Kilkenny Observer 8th March 2024

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Friday 8th March 2024

Night Time Economy Begins: the first of a new six-part series  Pat Coughlan PAGE 4

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Kilkenny rent crisis 200 short-term lettings in county; just 11 homes for rental

Green Party MEP for Ireland South, Grace O’Sullivan, has called for EU action to tackle the abuse of short-term letting in Kilkenny, as she revealed that there are approximately 20 times the number of short-term lettings in Kilkenny than homes for long term rental.

Speaking from Strasbourg

as the European Parliament debated new regulations on short-term lettings, O’Sullivan said: “There is a clear need for a more balanced approach between short-term tourism letting and longer-term rentals.

Short-term letting can be good for tourism and the local economy, but this posi-

tive quickly becomes a negative when local workers and families are priced out of the area, or availability dries up.

“We’re not talking about people earning a few extra euro by letting out a room, or a granny-flat on a shortterm basis. We’re not talking about purpose-built tourism accommodation. We’re

talking about full units that would otherwise be family homes being taken off the rental market,” she told The Kilkenny Observer.

“It’s gone too far now. In Kilkenny this week, there were more than 200 shortterm lets available on Airbnb, versus 11 homes available to rent on Daft. This

is not sustainable for the local community or the local economy, and we must empower Local Authorities and National Governments to tackle this imbalance.”

Ms O’Sullivan said she was calling on the European Commission to approve Ireland’s proposed regulation of short-term letting as

Carey ‘fraud’ file sent to DPP

Cheltenham honour for Maureen

A file on the alleged fraudulent activities of former Ireland hockey international Catriona Carey’s company has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

It follows a lengthy investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) into the UK ­company, called Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd. Kilkenny native Carey (46),was arrested as part of this investigation last April and two male former associates were also arrested but subsequently released.

This included her former business partner, convicted fraudster Patrick Maher (56) and a 47-year-old man who was ­arrested last March.

This year’s National Hunt Chase will be run in honour of the late Maureen Mullins on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, Tuesday March 12.

Mullins, who died aged 94 on February 14, was the matriarch of one of the most successful and well-known families in the sport.

A winning rider, owner and breeder in her own right, she was the wife of Paddy, the trainer of the great Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup-winning mare Dawn Run. Pictured are Maureen Mullins and her grandson Patrick in 2021.

Oscars. Cillian and Kilkenny

Full story Page 6

Working carers fear for their job Seven in 10 adult caregivers say it is a challenge to balance work and caring responsibilities, according to a new report.

The report from Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, found the majority of people caring for another adult are also in employment.

About 48% of Irish adults aged 25 to 65 identify as a primary ­carer, with one in four

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

being the ­ primary carer of adults, and 63% of those who are primary carers of adults are employed.

Almost 90% of working carers agree that it can be hard to manage all responsibilities, while almost three-quarters say it is hard to balance work and their caring responsibilities.

Carers identified their personal mental health as ­

soon as possible, and she welcomed the European Parliament approval of Europe-wide rules on shortterm letting transparency to facilitate enforcement of the rules.

Nationally, 18,000 shortterm lets available, with only 2,000 rentals according to one source.

the biggest negative impact of their caring responsibilities, followed by financial pressure.

While a majority of respondents said their employer was aware of their caring responsibilities, 43% were concerned about career progression being slowed.

Other respondents said they were forced to reduce their work hours, left the workforce

or had difficulty balancing responsibilities.

Almost three in 10 have taken unpaid leave, while one in four have taken paid leave and reduced their working hours due to their caring responsibilities.

The report also found that just 17% of working carers were satisfied with the current range of Government supports available to them.

The top suggestions for changes required include financial supports, access to respite and services, better home-care help and policy changes.

“Caring responsibilities are increasingly concerning for our members as staff struggle to balance care with work,” Dr Kara McGann, the head of skills and social policy at Ibec, said.

It’s that time of year again, folks, Oscar Time. And it’s only a matter of time before one arrives here in Kilkenny!

By no means wishful thinking. Let’s start with our own Cartoon Saloon, nominated a phenomenal five times for an award. FIVE TIMES! .

And then there’s Cillian Murphy nominated for this year’s Best Actor Award in the movie Oppenheimer and who we’ll all be rooting for. Cillian won’t mind if we claim him as an honorary Kilkenny man seeing as how he is married to a Kilkenny woman, the acclaimed artist Yvonne McGuinness.

Gerry Moran Page 20

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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Night Time Economy: What can we expect? its inhabitants. By fostering a lively after-hours scene, cities can appeal to a broader demographic, including shift workers, tourists, and young professionals, thereby creating a more inclusive and dynamic urban environment.

But is all this good for our faire city and county? In the next five weeks we will look at the project from all angels.

From the benefits to the costs.

From the opportunities to the threats. Central to all of this will be a clear focus on how it will impact on you, our readers.

Please let me know your view but most importantly stay with us on this roller coaster ride into all our futures.

BY PAT COUGHLAN

First in six-part series Kilkenny County Council on their website says: “Kilkenny City was successful in being designated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media as one of nine pilot towns and cities in the country that will prepare and implement an action plan setting out a range of interventions to support the co-ordinated development of our Night Time economy.

“A Night Time Economy Advisor has been appointed and a dedicated stakeholder forum representing cross business sector and community interests has been formed to oversee and implement the plan.”

So what is an Night Time Economy? What can we expect?

To kick things off, let’s unravel what the Night Time Economy is all about. Picture this: a championship hurling game between Kilkenny and Dublin played in Nolan Park at 12 midnight, or a performance of John B Keane’s play Big Maggie at the Watergate

Theatre [pictured] starting at 3 am. Bustling streets, neon lights, and folks out and about long after the sun sets. This buzzing scene isn’t just random chaos; it’s the heartbeat of the late-night economy. This term covers all the action that happens in the wee hours – from pubs and clubs to eateries and entertainment spots where the night owls gather.

It’s like a whole parallel world that comes alive when most are hitting the hay.

Maybe the example I gave of

Nolan Park, or the Watergate might be a bridge too far but maybe not. In any event over the next six weeks The Kilkenny Observer will look at every aspect of the Night Time Economy.

So, strap in as we delve deeper into this nocturnal realm that keeps our cities pulsing till dawn!

The significance of Night Time Economy Projects lies in their ability to transform cities into round-the-clock hubs of activity, offering a myriad of opportunities for

businesses, residents, and visitors alike. By extending operational hours and diversifying offerings beyond traditional daytime activities, cities can create a dynamic and inclusive environment that caters to a broader spectrum of needs and preferences.

Night Time Economy Projects often encompass a range of initiatives and interventions, including the introduction of night markets, cultural events, extended retail hours, enhanced public transport services during late hours,

* Check out Pat’s blog at www.westeuro52.com and the promotion of nighttime entertainment venues.

These projects are not only geared towards boosting economic growth but also towards improving the overall quality of life for urban residents by providing them with more diverse leisure and social options after dark.

Moreover, Night Time Economy Projects play a crucial role in enhancing the city’s reputation as a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that caters to the diverse lifestyles and schedules of

---------------------------------Pat Coughlan originally from West Waterford but living in Kilkenny for almost 40 years now. came to Kilkenny as a Trade Union Official then having gone back to college he qualified with a BA in Education and Training and went on the work on EU projects with employer and worker organisations, government agencies and private developing initiatives to give effect to EU Directives.

Pictures and poetry from two Kilkenny artists Two leading Kilkenny artists will shortly co-launch a book showcasing their work

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Daithi Holohan and Jim Murray have both battled mental illness for decades while pursuing their creative projects.

After completing his studies at the National College of Art and Design, Daithi went on to enchant the city and county with his drawings. He excels as a portraitist but regardless of medium, theme or subject he succeeds in plumbing the depths of his own subconsciousness, and capturing the essence of whoever he’s drawing.

When he taught Life Drawing in Liberties Vocational School, pupils felt they’d got a teacher who could relate to their own struggles and “take” on the challenge of modern Ireland.

Daithi’s drawings are displayed in pubs and clubs around Kilkenny, and his exhibitions have drawn throngs of admirers. Critical acclaim has followed him wherever his work appeared.

He’s also a poet. The

drawings and with Vincent Browne poetic reveries programme. included in the People still book offer recall his an insight virtuoso into a long performance artistic as he tackled journey the other and a candidates dizzying and put range of life forward his experiences. own vision Aside from of an Ireland art, Daithi is “of equals”, with known locally the border gone as a lifelong Daithi Holohan the celebrated and all wealth Republican distributed kilkenny artist and fluent fairly among Irish speaker. the people.

He has a Despite repeated special interruptions devotion from the to the programme legacies of host Daithi Pearse and spoke Connolly, his mind to fearlessly. preserving all aspects Throughout of Gaelic his career culture, and Daithi has is a passionate managed to keep advocate of a the ravages of bipolar United Ireland, “free disorder at bay, never Jim Murray from sea to sea.” letting it detract from his He contested calling as an artist. the 2015 Carlow Kilkenny He has known poet Jim by-election and famously Murray for years and is appeared on TV3’s Tonight delighted at the prospect of

a book that weaves together drawing and poetry in the pages of a book.

Jim Murray has survived one of the worst illnesses to afflict the human mind: Schizophrenia, and like Daithi he has stubbornly refused to capitulate to what he sees as a sustained attack on his existence. He believes that writing as a therapy has helped him as much in his fight for wellness as any medication or stint in a psychiatric hospital.

Some of his poems reflect or hint at his long incarceration in that “Gulag of the Soul” from which the pen has mercifully and magically granted him relief.

His poetry explores every conceivable theme…life, love, death, war, nature, marriage, the medical profession, the solar system, the afterlife, and the multitude of alternative scenarios offered by religions of all kinds. He’s at his lyrical best when he sets forth the depths to which humans can sink in betrayal of their own kind.

Jim has hundreds of notebooks full of poetry and ideas for composition.

He could be sitting in a café sipping a cup of tea when

inspiration strikes. He jots down the words immediately before they vanish like a wisp of smoke.

Or he might get an idea in a dream and then record it on awakening. Not a day passes without him gifting a poem to the world via Facebook, Thousands follow his poetic meanderings online.

His previous works Orchestra of Poems and his

short story collection Digging a Hole on the River, which received popular and critical acclaim, hailed the triumph of compassion over darkness in his own life and the world in general. These are still on sale locally..

Poetry and Pictures by Daithi Holohan and Jim Murray will soon be available in all Kilkenny bookshops

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Cheltenham festival to honour Maureen Mullins This year’s National Hunt Chase will be run in honour of the late Maureen Mullins on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Mullins, who died aged 94 on 14 February, was the matriarch of one of the most successful and wellknown families in the sport.

A winning rider, owner

and breeder in her own right, she was the wife of Paddy, the trainer of the great Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup-winning mare Dawn Run. The couple had five children, among them trainers Tom, Tony and Willie – the latter now Ireland’s leading National Hunt handler

Last month 10 young among 19 in road deaths More than half of the people who died on Irish roads last month were in their 20s or younger, including a 10-year-old boy from Co Clare and a six-year-old girl from Co Galway.

A total of 19 people lost their lives on the roads last month, six more than in February last year.

Cillian Kirwan (19) from Piltown, Co Kilkenny and Darragh Dullea (20) from Clonakilty, Co Cork died in a single-vehicle crash on February 20, leaving their local communities and their college friends heartbroken.

The pair were both students boarding at Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, Co Limerick, and said to have had great career prospects.

Josh Dineen (20), who died on the N10 in Foulkstown, Kilkenny, on February 17, was remembered as a “true gent” who was “a credit to himself and his family”.

The Ballyhale native was involved with Carrickshock GAA club and was remembered as a “pivotal” member of the club.

Ten of those who died last month were young people, including 10-year-old Dylan Coady Coleman, who had just become a brother to a baby boy after his mother Laura gave birth on the day before Dylan was killed,.

Education Minister Norma Foley and the Department of Education expressed sympathy for Dylan’s family and the wider Shannon community.

“Dylan was a much loved and treasured member of his school community and will be greatly missed by his fellow pupils, by the staff, board of management and all who knew him,” the department said in a statement.

A GoFundMe page set up in Dylan’s memory has raised more than €48,000.

Rickie Devine Jr (19) died on February 22 after the SUV he was driving veered off the road in the Ballinacarrow area in Co Sligo.

Tributes paid to the young man recalled “he always had a smile on his face” and “was a gentleman who was always up for the chat and craic”.

Fr Murphy said Mr Devine touched the hearts “of so many people”.

Meanwhile, the funeral of 33-year-old James Moyles from Ballina, Co Mayo, heard he gave his life to save his six-year-old niece Croía.

The pair were struck by a car in the Ballina area on February 20.

Mr Moyles was described as a “hero” and “a selfless man” Katie Houlihan (21) died in a single-vehicle crash in Tramore, Co Waterford, on February 19.

The community of Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was “in shock” following the death of 15-year-old Leah O’Meara on February 15.

A student at Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Leah was studying for her Junior Cert.

Hana Meshkat (6) from Knocknacarra, Co Galway, was the youngest person to die on the roads last month following a crash in Co Westmeath on February 8.

Hana died in hospital nine days later.

People aged 16 to 25 are the most at-risk age group, according to research carried out by the Road Safety Authority. This cohort represented a quarter of all road deaths last year.

Thirty-seven people have died in road incidents so far this year, five more than at this time last year.

and a huge presence at the Cheltenham Festival.

Her grandsons Danny, Emmet and Patrick have all ridden winners at the Festival, with Patrick taking first place in the National Hunt Chase four times for his father Willie, making him the contest’s leading jockey.

The Jockey Club’s Ian Renton said: “The National Hunt Chase has a long tradition of commemorating some of Jump racing’s most famous names and we are delighted that the Mullins family has agreed to have the historic contest run in honour of Maureen Mullins in 2024.

“A true stalwart of Jump racing, Maureen Mullins was a regular visitor to the Festival and her sad passing last month leaves a big void. We hope that putting her name to the National Hunt Chase celebrates her tremendous legacy in the appropriate way.”

Willie Mullins said: “Our family are delighted and honoured to have a race named after our mother Maureen, who had a great affinity for Cheltenham and enjoyed every moment there.”

Tony Mullins added: “Undoubtedly the correct race for a great stayer.”

Visiting the Irish Wheelchair Association on College Road: Kilkenny Disability Community Connects to Europe as MEPs Katrin Langensiepen and Grace O’Sullivan Lead ‘The Future Is Accessible’ tour in the Marble City

Kilkenny Disability Connect: MEPs visit MEP for Kilkenny Grace O’Sullivan recently welcomed fellow Green MEP Katrin Langensiepen to Kilkenny to discuss all things inclusion, access and disability. The German Member of the European Parliament is embarking on a national tour of Ireland, meeting with people with disabilities, activists, service providers and carers to inform her policy making in the European Parliament.

Ms Langensiepen has been a leading voice on disability issues in the Parliament since her election in 2019, serving as the Vice Chair of the Institution’s Committee for Employment & Social Affairs.

The MEPs visited SOS Kilkenny, which was MEP O’Sullivan’s second such visit in recent months. The centre provides a variety of opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to learn skills for the working world.

Opportunities for adults with disabilities was noted as an area where Ireland is currently trailing behind European counterparts – the average rate of employment for people with disabilities in Ireland was noted in 2023 by the European Disability Forum as being 32.6%.

“This is well below the European average employment figure of 51% for people with disabilities – and we need to question why that is the case,

and what other countries are doing better than us,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

Ms Langensiepen’s work on the Parliament’s Employment Committee focuses often on this issue in particular.

“Not one country in the EU is perfect when it comes to employment and opportunities for people with disabilities, but some perform better than others. Opportunities like SOS Kilkenny that allow people to go learn and then go out to work and contribute to their community on their own are a fantastic example of what we need to encourage and fund EUwide,” the MEP said.

The MEPs then visited

the Irish Wheelchair Association on College Road, where accessibility of public transport and polling stations was highlighted. With a year of elections and referenda ahead, this point was particularly relevant for the coming months.

“As a mother and carer for an adult with an intellectual disability, I know all too well the struggles that parents and carers face when dealing with the various bodies in this area. We have to fight for every last resource, and while I welcome the move of disability services from the Department of Health, there is so much more needed to be done” O’Sullivan shared.

Local councillors attend Town Centre First event Kilkenny county council representatives met recently with Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD, at the unveiling of first Town Centre First plans in Adare, Co Limerick.

There were 26 new towns announced as the first Town Centre First plans were unveiled.

The Town Centre First policy is to create town centres that function as

viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to work, live and visit.

Pictured are Annette Fitzpatrick, Town Regeneration Officer, Kilkenny County Council, left, Marie Doyle and Dympna Hayes, Urlingford Town Team, and Sean McKeown, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, with Heather Humphreys, and Kieran O’Donnell.

Photo: Andres Poveda

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

When a mother is the truest friend we have Depending on which side of the fence you reside, you may consider the Biblical Eve the first mother. If the Greek classics is your bag then Pandora — she of the box of evil spirits you open at your peril — is considered the first, with her daughter Pyrrha (Fire), the first-born mortal child.

However, in the more exact field of human genetics, Mitochondrial Eve, who is thought to have lived about 190,000 to 200,000 years ago, is considered the first mother of us all, the most recent woman from whom all living humans today descend, on their mother’s side, and through the mothers of those mothers and so on, back until all lines converge on one person.

Whatever way you look at it, mothers have been around for some considerable time, otherwise, obviously, you and I would not be here, nor the rest of the planet’s 8.1 billion inhabitants.

A mother is specifically a woman who has given birth to a child, and/or supplied the ovum that united with a sperm which grew into a child. Because of the complexity and differences of a mother’s social, cultural, and religious definitions and roles, it is challenging to specify a “universally acceptable” definition for the term. Indeed, mother can often apply to a woman other than the biological parent, especially if she carries out the main social role in raising the child.

Adoption, in various forms, has been practiced throughout history, but it is only in the last 100 years or so that adoption has tended to be governed by comprehensive rules and regulations. And only in more recent times that adopted children have rights, in certain jurisdictions, to know who their biological mother is. Also, in recent decades, international adop-

tions have become more and more common.

A surrogate mother is, commonly, a woman who bears an embryo, that is from another woman’s fertilised ovum, for a couple unable to have children. Thus, she carries and gives birth to a child that she is not the biological mother of. This is different from a woman who becomes pregnant via in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The latter has made pregnancy possible at ages well beyond natural child-bearing age, and has generated ethical controversy and forced significant changes in the social meaning of motherhood.

The possibility for lesbian and bisexual women in samesex relationships (or, indeed, without a partner) to become mothers has increased in the last few decades thanks again to new technology. Thankfully, the changing attitudes of modern Ireland has provided more acceptance for same-

sex relationships.

There is also today the option of self-insemination and ‘clinically assisted donor insemination’, modern forms of artificial insemination.

With so many modern ways to becoming a mother, every woman has a good chance to become one, though not

“Proposing to pay mothers €9.50 a week, about €32.77

today...

all women want to carry and give birth to and rear a child – and would indeed argue that maternal instinct is something of a misnomer.

Historically, the role of women was confined mostly to being a mother and wife, with women being expected to dedicate most of their energy to these roles, and to spend most of their time taking care of the home. [At time of publication the referendums outcome is not known].

Of course, while mothers have historically fulfilled the primary role in raising children, since the late 20th century the role of the father in child care has been given greater prominence and social acceptance in many Western countries — primarily because the same decades also saw more and more women entering the world of paid work. (The late Garret FitzGerald caused a furore when in the 1980s as Fine

Gael Taoiseach he tried to put a ‘price’ on stay-at-home mothers by proposing to pay them the princely sum of £9.50 a week – about €32.77 today).

Seamus Heaney once said his father was notably sparing of talk but his mother “notably ready to speak out’’, a circumstance which the poet believed to have been fundamental to the “quarrel with himself ” out of which his poetry arose.

I like to think the novelist Washington Irving put it succinctly when he wrote: “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

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Nature law 'will devalue property' Property values will be hit hard by the EU's Nature Restoration Law, which has been described as "far more draconian than designations,” the Irish Farmers's Association (IFA) has said.

Government Ministers

clashed on the potential impact of the law that was passed by MEPs last month.

The controversial bill, which was backed by the European Parliament, will mandate that every EU country must have restora-

tion measures in place by 2030, covering at least 20% of EU land and sea areas.

While measures to restore drained peatlands are included, rewetting will remain voluntary for farmers and private landowners, and

anyone who does will be compensated.

Despite this, IFA President Francie Gorman said a vacuum of information still exists around the Nature Restoration Law and fundamental concerns remain re-

garding the proposed regulation. These include a lack of clarity on the requirements and impact of certain definitions, uncertainty on the potential impact on farmland and production, and the lack of dedicated funding to

support the implementation of regulation.

However, the Irish Natura & Hill Farmer's Association (INHFA) President Vincent Roddy claimed the law was tantamount to the EU” taking control of land”.

Welcome for River Nore nature project Funding to regenerate an 11-acre nature reserve on an island in the River Nore at Thomastown is one of 78 projects to receive local biodiversity action funding, as Kilkenny’s Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD announced 78 Community Biodiversity Grants.

Co-funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland, the initiative will support 78 groups or projects nationwide to develop a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP), or to implement measures from an existing plan.

"This partnership between

our National Parks and Wildlife Service and Community Foundation Ireland began as a 'Seed for Nature' at the 2019 National Biodiversity Conference, and it's been wonderful to see it grow and flourish over the last number of years," he said.

"It's been incredibly impactful at a community level because it connects community groups and organisations with the scientific expertise they need to understand their local biodiversity better, and once they've developed a Community Biodiversity Action Plan they can then go on to take the actions that will help protect and enhance their local biodiversity."

Builder's €2.2m debt written off for one-off €80,000 lump-sum A Wicklow-based builder who following became insolvent ­ the construction sector crash in the late 2000s has had more than €2.2m in debt written off in return for a lump-sum payment of €80,000.

Under a personal insolvency arrangement (PIA) approved by the High Court, David Lawlor (60) will be able to retain his family home, which was in negative equity.

The court heard Mr Lawlor, a separated farmer and maintenance worker from Dragoon Hill, Hollywood, Co Wicklow, had overall debts of €2.7m.

Under the court-sanctioned debt deal, most of his creditors will receive just 0.46% of what they are owed.

Mr Lawlor's debts primarily arose from personal guarantees he gave on behalf of a construction company he was previously involved in.

He had a string of development firms, all of which are now dissolved.

Documents filed in court said he had "amassed a tre-

mendous amount of arrears” and due to his age would struggle to pay back a fraction of what he owed.

Mr Justice Alexander Owens approved the PIA after hearing unsecured creditors would receive nothing at all if Mr Lawlor was forced into bankruptcy.

The PIA was devised by personal ­insolvency practitioner Nicholas O'Dwyer of Grant Thornton and presented to the court by Keith Farry BL. The court heard Mr Lawlor's main creditors were Promontoria (Finn) DAC, owed €940,000; Promontoria (Scariff ) DAC, owed €829,000; Lawson Construction, owed €596,000; and Everyday Finance DAC, owed €297,000.

Mr Farry told the judge Mr Lawlor's home was worth €335,000, but had an outstanding mortgage balance of almost €412,000.

Under the PIA, the mortgage balance is to be reduced to €340,000, with the rest being written off.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Time for the next dramatic act at RTE With RTE holed below the waterline following the latest crisis, when Media Minister Catherine Martin forgot the use of her phone, would we miss it if it sank?

Some wouldn’t, that’s the 60 viewers a day who aren’t paying their €160 licence fee – maybe they think nonpayment is a protest about the culture of entitlement for an elite in RTE, who get large salaries and golden handshakes while others struggle like the rest of us.

Personally, I would miss RTE 1’s news programmes and I wouldn’t like to be without Nationwide either, with its good news stories from around the country.

Bu,t like many, especially young viewers who are turning to streaming, Netflix and podcasts for their entertainment, I watch less TV. I certainly won’t miss the

ongoing headlines and interrogation of RTE by not one but two Dáil Committees which read like a pantomime. There’s the invisible woman (Dee Forbes) haunting the show, principal boy (Ryan Tubridy), lots of look-out-behind- yous (exit packages), the genie with transparent magic lamp, (Kevin Bakhurst) and a raided treasure chest (our money).

Just when we thought there was some hope of plain sailing, Catherine Martin, having been low profile throughout, suddenly rears up and effectively fires RTE Chairwoman Suin ni Raghallaigh on Prime Time for something Suin “neglected to recollect” and which the minister should have known.

Not that the sums involved at RTE are large compared with the massive €2.2

billion, and rising, for the children’s hospital. But it’s the principle of accountable governance that’s involved here and the absence of oversight by Minister Martin and her department.

Beyond the immediate crisis what is the future for RTE? We are told that we need RTE as a public service broadcaster and the Government has yet to decide how it is to be funded, by the State or continue with the present dual system.

Bearing in mind that old adage “he who pays the piper calls the tune” being funded directly by the Government may make the station more answerable.

On the other hand, it may make news coverage less impartial. Suppose Sinn Fein were in power, wouldn’t the fact that they are suing RTE in several

Boost your energy levels with Revive Active

CLAIR WHITTY

It is difficult to believe that we are now in March, time is flying by. Normally at this time of year most of you would be getting your energy back and feeling more energised but that is not what I am hearing. Many of you are struggling with energy levels after a long winter. Put simply, a lot of you are telling me that you feeling tired and energy zapped. Essentially, you are tired being tired. I get asked what the best supplement is to help get you back on track, something that could improve

energy and immunity at the same time.

Revive Active is the perfect choice to give you the support you need. It’s a super supplement containing 26 active ingredients to help support immunity, energy, and heart health. Revive Active contains 150mg of CoQ10, 3,000mg Arginine, vitamins, minerals and amino acids all in one sachet to support everyday living.

It comes in powder form so you can add it to water which ensures easier absorption so that it can get to work fast. It comes in a choice of orange and mango flavour or tropical flavour.

Revive Active is a supplement that I regularly get feedback about. Most people are recom-

mended to try it by a friend who has used it and who found it brilliant. The common thing that people say is, that they see a brilliant improvement in their energy levels. All were happy with the fact that it does several things in one go; heart, immunity, fatigue, and energy.

And the fact that it is an Irish brand is a bonus too. Revive Active is a super supplement worth looking at.

If you have been feeling fatigued and not yourself and have had to take antibiotics keep in mind that it is wise to top up on your good gut microbiome. Antibiotics will kill off your good gut bacteria.

These bacteria work hard to make B Vitamins for energy and are an important part of immunity too. One of my go-to microbiotic supplements is Udo’s Choice Super 8 Immune Microbiotics + C, you will find it in the fridge. For children you can choose Udo’s Choice Children’s for age 5 onwards, or the infants to age 5 choose Infant Blend.

I hope you get back on track soon.

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

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

instances be a bit embarrassing?

The station’s dual funding, part licence fee, part revenue from advertising, reduced in recent years by competition from other stations and online advertising which isn’t enough, RTE runs at a loss. By far the largest share of the budget for all of RTE’s different activities goes to RTE1 TV where the biggest spend is on news and current affairs, RTE2 gets about half the amount with the main spend on sport and TG4 only around a sixth of RTE 1.

The station needs to be cost effective, slim down and at the same time woo extra viewers to win more advertising revenue.

Perhaps viewers might value and pay for a service if they felt more invested in it with more consultation

about what they want to see on their screens.

Viewing figures signal which are the most popular programmes but not the things that are not available or that we don’t get enough of, like programmes with Irish content. One of the remits of public service broadcasting is to promote national pride. It’s hard to see how showing imported soaps as do overseas channels does that.

Kevin Bakhurst undertook consultation with all stakeholders involved from the independent production companies to us the public.

The results of that process have shaped the four-year plan for RTE from 2024-to 2028. This promises a 20% reduction in staff, better governance, a doubling of Irish drama, new digital products, more content for young people and a

doubling of input from independent production companies, among other things.

RTE are statutorily required to use independent content but at present they commission just a fraction over the required amount: a pity given the success of productions like Coco Content which produces popular Room To Improve with Dermot Bannon and hits like ShinAwil’s Dancing With The Stars.

It’s hard to plan though, without knowing what the budget will be for the station. The Government have given RTE a modest €20m. handout but they urgently need to make a decision about funding. It’s time to stop lamenting over the past and get on with the next act and to let Genie Kevin Bakhurst achieve his magic.

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 59

''Do you find the water getting warmer?"

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News

SPECIAL REPORT Despite Ireland being in recession in 2023, wages, consumer spending, Government investment and the public finances all grew last year, according to the latest official data.

Provisional Quarterly National Accounts and International Accounts for 2023 from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show the overall size of the Irish economy, assessed using the global standard gross national product (GDP) measure, was 3.4% smaller at the end of the quarter.

Consecutive GDP declines in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 mean the country was officially in recession.

However, the decline was driven entirely by swings within the multinationals sector, which provides a notoriously distorted picture of the Irish economy.

Multinational-dominated sectors contracted by 6.8% in 2023 but all other sectors of the economy recorded growth.

The chief economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers, Dermot O’Leary, said the biggest factor in the multinationals’ decline was what was known as ‘contract manufacturing’ which measured goods which were neither produced nor consumed here.

They were goods produced by entities based outside of Ireland for an Irish-domiciled company and shipped to a third country.

In nominal terms, exports of this type fell by €34bn in 2023, Mr O’Leary said.

The data shows Modified Domestic Demand (MDD), a better measure of underlying domestic activity that covers personal, Government, and investment spending, rose by 0.5% in 2023, modest compared with recent years.

Personal spending on goods and services increased by 3.1% and is now 10.2% higher than the pre-pandemic peak level of spending in 2019. While that suggest consumers

How we spent our way out of recession

have spending power it also reflects higher prices after two years of sustained inflationary pressure as well as a squeeze from rising interest rates.

Wages were higher, up by 3.3% in real terms in 2023 compared with 2022, the CSO said.

Commenting on the data, Finance Minister Michael

McGrath said the decline in GDP reflected “re-normalisation” of activity in some sectors – mainly pharmaceutical – after Covid and noted the contrast with employment which was up by 3.5% in 2023.

“Importantly, investment in housing remained robust, up at an annual rate of 12% in the fourth quarter.

I expect housing supply to continue expanding in the year ahead, with over 34,000 new units commenced in the 12 months to January 2024. We should see these units coming on-stream as the year progresses,” he said.

Meanwhile, inflation has fallen again in the euro area and is approaching 2%

and seen as an economic sweet spot by the European Central Bank. The rate of inflation across the single currency fell to an average of 2.6% in February. In Ireland inflation slowed to 2.2%.

Inflation peaked at 10.6% in October 2022, after Russia cut supplies of natural gas and sent energy prices through the roof at a time

when prices were already rising following the disruptions and financial supports that distorted trade after the Covid pandemic.

In the euro area, ‘core inflation’ which excludes some volatile prices and is seen as especially important to policy makers, fell to 3.1% – the slowest pace of price rises since March 2022.

We’re fined €2.5m. over social media rules Delaying the introduction of new rules on streaming services, online safety and hate speech has cost the Government an EU fine of €2.5m.

A daily fine of €10,000 will be applied on top of that lump sum for each day Irish law is not brought into line with the EU’s rules. The penalty was imposed after Ireland failed to meet a September 2020 deadline for implementing the EU’s updated Audiovisual Media Services Directive.

The directive sets a 30%

quota for European content on streaming s­ ervices, creates new online protections for children and anti-hate speech rules that ­apply to videosharing platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. It also strengthens national media regulators.

The law was adopted in 2018 and guidelines on implementation were published two years later. The European Commission sent warning letters to Ireland in November 2020, September 2021 and November 2021, telling the

Government it was in breach of EU law.

At the time the case was taken, Ireland’s Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill was still making its way through the legislative process. It was finally adopted in December 2022. Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s media regulator, which features the country’s first online safety commissioner, began work last year.

The Department of Culture and Media said in a statement that it accepted the judgment

and said the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 “marked partial transposition” of the EU law.

“Ireland is completely committed to implementing the directive into Irish law,” the statement said. “Full transposition will be achieved once Coimisiún na Meán adopts online safety and media services codes.”

Most EU member states failed to bring the rules into place in time, and the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and Spain were also warned

they could face fines. But Ireland is in the spotlight because it is the European headquarters of many of the world’s biggest tech firms.

“Ireland is the EU member state where the largest number of VSPs [video sharing platforms] are established,” the European Court of Justice said.

“The court finds that Ireland failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law, by neglecting to adopt the legislative, regulatory, and administrative provisions necessary to

comply with the directive by the deadline set out by the Commission, and by failing to communicate these provisions to the Commission.

“The curt also finds that Ireland has persisted in this failure, as it was not remedied by the day of the examination of the facts by the court.”

In court, Ireland did not dispute that the law was late, but asked the commission not to impose a fine as the online safety bill “faced a number of difficulties and required complex legislative changes”.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

It’s time for a bit of financial spring-cleaning Many people feel the squeeze in the first quarter of the year and the Christmas bills can still cast a shadow for some.

Add to that continuing inflation and still high energy costs, and it’s more important than ever to break free of bad spending habits and make positive changes.

Spring has arrived, so use this time when people traditionally have a clear out, a spring clean’ and decide this is the time you will begin decluttering your finances.

Take the time to review your spending habits and deal with the bad ones as small changes over time can make big savings.

Make sure you know where your hard-earned cash is going and look for savings.

Pull together your bank statements and analyse your income and expenditure.

Start by creating a comprehensive budget that outlines all that income and expenses.

Categorise your spending,

including fixed costs like rent/mortgage, utilities, and insurance, as well as variable expenses such as groceries, entertainment, and nights out. Some banks have apps that make this easy and there are many online apps that will give a vivid picture of your spending habits.

Tackle your debts. It’s so easy to overspend especially using credit cards so it’s crucial you have a plan to pay back what you still owe.

Expensive interest charges can add to your bottom line, so check if you can save by transferring your debt to another credit card provider as this will give you an interest free period and extra time to repay the debt. Better still – if you have money in a non or low-earning savings account – think about just paying the debt off in full immediately.

Review your energy consumption costs. Energy bills still continue to take a size-

able bite from household budgets, so it’s worth looking at ways to cut down energy use at home and how you can cut your costs by switch-

ing suppliers. You can really save by simply switching to a different gas and electricity provider.

Compare cover on your

home and car cover insurances. Insurers can take advantage of our reluctance to review our policies and automatically review them especially if we are paying premiums on a monthly basis. Use comparison sites to search and switch to a better value insurer or, better still, use a competent broker.

Review your mortgage. If you’re on a standard variable rate mortgage, chances are you’re paying more than you need to. Talk to a mortgage broker who deals with the whole market about changing to a fixed-rate deal to take the guesswork out of your mortgage payments.

How much are you forking out for multiple TV streaming and digital entertainment sites? Contact your provider regarding your current bills as there is a near guarantee that you will save money.

See if they have a family plan which could save money if there’s more than one person

in your household.

Check your credit rating.

The higher your credit rating, the better your chances of getting a mortgage, car or personal loan. Your credit report will help you spot any problems. This can be done on line and the average turn around is approximately 10 days from the date all the required identification document has been submitted.

Go to centralcreditregister.ie to start.

While wielding your ‘financial duster’ start a savings account using the compound interest principle and be it ever so small over time it will build. Looking further into the future, review your pension and if you don’t have one in place now is the time to start. It’s important. And know that small changes can mean big savings and it’s less painful than you think. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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News Science & Wellbeing

All you ever needed to know about vitamins and longevity Whether you have a daily vitamin regimen or have yet to regularly take a multivitamin, you may be wondering if the secret to longevity might be as simple as popping a tablet or two every day.

While attaining longevity isn’t quite that simple, there are ways you can set yourself up for success. And a place you can consider starting?

Vitamins and supplements aren’t considered the silver bullets they once were. Vitamins have become a subject of controversy in recent years, with some doctors saying they’re useless and a waste of money. And, yet, there have been a handful of studies saying that a daily multivitamin can help when it comes to cognitive decline.

“There is significant debate over whether there are any significant health benefits for routine use of vitamin supplements,” says Dr. Kenneth Koncilja, MD, of Cleveland Clinic’s Centre for Geriatric Medicine in the US. “A consensus of research and most healthcare professionals would be that a well-balanced diet provides all the necessary nutrients without the need for supplements.”

Conversely, while Darnell Cox, gerontologist and healthy aging coach, agrees that vitamins can be controversial and many products lay claims that can’t be substantiated, she believes that more

doctors are beginning to see the need for at least a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral supplement since our food is not being produced in the same manner it was in the past.

“Commercial farming often leaves soil depleted of essential minerals we need for optimal health,” she says. “In addition, mass production and consumption of highly processed foods which now crowd our supermarket shelves has had a detrimental effect on our health. Several studies reveal something as simple as taking a daily multivitamin can help fill in the gaps of nutritional deficiencies that can help stave off age- related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive decline.

If you want to increase your health span, filling in any nutritional gaps is so important.”

So, what’s the bottom line?

While more studies need to be done to prove the effectiveness of taking vitamins, you can still choose to do so as long as you do the research to make sure that the vitamins you’re purchasing are thirdparty tested and proven to be the high-quality supplement you’re looking for, as Dr. Garrett Seibold, DO, of Utah’s Forum Health says.

According to all three experts, the leading vitamin for longevity is vitamin D. “Vitamin D helps maintain

bone health, which is so important as we age,” Dr Cox says. “Falls and subsequent bone fractures can be a death sentence to seniors, with many never fully recovering. Not only does research show that vitamin D helps to strengthen bones, making falling far less dangerous, there is also research suggesting that vitamin D helps to decrease inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, strengthen the immune system and boost mood.”

Dr. Koncilja says that 800mgs of vitamin D is advised for adults, and he says that this can typically be achieved through a wellbalanced diet. While you can certainly take a vitamin every day, it is best absorbed through vitamin D-rich food sources. Foods with vitamin D include: Mushrooms, salmon, tuna mackerel, sardines, red meat, liver, spinach, milk (fortified with vitamin D), many fruit juices, yogurt, fortified cereal, and egg yolk.

Dr Seibold says: “Sun exposure is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of vitamin D.” And, of course, here in Ireland, we generally lack a good dose of daily sunshine in the seasons other than summer.

If you’re getting your vitamin D primarily through vitamins, there are some things to keep in mind. For instance, taking too much vitamin D may cause dry mouth, weakness

“The leading vitamin for longevity is vitamin D...

and vomiting, according to Cox. Dr. Seibold also cautions that certain blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anticonvulsants and other medications should be avoided while taking vitamin D. And while vitamin D can cause potential harm if certain conditions exist, like kidney disease or certain cancers, Dr Koncilja stresses the importance of discussing taking vitamin D with your GP before starting a regimen.

There are other vitamins that may increase longevity.

Since B12 deficiency is, apparently, widespread Dr Koncilja says it can be a wise vitamin to work into your daily routine. It’s the vitamin that’s responsible for the nervous system functioning at its

very best and red blood cell formation. Dr Koncilja sayss that extra caution should be used if you regularly drink alcohol, have undergone gastric bypass surgery or have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

Vitamin B12 can be found in animal products/meats, berries and fortified cereals.

Dr Koncilja also believes that calcium is a key vitamin that older people need, as falls with osteoporotic fractures are one the single biggest risks for older adults. While you could take 1,200 mg daily of calcium, it’s best to attain it from foods like dairy, calcium-fortified drinks, soybeans, tofu, almonds and leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard).

“You can overdose on calcium,” Dr Koncilja warns. “It’s important to have a conversation regarding calcium with your primary care provider.”

Dr Seibold says: “Other supplements I like that support healthy ageing and improve longevity include a quality multivitamin, EPA/DHA containing omega-3 fatty acid, magnesium, and resveratrol [a polyphenol that acts like an antioxidant]. These specific supplements are supportive of healthy ageing through a variety of mechanisms, which includes reducing inflammation in the body which is a primary driver of many of the common causes of death

today.”

Dr Koncilja says that most multivitamins have very little risk or downside. “Individualise your nutrition by scheduling an appointment with your doctor to be proactive in analysing and optimising how you are fuelling your body,” he says.

Our experts share additional healthy habits besides vitamins that should be integrated into your daily life for longevity. They include: Exercise every day (30 to 60 minutes, five to six days a week), have hobbies and activities other than television that you do every day, such as art, reading, music, instruments, drawing and building. Also, learn to manage your stress levels through breathwork, meditation and exercise.

Another good thing is to enjoy meaningful social interaction. And eat a whole foods, low-inflammatory diet.

“I really encourage individuals to look at their lifestyle as being foundational for quality health and longevity,” Dr Seibold says. “We live in a fastpaced world where everyone is looking for the next cheat code to level up, but ultimately, if we aren’t willing to live the type of lifestyle that is concordant with the health and vitality we are in search of, all the supplements and medications in the world aren’t going to be enough.”

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Travel & Leisure Even seasoned travellers and holiday-makers can feel a sense of dread trying to figure out the right outfits and individual pieces to pack before a trip. There are also the inevitable concerns about space, unexpected weather and forgotten items.

Perhaps that’s why the ‘333 method”’ is so appealing. This packing system has attracted fans across the TikTok sphere thanks to its streamlined and stress-free approach.

The concept is fairly simple: Choose three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes to create different outfit combinations. The result is more than a dozen looks that fit easily in your carry-on luggage.

“The 333 rule helps address the fear of overpacking, while also ensuring you look the part,” Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight alert service Going, told the HuffPost. “An unexpected benefit is you have an excuse to pick up an item or two on the trip — you packed light after all.”

If you look to TikTok, you’ll find endless videos of tourists showing off all the different vacation outfits they manage to make with their nine pieces.

The source of this trend is influencer Rachel Spencer, who posted a video breaking down the method in October as a guide to creating a simple capsule wardrobe for fall. In her subsequent 333 videos, she’s managed to put together more than 20 different styled outfits.

“A similar concept was created by Courtney Carver as a fashion challenge to simplify our lives back in 2010,” Nastro explained. “The original challenge was to lean on a capsule wardrobe for creation of 33 outfits to wear over three months. A rebirth of the challenge takes the minimalist dressing approach even further applying it to not just travel but seasonal looks as well.”

Even if you can’t perfectly stick to the limit, she believes the 333 method is a great jumping off point for packing that you can build upon as needed.

When packing for a holiday feels anything but relaxing “Yes, you can dress pieces up, but certain trips might need more formalwear, in which case you may have to break the rules,” Nastro said. “Using the 333 rule as

your basis, you’ll be more conscious overall of how much you pack. Less stuff, less stress, and less unnecessary bag fees paid.”

Fashion influencer Krista

Lavrusik frequently posts 333 outfit videos on her social media accounts. She told HuffPost she usually starts her process by choosing three pairs of pants that look great,

Cape Town in South Africa is home to two of the oldest pubs in the country.

Pig And Whistle Inn A strong contender for being one of SA’s oldest pubs, is the Pig And Whistle in Bathurst, Eastern Cape. Claiming a founding date of 1832, the historic Pig And Whistle Inn [pictured], is the oldest continuously licensed pub in the country and has a rich history. It was originally called the Widow Hartley’s Inn. The inn acquired its current name when a group of British stationed nearby decided to name it after a local pub in England.

The Radium Beerhall Compared to the other oldest pubs in the country,

Tavern, called Percy’s by the locals, has perhaps the strongest case. It received its first official liquor licence in 1836. Before that, it had already been operating as an unofficial public house for nearly 30 years, catering to a diverse mix of mostly affluent patrons. Today, it attracts a young and lively crowd to its polished, ancient wine cask tables.

The best pubs in SA’s Cape Town the Radium Beerhall is a young contender as it was established in 1929. However, it holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving bar in Johannesburg and has a colourful history.

Originally known as the Radium Tearoom, it operated

as an illicit alcohol venue for 13 years before obtaining a licence and changing its name.

The Fireman’s Arms And Perseverance Tavern Coal stokers used to frequent the Fireman’s Arms

feel comfortable and provide a mix of dark and light colours.

“I love a long-sleeved turtleneck and a crewneck sweater,” she said. “I’m also into wearing sweaters on your

when it was a dockyard establishment – from there its name. Since its founding in 1864, the pub has embraced the persona of modern firefighters.

There are several contenders for the title of “oldest pub in South Africa”. Perseverance

De Akker, Stellenbosch Not far from Cape Town, is Stellenbosch that is also home to one of the oldest pubs in the country – De Akker. Dating De Akker is challenging due to the loss of its original records in a fire in the early 1800s. As a result, it is unclear when alcohol was first served

shoulder to add dimension.”

To maximise your outfit potential, it’s helpful to choose three tops that each offer something different and can also be layered together. For example, try one base layer top like a tank or T-shirt, one sweater and one nice buttondown.

Lavrusik recommends using the 333 method to push your sartorial creativity to its full potential.

“Every time I do it, I stare at my bed where all my clothes and shoes are and think, ‘Wow this seems too simple.

There’s no way I can make 1718 outfits out of just this.’ But then I do,” she said.

The style expert noted that you can throw in a couple of random pieces, for example, a dress for a special occasion or an extra top if you’re dying to wear them on your trip, but emphasised that less is more.

“My advice would be to invest in the basics,” Lavrusik said. “A pop of colour is great here and there, but you’ve got to keep it neutral to get the most bang for your buck. Also accessories go a lot further than we give them credit for try adding scarves, belts and baseball hats.”

When Nastro first tried the method, she found narrowing down to three pairs of shoes was a “piece of cake,” while pants required slightly more thought.

“Where the ‘overpacker’ in me struggled was selecting tops, especially since winter weather is mostly about layering,” she said.

“Admittedly, I brought two additional tops outside of the three as a ‘just in case.’ You know what they say, old habits die hard.”

Nastro believes the hardest part of the 333 method is getting past the “what if I need this?” mentality.

“After talking myself down and sticking to basics, putting together outfits was pretty seamless,” she added. “I really was shocked at how many looks I could create from my small carry-on. And the best part my two security tops I brought, I never ended up wearing.”

Bon voyage! here. However, locals claim that De Akker received its first liquor licence in 1872. It is the oldest pub in Stellenbosch. This legendary pub is a hotspot amongst locals and students of this university town.

Star Of The West, Kimberley Established in 1870, the Star Of The West, has an intriguing history. It has a dilapidated appearance from the outside, but when you step inside through the classic saloon swing=doors, you will see an impressive yellowwood bar top. Legend has it that the sailors who survived a tragic shipwreck of their vessel, the Star Of The West, saved and brought the bar counter to the city.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

And the Oscar for Best for this year goes to…

It’s that time of year again, folks, Oscar Time. And I genuinely believe it’s only a matter of time before one arrives here in Kilkenny! By no means wishful thinking.

Let’s start with our own Cartoon Saloon, nominated a phenomenal five times for an award. FIVE TIMES! An amazing achievement.

And last year, lest we forget, American-based Mark Swift born in the UK to Kilkenny parents, was a producer on Puss ‘N’ Boots: The Last Wish nominated for Best Animated Feature. Two other Kilkenny connections to the 2023 Oscars were Kate Uí Ciobhain, daughter of the late Jack and Kathleen Lanigan from Emmet Street, who did the translation of the subtitles (to English) for An Cailín Ciúin (an absolutely beautiful film adapted from Claire Keegan’s wonderful book Foster) and the first

Irish language film to be nominated for an Oscar.

The other connection to An Cailín Ciúin is a Castlecomer one: John Brennan, son of Betty and the late Seamus Brennan, was the sound engineer on the movie.

And then there’s Cillian Murphy nominated for this year’s Best Actor Award in the movie Oppenheimer and who we’ll all be rooting for. Cillian won’t mind if we claim him as an honorary Kilkenny man seeing as how he is married to a Kilkenny woman, the acclaimed artist Yvonne McGuinness.

Cillian Murphy’s most recent appearance (2024) is in an adaptation of another wonderful Claire Keegan book, Small Things Like These which was nominated for the Booker Prize in 2022.

Oscar odds and ends

The first Oscar ceremony was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles in 1929. It lasted 15 minutes and just 12 awards were handed out.

The longest ceremony was in 2002 and lasted about 256 minutes. The show was first televised in 1962. The late Bob Hope hosted the event a record 16 times.

In 1974 the ceremony was graced by a streaker who was later shot dead in a San Francisco sex shop. In 1978 a man pretending to be Dustin Hoffman bluffed his way in and was only evicted when the real star arrived. In 1981 an Oscar was stolen in front of the viewing millions when an imposter bounced on to the stage as the host announced that the Hungarian winner hadn’t made it.

He even made a short acceptance speech.

The famous red carpet is

auctioned off every year.

The statuettes are 13.5 inches high, made of bronze, plated with 24-

“First ceremony was held in 1929. It lasted 15 minutes . . .

karat gold and depict a knight on a reel of film.

They’ve been known as Oscars since 1934 when Academy librarian Margaret Herrick declared that they looked like her uncle Oscar.

Walt Disney got an Oscar and seven miniatures for Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs in 1938; he died aged 65 with 26 Oscars to his name. Jack Nicholson uses his 1975 Best Actor Oscar for One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest as a hat stand. Woody Allen, three-time Oscar winner, never turned up to the ceremony preferring to spend the evening playing his clarinet in Michael’s Pub in New York.

After winning Best Supporting Actor for City Slickers in 1991, Jack Palance did four one-arm push ups on stage. The oldest recipient of an Oscar is

Anthony Hopkins, aged 83, for The Father (2021).

The youngest winners were Tatum O’Neill, aged 10, for Paper Moon (1973) and Shirley Temple, awarded an honorary Oscar, aged six in 1934. Three movies share top spot for winning most Oscars (11 each) Ben Hur (1959), Titanic (1997) and Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

The longest movie to win Best Picture was Gone With The Wind (233 minutes) in 1939. The shortest to win was Marty (90 minutes) in 1955. The only X-rated movie to win Best Film was Midnight Cowboy (1969). The longest acceptance speech, five minutes and 30 second, was by Greer Garson at the 1942 Academy Awards in March 1943. The shortest are credited to Patty Duke and Anthony Quinn who simply said: “Thank you.”

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PM O’Sullivan Photos of Joe murray as Da character by Ken McGuire Joe Murray is coming down the stairs in St Kieran’s College.

The year? Early 1980, best of his recollection.

That young man? A Kilkenny native, working in Smithwick’s Brewery., one taking his first plunge in local drama.

“It was a farce,” Murray clarifies. “A Ben Travers farce, Rookery Nook the first piece I did with New Theatre Group. The plays were put on then in the College. As I was going down, on the last night, Tony Patterson was coming up.

“Tony had directed the play, and he was a brilliant comedy director. He loved that kind of comedy. He could see things in a farce that you wouldn’t see yourself.”

Then a moment of clarity: “Tony turned to me, as we passed, and said: ‘You’re hooked.’ And he was right.”

The clarity proved of lasting kind. As Murray elaborates: “I really got into it, and went from one play to another. They revived the pantomimes around the same time. The first one was probably 1982 or 1983, Cinderella or something. I got into that as well.”

Reminiscences hang in the air because this man is about to take the title role in Hugh Leonard’s Da (1973), that famous work centred on a son’s ambivalent feelings about his parents. Ger Cody’s Lake Productions will mount six performances in Thomastown Community Hall on March 14-16 and March 21-23. “It’s a terrific facility down there,” Murray emphasizes. “They run the Hall really well. Would do anything for you.”

His involvement with drama runs back over 50 years, whole truth told. Born in 1958, he grew up in Dean Kavanagh Place. A classic Kilkenny life has been lived by someone who became one of the county’s most accomplished actors.

“I went to school in the CBS, both primary and secondary,” Murray outlines.

“I suppose you could call it a real Dicksboro upbringing.

I hurled underage with The ’Boro. We were always out the green, with our friends.

We had a totally outdoor life, unlike kids today.”

He continues: “I did a few plays in the CBS, school plays in primary school. But the first adult play was in secondary school. We did The Royal Hunt of the Sun,

by Peter Shaffer. It’s about the Spanish conquistadores going over to South America.

Joe Murray, from Lake Productions who plays the title role in Hugh Leonards ‘Da’. Joe’s character Nick Tynan is a gardener for 40 years and is seen here in character as he inspects the vegetable plot.

(Photo Ken McGuire)

I’d say I was about 14. I played the role of Francisco Pizarro.”

A taste for drama regained, in time, its grip. “The Royal Hunt of the Sun, I didn’t do a whole lot else,” Murray notes. “I went working in the Brewery in 1975, after my

Leaving Cert, and there I met Brendan Corcoran. I kind of knew him already because years before, when we were youngsters, we both knew Mike Kelly, who was later involved in forming Young Irish Film Makers.

“Mike was already involved

The clarity of Joe Murray playing Da in plays. He was only a teenager himself, and I was only about nine or ten. I remember Brendan doing a play with Mike called Three Knaves of Normandy, in which I had a small little role. Besides, Brendan only lived across from us in

Dean Kavanagh, down in St Francis Terrace.”

Murray started journeying towards that moment in St Kieran’s College: “Brendan was heavily into New Theatre Group. He said: “Do you want to read for a play?

We’re doing it in the spring.”

So I did, and I got a part in Rookery Nook.

The veteran provides an intriguing take on different registers: “I liked doing serious stuff, like Peter Shaffer, but I also got a serious kick out of the comedy. It’s probably

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Above left: In the 1996 production of Da staged by Watergate Productions, Joe Murray played the part of Charlie to Donal O’Brien’s Da. Above: Trad by Mark Doherty was staged in Cleere’s theatre with a cast of Joe Murray, Derek Dooley and Mike Kelly. (Photo Danny Lahart) Left: Joe Murray in the role of Git Miller in Jimmy Murphy’s play ‘The Kings of the Kilburn High Road’

because you hear the audience. You’re hearing the laughter. It gives you a boost, hearing the audience reaction. Comedy is way more immediate.

“But I enjoyed doing the serious plays as well. If they work, it’s powerful. You’re

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not hearing anything, with the serious ones. But that’s a good sign. You know you have them hooked if they’re not making a sound.

You’d say to yourself: ‘I must be doing something right, because they’re really listening.’ It’s another kind of

boost.”

Murray embraced breadth: “There was a group of us, ten or 12 of us, that seemed to be on the same wavelength.

We started doing one act comedies in the Clubhouse [Hotel]. Summer season

of one act comedies, Wednesday and Thursday night, over four or five weeks.

“We also did them in John Cleere’s in Parliament Street, during the 1990s. That was great craic. And we called ourselves Gaslight Theatre Company.”

Working acquaintance with the author of Da soon arrived. As Murray explains: “One of those plays was Hugh Leonard’s The Late Arrival of the Incoming Aircraft. It’s a half hour one act play, very funny. That was a big hit.”

Closer acquaintance followed: “Then Ger [Cody] did Da for the first time in 1994, at the Watergate Theatre. He was on to Hugh Leonard to come. I’m sure Leonard had seen Da ten million times…

“Anyway, he said to Ger: ‘Will there be many at it?’ Ger replied: ‘Not so many. You’d have a fantastic chance of winning the raffle.’

Eventually a postcard arrived: ‘Book seats. Fix raffle.’ We took Hugh Leonard for a drink afterwards, and he was grand, in fairness.”

Those years crowded with entertainment.

Murray smiles at the memories: “I was lucky enough to

Joe Murray in the Mary Cradock scripted ‘Mischief at Christmas’ a children's show staged at the Watergate theatre. (Photo Ken McGuire)

be involved with three All Ireland-winning one act plays: Pvt. Wars, Interview and Ritual for Dolls. They stretched from 1987 to 1992.

We travelled with a couple of them. We went to different festivals. We went to Canada, went to Sweden.

“Then, in the early nineties, when Watergate Theatre opened, a group of us went as Watergate Productions.

Ger would do maybe two plays a year, and a panto as well. For that first Da, Dónal O’Brien played Da. I played Charlie, his son.”

This new production in Thomastown counts as a return for Joe Murray. As he relates: “It’s funny… I haven’t done any acting in about five years. The last play I did was also for Lake Productions. It was called Trad. We put it on in John Cleere’s. Myself, Derek Dooley, and Mike Kelly.

“And I said after that: ‘I think I’ll forget about it now.

I’m too long in the tooth for this kind of thing.’ That was my mood.”

The force of swerve: “But Ger and myself were driving to see a friend in hospital, a few months back. He told me he was thinking of putting on Da again. He said: ‘Would you play him?’

“Never occurred to me.

I never thought of the possibility. Ger said: ‘Just see.’ I actually directed Da at one point, about 2012, with Dónal again in the role..

That same hook, decades later: “So I went back to the script. And said to myself: ‘I might have a stab.’ I’m enjoying it. We’re well into the rehearsals and I’d say it should be a nice production.

I think everyone gets something out of Da because everyone thinks about their parents. That’s its universal aspect.”

Another moment of clarity: “But it really had never occurred to me to think of playing Da. I suppose it didn’t occur to me that I was getting old.”

Da runs at Thomastown Concert hall for a total of six performances.

Tickets available https://gr8events.ie/ lakeproductionsda

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Global Report The US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has agreed to expedite consideration of a decision that blocked an attempt to stop the Biden Administration from providing money and weapons to Israel for use in their war against Hamas in Gaza.

When parties bring their concerns about a war to the federal courts, they frequently find their road is blocked.

However, the US court has agreed to expedite consideration of the decision. The appeal concerns an unusual decision issued on January 31 by US District Judge Jeffrey White. The decision came in a lawsuit challenging US Aid to Israel after the last October 7 attacks that killed up to 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of some 240 hostages, many of them civilians.

The plaintiffs in the case are two Palestinian nongovernmental human rights organisations “dedicated to preserving and promoting the human rights of Palestinian people”.

The two are joined by seven individuals: three of whom are residents of Gaza and four who are US Citizens of Palestinian origin. The complaint alleges that the three residents of Gaza have lost a total of 21 members of their families, all allegedly killed by Israeli bombing.

The 85-page complaint begins by noting that genocide is “the gravest of crimes under international law”.

Federal law defines genocide to include acts “committed with the intent to destroy in whole or in part a national ethnical, racial or religious group as such by, among other things: (ii) deliberately inflicting upon the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

The plaintiffs seek an order requiring President Biden, along with Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, US Secretaries of State and Defence, respectively, to “adhere to their duty to prevent, and not further, the unfolding genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza”.

They argue that “even attacks that result [from] atrocity crimes can never justify, as a matter of law or morality, the form of lethal collective punishment and destruction against the Palestinian

US expedites hearing on dismissal of suit alleging genocide in Gaza

population that is unfolding”.

They urge the court to enjoin President Biden and the other officials from providing financing, weapons, and other military assistance to Israel.

They also ask the court to direct the officials to use their powers and influence to make Israel end the bombing and siege of Gaza.

The lawsuit was brought by lawyers from Van Der Hout LLP in San Francisco and the Centre for Constitutional Rights in New York.

White’s decision began with a traditional analysis. He held that the suit could not be heard in US federal courts

because the case raised “political questions” that were exclusively the province of the president and Congress.

He explained that the federal courts only have authority to hear cases that fall within particular areas and then only subject to limitations imposed by the US Constitution.

One of those limitations is the “political question doctrine” which, he said, quoting the US Supreme Court, “excludes from judicial review those controversies which revolve around policy choices and value determinations constitutionally committed

for resolution to the halls of Congress or the confines of the Executive Branch”.

The arena of foreign relations is one of particular sensitivity, both for the potential it offers for interference with decision-making that is committed to the president and Congress, but also because courts lack expertise in such matters.

Partially quoting the high court, White said, “the judiciary is not equipped with the intelligence or the acumen necessary to make foreign policy decisions on behalf of the government.

“The very nature of [an] ex-

ecutive decision as to foreign policy is political, not judicial responsibility and have long been held to belong to the domain of political power not subject to judicial intrusion or inquiry.”

He said that in order to grant relief in this case it would require him to question and “even condemn US foreign policy towards Israel,” actions that would likely cause international embarrassment and undermine the country’s foreign policy decision-making.

White’s opinion closed on an unusual note. Although he swiftly and decisively dismissed the case, he used the

ending of his opinion to express a personal view. He began by saying, “There are rare cases in which the preferred outcome is inaccessible to the Court. This is one of those cases.”

He noted a decision of the International Court of Justice in January found “the military operation being conducted

by Israel ... has resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries, as well as the massive destruction of homes,.

There had also been forcible displacement of the vast majority of the population, and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, he said.

SA may quit ‘super-powers’ if Opposition wins South Africa might leave BRICS if the opposition wins the upcoming elections.

BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The opposition’s victory could shift foreign policy away from BRICS, similar to Argentina’s rejection.

South Africa’s departure from BRICS is linked to opposition parties’ stance against Russia.

Word on the street, courtesy

of South Africa’s own ambassador to Russia, Mzvukile Jeff Maqetuka, is that the upcoming elections might just be the catalyst for South Africa to bid adieu to BRICS, leaving the bloc scratching its head and wondering where it all went wrong.

Maqetuka, in a candid chat with Russia’s TASS Publication, laid out a scenario straight out of a political thriller: the opposition takes the reins, and just like that, South Africa’s ties with BRICS could snap faster than a brittle

twig. This possibility is real, tangible, and hanging over the BRICS alliance like a dark cloud. Remember Argentina’s cold shoulder earlier this year?

South Africa’s move could very well be a replay, but on steroids.

South Africa’s opposition parties, not exactly Russia’s fan club, could steer the ship in a whole new direction if they snatch victory. This isn’t about throwing shade at Russia for the sake of it; it’s a calculated move that could redefine South Africa’s foreign

policy and its alliance nations.

Maqetuka pointed out, without giving away too much, that if the opposition, particularly the Democratic Alliance, emerges victorious, BRICS might have to cross South Africa off its buddy list.

The stakes are high, and the countdown has begun. With the general elections set for May 29, South Africa is on the cusp of a pivotal moment. The African National Congress, with Cyril Ramaphosa at the helm, is gunning for a win. But in the volatile world of poli-

tics, guarantees are as reliable as a chocolate teapot. Should the opposition clinch a win, it’s anyone’s guess how South Africa’s foreign policy will morph, but BRICS might find itself one member short.

Keep in mind that BRICS has flung its doors open, hoping to expand from a cozy group of five to a bustling bloc of nine.

The alliance aims to shake up the global financial sector, championing a world where the US dollar isn’t the only heavyweight in the ring. Developing countries, hungry for

a slice of this new economic order, are lining up, with 25 nations eagerly waiting for their membership cards.

Scheduled to gather in Russia’s Kazan region for the 16th summit in October, BRICS stands at a crossroads.

The summit promises to be where the future of this alliance could be redrawn, welcoming new members into the fold. Yet, amidst this expansion, the potential exit of South Africa looms large, casting a shadow over the proceedings.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Opinion

Old time fun and games

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Obstacle Race at the big 1926 Sporting Day in Callan proved controversial. At first the outcome seemed beyond doubt. Mickey Croke had sprinted across the finishing line. His laces looked impeccably secure, and there was no sign of the spud. (You’ll recall from last week that the winner needed to have devoured a roasted spud before crossing the line.)

But Martin Holden called for quiet. A grave expression on his face, he rose from his stool, removed his hat, and paced with great deliberation across to where the apparent winner was standing.

Turning to the lady who held the saucepan of Starmocks- delicious floury potatoes, he stuck a fork in one and held it up to the onlookers, who thought Martin had lost his marbles.

He then called upon Mickey Croke to remove the spud he had concealed inside his jacket. Mickey blushed with embarrassment, admitted he had not eaten the spud, and produced the now cold potato for all to see.

Martin and his fellow Committeemen quickly agreed that Mickey could retain his winning title…but only if he consumed a scorching hot potato in front of the crowd.

This, explained Martin, would make up for the one he had failed to swallow during the race.

Mickey took the hot spud from Martin’s fork, dropped it with a shriek of pain, picked it up again, and began munching it. You could have heard a pin drop as he partook of roast potato in the Paddock.

Once he had it all inside him, the crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief, Martin Holden smiled, and Mickey Croke accepted the Obstacle Race trophy to

Part eight

Callan Lockes 1911.

Pictured are: Front row: Paddy Walsh (Scut), Dick Finn, Jimmie Corcoran (Bandy), Bill Fitzgerald.

Second row: Jimmy Lavelle, Mick Fitzgerald, Jack Fitzgerald, Ned Roche (Capt.), Mattie Fitzgerald, Mick Buggy, Jack Fitzpatrick (Goalie).

Third row: Johnnie Walsh, Bob Mahony, Dinny Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Staplelton, Paddy Mc Kenna, Jerry Fogarty, Jimmy Russell.

Back row: Jim Tobin (Trainer), Paddy Kerwick (Treasurer), Paddy Cuddihy (Secretary), Michael J. Lynch (Chairman), Mick Martin, John Fogarty

tumultuous applause. “It was a hard one to swallow”, he admitted in the pub afterwards, “but I have no regrets.

And I’ll be back next year!”

Further cheering ensued.

As night fell, dancing got underway in West Street.

Though the sports day was held but once a year, happy couples danced lancers all year round on the platform beside the Creamery. On cold winter nights, they danced to warm themselves in the street: Mostly to music, but sometimes unaccompanied.

Danny O’ Shea, an uncle of Mick Kenny, played a mouth organ alongside the squeezebox men. One of the most accomplished dancers was Mick Walsh, who later

Martin Coady of West Street

Coolagh Footbal Team 1950 Pictured are: Back row: Tom Power, Joe Bergin, Pascal Power, Bill Power, Larry Meagher, Seamus Byrne, Mick Somers, Jimmy Kearney, Jimmy Collins, Jackie Roche, John Lutrell.

Front row: Liam Bergin, Jim Power, Jimmy Somers, Ned Somers, Paddy Vaughan, Pete-Paul Vaughan.

emigrated to New York.

The sports days and dancing continued until about the mid 1930s. The dark spectre of emigration- or what Peter Roughan called the “Scatter that came to West Street and the rest of Callan”- led to the old Committee breaking up as the members went their separate ways, some to cross the Atlantic and others to board the ships bound for England.

The sound of dancing feet would never again be heard near the creamery gates in West Street. Like the sports days, the dancing on the street was consigned to history and the realms of folklore… to be spoken about at firesides in Callan, or in far-off New York, Boston, London, or wherever Callan folk had settled after saying goodbye to their native town and country.

Now, the memories too are fading. Where laughing couples once danced their hearts out… cars, vans, and lorries today line up for re-fuelling at the Top Shop, a symbol of progress and prosperity near the site of a humble but colourful past.

(More stories of those bygone times can be read in my book Callan in Words and Pictures, which is available from Amazon)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Celebrating International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day across the globe International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a day of global importance that celebrates the rights obtained by women in economic, political and social terms.

How did it all begin?

1908 - On March 8, 15,000

women marched in New York, demanding shorter working days, better wages, the right to vote, and an end to child labour. Their slogan was: “Bread and Roses”, bread symbolizing economic security and roses, an improvement in the quality of their lives.

This revolt for women’s rights was soon assimilated by the Socialist Movement.

In May of the same year, the Socialist Party of America decided that the last Sunday of February would become National Women’s Day. 1910 - On an international level, socialist organizations

from around the world met in 1910, in Copenhagen, Denmark. During that meeting, the Socialist International proposed an International Women’s Day. 1911 - On March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark,

Germany and Switzerland.

On that day, over a million men and women took to the streets for a series of demands.

In the beginning, Women’s Day was a political event, but over time it lost its real meaning, becoming simply an opportunity for men to express their love for the women around them, in a way similar to Valentine’s Day. In Romania, the celebration of March 8 is intertwined with the local tradition of Martisor, the celebration of the beginning of spring. It is celebrated by many symbolically as Mother’s Day, this being a reminiscence of the communist ideology.

How is it celebrated?

On this day, in Italy, women receive mimosas from men.

This custom is like that in Russia and Albania, where in addition to mimosas, the ladies also receive chocolate.

• In Romania, Bulgaria,

Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia, the most common gift is flowers.

• In some countries, such as Portugal, women celebrate March 8 with parties to which only ladies have access.

In Romania, celebrations start at the beginning of March, with the 1st when “Martisoare”, a token that symbolises the beginning of spring, are offered.

In the popular tradition, it is said that people who wear the Marțișor between March 1st and 8th will be lucky all year. The legend says that on March 1st, spring came to the edge of a forest and saw a snowdrop that had already blossomed, near a thorn bush.

Romanians also call the 8th of March Mother’s Day and offer flowers and nice gifts to mothers or to the dear women they have in their lives.

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Celebrating International Women’s Day

Women in business go ‘A Step Ahead’ with Network Ireland in 2024 From beating burnout to building brands, Network Ireland is pulling out all the stops to help women in business get ‘a step ahead’ during 2024. That’s the theme for Kilkenny native, Linda Codoul’s presidency in 2024 and she is using her platform to help build skills - both hard and soft - among Ireland’s community of businesswomen.

Her International Women’s Day programme features contributions from female

leaders in business, media and psychology that aim to empower women to plot a course to careers that are both successful and sustainable. With practical strategies to help overcome burnout and sports psychology exercises in dealing with setbacks and reaching peak performance, her programme was designed with women’s needs in mind.

“Whether it’s juggling care demands or dealing with imposter syndrome, women

sometimes need a little extra support in their careers,” says Linda. “This International Women’s Day we aim to offer women a toolkit they can use in their daily lives to make sure that career success doesn’t come at the expense of wellbeing. By building resilience, we hope to help women excel in their chosen walk of life.”

Linda has also negotiated a partnership with Griffith College to offer supports to female-led small businesses

that may not ordinarily be able to afford them. The first in a series of planned collaborations with the college has been unveiled and will see students produce branding materials like logos and website designs for five Network Ireland members.

Businesses from Waterford, Kerry, Mayo, Dublin and Cork were selected to take part in the programme after an invitation to participate generated an overwhelming response from Network

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Celebrating International Women’s Day

Network Ireland branch Presidents 2023 at the National Conference & Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2023

Ireland members earlier this year.

While national events are an opportunity for businesswomen from all over the country to gather, it’s the grassroots of the organisation that make it the support system it is. With branches in seventeen counties, the networking group runs hundreds of personal and business development events for its 1,200+ members every year and Linda considers these local meetings pivotal to her career success.

“I firmly believe that I would not be the person I am today, and my career would not be where it is if I was not a member of Network Ireland,” says Linda. “I’ve received invaluable advice and support from other members since joining the organisation in 2017, and this has had an incredible impact on my life and, in particular, my career.

Having a support network outside of my employment and family offers a fresh

perspective without bias. I would urge any woman out there looking for some peer support or professional guidance to go along to your local Network Ireland event. You’ll find like minded people who are eager to help you on the road to success - and you’ll never look back.”

Network Ireland is supported by AIB. Speaking about the partnership Elaine Downey, Head of Products, Retail Banking at AIB, said: “I am delighted that AIB and Network Ireland continue to work together through our long established partnership.

AIB is a strong supporter of women in enterprise and we see our partnership with Network Ireland as a great fit.

Network Ireland is a wonderful resource for female entrepreneurs and with AIB’s presence across Ireland, we will continue to proactively support the organisation’s members.”

Both Linda and Network Ireland Vice President,

Amy O’Sullivan are proud Kilkenny women, who are delighted to be bringing Network Ireland’s national events to the county for the very first time. Lyrath Estate welcomes the group for this year’s IWD celebration and will host the group’s Annual Conference and Business Awards in September.

Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office are co-sponsors of Network Ireland’s national events, and speaking about the collaboration, Kilkenny LEO representative Aileen McGrath said “Kilkenny is looking forward to welcoming the energy and enthusiasm of Network Ireland to the county. The spirit of enterprise is alive and well here and we are excited to support the synergies that hosting the Network will bring.”

There is an open invitation to women in every line of work to join Network Ireland.

For details of events in your area go to www.networkireland.ie/events

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News Celebrating International Women’s Day

Kilkenny Women & Local Politics event marks International Women’s Day A seminar aimed at highlighting the work of County Councillors and a pathway for women into Local Government was hosted by Kilkenny County Council in association with See Her Elected at the Council Chamber, County Hall, Kilkenny on Thursday, March 7th to mark International Women’s Day 2024.

‘Kilkenny Women in Politics’ included panel discussions with local politicians as well as an in-depth conversation with Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh, the country’s longest serving continuously

elected female County Councillor. The event also included informal panel discussions with female politicians from Kilkenny on their journey into politics and the day-today reality of being public representatives.

This event brings the voices of Kilkenny women in politics and the community together to understand what the role of a councillor entails and about pathways into Kilkenny County Council. There was a conversational-style panel with Councillors Deirdre Cullen, Fidelis Doherty, Maria

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Celebrating International Women’News s Day

Dollard and Kathleen Funchion T.D. and an in-depth interview with Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh on 50 years of continuous public representation. A second panel discussion also took place on diverse pathways into politics with a panel of women from a range of communities in County Kilkenny. Sinead Doody of Doody Facilitating and Consulting acted as MC for the event.

The Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council Lar Power delivered the opening address and Director of Service, Mary Mulholland of Kilkenny County Council closed proceedings on the day.

In welcoming the event to Kilkenny, the Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power stated that “the challenge of increasing the number of women in local politics continues and the aim of the event is to encourage more women and people from diverse backgrounds to

participate in Local Government, to the greatest extent possible and to realise the Council’s ambition of a more diverse representation of candidates in the 2024 local elections in Kilkenny.” Cllr.

Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, in highlighting the importance of the event said that “the wider benefits of equality and diversity in local Government cannot be underestimated”.

Dr. Michelle Maher, Programme Manager with See Her Elected, the awardwinning Government funded project which supports women in rural constituencies to become County Councillors also spoke about the work of the organisation in providing a pathway for women into local government.

“See Her Elected is delighted to collaborate with Kilkenny County Council for this seminar to promote and support greater involvement by women in Local Govern-

ment”.

“We want to see more women being elected to County Councils. Only 26% of County Councillors throughout Ireland are female and we have a much lower percentage of female Councillors in rural counties compared to more urban centres around Dublin. There are only 4 female Councillors out of 24 (which is just 17%) in County Kilkenny. Compare that to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council where half of the 40 County Councillors are female. Neighbouring counties such as Tipperary have 9 out of 40 which is 23% female, Waterford only has 6 female Councillors out of 32 (19%) and Offaly County Council only has 2 females out of 19 Councillors (11%).

“The first female elected to Kilkenny County Council was Sheila McCarthy from Ballyraggat in 1967. Since then, only another 18 women have managed the same feat” said Dr. Maher.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

St Patrick's festival Kilkenny

Tickets selling fast for

St. Patrick’s Festival Monsieur Gusto, The Parade

Try the pipes Music Generation Kilkenny

Prepare to be entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny! March 15th- 18th. From thrilling pyro displays, blending fire art and drumming, to the enchanting Kilkenny Tales & Legends Walking Tour and a range of unique familycentric circus acts, plus an electrifying fireworks display viewed from the grounds of Kilkenny’s majestic castle, this year’s program offers non-stop entertainment throughout the weekend festivities!

Saturday the 16th will see a spectacular new Fire Show come to town. A first time visit to Kilkenny for Pyro Collective. The Pyro Collective Fire Show promises to be energetic, raw and a spectacular sight incorporating multiple fire performers and live drumming. Taking place at 7.30pm and 9pm tickets are now on sale for this special outdoor event. Tickets are €5 + BF for individuals or €18 + BF for families of 4.

Keeping the flame alive, on Sunday night the Fireworks Display will return to Kilkenny Castle Park for a spectacular show to end St. Patrick’s Day. Ticket holders will get a prime vantage point for this 8-10min display over the skies of Kilkenny. A fantastic way to cap off St. Patrick’s Day in Kilkenny! Entry to the Castle Park requires tickets.

Individuals €4 + bf. Family of 5 €18 + bf.

For those with visitors in town the Kilkenny Cats Tales and Legends Evening

Walking Tour is the perfect evening activity. Promising to be an entertaining, fun and informative experience with a sprinkle of magic and plenty of Shenanigans!

The short tour will be led by Nevin Cody of Shenanigans Walks visiting four key stops before concluding at St. Mary’s Lane just in time for a free Kilkenny Tradfest Music Trail pub gig. Two tours will take place each evening from

Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th. This is a ticketed event and pre-booking is required.

Throughout the days the city will be filled with activity and fun for all the family. Including the vintage carnival, festival market, street theatre, American Marching Bands, and family entertainment shows at the Festival Tent, Market Yard.

A new addition to this year’s festival the Festival

Tent will host a number of ticketed children friendly shows and workshops.

Including Rhythm Makers Drumming workshops and two new shows to Kilkenny on Monday March 18th.

All the way from Turin, the ‘Out Of The Blue’ Interactive Family Circus Show will be top of the to-do list for multi-generational fun.

This wonderfully subversive and quirky show by leading

female clown, Fra Martó, is all about doing the laundry - but don’t worry, Frá makes cleaning so much fun you’ll be happy to join in! Tickets: €4 + bf | Family of 4 €15 + bf While, all the way from Cork, Guido Fanzini’s Impossible Circus is a tale of sibling rivalry, brotherly love and pogo sticks! We can guarantee you haven’t seen anything quite like this with awe-inspiring circus

tricks that brothers Guido and Ronaldo use to compete for top dog of the family business, which, luckily for festival-goers, just happens to be spreading fun.

Taking place on Monday 18th March tickets are €4 + bf or €15 + bf for family of 4.

Visit www.stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com to book tickets and to see the full programme!

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News

Covid Peer Support volunteers may change the game nationally for people in recovery A collaboration between the South East HSE, DSP, and a Kilkenny Family Resource Centre, designed to better support people with addictions may be about to change the way we think about supporting people in drug and alcohol recovery in Ireland.

Minister Hildagarde Naughton launched the findings of research by the South East Technical University (SETU) in the Neighbourhood Hall in Kilkenny last week. The research project, which lasted almost three years and was co-produced with users of the service, assessed the peer-led, volunteer run, 7 day a week online recovery service Better Together.

‘It’s an ill wind that blows no good for somebody and Covid lockdowns have proven to have come to some good for Irish people impacted by drug and alcohol addiction and struggling to recover.’ said Stephen Murphy, Chairperson of the South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (SERDATF) and Director of Services with the Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre.

Better Together brings volunteers with lived experience of addiction together with those trying to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. The programme was an innovation to try to continue support for those struggling with addiction over Covid lockdowns. The programme provided over 100,000 hours of online peer support during the Covid years and is now providing an average of 25,000 hours a year of online support by people with lived experience to people in recovery.

Stand Out SETU Research Findings: Amongst the findings of their co-produced research, Veronica Campbell, South East Technological University President, who introduced the research at the launch, highlighted that – 86.4% reported a decrease in incidents of relapse or self harm 97% reported improved social and emotional connections 92.5% reported diminished internal and social stigma since joining Better Together More than 90% of participants reported the 7 day a week 365 days a year online service as safe and accessible Better Together Coordinator, Laura Hardiman, who is employed by the Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre and funded by the South East HSE to develop the Better Together pilot project said: "Today is just the beginning for Better Together. We will

Amongst the gathering at Kilkenny Neighbourhood hall: Susie Barnes (SETU), Laura Hardiman (BT co-ordinator), Jim Dwyer ( SERDATF) AND Stephen Murphy ( chair SERDATF)

The large group attending the Neighbourhood Hall in Kilkenny, where Minister Hildagarde Naughton launched the findings of research by the South East Technical University (SETU)

continue to lead the way as community change makers and innovators in peer leadership support and lived experience initiatives.

What has been captured today is the joy and hope that breathes life into our communities, and shows the evidence that recovery is always possible."

SERDATF worker, Jim O’Dwyer, told those present at the launch that at the heart of the success of the partnership SERDATF developed, were the many people with lived experience who are giving their time voluntarily as peer support workers.

Jim said: ‘It would be a mistake to call what Better

Stephen Murphy Chairperson SERDTAF, Better Together Coordinator Laura Hardiman, Minister Hildagarde Naughton, SERDATF Worker Jim O Dwyer, Councillor David Fitzgerald

Together does as voluntary, 7 day a week 365 days a year over its four years. It is ‘Peer led’ and it truly deserves that name.

‘People join Better Together because they need a safe space and the truth is that we, the HSE and our communities, needed you also.

‘Your passion and

commitment, your expertise and love has started something in the South East that may help Ireland change the way we address addiction and trauma recovery.

‘We all feel it here today, we all needed it. We needed the whole story. We needed you.’

Jim added: ‘For some of you this will be the first time

you are hearing about Better Together - but I am certain that for all of you - it will not be the last.’

People interested in learning more about Better Together can click on the serdatf.ie website for further information.

Further details: Stephen Murphy 086 8097590

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

News

110 Budding entrepreneurs promise hope for future business in Kilkenny Kilkenny students set for entrepreneurship final

Photos by Vicky Comerford Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny have announced that teenage entrepreneurs from Presentation Secondary School, and Coláiste Abhainn Rí will represent Kilkenny at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Thursday 9th May in Mullingar Park Hotel.

The students all took part in the Kilkenny County Final on Thursday 29th February, which was held at Lyrath Hotel. Over 1000 students from 11 schools took part in the annual programme locally with 110 students making it to the County Final.

In the Junior Category, the students representing Kilkenny at the National Finals is Robbie Lyons from Berry Burst at Coláiste Abhainn Rí. The company makes homemade jams in 5 delicious flavours.

Muireann Bibby and Tom Carey from Gloine Mara at Coláiste Abhainn Rí will be representing the county at the Finals in the Intermediate Category. This company create beautiful handcrafted canvas art gifts from the sea.

In the Senior Category of the competition, Kilkenny will be represented on May 9th by Niamh Brett, Danica Tervit Kruger, and Hazel Maher from The Little Lost Collection at Presentation Secondary School. The Little Lost Collection is a story book collection created to educate children on the animal welfare situation in Ireland and teach them why it is important to adopt pets.

In the “My Entrepreneurial Journey” competition two Coláiste Abhainn Rí students won in their categories, Meabh Moylan of Tastalious Ltd. in the junior category and Jamie Power from Pollin8 in

Intermediate Category Winners of the main competition Muireann Bibby & Tom Carey from Gloine Mara at Coláiste Abhainn Rí

Senior Category Winners of the main competition Niamh Brett, Danica Tervit Kruger, & Hazel Maher from The Little Lost Collection at Presentation Secondary School

the intermediate category.

Speaking at the county final, Cathaoirleach, Cllr.

Michael Doyle mentioned “What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business. The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and team-work, will help them become more entrepreneur-

ial throughout their future careers”.

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise (Acting), of Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny congratulated the students, saying “We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Kilkenny with over 1000 students from 11 local schools taking part this year. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck on Thursday 9th May,

Senior Category Winners of the main competition Niamh Brett, Danica Tervit Kruger, & Hazel Maher from The Little Lost Collection at Presentation Secondary School.

L-R: John Mulcahy, LEO Kilkenny, Teacher Caoimhe McCarthy, Niamh Brett, Danica Tervit Kruger, & Hazel Maher, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael Doyle, Aileen McGrath, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick,

and we will all hope to be there to support them..”

The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals, taking place at Mullingar Park Hotel on the 9th May. Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media.

Winners of the Green Award The Green Award: David Gomez, Robert Deacon & Tares Schneider of The Greenway – CBS Kilkenny

L-R: Laura Murphy, Catherine Myers, John Mulcahy, Aileen McGrath, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael Doyle, Patrick Dillon Keane, Rita McGarvey

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Obituary

John Kinsella RIP

There was widespread sadness in the Bennettsbridge community and beyond when news broke of the passing of John Kinsella on New Years Day. A proud son of Bennettsbridge he touched many lives in countless ways. This became evident from the stream of condolences, messages and tributes which poured in over the days following his death.

John was a real family man. He married his wife Sheila in 1973 and they had 4 children, Jackie, Gerri, Owena and Daniel, as well as 8 grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored. He was so proud of them and their achievements. He was a constant supporter on the sidelines when his grandchildren were involved Family meant everything to him and his loss will be felt most by those closest to him, as well as the wider community of Bennettsbridge.

John’s religion was very important to him and he read in church for many years. He took part in all parish activities, including Drama, appearances in Fancy Dress Competitions, Festival events and fundraising down through the years. He was always game for a laugh. I can see him now walking up the path saying, “I have a good one for you”, His mischievous attitude was part of him and this well-loved man will be sadly missed by us all.

While life threw plenty at John; with a cancer diagnosis in the early 2000’s and Parkinson’s later in life, he had a fantastic philosophical outlook about it all.

He never let either ‘illness’ hold him back or he never let them get the better of him. Even when his health was deteriorating in the last few months he joined the newly formed Mens Shed and attended a number of meetings. When you had the pleasure to be in his company, you were guaranteed to be captivated by his positivity, his great storytelling ability and overall devil- may-care attitude!!

KILKENNY GAA The news of John’s passing has deeply saddened the Kilkenny GAA family. Kilkenny GAA expressed their condolences and sympathies to John’s family through an online memorial, highlighting the impact he had on the sport and the community.

John’s memory will forever be cherished, and his contributions to Kilkenny hurling will continue to inspire future generations.

John’s prowess as a hurler was legendary. He was a key player for the Bennettsbridge squad, helping his native parish secure three County Senior titles in 1966, 1967, and 1971. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he was selected for the Kilkenny squad as

a teenager in the 1960s.

He progressed through the ranks, representing Kilkenny at the minor, Under 21, and senior levels. His dedication and skill were rewarded with two Leinster Championship medals and two All Ireland medals in 1967 and 1972. An excerpt from the Kilkenny GAA Match programme on Feb 25th detail highlights of his sporting career, “ John was a very proud ‘Bridge man and always spoke so fondly of his time hurling with the great Bennettsbridge teams of the 60’s and 70’s. A player full of speed, tenacity, versatility and no shortage of skill, he went on to win 3 county titles in 1966, ’67 and ’71.

He also captained Bennettsbridge to the Inaugural Kilkenny U-21 Championship in 1967.

John was a member of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Panel between 1967 and 1973, winning 2 All Irelands and 2 Leinster titles in that time. The All Ireland success in 1967, coming on as a substitute versus Tipperary was very special, as it was Kilkenny’s first victory over Tipperary in 40 years! Another All Ireland followed in 1972 v Cork, with John starting at wing forward”.

John didn’t just excel on the GAA pitch. He was an excellent soccer player who played for both Evergreen and East End United.

When his playing days finished, he gave back to the game by taking up the whistle and refereeing in the local leagues. He was also a keen golfer and a founding member of Bennettsbridge Golf Society. John always spoke of the enjoyment he experienced, playing golf amongst friends locally, nationally and on foreign golfing trips.

Outside of sport John was a talented singer, with involvement in local showbands in the 70’s as well as with numerous local choirs. But he will be fondly remembered by most, for the years he spent on the airwaves of our local radio station KCLR. He was one of the station’s most popular presenters during his time there.

His involvement as a weekend presenter allowed his voice to reach a wider audience, further solidifying his place in Kilkenny hearts.

His “catch phrase”, “great day for the washing” is still remembered.

Affectionately known as Jack, he was not only a hurling hero but also a cherished member of the Kilkenny community. Beyond his sporting achievements, John was a mechanic by trade and many will remember him as a sales representative for Barlow Nissan, where he built lasting relationships with many people. His warm and friendly nature endeared him to all who knew him, making him a wellliked figure in Kilkenny’s social circles.

John’s impact extended far beyond the hurling pitch. His dedication to his community was evident in his active participation in various social events and organizations, both in Bennettsbridge and beyond.

John Kinsella’s life took an

unexpected turn when he received a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

However, he faced this new challenge with unwavering determination and a positive spirit.

Despite the difficulties he encountered, John’s journey with Parkinson’s became an inspiration to many. In the face of adversity, John found solace and strength in music. He joined the Kilkenny Parkinson’s Choir, Cairdeas, where he discovered a supportive community of individuals who shared a common bond. Through the power of song, John and his fellow choir members found comfort, joy, and a sense of unity.

The Kilkenny Parkinson’s Choir provided an outlet for John to express himself creatively and connect with others who understood the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. Their performances not only showcased their musical talents but also served as a source of inspiration for others facing similar struggles. John’s involvement in the choir demonstrated his determination to live life to the fullest, despite the obstacles he faced. His unwavering spirit and commitment to the choir became a testament to the power of music and the strength of the human spirit. Through his participation in the Kilkenny Parkinson’s Choir, John not only found support and camaraderie but also left a lasting impact on the community.

His courage and determination continues to inspire others to face their own challenges with grace and resilience.

John lay in repose at his home in Ballyreddin where family, friends and neighbours came in large numbers to pay their final respects. Fr. Roderick Whearty led the prayers during his wake. John wore his 2 blood donation pins and a munster pin in the coffin.

As the remains left the house, John’s grandchildren wheeled his coffin, which was draped with an old Kilkenny Jersey, East End Jersey and flag, from the house to the corner of the Gowran road, where pallbearers, Daniel, his son, sons-in-law, Barry and Damien, grandchild, Donncha and close friends took over, carrying the coffin to the church.

A Guard of honour comprising, East End Soccer Club, Bennettsbridge GAA and Bennettsbridge Camogie club walked on either side. Neighbours and friends followed the funeral procession.

At St Bennett’s Church the remains were received by Canon Pat Duggan and former teammates and friends, Pat Lawlor, Eddie Cunningham, Jim Treacy and Andy Whelan brought the coffin on the final part of the journey.

Requiem Mass was celebrated by Canon Pat Duggan. He welcomed everyone to the celebration of John’s life. He sympathised with the family on behalf of the parish, describing John as a great family man and a good neighbour.

Included in his homily was a poem written by John.

First Reading : Tina Keogh(Niece) Second Reading: Jackie Croke (John’s Daughter) Prayers of the Faithful: Maria Dunne, Brian Hackett, Emma Ke+ogh, Lisa Meighan, Trish Dalton, Jamie Kennedy and Tricia Dowling.

The Offertory Gifts with Commentary by Owena Grimes (John’s Daughter) reflected John’s varied interests and included items requested by him and others chosen by his grandchildren.

Donncha, his eldest grandchild, brings forward a Soccer Ball, and a referees whistle, representing the love Dad had for soccer, as a player with East End (and Evergreen) and as a referee. In recent years Dad took great pride in watching Dan and all his grandchildren continue to wear the East End colours.

Leah, presents Dad’s two All Ireland Medals and a sliotar. Dad represented his club and county with great pride and won many accolades with his friends at both local and county level.

Alowen, carries a Munster jersey.

Although a proud Kilkenny man, Dad swapped Province allegiance when it came to the oval ball.

His love of Munster Rugby was consolidated, encouraged and supported when a Munster man officially joined the family.

Rose, brings forward a CD and Headphones. Dad’s love of music is known to all - from his own performances, to his involvement with singing competitions, to his lengthy radio presenting career.

He has always been a member of our own local choir and took pride in being an early member of the Kilkenny Parkinson’s choir Cairdeas. Dad loved country music and dance and many nights were spent traveling with his sister Moira to Durrow for social dancing.

Robyn, brings family photographs. Dad’s love of family and especially his 8 grandchildren was evident to anyone who knew him. They were his pride and joy.

Dad has been affectionately known as Dadders, Dad-da and Grandad John, as more of his grandchildren joined the posse!

Tegan, presents a set of golf balls and a golf club. Dad played pitch and putt for many years and went on to become a passionate golfer as a member of Callan and Gowran golf clubs and loved to play on a regular basis. His foreign trips with his golfing buddies were an annual tradition and highlight. In his latter years, when he was unable to continue to play full rounds of golf, he used to join the boys for a few holes and the refreshments, chats and card games afterwards.

Alice, brings Dad’s Prayer book, a book of his own poetry and his reading glasses. Dad had a very strong faith and a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. He was a passionate reader and swapped many books with myself, Jackie and his circle of friends. He also enjoyed penning his own poetry and has left a legacy of meaningful poems for us all to enjoy.

Henry, the youngest grandchild, offers up Dad’s Ipad and remote control. Dad spent hours in his

sitting room watching a myriad of sporting events. He was also a huge fan of quiz shows and his grandchildren loved curling up on the couch beside him, learning how to ‘Beat the Chaser’ and how to outwit ‘Border Control’ - with the aim of smuggling a hurl into Australia in the future!! When Dad was unable to make Mass, he enjoyed watching various masses online, specifically from St. Fiachras and St. Canices parish webcams.

The Bread and Wine were presented by Sheila,(John’s wife) and Moira(his sister).

Music throughout the mass was by the Cairdeas Choir and Bennettsbridge Parish Choir.

The song sung by the Cairdeas choir after Communion – “Somewhere Only We Know” was special to his grandchildren who loved to go see him perform with the choir.

Songs played during Communion: In the Time That You Gave Me; My Last Breath Here and Because He Lived - all songs that John liked - Country and Western connection to his service.

Daniel (John’s son) spoke on behalf of the family. He shared some memories of his father with the congregation. He thanked everyone for their kindness and support over the time of the funeral. They were a great source of comfort at a very sad time.

We wish to thank the medical professionals who took care of John during his Illnesses, in recent times the staff at Thomastown Primary Care Unit and the medical staff of St. Luke’s Hospital.

A special thanks to the nurses and care assistants of the Suir Ward.

Thanks to all who visited our home, some of you travelling long distances.

Thanks Fr. Duggan for celebrating John’s funeral mass, your guidance and support is really appreciated.

Thanks also to the Cairdeas choir and our own local choir for the beautiful singing.

As the coffin left the church for its final resting place, female family members, Jackie and Leah Croke, Owena Grimes and Linda Kinsella guided it on its way. Prayers were recited by Fr Duggan.

John passed away on 1st January 2024, peacefully, at St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Johanna, brother-in-law Liam Hackett and more recently by his brothers-in-law Liam Dalton and Ned Kennedy. John will be greatly missed by his loving wife Sheila (nee Dalton), daughters Jackie, Gerri, Owena, son Daniel, sister Moira, sons-in-law Barry Croke and Damien Grimes, daughterin-law Linda Murray, his adored grandchildren Donncha, Leah, Alowen, Rose, Robyn, Tegan, Alice and Henry, nieces and nephew, his large extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

John’s month mind mass will be celebrated on Sunday the 10th March 2024 at 10.30 a.m. in Bennettsbridge Church.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Opinion

Kilkenny woman on Grafton Street

BY NED EGAN

‘On Grafton Street in November’ - great lines from Kavanagh’s immortal ‘Raglan Road.’. Now we have a Kilkenny woman on Grafton Street, every weekend of the year -feeding the homeless, the deprived, the abandoned.

Mary Pierce spends all of every week hunting and searching Kilkenny for any lots of food or clothing.

Then on Sunday, husband Brendan and she trundle their van up to Dublin.

When Kilkenny citizens are enjoying their cosy ‘second sleep’, Mary is on the road, on her weekly mission to help the weak, the helpless - who await her in droves.

She asks no questions, just makes sure that they have at least one good meal in the week. Mary speaks of her ‘clients’ with great affection, never pointing out their faults, being kind, hoping {sometimes in vain} that they will last another six hard days and nights; when she will be up again. She is

trying to buy a better van.

We here in Ireland hear a lot about great women of the past. Grainnuaile, Maeve, St Bridget, and many another. But here and now, we have Mary Pierce. She tells sad tales about people living under newspapers, in shop doorways, or in a garden or field.

You know, reader, when you wake up of a night, and you look out the window, and see a lonely yellow streetlight shining on a factory wall: Chill-Heart old Jack Frost is abroad, going about his deadly job.

And you are warm, quite unaware that some poor soul is trying to sleep under a sheet of paper, at the butt of that gloomy wall.

A human person, like you.

Only not so lucky…

Because a lot of things, good and bad, spring from luck. Think of all the tiny events that had to click in order for you to meet, say, the love of your life.

If any one click didn’t happen – that was you both gone on different paths, to different lives, children, fates. The person under that newspaper was once a loved infant, a sweet schoolchild, an ambitious

teenager. Then some bad luck got in the way: maybe a loved mammy died too young. Or a careless daddy ran away. Or a fall into bad habits …. Easy to do. Mary Pierce has seen it all, them all. How does she deal with it? God knows – I certainly do not.

Let me relate an instance: In my time in Australia, ages ago, Jim, a fine Mayo lad, got married. Sought

to buy a new home. Was approved - for a big loan.

Big payments. But he earned well, as a bricklayer.

Wife got pregnant. Great joy. Then a Christmas Party hove into view. Jim was no drinker. Had a few, and fell through a shop window.

One terrible result: glass cut the tendons in his right arm. The ones that control fingers and thumb. Nobody wants a one-handed

brickie. So, no work.. no money.. car goes.. house goes.. marriage fails.. wife goes… then life itself goes - Jim hangs himself.

Just shows how one small event can wreck your life completely There was no Mary Pierce in Perth in those far days. If there had been, she might have pulled Jim through…

I’m not telling just the stirring tale of Mary Pierce.

She can do that fine, is well capable. In these few words, I want to show the story of a few homeless, here and there. Mary and hubby Brendan also do the rounds of Kilkenny City.

Aye, we’ve got cold sleepers here in ‘Marbleville’, too.

They are everywhere now.

Just one slip - and you could be amongst them.

What attracted me to Mary’s efforts was the fact that I had two children who became part of that ‘legion of the lost.’ One finished up being killed, one on Crystal Meth, and then cancer got him. I brought them up as well as I could; both were clever, then they ran amok. And I lost a little Bab to Thalidomide. I’m not seeking sympathy – just showing how one can fall.

I did. And it’s not always a poverty thing: I was wealthy at the crucial times. There was no Mary Pierce to offer great unconditional help. My kids, me – we fell through the cracks…

So when you see a tattered person mooching along, with a sad bundle, be kind.

Don’t be like the the horrid drunks who throw beer and water on the night-people.

And when you cruise your wam tig in the night’s small hours, thank some lucky star that you are not one of the forgotten -- and that they are frozen and frigid, out there in the dangerous dark, hanging on to this precarious life by the tips of their fingers. And with only one sweet person to hold their sad hand --- Mary Pierce of Kilkenny.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Clogh Writers Group

In November of 2023, Clogh Writers group launched ‘Where I am’, a collection of poetry and prose from eleven different writers.

As co-ordinator of the writers group Jane Meally said: “Where I am” is a publication where each writer communicates their passion to the reader.”

Having attended the launch in Clogh, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper was quite taken with not only the publication, but the work ethic of the writers group. Over the next 11 weeks we reproduce some of that work, and are delighted to work hand in hand with this North Kilkenny writers group.

WEEK 4: This week we feature the work of Jane Meally

The Dresser

The Dresser Jane Meally

The soft lines of pine carved many years ago, in the 1920’s I think, fashioned in shape and symmetry pieced together layer upon layer planed, morticed and nailed, designed and crafted to make three shelves ornately finished, two doors enclosing two one-shelved units and bottomless end, a treasure trove of household goods, delph and the best china, Kit housed her holy water bottles here.

Top of the dresser and pride of place her big antique platters, her and her mother’s wedding gifts The Willow Pattern, Arklow Pottery and bone china Anglesey, not suitable for the dishwasher.

Pull out pine drawers hold bone handle knives, old silver forks and spoons bronzed with years.

Jugs of various shapes, patterned with flowers and fruits some used for jam adorn the bottom shelf all snug together beside Aunt Mary’s brown sugar boat.

Dinner plates plain and patterned in blue and red neatly slanted against each other mugs in uniform rows, matching.

Hanging from the side beside Mick’s wire toasting fork a safety booklet In Times of Nuclear Disaster.

Middle of top-shelf a clock, still ticking windmills and porcelain cats to tell the temperature Our Lady of Lourdes and Perpetual Help looking on.

The dresser stands against the kitchen wall I listen to the singing kettle keeping us together.

Jane Meally

My First Record Across the water from Malin I see the cliffs of Scotland, Mull of Kintyre rolls into mind and now it feels like I always want to be there with sea and rock.

Paul McCartney rises above the Mull gathers voices around him, guitars and bagpipes call through sand and heather.

Teenagers and children, Mammies and Daddies Grannies and Granddads follow the path.

A chorus echoes around the Mull and tunes linger in the bare brown earth in the golden sands passing through sparks of magic.

Home In The Snow

We wrapped it carefully in shiny Christmas paper carried it carefully from our house across the field to your house, gathered round you handed it to you, smiling, shaking, waiting.

You slowly unwrapped the paper, ‘What is it at all?

A crib?’

Like an angel you placed it in your window, for you for us for all the rest of our lives.* *after Seamus Heaney “When all the others were away at Mass”

No school today only snow, our front yard is white frozen glistening this March morning.

You shovel and brush the mounds clearing a path for us.

No work for you today, Father, only snow.

Every snow globe I see reminds me of you - when you were lean, building walls, thatching roofs and hanging doors.

And when the hay was made, the cows milked the garden prepared and sowed you enjoyed a few bottles with the lads in the village.

No school today, no work today.

You recall the great snow of ’47 when you walked to work not knowing the road from the ditch.

We shovel and brush the yard, my wellington print beside yours our breaths warming the morning air.

Jane Meally

Jane Meally

Jane Meally

Christmas Gift

Conversation I Where are the words gone?

Do they float away on lonely railway lines? Are they rising in oriental skies, calling across scorched dunes across the burning earth?

Somewhere nearby a blackbird sings. Are these the words of our times, the tunes we are asked to listen to?

Why do you sing blackbird? What is your message?

You hop into the flowers, our eyes meet.

I will remember the soul of wonder in that look, forever.

II And the words come with strikes of light from the sun going to rest, filtering through shadows falling through leafy branches.

Names etched in stars glisten through our night, wait to guard our day fill our breaths and sing together.

What is this?

A moment in time? You answer I am your words on a sunlit shore.

Jane Meally

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Smash burgers Prep: 10 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 4

The new method of ‘smashing’ burgers creates the ultimate meaty crust. Serve in a burger bun with lettuce, gherkin, tomatoes and your favourite sauces.

Ingredients • 4 burger buns, sesame topped or brioche, whichever you prefer • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 500g steak mince, 15-20% fat is good • 4 slices mild cheddar, or burger cheese • 1 red onion, finely sliced • handfuls of iceberg lettuce, finely shredded • 2 tomatoes, sliced • 1 large gherkin, sliced lengthways • mayonnaise, ketchup and American mustard, or your preferred sauces, to serve Method STEP 1 Slice the burger buns in half, then toast or grill the cut sides and set aside. Heat the oven to 100C/80C fan/gas ¼.

STEP 2 Divide the mince into four loose piles and season generously with salt. Heat ¼ tbsp oil in a heavy

frying pan or skillet over a high heat and put one of the piles in the pan. Working quickly, cover with a square of baking parchment and use a second smaller pan to press the beef patty down as hard as you can (you may wear oven gloves

or use the end of a rolling pin for pressing down, being careful of the heat and rising steam). Allow to cook for 2 mins.

STEP 3 Remove the parchment and turn

the patty over. Press down with a spatula, cover with a slice of cheese and cook for 1 min. Transfer to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven while you cook the other burgers in the same way.

STEP 4 To assemble the burger, scatter a bun base with onion, lettuce and tomato slices, followed by a smashed patty, gherkin slices and the bun top. Serve with your chosen sauces on the side.

Easy butter chicken Prep: 15 mins Cook: 35 mins plus at least 1 hr marinating Serves: 4 Fancy a healthy version of your favourite Friday night curry? Try our easy butter chicken – the meat can be marinaded the day before so you can get ahead on your prep.

Ingredients • 500g skinless boneless chicken thighs • For the marinade • 1/2-1 lemon, (to taste) juiced • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp paprika • 1-2 tsp hot chilli powder • 200g natural yogurt For the curry

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (optional) • thumb-sized piece ginger, grated • 1 tsp garam masala • 2 tsp ground fenugreek • 3 tbsp tomato purée • 300ml chicken stock • 50g flaked almonds, toasted

seasoning. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with the marinade. Cover and chill in the fridge for 1 hr or overnight.

To serve (optional) • cooked basmati rice • naan bread • mango chutney or lime pickle • fresh coriander • lime wedges

STEP 3 Add the spices with the tomato purée, cook for a further 2 mins until fragrant, then add the stock and marinated chicken. Cook for 15 mins, then add any remaining marinade left in the bowl. Simmer for 5 mins, then sprinkle with the toasted almonds. Serve with rice, naan bread, chutney, coriander and lime wedges, if you like.

Method STEP 1 In a medium bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients with some

STEP 2 In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic, green chilli, ginger and some seasoning.

Fry on a medium heat for 10 mins or until soft.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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5

The Night Agent: all you need to know for new Season 2

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

new ones landing on Prime Video 1. Road House

Seeking redemption in the sun-drenched Florida Keys, a troubled ex-UFC fighter, played

by Jake Gyllenhaal, takes a job as a bouncer at a local roadhouse.

However, his attempt at a peaceful life is shattered when he confronts a vicious crime boss and his ruthless enforcer. UFC superstar Conor McGregor is playing the chaotic Knox in this 2024 movie.

Brutal brawls and escalating danger test his skills like never before in this action-packed film.

Road House will be released on Prime Video on March 21.

2. Ricky Stanicky

A childhood prank gone wrong leads three friends to invent a fictitious character, Ricky Stanicky (2024), as they attempt to cover up their lies.

Years later, their wives demand to meet this non-existent friend, forcing them to hire a washedup actor, played by John Cena, to impersonate him.

Hilarious consequences ensue as the friends navigate the chaotic situation in this 2024 comedy starring Zac Efron and company.

Ricky Stanicky is already drop on Amazon.

The Night Agent had all the ingredients for a Netflix hit.

But after Season 1 came Covid and the lockdown.

It is only now, nearly five years later, that Season 2 is about to stream An everyday- sort-ofgovernment agent was doing the most boring FBI job, only to be thrust into adrenaline-tinged, shadowy intrigue that built to a cliffhanger season finale.

Attractive spies also do usually turn heads, and leading man Gabriel Basso [pictured] fits that bill alongside foremost lady Luciane Buchanan. Additionally, the show also landed in the “dad TV” realm that helped to ensure that the show squeezed into the Netflix all-time charts before 2023’s end, and for that reason, Netflix

departed from its recent hesitation to grant early renewals.

Since the ‘end’ of the pandemic, the show has been in the thick of production when Hollywood wasn’t striking. Despite those works stoppages, filming is humming right along with the streamer providing sneak peeks, and since this show is character driven and not terribly effects heavy, turnaround should prove to be speedier than many streaming series.

Here’s what we can expect for a second season.

Netflix is not messing around when it comes to fast-and-furious production of this show. The streamer and Gabriel Basso took to Instagram to signal the start of the sixth episode’s filming for this

season. If they’re moving strictly in chronological order, that’s a promising detail. Additionally, Basso is shown taking flight in a helicopter above towering skyscrapers in a video clip.

The series began as an adaptation of Matthew Quirk’s bestselling, samenamed book, but since Quirk didn’t follow up on the story, the Netflix show is moving past its source material after Peter Sutherland has formally moved on from basement guy to the Night Action Programme.

As a result, the show will move past its original (mostly) Washington DC confines into New York City, where Peter will begin to learn the ropes of truly being part of the off-thebooks FB rather than sim-

ply being the phone dude.

Additionally, Deadline reported that the show would partially film in Thailand.

At least that suggests some fun with the new job duties and Peter and Rose found themselves with a host of obstacles, including White House Chief of Staff Farr (Hong Chau) and US VicePresident Redfield (Christopher Shyer).

Peter had halted an intricate terrorist/assassination scheme and received his new job title by the end of the first season, but do not expect this to be an easy transition for him.

Gabriel Basso hinted to Collider that Peter will find himself in an entirely new mission with unfamiliar circumstances throwing up challenges for a second round of episodes.

What they’re doing with Harlan Coben work Most of Harlan Coben’s series adapted from his bestselling books are on Netflix.

The latest, though, Shelter, is streaming Amazon Prime Video.

Amazon Prime Video subscribers were thoroughly enjoying the title, especially when it came to the original series’ ability to keep them hanging on to the edges of their seats. However, sadly, not too long after the series premiered, the streaming service saw it best to cancel

the show after only one season.

Viewers were gutted by Prime Video’s decision because it seemed that the show was performing pretty well on the site. After all, it’s not every day that a show secures an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars! Even still, from the site’s end, it seems as though the show wasn’t performing as well as they’d hoped, leading to its ultimate demise.

Although Shelter is no

longer an ongoing show, we know the power of Harlan Coben’s stories is strong enough to revive this series.

But what are the odds of that happening?

Unfortunately, Netflix currently has no plans regarding saving Shelter since the streaming service is focused more on pushing out new Harlan Coben content.

After all the popularity that Fool Me Once garnered, Netflix confirmed the adaptation of Coben’s Missing You

and Run Away soon. There was no news about Shelter, leading us to believe that the revival of the show may not even be on Netix’s radar.

Despite everything pointing to Shelter being a oneand-done show, we can never say never, as we’ve seen other shows beat very unfavourable odds before.

We just hope one day that grace is extended to Shelter, so fans can get some closure for their favotrite Harlan Coben mystery thriller.

3. The Boys In The Boat

Based on the 2013 book of the same name by Daniel James Brown, the 2023 movie details their remarkable journey as they defy the odds and compete for gold in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Joel Edgerton stars in this tale of perseverance and triumph, chronicling the team’s fight against adversity and their quest for ultimate victory.

The Boys In The Boat is going to be available on Prime Video on March 29.

4. Frida

This 2024 documentary film uses her own words, letters, and artwork to create an intimate portrayal of her life, struggles, and creative process.

Unveiling her experiences through her voice and animation, the film offers a deeper understanding of the artist and the enduring power of her work.

Frida will be released on Prime Video on March 14.

5. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret

Based on the beloved Judy Blume novel, this coming-ofage story from 2023 follows 11-year-old Margaret Simon, as she navigates the complexities of puberty, new friendships, and adjusting to a new school.

Starring Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates, the story offers a heartwarming and relatable portrayal of adolescence and brilliantly captures the challenges and growth Margaret experiences on her journey to self-discovery.

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will be available to stream on Prime Video from March 15.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Advertisement Opinion

Making habits stick A chartered physiotherapist’s perspective

BY PAUL BOLGER

Nano Physiotherapy

If I could offer you the one solution to change your habits for the better – I would be living on a tropical island and not writing articles for The Kilkenny

Observer (well, maybe I would still write a few...).

There is no single solution to this – but scientific research does give us useful strategies that we can use

to help make habits stick.

If you read ahead, I ask one thing of you – that you take at least one of the below tips and put it in action for the next week. Let’s begin.

Remove Temptations Willpower won’t get you very far. If we all depended on a strong will to behave the way we feel we should then we would exhaust ourselves very quickly. A key strategy is to remove temptations wherever possible.

If you are looking to bring in a new behaviour – remove the temptation to avoid this activity. For example, if you want to get to the gym or go for a walk/ run – place your gear/ shoes in a place you cannot ignore – such as by the door or in the passenger seat. I've heard of someone sleeping in their running gear to make sure they didn’t skip their morning run!

If you want to cut down on a behaviour, then removing tempting triggers is a must.

For instance, place the sweet treats out of sight in an awkward place to access.

Or better yet – leave them in the shop. Avoiding certain aisles and not shopping on an empty stomach helps too.

How else might you ensure you aren’t caught out in your weaker moments?

Habit Pairing/ Stacking A great way to insert a new behaviour into your day is to link it to something that you already do regularly. Do you want to floss more? Do it prior to brushing your teeth (and maybe use the strategy above and place your floss

in front of your toothpaste).

How about walking? Get it in just before you eat lunch.

There is any number of ways you can do this – take a few minutes to consider how you might make use of this strategy in your own life.

Make it Social We are social beings. The success of our species has hinged on our ability to cooperate. Competition, while being useful at times, is nowhere near as powerful as collaboration. Feeling supported by others and offering our own support to those around us are essential elements of our health.

On your journey towards healthier habits, why not link in with a friend who wants to make similar changes – you could plan to exercise together or check in on each other to see how you are going each week.

Join a class, a club or a group.

Psychological research shows us that we view the slope of a hill as less steep when we are standing next to a friend. Challenges are best met in good company.

Well done on reading this far. Knowledge is one thing, but nothing beats action.

Where can you make use of these strategies in your life?

Next time we will explore how cultivating selfcompassion can be powerful in making habits stick.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

One of the great Racing and indeed annual Sporting Highlights commences next Tuesday afternoon March 12th as the Cheltenham Festival gets underway.

As is traditional, The Supreme Novices Hurdle gets he festival underway, and it was 29 years ago in March 1995 that Tourist Attraction with Mark Dwyer onboard got the ball rolling for the Willie Mullins stable.

A shock 25/1 winner, Tourist Attraction began a sequence of success for The Champion Trainer that continues almost 30 years on.

Heading into this years Festival, Willie is the leading trainer in Cheltenham Festival History with 94 winners and having once again possessing a strong squad at his disposal, it would be no surprise should he train at least half a dozen winners next week and become the first trainer in history to reach a century (100) of winners at the festival.

Willie has been leading trainer at the festival on ten occasions in the past 13 years and is widely expected to acheive that feat again this year, particularly having completely dominated The Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown a month ago as he trained the winners of all eight Grade 1 races, He has had so many great memories throughout the past 3 decades with so many top class horses. Among the many highlights were his three Gold Cup winners: Al Boum Photo (2010 and 2020) and Galopin Des Champs (2023), Four Champion Hurdles: Hurricane Fly(2011 and 2013), Faugheen

(2015) and Annie Power (2016), along with two Champion Chases: Energumene (2022 and 2023).

Also, the brilliant mare Quevega achieved legendary status in 2014 when making history by winning the Mares Hurdle for a sixth straight consecutive year, and in the process she became the first horse ever to win at the Cheltenham Festival six years in a row eclipsing the 5-in-a-row Gold Cup triumphs of Golden Miller back in the 1930s, while one of his best horses was ten-times Grade 1 winner Florida Pearl who was the first superstar to emerge from the stable.

Florida Pearl was twice a Festival winner when winning The Champion Bumper in 1997, while twelve months later in 1998 the gamble to plunge him into the world of steeplechasing paid dividends when he won the Sun Alliance Chase.

He would go on to be placed twice in The Gold Cup the following two years (1999 and 2000), while winning a whole host of other featured races including The Irish Gold Cup - Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on four occassions (1999, 2000, 2001 and 2004), while one of his best moments was defeating subsequent three-in-a-row Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate (2002-2004) in The 2001 King George Chase.

The Champion Trainer can expect more memories to add to the collection next week, but this years Festival will be tinged with sadness and poignancy following the recent passing of his Mum Maureen a month ago.

Maureen was an ever present at The Cheltenham Festival for several years, and she was so proud of her children and grandchildren's success and acheivements. She was a most familiar sight in the parade ring after a Mullins family triumph, especially on one of the most famous days in Cheltenham history.

Dawn Run trained by her husband Paddy Mullins won The Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1986, and afterwards in the winners enclosure there were amazing scenes of jubilation that had seldom been seen on a racetrack previously. Dawn Run made history by becoming the first racehorse to complete The Champion Hurdle/ Gold Cup double, a feat that still stands almost 40 years on, and this year is the 40th anniversary of her Champion Hurdle triumph in 1984.

Willie has a leading hand in all of the feature races throughout next week, and with the ongoing uncertainty - at time of writing - about the participiation of last years Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill, State Man is a very strong possibility to provide the champion trainer with a fifth Champion Hurdle triumph.

State Man won The County Hurdle at The 2022 Festival, and over the past 16 months he has dominated the two mile hurdle scene.

Last season, he acheived a clean sweep of victories in Ireland by winning all four Grade 1 races for seasoned hurdlers over two miles.

He won The Morgiana Hur-

dle in Punchestown, and that was followed by victories in Leopardstown in The Matheson Hurdle at The Christmas Festival before following up in The Irish Champion Hurdle at The Dublin Racing Festival.

Having finished runner-up to the brilliant Constitution Hill at last years Champion Hurdle in Cheltenham, State Man returned to winning ways as expected with an odds-on victory in The Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at The Punchestown Festival.

Last years Champion Hurdle runner-up has maintained his winning run on Irish soil this season by adding three further Grade 1 wins, as he repeated last seasons triumphs by winning The Morgiana Hurdle, The Matheson Hurdle and Irish Champion Hurdle.

Lossiemouth is also entered in The Champion Hurdle, but she will run in the following race, The Mares Hurdle. She will be a short price favorite to win at The cotswolds for the third time having won the Triumph Hurdle last year, while in late January she was most impressive in landing The Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle by about 10 lengths.

On Day two, El Fabiolo will be odds-on to win The Queen Mother Champion Chase, and victory next Wednesday will make it a hat-trick of consecutive Champion Chase triumphs for the champion trainer following Energumene's victory the past two years.

Monkfish made a most welcome return to the racecourse in Gowran Park on Thyestes Day with an emphatic victory

in The Galmoy Hurdle, and the one time Gold Cup favorite is a best priced 16/1 for The Stayers Hurdle next Thursday.

His stable companion Sir Gerhard is also among the entries for The Stayers, while Willie's nephew Emmet is likely to be represented by Noble Yeats who would be an interesting runner.

Noble Yeats won The Aintree Grand National in 2022, and he finished fourth in both The Gold Cup and Grand National last year.

In late January, he won The Cleeve Hurdle in a titanic finish over the same course and distance as The Stayers Hurdle so he would be a live contender, while Gordon Elliott is likely to supply the two main market principals in Irish Point and Teahupoo.

Teahupoo was a close second behind stablemate Sire Du Berlais in last years Stayers, and he is twice a feature race winner in Gowran having won The Red Mills Hurdle in 2022 while he was a most impressive winner of The Galmoy Hurdle last year.

He will go into next Thursday's race fresh having won a pulsating Hattons Grace Hurdle in Fairyhouse in early December, and he sets a very high standard. It may well prove to be one of the races of the week.

Next Friday, Galopin Des Champs will attempt to emulate his stable companion Al Boum Photo by winning consecutive Gold Cups and on his last two runs in Leopardstown, he was back to his very best.

Having finished third behind

Fastorslow in The Durkan Chase at Punchestown in November, Galopin Des Champs was back to his brilliant best with a landslide victory in the Savills Chase at The Leopardstown Christmas Festival, while at The Dublin Racing Festival he reversed the form with his twice Punchestown conqueror Fastorslow to defend The Irish Gold Cup that he won last year.

The fairytale story would be if The John "Shark" Hanlon trained Hewick somehow managed to pull off a most famous triumph. The King George winner ran a cracker before coming down at the penultimate fence in last years Gold Cup, but having run so well in last years showpiece, connections will feel confident of another good run next Friday.

There will be more on Hewick and The "Shark" in next Friday's Kilkenny Observer.

Once again, The Irish have a stranglehold and strength in depth across the four days, and it would be no surprise if they broke the 20 winner mark next week having done so previously in 2021 with a staggering and record breaking 23 winners.

Finally, The final national hunt meeting of the season in Gowran Park takes place tomorrow afternoon.

The feature race is the Holden Plant Rentals Handicap Steeplechase, and the Six Nations clash between Ireland and England will be shown on a big screen. It's the start of a great week of sport for St. Patrick’s week, and the optimism of further Irish glory in both Racing and Rugby.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA FOOTBALL It was a mixed weekend for the Clara football teams. The U14s provided the only win of the weekend by beating Graignamanagh 3-4 to 0-2 in Clara on Sunday afternoon in a league match. Earlier at the same venue the visitors had the upper hand in the Minor B championship on a 5-7 to 2-4 scoreline. Conor Hoyne with 1-1, Joe Power 0-3, 0-2f and Eoin Corr provided the Clara scores but Graignamanagh were far slicker on the day. Clara badly missed the services of county minor David Barcoe who is recovering from injury.

On Saturday the Clara seniors were beaten 1-9 to 0-5 by Thomastown in the league semi final. Short a few players who were on duty for St. Kierans the home team can have few complaints about the result.

KIERANS WIN Well done to the Clara brigade that helped St Kieran’s College qualify for a remarkable ninth final in a row by beating Limerick kingpins Árd Scoil Rís in Bansha on Saturday. Rory Glynn scored four points and Cian Kelly, Harry Boyle, Sean Carrigan and David Barcoe were all part of a very strong Kieran’s panel that won out 1-19 to 0-14.

They now face St. Raphael’s of Loughrea in Croke Park in the final and good luck to them in that.

MEMBERSHIP Membership for Clara GAA, Camogie and LGFA Clubs is now due. Underage training is due to commence on Monday 8th April. Thanks to all who have paid there membership to date, it is very much appreciated. Please login to your Foireann account at Foireann.ie. Anyone experiencing difficulties can contact, registrar.clara@gmail.com or any Committee member.

Thanks, from Clara GAA Executive Committee.

CLUB LOTTO Lotto results 27th February, Numbers drawn - 9, 13, 19. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Noel Hoyne, Emma O Keeffe, Matt O Keeffe, John Corr, Sheila Heffernan.

Thanks for your support.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS LOTTO O’Loughlin Gaels Club Lotto. There was no winner of club lotto dated Feb 27th Numbers Drawn - 1, 9, 18, 27, Bonus 25. Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Tom Leahy c/o JJ Cullen 2. Loreto Coye c/o Dinny Tyrrell. 3. Jack Tyrrell c/o JJ Cullen. 4. Kay Kelly.

5. Susanne Tyrrell c/o Dinny Tyrrell. 6. PJ Scanlon c/o Neil Loy . 7. Stephen Murphy c/o Dinny Tyrrell. 8. Donal Higgins c/o Online. 9. Derek McKenna c/o Online. 10. Killian Buckley c/o Online MEDAL PRESENTATION DINNER A night of celebration will take place in the O’Loughlin Gaels club on Saturday March 16th. Medals will be presented to our Senior Hurling team, for their County Final win and Leinster title. The U19 Hurling panel and Intermediate Camogie panel will also receive their League medals.

Tickets are available from the club and cost €40 including catering by Langtons, followed by live music with Uptown Band and DJ. It’s going to be a great night. Make sure you’re there!

ALL IRELAND SUCCESS Congratulations to O’Loughlin Gaels Aoife Shealy who played on the Loreto Secondary School team which won the All Ireland Senior Colleges Camogie title in Rathdowney recently. Well done Aoife!

HANDBALL WINNERS Well done to O’Loughlin’s handballers who enjoyed great success representing Kilkenny Handball in the Leinster finals in Croke Park recently. Leon Delaney and Robbie Geoghegan won the under 12 doubles defeating Wexford.

Ollie Morrissey won silver in the under 12 singles while Sean Morrissey and Dan Mc Cormack won the Under 17 doubles defeating their Laois opponents in two games. A very successful day for the club’s handballers winner of four gold and one silver medal.

SOCIAL DANCE NIGHT A Social Dance Night will be held in Johnswell Hall, Johnswell ( R95RP89) on Saturday 9th March from 9pm to late. Music by Declan Aungier. Admission €10. All welcome.

Refreshments served.

FRESHFORD MRS MARY BERGIN RIP The Freshford area lost one of its most senior citizens last weekend with the passing of Mrs. Mary Bergin late of Blackwood. The deceased was predeceased by her husband Mick, and in more recent years by her son Paddy.

She was originally from Ballacolla, Co Laois. She was in her 95th year and was well up to recently. She was a caring

mother to six sons and two daughters and a grandmother to 42 grandchildren and doting great grandmother to her 65 great grandchildren. She was a hardworking, kind and good living lady and was widely known and respected in the locality. She will be sadly missed by her family, neighbours and friends and all who knew her throughout the years. Her remains were removed from Kennedys Funeral Home on to Clontubrid Church. Funeral mass took place on Tuesday 27th February followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

She is mourned by her sons Matt, Sean, Seamus ,Micheal and Brendan, daughters Sheila and Breda, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters in law, brother, sister, sisters in law, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

HOME FROM USA Visiting his native Freshford from the USA at present is Thomas Bergin Woodview and his wife Bernie who hails from Ballacolla and their son. Thomas and his family live in Kentucky and are frequent visitors back home.

DARTS Freshford and District Darts League is now at the semi-final stages. In the A semi finals on Friday night last Farrells beat Kavanaghs A2 by5 -0 in Connollys of Tullaroan. The other semi final saw the Valley beat Old Maine Road by 5-0 in Farrells on Sunday evening. In the B semi finals Killeens beat Seanies 5-3 in the Rock Bar while the other semi final saw Farrells beat McGraths with the very last throw to win 5-4.

The John McGrath Cup on Friday night next will see Kavanaghs A2 face the Valley A in Seanies of Tullaroan in the first semi final and Farrell’s A will take on Seamiest in Killeens in the other semi final HAPPY BIG BIRTHDAY A well-known local lady is wished a very special happy birthday this week. Moira Maher of The Square, Freshford celebrates her 90th birthday this week. Moira is well known in the village and beyond for her singing voice and was a member of the local Choir.

DEER SEASON EXTENDED Mindful of the ongoing problem on the R693 Johnstown Road, Cllr Michael McCrthy has welcomed the changes to the Deer Open Season Order which come into effect immediately and mean an extension to the Deer Hunting season. These changes will allow for the continuation of the hunting of female and antlerless deer until 31st March 2024 and males until 30th April 2024, Cllr McCarthy said.

NEW SINAGE Cllr Michael McCarthy welcomed the new signage that has been erected in the Freshford area and the additional signs that will be erected in the coming weeks. This will be of great benefit to the local community and great credit is due to the Area Engineer and his staff.

FUNDING SUCCESS Cllr. Michael McCarthy is further pleased to see the inclusion of the L1000-23 Clintstown Road bridge, Freshford under 2024 Bridge Rehabilitation Works on Regional and Local Roads.

CAMOGIE Local girls Ava Dermody and Michelle Killeen were part of Kilkenny Minor camogie panel who were beaten by Tipperary on Sunday last at Kilcommon Another local girl Ciara Hickey was on the Kilkenny U16 camogie team who took on Wexford on Sunday last at Enniscorthy SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Walsh family Bohergloss and extended family on the recent death of their aunt Mrs. Mary Keogh late of The Commons, Co.Tipperary. Funeral mass took place on Saturday morning last in Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry followed by burial in the Old Churchyard, Ballingarry.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side drew 2-2 with Evergreen B last weekend with goals coming from Jack Cleere and Allan Rafter.

In the schoolboys section the U14 boys had a good win against Highview winning on a 4-2 scoreline with Jack Marnell getting a hat trick and Patrick O Connor getting the other goal The Youths beat a Johnstown side on a 5-1 scoreline.

DEATH The death occurred last week of Ms. Catherine Flynn (nee Sheridan) late of Freshford. The deceased who was originally from Aughrim Co. Wicklow came to reside in Garnamanagh some years ago and became well known in the area and her sudden passing caused widespread shock amongst her neighbours and friends. Her funeral mass took place on Wednesday 28th February in St. Lachtains Chuch, Freshford followed by cremation in the Island Crematorium Cork. She is mourned by her daughter Bernie, sons John and Trevor, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sisters, sistersin- law, brothers-in- law, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended .

BRIDGE

Freshford Bridge Club continues each Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610.

GAA St Lachtains U14 footballers had a big win over the Rower in Round 3 of the League on Sunday last on a scoreline of 12-7 to 1-3.

Local lad Hickey was part of the St.Kieran’s senior hurling side who defeated Ardscoil Ri of Limerick in the post primary schools semifinal at Bansha on Saturday last. They are wished all the best in the final on 16th March.

WALKING GROUP The walking group will meet up every Tuesday at 7PM. This group is open to all the community both young and old.

MEMBERSHIP Membership is now open for 2024. There are various options available for the year including family and walkway options. There is a small charge for walkway membership to go towards construction and maintenance costs. The walkway was 2/3 grant aided with the club covering the rest of the cost. Our walkway is open to all the community.

Contact any committee member or see our ClubZap page for details, download the ClubZap app and search for St Lachtains.

COMMUNITY ALERT You are reminded again that the Freshford Community alert annual fee is now due and you are asked to please pay same as soon as possible as they will be removing unpaid members from this week. Envelopes are available from Community members and new members are very welcome to join up.

FOROIGE Foroige will hold an information evening on Monday 11th March from 6-7pm in the Community Hall (top floor). They are looking for adult volunteers for a Youth club. You are invited to go along on the evening or contact Aidan on 086 0674485 or Aidan.gleeson@foroige.ie ST VINCENT DE PAUL The Committee of the St Vincent de Paul wish to thank most sincerely all those who contributed to their Annual Christmas collection. Your support is indeed very much appreciated.

IONAD LACHTAINS St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café. They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.

ATHLETIC CLUB Nena Athletics club was launched fit4life. In the Freshford area some time ago with 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. They meet each Tuesday morning and Thursday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimh on 0874175550 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.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB ALL IRELAND COLLEGES HURLING SEMI-FINAL Congratulations to St Kieran’s College on their eight point semi-final victory, in Bansha, over Ardscoil Ris (Limerick) on a scoreline of 1-19 to 0-14. The victory qualifies them for an incredible ninth successive Croke Cup final where they will meet St Raphael’s (Loughrea). James Stephens were very well represented on the panel by Stephen Manogue, Sean Bergin, Ed Lauhoff, Sean Deely, Ed Mc Dermott, Oisin Bateman and mentor David Hennessy. We wish the team the very best in the final.

KILKENNY INTERMEDIATE CAMOGIE The Kilkenny intermediate camogie team took on Clare and picked up their first league points of the year, coming away with a three point victory on a score line of Kilkenny 1-8 Clare 0-8. There was a strong James Stephens presence with Hannah Scott and Aoife Cantwell on the starting fifteen with Tara Murphy also on the panel.

UNDER 16 LADIES FOOTBALL Congratulations to club player Aoibh Lawlor who has been nominated as Kilkenny U16 captain for the 2024 season.

JUVENILE NEWS Our Camogie chairperson, Brian Leahy, tells us that the camogie nursery will run from April to October every Monday at 6pm and Juvenile, U9 to U12, will run from March to October on Wednesdays also at 6pm. Both sessions are in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain, in Kells Road.

FOOTBALL Our U14 Roinn C footballers lost out to Glenmore in round 3 of their league while our Minors footballers lost out narrowly by 2 pts in their Semi Final Roinn A on Sunday morning. It was a brave effort but just came up short on a scoreline of 6-2 to 4-10 EASTER CAMP The club will be running the annual Easter GAA camp on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. April in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain from 10am to 1pm catering for boys and girls age groups 6-12.

The family fee is €30 for 1 child, €50 for 2, €60 for 3. There will be plenty of fun activities and hurling / football skills.

LOTTO There was no winner in last week’s lotto when the numbers were 1, 12, 16, 31. The €40 consolation prize went to John Millea, Aishing Murphy, Nicola Carroll, Donnacha Cody, Billy Tyrrell. Why not give yourself an early St Patrick’s Day present by playing either on-line or buying from your usual outlet. You can play online on Clubforce, up to Tuesday, before 6pm.

GOWRAN GOWRAN PLAYGROUND Gowran on the move are getting the finishing touches for the community hub but they are in need of Topsoil to complete the landscaping and help with the drainage on the site. If you have topsoil you can donate to the Hub or know someone who could help us please contact Fergal on 086 822 8525 GOWRAN PARK RACING Racing and Rugby day takes place on Saturday, 9th March.

The first race is at 2.15pm and the Ireland vs England rugby match will be on all screens from 4.45pm. Tickets for this Holdens Plant Rental Day are available from gowranpark.ie GOWRAN PARK The Club is now taking bookings for Mother’s Day, Sunday 10th of March, booking advised to avoid disappointment.

You do not have to be a member to dine, all welcome to book a table call William on (0860230255) or Gowran park extension 6 ( 0567726225) GOWRAN PARISH Gowran Community Housing for the Elderly are happy to announce the opening of Pre Loved Beautiful Clothes in Dalton House Day Care Centre at the end of March.

If you have any high quality clothes that you would like to turn into cash contact 086 0276332.

YOUNG IRELANDS MEETING A Young Irelands meeting took place in Gowran Parish Hall last Wednesday night 28th February, and it was the first meeting under new Chairman Patrick Farrell.

The various Sub-Committees and Management Teams were almost all finalised for 2024.

The Management Teams are as follows: Intermediate: Barry Power(Manager), Brian Glynn, James Fitzgerald, Toss Farrell Junior A: Barry Power (Manager), Liam Walsh, Jonny

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Community & GAA Notes Dunphy Minor: Gary Farrell (Manager), Jason Brennan, Joe Langton, Peter Murphy, U16: Kevin Quinlan(Manager), Gerard Corcoran, Niall Byrne, Martin Farrell U14: Ciaran Phelan (Manager), Liam Walsh, Seamus Farrell, Tommy Phelan Meanwhile, it’s not officially confirmed but Christy Delaney has been provisionally named as new Junior F manager having served as selector the last two years.

Full details are to be finalised.

KIERANS QUALIFY FOR ALL-IRELAND FINAL Congratulations to St. Kierans College who qualified for The All-Ireland Senior Colleges Roinn A Final on St. Patrick’s weekend after they defeated Ardscoil Ris of Limerick 1-19 to 0-14 in The All-Ireland Semi-Final in Bansha on Saturday.

The Kierans lads were always in control and they led 1-11 to 0-7 at half-time, before they maintained their dominance throughout the second-half.

There is a strong Young Irelands presence throughout The St. Kieran’s squad with Michael Walsh part of the management team, while Jake Byrne, Brothers Cian and Ben Phelan, Jim Conlon and Diarmuid Langton are all part of the panel.

St. Kieran’s College will now play St. Raphaels of Loughrea (Galway) in The All-Ireland decider, after St. Raphaels defeated Nenagh CBS 1-20 to 3-13 in a thrilling contest with the Loughrea School producing a strong second-half performance having trailed 3-8 to 1-8 at half-time.

INTER-COUNTY Both Steffi and Tiffanie Fitzgerald will be in Galway next Saturday in round 3 of The National League next Saturday.

Tiffanie played full-back in The round two victory at home to Clare, while Steffi played a starring role at centre-forward as she scored 0-5 with 0-4 coming from play.

Michael Carey will be involved with The Kilkenny Senior Hurlers in Ennis next Sunday away to Clare, as victory will almost guarantee a home Semi-Final in The National League.

GAELIC FOOTBALL The Young Irelands Minor Football Team played a 0-6 apiece draw away to St. Martins in The Minor Roinn A Football Championship Semi-Final in Coon on Sunday Morning.

A replay will be required and The Gowran Boys will have home advantage.

The winners will play St. Patrick’s Ballyragget in The County Final after they defeated James Stephens 4-10 to 6-2 in a thrilling Semi-Final.

Meanwhile, The U-14s enjoyed two great wins in The League during the week. They defeated St. Martins 3-10 to 3-4 in Coon on Sunday Morning, while last Tuesday they emphatically won 5-8 to 0-1 away to Danesfort.

The Young Ireland Junior Footballers will play Railyard in The Junior Championship Quarter-Final on Saturday Afternoon at 2pm with venue to be confirmed.

YOUNG IRELANDS U-14 CAMOGIE PRESENTATION Last year’s Young Irelands U-14 Camogie Team received their Roinn B and Foila League final medals at a medal presentation in Gowran Park last Sunday night.

Young Irelands and Kilkenny Inter-County Senior Steffi Fitzgerald presented the medals to the girls, and a great night was had by all.

YOUNG IRELANDS HEALTHY CLUB With the extra hour in the evening a month away - Easter Weekend - The Young Irelands Healthy Club will be busy organizing and arranging a host of activities for the months ahead.

Next Monday Evening, March 11th, they will host a Health and Wellness Evening at 7.30pm in Dungarvan Hall. Among the guest speakers are Kildare Gaelic Footballer Conor Harris and all are welcome.

Also, following on from a meeting they hosted in Dungarvan in November, a new group has been organized for 6-16 years old, particularly for those with special needs and disabilities.

Further details can be got by contacting any member of The Healthy Club Committee.

VOLUNTEERING Every club needs volunteers to help organise the many activities that happen throughout the year. Helping out with Young Irelands GAA Club is a rewarding activity that connects people, develops skills and helps us to improve our club and therefore the greater community.

With the 2024 season upcoming, The Club are looking for volunteers in the following areas.

Matchdays – be it directing traffic and spectators, collecting money or helping in the shop, Maintaining the club facilities – playing pitches, walkway, boundary, club rooms and stands etc Club fundraiser volunteer. First aid. IT skills / Social media.

Underage and Juvenile coaching Healthy club activity If you’d like to volunteer, you can contact any member of The Young Irelands committee.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH

GRAIG NOTES If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc , you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@ outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.

LOTTO. GAA AND SOCCER Jackpot now stands at €20,000. numbers drawn on 26th February 2024 were 9, 11, 12, 25. there was no winner, The following people won €30 each Anne O’Neil, Ellie Purcel, Yvonne Mac Cabe , Linda O’Brien, Ann Murphy. Tickets are available from any club member.

THE GRAIGUENAMANAGH TIDY TOWN DRAW Winners for Draw on February 29th 2024, were First Prize €500 Vee, 2nd Prize €50, Dick Furlong, 3rd Prize, €25 Mary, Jonny Holden. Draw takes place in the Abbey Center at 4pm on Thursdays.

WEELY CLINIC Cllr Peter Chap Cleere will continue to have his Clinic on Monday evenings’ at 7pm, at his Office in Main St Graiguenamanagh. (PS The Day is changed ) RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many from the surrounding district’s also join in at 7;pm The next Session is on tonight Friday March 8th.

GORESBRIDGE PAULTOWN COMMUNITY EVENING You are welcome to join us for a community evening on Thursday 14th March from 19.30-21.00 in the Ionad Dara community hall to review the Goresbridge community-led village vision report developed through Town Ecologies community engagement workshops and process. The evening will also be an opportunity to meet Ian Dempsey who will help in developing a strategy for community, economic and environmental development linked to national and local funding sources.

GORESBRIDGE SPRING CLEAN The community spring clean starts next weekend (8th-10th March). Additional helping hands welcome. Drop off of bags and gloves can be arranged through the Goresbridge Rural Development (see Facebook page) UISCE EIREANN Uisce Éireann / Irish Water working in partnership with Kilkenny County Council and local representation has announced the signing of a new construction contract to upgrade the drinking water supply in Gowran, Goresbridge and Paulstown. The aim of the project is to improve the quality and security of water supply for the area and provide additional capacity for new connections to the scheme. Construction is due to begin in the coming months and is set to be completed in 2025.

TAR ISTEACH The shop is openly daily Monday to Saturday in the mornings. Funds go towards local development. Good quality clothes and bric-a-brac are accepted.

DEFIBRILLATOR AEDs are a crucial aid in enabling individuals to survive an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest. A unit is located outside Maher’s Shop in Goresbridge as well as inside the Ionad Dara community hall in Goresbridge.

BARROW RANGERS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB There is a national GAA draw with a chance to win a car for €10 a ticket. All money raised by Barrow Rangers Camogie stays with the club.

The next jackpot takes place on Monday 11th March. For the weekly Lotto online tickets are available at www.lottoraiser.ie/BarrowRangers The Camogie Association’s Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Course schedule for 2024 is now available to view. See learning.gaa.ie/ICGG Congratulations to Patrice Mullins and Liam Kirk for completing the 10km Stook Road Race recently.

BRIDGE UNITED Bridge United Boys, under-13s recently had a great 1-0 win in extra time over Cork’s Douglas Hall in the SFAI Cup Trophy seeing them into the quarter final of the last eight in the competition. The winning goal was scored by Michael Fitzgerald.

Bridge United wish to thank all members players, local businesses and supporters who donated to their Club 50 fundraiser. The Easter Soccer Camp will run from Tuesday, 26th March to Thursday, 28th from 10am-13.00. €40 to enter. Text or call Conor English at 085 1321589. The next club jackpot is on Monday 3rd March and is worth €6,325.

ZUMBA Zumba dance fitness at Ionad Dara Goresbridge at 19.30 every Wednesday. €7 pay as you go. Get yourself fit dancing to Latin beats and guaranteed loads of fun.

YOGA CLASSES Every Monday at 7pm in the Community Hall in Paulstown. €50 for the course. Contact: Emma Flavin 083 0464823.

Funds are in aid of Danny’s Fund for the treatment of MS.

Tom Healy

ROAD RUN FOR DANNY Car, tractor run, vintage, bike motorbike and truck run in aid of Danny’s Fund on Sunday 14th April from 10.30am12.30pm with registration in the GAA Barrow Rangers Club, Paulstown. Some refreshments and raffle after the run back in the community hall.

DANCE FIT Dance fit is running every Tuesday at 8.30pm in Paulstown Community Hall. Contact Stephanie Lennon on ‘Dance Fit’ on Facebook or instragram where you can sign up via Google forms link. Cost is €8 per class.

FASHION SHOW A Fashion Show will be held in aid of Danny’s Fund on Wednesday 6th March in the Lord Bagenal Hotel.

CHURCH SERVICES Saturday 9th / Sunday 10th March: Masses in Goresbridge at 19.30, 10.00 and in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday masses at 10am in Paulstown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and in Goresbridge on Wednesday.

Sacred Heart Prayer Group meets on Fridays after 10am mass in Paulstown. Legion of Mary Thursdays at 3pm in Paulstown. New members welcome. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass until 6pm.

Church of Ireland services Sunday 10th March: St Lazerian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin, Eucharist at 10am; Grange Sylvae Church, Goresbridge, Morning Prayer at 11.30am.

CHOIR Have you a talent for singing for playing a musical instrument? New adult and children members welcome to the Paulstown church choir. Contact the parochial office (059 9775180) BRIDGE Paulstown Bridge Club is holding lessons in playing bridge in a relaxed informal setting. Further information available from Mary Quinn 086 1704459 or Mary Purcell 086 1659779.

Goresbridge Bridge club meets every Monday at 19.30 in Ionad Dara community hall while Borris bridge club meets on Tuesdays at the same venue.

COMPUTER AND PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES Computer classes take place every Wednesday from 10am in Ionad Dara in Goresbridge. Photography skills are included as a related part of the course and may be taken separately. The courses, which are free of charge, are sponsored by Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board for all Digital Literacy and basic literacy needs. More information from Carmel or Thomas at 056 7763149.

CUPLA FOCAL Would you like to brush up or practice your Irish over a cup of coffee. All welcome! Weekly Friday chatting in Irish over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow today Friday 8th March at 11am. Whether it is a few words or many, it doesn’t matter.

Contact Ann on 085 7529485 for further information. Fáilte roimh chách.

SHANKILL CASTLE

The Grounded In Nature Forest School is continues to offer sessions for children on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays from 15.30-18.00. Included in the programme is bush craft, cooking, den building games and more. Information from Eithne email: groundedinnaturefs@gmail.com DEATH The death has occurred of Seamus Prendergast, Castlekelly, Gowran, Kilkenny, Seamus passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny after a short illness. Pre-deceased by his loving wife Elizabeth (Betty), brothers Willie and Martin, sisters Helen, Breda and Teasie, step-sisters (née Bourke) Mary, Madge, Josie and Kitty. Deeply regretted by his sister Pauline, his loving children Siobhán, Seamus and Morgan, daughters-in-law Louise and Eliz, grandchildren Shawn and his fiancé Eimear, Brian and his fiancé Maeve, Eoin, James, Daniel, Jack and Matilda, extended family and friends.

OWNING HOUSE SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE CARRICK ON SUIR The committee of this year’s parade are working hard behind the scenes getting entrants, floats and stewards together.

We were delighted to announce a short time ago that Shamrock Rovers star Lee Grace will be this year’s Grand Marshall and this has proved to be a really popular choice with all of our community. Lee is a quiet unassuming young man off the field, who frequently gives his time up to assist the younger generation coming through in his old stomping grounds in Tom Drohan Park.

This year’s parade starts at 1 p.m. from the Library car park at Parkside. The organisers have arranged for some special surprises on the day to entertain during the parade and there will be some displays from various groups in the same car park when the parade is completed.

We would love to see as many as possible join us, either as participants or along the route to support those taking part.

If any groups would like some more information please contact any of the committee or drop us a message on Facebook and we’ll assist in any way that we can.

BENNETTSBRIDGE TIDY TOWNS Our local Tidy Towns volunteers continue to do their bit for Tidy Towns in the area. Last week they carried out some general tidying and litter picking. Their commitment is really appreciated and their work will give Bennettsbridge a good chance of achieving even higher marks in this year’s competition.

CHURCH NEWS WEEKLY MASSES Thursday and Friday morning 10.30am FIRST CONFESSIONS

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Carrick On Suir

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Community & GAA Notes First Confessions were held last Tuesday. Afterwards parents were invited to help with preparation masses for the children. The masses will take place on 14th April, 21st April and 28th April.

ADVANCE NOTICE The Annual Irish Dancing Display will be held in the Community Hall on St Patrick’s Day, Sunday, 17th March after 10.30am mass. This traditional event is a collaboration between Stella Carroll School of Dancing and Bennettsbridge Ladies Club. The young dancers will compete for the Kathleen Conway Memorial Trophy. MC Tom Shanahan will introduce the various acts. The usual raffle will take place.

Proceeds will go to the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care team.

CHOIR PRACTICE On Tuesday 12th March it is hoped to have a choir practice after mass in preparation for St Patrick’s Day Mass. Practice will be held after 7.30pm mass.

LOTTO No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 13, 17, 26, 28. Jackpot now €6,400.00. Consolation Prizes, Shangarry Syndicate, Patrick O’Neill, Ballyreddin, K.Ryan, ℅ O’Mahony’s, Sadhbh O’Mahony, James Crotty, Main Street.

GATHERING Members are hoping to attend the Lakeside Production of Hugh Leonard’s production of “Da” in the Concert Hall, Thomastown on Thursday, 14th March. Local man Joe Murray is a member of the cast and the play will be directed

by Ger Cody.

GAA Junior Football League Champions, Congratulations to our junior football team who won the league title by defeating Graignamanagh in the final in Thomastown. Goals from Stephen Holden, James Carroll Paddy Walsh and Bill Nolan were vital as the ‘Bridge lads came through by 6 points. The championship first round takes place next weekend versus Emeralds, please see Kilkenny GAA website for fixture details. Good luck to all.

National Hurling League Best wishes to David, Kevin and Liam Blanchfield and the Kilkenny panel who play Clare in Ennis next Sunday in round 4 of the national league.

AIB CLUB PLAYER AWARDS On Saturday Night in Croke Park AIB GAA and The Camogie Association celebrated the AIB Club Camogie Player Awards 2023 on what was a special evening. The night’s awards were a symbol for what makes the Camogie Season so special each year.

We were honoured with eight of our Senior Camogie Players on Team of the Year. Congratulations to Kirsty Maher (Goalkeeper) Jane Cass (Corner Back) Katie Byrne (Corner Back) Ciara Phelan (wing back) Aobha O’Gorman ( Midfield) Asha McHardy (Half forward) Amy Clifford (Centre Half Forward) Aoife Prendergast (full forward) On the night Aoife Prendergast was also awarded Player of the Year 2023, Aoife’s metronomic dead-ball accuracy was central to our brilliant run to our All Ireland Glory and her ice cool accuracy and passionate leadership proved vital in our games. Congratulations Aoife

College Hurling Well done to Tim Kelly, James Hughes and Paddy Walsh who were part of the St Kieran’s panel who defeated Ard Scoil Ris last weekend to qualify for the All Ireland final versus St Raphael’s on St Patrick’s day.

Hard luck to Bill Hughes who captained DCU in the Freshers All Ireland final where they lost out to UL by a single point.

Club Spot The club has adopted a new app for all GAA business going forward, replacing clubforce. We ask as many people as possible to download this new club spot app . Details are on the club’s Facebook page. This is a great way to communicate club business. Membership, split the pot etc and all club business can be done on this so it is vital to download the app as soon as possible.

Membership 2024 This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member.

Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details.

Camogie Dinner Dance The victorious junior camogie team are holding their dinner dance in Langton’s on March 15th in conjunction with John Locke’s camogie club. Tickets cost 45 euros and can be purchased from any camogie committee member.

Split the Pot Well done to Susan Crotty who won 174 euro, Pat Hayes who won 30 euro and Bibi Cleere who won 20 euro. Thanks to all for the continued support.

Club Shop Some new items have been added to the online O’Neill’s shop. Simply put Bennettsbridge in the search box on the website to see all the gear.

DICKSBORO

URLINGFORD

Aoife Prendergast with her awards for Player of the Year 2023 and Team of the Year 2023

CLUB LOTTO

Bennettsbridge Junior Football Team won the League Title

Tidy Town Volunteers getting their 2024 campaign underway

Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 29th February 2024.

Nos: 11 17 18 24. Jackpot: €15,500 Not Won Draw Prizes – €50: Paula Bergin c/o Online. €25 each Ber Maher c/o Jimmy McGarry . €25 each Kevin Gallagher c/o Paddy Maher. €25 each Danielle Kenny c/o Online. Hurlers Co Op Draw Madison Cody c/o Brian Fitzpatrick. Promotors prize Tommy Hackett We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up and play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

EASTER CAMP Three Day Hurling and Camogie Camp, March 25th-27th 2024. Skills and Drills and lots of fun. For ages 5-12 only. €30 for 1 child, discounts available for multiple children from same family. See ClubZap for more details or follow link https://Dicksboro GAA.COM/PRODUCTS JOIN OUR CLUB The new Hurling, Camogie and Gaelic Football season is fast approaching and from March our Hurling and Camogie Nursey and underage teams will be back in the thick of it in Palmerstown and James Park. For more information contact any member of our Committee or See our ClubZap for more details.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO February 26 prize fund was €17,000. Jackpot: €15,000.

Numbers drawn: 8, 15, 17, 19, bonus no 23. No winner and three match three winners: Margaret Campion, Helen Mooney, Mary Byrne. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Catherine Healy, P Fanning, Margaret McCarthy, Mary Hughes, Bridget Comerford.

Promoters prize: Jim Campion.

PROGRESSIVE MOVE Cllr Michael McCarthy wishes the Firefighters in Urlingford every success on their move to the new state of the art Fire Station. This will be of huge benefit to the Firefighters and will provide additional facilities for training and room to carry out their important work. Thanks to McStan Construction for their expertise in building the new Station, also to the Chief Fire Officer and Director of Fire Services for their input in the provision of this facility.

URLINGFORD/GRAINE CFR Your community needs you: New community first responders group being launched in Urlingford but will cover areas such as Woodsgift, Barna, Gortnahoe, Graine, Grange, The Crag, Balief, Clomantagh, New England, Britas, Curraghscarateen, Ardreagh, Fenor, Kilcooley, Tubrid, Garryhiggin, Renaghmore, Adamstown, Borrismore, Sevensisters, Borrisbeg, Mountfinn, Lisduff, Rathbeg (All areas surrounding the above listed areas will be included also).

SET DANCING In Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Live music, sets called by Paddy Martin. All are welcome. Contact Phil Fogarty 086 8638782; Mary Webster 087 7936113.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT March 3 winner of Split the Pot is June McCormack who will receive €664. Congrats June on behalf of Urlingford Town Team. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

GRAINE CARDS Graine progressive 25 card game every Wednesday night at 8.15pm in Graine hall. All are welcome.

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.

BALLYOUSKILL GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm TROCAIRE BOXES

Eight of our Senior Camogie Players on Team of the Year. Congratulations to Kirsty Maher (Goalkeeper) Jane. Cass (Corner Back) Katie Byrne (Corner Back) Ciara Phelan (wing back) Aobha O’Gorman ( Midfield) Asha McHardy (Half forward) Amy Clifford (Centre Half Forward) Aoife Prendergast (full forward)

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Community & GAA Notes Boxes are available in both church porches. Please take one and support the Lenten campaign.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER COURSES For those who were unable to attend last week in Thurles, a further course will take place in Killenaule Parish Centre, St. Mary’s Hall on Tuesday 12th March 7.30-0pm.

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

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to the last weekend’s winner of Split the Pot draw, Martin Brennan, Glengoole who won €178.

Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of March Split the Pot will be in support of the Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall.

Your support would be appreciated VACANCY Gortnahoe Community Employment scheme has vacancies for a Maintenance Operative in Gortnahoe village and a Caretaker in MFRC, Glengoole. Details and application are on Jobs Ireland reference 2322500 and 2322400 BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL GAA The U14s combined team with Fenians finished their league campaign with a 2-5 to 1-4 win over Galmoy Windgap Playing for the team from St. Patrick’s were Niall Foley, Conor Holohan, Adam Staunton, Jack Cummins, Jack Diver, Julian Biletskyy, Adrian Biletskyy, PJ Phelan, Alex Hickey and Ignacio Cervera. The team finished with two wins from three games and only lost out on a semi-final place on points difference.

The Minor footballers were in action against James Stephens on Sunday it was a good game and a great team performance saw them go from 8 points down to a win by 2 points. Team Evan Nealis Patrick Morrissey Conor Rocliffe Harry Culleton, Kieran Bergin Chris Delaney Charlie Culleton Josh Dowling Christian Connick Mark Doheny Mark Bergin Aaron Nealis James Cash Oisin Troy Mark Hogan Subs Richard Lynch Oisin Coyle Twomey.

COIS NORE CANCER CARE Cois Nore Cancer Care:- Cake Craft and Coffee Morning in and of Cois Nore on March 17th at 11.15am in the Cannon

Malone Hall. please come along and show your support and come along get some lovely St Patrick’s Day Treats.

PARISH DRAW The annual Parish Draw will take place shortly, three books of tickets for the draw will be distributed to each household. The draw will take place on Easter Monday April 1st at 8pm in the Cannon Malone Hall. Your support for this venture will be much appreciated.

CONDOLENCES Condolences to the Sexton family and friends of Sr. Magdalene who passed away last week in her 98th year.

She was a former principal of St Bridgids national school and one of the founding sisters in the O Gorman Home. May she rest in peace.

MASS Mass in Ballyragget Wednesday to Friday, 10am.

PARISH OFFICE The Parish office is open Wednesday to Friday 10.30am to 1pm.

TABLE QUIZ Table Quiz in aid of the Senior Citizens Fund will take place on Friday March 15th in The Wheel Inn a table of 4 is €40 and a raffle will be held on the night.

MEN’S SHED There will be a meeting held on Thursday March 14th regarding the setting up of a Men’s Shed in Ballyragget.

There has been some great interest already and the more that could come along to the meeting the better. For more information contact JJ 087 1331810.

CONAHY CAMOGIE Emma Mulhall and Ellen Gunner (Intermediate) and Katie Brennan (Minor) were part of their respective Kilkenny camogie teams which were in action last weekend against Clare and Tipperary respectively. Well done to the three girls involved.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 10, 38 and 39. There was no winner of the €1,900 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Diarmuid Healy, Margaret Nolan, Paudie Brennan, Rita Bergin and Aine Mulhall. The promoter prize winners were Peter Mulhall, Teresa Dollard and Seamus Óg Brennan. This week’s jackpot now increases to €2,000.

KILMANAGH LEONARD HARPER The death has taken place of a well known and popular

Men’s Shed

person, Leonard Harper of Ballevan, Ballycallan. His funeral took place in the Presbyterian Church in Kilkenny and burial in St. Kieran’s Cemetery, Kilkenny. Our sympathy is expressed to his wife Robertha, sons Mervyn and Bryan, daughter Jennifer, sister Edith, daughter in law Elizabeth, son in law Craig and grandchildren.

BRIDGET CREIGHTON Sympathy is expressed to the Murphy family of Dreelingstown on the death of Bridget Creighton which occurred in New York. A memorial mass for Bridget will take place in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan at a later date.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT Enrolments for September 2024 are now being accepted

by St. Aidan’s N.S. Enrolment forms are available on our website: www.staidans.scoilnet.ie or by phoning Brigid on 7769340. Enrolment forms need to be returned before March 31st, 2024.

BALLYCALLAN HALL The funeral catering group have now retired. We are extremely grateful to them and all co-ordinators and volunteers for their dedication and hard work over the years.

Ballycallan Hall is available to families should they wish to arrange their own catering. The hall is also available for other functions as well. Contact any of the committee members. Ballycallan Community Hall is an independently run organization to which the parish has no input.

The Committee of the Community Hall in Ballycallan would like to clarify that the hall is available as always for funerals / party’s or any other occasion. For bookings please contact one of the committee members: Billy Fitzpatrick 086 040 7633; Alan O’Shea 087 913 8886; Mark Ryan 086 165 0475: Connor Brennan 087 138 7674: Jimmy Lynch 086 383 0373 or Patricia O’Halloran 087 697 2246.

CASH FOR CLOBBER A Cash for Clobber Fundraiser is being held for St. Aidan’s NS. Time to recycle your old clothes, shoes, household textiles and handbags. Drop donations in to the hall in St. Aidan’s N.S. Kilmanagh before Tuesday March 12th (9.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday).

TRAD NIGHT A Trad Night in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support and Craobh Osraí, will be held on 16th March in The Pound, Ballycallan.

Adm. €5. Contact Mary Dunphy for details 086 4010 914. All musicians welcome to come along.

NEW ROAD SIGNS A number of new road signs have been erected in and around Kilmanagh. According to local Cllr Michael McCarthy this is a very welcome development and will be greatly appreciated by the community. This is an ongoing process and further signs will be erected in the coming weeks.

KILKENNY COMMUNITY RADIO Are you interested in radio? Have you some spare time to do some volunteering? Why not think about volunteering with Community Radio Kilkenny City 88.7FM You might even learn a new skill along the way. We need people for research, reception, presenting on air or just to come and help out. If this interests you why not give us a call on 056-776 2777 or by email at info@crkc.ie.

MOUNT CARMEL FEBRUARY DRAW €200 Rosemary and John Flynn Piltown, €100 Helen Clarke Tullamaine. €30 each to Jimmy Phelan Collaire Court, Seamus Kelly C/O Mick Maher, Noel and Gail Lynch Callan, Nora Butler Crotabeg, Emily and Sophie Sheehan Westcourt, Graham Doheny Monamought, Martin O Halloran Cannafahy, Pierce Barry Mount Carmel, Mary Dillon C/O Fergus, Mick Mullally C/O Mick Maher. Promoter’s prizes €15 each to Callan PO, Dr Jim Ryan and Elaine Bryan.

MOUNT CARMEL MARCH DRAW €200 Claire Somers Callan, €100 Siobhan Power Courtnaboulea; €30 each to Jimmy Walsh Mill St, Michael Dillon Callan Co-Op, Tom O Shea Garnaman, Joe O Gorman MC, Mary Gregg Riversfield, Cathal, Joey and Padraic Tobin Cappahenry, Eileen O Halloran Cannafahy, Paul and Chrissie Clarke Clonkil, Maria Power-Bryan Callan, Maher Family Inver Petrol Station. Promoter’s prizes of €15 each to Joan Camp, Tom Maher and Mick Maher. Thank you to all our subscribers for your continued support to Mount Carmel.

PARISH LOTTO Results for 26/02/24. Numbers drawn were 17; 19; 23; 27.

There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €50 each were Aaron Brennan, Kate Power and Cormac Neary. Sellers prizes went to Michelle Comerford and John Cahill. Next draw will take place on 04/03/23 at 8 pm.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail. com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult, Teens and Children’s Play Therapy.

Counselling Provided, Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression, Drug & Substance and Gambling Addictions.

Play Therapy is now available for children aged 5 and upwards. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

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

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

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

JOBS TRAINING BOARD We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.

Local Training Programme L.T.I. Names been taken for L.T.I. Q.Q.I. Levels 4 and 5 due to start soon.

EASTER RAFFLE We are running an Easter Raffle here in the Centre. Lines are €2 each or 3 lines for €5. Draw will take place on Wednesday 28th March.

For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466 HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday 9th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 10th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Wednesday 6th. at 7.00p.m.

Vigil – Saturday 9th. at 6.30p.m.

Friday 8th. Feast of St. John of God, and Feast of St. Senan.

PRAY FOR David Kenneally, Catstown, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 9th. at 8.00p.m.

Patrick and Statia Fitzpatrick, Coolmore, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 10th. March at 10.00a.am.

ROTA (Fourth Sunday of Lent) Readers. Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Tony Roche. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. 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. Kay Power FIRST PENANCE 2024 First Penance will be Celebrated Stoneyford School on Wednesday 13th. March in Stoneyford Church at 7.00p.m.

SCHOOL ENROLEMENT S. N. Móin Ruadh is now accepting enrolments for September 2024. Enrolment Forms can be downloaded from the website: snmoinruadh.wordpress.com or by emailing the office on snmoinruadh@gmail.com or calling the office on 056 776 8931.

Newmarket NS is now taking enrolments for September 2024 and for After-School Care. Please contact 089 257 2031 or mbrennan@newmarketns.ie LENTEN REFLECTIONS “Finding the Holy in the Mess of Life” by Professor Salvador Ryan; (Professor in St. Patrick’s, Maynooth) on Monday 11th.

March at 7.30p.m. in St. Kieran’s College “Catholic Education in Ireland” By Alan Hynes; (CEO of the Catholic Education Partnership) on Thursday 14th. March at 7.30p.m. in St. Kieran’s College “Lenten Tweets” Follow @Ossory Diocese for a simple thought each day during Lent FIT CLASS “Just Fitness with Dee” is a popular new class on Wednesday evenings in Stoneyford Community Centre at 7.00p.m. Classes are PAYG and suitable for all fitness levels, with a combination of aerobic, strength and mobility.

Contact Dee; deirdregalvin15@hotmail.com, GLOW SPORTS FOR GIRLS This is a new initiative for teenage girls, funded by Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership. It Started on Friday March 1st. at 8.00p.m. and running for 6 weeks. All will have a chance to try out different sports wearing fluorescent bibs and using equipment that glows under UV light when the main lights are off. This is a great opportunity for girls that maybe have never played sports, or that dropped out for any reason. Contact Adele for more information 087 938 4521.

LOTTO Lotto, Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Correction: Correct Numbers last week for the Jackpot Winner were 08; 01; 04; 29. Not the numbers printed; (which were the numbers for the previous week) Draw: Monday 26th. February 2024, Numbers: 13; 30; 20; 15. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner. €30.00 Winners: Vivion Fennelly, Ballycaum, Brenda and Teresa Fitzgerald, Hugginstown, Conor Walsh, Coolmore, Alison Fennelly, Mullinahone; Patrick Farrell, Lismatigue. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Claire Cleary, James Irish, Willie Walshe.

Next Draw on Monday 11th. March. Please submit returns by 8.30p.m. Draw at 9.00p.m.

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

Mikey Butler Bearing down on goal Chased by Ryan Taylor

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz National Hurling League Clare vs Kilkenny Cusack Park, Sunday, 1:30pm

Cusack calling!

Kilkenny make the journey to Ennis on Sunday for a mouthwatering clash with Clare in round four of this season’s Allianz National Hurling League knowing that their unbeaten status will come under serious threat from The Banner.

Two wins and a share of the spoils from the first three rounds in this campaign will see Derek Lyng’s charges take to the Cusack Park pitch full of confidence, even if the performances to date haven’t been the ‘full package’.

The hosts will be primed to inflict a first defeat of the league on the Cats and Brian Lohan will have been working hard over the last week to hatch a plan to deliver a positive outcome for his side who coincidentally have an identical record to Sunday’s opponents. With both sides tied on five points from their three outings to date, this weekend’s clash could certainly go a long way to deciding who the group winners will be and as ever, securing a win against a big rival can have massive psychological benefits.

Steering The Banner ship for season number 5, Brian Lohan is a shrewd and thoughtful character who like his opposite number on Sunday, is Adrian Mullen determined to hold off Seadna end the Limerick Morey as Eoin dominance of Cody gets the last few years, possession and the Wolfe Tones Na Sionna clubman has come as close to any in masterminding a knock-out championship victory over the Treaty machine in recent times.

Lohan made some changes to his backroom set-up ahead of this season, with former All-Star Brendan Bugler and Clooney-Quin manager Tommy Corbett joining Clarecastle’s Ken Ralph as selectors, while Lukasz Waterford, the first a 3-point home Kirszenstein becomes the 5th win and the latter a narrow oneS&C specialist to ply their trade point win over Davy’s Deise at Walsh under the Clare manager since his Park. Their most recent outing saw appointment. The Polish native had them take to the road again, this time been head of athletic development to Chadwicks Wexford Park where with the Galway senior hurlers and they secured a point against Keith was part of the set-up that helped Rossiter’s Yellowbellies. claim the Liam MacCarthy cup back Against the Rebels, Mark Rodgers in 2017, having been S&C coach with was on form from the placed ball, the All-Ireland winning Tipp side a finishing his afternoon’s work with a year earlier. fine tally of 0-13 while there were eye Clare secured victory in their catching contributions from Seadna opening two games against Cork and Morey (1-1) while the half-forward

Top two clash in Ennis as Cats seek Banner victory

line of David’s Fitzgerald and Reidy and Robin Mousney notched two points apiece, a tally matched by impressive Sixmilebridge midfielder Cathal Malone.

The Banner’s road trip to tackle Waterford saw a dogged and determined showing that got them over the line by the bare minimum.

Inagh-Kilnamona’s Aidan McCarthy was on placed ball duty at Walsh Park in the absence of Rodgers and top scored for his side with a personal tally of 0-8, while one of

their leaders, John Conlon, made a welcome return to the fold.

As Kilkenny found out, Wexford under Keith Rossiter are a strong, fit and lively opponent, and Clare stumbled upon this in their most recent outing when they were denied maximum points following sub Jack O’Connor’s late longrange score. Clarecastle’s Cian Broderick made his league debut in goals for Lohan’s side in place of the vastly experienced Eibhear Quilligan while Inagh-Kilnamona’s

David Fitzgerald was the pick of the attackers notching 0-5. Substitutes Shane Meehan, Peter Duggan and Mark Rodgers all pointed after their introductions, but The Banner had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Like Kilkenny, Clare are operating without one of their main men.

Derek Lyng has allowed TJ Reid to navigate winter himself, knowing that bigger days hopefully lie ahead for the Noresiders and that when the Shamrocks Ballyhale legend returns, he will be in prime condition. Brian

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Hurling matters - Preview the end. Shamrocks Ballyhale man Adrian Mullen turned in another fine performance along with his goal scoring club mate Eoin Cody to help secure maximum points at UPMC Nowlan Park.

The flame haired Mullen’s electric start to the season has seen him twice voted GAA Player of the Week in February, and his manager will hope that his fine form continues, beginning on Sunday against Clare.

Another former Cats captain, Eoin Cody has fond memories of his most recent encounter with The Banner, having turned in a Player of the Match performance in last season’s Croker corker.

The return to the stripes of Mikey Carey has provided a welcome boost to Kilkenny’s cause. The Young Ireland’s man, along with Adrian Mullen were two stand-out players for Derek Lyng against the Faithful County. Galmoy’s Billy Drennan was on placed ball duty and notched

0-11, underlining his credentials in TJ’s continued absence.

Huw Lawlor should return to protect the square, while Mikey Butler will have to look after another Clare player with Tony Kelly recuperating. The half-back line has seen a settled look for the last couple of games, with David Blanchfield, Darragh Corcoran and Glenmore’s Shane Murphy laying down claims to keep the 5,6, and seven jerseys for much longer.

I’d imagine another Murphy; Eoin will reclaim the goalkeeping jersey from St Lachtain’s Darren Brennan, who also managed to get on the scoresheet against Offaly. The AllStar netminder will hope he doesn’t need to repeat his heroics from the semi-final in Croker when he pulled off a miraculous save from Peter Duggan. This could be another classic. Should the Cats prevail, they could well find themselves in another league final.

Crouch, Bind, Set? Just relax and read!

Legends & Lions a carefully crafted guide to some of the best in green

Eoin Cody and Rory Hayes In a battle

Lohan on the other hand is missing the super talent that is Tony Kelly.

The Ballyea man underwent surgery on an ankle injury and faces a race to be fit for the start of the Munster Championship, when Clare take on John Kiely’s Limerick on April 21st.

With Tony missing, a lot of attention will be focused on David Fitzgerald in the attacking unit.

Along with Mark Rodgers, Aidan McCarthy and David Reidy, The Banner know that they can go toe-totoe at the top table of hurling, be that

league or championship. Fitzgerald who turns 30 later this year, showed Kilkenny in last seasons All-Ireland semi-final cracker at Croker that they definitely in the conversation as one of the teams that has Limerick in their sights.

At the back, All-Star defender John Conlon has the right blend to excel in the half -back half line and is ably supported in the rearguard by the likes of Adam Hogan and Rory Hayes. Seadna Morey has also shown that he is a dangerous asset

for his team when raiding forward.

In midfield, Cathal Malone has shown an eye for scoring this season and will need to be watched by those in black and amber. Brian Lohan knows that wherever he employs David McInerney, the Tulla man will put in a big performance.

For Derek Lyng and his management team, the performance in the opening period against Offaly wasn’t what he had hoped for or expected, but thankfully his Cats delivered the expected victory in

Calling all rugby fans – the recently released book from author John White, ‘Legends & Lions’ should be of great interest to those who love the oval ball game. This fascinating collection of Ireland greats will certainly get a debate going in rugby circles as to the merits of those included or excluded.

As former Ireland great Tony Ward mentions in his Foreword, “You may not agree with all of his choices, but he is not saying that any one player was better than the other”. “His choices are subjective and his own personal choices”.

Undoubtably a keen rugby fan with forensic interest in his country’s players, past and present, John White sets the scene in his introduction. “This is a book about Ireland’s Greatest Ever Players and their exploits for their country in the green jersey”.

“Many played their part in Five Nations Championship successes, Six Nations victories, four glorious Grand Slam wins and helping Ireland become the No.1 ranked rugby nation in the world, and not forgetting a few wooden spoons to mix everything together”.

From Jack Kyle, Willie John McBride and Ciaran Fitzgerald to Conor Murray, Cian Healy and this year’s captain, Peter O’Mahoney, the author’s unique writing style takes you on a journey with each player, providing some incredible detail and insights into these warriors.

One of the players included in Legends & Lions is none other than Kilkenny’s greatest rugby player, Willie Duggan. A character both on and off the pitch, the reader is guaranteed to crack a smile or two at some of Duggan’s exploits. As John catalogues in his book, Former Ireland international Donal Lenihan, who began his international career shortly before Willie’s came to an end, described him as: “The hardest man I ever played with.”

Legends & Lions, by John White, published by Empire Publications, Manchester can be purchased online via the link below. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Legends-Lions-Irelands-GreatestPlayers/dp/B0CTCKZYCL

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Take notice that I intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission to convert and extend an existing derelict house to two townhouses with independent access to the rear by demolishing the existing 21.9 m2 two-storey extension and to demolish 102 m2 of existing outbuildings and to construct one 114 m2 accessible bungalow and all associated site works on lands at 36 Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Jim Dunne

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is sought for two single storey extensions and alterations to elevations of existing dwelling and all associated site works at house at Ballyhemmon, Castlecomer, Co.Kilkenny R95WEK8 Signed Máire McInerney and Eamonn Doyle 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, Roddy Breen intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to install a septic tank and percolation area and all associated site development works at Ballyreddin North, Bennettsbridge, 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, Laura Fitzpatrick intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for the change of use from residential to childcare use, including internal revision to floor layout and all associated site development works at Apartment 31, Talbots gate, Freshford Road, 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: Notice of Natura Impact Statement

Planning Ref No: 23-60447. The development applied for consisted of the renovation and extension of the Gate Lodge to include a replacement treatment system and demolition of a rear extension. The proposed extension is located fully to the rear of the lodge, includes a link to the existing Gate Lodge. The proposed works are to include all ancillary and associated services and is located at Cotterellsbooly, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny. The Gate Lodge is located adjoining Ballylinch Bridge which is a Protected Structure with reference D23; C442.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was requested by the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

A submission or observation in relation to the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation 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.

Applicant: Ballylinch Stud

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.A.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. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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.K.

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.B.

The Miracle Prayer

Prayer to St. Jude

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.B.

I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time.

Amen. M.B.

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. CMB.

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.L.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024

Classifieds Motors

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

087 2587745

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8th March 2024