion Hub and Playground on Wednesday, 23 July, marking a significant milestone for the Gowran community and celebrating years of vision, volunteerism and collaboration

Cutting of the ribbon – Minister Dara Calleary center of picture

Photo Credit Dylan Vaughan The state of the art facility, developed by Gowran on the Move, provides a welcoming, accessible and inclusive recreational space for people of all ages and abilities.

The Hub includes a multiuse games area (MUGA), inclusive playground equipment, walking track and social spaces designed to encourage physical activity, social connection and community wellbeing.

Speaking at the official opening, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Joe Malone, praised the project as an outstanding example of community leadership in action.

"Today is a celebration of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision, determination and a commitment to making life better for everyone. What began in 2019 as a grassroots conversation about the needs of local people has grown into an outstanding facility that is already making a positive difference in the lives of so many."

Cllr Malone described the Hub as "much more than a playground or recreational space", highlighting its role as a place where children, young people, families and older residents can meet, play, exercise and connect in an inclusive environment.

Chair of the Castlecomer Municipal District, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, said the project would have a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.

"The volunteers of Gowran on the Move have shown what can be achieved when a community is prepared to work together and invest in its future. Their efforts have created a welcoming space that will be enjoyed by children, families, schools, community groups and visitors for many years to come."

Chair of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, Kevin Mahon, acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the local volunteer team and the strong partnership approach that underpinned the development.

"The success of this project is a testament to the dedication and commitment of a really strong volunteer team. Recognition is due to the team who worked tirelessly throughout each stage. Money alone will not complete any project; it takes a lot of hard graft and what we see here today is the result of that."

Speaking on behalf of Gowran on the Move, Denis Hynes thanked the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny LEADER Partnership for their invaluable support. He also paid tribute to the local and wider community for their continued encouragement and generosity, while giving special recognition to the committee members whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in delivering the project.

Officially opening the facility, Minister Dara Minister Dara Calleary

Calleary highlighted the transformational impact of the development.

"For many years Gowran

did not have any dedicated playground or sporting area for local families, children and older residents to

enjoy. People had to travel outside the town to access recreational facilities that many communities take for

granted."

The Minister added: "Today, that has changed.

Standing here today it is difficult to imagine that this was once a piece of wasteland, a former landfill site that had been long neglected. Now you have a vibrant, welcoming and accessible community space that the people of Gowran can be immensely proud of."

The project was delivered through a partnership involving Gowran on the Move, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny LEADER Partnership. The new Hub is expected to serve as a key community resource and destination for residents and visitors alike, fostering inclusion, wellbeing and intergenerational engagement for years to come.

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Brendan Corcoran

Brendan in ‘Letters from the Front’ at The George Bernard Shaw theatre, Carlow

How Brendan Corcoran found the tools for truthful acting P.M O’Sullivan John McGahern, one of Ireland’s best writers, lived by a clear eye.

He never joined in reflexive denunciations of Irish religious life. He refused easy dismissals, even after his work and his life suffered profoundly in the aftermath of The Dark (1965), his second novel, being banned ― a sorry event in which Catholic authorities were prominent. McGahern spent time during his childhood as an altar boy and attributed

Brendan Corcoran and Ger Cody who will perform in The Quiet Land at Thomastown Concert Hall

Cast and crew members of JB Keane’s play Moll

his artistic vocation to a discovery of ritual’s force.

He wrote in 1993: “I have nothing but gratitude for the spiritual remnants of that upbringing, the sense of our origins beyond the bounds of sense, an awareness of mystery and wonderment, grace and sacrament, and the absolute equality of all women and men underneath the sun of heaven.” John McGahern believed in gratefulness, whatever the emotion’s source.

Everyman Kilkenny City, 1964. Brendan Corcoran is ten years of age, a native of St Francis Terrace, an altar boy in The Friary. The world starts opening up. As he recalls: “The first drama I ever did was Everyman, the medieval play. Mike Kelly, part of the New Theatre Group, was asked to do a drama of some kind with the altar boys. We were all ten or 11 at the time.

Recollection stays firm: “So Mike came in and we did some Christmas concerts. Then he formed a youth theatre, which lasted for eight or nine years. We did a lot of stuff.

That’s where I got the interest, basically.

“That went on until we reached Leaving Cert, 1971 or 1972. Then everyone scattered, going off

Derek Dooley, Brendan Corcoran and Peter Madden in The Field

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Brendan Corcoran

different places for jobs and college. But I never had to leave Kilkenny. I started work in the Brewery when I was 18.”

Corcoran had talent. This talent found notice. Like John McGahern, he values gratitude: “Mike was kind of nurturing me. And I said to myself: ‘Okay, I’m still in Kilkenny.’ Mike said: “You’d be more than welcome in the adult group, because there’s no youngsters in it. There’s always sons in plays, and brothers.” So…” The world continued opening up. One youth recognized a métier: “I joined the adult group in ’72 ― because I was anxious to learn more and find out more, because it was all fun.

The bug…Just got me. And Mike kind of pushed me.

To conquer “My first production was She Stoops To Conquer. I played George Hastings. After that I was regularly cast throughout the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties.”

Luck likewise got recognized: “There was some great talent in that group

at that time. And I started to learn from watching the others. You had the late Dónal O’Brien. You had the late Ann Hurley. I was learning from the director, who was Paul Glennon. I was just out of school. And Paul was the main teacher [in Kilkenny CBS]. And I was still calling him ‘Sir’…

“So I started getting cast.

There was always a young fella or a love interest needed.

And then, as the years go on, you move on into various categories. I learned an awful lot, year by year.”

While Brendan Corcoran enjoyed living in his native place, he never inhabited a narrow space. He looked around and his horizon broadened. He embraced this stretch: “I discovered that the Amateur Drama League of Ireland ran summer schools in Gormanston College. So I went to Gormanston in 1973 to do a course. And the tutors on these courses were wonderful.

“And I started to realize: ‘Hang on, there’s a bit more to this. There’s a craft involved here. You need to learn more.’ And I was like a

sponge.”

Stretching himself worked a new dynamic. Keenness italicized his potential for experienced observers: “I did the first course, ‘Basic Acting’, with Betty Ann Norton.

And loved it. At the end of the course, I was told that I had won a scholarship ― for showing commitment and eagerness, I suppose.

“And I went back the following year, on that free scholarship. I took a week off work. If memory serves, I did eight courses altogether, over the years.

I learned everything, how to build characters, how to play comedy as distinct from how to play serious drama. I picked up what I always call my bag of tools. You need different tools for different roles.”

Tools The seasoned man smiles in memory of that callow but wise individual: “I felt I was getting better. I felt I understood it more. And I was able to use the craft of what I gleaned. I brought that with me all through the years, that bag of tools.

“I got hooked. I was hooked by the late Seventies, early Eighties. Hooked completely… Acting was no longer just my hobby.”

Brendan Corcoran kept going, kept progressing kept learning. He ended up not just one of Kilkenny’s most accomplished actors but also someone with a national reputation. Blessed with natural aptitude honed in high degree, Corcoran became a central figure in a gifted generation who happened to be living in one small place in the island’s south eastern corner.

Certain elements gelled.

Ineffable elements, like atmosphere and curiosity and spirit. All part of the parcel bundled up and hoisted to shoulder for passage down this road. A vagabond camaraderie led the way.

Working together, this group enriched so many people’s evenings. Working together, these people achieved mighty miracles in their chosen pursuit. Brendan Corcoran remains proud to be of their number.

“I saw professional versions of plays we had done,” he recounts. “I’d look at them and I’d feel: ‘My god… We were better than that. Everything about our production was better.’ I was sure on this front.”

Does he now count as elder statesman? There are more than 60 years between an hour in the Club House Hotel, sunlight trembling and shifting on the walls as we talk, and that schoolboy actor in Everyman. He laughs good naturedly at the thought ― and I know why, because Brendan Corcoran remains remarkably fresh in demeanour and outlook.

“I don’t feel I am finished with learning things,” he emphasizes.

There are sere notes too, inevitably, after so many years and so many roles, so many journeys under arc lights into Kilkenny nights.

Dónal O’Brien is gone since 2019; Ann Hurley, since 2023.

His friend and colleague Mary Cradock passed away in April.

“Dear Mary…” he says.

“Such a lovely woman and With the New Theatre ( 1976) in a production of Billy Liar

The Cast of The Kings of the Kilburn High Road

Brendan Corcoran alongside Kilkenny actor Joe Murray in Scrooge

such a fine actor. I collected her and brought her down to the group, for our staging of Billy Liar. 1976…”

A Gem The camaraderie runs back, pulls forward. Corcoran will play Éamon in Lake Productions’ upcoming revival of Malachy McKenna’s The Quiet Land (2015). This short run takes place in Thomastown’s Concert Hall on August 13 and 14.

“Myself and Ger [Cody] know the play fierce well at this stage,” he notes. “The Quiet Land was an absolute gem to play in The Home Rule [Club], back in 2022 and 2025. The intimacy… Upstairs there, the audience are right in front of you.

“It’ll probably be different in Thomastown. The intimacy might not be the same. But the play will certainly work as well as ever, I believe. We won’t play it any differently.

We’ll give it the same.”

Brendan Corcoran is not merely a tremendous exponent of his art. He stands equally impressive as its explicator. Resonance holds close: “I came across a quotation a while back: “Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” And that’s all

you need to know. The key word is ‘truthfully’.

“There’s a kind of simplistic acting you can do. Surface acting, I call it. You’re not convincing an audience. I always say: ‘The terms of your job is to convince an audience. That’s your job.’

And you can’t cheat it.”

This eloquence strikes me as strongly as any part Corcoran adorned over the decades. “The first person you have to convince is yourself,” he insists. “An actor might have four angry lines.

And they’ll give you four angry lines. And then their face will just go back to where it was. Your whole body has to act.

“Sometimes you don’t have to do an awful lot in any obvious sense. But you can never switch off. It’s what I was saying earlier. If you do everything truthfully, you’ll never switch off. If you only act anger and fear, the audience will see through it ― and tune out.

His closing credo deserves widest circulation: “Acting” can get in the way of truthful acting.”

Brendan Corcoran performs in The Quiet Land, at the Thomastown Concert Hall as part of the AKA festival on August 13 and 14.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Politics, Art, Jagger and ice-cream It’s Arts Festival time and so it’s all things cultural this week – well, sort of, not too high-brow, not too lowbrow – middle brow, I guess.

Browse and enjoy: Churchill produced 500 or more oil paintings in his artistic career, he also won the 1953 Nobel Prize for Literature for his histories.

Hitler applied to the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna twice but was rejected. Then there was Franco. The fascist dictator of Spain dabbled in art. His speciality was animals shot in the hunt! Mussolini was an art lover. His government put huge amounts of resources into controlling Italy’s cultural output. It was the support of the Fascists that made the Venice Biennale the huge event it is today!

Eisenhower painted. Carter painted. Clinton draws.

George W Bush painted a spooky portrait of Vladimir

Putin. And I wonder does Putin paint? Does Trump?

Does Netanyahu? Does Michéal Martin? And if they don’t – why don’t they? * Phil Coulter is the only non-National American to have written a song, My Boy, for Elvis Presley.* The city dweller who passes through a country town and imagines it sleepy and apathetic is very far from the truth; it is as watchful as the jungle.

(Writer John Broderick, 1927 – 1989) * “Like dark sleep it

knits up the ravelled sleeve of care and, what is an achievement, it wastes the time that might, if we were not drinking, be devoted to scheming, posing, hypocrisy and money making” (Author, Oliver St. John Gogarty on Guinness). * “Winter here is the saddest thing. The sky is the colour of a fly’s wing and the streets are full of melting snow. I am completely disillusioned with the famous United States. Everything is just for appearances but un-

derneath it all is nothing but crap! “(Frida Kahlo. famous Mexican artist on New York, 1931) On Detroit where her more famous husband, at the time, Diego Rivera, was painting a mural for the Ford family “This city seems like a shabby old village. I don’t like it at all. The industrial part is most interesting, the rest is seen all over the United States – ugly and stupid! * “I was lying under the Christmas tree looking up through the branches. Then I heard my mother crying and as I got up I saw my father with a suitcase going straight for the door. I wrapped myself round one of his legs screaming, “Daddy don’t leave”. And he just kicked me off and walked through the front door” (Patricia Cornwell, crime writer, on her father walking out on Christmas Day when she was five years old).

* Former jobs of pop star icons: George Michael, . cinema usher. Cliff Richard, credit-control clerk. Julio Inglesias, goalkeeper for Real Madrid. Shane McGowan, barman. Madonna, doughnut-shop employee. Garth Brooks, manager of Cowboy store. Bryan Ferry, ceramics teacher. Van Morrisson, window cleaner. Rod Stewart, gravedigger/coffin polisher. Bob Geldof, hotdog vendor. Mariah Carey, restaurant hostess. Elvis Costello, computer operator at cosmetics factory. Mick Jagger, ice-cream seller. Peter Gabriel, travel agent. * “It is pretentious gibberish, without any claim to importance whatsoever. It is nothing but phoney surrealism with occasional references to Christ and mankind.

It has no form, no basic philosophy and absolutely no lucidity. It’s too conscious to be written off as mad. It’s just

a waste of everybody’s time and it made me ashamed to think that such balls could be taken seriously for a moment”. Noel Coward in 1960 when asked what he thought of Samuel Beckett’s famous, iconic play: Waiting for Godot. * After the Bible, The Diary of Anne Frank, is the most widely read book in the world * Mrs. Puccini, wife of the Italian composer, steeped her husband’s trousers in camphor and put bromide (a sedative) in his coffee when attractive women came to dinner. * On his deathbed the great English actor Edmund Kean was asked how he felt. “Dying”, he answered, “is easy – comedy is hard”. * Definition of classical music: “music written by famous dead foreigners” * Everybody laughed when I sat down to play the piano.

I’d forgotten to bring a stool!

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Heritage Strategy launch just the beginning of the journey, Maria Dollard says Kilkenny councillor Maria Dollard is a valued member and co-chair of the Heritage Forum that put together the comprehensive, action-driven Heritage Strategy. She is passionate about preserving our built and natural heritage and encourages everyone to read the document and take inspiration from it.

The enthusiastic Green Party local representative is also playing a practical and pragmatic part in preserving local history and culture.

Outside of her work as a busy local representative and a volunteer with

community organisations, she is also helping her mother, Maureen, and other family members restore a thatch cottage that her mother owns and where her late aunt lived near Callan.

“I remember going to visit the cottage as a child, looking up the chimney and seeing the stars and thinking, isn’t this an easy chimney for Santa to get down,” she quipped.

“My great grandfather lived here with his family so it’s very special to us.

“My late father rewired and replumbed it and extended it by

Cllr Maria Dollard and her mother, Maureen, pictured at her mother's cottage near Callan in Kilkenny which they are restoring as a family. Maria is co-chair of the Heritage Forum that put together the comprehensive, action-driven Kilkenny Heritage Strategy.

Photo Dylan Vaughan

converting the old cow shed. Storm Eowyn did a job on it in January 2025 so I set about preserving it with the help of my mother, and my sister and brother, both of whom now live abroad.

“We got a grant which covered about a third of the cost of replacing the thatch. We needed to stop the water coming in to protect the structure. Philip Doran is a fantastic thatcher and thankfully the work done previously was also of a high quality so there were no surprises.

The chimney and rafters were good.

“We’re making good, albeit slow progress and our mission is that someone will be able to live there again. This home is part of our history and our heritage and we want to preserve it, learn from it. I’m currently having a survey done of the land around the cottage as it has never been intensively farmed.”

Maria was one of many people involved in putting together Kilkenny’s Heritage Strategy and co-chaired the Heritage Forum now also responsible for its implementation. She is adamant that the real work only begins

now, that it won’t be a document that gathers dust. Members of the Forum come from all walks of life, each and every one of them passionate about our heritage and bringing very different skills to the table. Their work continues and the forum remains in place for the duration of the strategy to guide its full implementation.

She said while some people naturally think about built heritage, our castles and churches and other historic buildings, our natural environment, our rivers, our woodlands, the spoken word, the stories and traditions are just as important in today’s world. The Strategy highlights how these can be preserved for future generations.

“People don’t know what to believe anymore in the modern world with so much white noise and misinformation and untruths. Our heritage, our values and our culture are all the more important now. It’s what has formed us over generations.

“My ask is that people would read the strategy, would see what role they can play and would make connections to make a project or an idea they have work. There’s loads of help from voluntary and statutory bodies.

This strategy is just the beginning of a wider process. It is far from an end.

“We have more artefacts here in Kilkenny than anywhere else in Ireland and my vision is that we would have an accredited museum in Kilkenny in the not too distant future where these can be displayed.

We have an embarrassment of riches here that have depth and meaning but that are stowed away in boxes in the national museum. Exhibitions could be rotated to keep people interested, make sharing them with locals and particularly children a priority,” she said.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Everyone carries inner invisible struggles I often look at others and wonder what is going on in their lives, and the truth is that no matter how well we know another person, there are always hidden thoughts, emotions, memories and struggles that remain unseen.

Human beings carry invisible worlds within them, and because of this, we can never fully know what another person is going through.

Every individual is shaped by events we may know nothing of. Someone who smiles a lot may be in deep inner grief. Another may present as distant because they are coping with anxiety, depression or overwhelming stress. A seemingly confident person may secretly fear failure, while a person whose anger is easily triggered may have had difficult traumas in earlier times.

Remember, “You can’t tell a book by its cover!”

Social expectations often make people suppress their emotions rather than show or express them. Many individuals

put on a brave face even when they are struggling and believe that sharing feelings is a weakness.

They may fear being rejected, misunderstood or treated differently if they reveal their pain. As a result, people wear emotional masks that protect them from vulnerability while also making it difficult for others to recognise their suffering. After all, none of us are mind readers! A person can seem to function well yet still feel lonely or desperate inside.

Outward success does not always reflect inner peace.

Everybody’s experiences are deeply personal. Two people may face similar events yet respond in completely different ways since our responses are determined by our backgrounds, characters, values, relationships and histories, which all influence how we process life’s events.

We all interpret situations differently, so it’s impossible to completely understand another person’s emotional reality. One

person may see the challenge as an opportunity for growth, while another may experience a lot of fear and lack of selfconfidence.

Modern society often encourages quick judgments.

Social media, especially, allows people to share carefully edited moments of happiness, achievement and success while hiding moments of pain, failure or vulnerability. This creates an illusion that others have perfect lives. No one has a perfect, unchallenged life. Comparing ourselves to these polished images is a waste of time.

Everyone hurts sometimes, and it’s an important message for our youth who follow unrealistic, toxically positive influencers!

Recognising that we cannot fully know another person’s struggles encourages empathy.

Empathy does not require us to completely understand someone’s experience, but we can acknowledge the reality of their feelings and try to walk a little in their shoes.

Choosing kindness over judgment becomes easier when we remember that every person has a rich inner life and may be fighting unseen inner battles.

A simple smile, a patient conversation or a small act of generosity may have a greater impact than we realise because we never know what’s going on for another person.

Once we can understand

“Kindness begins by recognising unseen struggles within others

this, it’s a reminder to be careful with our words. Casual comments can affect someone and provoke an unintended response. A person who is already overwhelmed may get easily triggered. On the other hand, encouraging words can be very supportive. Since we cannot see another person’s hidden struggles, it’s better to be compassionate rather than critical.

By acknowledging our own limitations, we become more humble. We often believe our assumptions are accurate because they are based on our observations and projections.

Appearances can be misleading. Instead of believing we know someone’s motives or feelings, we should remain open to listening, learning and enquiring.

Genuine conversations and sharing our own frailties often help others open up and express themselves.

These exchanges enable us to forge strong relationships based on respect rather than

assumption.

Ultimately, the fact that we can never fully know what another person is going through is a reminder of the complexity of every human being. Every single individual carries hidden dreams, fears, memories and invisible emotions unseen by others.

While we may never completely understand another person’s journey, we can choose to meet them with patience, kindness and compassion. When we fully understand that everyone, regardless of age, colour, creed, gender or ability, has an inner story, we can try to create a world where people feel safe to express their struggles and hopefully become more willing to support one another.

The truth is: every person’s life is more complex than it appears, and even a small act of kindness can help ease a hidden burden.

Listen to REM “Everybody Hurts Sometimes.” www.judithashton.com

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Deep interconnections between heritage, environment and sustainability enshrined in County Kilkenny Heritage Strategy 2026-2030 Photos Dylan Vaughan Kilkenny’s heritage is our story, and it is our duty to safeguard it for the generations to come, voluntary and statutory bodies involved in the newly launched County Kilkenny Heritage Strategy 2026-2030 say.

Heritage is not just something we preserve. It is who we are and it lives and breathes with us. All of our heritage, whether built, natural, or culPictured at the tural, reflects what we value, what launch in Butler we protect, and what we pass on. It House was Senator reveals how we see ourselves and Malcolm Noonan how we care for one another, the Strategy explains.

Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny County The comprehensive, 60 Council, said: “This Strategy plus page blueprint from provides clear direction and Kilkenny County Council leadership to guide heritage and the County Kilkenny action across the county over Heritage Forum was the coming years, ensurdevised and completed ing that our natural, built with the support of The and cultural heritage is Heritage Council. It protected, understood sets out a very clear and valued now and vision and mission, for generations to values, objectives come. and strategic “County Kilkengoals for the ny’s heritage is a next five years, defining element acknowledging of our identity the opportuniand sense of place. ties and threats It shapes the characahead in the ter of our towns, vilcurrent world lages and landscapes; climate. reflects generations Speaking at the of creativity, launch, resilience Deirdre Pictured at the launch in Butler House was Regina and Cullen, Fitzpatrick Kilkenny County Council Heritage Officer Leas-

endeavour; and underpins quality of life across the county.

“Our heritage supports community wellbeing, cultural participation, sustainable tourism and economic activity, delivering social, cultural and economic benefits for those who live, work, visit and invest in Kilkenny.”

Virginia Teehan, Heritage Council Chief Executive, said the local authority has shown leadership over many decades in the appreciation, protection and promotion of the rich history and heritage of both the city and county.

“Heritage is not only central to our identity and sense of place; it is also a catalyst in the local economy.

Heritage Council research published in 2024 estimates that the heritage sector contributes €4.6 billion in annual economic output in Ireland, underlining the important role heritage plays in support-

ing employment, investment and vibrant communities.

“Through the Ceangal programme, The Heritage Council is committed to continuing to work positively with Kilkenny County Council to strengthen local heritage services and support the partnerships that are essential to good heritage management,” Ms Teehan added.

Regina Fitzpatrick, Kilkenny County Council Heritage Officer, said the Strategy is grounded in a set of core values that emphasise inclusivity, creativity, accessibility, quality and most importantly - collective responsibility.

“These values are reflected in six objectives: recording what is at risk of being forgotten; conserving what matters deeply to people; maintaining the threads of memory in everyday landscapes; providing access to heritage as a shared right; embedding heritage in decision making across Kilkenny County Council services and in community life, and enhancing Awareness of the value, importance and relevance of heritage in our everyday lives.

“This strategy is framed by the urgent need for climate action and the protection of nature, and it recognises the deep interconnections between heritage, environment and sustainability,” she added.

Cllr Fidelis Doherty, Co-Chair of the County Heritage Forum, said: “I would like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to the preparation of this strategy. To the members of the Heritage Forum,

thank you for your expertise, commitment and generosity of spirit. To the many community groups and individuals who took part in consultations, thank you for sharing your knowledge and vision. To Kilkenny County Council and The Heritage Council, thank you for your continued support and leadership.

“Today is not the end of a process.

It is the beginning. Over the next five years, this strategy will provide a framework for action. It will help us record what is at risk of being forgotten, conserve what matters most to people, improve access to heritage, strengthen communities, and embed heritage more deeply in decision-making across the county,” Cllr Doherty said.

The comprehensive Strategy recognises that Heritage in Kilkenny is not managed by a single authority.

It is realised through a collaborative system - formal and informal, institutional and voluntary, managed and spontaneous. “The effectiveness of this system lies not in central control but in its capacity to foster connection, share power, and sustain relationships over time.

“This heritage strategy provides a framework within which this collaborative system can thrive—so that all those who care for Kilkenny’s heritage can continue to do so, together, and with purpose,” the blueprint concludes.

• For more information and to read the strategy visit: www. kilkennyheritage.ie

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Opinion Internationally famed artist Callan man Tony O Malley with his wife Jane

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

A three-hour feast of storytelling, verse, and historical reminiscence will unfold at Fennelly’s of Callan on August 15th.

Historian Philip Lynch will join Joe Kennedy of Callan Heritage and other luminaries to present talks, recite poetry, tell folk tales, and display a collection of vintage local maps.

An extensive question and answer session will follow the presentations.

Philip has an encyclopaedic grasp of everything relevant to Callan, but an especially keen interest in what he calls “people of note” who hailed from the area.

He is author of The Treasures and History of the Christian Era, an enthralling tome that encompasses such themes as the suppression of the monasteries by Henry V111, including Callan’s beloved Augustinian Abbey; the 17th century ravages of Cromwell, the attempted suppression of Gaelic culture, and penal days in Callan.

There’s a chapter too on the impact of a major church scandal in the late 19th century when a parish priest defied his superiors, prompting a schism that ripped Callan apart.

Aside from this, he has delivered hundreds of insightful lectures, shedding light on the often-turbulent life and times of Kilkenny through the ages.

Philip says that Callan has produced more famous people than almost any other town on earth, and he has the documents to prove it.

The event at Fennelly’s will include some insights into the lives and times of these great ancestors.

Here are some of the bestknown ones: The architect James Hoban (1762-1831), who was born in Desart, just a few miles from Callan. After emigrating to America he designed the White House, among other prominent buildings. A memorial plaque and information panel in his honour can be viewed just outside Supervalu in Green Street.

Edmund Rice (1762-1844).

Born at Westcourt, Callan, he started the Christian Brothers Order after he lost his wife in an accident. Ironically, he was himself opposed to corporal punishment- a sentiment that defied the schooling ethos of his time. He made a huge impact on education in Ireland, and thanks to him, the gift of learning was no longer restricted to children of wealthy families.

Abbess Mary Butler, a cousin of the 2nd Duke of Ormonde, (1646-1723) was born in Mill Street. She became a Benedictine nun and was appointed to the Order’s convent in Ypres, Belgium, she had the distinction of being the first person to don a religious habit at the Royal Court of England since

Stories, poems, and a glittering Hall of Fame… the Reformation. Another first Russian Empire. for Callan!

Callan man Sir George Tallis, Callan-born Father Tom O’ whose birth date is unknown Shea (1813-1887) founded but who died in 1950, was a the Tenant Protection Society renowned Shakespearean in 1849 to fight for the rights actor and producer in Sydney, of downtrodden tenants Australia., and against the tyranny of Most Rev. Christopher landlordism. It later became Butler (1673-1757) was born the Tenant League. He played in Garryricken, Callan, He was a major role in championing a grandson of the 1st Duke this cause, fending off the of Ormonde and went on powerful landlord class, a hosbecome Archbishop of Cashel tile political establishment, and Emly. and powerful clergy Diarist Humphrey O’ Sulwho tried to silence livan (1780him.

1838), Rear Admiral though a Sir Thomas Candler, was born in Green Street in 1850.

The ambitious Callan man went Callan man Edmund Rice on to become founded the Christian a Count of the Brothers Renowned writer Tom Kilroy in Fennellys of Callan

Kerryman by birth, took Callan to his heart when he accepted a teaching post locally. His diaries present a graphic and revealing picture of day-today life in an Irish town and district from the years 1827 and 1835. While he commented too on national and international events, it is the unique insight into the lives of ordinary folk, and his word pictures of the Callan countryside, that make his diaries so appealing.

Callan man Michael Ryan (1813-1891) emigrated to Newfoundland He became fabulously rich due to his success in the fishing industry and was affectionately known as King Cod. In 1997, his residence was converted into a museum, officially opened

by Queen Elizabeth II. The Fenian poet/journalist John Locke James Hoban who designed (1847-1889) the White House was born in the Minauns, Callan. His “subversive activities” forced him into exile. In New York, he worked as journalist and penned many poems, including the celebrated and oft recited Dawn on the Irish Coat and one recalling his native town called The Old Abbey Well.

Another patriot, Thomas Shelly (1823-1905) was born in Green Street but didn’t leave

Callan at all. He did have to “disappear” for a while though in1849 because of his part in the Ballingarry Uprising. He served as a Town Commissioner and wrote extensively about Callan’s past.

James Maher (1904-1977) was another local historian.

Born in Bridge Street, he edited the diaries of Humphrey O Sullivan and wrote prolifically on aspects of local heritage.

He also penned light verse and was captivated by the romantic appeal of Slievenamon.

Asa Candler wasn’t Callan- born bur was a direct descendent of Daniel and Anna Candler who emigrated from the town to America in 1720.

In 1892, Asa Candler founded the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

Thomas Cahill, who was born in Bauntha, Callan, in 1911, emigrated to America, and, became San Francisco Chief of Police in 1958. He led a highly successful career and in 1994 was honoured when the hall of Justice in San Francisco was renamed the “Thomas J. Cahill Hall of Justice.”

The Cudahy family of meat packing fame is cited as a Callan success story. The family hailed from the townland of Kyleadohir. They uprooted and left for America in 1849 and though hampered by a lack of formal education their hardworking ethos brought them fame and fortune in the meat industry.

They set up companies that revolutionized meat pack-

ing thanks to adoption of mechanical refrigeration and refrigerated railway carriages.

The Cudahys never forget their Callan links and origins as they soared to prominence as world leaders in the meat industry Tom Kilroy (1934-2023), the award winning playwright and novelist, was born in Green Street, son of Callan’s first Garda Sergeant. Though he penned numerous critically acclaimed plays, he’s best known locally for his novel, The Big Chapel, inspired by the infamous Callan Schism.

The title of his autobiographical work Over the Garden Wall refers to the view of the Fair Green from his childhood home on Green view Terrace.

World-renowned artist Tony O’ Malley (1913-2003) was born in Bridge Street. Some of his early work depicted local landmarks and he was influenced by the O’ Tunney sculptures that can be found in St Mary’s of Callan and Jerpoint Abbey. He scooped multiple awards for his paintings and was elected a life member of Aosdana in 1993. In 2000, he became the only Callan person ever to be conferred with the title Freeman of Kilkenny City.

With a line-up like this, Callan has plenty to be chuffed about. You can hear more about these and other local historic achievers next week at the event in Fennelly’s.

It runs from 3 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, August 15th. All welcome and admission free.

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News dates. She is also working with Ultan Conlon and Jimmy Higgins (The Stunning) on "Sweep Down to the Sea," the songs of Percy French, and touring throughout the year to many sold-out shows.

Shanley will share her debut exhibition of paintings in acrylic, oils and encaustic during Kilkenny Arts Week from August 6th to 16th at Pembroke Kilkenny. Following the official launch on August 6th, Shanley will perform in concert with Mike Hanrahan at Pembroke Kilkenny.

Irish singer Eleanor Shanley to unveil debut art exhibition Celebrated Irish folk singer Eleanor Shanley is set to unveil her debut art exhibition, The Ghost of You, at Pembroke Kilkenny this August as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival fringe events from August 6th to 16th.

A well-known storyteller through her music. The paintings are a continuation

of her storytelling through the visual arts. Each painting is named after one of the songs from her 30-year career. The exhibition, which will be officially launched by broadcaster Mary Kennedy, marks a new public chapter in Shanley’s creative life.

The natural world inspires her artwork, the colours of

Strange Boat

nature, and decaying things, such as old doors, windows, and trees. “Anything that has a past and a story to tell”, she explains, “colour is what tends to capture my imagination most.” The exhibition consists of 25 original framed paintings in acrylic, oils, and encaustic (a heated-wax technique)

Shanley will have pop-up lunchtime music sessions throughout Kilkenny Arts Week at Pembroke Kilkenny; all are welcome to attend.

Shanley’s debut art exhibition shares its title, ‘The Ghost of You’, a new fourtrack EP release with Mike Hanrahan to coincide with their Irish summer tour

George Vaughan Exhibition in Jerpoint

Artist Julie Moorhouse new collection Artist Julie Moorhouse will showcase a collection of new work at the Men's Shed in Thomastown during this year's Kilkenny Arts Week.

Based in Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, Julie is a well-known artist whose vibrant and imaginative creations reflect

her passion for creativity and the arts. Drawing inspiration from painting, live music, theatre, film and literature, her work explores colour, texture and emotion in distinctive and engaging ways.

In addition to her own artistic practice, Julie is a dedicated

art tutor, sharing her skills and enthusiasm with numerous groups across Kilkenny and Carlow. Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to discovering a fresh body of work from an artist whose creativity continues to inspire audiences and students alike.

George Vaughan is one of Ireland's most respected and accomplished artists, with a career spanning several decades and a body of work that has earned recognition both nationally and internationally. Born in Limerick in 1941, he spent his early years in the city before leaving at the age of twenty-seven to pursue new artistic opportunities.

His formal training began at the Limerick School of Art before continuing at the National College of Art in Dublin. Vaughan further broadened his artistic education at the renowned Fischerkoesen Film Studios in Germany, where he gained valuable experience in visual arts and animation techniques. He also studied at the College of Music in Dublin,

reflecting his wide-ranging creative interests.

Throughout his distinguished career, George Vaughan has exhibited extensively in both solo and group exhibitions across Ireland, earning a reputation for work that is both technically accomplished and deeply expressive. His paintings are admired for their distinctive style, capturing landscapes, people and everyday life with sensitivity and imagination.

Beyond his own artistic practice, Vaughan made a significant contribution to arts education. For almost thirty years he served as Course Director of Grennan Mill Craft School in Thomastown, where he inspired and mentored generations of emerging artists. His influ-

ence on the creative community in Kilkenny and beyond has been immense.

Now living in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, George Vaughan continues to paint and exhibit. His work is represented in many prestigious public collections, including the Arts Council of Ireland, the Office of Public Works, Butler Gallery and Limerick City Gallery, as well as numerous private collections throughout Ireland and overseas, securing his place among Ireland's most distinguished contemporary art George Vaughan Exhibition opened in the Jerpoint Glass Attic Gallery on Saturday 1st August and runs daily from10am to 5pm (Sundays 12pm to 5pm) for the month of August.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Bishop Nash Bishop Ger Nash

Pope Leo appoints Ger Nash as Bishop of Ossory

On the 29th of July at 12 noon , Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Gerard Nash to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Ferns and as Bishop of Ossory.

The two dioceses concerned are now united in persona episcopi, and will be pastorally administered by one bishop, Bishop Nash.

The Kilkenny Observer, joined with hundreds of parishioners from all over Ossory at St Mary’s Cathedral to hear Fr Dermot Ryan ( adm, St Mary’s Cathedral) make the announcement. Bishop Nash celebrated mass at St Mary’s and was joined by twenty priest from the various parishes of Ossory. Speaking to the congregation, Bishop Nash said he was deeply honoured to have been asked by Pope Leo to become Bishop of Ossory, in addition to his existing pastoral role in the Diocese of Ferns. “From the earliest days of my appointment as Apostolic Administrator we began a consultation to explore the possibilities for what brings most

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Bishop Nash

hope for the future of the church, in both Dioceses”, Said Bishop Nash.

Bishop Ger said that the appointment was simply the continuation of a journey as the two Dioceses will work together to create a community where the relationship with God will deepen and provide fertile soil for the preaching of the Gospel. “This is an opportunity for us to do great things together”, continued the Bishop.

During his homily, Bishop Nash explained that the amalgamation of Dioceses has begun in the West of Ireland and would continue in the rest of the country as opportunity allows. The challenge of being one Bishop for two Dioceses is a mirror of the experience of many priests in modern Ireland as they take on responsibility for more than one parish. The reimagining of roles and the re- organisation of familiar tasks is true whether it is for a parish or a Diocese and the ultimate test for all change within the Church is whether it builds up the Kingdom of God. “It was a great benefit for us here in Ossory that Bishop Niall had already begun the process of discernment and recruitment for those who will begin their studies in Maynooth in September”, said the Bishop.

Bishop Nash said he was deeply grateful to the people in the parishes of the Diocese of Ossory for their welcome over the past few months but in particular he thanked the priests and the Diocesan Staff for their collaboration and their welcome at a

personal level. “I also thank the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Montemayor who has been generous with his time and his wisdom in my discussions with him”, continued Bishop Ger. Referencing scripture, Bishop Ger said: “There is a scripture quotation which always gives me hope in times of challenge and uncertainty. It is from the prophet Jeremiah when he hears the Lord saying “My plans for you are peace and not disaster” I have reserved for you a future full of hope. I pray that here in Ossory and Ferns we will turn our faces towards

the future set aside for us

by God and that we will journey forward together in faith”.

Bishop Gerard Nash was born on 27 February 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare. After completing his Leaving Certificate, he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years, subsequently choosing to study for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. On 15 June 1991, Bishop Nash was ordained a priest, by Bishop Michael Harty, in Drumcharley Church, Tulla. On 11 June 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ferns.

The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595. The diocese comprises42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly.

The mass at the Cathedral was complemented by the singing of The St Mary’s Cathedral choir. Following mass the congregation joined Bishop Ger and the clergy at The Chapter House for refreshments.

The Butchers Dozen

53 years of heartache to achieve accountability for Bloody Sunday For those who are not au fait with the story, do yourself a favour. Go, see, and learn about that day - January 30 1972 when the Bogside area of Derry, turned red.

Grave words The show, adapted and directed by Geoff Rose, expresses rage at Lord Widgery’s official inquiry, which blamed the victims and exonerated the British military. The ghostvictims rise from the dead to speak, rejecting calls to quietly "forget and look ahead" regarding state violence.

Cast of The Butchers Dozen. Cathal McFarlane, Geoff Rose ( director) Sé Nicholson and Paul Clifford

In Ryan's bar on Friary Street Kilkenny, an invited audience got to see a preview of Thomas Kinsella’s work, 'The Butchers Dozen'.

Presented by Playactin’ Theatre company, it is a new work with the Dublin poets words forming the background and telling the horrific story of Bloody Sunday. Kinsella’s Butcher's Dozen is a fierce 1972 political poem, written in furious response to Bloody Sunday and the Widgery Report. It features the ghosts of the thirteen dead men returning to condemn British injustice and the whitewashed tribunal.

For those who remember that horrible day, it will rekindle the outrage that was experienced following the murder of 13 innocent people, and the wounding of 14 others.

Anger and rawness The poems opening lines : 'I went with Anger at my heel Through Bogside of the bitter zeal – Jesus pity! – on a day Of cold and drizzle and decay.'

To do justice to the script, each actor had to relive the day; crawl under the skin of the deceased, and tell their story in all its gory detail. It needed rawness, conviction and empathy. The actors delivered. And some.

Wonderful performances from Cathal McFarlane, Sé Nicholson and Paul Clifford.

AKA The Butchers Dozen will be performed during the AKA Festival on August 7 and 14 at Ryan's Bar. A wonderfully told story and such a major part of Irish history. Well done to all and a credit to Playactin’ theatre for this exciting work.

FÓGRA: A 14th person died , four months after Bloody Sunday, from wounds received on the day.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 180

"We are a part of nature"

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AKA Festival

Squeaky Door Collective to exhibit during AKA Festival

Kilkenny’s newest artist collective are putting together an exciting show for the first weekend of AKA Festival 2026. Join Squeaky Door Collective for their opening launch on Friday 7th August between 4-7pm to meet the artists. The exhibition will run from 10-6pm Friday to Sunday, 7th-9th August.

Situated in the beautifully lit Saint Patrick’s Community Hall, the KK1 bus will drop you right outside the door in no time!

Hailing from Kilkenny, Carlow, Galway, Kildare and Ukraine, there will be a truly exciting variety of

perspectives on display. You will have seen some of the members exhibiting at the Grennan Mill Graduate Show at the start of the summer, while others have been hard at work with different projects.

This exhibition offers yet another great opportunity to discover your new favourite artist! You’ll find artwork on display from a range of mediums including painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics and weaving, so there’s truly something for everyone.

Brought together by a shared interest in heritage, place and

memory, many of the artists in the collective are graduates of the wonderful Grennan Mill Craft School. Others have passed through the Mill in different capacities, but all share that connection and love for the place, and felt inspired to bring their work together for this adventure.

An Cumha Nua encapsulates the common theme of the work, focused on nostalgic reflections, seasons of transition, endings and new beginnings. We hope it will

inspire you to reflect on your own interpretation and share a word, a note or even a drawing on our Memory Line installation.

This interactive social artwork will be displayed throughout the exhibition, so please come and make your own magic a part of the show.

St Patrick’s Community Hall is situated on Bohernatounish Road, just beside the Loughboy Shopping Centre, alongside St Fiacre’s

Church. It will be well-marked, so don’t worry about finding it! There is plenty of parking available, as well as the bus stop directly outside the door.

You’ll find all the details of the exhibition on page 23 of the AKA Festival Programme 2026, which is full of exciting events and can be picked up in a variety of venues around town now. For updates, follow us on Instagram @ squeakydoor_collective and keep an eye on akafringe.com. Entry is free and all are encouraged to drop in for a visit.

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

Homes & Gardens

Five minutes to healthier houseplants GARDEN NOTES

Kaboompics

Houseplants rarely fail because of one dramatic mistake. More often, they decline after a series of small problems. A five-minute check each week can prevent most of them. Before watering, press a finger into the compost. If the top few centimetres still feel damp, leave it for another day.

Empty saucers and decorative pots so roots are not left sitting in water. Turn each plant slightly to encourage even growth, particularly near a window. Wipe larger leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and help them absorb light. Check under leaves and around new shoots for webbing, sticky marks or tiny insects, as pests are easier to deal with early.

Remove yellow leaves with clean scissors, but leave healthy growth alone. Feed only as directed in spring and summer. In winter, most plants need less water and little or no fertiliser.

Regular attention matters more than a complicated routine.

Paint a room like a pro HOME HACK

Simple ideas for a better garden

GARDEN Garden rooms, naturalistic planting and lower-maintenance schemes are among the biggest trends shaping Kilkenny gardens at the moment, according to local garden expert, Aimee Moore of Botanical Graphics.

Garden rooms are proving particularly popular, as they offer a flexible extra space that can be used as a home office, gym, studio or teenage hangout. In smaller gardens, however, careful planning is essential.

“The biggest mistake I see in small gardens is trying to fit too much into the space,” says Aimee. Instead, she rec-

ommends multifunctional features such as seating with hidden storage, carefully positioned trees for privacy and a restrained planting palette.

“Less really is more.”

Kilkenny’s climate is well suited to native plants, naturalistic planting schemes and long-flowering perennials.

Ornamental grasses are also an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce maintenance while keeping the garden colourful and inviting.

“They bring softness and texture to any planting scheme,” Aimee explains, naming Stipa ‘Ponytails’ as a particular favourite. Grasses can be mixed through perennial beds to create move-

ment, texture and interest throughout the seasons.

While artificial intelligence can provide visual inspiration, Aimee’s advice is to be cautious about relying on it for practical planting or design guidance. AI-generated advice may not take account of Kilkenny’s climate, local soil conditions, drainage or the specific characteristics of an individual site.

Choosing plants that suit local conditions can also make it easier to create a garden that supports wildlife without sacrificing a neat, considered appearance.

“The secret is designing for wildlife, rather than simply letting the garden grow wild,”

Spencer Haynes

says Aimee. Repeating drifts of pollinator-friendly plants can support insects while still giving the garden an intentional and well-designed look.

If you don’t want a complete garden redesign, updating the planting scheme can make the biggest difference. Aimee suggests replacing overgrown shrubs with grasses and perennials, while repeating key plants and working with a defined colour palette to create continuity.

With thoughtful planting and multifunctional features, even a small garden can become practical, colourful and welcoming. @botanicalgraphics

Back-garden homes get the green light HOME

Nataliya Vaitkevich

A polished paint finish begins long before the first coat. Remove pictures, hardware and switch plates, then protect floors and furniture with dust sheets. Wash greasy or marked walls, fill dents and cracks, and sand repairs until their edges disappear.

Dust everything. Apply primer to bare plaster, patched areas, stained surfaces or dramatic colour changes. Cut in around ceilings, corners and trim with an angled brush, working in manageable sections. Roll the adjoining wall while the cut edge remains wet to avoid visible bands. Load the roller evenly and use gentle pressure; forcing out every drop creates texture and splatter. Two thin coats usually look better than one heavy coat.

Allow the stated drying time, even when the surface feels dry.

Remove masking tape before the final coat fully hardens, pulling it back at an angle. Good preparation takes patience, but it’s what makes a colour look expertly applied.

Some Kilkenny homeowners can now build a small home in their back garden without applying for full planning permission.

The new exemption applies to certain detached houses and could make it easier for families to create extra space for an older parent, an adult child or another relative who wants to live nearby.

The new home must be between 32sqm and 45sqm and stay legally connected to the main house. It must use the same water and wastewater services and cannot be sold separately, split off as its own property or used for shortterm letting.

At least 25sqm of garden space must remain for the main house, and the new building must meet rules on

height, boundaries and access.

Homeowners must notify Kilkenny County Council at least 14 days before work starts. The project must also be completed by December 31, 2030.

The exemption only applies where the main house is the owner’s principal home. It can’t be used for a caravan, mobile home or other temporary structure, and it can’t require a new entrance onto the public road.

Other planning exemptions have also been widened.

Homeowners can now build slightly larger extensions, while the allowance for sheds, home offices, gyms and other garden buildings has also increased.

However, planning-exempt does not mean homeowners can simply start building.

Daven Hsu

Building Regulations, firesafety rules and building-control requirements still apply.

Anyone considering a back-

garden home should check the full conditions and get professional advice before work begins.

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Final call for applications under Kilkenny County Council's LEAF Fund

Launch of LEAF: L-R: Michael Arthurs (KCC), Mags Whelan (KCC), Bernadette Moloney (KCC), Lar Power (Chief Executive of KCC), Fiona Deegan (KCC), Cathaoirleach Joe Malone, Claire Prendergast, John Hogan (IPB), Martin Rochford (PPN), Bortha Woudsma (KCC)

Supporting Communities, Creating a Greener Kilkenny The Climate Action Office of Kilkenny County Council is issuing a final call for applications under the new Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), providing community groups across County Kilkenny with an exciting opportunity to develop projects that enhance biodiversity, tackle climate change and improve local environments.

The LEAF initiative, supported by IPB Insurance, aims to empower communities to take practical environmental

action at a local level while building more sustainable and resilient places to live.

Community groups are encouraged to submit their applications by Tuesday, 11th August at 4pm. All applicants must be a registered member of the Kilkenny Public Participation Network (PPN).

Successful projects must be completed by 19th November 2026.

The fund is open to a wide range of community-led environmental initiatives, including biodiversity enhancement, pollinator-friendly planting, community gardens, habitat restoration, litter re-

duction, water conservation, environmental education and projects that encourage climate action within local communities.

Speaking about the fund, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Joe Malone said: "Communities are at the heart of climate action and the LEAF Fund provides a fantastic opportunity for local groups to make a real and lasting difference in their own areas. Whether it's creating habitats for wildlife, developing greener public spaces or encouraging sustainable living, these projects will benefit both our

environment and our communities for generations to come. Best of all, this is 100% funding with no match funding required."

Mayor of Kilkenny Municipal District, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness, welcomed the initiative, saying: "Kilkenny has a proud tradition of community spirit and environmental stewardship. This fund gives local groups the support they need to turn great ideas into meaningful action. I would encourage every eligible community organisation to consider applying and help create a greener, healthier and more sustainable Kilkenny."

Speaking on behalf of IPB Insurance, John Hogan said: "IPB Insurance is proud to support the Local Environmental Action Fund and to work with local authorities in helping communities deliver practical environmental improvements. These local projects demonstrate how small actions, when supported and encouraged, can have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, climate resilience and community wellbeing."

The Climate Action Office is encouraging community groups, residents' associations, Tidy Towns groups, schools and voluntary organ-

isations to explore the opportunities available through the fund and to submit applications for projects that will make a positive environmental impact in their local areas.

A key aim of the Local Environmental Action Fund is not only to support individual community organisations but also to encourage greater collaboration between groups working towards shared environmental goals. Kilkenny County Council is encouraging partnerships between groups and other local stakeholders to deliver projects that have a wider and more lasting impact. By working together, communities can pool their ideas, skills and resources to create stronger, more ambitious initiatives that benefit everyone and leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations.

Application forms and funding guidelines are available on the Climate Action page of the Kilkenny County Council website- Kilkenny Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) 2026 - Kilkenny County Council For further information, interested groups can contact the Climate Action Team by email at climate@kilkennycoco.ie.

The Climate Action Office looks forward to supporting communities across Kilkenny in delivering innovative local projects that will leave a lasting environmental legacy and contribute to the county's climate action ambitions.

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum restoration project shortlisted for National Age Friendly Ireland Award Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum has been shortlisted for a national Age Friendly Ireland Award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to accessibility, inclusion and enhancing the quality of life for older people. The Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum Restoration and Accessibility Initiative has been shortlisted in the Environment: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings category of the Age Friendly Ireland Awards 2026, celebrating projects that make meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of older people while providing inclusive communities where people can live well, feel valued and remain connected.

As part of the judging process, Clare Curley, former Director of Services with Tipperary County Council, and Jimmy Feane, former Director of Services with Limerick County Council, visited Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum on Wednesday, 22 July 2026 to experience first-hand the Woodstock Gardens and recent upgrades on the grounds. The judges were welcomed by representatives from Kilkenny County Council's Age Friendly Programme and Parks Depart-

Eddie Keher, Woodstock Committee and Aidan Brennan, Kilkenny County Council

ment, alongside members of the Woodstock Committee, local Tidy Towns representa-

tives and the Kilkenny Older People’s Council.

Following a presentation

outlining the vision and development of the restoration and accessibility initiative,

the judges toured the estate to view the extensive range of age friendly and accessible features that have been introduced in the gardens. These include designated accessible parking with a raised ramp platform, an accessible shuttle bus service, age-friendly seating, enhanced pathways, an accessible playground, allterrain wheelchairs, accessible toilet facilities, accessible Tea Rooms, the restored Walled Garden Arboretum, and the iconic Monkey Puzzle and Noble Fir Avenues.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, design, heritage conservation and accessibility can work together to create welcoming outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Anne Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer, Community Department, Kilkenny County Council has welcomed the national recognition, describing the shortlisting as "a testament to the collaborative efforts of council staff, community groups and local volunteers who have worked together to ensure Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is a destination that is accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for

everyone."

Carmel Cummins, Woodstock Committee said "We are absolutely delighted to see the Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum Restoration and Accessibility Initiative be shortlisted for this national recognition. For older people, being able to access and enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces like Woodstock is about maintaining independence, staying active, connecting with others and feeling part of the community. The improvements that have been made, from accessible pathways and seating to transport and accessible equipment, mean that many more people can experience everything Woodstock has to offer. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when accessibility is considered from the outset, and we are proud that Kilkenny is leading by example in creating age friendly outdoor places where everyone can feel welcome."

The winners of the Age Friendly Ireland Awards 2026 will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on the 8th of October, 2026 at The Strand Hotel, Limerick, hosted by Limerick City and County Council.

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What’s On

Your picks for this week

Dino-sized adventure

MOVIE Adventure Bay’s heroic pups are heading into prehistoric territory this summer as PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie brings Ryder, Chase, Skye, Marshall and the rest of the team back to the big screen for their biggest rescue mission yet.

The action begins when the PAW Patrol’s ship is caught in a mysterious storm and crash-lands on an uncharted tropical island populated by dinosaurs. There, the pups meet Rex, a dino-loving

dog who has been stranded on the island for years and knows its enormous inhabitants better than anyone.

Their spectacular discovery quickly turns dangerous when Mayor Humdinger arrives with another reckless plan. Hoping to exploit the island’s natural resources, the troublesome mayor begins mining and accidentally awakens a huge dormant volcano. With lava threatening the dinosaurs and their home, the PAW Patrol must launch a series of daring res-

TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Neeraj Madhav stars in Pluto (Malayalam) a comedy about a lonely, ordinary man whose life changes when he meets an alien. Althaf Salim plays the strange visitor, with Aju Varghese in a supporting role. Directed by Adithyan Chandrashekar, Pluto mixes everyday life in Kerala with science fiction, gentle humour and an unusual friendship. It looks set to be a light, entertaining film with plenty of laughs and heart at its centre.

cues before the island faces extinction.

Directed by Cal Brunker, who also led the two previous PAW Patrol cinema adventures, the new animated feature promises colourful action, gentle comedy and plenty of teamwork. The voice cast includes Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews and Jameela Jamil, while the soundtrack features new music from the Backstreet Boys, adding a nostalgic treat for parents.

At around 88 minutes, the

film is short enough to make an easy family outing, especially for children on one of their first cinema trips.

The Dino Movie looks set to deliver everything young PAW Patrol fans enjoy: familiar characters, exciting vehicles, comical villains and a strong message about courage, friendship and helping others. The addition of a dinosaur-filled island raises the stakes, giving the pups fresh challenges and plenty of opportunities for inventive rescues.

Hothouse Flowers bloom at Ballykeeffe HOTHOUSE FLOWERS | BALLYKEEFFE AMPHITHEATRE | SAT AUG 8 | 6.30PM MUSIC Hothouse Flowers will bring their famously unpredictable live show to Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 8, for an evening of rock, soul, traditional music and freewheeling improvisation.

More than three decades into their career, the band remain driven by the same sense of musical adventure that first set them apart.

No two Hothouse Flowers concerts are ever quite the same, with each performance shaped by the setting, the audience and the spontaneous musical exchanges between the musicians.

That instinct for risk dates back to the band’s early days performing on the dancefloors of Dublin’s late-night clubs. Today, their live sets draw on an extensive catalogue while leaving plenty of room for unexpected turns, from high-energy rock work-

outs to quieter moments rooted in Irish tradition.

Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Liam Ó Maonlaí and Peter O’Toole are all steeped in traditional music, giving the group a distinctive cultural depth. A concert might move from a Doors-like jam to a deeply affecting song such as Currachaí na Trá Báine, carrying stories of community, loss and memory.

Humour is never far away, but neither is the band’s musical integrity. Hothouse Flowers may move between rock ’n’ roll, soul, folk and jam-band territory, yet the aim is always the same: to create a shared experience between band and audience.

With new material from Let’s Do This Thing alongside long-loved favourites, the group arrive at Ballykeeffe still convinced their best performances may be ahead of them, under the open sky in County Kilkenny.

What to read: Northern Irish author Niamh Hargan returns with Nothing Good Happens After 2am, a story of friendship, ambition and irresistible chemistry. In a hidden East London speakeasy, rising cocktail stars Robbie Saunders and El Tippett become rivals who cannot escape one another.

Their connection unfolds across cities and decades, taking them from London to Los Angeles, Berlin and Tokyo. Stylish and sharply observed, this love story has sparkle and emotional depth.

What to stream: Jason Sudeikis returns as endlessly optimistic coach Ted Lasso, but his latest assignment changes the game.

Back at Richmond, Ted takes charge of a second-division women’s football team and encourages its players to take chances before certainty arrives. Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein and Brendan Hunt also return. The 10-episode fourth season began on Apple TV on August 5, with new episodes streaming every Wednesday through to October 7.

What to listen to: U2 and Martin Garrix join forces on “Fireflies”, a soaring electronic-rock track that blends Bono’s unmistakable vocals and the band’s widescreen emotion with Garrix’s festivalready production. Premiered during Garrix’s Tomorrowland headline set, with a surprise appearance from The Edge, the song continues a creative partnership that previously produced “We Are the People”. The result is an uplifting, arena-sized anthem designed for summer playlists, huge crowds and future live shows alike.

What to play: The ruined kingdom of Arsilthus needs a final guardian in this atmospheric action RPG from Project Cloud Games. Players collect emotion-charged Relics, using more than 70 passive effects to reshape skills, weapons and combat rhythm. Five weapon types and 12 skill trees support flexible character builds, while every piece of equipment carries its own history. The Relic: First Guardian promises stylish battles, deep customisation and exploration across a fallen world.

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Food & Drink

Peach and Elderflower Prosecco Spritz RECIPE

From Kilkenny fields to the glass PRODUCER PROFILE

National Prosecco Day falls on August 13, offering a good excuse to enjoy one of summer’s easiest celebratory drinks.

Prosecco is best served well chilled and works particularly well in simple cocktails where its light bubbles and fresh flavour are allowed to shine. This Peach and Elderflower Prosecco Spritz is fruity without being overly sweet, quick to make and easy to scale up for a small gathering.

The combination of ripe peach, elderflower and sparkling wine gives the drink a fresh, floral taste, while a splash of soda water keeps it light. There is no need for complicated equipment or specialist cocktail skills - just a wine glass, plenty of ice and a gentle stir.

Serves one Ingredients • 100ml chilled Prosecco • 25ml elderflower liqueur • 25ml peach nectar or peach purée • A small splash of soda water • Ice cubes • One thin peach slice • A sprig of mint, to garnish Method • Fill a large wine glass generously with ice.

• Pour in the elderflower liqueur and peach nectar, then stir briefly to combine.

• Slowly add the chilled Prosecco. Pouring it gently down the side of the glass will help preserve the bubbles.

• Top with a small splash of soda water and give the drink one careful stir. Avoid mixing too vigorously, as this will flatten the Prosecco.

• Add a thin slice of fresh peach and finish with a sprig of mint.

• Serve immediately while the drink is cold and lively.

• For a less sweet version, reduce the peach nectar and add a little more soda water. A squeeze of fresh lemon can also sharpen the flavour.

• To prepare several drinks, mix the elderflower liqueur and peach nectar in a jug ahead of time. Add the Prosecco, soda and ice just before serving.

• For an alcohol-free alternative, replace the Prosecco with sparkling white grape juice and use elderflower cordial instead of liqueur.

• Simple, bright and suitably celebratory, this spritz is an easy way to mark National Prosecco Day without spending the evening behind the bar.

At Ballykeefe Distillery, every bottle begins in the fields of the Ging family farm.

The family’s farming roots stretch back through generations, but it was Morgan Ging’s fascination with the shared history of farming and whiskey that inspired the creation of the distillery.

“Morgan developed a passion and fascination for the intertwined histories of farming and whiskey,” the family explains, adding that he spent more than 25 years nurturing the ambition of reviving the tradition of a family farm distillery.

That vision became a reality

in 2016, when Ballykeefe Distillery was established to diversify the farm and produce spirits with a strong focus on sustainability, traceability and quality.

Its motto, “From Our Fields to Your Glass”, reflects the journey taken by the grain grown on the farm.

“All the barley, rye and oats used in our distillery are sown, grown and harvested on our family farm,” the producers say. “This gives Ballykeefe unique control over every stage of the journey from field to glass.”

The process begins with preparing and sowing the fields. Once harvested, the grain is malted before mov-

ing through milling, fermentation and triple distillation.

The clear spirit is then aged for at least three years in first-fill bourbon casks, where it develops its colour and flavour.

The County Kilkenny landscape is central to the character of the drinks. Fertile farmland, careful soil management and a deep understanding of the seasons help the family produce the high-quality grain that forms the foundation of its spirits.

The farm and distillery also work as one circular operation. Grain is grown for distilling, while the leftover by-products are returned to the farm and used to feed the

cattle.

“By doing this, we have revived the farmer-distiller heritage of 300 years ago,” the family says.

The Ballykeefe range includes gin, potato vodka, malt whiskey and pot still whiskey, alongside distillery specials such as sloe gin, spiced moonshine and rye cask vodka.

Despite the years of work involved in producing whiskey, one of the family’s favourite moments remains harvest time.

“After months of caring for the crops, seeing the grain come off the fields is a proud and rewarding moment.” ballykeefedistillery.ie

Bring the coffee shop home DRINK Anyone who’s ever wondered why their homemade coffee never quite tastes like the one from their favourite café may find plenty to enjoy in Coffee Shop at Home by Katerina Diaz.

Published on August 11, the hardback promises a beginner-friendly guide to making lattes, mochas, cold brews and blended drinks without needing an expensive espresso machine.

Diaz began sharing her own coffee-making experiments online after becoming frustrated with the disappointing drinks she made while trying to cut back on daily coffee shop visits. Since then, she has built up the knowledge needed to recreate popular café-style drinks at home.

The book starts with the basics, explaining coffee terminology, brewing methods, how to choose beans and what

equipment is actually useful.

The emphasis is on making the most of what you already have rather than filling the kitchen with costly gadgets.

There are 60 recipes covering classic drinks, seasonal favourites and homemade syrups and sauces. These include a Honey Lavender Latte, Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Peppermint Mocha and Salted Caramel Frappe.

Many of the syrups can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge, making it easier to put together a café-style drink in a few minutes.

With takeaway coffees now a regular expense for many households, the book’s promise of more personalised drinks at a lower cost is likely to appeal.

Coffee Shop at Home by Katerina Diaz is published by Clarkson Potter in hardback, priced at €29.01.

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA CLUB LOTTO The Lotto draw for 28th July produced the following results, the numbers drawn were 8, 11, 16. Which were no good as there was no Jackpot winner. €30 Lucky Dip to Eamonn Kealy, P Hogan, Joanne O’Connell, Mary Murphy and Ollie Langton.

MINORS WIN The Clara minor hurlers had a very good home win over Mullinavat on Wednesday of last week in the championship. This game ebbed and flowed throughout and was one that could easily have slipped away from this young side, but they showed great resilience and character to carve out the victory. With nobody up to the age and short the services of holidaying county minor Podge Meany they never took a backward step and must have really pleased their management with this display.

Clara got a good start and scored the game’s first three points. They led 0-4 to 0-1 after 8 minutes when Mullinavat hit something of a purple patch and scored three goals in 7 minutes to surge ahead.

Clara never panicked and two goals of their own from Aidan O Connell and Jack Byrne had the sides level after 20 minutes. It stayed tight to the interval with Mullinavat holding a narrow 3-7 to 2-9 advantage at this stage.

Mullinavat started the second half with another goal and after 10 minutes hit yet another. But again, Clara kept plugging away and a Micheál Meany goal midway through the half helped them to overturn a six point deficit. Mullinavat moved two ahead again and must have been wondering what they needed to do to burn off this Clara outfit. But from there to the end Clara outscored them 1-5 to 0-2 to claim a hard fought well merited victory. The final goal was scored by the impressive Jack Byrne, but Clara had many impressive performances on the night. These lads are quickly building a following with their all out never say die efforts, and it was great to see so many of the club’s senior team there to support them.

Team - Ciarán Gibbons, Ollie Butler, Liam Treacy, Michael O Keeffe. Dara Cooke, Sam Corr, Sam Lawlor. Micheál Meany 1-6, 0-1f, Ruairi Bowden Mullen 0-1. Dara Leamy 0-3, Aidan O Connell 1-0, Rory Treacy 0-2. Aaron Carrigan 0-3, James McDonald, Jack Byrne 2-4, 0-3f. Sub used Robert Coogan.

SENIOR HURLING Clara made a disappointing start to this year’s championship when losing out heavily to a rejuvenated Thomastown in Mullinavat last Saturday.

The Thomastown men looked to have rediscovered

their zest from their championship winning season of 2024 and never looked like losing here.

They started in whirlwind fashion and had 7 points on the board before Clara registered. Six different scorers had accounted for that tally. Clara hadn’t helped their own cause by missing some very scoreable chances, both from frees and from play.

Rory Glynn, Dara Glynn and Paul Cody got three of the next four points and, after Thomastown had added another, Rory Glynn struck for a goal when he crashed the ball home to the roof of the net from a Chris Bolger offload. Remarkably Clara were now just three adrift with Thomastown having done all the hurling and two more Paul Cody points helped to maintain the status quo for the next 10 minutes as Clara enjoyed their best spell of the game. But the bad wides kept coming and, although Chris Bolger and Dara Glynn added points before the break, Clara could consider themselves somewhat fortunate to be only five points adrift at that juncture.

With the aid of the breeze to come hopes were high that Clara could make a better fist of it in the second half, but Thomastown soon dispelled that notion. Although two early Thomastown points were negated by two on the bounce from Martin O Connell the southern team hit three more in a row to move eight clear. Impressive substitute Luke Lawlor pulled one back for Clara, but Thomastown answered with two more. Conor O Shea then converted Clara’s first free of the game and followed it up with one from play. However, Thomastown were unperturbed and responded with three on the trot. When Clara grabbed the next two points through Paul Cody and Chris Bolger the Thomastown response was swift and decisive. First Daithi Barron goaled and then Robbie Donnelly and Luke Connellan pointed to emphatically kill the game. It petered out and a late Dara Glynn goal as well as a Rory Glynn point and a Conor O Shea 65 did little to change the margin. It finished 1-31 to 2-16 in favour of Thomastown with Clara firing a whopping 16 wides. Much improvement needed if last year’s relegation trouble is to be avoided.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Bill Carrigan, Matt Kenny, Paddy Bolger. Martin O Connell 0-2, Shane Staunton, Davy Barcoe. Harry Boyle, Paul Cody 0-4.

Dara Glynn 1-2, Conor O Shea 0-3, 0-1f, 0-1 x 65, Joe Power. Rory Glynn 1-2, Chris Bolger 0-2, Ciaran Prendergast. Subs used Luke Lawlor 0-1, David Langton, Lester Ryan. (A further report of this match can be read in the sports section of this Newspaper) JUNIOR JOY The Clara Junior team produced a much more spirited performance to defeat the Rower Inistioge 4-10

to 2-11 in Clara. Despite losing Liam Ryan to injury early in the game the Clara men hung in there and two early Joe Connolly points as well as one each from Killian Phelan and Sean O Shea had the sides level at 0-4 each after 12 minutes. After the southern outfit had gone two points clear a Tom Ryan goal regained the lead for Clara and two further points from Joe Connolly (free) and Sean O Shea helped them to a 1-6 to 0-8 lead at the interval.

Clara began the second half with real intent and two David Langton points as well as one each from Lester Ryan and Joe Connolly moved them five points clear. The Rower pulled one back but bizarrely the next five scores were all goals, and three of them fell to Clara. Luke Lawlor grabbed the first and after the Rower had hit back with one of their own the next two fell to Tom Ryan and Killian Phelan. This put Clara ten points to the good but credit to the Inistioge men for battling to the end.

They scored the game’s last goal and two points and were unlucky not to hit the net again, but they never really looked like taking anything from the game. A good win for the Clara men that lifted some

of the gloom of the previous day.

Team - Cian Kelly, Philip Carrigan, Zach Lawlor, Daniel Ryan. Rory O Keeffe, Lester Ryan 0-1, David Langton 0-2. Hugh Kelly, Luke Lawlor 1-0. Killian Phelan 1-1, Joe Connolly 0-4, 0-1f, Liam Ryan. Sean Carrigan, Tom Ryan 2-0, Sean O Shea 0-2. Subs used Jake Maher, Alan Coleman, Luke Whelan, Bill Carrigan, Alex McDonald.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS SENIOR LEAGUE OFF TO A SUCCESSFUL START O’Loughlin Gaels made a successful start to the St. Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling League when they recorded a 5-14 to 2-18 victory over Dicksboro in Canon Kearn’s Park Castlecomer on Thursday night last. It was an encouraging win for the club as the absence of up to seven regular starters was more than compensated for by the performances of the younger players. O’Loughlin’s focus turns quickly to the second round next Sunday when they play Shamrocks Ballyhale in Thomastown.

Pictured at the sponsorship announcement are, Luke Leydon, Conor Geoghegan, Paddy Deegan, Pat Carroll, Nigel Leydon and Brian Hogan.

Safe hands

St John’s Under 12 boys who won the outdoor soccer Cairn community games Leinster title in Longford

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 CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated July 28th. The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 27 and 28. The bonus number was 17. Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com The winners of the Promotors Draw were: 1. Phil Gargan c/o Dinny and John Joe. 2. Joan O’Connell.

3. Eileen and Sadie c/o Eileen. 4. Mary Brennan c/o JJ Cullen. 5. Joe Leydon c/o P Leydon. 6. Paddy Greene. 7. Seanie Tyrrell. 8. Martina Brennan c/o Online. 9. Tracy Brannigan c/o Online. 10. Lynsey Linane c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

SUMMER CAMP A fantastic first week was had by all at the O’Loughlin Gaels summer camp. Everyone enjoyed learning new skills and making new friends with lots of fun games and activities. Well done to organisers Stephen and Paddy and their team of coaches.

Thanks also to McCarthy’s SuperValu for their sponsorship and providing treats for everyone to conclude a great week! Week two is now underway.

GREYHOUND RACE NIGHT O’Loughlin Gaels hold their annual fundraiser at Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Friday 21st August.

The first race is at 7.30pm. There will be a Raffle on the night. Tickets still only €10. Experience the brand new facilities at Kilkenny Greyhound Track.

Members of the club hope to call to every house in the parish selling tickets. Tickets also available at the bar in the clubhouse. All support would be welcome. Hot dogs and minerals for all the kids on the night.

FRESHFORD GORDON RYAN RIP The people of Freshford were thrown into more sadness last weekend when they learned of the passing of Gordon Ryan late of Ballinakill Downs, Dunmore Road, Waterford and formerly of Kilkenny Road Freshford. Gordan who was in his mid 60s had been unwell for the past year but nevertheless his passing was unexpected after he borne his illness with such dignity and courage. He and his family moved to Freshford in the early 70s when his father the late Bill was appointed Sergeant in the village.

Gordan followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Garda Siochana and was appointed sergeant and later became an Inspector in the force.

His wife was also a member of the force as is his daughter. He was a skilled hurler and athlete and played hurling with local St Lachtain’s club for years, since minor days. He won two All Ireland medals with Kilkenny senior hurling side in 1982 and 83. He joined the famous Ballygunner club in Waterford in the early 90s as a juvenile coach and later joined as a player and won county medals with the club in 1996 and 1997. He went on to manage the team in 2001 and lead them to their first Munster title in his first year in charge. He served as hurling coach, performance coach and sports psychologist and was held in such high esteem and respect by all who knew him down there. He returned to his native Freshford in 2009 led St Lachlan’s intermediate hurlers to county final victory and went on to win Leinster and All Ireland titles. In 2020 he managed the Army cadets to success in the Meagher cup.

A true gentleman he gave so much to the people of Ballygunner and throughout the county and beyond. He was predeceased by his father Bill. His funeral mass took place in St Mary’s church Ballygunner followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. He is deeply mourned by his wife Phil sons Philip and Aidan daughter Diana, his mother Pat, his grandchildren, brothers Ger, Billy and Clement, his sisters Mary and Deirdre, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Liam Beehan, The Square Freshford and to all his family on the sudden death last weekend of his brother Seán late of Foulkscourt, Johnstown. His funeral took place on Wednesday last after Requiem Mass. Interment was in St.Kieran’s Cemetery, Johnstown.

THREECASTLES HERITAGE Threecastles heritage group is holding g two events for heritage week 2026. Exploring this year’s theme of “heritage at risk” people are invited to Threecastles graveyard (R95HX49) on Monday 17th August at 7pm. Anne Caroline Distel KAS will talk about the medieval graveslabs while Eleanor Cantwell and Claire O’Donnell will recount some of the socialhistory associated with us historical graveyard.

On Sunday 23rd August at 12.30pm Eleanor Cantwell, Michael Doheny and Claire 0’Donnell will lead a walk in Killaree. There is some wonderful his-

tory to be found in this special townsland. Meet at Threecastles hurling club (by kind permission).

These are free events and all are welcome.

SOCCER NEWS With all quiet at this time on the field of play the astro turf pitch is now open for bookings through sportskey online portal or Contact committee member or social.media page for more details POOL FINAL The Stephen Darcy pool tournament is now at final stages with a large number of competitors. This is the first year of the tournament which is being run in Farrell’s pub in remembrance of a local lad who passed away in April 2025 and was a well known and well liked character in the village. The semifinals and final will take place on Sunday next August 9th followed by music.

GAA NEWS St Lachtains intermediate hurlers lost out to Young Ireland’s of Gowran on Saturday last in the second round of this year’s league/championship on a scoreline of 4-19 to 1-12 The junior B hurlers lost out to The Fenians in the quarter finals of championship on Sundayevening at Pairc Lachtain on a final score of 1-17 to 0-18.

LOTTO There was no jackpot winner in the weekly lotto.

The lucky dip winners were Brenda Kavanagh (€50) S Donnelly, J,M and M Kennedy (€25 each) Tickets are €2 each and you can play online through Clubzap or from any of the local sellers.

CAMP This year’s summer camp will take place from 10/13th August. Details can be found on the clubs’ social media page or contact Michael Farrell or Deirdre Dalton to register.

BRIDGE Summer bridge continues each Monday evening in Threecastles hall (R95WK45) at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

SPLIT THE POT Split the pot proceeds for July went to Freshford squash club and the winners of first two weeks were Ann Brennan Freshford who won €107 and Brenda Little who won €100. The committee thank all who supported them throughout the month. Proceeds go to different local club each month Tickets are just €2 and can be purchased in any of the local pubs or businesses.

PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated). Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening CEMETERY MASS The annual mass in St Nicholas cemetery Tulla took place on Saturday Evening last with a good crowd in attendance. Thanks to all People who cleaned up their family graves for the occasion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious home-

made food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon.

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

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB INTERMEDIATE HURLING On Saturday evening, in glorious Inistioge, the James Stephens hurlers, with a hat trick of second half goals by Eoin Guilfoyle, easily accounted for Tullogher Rosbercon 4-14 to 0-17 in their 2nd round Intermediate league fixture. That final result could not be envisaged at half time as James Stephens had to fight hard in a physical contest to hold on to a 1-09 to 0-09 lead at the break. After Cian Kenny opened with long range point in the 3rd minute Sean Manogue was called on to make a close-in save before an error by the Tullogher goalkeeper gifted Tadhg O’Dwyer a goal to give The Village a 1-02 to 0-03 lead after 8 minutes. The Walter Walsh driven Tullogher men responded point for point from there to the end of the half but significantly could not break down the tight marking James Stephens defence in which Cian Kenny excelled with his distribution of the sliothar out of defence. Three long range points from centre forward Luke Scanlon and four single scores from the in-form free taker Tadhg O’Dwyer were important contributions to the narrow half time lead. After Eoin Guilfoyle rattled the net in the 4th minute of the 2nd half, followed by a free from Tadhg O’Dwyer, the direction of the game was to change dramatically when Tullogher’s Pat Hartley was red carded for a rash tackle in the 8th minute. Tullogher fought back with two points but another goal from a sublime pass by Ed Lauhoff for Eoin Guilfoyle to finish to the net opened a 3-11 to 0-11 lead for James Stephens. The depleted Tullogher men kept up the fight but, when Eoin Guilfoyle completed his hat trick of goals in the 13th minute the game was effectively over as a contest at 4-12 to 0-12. Despite Tullogher adding five points over the closing quarter to two finishing points by Eoin Guilfoyle and Cian Kenny the gap could not be bridged as James Stephens ran out comfortable winners at 4-14 to 0-17. Their next outing is against St. Martins on Saturday 15th. August in Freshford.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE The Junior hurlers scored a comfortable 1-23 to 0-16 win over Thomastown in their top of the table Junior B League clash in Thomastown on Sunday afternoon. Playing against the breeze in the first half the Village players worked hard, winning many turnovers to give themselves a well-earned 0-12 to 0-09 lead at half time. For the 2nd half, with the aid of the wind, the Village lads enjoyed the upper hand against the battling Thomastown team and when Zac Scanlon slipped in for a late goal it confirmed where the league points were destined for. There were some notable performances over the hour including Ross Whelan who hit over 5 points from play, Jack McGrath got 3 points and Conor McEvoy who hit a total of 8 points (5 Frees). Hopefully they will keep their impressive run of form on Sunday next 9th August when they take on Tullogher Rosbercon in the Junior B championship semi-final at 11am in Mullinavat.

JUNIOR “B” HURLING CHAM’SHIP Conahy Shamrocks gave themselves the perfect start, when raising a green flag in the 1st minute of the 2026 Junior “B” championship quarter final in Jenkinstown. However, it only sparked James Stephens into immediate action with Eoin Larkin hitting over a point, and, in the 3rd minute David Walton rattling the net from a penalty award.

Continuing their dominance a succession of single scores followed from Ross Whelan, David Walton, Zac Scanlon, Jack McGrath and Jackie Tyrrell to give James Stephens a 1-07 to 1-04 lead after 13 minutes. With Jackie Tyrrell in imperial form at centre back flanked by Jack McGrath and Adam Butler the supply of ball kept flowing to the forwards resulting in a 2nd three pointer for Zac Scanlon in the 15th minute. Keeping the pressure on the Conahy defence the Village went on to take a sizeable 2-13

to 2-04 lead into the break despite the concession of a 28th minute goal to the home club. A seriously recharged Conahy side took to the field for the 2nd half piling pressure on the Village defence from the throw-in. With strong back up from midfielders Conor Millea and Ross Whelan the Village back line including James Tyrrell, Luke Hickey and Billy Wall matched the determination of the Conahy attack giving little away to their opponents. Holding out at 2-17 to 2-11, goalkeeper Padraig Joyce made a vital save in the 24th minute to keep the divide at six points but still the Conahy power play continued, demanding an equally strong response from the city men. Wisely the team mentors introduced fresh legs in the closing 15 minutes and were rewarded with points from Alan Larkin (25min), Rory Glynn (27min) and Stephen Power-Kellett (30min) to get the Village over the line and into the semi-final with a 2-20 to 2-12 victory.

CONGRATULATIONS With the Inter-county season at an end for 2026, now that the Treaty hurlers have returned the McCarthy Cup to the banks of the River Shannon after a three year lapse and the heroic footballers of Mayo having buried “the curse” finally claiming the Sam Maguire Cup it’s appropriate to congratulate our delighted clubmen from the respective counties. Hearty congratulations to Cappawhite native and loyal Limerick supporter Michael McLoughlin on Limerick’s sixth All-Ireland victory under the stewardship of their bainisteoir John Kiely. It was also a highly emotional day last Sunday week for club officer Denis Carney to witness the Red and Green of his county Mayo (white on the day), claim the All-Ireland football title after a lapse of 75 years.

Enjoy the fruits of your county’s victory, lads.

HURLER’S CO-OP DRAW Nice to report that the club had two winners in the second last draw of the 2026 Hurler’s Co-Op draw.

John Murphy won the 8th prize of €1,000 (promoter Richie Manogue) and Tony Patchell won €500 (promoter Joan Cody). The final draw will take place on 11th August. Our thanks to all who supported the vitally important fundraiser for both club and county.

JUNIOR “D” EXIT The Junior D hurlers reached the end of the road following their 4-10 to 0-14 defeat to Cloneen in their Junior “D” league quarter-final fixture in Cloneen. The Village lads put up a brave battle against a stronger Cloneen line up, having held their opponents to level terms at 2-04 to 0-10 at half time. The second half saw the Cloneen team confirm their overall strength with a run of scores which the Village lads, despite their best efforts could not match, giving the northern county club a convincing 4-10 to 0-14 victory and passage to the league semi-finals. Well done to manager Bill Lahart and the enthusiastic group of players.

FAMILY FUN DAY Co-ordinator, Ann Marie White, confirms that preparations are well advanced for the popular Family Fun Day which takes place on Saturday 15th. August at the club’s Larchfield headquarter starting at 6pm.

Aside from the tasty offerings from the BBQ fryer there will be a mini disco for the kiddies and lots of sporting challenges including kids’ fun races. All sporting events are free. Entry fee for adults is €10 which includes a burger and a beer while the fee for U-18’s is €5 with a burger and a soft drink. Why not come along and enjoy the craic with fellow members, players, and supporters during the evening.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN Under Development officer John Grace progress continues on the 5 Year Development Plan project with the completion of the tarmac upgrading of the 1.2km walkway which surrounds pitches 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the Kells Road. As it is intended for exclusive use as an exercise walking track, bollards will be installed to prevent cars being parked on the track for match viewing purposes.

CRANNCHOR (LOTTO) Na huimhreacha don seachtain seo caite 14, 18, 25, 31. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir. Na mion duaisneanna €40: Frank Manogue Snr., Ann Larkin, Catkin, Noreen Myles agus Georgina Pagliaro. Mar is gnath go raibh maith agaibh go leir as bhur dtachtaoicht.

(As always, our thanks to all for your continued support).

BENNETTSBRIDGE CEMETERY MASSES Both cemetery masses were very well attended last weekend. Fr Pat Duggan officiated at both, and he thanked everybody involved in the preparation of the graveyards. The ongoing maintenance during the year in both areas was also acknowledged.

Christine O’Neill was on duty as organist and both

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Community & GAA Notes

Art Group members and friends on a trip to Dublin

choirs were in good voice. The names of those parishioners who had died since last year were also read out. The graves were blessed during the mass.

MASS TIMES Bennettsbridge; Wednesday 10.30am. Friday 10.30am. Sunday 10.30am. Tuesday 7.30pm LOTTO There was no 27th July jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 5, 1, 7, 21. Consolation Prizes, Josie, Drea Blackwell, Sam and Margaret ℅ O’Donnell’s, Eileen Phelan, Millennium Court, C M P Dunne, Ballyreddin, Pat Comerford, ℅ Richard.

CARDS 14th July, First Prize Johno and Marie Reid, Brian Blackmore/Annie Lehane (11 games) Table Prize Richie O’Keeffe/Brendan Malone.

21st July, First Prize Rose Hayes/Paul Gurrie (14 games). Second Prize Declan Byrne/Sean Shortall, Ger Kelly/Annie Lehane, Jack Bolger/Tom Drennan (11 games). Table Prize Michael Phelan/Frank O’Neill 28th July, First Prize Declan Twomey/John Drennan (11 games). Second Prize Richard O’Keeffe/Brendan Malone (10 games). Table Prize Siobhan Donovan/ Joan O’ Gorman ART GROUP EXHIBITION LAUNCH Bennettsbridge Art Group will launch their latest work to the public on Friday, 7th August at 7pm.

The exhibition will be opened in the Community Centre in Bennettsbridge by artist Trini Kenny and all are welcome.

A trip to Dublin and a visit to a number of exhibitions was enjoyed by a few members and friends during the week.

SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE Hard luck to our senior hurlers who lost out to Graigue Ballycallan in the opening round of the league in Dunamaggin. We hope for a better result against Glenmore in Inistioge next Sunday. All support would be greatly appreciated.

JUNIOR E CHAMPIONSHIP Well done to the Junior E team on their victory over Tullogher away last Saturday in the championship quarter final.

UNDERAGE GAMES Good luck to our under 14 hurlers who play Glenmore away in the open round of the league championship next Monday. Our younger age groups are now in action in go games and tournaments.

Best wishes to all involved. Well done to Darragh McCormack who played for the Kilkenny football team that defeated Wicklow in the Kelliher Cup last weekend.

FIELD MAINTENANCE Bennettsbridge GAA would like to express its deepest thanks to all who helped out with pitch watering and maintenance during this current dry spell.

Huge thanks to Brendan Hughes, Bennettsbridge

Limestone and Dermot Kelly for watering during the past ten days and to Leo, Tommie and Ger for resodding. Your help is greatly appreciated.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN If you are interested in the pitch signage campaign, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey. New signs have been added in the past couple of weeks with room still available SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place this Friday at 6pm in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the support.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH HIGHVIEW OVER 35S Highview Athletic 2 (Dean Broaders, Philly Moylan) Ballymurphy Celtic 0 Highview ran out the deserving winners in what you could say was a very positive display from our 35s.

A cool finish from striker Philly Moylan in the opening 5 mins saw us take control of the game early on. Not long after a Dean Broaders free kick from 35 yards left the Ballymurphy keeper picking the ball out of the net for the second time within the first 10 mins. Despite creating numerous chances and remaining in control of the game we ran out 2-0 winners in the end and we now see ourselves sitting third in the table with only a handful of games

remaining.

THE BARROW BUS Congratulations to Patrick Connolly - passenger 1000 on the Barrow Bus. Living in Graiguenamanagh and working in Goresbridge, the Barrow Bus saves Patrick about 2 hours of time each day he uses it. This is why increased frequency along a route is so important. On to 2,000. If you haven’t boarded the Barrow Bus yet, now is the time, book your trip at barrowbus.palisis.com GAA The first Rd of the JHL was played in extremely blustery conditions in Piltown GAA Club on Sunday 26th July, so much so it was most definitely a game of two halves with John Lockes GAA Callan powering to a decisive lead at half time 1-13 to 0-02.

The Graig men chipped away at the lead and when Shamie Kavanagh raised a green flag in the 63rd min leaving just a single score between the teams, unfortunately time ran out and John Lockes held on for the win at 1-18 to 1-17.

HERITAGE WEEK Join Waterways College on Saturday, 22nd August for a fantastic day of discovery, nature and community as part of the Town of Books Festival and National Heritage Week.

At 12:00pm we are holding a Wild Child Citizen Science Session. Discover the fascinating creatures living beneath the water’s surface and learn why healthy rivers matter. No booking required, just come along. Then at 2:00pm we have a Walk and Talk with Éanna Ní Lamhna. Enjoy a guided walk around the Barrow Valley Activities Hub with one of Ireland’s best known naturalists, followed by a relaxed Q and A under the marquee. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, curious about your local rivers, or just looking for a great family day out, there’s something for everyone.

On Saturday, 22nd August 2026 come to the Barrow Valley Activities Hub, Graiguenamanagh for a free event and all are welcome. Come and discover the wildlife, history and heritage of the River Barrow while finding out how we can all play a part in protecting our heritage.

BOOK FESTIVAL Mark your calendars. From August 21st to 23rd, 2026, the “Village of the Monks” transforms into a world-class literary haven for the Graiguenamanagh Town of Books Festival. For one weekend only, the medieval streets become a bibliophile’s paradise with fun activities for all the family!

CONGRATULATIONS Tidy towns would like to offer a huge congratulations to Ted Kinsella and to Bonnie Pendergast on their retirement from Kinsella’s shop after many years. Both have been great supporters and promoters of our weekly split the pot since the start.

We wish you both the best of health and happiness in the next chapter of your lives and thank you both for everything.

GRAIGUEFEST 2026 Graiguefest 2026 takes place on August 7th, 8th and 9th, with a full weekend of music, camping and great atmosphere in Graiguenamanagh. This year we are expanding the camping options. As well as campervans, caravans and tents are now welcome too.

Camping Weekend Tickets are €75 per motorhome,

caravan or tent. Early Bird Weekend Music Passes are €30 per person. This covers Saturday and Sunday in the Hub. Music in the Meadows Friday night is Free.

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

HUB This year, once again we are linking up with Munster Chernobyl Aid “Another Journey Of Hope” to bring much needed supplies to the orphanages and hospitals in Belarus this September. We would greatly appreciate any donations of sanitary products, clothes, hygine products etc. All items can be dropped to the Hub before September. This is a very important Humaitarian Aid mission as things in Belarus have become increasingly difficult.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN ANTIQUES AUCTIONS (GORESBRIDGE) Suitable Items are now accepted for the auction due to start on 24th August. Contact Martin on 087 256 9496 or email goresbridgeantiques@ gmail.com for more details.

BARROW RANGERS There was no overall winner of the jackpot lotto draw and no Match 3 winner of the most recent draw.

There was a great performance from the Under-12 camogie girls last week against Thomastown. Every player showed great determination, teamwork, and skill and their hard work paid off with a welldeserved win.

BRIDGE UNITED The Club is asking all players, parents, supporters and friends to get behind one of our biggest fundraising events of the year on Friday, 5th September, at 7pm in the Kilkenny Dog track. Every ticket purchased will help raise vital funds for the Astro Turf Project, helping the Club to continue improving its facilities for every player at Bridge United AFC. For just €10, you will enjoy a fantastic night at Kilkenny Dog Track while supporting the future of our club.

CHURCH SERVICES/EVENTS Mass times: Goresbridge, Saturday at 7.30pm, Sunday 10am; Paulstown: Sunday, 11.30am. Weekday Masses: Goresbridge on Wednesday at 10am; Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am.

Adoration (concluding with Benediction) every Tuesday from 10.30am-6pm in Paulstown church.

The Legion of Mary meets each Thursday at 3pm Tom Healy

Some of local people and visitors from Liverpool, who attended the annual Rosary which takes place on Cruchain Hill in Graignamanagh every year

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Community & GAA Notes in the parish hall, Paulstown. New members welcome. The Sacred Heart prayer group gathers every Friday after 10am mass in Paulstown.

The Paulstown Holy Family Cemetery mass will be on Friday 7th August at 7.30pm.

Church of Ireland services on Sunday 9 August: 10.

11.30am at Goresbridge.

CUAS MUSICAL CONCERT The west Kerry Group CUAS will appear in Concert at Ionad Dara Goresbridge on Friday September 4th at 8 pm. Steeped in the music and song of West Kerry, this fantastic Group will deliver a night to remember. CUAS will be supported on the night by talented local Kilkenny musician Gerry Walsh.

Tickets €23 are available from Gerry Kavanagh at 086-0443152 and eventbrite.ie TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture.

Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way.

MENS SHED The next get together will be on Tuesday 11 August in the cabin at Paulstown community hall.

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development is available in Maher’s as well as online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie.

The winners of the lotto draw of Sunday 2nd August were: 1 Connor and Caoimhe (€100), 2 Rocky Hillier (€20) and 3 Joe Breen (€20).

TAR ISTEACH Bric a Brac including household items, unwanted gifts, unwanted toiletry sets, delph, dishes, cutlery are all welcome at the Tar Isteach shop in Goresbridge. Items should be in a saleable condition.

Quality handbags are welcome. Customers are welcome too.

KILMANAGH KILMANAGH PATTERN A great night was had by all at the Kilmanagh Pattern and Naomh Nadáil’s Seisúin that took place in Ryan’s Bar, Kilmanagh on July 31st. Thanks to Bill Ryan for hosting the event and for all the organisers and musicians that turned up on the night. Hopefully it will be the start of an annual session.

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Mount Carmel Supported Care Home Annual Golf Classic will take place on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August 2026. Team Entry Fee €100. For Tee Times contact John Healy on 086 1664256 or Margaret Maher on 087 960 6440. We are appealing to your generosity for this very worthy fundraiser, which you have so kindly supported in the past.

Your Sponsorship can be given in any of the following ways; 1. Monetary Donation; 2. Donation of prizes for the Golf Classic. Bank Account Details: IBAN: IE53AIBK93309014719192 BIC: AIBKIE2D CLOTHES COLLECTION Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, Kilmanagh have organised a fundraiser in the form of a Clothes Collection. If you are thinking of doing a summer clearout please think of us. We can take clothes, duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets, handbags, shoes (in pairs only), rugby boots, belts, hats, scarves, belts, suits. All items must be in good wearable condition.

We cannot take duvets or pillows (just the covers).

Items can be left at Naomh Aodhan Community Centre, R95 YT25 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 5pm and 7pm. If you want any further information, please contact 086 373 99 83.

BALLYKEEFFE AMPHITHEATRE EVENTS August 8th: Hothouse Flowers. August 15th: Derek Ryan and Guests. Aug 22nd: Cry Before Dawn. Tickets: ballykeeffeamphitheatre.com LOTTO Results for 27th July. Numbers drawn were 3; 10; 16; 22. There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners were Bridget Byrne, Aidan Bruton and Josie Ronan. Sellers’ Prizes went to Bree Harrison and James Ryall.

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.

Eyes on the ball in the recent Mullinavat v Glenmore Senior Hurling match

MULLINAVAT MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning lotto numbers on Monday, 27th July were 6, 14, 18 and 25. There was three Match 3 winners.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a Mystery Tour of Tullogher/ Rosbercon parish guided by Luke Grennan from 2.00pm on Sunday, 16th August. The meeting point is at Listerlin National School. All welcome.

MULLINAVAT WIN AT CARRIGEEN Mullinavat advanced to the JJ Kavanagh Junior Hurling F Quarter Final with a seven-point victory, 3-13 to 1-12, over Carrigeen in Saturday morning’s re-fixed round one clash at a splendid Carrigeen GAA Grounds. The original game was abandoned the previous Sunday. (A full report of this match can be read in the sports section of this newspaper) MULLINAVAT AND GLENMORE DRAW IN MOONCOIN Mullinavat and Glenmore played out an extremely competitive drawn game in the opening round of the 2026 St Canice’s Senior Hurling League at Mooncoin GAA Grounds on Sunday. When the sides met last met in the Senior Hurling Shield Final of last season, it was also a draw, even after extra time, before Mullinavat eventually won on penalties. No such speedy conclusion was necessary this time, just a valuable league point for each on the table.

(A full report of this match can be read in the sports section of this newspaper) HERITAGE WEEK IN WINDGAP Professor William Nolan will deliver a lecture at 7.00pm on Friday, 14th August in the League House,

Windgap (R95 A373) to commence Heritage Week in Windgap. The week will include an exhibition, guided walk, craft demonstrations, art workshop and Rambling House. Visit National Heritage Week and Event Listings for Kilkenny for more details.

KILMACOW KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 2, 3, 20 and 21. There was one Match 3 winner.

IVERK SHOW This year’s Iverk Show will be held on Saturday, 22nd August. See www.iverkshow.ie for more details.

SEEING KILMACOW DIFFERENTLY Twenty-two local residents came together on Sunday, 26th July for Seeing Kilmacow Differently – Summer Edition, a community nature walk organised by Kilmacow-GLAS that encouraged participants to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the wildlife on their doorstep.

The morning began with a silent walk through the local landscape, inviting participants to take notice of the sights, sounds and wildlife that often go unnoticed in everyday life. At the end of the route, the group shared and reflected on what they noticed and/or memories came to mind.

Before heading back, the group were introduced to citizen science and the importance of it in relation to biodiversity before working together in a mini-BioBlitz to record the wildlife they discovered.

Among the observations were 14 plants, 2 fungi, one invertebrate, one sign of invertebrate, 12 wildflowers, 4 birds and 8 trees.

Kilmacow Community Complex

The walk concluded with refreshments and an opportunity for participants to reflect on the experience and chat about what they had observed. The organiser was delighted with the excellent turnout and the enthusiasm shown by everyone who took part. Before leaving, participants could trade in their token (a piece of tree bark) to take one of the resources available to them.

The event forms part of Kilmacow-GLAS’s wider programme of practical community activities, with further events planned over the coming months focusing on gardening, biodiversity, repair and reuse, and other community-led sustainability initiatives.

GLAS is part of the ATHRU programme - ATHRU is a hands-on climate-action programme that helps schools and community groups across Ireland turn climate knowledge into real action. This project, by Education for Sustainability, is funded by the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU, it builds skills, strengthens community, and supports a more resilient future for all.

Anyone interested in finding out more or getting involved with future activities can follow KilmacowGLAS on Facebook or contact kilmacowglas@gmail. com.”

KILMACOW COMMUNITY COMPLEX The Go Fund Me initiative to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of the facilities and grounds at the Community Complex in Kilmacow will come to a close soon. People can still donate to ensure that the amenities there are maintained at the highest standards.

HOME ENERGY EVENT Learn to make your home warmer and more energy efficient at a Home Energy Event in Kilmacow Community Centre from 5.00pm to 9.0opm on Wednesday, 16th September. All welcome.

FREE ELECTRICAL RECYCLING Piltown Community Centre will host free WEEE Collection from 10.00am to 4.00pm on Thursday, 13th August. Items for recycling can include electrical equipment, batteries on energy saving lightbulbs, fridges, phones, lap-tops and power tools etc.

MUSIC IN ROSEDALE Ferrybank Community Music Club, which has now been established for over two years, continues to go from strength to strength. In addition to meeting every week, the group regularly visits and entertains residents in nursing homes throughout the local area, where their performances are always warmly received and greatly appreciated. The club is now delighted to be extending its visits further afield, having accepted an invitation to perform at Rosedale Nursing Home, Kilmacow, on Tuesday, 18th August. Members are very much looking forward to the visit and to sharing an afternoon of music, songs and good company with the residents.

FERRYBANK COMMUNITY CLIMATE INNOVATION PROGRAMME Kilkenny County Council is inviting expressions of interest from individuals who would like to participate in the Community Climate Innovation Programme, delivered by Trinity College and Munster Technological University. The programme is fully funded by Kilkenny County Council, so there is no cost to successful participants. It will run from September to December 2026 and is designed to build sustainability leadership skills and equip participants with the knowledge and tools to develop practical climate solutions within their professional and community settings. People who are interest should e-mail climate@kilkennycoco.ie by Monday, 10th August.

NORTH QUAY UPDATE The South Plaza is due to open in the coming weeks, after completion of snagging and certification. The Sustainable Transport Bridge will open in late 2027. Pier protections are going and some of the redundant piles are being removed. Flood protection on the west side almost complete. The train station works are due to commence. This work will be quite intensive due to the concentration of services, logistics and the confined area. The Harcourt Development planning application went to further information which was submitted in June.

A decision on the application based on the further information is imminent. Pending on the outcome, works are anticipated for 2nd half of 2026 with the public realm elements being prioritized.

SLIEVERUE ROUNDABOUT A contractor for the resurfacing works has been appointed with a likely commencement date in mid to late September. Works are anticipated to last over three weeks.

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Community & GAA Notes CLOVER CENTRE The Masterplan was adopted by Kilkenny County Council at its meeting on 20th July. There were 7 submissions during the public consultation phase.

Issues identified included retention of trees and hedgerows, lighting, potential site occupancy, the adjoining Saveso site, re-use of materials, design and provision for the Tidy Towns, retention of the Clover name and its heritage. The Council is confident that these can be accommodated within the scope of the works.

GREENWAY Access to the Greenway from Ferrybank to Curraghmore was opened on Friday, 19th June. The Liaison Team is engaging with affected landowners to agree final design layouts and accommodation work for the next 9km section between Curraghmore and Ballyverneen.

SPEED BYE-LAWS The proposals for the new Urban Speed By-laws can be seen on the Council’s website, at County Hall, Kilkenny and at the Municipal District Office in Ferrybank. Submissions can be made online, by e-mail at speedlimits2026@kilkennycoco.ie or by post to Mary Mulholland, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, Kilkenny by 1st September.

JOHNSTOWN WE HAVE MOVED The Parish Office.has now moved to the Curate’s house on the Dublin Road. Open Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 4pm. Contact 0568838658.

(E41YH98) MRS BRIDGET GUILFOYLE (nee BERGIN) The death has taken place of Bridget peacefully at her home, Urlingford and formally St. Kieran’s Place, Johnstown. Predeceased by her mother Peggy and brother in law Mattie, she will be sadly missed by her husband John, her family Yvonne, John (jnr), and Helena, grandchildren Ben, Oisin, Abbi and Cillian, son in law Rohan, Helena’s partner Johnny, her father Joe, twin sister Margaret, brother in law, sisters in law, Uncle Pat, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

Bridget was laid to rest in the Mill Cemetery after Requiem Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Urlingford.

ST. KIERAN’S HALL Bingo, split the pot and the 500 club draw will be back on Wednesday. August 12th.

MARK YOUR DIARY A Family Fun Day will take place.at the Mill Centre, Urlingford on Sunday August 16th from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Fun for all the family.

IT’S WEEE TIME A free electrical recycling collection will take place in the Church car park, Johnstown on Saturday.

August 22nd from 10am to 4pm. Anything with a plug or batteries will be accepted.

WE ARE MOVING TOO Johnstown Breakfast Club and After School.will move to St. Kieran’s N.S. on August 26th. Breakfast club 8am to 8.55am, fun, games and a healthy breakfast, after school 1.40pm to 5 30pm, homework, activities, play and a hot meal. All children that have booked Johnstown after school will be accommodated. For bookings contact Angela Brennan 0879363885.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers drawn for the lotto were 9,14,22,29, there was no jackpot winner, but there was one match three winner. Maura Ryan made it all worthwhile for everybody involved.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The centre is closed for holidays but will reopen on Monday 9th August 2026. Get there early, they’ll be delighted to see you all.

The Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford, invites everyone to a fantastic Family Fun Day on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Save the date and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Bring the whole family along for a memorable day together.

(See attached poster for more information) The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of supports, services, and activities for individuals and families within the local community. The Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space, offering opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and social connection for people of all ages.

One of the upcoming opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme. This free L.T.I. course will be starting soon and includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, providing par-

ticipants with valuable life skills that can support employment and independence. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to call into the Centre or make contact directly for further details and application information.

The Youth club is back every Wednesday from 5.30 – 6.30pm. For Ages 10yrs – 12yrs GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

BOULICK MASS Boulick cemetery Mass will take place on Tuesday 18th August at 7.30pm in the graveyard. Anyone wishing to join the choir would be most welcome.

PASTORAL MINISTRY Would you like to serve as a Pastoral Minister within your parish and Parish Combination group?

A programme in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership will begin in October and lead to a two-year course of study in Mary Immaculate College, Thurles.

See poster on notice board at main doors of both Churches. Brochures available from Fr. Walton. Information from Katherine Dullaghan, Development Office on 086 1033761.

LOUGHDERG One-Day Pilgrimage to Loughderg takes place on Tues, August 18th. A bus will leave from the diocese starting in Tipperary Town on Monday, August 17th, via Knock for the Novena, overnight in Bundoran for evening meal, B and B, travelling to Loughderg on Tuesday morning, leaving Loughderg around 4pm for home with an evening meal in Roscommon. For details, please contact Bridget O’Dea at 0866792754 or Fr Martin Murphy at 0863868877 MUSIC Glengoole Community Group Music on the Reen is on Sunday 22nd August FENNOR CEMETERY There was a very large attendance at the Annual Fennor Mass which was held last Tuesday, 28th.

Fr. James Walton was the celebrant of the Mass.

Sarah Connor did the first reading. The responsorial psalm was read by Sean Phelan. The second reading was read by Eileen Fitzpatrick. The prayers of the faithful were recited by Grace Rochford, Nellie Mahony, Pat Rochford, Lorraine Ivors, Rita Langton, Mary O’Halloran and Denis Carroll. Special prayers were offered for all buried in Fennor cemetery especially those who were interred since our last mass Richard Mahony, Old Road, Urlingford formerly of Rathbeg; Cora Fitzpatrick, Fennor: Liam Norton, Poynstown; Teresa Phelan, Urard; Francis Ivors, Fennor; Mai Rochford, The Glebe, Fennor; Bridget Moriarty, Urard and Mary Ann Dunne, Inchorourke.

Ministers of the Eucharist were Breda Hickey and Denis Carroll. Reflection after Holy Communion was read by Michelle Barnaville. A special word of thanks to the wonderful Choir which included musicians and singers from Gortnahoe and Urlingford choirs under the direction of Margaret Maher and Sean Hennessy. The selection of hymns on the night was uplifting and added greatly to our special mass. A special word of thanks to Jodie Moriarty for his genuine care of the graveyard and also the dedicated committee who help throughout the year and especially in the organising of the mass and the collection. Thanks to Gortnahoe Community Hall for the use of the chairs on the night. A sincere thanks also to everyone who contributed to the upkeep of the graveyard.

PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth.

Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Breda Gleeson, Coole won €370 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for August is in aid of the Camogie Club. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

SYMPATHY Sympathy to the family of the late Sonny Tobin, Urlingford who was interred in the Good Shepherd cemetery last week and to the family of Liam Gla-

sheen, Limerick formerly Ballinastick who was also interred last week.

CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers lost out to St. Patrick’s (Ballyragget) on Sunday evening last in Freshford in their latest game in the JJ Kavanagh Junior League.

Conahy started well with two fine goals from James Bergin and Tom Phelan and led by 2-7 to 0-9 at the break. However, the Ballyragget men dominated the final quarter to take the lead and eventually win out by 3-16 to 2-14. Conahy will next face Kilmacow on Sunday week, August 16th, at 5.00 p.m. in Bennettsbridge.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner, Philip Cass, Darragh Horgan, Darren Cuddihy, Tom Phelan, Darragh Hennessy, Ciaran Rice, Jack Murphy, Rob Ring, Karl Downey, Jack Rhatigan, James Bergin, Patrick Kennedy, Mark Gunner, Brooklyn Synott, John Kennedy, Bill Murphy, Edmond Delaney.

The junior B hurlers also lost out to James Stephens in the JJ Kavanagh Junior B quarter-final in Jenkinstown on Tuesday night last. The city side were the stronger team throughout despite a battling performance by Conahy, particularly in the second half. As it was, James Stephens emerged victors by 2-20 to 2-12.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Frank Gunner, Padraig Gunner, Conor Duggan, Darragh Horgan, Darren Cuddihy, Eoin Carroll, John Kennedy, Jack Murphy, Jack Rhatigan, Rob Ring, Patrick Kennedy, Brooklyn Synott, Kieran Mooney, Bill Murphy, Sean Brennan, Harry O’Mahony, Paddy Mullan.

The junior E hurlers also bowed out the JJ Kavanagh Junior E championship at the quarter-final stage, when they were narrowly defeated by Glenmore on Saturday afternoon last in Glenmore. The hosts led by 0-11 to 0-7 at half time, but an early second half goal from a Billy Mulhall free narrowed the gap. But Glenmore managed to hold out in the end for the win, emerging victorious by 0-18 to 1-12.

TEAM: Paul Buggy, Conor Hennessy, Michael Bergin, Tom Nolan, Jake Dooley, Denis Kelly, Patrick Nolan, Donal Brennan, Tommy Mulhall, Ben Duggan, John Mullan, Billy Mulhall, Daniel Mooney, Declan Buggy, Padraig Conway, Brian Phelan, Gary Kavanagh, Jack Joyce, Damien Cuddihy.

The minor hurlers did manage to achieve a good win over John Lockes on Thursday in Jenkinstown in the Kilkenny Motor Centre Roinn B League. A good team performance from start to finish saw Conahy win out by 3-22 to 1-9. They will be back in competitive action again in a few weeks’ time.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Rory Dunne, Tadgh Hennessy, James Byrne, Finn Sherman, Jack Rhatigan, Bobby Dooley, Darragh Horgan, Billy Rowe, Jack Buggy, Patrick Kennedy, Rory Rhatigan, MJ Buggy, Joe Boland, Brian Phelan, Padraic Quinn, Sam Connellan, Evan Buggy, Mikey Hurley, Camryn Kenehan.

CAMOGIE The minor camogie girls lost out to Mooncoin in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Roinn D League in Mooncoin on Friday night last. It was a nip and tuck game all through, but the home side emerged narrowly victorious on a 5-5 to 3-10 score line.

TEAM: Sophie Conway, Grace Butler, Emily Lawless, Caoimhe Mulhall, Isobel Dunne, Eva Kennedy, Ruth Carroll, Naomi Kerr, Hannah Styles, Rachel Mulhall, Sarah Murphy, Mary Lou Rowe, Emily Kennedy, Clodagh Lawless.

The under-16 girls enjoyed better fortune with a great win over Carrickshock in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Roinn D League/Championship in Hugginstown. Conahy produced best when it mattered to win out by 4-8 to 3-6.

TEAM: Lucy Butler, Emily Kennedy, Katie Murphy, Sophie Conway, Isobel Dunne, Ruth Carroll, Grace Butler, Eva Kennedy, Hannah Styles, Rachel Mulhall, Keelan Kennedy, Mary Lou Rowe, Aoibhe Dunne, Michelle Cahill, Brid Gamble, Grace O’Meara, Sophie Meany, Juliette Dunne.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 13, 23 and 31. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Anne Healy, Kathleen Walsh, Irene Fitzpatrick, Mai Brennan and Terry Gunner. The promoter prize winners were Julie Jackman, David Maher and John McGrath. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) -

Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911: Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie. Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 8th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 9th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil Saturday 8th. at 6.30p.m: FRIDAY 7TH. FIRST FRIDAY Visitation with Holy Communion will take place as usual on Friday. Please let us know if you would like to receive Holy Communion in your home for the First Fridays or at any other time.

PRAY FOR Sr. Alice Holden, Presentation Convent, Clonmel; (Dunamaggan). Anastasia (Eileen) Van Driel (nee Butler), London and formerly of Ennisnag/Stoneyford and Newpark, Kilkenny City.

ANNIVERSARY MASS Declan Fennelly, Oldtown: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 8th. August at 6.30p.m.

ROTA (NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 10.00a.m. Deirdre O’Shea. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Marion Barron. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan; Tel. 056 776 8008 for an Application Form CEMETERY MASS Mass in Stonecarthy Cemetery on Friday 7th. August at 7.30p.m.

BISHOP OF OSSORY Pope Leo has appointed Ger Nash as Bishop of Ossory from 29th. July 2026, in addition to his role as Bishop of Ferns. The Dioceses will be joined “in Persona Episcopi” which means that both Dioceses will maintain their own identity but work together under the pastoral care of one Bishop. We welcome Bishop Ger to our Diocese and wish him every blessing.

CARRICKSHOCK GAA CLUB: Thank you to all, who supported our recent highly successful Golf Classic and Piltown Draw fundraising initiatives. We look forward to seeing you on the sidelines over the coming weeks.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 27th. July 2026. Numbers: 29; 04; 14; 06.

No Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. €30.00. Winners: Róisín Murphy, Lismatigue. Carmel Raggett, Aghaviller. Mary Murphy, c/o Teresa Fitzgerald. Jimmy Walsh, Coolmore. Michael Irish, Hugginstown. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers). James Irish. Anne Power. Jimmy Sheehan.

PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI The Adult Faith Development Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, will take place in March 2027. This journey, led by Fr Dermot Ryan and Fr Kieran O’Shea, will invite people to reflect on the art and architecture in these cities as a means to open conversations around various aspects of the faith. For bookings please contact Kieran Troy of Myriam Tours 057 93 55050, info@myriam.ie or 085 179 2364 CHURCH SAFEGUARDING If you have a child safeguarding concern or wish to raise a matter from the past you may contact: - Diocesan Designated Liaison Person, Mr. Fintan Fanning, 087 100 0232 email dlp@ossory.ie; Tusla Tel. 059 911 5570 or www.ossory.ie/safeguarding.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

KILKENNY MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is a free, confidential and independent Money Management and Advice Service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems, who have difficulty paying a mortgage, or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency Services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal Insolvency options. For more information or an appointment, contact Kilkenny MABS at 4 The Parade, Kilkenny, R95 V052. Or Tel. 0818 072610.

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Sport real entertainment, in what beforehand was a stop start, scrappy type game.

Draw match was a fair outcome Rower Inistioge 0-20; Carrickshock 1-17 John Power at Mullinavat GAA Grounds Carrickshock and Rower Inistioge played out a draw in the Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate League clash before a large attendance at Mullinavat GAA Grounds.

Even though they led 0-10 to 0-2 after fifteen minutes, it still took a 62nd minute injury time point from Jim Ryan to snatch Rower Inistioge a share of the spoils.

For the second week in a row Carrickshock were slow starters. Last week they went nine points down to Mooncoin early on and could not retrieve the deficit. On this occasion they recovered to draw the game.

It was really indiscipline that got the Shocks back into the game after the first quarter.

By the interval there was five points between them, 0-12 to 0-7, a series of Eoghan O’Neill frees having reduced the margin.

The second half started with two Carrickshock scores from an Eoghan O’Neill free and Darragh Brennan,

to leave just three points between them. O’Neill and Lyng exchanged pointed frees consecutively to leave it 0-14 to 0-11. Jim Ryan (RI) and John Power (free) exchanged points shortly afterwards.

Veteran Michael Rice had come on as a half sub for Shocks and he played a big part in getting his side back into this game. He pointed

on 47 minutes to leave just two points between them.

The Rower were reduced to fourteen men a minute later when substitute Kevin Murphy was thought to have contacted the headgear of an opponent. As often happens the fourteen men upped their game and two Eoghan Lyng frees and a Jim Lyng point left the Rower Inistioge five points clear 0-18 to 0-13.

Carrickshock’s Jake O’Dwyer got them back within striking distance with a rasper of a shot past Paddy Lyng in the Rower goal with five minutes remaining (1-13 to 0-18).

The teams exchanged further pointed scores, before Carrickshock eventually drew level, and then went a point clear with an Eoghan O Neill

free after the Rower incurred a technical foul.

But then a distance long range free in added time from the Rower keeper was collected by Jim Ryan for a match saving equaliser.

Both sides will feel a need for improvement after this contest. Eoghan O’Neill, John Power, Michael Rohan and Michael Rice were amongst the better Shocks performers.

For the Rower Inistioge, their spirit with fourteen men is something to cling to for round three and beyond.

They had impressive opening half displays from Richie Leahy and Tom O’Callaghan, and throughout from Jim Ryan and Eoghan Lyng.

Overall, this was a very average contest with only the final ten minutes producing

SCORERS ROWER INISTIOGE Eoghan Lyng, (0-8, all frees), Jim Ryan (0-3), Richie Leahy (0-2), Tom O'Callaghan (0-2), Eoin O'Brien, Shane Ryan, Sean Bolger, Darren Brennan, Edward Prendergast (0-1 each).

CARRICKSHOCK Eoin O’Neill (0-12 all frees), Jake O'Dwyer (1-0), John Power (0-2 frees), Michael Rohan, Michael Rice, Mikey Murphy (0-1 each).

TEAMS ROWER INISTIOGE Paddy Lyng, Shane Ryan, Ruari Galavan, Ruaidhri Delaney, Edward Prendergast, George Murphy, Michael Galavan, Jim Ryan, Sean Bolger, Eoin O'Brien, Eoghan Lyng, Jack Roche, Ned Spellman, Richie Leahy, Tom O'Callaghan.

Substitutes: Tom Doyle for Ned Spellman, Kevin Murphy CARRICKSHOCK Jamie Power, Michael Rohan, Matthew Murphy, Sean Moore, Niall Tennyson, Padraig Lennon, Eddie Dunphy, Mikey Murphy, Barry Lennon, Conor Farrell, Jake O'Dwyer, Edward Dwyer, Adam Franks, Eoghan O'Neill, John Power. Substitutes: James Grace for Niall Tennyson, Darragh Brennan for Edward Dwyer, Michael Rice for Barry Lennon.

Referee: Paul Cahill (Dunnamaggin).

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Sport

Honours even as Mullinavat and Glenmore serve up entertaining league opener

Not making things easy

Glenmore 0-17; Mullinavat 0-17 John Power at Mooncoin GAA Grounds Mullinavat and Glenmore shared the spoils after an absorbing and hard-fought encounter in the opening round of the 2026 St Canice's Senior Hurling League at Mooncoin GAA Grounds on Sunday. In a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout, neither side deserved to come away empty-handed, with the final whistle confirming a 0-17 apiece draw after an hour of quality championship-style hurling.

There was a sense of déjà vu surrounding the fixture.

When the neighbours met in last season's Senior Hurling Shield Final they could not be separated after normal or extra time, with Glenmore eventually emerging victorious following a dramatic penalty shootout. Thankfully for both sets of supporters there was no need for such late drama on this occasion, with each team collecting a valuable league point to begin their campaign.

Mullinavat enjoyed the better of the opening half, making the most of the favourable conditions and producing some excellent passages of hurling. They struck the first blow through the outstanding Ger Malone, who was in exceptional form throughout the opening period. Malone accounted for eight of his side's twelve first-half points, four of them from open play, displaying remarkable accuracy from placed balls and in general play.

His brother Michael also made a valuable contribution, firing over two excellent points from play, while Oisin Knox and Conor Walsh each added a point as Mullinavat steadily built an advantage.

Their defence also impressed, restricting Glenmore's opportunities from open play and ensuring the Vegas men held a deserved 0-12 to 0-8 lead at the interval.

Although trailing by four points, Glenmore remained firmly in contention thanks largely to the accuracy of Ian Byrne. The sharpshooter converted five frees during the opening half and rarely missed

Under the dropping ball

an opportunity to punish Mullinavat infringements.

Darragh Hartley, Ger Aylward and Jason Cody all chipped in with important scores from play to keep Glenmore within striking distance before the turnaround.

With a stiff breeze at their backs after the restart, Glenmore looked a different side and gradually began to eat into the Mullinavat advantage. Charlie Phelan opened their second-half account before Michael Malone replied for Mullinavat.

Ian Byrne then landed another free after Ger Malone had converted from a placed ball at the opposite end, ensuring the Ball breaking tackle

Scoring chance

gap remained manageable.

The momentum was beginning to swing in Glenmore's favour and between the 36th and 41st minutes they enjoyed their

best spell of the afternoon.

Byrne continued to lead the charge, splitting the posts twice, one from a free, while Jack Dollard produced one of the scores of the game with a

magnificent effort from almost 80 metres. Suddenly the deficit had been reduced to a single point, with Mullinavat clinging to a slender 0-14 to 0-13 advantage.

The Vegas men responded well to that period of pressure.

Oisin Knox steadied nerves with a well-taken point before Byrne again replied for Glenmore. Mullinavat then enjoyed another purple patch, stretching their lead back to three points through fine scores from Conor Walsh and Padraig Gahan on the 50th and 51st minutes.

It looked as though Mullinavat might have done enough to secure victory, but Glenmore refused to yield. A major turning point arrived in the 55th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a goalmouth scramble. It presented the perfect opportunity to draw level or even take the lead, but

Mullinavat goalkeeper Seán Fitzpatrick came to his side's rescue with an excellent save that preserved their advantage and lifted the large Mullinavat support.

Rather than allowing the missed opportunity to derail them, Glenmore responded superbly. Ian Byrne once again demonstrated his class by converting two outstanding two-point frees from distance, while Jason Cody added a superb point from around 50 metres between Byrne's efforts. Those three scores proved enough to erase Mullinavat's lead and leave the sides level at 0-17 apiece entering the closing stages.

Both teams had opportunities to snatch victory during the three minutes of added time. Mullinavat pushed forward in search of a late winner, while Glenmore also created promising openings, but determined defending and a touch of fatigue ensured neither side could find the decisive score.

When referee brought proceedings to a close, there was little argument with the outcome. Mullinavat will be pleased with their firsthalf display and the scoring exploits of Ger Malone, while Glenmore can take great encouragement from the manner in which they battled back, with Ian Byrne producing an outstanding personal performance throughout.

A share of the spoils was a fair reflection of an entertaining contest that showcased the quality both sides possess. Mullinavat now turn their attention to a Round Two meeting with Thomastown, while Glenmore face another stern examination against Bennettsbridge as the league campaign gathers momentum.

SCORERS GLENMORE: Ian Byrne 0-11(0-8 frees), Jason Cody (0-2), Charlie Phelan, Jack Dollard, Darragh Hartley, Billy Reid (0-1 each).

MULLINAVAT: Ger Malone (0-9, 0-5 frees), Michael Malone (0-3), Ousin Knox (02), Conor Walsh (0-2), Padraic Gahan (0-1).

TEAMS GLENMORE: Eoin Murphy Darragh Vereker, Eoin Aylward, Richie Hennessy, Darragh Hartley, Shane Murphy, Billy Reid, Jack Dollard, Tomás Mullally, Colm Roche, lan Byrne, Jason Cody, Dean Croke, Charlie Phelan, Ger Aylward. Substitute: Ethan Phelan for Colm Roche.

MULLINAVAT: Seán Fitzpatrick, Eoin Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis, George O'Connor, Pádraig Dempsey, Padraic Gahan, Michael Malone, Joe Gahan, Conor Walsh, Ger Malone, Conor Power, Conor Duggan, Oisín Knox, Liam Fennelly.

Substitutes: Brian Phelan for Conor Power, Adam Mansfield for Conor Duggan, Bill Dempsey for Conor Walsh.

Referee: Gavin Quilty (Slieverue).

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Sport Turning his man

Thomastown make powerful statement with win over Clara Thomastown 1-31; Clara 2-16.

John Power at Mullinavat GAA Grounds.

Thomastown sent out an early warning to the rest of the county as they opened their 2026 St Canice's Senior Hurling League campaign with an emphatic twelvepoint victory over Clara at Mullinavat GAA Grounds on Saturday afternoon.

Played before a large attendance in glorious summer sunshine, the contest was effectively decided by Thomastown's blistering start. Showing all the hunger and intensity, they exploded from the blocks and had Clara under pressure from the opening whistle. Their slick movement, sharp passing and clinical finishing proved too much for the northern side in the early exchanges, allowing Thomastown to establish a commanding lead that they never looked like surrendering.

Thomastown raced into a 0-7 to 0-0 advantage during the opening nine minutes,

with six different players getting their names on the scoresheet. It was an impressive demonstration of the strength in depth within the Thomastown squad, with scores coming from all areas of the field rather than relying on one or two marquee forwards.

While Clara struggled to settle into the game, they never stopped battling and gradually found their feet. Their efforts were rewarded midway through the opening half when Rory Glynn struck for an excellent goal that briefly reignited hopes of a comeback. The major score helped lift Clara and they enjoyed their best spell of the contest, with Dara Glynn, Martin O'Connell and Paul Cody all making important contributions.

However, every time Clara threatened to reduce the deficit, Thomastown responded with another spell of controlled, composed hurling. Their ability to retain possession, create scoring The final score

Contesting the incoming ball The final score

opportunities and punish mistakes was noticeable.

Leading the charge was Peter McDonald, whose work rate and intelligent use of possession constantly caused problems for the Clara defence. The experienced John Donnelly once again demonstrated his class, linking play superbly and contributing valuable scores, while Robbie Donnelly and Stephen Donnelly were equally influential as Thomastown dictated the tempo across the middle third.

Daithí Barron impressed with his pace and direct running, repeatedly carrying the ball into dangerous positions, while Luke Connellan provid-

ed a constant attacking outlet and finished several excellent team moves. Throughout the pitch, Thomastown looked sharp, athletic and well organised, with their work off the ball just as impressive as their scoring ability.

By the interval, Thomastown held a deserved 0-15 to 1-7 advantage. Clara's goal ensured they remained within touching distance on the scoreboard, but Thomastown had looked the more complete side during the opening thirty minutes and fully merited their five-point cushion.

Any hopes Clara had of mounting a second-half comeback were quickly extinguished after the restart.

Thomastown resumed with the same relentless intensity that had characterised their

opening spell and continued to dominate possession. Their movement off the ball created space throughout the attacking third, while their support play ensured there was always an option available when in possession.

Thomastown continued to build on their lead, eventually adding an impressive 1-16 during the second period.

Their only goal of the half arrived following another flowing team move that carved open the Clara defence, putting the result beyond any real doubt.

Clara continued to compete honestly and never allowed their heads to drop. They added 1-9 after the interval, showing plenty of character despite facing a formidable opponent. Their second goal provided another bright mo-

ment, while Dara and Rory Glynn continued to lead by example with determined displays. Martin O'Connell battled tirelessly around midfield, and Paul Cody enjoyed several impressive passages of play that hinted at the quality Clara possess when they find their rhythm.

Although disappointed with the result, Clara can still take positives from aspects of their performance. Their commitment never wavered, and there were encouraging signs that they have the players capable of making an impact as the league progresses. Greater consistency and a reduction in turnovers will undoubtedly be areas they look to improve before their next outing.

For Thomastown, every line of the team functioned efficiently, their fitness levels appeared excellent for this stage of the season, and perhaps most encouragingly, scores came from a wide variety of players. Their ability to spread the scoring burden makes them an even more dangerous proposition and one that opponents will find difficult to contain.

Manager and supporters alike will have been delighted with both the result and the manner in which it was achieved.

Attention now turns to Round Two, where Thomastown face what promises to be a much sterner examination against Mullinavat.

Clara, meanwhile, will hope to bounce back when they take on Graigue-Ballycallan, carrying with them the belief that there were enough encouraging moments in Saturday's display to suggest brighter days lie ahead as the 2026 campaign gathers momentum.

SCORERS THOMASTOWN Robbie Donnelly (0-8, frees), Daithi Barron (1-4), John Donnelly (0-5), Peter McDonald (0-4), Stephen Donnelly (0-4), Luke Connellan (0-3), Ben Nevin, Thomas O’Halloran, Conor Barcoe (0-1 each).

CLARA Dara Glynn (1-2), Rory Glynn (1-2), Paul Cody (0-4), Conor O’Shea (0-3, 0-1 frees), Chris Bolger (0-2), Martin O’Connell (0-2), Luke Lawlor.

(0-1).

TEAMS THOMASTOWN Diarmuid Galway, Ned Kirwan, Peter Connellan, Rory Connellan, Brian Staunton, Eddie Donnelly, Zach Bay Hammond, Ben Nevin, Peter McDonald, John Donnelly, Robbie Donnelly, Luke Connellan, Daithi Barron, Thomas O'Hanrahan, Stephen Donnelly CLARA Kevin Nolan, Bill Carrigan, Shane Staunton, Martin O'Connell, David Langton Matt Kenny Harry Boyle, Dara Glynn, Rory Glynn, Conor O’Shea, David Barcoe, Chris Bolger, Joe Power Paul Cody, Ciaran Prendergast Referee: Owen Beehan (Fenians).

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Sport

By Jimmy Walsh In the second round, of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling League, Windgap faced Graiguenamangh in excellent conditions in the ever-developing Tullougher complex in Brownstown on Sunday afternoon. The game saw both sides seeking a league restart after their firstround defeats to Piltown and John Lockes.

In a very even and competitive game, it saw the sides level on nine occasions, and for the eight time at 0-8 apiece, by the twenty-fifth minute. It saw Billy Power open the scoring when he pointed Windgap ahead from a free and Stephen Kinsella equalised from another.

With Graig creating the majority of the chances including a Jack Ryan goal one, they saw Windgap more often; the point ahead, as Windgap's Billy Power with five points, Sean Purcell, Adam O’Shea, Jack Doyle with one apiece, and Graig's Sean Hamilton three, Michael Bolger three, and Stephen Kinsella two, all kept the relative points umpires busy.

The first real gap appeared when Michael Bolger, Pierce Balanchfield, Sean Hamilton who also had a goal chance and John Ryan off the sideline hit four points on the trot for the Barrowsiders, to lead by eleven points to eight after twenty-eight minutes.

After Billy Power got one back for Windgap a late exchange of points saw Billy add his seventh, and Stephen Kinsella reply, as the half-time score of 0-12 to 0-10 reflected the scoring opportunities; as Graig had five of their six forwards on the scoreboard and also struck eight wides to Windgaps four.

The second half opened with a rare shower that caught the spectators off guard, as unused umbrellas and coats were left resting in car boots. It also dampened the cross-field breeze as the sides exchanged points through Adam O’Shea and a Stephen Kinsella point after a free was brought well forward.

With the Graig men striking three further wides, the game was back in the melting pot after forty-three minutes, as Billy Power, and Jim Power from a narrow angle added points to leave the sides tied for the ninth time at 0-13 points apiece after fortythree minutes.

After Billy Power had a half-goal chance for Windgap following good work by James Culleton and Jack Doyle, the Graig men hit another golden patch, scoring a second four points without reply.

They came in just over five minutes through Jack Ryan from a line-ball pass, Ivan Bolger, Steven Kinsella and Sean Hamilton to lead by seventeen points to thirteen.

Graiguenamanagh out point Windgap in competitive game

Stephen Kinsella Graignamanagh Freetaker scoring one of his nine points against Windgap.

All eyes on the ball as Zak Kennedy Windgap tries to block a clearance by Jack Foley Graiguenamanagh.

This proved to be the game’s turning point and provided a solid cushion as Billy Power and Stephen Kinsella, Jack Doyle and Joe Dowling with a mighty effort, and then Stephen Kinsella and Billy Power traded points to bring the score to 0-20 to 0-16 with only injury time to play.

In the end, the final score was another Stephen Kinsella point that reversed the county league result, guaranteeing Graiguenamanagh their first league points by 0-21 to 0-16 when an reiteoir Eoghan Kenny, called time.

For Graiguenamanagh Stephen Kinsella, Richard Foley, and Sean Hamilton led the way in an excellent all-round team performance, as Billy Power, with ten points, tried hardest for Windgap.

As the sides face a twoweek break before their

respective 3rd round games, Windgap who face John Locke’s, will be hoping Killian Enright Windgap evades Ivan Bolger and Cian O'Shea

that some of their three injury-enforced changes will be available, whilst

Graiguenamagh will be buoyed up with their win as they face Slieverue. An scór

deireanach Gráig na Manach 0-21, Bearna na Gaoithe 0-16.

Bearna na Gaoithe; Eoin O’Shea, Peter Landy, Willie Phelan, Sean Foley, Pat Power, Séan Purcell 0-1, Darragh O’Shea, Killian Enright, Padraic Foley, Billy Power 0-10, 0-6 frees, Jack Doyle 0-2, James Culleton, Jim Power 0-1, Adam O’Shea 0-2, Zak Kennedy. Subs; Darragh Doyle.

Graig na Managh: Colin Bolger, Owen O’Brien, James Meaney, Kian Murphy, Joe Dowling 0-1, Richard Foley 0-1 free, Cian O’Shea, Ivan Bolger, Ted Dunne, Terry Dreelin, Jack Ryan 0-1, Steven Kinsella 0-9, 0-5frees, Michael Bolger 0-3, Sean Hamilton 0-4, Pierce Blanchfield 0-2. Subs: Sean Walsh, Shamie Kavanagh, Conor Hoolan, Sean O'Grady.

Reiteoir Owen Kenny

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Sport Kevin Doyle moves away from Daniel Walsh as Evan O'Shea and Jamie Walsh move in

Long range effort

No holding back

Mullinavat finish strong to book quarter-final spot Mullinavat 3-13; Carrigeen 1-12.

John Power at Carrigeen GAA Grounds Mullinavat booked their place in the quarter-finals of the JJ Kavanagh Junior F Hurling Championship with a deserved seven-point victory over Carrigeen in Saturday morning's refixed first-round clash at an immaculate Carrigeen GAA Grounds.

The refixture followed the abandonment of last Sunday's original fixture after Mullinavat's Luke Byrne Doyle suffered an injury following an onfield collision. With just five minutes remaining, Mullinavat were leading 1-16 to 0-13 when play was halted.

Thankfully, Luke has since made a full recovery and was present on the sideline to support his teammates for the replay.

Mullinavat made an excellent start and quickly put the home side under

pressure. Stephen Law opened the scoring before adding a second point, while Billy Delahunty struck the opening goal after reacting quickest when the Carrigeen goalkeeper could only bat down an initial effort.

Carrigeen responded well through Jamie O'Keeffe and Ollie O'Neill, who opened their account with a point each, the latter from a free.

Another Stephen Law free left Mullinavat leading 1-4 to 0-3 after 12 minutes.

The next spell belonged to Carrigeen. Two points apiece from Evan O'Shea and Ollie O'Neill, one from a free, saw the home side wipe out the deficit and draw level at 1-4 to 0-7 after an impressive sixminute period. Mullinavat regained the initiative when Pat Mulhearne finished to the net after a Stephen Law free dropped dangerously into the square. However, Carrigeen refused to let the game slip away. They replied with 1-2 before the interval, their goal coming after Jamie O'Keeffe's delivery

into the danger area caused confusion in the Mullinavat defence before ending in the net. With the sides level at 2-6 to 1-9 at the break, the contest was perfectly poised.

Cormac McEvoy and

Ollie O'Neill exchanged early second-half points before McEvoy assumed Mullinavat's free-taking duties. His accuracy from placed balls proved vital as two successive frees edged

Mullinavat into a 2-9 to 1-10 lead by the 40th minute.

O'Neill narrowed the gap to a single point with another free, setting up an exciting final quarter as both teams battled for a place in the last

No easy ball

eight.

The decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute when Carrigeen's hopes suffered a major blow. In the space of a minute, the home side lost two players to red cards, leaving them with a mountain to climb against a well-organised Mullinavat outfit. The visitors quickly took advantage of the extra space and dominated the closing stages. Moving the ball with pace and accuracy, they outscored Carrigeen by 1-4 to 0-1 over the closing minutes.

Billy Delahunty grabbed his second goal of the game following an excellent flowing move to put the result beyond doubt, while Mullinavat's defence ensured Carrigeen had little opportunity to mount a late comeback. Stephen Law was outstanding throughout, contributing important scores and providing quality deliveries from placed balls. McEvoy's composed free-taking in the second half proved crucial, while Delahunty's two goals were central to Mullinavat's victory. Pat Mulhearne also made a valuable contribution with his firsthalf goal.

Carrigeen can take encouragement from the displays of Ollie O'Neill, Jamie O'Keeffe and Evan O'Shea, all of whom played leading roles before the dismissals changed the course of the game.

Mullinavat now look forward to an away quarterfinal against TullogherRosbercon on Sunday, August 9th, where they will hope to build on this impressive performance and continue their championship journey.

SCORERS MULLINAVAT: Stephen Law (0-8, 0-4 frees), Billy Delahunty (2-0), Cormac McEvoy (0-5, 3 frees), Pat Mulhearne (1-0).

CARRIGEEN; Ollie O’Neill 0-7 (0-6 frees), Jamie O’Keeffe (1-1), Evan O’Shea (0-2), Frank Law, Joey O’Hanlon (0-1 each).

TEAMS MULLINAVAT: Declan Duggan, Jamie Walsh, Tommy Lannigan, Jamie Dempsey, Louis Madigan, Daniel Walsh, Killian Dungan, Jake Morrissey, James Dalton, Stephen Law, Pat Mulhearn, Billy Delahunty, Jack Power, Cormac McEvoy, John Reade.

Substitute: Michael Johnston for Tommy Lannigan.

CARRIGEEN: Fintan Dermody, Cathal O’Keeffe, Joe Crowe, Niall Gallagher, Eoghan Dermody, Conor Dermody, Joey O’Hanlon, Kevin Dowley, Evan Fahey, Jamie Quinn, Ollie O’Neill, Evan O’Shea, Johnny Collins Kennedy, Jamie O’Keeffe, Patrick Buckley. Substitutes: Frank Law, Jake Prendergast, Peter Dunlea, PJ Ivory. Paddy Wall.

Referee: John Bennett (Tullogher Rosbercon)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters - Review

Sport

Aaron Mc Evoy kept the scoreboard moving

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Round 1 Review An action-packed set of fixtures marked round one of the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League on Noreside. A city derby was the first serving on offer for Gaels across the county, and a big crowd was in attendance for the meeting of Dicksboro and O’Loughlin Gaels in Cannon Kearns Park. With notable absentees on both sides, but particularly for the St Johns Park side, it appeared like a good time for the Palmerstown outfit to tackle Brian Hogan’s charges, but the 2023 County champions showed that there is plenty of youth coming behind the likes of Deegan, Butler, Bergin etc.

One of Kilkenny U20’s panel, Ruarc Sweeney made a fantastic start to the senior ranks, finishing his evening’s work with three majors to his name as his side

Ian Byrne was on form for Glenmore

And they’re off....

Senior league gets underway on Noreside ran out 5-point winners in Castlecomer.

St John’s Park was the venue for the clash of current Tom Walsh Cup holders, Shamrocks Ballyhale and perennial strugglers, Erin’s Own. The Castlecomer outfit put in a cracking performance but had nothing to show for their efforts at the long whistle, as a late goal courtesy of Michael Barron which saw Michael Alyward claim victory in his first game as manager, having replaced new Cats boss Henry Shefflin. TJ had some good moments while Eoin Cody looked lively throughout, notching 0-8 in the last gasp win.

Michael Brennan was one of the ‘Comer sides best performers finishing his Saturday evenings work with 2-7 to his name.

Saturday’s other fixture saw the meeting of Thomastown and Clara in Mullinavat with the former running out comfortable winners, following a very fast start to the game from those in blue. A trio of Donnelly’s helped their side to a 5-point lead at the

To the FOUR! Dylan Simpson

short whistle, with Clara speedster Rory Glynn’s major helping keep the men in maroon in touch with the 2024 County champions, but some great shooting in the second half from the likes of Daithi Barron, Clan Donnelly and Peter McDonald saw the ‘Town home by 12 points.

Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, Graigue Ballycallan got off to a winning start with a 5-point win over Bennettsbridge in Dunnamaggin.

Star of the show for the Tom Ryall Park men was Aaron McEvoy, who racked up an impressive 1-13 for the sky blues as they recovered from conceding two early goals to the ‘Bridge’s Bill Hughes. The men in stripes were two up at the break but sharp shotting from young McEvoy saw GBC draw level by the 42 minute and they kept the scoreboard ticking over and despite a late Timmy Kelly goal they registered the win.

Player of the weekend was undoubtably Dylan Simpson, who hit 4-8 as his Tullaroan side

got the better of newly promoted Danesfort in a hugely entertaining clash in Páirc Lachtáin. The ‘Fort started well and were 3 points up before Simpson’s first green flag was raised in the 13th minute. Indeed, thanks to the accuracy of Fionn Mahony and Ben Whitty, to compliment Anthony Ireland-Wall’s sideline cut that evaded Sash netminder, Niall Holland, the men in black and amber held a 1-point lead at the interval. The talented Fionn Mahony found the net and scores from Whitty and Ireland-Wall saw Danesfort go five

ahead, but efforts from Gearoid Dunne, Mossy Keoghan and Dylan Simpson’s 4th green flag saw Tullaroan take control and get over the line.

Mooncoin hosted the game between Glenmore and Mullinavat and these sides couldn’t be separated over the hour. There may not have been any goals, but there was little between the teams during the round 1 clash. Ger Malone’s accuracy saw The Vegas Boys take a 4-point lead into the interval, but the men from Pairc na Ratha hit nine second half points to claim a share of the spoils with captain Ian Byrne impressing.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Hurling atters - Preview

Sport

Eoin Cody and Mikey Butler could clash on Sunday

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Round 2 Preview Now that we’re up and running, round two of the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League throws up some intriguing clashes this weekend. The second serving of fixtures begins on Friday evening with the meeting of Erin’s Own and Danesfort in Tullaroan, both sides seeking the first win of this year’s campaign. Both sides possess quality attackers, so this could be a high scoring affair. The Castlecomer side has quality hurlers in Michael Brennan and the Buggy’s while the newly promoted side have a great mix of youth and experience, Paddy Hogan, Richie Leahy at one end, and Ben Whitty, Fionn Mahony and Anthony Ireland-Wall bringing a vibrancy to this ‘Fort team.

Saturday’s action gets underway in Gowran; where Clara will take on Graigue Ballycallan. The Carlow Road based side suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Thomastown in round one, while GBC had an impressive win over Bennettsbridge.

Clara will look to the pacey Rory Glynn, Shane Staunton, Conor O’Shea and Cats panelist, David Barcoe while the men from Tom Ryall Park will hope Aaron McEvoy, Tommy Ronan and Jesse Roberts are on song as they look to secure victory.

Freshford welcomes Tullaroan and Dicksboro on Saturday evening (5:30). Having seen off the challenge of Danesfort in round 1, Dave Mulcahy’s charges will hope to build on this in Páirc Lachtáin. The Sash can call on Mossy Keoghan and Gearoid Dunne, while Dylan Simpson will look to build on his 4-8 tally from round 1. Dicksboro lost a city derby against O’Loughlin’s and will be keen to bounce back from that defeat. Eamon Jackman’s side will look to the experienced Shane Stapleton and Cillian Hackett, while the younger brigade of Timmy Clifford, Padraic Moylan, Harry Shine and the electric Patrick lacey will hope to cause hope to cause plenty of problems for The Sash.

The second of the 5:30 throw-in’s sees the clash of Mullinavat and Thomastown in Páirc na Seamróg.

Niall Rowe will hope to keep things tight for ‘Boro

The Vegas Boys picked up a point on the opening day, while the ‘Town had far too much firepower for Clara. Ger Malone will look to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the ‘Vat while the Donnelly inspired men in blue will hope to make it two from two on their visit to South Kilkenny.

The final couple of games in round 2 take place on Sunday afternoon, with arguably the tie of the round getting things underway at 1pm in Thomastown when O’Loughlin Gaels take on current County champions, Shamrocks

Talk of the Town!

Loughs clash with Shamrocks in round 2

Ballyhale. Brian Hogan’s men made a great start when they claimed a derby in over the ‘Boro last week, despite missing many household names. One of the young guns at St John’s Park, Ruarc Sweeney had a memorable round 1, notching a hat-trick of majors and will look to follow this performance up against the mighty Shamrocks. Conor Kelly, Fionan Mackessy, and Paddy Deegan will bring the fight. Michael Aylward’s side had to work extremely hard to bag maximum points in their game with Erin’s Own. It’s very unusual to see the likes of TJ Reid and Eoin Cody plying their trade in an opening league game, but their experience and talent will be needed to try and keep the Holden Plant Rentals side at the top of the pecking order. It’s good to see the youngest of Clan Mullen, Jake make the step up to the senior team, a real talent.

A large crowd can be guaranteed at this mouth-watering fixture.

Rounding things off at 3pm in picturesque Inistioge, is the meeting between Glenmore and Bennettsbridge. This game is another case of two sides seeking a first win of the league. Ian Byrne’s accuracy ensured the Pairc na Ratha men got something from their battle with The Vegas Boys,

while the ‘Bridge went down to an Aaron McEvoy inspired GBC in round one. Bill Hughes will hope to continue raising green flags while Sean Morrissey and captain David Blanchfield will need to channel

their physicality to earn the right to play. Glenmore will expect veteran Ger Aylward to get amongst the ‘Bridge defence and allow the likes of Charlie Phelan and Jack Dollard to thrive.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Phil and Caroline Cuddihy for retention planning permission for the following works: 1. As-Constructed side & rear extension to dwelling 2. As-constructed garage attached to side of dwelling All works at No. 25 Larchfield, Kilkenny, R95 T25T. 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.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Permission for new extension to existing dwelling including new garage. to include, Demolition of existing lean-to extension, demolition of existing sheds, revised internal layout, New Roof, New Windows and Doors, decommission existing septic tank, install new effluent treatment system, and associated site works on my lands at Threecastles, Freshford Co. Kilkenny, R95FH67.

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

Signed Claire O Donnell KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Further Information Planning permission is sought by Patrick Parle and Rosa Delaney under Planning Register Reference No 2660208 at Outrath, Kilkenny for: 1. The construction of a new dormer detached dwelling house, new proprietary wastewater treatment system and percolation area, a new site entrance, and all associated site works.

2. The decommissioning of an existing septic tank and the installation of a replacement upgraded wastewater treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works to serve the adjoining property to the east owned by Liz and Pat Parle.

Significant further information in relation to the application has been furnished to the planning authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the authority during its public opening hours.

The significant Further Information includes altered house design and revised site layout.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, The Lite Bite Restaurant Ltd., hereby apply for Planning Permission for the following works at Berkeley House, 5 Patrick Street, Kilkenny: Change of use from garage/store in former carriageway to retail food outlet to include: (1) replacement of existing solid external double doors and solid panel over with new painted glazed shopfront double doors and glazed panel over, (2) hand painted signage to glazed panel over and (3) a retractable traditional canvass canopy incorporating printed signage.

No. 5, Patrick Street is located within the Kilkenny City Centre Architectural Conservation Area. No. 5, Patrick Street is a protected structure RPS Ref: B153 and listed on the NIAH Main Record (12001055).

The proposed development area falls within the area of archaeological protection for RMP KK019-026096: House – 16th/17th century.

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

Signed: Brian Dunlop Architects KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Brian McGrath for full planning permission to construct an extension to front of dwelling, adjustments to window and door openings and all other associated site works at Outrath, Waterford Road, Kilkenny R95 TK2K 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.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Andrew Glennon for development at Friary Walk, Clashacollare, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

The development will consist of the construction of a 66-unit residential estate, comprising: 36 no. semi-detached 4-bedroom 2-storey houses; 14 no. semi-detached 3-bedroom 2-storey houses; 2 no. detached 3-bedroom single-storey house; 2 no. 2-storey terraced blocks containing 1 no. 3-bedroom mid-terrace townhouses and 2 no. end-of-terrace 3-bedroom townhouses each; and 2 no. 2-storey maisonette apartment block containing 4 no. 2-bedroom apartments each. Other works as part of the development will include: (a) connection to infrastructure works, adjoining foul sewers, water mains and all utilities permitted under planning references, 99/1809, 10/458, 16/186, 20/189, and 25/60269; and (b) site boundary treatments, open spaces, landscaping and all associated site development works. The site is accessed via the existing residential development known as ‘Friary Walk’.

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

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

Tel No: 056-7753933. Web: www.gmarch.net.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Noah Nevin and Margaret Kehoe, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for a dormer type dwelling house, detached garage, splayed site entrance, driveway, borewell, wastewater treatment system and sand polishing filter and all associated site works on lands located at Castletobin, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

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

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I Michael Ryan, hereby intend to apply for planning permission to Kilkenny County Council for the construction of a new straw shed and associated site works at Ballyjohnboy, Graignamananagh Co. Kilkenny R95 TR79.

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

Signed Michael Ryan KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Alan Grace and Eibhlin Maher for full planning permission to construct a 2 storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Lismateige, Hugginstown, Co. Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Roisin O’ Brien intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build an extension to the side of existing dwelling house, internal and external modifications to existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at Fontenoy, Canal Walk, Castle Road, Kilkenny R95 C3H5.

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.

TO PUBLISH A PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street | Telephone: 056 777 1463 / 086 239 5370 | Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

2ND ANNIVERSARY OF A DEVOTED HUSBAND AND FATHER

NOEL BYRNE Late of Parnell Street Kilkenny who died on 12th August 2024.

This month come back with sad regret It brings back a day we will never forget The blow was hard the shock severe We never knew your time was near We miss you more than anyone knows As each day passes, our emptiness grows The tears we shed will wipe away But the heartache in our hearts will always stary In life you toiled In heaven you rest God bless you Noel You were the very best Always loved and remembered by his loving wife Marian and son Joseph XX Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday 9th August at 11.00am in St. Mary’s Cathedral

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.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.F.

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.H.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. V.D

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7th August 2026