Kilkenny Observer 9th December 2022

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Friday 09 December 2022

Your Tax Affairs A practical guide on revenue for farmers Page 28

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The Festive Dinner Our recipes for that Christmas Day meal Page 44

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Changes to CAO system A new change in the college entry process will in future allow students to get straight into a degree programme without worrying about the dreaded CAO points.

The December Government-announced dramatic change will also mean that school-leavers, and others, may start their degree studies in a Further Education (FE) college and complete the programme in a third-level institution.

As a first step, 13 courses, feeding into six higher education colleges, will roll out for entry in September 2023.

As well as reducing the pressure on students to compete on points, it is hoped that the alternative approach will lead to a fall in dropout rates.

It represents a milestone in Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris’s ambition to create a unified third level system that will blur distinctions between

further and higher education.

The aim is to create alternative pathways to third level outside the CAO system and to forge better links between further education and universities/technological universities (TUs) and other higher education colleges.

While 13 new entry routes is a tiny fraction of the 1,400 CAO courses, the intention is to start shifting mindsets, and there are plans for further phases.

The initiative will also see the establishment of a Unified Tertiary Office, a joint venture between the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the State’s further education and training agency, Solas, to advance progress in this area.

Mr Harris is committed to opening more routes of access to higher education to ensure that everyone can reach their potential.

UCC, Atlantic TU, Munster

TU, South East TU, TU Shannon and IADT Dún Laoghaire are the third-level colleges involved in the initial phase.

FE colleges in nine education and training boards (ETBs) will be the 13 entry points for the new courses, each of which will be specific to one region.

The pathway to access the courses will mirror the existing, interview-based FE applications process, which does not involve CAO points.

Gunman in Carlow shooting known Gardai believe they have identified the gunman who discharged four shots at one of Ireland’s most notorious gangland criminals in a targeted gun attack in Carlow.

A west Dublin gangster with links to the Kinahan cartel is believed to have carried out the murder attempt on James ‘Nellie’ Walsh (36) on Monday, December 5.

Sources say two women “could have been easily” killed in the mayhem while two preteen girls who are normally present in the property were not there when the shots were fired.

€1,200 spend on Christmas shop

With their degree, they’ll travel far Students from South East Technological University’s recently received their Regional Tourist Guide award in the beautiful surrounds of the Flag Hall in Johnstown Castle. Mayor of Wexford Maura Bell presented the students of SETU’s Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Event Management degree with their awards.

The students, who are SETU’s first ever Fáilte Ire-

EVERY FRIDAY

land recognised tourist guides are Adele Mahon, Agata Oblak, Antonio Pandolfi, Eve Redmond, Fanni Gal, Frieda Harkin, Mollie Fortune, Oskar Czajka and Sarah Foley.

A unique aspect of SETU’s Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Event Management is that students, who have completed Year 2, receive their Regional Tourist Guide award as an integral part of

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

completing the degree programme.

The degree course prepares graduates for full-time work in the fast growing and dynamic tourism and event management industries.

Despite the restrictions of Covid-19, the students worked hard to fulfil the requirements of their tour guide training.

The current staff shortages in tourism means the future

is bring for these graduates.

Fanni Gal, a recipient of the award, summed up its value when she said: “Receiving the Irish tourist guiding badge is really meaningful to me. It means that although I have come from a different culture, I now have the knowledge and skills to show this beautiful country to other people and make them as enthusiastic about the Irish culture as I am.”

*Pictured above are students who received their Regional Tourist Guide award are pictured here with Mayor Maura Bell, Dr Karen Hennessy, Head of Campus, SETU Wexford, Emmet Stafford, lecturer, Edmund Joyce and Julie Mulligan, both programme directors of the BSc in Tourism and Event Management degree

Consumers are expected to spend an average of €1,200 on Christmas shopping this year, a 20% increase compared to 2021, new research has found.

Over one third of shoppers will spend an average of at least €1,000, while households with children are due to spend almost €1,600 this year.

However, their average expected spending has not increased by as much as those with no children.

The 35-44 age group intend to spend the most over the festive season, with an average of almost €1,500, according to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

Carey’s seized home on market at €550k.

Convicted fraudster Catriona Carey’s former home is back on the market, with an asking price of more than half-a-million euro.

The five-bedroom property in Weir View Hill, Co Kilkenny, was repossessed by Start Mortgages last month after the former Ireland hockey player racked up arrears of €359,000.

It has now been put up for sale for €550,000.

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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Let’s celebrate at our Carnegie Library Tuesday, December 13, will be a day to remember for the Carnegie Library, John’s Quay. In light of the re-location of the main City Library to the old Mayfair ballroom in the Abbey Quarter site, there will be a day of celebration of the Carnegie Library and its contribution to the cultural life of Kilkenny.

Between 1897 and 1913, Andrew Carnegie, pictured, pledged more £170,000 to fund the building of eighty libraries in Ireland. One of these was the Carnegie Library on John’s Quay.

This beautiful historic Carnegie Library was officially opened to the public November 3 1910, and now features over 32,000 items, including adult fiction and factual books, a young adult collection, children’s stock, reference materials, music CDs, DVDs and box sets. The library has wifi access, along with eight computers for internet access and printing services.

Since its foundation as the city library in Kilkenny in

1910, the Carnegie Library has been a hub of activity in Kilkenny, host to many cultural events and a source of great memories for many Kilkenny families.

Tuesday the 13th will offer the people of Kilkenny city an opportunity to

share memories and enjoy another great event in this historic building. There will be a day of story-telling with Liz Weir, guitarist Mark Anthony McGrath featuring music from his new album ‘Carolan’, afternoon theatre with a celebration of Patrick

Kavanagh, a talk on Andrew Carnegie and his ‘Gospel of Wealth’ by historian Dr Mary Muldowney, a short Carnegie reminiscence by Gerry Moran, and special guest appearance by Pauline McLynn.

“The Carnegie Library in

Kilkenny City has made a great contribution to the cultural life of Kilkenny over the many years of its existence,” said County Librarian Josephine Coyne, “We look forward to a new era and the new Mayfair Library which will offer all the services

and opportunities of a fully modern library service.”

There will be light refreshments during the day also.

Check out our website www.kilkennylibrary.ie for more details and follow us on social media for more information.

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Music Generation

Singing in a winter wonderland with Music Generation Kilkenny Music Generation Kilkenny is gearing up for a very musical Christmas. Children and young people involved in our music programmes are busy preparing for two special performances during Christmas week.

On the 19th of December at 6:30pm over 200 children from CBS primary, Gaelscoil Osraí, St. John of God primary and Kilkenny School Project will come together and collaborate onstage for the SING OUT performance at St. Canice’s Cathedral. Tickets available on Eventbrite On the 22nd of December at 3:00pm children and young people from the ‘Creative Music Space’ rock and pop music hub will perform on the parade bandstand during Yulefest Kilkenny. Free event.

SING OUT – SINGING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND SING OUT is an exciting new opportunity for primary

school children in Kilkenny.

In the six weeks leading up to Christmas children from primary schools in Kilkenny have been preparing a programme of festive songs with musician educators Barbara Kelly and Clare Kilkenny. Barbara and Clare deliver workshops in the schools each week preparing the children with musical games, body percussion and songs. It gives the children the opportunity to connect through singing and to come together through the sphere of meaningful music making.

Joining them onstage will be young musicians from the Kilkenny School Project Strings programme. This programme of whole class violin began in the KSP just after the pandemic.

It has gone from strength to strength, with children learning violin from 3rd – 6th class, led by musician educator Carl Rochford. The children are looking forward to performing in St. Canice’s Cathedral and for many it will be their first time per-

forming in public.

Speaking about the workshops and concert Music Development Officer with Music Generation Kilkenny Sinéad Blanchfield said “I’m really excited to develop this opportunity for young people in Kilkenny. Singing together is so important for

children’s wellbeing and that stopped during the pandemic. The fact that children from primary schools taking part in SING OUT will have the opportunity to actually sing together as one voice in the beautiful surroundings of St. Canice’s Cathedral, is a special moment in the con-

text of our collective journey this year” Niall Bergin, principal of CBS Primary School said, “we are delighted to have Music Generation Kilkenny working with our school. It is fantastic to see our pupils develop their musical talents and learn how to play a musical instrument. The tutors, Paul and Mark, have developed a great rapport with our classes and deliver the lessons in a fun and engaging way on a weekly basis. Our 4th and 5th class pupils are also taking part in the Music Generation Kilkenny ‘Sing Out’ Concert on December 19th in St. Canice’s Cathedral. Pupils have been preparing diligently with their teachers and with Music Generation Kilkenny tutors, Clare and Barbara. We look forward to seeing the boys perform in SING OUT on the 19th of December “ St. Canice’s Cathedral is a magnificent concert venue.

Music Generation Kilkenny is delighted to partner with St. Canice’s Cathedral to bring the children and young

people from our programmes to public attention in this wonderful setting. We hope that people in Kilkenny will come out and join the children in song and support our emerging young Kilkenny talent.

Tickets are €5 for adults, children free (under 16) Tickets are available on Eventbrite – https://bit. ly/3hIqrf8 Information: musicgenerationkilkenny@kcetb.ie Music Generation Kilkenny is part of Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. The programme seeks to transform the lives of children and young people ages 0-18 by creating access to high quality, affordable music tuition in their localities. Locally, the programme is led by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board in partnership with Kilkenny County Council.

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News

More now demanding houses The rise in our population far in excess of new housing is creating increasing demand that won’t be relieved unless housing supply increases “substantially”, according to a new report.

Census figures show Ireland’s population grew by 360,000 between 2016 and this

year, yet only 120,000 homes were built in the same period.

Going back to the 2011 census, the numbers are even more stark, with population growth of half a million but a housing output of just 130,000 units.

Trying to squeeze so many people into so few new homes

is keeping up house price pressure, along with strong demand due to the gap between rents and mortgage payments, the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland’s (BPFI) latest Housing Market Monitor said.

“While there has been a significant increase in new

housing to the market in 2022, which has helped moderate average annual housing price inflation, population growth continues to outstrip supply,” said BPFI Chief Executive Brian Hayes.

“In addition to this, we are now seeing a decline in the figures for the commence-

ment of new builds,” he said.

According to the BPFI, new housing starts are up 5.4% this year versus the first nine months of 2019, but activity is declining on a rolling annual basis.

Annualised commencements hit a promising 35,000 in the first quarter of the year,

but fell back to just 26,600 by October - far below the level required to meet the Government’s targets under Housing for All. The ramping up of building may have slowed the increase in house prices slightly, but it may also have reduced appetite for new development.

One in two private tenants ‘at risk’ of homelessness

Oh baby, look at you now!

Kilkenny GAA legend TJ Reid and partner Niamh de Brún have recently shared the lovely news of the birth of their baby daughter.

Both Niamh and TJ shared the news on Insta-

gram along with gorgeous snaps of the happy family.

Niamh said: “A love like no other. Welcome to the world Harper Mary Reid.

Born Sunday 20th November, 7 lbs 10 oz.”

Legendary Kilkenny hurler Reid also took to Instagram to express his delight at becoming a father.

“This should be fun.

Harper Mary Reid born 20/11/2022 at 7.10 pounds.

Mammy Niamh and Baby are home and in great health.

“Looking forward to this amazing new journey with our little girl.”

Congratulations to all...

Top 5 tips for helping your animal this winter Met Eireann is predicting temperatures are set to plummet in the weeks up to Christmas, with flurries of snow, and sharp and severe frosts expected.

But it is not just us humans that will be affected but also our four-legged friends. To help pet owners cope with this, Irish pet retailer and grooming studios, Petmania, have compiled their Top 5 tips to minimise the impact on pets through this cold snap, and the ever-changing temperatures of winter.

Emily Miller of Petmania, Ireland, said, “Just as we humans adapt our lifestyle and skincare routines when the months turn colder, we want to encourage pet-owners to make a few small changes for their animal companions to make the cold weather more comfortable for them with these easy caretips.”

1. Keep beds warm and dry.

Choose waterproof bedding and make sure that outdoor kennels, hutches and homes

are also kept warm and dry.

2. Like us humans in colderclimates pets need clean and moisturised paw pads to prevent cracking and pain caused by hard, cold salted pavements.

3. Use Omega oils to prevent skin becoming dry and itchy in changing temperatures.

4. Wrap up warm. Buy a coat for winter walks, use fleece blankets and line carriers or crate beds with warm bedding.

5. Book a Winter Boost Ther-

apy Bath at your local grooming studio. This special treatment has been developed to help dog’s fight the skin drying effects of colder weather.

Petmania, Irish-owned pet retailer and grooming studios, have an extensive range of products available to help our furry friends face the winter months: Omega Oil specially designed for animals’ needs and a selection bedding, warm layers and therapeutic moisturisers.

More than half of private tenants who contacted Threshold last year were at risk of entering homelessness, according to national housing charity’s annual report. It shows that advisors assisted a total of 19,947 households in 2021, of which 10,729 were deemed to be at risk of entering homelessness.

More than60,000 contacts were made to Threshold in 2021.

Tenancy terminations remains the largest issue facing private tenants for the fifth consecutive year, with 29% of queries concerning termination of tenancy. Threshold advisors encountered a larger level of queries concerning standards and repairs compared to previous years, with 10% of private tenants seeking advice on their accommodation. This may be a result of delays in carrying out repairs during the public health restrictions, throughout parts of 2020 and 2021.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Chairperson of Threshold, Liam Reid said: “The housing crisis in Ireland remains one of our greatest challenges and the 2021 Annual Report reflects the dedicated work that Threshold is doing to support private renters remain in their homes during this challenging time.

Threshold believes that every person in Ireland is entitled to equal access to secure and affordable housing.

“Threshold’s work is critical, as we await the development

of a better affordable and accessible housing supply to alleviate the pressures of this ongoing housing crisis.”

In December 2021, the Government introduced legislation to create “indefinite tenancies” through removing section 34(b) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The removal of this section resulted in greater security for private renters across Ireland, as landlords could no longer choose to evict their tenants without cause every six years.

This was an area of policy change that Threshold strongly campaigned for since 2014 and brought private renters across Ireland a step closer to achieving security of tenure.

In 2021, Threshold advisors represented 255 households at the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and assisted 291 households to submit disputes. Threshold advisors assisted three clients to submit cases to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and represented two clients at the WRC, concerning discrimination regarding the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or rent supplement, to support rental costs.

In 2021, Threshold identified 121 private renters who had been discriminated against as they were seeking HAP. In many cases, the Threshold advisor was able to assist the client to resolve the situation with the landlord. In some cases, however, the client was forced to find another home.

HSE urges healthcare workers in South East to get flu vaccine All healthcare workers and people in at-risk groups in counties Kilkenny, Carlow, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford are being urged to get the flu vaccine.

In a three and a half minute video released by the HSE’s South East Community Healthcare (SECH) organisation and the HSE’s Area C Public Health Dept., the Chief Officer of SECH, Kate Killeen White, says: “The vaccine is the primary

method by which the HSE is trying to safeguard healthcare workers, patients, families in each case and the community in general from what can be a severe illness.”

The video coincides with the launch of a specially modified mobile vaccination unit to travel to HSE workplace locations across the South East, in which nursing staff offer both flu and Covid-19 booster dose vaccinations to colleagues.

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

‘What’s the craic?’ she’d say, with that beautiful smile Back in the Eighties there was hardly a red-blooded Irish male who was not in love with the wonderful Sally O’Brien and “the way she might look at you” from across the crowded local pub come Christmas week and everyone having the craic as only we Irish know how. Of course, the man longing after the lovely Sally, in the famous TV ad for Harp lager, was, if memory serves me, working on a rig in some far-off land and would not be making it home for Christmas, being thousands of miles from the familiar, cosy confines of his local and the come-hither smile of the woman of his dreams.

God knows where Sally O’Brien (Vicki Michelle of TV’s ‘Allo, ‘Allo! fame) is now or, indeed, yer man on the oil rig but praise be, after two Christmases of Covid-induced stupor, this Christmas will one more be that wonderful world conjured up by that

Eighties TV ad, the world of the Irish local come Christmas, bustling with the craic and seasonal goodwill among family and friends. I can see it and feel it now in the locals up and down the land, lit up like Santa’s grotto: the Christmas jumpers, the comaraderie, the back-slapping, the whispered, and not-so whispered, terms of endearment, the wellwishes and the banter. “Oh, ye are having goose this year” or “Can’t believe it’s Christmas again already.” or “So your Jimmy won’t be coming home this year.”

Most pertinently, this year will be the thousands of family members who live and work abroad and who will be coming home for the holiday, most likely for the first time since 2019. And this merry lot will be packing out their local Christmas week, familiar faces in the teaming throng.

Sometimes, we don’t know what we have ’til it’s gone.

With our favourite locals — for so many their home from home where the victorious are celebrated and the dead are waked, where revolutions are planned and friendships cemented — was absent from our lives for a good part of the last two years, that adage had never resonated so much for so many.

Social drinking in Ireland’s

public houses has its history and pervasiveness deeply entrenched in the Irish psyche.

The transformative journey from shebeens, ale houses, taverns and inns to the pubs we know today is testament to publicans’ enduring resilience and ability to adapt, even since the Eighties.

Consider too, alcohol is an industry that supports

some 92,000 jobs and contributes around €2 billion to our economy. One in five adults on this island does not drink, but for the rest of use consumption has increased somewhat — certainly the varied choice of alcohol — since those days in the Eighties when yer man on the rig was thinking of Sally O’Brien and the way she might look at him.

Despite the changes since those days — the drinkdriving laws, the smoking ban and the availability of cheaper alcohol in supermarkets — a report for the Vintners Federation of Ireland last year showed that a third of rural pubs reported an increase in turnover but many other rural locals cited being “not confident” or “worried” about their futures since the pandemic.

The lockdown did not help those worries. And the reality of having to live with Covid19, as we do with annual flu,

despite vaccines, may change the future fabric of pub life and curb our enthusiasm for how we like to interact with each other over a few pints, whatever the cause for celebration.

My friend Sara has lived, variously in Michigan and Colorado, for the past almost 30 years plus, ever since she left Ireland, a mere slip of a girl. Down those many years, I always knew it was Christmas week when in the crowded, cosy confines of my local I’d spot the diminutive Sara lost in the celebrations and we’d look over at each other and then, worming our way through the heaving crowd, meet in the middle ... for a Christmas hug.

“What’s the craic, Paul?” she’d say, and break into her beautiful smile.

I am hoping Sara will make it to my local this coming Christmas week. I desperately need that hug.

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Christmas 5k run to help those with depression In the run up to Christmas this year, why not do something to support your own well-being while helping people suffering with depression and bipolar disorder by taking part in the 17th annual Aware Christmas 5K. From Friday December to Sunday the 11th, people in Kilkenny and all over the country are being encouraged

to come together physically or virtually to be part of this fun, festive and healthy event to support Aware’s vital services.

You can walk, jog, run or hike in your favourite 5k route anywhere in the country at a time of your choice over the event weekend, and share your efforts and your support on social media using the hashtag #WeAreAware.

Those who want to get into the festive spirit of the Aware Christmas 5K are encouraged to dress up. So, whether it’s a nod to Santa with a hat, a Christmas jumper to keep you warm, or a full-on costume with bells and lights, you’ll be guaranteed to bring some fun to your run!

The annual Aware Christmas 5k is one of the charity’s most

important fundraising events of the year. Aware, which was established in 1985, is the national organisation providing free support, education, and information for people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder, and related mood conditions.

In 2021, 29,000 people directly benefited from Aware’s support services, and a further

over 8,000 people took part in education programmes facilitated by Aware.

Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising at Aware, said: “Taking the time to walk or run or your own, with family or friends, this December, will give people the chance to take a break from the busy pre-Christmas period whilst also helping people in their

community who need some support.”

Online registration is now open at aware.ie/christmas5K at a cost of €25 per person. Each participant will receive a custom medal that doubles as a Christmas tree decoration and a treat from event sponsor Cadbury. * Please see aware.ie/christmas5k. #WeAreAware

Tanzanian girl tells Oireachtas of impact of climate change World Vision Ireland Director of Programmes and Policy, Maurice Sadlier, has praised the decision taken by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, to invite a child to address them on climate change.

Last week, 15-year-old Tanzanian teenager Shania Ramadhani [pictured], a World Vision International Child Ambassador and member of SAUTI-Youth, a joint Galway-Tanzania initiative engaging youth in political advocacy on climate, appeared before the committee remotely, from her home in Tanzania.

Her appearance follows her recent visit to COP 27, where she spoke at the showcase event for Youth and Futures Day and described how climate change is already having a disproportionate impact on her school and local community, where long periods of drought, the hunger crisis, diseases, child labour and increased of cost of living are taking their toll.

To her Irish audience she addressed members on the urgent topic of climate change and the need to have youth voices involved at every level of political decision-making. It was the first time a child had addressed the committee.

Speaking after Shania’s appearance, Maurice Sadlier said: “While much of the attention following COP27 focuses on the commitment to establish a fund for Loss & Damage, another equally momentous win, in our opinion, is going unnoticed - that of enabling children’s rights as envisioned in the Convention on the Rights of the Child – the Right to Participate.

“The Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan recognises the role of

Let's get up and go, girls! children and youth as agents of change in addressing and responding to climate change, a recognition which is warmly welcome, but long overdue. At COP27, Governments not only recognised that children are agents of change, but called on Governments worldwide to include children in implementing climate policy and action.

“We at World Vision Ireland are delighted and honoured that members of the Houses of the Oireachtas seem to have been paying attention to this commitment and have put it into action already – a mere 3 weeks after COP27 concluded.”

CEO of World Vision Ireland, Gillian Barnett, said World Vision was an organisation vocal in its advocacy for child rights and participation.

“I welcome this progressive move by Irish legislators to start the process of including children at a political level.

I can only hope that this is recreated across the globe.

"The voices of the young must be heard in discussions around climate where they are, most unfortunately, key stakeholders, whose future survival lies in the hands of today’s decision-makers.”

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team manager, Vera Pauw, has pledged her support to Sport Ireland’s It’s My Time campaign encouraging women over 40 to prioritise their wellbeing and take time to exercise and play sport.

Repeated studies, including Sport Ireland’s Irish Sport Monitor, have shown that women over 40, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, are among the least likely to be physically active or play sport, despite the positive impact physical activity can have on preventing and lessening menopause related symptoms.

Research conducted by

Sport Ireland highlighted just how time poor and stretched women in their 40s, 50s and 60s feel. With commitments including work, commuting, childcare, family commitments and managing the household, the result is that 41% don’t have time and almost two thirds are often too tired to exercise.

Vera has teamed up with Sport Ireland to encourage women to prioritise their wellbeing by getting more physically active on their own terms. The campaign has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public since its launch and is supported by various sporting National Governing Bodies and the

nationwide network of Local Sports Partnerships.

Women interested in increasing their activity levels can log onto www.sportireland.ie/itsmytime to access specially commissioned exercise videos covering; fitness, flexibility, strength and balance, an educational series covering; muscle health, bone health, cardiovascular health, sleep health, mental health, wellbeing and nutrition as well as easy to follow and convenient healthy recipes.

The campaign has been championed by Sport Ireland Chief Executive Una May, Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Lead Nora Stapleton and also supported by the Department

of Health Women’s Health Taskforce and Healthy Ireland. Catherine Martin, Minister for Sport, Jack Chambers, Minster of State for Sport, and Frank Feighan Minister of State at the Department of Health have also extended their support for the campaign, all pictured above. { Photo

by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile} Vera Pauw, commenting on the launch of the campaign, said: " With so much stress in modern life, it has never been more important to get out and do something for yourself. Whether that is a morning walk or taking up a particular activity, just go do it - and have fun doing it!"

Urgent recall for 'risky' phone chargers Thousands of fast-charging plugs which are sold in Ireland have been recalled due to causing serious risk of harm to owners. Ireland’s consumer watchdog published a warning on the product over electric shock fears due to a fault with the product.

The notice was published by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for the Homeline's Ultrapower AJL561/

JL-U561 Fast Charging Plug.

A total of 40,000 plugs were sold online as well as in "various retail stores in Ireland" which fall under the recall.

Customers are being urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the store they purchased it from where they will receive a full refund.

According to the CCPC product recall, the danger has arisen from "poor isola-

tion between the Mains Input and USB output".

The specific brand is Ultrapower and the product has two USB ports, while the model number in this recall is JL-U561.

In a statement, the independent watchdog said: "Homeline recalls Ultrapower JL-U561 Fast Charging Plug with Double USB Ports, Home Charger (2.4A).

"There is a serious risk of electric shock arising from

poor isolation between the Mains Input & USB Output.

"There are approximately 40,000 affected products in the Republic of Ireland which have been purchased from various retailers."

In their own recall notice, Homeline has added that plugs with the model number AJL561 must also be brought back.

The products in this recall were manufactured from 2018 to 2022.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Why it’s time to reinstate real Christmas A lot of Christmas is about memories and tradition. We were busy making a Christmas cake in a cookery class where I volunteered as a helper last week. “Were you ever told not to slam doors when the cake was in the oven?” I asked “Oh yeah, you’d be in big trouble with your Mam, because the fruit in the cake would sink!” came back a chorus from of the class.

They followed up with recollections about taking turns to stir the cake and make a wish, putting charms in the pudding and the way the baking and making would be stored on a top shelf and regularly doused with whiskey.

That’s the kind of Christmas I like to remember: simple rituals like trying to get the fairy lights to work, midnight Mass, the excite-

ment of waking to feel the weight of a sock stuffed with presents at the bottom of the bed and the family feast. That kind of Christmas is disappearing, eaten away each passing year by ballooning. commercialism where festive retailing gets into gear before the witches and pumpkins of Halloween are off the shelves.

This year, though, weren’t we hoping to make it a real Christmas after the grim years with Covid?

A mindful one, in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, climate change and the war in Ukraine; one about family and friends and things we hold dear. But no, just at the very time we were dusting off our values with the tree decorations, we hear that Christmas isn’t Christmas any more.

It’s the Winter Festival, lit

up by the Winter Lights.

St Bridget has just had her day in February recognised, but Christ has lost his.

The trouble with renaming things is that it erases the associations and images belonging to the previous name. Language revisionism can be a form of colonial appropriation; think of Brian Friel’s Translations where the meaning of Irish names are lost to English. It can mess with your mind, Putin doesn’t refer to invasion or war in Ukraine, but rather calls it “a special military operation’. It can be a way of obliterating past history, like renaming Sellafield, site of a 1957 UK nuclear disaster, Windscale.

The back story gets lost.

The Christmas we have is a great rolling stone of traditions stretching back long before the birth of Christ

and gathering pagan beliefs along the way. Jesus’ birthday may have been shifted to fit with the Roman festival of Saturnalia to honour the God Saturn, The celebration of the winter solstice on December 21 and the death and rebirth of the sun is common to many cultures including neolithic Ireland and celebrated in passage tombs like Newgrange built by the Tuatha De Danann. The way greenery is brought into the house is a Norse tradition and Santa owes his existence to St Nicholas, an early Christian Greek Bishop and bringer of gifts.

Renaming the festival could be a nod of respect to other cultures as Ireland becomes more multi- cultural but surely we should expect the same recogni-

tion for our own culture?

Or is it another indication that we are on the way to becoming a post- Christian society?

In the UK the number who define themselves as having no religion has passed the number who define themselves as Christian for the first time, according to the latest census. Here, the number who define themselves as having no religion is biggest among the younger age group (12%). The majority still define themselves as Christian but the now nonpractising believers outnumber church-goers. We have privatised our beliefs and moved away from the institutional church.

The problem with renaming Christmas as the Winter Celebration is that so much or our lives are organised

around Christian tradition: Sunday as a day of rest, Easter and Christmas festivals, the significant markers in our lives like christenings, marriages and funerals. It’s a bit like hacking off a chair leg and finding it doesn’t stand up when you sit on it.

Imagine all those nostalgic songs, like It’s Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas, that will have to be rewritten: writing winter cards and buying winter trees. And what would become of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (written at a time in the 1840s when Victorians were re-evaluating Christmas,) to Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas past, present and yet to be?

Wishing folk a Merry Winter just doesn’t sound the same.

Irish gifts for Christmas CLAIR WHITTY

Christmas is coming and most of you will be looking for gift ideas. I recently wrote about buying practical gifts, shopping local and buying online from Irish websites. But, what about going one step further and buying Irish brands.

I think you’d be surprised how much you’ll find. By shopping local, buying Irish brands and locally made products you’ll be supporting Irish family businesses and in turn supporting local jobs.

When it comes to skincare you’ll be spoilt for choice.

For example, Kinvara has a beautiful range of skincare products, Precious Facial Oil being one of their most popular. Kinvara pride themselves on quality and all their packaging is fully recyclable. Closer to home, for me, is Holos Skincare, made in Co. Wexford, whose mission it is to bring vitality to your skin through the creation of skincare that fits easily into your life.

Their amazing Good Night Rich Night Cream is created with relaxation and sleep in mind, it hydrates, softens,

soothes and relaxes.

Laura’s Beauty Rooms also made in Wexford is one of our latest additions with a selection of heavenly scented body scrubs and creams.

For the foodies we have Irish Brew Niks Tea, whose range of loose-leaf teas includes a premium Traditional Irish Black Tea, sleep infusion Bedtime Kiss, and an Organic Rooibos Hemp Chill Out. Niks Tea is a Multi Award Winning Irish Producer, packing all teas in Ireland using 100% compostable materials.

If you love hot chocolate, you’ll love the Great Taste award-winning Nibbed Cacao block. Hand crafted in County Wicklow, it’s perfect for making the popular ceremonial hot cacao drink, or for baking, or nibbling.

Another popular gift from Co. Wicklow is the luxury hand-rolled incense sticks

from Be Kind Industries, with several scents to choose from. If you prefer essential oils there’s Irish Atlantic Aromatic oils and massage blends to choose from.

Irish branded supplements to keep the family healthy include Healthreach, Irish Botanica, and Macánta.

Revive Active Starter Kit is the ideal gift pack of super Irish supplements which includes Revive Active, Mastermind and Beauty Complex 7 Day Boxes, designed to work together to help you get the most out of every day.

Check out your local stores and markets for Irish crafted products. Even a jar of local honey would be a thoughtful gift to give.

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

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

News

SPECIAL REPORT

Investing in our future heritage Minister for Heritage launches Kilkenny health check report Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD recently launched a summary report assessing the strengths and opportunities of Kilkenny’s historic town centre. The Heritage Council, Kilkenny City Taskforce, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce and Kilkenny County Council all participated in the Kilkenny City Centre Collaborative Town Centre Health Check (CTCHC) report.

The 15-Step CTCHC assessment process, created by the Heritage Council, measures citizens’ perceptions of the historic city’s commercial, heritage and cultural assets. In addition, it measures public satisfaction with accessibility and cultural facilities.

The report focuses on the survey results of a number of key indicators of the overall health and performance of the historic city centre, including the level of city centre activities, land/building use and vacancy levels, pedestrian footfall patterns and business operators and consumers’ perceptions of the quality of the overall well-being and environment of the historic city centre.

It is intended that the report will help to inform investment decisions for the future management and revitalisation of the city centre. It creates a pathway to meeting targets set out in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021 and commitment to delivering on the UN SDGs.

The report found that consumers and businesspeople felt Kilkenny City Centre would benefit from investment in the historic built environment. This includes investment in the historic building stock, enhanced liveability and accessibility for walking and cycling in the town centre, and further investment in cultural and natural heritage.

Key findings include: • The most popular reason to be in Kilkenny was being a resident (34.9%) followed by retail (27.9%).

• 90% of respondents purchased the majority of their clothing in Kilkenny.

• 61% of respondents thought pedestrianisation would enhance the liveability of the city centre.

• 74.4% rate live music and events in Kilkenny as either very good or good.

The report also found that there are approximately 20 vacant retail buildings in Kilkenny City Centre – this represents a ground floor retail vacancy rate of 10.10%, which is at the higher end of

the recommended level of vacancy in towns and cities. The CTCHC Programme believes that a healthy vacancy level in town and city centres should not exceed 11%.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister Noonan, pictured, said: “This report highlights the importance of recognising the potential of our historic city centres through sustainable regeneration, investment and engagement with the people who live and work there. I look forward to the continued regeneration of Kilkenny City and will work hard to ensure that we continue to deliver on our commitment to a ‘Town Centre First’ policy.”

Mayor of Kilkenny David Fitzgerald said: “The CTCHC report provides extremely useful primary data that will enable Kilkenny County Council, working in partnership with Kilkenny City Taskforce and other organisations, to focus resources and supports as the CTCHC Programme moves into Phase 2 – Town/City Centre Building Renewal and Investment Plans. This is a challenging yet exciting time for historic city centres all over Ireland.”

Chairperson of the Heritage Council Dr Martina Moloney said: “The publication of the CTCHC report could not be more welcome as Irish towns and cities recover from the impacts of the lockdowns and deal with the ongoing war in Ukraine. The pandemic

forced people to think about their local areas in new ways and this report highlights the improvements that business owners and citizens’ living in towns across the country want to see; rethinking how we use our spaces sustainably, making historic cores more accessible and ensuring that those living in or close to city centres have as high a quality of life as possible.”

Welcoming the report, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council Sean McKeown said the baseline CTCHC report was a positive and constructive basis on which Kilkenny City Centre could move forward and would be complementary to the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan currently being prepared for Kilkenny City.

“This is a very useful baseline survey involving the historic city’s key strategic partners that provides us with a great framework for taking stock of Kilkenny’s many assets and opportunities. We must be equipped with this sort of data-driven process to build for the future in the new Climate Change era. As a key city in Ireland’s Southeast Region, Kilkenny, like other small cities, is facing unchartered territory, yet has so much to offer, and this collaborative health check report will help us to enhance and maximise the quality of life and overall well-being of everyone in the historic city.”

CTCHC Programme Found-

ing Co-ordinator with the Heritage Council Ali Harvey said: “The Kilkenny City CTCHC Report clearly demonstrates the importance of having a robust baseline and primary spatial data to inform communities and decision-making and investment proposals for the renewal of historic city centres. This data-driven, value-added approach to heritage and environmental management is hugely important as town and city centres throughout Ireland are facing a challenging time, as they recover from the COVID-19 lockdown and face into an uncertain future that requires them to meet strict climate change and EU Green Deal targets.

“The collaborative effort of the Kilkenny CTCHC partners has been rewarding and empowering, and the partnerships created during the project bode well for the future of this medieval city.

The programme is an example and other historic towns can follow the CTCHC approach. The scaling up of the CTCHC Programme can help in the delivery of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and climate change targets in Ireland.”

The CTCHC surveying work was carried out and the report prepared by students from Queen’s University Belfast. Dr Neil Galway from QUB said: “The new partnerships that have been forged through this CTCHC data-

creation process have been hugely rewarding, helping generate a collective placemaking movement within all the partners, which is fundamental to empowering climate action by local communities.

“I believe that such partnerships can lead to true, longlasting change for towns and cities within the CTCHC Programme, which are linked to the UN SDGs. Establishing robust baseline information and data is important to historic cities such as Kilkenny and it is essential that the Programme for Government invests in this much-needed programme to support the recovery and renaissance of historic places in Ireland.

This will support communities and young people in achieving a brighter and more sustainable future”.

Chair of Kilkenny City Taskforce Pat Crotty said the CTCHC Report provided useful signposts for the future. “A healthy and vibrant city centre is important for everyone who lives, works in, and visits Kilkenny. This process of creating a baseline is fundamentally about how a city’s unique heritage informs our sense of place and enables communities to embrace a more sustainable way of living that enhances well-being.

Heritage reminds us of how important our historic city is to who we are, and to how we live - it is as important and as simple as that,” he said.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Burst pipes: is your home insurance good for it?

Met Eireann at time of writing is advising of plummeting temperatures with snow and sleet forecast for some areas with the danger that homeowners could face bills running into the tens of thousands, or more, if a burst pipe causes damage to their home in the upcoming Big Freeze – even if they have home insurance. This is because many homeowners are underinsured.

Under-insurance is where your home is insured for less than the full rebuild cost or where the contents in your home are insured for less than it would cost to replace them. More homeowners are getting caught out by underinsurance today – and are facing huge and unexpected repair bills as a result. Many are at risk of only getting a fraction of the claim they expect from their insurer if their house is damaged.

According to Paul Walsh,

CEO of Peopl.ie: “Burst pipes are one of the most common problems during icy weather.

A burst pipe could cost tens of thousands euro worth of damage if water is left running for a few days. The bill for the damage could even be more if a pipe bursts while you’re away as you’ll likely have to replace plasterboard, walls, wardrobes, kitchen units and so on – and you’ll probably have to repair electrical damage too.

You could have to foot a big chunk of such damage repair bills yourself if you have underinsured your home – because your insurer will usually reduce its pay-out by the amount you’ve underinsured yourself by.”

A report by the Central Bank recently found that about one in six (16.5%) Irish homeowners are underinsured. One of the main reasons people are underinsured is rising building costs.

People have underinsured their home by between 30% and even 50%. This is a very dangerous position to be in ahead of a cold snap with some people previously hit having to take out loans to cover repair bills on their home because they were underinsured and had no rainy day fund to fall back on.

It is important for homeowners to know that the onus is on them to ensure their home is insured for the correct figure. People worry that their home insurance will be more expensive if they increase the sums insured but whatever the cost it would be nothing in comparison to the damage unchecked running water can cause in a few hours let alone a few days.

So, as the cold snap approaches, Peopl.ie is urging homeowners to make sure the building and contents insured amounts are

correct. But there are a few practical steps that we can take to prevent a claim happening in the first place.

Make sure the water tank and pipes in your attic are properly lagged or insulated.

Don’t forget any pipes in unheated or draughty places,

‘More are caught out by underinsurance...

such as basements or garages – or outdoor pipes. Should your home have a well, make sure you have insulated any outdoor well pipes.

Insulate or wrap a towel around any outside taps to prevent them from freezing.

Repair leaking or dripping taps or pipes. Find out where the stopcock and especially the key is – and how to use it to turn off the water supply if your pipes burst.

Drain the water system if you’ve a holiday home that will be unoccupied during the winter months.

Don’t ignore signs of excessive mould in a shower or bathroom – particularly if you find mushrooms growing in it! In situations like this, there could be a burst pipe running undetected behind your shower tiles or wall already.

Run the heating for short periods to keep the pipes from freezing and to keep the

water circulating, if you can.

The heating does not need to be set to normal room temperature – even a temperature of 10-12 degrees will work equally well. And open your attic trap door to allow heat from the house to circulate through the attic.

Pin the emergency help number for your insurer onto your notice board so that if you have an escape of water from frozen pipes, you can call-out the home emergency team straight away.

If you do unfortunately have a claim for burst pipes or tanks, turn the water off, contact your insurer before you pay for repairs and take pictures of the damage to support your claim. You should also let frozen pipes thaw out naturally – do not heat them prematurely as they are likely to crack. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

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Christmas events at Rothe House

Rothe House is one of Kilkenny’s most unique properties dating from 1594 and is a leading visitor attraction with its original houses, cobbled courtyards and restored garden, all waiting to be explored.

The Christmas programme of events kicked off earlier this month with two beautiful Wreath Making Workshops.

The smell of clipped greens, orange and cinnamon filled

the room, and everyone left with their own individual wreath as well as a stunning table centrepiece.

Christmas Miscellany Next up on Tuesday 13th December, Rothe House will host a magical Christmas Miscellany evening featuring storytelling, music, poetry and song from familiar and emerging voices in Kilkenny’s arts scene.

The winter’s evening will begin with a cosy mulled wine reception around the Christmas tree, before moving to the atmospheric surroundings of the Phelan Room. The audience will be treated to some wonderful entertainment from local performers and musicians. Included in the line up will be the well-know voices of Gerry Moran, Ger Cody, Brendan Corcoran as well as

best-selling children’s author Helena Duggan. Writers from the Clogh Writer’s Group and Kilkenny Writer’s Anonymous will also have the opportunity to share their original pieces of prose and poetry, some written especially for this event.

The musical line-up is carefully chosen to be both eclectic and diverse. Music will include performances from Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, singersongwriter Elise Ramsbottom and a stunning performance from the magical all-female vocal group, Alchemy. In keeping with the 17th century surroundings, Laoise O’ Brien will showcase her mesmerizing skills on the recorder, a much maligned and misunderstood instrument. Laoise will be joined by Dr. Michael O’ Toole, one of Ireland’s leading guitarists.

“We are thrilled to hold this event in Rothe House and have received a wonderful response from local writers and musicians,” says Valerie O’ Sullivan, General Manager of Rothe House Trust. “A programme of

new and traditional material has been carefully put together and it is an opportunity for the audience to step away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations and enjoy a nostalgic evening in one of Kilkenny’s most beautiful venues.” Tickets are selling fast for this event and prompt booking via Eventbrite is advisable. This project is funded, with thanks, by the Kilkenny Creative Ireland Programme 2022.

The Merchant Shop Rothe House are proud to support Irish producers and craftspeople and carry a wide range of beautiful ceramics, textiles and giftware in The Merchant Shop on Parliament St. Every effort is made to provide an intimate shopping experience and the team take pride in helping every customer choose the right gift.

Opened in summer 2022, the latest addition is a bookshop which specializes in local interest, Irish history, heritage and gardening, as well as a wide selection of children’s

books. The bookshop also sells back issues of The Old Kilkenny Review, the annual publication of Kilkenny Archaeological Society.

All of this is in keeping with the original purpose of the property which was the merchant business and home of John Rothe Fitzpiers and his wife Rose Archer.

Retail Customer Evening On Thursday, 15th December from 5pm – 8pm there will be a Customer Evening with discounts across the shop, treats for shoppers and a raffle for a deluxe hamper. No booking is necessary for this event and all are welcome to pop along.

Opening Hours Rothe House is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 5.30pm.

Closed 25th – 28th December and 1st – 2nd January Guided tours take place at 11.30am and 2.30pm every day, while a self-guided visit is possible at any time. The perfect outing with friends and family visiting over Christmas!

So put Rothe House on your must-see list this Christmas and step away from the hustle and bustle of the season.

For more information, call 056 772 2893 or follow us on Facebook @rothehouse and Instagram @rothe_house_ garden Booking for the Christmas Miscellany is via Eventbrite only.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

News & Wellbeing Science Soft computer chips could be implanted directly into the brain, allowing people to control an artificial arm or a computer monitor simply by thinking about it.

Like real neurons — but unlike conventional computer chips — these new devices, called neuromorphic’ , can send and receive both chemical and electrical signals.

“Your brain works with chemicals, with neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Our materials are able to interact electrochemically with them,” says Alberto Salleo, a materials scientist at Stanford University who wrote about the potential for organic neuromorphic devices in the 2021 Annual Review of Materials Research.

The human brain is an amazing computing machine.

Weighing only three pounds or so, it can process information a thousand times faster than the fastest supercomputer, store a thousand times more information than a powerful laptop, and do it all using no more energy than a 20-watt lightbulb.

Researchers are trying to replicate this success using soft, flexible organic materials that can operate like biological neurons and someday might even be able to interconnect with them.

Mr Salleo and other researchers have created electronic devices using these soft organic materials that can act like transistors (which amplify and switch electrical signals) and memory cells (which store information) and other basic electronic components.

The work grows out of an increasing interest in neuromorphic computer circuits that mimic how human neural connections, or ‘synapses’, work.

These circuits, whether made of silicon, metal or organic materials, work less like

Earth’s doomsday clock started ticking before the planet even appeared. Our world’s fate is entirely linked to the Sun, its energy source. The Sun is now five billion years old, and it has always been living on borrowed time.

Like all stars, the Sun is at war with its own gravity. The inward crush of 1.989 x 1030 kilograms of mass provides the pressure to squeeze hydrogen nuclei together and fuse them into helium.

Because E = mc2, some of hydrogen’s nucleic mass is transformed into energy — into light — which eventually makes it to the Sun’s surface.

From there it escapes into space and, among other things, it warms the Earth.

This struggle has been going on since the Sun was born. It is a war the Sun is destined to lose.

If hydrogen is the fusion fuel powering the Sun, then at some point that fuel will run out. What matters here is the hydrogen in the Sun’s core, the only place where pressure

Chips off the new block... the future of the brain those in digital computers and more like the networks of neurons in the human brain.

Conventional digital computers work one step at a time, and their architecture creates a fundamental division between calculation and memory. This division means that ones and zeroes must be shuttled back and forth between locations on the computer processor, creating a bottleneck for speed and energy use.

The brain does things differently. An individual neuron receives signals from many other neurons, and all these signals together add up to affect the electrical state of the

receiving neuron. In effect, each neuron serves as both a calculating device — integrating the value of all the signals it has received — and a memory device: storing the value of all of those combined signals as an infinitely variable analog value, rather than the zero-or-one of digital computers.

Now, researchers have developed a number of different “memristive” devices that mimic this ability. When you run electric currents through them, you change the electrical resistance. Like biological neurons, these devices calculate by adding up the values of all the currents they have

been exposed to. And they remember through the resulting value their resistance takes.

A simple organic ‘memristor’, for example, might have two layers of electrically conducting materials. When a voltage is applied, electric current drives positively charged ions from one layer into the other, changing how easily the second layer will conduct electricity the next time it is exposed to an electric current.

“It’s a way of letting the physics do the computing,” says Matthew Marinella, a computer engineer at Arizona State University in Tempe

How nigh is the end? and temperatures are high enough to drive thermonuclear fusion. Once the core hydrogen is gone, about five billion years from now, the Sun will run into trouble. With nothing but inert Helium ash lying at the centre, the gravitational crush on the core will increase.

From this point onward, the Sun only has about 100 million years left. It will desperately reconfigure itself in an attempt to keep the energy flowing, eventually shrinking

its core and swelling its outer layers to become what we call a red giant star. During its final act as a red giant, the Sun will probably become so large it will engulf the Earth.

Our planet’s history will end as it enters the scorching outer layers of its parent star.

If you take comfort in the thought that life has another five billion years ahead of it before the Earth ends, don’t.

Five billion years is how long the planet has left. The biosphere has far less time.

The problem starts once again with the war between a star and its gravity. Even as hydrogen happily burns in the Sun’s core, there are still changes happening. With every kilogram of hydrogen mass that is fused, the Sun’s inner regions readjust, contracting slightly and raising its temperature slightly as well. But the rate at which nuclear fusion generates energy is very sensitive to temperature.

Even tiny increases in the

who researches neuromorphic computing.

The technique also liberates the computer from strictly binary values. “When you have classical computer memory, it’s either a zero or a one. We make a memory that could be any value between zero and one. So you can tune it in an analog fashion,” Mr Salleo says.

At the moment, most memristors and related devices aren’t based on organic materials but use standard silicon chip technology. Some are even used commercially as a way of speeding up artificial intelligence programs. But organic components have the

core’s temperature produce noticeable increases in the Sun’s luminosity. That means the Sun has slowly been getting brighter throughout its history.

That slow increase is what will doom the Earth’s biosphere long before the Sun becomes a red giant. This is because there is a direct link between the Sun’s brightness and the Earth’s surface temperature. Increasing the former will increase the latter.

The biosphere does mediate such temperature increases through what we call negative feedback. If increasing the Earth’s surface temperature, for example, leads the biosphere to trigger more reflective cloud cover, then more sunlight will get bounced back into space, helping to keep the planet cool.

But negative feedback can only work for so long. As the Sun keeps getting brighter, it will eventually trigger runaway effects that spell doom for the biosphere.

The most important of these

potential to do the job faster while using less energy, Mr Salleo says.

Better yet, they could be designed to integrate with your own brain. The materials are soft and flexible, and also have electrochemical properties that allow them to interact with biological neurons.

For instance, Francesca Santoro, an electrical engineer now at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, is developing a polymer device that takes input from real cells and “learns” from it. In her device, the cells are separated from the artificial neuron by a small space, similar to the synapses that separate real neurons from one another.

As the cells produce dopamine, a nerve-signaling chemical, the dopamine changes the electrical state of the artificial half of the device. The more dopamine the cells produce, the more the electrical state of the artificial neuron changes, just as you might see with two biological neurons.

“Our ultimate goal is really to design electronics which look like neurons and act like neurons,” Ms Santoro says.

The approach could offer a better way to use brain activity to drive prosthetics or computer monitors. Today’s systems use standard electronics, including electrodes that can pick up only broad patterns of electrical activity.

And the equipment is bulky and requires external computers to operate.

Flexible, neuromorphic circuits could improve this in at least two ways. They would be capable of translating neural signals in a much more granular way, responding to signals from individual neurons. And the devices might also be able to handle some of the necessary computations themselves, Salleo says, which could save energy and boost processing speed.

is the evaporation of the oceans. Water vapour is a far more potent greenhouse gas than the CO2 we worry about in the era of climate change.

When the Sun gets bright enough to evaporate seawater at high enough levels, the atmosphere begins to fill with water vapour, and a moist runaway greenhouse begins.

This is an era of positive feedback. Evaporation makes the planet hotter, which leads to more evaporation, which makes the planet hotter, and so on. Eventually the planet becomes so hot that it tumbles past the boundaries of life. Earth’s inhabited era is over.

So how long do we have until the Earth’s biosphere dies? Remarkably, life on Earth only has a billion or so years left. There is some uncertainty in the calculations, but recent results suggest 1.5 billion years until the end.

That is a much shorter span of time than the five billion years until the planet is engulfed by the Sun.

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Travel & Leisure 1. Verbier – Switzerland From the insanely beautiful and green of the Swiss Alps to the flower baskets throughout the village to Swiss cows against stunning backdrops the Verbier, pictured, summer is filled with fantastic and exciting things to do as well as great photo opportunities.

Verbier is the height of fabulous skiing action in the winter – but to me it is at its most beautiful in the height of summer. Plus this Swiss town offers a huge amount of fantastic things to do that are all about summer.

This includes seeing the sunrise from Mont Fort (a strictly summer activity), hiking up to the top of Pierre Avoi, visiting the Verbier 3D sculpture park and seeing the Swiss cows up high on the mountains.

The shot which went onto my Instagram Account Two other fantastic activities that can be done whether it is sun or snow is paragliding over the Alps and to drinks some rather delicious Swiss wine.

2. Graz – Austria Who needs Vienna? Lovely Graz is the second biggest city in Austria and for me much cuter than its older sibling. It is easy to see why Graz Austria was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Add to that its 2011 nomination as a City of Design and you can see why it wasn’t difficult to build a lengthy list of things to do in Graz.

However, the highlights don’t stop in the lovely Graz old town. Within a 10-15 minute drive of Graz are several photo-friendly and fantastic places to visit.From the world’s longest indoor slide to classic castles to rotating glass lifts to sculpture parks Graz and its surrounds will give you a holiday to remember.

3 Karlovy Vary – Czech Republic The Karlovy Vary region is the second smallest in the

1. Brighton Since the 1840s, Brighton on England’s south coast has been a favourite weekend seaside getaway for citydwelling Londoners. Join a walking tour to explore the city’s popular landmarks like the 19th-century Royal Pavilion and The Lanes, before heading to the pebbled Brighton Beach, pictured. Adrenalineseekers can try water sports, fly over the waves on a zip wire, or head up to the Sky Walk around the Brighton 1960’s viewing pod. For nostalgic fairground fun, head to Brighton Pier.

2. Manchester Home to two major English football teams and a thriving music scene, Manchester in northwest

5 great

cities in Europe you may not know Czech Republic. It is filled with natural beauty, castles, chateaus and best of all its famous hot and cold mineral springs. It is the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic. The town has been treating visitors for more than 650 years.

However, it was in the 18th century that the town began to develop and become known across Europe.

In addition to its famous Springs, Karlovy Vary Czech itself is very picturesque and also the home of one of the world’s leading film festivals in July each year.

There are 79 different Karlovy Vary Hot Springs.

Fourteen of these are

currently used for drinking Czech republic mineral water. The hottest spring is 72 degrees.

Depending on your ailment/s your doctor will prescribe you to “take” the waters from different springs at different times. Each hot spring has its own unique properties.

The Karlovy Vary thermal water is unique in its physical and chemical properties.

Essentially the waters here contain larger amounts of major and minor mineral elements than the water you drink at home.

4. Riga – Latvia Lovely Riga is the capital of

4 English cities

worth a visit

England is a real treat for a weekend break. Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and flavours of Manchester on a walking tour or guided food tour.

Football fans can join a behind-the-scenes tour of

the iconic Etihad Stadium or delve into the history of the country’s favourite sport at the National Football Museum—best experienced during football season between September to December.

Latvia and the biggest city in the Baltics. It is a wonderful mix of charming old Europe and modern innovations.

The Riga Old Town is an extremely photogenic mix of art nouveau buildings and tiny cobblestone streets, all without traffic.

Unlike some other European cities, once you had outside of the old town the beauty of Riga continues. Riga has an art nouveau district filled with beautiful buildings and a fantastic art nouveau museum.

The Pardaugava district is full of colourful wooden houses. Kipsala is a small and exclusive island close to the old town of Riga that has

some fantastic views.

And don’t miss a canal tour around Riga’s lovely city canal and Daugava River. It is a particularly nice way to see the Old Town and the beautiful wooden houses of Kipsala.

The 19th-century John Rylands Library is also worth a visit for its spectacular VictorianGothic architecture.

Experience Manchester’s nightlife with a pint at local institution Port Street Beer House, which carries over 100 beers from across the world, including gluten-free options. As the birthplace of iconic English rock bands like The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and Oasis, make time for live tunes at The Deaf Institute or Band on the Wall, which are popular spots for music lovers.

explored in a day. Join a student- guided campus walking tour to see highlights like Radcliffe Camera and the 17thcentury Bodleian Library, or hop on a punting tour down the River Cherwell.

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is also worth a visit for the postcard- perfect views from its towers. For food, tuck into a modern European menu at Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant or Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant.

3. Oxford Home to the country’s oldest university, Oxford in southeast England on the edge of the Cotswolds is a small city that can be

5. Saint Antonin Noble Val – France If you are looking for the quintessential French countryside town Saint Antonin Noble Val is it. This beautiful town has been featured in several films including Charlotte Gray and The Hundred-Foot Journey.

Saint Antonin Noble Val is situated on the Aveyron river – don’t miss the beautiful

4. Bath Located in southwest England, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a short train ride away from London. Home to 2000-year-old Roman Baths,

bridge with its reflection in the river. Cate Blanchette rode across this in Charlotte Grey.

The centre of Saint Antonin Noble Val was the home of the town’s most wealthy residents. In medieval times a town was the safest place to live – and within it, the safest place was the centre as anyone who wanted to invade would start with those on the edges.

Therefore the tallest and most decadent houses are in the middle of the city – and these are the streets where the famous St Antonin Sunday Market is held. This is a good place to start exploring Saint Antonin Noble Val.

Bath was in the business of wellness long before it was a trend. While you can’t swim in the waters of the baths, you can explore the complex on a guided tour and enjoy a spa treatment at the nearby Thermae Bath Spa. The city, though, isn’t just about rest and recuperation.

Walk the streets of Bath with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and admire Georgian architectural masterpieces like the Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent —a collection of terraced townhouses — before refuelling at The Pump Room. Then, slow it down and take a boat trip on the River Avon. If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you don’t want to miss this anecdotefilled tour of the Netflix hit’s filming locations.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Festive favourites, and a Christmas tree fest Do you know what I hate?

I hate it when people start a conversation with: “I hate to tell you this but you missed…a great match…show…performance...”. Whatever. Be that as it may but I hate to tell you all that, unless you were in St John’s Priory, the Lantern of Ireland (opposite Langton’s) on Thursday night, December 1, you missed a great concert.

And what made it great?

First off it featured our own Patrick Rafter on violin accompanied by Billy O’Brien on piano.

Rafter is one of Ireland’s most outstanding musicians and an international award-winning violinist and conductor. Billy O’Brien was the 2020 winner of the Hibernian Orchestra Competition and enjoys an active

career as a solo pianist, chamber musician and teacher. Together – a marvellous duo.

What made the evening (a fund raiser for the Butler Gallery) so enjoyable and entertaining was the programme: Festive Favourites — Ave Maria, O Holy Night, Hark the Herald Angel (among others) and, a surprise guest, Patrick’s brother Alexander on the piano who gave us a soulful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Two other factors aided and abetted in making this a wonderful evening: Patrick Rafter’s stage presence. Patrick woos us not just with his magnificent violin playing but with his amiable personality and good humour; to quote his mother, Maura, with whom I was chatting after-

wards: “He’s a natural.”

Finally, the icing on this festive Christmas ‘cake’, as it were, was quite simply – timing (the wine and canapés afterwards in the Butler Gallery’s Muse café contributed also).

The concert was one hour duration, not too short and most certainly not too long – perfect really, leaving us, the audience, wanting more. Thank you Patrick Rafter, Billy O’Brien, Alexander Rafter and the Butler Gallery for Festive Favourites, forever a favourite with yours truly.

Now, if you weren’t in Saint Canice’s Cathedral last Sunday, December 4, at the Christmas Tree Festival, you really missed out on something special.

Christmas trees made from just about anything: egg cartons, CDs, coke

cans, boots, to name but a few. And it is nothing short of amazing how creative children can be.

I love this festival; indeed I had the pleasure of launching it some years back.

However, it’s not the tree festival itself that made the Sunday afternoon so special. What made it special, ultra special, as far as I was concerned, was the invitation to visit the belfry, an offer taken up by about 30 of us, adults and young alike.

How many of you out there have been in the belfry of Saint Canice’s Cathedral? Not too many I’ll wager which is why it was a privilege to climb (or in my case inch) up the limestone, spiral steps (scary, very scary) to learn, to see in practice, how the bellringers operate, to hold a

bell hammer in one’s hand (just about because of its weight) and to actually ring a bell which I did with great caution as I didn’t want to go skeetering up to the rafters with the rope, easily done, I assure you.

And I learned something of the bells themselves, eight in all, the largest of which weighs more than your average motor car! We later progressed further upwards – more spiral steps to inch up (even more scary) to see, and touch, the bells themselves which were cast on site in the cathedral and were installed in 1674.

And thank you Ian McCullagh for your engaging, informative talk about the bells, and bell-ringers, of Saint Canice’s. And there on the wall I saw a photograph of the late Jim

Skuce, a bell-ringer for 60 years, who I worked alongside in Paul’s Drapery throughout my student holidays, Christmas, Easter and summer from UCD. Ian told us that Bell Hangers from Britain visit every three year to service the bells; he also informed us that they are always on the lookout for bellringers.

So, if you’re interested in becoming one. pop down to Saint Canice’s any Friday night; the bellringers are there from 8 to 10 p.m. and it takes three months training to learn the skill. Bell-ringing – a resolution perhaps for your New Year’s list!

PS: To further my enjoyment of the Christmas Tree Festival I’ve just discovered that I won a prize in their raffle!

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Global Report

When it comes to ensuring the security of their regime, China’s Communist Party rulers don’t skimp.

The extent of that lavish spending was put on display when the boldest street protests in decades broke out in Beijing and other cities, driven by anger over rigid and seemingly unending restrictions to combat Covid-19.

The Chinese government has been preparing for such challenges for decades, installing the machinery needed to quash large-scale upheavals, according to the Associated Press.

After an initially muted response, with security personnel using pepper spray and tear gas, police and paramilitary troops flooded city streets with jeeps, vans and armoired cars in a massive show of force.

The officers fanned out, checking IDs and searching cellphones for photos, messages or banned apps that might show involvement in or even just sympathy for the protests.

An unknown number of people were detained and it’s unclear if any will face charges. Most protesters focused their anger on the ‘zero-Covid’ policy that seeks to eradicate the virus through sweeping lockdowns, travel restrictions and relentless testing. But some called for the party and its leader Xi Jinping to step down, speech the party considers subversive and punishable by years in prison.

While much smaller in scale, the protests were the most significant since the 1989 student-led pro-democracy movement centred on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square that the regime still views as its greatest existential crisis. With leaders and protesters at an impasse, the People’s Liberation Army crushed the demonstrations with tanks and troops, killing hundreds, possibly thousands.

After the Tiananmen crack-

China always ready for that uprising down, the party invested in the means to deal with unrest without resorting immediately to using deadly force.

During a wave of dissent by unemployed workers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the authorities tested that approach, focusing on preventing organisers in different cities from linking up and arresting the leaders while letting rank-and-file protesters go largely untouched.

At times, they’ve been caught by surprise. In 1999, members of the Falun Gong meditation sect, whose membership came to rival the party’s in size, surrounded the leadership compound in Beijing in a show of defiance that

then-leader Jiang Zemin took as a personal affront.

A harsh crackdown followed. Leaders were given heavy prison sentences and members were subject to harassment and sometimes sent to ‘re-education centres’.

The government responded with overwhelming force in 2008, when anti-government riots broke out in Tibet’s capital Lhasa and unrest swept through Tibetan regions in western China, authorities responded with overwhelming force.

The next year, a police crackdown on protests by members of the Uyghur Muslim minority in the capital of the northwestern Xinjiang region,

Urumqi, led to bloody clashes in which at least 197 were killed, mostly Han Chinese civilians.

In both cases, forces fired into crowds, searched doorto-door and seized an unknown number of suspects who were either sentenced to heavy terms or simply not heard from again. Millions of people were interned in camps, placed under surveillance and forbidden from traveling.

China has been able to muster such resources thanks to a massive internal security budget that reportedly has tripled over the past decade, surpassing that for national defence.

Xinjiang alone saw a ten-fold

increase in domestic security spending during the early 2000s, according to Western estimates.

The published figure for internal security exceeded the defence budget for the first time in 2010. By 2013, China stopped providing a breakdown. The U.S. think tank Jamestown Foundation estimated that internal security spending had already reached 113% of defence spending by 2016. Annual increases were about double those for national defence in percentage terms and both grew much faster than the economy.

There’s a less visible but equally intimidating, sprawling system in place to moni-

tor online content for anti-government messages, unapproved news and images. Government censors work furiously to erase such items, while propaganda teams flood the net with pro-party messages.

Behind the repression is a legal system tailor-made to serve the one-party state.

China is a nation ruled by law rather than governed by the rule of law. Laws are sufficiently malleable to put anyone targeted by the authorities behind bars on any number of vague charges.

Those range from simply “spreading rumours online,” tracked through postings on social media, to the all-encompassing “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” punishable by up to five years in prison.

Charges of “subverting state power” or “incitement to subvert state power” are often used, requiring little proof other than evidence the accused expressed a critical attitude toward the party-state.

Those accused are usually denied the right to hire their own lawyers. Cases can take years to come to trial and almost always result in convictions.

In a further disincentive to rebel, people released from prison often face years of monitoring and harassment that can ruin careers and destroy families.

The massive spending and sprawling internal security network leaves China well prepared to crackdown on dissent. It also suggests “China’s internal situation is far less stable than the leadership would like the world to believe,” China politics expert Dean Cheng of the Heritage Foundation wrote on the Washington, DC-based conservative think tank’s website.

It’s unclear how sustainable it is, he said. “This could have the effect of either changing Chinese priorities or creating greater tensions among them.”

Russia’s onslaught on Ukraine’s culture Russian troops in Ukraine are deliberately attacking the country’s museums, libraries and other cultural institutions, according to a report issued by the US and Ukrainian chapters of the international writers’ organisation PEN and seen by the Associated Press.

“Culture is not collateral damage in the war against Ukraine; it’s a target, a central pillar of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s justification for the war,” the report stated.

“Putin has repeatedly claimed that Ukrainian culture and language simply don’t exist. By targeting art museums, music halls, libraries, theatres and historical sites, he attempts to make it so.”

PEN cited Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture as saying that 529 “cultural heritage and cultural institutions” have been destroyed or damaged since the war started on Feruary. 24.

The figure includes both sites of national importance and cultural venues in towns and villages, the report said.

According to AP, the list includes one of the war’s most notorious incidents — the bombing in March of the main

drama theatre in the city of Mariupol, where hundreds of people were sheltering from the city’s siege. Some 600

people died in the attack, according to an Associated Press investigation.

Two large inscriptions reading ‘children’ on the ground adjacent to the theatre indicated that Russian forces knew civilians were inside and “it seems likely that the theatre was targeted for its cultural significance,” the report said.

The PEN report said Russian soldiers also have seized and destroyed Ukrainian literature and Ukrainian-language books from public libraries in occupied regions.

The report acknowledged that “it is not always possible to determine if the bombings of cultural sites are deliberate or the result of Russia’s indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas.”

Russian attacks on Ukrainian culture and the language predate the start of the war and began in 2014, when Russia

annexed the Crimean Peninsula and supported separatist fighters in the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces of eastern Ukraine, PEN said.

PEN Ukraine said it has documented 31 civilian writers, artists and other cultural workers killed in Russian attacks this year, and that some other cultural figures have died while fighting with Ukrainian forces.

American author and publisher Dave Eggers, part of the PEN delegation that presented the report, said he thinks the attacks have backfired internationally.

“The irony of Putin’s attempts to erase the culture and heritage of Ukraine (is it) has only enriched their culture and made the world pay attention and be far more interested in Ukrainian writers and traditions,” Eggers said at a news conference.

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News

Woulfe backs exit livestock production plan Proposals to incentivise farmers to exit livestock production on a voluntary basis to help the sector tackle its climate targets have been backed by former dairy chief Jim Woulfe.

The former CEO of Dairygold said the future of the agri-food sector was very

By Ben Fogerty, Partner at ifac Kilkenny office Overall, 2022 has been a reasonably good year for Irish farms with profits in sectors other than pigs and poultry higher than in previous years. Unfortunately, better profits usually come with a higher income tax bill. Planning ahead is the best way to get around this. Usually, taxsaving opportunities can be found both inside and outside the farm gate.

Under our tax system, you will be paying preliminary tax for 2022 with your 2021 income tax return. The balance of your 2022 tax will then be payable in October/ November 2023, when the preliminary tax for 2023 will also be due.

Inside the farm gate When looking for opportunities to save tax inside the farm gate, key points to discuss with your accountant include: • Any necessary adjustments to add backs for personal expenditure • Whether all relevant tax credits, allowances and reliefs are being claimed • Timing of any planned capital expenditure and whether any incentives/reliefs apply • Timing the purchase of necessary supplies such as fertiliser, seed, feed • Timing the purchase of materials for any necessary repairs • Timing of stock sales • Wages for family members working on the farm • Pros and cons of income averaging.

With soaring fuel and energy costs, it’s important to re-examine what percentage of your utility bill is business expenditure. Any downward adjustment in your profit for the personal element of motor, electricity and telephone expenses will reduce your taxable income. Ask your accountant to check that you are calculating and allocating these expenses correctly.

Outside the farm gate Business structure is one of the main areas to focus on outside the farm gate. Questions to consider include whether it would be beneficial to form a registered farm partnership/succession farm partnership. If you have ruled out a partnership, have you considered forming a limited company? What are your plans for the next few years? Will your current busi-

bright but he warned that the ‘fly in the ointment’ for the country as a food-producing nation was sustainability and the climate action plan.

Speaking at the recent national Fianna Fáil Agriculture Policy Conference Mr Woulfe said: “We are moving in the right direction. We must gath-

er pace on it and we must now move into a real action phase.

The gap between here and 2030 is narrowing and there is not time to keep in the discussion phase, we have got to get into the action phase.”

The level of Greenhouse Gas emissions, he said, was something the sector has to deal

with and make significant changes.

“While our global reputation is excellent, one of the barometers that is understood by all is water quality. Water quality has deteriorated and we have to reverse that very quickly.

“It’s a raw nerve to the ordinary citizen... it is unaccept-

able that the water quality isn’t up to the required standard, that it has deteriorated, particularly in the south and south-east. That is one of the first issues that must be tackled.”

He said at this point in time, in the context of sustainability and climate challenge, “we

have got to bite the bullet in the context of the voluntary exit schemes for bovine farmers”.

There has always been a natural exit from production, he said, with the number of dairy farmers falling from 72,000 in 1983 when milk quotas were introduced, to 18,000 today.

2023 costs into the current year?

• Could you hive off part of your business into a company?

• Could you avail of the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS)?

important thing to remember is that there are almost always ways to reduce your tax liability if you plan ahead in time. Most of the opportunities listed here apply to companies as well as to sole traders and partnerships.

However, individual circumstances vary, so as always, if you require further information and/or advice on your specific situation, please contact your local ifac office.

Higher profits make tax planning now more important

ness structure still be appropriate?

Other tax-saving opportunities Depending on your circumstances, other areas to look at include: • Have you maximised your pension contributions?

• Could bringing your spouse into the business and paying them a salary reduce your tax bill?

• If your spouse works off-

‘Check you are calculating and allocating expenses correctly...

farm, could you top up their income so that they benefit from the maximum personal tax allowance?

• Would it be beneficial to gift your employees a taxfree non-cash bonus of up to €1,000 each under the Small Benefit Scheme?

• Could you contribute to a pension and/or provide additional benefits for your employees?

• Could you push out your year-end to bring Spring

Plan ahead If you have surplus cash on hand this year, it might be worth paying additional preliminary tax to reduce your 2023 tax bill. The most

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

Opinion

Snow Goose!

BY NED EGAN

Part 2 – his nose pointed towards the cold Northern sky: “Buhrrd!” he growled, warningly. The children stopped their game – and their eyes followed his nose, his hard stare. They finally spotted – long after Doggo – against the dirty washing lines of threatening clouds – a ducking and swerving object. Clumsily riding the knifey breeze that seemed to always blow down from those eternally frozen regions, a large object came slanting onwards, weaving and swooping, heading wobbly-crazy ground-wards, canting and wallowing and barrelling from one side to the other, obviously in much more trouble than it felt happy about.

It looked to be a very large bird, powerful looking – but obviously in strife from its beak to its tail. They all – including the pets – watched

breathlessly as it lurched and sloughed about, losing height fast, flapping and slapping its wide wings, clearly not going to remain a graceful denizen of the high places for much longer.

Then the children now started waving their arms and cheering it on, as if to give it courage, thinking it might react like a tired hurler, and put a last effort in – and also showing the creature that it was welcome. These assumptions, of course, were probably way out, as birds seldom succeed in mind-reading – and in the current situation – the flyer was only interested in getting its feet safely on terra firma – rather than its chest, belly, and beak all at the same time. The dog growled a loud welcome, the cat mewed excitedly – those two craythurs with slightly different welcoming motives than the chidren. Whether all this commotion worked or not, with a final mighty effort the flighty one cleared the high ditch on Walsh’s side of the lane, scraped over the lane and the garden hedge, and slapped down, with a meaty thud onto the frozen

grass. There it continued its progress, skidding along until it crashed headlong into a heap of bushes and rushes – luckily not seeming to wreck itself completely.

They all looked at it with open mouths – except the cat, who had slightly different feelings about winged creatures – seeing them mainly as flying dinners. It was snow white, and looked like a swan. The two children rushed over, and pulled the bushes and thorns away. They then dragged it – gently - back onto the grass, where it lay, exhausted and almost senseless. “Quick, Billy, go in and get the hairy pair’s sack’ – i.e – the pets mattress. Billy shot into the house, and was back in a flash. They rolled the dounced and dazed bird onto it, then dragged it up to the back door, where they backed straight into their Mammy, who was coming out to see what all the ructions were about.

A cool customer, all the Mammy said was “Ah, a Snow Goose, begor” – as if they’d only bagged a pigeon. At this sudden strange news/statement/ the twins let go the corners of the sack, nearly collapsing with the shock of it! “A Snow Goose, Mammy?” gulped Mary “Are you sure?” A withering look was all that doubting

query received. “Was I in Eccles Street College for nothing, was I? I might’ve became poor – but I’ve not lost my brains; now bring the poor creature into the kitchen near the fire, and we’ll warm the cockles of her little heart.” {Mammy always called birds ‘her’, and animals ‘him.’ And she was right too – at least half the time – which isn’t a bad average.

Her orders were obeyed – they always were; well, mostly… She ran a fair good home, povertyplagued, but as happy as the feral gods of hunger and cold allowed. ‘No slouchers, grouchers, or moochers in this house,” she’d quietly growl, at any complaint.

The old cast iron kettle was filled from the bucket, and hung on the crane, kippens shoved under it, and the fire revved up with an ancient bellows.

When the water was warm enough, they all got old bits of sacking and used carbolic soap to rub down the still-unmoving bird.

They’d noticed it sneaking open a beady yellow eye a few times, so they knew their attentions were being checked on – and – they felt - rather haughtily approved of. After the trio got all the bits of briers and nettles removed, and the lovely feathers cleaned and smoothed back into place,

it was getting dark, and the oil lamp was lit. They had their frugal little supper – a few cuts of bread and butter, and a mug of tea each. And lucky to have it.

Now they all sat round the Snow Goose, who was still lying quietly, clearly exhausted, and now having a well-earned restful snooze. The tarrier had tried to help, licking away at the feathers – but a chilly stare from a suddenly-opened yellow eye prompted a halt to his well-intentioned work. The cat sat on the hob, washing her face, observing all – and calculating how many handy feeds lay under the comely feathers – if things should turn out badly for the ex-flier. A scenario, to be honest, that the moggy hoped would ensue…

Just as the grooming session ended, there was a bit of a commotion at the door, and in rushed a small pig, closely followed by a big turkey. The curly tailed one skidded up to the front of the small fire, giving a few squeaks and handy buckjumps – as was, apparently, his usual habit.

The turkey just stalked in and sat down on her ‘groog’ as we used to say. A silent meditative sort of bird.

“Well, becripes, yer all honoured by the presence of the Bonniv Branigan” go the pigling, snuffling happily, and giving

small squeals “and how are all ye second-class craythurs goin’, atall atall, bejapers?” Then, noticing the new arrival, with a start, he squealed “Jaysus! A bloomin’ oul duck! Cripes - wotya let that oul quacker in here for, Mary? Janey Mac – it’s a woeful looking yoke altogether! Getteroutahere!

Jaykers, ye’re keepin’ quare company these days, so ye are” - natter, squeal, squeak, etc etc!

Quite out of breath with his hopping and spakes, he noticed a steady beady yellow eye fixed on him, a relentless sort of hard look, unwavering. After a few minutes, he squealed up again, rather peevishly: “And what are you staring at, Feathers, ay? Never seen a Royal Porcine member before, havya? Spake up there, ducksie!” he go, giving a few fancy little skips around the hearth, and nearly spilling the porridge cooked for the morning – for which he got a nice show of teeth from the Spotto – of whom he was secretly rather afraid.

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

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Opinion

When hurling was a crime in Kilkenny!

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Kilkenny had the dubious honour of serving as the venue for sixteen parliaments between 1293 and 1408.

The best known of these was the one that convened in 1366.

It enacted the hard-hitting and notorious Statutes of Kilkenny, which aimed to clamp down on the intermingling of English and Norman settlers with the native Irish.

King Edward the Third wanted to end, once and for all, the trend towards assimilation of his subjects into the rebellious Irish nation.

The Parliament in Kilkenny assembled at the request of the King’s son, Lionel, Duke of Clarence.

The law to deter and prevent the adoption of Irish ways by “superior” English and Normans appeared to have real teeth, though it proved difficult to enforce: It forbade the “King’s loyal subjects” to wear Irish-style clothing, to speak Irish, to have an “Irish haircut”, or to play hurling or other Irish games.

The ban on hurling went further than many of the other

Kilkenny All Ireland Champions 1922

provisions in the Statutes.

It applied to all inhabitants of Ireland…the conquerors

and the conquered…natives, Saxons, Normans and AngloNormans.

Kilkenny All Ireland Minor Champions 1972

Art Exhibition at Foodworks Restaurant

Any English or Norman person who married an Irishman or woman would henceforth be guilty of High Treason, which carried the death penalty.

The anti-assimilation statute was implemented in some parts of the country, and almost totally ignored in others. But within days of the law taking effect, scores of AngloNorman men were arrested in Kilkenny and locked up for sporting illegal haircuts. They lingered for days, sometimes weeks, in jails and dungeons because their haircuts were considered a bit too Irish for

the King’s liking. with horror and lamented No sooner had they his sad fate. Love had emerged from the barcaused many a man and bershops when along woman to lose their came the King’s troopheads-in a metaphoriers to drag them off. cal sense- but none, Many years after they felt, deserved the the passing of the grizzly fate of poor anti-assimilation Thomas, for whom law, the Eight Earl of love had proven truly Desmond, Thomas blind...and lethal.

Fitzgerald, paid the Irish style clothes ultimate price for were torn from the falling in love with an bodies of disloyal Irish woman. After a subjects and in some whirlwind romance, cases offenders were the couple married. paraded nude by jeerThe Earl assured ing soldiers through his sweetheart that the streets and public nobody would pay highways in addition much attention to the to having to serve their Lionel fact that he was a King’s custodial terms…A Duke of subject and that she case of “it’s better to go Clarence was Irish. naked than look Irish.”

He was wrong. Upon But the hurling ban proreturning from their voked more resentment honeymoon, Thomas and among both natives and his startled wife were met settlers than even the crazy by the killjoy soldiers of His prohibition on racial interRoyal Britannic Majesty. He mingling. The relevant Statute was formally arrested and declared: “it is ordained... that taken into custody…away from the commons of the said land the woman he loved. He was of Ireland use not henceforth convicted of High Treason and the games which men call sentenced to death. He threw Hurling, with great Clubs and kisses at his widow-to-be Ball upon the ground, but from the barred window of his that they apply and accustom prison cell on the eve of executhemselves to use and throw tion day. lances, and other gentle games As his severed head fell from which pertain to arms.” the block, onlookers gasped To be continued...

Artist Gerard Casey will have an exhibition of his work at FOODWORKS Restaurant, Parliament Street, Kilkenny, running throughout the month of December and beyond.

A feast for the eyes as well as the body at this lovely eatery run so well by Maeve and Peter Greaney.

In this exhibition he is showing a small collection of oils and pastel work.

Gerard was born in Kilkenny, studied at Limerick and Cork Colleges of Art and post-graduate studies in Ontario College of Art, Canada.

He is a member of Visual Artists Ireland.

Gerard lives and works in Kilkenny & lectured on BA (Hons) Visual Art at Waterford Institute of Technology, now SETU for several years before retirement.

His works are held in public and private collections in Ireland and abroad.

He has exhibited extensively in Ireland and abroad and received numerous awards.

Oireachtas Exhibition Douglas Hyde Gold Medal 1993, Awarded by the Art Council; Oireachtas Exhibition, L & P Financial Services Award - Best Landscape, 1996; Corks Arts Society Award, Irish Representative - ‘First Young International Painters Exhibition’ - Spain, Department of Foreign Affairs – Grant.

Short listed for the ‘European Prize in Painting’ - Ostend; T.U.I. National Exhibition, C.D.L. Exhibition RD.S. Drawing Award Watercolour Award.

Arts Council Travel Award, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997.

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Feature

Mayor Fitzgerald honours Kilkenny Storm members who represented Ireland on the International Stage

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr David FitzGerald has hosted ‘Kilkenny Storm’ in the Town Hall to honour their recent success on the international stage.

The local young players represented the Irish inline hockey team in Montreal, Germany and Kuwait.

Earlier this month, Bryce Cummins ( 17), Cameron Mcfarlane (16), Jamie O’Brien (16), Adam Fomin (17) and Robbie Young (16) all played on the Irish national u18’s Junior Men’s team in Montreal Canada ,where they won three out of six games which was a

fantastic achievement.

In Kuwait 15 year old Hallie Cummins played for the Senior Ladies National Ice Hockey team at the Ladies Development Cup. Hallie was the youngest person to ever play on a Irish Senior National Ice Hockey team and was also the first to score.

Last May in Germany, Zac Cummins (21) and Alec Young (18) played on the Senior National Ice Hockey Team in Men’s development cup in May placing third in the tournament.

Both these players were also picked to play in the

World Championships in Argentina on the Irish inline Hockey Team, however were unable to attend due to costs.

Speaking at the event Cllr FitzGerald said: “It is important to acknowledge the dedication of the younger players and their families to the inline hockey here in Kilkenny. I particularly want to pay tribute to your coach Paul Cummins who not only spends hours traveling to training sessions every week, but is also a voice and campaigner for the minority sports here in Kilkenny.

As Mayor of Kilkenny, I am

proud to stand in a room among international players.

Ice hockey may be a minor-

but all members of our communities. Community spirit, companionship and support are the key to seeing us through the winter.

Now so far, we have had a spell of mild weather across the country but we have

of the Residents association since its formation in 2016 and with Twilight as their General Manager, he shows the value of community activism and advocacy.

In 2023 Twilight Community Group have some incredible developments for our seniors and community groups and alll will be revealed here in Kilkenny’s Favourite weekly newspaper that in these times of increased living costs for everyone, is available FREE Advice for older people and their families and neighbours In winter it can be difficult for everyone to get about and conduct day to day activities.

It is even more difficult for older people and other vulnerable people.

been warned of the cold spell which is about to descend on us.

One such community is the New Park resident’s association who look out for each other not during the winter but all year round.

recent months. Congratulations and continued success to Kilkenny Storm. ’’

Follow New Park’s Residents Association’s example and Stay Safe this winter Today sees the final Chapter in our Twilight Staying Safe this Winter campaign. Over the past few editions, with the assistance of the Kilkenny Observer, we have brought safety this winter to the attention, of not just our seniors,

ity sport, but you have put Kilkenny on the map in your efforts playing globally in

Their Association Dinner, which caters for all but especially the senior members of the community, takes place every December and 2022 is no exception. Mr Frank Cody who is part of both organisations, serving as Chairperson

Keeping well and warm • keep warm, eat well and avoid unnecessary travel. You should eat regular hot meals and drink plenty of fluids, this will keep you warm and will give you energy to keep active • ensure you have sufficient supplies of food and of any prescription medicine you may need • keep active indoors • have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in your home • ask your relatives and neighbours for help if you need it. Keep their phone numbers on a list beside your phone • Personal safety and staying safe • in icy weather, wear well-fit-

ted shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking outside during the cold weather • consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall • if you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a checkup.

• Fall prevention in your home • leave a low energy light on at night time, preferably one with a high light output • use a non-slip shower or bath mat • make sure wires or cords from lamps, telephones etc. do not trail where you walk • arrange furniture so that you can easily move around all your rooms • remove rugs or use non-slip tape or backing so rugs will not slip • consider installing hand rails on both sides of the stairs The Twilight Community Seniors Group are delighted to have brought you all this information in staying safe this winter.

If you missed any of the columns you can click on https://www.twilight.ie/ seniors-news/ On thus link you can get all the information on staying safe this winter and many more interesting columns for all seniors to read.

We look forward to seeing you get involved with Twilight Community Group in 2023.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

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Feature

Hard to keep a good Cat down

Brendan Dixon formerly of Lower Patrick Street, Kilkenny was recently awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony at The Guildhall in London’s financial district.

Vincent Keaveny the first Irish born Lord Mayor of the City of London nominated Brendan as a recognition of his 40-year career in financial services.

Brendan, 63, is son of Paddy, who was chief engineer at Kilkenny County Council and his mother Gertie who took an active part of Bishop Peter Birch’s group that set up social services in the city.

The Dixon home was a lively place to grow up with his ten siblings, Margaret, Padraic, Gregory, Miriam (RIP) Thomas, Catherine, David, John, Vincent and Ann Maire.

Schooling at St Patricks De La Salle led on to Kieran’s College, where lifelong friends were made, some of whom were able to attend the ceremony in London.

At the age of seventeen Brendan headed to London with some of his Kilkenny pals and after a number years working in advertising, he

Kilkenny native Brendan Dixon receives Freedom of City of London

started a new career in financial services in 1982. He then branched out and set up his own independent firm BKD Wealth Management which still operates today with his

­ ­ ­ ­ ­

daughter Tara who is an advisor in the firm. Much of his work involved helping and advising Irish people who had come to London and started their own businesses like him. After forty years of service Brendan has now stepped back from advising and plans to spend some of his time working as a consultant to the profession.

Leaving Kilkenny during the long hot summer of 1976 Brendan planned to get a job and stay a

few months…he’s still there and loves his life in London with his wife Sheila, of Kerry extraction and their three grown up children Tara,

Tiernan and Paddy. When asked, Brendan said “with regard to this award, as I have always said, you can’t keep a good cat down!”

­

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I saw Dickens in Kilkenny. He put on a magical performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’, playing all the parts. He excelled as that miserable, mean-spirited creature we know as Ebenezer Scrooge, who was the unlikely hero in one of the world’s best loved Christmas books. What is even more unbelievable is that the book was born out of desperation.

The year was 1843 and Charles Dickens had already written a string of best sellers including ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’. Each one was a winner with the public who, in their droves, rushed to newspaper stands to grasp the latest instalment of his current story. Dickens was on a winning streak. The sales of his books had given him and his family the opportunity to live well. On the strength of all this success he self-financed a speaking tour in the United States. This was when things started to go horribly wrong.

The tour of America cost much more than he had estimated, the sales of his most recent book, ‘Martin Chuzzlewit’, had slumped and Dickens’ wife had expensive tastes. To put it bluntly, his finances were in tatters, he already had four children and his wife was pregnant again. Life at that moment was not looking good for the Dickens family.

Here was the man who had provided the world with the some of the most memorable characters in fiction. His books had been serialised in a variety of newspapers and Dickens

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ensured that each chapter ended on a cliff-hanger. You could say that he paved the way for today’s serialisation of soap operas on radio and television.

But now he had reached a low point. His popularity was waning. The crowds who eagerly awaited the next instalment of his latest story were dwindling and he was

desperate.

He needed to write something good and sell it quickly.

We must remember that Dickens was living at a time when Christmas was not

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

quite celebrated like it is now.

Many factories still remained open on Christmas Day. As far as some employers were concerned it was a working day just like any other. Charles Dickens had already written heart-rending stories about the poor and destitute of London.

Now he put all his talents into creating a Christmas story which would show that goodness and kindness could still win out over despair and misery.

From October to November 1843, over a six week period, he put the story together. He wrapped the story around the miserable creature known as Scrooge. When he had it finished he knew he had a winner, but his publisher would not touch it. Money had already been lost on the sale of his last book and so this slim volume didn’t stand a chance.

At least that was what the publisher thought.

So Dickens had no choice but to publish it himself. He scraped together what money he could and managed to pay the renowned illustrator John Leech to provide the drawings for the book. Leech had already created drawings for Dickens’ previous novels. This was indeed a do-or-die effort.

Apart from his few remaining pounds, shillings and pence he had nothing left to lose.

So instead of producing a shoddy version of the book, he decided that this was going to be an all or nothing affair. So he arranged for the most lavish production possible, with the

best binding, gilt edged pages and illustrations which were hand coloured. No money was spared. On this last ditch effort his literary career, his finances and his wife’s lavish lifestyle would either sink or swim.

Dickens set the sale price of the book as low and as affordable as possible. Despite the fact that the book sold reasonably well in the first few weeks after publication, profits were small. But the sales continued to increase and Dickens’ reputation was thankfully saved.

He had a firm hold on the literary world again and he also created the pattern for celebrating Christmas festivities.

Dickens practically invented the Christmas we know today.

And John Leech, who created the wonderful drawings in the book, laid the template for the decorations and tinsels and glittering lights we see all around us at this time of year.

If Charles Dickens’ fortunes had not taken the nose dive that nearly destroyed him, we would have been the all the poorer for that. There would have been no need for him to desperately create what ultimately became a best-seller.

‘A Christmas Carol’ would never have been written. That old rascal Ebenezer Scrooge, who learned that goodness is what matters, would not have become a changed man.

And I would never have had the opportunity to see Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles, bring Ebenezer Scrooge back to life on a stage in Kilkenny.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

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The juke box rang out all the Irish rebel songs from home that gave a sense of connection

Actors from Lake Productions, Michael Hayes, Declan Taylor, Derek Dooley, Alan Grant and Eoghan Fingleton, who presented ‘The Kings of The Kilburn High Road’ by Jimmy Murphy at Thomastown Concert Hall in 2022 told the sad tale of some Irish who lost their way in England, and which highlighted the loneliness of Christmas in London for certain members of the Irish Community

A sign that was all too familiar to the Irish community in England.

LamentingChristmas In our ‘Countdown to Christmas’, The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to welcome Dr. Joe Kearney as our first contributor in our Christmas short story section. Enjoy It was a life all too familiar to the Irish…building up and tearing England down

BY DR JOE KEARNEY

We were more like shepherds than magi when we followed that star and if not shepherds then, more than likely, we could be considered black sheep. The stellar light in question was a strip of neon proclaiming the word ‘Watneys’ and the ‘stable’ it hovered above was the saloon bar of the Rifle Volunteer on Kilburn High Road in London.

On that particular Christmas morning, we wended our way through the concrete boreens of North London in some pale imitation of the rituals we remembered were being performed by friends and family back home. Ah! Back home - that was the common element binding us together; it was Christmas, and for yet another year, we had not made it back.

The atmosphere in the Volunteer was heavy. There were reasons for this, perhaps it was the swirl of tobacco smoke or the Thames fog leaking in whenever the barroom door opened, but mostly the air was heavy with unspoken loneliness.

We carried the weight of Christmas on our persons

as a hod-carrier shoulders a load of bricks at the end of a long day. Oh sure, we slapped backs, shook hands and bought drinks for perfect strangers. We had assembled in this plastic tinseled refuge pretending it was our notion of celebrating Christmas - but we knew it to be a lie - we were only in the Rifle

Volunteer because we had nowhere else to go and it promised to remain open until 2.00pm on a Christmas Day. The lad with me was from Cork. On the second round of drinks he burrowed into an inner pocket and withdrew a handful of Christmas cards, stamped, addressed but never posted, his scrawl like a scratched map of the quiet town lands he knew better than any other place on earth. He switched digs regularly. His family had lost connection he told me. He was someone who moved quietly through the world, leaving nothing traceable apart from the muddy imprint of his construction boots Behind us, with his back to the frosted window, sat the man from Inisboffin. I knew him from outside the Crown, looking for ‘a start’. He carried scars of the trenches and tunnels of London and looked like a newly emerged mole. This morning his eyes were as glassy as a stuffed hunting trophy. The pint glass

was dwarfed in his pick-andshovel hand. Tilting back his head, his voice competed against the metallic stutter of a juke-box and fruit machine.

With tightly shut eyes, he sang out a lament of loss that dampened our false gaiety.

He sang the words of Anach Cuan, “May burning mountains come tumbling downward.

On that place of drowning may curses fall, Full many the soul it has left in mourning, And left without hope of a bright day’s dawn”.

Someone unplugged the juke-box and allowed the song to fill the bar. In our heads we were in North London but in our hearts we were transported home.

Home for the west of Ireland man was a place where surf shredded into foam on wild rocks, and where small windows offered the world-weary and the lost an unconditional invitation to warmth and light. For me it was frost flowered window panes, star bejeweled velvet

nights and bells calling out from the Big Chapel. When the song filled the air it became sacred as a hymn. It swept us with it as a swollen river will carry a broken branch. In that most unlikely of spaces we became helpless hostages to memory.

The shutters clattered down fifteen minutes before closing time. Outside the fog had thickened and as we emerged we were glad it blurred the outlines of our adopted home.

We evaporated in the muted light towards our motley of bed-sits; moving through a day short on light but long on memory. The song dogged our footsteps. It was in our heads. We may have landed by boat but today we were drowning in the cold London fog: The skeletal trees I passed beneath held, buried within them, a prospect of new life and growth. There would be springs, summers and other Christmases - the difference, I promised myself was that next year I would make it home - and at that - that very sacred moment, I really believed what I said.

Joe Kearney is originally from Callan. He is an award winning documentary maker, writer and contributor to RTE’s Sunday Miscellany. His collection of short stories, The Beekeeper and the River has just been published. It will be launched in January.

Meanwhile it is available through Ballpoint Press at ballpointpress1@gmail. com, 086 8217631 or directly from Joe at 087 2633041

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Local knowledge, international experience Daly Farrell Chartered Accountants on Friary Street in Kilkenny (directly across from the Friary Church). The audit tax and accountancy practice was established from two experienced accountancy practices that merged in 2020. Patrick Farrell and Robert Daly are the Managing Partners, and staff levels have increased substantially since the merge.

In Daly Farrell, we strive

to improve and evolve with the ever-changing world of business. Currently, more and more clients are embracing cloud accounting as the world of hardcopy invoices ends. Daly Farrell clients are based predominantly in Dublin, Leinster and Munster but we also have international clients across Europe and the United Kingdom.

One area of work that

has grown over the last number of years is the preservation of wealth and succession planning. Daly Farrell is planning to open a Dublin branch in 2023.

For more information visit dalyfarrell.ie We would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients for their continued custom and we wish all a Happy Christmas and a healthy and successful New Year.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

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Food & Drink

Christmas Dinner Day

THE MAINS

THE STARTER

Spicy roasted parsnip soup Prep: 10 mins Cook: 35 mins Serves: 4 Aromatic flavours transform the ordinary parsnip into a delicious warming soup.

Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp coriander seeds • 1 tsp cumin seeds, plus extra to garnish • ½ tsp ground turmeric • ½ tsp mustard seeds • 1 large onion, cut into 8 chunks • 2 garlic cloves • 675g parsnips, diced • 2 plum tomatoes, quartered • 1.2l vegetable stock • 1 tbsp lemon juice Method n STEP 1 Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7.

n STEP 2 In a bowl, mix together 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp ground turmeric and ½ tsp mustard seeds. n STEP 3 Add 1 large onion, cut into 8 chunks, 2 garlic cloves, 675g parsnips, diced, and 2 quartered plum tomatoes and mix well. n STEP 4 Spread over a heavy baking sheet, then roast for 30 mins until tender. n STEP 5 Spoon into a food processor or liquidiser with 600ml vegetable stock and process until smooth. n STEP 6 Pour into a pan with the remaining 600ml vegetable stock, season, then heat until barely simmering. n STEP 7 Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice. Garnish with cumin seeds.

Turkey, bacon & chorizo bombe

Prep: 40 mins Cook: 1 hr and 15 mins Inspired by the internet sensation that is the bacon bombe, we’ve devised a Christmas cracker of a roast turkey with a stuffing of bacon and chorizo.

Ingredients • 8 pork & herb sausages or 500g sausagemeat • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated • 1 small pack parsley, roughly chopped • 1 egg • 32 rashers smoked streaky bacon • 1.6kg boneless, skinless turkey breasts (1 large or 2 small breasts) • 1 tbsp sunflower oil • 6 pieces cooking chorizo • 1 tbsp maple syrup Method n STEP 1 Squeeze the sausages into a bowl or tip in the sausagemeat. Add the garlic, parsley and egg, and squish through with your fingers to mix everything well. n STEP 2 Lay a large sheet of baking parchment on your work surface.

Use the bacon to make a large rectangular lattice, weaving the rashers in and out of each other.

Place a piece of baking parchment on top, then use a rolling pin to roll over the bacon and seal the rashers together. n STEP 3 Butterfly the turkey breast by cutting into one side of it so you can open it like a book. Cover with cling film and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently bash it out into a rectangle that fits inside the bacon, with a

THE DESSERT

Christmas crumble

2.5cm border of bacon on each side. n STEP 4 To build the bombe, peel the top layer of parchment off the bacon, leaving it lying on the bottom sheet.

Arrange the turkey, skinned-side down, on the bacon, then pat the sausage mixture on top. Trim the rounded ends off the chorizo and line them, ends touching, along the middle of the sausage meat mixture. Use the edge of the baking parchment to lift and roll the bacon and turkey into a tight log. Tie the bombe at intervals with string to keep it together, then wrap well in cling film and put in the fridge. Can be prepared, up to this point, and chilled two days ahead. n STEP 5

Prep: 25 mins Cook: 40 mins Serves: 4-6

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp mixed spice • 75g caster sugar

Enjoy a festive crumble made with apples, cranberries and mixed spice. Serve warm with cream or custard for the ultimate comfort dessert.

For the crumble • 125g plain flour • 100g cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes • 50g caster sugar • ½ tsp mixed spice

Ingredients • 1kg apples, peeled, cored and chopped • 150g frozen cranberries

Method n STEP 1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/

To cook, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Remove the cling film, then brush the bombe with a little oil, put it seam-side down on a baking sheet, and roast for 30 mins until the bacon has crisped up, then reduce oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. n STEP 6 Brush with the maple syrup to give it a sticky finish and continue to roast for another 45 mins or until the middle of the bombe reaches 75C on a digital cooking thermometer (check after 30 mins as oven temperatures do vary).

Leave to rest for at least 15 mins before carving into thick slices. Any leftovers are delicious cold. Save the juices from the tin to make gravy. gas 6. Tip the apples, cranberries, spices and sugar into a 22cm square baking dish and mix well to combine. n STEP 2 For the crumble, rub the flour and butter together using your fingertips until you have a breadcrumb-like consistency. Stir in the sugar and mixed spice. Sprinkle the crumble in an even layer over the fruit, then bake for 35-40 mins until golden on top and bubbling at the edges. Leave to cool slightly, then serve warm.

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Troll: think King Kong, mixed with X-Files

Netflix has a new smash-hit movie on its hands — and it’s taken just days for the film to hit the top spot.

Troll is a Scandinavian movie which re-imagines the country’s mythic trolls as Kaiju-like creatures that are angry and out of control.

Think King Kong, mixed with X-Files.

The film is a lot of fun, although it doesn’t skirt away from some serious issues.

Among the creature carnage are themes of xenophobia, religion and colonisation.

The director is one who

is no stranger to managing big, bombastic movies on a modest budget (when compared to Hollywood).

Roar Uthaug created The Wave, back in 2015. That movie was a Day After Tomorrow style disaster film, where a Norwegian fjord collapses and creates an 85-meter high violent tsunami. It was the first disaster movie which was made in Norway and it had around a $6 million budget.

Uthaug’s talents caught the attention of Hollywood and he then went on to direct the

of Wales’ camp is “tired” of Harry and Meghan’s media campaign, and there is ‘absolutely no chance’ of a reconciliation between the two brothers and their wives.

It comes amid reports that senior family members plan “business as usual approach” amid turmoil over Harry and Meghan documentary.

But it has been said that Prince William plans to “push back any wild claims” that may surface in the docuseries, now on Netflix.

The royal correspondent also said there was “abso-

Advertisement TV & Streaming

5 sci-fi series to stream now 1. The Man in the High Castle

The rivetting Man in the High Castle imagines an alternate history where the Axis powers (Rome-BerlinTokyo) win World War II. Based on a Philip K. Dick novel, the series follows characters in the ‘60s who live in a parallel universe, where Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan control the US. But there’s impossible newsreel footage surfacing of a world where Germany and Japan lose the war, causing some to rebel. To really hammer home its dystopia credentials, The Man in the High Castle is steered by producer Ridley Scott. Fully realised and with a focused plot, this is gripping TV on Amazon Prime.

2. Humans

Humans, on Channel 4 and MyFour, might not be entirely original, but the assembled parts sing. A British family purchases an artificially intelligent robot called a ‘synth’ to help out with their busy lives. This grounded approach to sentient, possibly dangerous robots is one of Humans’ greatest strengths. An innocent bond between the family’s youngest daughter and Gemma Chan’s elegant and efficient synth Anita. A mystery draws the family into the origins of the robots, who explore requisite philosophical themes such as humanity, pain, memories and reality.

Tomb Raider reboot, which starred Alicia Vikander.

For Troll, however, Uthaug has headed back to Norway to create this creature feature. Although the budget for this one is undisclosed, it has become an instant hit on Netflix.

According to FlixPatrol, globally it has hit the No. 1 spot for Netflix movies, beating other recent release Lady Chatterly’s Lover which is currently in second spot.

This is impressive, given the movie was only released in early December. In the

near 100 countries that Flix Patrol tracks, the film is in the top spot for the majority of them.

There’s just six where it currently isn’t in top place: Australia, Bangladesh, South Korea, India, Hong Kong and Jordan. It is in their Top 3 movies, however.

Troll has a solid Rotten Tomatoes score, too. It is currently at 85%. with Bloody Disgusting noting: “While light on narrative, it’s when director Roar Uthaug embraces the film’s monster that Troll reveals its magic.”

When Prince Harry met Meaghan ...

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have to look to the future after the release of their explosive Netflix docuseries, and the Duke of Sussex’s memoir release in January, a royal author has claimed.

Valentine Low, who penned Courtiers: The Inside Story of the Palace Power Struggles, told UTV’s Lorraine Kelly he thinks the Montecito-based Duke and Duchess of Sussex “can’t carry on being that couple complaining about the past.”

The royal correspondent also added that the Prince

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lutely no chance” of a reconciliation between the two brothers and their wives.

“You would have thought but maybe after the series and after the book as well, they’ll be done and move on,” Valentine Low said.

‘That’s the important thing, they can’t carry on being this couple who keep complaining about the past.

“They got to look to the future, they got to define themselves and how they are in the future,” the expert said.

“Once they got this out of their system, perhaps we will

hear less from them on that front and we’ll hear some more contributions from them.”

He said the public could expect more “positive contributions” from the parentsof- two, but added that “up until now, their bitterness and resentment have been deep- welled”.

As Lorraine Kelly said there seemed to be no chance of the Sussexes and Wales’ building bridges, the royal expert added: “At the moment there’s absolutely no chance of reconciliation between the two couples.”

3. Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams

Electric Dreams, on Amazon Prime Video, lives up to its name, each episode of the anthology series a vibrant, polished product whirring on the ideas of its source material: The works of Philip K. Dick. As with most anthologies, some episodes are better than others, but if you’re craving storytelling with Black Mirror-like setups, let this reverie slip over you.

4. Outer Range

For trippy sci-fi that asks you to turn on your wild theory generator, look no further than Outer Range.

The 2022 sci-fi Western is set on the Abbott family ranch, where patriarch Royal (Josh Brolin) hides an almighty secret. When a stranger comes to town (Imogen Poots), he’s forced to confront his past, present and future, and not just in the metaphorical sense. Weird in ways you won’t expect, Outer Range is a solid sci-fi outing worth sticking with. Another reason to be invested: Amazon has renewed the neo-Western for a second series.

5. Tales From The Loop

Not just another show about a small town where strange things happen, Tales From The Loop has layers beneath its beautiful surface.

Based on a narrative art book by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, the series is stunning to look at.

Meticulous, symmetrical frames somehow give oI a painterly feel.

The interconnected townspeople are similarly nuanced, their stories exploring loneliness, ageing and the impact of technology. On Amazon Prime Video

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

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The Santa Truck comes to Kilkenny for Yulefest 2022!

The Santa Truck is coming to town for Yulefest Kilkenny!

Santa & Mrs Claus will arrive to Kilkenny in style on Saturday 10th December!

Come out to say hi and grab a selfie with Santa and the bedazzled Christmas Truck and children will be able to hop aboard to visit Santa’s

Grotto. Entrance will be on a first come, first served basis.

Santa’s Truck will be at the Coachpark at St. Canice’s Place. Enter the Coachpark at the pedestrian entrance on Vicar St., across from the Irishtown Petrol Station.

On the night Santa’s helpers will be taking donations

for the LauraLynn Hospice, you can donate online at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/santatruck2022. The Santa Truck will have some children’s items on sale on the night, all proceeds from these will go to the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

Follow @SantaTruck on

Facebook to track their route and see if the truck will be passing along a road near you!

Please note: This is a free event, but donations to LauraLynn are greatly appreciated. Entrance will be on a first come first served basis.

Children must be accompa-

nied by an adult. Attendees will likely have to queue to go inside the truck, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

The Santa Truck will come to Kilkenny on Saturday 10th December from 5pm to 7pm at the Coachpark at St. Canice’s Place.

Lake Productions presents

CHRISTMAS CHARITY CONCERT With Music, Comedy and Song

In aid of

Kilimanjaro Direct Featuring

Castlecomer Male Voice Choir Members of St. Patrick’s Band Ali Comerford Sola CBS Choir Billy Carrigan and Friends Lake Productions Ukrainian Singers Hits from the Musicals

The Set Theatre Kilkenny Monday, 19 December 8.00pm TICKETS available from THE SET THEATRE or online at EVENTBRITE Admission: €12.50 (€10 concession) Proudly supported by

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

The ultimate Christmas movie will be screened at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre this month as part of Yulefest Kilkenny

As part of Yulefest Kilkenny and Christmas in MacDonagh a pop-up outdoor cinema will screen a Christmas favourite, Elf. Released in 2003, Elf has become an iconic Christmas feel-good movie and familyfriendly at its core.

Following on from the success of last years movie nights, the big screen is back, showing your favourite Christmas movie for one night only at

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a new location; Goods Shed Square in MacDonagh Junction. With ample parking and stores open until 9pm, there are lots of places to pick up snacks or eat beforehand in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, it’s an ideal location for this festive event.

On Thursday, 15th December wrap up warm and bring chairs, cushions, blankets and treats to join us for a magical

night of cinema in the city.

Get in the festive spirit, grab your family and enjoy a hot chocolate at this unique Yulefest event or plan a Christmas get-together with friends.

Marian Acreman, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre Manager commented “We’re looking forward to welcoming people to Goods Shed Square at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre

to watch this fun Christmas comedy. Come along and grab a bit beforehand, do some Christmas shopping and pick up some treats to munch on while watching Elf!” Will Ferrell stars as the happy-go-lucky, Buddy, who as a baby crawled into Santa’s toy bag and was whisked off to the North Pole, where he was raised as an elf! Raised as an oversized elf after growing to three times the size of his elf family, Buddy is the epitome of the Christmas spirit. He travels from the North Pole to his birthplace of New York City to discover his roots and find his original family that includes his scrooge-like father and a cynical younger stepbrother who doesn’t believe in Santa.

In New York, Buddy discovers that everyone seems to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas and sets about to single-handedly save Christmas in New York, and win over his family in the process!

Cinema in the city will take place on Thursday 15th December from 5.30pm at Goods Shed Square, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. Tickets are €3 and €10 for a family. At 5.30pm a short children’s movie will be screened at 5.30pm and Elf will begin at 7pm. Spaces will be limited and tickets will need to be purchased in advance at yulefestkilkeny.ie.

Please note: this is an outdoor event with no formal seating.

Please dress appropriately for

the weather and bring picnic blankets, cushions or camp chairs. Due to noise levels we think it’s best to leave the pets at home.

Yulefest ‘Christmas in Kilkenny’ returned at the end of November and brings the festive spirit to Ireland’s Marble City until Friday 23rd December! During the festival Kilkenny’s Medieval City transforms into a Christmas Wonderland of festive cheer for all the family. After the success of last year’s festival, this year Yulefest has grown - with a larger Christmas Market on The Parade and an extended Christmas week programme.

Yulefest Kilkenny runs for five weeks and welcomes visitors to Kilkenny with a packed programme of Christmas activities including live music on the Yulefest Bandstand; the Kilkenny Christmas Market where you can pick up perfect presents for the ones you love; a Santa Run; Fireworks Display; and Elf Village in Castlecomer! New for Yulefest Kilkenny 2022 is an extended Christmas week programme beginning on Tuesday 20th December. The Kilkenny Christmas Market will be open throughout the week, along with live music on the Yulefest Bandstand and some very special treats that you won’t want to miss.

Yulefest Kilkenny is programmed, produced and marketed by Kilkenny County Council.

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“What’s with the racket?” he asked the bar man, indicating towards the lounge “a group of nurses starting their Christmas holiday party tonight, then off to the boat to Ireland in the morning.

We had a big crowd in last night, all starting their festivities here before going home.”

‘Home for Christmas’ he thought, then addressing the barman said “I arrived here just after I turned sixteen, my Mother let me go on the promise that I’d be home at Christmas, that’s over forty five years ago now. Never set foot in that place since, never will.”

They’ll all be going home now with their big wage packets, showing all and sun drying their pay slips, flashing the cash, lying through their teeth about the conditions here. Drawing more of the fools over here in January, with the illusion of big pay days for no real effort. I’ve seen them arrive every September or January, smiling faces, innocence, until they realise the true facts. No comfortable bed, probably sharing a room with up to five others, lucky if they have a mattress on the floor. No Mammy’s dinner at the end of the day. Out

working all day only fit for the bed at the end of it. If you have no trade, you dig, and if you have, you serve those ahead of you in the pecking order.

I’ve seen Plasterers carry hods, Carpenters labour to Brickies, and the elite of the sites, Electricians, up to their knees in mud unloading delivery trucks.

All under the illusion of great times, some with any sense will leave the sites before they are broken. As for those young girls, shops, offices, bars or restaurants are their choices. They’d have done as well had they stayed at home and moved to any Irish city where there are the same opportunities, but no, the bright lights of England and the lies bring them over. Now too proud to go home and admit they were wrong to leave, or they were fooled by other fools. Getting married to save face and stay in England. Marry the lie rather than return home not able to take it, a failure.”

“It’s not like that for everybody is it?” asked the barman.

“For more than most.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

Going home for

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Sixteen is all I was coming off that train after a boat trip that made me so sick I thought I’d never eat again, and my stomach has never been easy since with all I’ve seen. Big strong bucks shattered by the constant driving by dastard foremen under who you can’t toil hard enough, quick enough or long enough. Your wages short every week, and you’re expected to buy a drink and tip your cap to the rogue that treated you like a useless animal all week in the hope he might ease up a little next week.

In all weathers, every day, relentless, total relentless hardships. Have an accident, get injured, take sick, and seek out your social welfare entitlements, no stamps paid, no records kept, you don’t exist, and then you find your friends are very thin on the ground. People you consider your own turn their backs. They can’t help, they don’t have the means to properly support themselves. You sink lower than you thought possible and you never recover. You become invisible in plain sight looking for charity in a place that does not care.

You know when it comes near holiday time as it is when the employers

gain most, because it is then that they all want to boost their incomes, with overtime, working Saturday and Sundays doing ghosters, extra shifts, extra hours for cash at half the normal rate. Anything to be sure of having excess cash during the stay at home, showing off but keeping the dark truth hidden so as not to embarrass themselves for being such idiots. While they are doing this they’re replenishing the next batch of fresh recruits for the disposable labour market. They don’t realise they’re bringing over the very people who will challenge them for their jobs and most likely replace them because they are naïve and will work harder for less until they too, break.

It’s a big circle that will never end; they arrive over here, are broken by the system and then become part of the system, rearing children here who they will then try to protect from the system. Insisting on education as a means of escape, directing them away from their mistakes, making them think they are too good for jobs their parents worked in all their lives. Progress being, they believe that just because

they don’t make the life choices they made, their children will be successful.

The flow off the boats will satisfy the needs of the labour market. Continued supply of young enthusiastic fools from every town and village in Ireland will ensure that. With no effort from the employers needed, they entrap themselves and make no apologies to those who fall into the trap of greed when their errant ways are found out.

They set the same trap they were caught in and in turn, those trapped will set new traps in the months to come. How ingenious it would be if it were designed. What other countries would relish a system such as this to feed their labour market needs? One that pays for itself, it’s pure ingenious.”

“You have very strong feelings towards this,” said the bar man, “Do you mind me asking who you are?”

“Not at all,” replied the gentleman, “I’m Desmond Dollard, owner of the Emerald Construction Company, here’s my card in case you come upon anybody looking to engage in gainful employment.”

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Photo: Vicky Comerford

DJ Beats on Parliament St Yulefest Kilkenny brings you DJ Beats on Parliament St on Fridays 9th, 16th and 23rd December. Brought to you by Clonakilty Distillery, our resident DJs Se7ev Inch Collective will be on hand to get you in the festive party mood. Get together with your friends and head into your favourite Parliament St.

eatery, grab a pizza, pasta or something hearty and bring it with you to the Watergate Urban Park to enjoy great music and a fun atmosphere.

There will be a crêpe van onsite too for something sweet or savoury! DJ Beats is the perfect way to start your Friday nights in the City!

This event is free and open

to the public and is a great way to begin your weekend with friends or finish your week with work colleagues.

Kicking off on Friday 9th December, and continuing each Friday until Christmas DJ Beats takes place from 5pm to 8pm. If you can’t make it on a Friday, don’t worry as the park itself will be open

all week.

Yulefest Kilkenny runs for five weeks and welcomes visitors to Kilkenny with a packed programme of Christmas activities including live music on the Yulefest Bandstand; the Kilkenny Christmas Market where you can pick up perfect presents for the ones you love; a Santa

Run; Fireworks Display; and Elf Village in Castlecomer!

New for Yulefest Kilkenny 2022 is an extended Christmas week programme beginning on Tuesday 20th December. The Kilkenny Christmas Market will be open throughout the week, along with live music on the Yulefest Bandstand and

some very special treats that you won’t want to miss.

Yulefest Kilkenny is programmed, produced and marketed by Kilkenny County Council DJ Beats takes place on Fridays 9th, 16th and 23rd at the Watergate Urban Park on Parliament Street, Kilkenny City, 5-8pm.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

December 1st 2022: The chef behind Báidín, the popular Connemara pop-up of Summer 2021, has just opened a permanent premises in Kilkenny, on Wednesday, November 30th.

Chef Sinéad Moclair along with her sister Maeve opened their restaurant Nóinín at 3 John’s Bridge in the heart of Kilkenny City.

A Ballymaloe cookery school graduate, Sinéad spent three years cooking in the Fumbally Café in Dublin where she also ran the Fumbally Home Cooking courses. She was part of the team that set up Báidín in the Clifden Boat Club which proved to be one of the most talked about food destinations of the summer of 2021. Maeve is a primary school teacher, who

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New Restaurant Nóinín opened in Kilkenny

set their sights on Kilkenny as the location for their business. “We’ve always loved Kilkenny. We’ve been coming here since we were kids and have a lot of affection for the place. It always has a nice buzz as well as being a great city for food. We just felt it would be the right place to open our restaurant.”

Nóinín, the Irish word for daisy, is a nod to the restaurant’s emphasis on locally grown and seasonal ingredients. Local producers will have a starring role on the menu, with Riversfield Farm in Callan supplying organic veg, meat from Kenna’s Butchers in Kilkenny, fish from Goatsbridge along with natural wines from Kilkenny’s Le Caveau. The small regularly changing menu will feature dishes such as Hanoi style chargrilled pork meatballs with sticky rice, nuoc cham dipping sauce, pickles and fresh herbs or a roasted pumpkin, whipped ricotta and organic kale lasagne.

Sinéad and Maeve Moclair pictured in front of their restaurant, Nóinín, on John’s Bridge, Kilkenny

shares a passion for food and decided to take a career break and join her sister in the new venture.

“Maeve came up to Báidín to help out for a weekend and ended up staying for the whole summer. She loved it.

It was that experience of the two of us working together in a tiny kitchen for a summer that started the conversa-

tion- why don’t we open a place together?”

Hailing from near Fethard in Co. Tipperary, the sisters

Nóinín will initially offer lunch Wednesday to Sunday as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday, with plans to expand the dinner offering in the new year.

Opening hours will initially be from 12-4pm for lunch and 6-9pm for dinner with updates available on their Instagram @noininkilkenny

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Win €1000 for your School with Online Christmas Carol Competition

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

After a record year of entries in 2021, the Audiology Medical Service’s ‘Christmas Carol School Competition’ returns for the third year. Schools throughout Ireland are being invited to submit videos singing their favourite Christmas songs to win a cash prize of €1000 for their school Submissions are welcomed and encouraged in a wide range of styles, from gospel to pop, rap to folk, jazz, classical and beyond, with extra points given to any class that includes Lámh or sign language in their video.

Primary schools nationwide are eligible to enter, with

teachers required to email a video or link of their entry directly to Audiology Medical Services. Shortlisted finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, with the winner of the massive €1000 prize then chosen through a public vote.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s competition, Chief

Operating Officer of Audiology Medical Service, Kay Lewis, said: “We have seen how musically talented the children of Ireland are over the last couple of years with this competition, and I cannot wait to hear this year’s submissions.

Our Christmas Carol School Competition highlights the

tremendous talent while celebrating the joy of Christmas and all the wonderful sounds we experience over the festive season, and in particularly highlighting the important role our hearing plays in creating lasting memories and experiencing Christmas to the fullest.”

Kay went on to add: “If our Christmas Carol Competition isn’t for your class, we are also running a Christmas Colouring Competition with a choice of 3 different festive designs to win a €100 shopping voucher.

And, for the first time, we want to hear the children of Ireland best jokes which will

be published in a Children’s Joke Book set to be launched in Spring 2023. All proceeds from the joke book will go to local children’s charities.

Email jokes, with the student’s name, school and location to hello@audiologymedicalservices.ie” A family-owned business, Audiology Medical Services is leading the way in Ireland when it comes to the provision of expert and comprehensive child-centred and family-friendly diagnostic audiological assessment of infants, children, and adolescents. With International studies proving that early detection of hearing loss will result in improved academic and social outcomes for hard of hearing children and their families, Audiology Medical Services ensures that every child that attends an appointment has the most accurate assessment possible.

Audiology Medical Services also believe that no child should endure lengthy waiting lists to access a simple hearing examination, which is why they are fully committed to offering a speedy appointment process to relay any concerns.

For full details on all Audiology Medical Services competitions along with terms and conditions and how to enter, visit www.audiologymedicalservices.ie. Deadline to submit entries for the Christmas Carol School Competition is midnight on Thursday December 8th, 2022.

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Feature

Lecture to remember antitreaty volunteers Murphy and Phelan

Photos of ‘Dear Mother’ by kind permission of Wallslough Studio.

A lecture is taking place on Sunday December 11th in the Home Rule Club which will

revisit events that took place in Kilkenny Army Barracks a hundred years ago involving Captain Frederick Lidwell, a native of

Dublin, and John Phelan and John Murphy two anti-treaty volunteers from the 5th Battalion Kilkenny Brigade who were executed on the 29th of December.

Following the lecture, which will be delivered by Commandant (retired) Larry Scallan, the recently released film ‘Dear Mother’ by Kevin Hughes will be shown.

Larry has a keen interest in our local military history and

heritage and he also assists groups of people who went to France & Flanders since 2011.

He has given walking tours (Kilkenny Military Heritage Tours) in Kilkenny city during heritage week and also provides bespoke tours of Kilkenny City to schools on request.

Further to the recent successful lecture on the inscription on the Kilkenny World War One headstones, Larry offered to hold another lecture on behalf of the Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group, John Joe Cullen (re-enactment group) decided to raise money for Kilkenny Helping

The Homeless, and so proceeds from the night will go to this worthy cause.

The need for help with food and clothing is now much more important with the rising energy costs. The Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group are a group that reenact different periods of Irish related history to inform, educate, and remember Kilkenny men and women who were involved in conflicts near and far off lands. They have been involved in many parades, memorial events, film and stage productions.

Admission to the lecture is five euros.

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Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO Lotto Results, 29th November. No Jackpot Winner. Next week’s jackpot is €6800 €30 each to - Maria Phelan, Denis O Callaghan, Jake Byrne, Patricia Carroll and Mai Brennan. Congrats to all!

Thanks to all for your support.

LEINSTER TITLE Well done to the three Clara lads who featured for St. Kieran’s as they claimed the Leinster Junior hurling title on Wednesday in Nowlan Park. They overcame a strong Johnstown outfit on a 1-23 to 1-16 scoreline.

David Barcoe was a stalwart at centre back while Luke Lawlor and Conor Hoyne, who scored a point, were both introduced as substitutes.

CAMOGIE Congratulations to Laoise Nolan and Mary O Connell who were both selected on the Kilkenny Senior Club Team of the Year at a function in Dicksboro on Friday night. Mary was also honoured as top scorer of the championship with 2-32 to her name in 2022. Siobhán Curtis and Keara Ryan were also nominations for the team. Well done all.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of the club lotto week (Nov 29th ).

Numbers draw were 3, 10, 26, 27 Bonus 23, Next week’s top prize will be €14,400 (Dec 6th ). Play now at www. oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw:. 1. Fran Barry c/o Esther Maher. 2.

Mags & Funny c/o JJ Cullen 3. M Cleary c/o Mick Nolan . 4. Leo Monagle. 5. Mary Brennan c/o Damien O’Connell 6. Ursela McKenna c/o Neil Lot. 7. Margaret Cummins c/o Mick Nolan 8. Noeleen Breen c/o Online.9. Kevin McGarry c/o Online. 10 Nicky Preston c/o Paul Cleere Thank you for your continued support CHRISTMAS TREE SALE Phelans Tree Farm on the Old Golf Links Road is the purveyor of the finest Christmas Trees and has linked up with O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie club again this year to offer you the best Christmas cheer. Take the family,bring the dog if you have to, and visit the Tree Farm, pick your tree, cut it down and take it home.

Trees costs from just €20 and part profit supports O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club. So visit Phelan’s Tree Farm on the Old Golf Links Road near the Fairways R95 K297.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CHRISTMAS PARTY All club members are invited to the Club on Saturday December 17th from 8pm to enjoy a social evening of festive fun. There’ll be a prize for the best Christmas Jumper or Retro Jersey. Live music. Admission is Free MEDALS PRESENTATIONS Medals will be awareded to our u16 Camogie Championship winners and u14 Shield Winners at a short presentation evening on Saturday 17th at 6:45pm in the club lounge. All are welcome AFTERNOON DELIGHT CONCERT A special afternoon of Christmas Carols and Music at St. John’s Church on Sunday Dec 11th at 2:30pm.

Admission €5 SUPPORT LOCAL We encourage all to support local businesses this Christmas just as they’ve supported our local community and sports organisations throughout the year.

AGMs The O’Loughlin Gaels Club AGM will go ahead on Thursday Dec 15th at 7:30pm for all it’s members.

The Camogie Club AGM was held Thursday (Dec 1st) for its members. Club Secretary Geraldine Sheridan was thanked for her generous commitment to the club during her time as secretary after she stepped down from the role. Helen Nelson was ratified as the clubs new Secretary.

Club officers elected. Chairperson, Eoin Lawlor.

Secretary, Helen Nelson. Treasurer, Linda O’Leary. PRO – Vacant. Registrar. Joan Galway. Children’s Officer Caitríona Loughrey Juvenile Chairperson. Orla Skehan.

Coaching Development & Youth - Amy Bryan Hospitality - Deirdre Roche. Co. Board Delegates - Gerry Buckley, Joan Galwey.

SEAN KENNEDY RIP Freshford lost another of its more senior citizens last week with the passing of Sean Kennedy (Snr) late of Ballylarkin, Freshford. In his 90’s he was predeceased by his wife Mary. He was widely known in the area especially amongst the farming community. He was a keen GAA follower over the years and also a keen camogie supporter especially when his daughters were playing.

He was a member of Freshford Coursing club for many decades and the members formed a guard of honour at his funeral. Funeral mass took place in St.Lachtain’s Church on Fridya morning last followed by burial in St.Lachtain’s Cemetery. He is mourned by his son Sean, his daughters Mary, Eileen, Alice, Delia, Claire, Esther and Imelda, his grandchildren , great grandchildren, sons in law, sister nephews nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

LOOP CAFÉ OPENED The new Community Café in the village is now open.

The Loop Café at Buncrussia Street opened on Friday

laslt and is serving some beautiful homemade food.

The Café which is run on a voluntary basis is open Tuesday to Saturday each week from 10am to 4pm, so why not go along for a coffee or a snack and meet your friends for a chat as well as supporting the new local venture.

WORLD RECORD Sinead Diver a native of County Mayo produced the fastest ever marathon time by an Irish woman last weekend with a brilliant run of 2.21.34 in Valencia almost a minute faster than Catherina McKiernan’s long standing record set back in 1998. She represented Australia in the Olympics. Sinead is daughter in law of Patrick and Ann Cullinane, Kilkenny St Freshford and Limerick WEDDING BELLS AND AWARDS Congratulations and best wishes go out to Noel McGree, Woodview Freshford and Miriam Walsh of Tullaroan who were married recently in Church of the Assumption Tullaroan. The new bride had more celebration on the following week at the Camogie awards in Croke Park. Miriam got an All star award and was also named Player of the year. What a week or two for Miriam.

IONAD LACHTAIN CHURCH,ARTS AND HERITAGE CENTRE Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre will continue to open at weekends until Christmas. A wide selection of local crafts is available to purchase including knitted garments and toys, wood turning, Origami crafts, paintings, soaps and Freshford souvenir cards and carrier bags. Local literature includes Ned Kennedy’s “Edmund Fitzpatrick Artist and Illustrator” and Mike Cormack’s “Life in Freshford” book of photographs. Foodstuffs include honey, jams and preserves.

Don’t forget to shop local this Christmas.

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Don’t forget the Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, December 4.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY The annual Christmas collection for the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be taken up next weekend December 11th Donors can also make a donation in the blue SVP envelope provided to each household recently by An Post. These envelopes can be left anytime in the parish collection box in the porch at Freshford Church or in the collection basket at Tulla Church.

MEDALS FOR SERVICE Congratulations go out to brother and sister who received benemerenti medals recently. In recognition of their service and care to St Nicholas Church Tulla Threecastles for 37 years Benemerenti medals were presented to Annette Donegan and her brother Sean Og Murphy by Monsignor Kieron Kennedy P.P. Freshford Parish. The Benemerenti medal is bestowed by Pope Francis in recognition of meritorious Christian service to God and parish.

BIRTHDAYS Special birthday wishes go out to Aoibheann Bergin, Clashacrow and Holly Delaney of Galmoy who celebrated very special birthdays last weekend. The girls marked the occasion at a joint party in Kavanagh’s Bar on Friday night.

CHRISTMAS IN FRESHFORD Frshford held various activities for the upcoming Christmas period. On Sunday last there was a coffee morning and cake sale at Prague House after Mass.

Then an hour later there was a Christmas market at Ionad Lachtain Heritage Centre and then at 5pm. the illumination of the Christmas lights on the green took place with good crowd in attendance some carol singing and the turning on of the lights all around the village.

GAA NEWS St Lachtains Gaa club AGM will be held on this Friday the 9th December at the Clubrooms. All are welcome and all nominations and motions should be with Secretary ASAP. The annual Colin Mcgree and Philip Kinane tournaments were played over the weekend with great numbers of our younger players taking part. In the final of the Colin McGree Shield Charlie Kavanagh team beat Tristan O’Kanes team in an exciting game. While the final of the Philip Kinane Cup saw David Ryan’s team beat Sam Loobys team in another exciting final.

DARTS This years Darts leagues are now in full swing with games played on Friday and Sunday evenings and will continue each week with A, B and C Leagues taking place.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side were in action on Sunday last and were somewhat unlucky to be beaten by neighbours Tularoan on a 3-2 scoreline.

The U17 boys lost out to Evergreen on a scoreline of 6-4 DAY CARE CENTRE Freshford day care centre continues each Wednesday in the GAA Centre at 2pm. New members are most welcome SPLIT THE POT Last week’s lucky winners of Split the pot draw was Peter O’Hara who won €132. The draw takes place each Friday. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. Boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanagh’s Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. The committee thank all for their continued support and ask people to continue to support this fund raising draw .

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on 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.

DUNNAMAGGIN GAA We would like to thank our very generous sponsors of Last week’s Dinner Dance. Alan Buckley,MMC Mining and Metal Consultants,CJ Delaney,Motte & Bailey Bar Kells John Shiel,Abbey Interiors, Tom McCormack,McCormack Windows.Derek McLoughlin, D.Mcl Plastering, Anonymous Local Family, Tirlan, Bill McCormack Groundworks Ltd. KILMOGANY U15 FOOTHBALL CHAMPIONS The Kilmoganny U15 footballers took on Young Irelands in the Final of the Roinn B Football Championship on Sunday morning last in Dunmore.Kilmoganny started well and were working the ball very well and were well in control in the opening exchanges and went four point up with scores from Noah Cahill (2), Darragh Lyons (free) and Pierce Costello(1pt). Kilmoganny could also have had a goal but it went wide. It was not till the 24th minute that Young Irelands scored their opening point. Kilmoganny responded well with points from Jamie Tallon and Pierce before Young Irelands broke forward and managed to scramble a goal into the back of the Kilmoganny net. They followed this up with another point to leave the minimum between the sides at the break with Kilmoganny having played most of the football but not getting the scores. The second half was a real tight battle with both sides giving it their all and bodies starting to tire. It was really a case of who could have battled it out and wanted it the most.

Young Ireland pushed ahead by 2 as we headed into the final 10 mins and they seemed to be getting the edge but a well worked move saw Tim Doherty slot the coolest goal under pressure you would see to put the Kilmoganny men back in front by one,with nine minutes left on the clock. Young Irelands to their credit came straight down the field to draw it all up again as the clock moved closer to the finish. Kilmoganny broke forward again and Tim was the man who stepped up and slotted over from play. Time was just up but the play continued into injury time only for young Irelands to be fouled on the 21 yard line and it seemed that we were heading for extra time as it was straight in front of posts, However the resultant free was just short and the Kilmoganny men managed to get a hand on it and sheppard it out of danger and maintain possession until the ref blew the final whistle to signal that the County title was heading our way. A great way to finish the year off. Young Irelands 1:07 Kilmoganny 1:08

updates. Streamlining of the application process through use of PPSNs. Registering to vote for the first time will now be possible online 16 and 17 year old’s will be able to pre-register to vote. New provisions to make the register more accessible to all. Check the register today at checktheregister.ie

Conor Alyward receives the Roinn B County Football Trophy Team; Sean Sheridan, Stephen Walsh, Thomas Deegan, Ciaran Hickey, Noah Cahill (2pts), Cathal Rossiter, Jake Butler, Jamie Tallon (1pt), Tim Doherty (1:01), David Moore, Darragh Lyons (2pts), Brian Hickey, Conor Lawton (inj), Edward Moylan,Conor Alyward (captain), Ian McDonald, Scott MCDonald, Pierce Costello (2pts), Hugh Healy, Nicky Healy, Hugh O’Sullivan, James Moore, Aaron McCormack, Liam Davis, Daniel Hayes Darwish. Management Niall McCormack, Andrew Hickey, Tom McCormack and Mick Lyons.

LOCAL LOTTO Winning Numbers for November 28th 1, 4, 12. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Veronica Robinson ( Jimmy McCormack ), Nora Murphy (Jimmy McCormack ),Mary Farrell (Aidan Farrell ),Betty Laherty ( Johno Reid ),Kathryn Costello ( Larry Costello) Jackpot next week December 5th €4000. Venue : Townsend’s Dunnamaggin at 9pm all welcome.

THANK YOU Dunnamaggin Development Group wish to thank everyone who attended our first Christmas Event in Madges Garden. An especially loud thank you to the boys and girls of St Leonard’s NS who sang beautifully and to their teacher’s. A lovely evening was had by all who came. A second big Thank You to all who supported our fourth Christmas Market on Sunday last, especially to Santa Claus who arrived via Gerry’s tractor driven this year by his son Liam. Santa could stay again this year to take note of all the children’s Christmas wishes and gave them a gift of a selection box kindly sponsored by PM Securities. He also picked the winners of the Children’s Colouring competition - congratulations to Leah and Liam from St Leonard’s NS and Sean and Neidín from St Eoghan’s in Kilmoganny. The hall was full of stalls selling Christmas gifts, Kathleen did a trojan job of selling tickets for the monster raffle whose proceeds will be split between DDG and St Joseph’s Home. Eamo’s Beef Stew went down a treat. Thank you to everyone who volunteered on the day, with set up, who sponsored a raffle prize and everyone who supported us last Sunday and throughout the year.

We are taking a break and will be back in the New Year. DDG wish everyone a happy Christmas and a wonderful 2023.

RECOVERY COLLEGE SOUTH EAST Wellness Conversation with Family Members and Supporters Morning in Kilkenny.

Recovery College South East are delighted to inform you that SHINE, Family Peer Support Service (HSE), Recovery College South East and Mental Health Ireland are hosting a Wellness Conversation with Family Members and Supporters Morning on Friday 9th December 2022 in the Recovery College South East, Greenhills, Kilkenny, R95 YYCO from 10am to 1pm. The aim is to promote wellness and self-care, particularly around the necessity to care for themselves as family members/supporters/friends while supporting a loved one in the area of mental health and recovery. Also having group discussions and conversations around information needed around supports and to promote the Family Peer Support Groups (in person) launching in 2023. This morning event is an open invitation and no need to register.

TWENTY FIVES IN COOLAGH All welcome to Coolagh Hall this Thursday and every Thursday for the popular game of “25’s”, A great way to pass the long wintry nights. The games begin at 8pm CHECK THE REGISTER Improvements to voter registration process Changes to the electoral registration process include: A move from fixed periods for updating details to rolling

Kilmoganny U15 Roinn B Football Champions 2022

MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish, Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday at 9.30a.m.Vigil - Saturday 10th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 11th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday 10th. at 6.30p.m.; PRAY FOR Anniversary Masses: Michael Murphy , Lismatigue. In Hugginstown Church on Saturday 10th. Dec. at 8.00p.m Brendan Murphy , Newmarket. In Hugginstown Church on Sunday 11th. Dec. at 10.00a.m ROTA Rota for next week-end: 10th. and 11th. December 2022 . (Third Sunday of Advent) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Rita O’Farrell.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. John Barron; Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Carroll.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Bernie Grace; Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cuddihy; Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power.

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS Many thanks for your Contributions to the November Offerings during the past weeks.

Roman Catholic Diocese and Parishes of Ossory – Registered Charity No. 20015831 ORDINATION Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Niall Coll, a priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, to be the next Bishop of Ossory. He will be ordained as Bishop on Sunday 22nd. January 2023 at 3.00p.m. in St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny.

ONLINE ADVENT RETREAT The Priory Institute is delighted to offer an online retreat ‘Word becomes Flesh’: an Advent Retreat. Visit our website prioryinstitute.com to register or for more information.

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry, Telephone: 087 100 0232 or email: dlp@ossory.ie . Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick andCarmel O’Toole YOUTH RETREAT The Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat will be taking place in Newbridge College, Newbridge between 9th. and 11th. December. This retreat is for anyone aged 16-35 Years. Excellent Speakers, Inspiring Talks and Workshops, Fantastic Music, Group activities, Youth Masses,Adoration, Reconciliation, Prayer, Drama, Games & plenty of time to chill out, meet new people and find out what it means to be young & Catholic today!! Donation only. Free buses leaving from all over Ireland. Register now on www.youth2000.ie LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 28th. November 2022. Numbers: 03; 26; 20; 07. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00 Winners: Mary Bryan, Jenkinstown. Mary T. Power, Rathduff. Josie Frisby, Carraigetna. Donal Foley, Hugginstown. Claire Ivors, Ballingarry.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers). Eilish Rohan. Tommy Murphy.Teresa Fitzgerad.

Next Draw on Monday. Please submit returns by 8.30p.m. Draw at 9.00p.m.

WATERBOYS Equinox Theatre Group announces the premier of “Waterboys -The Movie”, a short film written by and starring Jim Rohan and Gary Comerford, on Sunday December 18th. at 5.00p.m. Tickets from www.watergatetheatre.ie THE CHAPTER HOUSE BOOKSHOP The Chapter House Bookshop at St. Mary’s Cathedral will be open 5 Days a week ( Monday to Friday) starting Monday 28th. November up until Christmas. The Shop has a great selection of Nativity Cribs, Christmas Cards, Calendars and Diaries for 2023, also a wide selection of Bibles, Liturgical and spiritual Books.The Bookshop also has a wide selection of Mass Cards and religious Gifts for any occasion.

COIS NORE CHRISTMAS CARD Help us to deliver joy and hope with a unique Cois Nore Christmas Card. The cards have been designed for us by Kilkenny’s Cartoon Saloon, the award winning animation studio in their iconic style. These beautiful Christmas cards, featuring Kilkenny landmarks, are an ideal way to send season greetings. Buying our Christmas cards will raise vital funds to help us support people living with cancer and their families in Kilkenny.

Cards will be available in retail shops throughout Kilkenny.

CARRICKSHOCK COMMERATION This year on the 14th December the 190th Anniversary of the Battle of Carrickshock occurs. This will be marked by the Annual torchlight walk at 8pm from Hugginstown via Kyleva to the battle Commeration Cross. A short oration will follow. All welcome. Please adhere to Covid regulations.

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Hurling matters

Sport

Aerial battle with tj going Highest

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship Final Croke Park, Dublin Shamrocks Ballyhale 2-22 Kilmacud Crokes 2-19 Kilkenny’s finest, Shamrocks Ballyhale survived a stunning second-half comeback Kilmacud Crokes comeback to seal a 12th Leinster title and in doing so, set up a mouth-watering clash with current All-Ireland holders, Ballygunner in a weeks’ time.

With a seemingly unassailable 14-point lead gained by the 33rd minute, the back-to-back Dublin champions hurled with no fear as they set about reeling in the Shamrocks lead. But for the brilliance of Goalkeeper Dean Mason, this result could have easily gone the way of Kilmacud.

Kieran Dowling’s charges registered 1-7 without reply, including a goal for captain Caolan Conway, but it would be Alex Considine’s green flag raiser on 47 minutes that left the Kilkenny side leading by the bear minimum.

Ballyhale’s experience and nous saw them build a 3-point lead which they club to until the long whistle sounded.

Pat Hoban’s men ran out onto the Croke Park turf determined to secure victory and another crack at Waterford and Munster kingpin’s Ballygunner and did so without the services of their captain, Ronan Corcoran, who was missing through injury.

Kilmacud’s top scorer Oisin O’Rorke opened the scoring with a ‘65 in just the second minute of Paddy Mullen makes a fine catch over Cadlan Conway

play, before Shamrocks struck two wides via Evan Shefflin and Adrian Mullen. Veteran TJ Reid got the scoreboard moving for his side in the 5th minute when we struck over a long-range free. TJ then turned provider, as he set-up the hugely impressive Adrian Mullen for the first of his four points.

The Dublin side responded with a lovely point from late addition to the starting XV, Alex Considine out on the left. Dublin player Fergal Whitley then produced a penetrating run before splitting the posts to edge the men from the Captial ahead. Eoin Cody

then went on a nice run before off-loading to his full-forward, Colin Fennelly, who saw his initial effort blocked before he recycled the ball and popped over a good point. From the Crokes puck-out, Eoin Cody secured possession and fired over fine point, un marked underneath the Cusack stand.

Ballyhale were certainly being more direct in their approach. A long ball out of defence saw Colin Fennelly win the ball and scan for options around him. The big No.14 passed to Adrian Mullen who swung over a lovely point to put his team two points ahead.

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Hurling matters

Leinster secured as Shamrocks look to ‘Gunner challenge Kilmacud rattle Ballyhale in provincial tussle Colin Fennelly Scores Goal for Shamrocks

Mullen was then adjudged to have fouled Fergal Whitley, but uncharacteristically, Oisin O’Rorke pulled his effort wide of the Shamrocks posts.

The next score was pure TJ. The newly blessed Father rose highest to claim the sliotar before wheeling away and striking over an excellent score. Corner-back Killian Corcoran was then fouled deep in his own half. TJ stepped up and struck over a monster of a placed ball to send his side 4-points clear. Niall Shortall then rifled over a lovely point, again having found himself in acres of space. From the

puck-out, Shamrocks pressed their opponents and some great pressure from Eoin Cody saw Crokes foul the ball, which TJ punished to stretch the Kilkenny sides lead to six points.

The first of four green flags raised on the day came in the 24th minute. TJ again, took a superb catch before passing to Colin Fennelly. Colin shipped the sliotar to Eoin Cody whose goal attempt was blocked by Crokes keeper.

Just as it seemed that Robert O’Loughlin was about to secure possession and clear, Fennelly batted the ball to the net and

Shamrocks led by 9 points.

Shamrocks would also get the next two score’s – the first came when Joe Cuddihy won the ball and was forced to retreat. Hor laid the ball back to Richie Reid who struck a brilliant effort from halfway. Richie then picked up the ball following a nice turnover. He gave a nice hand pass to Adrian Mullen who wasted no time in striking a glorious point from tight to the sideline from round-a-bout half way. Magnificent.

Oisin O’Rourke then broke a long scoring drought for the Dublin side from a placed ball, after Joey

Holden was harshly booked for a tackle on Ronan Hayes. The Stillorgan based club registered the next score also, this time following a bad pass from TJ. Fergal Whitley intercepted Reid’s pass and setoff on a mazy run showing pace and skill as he stayed in control of the sliotar before he batted over a beautiful point for his sides 5th of the day.

Colin Fennelly who had been on the end of a lot of ball for the Shamrocks, then won possession before passing to the supporting Eoin Kenneally. The rangy forward had the presence of mind when

surrounded to lay the ball off to TJ who popped over another fine point. Adrian Mullen was then booked by ref Paud O’Dwyer and O’Rorke dispatched the free between the posts. Eoin Cody then took a nice catch and turned on the pace to get away from the Crokes defence. Cody passed to Fennelly and the latter pointed to make it a 10-point game.

Kilmacud corner forward Dara Purcell then pointed a lovely score from out on the right. Two more scores would come before the CONTINUED >>>

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Sport

Eoin Kenneally Looks for Support chased by Darragh Butler

>>>CONTINUED

short whistle. From another bad Crokes puck-out, Eoin Cody sent over a sumptuous score from the right-side, this was followed by Fennelly’s 3rd of the game. The veteran forward showed strength and composure before striking over. Half-time score, Shamrocks Ballyhale 1-15, Kilmacud Crokes 0-7.

That was a good half of hurling from the Kilkenny side. The pressure, intensity and hunger was there from the start. No repeat of the opening period in the Nass game.

The second period started with Shamrocks further asserting their authority on the game. Darragh Corcoran gave a nice pass to his midfielder Paddy Mullen and the latter sent over a fine point. Paddy then became creator for his sides next score. Having picked up the sliotar out on the right, he looked up and sent a lovely cross-field pass to brother Adrian who finished with aplomb. Niall Shortall then notched his second point of the day to leave Ballyhale with a commanding 14-point lead.

Paddy Mullan was then blownup for a rather obvious push on is opponent. Oisin O’Rorke stood over the free and given the margin by which his side trailed, went for goal. His effort was blocked and as Shamrocks looked to work the ball out of defence, Evan Shefflin’s pass was read by Ronan Hayes. The Inter- County star slipped a nice pass to the on-running Caolan Conway who gave the diving Dean Mason no chance. The gap was back to 11-points, no immediate signs of the storm that was to come from Crokes.

Darragh Corcoran was then booked for halting the run of Fergal Whitley and O’Rorke popped over the resulting free. Dara Purcell then produced some lovely play before sending over a fine point, before notching another shortly after. Kilmacud midfielder Micheal Roche then got a fine point from distance before the main marksman Oisin O’Rorke rifled over a lovely point from play. The gap was now down to just 2 scores.

Paddy Mullan then joined his brother Adrian in the referee’s notebook on 42 minutes as Shamrocks struggled to quell the Crokes threat. O’Rorke popped over the free awarded and then Dara Purcell added another fine point to his tally. It was all Kilmacud. Ballyhale were struggling to retain possession, as the wind really began to have an influence on the game. Adrian Mullen was then stopped illegally in his tracks and TJ Reid slotted the placed ball over the bar for a muchneeded score for the Kilkenny side.

Dean Mason was then called into action again, this time denying a certain goal for the impressive Alex Considine with a brilliant piece of net-minding. Oisin O’Rorke scored from the resulting ‘65. The Ballyhale lead was reduced to just one point in the 47th minute when a long ball out of the Crokes defence was diverted off Joey Holden into the path of that man Considine who beat Darren Mullen

Dean Mason great saves

to the ball before striking a cracking shot across Dean Mason and into the back of the Shamrocks net. It was now a 1-point game, and the Leinster title was up for grabs.

Pat Hoban’s men needed a score to settle the ever-growing nerves and luckily for them Joey Cuddihy struck from distance before a real slice of luck came their way.

Dean Mason drove a puckout deep into Crokes territory that appeared to deflect of Joey Cuddihy and was collected by Eoin Kenneally who then sent a testing ball into the Crokes danger zone. Niall Shortall rose along the Kilmacud full-back, but the sliotar

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Hurling matters Pat Hoban & his backroom team will be out to halt Ballygunner

Ronan Corcoran Raises the Leinster Trophy

Scorers for Kilmacud Crokes: O. O’Rorke (0-8, 5 frees, 2 65s); D. Purcell (0-5); A. Considine (1-1); C. Conway (1-0); F. Whitely (0-2); M. Roche, B. Hayes, R. Hayes (0-1 each).

BALLYHALE SHAMROCKS: D. Mason; K. Corcoran, J. Holden, D.

Mullen; E. Shefflin, R. Reid, D. Corcoran; A Mullen, P. Mullen; E. Kenneally, T.J. Reid, E. Cody; N. Shortall, C. Fennelly, J. Cuddihy.

KILMACUD CROKES: E. Gibbons; C. Mac Gabhann, D. Butler, B. Sheehy; R. O’Loughlin, M. Grogan, C. Ó Cathasaigh; B. Hayes, D.

Purcell; C. Conway, R. Hayes, F. Whitely; A. Considine, O. O’Rorke, M. Roche.

Subs for Kilmacud Crokes: B. Scanlan for C. Conway (52); B. O’Carroll for M. Grogan (temp 5458); S. Purcell for M. Roche (58).

Referee: P. O’Dwyer (Carlow).

>> SHERRY SAYS... evaded both those players and the helpless goalkeeper Eddie Gibbons behind them for Ballyhale’s second major of the day. The gap was now 5 points.

The lively Dara Purcell struck his 5th point of the day but Shamrocks struck back immediately via a nice point from TJ. Oisin O’Rorke then notched his eighth point of the game and 7th placed ball before Dean Mason made another fine save, again denying the pacey Considine. Young midfielder Brian Hayes made a surging run through the middle of the park before splitting the posts with a fine score having taken the pass from his

brother Ronan.

Eoin Cody was then upended which allowed TJ to match Oisin O’Rorke’s 8-point tally. The last score of the game came from Ronan Hayes, his only point of the day. Paud O’Dwyer then blew for full-time. Agony for the Dublin side, pure relief for Pat Hoban’s men. Final score, Shamrocks Ballyhale 2-22, Kilmacud Crokes 2-19.

Scorers for Ballyhale Shamrocks: T.J. Reid (0-8, 5 frees); C. Fennelly (1-3); A. Mullen (0-4); E. Kenneally (1-0); E. Cody, N. Shortall (0-2 each); R. Reid, P. Mullen, J. Cuddihy (0-1 each).

Relief. Pure relief for Shamrocks Ballyhale. I didn’t sense much euphoria at securing a 4th Leinster title on the bounce at the full-time whistle. Even when injured captain Ronan Corcoran lifted the O’Neill Cup, there was definitely more of a feeling of “That won’t be good enough to beat Ballygunner” in the air.

Manager Pat Hoban alluded to this afterwards when speaking to the media. It’s going to be a big final week’s preparation of the All-Ireland semi-final. You’d imagine it won’t be taxing physically, but mentally this Shamrocks side will need to sharpen-up ahead of the game with Waterford and Munster champions.

Having their captain on the pitch next day out will be crucial. I think it’s fair to say Ballyhale are a better outfit with Ronan Corcoran in the starting XV. Before accepting his MOTM award from TG4, Colin Fennelly spoke about this game being a ‘rude awakening’ for the Kilkenny champions. Fennelly was a great out ball for his side, especially in the first half, hitting 1-3 in aid the Ballyhale cause.

Adrian Mullen was once again outstanding for his side. The scorer of 0-4 on the day, his 3rd point was savage. He will need to produce a similar display next week.

The wide count will be worrying for Pat Hoban and his management team, I think it was something like 18 for Na Seamróga. Yes, conditions played a part, but they will want to lower this statistic next time out.

A word on Kilmacud Crokes. They showed tremendous fight and ability during the 2nd half, and but for Dean Mason, the result could well have been a little different. I don’t think this will be their last provincial final.

Let’s hope the Shamrocks lads recover and bring the battle to Ballygunner. It should be one hell of a semifinal, and there’s no doubting that the winner of this tie will be huge favourites come All-Ireland Final day in January.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

Motors Classifieds

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

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 087 2587745 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

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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

WANTED Commodore 64 Computer and Accessories Call: (087) 425 1022

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

I, John Walsh, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Permission for a partially constructed shed containing stables and forage/bedding storage area, dungstead and effluent tank and associated site works at Duninga, Paulstown 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, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: - John Walsh

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

Permission is sought for a single storey extension to the side of existing residence, including alterations and associated site works at No 20, Robertshill, Circular Road, Kilkenny.

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

Applicant: Nick and Sandra Butler.

056 777 1463

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

SEÁN HEFFERNAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Seán, Drakelands, Co. Kilkenny We, the wife and family of the late Seán would like to sincerely thank all our relatives, neighbours and friends for their kind support and sympathy during our recent sad loss.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. McGovern and team along with the staff in St. Luke’s and Fr. Carey for their gentle care during Seán’s illness.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on 11th December at 5.30pm.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. D.D.

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.D.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

A special thank you to Fr. Scriven for the rosary and the personal and thoughtful funeral service, Seán and Martina for the beautiful music and the Ambulance Service for the Guard of Honour.

We appreciate all those who attended, sent messages of condolence, mass cards and donations to The Friends of St. Luke’s.

Thank you to Hehir’s for their kind, professional service.

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.

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.

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.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. 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. A.B.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 09 December 2022