Kilkenny Observer 8th September 2023

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Friday 8 September 2023

Rural Decline The slow erosion of rural Ireland 

Paul Hopkins, Page 8

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Pension Problem Rise in people not planning retirement  Special Report Page 14

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The Kilkenny

Observer Our crowded classrooms EDITOR E: editor@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Schoolchildren in parts of rural Ireland were twice as likely to be placed in overcrowded classes at primary level last year compared with pupils attending national schools in Dublin.

Primary schools in Kilkenny rank high among the newly published figures.

An analysis of class sizes in more than 3,000 primary schools across the country by the Irish Independent reveals

wide variations in the proportion of primary school children assigned to classrooms with 30 or more students.

New figures published by the Department of Education show almost one in five young schoolchildren in Leitrim (18.6%) were taught in oversized classes in the recent school year compared with just 8.5% in Dublin.

The proportion of schoolchil-

dren in classes of 30 or more was even less in Kildare (8.3%) and Laois (6.5%).

Other counties with high levels of pupils being assigned to overcrowded classes were Kilkenny (15.2%) Monaghan (17.2%), Donegal (16.5%), Kerry (14.2%) and Limerick (14.1%).

The latest figures show 11.4% of all children in primary schools in the Republic last year were in overcrowded classes –

down from 12.3% the previous year.

The reduction was achieved despite more than 3,300 extra pupils in the primary school population in the school year just ended due to the influx of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Almost 5,000 fewer schoolchildren were placed in large classes last year, although average class sizes remained static.

Nevertheless, 61,345 primary school pupils were assigned to classrooms of 30-plus students during the 2022/23 academic year.

They included more than 2,400 students in classes of 35 or more spread across 61 different schools.

One school in Co Waterford Réalt na Mara National School in Dunmore East - had a class with 41 pupils last year. The

Ireland hopes for Indian Summer

Paws for thought

Bookmakers are feeling the heat of Irish punters backing a temperature record being smashed this month.

BoyleSports has slashed the odds on the hottest September on record into 6/4 from 5/1 after Met Éireann’s latest weather updates brightened up the prospect of the country basking in a lengthy heatwave.

Paws for thought: Maia Dunphy, Holly Carpenter and Andrea Hayes were at Dogs Trust to help launch ‘The Big Paws’, the first of its kind in celebration of dogs in our lives, past and present.

Local farmer battles new land law

PHOTO: Fran Veale Full story Page 6

Kilkenny Six awarded scholarships Students from Kilkenny have been awarded an All Ireland Scholarship which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies.

The 2022 leaving certificate students; Enda McCabe, Eoin Deely, Glen Crowe, Jack O’Neill, Joan Akaehomen and Philip Byrne will be honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Award Ceremony 2023 on September 16 in University Con-

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

two-campus, co-ed school was founded in 2021 after the amalgamation of two local primary schools.

Another school in Co Tipperary - Scoil Naomh Cualán in Borrisoleigh - had a class with 40 pupils.

In total, just over 1,000 schools last year -about one-third of all schools in the primary sector had at least one overcrowded class.

cert Hall, University of Limerick.

In attendance at the ceremony will be Guest of Honour and Limerick Senior Hurling Team Manager John Kiely, Minister for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins T.D. and Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Moira Doherty as well as the family, friends and princi-

pals of the scholarship recipients.

Commenting on the scheme, Scholarship Sponsor JP McManus said: “1,348 successful graduates have emerged with primary degrees and are now either embarking on further studies or in the case of the majority, pursuing successful careers. This figure demonstrates that the key objective – to provide financial support to many

gifted young students so they may succeed during their thirdlevel education – has worked.

Their drive and determination is admirable, and they should be very proud. We look forward to celebrating the most recent recipients’ achievements at the upcoming ceremony.”

The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus and this year marks its 15th anniversary. The third

level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest – achieving students each year, with a minimum of two students from each of the 32 counties.

To date, 1,674 scholarships have been awarded across the island of Ireland, of which 1,348 winners have already graduated from university and have embarked on successful careers.

A new law which allegedly could result in thousands of acres of land being seized from farm families by the State is being contested by Kilkenny farmer Alex Wilsdon (42), whose family have farmed their land on the outskirts of Kilkenny city for more than 130 years He is fighting to keep 3ac of their land out of the residential zoned land tax (RZLT).

Full story Page 6

New carbon deal for farmers Farmers are to be paid for carbon they sequester by early 2026, following the passing of a proposal for a new “framework for carbon removals” by the European Parliament’s agriculture committee.

The vote was passed with 31 in favour, six against and two abstentions. One of the abstentions was made by MEP for Midlands-North-West, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan.

Full story Page 10

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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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

News The acclaimed Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production, based in Waterford’s Gaeltacht na Rinne, is still open for applications.

The award-winning postgraduate course, commencing again on October 2, is run by leading production company Nemeton TV, accredited by South East Technological University (SETU), and supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Widely regarded as one of the most industry-focused courses in the media sector, it has gained a high profile in the industry with its excellent graduate employment record.

Graduates from the course are coveted as directors, producers, cinematographers and editors, and are enjoying successful careers in top film and television production companies, as well as broadcast stations and streaming platforms at home and abroad.

Run by top industry professionals, the course features an innovative blend of practical workshops and online classes delivered through block release. It is uniquely tailored to the needs of students and those who wish to develop their skills while working and it featured in the Irish Times Spotlight on Postgraduate Options.

Films produced on the course are broadcast on TG4, winning awards at film festivals around Ireland and they feature prominently at

Fancy a future career in television?

Uilíoch: Seosamh Mac Seoin’s debut drama has travelled to international film festivals in LA and New York

the National Student Media Awards every year.

An array of imaginative short dramas and documentaries are available on the TG4 Player series Céad Seans such as Toolmaker Director Seán Hughes, who explores what effect Mount Brandon has on the minds and lives of those living in its

shadow in his film An Cnoc.

Seán was inspired to make his poetic documentary after living under the magical spell of Cnoc Bhreánnáin in Corca Dhuibhne “In ‘An Cnoc’, I wanted to explore what effect Mount Brandon had on the minds and lives of those living in its shadow,” he says. The film features

broadcaster Dara Ó Cinnéide and poet Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin and won Best Irish Language film at the SMEDIAS as well as the Fastnet Film Festival this year.

Seosamh Mac Seoin’s debut drama Uilíoch has travelled to international film festivals in LA and New York and won best short film at the

MEDIAS this year as well as Best Live Action Short Film at the Cinemagic On The Pulse film festival in Belfast. Speaking about his debut drama, Seosamh explains that: “A man reflects on his childhood and the trauma he experienced growing up. As we see glimpses of his younger self, we come to understand the

events that shaped his life.”

Media Production is open for applications until September 23 and commences again on October 2. *For full details see http:// www.nemeton.ie/training| setu.ie Apply for the course at: www.pac.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

News

Local farmer battles land law A new law which allegedly could result in thousands of acres of land being seized from farm families by the State is being contested

by Kilkenny farmer Alex Wilsdon (42), whose family have farmed their land on the outskirts of Kilkenny city for more than 130 years He is fighting to keep 3ac of their land out of the residential zoned land tax (RZLT).

The new legislation came into existence last year following the Budget of 2021.

The 3% tax aims to release land zoned for housing but lying idle to reduce hoarding and stimulate housing supply.

However, Mr Wilsdon says hundreds of farmers are unaware of it and its implications.

“My family has farmed our land since 1890, before even the foundation of the State, and now yet again we feel we have a gun to our head and a knife to our throat due to this new legislation which

we are now battling,” he said.

“Before this it was the vacant site levy which we had to go to court over.

“My father Alex and I fought the vacant site levy with all our might and now we are going to battle again. I remember my father a good few years ago pointing at a map of Scotland suggesting he should sell up and move there due to ongoing issues such as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO). It seems never-ending.

“Of course we are worried yet again, as are so many more farmers across the country. This has been imposed on us without any national consultation. How can that be fair?

“What’s worse there are hundreds and hundreds of farmers nationwide facing the same battle against the State and local authorities in large part because of the housing crisis, which is not of our making.”

Under the RZLT legisla-

tion, some farmers’ land is falling under the new law, which states that it must be both zoned and serviced to be liable for the tax. However, Mr Wilsdon claims that the definition of ‘serviced’ varies from one local authority to another, resulting in differing outcomes.

In Kilkenny, according to Mr Wilsdon, the RZLT draft maps were published last November by the local authority and his family appealed 10ac of their land being included

to the council in December.

In March, they learned that Kilkenny County Council rejected their appeal not to have their land zoned. The Wilsdons then appealed to An Bord Pleanála but this month they were informed that the council’s decision would be upheld, bar 3ac of the targeted 10ac which would not be included.

To date around 1,700 people have appealed the inclusion of their land under the new zoning.

Col sees one in five workers wanting to change jobs One in five Irish workers plan to change jobs in the next year as a result of the high cost of living, a new survey has revealed.

The Hopes and Fears Workforce report from PwC revealed that 38% of the 1,000 Irish workers surveyed are also planning to ask for a pay rise.

This is up 6% from this time last year.

The proportion of Irish workers who said that they are able to pay all bills and have money left over for savings and holidays at the end of each month declined by 5% to 35%.

A further 23% said they are struggling to pay or cannot pay

bills at present, up 12% from this time last year.

Around 36% feel they are fairly compensated for their daily work. This is below the global average of 42%, according to the report. Almost 10% added that they now work more than one job to secure additional income.

As Irish workers grapple with soaring costs, companies face challenges in retaining talent, PwC reported.

Nearly a quarter of workers feel overworked, which is also contributing to a lack of confidence that the companies they currently work in will be in business in 10 years’ time, if it continues on its current path.

Electrifying:

Lisa Filan, Grace Cullen, Naomi Travers, Julieanne Murtagh, and Abbie Moyles, enjoying the 3Charge & Chill area at Electric Picnic

Dog lovers invited to honour beloved pets To celebrate the unique bond between dogs and their owners, Dogs Trust Ireland has announced plans to create a safe space with fellow dog lovers to acknowledge the loss of your beloved furry friend, by walking in their honour.

Dog lovers are being invited to join the charity and take part in ‘The Big Paws’ on the evening of Saturday September 30.

Dogs Trust is calling on the people of Kilkenny to hold community events or to mark the occasion in a personal way and all details can be found on the charity’s website www.

DogsTrust.ie/Event Last year, Dogs Trust launched ‘Not Just a Dog’, a campaign which aimed to normalise talking about the

grief experienced when a much-loved dog passes on. As a result, the charity received an outpouring of grief from its supporters, highlighting the importance for an event where dog lovers can take ‘paws’ and reflect on the indelible mark dogs make in their lives.

All those taking part are being encouraged by Dogs Trust to share photographs of their experience on social media using the hashtag #TheBigPaws to show how many people in Ireland value the huge impact dogs have on so many aspects of our lives.

Dogs Trust is very grateful to PetStop Ireland who are proudly sponsoring the event and 98FM who is their media partner for The Big Paws.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter Paul Hopkins

Fewer raising their glass and holding the hour There has been a startling decline in the number of rural pubs staying open since the Covid pandemic. An average of 114 pubs a year are closing across the country – but this rises to 152 a year since 2019.

Rural communities are disproportionately impacted, new research has found.

The Drinks Industry Group Ireland (DIGI) analysis, released last week, shows a 22.5% decline in the number of pubs open in Ireland since 2005 – this represents the closure of 1,937 small and family-run Irish businesses.

There is the argument that the State is responsible for the erosion of local communities and community infrastructure. The rural post office, the bank, the corner shop, the fair and the livestock mart were once all part of the fabric of society, contributing socially, as well as commercially, to people coming together. Increasingly, now, rural people find themselves more and

more isolated with their young, once more, joining the brain drain and taking flight to America and Australia or Dubai because Ireland, rural or not, no longer affords them a decent wage – cue, teachers and nurses – never mind a roof over their head. And in rural Ireland farming no longer seems sustainable.

Rural Irish towns have been decimated since the recession and many are dying, a rather dramatic statement not too long ago from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) which found that a “perfect storm” has ripped the heart out of many rural towns and most are finding it impossible to recover. Among its stark findings, the report found that a lack of local leadership and the rising trend of outof-town retail developments has helped catalyse the huge decline in rural towns since the financial crash.

The majority of small Irish

towns were ill-prepared for the recession, and without high-speed broadband they were hamstrung in how they could recover, according to the report by the SCSI. It’s fair to say that people who live in rural towns have been trying to highlight this for decades. The decline of rural Ireland hasn’t happened suddenly and it dates back to long before the recession. Many of the towns cited in the report never really felt the benefit of the Celtic Tiger and were in the economic doldrums years before the financial crash.

On a recent visit for a wedding in beautiful Enniscrone in Co Sligo, the motorway ends at Mullingar and I found myself on the old and challenging N4 road. I passed through many, once familiar towns en route. Many seemed empty and peopleless, shop fronts boarded up, pubs closed, the local bank, baker and candle-stick maker

long closed up shop. A sad sight. In my youth travelling weekends away with the lads, camping and otherwise, such towns I recall as thriving and inviting.

In its report the SCSI identifies many problems facing small towns. These include excessive rates; high insur-

“Towns have been decimated since the recession...

ance costs; uneven population growth; high unemployment; poor broadband; online competition and that lack of local leadership.

With a General Election in the next year or so we’ll likely be hearing a lot about what the parties have done or will do for rural Ireland. Most of such are mere empty platitudes.

However, Covid-19 has played its hand in the matter.

Perhaps ironically. Many argue how urban and rural life will be changed forever post-pandemic, with some predicting people will have a strong preference to live in more isolated areas, and that remote working may be the remedy for regional towns.

Such an upturn is an opportunity for our policymakers to try to revive regional towns and villages.

Since as far back as 1986, rural areas, particularly remote and peripheral areas in the midlands and the

west, have been experiencing consistent population loss. Urban areas, too, have experienced population loss, demonstrating it is not just a rural issue. That said, there are also many rural areas, especially surrounding the cities – the commuter belt – which are gaining population. However, houses may be more affordable in rural Ireland, but it costs you more to get to work.

Is there the political will to reverse population decline by encouraging people to move to these ‘rural’ locations and is there the will, also, to sustain or improve the quality of life of the people already living in such towns?

There are policies currently in place, such as Project Ireland 2040 and Our Rural Future that seek to achieve both of these outcomes.

It’s an unfolding story ...the outcome of which is anybody’s guess, given the new ‘brain drain’.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

News

New carbon deal for farmers Farmers are to be paid for carbon they sequester by early 2026, following the passing of a proposal for a new "framework for carbon removals” by the European Parliament's agriculture committee.

The vote was passed with 31 in favour, six against and two abstentions. One of the abstentions was made by MEP for Midlands-North-West, Luke 'Ming' Flanagan.

Fine Gael MEP Colm

Markey, also representing Midlands-North-West, said the new framework could lead to carbon becoming another income source for farmers.

Mr Markey, who led the proposal on behalf of the centre-right EPP group in the European Parliament, said it would be up to private-sector operators to propose a methodology to the commission on how the framework would operate.

"Ultimately in the long term there should be a scenario where carbon credits should be tradeable,” he told the Farming Independent.

"The more MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification) and the closer you can demonstrate you're in line with other forms of carbon capture and mitigation, then you should get closer to the value of what carbon is.

Carbon is trading at around

€100 per tonne at this stage.”

The proposal now must go through the European Parliament and the environment committee.

"The problem we're going to have with the environment committee is they don't want to fund farmers to offset other people's carbon responsibilities.

'Like let's be realistic, you're not going to decarbonise aviation in the next 10 or 20 years,”

Mr Markey continued.

"You'd like to see it fully through the Parliament by the end of the term [June 2024]…

18 months on from then it might be something that could be on the ground.

"In a lot of situations the amount of money involved won't be colossal. On mineral soils and that it won't be major but the likes of the peatland situation where you're being rewarded for abating emis-

sions, that could come into big money.”

The proposal includes that those benefiting from the carbon removals must be landowners, actively farming — avoiding the potential for funds to manage peatlands for monetary gain.

"The bottom line is it's new money, potential money outside of CAP and private sector money,” Mr Markey said.

Bord na Móna Green deal for local farmers Applications are now open until November 10 for companies to take part in Bord na Móna’s Accelerate Green programme. Bord na Móna is encouraging businesses in Kilkenny to apply with a particular focus on SMEs looking to scale, start-ups with innovative climate solutions, and companies in the development stage looking for investment.

The programme itself will officially begin in January 2024 and is a transformative accelerator programme developed to equip Irish business owners in the climate action and sustainability sector with the skills and knowledge to scale their business here in Ireland and beyond.

In conjunction with Resolve Partners, Accelerate Green will bring the successful applicants through a series of expert learning modules delivered by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, potential investors and successful Irish business representatives.

Accelerate Green businesses will have access to networking, mentoring and business development opportunities through engagement with experienced senior leaders across Bord na Móna’s businesses. The participants will also gain insight into Bord na Móna’s commercial expertise and learnings as a business that has fully transitioned from Brown to Green – shifting from traditional peat harvesting to climate solutions and renewable energy development.

Twenty-five Irish businesses from across the country have successfully completed the programme since it first launched in 2022, and are on a continued journey to successfully deliver innovative sustainability focused products and services.

Since completing the programme, many alumni have experienced significant, sustainable progress in their

businesses. According to recent research among the 2022 alumni, all business participants felt the experience had a positive and tangible impact on the success of their business. The majority of alumni (80%) saw the scale of their company grow significantly in the 12 months following the programme – 60% of these expanded their business operations here in Ireland, with slightly more (80%) growing their operations abroad.

All participants also found the focus on networking to be extremely beneficial, with the vast majority leveraging the connections made to the benefit of their own business in varying ways.

Across all companies that took part in Accelerate Green, 80% have increased the size of their workforce (85 jobs) since completing the programme, and the average revenue growth of the alumni is 150 percent.

The new Accelerate Green Programme,Bord na Móna Chief Executive Tom Donnellan said: “A key element of Bord na Móna’s mission is to lead the way and help the country re-imagine how it engages with climate action and Accelerate Green is an important element of this.

This year, we have committed €5 million to the continued rollout of this important programme and we are delighted to see the impact it has already made on our growing alumni since we first launched in 2022 with many reporting experiences of thriving business operations not only here in Ireland but internationally too.

"Accelerate Green is an opportunity for rising green innovators to learn, grow and scale their business. The modules and mentoring we offer are tailor-made to help participants understand of how to build a sustainable and resilient business model.”

Book now for Bookville Festival The seventh consecutive annual Bookville Festival in takes place on this coming October .

Bookville is a festival of books for families and children across Kilkenny

city and county run by the Kilkenny Library Service and the Arts Office.

Bookville features 34 authors and illustrators from the UK and Ireland and local groups

such as Music Generation Kilkenny, Barnstorm and Monkeyshine. For 2023 the organisers have expanded their programme to include in-person workshops, virtual workshops,

the Bookville book, videos and an exhibition.

Festival dates are October 12 to 18, but booking goes live on Tuesday 19th September 19.

A big thank you to our frontline workers The HSE/South East Community Healthcare took part in the National Services Day event in Kilkenny on Saturday 2 September last.

National Services Day was devised in 2022 as a national 'Thank You' to frontline, emergency and security services personnel workers who keep us safe every day.

Beginning with a 'Blue Light' parade and followed by static displays in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle, this year’s event was planned to give the people of the South East a flavour of the emergency and frontline services and the resources they have to offer.

Commencing on the day on Kilkenny’s Castlecomer Road, dozens of emergency and essential vehicles passed the Newpark Hotel, Macdonagh Junction, John Street, Rose Inn Street and then onto the Castle Parade, where they entered the grounds of Kilkenny Castle and remained there for the afternoon.

It was an excellent opportunity for young and old to meet the personnel of various services and experience all the equipment and vehicles present.

Other services that were in attendance included the

HSE’s National Ambulance Service, the Irish Defence Forces, the Gardaí , Kilkenny County Council and its Fire Service, Irish Prison Services, Civil Defence, Order of Malta, Red Cross, South East Mountain Rescue, Waterford Search and Rescue, Community First Responders, the Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI, Blood Bikes South East, the Revenue Commissioners, Kilkenny Sub Aqua, BUMBLEance, Irish Water Safety, The OPW, the Irish Veterans Association and St. Patricks Brass and Reed Band.

Speaking following the event, Deirdre Dunne (Na-

tional Services Day lead/ Health and Wellbeing, HSE/ South East Community Healthcare) said: “Last year’s event emanated from people wanting to show appreciation for those who had been to the fore in the enormous and impressive response that there was during the COVID19 pandemic across services and in communities across the South East.

"We are delighted that the second of these National Services Days featured an event in our region, with Kilkenny as a location having also proven popular for the initial one last year.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

That football kiss – time to embrace equality Ah kisses! Sometimes there can be nothing more romantic. Remember that iconic picture of a soldier kissing a nurse at the end of World War Two? Or that real tear jerker song as Time Goes By in the film Casablanca, where Sam crooned “A kiss is just a kiss”.

Or is it? It depends on the kiss and, sadly in the aftermath of the women’s world cup, the kiss Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales planted on Jenni Hermosa’s lips has become a political football. What should have been an innocent salute in celebration of the Spanish women’s team win has become the latest salvo in the sex war.

That meeting of lips has been labelled a sexual assault, has led to the suspension of Rubiales who is refusing to resign, while his mother, Angela Bejar, has gone on

hunger strike in his support.

The RFEF vice- president Rafael del Amo and 11 members of the Spanish national women’s soccer programme have resigned and the kiss has been declared seriously damaging to the image of Spanish football.

Players have also threatened to boycott competitions should Rubiales stay on in his post and that’s only the half of it!

Two things are at play here.

When Rubiales followed up a hug by holding Hermoso’s head in his hands and planting a smacker full on her lips it wasn’t consensual, according to Jenni who felt “violated by an impulse driven, out of place sexist act”, whereas your man felt it was “mutual and euphoric”. The other is spillover from the simmering tension over inappropriate sexual behaviour by men

towards women characterised by the ‘MeToo’ movement against sexual violence against women and dedicated to justice.

The location of the kiss matters too, Rubiales gave the other women on the team innocent pecks on the cheek.

But lips are sensitive erogenous zones, kisses there are erotic and can be a prelude to intimacy. Why did Rubiales single out Hermoso in this suggestive way ?

A decade or two ago the row wouldn’t have happened. Ms Hermoso would have wiped her lips and silently listed the incident as another unlooked for advance by a predatory male. Now such incidents are being outed and, while it’s really important that men should be respectful of women, I wonder if the reaction is out of proportion to an admittedly inappropriate

embrace.

Can you be the victim and survivor of a kiss, and is a kiss cause for sacking? And what effect will the furore have long term in relations between the sexes: hopefully not an end of romance where men are afraid to attempt the first kiss of courtship.

Intention is at the heart of kisses and that end of WWII

“Has become the latest salvo in the sex war...

kiss that made the front of Time magazine was not what it seemed. Gretta Zimmer and George Mendosa were complete strangers when the drunken Mendosa seized Zimmer and began kissing her on the streets of Paris, unaware they were being photographed. “He was very strong. I am not sure about that kiss. It was just celebrating, it wasn’t a romantic event,” she said in an interview over half a century later.

Quite, pity the celebration of the teams win over the UK has been eclipsed.

Last week I happened to watch a TV programme narrated by David Attenborough about courtship displays by birds. Male paramours go to endless lengths with brilliant feathers, dances and songs to attract females, before their advances are accepted. Birds observe the preliminaries.

It could be argued that men who make advances to women are simply doing what comes naturally. Man watcher Desmond Morris argues that when it comes to come-hither signals from the opposite sex men are more likely to misread them as positive than women which in the light of perpetuation of the species probably stands to reason.

This particular kiss is another step on the rocky road to equality in which the kisser stands to lose his job; the kissee suffered no injury but experienced the fury that so many women feel over unwanted sexual advances.

I do wonder though if the roles had been reversed and Hermosa had been a football boss and planted an unsolicited kiss on Rubiales following a football win would the outcome have been the same.

Mep Clune - the artificial intelligence revolution in healthcare is here

Looking after your heart

Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, Deirdre Clune has spoken of the potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to transform the healthcare landscape through enhancing clinical care, reducing the administrative strain on health systems and improving prevention.

MEP Clune, a Member of the European Parliament’s Health sub-committee and lead negotiator for the drafting the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act in Brussels says, “AI can serve as a valuable tool for doctors and nurses, streamlining their tasks and elevating patient outcomes.

“In the immediate shortterm, many healthcare organisations are likely to start with applying generative AI to administrative tasks, but there is a growing role for this technology with clinical applications.

“One significant application is the ability of AI to augment diagnoses. Take colon cancer as an example. To detect this type of cancer, a standard colonoscopy is performed to manually identify and remove precancerous tissue.

“However, according to recent studies, it is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 cancerous lesions are missed during these routine screenings. AI assisted technologies can dra-

CLAIR WHITTY

matically improve detection.

“AI software can be trained to identify precancerous tissue by looking at tens of thousands of pictures of them, and when it detects one during the colonoscopy, it prompts the doctor to make a closer examination.

“To realise the full potential value of AI, we must begin to think about how to best integrate these new technologies into our existing healthcare system - while also being aware of the risks”, MEP Clune added.

Under the EU’s proposed AI Act, AI systems used in healthcare would be classified as 'high-risk', including those

dealing with patient healthcare information, which is particularly sensitive. Those high risk systems would be subject to greater transparency, risk management and data control requirements.

“It’s important to note that AI is not replacing a doctor or nurse, but rather providing them with additional insight.

“Balancing innovation with responsibility is key to ensuring patient safety and maintaining trust in the healthcare system.

"Now is the time that we put guardrails in place to maximise the potential and safety of AI technologies”, Clune concluded.

When I think of looking after your heart, I think of both your emotional and your physical heart health.

To look after your physical heart health, a healthy diet will help. One that’s rich in oily fish so that you have enough of the essential omega 3 fatty acids to help with blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Green leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium which is a really important mineral for the heart muscle.

Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables are a great source of vitamin C which is helpful to prevent against hardening of the arteries. Herbal tea can help too, I like Hawthorn tea as it is one traditionally used to help normalise blood pressure. Or white tea is good to keep the arteries nice and supple. Beetroot, you can’t go wrong with to help improve blood flow. Garlic is

one of the best foods you can eat to support heart health it’s not only good to keep the vampires away!

If you are thinking about a supplement, then a popular remedy over the years is Jan De Vries Hawthorn Garlic Complex, with B1 which contributes to normal heart function. It’s a simple combination that helps to protect your heart. You could combine this with a fish oil, Eskimo Omega

3 Oil for example. Omega 3 can help to reduce the LDL the bad cholesterol. This combination could work together to help you keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.

I believe that your emotional health can impact on your physical heart. We have all experienced stress, anxiety, separation, and bereavement at some point. We can identify with the physical pain of these emotions. It feels like your heart is going to break.

There is little to be done in some of these situations. Self-compassion, self-care, and time are often the only healers of this type of pain. The Bach Flower Star of Bethlehem is the flower remedy to help soothe a broken heart and worth taking in times of emotional heartache.

Relaxation, meditation, and sleep will do wonders for your heart too.

Exercise is important, but make sure to do what you can do, not what you think you should be doing.

Keep on eye on your heart health, you would be lost without it. Look after it and it will look after you.

Shop online www.naturalhealthstore.ie

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News

SPECIAL REPORT A Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) survey of 757 people has revealed some concerning gaps in retirement planning.

• One in 10 aged 45-64 do not have a pension 1 in 10 people between the ages of 45 and 64 do not have a pension, and pension ownership among the 45-54 age group stands at 76% – a sharp decline since 2022, when 85% of this group had a pension.

CCPC Director of Communications Grainne Griffin said: “It’s concerning that such a significant cohort of people could enter retirement without a pension. It’s never too late to start a pension; it’s a very effective form of saving, and even a few years can make a difference.”

• One in four of those without a pension say they can’t afford to start one With the cost of living rising, it’s understandable that some may choose to delay starting a pension. While it’s never too late to start a pension, the earlier you start, the further your money will go. No contribution is too small.

• 64% have a pension • 69% would be happy to pay into a compulsory pension scheme Auto-enrolment, where a pension is automatically set up and deducted from wages or salary once an individual starts paid employment, is due to be introduced in Ireland in 2024. There is strong support for autoenrolment across age groups, with 79% of under 25s – the group least likely to already have a pension – saying they would be happy to pay into a compulsory pension scheme.

Women are more likely than men to opt in, with only 16% of women saying they would opt out of such a scheme.

There were some particularly positive findings from this research. We were happy to see that a majority of people over 18 have a pension, and it

One in 10 aged 45-64 do not have a pension

is encouraging to see strong levels of support for auto-enrolment across demographics. This shows that people recognise the need to plan for retirement.

• 57% plan to use cash savings to support their retirement In light of inflation and the low rate of return on savings, the CCPC expressed concerns with increased intentions to use cash savings to fund retirement.

As pensions are long-term investments and pension contributions are subject to tax relief, money put into a pension will usually go further than the same amount put

into savings.

• Risk of pension inadequacy with increased cost of living and decreased home ownership Grainne Griffin said: “It’s very positive that two-thirds have started a pension, and that number will grow once auto-enrolment is introduced.

However, it’s important that people don’t see their pension as a box to tick and forget about – you need to make sure your pension is enough to fund the retirement you want.

“Reviewing your pension can also save you money.

Especially if you have an older pension, you may be paying

much higher charges than needed, so it’s a good idea to check your pension now and question any charges.”

“Ideally we would all review our pensions every year, but this becomes more and more important the closer we get to retirement. If you’re retiring in the next 10 years, talk to a financial advisor now to check your pension adequacy.”

Checking your pension: what you need to know Regular pension checks can save you money and avoid shortfalls once you retire. By reviewing your pension, you can: • ensure you are on target to

reach your retirement income goal • make sure your pension fund is not being eroded by high charges and unnecessary fees • make sure your money is invested in funds that match your appetite for risk.

When you talk to your financial advisor or pension provider, ask these simple questions: 1 As of today, are my funds meeting my income goals for retirement?

2 What level of risk am I taking with my pension today?

3 Can I switch money to a different fund? If so, are there any charges to do so?

4 Can I increase my contributions, or do I need to take out an additional pension product, such as a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) or Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC)?

5 Am I contributing the maximum amount that qualifies for tax relief?

6 At what age can I draw down my pension?

Whether you’re starting a pension, checking your pension, or just trying to understand your options, go to ccpc.ie for straightforward, independent information.

Opioids addiction growing concern in Ireland The overuse of opioids (drugs like heroin, to legal pain-relievers, like oxycodone, Vicodin, morphine, methadone and Fentanyl) is concerning; both in conventional medicine, and illicit use, which is growing thanks to their status as an almost fashionable drug.

Dr Conor Hearty is a consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesiology at the National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh, Dublin and the whole debate around opioids is a pet subject of his; a complex issue, and one where education and awareness is crucial.

September is Addiction Recovery Month, but Dr. Hearty feels we can do more

to prevent accidental addiction and overdose in the first place, something that is more common than people think.

Topics Dr Hearty expands on include the following; - Addiction and overdose can be rapid and deadly.

- Opioids act on the brain; they block pain messages and boost feelings of pleasure. What makes opioid medicines effective for treating pain also makes them dangerous.

- Delays in the healthcare system is causing addition issues; people are too long on GP prescriptions for pain, they self-medicate, or accept medication from others (very foolish thing to do)

- Opioid use has almost been glamorised in media, Netflix dramas, popular music etc, when the reality of addiction is far from glamorous.

- US has identified a crisis calling opioid overdose a public health emergency. A big issue Stateside was drug firms over-selling opioids, despite growing addiction.

- Opioids are used very differently in various pain management scenarios, from acute pain, to chronic pain or cancer pain, and they have to be managed by medics.

- We must maintain opioid access for patients who need them, without allowing excessive harm.

- Options for opioid-free

anaesthesia are being rolledout in Cappagh, such is the concern in medicine about overuse. Low-dose opioids are now used in conjunction with other anaesthetising effects, eg. VR (virtual reality experiences reduce awareness and pain).

- Illegal activities around opioids are concerning too; ‘diversion methods’ include the illegal sale and recycling of prescriptions by physicians and pharmacists; ‘doctor shopping’ where patients consult multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions; theft of prescriptions, forgery, or alteration of prescriptions by patients; robberies and theft from manufacturers, distributors

and pharmacies, and of institutional drug supplies.

A good point the Cappagh consultant makes is that ‘you are not an addict; you become an addict, for many and varied, usually avoidable, reasons’, and that a societal response is needed.

Meanwhile, Tte Irish Prison Service is taking proactive steps to address the significant issue of addiction among prisoners by launching an innovative new initiative aimed at combatting opioid overdoses. With a staggering 70% of individuals committed to prison having addiction issues, urgent action is needed to prevent tragic outcomes and protect those in custody.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

The days of cash as king is on the cards Recently myself and my sonin-law went into a pub near where he lives in Dublin and ordered two pints of Guinness. I handed over my card to pay for the pints. The barman looked at me as if I had two heads: “Cash only,” he said. I waited while the son-in-law sprinted to the nearest ATM and thought: “Fair enough, that’s how it is.”

But then I went to the pictures recently and found cash was not an option, payment was by card only. That annoyed me for some reason.

My mind went back to a clip online where an older gent put down the exact amount of money to pay for his purchase and it was refused. He left the money on the counter and pushed past the staff as they began to accuse him of theft and he saying: “Legal tender, legal tender.”

With the recent chaos at ‘cashless’ Electric Picnic, why do one in five people in Ireland never carry any cash and, of those

who do, almost one-third (30%) carry €20 or less? Why are men more likely than women to never carry cash (24% of men versus 16% of women) and, of those who do carry cash, men tend to carry higher amounts on them than women?

A recent Royal London survey examined the use of cash by people in Ireland, finding that the top five reasons people needed cash regularly was to pay for small daily grocery items such as milk andbread (58%); to pay service providers who prefer cash (38%); to buy lunch or take-away coffee ortea (34%); to give tips (32%); and to donate to charity (27%).

They found almost one in five people (19%) carry more than €100 regularly.

People in Leinster appear to be the least likely to carry cash.

One in four people in Dublin (25%), and almost a third ofpeople in the rest of Leinster (28%) say they never carry cash.

By contrast, only one in 10

(10%) of those living in Ulster and Connacht never carry cash.

Meanwhile, 50% of people aged 18-24 said they never carry cash, while just 10% of people aged 55 or older said the same.

Commenting on the survey findings, Barry McCutcheon, Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland said: “We’ve seen an increase in cashless payments in Ireland in recent years, so the numbers of people who carry very little cash, or any at all, is unsurprising. Despite the increasingly digital nature of Irish banking and payment

systems in recent years, we can see from the survey findings that cash still plays an important role in Ireland’s society and economy, with many people relying on it when going about their day-to-day routines.”

This balances with a European Central Bank survey in 2022 which showed that the majority (54%) of Irish consumers’ in-store transactions were in cash The survey gave weight to the assertion that the younger you are, the less likely you are to carry cash, with less that half (50%) of those aged between 18

and 24 saying they never carry cash compared to only one in 10 (10%) people aged 55 or over.

All sorts of conspiracy theories abound as to why the push is on, from end of the world scenarios to global plans of domination, but according to the World Economic Forum, “If everyone were connected to an end-to-end e-payment infrastructure – a cashless environment – there would be transparency in money flows.

Whether it’s international aid or private investment, if everyone in the chain were connected digitally, you could see where the money went and how it was spent.”

It follows that transactions that appear outside of that framework could immediately be flagged and investigated narrowing the focus for the Gardai and forensic accountants.

The disadvantages, though, include exposure of your personal information to a possible data breach, no alternative

source of money in the case of technical issues, Electric Picnic case in point, or hacker activity, and lack of control over spending without a physical reminder.

Mr McCutcheon of Royal London observed: “It’s clear that there is a need for cash, with 80% of people surveyed carrying some amount daily.

“In the Department of Finance’s published Retail Banking Review a recommendation was made for legislation to be introduced to safeguard the reasonable access to cash.

It is clear from our research that for many, there are times when only cash will do.”

For me cash is king for many things still, especially when I want to give the grandchildren a few bob. The only problem is when they figure out the difference between a ‘grey’ (€5) or an ‘blue’ (€20). john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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News Science & Wellbeing The world has a serious weight problem. Based on the most common medical standard — body mass index (BMI) — nearly 1 billion people were obese in 2020, and if current trends continue, 1.9 billion people will be obese by 2035.

That’s an estimated 24% of the world’s population, with another 27% in the overweight category.

In many countries the rate is already far higher than that.

This is a huge public health issue.

Obesity increases a person’s risk of many serious health problems, including hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and many cancers. Combined, obesity caused 5 million deaths in 2019 — 8.5% of all deaths and rising.

The stigma associated with obesity can also cause people to experience depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts, and getting proper medical treatment for any of these issues can be a major challenge — healthcare workers often discriminate against patients who carry significant excess weight.

The traditional prescription for obesity is for people to ‘simply’ eat less and move more. But, while this regimen can work, it is easier said than done: losing weight and keeping it off is incredibly hard due to a number of physical, mental, and social factors.

In the past decade, the narrative has started to shift. Now, obesity is being treated more like a disease and less like a moral failing — and as part of that transition, we’re starting to see the development of innovative new obesity treatments to help people lose weight permanently.

The biggest recent news in the world of obesity treatments has been the development of a class of drugs called

“1.9 billion people will be obese by 2035...

A new way of looking at obesity “glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists.”.

These mimic the activity of the body’s GLP-1 hormone, which is produced after you eat and acts on the brain in a way that suppresses hunger.

GLP-1 agonists were origi-

nally developed to treat diabetes — they also lower blood sugar — but doctors noticed that patients on them were also losing a lot of weight, leading to studies of the meds as obesity treatments.

Participants in several big

clinical trials dropped a lot of pounds, in the range of 10-20% of their body weight, depending on the particular drug and the dose. People also tend to keep off the weight for as long as they stay on the meds, which are typically

delivered as weekly injections (though pill versions are in development).

“Semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or death from heart disease by 20% in a trial.

There have been reports of

rare but serious side effects from GLP-1 drugs, but two are already FDA-approved as obesity treatments — Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) — and several are showing promise in clinical trials. Eli Lilly’s drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is currently only approved for diabetes, but it is expected to be approved for obesity by the end of 2023.

Still others are working to develop better versions of existing treatments, like bariatric surgery.

Because obesity is a complex disease, with many causes that aren’t entirely understood and lots of variability between individuals, we’re likely going to need this wide variety of treatments to manage it. But developing new treatments isn’t enough.

We also need to ensure that, unlike GLP-1 agonists in today, therapies are accessible to everyone who needs to shed weight and keep it off.

At the same time, we must continue to reshape the narrative surrounding obesity to ensure those battling it aren’t also bearing the weight of discrimination.

Why there’s a crisis of leadership today For the everyday worker or employee, it’s easy to blame the person at the top. Everyone wants to take shots at authority figures, so why pay attention to such complaints?

Leadership development has typically focused on making the individual, not the team as a whole, better. All the training, educating, and seminars we’ve done has led to an abundance of autocratic individuals who see themselves as saviours.

They didn’t do this by themselves; we helped. Under the old model, the team exists, at least in the leader’s mind, to help the boss get ahead, to increase production, maximise profit, and make the leader look better.

Jim Clifton, chairman and CEO of Gallup and author of The Coming Jobs War, wrote: “What the whole world wants is a good job, and we are failing to deliver it... This means human development is fail-

ing, too. Most [individuals] are coming to work with great enthusiasm, but the old management practices — forms, gaps, and annual reviews — grind the life out of them.”

Management styles, which have changed very little since the late 1700s, are due to evolve with the changing face

of business. The world of work is changing fast, and management needs to follow.

A true leader goes beyond mere titles and does more than carry out a role. Leadership is a responsibility shared by everyone that involves working with the right people to identify their strengths and

help develop them for the organisation’s betterment.

Doing this job well takes emotional capital, which is one reason why many bosses are so bad at it.

Telling people what to do rather than showing them what to do takes a lot less effort. And yet the latter is pre-

cisely what we need. Sadly, we may not find the answer at the top. It will likely come from the middle or even the bottom. We are experiencing today a crisis of true leadership. Few are willing to stand up to the cultural problem that wants to put a single individual at the forefront of everything. And no amount of advice from bestselling authors and leadership gurus can fix it.

What we are doing is not working. The days of making the leader better to make the team better, which then improves the company, are over.

Change will no longer come from just the top. It’ll come from you and me, right here and now, wherever we may find ourselves in the hair ball.

But first, we have to assess the damage. By training the leader as a superhero type, we have managed to frustrate the entire workforce, the world over, in our quest to improve

the workplace. At best, leadership is overrated; at worst, a complete failure.

The bad bosses need to go, and the way to replace them is to become something better than that which we have aspired to.

It’s time to get rid of our old ways of thinking about leaders and leadership. The bad bosses need to go, and the way to replace them is to become something better than that which we have aspired to. The days of the selfish upstarts who charm and manipulate their way to the top are over. Individual success at the cost of the rest of the team is growing obsolete.

It’s time for us to recognise that what we’re doing is not working and to see what it’s truly costing us. Change in our organisational structures and system is closer than we think, but the way it happens will be unlike anything we have ever seen before.

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Travel & Leisure 1. Praia da Costa Nova Praia da Costa Nova is a stunning spot in Portugal, with a beautiful backdrop of colourful painted houses. It is one of the most characterful beaches in Portugal – especially if you want a more ‘beach town’ atmosphere with cafes and independent shops just a short walk away.

You can stroll along the soft sands and admire the rows of red, yellow, blue, and greenhouses. It has a much prettier setting than other beaches in urban areas and a cutesy vibe with a photogenic aesthetic. Take advantage of the town setting to try fresh fish and regional seafood dishes; there’s even a marina with local fishermen taking regular trips to catch hauls for the town’s restaurants and cafes.

How to get to the beach: Praia da Costa Nova is approximately an hour’s drive south of Porto, so an easy day trip to add to a city break.

After all, everyone appreciates a beach day after back-toback sightseeing days.

Where to Stay: Praia do Sol Resort 2. Praia da Adraga Praia da Adraga is a stunning inlet just outside of Lisbon.

Just checking the pictures, you’d be shocked to think such a picturesque, remoteseeming beach could be just a 50-minute drive outside a major city centre. It is well worth the detour if you are staying in or nearby Lisbon.

The beach has bright blue waters and intensely golden sands broken up by irregular and dramatic stacks that stick up like black shards of glass.

And at low tide, you can get up close to the jagged rock formations and even enter some caves along the cliffs.

Photographers especially flock to snap pictures through the caves and to frame the jagged stacks. For golden sand, volcanic rocks, and plenty of rock pools, you really can’t go wrong with Praia da

1. Frederic Anton’s Gastronomic Cruise French gastronomy meets the magic of Paris on the capital’s only Michelinstarred Seine River cruise, helmed by Frederic Anton, chef at the three-star Pré Catalan restaurant in the Bois de Boulogne and the Eiffel Tower’s gastronomic restaurant Jules Verne.

Sip a glass of champagne on deck before boarding the intimate wood-panelled Don Juan II yacht, where you’ll dine on Anton’s superlative cuisine while cruising past Paris’s iconic bridges and monuments. You’ll savour your last bites of soufflé facing a glittering Eiffel Tower (the cruise departs at 8:15 pm and returns at 10:15 pm).

2. Au Petite Riche Snowy linens, globe lighting, towering mirrors, aproned waiters, and a

Five fabulous beaches in Portugal

Adraga.

This beach made it onto our list for its convenient location and striking natural beauty. It has a rough and adventurous atmosphere that makes it one of the more exciting beaches in Portugal. Don’t expect to swim – the waters are typically too choppy.

Where to Stay: Quinta Santo Antonio.

3. Camilo Beach One thing is for sure; you’ll get your steps in with a visit to Camilo Beach. This spot is only accessible via water or by 200 chunky-cut wooden steps.

You’ll make the scenic climb down to the waterfront with

stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and burnt orange landscape.

Once you reach the beach, you can access two separate beaches divided by an exciting tunnel through the cliff face. If you have children, this is one of the most fun beaches to visit in Portugal, as there’s a real sense of magic with the tunnel to a new beach. Visiting is easily one of the best things to do in Lagos, and it has a novelty appeal that attracts crowds of funseeking tourists.

How to get to the beach: Camilo Beach is just outside Lagos’ centre, accessible on foot within a 30-minute walk.

Five great eateries in Paris

Despite its proximity to such a central tourist spot, facilities are almost non-existent, so Camilo Beach has a wild appeal. Bring snacks, beach towels, and umbrellas if you want guaranteed shade.

Where to Stay: Cascade Wellness Resort.

4. Praia da Nazaré Nazare Beach is 1.5km long, with expansive sands and plenty of room to sunbathe away from other tourists – no matter the season. It is the only beach near Nazare suitable for swimming, as it’s slightly sheltered from the stronger waves, unlike the nearby Praia do Norte.

menu of perfectly prepared traditional French specialties make this classy Parisian brasserie a dining pleasure and one of the city’s best under-the-radar addresses.

Opened in 1854, the restaurant prides itself on its attentive service and unabashed pleasure in traditional French brasserie cuisine with a contemporary touch complemented by an extensive wine list.

3. Cafe de la Paix Once described as the “centre of the civilised world,” this 150-year-old café hosted the Belle Époque’s glitterati and is now part of the historic Intercontinental Paris Le Grand hotel.

Start with a drink in the hotel’s soaring glass-roofed La Verrière before settling into the café’s Napoleon III-era dining room (a listed historic monument)

You can paddle, sunbathe on the sand, and enjoy the nearby bar and restaurant scene.

Nazare is a sweet little town with bright white buildings and traditional terracottacoloured roofing. It is just an hour and a half away from Lisbon by car, so a feasible day trip for anyone wanting a more spacious beach option. Its major draws are its spaciousness and easy access to Nazare’s dining and party scene.

How to get to the beach: Walking to Nazare Beach from the town centre is a breeze, and everything is compact and around the centre. You

can check out the shops, restaurants, and cafes while enjoying beautiful ocean views.

Where to Stay: Subvilla Beach Place

or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the gilded Palais Garnier opera house. The spectacular Sunday brunch (not offered in August) is a veritable cornucopia of French and international favourites, served with a glass of rosé champagne.

sandwiches to enjoy with a drink in the café or to go.

Related: The Best Patisseries in Paris. caviarhouseprunier

4. Ritz Le Comptoir You don’t have to stay at the Ritz to sample the hotel’s masterful pastry chef François Perret’s prizewinning madeleines in Gavors that change with the seasons and other delectable sweets. Perret uses natural sugars to provide less-sweet versions of the classics, along with delicious glutenfree pastries and a menu of classics updated to delight contemporary tastes.

We love the marbled chocolate-chip tart, the divine Ritz au Lait, seasonal fruit tarts, and savoury

5. Praia de Tróia Mar This striking peninsula is the best option for anyone wanting a wow factor. Praia de Tróia Mar has white sand stretching onto the horizon with electric blue waters that taper off in shallow waters – ideal for peaceful wading and families with younger children. The soft sands and coastal shrubs are a blissful place to spend a laidback afternoon.

5. Prunier Paris’s first seafood restaurant opened in 1872, was already a Paris institution in 1925 when it inaugurated its Art Deco Gagship near the Arc de Triomphe.

A favourite of Parisian high society and exiled Russian nobles, the Bolshevik revolution put an end to Prunier’s supply of caviar until a regular alerted the Pruniers to France’s native sturgeon, harvested near Bordeaux. Today, Prunier still offers the freshest caviar in Paris direct from France’s Aquitaine and Dordogne regions, along with a menu of seafood classics in one of Paris’s most beautiful and romantic historic interiors.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Eugene Debbs and the dignity of goldfish!

This week, dear readers, some tid-bits to savour over a skinny latté, a good old mug of tea or a pint of plain if that’s your preference: Hitler had ambitions to be an artist but in 1908 he was rejected by Vienna’s Art School – twice; his marriage to Eva Braun lasted one day. They killed themselves as the Red Army advanced towards their bunker in Berlin. * Eleven days after King Henry V111 had his wife, Anne Boleyn, beheaded (May 19, 1536) he married Jane Seymour. * In the 1400s a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence the phrase ‘rule of thumb’. * The largest ice-berg on record measured 200 miles by 60 miles and had a total area larger then Belgium.

* In 1920, Eugene Debbs was nominated for President of the United States by the Socialist Party while in prison for inciting rebellion and a breach of public order during World War 1. The only man to run for President from prison, he received nearly a million votes, 3.3% of the total. * Absinthe was the LSD of the 19th Century. With a 70% alcohol content, and known as ‘Bottled Madness’, its hallucinogenic properties appealed to people who wanted to soar to new levels of creativity. * Kangaroos received their name when Captain Cook’s crew asked the Australian aborigines what those strange creatures hopping about were.

They answered “Kangaroo”, which means “What are you saying?” * Cleopatra used crocodile dung as a contraceptive. * The first couple to be shown

in bed together on American prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone. * The Chinese will go out of their way to include the lucky number 8 in their home and business addresses, telephone numbers, and web addresses.

As an example of their devotion to the number 8, the Olympic Games, hosted in Beijing, commenced at exactly 8 minutes past 8 on the 8th day of the 8th month in 2008. * Picasso died in bed, drawing – at the age of 91. * The song ‘Delaney’s Donkey’ (made famous by Waterford man Val Doonican) was composed by Englishman William Hargreaves and was the best-selling sheet-music in Britain in 1965 at a time when the Beatles, and Elvis, were topping the charts. The sheet music sold in such great numbers because people

wanted the words. * “New York wasn’t everything I thought. The first year I was held up at gun point, raped on the roof of a building and had my apartment broken into three times” – Madonna on arriving in NYC as a 19-year-old in 1977. She achieved world fame in 1984 with ‘Like A Virgin’.

“Some tidbits to savour over a skinny latte..

* Some 40,000 Americans, of all ages, die by the gun each year – RTE News, December, 2022. * Men can read smaller print than women but women can hear better; women also blink nearly twice as much as men. * The writer CS Lewis, born in Belfast in 1898, and author of The Chronicles Of Narnia (which sold more than 100 million copies) failed the Driving Test 17 times. * In 2010, the animation movie, ‘The Secret Of Kells, produced by Kilkenny’s Cartoon Saloon, lost out on the animation Oscar to Pixar’s Up. Kells cost €6.3 million to make while Up had an estimated budget of $175 million! * The actor Gary Cooper turned down the role of Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind proclaiming that “it will be the

greatest flop in cinema history”. * Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic drinking mugs.

When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. ‘Wet your whistle’ comes from this practice. * Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ room during a dance. * In Shakespeare’s time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase “Goodnight, sleep tight.” * Always give a 100% in life – except when giving blood. * Switzerland has the most stringent animal rights laws in the world including one protecting the dignity of goldfish!

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Opinion The raggedy bush on the Kells road outside Kilkenny

The ancient pump beside the raggedy bush

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Continuing the story of the Raggedy Bush that stands on the Kells Road outside Kilkenny: Another man I spoke to back in 2001 was Billy Reenahan, who confessed to having a soft spot for the bush.

He cited the tradition of attaching rags to it to guarantee a safe journey. Colliers transporting coal from Castlecomer in the 50s never passed it without leaving a rag or two.

They would halt their mule trains and pay their respects to the bush before resuming the journey.

Billy drew my attention to some ancient writings inscribed on a stone beneath the bush. These, however, are indecipherable and give no clue as to the bush’s history. As well as writing, there are harps, shamrocks, and elaborate Celtic designs on the stone.

Billy was fond of the hand blasted water pump that is situated close to the bush. This was installed in 1906 and Billy wished to see it restored to its former glory.

He explained: “It goes 80 feet into the earth and provides an everlasting supply of water. It aids the cause of the Raggedy Bush, because anyone coming here to collect water can see it and tell their friends about this

Part two

The Raggedy Bush part of our heritage”.

Jim Kirby, who ran his Leinster Stone business from Kilkenny’s Industrial estate, had the honour of being asked to carve the lettering on the Raggedy Bush plaque. He did the inscription on a slab of high quality shale mined in the Paulstown area. As a Kells Road resident, he has taken an interest in the bush and its

colourful reputation.

He commented “One of the traditions I like best is the practise of tying a ribbon to it when you emigrate, and another one if, and when, you return to your homeland”.

Patsy Daly from Loughboy was a regular visitor to the bush. “I’ve been tying rags on it for over 35 years”, he boasted, “It all began one evening after

What is believed to be the face of St Patrick underneath the Raggedy Bush

I had a little row with the wife. I was telling her about the Raggedy Bush and she started making a skit of it. I tried to be serious, but she just laughed.

“Go away, she said, and put a sock in it. So I did. I tied my two socks to a sprig on the bush and drove home bare footed to the missus. We

both had a good laugh but she respected me for it all the same.”

Patsy felt that the Tourist Board ought to be “flogging the bush for everything it’s worth”.

No guidebook on Kilkenny, he insisted, could be complete if it didn’t include at least a passing reference to the Raggedy Bush.

He was critical of tour operators, local Councillors and Dail Deputies for failing to highlight the historical and religious significance of the bush and its

place in Kilkenny’s heritage.

“If the bush was promoted properly, the tourist trade could benefit to the tune of millions”, he opined.

Patsy believed that “ideally, the Chamber of Commerce, the tourism people, and the Enterprise Board should be hyping it up and taking full advantage of what it has to offer.”

He added: “I would see this as one of Kilkenny’s biggest lost opportunities. Turin has the shroud, Knock has the shrine, and Cork has the Blarney Stone. We have the Raggedy Bush and it’s about time we stopped taking it for granted.”

While respecting the traditions and reverence associated with the cultural icon, he insisted that the bush could take Kilkenny to new heights of economic performance… “from rags to riches!”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

Global Report In the years leading up to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomats lost their authority, their role reduced to echoing the Kremlin’s aggressive rhetoric.

In a report by the BBC, former Western diplomats, as well as ex-Kremlin and White House insiders, are asked how Russian diplomacy broke down.

In October 2021, US Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland went to a meeting at the Russian foreign ministry in Moscow. The man across the table was Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, whom Ms Nuland had known for decades and always got along with.

Mr Ryabkov’s American counterparts saw him as a practical, calm negotiator – someone they could talk to even as the two countries’ relationship frayed.

This time, things were different.

Mr Ryabkov read Moscow’s official position from a piece of paper and resisted Ms Nuland’s attempts to start a discussion.

Ms Nuland was shocked, according to two people who discussed the incident with her.

She described Mr Ryabkov and one of his colleagues as “robots with papers”, the people said (the State Department declined to comment on the incident).

And outside the negotiating room, Russian diplomats were using increasingly undiplomatic language.

American diplomat Victoria Nuland was said to be shocked

by Russian diplomats who were “talking like robots”.

“We spit on Western sanctions.”

“Let me speak. Otherwise, you will really hear what Russian Grad missiles are capable of.”

“Morons” preceded by an expletive.

These are all quotes from people in positions of authority at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recent years.

It might be hard to imagine now, but Mr Putin himself told the BBC back in 2000 that “Russia is ready to co-operate Last week’s military takeover in Gabon came on the heels of Niger last month, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Chad, Guinea , Sudan and Mali in the years prior to that. Overall, all recent coups except Myanmar, in 2021, have taken place on African soil.

The announcement of the takeover in Gabon came shortly after election results were announced saying incumbent President Ali Bongo had been re-elected, amid reports of irregularities at the polls.

“Many countries face deepseated governance challenges.

But military governments are not the solution,” UN Secretary General António Guterres stressed , speaking at a press encounter at UN Headquarters, in New York.

“They aggravate problems.

They cannot resolve a crisis; they can only make it worse.”

The UN chief called on all countries to urgently establish

Russia: the beginning of the end for diplomacy

with NATO... right up to joining the alliance”.

“I cannot imagine my country isolated from Europe,” he said.

Back then, early in his presidency, Mr Putin was eager to build ties with the West, a former senior Kremlin official told the BBC. Russian diplomats were a key part of Mr Putin’s team, helping resolve territorial disputes with China and Norway, leading talks on deeper co-operation with European countries, and ensuring a peaceful transition after a revolution in Georgia.

But, as Mr Putin became more powerful and experienced, he became increasingly convinced he had all the answers and that diplomats were unnecessary, says Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, who is living in exile in Berlin.

The first signal that a new Cold War was beginning came in 2007 with a speech Mr Putin made to the Munich Security Conference.

In a 30-minute diatribe, he accused Western countries of attempting to build a unipo-

lar world. Russia’s diplomats followed his lead. A year later, when Russia invaded Georgia, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly swore at his UK counterpart, David Miliband, asking: “Who are you to lecture me?”

Western officials still thought it was worth trying to work with Russia. In 2009, Mr Lavrov and the then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pressed a giant red “reset button” in relations, and the two countries seemed to be building co-operation – especially on security issues.

But it soon became obvious

Urgent need for stability in Africa, warns UN credible democratic institutions and rule of law.

Mr Guterres highlighted the

need to strengthen international bodies such as the African Union, in their diplomatic

efforts to foster peace, stability and democracy on the continent.

to US officials that their Russian counterparts were simply parroting Mr Putin’s growing anti-Western views, says Ben Rhodes, deputy national security advisor to former US President Barack Obama.

As the Arab Spring, the US involvement in Libya, and the Russian street protests unfolded in 2011 and 2012, Mr Putin decided that diplomacy wouldn’t get him anywhere, Mr Rhodes says.

“On certain issues – Ukraine in particular – I did not get the sense that [diplomats] had not much influence at all,” says Mr

Rhodes. As an example, when Mr Lavrov, the foreign minister, was appointed nearly 20 years ago he had an “international perspective and his own position”, a former senior Kremlin official told the BBC. The Kremlin used to consult him even when it knew he might have a different view to Mr Putin, says Mr Gabuev.

But when Russian troops were sent into Ukraine in February 2022, Mr Lavrov only found out a few hours before the invasive war began, according to a report in the Financial Times.

At the same time, conditions need to be created that allow African citizens to address the root causes of political instability; lack of development being a major factor, he said.

“Development is a central objective if we want to create conditions for peace and stability in Africa,” the SecretaryGeneral said, in response to a question from a journalist.

Mr Guterres also spoke of a series of high profile upcoming trips, where he aims to drum up support for diplomacy and multilateralism, leading to the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly, in late September.

He will be travelling to the Africa Climate Summit in Kenya, from where he will travel to Indonesia to attend the 13th ASEAN-UN Summit.

Next, he will head for the Indian capital, Delhi, for the G20 Summit, and then on to Cuba for a Summit of the G-77 and

China. “I look forward to engaging with global leaders at these four very different summits before the world comes together for the opening of the General Assembly,” Mr Guterres said.

“Diplomacy is more important than ever to navigate the tensions of our emerging multipolar world,” the UN chief said.

“Dialogue remains the only way to find joint approaches and common solutions to the global threats and challenges that we face.”

Key items on his agenda for the four summits, among others, include * climate action in Africa, the crisis in *Myanmar (ASEAN-UN Summit), reforming global * financial institutions (G20), and getting the 2030 * agenda for Sustainable Development back on track (G77 and China).

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Climate Change

Fine Gael Cllr David FitzGerald seeks nomination for next General Election

– are we all playing our part?

Kilkenny City Councillor David FitzGerald announces he will seek nomination to be the Fine Gael candidate for the next General Election.

Cllr David FitzGerald was first elected to the council on his first attempt in 2009. Following the recent announcement of the new constituency boundary of Carlow/ Kilkenny ,Cllr FitzGerald says he is committed to representing the people of our constituency.

‘Following the recent announcement of the new boundary constituencies I believe this is an opportunity for me to represent the people of Carlow/ Kilkenny at a national level.

I am applying for a job for which I have served my apprenticeship politically through representing the people of Kilkenny and beyond at all levels. I am known across the community as getting things done. My strength is to turn the talk into reality. I believe politics is about delivery not speeches and actually making a difference in people’s lives through legislation ‘’

WEEK 33

"All God’s creatures got a place in the choir”

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Introducing the first ever Kilkenny Choirfest in support of Cois Nore Cancer Support The stage is set for The Lady Desart Choir’s inaugural Kilkenny ChoirFest! Organised by Kilkenny’s renowned Lady Desart Choir, and with all ticket proceeds going to Cois Nore Cancer Support, this musical celebration will take place September 23rd from 1pm to 6pm at the Castleinch Venue, Kilkenny, with gracious support from Michael Power, CEO of Castleinch Venue, R95 DW92.

Unity in Music, Community and Purpose Kilkenny ChoirFest is poised to be an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages, uniting local community choirs, talented performers, families, friends and the wider community at large.

In addition to the choir performances on the day there will be children’s entertainment, the Kilkenny Brass Band, Samba Katz drumming group, face painting, arts & crafts as well as some surprises - not to mention food and refreshments in the Castleinch restaurant.

“We are so excited to be planning this fundraising event with Cois Nore. It promises to be a fun-filled day with unforgettable performances by local choirs and performers from Kilkenny, Tipperary & Waterford” enthused Aoife Kealy, PRO, Lady Desart Choir.

Notes of Compassion At its core the Kilkenny ChoirFest holds a heartfelt purpose. Every song will hold a note of compassion as all ticket proceeds will go directly to Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, a cherished local charity providing crucial assistance to those affected by cancer and their families.

“We are delighted that these choirs are coming together for ChoirFest and raising much needed funds for Cois Nore. We know the power of music to lift up the spirit and are very much looking forward to being a part of this fantastic musical event.”

A Chorus of Diversity The Lady Desart Choir is delighted to share the spotlight with local choirs such as Cois Nore Choir, Alize’s School of Singing, Harmania Indie Choir, Phoenix Choir Kilkenny and Uproar Choir. This exciting collection of choirs will perform a range of hits varying from timeless pop to modern favorites, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

A Unified Voice for Cois Nore In the heart of Kilkenny lies Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre extending a compassionate hand to those facing the challenges of

cancer. Cois Nore provides invaluable support services to people with cancer and their families, all free of charge. Your presence at the Kilkenny ChoirFest resonates not only with music but also with the spirit of giving.

Join Us & Support a Noble Cause Kilkenny ChoirFest is more than a concert; it's a celebration of community, compassion and the incredible power of music. Tickets are priced at €10 per adult, €5 (13 -17 yo) but children aged 12 and under are free. Tickets are available for purchase both at the event on the day and online through the event’s Eventbrite page, kilkennychoirfest.eventbrite.ie About The Lady Desart Choir The Lady Desart Choir is a Kilkenny based contemporary SATB choir led by Gillian Coulter as Musical Director. Boasting over 70 members, the choir ranges in age from 25 to 80 and regularly performs publicly. With a large repertoire of songs, their performances move seamlessly from 80s pop and operatic/modern musical pieces to full on classical choral with a bit of folk and even classic rock thrown into the mix. Their performances are not to be missed!

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News karate athletes World Photos by jbs photos Kilkenny In a heartwarming display of civic pride and appreciation for local talent, the Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Joe Malone, hosted a Civic Reception to celebrate and honour the remarkable achievements of Kilkenny's world-class karate athletes.

The event, held at Kilkenny City Hall, was a testament to the indomitable spirit and dedication of these athletes who have brought home nine medals from the recent JSKA World Karate Championships which were held in Lubeck, Germany.

Family, friends, and fellow karate students gathered in a show of support for their hometown heroes.

The mayor welcomed the medal winners with open arms stating how significant this achievement was and is a milestone in the recognition of sports excellence in the community.

Under the leadership of Kilkenny Karate Club Chief Instructor Kevin Shortall, the local athletes demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude and physical prowess throughout the tournament as they faced very experienced karate competitors from around the world.

"We knew that the road to victory would be challenging, but our team was prepared to face any obstacle that came our way," noted Kevin Shortall who held a joint role at the championships, acting as both the Head Coach for the Ireland Team and as an active competitor.

Among the honoured champions was Iza Kol, whose journey to karate greatness began in Kilkenny when she joined Kilkenny Karate Club after enrolling her son some months previously.

Her gold medal win in the women's individual kata category left no doubt about her extraordinary talent and dedication.

Iza's journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes of all ages across the county, proving that with hard work and determination, one can achieve the impossible.

Another star of the evening was Sonia Lazar, a very experienced karate competitor who already has chalked up some impressive wins at local and national level.

Sonia secured a silver medal in the lady’s kumite (sparring) category.

Her resilience and unyielding commitment to her craft serve as a shining example for all who attended the reception.

Moya Kehoe found herself in a very competitive category as she battled it out in the 18–21-year-old female kata division.

Moya put on an excellent performance and secured a bronze medal for her endeavour.

Moya has been training at Kilkenny Club for over 5 years and is very committed to the sport and is always more than happy to share her knowledge with the younger club members.

The success of Kilkenny Karate Club on the World stage wasn't just limited to individual accolades. Their dominance extended to team events as well.

The all-male team of Lee Chadwick, Kevin Shortall and Eddie Cahill secured bronze medals in the veteran kata division. This was quickly followed up by Sonia Lazar, Kevin Shortall and Iza Kol who secured bronze medals in the mixed team kata event (30–49-year-old division).

Kevin Shortall highlighted the significance of this event.

"Tonight, we come together not just to celebrate medals but to celebrate the spirit of dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship that these athletes exemplify," he said. "Kilkenny has a long history of fostering talent, and our karate champions are a testament to the potential that resides within our community."

The Civic Reception was not just about medals and accolades; it was about recognizing the invaluable support network behind these athletes. Coaches, families, and friends were also acknowledged for their unwavering encouragement and sacrifices.

These unsung heroes play a crucial role in shaping champions, and their dedication often goes unnoticed.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of these athletes, the Civic Reception underscored the importance of sports in the community.

Mayor Cllr Joe Malone emphasised the role of sports in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and community cohesion. "Sport is not just about winning medals; it is about building character, fostering teamwork, and bringing communities together," he said.

The reception concluded with a ceremonial presentation of a diploma of recognition and number of photographs that will undoubtedly hold a cherished place in the athletes' hearts.

The event was a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, our local champions have shown that with passion, dedication, and unwavering support, Kilkenny can produce world-class talent that shines on the global stage.

Kilkenny Karate Club are currently taking enrolments for their beginner classes. They hold classes most days each week for children aged 5 years and over, teenagers, adults and families.

Those interested should visit their website at BudoMartialArtsCentre.com to book a trial class. All classes take places at the club’s base in the Watershed.

Mayor of Kilkenny honours world karate athletes with civic reception L-R Malena Shortall, Alex Shortall, Kevin Shortall, Ivana Shortall

Medal Winners L-R Lee Chadwick, Eddie Cahill, Mayor Joe Malone, Kevin Shortall, Sonia Lazar, Moya Kehoe, Iza Kol

Local members who took part L-R Sonia Lazar, Lee Chadwick, Eddie Cahill, Kevin Shortall, Iza Kol, Henry Maher, David Quinn Maher, Moya Kehoe, Adrian & Michael Sanek

Photo of Moya Kehoe Competing : photo fritsche-foto

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News World karate athletes Members and families of the Karate club with Mayor Joe Malone at city hall

Sanantha Sanek, Michael Sanek, Adrian Sanek, Vasile Sanek

L-R Lee Chadwick, Kevin Shortall, Eddie Cahill after securing 3rd place in the team event at the World Championships

Moya Kehoe (centre) with parents Jane and James

Iza Kol with family members - Paulo Felizardo, Rafael Felizardo and Joao Felizardo

Eddie Cahill with family members - Grainne Cahill, Cuileann Cahill and Therese Cahill

Kevin Shortall signing the visitors book at city hall with Mayor Malone

Brian Maher (Dad), David Quinn Maher (Compettior), Henry Maher Grandad and Coach)

David Quinn Maher Competing - David has his back to the camera

Lee Chadwick Competing - Lee has his back to the camera

Eddie Cahill in action at the World Karate championship

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Mayor Joe Malone kicks off inaugural cycle event, advocating for a more sustainable and healthier city Mayor Joe Malone of Kilkenny City is taking the lead in promoting sustainable transport and a healthier lifestyle as he inaugurates the City's first Mayor's Cycle event. With the aim of encouraging cycling as a viable mode of transport and recreation, the Mayor aims to raise awareness of the possibilities of positive impacts of small lifestyle changes on the City's environment and overall well-being.

Scheduled to take place on Tuesday, the 5th of September, the Mayor's Cycle will depart from County Hall and take in the cycle paths beside Lakeside Medical Centre and the eastern environs before finishing at Newpark Family Resource centre. A presentation will take place to Sheila Donnelly to mark the occasion of her retirement from Newpark Family Resource Centre.

The Mayor is an avid cyclist and has long been an advocate for sustainable transport and a greener, healthier city. "Cycling is not only an enjoyable and convenient way to get around our City, but it's also a powerful tool in

our efforts to become more sustainable and promote a healthier lifestyle. By organising the Mayor's Cycle event, we hope to inspire others to embrace cycling as a part of their daily lives and make Kilkenny a more environ-

mentally friendly and vibrant place to live."

The Mayor will be joined by representatives from James Stephens Army Barracks and local school students from St. Kieran’s College and St. John’s Senior School for the event.

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• The Natural Health Store, Kilkenny Holos was created by Niamh Hogan, a Natural health Therapist for 13 years who has a passion for nature. Niamh always says that the modern consumer shouldn’t have to choose between skincare that works and skincare that is ethically produced. They deserve to happily have both.

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Culture Night invites everyone everywhere, on one joyful night, to discover and celebrate all that our culture is today. Friday 22 September 2023 Culture Night is a national moment celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today; connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and opening up pathways to ongoing engagement. Culture Night is developed in partnership with local authorities and many other organisations and individuals across the island.

Culture Night is about openness, discovery, celebration and belonging.

Doors are opened late and special and unique events are programmed at participating locations, online and broadcast. All activities are free.

Once again County Kilkenny will offer a number of outstanding events for all ages and interests to enjoy.

City events include: • Butler Gallery - Culture Night 2023! This celebratory evening will include activities and entertainment for all the family, with late opening to their galleries, a workshop for children and music

performed by folk and blues singer Clara Rose and band.

• The Clay Rooms will host a drop-in clay building workshop for adults. No experience is necessary. All materials and equipment will be supplied.

• The Kilkenny Arts Office Curator In Residence Programme will host an artist talk at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. With a focus on current environmental issues pertinent in Ireland, Kilkenny based artists and artists local to Kilkenny will be discussing the ins and outs of art practice in the face of climate change.

• The Kilkenny Famine Experience at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, is a free AV tour that will guide people around the buildings of the former Workhouse.

• Dreamstuff Youth Theatre present their utterly unauthorised and entirely improvised version of the classic Romeo + Juliet. Suitable for anyone 13+ and ideal for anyone (not) looking forward to tackling this classic text in school.

• The Heritage Council will open their doors to the public where you can learn about the history of the Heritage Council and the Bishop’s Palace with an exhibition and tours of their beautiful buildings and grounds.

• Kilkenny Castle will be open late; you can visit the Period Rooms free of charge and Laoise O’Brien (recorders) and Malcolm Proud (harpsichord), will take us back in time as they explore the music that would have been popular both upstairs and downstairs in Kilkenny Castle.

• Lighthouse Studios will present El Deafo, produced at Kilkenny’s Lighthouse Studios for Apple TV+, El Deafo is a BAFTA-winning 75-minute animated special based on the New York Times bestselling graphic novel memoir of the same name by author Cece Bell.

• Loughboy library have invited Cairdeas choir to perform an evening of tender harmonies mixed with rock/ classical tunes. They will also

host a fun vocal workshop for children 8 – 12 years.

• Young Irish Film Makers is opening its doors to showcase some of the best youth made short films from around the country. Come along, grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy yourself!

• The Medieval Mile museum invites you to Step Back in Time and Unearth the Secrets of Medieval Kilkenny's Graveyard Tour. A captivating journey through history to explore the rich tapestry of medieval Kilkenny.

• The Watergate Theatre present the award winning Fred & Alice Love in the time of OCD written by award winning writer John Sheehy, performed by Ciaran Bermingham & Cora Fenton.

County Events include: • The Upper Paddock Biodiversity Garden in Thomastown will be open for free tours and you can paint your own glass lantern that you can take home, or leave out to add to the garden's art pieces.

• Clogh Writers will host events related to the Basin Valley, Clogh/Moneenroe/ Castlecomer. Different aspects of local and wider culture will be celebrated through, words, visual arts, music, dance and local craft exhibits and displays.

• Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Craobh Osrai at St. Lachtain’s Church will present a one hour entertainment show of Irish music, song, dance and storytelling, featuring Ceoltóirí Kilkenny and guests.

• Earth Conscious Art Making at KCAT Arts Centre, Callan. KCATs experienced art tutors, artists and learners have co-designed and will deliver a variety of free drop-in visual art workshops suitable for all ages • Poetry By The Barrow, a poetry reading group invite

you to come relax in the quaint surroundings of Mick Doyles Pub, Graignamanagh to listen to some poetry.

For event times and more detailed information on all events please visit: https://culturenight. ie/events/?_sft_ location=kilkenny OR Printed brochures are available from all venues mentioned above and from Kilkenny Arts Office, phone 0567794547 or email deirdre.southey@ kilkennycoco.ie for your copy. https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100070402380040 Tell us about your Culture Night #CultureNight #OícheChultúir #OneNightForAll #OícheDarSaol

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Butlers Handcrafted Hurleys

Butlers Handcrafted Hurley’s hurling museum All pics from Mark Laffin Photography @mark_ laffin_photography

Former GAA President Nickey Brennan Opening the Museum

On Saturday September 2nd, a project which took on many different ideas over the last number of years finally came to fruition. Butlers Handcrafted Hurleys, located on the outskirts of Callan, officially launched and opened their small and bespoke Hurling Museum to link in with the craft of hurley making, which also takes place at the same

139 year history of the GAA, some constants have remained the same. The passion, rivalry, intensity, euphoria and devastation are just some of the feelings which can be felt during the course of a game.

This idyllic setting will transport you through hurling history focusing primarily on Kilkenny All Ireland glories of the past. While here, visitors will have an opportunity to purchase any hurling equipment that is required. Hurleys, helmets, grips and sliotars are all available to purchase.

Opening hours of the museum to be announced in due course. If people would like to visit the museum in the meantime they can do so by

Local Seanchaí Jim Maher

location.

Special guest former President of the GAA, Nickey Brennan, cut the ribbon at the opening of the Museum while local SeanchaÍ Jim Maher kept the guests entertained with a mix of some traditional tunes and some story telling. Local Photographer Mark Laffin was on hand to capture this special event.

An idea first expressed by a family friend over Christmas 2019 led to what is on show today. Many individuals and groups such as GAA programme collectors, former and current hurlers and camogie players were approached over time - all of whom came on board to donate or loan items on display. Old hurleys jerseys, match programmes and GAA

Year Books are just some of the items which came be seen on display today Paying homage to the legends of the past of Ireland's national game was important with this project while also incorporating the future, as the game of hurling has seen many changes since the inception of the GAA in 1884 to what we have today in 2023. Over the

appointment. Entry is Free.

You can have a sneak peak online of what to expect if you do decide to visit us by checking out our website www. kilkennyhurleys.ie History, Heritage, Hurling.

To create a future we must embrace the past Butlers Hurleys would like to thank all our visitors, friends, family and wider GAA community who contributed to this project from the beginning and all visitors who attended our official opening event last Saturday.

Looking for donations of hurling programmes If anyone has any old hurling programmes books or hurling memorabilia which they would like to donate or loan to our museum, they can contact us by email at butlershurleys@gmail.com

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Pride at Newpark estate Photos by jbs photos Kilkenny The ‘Newpark Community Litter Heroes’ is made up of a group of young people actively involved in keeping the estate litter free.

From small beginnings, four members, the group Formed in 2021 by Una Lennon and Autumn Tobin has grown exponentially.

The addition of Svitlana Saseyi to the leadership team has helped to coordinate individual efforts.

Today, NCLH has a regular attendance of fifteen at litter picks.

During the summer holidays it was particularly pleasing to see so many enthusiastic environmentalists in action.

It should be noted that during this time they expanded their activities into the nearby estates of Lovers Lane, The Haven and Rosemount.

The dedication of NCLH was acknowledged last Saturday morning in City Hall when Mayor Joe Malone presented the group with a Community Endeavour award.

Speaking at the presentation Mayor Malone complimented the group and the leaders for their sense of civic pride.

He also thanked them for setting an example to other estates and emphasised that by raising awareness they were helping the overall Kilkenny Tidy Towns project.

On behalf of NCLH Svitlana Saseyi thanked the Mayor for the award and for allowing the group to visit the historic council chambers.

She apologised that sporting events meant some members, unfortunately, were unable to attend.

Svitlana finished by thanking the Newpark Residents Association and Kilkenny County Council for their continued support.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the NCLH enjoyed an array of treats, friendly interactions and photo opportunities courtesy of a very welcoming and accommodating Mayor Malone.

Una Lennon, organiser of the Newpark litter pickers pictured with Mayor Joe Malone

Newpark residents who keep the area litter free

Young litter pick pride to Newpa Autumn, Derek, Conall, Breathnach and Pearse Tobin flying the flag for the Newpark Community Litter Heroes

Mary Hilda Kavanagh in conversation with Bishop Wilkinson Svetlana Saseyi, with daughter Evelina , and sons Maikl ,and Prins Saseyi signing the visitors book at city hall, Kilkenny

Young Evelina Saseyi leads the Newpark contingent at the awards night at City Hall where Mayor Joe Malone presented a certificate to the litter volunteers from Newpark

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Pride at Newpark estate

New mayor from Newpark on the cards With the creation of four new constituencies and 14 additional seats in the Dáil, new changes are afoot which has politicians from various parties scurrying for votes.

On a local level, nominations are already in for the election of a new mayor and last week, members of the Newpark electoral area, pictured below, arrived at City Hall to try on the chain of office watched closely by the current incumbent.

Watch this space!

kers bring ark estate Una Lennon, a volunteer with the Newpark litter pickers pictured with Mayor Joe Malone and other Newpark volunteers

Evelina Saseyi

Conall Tobin

Breathnach Tobin

Pearse Tobin

Prins Saseyi

Maikl Saseyi

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Community

The laws are not adding up constitutional changes needed Over the past 10 days we have seen that our Dáil Representation is to be increased by 14 seats to 4 new constituencies. We now have 174 TDS. Well, if 160 can’t sort the mess maybe 174 might... We all know what they say about too many chefs! We now have to cover the cost of their salaries and very generous benefits, and lest we forget those Gold-Plated pensions.

Yes, Gold-Plated! Ladies and gentlemen of the Dáil, imagine the contributions you would have to make if you had a real job in the private sector. We will be calling on the jury soon. Yes, the voice

of the public.

The reason for this recommendation by the Electoral Commission is that our Constitution states we need one TD per 30,000 citizens. The 14 new TDs will bring Dáil numbers to 174 and increase the number of constituencies from 39 to 43.

The review was carried out to reflect Ireland’s growing population which stood at more than 5.1 million in the 2022 Census. The new number will mean that there will be one TD for every 29,593 people on average.

Some 17 constituencies will have more than 30,000 people per TD – the higher

end of the range set out in the Constitution. This is the same number of constituencies that go above 30,000 as the last review in 2017.

Here is the problem; when Dev wrote that into the constitution it was the 1930s and we had approximately 3 million citizens with 1 TD per 10% of the population. Unfortunately, when it

comes to our governmental institutions and the many consultants and advisors thinking outside the box, allegedly it is outlawed! For they are the upper class and the voting public are the lower class, a difference we will come to again in this week’s piece. They tell us what we need and what to do, no questions asked, and if you do ask, the answer is “because”. It is great comfort that they don’t finish the reply with the remainder of that statement, “we told you so.”

Now, a person who thinks logically, and I don’t mean Dr Spock as I am sure such obvious logic is in Junior Infants Vulcan Q&A. If Dev thought 1 TD per 10% of the Citizens in 1930 was correct, logically, if the population increased to 5.1 million, I am sure the ghost of Dev would now concede that 1 TD per 51,000 is the required representation number. This works out as 102 TDs, a reduction of 58 seats!

If it is law and part of the constitution, we would need a referendum to change it, but the powers that be think it doesn’t make logical sense

to put it to the people. Dead right, as it would not be an increase in the members of the Dáil we require, but less.

That would be the result of the voice of the public jury on this matter. For god’s sake, 174 TDs to run this country.

But then that was the law back in the 1930s but hey, so were the following.

1. Punishment for attempting or trying to commit suicide? To be hung by the neck til death!

I kid you not.

2. One can be posh and eat crisps and porridge now after the proclamation of 1817 ruling that the consumption of potatoes and oatmeal should be kept for the ‘lower orders’ which was repealed in 2015. Told you we would be returning to those that believe they are the upper class due to their employer.

3. Any member of the establishment can search your vehicle to see that you are not hiding eggs!

4. The death penalty of 1590 for selling horses out of the English ruled area of the 'Pale' or Greater Dublin was put in place to prevent English settlers from trading

with Irish clans who were still in power in large parts of the country.

5. Catholics are now safe to live all over Ireland after Oliver Cromwell's "to hell or to Connacht" demand to Irish Catholics which was put into practice in 1654 and saw the removal of Catholic landowners with their wives, children and families from the provinces of Leinster, Munster and Ulster to Connacht. The old law was recently binned by the Irish Government.

6. A proclamation of 1542 declaring that the English crown shall be "King of Ireland" was ineffective once Ireland became a Republic in 1949 but the law continued with its place on the statute books until 2015.

Imagine the reason for increasing the representation was “it’s the law”. Like all the silly laws above from the 1930s? When will we get Advisors, Consultants, Public Employees who can think outside the box rather than the herd mentality we currently endure? But then a death row of Turkeys voting for Christmas? Nope I don’t think so.

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Seafood paella Prep: 40 mins Cook: 1 hr and 10 mins Serves: 8

This impressive Spanish one pot, with monkfish, king prawns and mussels, is perfect for feeding a crowd at a dinner party.

Ingredients For the burger • 20-24 raw shell-on king prawns • 2 tbsp olive oil • 500g monkfish, cut into chunks • 1 large onion, finely chopped • 500g paella rice • 4 garlic cloves, sliced • 2 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) • pinch of saffron • ½ x 400g can chopped tomatoes (save the rest for the stock, below) • 500g mussels, cleaned • 100g frozen peas • 100g frozen baby broad beans • handful parsley leaves, roughly chopped For the stock • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, roughly chopped • ½ x 400g can chopped tomatoes • 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped • 1 chicken stock cube • 1 star anise Method STEP 1

Peel and de-vein the prawns, reserving the heads and shells.

Return the prawns to the fridge.

STEP 2 To make the stock, heat the oil in a large pan over a medium-high heat and add the onion, tomatoes, garlic, and reserved prawn shells and heads. Cook for 3-4 mins, then pour in 2 litres of water and add the stock

cube and star anise. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 mins. Leave to cool slightly, then whizz in batches in a blender or food processor. Strain through a fine sieve.

STEP 3 Heat the oil in a large paella pan or an extra-large frying pan. Brown the monkfish for a few mins each side, then remove and set aside. Add

the onion and fry for 4-5 mins until softened.

STEP 4 Stir in the rice and cook for 30 secs to toast. Add the garlic, paprika, cayenne (if using) and saffron, cook for another 30 secs, then stir in the tomatoes and 1.5 litres of the fish stock. Bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook, stirring, for about 10 mins (the

rice should still be al dente). Return the monkfish to the pan with the prawns, mussels, peas and broad beans.

STEP 5 Cover the pan with a large baking tray, or foil, and cook on a low heat for another 10-15 mins until the mussels are open and the prawns are cooked through. Scatter over the parsley before serving.

Creamy courgette lasagne Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Serves: 4 Serve this quick, creamy courgette & ricotta lasagne for a last-minute dinner party to impress vegetarian friends.

It’s a great way to use courgettes when they’re in season.

Ingredients • 9 dried lasagne sheets • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 700g courgette (about 6), coarsely grated • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 250g tub ricotta • 50g cheddar • 350g jar tomato sauce for pasta Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Put a pan of water on to boil, then cook the

lasagne sheets for about 5 mins until softened, but not cooked through.

Rinse in cold water, then drizzle with a little oil to stop them sticking together.

STEP 2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan, then fry the onion. After 3 mins, add the courgettes and garlic and continue to fry until the courgette has softened and turned bright green.

Stir in 2/3 of both the ricotta and the cheddar, then season to taste. Heat the tomato sauce in the microwave for 2 mins on High until hot.

STEP 3 In a large baking dish, layer up the lasagne, starting with half the courgette mix, then pasta, then tomato sauce.

Repeat, top with blobs of the remaining ricotta, then scatter with the rest of the cheddar. Bake on the top shelf for about 10 mins until the pasta is tender and the cheese is golden.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

to watch this weekend on Neflix 1. Disenchantment S5

And they all lived happily ever after?

Matt Groening’s animated, twisted fairy tale is ending, though with raunchy jokes and goofy antics rather than a sweet kiss or white knight. The misadventures of hard-drinking, hard-hitting Queen Bean (Abbi Jacobson), feisty companion Elfo (Nat Faxon) and personal demon Luci (Eric Andre) culminate in an epic battle for Dreamland.

To save the realm from her mother, the wicked Queen Dagmar (Sharon Horgan), Bean must overcome a prophecy that she will kill someone she loves.

Along the way, the heroes will face Satan, a headless corpse, an evil scientist and most terrifying of all, their true destiny.

Bodies pile up in new Netflix thriller coming soon Netflix’s Bodies is a crime thriller set across four timelines.

The first trailer for new Netflix crime drama Bodies has arrived, and it looks like a mind-bending detective drama I can get behind.

Based on Si Spencer’s mind-boggling graphic novel of the same name, Bodies is a thriller-based miniseries that’ll aim to reinvent the crime genre when it arrives on the world’s best streaming service later this year. “Four detectives. Four timelines.

One body,” the promo reads.

“Based on the mind-bending

graphic novel by Si Spencer, Bodies is a police procedural with a twist.

“When a body – the same body – is found on Longharvest Lane in London’s East End in 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053, one detective from each period must investigate.

As connections are drawn across the decades, the detectives soon discover their investigations are linked, and an enigmatic political leader – Elias Mannix – becomes increasingly central.

Did he have a part to play in the murder? Or is something far more sinister at play? To

solve the mystery, our four detectives must somehow collaborate and uncover a conspiracy spanning over 150 years.”

Paul Tomalin, the brainchild behind No Offence and Doctor Who spin-oh series Torchwood, is Bodies’ showrunner and co-lead writer.

Danusia Samal, who penned the scripts for The Great, one of the best shows around, joins Tomalin as co-lead on Netflix’s live-action adaptation. Marco Kreuzpainter (Beat, The Lazarus Project) is on lead directorial duties, with Haolu Wang (Doctor

Who) tackling some of the series’ episodes.

Bodies’ cast is one not to be sniffed at, either. Andor’s Kyle Soller, Time and Boiling Point star Stephen Graham, and The Sandman’s Amaka Okafor are arguably its most notable cast members. Joining the trio on the main cast roster are Star Wars and The Great alumnus Jacob Fortune-Lloyd.

Bodies will launch exclusively on Netflix on Friday, October 19, with all eight, 60- minute long episodes landing on the platform on the same date.

2. Virgin River S5

Baby on board ... and in danger, on multiple fronts. Last we visited the small town of Virgin River, nurse practitioner Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and barowning boyfriend Jack (Martin Henderson) were expecting a little one. But Mel is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and must make a difficult decision about her job. Things get even more stressful when the entire community is threatened by a devastating wildfire.

Elsewhere, Doc (Tim Matheson) and Hope (Annette O’Toole) are grappling with how their respective impairments are changing their identities.

3. Selling the OC S2

Bigger listings, bigger paydays, bigger drama. The spinoff of the hit reality show Selling Sunset is back on the market. Reputations, romances and relationships are on the line for The Oppenheim Group’s Orange County team, who are navigating a hot real estate market and even hotter rumours. Tension is (still) brewing between agents in the office, which only grows with the arrival of a new face, Alexandra Harper.

4. Band Of Brothers

No end in sight to Hollywood strike Hollywood had hoped its summer of strikes would end soon, but ongoing talks between the unions and the studios have failed to produce a meaningful breakthrough.

Three weeks ago, the companies gave the Writers Guild of America (WGA) a proposal that included increased compensation, among other offers, but the union dismissed it as “half measures,” not enough to narrow the gap that prompted 11,500 writers to go on strike four months ago.

WGA members were joined in mid-July by the 160,000-member performers’ union, SAG-AFTRA, after the collapse of its contract talks with the studios, including Walt Disney Co., Netflix, Amazon Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery.

“It increasingly looks like Hollywood will not be back in business until the beginning of 2024, at the earliest,”

research firm LightShed Partners said this week in a note to clients, noting that scenario was “an unthinkable outcome when the WGA went on strike in May.” How did the entertainment industry become stuck in la-

bor quicksand?

Frustration, fears about the future and a high degree of mistrust continue to shape the script.

Writers quickly trumped the companies in the ongoing PR battle by using social media

to amplify their cause. Typically surefooted media titans found themselves on unfamiliar ground — portrayed as out-of-touch corporate fat cats. After several messaging missteps, the companies and their negotiating arm, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, have hired a crisis communications firm.

“I don’t know if it’s the billions of dollars that surround their jobs or dealing with Wall Street that has insulated them, but they can’t even pretend to say the right things, which they normally do,” Matthew Weiner, creator of the hit AMC drama Mad Men, said this week while picketing outside Netflix’s Hollywood campus.

Meanwhile, an AMPTP representative declined to comment as did the WGA. Hollywood writers have been on strike for 100 days — and there’s no end in sight

If somehow you (or your father) never caught this miniseries when it aired on HBO in 2001, or in reruns or streaming since, now is your chance. Created

by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, it’s adapted from a book written by Stephen Ambrose that tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, US Army during World War II. Richard ‘Dick’ Winters (Damian Lewis) is part of a group of soldiers that partakes in jump training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, then moves on to airborne landings in Normandy.

From there, they’re on the frontlines of the the Siege of Bastogne, the invasion of Germany and the liberation of a concentration camp. -

5. Love At First Sight

Strangers who meet on a plane is such a romantic comedy trope, yet we fall for it every single time. In the case of this film from Vanessa Caswill, it helps that the couple in question is played by the effervescent Haley Lu Richardson (White Lotus) and endearing Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rhapsody). Hadley is a literature-loving American headed to her father’s wedding in London ... until she misses her flight. After getting rebooked, she encounters British statistics student Oliver. Sparks fly on what ends up becoming one long, up-in-theclouds date. But then they lose track of each other in customs — without exchanging numbers.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Mark Power Last week, Kilkenny Golfer Mark Power competed in his second Walker Cup in St. Andrews, Scotland having competed previously two years ago in 2021 in Seminole, Florida.The recent Wake Forest graduate performed consistently during his four years Stateside, as he helped them to two Team titles with a string of top 25 finishes that involved World Class competitiors. Mark's talent was marked from a very young age and he matched that talent with a string of victories. He was twice a winner of The Irish Open Boys Championship in 2016 and 2017, while he was a three time winner of The Irish Boys Order of Merit from 2016-2018. Also, he competed for Ireland at U-16 and U-18, while in 2016 he competed in The European Young Masters and two years later in 2018 he was a Semi-Finalist at The British Boys Championship.

His sporting ability was not just confined to Golf, as in 2016 he was part of The Kilkenny Soccer Team that won the U-17 All-Ireland Final.

Mark is the son of Eileen Rose and Eddie Power who both acheived and won plenty on The Golf circuit. Eileen Rose was a three winner of The Irish Ladies Championship in 1990, 1992 and 1995, while she was a member of The Ireland and Great Britain Team that competed in The 1994 Curtis Cup. Meanwhile, Eddie was a three time winner of The Irish Mens Championship in 1987, 1993 and 1998 and was a regular winner on The amateur circuit around The country.

Mark performed splendidly in The 2021 Walker Cup as he scored three out of a possible four points, winning both of his foursome matches and one of his Singles matches. Ireland

and Great Britain lost out 1412 overall as The US retained The Cup. The Kilkenny native has also competed for Ireland in The World Championship, while in 2021 and 2022 he participated in The Irish Open in Mount Juliet. Another highlight for Mark came in 2020, when he was part of the successful International Squad that won The Arnold Palmer Cup against The US in Florida during the height of COVID-19, that was originally scheduled for Lahinch Co. Clare - Lahinch will actually host The 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup -.

Mark Power performed superbly last weekend in St. Andrews where he won three out of his four matches between The Foursomes and Singles, but unfortunately it was disappointment for Ireland and Great Britain as they lost out 14 1/2 to 11 1/2 having led 7 1/2 to 4 1/2 going

Does the picture match the sound?

EOIN EVERARD

We all have that one friend who will not take no for an answer, especially when it comes to that batch of buns she baked or that pint he wants you to go for. Everyone dishes out the advice, saying you can't keep training so hard, you can't stay eating healthy all of the time, everyone needs a treat. Ask yourself…. if they are such an expert why are they not in amazing shape themselves? The same goes

for people in the fitness industry…take advice from those who walk the walk, not those who talk the talk.

Don't ask someone who is broke for financial advice. Don't ask someone who smokes for health tips.

Don't ask the single man for relationship advice! And don't trust someone out of shape with your health and fitness.

It is easy to talk. A lot of times I hear fitness professionals talk about how good a certain fitness modality is but when I look at them I wonder why it hasn't worked for them if it is so good?

When someone is giving advice especially with health, getting pain-free and fitness

ask yourself…..does the picture match the sound? Have they themselves experienced the benefits? Health, family, friends and financial security. These are things that are so valuable to us. The most expensive information in the long run is bad information.

With health and injury make sure you get the best advice possible.

For those active at least 3 times per week and want to get strong and healthy. If you are willing to do at least one hour of a beginners Sports Pilates class then try our free trial of Sports Pilates.

For more information visit www.everardpilates.com/ sportpilates.

into the second and final day.

Mark lost his opening Foursomes match 3 and 2 as Ireland and Great Britain

took a 3-1 lead, but he won his Singles match on Saturday by 1 hole as the team took a three point lead heading into

Sunday.

The Kilkenny native teamed up with fellow Irish golfer Liam Nolan for a 4and3 win in the morning Foursomes on Sunday, while he won his singles match in he afternoon 3 and 1 but unfortunately to no avail as USA produced a strong finish to defend The Walker Cup. However, it was a memorable experience for The recent US graduate. “That US team is unbelievably talented.

We all knew how highly ranked they were and we tried to block it out, but I think they really showed their class this afternoon.

“We gave it everything.

Everyone wanted to do it for each other. Management, players were giving it everything. We felt like we gave ourselves the absolute best chance to get it done.

Unfortunately we just didn't quite have everything this afternoon. But it’s been an unbelievably memorable week. I'll take so much from this, my last amateur event.”

Attention for Mark will now turn to the Professional ranks where he will be hoping to have success.

Kilkenny City and County Bridge results

IMPROVERS BRIDGE CLASSES Improvers Bridge Classes will be held from mid- September for anyone who wants to improve their level of bridge. Further information phone Margaret 086 838 7702 TUESDAY MORNING BRIDGE Open Bridge every Tuesday morning during summer months at 10.30 a.m.

Non-members welcome.

Results Tuesday August 22nd 1st Prize - Mary O'Reilly & Margaret Mullins 2nd Prize - Christine Leonowicz/Linda Darlington 3rd Prize - Eamonn Everard/Mick O'Brien Results Tuesday August 29th 1st Prize - Margaret Mullins/Mary O'Reilly

2nd Prize - Mick O'Brien/Eamonn Everard 3rd Prize - Anne Goff/Breda Dunne WEDNESDAY EVENING BRIDGE Open Bridge every Wednesday evening during summer months at 7.30 p.m.

Non-members welcome.

Results Wednesday August 23rd 1st Prize - Peter Ryan & Pat Hickey 2nd Prize - Liam and Bridget Holohan 3rd Prize - Mary Egan/Mary O'Reilly Results Wednesday August 30th 1st Prize - Margaret Barron/Eileen Brennan 2nd Prize - Bridget and Liam Holohan 3rd Prize - Miriam Martin/Mary O'Reilly

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Community & GAA Notes

MINOR MISHAP Clara found themselves placed in Roinn A for the 2023 championship and with just four of the entire panel up to the age this was never going to be easy. But then the week of the championship two of those up to the age players, their top scorer Conor Hoyne and Dillon Cummins, were ruled out through injury. And so they travelled to Coon for an away fixture against St. Martins without any great confidence. What confidence they had was dented by a Martin’s goal just a minute in but to their credit they battled really hard for the first 15 minutes, after which they only trailed 1-5 to 0-4. From there to the break the game got away from them a little bit however and the gap had climbed to 2-10 to 0-5 in favour of the home side. Davy Barcoe and Joe Power had pointed two frees each and Davy had also scored Clara’s only point from play on the night in the second minute, a monster strike.

Davy and Joe added a free each at the start of the second half and they must have regretted going for goals from frees at the end of the first half, when easy points were on offer. Then a breakaway Muckalee attack yielded a goal and any momentum gained was lost again. The Clara lads continued to try their best but having to go for goals cost them a good few scores.

A sole Joe Power free was all they could manage for the rest of the game while St. Martins added 1-5 to run out 4-15 to 0-8 winners. It was a sobering evening for the Clara lads but the grading system is at fault here and needs to be reassessed.

It was only the battling qualities of this young Clara side that prevented a much bigger beating on the night. Well done to all and credit too to the management of Trevor Cummins, John Carrigan, Chris Bolger and Stephen Quinlan.

Team - Conor Galvin, Tom Murphy, Philip Carrigan, John Bergin. Alex Firbank, Hugh Kelly, Daniel Ryan. Davy Barcoe 0-4, 0-3f, Tommy Delaney. Eoin Corr, Luke Lawlor, Joe Power 0-4f.

Padraic Meany, Orí Phelan, Bill Kealy. Sub used Sam Lawlor.

SENIORS BEATEN The Clara seniors made the short trip to Gowran on Saturday and lost out 0-29 to 1-19 to O’ Loughlin Gaels. The scoreline doesn’t tell the full story however, as the Clara men shot a total of 19 wides, as against just 5 from the winners. Many of these were bad wides that were low percentage shots to begin with, and really should have been delivered into a possession starved full forward line. It was 0-15 to 0-10 at the break and Clara had already run up 13 wides by then. A far more efficient O’ Loughlins side had just one wide to their name at that stage and were benefitting greatly from balls pinged into their full forward line. Sean Bolger was the beneficiary in chief and had five points amassed by the time John Kennedy blew for the interval.

When Martin O Connell, Dara Glynn and Paul Cody scored three of the first four points of the second half to leave just a goal in it Clara seemed to have finally found the range.

Twice more in the second half Liam Ryan and David Langton brought the maroon clad men back within a single score, but that was as close as it got. The wides continued to hurt Clara and O Loughlins pushed the lead out to 8 points with about 12 minutes left. Then it looked like Clara had earned a reprieve when John Kennedy ran in with outstretched arms to indicate a penalty for an apparent foul on substitute Rory Glynn. However after consulting with his umpires he decided to throw the ball in instead. A couple of minutes later Chris Bolger goaled after Rory Glynn partially blocked down Stephen Murphy’s attempted clearance but it proved too little too late against a far more economical city team.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Conor Cody, Jack Langton 0-1, Paddy Ryan. Matt Kenny 0-2, Shane Staunton, David Langton 0-1. Paul Cody 0-2, Conor O Shea. Liam Ryan 0-3, Martin O Connell 0-2, John Murphy 0-1. Dara Glynn 0-6, 0-5f, Peter Nolan, Chris Bolger 1-2. Subs used Sean O Shea, Rory Glynn, Tom Ryan.

CAMOGIE The Clara seniors had a very tough night at the office on Saturday in Clara when they were really put to the sword by a fired up Windgap side. On a beautiful sunny evening the Clara girls were inexplicably stuck to the ground for this one and were caught behind their markers time and time again.

Windgap started with three straight points before Keara Ryan opened Clara’s account with a free. Windgap then scored an unanswered 1-5 before Emma Shortall notched Clara’s only point from play over the whole evening. To make matters worse Clara lost sharpshooter Keara Ryan just before halftime when she shipped a heavy accidental blow to the ear. It was 1-10 to 0-2 at the break and Clara were just playing the second half for their pride.

To their credit they battled very gamely for the second half and were never completely obliterated but to add insult to injury Windgap’s last score of the match was a second goal to leave it 2-15 to 0-3 at the end. Rachel Whelan from a free provided Clara’s only second half score but they were trying to manufacture goals from a long way out when easy points were on offer.

An evening to forget but these girls have bounced back before and don’t rule it out happening again.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Tamsin English, Katie Ryan, Aine McDonald.

Gráinne Glynn, Laoise Nolan, Joanne Comerford. Rachel Whelan 0-1f, Rebecca Nolan. Aisling Curtis, Grace Barcoe, Niamh Ward. Maria Shortall, Keara Ryan 0-1f, Emma Shortall 0-1. Subs used Lucy Boyd, Emma Corr, Margaret Kehoe, Niamh Byrne, Róisín Kealy.

CLUB LOTTO Lotto Results 29th August - Numbers drawn - 12, 19, 23. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to: Stephen Campion, Jason Barcoe,

Declan Gleeson, John Phelan, Kay Hogan. Thanks to all for your support.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of club lotto August 29th. Numbers drawn were 9,10, 11, 25 Bonus 23. Promotors Draw: 1. Spud Murphy C/o Dan O’Driscoll. 2. Kay O’Halloran. 3. Noel Tyrrell. 4. Brian Murphy Jnr. 5. Tony Brannigan C/o Neil Loy. 6. MMF C/o Benny Walsh. 7. Pat Gannon C/o JJ Cullen. 8. Paula Rogers C/o Online.

9. Sammy Johnson C/o Online. 10. Charlie Parsons C/o Online There was no winner of club lotto dated Aug 22nd Numbers Drawn 14, 15, 17, 22 Bonus 7. Promotors Draw : 1.

Spud Murphy C/o Dan O’Driscoll. 2. Michael Butler C/o Mick Nolan. 3. Sean Power C/o Noel Tyrrell. 4. Paul Cleere. 5. Sarah C/o Damien O’Connell. 6. Ruth Mulcahy C/o JJ Cullen. 7. Ann Finnerty C/o J Phelan. 8. Delia Tierney C/o Online. 9. Gerry Deegan C/o Online. 10. Claire McGuinness C/o Online.

Thank you for your continued support Play Now at www. oloughlingaels.com/lotto GOLF CLASSIC O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Golf Classic Results 2023 Thank you to all 84 teams and sponsors for your continued support of our annual fundraising classic. It was another great event with high scoring the feature.

1st Michael Dowling (36) Martin Brennan (19) Eddie Kenny (25) 101 Pts (M&A Coaches) 2nd Colin Dunne (4) Mick Daly (15) Joe Tierney (Dunreidy Eng.) 99 Pts (B/N 53) 3rd Kevin McGarry (17) Shane O’Neill (31) Corey O’Neill (28) 99 Pts (B/N 52) 4th Des Byrne (22) Eddie Maher (31) Eugene Deegan (9) 95 Pts 5th Anna Lyons (25) Annette Whelan (31) Michael Holden (16) (SRS Castlecomer) 94 Pts (B/N 51) 6th Maurice Power (18) Andrew Power (20) Denis Murphy (6) (C/ shock GAA) 94 Pts (B/N 47) 7th Ger Crowdle (30) Stephen Comerford (25) Aidan Cleere (10) ( Michael Duggan Team) 94 Pts (B/N 47) 8th Brendan Cleere (7) Derek Cleere (16) Frank Morrissey (23) (Hennessy Sports) 93 Pts (B/N 52) 9th Maurice Nolan (8) Peter Murphy (9) David Mullins (10) (Nolan’s Gala) 93 Pts (B/N 48) 10th Joe O’Shea (13) Pat O’Reilly (27) Michael Lucy (22) (Prochem Eng.) 93 Pts (B/N 47) Nearest The Pin - Hugh Fitzpatrick 3ft 6in. Longest Drive - Colin Furlong FAMILY RACE NIGHT What a night at Kilkenny Dog Track. Thanks to everyone who supported us and thanks to everyone at at Kilkenny Dog track for facilitating us. We had another great club occasion with plenty of happy punters. Some of those especially happy are our prize draw winners:1st Lisa Dooley seller Eoin McGee. 2nd Joe Dwyer seller Billy and Jack Carroll. 3rd Paul Pembroke. 4th Patricia Hanlon seller Cian Delaney. 5th Ann Colclough. Congratulations to all our winners and a huge thanks to our sellers, promotors and sponsors for contributing to one of our most successful Race Nights yet. Lovely, lovely hurling

VILLAGE MOURNS FOR NED The people of Freshford village and surrounds are still reeling in shock and sadness following the unexpected passing of one of its most popular and learned gentleman recently. Ned Kennedy took ill unexpectedly and passed away a week later at St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny. Ned was held in such high esteem in the village and locality and will be such a huge loss to the area. Ned who was only in his mid-60s was heavily involved in the local community. He was a teacher for many years in the local National School and then served in Tullaroan National School for a number of years before returning back to St. Lachtain’s National School where he remained until his retirement. A fluent Irish speaker, he was deeply involved in history and wrote books on local history including Friggers Alley, St.” Lachtains Old Graveyard Memorial survey, Freshford families in World War 1 and “In slips” – the history of coursing in Freshford, and one on the 19th century artist Edmund Fitzpatrick who was baptised in Freshford way back in 1822. He was involved in the local groups over the years including St. Lachtains GAA where he served in official role for many years and also served as President of the Local branch of St. Vincent de Paul where he did Trojan work in helping people behind the scenes. A keen GAA supporter, he would travel to games at the far end of the country. He was a keen walker and organised various walks over the years including the walk to Ballylarkin Abbey and was part of the recently formed Walking Group. He travelled to Spain to do the famous Camino Walk a couple of years ago. He was a kind and caring neighbour and was one of the founders of the Ionad Lachtain Arts and Heritage Centre at St.Lachtains old church and was the instigator of the museum attached to the Church. He was a devoted husband father and brother and was a great man for the local community and will be sadly missed by all. The queues along Kilkenny Street on the evening of his reposing was testament to the respect and esteem in which he was held in and people travelled from far and wide to pay their respect to this gentleman. Funeral mass took place in St. Lachtains Church, Freshford celebrated

by Monsignor K. Kennedy PP assisted by Fr. Ollie Maher and Fr. Eamon O’Gorman. The local schoolchildren and the local

GAA and various clubs formed a guard of honour and there was a big crowd again in attendance. Burial took place in St. Lachtains Cemetery. He is deeply mourned by his wife Eileen, sons John and Lachtain, daughters Niamh and Eadaoin, brother Murty, sister Margaret, brother in law, sisters in law, nephews, niece, and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

Ar Dheis De go raibh a ainm.

DEER ON R693 The annual deer hunting season has opened with thousands of licensed hunters entitled to shoot male animals in areas for which they have permits. The season opened at 5.30am on September 1st and hunters are allowed to stalk and shoot sika, fallow and muntjac deer species throughout the State. Hunting for male deer is permitted until the end of the year and hunting of female deer opens on 1st November and continues until the end of February.

Local Cllr. Mick McCarthy says a cull is important, wild deer are affecting biodiversity, land management and road safety, referring in particular to the R693 Freshford to Johnstown road where there have been far too many incidents in the past number of years.

GAA NEWS St. Lachtains junior hurlers faced into the fifth round of the championship action on Sunday, playing neighbours St Patricks of Ballyragget at Pairc Lachtains. Despite starting without a few regular payers due to injuries, the local lads were in control from the start and led 1-10 to 5 pts at the break.

They went into a bigger lead in the second half but St. Patricks clawed back a few points before the Freshford side got two goals in quick succession and came out clear winners Team; D Brennan,C.Donnelly, C.Bergin, J.Maher, B. Quinn,M. Donnelly,B .Kennedy,C O’Leary P Donnelly, C.Dawson,, D Maher, C.Hickey, P.Killeen, S.Donnelly WELL DONE DAVIE Well done to local man David Brennan who was part of Dublin Airport Police fire and rescue service who travelled to Canada recently for the World Police and Fire games 2023 FRESHFORD AFC With the soccer season now starting back Freshford Town would like to remind parents that Training begins for boys and girls every Saturday at 9.30am at Woodview. You can contact Eoin or Graham for more info on 087 7672040 or 087 2639770 DAY CARE CENTRE Freshford day care centre are organising a bus to Holycross Abbey for the anointing of the sick on Saturday 16th September leaving Freshford at 12 noon from outside Prague House and returning to Freshford for approximately 7pm. A meal will be included in Holycross after the anointing. Anyone interested in travelling please contract Marie O’Connor on 086 2547439 or Ann Burke on 086 2030224 FUNDING Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee recently allocated a number of grants to the County. The Communities Support Fund is supported through the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Enhancement Programme. Successful local applications were, Freshford Community Café €12K ; Freshford Squash Club €6K ; Woodview Residents Committee €3.159K ; Freshford Boxing Club €1.1K ; Threecastles Community Hall €1K ; Freshford Heritage Group €700 ; Freshford Day Care Centre €1K. ATHLETIC CLUB Nena Athletics club have launched fit4life in the Freshford area. All abilities are welcome from walkers wanting company to runners training for marathons and everyone in between.

Very experienced leaders are leading a program established

by Athletics Ireland that caters for all experience and abilities.

They meet each Tuesday morning and Wednesday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimh on 087 4175550 PLAYGROUND Freshford Playground which has been open during the summer months looking very well. And local kids and families and also visitors to the village are enjoying the new amenity. The long awaited playground is situate at Kilkenny Road and is a great facility in the village much credit is due to the hard working committee who worked so hard and kept plugging away for the playground over the past number of years SUPPER CLUB AT THE LOOP CAFE Loop Café Committee organised a fund raiser last week when they held an inaugural Supper Club evening on Friday evening last. It proved very successful indeed with a full house beautiful food served. Thanks goes out to all who supported the event, all those who help organised and guest Chef Pat ably assisted

by Katie, Grace and Paula and Hannah and Julie. The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and is open from Tuesday to Saturday each week from 9.30am to 4pm. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café.

They are also looked for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.

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

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

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish 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.

SENIOR HURLING With both club’s chasing two valuable league points, in Friday evening’s 4th rd. league/championship fixture between James Stephens and Erin’s Own in the St. Martin’s well presented ground in Muckalee, it promised to be a close encounter and it certainly did not disappoint. From the throw-in Erins Own went on the attack with huge determination but met with strong resistance from the Village rearguard led by Niall Brassil at centre back. Two exceptional scores in quick succession from Tadhg O’Dwyer and Luke Scanlon in the 11th minute brought the game level at 0-05 each. With their sharpshooter Jack Buggy in top form from placed balls the ‘Comer men having forced fouls from the hard pressed James Stephens defence pushed ahead opening a four point lead at 0-10 to 0-05 after 17 minutes. In the 24th minute goalkeeper Gavin Costigan came to James Stephens rescue when bravely smothering a close in shot from Conor Fogarty to prevent Erins Own going into a five point lead. Instead, James Stephens turned the tables inspired by a long range point by team captain Luke Scanlon.

Continuing their short period of dominance in a fast paced physical fixture James Stephens rallied once again to level the game at 0-11 each in the 27th minute thanks mainly to the accuracy of free taker Eoin Guilfoyle. Cian Kenny finished the half with a quality point to give James Stephens a 0-12 to 0-11 lead at the break. There was no letup in the intensity of the exchanges from the throw-in for the 2nd half with both clubs enjoying short periods of dominance keeping defences on their toes. For James Stephens, centre back Niall Brassil led from the front and got huge support from Luke Murphy, Shane Donohoe and substitute Mikey Byrne while Niall Delaney and David Hennessy yielded little to their opponents. At midfield Willie Spencer worked tirelessly alongside inspirational captain Luke Scanlon. Testament to the closeness of the exchanges the teams were level on five occasions, the last time at 0-19 each in the 19th minute. From there the tide turned in James Stephens favour when Niall Brassil dodged a tackle and drove a long range point from inside his own half followed by two impressive scores by Sean Manogue from the sideline to open a three point lead at 0-22 to 0-19 with five minutes left on the clock.

Erins Own never yielded but their two finishing points were countered by two points from Eoin Guilfoyle (0-10) to secure a valuable, but narrow, 0-24 to 0-21 victory for The Village men.

The club’s final league fixture is scheduled for Saturday next, 9th September against Ballyhale Shamrocks in John Locke’s Park at 1.30pm.

U-19 SEMI-FINAL In John’s Park another nail biting city derby was fought out with James Stephens emerging victorious on the back of a 1-22 to 2-17 scoreline over O’Loughlin Gaels. The host club opened brightly taking a 0-04 to 0-00 lead after six minutes before Stephen Manogue opened the village account with a point in the 8th minute. Sparking into life with solid leadership from midfielders Ed Lauhoff and Eoin Deely, and quality point scoring from Ed McDermott, Jack Kelly and Sean Casey, James Stephens eventually levelled the game at 0-07 in the 23rd minute. The half ended when Ed Lauhoff knocked over a point from a pressurised ground pass from Sean Casey to leave James Stephens holding a 0-11 to 0-08 lead. In the early minutes of the 2nd half both sides traded scores before a blistering ground shot narrowly avoided resting in the Village net in the 7th minute. Two minutes later the McDermott brothers combined to good effect when Edward delivered a perfect crossfield pass to Bill who rattled the ‘Gaels net increasing the

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

Community & GAA Notes James Stephens lead to six points at 1-14 to 0-11. As expected, the O’Loughlins fight back started with serious intent. In the 13th minute goalkeeper Daniel Power was forced to make a brilliant save before O’Loughlins broke through for a morale boosting goal in the 15th minute narrowing the divide at 1-15 to 1-11. The highly industrious and accurate Stephen Manogue responded immediately with a point followed by excellent scores from Jack Kelly and Sean Casey but O’Loughlins were not finished yet, tagging on four points of their own to keep the pressure on The Village as the game entered the final 10 minutes. All the while the Village defenders had to be at their best with defiant showings by Stephen Power-Kellett, Ruari Harrisson, James Bergin, Sam McEvoy, Sean Deely and the peerless Noah Manogue, yet the hosts broke through for a 2nd goal in the 22nd minute to leave just a single score between the teams at 1-19 to 2-15. Reacting positively the James Stephens response was swift, reeling over three points from the hurleys of Jack Kelly (0-04), Ed McDermott (0-02) and Stephen Manogue (0-09) to outscore the O’Loughlin Gaels two efforts and secure a narrow 1-22 to 2-17 victory at the final whistle.

MINOR HURLING Q FINAL Our minors claimed victory in the championship quarter final defeating Dicksboro, in Larchfield, on a scoreline of 3:20 to 1:15. Full report next week.

U-15 CHAMPIONSHIP The U-15 hurlers tumbled out of championship contention following a dramatic one point 2-10 to 1-12 defeat at the hands of neighbours O’Loughlin Gaels in John’s Park. In the anticipated close fought physical fixture the final result came down to the ability of the St. John’s parish team’s free taker, Cian Byrne, to convert a free in the 4th minute of added time to seal the victory. From the early minutes of the game it became apparent that the James Stephens sharpshooters were out of focus failing to convert four scoring opportunities in the first ten minutes. On a perfect evening for hurling the teams were level on five occasions in the first half which concluded at 0-07 each, James Stephens having forfeited an open goal in the closing seconds of the half. For The Village the 2nd half continued in the same vein, misfiring on three occasions before Rory Power pointed in the 6th minute. In the 8th minute a James Stephens goal finished by James O’Brien from a goalmouth scramble followed but O’Loughlin’s responded immediately with two three pointers in the next two minutes to take a 2-09 to 1-08 lead. Over the final twenty minutes the James Stephens defence courageously repulsed a constant flow of O’Loughlin Gaels attacks and with outstanding midfielder Diarmuid Behan and his hard grafting partner Paul Millea supplying the forward division with a plentiful supply of ball many scoring opportunities went abegging, pointedly in the closing 5/6 minutes. Even changing the freetaker on three occasions over the hour failed to solve the accuracy problem which eventually handed the initiative to the ‘Gaels to claim victory with a fine long range free. Even in the disappointment of defeat there were creditable performances from goalkeeper Cian Dermody and defenders John Barton, Scott O’Shea, Jayden Maher, Paddy Purcell and Oliver Phelan to give hope for the future.

U-13 “A” CHAMPIONSHIP Also, rather unfairly, the U-13 hurlers lined out for their 1st rd. championship fixture against Ballyhale Shamrocks in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain and went down after a brave fight to a narrow 4-12 to 2-15 defeat. Over the hour the young Village lads gave of their best only to come up short in a very entertaining contest.

JUNIOR LEAGUE In Ballyragget the Junior hurlers continued their rise up the league table with a resounding 2-20 to 0-08 victory over Erins Own. The James Stephens lineup with the powerful influence of former All-Ireland and All-Star winners Jackie Tyrrell and Eoin Larkin set about their task from the start and brought an impressive 1-12 to 0-03 lead into the half time break. Withstrong displays from Ben Lawlor, Sam McEvoy in defence and the scoring ability of Jack Kelly (1-04), Ryan Scanlon and David Walton in attack there was no way back for the Comer men as James Stephens went on to register a comfortable victory.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 1, 11, 19, 27. There was no winner.

The €40 consolation winners were Sophie Grace, Christy Comerford, William Murphy, Niamh Deely and Luke Conroy.

a 4-10 to 0-11 win away to Tullogher-Rosbercon. It was a highly impressive win by The U-19s against the same Group of players who ran Dicksboro to a solitary point in The Minor Roinn A Final in 2021.

5 GOAL KEATING LEADS 5-STAR U-15S TO LANDSLIDE WIN The Young Irelands U-15s cruised to a landslide and comprehensive victory, as they annihilated Mullinavat 9-26 to 0-5 in Gowran in the first round of The Roinn A Championship.

Aidan Keating led the way with 5 goals, which included a spectacular solo effort in the first-half where he positioned his shot to perfection. Conor Carroll and Josef Walsh were among the goalscorers, with The Midfield duo of Kieran Carter and Joseph Langton striking over points at will.

Unfortunately, disappointment for The U-15 13-a-side who were well beaten 7-17 to 0-5 against a highly skilled John Lockes of Callan.

MINOR HURLING The Young Irelands Minor B Team lost 6-14 to 0-8 against Dicksboro in The First Round of The Championship.

MINOR CAMOGIE Young Irelands Minor Camogie girls produced a sparkling performance as they defeated St. Lachtains Freshford 4-14 to 0-11 in a game they led and controlled from start to finish.

U-13 HURLING The Young Irelands U-13 13-a-side Team had a 4-6 to 3-7 win away to James Stephens in a thrilling contest in The First Round of The Championship on The Kells Road on Saturday.

U-10 HURLING The Young Irelands U-10 Hurlers had a great day on Saturday at The Kitty Aylward U-10 Hurling Tournament in Ballyhale. The Gowran Boys played out a draw in their opening game against Mooncoin before winning narrowly against Dunnamaggin.

Scoring aggregate meant Mooncoin progressed to the Kitty Alyward Cup and Young Irelands went into the Eoin Doyle Cup. The Gowran Boys were very impressive against Ballyhale Shamrocks in the Quarter-Final, before prevailing in a thrilling battle against Tullaroan in The Semi-Final. A final showdown awaited against O’Loughlin Gaels but despite the boy’s best efforts, it was a bridge too far as O’Loughlins were too strong.

However, it was a wonderful day for the boys who were a credit to themselves, their families and their Club particularly playing 5 matches of 20 minutes in the heat. The boys got goodie bags and a plaque to celebrate their achievement. Well done boys on a great days hurling.

U-6 HURLING The Young Irelands U-6 Hurlers have been very busy lately as they took part in blitzes in O’Loughlin Gaels and Paulstown the past two weekends. The Gowran Boys took part along with hurlers from around The County, Wexford, Carlow and Kildare.

Well done to the Boys on playing wonderful hurling.

VALUABLE AMENITY This week it is worth acknowledging the continued work and maintenance involved in keeping our local playground in such pristine condition. Recently, the framework supporting the various play structures were professionally treated, ensuring the safety of the children who use this amenity. Bennettsbridge Community Playground was developed and opened in May 2013 co-ordinated by Bennettsbridge Community Development Group with support from Leader funding, Kilkenny County Council funding and the local community.

Bennettsbridge Community Development Group would like to acknowledge and thank The Diocese of Ossory and Tullaherin Parish for their continued support of this commu-nity resource.

Five local individuals act as trustees for The Community Development Group holding the lease. Trustees, past and present deserve thanks for carrying out these roles on behalf of our community, also Kilkenny County Council for their continued input in our playground.

Bennettsbridge Tidy Town’s volunteers and others help to maintain the playground all year round ensuring that our community can continue to enjoy the playground. In recent weeks, the picnic tables and seats have been painted including

MOLLYS TEA ROOM Molly’s Tea Room are currently looking for a cook, 35hrs, 5 days per week. If you are interested please contact 056 7726718.

GOWRAN PARK JUNIOR GOLF Thank you all for your support for the Harry Cup and the Southeast Junior Open Championship. The day proved to be a great success with over 120 juniors from Gowran and away clubs participating on the day. It reflected both the memories of our Junior, Harry Byrne, and show cased the vibrancy of the junior programs in the southeast and was enjoyed by all.

We would like to thank the Byrne family for their support, the hard-working volunteers on the day, the sponsors, Gowran Park management, junior convenors, and parents. Results were as follows: 1st Saidbh Farrell 46pts, 2nd Timmy Brennan 44pts, 3rd Tomas Carroll 44 pts, 4th Ruairi Phelan 43 pts, 5th Cara Doyle 43pts, 6th Ken Crowe 41 pts, Best Gross Tom Glennon, Front 9 Jack Vaughan, back 9 Anna Kelsey, Category 1, 1st Sean Norton 37pts, 2nd Noah Orr 37 pts, 3rd Hugh Kelly 36 Pts, Category 2 , 1st Conor Caroll 41 pts, 2nd Dara Leamy 40 pts, Category 3, 1st Daragh Caroll 40 pts, 2nd Max Kirwan 39 pts, 3rd Padraig Egan 38 pts. Well done to all winners.

YOUNG IRELAND’S GAA U-19S IMPRESSIVELY EASE THEIR WAY TO COUNTY FINAL The Young Irelands U-19s impressively eased their way into a County Roinn B Final showdown against St. Martins following

the seat in the community garden. Thanks Kevin!

POETRY BROADSHEET Congratulations to Anne McDarby Beck, Kilfane who had her poem, “Midsummer Waning” chosen for inclusion in the 2021 Kilkenny Arts office Broadsheet. Anne’s poem was one of twelve poems included in this year’s broadsheet. Almost one hundred poets submitted work for the publication. Anne was a member of the Bennettsbridge Writers Group in the early nineties and her work was published in their first book, “Daughters of the Wind” as well as other poetry platforms.

ELIZA DEAR RIP There was much regret in Bennettsbridge when the death of Eliza Dear became known, particularly among her friends in the Writers Group.

Eliza died in The North Yorkshire district recently. Eliza Dear, Writer, Psychiatric Social Worker and friend. Born in Stroud she moved with her family to Ireland in 1971. Her career involved work in the Mater Child Guidance clinic and she completed her post grad at University College Dublin. She was involved in, Family therapy, Art therapy, Child Abuse, Regression therapy and Women’s Groups.

Eliza moved to Kilkenny in 1984 and started writing poetry. It was then that she came in contact with the Bennettsbridge Writers Group. She lived in Legan, Thomastown where she facilitated some workshops and over the course of a number of years a friendship was born which endured.

She had some successes a diploma in the Scottish open poetry competition, 1st in Lace Poetry competition and 1st in a short story competition. A much travelled woman she moved back to England to be nearer to her grand-children. Her first poetry book, ‘SHREDS OF PINK LACE’ followed, published by Lapwing Publications Belfast.

Sympathy goes to her family and friends!

LOTTO Results 28.08.28. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 4, 16, 25, 28.

Jackpot now €2, 650.00.

Consolation Prizes. Dolores Comerford, BB, Eileen Phelan, Millenium Court, O’Donnell’s Syndicate, Gerry Tyrrell, Stroan, Suzie, c/o Fr Duggan.

CATHEDRAL DRAW Congratulations to Sheila Kinsella, Ballyreddin, who won €300.00 in the August Cathedral Draw. The draw begins again in September and anyone who wishes to support this important fundraiser for the restoration work on St Mary’s Cathedral can contact Joan Cleere or Kay Cody. The draw is held on the last Wednesday of each month in the Chapter Room in the cathedral. Entry fee is €10 per month and there are substantial money prizes to be won.

CHURCH NEWS Weekday mass times, Wednesday 10.30am. Friday 10.30am.

Weekend Masses Tullaherin Saturday 8pm. Bennettsbridge Sunday 10.30am NORA KELLY RIP The death has taken place of Nora Kelly née Phelan, Windgap, Co Kilkenny peacefully in the care of Catercalla Nursing Home, Ennis, Co Clare surrounded by her family on the 25th Au-gust 2023. Predeceased by her husband, Eddie, sisters Josie and Eilish, brothers Dick and John. Nora’s death brings to mind her husband, Eddie who died a few years ago. Eddie was a native of Thomastown and taught in Thomastown Boys National School for some years. The couple later moved to Windgap where Eddie took up a post in Windgap National School. They were very involved in the local community Sadly missed by her sons Sean and Thomas, daughters Ailish, Brid, Roisin, Sinead and Blaithnaid, grandchildren James, Janet, Edward, Kyle, Fia, Fiona, Catlyn, Megan and Cor-mac, great-grandchild Lily, daughter-in-law Audrey, son-in-law Bernard, sister Evie, brother-in-law and sister-in- law Jack and Breda in Oz, Nieces and Nephews extended family and friends.

CHRISTINE DOBBYN RIP Sympathy is extended to the Dobbyn family, Kilfane, Thomastown on the death of Christine, who died peacefully at Gowran Abbey Nursing Home in the loving care of matron and staff following a long illness. She was formerly from Knocktopher

and was predeceased by her devoted husband Seán. She is deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving family, daughter Yvonne, sisters, Sr. Breda, Peggy and Phyl, sisterin-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.

Family and friends gathered in the Mercy Side Chapel of the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown, with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 6.30pm. Removal took place to St Kieran’s Church, Tullaherin. Requiem Mass was con-celebrated by Canon Pat Duggan, Canon Pat Dalton and Monsignor Tom Norris. The lessons were read by Christine’s sister, Sr. Breda. Tullaherin Choir sang throughout the mass. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery.

TURLOUGH KELLY RIP Sympathy is extended to the Kelly family on the death of Turlough Kelly (Dunbell Big, Maddoxstown, Kilkenny) Turlough was a man full of love and passion. May he Rest in Peace He will be loved and remembered forever by his mother Rosemary (nee Hayes formerly of Ballintaggart/Ballingarry), his father Terence, brother Stafford, sister Sheena, brother-in-law Bijoy, nephews Akshay and Orun. Turlough is sadly missed by his good friends and his ex-tended family, the Kelly’s (formerly of John St. and the Blackquarry) and the Hayes family.

Funeral Service was held in St. Canice’s Cathedral, followed by interment in Woodbrook Natural Burial grounds, Killane, Co. Wexford.

GAA Senior Hurling Well done to our senior team who defeated Ballyhale Shamrocks in the fourth round of the senior league / championship in Thomastown last Sunday morning. The final score line was 2-24 to 2-17. This leaves the ‘Bridge lads on 5 points going into the last round versus Glenmore which takes place next Saturday in Inistioge at 1.30. All is still to play for in the group with a number of teams still in the mix.

Underage Hurling Best wishes also to the under 13 boys who play Graiguenamanagh away to night next at 6.30 also. The under 10 team played well in the annual tournament in Ballyhale on Saturday last playing 6 games while the minor team played Ballycallan in the shield quarter final last Monday. All support welcome and best of luck to all teams.

CLUB SHOP A training top and shorts have been added to the Bennettsbridge range in O’Neill’s club shop. To access the full range of club gear simply go to the O’ Neill’s website and enter Bennettsbridge in the search box.

SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place this Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse.

Please see the clubs Facebook page for details of how to enter on line. Envelopes are available in the usual spots around the village. Thanks for the continued support.

SCHOOLS Welcome back to all the schoolchildren in the parish as they begin their new school year. A special welcome to the children going to playschool or primary school or secondary school for the first time and hopefully they will have a happy experience.

WELL DONE Very well done to all the leaving cert students in Colaiste Mhuire who secured great results in their exams and they are wished all the very best as they continue on their educational journey through college and various career choices.

WELCOME Welcome to the faith community little Pippa Evelyn, daughter of Katrina and Aidan Virgo, Main Street who was baptised recently in St. Kieran’s Church.

CARD GAMES RESUME The 25’s card games resumed in Graine Hall from Wednesday, September 6th at 8.30pm.

All are welcome.

SPA UNITED AFC The schoolboys and girls section of the club was formed in 2016 in the hope of providing teams for the children of the area to play football. It was never imagined that the club would grow so quickly, not only to take part, but to compete at the top table locally and also to go toe to toe with Ireland’s best.

To see the players play in National cups and lining out for the Kilkenny and District League and South East regional squads gives the club members great pride. With this progress comes expense and as the children progress through the ranks they need more playing kits. At many ages there are two squads, who always play on the same day so therefore more kits. The club has been greatly supported by business owners and parents and as the club grows more people are needed to help.

If you are in a position to sponsor a team kit please contact James on 0876615089 or email jamestobin@live.ie. Your support would be greatly appreciated by this club, providing a brilliant opportunity for so many young girls and boys.

WEEKEND RESULTS U12 boys division 1A Bridge Utd 1 Spa 3, U12 boys division 2 Evergreen 0 Spa 3, U14 boys division 1A Spa 5 Freebooters 0, U14 boys division 2 Evergreen 6 Spa 1, U12 girls division 1 Evergreen 0 Spa 5. U14 girls division 1 East End 1 Spa 6.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 9,18,21,28. Two match threes The Friday Blues and Ger Queally. Thank you for your continued support.

Bennettsbridge Playground

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

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

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Community & GAA Notes TABLE QUIZ A table quiz will take place on the 15th September 2023 in Mary Willies Pub in aid of the Hope Foundation. This table quiz will be hosted by Alex Bartley and Sophie Woodlock. Amazing prizes to be won.

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

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner, Susan Heffernan, Tara Drive who won €167 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of September will be in support of Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated MARGARET COONEY RIP The death has occurred of Margaret Cooney (nee O’Sullivan) Boulick, Gortnahoe, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, August 28th, peacefully surrounded by her loving family at University Hospital, Clonmel, in her 87th year. Predeceased by her husband Martin, brothers and sisters Billy, Kitty, Mary, Mickey, Tommy and Joanie. Deeply regretted by her adoring family Michael, Josephine, Catherine, Gerardine, Martin and Thomas, sons-in-law Michael and Eddie, daughters-in-law Emma and Lori, grandchildren Róisín, Éimear, Aoífe, Éamonn, Sinéad and Dan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Margaret reposed at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford, followed by removal to the Church of St. Oliver and St. Patrick, Glengoole for Requiem mass, followed by burial at Our Lady and St. Kevin’s Church, graveyard Littleton.

May she rest in peace.

BALLYRAGGET COMMUNITY HALL Zumba returning Tuesday 12t September 2023 at 7pm.

Contact Rebecca 085 1403387 Irish Dancing Returned Thursday September 7th. 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Contact Ashling 085 7780763 Bingo in the CYMS Hall on Wednesday nights.

Parish choir will resume in the Cannon Malone Hall on Wednesday 13th September New members are always welcome.

MOBILE LIBRARY Kilkenny Mobile Library-visited Croía Early Learning Centre, O’Gorman House and Brookhaven House, Ballyragget last Tuesday. The next visit is scheduled for October 3rd. Full details of the timetable and how to register for library membership are available on www.kilkennylibrary.ie. Tel Library Headquarters 056 7794160 MARIE BERGIN Deepest sympathies to the family of Maria Bergin (nee Dowling) of Glenvale on her passing, to her husband Vincent, daughter Christine Maria, sisters Jennifer and Joanne, brothers Tom, Martin and Kevin, son-in-law Patrick, grandchildren Sadie-May and Daley, brothers-in-law, sisters in law, nieces nephews and friends.

May Maria rest in peace.

ST PATRICKS GAA St. Patrick’s GAA: the Under 15 side lost out to Ballyhale on a scoreline of 1-23 to 3-8. On the same night the Junior A side were defeated by Dicksboro 1-15 to 1-13. The minor side lost out to Erin’s Own 3-25 to 2-8. The junior side were in action against Freshford on Sunday and were defeated 3-21 to 0-13.

The junior side will play Graiguenamangh on Saturday in Gowran LOTTO WINNER The winner of the recent St Patrick’s GAA lotto jackpot of €20,000 was Kitty Brennan from Balleen, Freshford CAMOGIE Naomh Brid Camogie will play at home on Sunday next

against James Stephen’s. The Minor team defeated Clara on a scoreline of 5-13 to 0-12.

BALLYRAGGET NOTES If you wish to have an item included on the notes please forward same no later than Sunday evening 6pm.

C HURLING The intermediate hurlers got their first win in the Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate League with a hard fought win over Fenians in Urlingford. The locals put in an excellent performance but had to withstand a second half comeback from the Johnstown men to win by 2-21 to 3-13. They will need another win this coming weekend when they face Mooncoin in their final league game in Palmerstown on Sunday afternoon at 2.00 p.m. Best of luck to all involved.

The Junior E hurlers unfortunately bowed out of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Junior E championship when they were narrowly defeated by Danesfort at the semi-final stage in Danesfort. There was little or nothing between the sides all through the first half, as Danesfort led by a point at half-time.

The home side managed to score two quick fire goals in the second half, and though Conahy responded with one themselves, it wasn’t enough as Danesfort held on for a 2-14 to 1-13 victory. Hard luck to all the players involved and their management team of Ger Byrne, Christy Kennedy, Robbie Webster, Padraig Hally and Tomas Nolan.

TEAM: Andy O’Keeffe, Sean Dunne, Cian Harding, Tom Nolan, Damien Cuddihy, Paddy Mullan, Kieran Brennan, Oisin O’Connor, Geoff O’Shea, Michael Bergin, Gary Dunne, Tom O’Shea, Padraig Conway, Paul Buggy, David Kennedy. Subs.: Brian Rossiter, Sean Walsh.

The minor hurlers enjoyed a great win over James Stephen in their opening round game of the Kilkenny Honda Centre Roinn C championship in Páirc Sheamuis Stiopháin. After a thrilling sixty minutes, the sides were level at 1-12 apiece so extra time was needed. The locals showed great heart and eventually won out by 2-14 to 1-15 to qualify for the county semi-final.

Well done to all the team on this great achievement.

TEAM: Tommy Mulhall, Tadhg Hennessy, Conor Hennessy, Killian Lacey, Darragh Horgan, John Kennedy, Rory Rhatigan, Patrick Kennedy, Andrew O’Connor, Evan Staunton, Eoin Dunne, Jack Rhatigan, Ben Duggan, Daniel Mooney, Jake Dooley. Subs.: Joe Boland, Finn Sherman, Michael Lawler.

DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISER Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club have launched a major development fundraiser, and are seeking the support of everyone in the community to ensure its success. The club are aiming to undertake a significant upgrade to the facilities in the Polo Grounds, which will initially see the increase of parking facilities, an extra entrance/exit point to ensure safe access to the grounds, and the provision of an astroturf playing pitch and ball wall. This will come at a significant cost, and while the club are seeking National Lottery funding to assist with this, it must also fundraise a large portion of the cost.

The fundraiser will involve a ticket draw, with the winner receiving a new Hyundai Tucson car or €35,000 in cash. Tickets for the draw will be €25 each, or three for €65, or five for €100.

The club is appealing in particular to all GAA club members, parents of children involved in Bórd na nÓg activities and parents/player members of Conahy Camogie club to assist as much as possible with this fundraising draw, either in buying or selling as many tickets as possible. Tickets have and will continue to be given to club members to sell amongst their friends and relations. A website that will allow the purchase of tickets for the draw will be live in the coming weeks, and the draw will also actively be promoted on social media platforms.

All support would be greatly appreciated for what will be a development to benefit both young and old in the community.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club Lotto were 5, 13 and 38. There was no jackpot winner so the consolation prize winners were Cathy Gunner, Shay Healy, Emma Mulhall, Holly Walsh and Mary Tierney. The promoters’ prize winners were Mona Dooley, Seamus Óg Brennan and David Maher. This week’s jackpot now increases to €4,900.

DATE FOR THE DIARY The ABBA tribute band “Abbaesque” will play in Conahy Shamrocks GAA Club House on Saturday, October 6th. Details on tickets, etc., will be publicised in the coming days.

PROGRESSIVE 25’S Progressive 25’s are starting back on Sunday, September 17th and continuing every Sunday night at 8.00 p.m. in the GAA Clubhouse. All are welcome.

CLOTHING COLLECTION Conahy Camogie club are organising a clothes collection fundraiser next weekend. Clothes can be left at the Polo Grounds on Saturday, September 16th from 10.00 to 12.00. Clean clothing, paired shoes, handbags, bed linen, belts and curtains will be accepted. No pillows, duvets, or soiled clothing will be accepted. All support is welcome.

FUNDRAISER Support Tom McGrath who is running the Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. On 16th September he will hold his main fundraiser in the Pound, Ballycallan.

There will be music from local artistes, a raffle and an auction.

Admission is only €5. Door prizes include a car trailer of timber, meal voucher, signed Kilkenny Jersey and silver package tickets to Gowran Race Park. Auction items include timber, turf, meal vouchers, concert tickets and prizes from local businesses. If you feel you can help in any small way with buying/ selling door or raffle tickets, or just by spreading the word, contact Tom on 086 378 5406, Vera on 086 818 0948, Adrian on 087 255 1197 or Siobhan on 086 394 6580. Donations or payments can also be made on Revolut @siobhan863946580.

KILKENNY GAA MUSEUM A lovely gathering recently at Butlers Hurleymakers, Westcourt, Callan/ Desart, where former President of the GAA, Nicky Brennan, officially opened the new Kilkenny GAA Museum.

Eamon Butler, one of the country’s skilled, handcrafted hurleymakers has put many hours and effort into this new venture.

MC for the day was the illustrious Seanchai, Jim Maher. Many former Kilkenny Hurlers attended the opening. Well worth a visit to the Museum full of memorabilia, GAA gifts, and Eamon’s superb hand crafted hurleys for all ages.

SOCCER RESULTS River Rangers U16’s had a fantastic win away to Evergreen C in the first league match of the season. The lads played some great stuff and put in a huge effort all throughout the match in very warm conditions. They also scored some well worked team goals with a goal of the season contender from Shane Hogan. Goal scorers were Ben McEvoy (3), Aidan Ging, Sean O Dea, Shane Hogan and Cormac Neary with 1 each.

Team: Andrew Tector, Joshua Malone, Keelan Lynch, Oran Hoyne, Rory Buckley, Sean O’Dea, Sean East, Cormac Neary, Ben McEvoy, Aidan Ging, Shane Hogan, Cillian Murphy, Cain Ronan, Tom Brennan, Darragh Burke, Donnacha Kenny, Dara Barut.

JUNIOR PAT MAHER SHIELD River Rangers 2: St John’s 3 This was River Rangers’ first competitive match under the new management of Willie O’Neill and Derek Hally. River Rangers started the game off well with Chris McDonald coming close on a few occasions. St John’s got into their stride and added pressure on the River Rangers back line, but the back four of Willie Brennan, Martin Doheny, James Gleeson and Ben Young were up to the task of keeping them at bay, also Cathal Dermody in goal pulled off some great saves. River Rangers went in 0-0 at the break. The second half started well for River Rangers who took the lead with a well-earned goal for Chris McDonald. Unfortunately the lead did not last for long as St John’s quickly fired back with an equalizer. It was even from then on until the last 10 minutes when St John’s pulled away with 2 more goals to make it 3-1. River Rangers added a consolation in the last minute with a well-placed spot kick from James Gleeson. Final score 3-2 to St John’s. River Rangers fought hard for the 90 minutes and have plenty to offer for the campaign ahead.

River Rangers Team: Cathal Dermody, James Gleeson, Willie Brennan, Martin Doheny, Ben Young, Andrew Gleeson, Eric Keogh, Patrick Foley, Jake O’Brien, Ben Hayes, Chris McDonald. Subs: Jack Hayes, Jack Fitzpatrick, Conor Hogan, Philly Doheny, Martin Murphy.

LOTTO RESULTS Results for 28/08/23. Numbers drawn were 1; 9; 10; 24. Lucky Dip winners were Francis Harrison, Noreen Tobin and Nicola Murphy. Sellers’ prizes went to Brendan Hayes and Shane Lynch.

HOLY HOUR RETURNS The Wednesday holy hour in Kilmanagh, from 7pm to 8pm makes a welcome return next Wednesday. Led by Leslie Sweeney, this prayer time is popular with those who seek time before the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer, music and scripture.

All are welcome to attend.

CARD GAMES Progressive 25s are starting back on September 17th in Conahy GAA Club Jenkinstown at 8pm. All are welcome.

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.

The winner of the recent St Patrick’s GAA lotto jackpot of €20,000 was Kitty Brennan from Balleen, Freshford.

Kitty is represented in the picture by Ann and Rachel Tobin, her daughter and granddaughter

MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish. 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 at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday at 6.30p.m.

Friday 8th. Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday 9th. Feast of St. Ciaran.

PRAY FOR Anniversary Masses. Margaret Duggan, Ballinteskin, Mass in

Hugginstown Church on Saturday 9th. September at 8.00p.m.

ROTA Week-end: 9th./10th. September. (Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherina Roche. Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell. Sunday 10.00a.m.

Marie Ryan. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Bernie Grace. Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Murphy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley.

GET TOGETHER Get Together next Saturday 9th. September in Gáirdin an Ghorta, Newmarket, from 10.00a.m. to 12.00Noon. All are very welcome. Chat with friends and neighbours over a cup of tea and some homemade baking.

LIBRARY NEWS Kilkenny Mobile Library will visit Hugginstown at 2.00p.m. and Newmarket at 3.00p.m. on Tuesday September 12th. All are welcome. The Mobile Library stocks a great range of adult books.

ST PATRICK’S PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY MAYNOOTH St. Patrick’s are currently running a Blended Learning Higher Diploma/ Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy. Applications close 10th.

September 2023.

St. Patrick’s are also running a one-year, evening/weekend, Level 8, 65 ECTS credits programme, which gives a foundation in Theological Studies to students who hold a primary degree in another discipline. This Higher Diploma meets all the Teaching Council of Ireland’s Requirements for the teaching of Religious Studies at post-primary level. It entitles teachers holding Department-recognised degrees and teacher training qualifications to teach up to 15 hours’ Religious Education per week in a secondary school. This programme combines online modules with some on-campus attendance to fit around your other life commitments. More information available at sppu.ie/ courses or cmmadmissions@spcm.ie or Tel; 01 708 4778.

LOTTO Lotto: Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 28th. August 2023 Numbers: 09; 16; 27; 32. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners, Richie + 5’ c/o Ann Power, Pauline Doyle, Sheepstown, Ann Quirke, Cork; Ger Fennelly, Ballyhale, Rosie Kelly, Ballintuber. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Teresa Fitzgerald, James Irish,Sean Raggett.

The Aghaviller Parish/Carrickshock G.A.A. Lotto Committee wish to advise all our patrons, that from Monday 4th.

September the price of a Lotto Ticket has increased to €2.00.

We thank you all, for your ongoing support of this essential Parish and Club Fundraiser. Reprinted tickets have been circulated. We are working on offering an online option for ticket purchases, details of same will be circulated once finalised.

MOONCOIN VINTAGE TRACTOR RUN Vintage Tractor Run in aid of St. Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny will take place on Sunday 10th. September. Registration from 11.00a.m. at Piltown G.A.A Grounds leaving for Dunnamaggin at 12.30p.m. and followed by refreshments, music and a raffle at Townsends. All tractors, cars and motorbikes are welcome.

SAVE THE DATE Friday 1st December we will be having our Christmas Fair. Full details to follow.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family and Teens, aged 12 plus. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions.

Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

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

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

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

CONTACT NUMBER Contact number for the Centre 056-8838466

LINE DANCING CLASSES Deirdre Cullen starts a weekly beginners Line Dancing class in the St. John of God school, New Street on Wednesday evening 6th. Sep. from 6.30 to 7.30pm. Deirdre assures all attendees that it will be an evening of full of fun and enjoyment while exercising the limbs to the rhythm of the lively music. All are welcome.

ATHLETICS Castlecomer Athletic Club are looking for new members from North Kilkenny ahead of the new cross country season. If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved in athletics, please reach out to us via our Facebook page and we can provide information on how to join.

CARDS Progressive 25s are starting back on September 17th. Every Sunday night @ 8pm in the GAA Club Jenkinstown. All welcome

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

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Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Championship 2023 Bennettsbridge 2-24 Shamrocks Ballyhale 2-17 A tactical masterclass coupled with a wonderful display saw Bennettsbridge claim a fantastic win over Shamrocks Ballyhale last Sunday. In front of a huge crowd at a sun-drenched Thomastown, Tim Dooley’s Bridge side were deserved 7-point winners following a battling encounter with Pat Hoban’s charges in a game that saw Kilkenny captain Eoin Cody leave the field early having picked up two yellow cards from referee David Hughes.

Despite an early major from TJ Reid, Bennettsbridge led from the 11th minute and were never headed as they put in a performance that will serve as a warning sign to any side that may face them at the business end of the club season.

The Bridge went two points ahead in the opening stages thanks to lovely scores from Jason Cleere and Liam Blanchfield, both of whom caused problems for the Shamrocks throughout the game. TJ Reid who was looking fit and hungry after the two week break then slotted over a ‘65 after his original shot was blocked. Better was to come just a minute later when the legendary forward showed fantastic footwork to dummy before rifling an unstoppable shot past Enda Cleere in the Bennettsbridge goal.

The Cleere clan then hit 3 on the bounce to edge their side ahead, a brace of free’s from the deadly Nicky before Jason notched his second of the game from play with seven minutes played. Not to be outdone, two of the Reid brothers combined which ended with TJ stroking

Brilliant Bridge pile pressure on Ballyhale!

Eoin Cody sees red as Sean Morrissey shines Shane Murphy finds his way blocked as he drives forward stopped

by Richie Keoghan

over a fine point from play. Kevin Blanchfield then split the posts with a quality effort from about ‘45 out before TJ added a free to his tally after a foul on Darragh Corcoran. Jason Cleere, with No. 6 on his back was reveling in an unfamiliar forward role and expertly sent over his third of the day before Nicky nailed another placed ball effort.

Everything good from the Shamrocks was coming from TJ and the iconic star won and converted a free to reduce his sides arrears to just the one point with 13 minutes on the clock. The returning Liam Blanchfield added a second of his own from play before Pat Hoban’s side lost the services of Paddy Mullen who hobbled off with what appeared to be a muscle issue and was replaced by Liam Barron. Another of Clan Mullen, Adrian, then fired over a cracking point from out the field, but the county man’s influence on the game was being limited by some determined opposition defending.

Nicky Cleere then slotted another

placed ball for the Bridge and the Shamrocks replied with a nice point from the hurl of Eoin Cody who was struggling to get into the game due to being brilliantly shackled by Enda Morrissey. More on that later. Tim Dooley’s side then hit another three points on the spin, a lovely effort from the influential Sean Morrissey sandwiched between two from the ultrareliable Nicky Cleere. With 23 minutes gone in Thomastown, the Bridge now led by 4 points. Shamrocks needed to respond

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Hurling matters Sean Morrissey heading for goal chased by Liam Barron

before the short whistle, and they hit 3 out of the last 4 scores of the opening period, Eoin’s Kenneally and Cody and another placed ball from TJ countering a second of the game from Sean Morrissey to leave the half time score, Bennettsbridge 0-14, Shamrocks Ballyhale 1-9.

Shamrocks opened the scoring after the interval thanks to a long range free from who else, but TJ. It was now a 1-point game, but the current AllIreland club champions momentum has halted soon after, with County captain Eoin Cody receiving a 2nd yellow of the game and his marching orders having come-off second best in his tussle with the Bridge’s Enda Morrissey.

Another spell of 3 scores from Bennettsbridge, all courtesy of Nicky Cleere saw Tim Dooley’s side go four clear. TJ rifled over another placed

ball, and it appeared it was TJ vs The bridge at this stage. It seemed like good things come in 3’s and again the Bridge hit another trio of scores, all from play via Nicky Cleere, Sean Morrissey and the impressive midfielder Kevin Blanchfield.

Shamrocks now trailed by six.

Adrian Mullen and TJ Reid reduced the deficit to four again, but any prospect of another of those classic Shamrocks comebacks was soon quashed as the Bridge raised a green flag shortly after. Sean Morrissey who was operating further out the field in the 2nd half played a lovely pass to the on-running Kevin Blanchfield who took a couple of steps before unleashing a fierce shot past Dean Mason in the Shamrocks goal.

Bennettsbridge were 7 ahead and looking irrepressible in Thomastown.

Young defender Bill Hughes who

was having a great battle trying to keep tabs on TJ was then shown a yellow by referee Hughes for a trip on his man. TJ pointed this effort and followed up moments later with another placed ball to reduce the Bridge lead to 5 points. Hoban’s men, with TJ leading the fight sensed a small chance that there was still something in the baking hot sun for them, but this belief was about to be smothered.

Fresh legs in the form of Jack Campion, who had been due to start the game, delivered a hammer blow to the Shamrocks challenge when with seemed to be his first touch, the young forward dispatched a shot beyond Dean Mason and into the back of the Ballyhale net. Eight points to the good, surely the Bridge were home and hosed? County star David Blanchfield became the next

player to benefit from the build-up play of Sean Morrissey as he split the posts with another fine effort. Two more superb efforts followed from Kevin Blanchfield and the standout player on display, Sean Morrissey.

The gap was now ELEVEN points.

Again, Shamrocks tried to hit back, and they would get another major, again from TJ. Reid was motoring forward towards the Bridge goal when he was halted illegally, penalty the only outcome. TJ stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to reduce the Bridge lead to 8 points. Darragh Corcoran and TJ added further points for the losing side with a long range free from Enda Cleere tagged on by the winners and impressive Bridge side. Final score from Costa Del Thomastown, Bennettsbridge 2-24, Shamrocks Ballyhale 2-17.

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Championship 2023 ROUND 5 PREVIEW The final round of fixtures has arrived. Glenmore and Dicksboro still lead the way in groups A & B respectively. in Group A, to my and many others surprise, Glenmore’s unbeaten run was ended by Graigue Ballycallan who emerged 6-point winners in Callan. This result, coupled with Bennettsbridge’s dismantling of 14-man Shamrocks means that top spot in the group is still well and truly up for grabs as we enter the final day’s games. To make matters more interesting, Inistioge will host the meeting of Glenmore and Bennettsbridge tomorrow. Potentially, a winner takes all clash and a berth in the League final at stake.

Pat Hoban will be acutely aware that his side has a difficult task in round 5 when they take on Brian Cody’s Village outfit. No one would have been expecting to talk about relegation matters and Shamrocks Ballyhale in the same breath. John Locke Park awaits this clash and TJ Reid will hope that his team delivers a more coherent performance, and more importantly, the win.

Graigue Ballycallan, no doubt bouncing from their win over Glenmore will not fear the challenge of Erins Own, who look primed for a relegation battle in the weeks ahead.

In Group B, Dicksboro show no signs of slacking off and are the only unbeaten side across both groups as we approach the final round of games.

Michael Walsh’s charges were tested and pushed by a strong Mullinavat performance last day out, but a brace of majors from Andy Gaffney saw them home. Ballyragget is the expected venue for the meeting of the men from Palmerstown and Tullaroan.

Brian Hogan’s O’Loughlin’s outfit will expect to finish their group games with four wins when they take on winless Danesfort at Jenkinstown. It’s gro championship. It’s been a tough time for Willie Coogan’s side and it’s difficult to make a case been a steady campaign for the city side ahead of the champions for them grabbing maximum points tomorrow.

Possibly the game which has the most riding on it will take place in Dr Tierney Park, where Clara will battle with Mullinavat. Both sides have pl will likely avoid involvement with relegation matters. identical records ahead of the round 5 clash and the winners wi All games throw-in at 1:30pm tomorrow and Gaels will be no doubt dou making calls and sending messages, trying to keep abreast of the action, as ‘super Saturday’. there could well be some twists and turns on what could be a ‘s

St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League-Championship 2023 - Round 5

Joe Coughlan finds it difficult to get away from Cathal O Neill

Group A

Group B

Group A - Round 5 Fixtures

Group B – Round 5 Fixtures

Graigue Ballycallan Vs Erins Own Saturday, 1:30pm, Páirc Lachtain Referee: TBC

Clara Vs Mullinavat Saturday, 1:30, Dr Tierney Park Referee: TBC

Bennettsbridge Vs Glenmore Saturday 1:30pm, Inistioge Referee: TBC

Danesfort Vs O`Loughlin Gaels Saturday, 1:30, Jenkinstown Referee: TBC

James Stephens Vs Shamrocks Ballyhale Saturday 1:30pm, John Locke Park Referee: TBC

Dicksboro Vs Tullaroan Saturday, 1:30pm, Ballyragget Referee: TBC

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

Motors Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

JOEPARSONSGARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

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Classifieds Motors

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michele Culleton, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for: Planning permission for: proposed part single storey part dormer bungalow dwelling, vehicular entrance with driveway, borewell, waste water treatment system, storm water soakaways and all associated site works. at Oldcourt, Templeorum, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. H.H

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request.

(Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. H.H

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer.M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.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. S.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.S.

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 8 September 2023