Kilkenny Observer 07th July 2023

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Friday 7 July 2023

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Why we've never had it so good  Marianne Heron: Page 12

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Shocking Report Our energy prices the highest in Europe  Special Report: Page14

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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8,312 still on trolleys The hospital crisis is not going away anytime soon, with more than 8,000 patients – 164 of them being children – admitted to Irish hospitals without a bed in June, according to the latest figures.

According to the Irish Nurse and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Trolley Watch figures, 8,312 patients, including 164 children, were admitted to hospital without a bed, though

it does represent a 17% decrease compared to last year’s figures for June – but Covid-19 was still prevalent then.

University Hospital Limerick had the highest level of overcrowding, with 1,689 patients on trolleys, followed by Sligo University Hospital, with 822.

Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway had 695 and 637 patients wait-

ing for beds respectively, while St James’s Hospital in Dublin had 599 patients waiting.

Figures for St Luke’s Kilkenny were relatively good in comparison, with 15 admitted on a trolley for the first week of June.

While the trolley count remains high across the country, new data shows the number has dropped by almost 4,000 in the last month.

For May there were 11,856 ad-

mitted patients without hospital beds, including 309 children.

INMO said its figures are tallied every morning, looking at how many patients are waiting in emergency departments and in wards for beds.

Meanwhile, it welcomed the establishment of a new Health and Social Care Advisory Committee of the Health and Safety Authority.

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney confirmed to the INMO the committee will be established before the end of the year.

General secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said recent INMO surveys showed more than 65% of nurses had faced some type of aggression at work.

“The INMO has long called for this type of action to be taken in light of the often dangerous

More shock at RTÉ disclosure

Time again to flex your muscles ...

Ryan Tubridy and his agent, Noel Kelly, have both offered to come before the Oireachtas Committee of Inquiry next week as it emerged that new RTÉ barter accounts, some €2.2m, linked to Toy Show: The Musical have come to light.

Also, other revelations in the scandal were that RTÉ funded food and drink at Renault events and that former Director General Dee Forbes, in a letter, assured Ryan Tubridy of no pay cuts before 2025.

It’s closing in on that time of year again when the Kilkenny Triathlon will take over the Marble City on Sunday, July 16.

A long-standing part of the county’s sporting calendar, this event, which will see people swim in the Nore, cycle through the Kilkenny countryside and run in the Castle Park, attracts people from clubs across the South East and all over Ireland.

Breakthrough in breast cancer Some 13,392 breast cancer patients may have their radiotherapy provided over a shorter timeframe – within a week compared with three to five — under new treatment guidelines.

For others, new approved techniques will reduce the time they need to attend hospital for radiotherapy, according to the HSE. See also Page 18

Our photo shows Seán Manicle and Cora Hennessy from Manicle Property Insurance Claims (MPIC), sponsors of this year’s event.

Full story, Page 6 PHOTO: Mark Desmond

Free GP for children aged six and seven In Kilkenny and throughout the country, more than 78,000 children aged six and seven are to be given free GP care in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, another 400,000 people will qualify through an easier means test. However, due to the pressures on GPs, this will be phased in over the coming months.

It will mean a saving of up to €70 a visit, although patients will still have to pay for medication.

The conclusion of talks with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) in recent days has paved the way for the long-delayed rollout of the extra GP visit cards.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is expected to announce

conditions that nurses and midwives work in,” she said.

“It is not acceptable that over 10 nurses and midwives are physically, verbally or sexually assaulted every single day all while working in overcrowded and understaffed wards. Ensuring a safer workplace will go a long way to improving the retention levels in the health service.”

the move following the finalisation of lengthy discussions with the IMO, which will see substantial extra supports for practices.

Agreement was also reached on extending free GP care to around 430,000 other people who will qualify through relaxed means.

The roll-out will have to be done on a phased basis, begin-

ning with the six and seven-yearolds.

The additional GP visit cards, based on means tests, will be done on a staged basis, beginning with those on the lowest income.

When the extension is complete, around 500,000 more people will have free GP care.

The extension of free GP care to

children aged six and seven was announced in Budget 2023 but has been held up due to objections from GPs, many of whom have had to close their lists to new patients.

GPs have said the rise in population and the increasing levels of chronic illness were contributing to surgeries being overwhelmed.

Oireachtas looks at euthanasia It’s a matter of life and death – specifically euthanasia – the right to have a say in your time of going. And we really need to talk about it.

Thankfully, we finally are. An Oireachtas committee is in session examining both sides of any potential legislation to allow people with terminal illness – and in excruciating, permanent pain – have a right to choose to end their lives.

Paul Hopkins, Page 8

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News

High-speed net for 1,600 in Kilkenny National Broadband Ireland, the company delivering the new future-proofed, highspeed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan on behalf of the Government, has said that 1,600 Kilkenny premises in its Johnstown deployment area can now order or pre-order broadband on its high-speed fibre network.

A total of 19,000 premises in Co Kilkenny are included in the State’s Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, County Kilkenny will receive €72m. of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 1,690 Kilkenny premises in the Johnstown deployment area that can join the National Broadband Ireland network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living near Johnstown to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Kilkenny and there are a total of 9,422 premises that are available to pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county

with 2,468 connections made so far. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that Kilkenny premises in rural areas near Urlingford can now pre-order high-speed broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network. This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Some 62 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 51 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today.

To see the retail broadband providers that are currently licensed to sell on the National Broadband Ireland network, visit NBI.ie/buy.

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Homeless: ‘We must act now’ Much work is still needed “alongside significant funding allocation from Budget 2024 to end the cycle of emergency housing support,” according to Depaul.

David Carroll, Chief Executive of Depaul, was reacting to the latest figure of 12,441 accessing local authority managed emergency accommodation.

“It’s disappointing that we

have not seen any significant reduction in numbers. An incredible amount of work is still needed alongside significant additional funding from Budget 2024 to get people out of temporary accommodation which is only meant to be short term,” he told The Kilkenny Observer.

“Depaul is continuing to work through its community based and housing services

Scammers take a whopping €43m from us

More than €10m was scammed from Irish people in online and investment frauds in the first five months of this year.

One man lost more than €250,000 in one scam in May, and Gardaí say the problem is getting worse.

Since January 1, 2020, until May 31 this year, €43.6m has been reported as stolen from victims’ bank accounts. Actual figure could be much higher because many people might not yet be aware they have been scammed, and naively believe their money is still sitting in a fund somewhere earning them interest.

“Investment fraud is big business, and it is vital that people are aware of it to lessen their

in order to identify problems on the ground. At present, almost 1 in 2 people in our homeless services (45%) are first time homeless which is a worrying figure.

“While we welcome the ongoing housing initiatives being announced by the government, we urge that budget 2024 be used in a variety of ways with a key focus on the private rented

sector which is a leading driver of homelessness.”

“Renters need renewed confidence in the market and so It’s imperative that tax incentives for landlords are considered in Budget 2024 in order to maintain and boost housing supply within the PRS and to give tenants more security. The renters tax relief scheme should also be continued and increased. We call

on the government to make landlords with two properties exempt from Capital Gains Tax as part of Budget 2024 in order to increase housing supply.”

“Approved Housing Bodies and local authorities have a key role to play in delivering on housing stock and must continue to be equipped with adequate resources to manage and purchase

housing stock quickly. We support the government’s commitment that tenants in situ purchase schemes will remain and be extended.”

“Further consideration should be given to utilising the windfall taxes to increase social housing numbers as part of the budget. Targets must be met in order to respond effectively to this crisis.”

Get ready Kilkenny, it’s triathlon time!

chances of falling prey to scammers,” said Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB).

He said the average age of an investment scam victim was late 40s and early 50s, with 65% being men.

“The main reason for that is younger people generally don’t have money to invest, and the older generation are thinking about pension plans and looking for a good return on their investment, but a lot of investment fraud is through cryptocurrency, which is a high-risk venture and people just don’t know enough about it before they part with their money,” said Det. Supt Cryan.

Summer is here and the countdown is on for the 2023 KTC Triathlon!

Based in the heart of the city, the race, which has the stunning Kilkenny Castle as a backdrop, will see triathletes from all over Ireland flock to the Marble City to swim, cycle and run their best on Sunday, July 16.

This year’s race is sponsored

by Manicle Property Insurance Claims (MPIC). Established in Kilkenny in 2012, MPIC provides a property claims management service to clients nationwide. By relying on MPIC’s services, you can trust that they will handle your home or business property insurance claim from start to finish. Their skilled and experienced team works diligently to ensure you receive your full claim entitlement.

And MPIC are ideal sponsors for this year’s triathlon

- both Seán Manicle and Cora Hennessy are long-standing members of Kilkenny Triathlon Club!

“Having been involved with the club since the start, this is a great opportunity for us to give something back,” said Cora. “While triathlon is an individual sport, the club has a wonderful community, with people of all ages involved.”

The race begins with a 750m downstream swim in the River Nore. This is followed by a 20km cycle which takes participants out into Kilkenny’s idyllic countryside before looping back to the Castle Park for a 5km run. The course is testing, but offers a challenge to the experienced triathlete and beginner alike (there is also a try-a-Tri option, which has a 350m swim).

Part of what makes the event such a hit with participants is the friendliness that flows on

race day. Kilkenny Triathlon Club prides itself in being a hands-on club with members volunteering on the day, offering help and assistance to ease any last-minute nerves that may arise and to ensure everyone enjoys their day.

None of this would be possible without the help and support of the event partners and sponsors, all of whom come together to make the day a big success.

And for anyone who enters this year’s race, Manicle Property Insurance Claims have provided a special bonus prize. Three lucky people will be drawn at random and will win a race kitbag.

To recognise the efforts of the volunteers, a fourth kitbag will be raffled between KTC volunteers on the day. * To sign up please visit www. kilkennytriathlonclub.com

€50,000 in grants for local biz women With just one month left to go, Visa is reminding women business owners in Kilkenny to enter the She’s Next Grant Programme.

She’s Next, now in its third year in Ireland, offers the chance to win one of five

€10,000 grants in addition to a year of business coaching.

Findings from a recent report

by Visa found that the main challenge faced by women business owners when it comes to business operations is access to capital (47%),

while for men, it is marketing and lead generation (43%).

The report also found that 93% of men feel very or completely confident when it comes to evolving their business against 71% of women surveyed.

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter Paul Hopkins

A matter of life, and death with dignity It’s a matter of life and death – specifically euthanasia, the right to have a say in your time of going. And we really need to talk about it. Thankfully, we finally are. An Oireachtas committee is in session examining both sides of any potential legislation to allow people with terminal illness – and in excruciating, permanent pain – have a right to choose to end their lives.

It seems, though, we’re caught between the rock and the hard place.

Picture a society in which patients are routinely euthanised — whether they want their lives to end or not — if their suffering cannot be alleviated without dulling their consciousness, eradicating their independence, or dismissing their dignity. In such a society, defenders of such might argue that the duty to prevent suffering and indignity makes the policy persuasive. A reasoned response would be that, while

suffering, indignity and loss of independence are undesirable, only the person enduring such should decide if it is unbearable.

If a patient is competent to decide, nobody other than that patient should have the authority to decide whether life is worth continuing.

The same argument, however, can be advanced against the current practice, prevalent in most countries, of prohibiting people from seeking assistance to end their lives. Although some might decide that the suffering that marks their lives is not sufficient to make life not worth continuing, others would deem their condition unbearable.

And so the conundrum. Just as it would be wrong to entice people to ‘let go’, it would be wrong to force people to endure conditions they deem unbearable.

There was a time on this

island when we didn’t talk about cancer; a time when we didn’t talk about suicide; a time when we didn’t talk about our mental health; and a time when we did not talk about gender issues.

Thank God, as a society we have grown up. However, in a society where we are living longer thanks to medical science and better nutrition and hygiene, living longer can bring its downside in that ageing could still bring potential illness or just the old body and mind breaking down slowly, with its attendant pain and suffering.

We really need to talk about ageing, dying and death itself.

Raging against the dying of the light, to borrow from Dylan Thomas, serves no purpose at all.

The decision about whether to continue living in such debilitating conditions is among the most important we can make.

The right to life and the right to die are not two rights, but two aspects of the same right.

The right to life is the right to decide whether one will or will not continue living. The right to die is the right to decide whether to die, when one could continue living. If the

‘Examining both sides of any potential legislation...

right to life were only a right to decide to continue living and did not also include a right to decide not to continue living, then it would be a ‘duty’ to live rather than a ‘right’ to life. The idea that there is a duty to continue living, regardless of how bad life has become, is, sadly, an implausible one as I see it.

Any new law on assisted dying should be based on “reasonable medical judgment” that there is a high probability a person will die within a certain set time, according to Sinead Gibney, Chief Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, who was responding to questions at the first meeting of the Oireachtas committee examining assisted dying.

She said robust safeguards to protect the most vulnerable would need to be in place if any law allowing for assisted dying were introduced. These included people with disabili-

ties, people with life-limiting illnesses, people who may be in relationships where coercive control is exerted, and older people.

The committee on assisted dying, which will sit for up to nine months, may or may not make a recommendation to the Dáil and the Seanad on this highly sensitive and complex issue.

It is 35 years since renowned GP Paddy Leahy first broached the subject on the Late Late Show, and only now are we beginning the debate on the matter. And it needs to be a careful and considered conversation. It’s a human rights issue. Ethically, we should have the right to control our own body and the State should not create laws that prevent those who wish to choose when and how they die from doing so.

With, hopefully, that last vestige of human kind, their dignity, intact.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

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€1bn land transfers in 2022 Up to one billion euro worth of land changes hands in Ireland each year, with 238 farms worth more than €1m coming under new ownership in 2022 through inheritance – or consanguinity – relief alone.

According to analysis published in Farming Independent, 1,947 farms, worth over €807m, made use of such 'relief' last year.

Consanguinity offers a reduced stamp duty, at 1% (compared to the 7.5% conventional rate), which applies where the conditions of the relief are met.

Records were broken in 2022 for the relief in terms of the value of land transferred, up by more than €47m compared with 2021.

Eamonn O'Brien, General Manager at CCM Property, said this figure, reported to Revenue, could "potentially be overstated by as much as 15%".

He said: "You try to increase the value of the land that you're transferring, because when you want to dispose of it afterwards, it's the value that was on it when you acquired it will be the baseline for assessing whether there's

capital gains tax on it when you sell it,” Mr O'Brien said.

"For example if you acquire the land at €15,000/ac and sell it at €14,000/ac, you have no gain.

"So the value of land transfer I would expect is higher than the actual value of what is transacted… about 10-15% maybe.”

Mr O'Brien said a lot of time was now taken up with valuation work, as part of consanguinity relief.

"What we're seeing now is that because of the long-term leasing and the tax efficiencies of that, stuff that would have been coming down the line is now being held onto by family members," he said.

"Before it would have been sold and the proceeds divided between the son and the daughter, or whatever, who wouldn't be working on the farm.

"So it makes more sense to avoid paying taxes, especially if you don't need the capital.

If you can hold onto the land and lease it out for five, 10 or 15 years even… on a 15-year lease you could take €45,000 a year, on 100ac at 450/ac.”

Public auction of land was worth almost €108m in 2022.

Summer hols baby sleep tips

By Erica Hargaden ------------------------1. On the day you are travelling do what you can to get your child to nap. An overtired baby will be harder to settle when you get to your destination than one who has had some sleep during the journey. Allow napping in arms, car, buggy – whatever you need to get through the day. Don’t clock watch – just let it happen.

2. Pack a blanket that your baby or child is familiar with for the journey. If your child has a bedtime companion, teddy or soft toy perhaps, ensure this is with you while

travelling also. These items from home will help to make them comfortable and feel secure on the move.

3. A darkened room is essential for sleep as it promotes the production of the sleepy hormone melatonin.

Bring something that will help you darken the room in the event that your final destination does not have black out blinds.

4. On the day you arrive to ensure your baby gets to bed close to their normal bedtime as possible. This will stop over-tiredness setting in, making them even harder to settle. You will see the benefit of this the following

day when your child has had a good rest.

5. Bring your own fitted sheet for the cot. Hotels & other accommodation will provide a cot if requested in advance, however they may not have an appropriate fitted sheet. This sheet will fit securely to the mattress and will not come loose.

Loose bedding is not recommended under safe sleep guidelines.

6. Bring your monitor with you if you are not room sharing. It will leave you feeling secure that you will hear or see your baby if they wake and allow you to get a good night’s sleep, which is

also very important.

7. Room sharing on holidays can be hard on everyone if regular room sharing is something you have moved on from. If your baby wakes during the night and is still feeding at night, then do your feed as normal and settle your baby back in their cot as normal. * Erica Hargaden is a mother of three, and a Certified Child Sleep Consultant and member of the International Association of Child Sleep Consultants, Erica is Co-founder of Babogue and creator of the Sleep Series.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Looking on the bright side for a change Mock exams are a great way of testing pupils’ performance and a reminder to them to pull up their socks before the real thing.

Suppose we were to put our politicians through a mock test what would the results be? Judging by the current headlines from the Tubs of Money Row at RTE and the trio of crisis over housing, health and cost of living you might think the class of ’23 were heading for a fail mark.

Consider the big picture, though, and a different picture emerges. Turn back the clock briefly to 1973, the year we joined the Common Market.

Then there were just under three million of us. Our GDP per capita was only two thirds of the EU average and over half our exports, (mainly food, drink and tobacco) went to the UK and there was

still high net outward migration.

Now, there are five million of us now, economically we have never had it so good, far from being the ‘Sick Man of Europe’ as we were dubbed in the 1980s, we are now the envy of the EU. Employment is at a new high with more than 2.5 million at work while unemployment is at a new low, with skill shortages in areas like medicine and engineering — and there’s that €65b. surplus to be spent.

Not bad when you consider that we weathered the 2008-2012 financial crash and Covid and have emerged with an economically healthy heart pumping away to keep the country going with an optimistic growth rate of 5.5% predicted for next year. (The ESRI have just come up with a pessimistic figure of 1% due to a slowing in the pharma

Your nails can be an indicator of your overall health

CLAIR WHITTY

My friend Mick is 79 and looks fantastic. He is fit and active.

There’s nothing wrong with his memory and he is in great condition. He can even still do a decent squat! He has no aches and pains either which is brilliant.

I asked Mick what does he put his good health down to. He smiled and said, a table spoon of Cod Liver Oil at night and a good bowl of porridge in the morning. I smiled back, and

said there is more to it than that.

Mick gets up every morning at 5.45 and takes his dog out for a walk. He has his bowl of porridge, made with milk, in the saucepan. He puts some grapes and a banana on top. He has lunch in the middle of the day, and dinner in the evening.

His meals are homemade non processed meals full of natural goodness, with an occasional treat. He does the cooking as his wife is unable to. He looks after his grandchildren after school. Up until recently he was doing DIY tasks for himself or family members if needed, amazing!

He has a positive mental atti-

ment tax on fags and booze has a distorting effect on COL; alcohol tax here is the highest in Europe while half the EU member states don’t tax wine.

You really notice how things cost less when you holiday abroad don’t you? But, with a tax take of €3.19 on a €9 bottle of wine and a basic rate of pay in say, Portugal is €5.40 compared with €11.40 here, we are never going to enjoy a €4 bottle of wine here. But, cheer up, inflation is forecast to come down significantly next year.

Everyone, including Sinn Fein, admits that the housing problem isn’t going to be cured overnight. There is some progress, with 30,000 dwellings bring built last year, a 45% increase, but homelessness at more than 1200 is at a new high. On the health front only 46% of the target

for new beds has been met but 1,100 extra beds have just been announced.

Summing up: high marks for the economy and employment, trying but could a lot better in other areas.

Going forward what do we hope for? Better services rather than tax cuts according to a recent survey especially for health and public transport, (will someone tell Eamonn Ryan that only 3% travel by bike, most of us live too far away to pedal to work.)

We want a united Ireland but later, when we can just take over the North without having to change or pay much. Surveys on political preference suggest we want change. But do we really want to threaten our economic good fortune?

Maybe, we should be careful what we wish for.

sector but let’s say its somewhere in between the two figures).

People want to come here to work and 70,000 of them have done so (that’s more than the Unionist community in the North) with 30,000 from the EU and 40,000 from countries outside it. Yes, young people are migrating and leave for countries like Australia but that’s what the young do anyway and more Irish people are returning than leaving: around 29,000 of them came back in the year ended April 2022. Three quarters of those in the private sector are employed

by Irish firms. Exports are at a new high at €208Bn, the EU is our biggest customer (41%) followed by the US (30%), while trade with the Brits has shrunk (9%), with medical, pharmaceutical and IT our top exports.

What about individual areas? When it comes to cost of living (COL) aren’t we Dear Old Ireland with prices 46% above the EC average?

There are some explanations, like the cost of being on an island, the high cost of energy which should come down once more power from offshore wind turbines comes on stream. Govern-

tude, he said people should get up and go, and not to be sitting around. Anyone that knows him will say that he is easy going, laid back, and always has a smile on his face, and loves having a bit of fun.

He said that everyone should do exercise to help with balance because the lack of balance can become an issue when you get older and can cause people to get nervous about going out. Every morning he stands on one leg for a couple of minutes with his arms out straight to his sides, then switches to the other leg and does the same thing. He demonstrated it for me and he has no problem balancing.

He also does a breathing stretch that his father showed him. You stand in front of an open window, while breathing in stretch your arms over your head, breathing out bring your arms down as you cross them over each other. This exercise opens the lungs and he believes it may have helped his posture too. Mick has a lovely straight posture.

Mick has inspired me, I hope that by taking on board his tips I too will look as good as he does when I reach 79. That’s only 20 years away!

More than 870 children in care left without a social worker

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these products.

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

‘The cost of being on an island, the high cost of energy...

BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has criticised Government following the release of figures which reveal large numbers of children in care are awaiting the allocation of a qualified social worker.

Teachta Funchion said: “873 children in the care system are awaiting the allocation of a social worker. Most worrying, however, is the fact that it cannot be determined the length of time children have been left languishing on these waiting lists, and if they will ever be allocated this vital and specialist support.

“These figures which were released to me yesterday, on the same day I attended the Children’s Rights Alliance Child Poverty Monitor 2023 launch, illustrate the depth of disadvantage for some of our most vulnerable children. It is disadvantage stacked on disadvantage.

“This is the Alliance’s second monitor to track government progress on addressing child poverty. We heard from a range of speakers who

all spoke of an increasingly unequal society. Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance pointed to a staggering increase of 64 per cent in family homelessness in one year alone, with so many more children living in poverty, than this time last year. This clearly demonstrates the stresses on disadvantaged families and the range of their needs that simply are not being met.

“The correlation between poverty and the demand for services is obvious to all – except this government.

“The Minister has known for some time they have a serious problem with retention and recruitment of social workers, who increasingly struggle to cope with challenging caseloads stemming from the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

“Lone parenthood, ethnicity, disability and family size are all identified as key markers of persistent poverty.

However, we are still so scant on the details or commitment of resources

to ensure the Taoiseach’s much lauded Child Poverty Unit can deliver it’s ambition for Ireland to be one of the best places in the world to be a child.

“I hear from social workers all the time that they are in constant crisis mode in their work, firefighting and reacting, which completely depletes their ability to offer early intervention and family support – all of which are crucial to avoid a child having to go into care.

“Another very vulnerable and sizable cohort of children are those in kinship care arrangements. These children are outside the statutory responsibility of the state when the decision is taken for them to remain with family members.

“This government and previous governments have concentrated their chil efforts to pull children out of consistent poverty through the use of income supports. What is clearly needed to deliver real change is invest greater investment in services and a substantial strat workforce strategy for social workers.”

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SPECIAL REPORT New search shows the price in this country of electricity is now the highest in Europe, according to new research that is likely to pile pressure on the Government for further relief to households.

The price per unit for electricity is almost double the European average, according to the Household Energy Price Index, which was commissioned by the Austrian energy regulator and the Hungarian energy regulator.

Gas prices are also among the most expensive in Europe.

The comprehensive study of residential electricity prices across cities in Europe found that Ireland was the most expensive of 33 countries.

The findings will likely to put further pressure on the Government to provide at least the same supports again for the coming winter, just weeks after a surplus of €10bn in the public finances was announced.

The countries assessed for electricity costs include European Union (EU) members, along with Britain and Ukraine.

The survey found residential electricity prices, including taxes, varied from 9.2c per kilowatt hour in Hungary to 49.9c in Ireland. The EU average was 28.3c.

Irish energy companies have not cut prices for households despite a sharp drop in wholesale costs. Recent Central Statistics Office figures show wholesale electricity prices dropped here by more than 50% in the last year.

Suppliers claim ‘hedging’ deals they have entered into to buy wholesale gas to generate electricity mean they are unable pass on lower wholesale costs to consumers.

The survey also shows the financial supports per capita for households and firms to help cope with the price rises are lower here than in other European countries.

Between September 2021 and January of this year, total support to households and firms on a per capita basis

SHOCKING! Our electricity prices highest in Europe

Unit price almost double the EU average varied from €233 in Cyprus to €3,732 in Luxembourg.

Germany ranked second with per capita supports of €3,179.

The survey found residential gas prices in Ireland were the eighth most expensive of 28 countries studied.

The cost here in February for town gas was 16.1c per kilowatt hour. This compares with an average in the EU of 13.1c.

Price comparison site Bonkers.ie, said Ireland has had the highest electricity prices in Europe for years.

And that there needs to be an investigation into why this is the case.

“While the war has pushed up prices everywhere, prices here were already very high to begin with. And we can’t blame taxation, said Bonkers. ie Tax on energy in Ireland was

below the EU average.

When you look at the net price of electricity, prices here are over 50% above the EU average, according to Eurostat.

Some of the reasons cited for high energy costs here include our island location, our reliance on imported fossil fuels and our dispersed population.

These are largely outside of our control. However, the

Government needsed to look at areas within its control such as planning and the operation of the ESB and Eirgrid, which it ultimately owns, said Bonkers.ie.

Before deregulation of the energy market, Ireland had among the cheapest electricity prices in Europe.

There was huge controversy last February when it emerged that the State’s biggest electricity supplier,

Electric Ireland, was cutting its prices for businesses, but not for households.

Electric Ireland reduced some prices by up to 15% for firms, but said it had no immediate plans to introduce reductions for consumers.

The average cost of electricity has risen to around €2,000 a year, with all suppliers implementing a succession of double-digit price hikes in the last two years.

Switch... and save up to €900 on your bill There was still value to be found by consumers who switch their electricity and gas suppliers, according to the Energy Regulator, as it was disclosed there is a €900 difference between the cheapest and dearest.

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) found there is a difference of nearly €900 a year in the prices charged by the most expensive electricity provider and the cheapest.

Electric Ireland had the cheapest standard domestic

electricity tariffs available on its standard domestic electric-

ity plan at €2,023 over a year.

At the other end of the scale,

Flogas has the most expensive standard electricity plan at €2,886.

SSE Airtricity had the cheapest standard domestic gas tariffs available at €1,838 for existing customers. Flogas also had the most expensive standard plan at €2,699.

Electric Ireland has the cheapest dual-fuel standard domestic tariff available at €3,933, according to CRU information on estimated annual bills.

Flogas has the most expensive standard tariff at €5,585.

However, Flogas had the cheapest smart Time of Use tariffs on its smart rate electricity plan at €1,670.

The CRU requires suppliers to provide an estimate of the annual electricity and gas bill for the average household.

Meanwhile, electricity bills could fall by as little as €11 next year under proposals put forward by the energy regulator. This is down from the €90 reduction to electricity bills this year.

It comes after the latest proposals for the setting of

the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy imposed on bills. The levy is designed to support the development of renewable energy supplies in this country.

This led to a payment of €90 being made to consumers over a year .

However, the big drop in wholesale energy costs this year will not lead to such a big credit being paid to energy users next year from the PSO levy.

The CRU proposes a levy refund of just €11 next year.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

The Good Guide to your place in the sun It seems that, despite inflation, rising mortgage rates, food and energy costs, Irish people are more determined than ever to spend their hardearned cash or what’s left of it on having fun in the sun with demand for flights and holiday packages back to prepandemic levels.

Last week we looked at the necessity of travel insurance that, in the event of a problem, you are covered.

This week we look at some ideas to enable you to have a relatively inexpensive and cheerful holiday as we will all agree that at some stage we need a break away from the hum-drum of everyday life, our spirits lifted and build some memories as the days begin to shorten.

Eoin Clarke at Switcher. ie says: “Everyone needs a break, and a holiday abroad can really lift the spirits but, with everyday costs still rising, it pays to do your homework and plan to get the best deals and reduce holiday spending.

“Cutting back doesn’t mean less fun, but getting things like insurance, mobile roaming and travel money sorted in advance and being flexible about when and where you travel will make your holiday money go further,” he says.

It’s tempting to book a foreign holiday on impulse but take time to explore choices before you buy.

Comparison websites and travel portals like SkyScanner or BudgetTravel.ie can help you compare costs and find holiday bargains. Start your research early and set up price alerts for flights and accommodation so you get the best deals first.

Being flexible and openminded is the key to a great value holiday and opens new horizons. Consider selfcatering, travel midweek or off-peak and avoid cities or busy resorts. Staying off the beaten track or booking out of season saves money, widens your choice, and means you’ll get a more genuine cultural

experience.

Check out discount platforms like Groupon and Living Social for hotel discounts and travel deals. Look for loyalty programs to earn points and redeem them against future bookings or exclusive travel perks. Check your credit cards provider as some offer travel rewards too.

Most people are happy to travel cashless, so consider a prepaid or digital account card for spending. It’s safe,

simple, and mobile banking apps make it easier than ever to keep track of your holiday spending. Prepaid cards ensure you stick to a preset budget, and digital accounts like Revolut, N26 and Wise offer low or no fee foreign transactions and competitive exchange rates.

But if you feel more comfortable having a certain amount of cash to hand make sure to order it in advance and consider locking in the best

exchange rates for optimal savings. Remember airport bureau de change should be your last resort as they have higher rates whereas An Post for example offer far better rates.

Avoid getting stung by data roaming charges. Travelling in Europe means your mobile call plan covers capped data, calls, and texts at no extra cost. Outside Europe is a different matter so don’t exceed your data roaming cap. Find out about international add-ons and bundles for the cheapest way to use your phone abroad or use local SIM card and Wi-Fi hotspots.

Download what you need in advance to your smart device.

Most holiday makers store their holiday details, travel tickets and insurance docs in the cloud but you may only get a patchy signal or Wi-Fi, and not be able to access documents at a critical time. It also makes sense to download films, music and maps at home reducing the risk of

costly downloads. Disable your background apps, turn off data roaming and/or switch to flight mode.

Buy ‘hire car excess’ independently as renting a car abroad can be expensive but sometimes vital if you’ve booked a remote destination or plan to tour. Shop around and reserve as soon as possible to get the best prices.

Rental car firms may offer optional add-ons at the rental desk to cover the ‘excess’ charge, but it’s often overpriced with hidden clauses, so consider buying this insurance independently before you go.

One of the joys of holidays is splashing out on restaurant meals and takeaway food but it can become very expensive especially if you are on a budget. At least before going to the airport pack a lunch and fill your water bottle to avoid hefty airport prices. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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KATS Theatre

Eclipsed: A tale to be told, and heard

By Tim Slight, KATS Member History, it’s a peculiar dish, isn’t it? Personal history can invoke warm fuzzy feelings of loveliness, those of childhood, your wedding day, or the day a newborn baby enters the world.

Political history is more complicated, with state affairs such as the signing of the Good Friday agreement giving hope to a nation while horrific events like September 11th shake the foundations of democracy.

Goodness knows as an Englishman writing this I am aware of the burden of history, from the atrocities in Africa, India, Ireland and beyond, empires rarely arrive and leave with grace & favour.

However, it’s very easy to blame the sands of time.

“That was then,” people cry. But their cries often go unheard, as statues of slave traders such as Edward Colston are pulled down by the masses. So angry were they at our past actions that they ensured his new place of ‘pride’ would be the dirty grey drink of Bristol Harbour.

History is a difficult pill to swallow. Add to it those whose actions are performed on command, or under the instruction of God and you end up with a foggy mess.

Throw in the fact you can’t hide behind the “everyone was doing it” or “that was then” card and you end up with Patricia Burke Brogan’s ‘Eclipsed’.

I first read Eclipsed when I discovered KATS were going to produce it in the Watergate Theatre, having never seen the play specifically I immersed myself into this narrative of Irish history. Written in 1994, ‘Eclipsed’ tells the story of Brigit, Nellie Nora, Mandy, Cathy and Juliet, the women of Saint Paul’s Home for Penitent women. ‘Penitent women’, remember their crime? Being pregnant, an unmarried mother, an orphan or being too attractive for the risk of “falling away” (getting pregnant) and the temptation and distraction of those weak and lustful men.

Similar to Peter Mullan’s The Magdalene Sisters, and the documentary Sex in a Cold Climate, ‘Eclipsed’ paints a bleak picture of women fallen, of sinners, those that nobody wants, ostracised by society, the feelings of which enforced by the brutish power of the church.

However, through the darkness comes a story of friendship, dreams and at times, hope. A celebration of sisterhood, the banter and honesty as sharp as the ironed creases, with stolen moments of joy found in all manner of small places, from the enjoyment of a drag on a discarded cigarette butt, the dreams of a sultana cake on one’s birthday or the

spectacle and romance of a celebrity wedding.

This enjoyment, of course, is as forbidden as their past, under the draconian governance of Mother Victoria. Obedience is insisted upon. Failure to do so leads to retribution, often in a violent way. Well, it is ‘what God would have wanted’. The welfare and health of these ladies is secondary to the religious front and the starching of his Lordship’s linen.

Her second in command Sister Virginia sees the women’s plight, their cruel treatment and contradictions in the Church’s teaching that challenges her own faith– would God want them to suffer? Is he not a forgiving man? She is humane enough to suggest medicine and fresh air for the women, to work on their mental health.

However, in broaching this with her superior, Mother Victoria scorns her for her weakness. Take prayer, obey and should that fail, a slap for the sinners will bring order.

Mother Victoria’s tone while advising this is as stoic as fits the time. These women need punishment, not support for their wellbeing.

One of the many strengths of this story is that it isn’t ABC, nor paint by numbers.

You don’t ever know the complete backstory, it is instead hinted at. The hopelessness of their future sheds no light on their past. It instead allows the viewer to make their own

mind up based the horrors or situations that brought them there. There is a lovely scene in the second act that portrays the ladies joy at finding lipstick, that feeling of femininity that a bit of ‘lippy’ can add, to feel like a woman, to feel sexy. However, this joy soon turns to anguish for one lady, where this seemingly innocuous item of makeup triggers her trauma at having been abused by someone she trusted, the reason she is now seen as “fallen”.

Gandhi was once attributed as saying “The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest member,” and as the male of this species I am in no way suggesting these ladies were weak, but their treatment was appalling and their story needs to be both told, and heard. Ireland was a subservient nation and under the Church’s power, of corruption and brainwashing, of common sense no longer being common.

These women and girls were failed at every opportunity, and for those that hid behind the “of that time” mantra, women are still victim to just “being pretty” (Sarah Everard and Ashling Murphy to name but two) and how the film Philomena identified how God’s sisters, knowing their game was up, conveniently had a fire at the convent that burned documents relating to the adoption information relating to the women’s children. However

of course, as if by divine intervention, the contracts stating these same women were prohibited from future requests relating to finding their children escaped the lick of flame.

I had lost my own loving mother only a year earlier and this film left me both in absolute bits and very angry at the Church’s cold and cruel treatment of their own,

these potentially now elderly ladies. I have never been a big subscriber to God and his telling, both that movie and this play confirms it wasn’t me, it was them, I was on the right side. Further confirmed to the fact that when us overseas in the UK were in celebration, deep in the throes of Britpop, singing 3 Lions on a shirt and enjoying the summer of Euro ‘96, Ireland was only then closing its last Magdalene laundry.

It is easy to turn away, easy to hide behind the passing of time, the nun’s habit or the “good book” but on behalf of all those failed penitent women, we owe them their voice. The recent Mother and Babies Report of 2021 gave a long overdue public apology and acknowledgement of their barbaric treatment.

However, their stories still need to be heard.

‘Eclipsed’ stars Paula Drohan, Linda Beale, Sarah Walsh, Megan Kelly, Rosey Hayes, Edwina Cummins, Katie Monahan, Claire Sheehan and Geradline Rowntree, with established KATS, and Barnstorm regular, Delia Lowery directing.

Eclipsed is on 31st August to 2nd September @ The Watergate Theatre Kilkenny.

Go see it, allow these “fallen women” to stand again.

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News Science & Wellbeing All the known lifeforms in existence, have only ever survived-and-thrived here on planet Earth. There was no guarantee that humans were going to arise here on Earth, however; it’s merely a sequence of chance events that brought us, and all living organisms, to fruition on Earth.

Beyond Earth, the ingredients (and opportunities) for life to arise are literally everywhere.

There’s a very strong scientific case to expect that, perhaps in just a few years, we’ll find another inhabited world.

Some of our more distant cousins, and many of the intermediary species that existed at one time, have died out and/or evolved into other life forms by the present time.

The Orangutans are some of the earliest great apes to split off from our hominid ancestors, which they did some 16 million years ago. Although they are true great apes like we are, having no tails, they are less closely related to us than gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, or the hominid ancestor that eventually gave rise to human beings.

Sometimes, there are questions that we’ve all pondered at one time or another, but that we’ve somehow let fall by the wayside. On occasion, it takes an inquisitive mind and a fresh set of eyes to remind us that, hey, I still wonder about those questions, too.

Some of the biggest questions of all include why, out of all the planets and worlds we’ve discovered, our planet Earth is the only one we know of with: intelligent, technologically advanced life, complex, differentiated, multicellular life, or even any type of life at all, on it. It’s a question which many of us have, in our minds, already come up with an answer that we think is most likely, but we’ve reconciled ourselves to the fact that, based on the evidence, we can only say this is true so far.

Why do all of us live on Earth? Although no one can yet give a definitive and comNew AI technology that cuts the time cancer patients must wait before starting radiotherapy is to be offered at cost price to all NHS trusts in England, according a report by the BBC. The AI helps doctors calculate where to direct the therapeutic radiation beams, to kill cancerous cells while sparing as many healthy ones as possible.

Researchers at Addenbrooke’s Hospital trained the AI programme with Microsoft. It has been a decade in the making, they say.

For typically each patient doctors about two hours working through about 100 scan cross-sections, carefully “contouring” or outlining bones and organs. But the AI programme works two and a half times quicker, the researchers say.

Why we live on Earth in the first place

prehensive answer — after all, our knowledge of many aspects of this question is still quite limited — here’s a look at the best answer we can give on a few different levels.

The first thing you have to understand about our planet is that, compared to humans, the Earth is old. “Older than dirt,” in fact, as what we experience as fertile soil, where plants successfully grow, has only been around for a few hundred million years. Our planet formed some 4.5 billion years ago, and, while life arose at some point during the first several hundred million years of our

history (no later than 3.8 billion years ago and perhaps substantially earlier), that life remained relatively primitive until recently.

Humans, as in our fellow member of the Homo sapiens species, only first arose on planet Earth approximately 300,000 years ago, and that could only occur after a wild series of events that took many billions of years to occur. The thing everyone should know about that story is the following.

Humans, as we exist today, can only thrive under a narrow set of conditions that are present on modern-day

Earth: with enough oxygen in our atmosphere, with enough plants, fungi, and animals to sustain an ecosystem and provide us with nutrients, and with temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold for us to survive in.

In other words, humans can only live in places that have the right conditions to support human life. The only reason we have humans at all on planet Earth (much less anyplace else) is because the right conditions exist for humans to live here now, the right conditions for humans to arise were here previously,

and the right conditions for all of our evolutionary ancestors were in place for them to arise, thrive, reproduce, and to have a chance at evolving into what they eventually became.

Over several billions of years, that’s a lot of circumstances that all had to turn out “just right” for humans to eventually arise. In order for humans to come to be, each of our direct ancestors: needed to successfully survive and thrive, needed to undergo mutations in order to develop new traits, needed the environment to exist in such a way

that some of those mutations turned out to be favourable while others were unfavourable, and the ones that survived to reproduce needed to be the ones that couldand-would eventually lead to humans.

It wasn’t an inevitability that humans would arise, however. What occurred on Earth made it possible for humans to arise. But we were only one of many possible outcomes.

The real reason that “all of us live on Earth” may simply be that we haven’t yet figured out how to successfully look for all the life that extends beyond our own planet.

patient’s life becomes dominated by that,” Dr Raj Jena, at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, who has been

leading the work for treating patients with head, neck and prostate cancers, told BBC’s Two’s Newsnight programme.

“I know patients where they’ve got a map of the cities that they’re going to, so they know where all the loos are.”

The programme is now being given to a manufacturer that has agreed to allow other NHS trusts to access the cloud-based technology at cost price.

The British Government has been investing in AI projects across the NHS but this is the first NHSdeveloped AI programme released as a medical-imaging device.

“Our consultant colleagues preferred to start with the work of the AI than even the work of their consulting colleagues,” Dr Jena

said.

Royal College of Radiologists President Dr Katharine Halliday said: “We are very excited about the potential of AI in replacing some processes and procedures, including within diagnostics and cancer therapy.

“AI has the capability of speeding up the diagnostic process, helping doctors catch disease earlier and giving patients the best possible chance of recovery.

“Clinical radiologists interpret complex scans and guide treatment or surgery – there is no question that real-life clinical radiologists are essential and irreplaceable.

“However, a clinical radiologist with the data, insight and accuracy of AI is, and will increasingly be, a formidable force in patient care.”

AI cuts treatment time for cancer radiation When treating the prostate gland, for example, medics want to avoid damage to the nearby bladder or rectum,

which could leave patients with lifelong continence issues.

“That can get so bad that a

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Travel & Leisure The Kilkenny Observer columnist Paul Hopkins in Chinatown, NYC PHOTO: Louis Hopkins 1. Barcade: Play pinball with a pint Not all dates need to take place over a candle-lit dinner. Head to Brooklyn for arcade games and an extensive roster of exclusive craft beers for an unexpected date night. The Williamsburg Barcade opened in 2004 as the original location of largescale gaming, but there are now nine Barcades around the country. You’ll find dozens of video games and pinball machines from the 1980s to choose from, such as ‘Asteroids’, ‘Donkey Kong’, and ‘Mortal Kombat’.

First date? The activities may help avoid some of the awkward pauses on a night between strangers.

The flowing taps of craft beer could also keep the conversation flowing.

2. Fig & Olive: Dinner and a walk on the High Line New York’s Meatpacking district is the ideal date night thanks to its trendy restaurants, galleries, highend shopping, nightclubs, and the sprawling Chelsea Market. You can plan an entire evening by heading to the French-Mediterranean restaurant Fig & Olive, followed by a stroll on the High Line, a historic freight line turned elevated outdoor park featuring sculptures and unforgettable views.

The 13th Street Fig & Olive is headed by the award-winning partner and culinary director, Chef Alain Allegretti. The seasonallyfocused menu is inspired by flavours from the South of France and centreed around olive oils. The restaurant is known for its American red snapper entrée and selection of crostinis. We also recommend the raw bar’s sea bass crudo with a fresh cucumber ginger broth and the unbelievable flavour of the lamb crusted with Moroccan ras el hanout spice mix. After a glass of rosé or an espresso martini, you and your date can walk o$ the decadent meal with the entrance to the High Featuring the world’s largest at-sea waterpark, the Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, will enter public service next year Cruise ships are already pretty bloomin’ massive.

Essentially entire towns on water, the biggest cruises are filled with everything you could want, from restaurants and shopping centres to waterparks.

These days, all that comes as standard.

So imagine what you’ll get on the world’s biggest cruise ship. Well, you won’t have to imagine much longer: the largest

table — now that’s pageantry.

Wine Enthusiast named Dirt Candy one of the best wine restaurants for its program featuring only women-run wineries.

New York Magazine named it as the neighbourhood’s best place, full stop, to eat a meal right now.” According to the restaurant’s website, the tasting menu is $95 a person, and it has a no-tipping policy.

5 venues for date nights in NYC

Line just a block away.

3. Dirt Candy: Dine on a plant-base tasting menu At Dirt Candy, award-

winning chef Amanda Cohen has been perfecting a luxurious and seasonal plant-based tasting menu in the Bowery since 2009 (via

The New Yorker). It’s sure to impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. When we went, Dirt Candy’s signature dish, the portobello mousse,

Bon vogage! 5,610 passengers, 2,350 crew

4. Tokyo Record Bar: Izakaya with a side of vinyl If you can get a reservation at Tokyo Record Bar, you’ll thank us later for all the bonus points you’ll get for being in the know. A vinyl jukebox enhances the tasting menu experience in this underground space that hosts just two or three seatings per night. The seven-course omakasestyle menu is paired with a curated vinyl set and a drink menu featuring filtered and unfiltered sake and cocktails.

Mad Hatters NYC says the Tokyo Record Bar feels like a speakeasy. Much of that is due to its inconspicuous entrance through the MacDougal St Air’s Champagne Parlour (guests can reserve a table there to enjoy a glass of Champagne) before descending into the dining room with seating for 12 people. You then get to select from a menu of songs you’d prefer for the night while enjoying sashimi, crab legs, and caviar sandwiches.

came with the mousse shaped into tiny woodland elements sitting alone in the bowl before disappearing under broth poured at the cruise ship in the world has just launched, marking its maiden voyage before beginning proper commercial use next year.

The Icon of the Seas was built in the Finnish city of Turku and will be operated

by Royal Caribbean International. And its scale is truly something else.

The Icon of the Seas is 365 metres long. That’s right: over a third of a kilometre!

Once it’s fully furnished and filled with people, the Icon will apparently weigh a mind-boggling 250,800 tonnes. It’ll have space for 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew, with 20

5. Loulou: A Chelsea speakeasy to transport your date night The popularity of speakeasies in NYC is hardly a secret.

Loulou is easy to spot thanks to the decadent floral decorations on the corner cafe. To find the bistro’s speakeasy entrance, you and your date will walk through a vintage Coca-Cola machine for a quirky start to your night to remember. You’ll be greeted by a chandelier setting the mood before heading into the French bistro-style bar offering specialty cocktails and menu.

Loulou is named after the owner’s dog and calls the basement one of the coolest secret spots in the city. decks and eight entire neighbourhoods. It’ll eventually also have the world’s largest at- sea water park, with six waterslides, seven pools and nine whirlpools.

Currently, the largest cruise ship in the world is another Royal Caribbean International ship, the Wonder of the Seas. That one, however, is only 362 metres long and has only 18 decks. Puny, we know.

The Icon of the Seas is set to enter public service in January 2024, when it’ll start sailing around the Caribbean.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

The short, sad life of a Kilkenny tennis champ Mention champions and Kilkenny in the same breath and one immediately thinks: hurling. And rightly so. After all, regardless of how things pan out on the playing field this year, Kilkenny are still top of the pile with 36 All Ireland Hurling titles, followed by Cork with 30, Tipperary with 28 and Limerick with 11.

However, Kilkenny has more strings to its champions-bow than hurling.

Take for instance Michael Phelan, from Castlecomer, who left Ireland in1824, aged four, and became the world’s greatest billiards player and made popular the game we now know as pool. He died in 1871, aged 52, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Billiard Congress of America (rather belatedly) in 1993.

Or there’s James Mason who was born in Kilkenny City in 1849 and, aged 11, emigrated to the US where he went on to become the chess champion of America. Mason was not his real name but one he adopted to avoid antiIrish sentiment which was prevalent in America at the time. Mason not alone became the chess champion of America but, in 1877 aged 28, was No.1 chess player in the world, a position he held on to for 11 months. Mason might well have held that position for longer but unfortunately succumbed to the demon drink and died in 1905, in his 56th year. Mason wrote several books on chess the most popular being The Principles of Chess in Theory and Practice, first published in 1894 and still in print to this day.

But perhaps the greatest Kilkenny champion of all was tennis player Mabel Cahill who didn’t win Wimbledon but who made history by becoming the first nonAmerican, and the only Irish person, to win the US Open Tennis Championship back in 1891. Mabel also won the Women’s Doubles the same year. In 1892 Mabel was back as defending champion and made yet more history by becoming the first player to win the Singles, the Ladies Doubles and Mixed Doubles in the one year.

Yet, for all her historic tennis achievements, Mabel’s life was short and sad.

Mabel Esmonde Cahill was born in 1863, the 12th of 13 children, in Ballyragget, Her father was

a barrister and a man of means. Mabel’s mother died when she was Mabel was 12. Her father remarried but it was not a happy union. He died within 12 months but left enough money to educate the family and give them a start in life.

Mabel had been introduced to lawn tennis at an early age and in 1884, aged 21, won the Kilkenny City and County Lawn Tennis Tournament beating Mary Langrishe, the first winner of the Irish Lawn Tennis Championship, in the final. Mabel then moved to Dublin where she continued to play excellent tennis and in 1889, aged 26, emigrated to New York. Her tennis playing soon caught the attention of the media. The Brooklyn Daily Edge wrote: “Miss Cahill,

the young lady who has made her name famous as a tennis player, is a slight and rather delicate-looking girl, yet the severity of her play is the terror of her opponents.”

In 1890 she made it to the final of the US Open losing out to Ellen Roosevelt, a cousin of Franklin D Roosevelt, but returned to win the title in 1891 and 1892 making tennis sporting history along the way.

Mabel did not contest the 1893 tournament due possibly to money problems. Her father’s inheritance had run out and Mabel, without a profession, turned her hand to journalism and romantic novel writing but with little success.

By 1897, aged 34, she was in London where she tried a career in the theatre but that, too, met

with little success. Mabel Cahill died in Ormskirk Workhouse near Southport in Lancashire in 1905 in her 42nd year. She was more than likely buried in a pauper’s grave with no headstone to mark her resting place.

In 1936 the Irish Lawn Tennis Association placed an ad in the national papers searching for a relative, or representative, to come forward to accept a gold medal struck in honour of her achievements in America. It is not known if the medal was ever collected. In 1976, in appreciation of her historic tennis records, Mabel Cahill was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sadly, once again, after a search, no relative, or representative of her family, came forward.

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Opinion

Part one

Red Star over Comer

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

High on castlecomer’s roll of honour is Nicholas (Nixie) Boran.

Boran caused a social earthquake in North Kilkenny in the early 1930s. He was the “Miner’s Friend”, a tireless champion of human rights who followed in the footsteps of Big Jim Larkin.

He spread the gospel of trade unionism throughout the county, becoming something of

Nixie Boran fought for the miners

a worker’s Messiah.

His picture hangs proudly on a wall of the SIPTU office in Patrick Street, a testament to his dedicated involvement in the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union, precursor of SIPTU. Born in Massford, Mooneenroe in 1904, he was the son of a colliery car man. Growing up in the shadow of the coalmines, he became aware at an early stage of the horrendous conditions in which the miners toiled for long hours and small pay. He read the works of James Connolly, turned to socialism, and swore he’d do everything in his power

to combat the unjust and contemptuous treatment of workers in his community.

But Boran got off to a rocky start in his bid to alleviate the plight of miners and quarry workers.

The local branch of the ITGWU had suffered a drastic decline in membership after the unsuccessful miners’ strike of 1926. The miners in Comer were rendered cynical and despondent at the ease with which the bosses had crushed their heartfelt public show of strength and demand for fairer working conditions.

They decided that a new union, with a strong local emphasis, was required to focus on the specific needs of the Comer mining community, the only significant one in Ireland.

In December 1930, Nixie Boran stepped into a leadership role in response to appeals from friends, neighbours, and mine workers who had been mesmerised by his fiery oratory and enormous personal magnetism.

They believed he was the man who could release their community from the vice-like grip of Wandesforde, the powerful mining boss in Comer. Together with a few loyal activists, Boran launched the Irish Miners and Quarry Workers Union.

This move sent shock waves

Nixie Boran Days of struggle in North Kilkenny

through the local establishment.

And the bosses were less than pleased by the formation on the same day of the union’s “militant wing”, The Revolutionary Workers Group and the launching of a radical newspaper, “The Workers Voice” to air its views.

What made this breathtaking initiative even more worrying for the bosses was the fact that Boran had just returned to Comer after a three-month visit to the Soviet Union. He had gone there in August to attend the Conference of the Red International of Labour Unions, Stalin’s state-controlled Trade Union movement.

Communist party officials took him on a tour of mines, factories, and villages and he was impressed by the excellent

working conditions he found in the region he visited. The Comer situation was primitive by comparison, and though Russian workers enjoyed little social or political freedom, it seemed clear to him that they fared better in the workplace.

Fired up with idealism and high hopes, Boran set about agitating for pay rises and improved working conditions in Comer. The bosses and their powerful allies hit back on all fronts. Anyone who joined the Miners and Quarry Workers Union would be sacked immediately, they warned, and any man known to be a supporter of Boran’s would be denied employment in the area.

The Parish Priest of Clogh, Father Kavanagh, lashed out at

the union. He alleged that Boran had used “Russian Gold from the home of Godless Communism” to finance his activities.

Father Coleman of Kilkenny’s Black Abbey rowed in behind the Clogh PP. “Ye’ll get a terrible fright on Judgement Day if ye follow these Communists”, he warned.

Boran defended the union in The Worker’s Voice, asserting that its funds came from the same people who filled the church collection plates at Mass: the poorly-paid miners and their hard-pressed families.

On October 17th, 1932, the union called a strike for higher pay. A crippling economic recession had reduced the miners to a two-day week, resulting in greater hardship for the whole community. For more than a month, they and their loved ones endured severe food shortage and other privations as the pickets persisted...

To be continued...

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

Global Report The forthcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg in South Africa in August must now be causing even more consternation. (The term BRIC was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the rise Brazil, Russia, India and China. The powers held their first summit in Russia in 2009 and the following year South Africa joined the bloc, hence BRICS. For Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant the treasonous Yevgeny Prigozhin immunity from prosecution, safe passage to exile in Belarus and an On Golden Pond retirement is unusual to say the least.

There is the old adage that you only have one chance at toppling the tyrant. That’s an adage tested over the centuries. Mutiny is a life-or-death business. Failure usually triggers swift and fatal retribution.

Prigozhin is a particularly savage rebel and may well be certifiably insane. Putin, his erstwhile ally and now sworn adversary, has shown repeatedly that he, too, is no shrinking violet when it comes to cruelty and violence. So it’s likely the reckoning between the two men has just been postponed. There eventually has to be a winner and a loser.

An excellent post-mutiny assessment in the US journal, Foreign Affairs, gets to the heart of Putin’s dilemma: that he is vulnerable to a palace coup because his reputation has been damaged by his lack of success in Ukraine. Prigozhin’s rebellion may prove to be the final puncture in Putin’s ‘autocrat mystique’.

The analysts may be right about most of the world. But at the southern end of Africa, the ANC’s reverence towards Given Ireland’s ongoing debate on Neutrality, it’s appropriate to look at what neutrality means to Switzerland, with whom the term is synonymous.

Under the Neutrality Policy, Switzerland refrains from involving itself in any war and also ensures its defence.

This policy applies only to international conflicts but not to internal conflicts.

The implementation of this policy was based on the international context at the time.

Switzerland’s Foreign Policy has followed the principle of Neutrality for many years now.

Under this principle, it does not involve itself in any armed conflicts between other states.

Out of their free will, they imposed this principle on themselves to ensure external security and promote security.

Switzerland has not participated in a foreign war since its neutrality was established by the Treaty of Paris in 1815.

Under the Neutrality Policy, Switzerland refrains from involving itself in any war and also ensures its defence. They are also obligated not to supply mercenary troops to other states and not to allow other states to use their territory for war purposes.

This policy applies only to international conflicts but not to

mittee just rolled over to have her tummy tickled.

South Africa, Lindiwe Zulu said, couldn’t adopt the approach argued for by ambassador unless it had been “endorsed” by the ANC’s policymakers.

That there is no overarching foreign policy principle at stake here was made more clear by Clayson Monyela,

head of diplomacy at foreign affairs.

“Non-alignment should never be confused with neutrality. We made a very deliberate decision based on our history.”

Monyela was emphatic that SA’s position was understood and accepted by the US and there was “no threat” of sanctions. He is probably right. For now. But SA would be wise to note that with the attempted mutiny, Russia’s attractiveness as an ally has been much reduced.

India, also a member of the ‘non-aligned’ BRICS, seems to understand better the subtle balancing required in a multipolar world.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned from Washington where he had signed multiple defence and technology deals. But then again, Modi – and China – voted in favour of a United Nations resolution which acknowledged Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. SA abstained. Whether the attempted mutiny has rung any SA alarm bells is too early to tell.

As said above, the BRICS summit in Jo’burg must now be causing even more consternation. Initially, Ramaphosa had hoped that Putin, facing arrest on an International Criminal Court warrant, might not attend. Now, Ramaphosa will be hoping the threat of mutiny encourages him to stay home.

But Putin might still come, if only to demonstrate to the world he remains firmly in power. And if a coup does occur, he at least knows his ANC pals will provide him with a very comfortable political asylum in sunny SA.

of neutrality since it joined the United Nations in 2002. Being a neutral state, Switzerland cannot join a military alliance such as NATO because it requires members to commit to mutual assistance.

Unlike other neutral States such as Sweden and Finland, Ukraine applied to join NATO after the start of the Ukraine war. For Switzerland, joining NATO is out of the question.

Switzerland has denied permission to Germany, Spain, and Denmark to re-export Swiss- made weapons to Ukraine.

Neutrality was never meant to be aloof and silent about the things happening around it. A neutral state staying away from political measures and keeping economic relations with everyone because it’s neutral—this time is gone.

While pursuing a voluntary and flexible “neutrality policy,” Switzerland is also trying to convince other countries that it would stand aside in the event of war.

Although Switzerland is a neutral country, this doesn’t mean the country lacks military might. The country still maintains an army for defence purposes and requires parttime military service from all males between the ages of 18 and 34.

Switzerland’s militia army consists of a limited number of professional soldiers. As military service is compulsory for male citizens, those who refuse to perform military service for reasons of conscience may opt for civilian duties.

They must then carry out community work for a period one-and-a-half times longer than military service.

Why ANC’s view of Putin defies logic Putin, Russia and MarxistLeninism is seemingly unassailable.

Although President Cyril Ramaphosa dresses it up as ‘neutrality’ and being ‘nonaligned’, it is a puppy-dog devotion that defies logic and the self-interest, within the parameters of international law, should be at the heart of any nation’s foreign policy.

Whether through naivete or fear of riling, in an already fractious ANC, the ire of proRussia supporters, the Ramaphosa Administration won’t be swayed. In contrast, Russia and China see the ‘non-alignment’ of alliances like Brics as no more than a politically useful fig leaf to advance their national interests.

Recently, the Russian Am-

bassador to SA told an ANCsponsored ‘dialogue’ on the Ukraine war there was no place for non-alignment.

“You cannot remain neutral, you will be punished by secondary sanctions [by the West].”

Instead of contesting the Russian interpretation, the ANC’s former chair of its international relations subcom-

A look at Switzerland’s Neutrality internal conflicts. The policy of Neutrality is not governed by law either. The implementation of this policy was based on the international context at the time.

To promote peace in the world, they provide humanitarian aid to people in need all around the world. There are many people in fragile situations. Climate crises, natural disasters, and war events

create emergency situations where humanitarian aid is needed.

The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), which consists of more than 500 people, does aid projects abroad; others are seconded to UN agencies.

The Swiss flag, in the traditional sense, represents freedom, honour, and loyalty. The Swiss flag in modern times also represents neutrality, democ-

racy, and peace, largely due to Switzerland’s stance as a neutral country since 1815.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict reignited a debate about Swiss neutrality. An internal debate inside Switzerland is happening about the definition and scope of Neutrality.

Over a period of time, Switzerland has not been on the path of the traditional concept

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Art

Daithí Holohan – Reflec WORDS: Gerry Cody Photo of Daithí Holohan at Community Hall by Pat Shortall “In spite of everything I will rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing” These words of Vincent Van Gogh echo across the years, showing the consistency of the artistic temperament, and today they encapsulate the life of Daithi Holohan.

A son of Peig O’ Brien from Greenshill and of Johntown’s Eddie Holohan, Daithi has a wide and varied CV. Having attended Kilkenny CBS primary and secondary school he made his first foray into employment as an apprentice goldsmith with Rudolf Heltzel. Traditional values resonated and he spent a year in Connemara studying Gaelic language and culture. He did a pre-diploma course in the National College of Art and Design and then completed his studies in the Fine Art Department under the guidance of faculty head Campbell Bruce. He was awarded a scholarship to

Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He taught Life Drawing in Liberties Vocational School. Daithi’s community spirit saw him actively involved in mural projects in Bishop Birch Place, Millennium Court and Loughboy Library.

His involvement as Artist in Residence with Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent was a satisfying and an emotionally rewarding experience.

Daithi, often to his own detriment, is fully committed to his artistic endeavours.

With a substantial body of work, recognised nationally and internationally, Daithi has established himself as one of Ireland’s great talents.

Since the 1970’s Daithi has successfully exhibited, bringing his creative pieces to the public.

I recently studied his catalogue of work and was amazed at the diversity of his art.

His still life ‘Pipe Scissors Plant 1985’ is a simple production and to me tells the story of a man carefully tending his favourite pot plant. But a friend viewing it saw a woman wistfully tidying the house the

Flower Study Pen, watercolour and oil pastel

Man in chair

Daithí Holohan at St Canice’s Neighbourhood hall

Untitled Portrait Pen and graphite

morning of her husband’s death. This is one of Daithi’s strengths; he allows your imagination to flourish.

As a portrait artist Daithi is exemplary, and is perhaps its foremost exponent.

Daithí treats his subjects with humanity

and yet there is a depth and subtlety to be observed. ‘Kathleen 1994’ emits calmness, thoughtfulness, and serenity.

‘Shauna 2009’ exudes love, innocence and hope. But in his self-portraits Daithí bares his soul. Through his introspection

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Art

ctions on a life he facilitates our intrusive inspection.

The surreal images reveal the elemental battle of a tortured psyche. These portraits haunted me, fascinated me.

Their honesty demands our reflective respect. Perusing Daithí’s work I am reminded of one of Patrick Kavanagh’s Reclining Spirit.

Watercolour and Graphite

short poems: ‘No charlatan am I With poet’s mouth and idiot’s eye: I may not be divine But what is mine is mine In naked honesty.’

Of late Daithí’s work has become more fluid and this allows a vibrant intensity explode from his canvas.

No longer confined to a single form, the freedom engendered is celebrated in his enthusiastic labours. As he ages has Daithi settled into a calm controlled individual? I hope not!

I agree with Fredrick Nietzsche who said “You must have chaos within you to create a dancing star.” With over a thousand drawing in his portfolio, Daithi has bequeathed a galaxy of dancing stars for our discernment and enjoyment.

Perhaps it is understanding that Daithi has mastered.

Speaking of his daughter, Shauna’s pragmatic decision to forego her artistic leanings to pursue a career in accountancy Daithi’s smile breaks into a laugh: “If the art is strong it will find a way- but I just want her to be happy”. Observing Daithi over the years I watched as gallantly he has battled and subdued destructive demons. I watched his committed political position almost ignored. I watched him produce a succession of authentic work that brought him much satisfaction and little reward. Through all the trials and tribulation, through all the praise and acclaim, I wonder did Daithí ever know happiness. As he speaks once more of his daughter Shauna, the austere persona relaxes and his smile radiates. Comprehension dawns! Shauna is what

Nuclear arms Occupation

Nude

Love

makes him happy.

The French novelist Emile Zola could perhaps have been speaking of Daithí Holohan when he said ‘If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you. I am here to speak out loud.”

Daithi Holohan’s voice reverberates across the land

and those of us living at this time are indeed fortunate to witness his genius.

Daithi Holohans exhibition ‘Reflections on a Life’ runs at St Canice’s Neighbourhood hall from August 10 to 20.

The Launch of ‘Reflections on a life’ is on August 10 at 7.30p.m. All welcome.

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EU finds Ireland is guilty of neglecting Nature The European Court of Justice has found Ireland guilty of numerous breaches of laws to protect nature.

The court found the State failed to provide legal protection for 217 out of 423 sites identified as requiring formal designation as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

The sites were identified 19 years ago and the State had six years to rectify laws.

Ireland failed to even

“define detailed site-specific conservation objectives” for 140 of the 423 sites, the court found.

Not one of the 423 sites has been given adequate attention to ensure the “necessary conservation measures which correspond to the ecological requirements of the natural habitat types” or the animal and plant life they support.

All of the duties Ireland

failed to perform are set out in the Habitats Directive which requires that EU member states designate and protect areas of importance to nature.

Designation does not prohibit all activity on the sites but does require that as far as possible, wildlife can continue to exist on them and the ecological status of the habitat is not unduly damaged.

Some of the sites identi-

fied include Slaney River Valley, Enniscorthy; Muckish Mountain, Creeslough, Co Donegal; the Wicklow Mountains; Lough Coy, Ardrahan, Co Galway; Blackwater River, Co Kerry; and Glenamoy Box Complex, Co Mayo.

The case was taken to the court by the European Commission which has been strongly urging Ireland to comply with the directive for the last 10 years.

Private clinics invited to help with fertility treatment Private fertility clinics will be asked to provide publicly funded treatments for the first time from September, with the HSE having advertised a tender for clinics to provide the treatments with 12 different packages to be available to women and their partners who qualify.

Under Budget 2023, €10m was allocated to start the roll-out of free infertility treatments from September.

Conditions and eligibility for who will qualify for such treatment have yet to be clarified – and if there will be any restrictions, such as age limit.

The tender sees a range of 12 different packages available including the more expensive procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involving fresh or frozen embryo transfer.

Also included are forms of IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination.

It also includes a treatment aimed at male partners who need to have uncomplicated testicular sperm extraction.

The HSE will pay fixed rates for the services of up to €6,143.

The tender says that the publicly funded service will be reliant on private providers in the short to medium term.

“The HSE is planning for the operationalisation of both publicly and privately provided AHR (assisted human reproduction) services.

“It is anticipated by the HSE that in the short to medium term, the majority of services will need to be provided via the private sector whilst the HSE build

up a network of public capacity,” the HSE said.

“It is currently planned that these services, the subject of this procurement process, will commence as of September 2023.”

Women will be given a choice of private provider.

“There will be no limit to the numbers of approved service providers to be admitted to the authorisation scheme. There will be no ranking among the approved service providers once appointed and it will be a matter for each approved service user to choose an approved service provider from the panel,” said the tender which closed last month.

Caitriona Fitzpatrick, chair of the National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG), has previously said that “fertility treatment cannot be treated as a luxury in Ireland, something only those who can pay for private treatment are entitled to”.

The tender said that a national eligibility framework for access to publicly funded treatment services and the definition of the packages to be provided to eligible public patients is under development under the auspices of the Department of Health.

Clinics will have to provide an initial pre-consultation session within six weeks of a public patient being referred. Active treatment needs to start within another six weeks of the pre-treatment consultation.

Six regional fertility hubs are planned across the country. Five of the six are open and operational, with the final hub due to open in the coming months.

Correspondence on the issue began in April 2013, and in 2015 the Government received formal notice from the Commission that it was in breach of its obligations. In exchanges noted by the court, Ireland undertook to comply by 2017 while at the same time arguing there were sufficient protections in place.

“It (Ireland) considered, however, that the sites at issue were already protected

by Irish law as ‘candidate Special Areas of Conservation,’ the court noted.

After further correspondence, another promise was made in January 2019.

“Ireland indicated that it planned to designate the remaining sites as special areas of conservation and to set conservation objectives for those sites by the end of 2020 at the latest,” the court noted.

This had not happened.

Leave your smartphone but stay connected Get smart! Amanda Nelson, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, and her Vodafone Ireland colleague, Niamh Fletcher, as Vodafone launch OneNumber, a new add on service that allows customers to stay connected using their smartwatch while out and about, independently of their smartphone

In a world where smartphones have become our constant companions, it’s hard to imagine leaving them behind. However, a study by Vodafone Ireland reveals that 54% of people in Leinster would willingly leave their phones at home if they could stay connected. This statistic, combined with the unveiling of Vodafone Ireland’s latest innovation, OneNumber, is set to redefine the way we embrace wearable technology.

The research was carried out to examine Irish attitudes towards smartphone and smartwatch usage and marks the launch of OneNumber from Vodafone Ireland – the pioneering cellular connectivity solution for smart-

watches. This marks a significant milestone for Vodafone Ireland as the first network to bring this game-changing feature to the Irish market.

Notably, the introduction of OneNumber has more than just connectivity benefits. Almost two thirds (63%) of people in Leinster think wearable technology can help them achieve a more balanced lifestyle by staying connected while reducing screentime on their smartphone. This sentiment is further echoed by (32%) of smartwatch owners who attest to decreased screen time since adopting this innovative technology.

Unsurprisingly, the main reason people keep their smartphones with them

when they’re out and about is to stay contactable, but others use them for more functional purposes, like mobile payments (34%) and maps and navigation (20%).

A fifth (21%) use their smartphones to stay updated on social media, 18% rely on smartphones to keep on top of work emails and 14% use it for entertainment (music and games).

With the launch of OneNumber, Vodafone Ireland empowers users to tap into the limitless possibilities of smartwatches. Unlike traditional Bluetooth connectivity, OneNumber leverages the strength of Vodafone’s network to ensure uninterrupted and reliable connections on the

go, eliminating the need to stay within a specific range of the smartphone. Whether going for a walk, hitting the gym, or working remotely, Vodafone customers can now experience newfound freedom while staying fully contactable.

OneNumber is available as a no-contract add on to bill pay customers for €5 per month, and Vodafone customers who purchase OneNumber in July and August can avail of an offer which gives them three months’ free usage. OneNumber is launching on a range of Samsung LTE watches: Watch5 Pro, Watch5, and Watch4, compatible with a range of Samsung and Android smartphones.

New car regs here are up 39% for June New car registrations for the month of June were up 39.0% (2,994) when compared to June 2022 (2,154). Registrations year to date are up 18.8% (77,488) on the same period last year (65,211).

According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up 72.54% (1,087)

compared to June last year (630) and year to date are up 33.3% (17,356). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing an increase of 28.4% (131) in comparison to June 2022 (102). Year to date HGV’s are up 34.9% (1,554).

Imported Used Cars seen a 2.6% (4,230) decrease in June 2023, when compared to

June 2022 (4,343). Year to date imports are up 3.81% (25,027) on 2022 (24,109).

For the month of June 1,441 new electric vehicles were registered compared to 188 in June 2022 (+666.49%). So far this year 14,307 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 8,446 (+69.39%) on the same period 2022.

Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share (year to date) now of 43.63%. Petrol remains the largest share at 31.85%, Diesel accounting for 21.87%, Electric 18.46%, Hybrid 17.37% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.80%.

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2nd Fellowship for Kilkenny photographer, Seamus Costelloe

Seamus Costelloe, a founder member of Kilkenny Photographic Society achieved his 2nd Fellowship with the Irish Photographic Federation at the National Awards and Distinction sitting recently held in Mullingar Arts Centre.

Distinctions are recognized as the most prestigious in the photographic world, and the Fellowship is the highest level of the IPF distinctions.

Prior to this Fellowship it is a requirement to have had a Licentiate and Associate standards.

Seamus was required to submit a body of work consisting of 20 images and a written statement of Intent.

Seamus achieved his Fellowship with fashion photography.

Here is a sample of images from his Fellowship panel.

Kilkenny stars in the spotlight

The local Kilkenny stage school ‘Dramatic Action Stage School’ performed two sold out spectacular shows last Sunday in the Watergate Theatre.

The school runs September to June every Tuesday evening in The Kilkenny Rugby Club by theatre director and actor Rob Murphy.

Rob’s parents are both from Gowran in Co Kilkenny and it’s always been a passion for Rob to bring the performing arts to Kilkenny after running stage schools in Dublin since 2007. Rob adores Kilkenny and is delighted to run classes for children in the area. Dramatic Action also prides itself on being extremely inclusive and a place where children can be who they want to be and express themselves through the performing arts in a fun

and safe environment.

The show starred over 100 local children from the age of 3 right through to 18 years old and they were all amaz-

ing. The children train all year round in dance, drama and singing culminating in this stunning end of year show.

MEP Clune launches AbbVie Science Prize

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune recently visited biopharmaceutical company AbbVie to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed at promoting engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

The AbbVie STEM Prize, launched at AbbVie's Carrigtwohill site in Cork last week, seeks to engage schools across Ireland and highlight the exciting opportunities available in the pharmaceutical industry.

It aims to showcase the diverse educational pathways that young minds can explore, with students from Little Island National School present to enjoy the launch.

The initiative will be

introduced to national schools in Cork and other regions from September, inviting schools to showcase their innovative approaches in using STEM to address challenges in their communities. Participating schools will have the opportunity to win €30,000 worth of STEM-focused materials.

Clune, a former civil engineer, emphasised the importance of encouraging STEM learning, particularly among women and young girls.

“I am delighted to lend my support to this pioneering endeavour. Engaging children in STEM from an early age is vital, as the skill sets they develop go a long way to preparing them to be creative and innovative.

Companies like AbbVie play a crucial role in fostering STEM initiatives and raising awareness of the diverse range of career prospects in the sector, and the AbbVie STEM Prize presents students with an incredible opportunity to get involved in one of Cork’s most important industries”, MEP Clune added.

Clune also welcomed AbbVie's recent announcement of a €60 million expansion at its Cork site, which is anticipated to create approximately 70 new jobs, stating, “This further demonstrates the company's commitment to driving scientific innovation and encouraging economic and social growth in the Cork region.”

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Regional Ceremony for National Commemoration Day 2023 to be Held in Kilkenny

An Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael Doyle, will be hosting a Regional Ceremony for National Commemoration Day 2023 next Sunday, 9th July. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the beautiful grounds of Kilkenny

Castle, where we will gather to pay tribute to the brave Irishmen and Irishwomen who lost their lives in past wars or while serving with the United Nations.

National Commemoration Day holds immense significance as it allows us to remem-

ber and honour the sacrifices made by our fellow countrymen and women throughout history.

This regional ceremony is one of several taking place across the country.

Distinguished guests including military personnel, regional

Public Representatives, Members of the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, and Religious Leaders have been invited to attend and participate in this solemn occasion. We are also extending an invitation to members of the public who wish to join us in paying their respects.

We kindly request attendees to arrive at the venue before 11:00 a.m., as formal proceedings will commence at 11:15 a.m.

The ceremony will begin with a formal introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, who will introduce the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and other dignitaries. Officiating clergy will then lead us in prayers, followed by the Cathaoirleach laying a wreath in tribute to the fallen Irishmen and Irishwomen who valiantly served their country in times of war or peacekeeping missions under the United Nations.

We encourage all attendees to observe this commemorative event with due respect and solemnity, as we remember and honour the sacrifices of those who have gone before us.

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The Ancient Sport of Kings Falconry

At Hawkeye School of Falconry, we are totally dedicated to this Ancient Sport of Kings. This, the noblest of all field sports, gives you the unique opportunity to personally fly, handle, feed and interact with some of our trained Hawks and Owls. We adhere to a very high standard of Falconry and only use practicing Falconers for all of our services.

Hawkeye Falconry Ireland provides Falconry experiences at our School on the beautiful grounds of Lyrath Estate, in the medieval city of Kilkenny.

Archery

The History of Archery is entwined in the history of humanity. Immerse yourself in the timeless art of Archery at our purpose-built location on the grounds of Lyrath Estate.

Whether you're seeking a unique team-building experience for your corporate group, quality time with your family amidst nature, or a peaceful retreat with your partner away from the chaos of everyday life, Archery offers the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility.

Discover the allure of Archery as our expert

instructors guide you through an engaging lesson in this ancient discipline.

We provide state-of-the-art recurve bows and an array of targets, including straw and 3D targets, to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Rest assured, no prior experience is required.

0At our range, our qualified instructor will be by your side, offering personalised guidance to enhance your confidence and precision. Whether you're a novice or have some experience, our aim is to foster a supportive environment where you can learn and grow.

For further information please email info@hawkeyefalcory.ie.

To book please visit www.hawkeyefalconry.ie

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Your summer garden and getting started

Gardens are a busy place. They need time, effort and a little patience. They are hard work, but so rewarding. No matter if you’re a novice, advanced learner or the master gardener, you will need to put the work in. Gardening can be an all year round occupation, the more you do the more you find what needs to be done, but it’s a sure way of keeping fit and healthy.

Like everything in life before you start, you’ll need a plan. Make sure it is flexible

because changing your mind will be part of the fun. Very few gardens end up like they were planned. Be prepared to learn, get advice (your local garden centre is a good place to start) from other gardeners, look to see what neighbouring gardens have on show. Be adventurous and embrace all aspects and styles from hanging baskets to containers, borders to wild areas. Your only constraint is your garden size and your imagination.

Prepare your soil, cultivate

and fertilise as deemed necessary (again seek advice if you’re starting out). Buy good quality tools, they will be worked hard so an investment here will pay dividends. Select areas you are going to plant, decide on location and shape.

In this instance make good use of the sun, be aware of where sunlight travels across your garden, avoid shade if possible but don’t be afraid to plant in these areas as there are many amazing plants which suit shaded areas and shaded

areas are often ideal areas for a peaceful secluded hideaway.

When choosing plants, be as adventurous as you can but don’t go overboard. Select what will suit your garden's style and layout; consider here what colours, space and height are most suitable. Think beyond flowers, think plants, bushes, hedges and trees.

Broad beans, runner beans, and peas make great climbers display fabulous colour and you can add them to your meals at harvest times. Fruit

trees in front gardens?

The introduction of a glass house and a cloche will greatly improve your choice of vegetables that you can grow, from tomato to cucumber to peppers. Both will assist in growing plants from seeds and growing plants before introducing them to the outdoors. They will also offer you a sanctuary for plants over winter.

Gardening is all about time.

Getting ready early, hoping the weather plays its part

(it’s never perfect and you will have to work around it). Selecting your plants and seeds is so important, this is where you have to be smart, take advice, choose what is recommended. What your local garden centre has on display is often a good indicator of what’s in season and suitable for Irish weather.

The “know all guy” in the garden centre will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction with selections, tips for planting and after care such as fertilisers and feeds.

Now that you’ve planted, the fun begins. You're struggling to grow plants while the weeds are thriving. The progress your plants are making is being eaten back, yes eaten by an often unseen pest (pest gains a whole new meaning here).

Again get advice and then decide the level of response you are going to engage.

Remember that a weed is a plant in the wrong place, and all creatures have a purpose, it just might not suit yours at this juncture.

You’ve created a natural wonderment in your garden, now is the time to enjoy it and share it with friends and family. What better way to do it than sitting in a gazebo, at a patio table or on a decking area beside a log cabin, where you can overlook the splendid results of your hard graft.

Sounds like a dream, but it’s only your reality that’s holding you back. Once you start gardening it’s hard to stop.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Castlegannon Show almost here!

The annual Castlegannon Show takes place this coming Sunday the 16th July in Knockmoylan, Ballyhale and is being run to raise funds for the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team and the Community First Responder Fundraiser.

The main events will be centred on the usual wide range of show jumping competitions, including the ‘SJI Summer Series’. In the horse arena, competitors will jump in 6 classes at heights between 80cm and 1.30m, while in the two pony arenas there will be 14 classes jumping heights between 30cm and 1.10m for 128 to 148 ponies. Other show attractions will include a ‘Monster Dog Show’ at 3pm which will include qualifiers for both the ‘All-Ireland Gun Dog’ and the ‘All-Ireland Native Breed’ national finals.

Lead rein classes for under

Mick Cass Trophy presentation 2022 to Sarah O'Donnell by Michael Drennan and Johnny Grennan

6’s and under 8’s will begin at 1.30pm, including champion lead rein. Under 9’s hurling and camogie blitzes will also take place involving Ballyhale, Kilmacow, Dunnamaggin,

Charity cheque presentation to Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team from last year's show

Thomastown and Tullogher.

The show is lucky to have very good voluntary help from families in the Knockmoylan, Mullinavat and Ballyhale area who have made the show the success it’s been over the years, with successive generations of families involved in helping out. The show is also grateful to have supportive landowners in the Dermody and Fitzpatrick families who allow the show to be held on their land, as well as generous sponsors who have loyally supported the show through the good and bad times. All of this effort has raised significant sums for charity over the last 50 years and it’s hoped that this year’s show will be a similar success!

Top 3 apps to plan a family day out Looking for a fun day out with the family?

F

ROM cinema listings to restaurants there are apps for almost everything these days. Here are three of the best apps to plan a family day out, all chosen by parents: TFI Journey Plan App By combining plans for walking, trains, buses, trams, taxi services, and even ferries into straightforward journey plans, the TFI (transport for Ireland) Journey Plan App assists you in planning your route for the family day out.

By entering your departure

location and destination, you can create a plan for today or any time in the future. The app will display a number of possibilities with various means of transportation. For some locations, it will also display how much the journey costs!

Eat Play Change App Find places to eat with the kids, places for children to play and places to change baby in locations nearby. It uses Google maps information to ensure accuracy.

Best of all this collaborative app, encourages parents,

grandparent and childminders to share their tried and tested locations so you can be sure you are finding the best places to go.

Wilder Wander App Identify local species by sound and images, learn more about this history of the area you are visiting and what lives nearby using the wonders function. The app can be used offline too, so good for battery life on your phone or device.

Download the above apps for free from iTunes and Google Play Store.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Watch out John Street! Local coffee shop making waves Amongst the hustle and bustle of John Street, a coffee shop is making its mark on the people of Kilkenny. Tower & Castle is situated on the corner of Lower John Street heading towards Maudlin Street. About 80 metres up from the door, the ‘Corner Tower’ of what would have been the wall of the St John’s Streets Suburb in the 16th century, provides the basis of the logo of Tower & Castle.

About 150 metres down from the ‘Corner Tower’ stands the iconic Maudlin Castle which makes up the latter part of the business’ logo. The 16th Century ‘Tower House’

was once used as a medieval hospital making it a national monument for the streets of Kilkenny.

During the pandemic, Noel Buckley, the business owner of Tower & Castle, began the journey of his dreams. In January of 2021, with determination and also a great lack of sleep, Noel set out on a tedious build of his dream café. Within the space of 3 months, Tower & Castle was ready for the public for takeaway coffees and treats. Due to COVID, the business gained a great regularity with the people of Kilkenny, from 7am until

5pm the café was offering high quality and speciality coffee. Badger & Dodo, an infamous Irish coffee brand was the pick for Noel. Based in Fermoy, Badger & Dodo is a coffee brand of Arabica and Speciality – that is, scoring 85+, and they only buy current crop coffee. They directly import coffee into Cork, this then means more for the farmer, more for the Irish economy and fresher and better coffee.

Over the course of the last 2 years Noel and his brilliant staff have been only getting bigger and better results. As one of the earliest coffee shops

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to open around Kilkenny each morning, they have to say thanks to the workers, neighbours, families, tourists and people of Kilkenny who make that possible. Noel and staff have been blessed with such an enormous welcome to John Street and therefore has made a great impact on the street.

Within the last month, following on Noel’s dream, Tower & Castle now offers brunch and lunch alongside their speciality coffee.

Brunch is served from 8am – 12:30pm Monday to Friday and between 9am – 2pm on weekends. Between lumberjack pancakes, eggs benny, avocado toast and your classic full Irish, there is bound to be something which tickles your fancy. Lunch is then served from 12:30pm – 3:30pm on weekdays and 12:30pm – 4:30pm on weekends. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or a meat eater, Tower & Castle caters to all.

On a last note, Noel and his wife Ber, their family and the staff of Tower & Castle want to say a huge thank you to their regular customers and their new customers. The last few weeks have been an absolute blessing for them, the support which they have received is phenomenal. Their aim is to provide delicious and fresh food, and great customer service, in the hopes to be around for many more years.

The only way is up for Tower & Castle.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

Summer at Rothe House & Garden No visit to Kilkenny this summer for individuals, groups, or families would be complete without stopping at the beautiful Rothe House and Garden, located in the heart of the city, right on Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile.

Here you will find Ireland’s best-preserved early17th century Tudor townhouse. The three main buildings on the site were built by John Rothe and his wife, Rose Archer, between 1594 and 1610. The Rothes and Archers were two of Kilkenny’s wealthiest and most prominent families, who were intrinsically linked to the economic and political life of Kilkenny at the time. In time their family grew to have eleven children.

Visiting this house, you will be brought on a journey from medieval to modern Kilkenny as you uncover the trials and tribulations of the Rothe family and all that their great mansion has witnessed in the 430 years of its existence.

In the ownership of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society since 1962 and now managed by Rothe House Trust Ltd, the buildings also host an intriguing and eclectic collection of artefacts. Where else could you find the skull and antlers of a Giant Irish Deer, an opium pipe and the blunderbuss belonging to famed highwayman, Captain James Freney?! There are also many portraits on display, two of which were painted

by Ireland’s finest portrait painter, Sir John Lavery.

What has been called the gem of the Medieval Mile is, of course, the expansive garden to the rear

of Rothe House, which stretches all the way back to the city walls. This raised garden – an oasis in Kilkenny City – was opened to the public in 2008 after extensive excavations. It has been reconstructed as close as possible to the way it would have been when the Rothe family had it in the early 1600s. There you can easily spend an afternoon enjoying all that the Rothes once did and it is one of the most beautiful places in Kilkenny to bring a packed lunch and have a quiet picnic with family or friends.

Children visiting Rothe House love completing the treasure hunt, taking pictures in the medieval stocks (or maybe putting their parents in!) and exploring the garden.

The Merchant Shop has a beautiful range of Irish-made products including many Irish-themed children’s books, prints and puzzles.

Rothe House and Garden is open every day from 10am to 6pm with last admission for visitors at 5pm.

You can take a self-guided tour and explore at your leisure at any time or take a highly recommended guided tour (11.00 / 14.30 / 16.00) with one of our knowledgeable guides.

Group tours for special interest groups, gardening societies, language schools are also available.

Rothe House will hold a variety of events and concerts over the summer months. Keep up to date with what’s happening on our social pages.

Find out more on www.rothehouse.com.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Healthy summer salads Salads are a great choice for summer! They are easy to prepare, quick and are also an easy way to eat light. Eating a hot chicken curry or roast dinner is not always so appetising with the sun’s fiery blaze making you feel like you’re sitting in a sauna. Not to mention the awful heat that radiates throughout the kitchen as you slave over that cooker. A salad is a healthy, no sweat and no stress meal that was made for the summer months!

All salad ingredients are inseason and are delicious and affordable, whilst giving our bodies the necessary nutrients for healthy eating at the same time.

Some of the basic ingredients for a good healthy salad: Cucumbers are high in vitamin K, which encourages the making of healthy proteins

that are necessary for blood clotting and the building of bones.

Lettuce is also a source of vitamin K. Water makes up over 95% of raw lettuce so eating lettuce will help to increase hydration in the body.

Spring onions are a great food for vitamin C, which strengthens our immune system to fight off those nasty germs.

Tomatoes are low in calories, and provide important nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Potassium balances out sodium and ensures proper functioning of muscles and nerves.

Seafood in a salad can also be a healthy choice because it is typically made with a variety of healthy fats and vitamins.

Nuts are a great source of fibre, which is the main mineral responsible for a healthy digestive system. Adding some walnuts or almonds adds that extra little crunch as well as being nutritious.

Fruit is another possible addition. Yes, you read correctly, fruit in a salad! Apples, peaches, figs and even strawberries. They can spice up any old salad, adding that terrific tang and texture to a fresh salad. They are easy to digest, cleansing and are great to help with overheating from hot climates. They are filled with fibre and liver stimulants, which act as a natural and gentle laxative. Finish off with an extra splash of flavour with some fruit juices or lime slices With these tasty and nutritious tips, you'll be a salad lover in no time!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Recruitment

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Sausage and veg one-pot

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 55 mins Serves: 4

Spinach smoothie

Whizz up our spinach smoothie with avocado, sweet mango and milk in minutes. If you have leftovers, try freezing them in lolly moulds for an easy dessert.

A lighter casserole packed with green veg including fennel, broad beans, peas and green beans, served in a creamy basil and parsley sauce.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 12 good-quality sausages • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 fennel bulb, quartered, then sliced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • ½ red chilli, finely chopped • 2 tsp fennel seed • 2 tbsp plain flour • 150ml white wine • 500ml chicken stock • 200g pack green bean, halved • 300g broad bean, double podded (unpodded weight) • 300g pea • 200g pot half-fat crème fraîche • zest 1 lemon, juice of ½ • handful parsley, chopped • handful basil, chopped • ½ red chilli, finely chopped, to serve • crusty bread, to serve Method STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the sausages, cook for a few mins until browned all over,

Honey and mustard chicken thighs with spring veg Prep: 10 mins Cook: 40 mins Serves: 2 This self-saucing one-pot is like a roast dinner without the fuss.

Plus it’s rich in iron, fibre and folate.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • zest and juice 1 lemon • 4 chicken thighs, skin on • 300g new potatoes, unpeeled, smaller left whole, bigger halved • 1 tbsp olive oil • 100g spinach • 100g frozen peas

Ingredients • 2 chunks frozen spinach (or 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach) • ½ avocado • 1fresh or frozen chopped mango • 1 banana • 500ml milk (non-dairy, if you prefer) Method STEP 1 Whizz the frozen spinach with the avocado, chopped mango, banana and milk (we used unsweetened oat milk) in a powerful blender until smooth. Freeze the leftovers in lolly moulds for desserts, if you like.

then transfer to a plate. Tip the onion and fennel into the pan and cook for 10-15 mins until nice and soft, then add the garlic, half the chilli and the fennel seeds. Cook for a few mins more, moving everything around the pan now and then, to prevent the garlic from burning.

STEP 2 Stir the flour into the vegetables, and cook for 1 min.

Pour in the wine, let it bubble for 1 min, give everything a good stir, then add the stock and return the sausages to the pan, seasoning well. Cover, then gently simmer for 30 mins.

STEP 3 Add the green beans, broad beans and peas, then cook, uncovered, for 2 mins more.

Stir in the crème fraîche, lemon zest and juice, and herbs. Add a little more salt and pepper if it needs it, sprinkle with the chilli, then serve with plenty of bread for soaking up the juices.

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, mustard, garlic and the lemon zest and juice. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and season.

Cherry smoothie

STEP 2 Put the chicken, skin-side up, on a large baking tray, then dot the new potatoes in between them.

Drizzle the oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast in the oven for 35 mins until the chicken skin caramelises and is charred in places.

Ingredients • 300g frozen or fresh cherries, pitted • 150g natural yogurt • 1 large banana, sliced • ½ tsp vanilla extract

STEP 3 Add the spinach and peas to the roasting tray. Return to the oven for 2-3 mins until the spinach has begun to wilt and the peas are hot and covered in the mustardy sauce.

Prep: 10 mins Serves: 2-4 Try using frozen cherries for ease to make this vibrant smoothie. Serve on its own or with brunch. Kids will love it, too.

Method STEP 1 Tip all the ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth. Adjust the thickness to your liking with 50-100ml cold water. Serve in four glasses or chill for up to 24 hrs, giving a good stir before serving.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

movies that you can stream this weekend 1. The Da Vinci Code

Dan Brown’s book gained the attention of every bibliophile and became the talk of the town for the content. It even faced a ban in several countries for historical inaccuracies and hurting religious sentiments. Hence, it was no surprise that the movie headlined by veteran actor Tom Hanks faced a similar fate. The plot is quite simple – Professor Robert Langdon (Hanks), a symbologist, becomes the prime suspect in the bizarre murder of a museum curator. Helping him prove his innocence and find the killer is Sophie Neveu, a police cryptologist.

Streaming on Netflix and YouTube.

If you’re looking for series similar to Jack Ryan

2. Fifty Shades Of Grey

E L James’ eponymous trilogy brought erotic literature back into the mainstream. The books had everyone fawning, swooning, and getting excited over titillating scenes. Hence, eyes were all on the movie, with fans hoping to see words being visually translated on screen. And, translate it did, in the form of Jamie Dornan and Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as Anatasia Steele. The story centres on Anatasia who gets into a sadomasochistic relationship with the young billionaire Grey. The two later fall in love and get married. The highlight of the movie, of course, was no-holdsbarred intimate scenes that received flak from certain sections of society.

Streaming on Netflix.

3. Zoolander Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan just returned to Amazon Prime Video for its fourth and final season. If you’ve already watched the premiere episodes and can’t wait for more action-packed spy thrillers, here are some shows like Jack Ryan to hold you over.

If you like conspiracy thrillers: ‘The Terminal List’ There’s no show on TV more like Jack Ryan than The Terminal List. You get the feeling Amazon looked at Jack Ryan’s viewer data

and said, “Let’s make another show just like that.” Chris Pratt — an NBC sitcom actor from the 2000s (Parks and Recreation) who transitioned into action roles, just like Jack Ryan star John Krasinski (The Office) — stars as James Reece, a Navy SEAL commander who goes on a mission to find and terminate the people who betrayed him after his platoon and his family are killed. It’s a conspiracy thriller based on a dad-friendly series of novels.

‘Homeland’ If you love Jack Ryan and haven’t seen Homeland, you need to fix that quick. The Showtime espionage drama ran for seven seasons, following Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a CIA agent with bipolar disorder, as she carried out missions all over the world. Some seasons are better than others, but at its best, Homeland is an even better geopolitical thriller than Jack Ryan, especially its Outstanding Drama Series Emmy- winning first season.

On Netflix.

In a very similar vein as Covert Affairs — the shows even share an executive producer in Bourne Identity director Doug Liman — The Recruit on Netflix is a spy action thriller with a lighter tone than Jack Ryan but starts with a similar premise.

Noah Centineo stars as a newbie CIA lawyer who gets caught up in a high-level conspiracy that forces him out from behind his desk and into a dangerous world of international espionage.

Hijack plane isn’t real ... but still ...

A seven-hour flight with Idris Elba [pictured] sounds like the beginnings of a rom-com (or a dream we once had), but Apple TV’s Hijack goes a very different route. Shortly after takeoff, a flight from Dubai to London is taken over by a mysterious group for unexplained reasons.

No ransom is demanded, no motive offered.

Just a plane full of passengers sitting in terror as things go increasingly awry.

But before a plane can be hijacked, it must be built.

And creating a 3D set where every inch was camera ready turned out to be a tall order for production designer An-

drew Purcell.

“Rarely do you have seven hours of story to tell on a plane,” Purcell told IndieWire. “So as a consequence, you can’t avoid looking at everything, and everything needs to look authentic, and everything needs to look believable. You’re keeping that suspension of disbelief for seven hours.”

Filmed over the course of 70 days, Hijack is a mesmerising (and somewhat claustrophobic) recreation of a flight from hell.

Each episode drops every Wednesday. There are already three episodes ready to stream on Apple TV.

Though the movie is a cult classic.

Starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson in lead roles, the plot centres around Derek Zoolander (Stiller), a model, who receives an offer from a fashion mogul Jacobim Mugatu to walk the ramp for him. The offer alters Zoolander’s life when he gets manipulated into assassinating the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The satire received a favourable response but faced backlash in Malaysia.

On Amazon Plus and YouTube.

4.The Simpsons Movie

The movie centres on Homer, who pollutes the city’s lake and sets out to atone for his mistake by taking responsibility to clean it. The plot is quite simple but serves a valuable lesson in environmental care. The reason why the movie faced a ban might seem a little silly, but it’s not so for the country that called for it. Myanmar banned it because of the extreme use of the colours yellow and red which are banned in the country and not for the brief nude scene. On Sisney+ and YouTube.

5. Amu

Konkona Sen Sharma stars as Kajori Roy/ Amu, an NRI returning home to meet her relatives in India. Her stay and a chance visit to a slum trigger nightmares of her troubled childhood, opening doors to shocking secrets.

Helping her to get to the root of the problem is Kabir, a college student.

It alters her life forever and raises questions over her identity, which connects their families to one of the devastating tragedies – the killings of thousands of Sikhs following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The movie ends with the beginning of the Gujarat Riots.

On Amazon Prime and YouTube.

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Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Advertisement Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

European Showjumping Championships July is a busy month with The European Championships taking place in a variety of Equestrian disciplines, and there is plenty of Kilkenny involvement in the various competitions in the coming weeks competing for Ireland.

Starting on Monday 10th July and running all week till Sunday 16th July, The European Championships take place in Gorla Minore in Italy with competitions taking place in Juniors, Young Riders and Children on Horses, and there is plenty of Kilkenny interest involved.

The Brennans from Gowran, Brothers Eoin and Timmy along with their Cousin James will compete for Ireland in The Junior competition, Alice Moloney will compete in The Children on Horses, while Seamus Hughes Kennedy will compete in The Young Riders Section.

The Brennans had success on the continent recently when

they were part of The Ireland Team that won The Nations Cup in Hagen, Germany, so they will go into next weeks European Championships confident of a good showing.

Eoin will be on board Eskola M, his brother Timmy will be riding Diadoma Della Caccia, while their cousin James will ride MHS I'm The One. Eoin, Timmy and James have experience of winning European Championships having tasted success last year in Poland in both The Team and Individual competitions.

The trio were part of The Irish Team that won The Gold Medal in The Pony Competitions, while James aboard MHS Glow won The Silver Medal in The Individual competition that was won

by James Derwin from Westmeath with Eoin finishing 5th.

The Irish dominated that Individual competition last year as they filled four of the

first five position, including the 1-2-3.

Eoin Brennan has been excelling also against Adult riders having won Grand Prix's and other competitions around the country over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, James Brennan recently had a major win when partnering MHS Jersey Girl to victory and a double clear round in The Grand Prix in Wexford with Timmy finishing third with James also winning

that same Grand Prix in Wexford last year.

Eoin, Timmy and James have already won in Gorla Minore this year having claimed The Nations Cup in April.

Alice Moloney is also from a strong Equestrian background with her family centrally involved.

She will partner either Casima or Castlefield Lass in The Children on Horses competition, while her Sister Emily will ride Lady

Crown in The European Pony Championship in Le Mans France towards the end of this month (24th - 30th July).

Both Alice and Emily are Daughters of well known Showjumper Eddie Moloney and niece to Richie Moloney who has been based Stateside.

Meanwhile, Seamus Hughes Kennedy will represent Ireland in The Young Riders competition where his mount will be ESI Rocky or Castlefield Hero.

Seamus is a rising star who has acheived success Worldwide with a particular highlight coming in 2019, when he became World Champion aboard Cuffesgrange Cavadora at The World Breeding Championships in Belgium in 2019.

The 20-year-old confirmed his ever growing reputation with victory recently in The Grand Prix at The Balmoral Show aboard ESI Ali who is

owned by his Mum Clare.

Clare is a Sister of International Showjumper Marion Hughes, while Seamus is a first cousin of former Grand National winning jockey David Mullins.

The Irish Teams for next weeks European Championships are managed

by James Kernan who enjoyed plenty of success as a rider especially in the late 70s, when along with Captain Con Power, Eddie Macken and the late Paul Darragh, he was part of the great Ireland Team that won a hat-trick of consecutive Aga Khans from 1977-1979.

In a hugely busy month of Equestrian action, Kilkenny will also be represented

by Abbie Oakley aboard Boutade Ste Hermelle in The Pony Championships, while Castlecomer native AnneMarie Dunphy is manager of The Ireland Team for The Dressage competitions in Le Mans.

Wishing all The competitors and everyone The very best in an action packed month of European Equestrian Championships.

Kilkenny City and County Bridge results

Tuesday am - 27th June 1st….. Mairead Murphy & Marie Drea 2nd…. Liam & Brigid Holohan

Wednesday pm - 28th June 1st…... Peter Ryan & Pat Hickey 2nd…. Brian Keane & Linda Darlington 3rd…..Eileen Brennan & Margaret Barron

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Community & GAA Notes

CLUB LOTTO Lotto Results 27th June. Numbers drawn. 2, 13, 15. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to. Phil Shore. Jimmy Dunne. David Mulrooney.

Statia O Carroll. Mark Galvin SUPPORTERS CLUB Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club. For anyone wishing to join or pay their membership renewal please contact Martin Nolan of Clara at 086-2343254. Thanks for the support.

PILTOWN PREVAIL The Clara minors resumed their campaign after the long break for State Examinations on Thursday 30th June when they welcomed Piltown to Clara. After the prolonged warm spell this was an unusually cool and windy evening and Clara had to face the elements in the first half. Barely 10 minutes had passed and they found themselves 1-7 to 0-1 behind and struggling to contain the opposition. Piltown were slick and with such a strong wind behind them the Clara defence were under extreme pressure. The game was over by halftime when Piltown led 3-11 to 0-4. Conor Hoyne with 0-3 and Philip Carrigan had notched the Clara scores.

With the elements at their backs, Clara scored the first 5 points of the second half, 4 by Conor Hoyne and one from halftime substitute Orí Phelan. However they needed a few goals to really ignite their challenge but luck was just not on their side.

In fact it was Piltown who got three more goals with limited possession. Clara outscored them 0-12 to 3-2 in the second half but that elusive goal just never arrived for them. Even the last score of the game was a pointed Clara penalty that flashed over the bar off the stick of David Barcoe. That goal was just not coming on this evening. 6-13 to 0-16 was how it finished.

Team - Lukas Healy, John Bergin, Tommy Delaney, Tom Murphy. Alex Firbank, Hugh Kelly, Philip Carrigan 0-2. Padraic Meany, Davy Barcoe 0-1f. Dillon Cummins, Conor Hoyne 0-12, 0-9f, Eoin Corr. Bill Kealy, Luke Lawlor, Joe Power. Subs used Orí Phelan 0-1, Conor Galvin.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of club lotto (June 27th). Numbers drawn 4, 1,12, 20 Bonus 26 Play again at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. Dolores Walsh c/o Esther Maher. 2.

Margaret O’Connor c/o Kevin Cleere 3. Ann O’Driscoll c/o Dan O’Driscoll. 4. Molly Cloney c/o Ml Nolan. 5. Aiden O’Dwyer c/o Ann Cullen. 6. Esther/ Lorraine Maher.7. Ken O’Halloran c/o Ml O’Halloran. 8. Linda O’Leary c/o Online. 9. Michael Henebry c/o Online. 10. Frank Keane c/o Nigel Leydon Thank you for your continued support GREG KELLY GETS REWARD Congratulations to Greg Kelly who has been named on the Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Team of The Year for 2023. Great reward for Greg’s performances with Official Kilkenny GAA this year. Lovely Hurling BIG WEEKEND FOR KILKENNY TEAMS It’s a huge weekend for our top club players involved with Kilkenny teams this weekend. Mikey, Huw, Paddy and Conor will be looking to get another All-Ireland when they take on Clare in the semi-final this Sunday. Good luck to them and fellow clubmen Mickey Comerford and Tadhg Crowley on the backroom team with Kilkenny Senior Hurlers.

Also on Sunday Kilkenny Senior Camogie team take on Cork in the All-Ireland Quarter Final and we wish Laura Murphy, Laura Greene and Danielle Quigley every success with that.

On the same day Kilkenny Camogie u16s are also competing to advance to the All-Ireland semi-final if the negotiate a win over Galway. Included in that team are club players, Ena Lawlor and Síofra O’Leary.

We wish all our players every success this weekend and

U10s O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club on Tour

commend them on their continued successes with Kilkenny teams. Lovely hurling ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL BUS €20 per seat. Payment confirms booking. Leaves O’Loughlin Gaels Carpark at 9:30am.

Contact Stephen at 086 1993711 Hon the cats !!

David and Gill Condon with winner Uppertown

U10S O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CAMOGIE CLUB ON TOUR Our young juvenile camogie players and mentors headed away on Saturday morning to play games v Ballyhale and Slieverue before heading to Dunmore for some downtime and refreshing activities. The games were both high temp cracking encounters with the skill levels shown at the upper end of the scale, testimony to the great work being done by a dedicated team of mentors. After devouring the packed lunch it was away to Dunmore where the team had fun at the Wipit and making memories with their teammates that they’ll have forever. A bit of pizza for good measure and it was back home for a well-earned rest. Not for long with this bunch though as they’ll be back loving their hurling on the training field again.

Well done all involved - lovely hurling.

Sponsors: MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.

WEDDING BELLS Congratulations to Jamie Burke, Woodview and Vanessa Stuart who were married recently in St.Lachtains Church, Freshford. The ceremony was performed by Monsignor K. Kennedy PP Freshford. The bride was attended by Lacey Deere Brennan, Katie Harmon, Kim Ryan and Shauna Cody.

Bestman was George Basssett and groomsmen were James Kenny, Aaron Maher and Liam Hickey. Offertory gifts were presented by Mariah Pearson Stuart and Margaret Burke (mothers of bride and groom). Readings were done by Valerie Grant and Sharon Burke and prayers were done by Ben Tallis, Declan Kelly, Dorian Grant and Jennifer Ward. Music was by group” Dream a Lot”. A reception was held in Hotel Kilkenny.

Jamie was an ardent member of Freshford Town soccer teams since his schoolboy days.

The happy couple are wished all the best in their newly married life together.

Congratulations also go out to Deirdre Byrne, Barna, Freshford and David O’Reilly of Gathabawn who were married recently at a ceremony in Newpark Hotel followed by reception with a party the following week for all their friends in Langton’s Set Theatre. The couple are both very talented singers and musicians and are wished all the very best in their married life together.

WINNERS AGAIN Well done to locals David and Gill Condon of Bohergloss, Freshford who had another great day out last weekend at Adamstown show when their shearling ram Uppertown won the Ram class. Also their ram lambs came first and third in a very strong class and they came first in the best pair of pedigree lambs also. Uppertown then went on to win overall charollais champion while Gill Vale was tapped reserve champion.

U13 WINNERS Congratulations to St.Lachtains National school U13 who won the Corn Ui Bhrian final last week on a scoreline of 3-07 to 1-04. Well done to Mr.Flood and all the management on their great win.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Deevy family of Jenkinstown and the Butler families, Cooleshall on the death last weekend of Michael Deevy. Funeral mass took place on Monday last in Conahy church followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Sympathy is also extended to the Brennan family of Kilkenny Street on the death of their brother in law Terry Breagan which occurred in Buckinghamshire, UK recently. Funeral took place in UK.

PLAYGROUND Freshford Playground is now fully open and kids seem to be enjoying it. The long awaited playground which is situate at Kilkenny Road is now up and running and is a great facility to the children and families in the village and surrounds. Much credit is due to the hard working committee who have worked so hard over the past few years to achieve this.

DEATH The death occurred last week of Eileen Murtagh (nee Walsh) late of Naas, Co. Kildare and Troyscourt, Kilkenny. She was a member of the Walsh family from Threecastles and the family were well known in the area. Funeral mass took place in St.Canice’s Church, Kilkenny followed by burial in Tulla Cemetery. She is mourned by her sons, daughter, sisters, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

SUMMER CAMP Freshfords longest annual summer camp will be held again this year from the 31st July to 4th August at the GAA Grounds.

This camp has been organised and run for the past two decades almost by local man JJ Grace and his aids. For bookings or more information please contact JJ on 086 8629666 GAA St Lachtains Junior hurlers travelled to Windgap on Tuesday evening of last week to face off in the semi final of the All County League A close game throughout saw the local lads come out on the wrong side of a final score of 0-17 to 0-16 beaten by the narrowest of marginsTeam:J Burke, H.Burke, S.Rafter, C.Bergin, B.Kennedy, B.quinn, C.Donnelly, A Rafter, L.Hickey, P.White, D.Maher, P Campion, S.Donnelly, C.Dawson, A Rafter POC FADA Congratulations to local girl Michelle Killeen who won the U16 Poc Fada recently. She now goes forward to represent Kilkenny in Leinster.

GRANTS Cllr. Ml McCarthy was delighted to welcome funding of 10,000 for the Loop walk in Freshford recently for the replacement and relocation of existing map board stand and also for the installation of three age friendly benches He also welcomed €10,000 to the Gathabawn walk for resurfacing. The money was allocated under the 2023 walks scheme development fund Funding was announced recently for the lighting of the proposed new walkway project in St.Lachtains GAA Club. The money has been allocated under the Committee Recognition fund and will be of great benefit to the community and surrounding Cllr Michael McCarthy revealed.

LOOP CAFE Loop Café is proving very popular indeed. The Cafe is now open on Sundays from 11am to 4pm and is open each week from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. Serving some beautiful snacks and food from homemade scones, homemade soup and brown bread and lovely salads. They have added some new delicious items to their menu. They served beautiful iced coffee also during the hot spell recently.

This is a great addition to the village so why not call in and support the local business and see for yourself, meet a friend for a cuppa and a chat at a reasonable price. Or just sit back and enjoy reading your Kilkenny Observer which is available free in the café...

NUENNA ATHLETICS CLUB HAVE LAUNCHED FIT4LIFE IN THE FRESHFORD AREA All abilities are welcome, from walkers wanting company, to runners training for marathons and everyone in between. Very experienced leaders are leading a program established by

Athletics Ireland that caters for all experience and abilities.

We meet each Tuesday morning and Wednesday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimh on 087 4175550 TIDY TOWNS The Tidy Towns group are out again doing Trojan work and can be seen every Wednesday evening out around the village and surrounds. If you have an hour or two to spare or would like to help out please come along any Wednesday evening to the Village Green when they meet up IONAD LACHTAIN HERITAGE CENTRE Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30.pm Gifts on sale to suit every occasion.

FITNESS SESSION Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinsons; Alzheimers or other neurological condition? If so maybe you are keen to get some level of fitness back or work on you balance or upper body strength? If so, these classes are just what you need. Classes take place each Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon - sessions cost just €10 each and are facilitated by a boxing coach. They will also give you the chance to socialise and meet other people.

For more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253 PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

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

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed.

For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival takes place in Gowran Park on Sunday 9th from 1pm to 7pm.

GOWRAN PARISH Congratulations to Canon Pat Dalton from Gowran Pastoral and Finance Committee on receiving the Bene Merente Medal for his work as Diocesan secretary for School Boards of Management for 32 years.

SENIORS DRAW WITH TIPP The Kilkenny Seniors with Steffi and Tiffanie Fitzgerald drew 1-11 to 2-8 with Tipperary in their final Group game in Nowlan Park on Saturday Evening. Kilkenny have done enough to qualify for the knock-out stages.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING Young Irelands Gowran host Bennettsbridge in their penultimate League match in Gowran tonight at 7.30pm. Both Teams need a win to keep their League prospects alive.

U-15 HURLING Young Irelands U-15s lost 11-9 to 5-12 to James Stephens last week in their first game since the exam break.

U-13 HURLING Young Irelands U-13s received a walkover off Piltown last Friday night, while The Young Irelands U-13 13-a-side Team played out a 0-12 to 3-3 draw against Rower-Inistioge on Saturday Morning.

YOUNG IRELANDS CAMOGIE The Young Irelands U-14 A Camogie Team won their opening game of The Championship as they defeated Carrickshock in Hugginstown 2-12 to 2-10 in a thriller.

However, The Young Irelands U-14 B Team lost 5-4 to 2-3 against Mooncoin.

YOUNG IRELANDS 2023 GOLF CLASSIC The Young Irelands Golf Classic that took place recently in Gowran Park was a wonderful success with the results as follows.

First Prize with a score of 98 was Dylan Doyle, Dylan Carey, Michael McHugh and Christy Delaney.

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 7 July 2023

Community & GAA Notes Second Prize with a score of 97 was Tony O’Driscoll, Kevin O’Driscoll, Michael Foley and John Shiel.

Third Prize with a score of 94 was Dick Walsh, Peter Walsh, Michael Connolly and Declan Dowling Fourth Prize with a score of 93 was Keelin Walsh, Beibhinn Walsh, Jim Walsh and Joe Forristal Fifth Prize with a score of 91 was Mick McKillen, Mick O’Sullivan, Cathal Darcy and Myles Kehoe.

Longest Drive Man was Peter Walsh, Longest Drive Ladies was Mary McEvoy, while The Nearest to the pin that came on Hole 9 was won by Liam Walsh of Castlecomer.

PILTOWN CO-OP DRAW Congratulations to Aine Power who won €200 recently at The Piltown Co-Op Draw.

BENNETTSBRIDGE CHURCH NEWS Congratulations to Fr Pat Dalton who was presented with the Bene Merenti Medal by Bishop Niall Coll in the parish church, Gowran on Friday night. Family, parishioners, colleagues from Diocesan Primary Education group and friends gathered in support of their pastor.

It was a lovely ceremony and one befitting a true priest of the people. Organised by Gowran Pastoral Council, all sections of parish life were included in the readings, Prayers of Faithful and Offertory Procession.

Bishop Niall thanked Fr Dalton for his unique service to the diocese as Diocesan Education Secretary (Primary) for 32 years, 1989/2021. Singers and musicans from Dungarvan and Gowran churches sang during the mass. Refreshments were served in Gowran Parish Hall after the mass.

SPECIAL THANKS On Sunday at mass, Fr Pat Duggan thanked those responsible for re-doing the upholstery on the church kneelers. This was a voluntary effort requiring much skill, time and commitment.

MASS TIMES Weekly mass times Wednesday 10.30am. Friday 10.30am FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY SISTERS The sisters will be speaking in Tullaherin and Bennettsbridge on 22nd and 23rd July respectively. A collection will be taken up outside the church inviting donations for the work of the sisters abroad.

GRAVEYARD MASSES 2023 Graveyard mass in Tullaherin for 2023 will be celebrated on

Saturday, 29th July at 8pm.

Bennettsbridge Cemetery Mass will take place on Sunday morning, 30th July at 10.30am.

THOMASTOWN GRAVEYARD MASS Graveyard Mass for 2023 in St Mary’s graveyard, Thomastown, will be held on Friday, 4th August at 8pm.

BOBBY MAHER RIP Sympathy is also extended to the family of, Robert (Bobby) Maher, Smithstown, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and formerly of Sugarstown, Dungarvan, Co. Kilkenny.

He died in Archersrath Nursing Home. Predeceased by his parents, John and Mary and brother Paddy. Bobby will be sadly missed by his loving wife Sheila, brothers Jimmy, Willie, Tim, Tony Byrne and Mikey Wall, sister Maisie Waters, sons Brendan, Robert, Kevin and Vincent, daughters in law, Bernie, Gabrielle, Maria and Valerie, grandchildren Luke, Shane, Jessie, Keeley, Edie, Jimmy, Aoife and Lily Peg, nieces and nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption Thomastown followed by burial in St Mary’s New Cemetery.

Bobby represented Bennettsbridge GAA club at Junior and Senior level in the late fifties and early sixties. He was a part of the 20 Golden Years Celebration in 2000.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the family of Liam Murphy, Kilfane,Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, who died at University Hospital Waterford. He spent most of his working life with Kilkenny Machinery and Mahon and Mc Phillips. Predeceased by his wife Anne, daughter Mary and son in law Peter. Sadly missed by his daugh-ters Caroline, Monique, Geraldine, Aine and Helen, son William, his grandchildren Lianna, Cian, Odhran and Dylan, sons in law John and Jarlath, daughter in law Lesley, brother Paddy, sister Mary (Bunny) and his sisters in law in the Murphy and Coogan families, also his extended family and many friends.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Kieran’s Church, followed by burial in the adjoining ceme-tery.

JIM CLERKIN RIP Sympathy goes to the family of Jim Clerkin, 11 Hillview, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, formerly of Ballymartin, Borris, Co. Carlow who died at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

Jim will be sadly missed by his daughter Tina, sons Jason, Gary & David, grandchildren Camer-on, Freya, Violet, Ethan, Cara, Daniel, Emory, Saoirse, Hugh, Caoibhe, Sadbh,

Bennettsbridge Junior B Runners up in Final v James Stephen’s

daughters in law Julee, Sinead & Gretta, son in law Nigel, many close friends, neighbours and extended family.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Borris, Co. Carlow, followed by buri-al in Saint Lazarian’s Church, Ballinkillen.

LOTTO 26th June. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 13, 15, 17, 25.

Consolation Prizes, C. M and P Dunne, Ballyreddin, Kieran Power, c/o O’Mahony’s, Tom Leacy, Ban-nettsbridge, Suzie, c/o Fr Duggan, Anne Beck, Kilfane.

CARDS Results 29th June. First Prize shared, Frank O’Neill/Michael Phelan and Vinnie Horgan/Andrew Barcoe. Table Prize, Robbie O’Carroll/Tom Drennan ART Art continues each Monday in preparation for the Exhibition during Kilkenny Arts Week.

GAA All Ireland Semi-Final. Best wishes to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny team in Croke Park against Clare next Sunday.

Club Games. The seniors played some great hurling to reach the final of the Kilmacud All Ireland sevens competition.

However a strong Gort team from Galway won the title. The junior B team lost out to James Stephens in the league final.

FIELD DAY The 2023 Field Day takes place on August 20th this year.

SPLIT THE POT Well done to Emma Power who won 154 euro, Brendan Walpole who won 30 euro and Noel Skehan who won 20 euro.

Pilgrimage to Knock from Johnstown on Thursday August 3rd.

Fare for coach €25 to be paid before July 15th. A stop on the way at Central Hotel, Moate, tea and scones €5.25, two course dinner and tea on return journey at Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, €30. Information from Margaret at 0568831217.

HERITAGE GROUP A proposed trip to Johnstown Castle is now not taking place due to insufficient numbers.

FESTIVAL Johnstown was alive with music, food, sport, dogs of all shapes and sizes and excited screams in the sports field recently at the Field Festival. In spite of a couple of heavy showers everyone enjoyed themselves and the music with Mick and Tracey DJs and local band Sweet Freedom fill the air well into the evening. Another great community event!

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 7,19,22,27. Five match fives Eamon Cuggy, Joe Reid, Kelly Webster, Jim Quinlan, Michael Carroll.

CONAHY

FAMILY FUN DAY Will be held on August 20th. Lines for the raffle are being sold at the Centre and in shops around the town at €2 per line.

Prizes: 1 Smart TV; 2 Samsung Tablet; 3 Food Hamper and lots more.

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

General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance & Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available.

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

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

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

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

Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.

SET DANCING Has finished for the Summer months. Dancing will resume in October.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot is Ger Joyce, who will receive a whopping €1,041. Congrats Ger! Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week again going to Emeralds Camogie Club, thanks to everyone for their support.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com.

If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

FUNDRAISING CABARET On November 18th last, a local young girl, Aoife Cahill, suffered Life changing injuries following a tragic road accident. A cabaret, with music by Eoghan Bergin, will be held in Conahy Shamrocks GAA Clubhouse on Friday July 14th, which will allow the local community the opportunity to give support to Aoife as she continues on her road of recovery and rehabilitation. This will be a no ticket event. Donations on the door or to any committee member. An online fundraising page will also be set up in the coming days where those who might like to donate but cannot attend the cabaret may provide a donation. Information on this online fundraising page will be publicised locally in the coming days once it is set up and running.

HURLING The minor hurlers scored a fine win over Slieverue in the Kilkenny Honda Centre Roinn C League in Jenkinstown on Friday night last. Conahy showed good teamwork throughout to score some excellent goals and points and were comprehensive winners in the end. They will now await the start of the championship in a few weeks time.

TEAM: Tommy Mulhall, Killian Lacey, Conor Hennessy, Tadhg Hennessy, John Kennedy, Darragh Horgan, Andrew O’Connor, Ben Duggan, Joe Boland, Evan Staunton, Eoin Dunne, Jake Dooley, Daniel Mooney, David Ring, Adam Morrissey, Billy Rowe, Camryn Kenehan, Neil Webster, Rory Rhatigan.

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

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 11, 29 and 30. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Anne Marie Tierney, Matty Brennan, Pa and Carmel Maher, Patrick (Jnr) Foley and Teresa McEntee.

The promoters’ prize winners were Kay Phelan, Helen Cahill and Nora Delaney. This week’s jackpot now increases to €4,000.

JOHNSTOWN

Bennettsbridge 7s who played in the Kilmacud All Ireland 7s

CHURCH NEWS June offerings are now due.

Cemetery Masses. Galmoy Friday 7th, Crosspatrick Sunday 9th, Johnstown Tuesday 11th. Galmoy and Johnstown 7.30pm and Crosspatrick 9am.

Months mind Mass for the Late Fr. Frank Maher will be celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church on Sunday July 16th at 12 noon.

MR. JIMMY TOBIN RIP.(Main Street, Johnstown) .

Jimmy died peacefully at his daughter Margaret’s residence Renaghmore, Grange. Predeceased by his beloved wife Josie, parents Joseph and Nora, brothers and sisters, he will be greatly missed by his loving family Mary, Siobhan , James and Margaret, sons in law Brian, Saoirse and Stephen, daughter in law Julia, grandchildren Mark, Owen, Alannah, Farrah, Ross, Cori, Beibhinn, Fionnan, Ollie and Joanne, sister Nora, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relations and many friends. Jimmy was laid to rest in Johnstown Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. Kieran’s Church.

Fenians hurling club offered a vote of sympathy to the Tobin Family on the death of Jimmy , a long time ardent Fenian supporter. As a mark of respect they formed a Guard of Honour from the Square to the Church on the last part of Jimmy’s journey home.

KNOCK

URLINGFORD EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO June 26th prize fund was: €13,500. Jackpot: €11,500.

Numbers drawn: 6, 15, 16, 19, bonus no 21. No winner and no match 3 winner. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Tommy Neary, M. Quinlan, D. Moriarty (BHLM), Kathleen Broderick, Kerry Burke.

Promoters prize: Rita O’Dwyer.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

GORTTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 11am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 11am to 1pm CEMETARY MASSES Following discussions with the priests in the combination group of parishes, it was decided that the cemetery masses for 2023 will take place in the churches at the weekend masses over the summer. 15th July at 6pm in Glengoole for Glengoole and Ballinalacken cemetery, 23rd July at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Aglish cemetery, 30th July at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Fennor cemetery, 6th August at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Good Shepherd cemetery and 13th August at 10.30am in Gortnahoe for Boulick cemetery.

CHURCH COLLLECTION The Priest collection was taken up last weekend and a sincere thanks to everyone who supported the collection. It can also be handed in this weekend. The envelope is included in the box of envelopes. The Parish council would like to thank parishioners for their weekly envelope collection for the support of each church.

CASHEL AND EMLY PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK The annual pilgrimage to Knock will take place on the 6th August led by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly. Anyone that requires further information please contact the parish council.

CASHEL AND EMLY PILGRIMAGE LOUGH DERG The pilgrimage will take place from Monday 24th to Wednesday 26th July. For information and bookings please contact Bridget O’Dea at 086 6792754.

GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP Check out and follow ‘Glengoole’ on Facebook and Instagram.

A meeting of the group will take place this Wednesday night the 5th July at 7.30pm in Glengoole Hall.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Community & GAA Notes TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday night at 7.00pm with doors opening from 6.00pm and will continue each Saturday night at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We look forward to the many visitors and family members home with their family, it will be a great nights entertainment for all.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner, Joanna Bambrick, who won €203 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of July will be in support of the Gortnahoe Mast. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated TIMOTHY DONOVAN RIP The death has occurred of Timothy Donovan, Grange, Barna, Thurles Co. Tipperary, formerly Peafield, Cloneen. Deeply regretted by his sisters, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Timothy reposed in Brett’s Funeral Home last Saturday evening. Requiem Mass took place last Sunday in The Church of the Nativity, Cloneen, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May Timothy rest in peace.

Newly formed Nuenna Athletics Club in Freshford and surrounding areas attended their first County B Championships

in Thomastown on Wednesday evening June28th. Contesting against other Athletics Clubs in the county, the young boys and girls did Nuenna Club proud in winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the different events throughout the evening.

Congratulations to all who participated and to mentors involved. A very successful evening for the club in running, turbo javelin, shot put and long jump.

Continued work and success to everyone in the Club.

MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish. Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and 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. Home Visitation with Holy Communion will take place as usual on Friday. Please let us know if you would like to receive Holy Communion in your home on First Fridays or at any other time..

CEMETERY MASS Mass will be celebrated in Stoneyford Cemetery on next Friday 7th. July at 8.00p.m. Mass will be transferred to the Church if weather is not suitable.

PRAY FOR Maureen Landers, Stoneyford. Michael Reville, Croan ANNIVERSARY MASSES Miriam Brennan, Lawcus. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 8th. July at 6.30p.m.

Tom Butler, Boolyglass. Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 8th. July at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time). Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m Deirdre Rohan. Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Carroll.

Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Trisha Barron.

Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr.

JUNE COLLECTION The “June Collection 2023” for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese will be taken up during the months of June/July. Envelopes for this collection are available at the back of the Church. Many thanks to those who have already contributed.

CEMETERY MASSES Mass in Sheepstown Cemetery on Friday 21st. July at 8.00p.m.

Mass in Stonecarthy Cemetery on Friday 4th. August at 8.00p.m.

FRANCISCAN NISSIONARIES OF MARY Sr. Mary Shanahan of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary would like to extend her sincere gratitude to all for the warm hospitality extended to her last weekend 24th. and 25th.

June.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 26th. June 2023 Numbers: 23; 13; 03; 24. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00. Winners. ‘L. P. J’ c/o James Irish, Paddy Hudson, Aghaviller, Daniel Doyle, c/o James Irish, ‘L. P. J’ c/o James Irish, Pat Duggan, Boolyglass.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers). Ann Power, Deirdre Rohan, Tom Cassin.

CARRICKSHOCK GAA CLUB The Club would like to thank everyone who purchased Tickets for the Piltown Draw.

Thanks also to all those who supported our Golf Classic in Callan recently. Your support is always very much appreciated.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Members of the Society will join locals and others, on July 9th. for the annual climb of Tory Hill on Fraochan Sunday.

This ancient tradition pre-dates Christianity and is associated with the ancient festival of Lughanasa. Michael Fortune of Folklore.ie will give a talk at the summit of the hill, on the traditions associated with Fraochan Sunday at 2.00p.m.

Climbing/walking to the summit takes, on average, one hour.

The society would like to thank Kilkenny County Council for financial assistance received for this event, under the Community Events Grants Scheme 2023.

Group of triumphant athletes

Double winner for Nuenna AC

Happy to display her Medal

Proud winner For Nuenna AC

Nuenna Athletics Club who attended their first CountyB Championships in Thomastown

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

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Hurlng matters - Preview

Sport

Huw Lawlor will look to guard the square

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

SHERRY SAYS SEMI PREVIEW...

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final, Croke Park, Sunday, 4pm Kilkenny vs Clare This should be a cracker. Kilkenny and Clare rock up to Croke Park tomorrow knowing that a place in the All-Ireland hurling final is at stake, and both sides will feel that they want a final shot at getting their hands on the ‘big one’, Liam McCarthy. For Kilkenny, 2015 seems an eternity ago while The Banner has to look back two further years for their last championship title.

Sunday sees a repeat of last year’s last four encounter when Brian Cody’s Cats emerged 12-point winners. We wouldn’t say no to a similar outcome this weekend, but I have a feeling that the winning margin for either side won’t be as big this time round.

Brian Lohan’s side were on the road more recently than Sunday’s opponents as they narrowly missed out on a Munster title, going down, controversially to the Limerick machine by the smallest of margins.

For me, Galway whistler Liam Gordon should have awarded Clare a free, right at the death, but the long whistle sounded instead.

Having said that, Clare left an awful lot of scores behind them that day, and truth be told, should have been clear of John Kiely’s side long before the final whistle.

Losing that provincial decider saw The Banner face-off against Dublin two weeks ago, and they had far too much in the locker for the men from The Capital, running out winners by some 18-points. Clare won three and lost one of their four Munster games this year, defeat coming in their last group game to Tipp. The Banner have hit 14 goals in their 6 championship games to date and will no doubt look to test the Kilkenny rearguard and netminder Eoin Murphy on Sunday.

When you talk about Clare, you must start with Tony Kelly. The Ballyea clubman is to Clare what TJ Reid is to Kilkenny, a leader, a talisman, a warrior and a legend. In this year’s championship Kelly has been in fine form again, notching 5-32 to date and no defender will want to be given the job of limiting the talented forward’s influence on proceedings, unless you are Mikey Butler. The O’Loughlin’s man was outstanding man-marking form this time last year, keeping the irrepressible Kelly scoreless from play in a statement performance that went a long way to Butler being named Young Hurler of the Year and the recipient of a coveted AllStar award. The Cats need Mikey

Cats look to purr and beat The Banner!

Final berth awaits for winners purring, in top form to repeat his heroics of 12 months ago.

Keeping Tony Kelly company in the scoring stakes for The Banner this season has been Aidan McCarthy.

The Inagh-Kilnamona man has hit 1-27 in the championship, but missed the quarter-final win over Dublin through injury. Brian Lohan will be keen to see McCarthy return to his starting XV, along with the influential John Conlon and Shane O’Donnell who had to be replaced during the game last day out.

Captain Conor Cleary and David McInerney also missed the Dublin

game and the extended break should see them restored to health for Sunday’s semi-final against Kilkenny.

In midfield, David Fitzgerald has been the standout performer for Lohan’s side. The scorer of 0-4 last time out, the Inagh-Kilnamona player will relish the prospect of plying his trade on the Croke Park pitch. Fitzgerald and his normal engine room partner Cathal Malone will look to try and dominate the Cats in the middle third, and in doing so, ensure a supply of quality ball into the likes of Tony Kelly, Mark Rodgers and Shane O’Donnell.

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng and his management team will have been trying to plan for Sunday’s game, with midfield very much to the fore.

The absence of the pivotal Adrian Mullen has been a huge loss for the Cats, and Sunday might come just a little too soon for the Shamrocks Ballyhale man who sustained a rather nasty hand injury in the defeat to Wexford. Whichever duo gets the nod this weekend, will need to be prepared for the battle that lies ahead.

As referenced earlier, TJ Reid is still the main man for Kilkenny despite

the years rolling on at what appears to be a rapid rate. TJ has come back into the inter-county scene after a Spring of rehabilitation and hit the ground running, looking like he’d never been away from duty in the black and amber. The Shamrocks legend has notched a hugely impressive 2-54 in championship this year and his placed-ball accuracy will be a crucial as ever come 4pm on Sunday.

It’s not only TJ’s scoring ability that makes him such an integral part of this Kilkenny side. It’s his selfless ability to do what’s right for the team,

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Hurling matters - Preview Captain Eoin Cody will look to lead his team to victory

Tom Phelan could make an impact on Sunday

regardless of that takes him away from the opposition posts. Look at that crazy passage of play in the Leinster final when the Cats were behind and needed a goal. Who was the player chasing out to the corner of the pitch with 70 minutes already played – TJ. Without his pressure and involvement, who knows if the sliotar ever finds its way to Cillian Buckley for that magical major to be struck?

Even in the absence of Adrian Mullen, the Shamrocks Ballyhale imprint on this team is there for all to see. Captain Eoin Cody, TJ,

Darragh Corcoran, Richie Reid all bring vital elements to this Kilkenny side. The same for the O’Loughlin’s contingent, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler and Paddy Deegan. There aren’t many better full-backs in the modern game than Lawlor. His class was there for all to see in the Leinster final victory over Henry’s Galway.

In the same game, corner-back Butler’s Lung bursting run and calm finish to strike a vital major showed that there’s more to the little tiger’s game than pocketing the game’s best forwards. Paddy Deegan is Kilkenny’s Mr. Versatile. The tough, uncompromising player puts in a serious shift in whichever position he is asked to play in. Deegan’s steel will be required on Sunday, in all areas of the pitch.

Kilkenny’s half-back line has been getting much-deserved praise recently. Two-thirds of that line have been revelations under Derek Lyng.

Bennettsbridge’s David Blanchfield and Shamrocks Darragh Corcoran have breathed new life into the side.

Blanchfield’s fielding ability and allaction style is loved by fans and team mates alike, like Paddy Deegan, Blanchfield rarely takes a step back.

Richie Reid would appear to be the natural No.6 to anchor the two wingbacks mentioned above. The former county captain has been missing due to concussion protocols, but hopefully will be fit for selection this weekend.

We had been expecting to see the return to the black and amber of

Mikey Carey in the provincial final, but illness ruled the Young Ireland’s man out of the Bob O’Keefe decider. His availability will add much-needed quality to the Cats cause this weekend.

Captain Eoin Cody will look to lead the Clare defence a merry dance all over the Croke Park pitch and will look to continue his good recent form for his County. The Shamrocks Ballyhale man has a decent tally of 3-16 to his name and will hope to add a few more to this total on Sunday. Mossy Keoghan will hope to overcome his hamstring niggle to take his place in the starting XV. The Sash man nearly guarantees you a goal when he lines out!

Mossy’s replacement in the win over Galway was Walter Walsh and the big Tullogher Rosbercon man showed the hurling world that he still has much to offer, notching 1-2 in an eye-catching display. Wally will be pushing for a start and it will be interesting to see what the management decide is the best fifteen to start against Brian Lohan’s men.

You sense that this game could explode and be a real classic.

Getting to the All-Ireland final is the aim for both these sides. Who the opposition will be on that day is irrelevant at this stage. The planning for Limerick or Galway can start on Monday. Let’s beat The Banner and look forward to another opportunity to be reunited with Liam. Noreside is behind you boys.

Mikey Butler could be asked to look after Tony Kelly

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

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Camogie - Review

Sport

Asha McHardy takes a score

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Glen Dimplex AllIreland Senior Camogie Championship Group 2, Round 3, UPMC Nowlan Park, Saturday July 1st Kilkenny 2-8 Tipperary 1-11 Kilkenny advanced to a quarter-final encounter with old foes Cork after Densie Gaule rescued a point in a titanic struggle with neighbours Tipperary at UPMC Nowlan Park last Saturday. The result means Brian Dowling’s charges finished second to Tipp in the group and will tackle Matthew Twomey’s Rebel’s as part of a double-header with the senior hurlers at headquarters on Sunday.

The Premier County will take on the challenge of Antrim ahead of Henry Shefflin’s Galway’s tussle with Limerick tomorrow.

Last weekend’s draw with Tipp will no doubt have raised more questions than answers in the Kilkenny camp, and management and players alike know that there are no second chances moving forward.

Denise Gaule got the scoreboard moving inside the first couple of minutes of the game from a placed ball, but Tipperary’s response was immediate. After a little bit of a ruck, the ball was played back to midfielder Casey Hennessey who struck a tame effort towards the Cats goal. As the ball trickled along the ground, netminder Aoife Norris attempted to pick the sliotar up, but misjudged it and Roisin Howard nipped into rifle the ball to the Kilkenny net.

Denis Kelly’s team got the next two scores of the game, a pair of free’s from Drom & Inch player Eimear McGrath. The home side found themselves 4 points down after 7 minutes of play, not the start that Brian Dowling would have envisaged or wanted.

As has been the case in many games this season, Densie Gaule is the player that has stepped up and dragged Kilkenny with her as the Stripey women have stuttered along this campaign. The Windgap player sent over a brace of frees to reduce the Tipp lead, but then had a major impact on proceedings.

Mullinavat’s Julieann Malone picked up possession and headed for goal. Her pointed effort was blocked and dropped short in the danger zone. Densie Gaule got the better of her marker and rifled a fierce effort across Tipp netminder Caoimhe Bourke to the back of the net. Kilkenny now led by a point, 1-3 to 1-2.

Midway through the opening half and the next score came from the hurl of full-forward Michaela Kenneally with a fine point from play. Drom & Inch’s Niamh Treacy struck over a nice point for the visitors, before home major

All eyes on Rebels after Tipp draw!

Cork Showdown set for Sunday number 2 arrived.

An effort from Piltown’s Katie Power was dropping short and Tipp keeper Caoimhe Bourke came off her line to tidy things up.

As she went to control the ball, she collapsed to the ground under a little pressure from the alert Aoife Prendergast. Last season’s winning captain collected the ball and struck it into the unguarded net. Kilkenny now led by 4 points.

The Premier County were forced

to replace keeper Bourke following the goal with former All-Star Áine Slattery taking over between the posts.

That goal from Prendergast was to be Kilkenny’s last score of the opening period, as they failed to build on that second major.

Tipperary hit four points before the short whistle sounded, a brace each for Eimear McGrath and Clonoulty Rossmore’s Casey Hennessey to leave the

sides deadlocked at the interval, Kilkenny 2-4, Tipperary 1-7.

The opening score of the second period came from the visitors.

Tipp put huge pressure on the home side as the Noresiders tried to play out of defence. Having turned the ball over, they worked it out to Cait Devane on the left swing and the Clonoulty Rossmore forward split the posts with a classy effort to edge her side ahead.

The next score didn’t arrive until the 13th minute of the second half, and again it was a Tipp score, this time a point from play by centreback Karen Kennedy. Eimear McGrath then sent over another placed ball to push the visitors lead out to 3 points. Kilkenny were struggling and needed something to spark them into life. Dicksboro’s Asha McHardy got the home side up and running in the second half after some 17 minutes of play,

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Camogie - Review Katie Nolan battles hard

Grace Walsh tries to halt Cait Devane

McGrath to nudge Tipp back into the lead.

Defeat was staring Kilkenny in the face, but not on Densie Gaule’s watch. The six-time AllStar stepped up to take a free out on the right after Aoife Doyle was fouled by Mairead Eviston, who had done a great job in tightening up the Tipp defence since entering the fray in the first

half. The Windgap maestro possibly stole a couple of yards to make the angle more favourable and struck the effort from just inside the ‘45 and despite the best efforts of sub keeper Slattery, the sliotar dropped over the bar. The game was tied, the game was over.

Full-time in UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny 2-8, Tipperary 1-11.

>> SHERRY SAYS Q/F PREVIEW...

Niamh Deely makes a pass

that’s a long time in championship camogie.

Dowling’s charges hit the next two scores, thanks to fine efforts from St Martin’s Katie Nolan and the dependable Denise Gaule to level matters with 20 minutes played. Another hiatus followed in terms of scoring and it be the 27th minutes before the Nowlan Park crowd were treated to another score, and it was a placed ball effort from the accurate Eimear

We’ve qualified for the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland. We are still alive and kicking. What we all know is that our ladies are going to have to show massive improvement if they are to get one over old foes Cork on Sunday.

The Rebels haven’t exactly set the world alight this season either, but their manager Matthew Twomey will be seeking revenge for last year’s final defeat to Brian Dowling’s side when they clash as part of a double-header in Croker this weekend. Hopefully having our senior men in action afterwards will mean a big Noreside support will be in headquarters for both games.

So, Cork – what will they bring to the table? Fight, skill and a sense of revenge. Dangerous qualities and ones that we will need to deal with if we are to progress to a semi-final with Galway or Waterford.

Leading from the front for the Leesiders is captain Amy O’Connor.

The St Vincent’s clubwoman is a real class act and will take a bit of watching in Croker. The talented O’Connor is not on her own in the attacking zone for the Rebels. The Cork front 6 are a genuine threat and have the nous and quality to trouble any defence. Former Down star Sorcha McCartan was in goalscoring form last day out in the easy win over the Banner, while the cental attacking spine of Fiona Keating and Katrina Mackey are ably supported by the hardworking Cliona Healy and Killeagh’s Chloe Sigerson on the flanks.

Against Clare, the Rebels had eight different players on the scoresheet with Amy O’Connor top scoring with 1-9. Boss Twomey will hope that Hannah Looney and Orlaith Cahalane will return to the Camogie having been on ‘big ball’ duty last time out. With Libby Coppinger anchoring the defence, the ladies in red will look to Meabh Cahalane, Laura Tracey and experienced campaigner Pamela Mackey to contain the Stripey women’s forward threat. Keeper Amy Lee has been around the scene long enough to know what to expect from Brian Dowling’s side and will hope that her defence contains Gaule & Co on Sunday.

To secure a last four berth in the race for the O’Duffy Cup, we will once again need Densie Gaule and Katie’s Nolan and Power to lead the way. You get the sense in the continued absence of Player of the Year, Miriam Walsh, the management team haven’t quite found a settled attacking unit to put their faith in. Aoife Prendergast, Asha McHardy, Jenny Clifford, Michaela Kenneally and Aoif Doyle have all been given minutes and it will be interesting to see what the front six make-up is come Sunday.

The experience and know-how of Grace Walsh, Claire Phelan and Michelle Teehan will be very much crucial in attempting to quell the Leesiders attack. Netminder Aoife Norris will need to stand firm and giver her side a good attacking platform with her restarts. Let’s hope Sunday is a good one for our County. Here’s to a black and amber double.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

News Motors Classifieds

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023

Planning notices Online

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Catherine O’Brien and Patrick Kickham, intend to apply for Planning Permission for development to a) refurbish and upgrade existing dwelling, b). construct a two-storey extension to side of existing dwelling c) alter and improve existing site entrance, d) install new septic tank and percolation area, e). f) new well and landscaping and all associated site and other works all at Kyle, Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 A259 Robert M. Cummins - Cummins + Voortman Ltd (Architects www.cvltd.ie) The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application.The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Sharon Moore for retention planning permission of extension works to dwelling and all associated works at Garranmachenry, Killamery 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, Patrick Aylward intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a proposed single storey storage shed to the rear of existing dwelling, boundary treatment and all associated site works at Barrettstown, Knocktopher Co. Kilkenny.

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

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

Prayer to St. Expedite I call forth the Power and the presence of St. Expedite in my time of financial trouble.

I offer my body, heart, mind and soul upon your altar of light. I have faith and trust and complete confidence that you will be my strength in this time of need. Quickly come to my assistance.

Bring to me (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)

My financial need is urgent. Be my Light and Guide in this situation so that I may live with peace, love, prosperity and abundance and in the Praise of God. Amen. M.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.M.OB.

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.I.L.

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.S.

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.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.B.T.

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.D.W.

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.F.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 7 July 2023