Kilkenny Observer 10th June 2022 by Kilkenny Observer

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Friday 10 June 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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Covid hits holidays

Popular holiday destination Waterford and Wexford are among the counties with the highest rates of Covid-19, according to the latest figures. As is Co Kerry. And this will, likely, sway people’s decsions to holiday in the South East. The lowest incidence was in Monaghan and Longford. It comes amid a rise in Covid-19 hospital admissions and an increase in the seven-day positivity rate.

There is concern that new variants of concern BA.4 and BA.5, combined with less frequent wearing of face masks and a return to regular socialising, could signal another Covid-19 wave although how big it would be is unclear. The rate of infection is highest in those aged 35-44 followed by 25- to 34-year- olds and people aged 45-54, according to the latest report from the Health Protection

Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Only around half of patients with Covid-19 in hospital are there due to complications of the virus and the rest are being treated for other illnesses and are infected. The numbers of Covid-positive patients in intensive care remains stable with 23 on average in critical care. High levels of vaccination in Irealnd are continuing to provide very good protection

from any serious outcomes. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that BA.4 and BA.5 variants of concern, which are sub-lineages of Omicron and are circulating here, are easier to catch and also better at getting around immunity from natural infection and vaccines. People aged 65 and older as well as people who are immunocompromised are being urged to avail of the offer of a

second Covid-19 booster shot. There will be no return to restrictions although the wearing of face masks in shops, public transport and crowded indoor settings is still encouraged while outdoors is still safer than indoors for meeting up. Public attention continues to be drawn to the wearing of masks to protect other vulnerable people on buses, trains and in other social settings.

The Darkest of Comedies From Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival, the award-winning team that brought you A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing, comes a new take on Shakespeare’s classic, filled with magic, mischief, music and romance. Eleanor Methven, pictured, one of Ireland’s most celebrated actresses, takes on the iconic role of Prospero, the deposed ruler turned elemental sorcerer. It promises to be a dark comedy filled with magic, music, mischief and romance, told beneath the Kilkenny summer skies.

JUST FOR YOU: Our weekly Global Report We at The Kilkenny Observer believe our readers and advertisers as well as having an ardent interest in what is happening news and community-wise in their county, also have a wider interest in what is happening in the world at large. They want to be informed. To this end, this paper has the past 18 months brought you weekly special reports and updates on the Covid pandemic and more recently the war in Ukraine and the mass killings in the US. This week we launch a new weekly Global Report, which carries comment and analysis inside on Ukraine and on the call to change US gun laws. This is another addition to our ongoing commitment to serve the people of Kilkenny. Global Report, Page 22

Banking chaos Up to 500,000 people being forced to look for a new bank have been given conflicting information about how to switch accounts. This has prompted accusations that the banks are deliberately undermining the issue Full story, Page 6

Full report, Page 4

House prices up There was a 12% rise in house prices in the last year as inflation in the housing market neared Celtic Tiger levels, a report from a home valuation website has found. Full story, Page 10

UK ‘historic low point’ on North’s protocol It would be an “historic low point” if the British government were to take unilateral action on the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Taoiseach has told the European Parliament. Micheál Martin told MEPs that such a move would be “deeply damaging” and “quite EVERY FRIDAY

literally, be to the benefit of no one”. He said there are solutions to the practical problems of the protocol and a political will to agree them. But, he said “that requires partnership, it requires the UK government to engage with

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good faith, seriousness, and commitment”. He said: “Unilateral action to set aside a solemn agreement would be deeply damaging. It would mark a historic lowpoint signalling a disregard for essential principles of laws which are the foundation of in-

ternational relations, he said. “And it would, quite literally, be to the benefit of absolutely no one.” Mr Martin said the Good Friday Agreement provided a “clear framework for protecting different identities and interests in Northern Ireland” and ap-

pealed to all sides “not to treat lightly what was hard won.” The Taoiseach said while it is reasonable to look for ways to improve the operation of the protocol, “unfortunately what we have seen are bad faith efforts to undermine a treaty freely entered into”.

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News This year’s Kilkenny Arts Festival has some exciting acts and performers on offer from August 4 to 24. The full festival programme will be announced in midJune but a number of first announcements are Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival, the award-winning team that brought you A Midsummer Night’s 2 Dream and Much Ado About Nothing, join forces once more to present a new take on Shakespeare’s classic –The Tempest. The acclaimed Carducci String Quartet, our main photo, will perform one of the great cycles ever written for the string quartet, Shostakovich’s 15 Quartets to be performed over six days in St John’s Priory. One of the world’s premier period ensembles Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin present a rich programme featuring the music of ‘Handel and Friends’ which will showcase the vibrant music scene of Baroque London while Irish band, Bell X1 join forces with genre-hopping Dowry Strings to reimagine their sounds, creating fresh new arrangements that set each song against a backdrop of lush, gorgeous strings. 3 Another festival highlight promises to be The Irish Baroque Orchestra and Tara Erraught performing songs and arias associated with legendary singer Giusto Tenducci at St. Canice’s Cathedral. Malcolm Proud returns to Kilkenny Arts Festival to perform Bach’s complete masterwork The Well-

Early line-up for Arts Festival tempered Clavier, Book I over two unmissable concerts in St John’s Priory. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and the Irish Chamber Orchestra will finally perform to live audiences Róisín ReImagined, a stunning collaboration co-commissioned by the ICO and Kilkenny Arts Festival. Featuring Nic Amhlaoibh, musician and producer Dónal O’Connor, Irish Chamber Or-

chestra, and six composer/ arrangers; Cormac McCarthy, Paul Campbell, Linda Buckley, Sam Perkin, Niamh VarianBarry, and Michael Keeney – Róisín ReImagined breathes a whole new life in to the Sean Nós repertoire. Another highlight will be a performance by renowned Mezzo-Soprano Ailish Tynan who returns to Kilkenny Arts Festival for a special

Opera Gala night with the Irish Chamber Orchestra performing a selection of some of the best-loved repertoire from Mozart, Puccini, Lehar, Verdi and more. Opera Collective Ireland and Kilkenny Arts Festival present Handel’s masterpiece ‘Semele’ with Akademie 5 für Alte Musik Berlin in partnership with dynamic choral ensemble Sestina. One of the

richest and most compelling of all Handel operas, Semele sees the return of the creative team behind the critically acclaimed production of Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses and a star studded cast that includes Kelli-Ann Masterson, Jade Phoenix, Andrew Gavin, Dominica Williams, Gerben Van der Werf and Edward Hawkins. Another highly anticipated

performance will be Ireland’s flagship choral ensemble Chamber Choir Ireland, led by Paul Hillier, return to Kilkenny Arts Festival for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s sublime large-scale work, the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom while grammy award-winning violinist Johnny 6 Gandelsman returns to Kilkenny to perform his unique version of the complete set of Bach’s cello suites.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

News

Free days for remote work Three free days in any remoteworking hub are to be offered to workers by the Government as an incentive to stay out of the office for a few days a week and work in their communities. The new scheme is aimed at encouraging more use of the hundreds of remoteworking centres that have been set up around the country,

particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Local TD John Paul Phelan has welcomed the new voucher scheme to give remote workers free access to their local hub. There are three such hubs in Kilkenny City – including Kilkenny Office Suites, Kilkenny Enterprise Centre and New Work Junction.

People will have to register as remote workers and can then attend their local hub to redeem their free days. The scheme could save them up to €75, depending on the rate charged. The three free sessions will also follow the worker, meaning they can avail of the days in another part of the

country if they are on holiday in Ireland. At least 10,000 hot-desk sessions will be provided to existing hub users and those using the facilities for the first time, but this may be increased if the scheme proves to be popular with people living in rural parts of the country. It was initially envisaged that

a loyalty points system, such as in coffee shops, would be introduced, giving people a free day after they had paid for a set number. However, this proposal was ditched in favour of offering workers three free days at the hub of their choice. Rural Affairs Minister Heather Humphreys has

announce details of the new initiative, along with a series of other measures aimed at promoting the use of remote working hubs. Hub users and those thinking about it should set up a profile on the website Connectedhubs. ie to take advantage of the free places which are avilable intil the end of August.

Delay for 500,000 switchers as banks argue over moves Up to 500,000 people being forced to look for a new bank have been given conflicting information about how to switch accounts. The Central Bank and the banks’ lobby group, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, are offering different advice about how the process for switching current accounts works. This has prompted accusations that the banks are deliberately undermining the current account switching code code in a bid to restrict competition in this market. It comes as more than 500,000 customers of departing Ulster Bank and KBC Bank Ireland are being forced to close their current accounts amid a scramble to find new providers. The representative body for banks has been accused by TD Pearse Doherty of failing to understand just how the

switching code works and deliberately trying to ensure it does not work. The code is supposed to make the job of switching banks much easier, with the new bank doing all the work of switching customers’ direct debits, standing orders and other orders. However, CEO of the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Brian Hayes, told the Dáil’s finance committee last month that the switching process set out in the code “is paper-based, manually intensive and volume sensitive”. He said it required banks to write physical letters to switch direct debits when moving accounts. This has now been contradicted by the Central Bank, which has confirmed that communication between banks and direct debit originators can be automated or electronic.

Two in three unaware how to make food hygiene complaint Almost two-thirds (61%) of adults in Ireland do not know how to make a complaint to authorities regarding unfit food or poor hygiene practices. The news comes as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) launches a new awareness campaign, See Something, Say Something, which stresses to consumers their right to safe food. The campaign is supported by a robust online presence and includes several videos, each encouraging consumers to make a complaint if they experience unfit food or poor hygiene practices when buying food or eating out. Reporting a concern is easy and can be done via the FSAI website by completing a simple online complaint form to report a food business or food product. New research commissioned by the FSAI, also shows

disparities across generations when it comes to lodging complaints regarding unfit food or poor hygiene practices, with those aged 54 and over the group least likely to have ever done so. Meanwhile, when faced with a concern, Millennials (those aged 23-37) are least likely to know how to submit a complaint. ‘Safer Food, Better Health’ was the theme of this year’s World Food Safety Day which highlighted the role that safe, nutritional food plays in ensuring good human health and well-being. Jointly facilitated by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the day focuses on collaboration with UN Member States and other stakeholders to bring the message of food safety to communities worldwide.

Holding out for a community hero ... GIY and Energia are on the search for Leinster’s ‘Get Ireland Growing Community Hero’ as they invite communities across Ireland to take part in Energia Get Ireland Growing Day on Saturday, July 2. Get Ireland Growing Day is part of the Energia initiative, in partnership with GIY. This year the initiative is aiming to sow the seed of community food growing nationwide by encouraging and supporting as many individuals and groups to come together for community food growing projects of all shapes and sizes. Ahead of July 2, Kilkenny people have the opportunity to nominate someone going above and beyond to support others to grow

and for them to be named their province’s ‘Get Ireland Growing Community Hero’. Previous winners have included those leading a community garden project, bringing food growing into schools or simply motivating their neighbours to give growing a go. Earlier this year the Energia Get Ireland Growing initiative announced the giveaway of 300 community growing starter kits across Ireland worth €42,500. Using these kits, communities across Ireland are encouraged to come together to become more sustainable and connected through growing food together. For those that missed out on the kits, there are still great prizes to be won for any community group

hosting a local gathering on Get Ireland Growing Day, with free resources available at getirelandgrowing.ie or by downloading the GIY app. On Get Ireland Growing Day, it is also time for participants to submit their entries to be in with the chance of winning a range of prizes. To enter, participants are asked to post a picture of their community growing projects on any social media channel and tag @EnergiaGIG while also using the hashtag #GetIrelandGrowing. The 2022 prize categories and prizes include, a ‘Community Hero’ with one hero awarded per province and the winners awarded a GIY annual subscription. The ‘Best Energia Get

Ireland Growing Day’ is an award for the most impressive gathering hosted on the day, with a prize of a GIY voucher worth €500. Finally, the ‘Best Transformation’ is up for grabs for a group that has transformed a space, with a €1000 cash prize. Get Ireland Growing Winners will be announced on Saturday, July 16 For further details please see www.getirelandgrowing. ie * Our photo shows budding GIY’ers twoyear-old Rian Foley and his Grandfather John Foley with four-year-old Tom McKenna who are encouraging GIY’ers across the country to join them for the Get Ireland Growing Day

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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News Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Monkeypox, how are ya; it’s the economy stupid! I’m in my local when he spots me and there’s no escape. It’s Yer Man at the bar, he who has an opinion on all and sundry. “I’ll get that,” he says as the barman places the blonde in the black skirt in front of me. “So, it’s a wet weekend with herself in Courtown in the caravan,” he quips. “Benidorm is off the skedoolie. I mean, mother of God, putting people in pens at Dublin Airport. Off on your horror-days. DAA-de-da me foot.” I take a sip and nod. “Ireland is in a state of chassis, and now you can’t even get away from it. Airport crisis, passport crisis, housing crisis, health crisis, refugee crisis, fuel crisis, prices crisis, mental health crisis, Nord Iron crisis. I could go on...” Please don’t, I say to myself, gulping down a good part of my pint. “Monkeypox, how are ya,”

he chides. “Ah, remember the Great Recession? Some don’t. They were chiselers at the time. It was 14 years ago. Well, guess what? That’s where we’re at again — or heading towards. Heat or eat.” I say: “You mean, after the 2008 collapse, a new phenomenon took off in post-Celtic Tiger Ireland — two-for-one offers, meal vouchers, coupons, and supermarket deals.” Yer Man at the bar: “Exactly, me auld flower. What people are doing again — signing up for loyalty schemes and bulk-buying bargains. I have it on good authority that 53% of us are actively seeking out supermarket promotions, 41% are collecting coupons and bulk buying, and 30% have signed up for loyalty schemes.” I gather he is referring to the survey from Permanent TSB. “You’re right,” I say. “We are

all feeling the squeeze from inflation, from the supermarket and the petrol pump to rising bills for electricity and heating. Indeed, household budgets — especially among lower-to-middle income earners — are taking a hit as consumer prices are running at a 40-year high of more than 8%. “That said, inflation has been proving a very different story for a fortunate few in the economy: big Irish corporates in sectors like food manufacturing, energy to mining. All of these are benefiting from soaring but volatile commodity prices on global markets and passing on higher supply-chain costs to customers with price increases, thereby protecting their margins.” He looks at me, agog, as if I have just spouted chapter and verse of an ERSI report. Then he says: “Oxfam has found that companies in the

sectors you, eh, allude to, are posting record-high profits around the world, even as wages barely budge and workers wrangle with inflation and the impact of the Covet [sic] pandemic. “Your twist,” he says as his drains his pint. “And, get this, in Ireland, the combined annual profits at the five biggest energy utilities doubled to €560m in a year, while profits at the five largest Irish food companies increased by €174m, according to Oxfam. Chassis is right. A them and us world.” Where does he find this stuff, I muse as I nod at the barman for two more pints. “And here’s another thing,” says Yer Man at the bar. “How come there are 150,000 people claiming the dole and at the same time there are around 40,000 vacant jobs in pubs and restaurants? I ask, simply because yer Restaurants Association has been

banging its head about this for some time. And the pubs, too, cheesed off that people would rather take the dole than work in their pubs. Am I right there Dermo’? The barman just smiles, faintly. “They’re, God love ‘em,

‘All feeling the squeeze from inflation...

‘terribly upset’, the so-called hospitality industry and the prices they’re charging postpandemic. I’d be afraid to tell ya what Cabra Castle is costing me. Sure, I could buy the place for that. But herself is insisting. Wants to ravage me for the weekend.” The fresh pints settle. “Housing crisis?” he says, giving me dagger looks. “Drive from here across Cavan and Monaghan and see all those ghost estates. Brand new vacant houses lying idle since the crash. But, no, everybody wants to live near the airport so they can make a run for it. “Health? I’m waiting three years now for a job on the big toe. And baggage handlers? Who’d blame them, when they’re better off on welfare?” And, then, he’s gone. In a flash. I take a deep sigh and say: “Dermot, give me a large small one. I badly need it.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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News

Monthly work leave for women is to be looked at More than 70% of women have taken time off work due to period pain, according to a recent survey by Fórsa which included 1,800 respondents. The largest public service union in Ireland has since called for menstrual health policy in every Irish workplace. It follows the announcement of the Spanish government that

it is planning to introduce paid leave for women with painful periods. This would make Spain the first country in Europe to offer such leave, after Italy made an unsuccessful bid to introduce it back in 2017. But what are the chances of Ireland following these footsteps? Labour Party leader Ivana

Bacik and Senator Fiona O'Loughlin, Chair of the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus, would welcome discussion around the topic. "We in Labour have brought a Bill already on reproductive health-related leave," Ms Bacik said. "We might be able to see to amend that Bill to provide for

the sort of menstrual healthrelated bill that we’ve seen being considered now in Spain," she said. Labour has support from Government in bringing forward the Bill in the Seanad. "If we were to see a change made to that Bill to also include menstrual health-related leave, I think there would prob-

ably be very strong support for that too," Ms Bacik said. Senator O'Loughlin said it is important to see how Spain fares with its attempt to introduce this new type of leave and what type of consequences would follow. Having a discussion about this would be an important first step. She already has some ideas

about what needs to be done in the possible introduction of such leave in Ireland. "We need to have wide stakeholder engagement," she said. Any aspects involving challenges for businesses, particularly small businesses, or women seeking employment or promotion, would have to be engaged in fully.

Echoes of Celtic Tiger era as house prices are up by 12% There was a 12% rise in house prices in the last year as inflation in the housing market neared Celtic Tiger levels, a report from a home valuation website has found. This was due to five consecutive quarters of house price inflation, close to the six back-toback inflationary periods seen at the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2007. The average house price has also risen, by 12% to €280,000 from €250,000, the Valuemyhome site found in its first quarterly report. "Since Q3 2020, the Irish housing market has witnessed five consecutive quarters of price inflation,” said Gareth McKeown, head of valuation at Geowox, which runs Valuemyhome. "The length of this price surge is now quite close to the heady days of 2006 to 2007 when rises were seen in six consecutive quarters.” Rural counties saw the most substantial increases in the average selling price of a house, with Monaghan (39%) the largest when compared with 2021. The average house sold in Monaghan in the first three months of last year went for €133,000. This year, the figure rose to €185,000. Carlow saw a rise from €155,000 to €210,000, a 36% rise, while Offaly saw a jump from €170,000 to €227,000 (34%) in the same period. Dublin house prices are currently 41% higher than the rest of the country, the report found, while Longford has the cheapest property market at 48% below national average.

New builds are also averaging at 48% more expensive to buy. "With house prices continuing to rise, we are nearing Celtic Tiger price territory,” Mr McKeown said. "The Central Bank's lending rules, in addition to the absence of mortgage interest relief, mean that borrowers now need higher incomes than during the property bubble years in order to qualify for a mortgage. "A recent report drafted by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland states that the typical household income of first-time buyers has risen to €77,000 a year, far higher than during the property bubble years (€60,000 in 2005). "Having regard to the above, factoring in a lack of supply, increasing costs in fuel and building commodities, and an uncertain global economy, house prices look certain to continue rising throughout the year and into 2023.” The number of homes sold remained relatively stagnant in the past year, with just a 1pc uptick to 12,876 units in Q1 of this year. Dublin (3,925) and Cork (1,440) registered the largest total number of sales, while Westmeath (-27.3%), Wicklow (-21.4%) and Cavan (-21.3%) saw the most significant yearon-year unit sales drops. Half of the counties in Ireland recorded negative volume compared with the same period in 2021. The report sounded a warning that new home delivery fell when compared to last year amid a supply shortage.

The local venues ideal for your wedding day With the start of the festival high-season upon us, Irish wedding venue platform SaveMyDay.ie are shining a light on the country’s best festival-feel venues to tie the knot. Whether to-be-weds are looking for the creative boho vibes of Body & Soul, the enchanted woodlands feel of Electric Picnic, an exclusive hire venue to add their own colourful stamp too, a music festival marquee setting, glamorous glamping experiences with yurts and tipis, or countryside outdoor spaces to host their own mini-greenfield wedding ceremonies and receptions, Ireland has a superstar set-list of festivalstyle wedding venues on offer. Dotted across Ireland from Kilkenny, Cork, Laois, Wicklow, Clare, Leitrim,

Galway, Carlow, Mayo, Kerry and Dublin, we have chosen 13 amazing festival wedding venues to help couples plan their ultimate big day. All these festival-style wedding venues and many more are profiled on SaveMyDay.ie, where couples can connect with any of the venues and enquire for free about their upcoming nuptials. SaveMyDay. ie was launched in 2021 by Dublin based couple Ian Menzies and Shell Holden to showcase unique, amazing and alternative Irish venues available to hire for weddings. The online platform connects couples with ceremony and party venues that are the right fit for them - whatever their style, their guest size and their budget! Set in the beautiful rolling

hills of the Kilkenny countryside, Mountain View at Ballyhale is an exclusive wedding venue that boasts both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces on its 120 acres including their Grand Marquee, The Greenhouse and outdoor terrace. Ideal for both intimate and larger festival-inspired wedding celebrations, Mountain View have newly launched this month their unique boutique glamping experience for newlyweds and their guests to stay in for the big day. Their exclusive glamping village includes 12 luxurious and spacious fully furnished bell tents. Guests can expect home from home comforts, with a double bed, king sized duvet and electric power, while outside contains a

table and chairs and your own fire pit looking out over miles of stunning countryside. Their ‘Hilly Hut’ is the ultimate of countryside living and is a perfect retreat for the newly married couple. Newlyweds can enjoy the Hilly Hut’s electric smart heating, a separate bathroom and shower, and a kitchen/lounge area with a sofa to soak up those countryside vibes. Elsewhere, Kilkenny's Langton Hotel is located right at the heart of Kilkenny’s lively city and houses five wedding venue options all under one roof. Hosting celebrations for up to 342 guests, couples can channel their inner rockstars and get hitched in Langton’s state-of-the-art Set Theatre complete with stage, sweeping curtains and sound systems.

Finding key barriers to growth for our small businesses Grant Thornton Ireland has launched the 2022 Irish Business Voice Programme with the support of business and industry groups across the country, building on the success of the inaugural programme in 2021, and aiming to equip Irish businesses with

the supports and advice they need to continue growth into the future. The Irish Business Voice Programme was developed to gather insights from businesses on those areas of greatest concern, with businesses then invited to

attend a series of targeted workshops and events which identify solutions and pathways to sustainable growth. Amid the challenges of inflation, the rising cost of living and supply chain shortages, it is more important than ever that Irish

businesses have their voices heard. With the support of industry and business groups including local Chambers of Commerce, Grant Thornton Ireland has launched a short survey that will capture barriers to growth, current business issues and identify

solutions across sectors and industries. The 2021 Irish Business Voice Programme revealed Irish businesses were most concerned about digital transformation and business process inefficiencies, access to a skilled workforce, and

challenges to progressing their sustainability ambitions. With a rapidly changing business landscape and significant uncertainty within the economy at present, the 2022 programme is an important tool to identify a path forward.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Let’s not scapegoat refugees for our deficiencies We may be one of the most distant destinations for refugees fleeing Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine but their reception in Ireland couldn’t have been warmer. Since Ukrainians began arriving here from March onwards, they have been taken into our hearts and our schools. Don’t we deserve a pat on the back for living up to our reputation as Ireland of the welcomes? But just as we adjusted our haloes comes a warning that our generosity may get us into trouble. A supposedly secret memo told the Cabinet that our humanitarian response to the 30,000 plus refugees could cause social unrest. The finger wagging risk analysis suggests that their presence in towns and cities around the country could threaten social cohesion, especially in deprived communities. Is this a whiff of begrudgery when these cruelly displaced

people have barely arrived? You might think perhaps that our efforts to help would unite us, so what is behind this warning? Maybe this is really about Government failure to look after our own rather than our response to the Ukranians’ plight. Consider our own homeless families for a start. At the end of March their numbers reached 9,800, up 23% on last year. Are they being looked after as promptly as the Ukrainians? People want their own front doors so why can’t there be a swift response like providing pre-fab housing at a fraction of the cost of traditional building at a time when there is a critical lack of workers in the building trade and costs are soaring. And there’s the other side of the housing crisis, with skyhigh rents which make saving for a home impossible and the challenge of even finding somewhere to rent where the

supply of rental properties is diminishing daily. We lack imaginative solutions here too: why push landlords who ae leaving the market in their thousands out of the market with punitive tax and other measures? Why not have a scheme to back the conversion of unused buildings – from office space freed by WFH, to near empty convents and monasteries – into apartments? Another thorn in the side of young families hoping for a home is the crippling cost of childcare, something which is either subsidised or free in other countries. How do asylum seeker from other countries – there are currently 6,000 plus of them in direct provision – feel about a situation where incoming Ukranians are immediately given PPS numbers, receive financial support, allowed to work and given medical cards? Did other asylum seekers get similar attention?

What’s Osteoporosis? CLAIR WHITTY

Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones have become weak and brittle causing them to break easily. This can happen if you trip or fall, hit off something, or even from coughing. The most common fractures occur in the hip, spine, or wrist. It is known as a silent disease as you often don’t know you have it until you break a bone. A Dexa scan will give you an indication of what condition your bones are in. Your doctor should be able to help you organise a scan. Osteopenia is the name given to the stage before Osteoporosis. Your warning sign as

such. If you’re at this stage, you can do something to prevent it developing into full blown Osteoporosis or at least slow the process. Low levels of calcium in the diet, eating disorders, and digestive problems where you don’t break down or absorb calcium are common risk factors. Hormonal changes during the menopause can impact on bone health too. Your best defence is a diet rich in nutrients that support bone health. Calcium is the nutrient you hear the most about. However, calcium alone is not the answer as it needs co-factors to help it get into the bones. You’ll need a diet rich in sources of magnesium, vitamin D, Zinc, and minerals like Boron as well as calcium. This can include dairy products, nuts, sesame seeds, tahini, soya, almonds,

oily fish, beans and lentils as well as green leafy vegetables. Foods that have a negative impact on your bones include coffee, fizzy drinks, sugar, and alcohol so avoid these as best you can. Smoking can have a negative effect on your bones too. Weight bearing exercise is great for bone density. There are many exercises you can do without having to go to the gym. Even if you are on medication for this condition there is no reason why you shouldn’t follow the same nutrition and lifestyle advice to help prevent you getting any worse. If you are looking for a good supplement my favourite is NHP OsteoSupport. I like it because it’s a well-thought-out formula, containing the main nutrients to help keep your bones healthy and strong. Including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, zinc, and some digestive support to assist digestion and absorption of the nutrients. Look after your bones today for a healthier you tomorrow. 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

The memo also warns about disruption to transport and travel. Rubbish, this has nothing to do with refugees, our travel and transport are thoroughly dysfunctional anyway. The situation at Dublin Airport has been chaotic since April so that any of us wanting a well- deserved holiday face hourslong queues to check in and get through security. Yet, the problem wasn’t tackled and got so bad that over a thousand people missed their flights last weekend. But this is what happens when you have Minister for Bicycles Ryan in charge of transport. Then there’s the misery of long commutes and traffic chaos on our roads. The majority of us don’t live within cycling distance of work, take note Minister Ryan; public transport outside cities is abysmal so in rural areas three or four cars a household may be needed to get family members where they

need to go. Think of the fuel costs and the carbon emissions. The memo also warned about the unsustainability of our humanitarian response. It would be more helpful to have a proper plan for our guests rather than a whinge. The Ukranians – 80% of them

‘This is really about Government failure..

are women and children (mainly primary school age) – aren’t overnight guests, although obviously many hope to return home. They want to work and contribute but they face barriers. There’s the language barrier, lack of child care and the need to have their qualifications recognised. There are around 14,000 Ukranians of working age here, but so far less than 1,500 have jobs in a country where in some sectors like hospitality up to 70% of employers are having difficulties filling vacancies. There was a further warning about tourism given that many refugees are accommodated in hotels. Considering the exorbitant charges for hospitality here – up by an average of 23% – not too many of us will be taking staycations. We are more likely to head for overseas holidays – as long as we can manage to get through the airport.

You’ll be ‘Appier’ after a good night’s sleepio ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

A THIRD of all adults aren’t sleeping. Sleepless nights result in miserable days after. You’re never at your most efficient when you’re fatigued. Alongside the one in three of us who say we regularly suffer sleepless nights, two-thirds of grown ups struggle with disrupted sleep. Furthermore, a quarter report not being able to sleep for more than five hours. This climbs to half stating they never get enough shut eye. It’s no wonder about 25% claim their biggest health ambition is improving their sleeping patterns. A healthy tip is to look at your sleep hygiene. Experts recommend that bedrooms should be used solely for sleeping and sex. This helps the brain to associate getting into bed only with those activities. Reducing screentime and caffeine before settling down for the night helps too. Nevertheless, this is still not enough for some people.

Surprisingly, most people struggling with sleep never take action to improve their bedtime habits. Of those who do, approximately 15% take sleeping tablets and the same number use alcohol. There are problems with these methods. Both are habit forming and, once hooked, the consequences can be devastating. Secondly, alcohol may help you get to sleep, but the quality of rest you get is much diminished. Excess drink also results in hangovers and can cause you to wake more regularly. Doctors are frequently reluctant to prescribe sleeping tablets for the reasons outlined above. In a new development, GPs in England have started to recommend using an app called Sleepio instead of popping pills. It is available on the Apple app store with a sister application, Sleepio Companion, downloadable for Android from Google Play. There is also the alternative Calm, accessible from both online stores. Both Sleepio and Calm use a CBT-based approach to help you sleep better. Placing the focus on examining thoughts about sleep and bedtime behav-

iours, they help to get better natural rest. Although neither are entirely free, users benefit from not having to pay expensive prescription fees and, in Ireland, can save money by not having to see their GPs as often. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence UK (NICE), has recommended using Sleepio within the NHS. Research has found that the app is more effective at reducing insomnia than both sleeping tablets and changing bedtime habits. Not only does NICE believe that Sleepio helps patients save money, it also states it’s cost-effective for the NHS too. There is no reason to think it works any less well in Ireland, potentially bringing benefit to thousands of tired Irish adults, as well as the HSE. There are, of course, times when tablets are essential. It is always best to consult with your GP before taking any healthrelated action. However, being your own sleep advocate is a healthy path to increasing your chances of a good night’s rest. After all, who among us isn’t ‘appier’ after a good night’s Sleepio?

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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News

SPECIAL REPORT

When further Education and Training is the smart choice The Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) recently welcomed learners from across a range of programmes in Adult Education to the Ormonde Hotel to thank them for their engagement and their commitment to such education in the last number of years. The management and staff came together to plan this event as a return to in-person celebration of the learners achievements, and an opportunity for learners across different programmes to meet. Learners showcased their work from a variety of art, craft and design classes, in wood-

Andre Piccirilli, originally from Sardinia at the Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board Thank You event

carving, photography, family learning programmes, and community education projects. It was clear to all present that the opportunity to learn, com-

Love for learning: Dermot Noonan, Jack Lanigan, Orla Meade and Jack Brennan were at the Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board Thank You Event for learners from across a range of programmes in Adult Education.

bined with great tuition and a ‘can-do’ attitude can produce amazing results, even in the most challenging of times. Learners were invited to ‘weave a star’ decoration for the KCETB family tree. This tree was expertly curated by Kilkenny Youthreach learners as part of their involvement in the Amber’s One Million Stars Ireland project earlier this year. It was great to see such a beautiful project extended to include all KCETB learners — a true symbol of unity throughout Covid lockdowns and of identity as part of KCETB. Gillian, one of the Community Education tutors, was

Rosemary Watchorn, Josh Coyne, Shauna Bergin, David Kelly, Brandon Conroy, National Learning Network, Kilkenny pictured at the Kilkenny & Carlow Education and Training Board Thank You Event for learners from across a range of programmes in Adult Education at the KIlkenny Ormonde Hotel

on hand with a microphone to speak with learners and staff alike about their journey through Kilkenny & Carlow ETB to date. Learners spoke about their experience with the Adult Literacy Service where classes are run for those who are hoping to improve their English language skills, computer skills, photography and family learning programmes such as the ‘Hug-a-Book’ project. One learner said: “I stood outside the door there on Patrick Street on the first day, wondering if I’d go in or not, I was so nervous… but by God it was the best decision I ever made to step through that door. I couldn’t even tell you how much I’ve learned – and from a lad who had never turned on a computer before. All the tutors are great, there was no pressure, and I just learned… it’s amazing.” Other VTOS Kilkenny learners were delighted to show their ceramic pieces and told me about how their creative side was unleashed by signing up for the programme. “I used to work in the bank, so I had never had myself down as being a creative person, and here I am now, showing off my handiwork. I’m actually very proud of myself, and thanks to the teachers, they couldn’t have been more helpful.” Another spoke about the difficulties during Covid restrictions: ”It was tough, going from classroom to everything

online-but I learned so much even in that. It was tough for the teachers as well, you know, they seemed to be online the whole time. They were always available to us, to help us, to answer questions, and we got through it…” Community groups around the county have been funded through the KCETB Community Education Service to run community projects which meet the needs of individuals and their communities. The Cois Nore group showcased their knitting and craft works, while Urlingford Art Group had an exhibition of work developed over the duration of their time together. UCasadh Project based in Ferrybank presented their traditional gypsy wagon, a highly impressive piece of craftsmanship, of huge cultural significance. It was created by Jamie Stokes and Kalem Madigan. Siobhan O’Brien, Community Education Facilitator, said:“All the learners have showed real grit and determination over the last few years. They’ve been fantastic. I’ve no doubt we will see more fabulous work from them in future.” When learners made it back to the classrooms after Covid lockdowns, restrictions in place affected the class size and the interaction between learners. “So it was really great to come here today to meet with other learners and just to be together, have a cup of tea and a chat, and to see what others have

been working on.” Many learners have come through programmes, the outcome of which can’t be showcased here today. But they are going to be working with our children in childcare settings, and as healthcare assistants in our hospital and nursing homes, as a direct result of their studies with the likes of BTEI, Back to Education Initiative. Youthreach learners were on hand to share some useful gifts with learners, and of course, Ormonde Hotel looked after everyone with some tasty treats. A great day was had by all involved. The staff of Co. Kilkenny Adult Guidance Service were on hand to answer queries from learners about what path they could take next. The service is available to the public for information on available courses and routes of study. “Returning to work, education or training can be daunting prospect. People can have many questions, not just about the course, but also about funding and progression routes. We can help answer all those questions”, said Joan Howley, Adult Guidance Counsellor with the service. * The Co. Kilkenny Adult Guidance Service, Lower New Street, Kilkenny can be contacted on 056 7764448 or adultguidance@kkadulted.ie for more information on any of the programmes mentioned here, and many more besides.

Farmers seeking assistance falls sharply in a decade The number of farmers claiming Farm Assist has fallen by 56% since 2011. Retirement and a buoyant rural economy are said to be the main drivers behind the decline, with Government spending on the scheme down from over €113m to €53m. Farm Assist is a statutory social assistance scheme which provides support for farmers on low incomes. The maximum weekly per-

sonal rate is €208, with increases for dependants. The Department of Social Protection recently conducted a review of the scheme and found more than 70% of farmers in the scheme are aged 50 and over. The review also found that more than half of the claimants are aged 55 and over, while 30% are aged 60 and over. In comparison, fewer than 10% of Jobseeker’s Al-

lowance claimants are aged 60 years and older. The review found the ageing profile of recipients has contributed to the decline since 2011, and claimants tend to exit the scheme straight to a pension scheme. However, industry sources have indicated that a buoyant rural economy is also a major factor in reduced Farm Assist claims. The scheme is subject to

a means test. Farmers can earn income from self-employment, insured employment, capital etc. The means test takes account of virtually every form of income, but assesses it in different ways and disregards various amounts. Farm Assist supplements small farms, mainly in the west of Ireland, and over 59pc of claims are made in Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork, and this

proportion has increased since 2011. One of the key recommendations of the review was to provide for an extensive expansion to the list of agrienvironmental schemes that qualify for a disregard. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys introduced this measure as part of the Social Welfare Act 2022 and it will be implemented from next month.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Making sure you get all your tax allowances Have you claimed your Flat Rate Expense (FRE) for last year yet? No? Unfortunately, you’re not alone as every year thousands of people leave unclaimed FREs and other tax reliefs and refunds with the taxman. More than 50% of employees surveyed by Taxback. com do not know their tax entitlements or benefits. Taxback.com, a multi-national corporation which provides specialist tax return services to private and corporate clients across 100 countries, say the impact of the pandemic and subsequent return to work has changed norms within the workplace. This has resulted in a new focus on wellbeing among the workforce and business leaders. Their panel of experts aim to help businesses incorporate different initiatives into their company wellbeing programmes with the financial wellbeing of their employees having an important role.

And what better way than to educate employees as to their tax entitlements and the possibility of a cheque from the taxman! According to the report almost eight in 10 people are unaware of the FRE relief; a relief that exist to help tens of thousands of workers offset

costs of uniforms and equipment required during the course of their work. Up to 17% of people said they’ve only ever claimed tax refunds once in their life, 11% said they only do it “very sporadically” with one in five having either not set up a Revenue online account and/

or have never heard of the facility. It seems people are slow to act when it comes to claiming refunds and reliefs that are due to them. There may lurk the idea that if they interact with Revenue they will complicate their lives. Not so, according to Barry Cahill of Tax Back: “This is a misnomer we very much want to quash as, for the vast majority of people, we find that there is money owed to, not by, the taxpayer.” But he said: “It’s surprising, and somewhat alarming, to find that almost half of us are still not claiming back our tax refund at the end of the year. This figure should be much, much higher. However, the data speaks for itself – it’s clear that people remain uncertain, reticent, and/or unwilling to approach the topic of their taxes.” When employees are made aware of their entitlements, engage with the process, are

equipped with the knowledge and know-how to enable them to put their personal tax affairs in order, the results have been very satisfactory to say the least, with the average refund amount received to date amounting to €1,250, with the highest individual refund being €7,400. “A lot of money to be leaving in the hands of the taxman,”, says Barry Cahill. “Furthermore, the longer you leave it the less likely you are to apply at all, and you also run the risk of going past the four-year deadline.” So, why not look into this and see if you have any entitlements available to you. Call Taxback or use your accountant/advisor. If you want to fly solo you will first need to make a tax return. The easiest way is to set up an account, if you don’t have one already, through the Revenue website https://www.ros.ie/ myaccount. ‘My Account’ is a

single online access point for Revenue services. Then access the Employment Detail Summary for 2021 in ‘MyAccount’. It is accessible through the ‘Review your tax’ link in PAYE Services. This summary contains your pay and statutory deductions for the year as reported by your employer or pension provider. You need to make an Income Tax return putting in the claims you wish to make. Then request a Statement of Liability. It must be made within four years after the end of the tax year to which the claim relates so you may currently request a Statement of Liability for the years 2018 to 2021. Revenue will then crunch the numbers and if you are entitled to a tax rebate it will be transferred to your bank account directly or sent to you by cheque. John@ellisfinancial.ie 0868362633

A new chapter for Callan Co-op Callan Co-op is a unique kind of business, as a co-op owned and controlled by its members we have a special connection with the community in Callan. This past year, we have undertaken some big changes, with many more to come. The first stage in our redevelopment has been the creation of a new and fresh logo for Callan Co-op. The new branding represents what we see is our place in a rolling agricultural landscape supporting the Co-op and representing our Co-operative spirit. Over the coming months this brand will be gradually rolled out through various mediums culminating in our new store launch. After extensive work in the yard outside, early June marked the start the physical changes within the retail store. The extension and re-development of the hardware store is great news for Callan. This new development means that our

From Left: Donncha O Sullivan , Chairperson, Callan Co-op Liam Ryan, former General Manager, James Fitzpatrick General Manager, Mary Ryan and Jim McHugh, Assistant Manager

customers get the benefit of a much larger selection in Agri, homeware, DIY and across our store. During the development we will have some disruptions but overall, but with extra staff on hand, we hope that it will be business as usual. As part of our expansion plans, we have recently taken on a new Store Manager Siobhan Mason, who is

hugely experienced in this sector. We look forward to all of the expertise that she will bring to make our customers’ experience in Callan Co-op even better. We are looking forward to sharing our exciting new developments as they happen and will be regularly posting on social media to show you how our store is coming along.

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Opinion

‘The Courting of Katie Earls’ BY NED EGAN

I’m talking now about a fine girl, in anyone’s language. The scene is set in the early nineteenforties. Its main gist is about what was – or wasn’t – a ‘made-match.’ Names have been changed memories are still long in the countryside …. The father of Katie, the girl in the story, was a businessman/farmer in South Tipperary, Dan Earls. There was plenty of the old moolah in his own family line - and he’d married well. His wife, Ann, was a kind and bright woman. Time moved on, and his own turn came to ‘marry-off ’ the daughters, which he did, with a good dowry each. Two of them, anyway, very successfully; and another to follow, about whom he didn’t have a worry in the world.. And about whom this story is mainly set. {A person of these days would consider the whole ‘dowry’ scene very odd, musing that ‘such

money can only bring misery.’ Perhaps. But many acres can also bring acres of smiles! And if misery does happen to show up eventually - isn’t it handier to be unhappy in luxury…? Tell me true… His several fine sons had already been given good starts in life – farms - or sound spots in Dublin.. Sure, who deserves – or needs – more than such sound leg-ups? Anyway, the pert and pretty Katie – the last of the girls - was up around her ‘ransom time’ – as she cheerfully called it – and Big Dan was having a look around. Actually he’d been ‘studying form’ amongst the local young bloods for some time – observance of rivals being the chief reason why he had amassed so much property and ready money. {You don’t stack up ‘loadsa tin’ with your eyes closed; neither then - nor now.} So, a near neighbour, Mattie McCann, was the lad he looked most favourably upon. Be it known that Dan was an enlightened fellow, for his times, and knew his onions - so he asked the

young lad down to ‘help with the hay’ – an activity that would put the young people in close proximity. He’d never forced a son or daughter into anything, hadn’t Dan. But he was a wily old bird at baiting cute little romantic traps! His children knew well his tricks – but as things worked out more than good for them all – they could well afford to smile. The new hay-machines had just come in, and Dan of course, had one. A sweetly chattering twohorse instrument, by the famous Pierce of Wexford, it spread once-heardnever-forgotten jangly musical notes far and wide, and in those quiet idyllic days of high-summer, it could be heard miles away, on the carrying warm wildwoodbine-scented breeze. The machine had cut the meadow into continuous swathes {‘swarths’- as we called them} a few days before, and now it was time to ‘turn’ them – spin and shake the swarths upside down - so as to expose the damp underside to the breeze and sun. Generally two or three people walked along in echelon, using

pitchforks for the task. It was considered a light job in those days of not-many-easy tasks. By some{?} coincidence, Mattie and Katie made up the team working the rounds of the Elm Feld.. Things went well – in every way. Under no pressure, they swung along handy, and Mattie was most impressed with the tawnyhaired willowy graceful girl in front of him. He’d been gent enough – and clever enough - to let her set the pace. Few indeed were the opportunities in those far days for a lad to see the fine figure of a girl he fancied, at such close quarters. And they had the field to themselves – another coincidence….. Big Dan didn’t even dream of spying on them – his children had never needed ‘watching.’ He had all the other workers in the next field, and was busy himself collecting up the dried hay from the swarths with the ‘Tumbling Rake,’ and carrying it to the men to make ‘cocks’ of. {Several of the cocks would later be used to make one ‘tramcock’. {The ‘Tumbling Rake’ – in some areas referred to

as the ‘Tumbling Tommy’ - was one of the most truly fearsome murderous machines ever made.} Anyway, the ‘tay’ was brought out by a servantgirl, and the pair of young haymakers had a good chat, and found things to their liking. Very soon, Mattie was the white-haired-boy at Dan’s house, and permission was given for them to ‘walk out’ – which meant – in those times – walking up and down the light-aired summer-evening roads – but always keeping within sight of at least one house. An old-fashioned sort of ‘Community Watch’ – with a different slant on those words. It worked; well, most of the time, anyway… After a spell of indulging in this pleasant pastime, nature – in its own urgent, surging, way – started making sly demands of the couple, using ageold feelings and youthful emotions to suggest that it was high time for more to be done at closequarters than was strictly allowable. So the two petitioned their parents for permission to wed. There was no objection at all to

the wedding – that was regarded as a ‘racing cert’ almost from the first hayday. Actually, after just a few months ‘walking’, Mattie had made a small unusual gesture – for the times - that provided a lot of giggles throughout the Earls’ family. One October evening he presented Katie with a little ‘love ring’ – a shiny mock-silver item - which she wore on a finger of not much significance. When her pal Joan happened to comment that it looked like an ‘oul tin Chape Jack yoke’, Katie laughed – and put it down to sour grapes: Joan was still on the look-out for a lad, so Katie’s great romance didn’t float any boats in that quarter. Such are often the ways of close friendship…{I want you to be happy – but not happier than me…} Ned E Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Kilkenny Observer.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

Science & Wellbeing Activating the immune system at the site of a tumour can recruit and stimulate immune cells to destroy tumour cells. A new therapeutic approach prevents the growth of metastatic tumours in mice by forcing cancer cells into a dormant state in which they are unable to proliferate. The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), could lead to new treatments that prevent the recurrence or spread of various cancer types, including breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Many cancer patients relapse, often years or decades after their initial treatment, and develop new tumours that regrow in the same location or metastasise (spread) to other parts of the body. These secondary tumours are often resistant to treatment and are produced by individual tumour cells that may remain dormant for long periods before being reactivated to start proliferating again. Patient relapse might therefore be prevented if researchers could find a way to keep remaining cancer cells in a dormant state. In a previous study, Maria Soledad Sosa from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Julio A. Aguirre-Ghiso, now at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, discovered that the ability of cancer cells to remain dormant is controlled by a protein called NR2F1. This receptor protein can enter the cell nucleus and turn numerous genes on or off to activate a programme that prevents the cancer cells from proliferating. NR2F1 levels are usually low in primary tumours but are elevated in dormant disseminated cancer cells.

Cancer drug stops tumour growth by putting cancer cells to sleep Levels of the NR2F1 protein then decline once more when cancer cells start proliferating again and form recurrent or metastatic tumours. “We therefore thought that activating NR2F1 using a small molecule could be an attractive clinical strategy to induce cancer cell dormancy and prevent recurrence and metastasis,” AguirreGhiso explains. In the new JEM study, Sosa and Aguirre-Ghiso’s teams used a computer-based screening approach to identify a drug, named C26, that activates NR2F1. The researchers found that treat-

ing patient-derived HNSCC cells with C26 boosted the levels of NR2F1 and arrested cell proliferation. The researchers then tested whether C26 would prevent metastasis in mice. Animals injected with patient-derived HNSCC cells typically form large primary tumours that spread to the lungs after the original tumour is surgically removed. Treatment with C26 reduced the size of primary tumours, and, after surgery, further doses of C26 completely blocked the growth of metastatic tumours. Instead, the rodent’s lungs contained just a few dor-

mant disseminated cancer cells unable to proliferate even after cessation of the treatment. Sosa and Aguirre-Ghiso’s teams determined that, by activating NR2F1, C26 forces cancer cells into a longlived state of dormancy characterised by a unique pattern of gene activity. Cancer patients whose tumours display a similar pattern of gene activity tend to go longer without relapsing, suggesting that inducing this dormancy program with C26-type drugs could be effective in humans. “Drugs that activate NR2F1 might be particularly

useful in breast cancer,” says Sosa. “NR2F1 is highly enriched in ER-positive tumours when compared to ER-negative tumours, and activating NR2F1 might be able to suppress reawakening of dormant cancer cells kept in that state by antiestrogen therapies.” However, because C26 treatment elevates the levels of NR2F1, the approach may also be useful for other cancers with inherently low levels of the receptor protein. “Overall, our study reveals a mechanism-based and rationally designed strategy to exploit NR2F1-activated dormancy as a therapeutic

option to prevent metastatic relapse,” Aguirre-Ghiso says. The researchers also showed that the treatment can also target multiple tumours in an animal. “After more than 10 years of work on PIP, it is rewarding to experience this convergence of expertise from laboratories around Stanford, which allowed us to develop a highly promising new cancer treatment strategy,” Cochran says. The researchers are now studying the treatment in other types of cancer, and in combination with other immunotherapies.

The long road to General Artificial Intelligence A versatile new AI is fuelling speculation that machines will soon think like humans. Last month, DeepMind, a subsidiary of technology giant Alphabet, set Silicon Valley abuzz when it announced Gato, perhaps the most versatile artificial intelligence model in existence. Billed as a ‘generalist agent’, Gato can perform more than 600 different tasks. It can drive a robot, caption images, identify objects in pictures, and more. It is probably the most advanced AI system on the planet that isn’t dedicated to a singular function. And, to some computing experts, it is evidence that the industry is on the verge of reaching a long-awaited, much- hyped milestone: Ar-

tificial General Intelligence. Unlike ordinary AI, Artificial General Intelligence wouldn’t require giant troves of data to learn a task. Whereas ordinary artificial intelligence has to be pretrained or programmed to solve a specific set of problems, a general intelligence can learn through intuition and experience. An AGI would in theory be capable of learning anything that a human can, if given the same access to information. Basically, if you put an AGI on a chip and then put that chip into a robot, the robot could learn to play tennis the same way you or I do: by swinging a racket around and getting a feel for the game. That doesn’t

necessarily mean the robot would be sentient or capable of cognition. It wouldn’t have thoughts or emotions, it’d just be really good at learning to do new tasks without human aid. This would be huge for humanity. Think about everything you could accomplish if you had a machine with the intellectual capacity of a human and the loyalty of a trusted canine companion — a machine that could be physically adapted to suit any purpose. That’s the promise of AGI. It’s C-3PO without the emotions, Lt. Commander Data without the curiosity, and Rosey the Robot without the personality. In the hands of the right developers, it could

Robot epitomise the idea of human-centred AI. But how close, really, is the dream of AGI? And does Gato actually move us closer to it? For a certain group of scientists and developers Gato and similar systems based on transformer models of deep learning have already given us the blueprint for building AGI. Essentially, these transformers use humongous databases and billions or trillions of adjustable parameters to predict what will happen next in a sequence. Deep-learning AIs are librarians and, as such, they are only as good as their training libraries. All that remains is to make them bigger and faster.

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Travel & Leisure Depending on what kind of holiday you are planning in beautiful Croatia, the country’s bus network connects almost everywhere and is a great option, especially on a budget. If you’re touring the coast, you can hop on ferries to reach mainland cities and the islands. Driving is fairly straightforward, and lets you reach destinations that aren’t well-served by public transportation. Flights and trains are useful for hopping between Zagreb and the coast. Remember though, transportation does vary seasonally. In buzzing July and August, it’s worth booking ahead or turning up early for buses and boats, and you may find yourself stuck in traffic on the way into and out of resort towns. Between November and March, timetables for buses and ferries are reduced, and you may need to plan your route more carefully. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling around Croatia. Bus services are excellent and relatively inexpensive. You can explore most of Croatia car-free, although Istria (once you’re off the main coastal route) and the islands have patchier networks. Most bus stations are located fairly centrally (and conveniently near ferry ports) making getting around straightforward. One exception is Dubrovnik, where the bus station is around 5km (3.1 miles) from the Old Town – hop on a local bus or taxi. Different companies often operate on the same route, so prices can vary. Luggage stowed in the baggage compartment under the bus costs extra (around 10KN a piece). Buses between Split and Dubrovnik pass through Bosnian territory so keep your passport or ID handy. At large stations, bus tickets must be purchased at the

Trains and boats and planes ... in Croatia office, not from drivers, and it’s worth booking ahead in high season. Major companies include Arriva, FlixBus and azmatrans. Getbybus is a useful website offering schedules and bookings. Boats connect the main coastal centres and the surrounding islands yearround, with services extended in the tourist season. Many visitors find cruising the blue waters and rocky shores of the Adriatic one of their trip highlights. The major hubs are Split, Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Zadar and Rijeka. Locals use ‘ferry’ to refer exclusively to car

ferries (which can also be used by foot passengers) and ‘catamaran’ for the faster, passenger-only services. Boats are comfortable, with seating inside and out on the deck. The larger boats have restaurants and bars, and almost all have at least a snack counter. Most offer free wi-fi, though the signal is variable. You can usually buy tickets online (Jadrolinija is the main operator), but pre- booking doesn’t guarantee you a space on a particular sailing, so it still pays to get to the wharf early in peak season if you’re traveling with a car. Foot passengers pay less, have more flexibility and can

generally hire a car, scooter or bicycle on arrival. Driving is an excellent option if you’re in a family or group, or if you want to tour several destinations in a short trip, like the hill towns and resorts of Istria, or the Dalmatian coast and nearby Paklenica and Krka national parks. Croatia drives on the right, and roads are mostly excellent, although there are stretches where service stations are scarce. Still, with most places within a few hours of each other, most trips are short. At around six hours, Zagreb to Dubrovnik is the longest drive you’re likely

Five cities to check out inSpain 1. Valencia No visit to Spain is complete without having the iconic Mediterranean rice dish, paella. And there’s no better place to have this authentic dish than in the home of paella: Valencia. In fact, Valencia is home to a number of great foods that you’ll definitely want to try on your trip. The city is best known for Las Fallas, a fun five-day festival in March when giant papier-mâché puppets are paraded through the streets. Be sure to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, and especially the Oceanogràfic aquarium inside, wander through the beautiful Old Town streets, see inside the 13th century Gothic cathedral, and take time to enjoy the beautiful beaches.

2. Sevilla Sevilla is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular Spanish cities. This beautiful city in Spain is filled with iconic landmarks such as the Torre del Oro, the mesmerising Real Alcázar Palace, and the Plaza de España. Seville is well known as a food-loving city; in fact, there are more than 3,000 tapas bars in Seville. Just spending a whole day wandering from one bar to another, sampling the Solomillo al Whisky, Pringa (sandwiches), and churros is enough entertainment for me! Enjoy the smell of citrus as you walk through the picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz, or take in unmatched views from the Setas de Sevilla, the biggest wooden structure in the world. Fun fact: The Plaza de

to take, and one of the few major routes that isn’t entirely on a multi-lane highway (the last section through southern Dalmatia is yet to be upgraded). The Hrvatski Autoklub has a live dashboard on works and congestion. Car hire is available in all major towns and airports. Local companies are often cheaper, but the big chains offer one-way rentals. You may get a lower rate by booking from abroad or getting a fly-drive package. To rent a car you must be 18 and have a valid license and a credit card to cover insurance excess. Hitching is not During the afternoon, be sure to stop by one of the many bars where your only task is to order a drink, which will come with a tapa. Or visit one of the many tea houses in the Albayzín neighbourhood to get an authentic taste of Granada’s culture. You’ll also want to take a stroll through the cobblestoned streets, and admire the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical churches, convents, monasteries, hospitals, palaces, and mansions.

España and Real Alcázar Palace were used as filming sites in the popular series Star Wars and The Game of Thrones. 3. Granada The centuries of Iberian,

Roman, and Muslim influences are woven into the architecture and culture that makes Granada so unique. You won’t want to miss a tour of the Alhambra, a Moorish fortress, and the picturesque Generalife Palace Gardens.

4. Barcelona Most visitors to Barcelona are first drawn to the work of art that is the Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Besides the beautiful basilica, you’ll find mesmerising architectural landmarks like Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, Park Güell, and the opulent Palace of Catalan Music. As the capital of Catalonia, you’ll also find slightly different foods in Barcelona, so a tapas crawl is high on the list. La Boqueria market is great for a food stroll.

recommended, but carpooling is an option – BlaBlaCar has a good local presence. There are tolls on all highways and some other routes. The first set of booths you come across when you enter a highway dispenses tickets. Present them at the booths when you leave the highway to calculate and pay the toll. Trains and flights are good for crossing the country The train network is limited, and often slower than buses. But it’s not a bad bet if you’re exploring inland Croatia, or heading between Zagreb and coastal cities such as Rijeka, Pula or Split. Croatian Railways has schedules and prices. Flying is the quickest way between Zagreb and the coast, and, while connections between the coastal cities are less frequent, the connection between the Istrian capital of Pula and Dubrovnik, for example, can be useful if you time it right. There aren’t many flights to the islands – most visitors just get a boat from the nearest mainland port – although you can reach Bra Island from Zagreb. The national carrier is Croatia Airlines. Bicycles are a great way to explore the islands Bikes are easy to rent along the coast. Relatively flat islands such as Pag and Lošinj offer the most relaxed cycling, but the winding, hilly roads on other islands have more spectacular views. Cycling requires caution: many roads are busy highways, with no bicycle lanes. You’ll see Nextbike’s hire stations in many cities, especially Zagreb, which has decent cycling infrastructure – download the app to get started. Some tourist offices, especially in the Kvarner and Istria regions, have maps of routes and bike-rental info. The Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is a stunning area of the city that you have to witness. It’s one of the most atmospheric medieval quarters in the world, with magical old-world ambience. 5. Córdoba If you’re planning a visit to this city, be sure to time it around May to witness the yearly Courtyard Festival. You’ll get to take in the sights and smells of hundreds of flowers and plants as homeowners open and display their ornate courtyards with pride. Of course, the courtyards aren’t the only reason that Córdoba is one of the prettiest cities in Spain. The ancient architecture serves as indicators of the different eras and people who have inhabited this city. Walk across the Roman Bridge, admire the striped arches in the Great Mosque, and wander through the decorated streets of the old Jewish Quarter.

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News

From Long Island to Kilkenny as Martine and Jeremy exchange vows at St Mary’s Cathedral The marriage register in St Mary’s Cathedral stretches back to 1754. From near and far thousands of couples have walked the beautiful aisle of St Mary’s to celebrate the sacrament of marriage. The past two years have been quiet – Covid forced many to change plans and dates. This year 17 couples will add their names to the story of St Mary’s and the register of marriages. Originally booked for November 2020 Martine Phelan Roberts and Jeremy Beutler finally managed to tie the knot on June 1st. This was their fifth date change...the last being within the last seven days when the wedding had to switch from Monday 20th to Wednesday 1st due again to Covid. A wedding party

of 25 made their way to the Marble City from San Francisco, Chicago, Long Island, England and a few of their Irish cousins for the celebrations that began in the Cathedral and ended in Langtons. The wedding ceremony took place at 4pm and was followed by photos in Cathedral before moving to the reception in John’s Street. Martine’s brother and sister, Allessandra and Wills, read the readings and Jeremy’s nieces, Ari and Chloe, read the prayers of the Faithful. Music was from James Rice and Soyna Cadogan. Fr Scriven welcomed the group and was the celebrant. The reception in Langtons was wonderful and full of ‘facetime’ calls back to the States, high fives and kisses across the internet to friends and families who had not been able to travel. Stories of the week were exchanged: learning to play hurling in Stoneyford, Irish dancing in Malzards, Visiting Kilkenny Castle and Bike Riding around Kilkenny before climbing St Canice’s Round Tower. The guests made the best of their time in Kilkenny and even managed to visit Galway and the Cliffs of Moher! We wish Jeremy and Martine all the best as they begin their married life together and are delighted that they have become part of the story of St Mary’s Cathedral.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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Global Report For the urban, middle class people of Russia, the war on Ukraine has altered plans, ruined longed-for holidays and stripped away everyday pleasures like shopping for a favourite foreign clothing brand, turning the key in a new Japanese car, or even munching into a Big Mac. As the war drags on, now well past 100 days and unlikely to see any semblance of a solution before the end of the year, many people yearn for life to go back to normal, before prices went crazy and foreign companies quit the country over Russia’s invasion. But these Russians are equally sure that President Vladimir Putin will keep on fighting until he wins, because that’s what he always does. After convincing the majority of the population that the war was necessary to ‘liberate’ Ukrainians from ‘Nazis’, State television propagandists are now doggedly preparing Russians for a long war, ominously warning that it might end in nuclear war. In Ukraine, that means more civilian casualties, bombed houses and dozens of soldiers killed daily defending the country’s east. Russian hardships may be trivial by contrast, but the deadening gloom of a long war worries the Kremlin, according to analysts, because of the challenge of dragging the population along as sanctions bite, businesses retrench, prices continue to surge, and it dawns on people that life may never go back to the way it was. But the old Kremlin playbook, accusing the West of plans to gobble up Russia, is working so far. Denis Volkov of independent polling agency LevadaCenter said the latest polling for April showed almost half of Russians unconditionally support the war and about 30% support it with reservations, with 19% opposed. Many in focus groups saw it as an existential confrontation with the West, not Ukraine. “People explain that a significant part of the world is against us and it’s only Putin who hopes to hold onto Russia, otherwise

Russians miss their Big Mac but still support Putin’s war we would be eaten up completely. To them it is Russia that is defending itself,” he said. The conflict, however, is taking a toll on Russians like Marina, 57, a language teacher, whose friends are so weary of the war, they avoid the topic. She succeeded in changing the minds of a few friends and relatives who supported the war. “But in general, it seems everyone is

sick and tired of the war or special operation. People have their own problems and the main problem is survival, especially with the rising prices.” Marina acknowledged that few Russians are opposed to the war and most are finding a way to “get by somehow”. But she said: “This ‘somehow’ is becoming boring. Most people got tired of it. I want to travel. Others

want to be able to plan. We want to get back to our ordinary lives.” Marina can’t help dreaming wistfully of her old life — just a few months ago. “I want to be able to watch Western movies on Netflix and shop at Uniqlo. I want to travel to Europe on affordable and reliable airlines. I want to be part of the world and not an outcast,” she said. Many people, still in denial,

are struggling to adapt, said Grigory Yudin, Professor of Political Philosophy at the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences. “The natural question for Russians is not whether I support it or not — nobody asks you, actually — but how do I adapt to this?” People want certainty about their incomes, travel plans and mortgages. Part of the Moscow

elite, including middle-ranking bureaucrats who feel they are Europeans, are not happy about the war, he said, but tend to believe Putin will fight until he wins. “I think the majority of Russians still honestly believe that this is going on with military success, or at least this is what people want to believe,” Yudin said. He added: “The moreeducated people who are more informed and tend to consume information from different sources are not that certain about that. They have significant doubts.” Volkov said the latest polling showed interest in watching news about the war is beginning to wane, with people in focus groups wishing their lives could go back to the way they were. “The best scenario is for this to end as soon as possible and then we hope things will go back to normal,” said Ksenia, 50, a bookkeeper at a firm that sells foreign materials and has been hard hit by Western sanctions. Most of her work colleagues began strongly supporting the war, but lately they avoid the subject, except to complain that ordinary people in Russia always pay the price of government decisions. “My colleagues have finally started to realise that things are not great. In general, we try not to discuss it because we start to fight. They’re saying, ‘We didn’t start this war and now we have to pay.’” Her plan to holiday in Italy this summer is ruined because she cannot get a visa. “Now I feel as if there’s no future and it’s very depressing.” She ached when McDonalds’ golden arches were removed not for any love of the burgers or fries, but for the idea it represented. “I’m really upset about McDonald’s, and I really mean it. McDonald’s has always been a symbol of freedom for me. I remember when the first McDonald’s opened in Moscow,” she said recalling the queues in 1990s months before the Soviet Union collapsed. “It felt like the light at the end of the tunnel.” * News agency services

Some light at the end of the gun law tunnel Leading US senators senators have said there is growing momentum to forge a bipartisan congressional response to recent mass shootings that could toughen federal gun laws for the first time in a generation. But a deal was not yet in hand, they warned, and the delicate talks were expected to continue for several more days as negotiators seek to garner enough Republican support to get a compromise bill through the Senate. Should an agreement come together, it is certain to fall well short of the parameters that President Biden laid out in his White House address, when he called for renewing the federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2004, as

well as significantly expanding federal background checks for gun buyers and removing the firearms indus-

try’s immunity from lawsuits. But a proposal that would encourage states to set up red-flag laws that would allow

authorities to keep guns away from people thought to be a threat to their communities or themselves remains under

keen discussion, as do measures tackling school security and mental health, according to people involved in the discussions. “It’s really tough sledding. But I’ve never been part of conversations that are this serious and this thoughtful before, and I know all the Republicans and Democrats who are at the table are there with total sincerity to get an agreement,” Senator. Chris Murphy (Conn.), the tough and determine Democratic negotiator, said. Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (RPa.), another member of the small group of senators hashing out a potential deal, said on CBS’s Face The Nation that the discussions, while “intensive,” do not “guarantee any

outcome. But it feels to me like we are closer than we’ve been since I’ve been in the Senate”. Toomey co-led a failed 2013 effort to expand criminal background checks for gun buyers after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The negotiators — and Democratic leaders — have seized on a growing sense of national outrage following the May 14 attack that took 10 lives at a Buffalo supermarket and the May 24 massacre of 19 children and two teachers inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Tex. Other shootings with multiple victims have followed, including incidents in Tulsa; Ames, Iowa; Philadelphia and Chattanooga, Tennesse.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

Summer days

Art Summer Camps full day! Art It is a wonderful airy space at MacDonagh Shopping Centre run by artist DiDi Dobree-Wilson that offers ever changing and exciting summer camps for 5 to 13 year old children. They are always stimulating, educative and fun, and often include other activities such as sewing, cooking, crystal art, string painting and much more. The age 5 to 7 camps run in the morning 10 am- 1 pm. For the 8 to13 year children, bring a packed lunch for a full day’s entertainment. Art It also offers a walk-in experience for all ages. You can have fun painting pottery, glass, a canvas, a papier Mache piece, experimenting decoupage, or enamelling a piece of jewellery, by yourself, with your friends or with your family.

During the year children enjoy oil and acrylic painting classes, and of course, the fun Saturday afternoon class. Children’s

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birthday parties and hen parties are great craic! Visit our website page www.artit.ie or call us at 086 3085270.

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Summer days

Summer days are here

Longer evenings and warmer weather…we all know what that means – Summer has finally arrived!. Having a summer holiday booked gives us something to look forward to, but it can also take a lot of planning to ensure we enjoy every minute of it! We’re here to help you with one small but very important detail, packing your suitcase! If you’re spending your holiday relaxing at the beach or by the pool, swimwear is a must have. River Island have a variety of colourful prints and styles to choose from. Complete your look with a sunhat and accessories from TK Maxx. Ready to glam it up and enjoy a nice dinner and drinks? The Emporium Plisse jumpsuit from Pamela Scott is a comfy yet stylish night-time outfit or how about a nice flowy dress from Carraig Donn. Take any outfit from day to night with these sandals from Skechers. Last but certainly not least , keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun with a selection of sunscreens available at Boots.

p TK Maxx €6.99

For more inspiration follow MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre on Facebook and Instagram.

t TK Maxx €19.99

* All prices correct at time of print Skechers €70 u

t Carraig Donn €46.95

p Boots €11

t Pamela Scott €49.99

t River Island €50

River Island €20 q

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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Summer days

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Summer days

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

DAYS

Bundoran ready to embrace staycationers From the famous Fairy Bridges to the stunning Tullan Strand to being the surf capital of Ireland, Bundoran, County Donegal is the ultimate family destination this summer for your staycation! Nestled in the southern most tip of Donegal, beautiful bracing Bundoran by the sea has become synonymous with its tradition of hospitality right across the seaside resort for many centuries.

njoying stunning views of Donegal Bay, the first stop in the county on the Wild Atlantic Way has something for the whole family who are looking to fill every moment or that someone who just wants to relax and let the world go by. Five hotels, numerous self catering apartments and holiday homes, B&Bs and hostels ensure that every budget is catered for while attractions and entertainment options won’t leave you

wanting for something to do. Check out our impressive Fairy Bridges and make a wish on the Wishing Chair. Enjoy a stroll on the Rougey Walk and embrace that sea air. Settle down for the day on our Blue Flag beach or spend the afternoon experiencing the fun of the fair at Bundoran Adventure Park including the View Wheel lifting you to a height of 36 metres above ground. For the sports enthusiast there’s surfing with our surf

schools showing you how to get to your feet and facilities for beginners, intermediates and professionals right across the coastline. The golfer is looked after with our 18 hole championship links course and with sea, lake and river fishing close at hand the angler in your life is well catered for as well! How about a horseback ride across a golden strand and through sandy dunes? Look no further than Bundoran. On calm days you can experience

the coastal nooks and crannys from a sea kayak on the Atlantic. Nearby there’s hill walks and hikes and Bundoran provides the perfect base for an adventure to explore the surrounding areas including the Gleniff Horseshoe, Mullaghmore, Ireland’s Oldest Town – Ballyshannon, Donegal Town and further west to the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe – Sliabh Liag. When the hunger pangs

are at you, you’ll find many of Bundoran’s cafes and restaurants open for takeaway from your traditional fish and chips to your full dinner with options from Irish to European, Chinese to Indian. Many will have outdoor dining in place this year too. Finally, end your day with a loved one and take in one of Donegal’s stunning sunsets across Donegal Bay. Want to check it out before you get here? See our brand new webcams streaming live 24/7

at discoverbundoran.com/ webcam and when you get here, we’ve made it even easier for you to upload that treasured photo memory with free wifi at our Main Beach and Tourist Office. Things will be a little different this year and some things may be subject to change, but we are gearing up this year to give you a staycation to remember – for more see www.discoverbundoran.com and check us out on social media.

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Summer days

Discover the wonders of Secret Valley Wildlife Park offers 14 acres of education, adventure and fun for all the family. Secret Valley has now been open to the public fifteen years and over theoe years has seen alot of changes, hard years and major rewards. The newest addition to Secret Valleys amenities is the opening of the Hungry Tortoise Cafe/ restaurant where you can call in for a bite to eat now without paying to enter the park. You can fine the cafe off our new car park and entrance. The menu contains something for everyone from all day breakfasts, light lunches, crepes, pancakes to sweet treats, soft scoop ice-cream and great coffee. Call in from 9 to 6 everyday and our friendly staff will be happy to

look after you, The park has loads to offer visitors of all ages, from feeding a baby goat, hand feeding our llamas and alpacas, meeting Toby the tortoise, joining in with our keeper talks. With an indoor and outdoor playarea, quad train, adventure hunt there’s is plenty to do for all the family and thats before you see our wide variety of animals. Secret Valley has 38 species of animals including. Meerkats, lemurs, monkeys, porcupines and capybaras. We also work with AAP rescue centre in Denmark, giving long term care to

exploited primates from the pet trade and laboratories in need of a happy home Education is a big part of what secret valley is about and we provide ecology sessions for both junior and leaving cert students as well as team building days for Ty and none exam years, We also provide a fun filled day for primary school students. Looking to the future the Sv team have a lot of plans to enhance the park, these change will be on going over the summer and next year, watch this space as there is alot to happen at Secret Valley Wildlife Park So if you are looking for things to do in Wexford why not come and pay us a visit - you would be most welcome!

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CAP that! Ceremony marks 60 years of common farm policy Six decades after its enactment the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is key to Europe’s effort to tackle the current global food crisis. That is the view of Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune, as the European Parliament marks the 60th Anniversary

of the reformative CAP. A special ceremony recently highlighted the 1962 CAP agreement designed to guarantee affordable, safe and high quality food. MEP Deirdre Clune told The Kilkenny Observer: “Accounting for a third of the EU’s total budget, the

Arts Council announces over €47m. in funding The Arts Council, the Irish government agency for developing the arts, is pleased to announce its strategic funding decisions for 2022. Funding totalling €47.4million will be distributed to 106 organisations across all parts of the country. From theatre to Irish traditional arts, from jazz to classical music to local fiddle festivals, from visual arts to literature, the talent and creativity embodied in these organisations is world class, full of ambitious confidence and something that we should all be proud of. Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said: “Our strategic funding decisions will enable people of all ages and from all backgrounds to experience the very best of the arts. “The recipient organisations range across galleries, festivals, choirs, publishers, studios, theatres and venues and their work will ensure that the public has access to high quality artistic expression in every part of Ireland.” Chair of the Arts Council, Prof. Kevin Rafter, said: “Receiving funding of €130m for 2022 has allowed the Arts Council

to invest in arts organisations across the country. “This funding for 106 organisations means local communities all over Ireland will be able to access great art throughout the year,” according to Prof. Rafter. Recipients of strategic funding play a critical part in delivering the policy priorities of Making Great Art Work, the Arts Council’s strategy for the past 10 years. They also support the essential infrastructure required to sustain and develop the arts in Ireland. Funding is awarded following an open and competitive application process. The criteria against which applications are assessed are; artistic quality and development of the arts, public Engagement, organisational capacity, the importance of the organisation in the arts infrastructure and the commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion. Our strategically funded organisations deliver excellent artwork and / or events and provide excellent opportunities for artists to develop their practice or to be engaged in high-quality, creative work.

Ploughing champs in accommodation crisis Organisers of the National and World Ploughing Championships are appealing to home and property owners to give them a dig out as all available accommodation close to this year’s venue is already booked up. Both the National and 67th World Ploughing Championships are being held at Ratheniska, Co Laois, from September 20 to 22. More than 300,000 people are expected to attend this year’s mammoth event along with exhibitors and competitors, when Ireland will welcome ploughing teams and their

supporters from 24 countries. The National Ploughing Championships is the largest outdoor event in Europe and, due to the pandemic, it will be the first time in three years that it is taking place. Accommodation availability is already under pressure due to the World Ploughing Championships being moved from Russia to Laois only two months ago. Accommodation in nearby Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Tullamore is already fully booked, according to Championships organiser Anna Marie McHugh.

Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) currently provides food for 447 million citizens and supports around 120,000 Irish family farms. “Enacted following years of war and famine in Europe, CAP has made the EU largely self-sufficient in key agricultural products, but we

are now facing the challenge of global shortages and soaring commodity prices,” she said. The South East MEP said the war in Ukraine had added further disruption to agricultural markets already under pressure from the Covid-19 pandemic and

climate change. “CAP reforms, which are due to start next year, can help food producers become more effective, results driven, and environmentally friendly. “Small businesses and young farmers will be prioritised, with more incentives for low carbon

agriculture along with greater flexibility in planning,” ms Clune said. As it continues to evolve, the Common Agricultural Policy remains key to providing food for Europe and tackling the current shortages facing the wider world.”

Free mental health support for our young students Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has launched a free mental health support group, up and running now. The ‘Exam Stress’ support group is open to students of all ages and will cater for young people sitting the Leaving Certificate, students preparing for college entrance exams, and students doing third level exams. The support group is free for all students and is also open to parents who are worried about their children during exam season. The support group focuses on exam anxiety, how to reduce exam stresses, and how to prepare for upcoming exams while ensuring your mental health is also prioritised.

The free support group is conducted by a mental health professional, Anika Sparling, who is a qualified, accredited psychotherapist. The support groups are accessible to anyone on the island of Ireland. People who want to enrol for the free ‘Exam Stress’ support group can create a free account on Turn2Me.ie and simply sign up for the group. “We are delighted to launch this vital support group for students,” Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said, “We have been listening to our users and to feedback from secondary schools and third level institutions across the country, and the need for this support group has

become clear to us. A little bit of stress coming up to exams can be good, as it can help you focus and act as a motivation tool. The problems occur when the anxiety and stress levels increase and become overwhelming. “Some students feel like they’re drowning in the pressures they put on themselves, or pressures from their parents, to perform well in exams. Of course, it’s important to try your best in exams, but academic success isn’t the most important thing. “The most important thing is to manage your wellbeing and to make sure that you’re approaching exams with as little stress as possible, one topic and one subject at a

time,” Fiona O’Malley said. “The common symptoms of stress coming up to exams are feeling low, appetite loss, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure, not being able to sleep, and sometimes not being able to focus,” Anika Sparling, a psychotherapist at Turn2Me said. “This level of stress is unproductive and unhelpful because it’s bad for your mental health and it also negatively impacts your performance during the exams. The support group we’re launching on Exam Stress will run every Thursday at 6pm on the Turn2Me website. People can anonymously post how they’re feeling and voice their concerns.”

Thomastown Arts fest back in full swing The Thomastown Creative Arts Festival (TCAF) is back in full swing for 2022 and welcomes audiences to gather and celebrate great art on show in venues in and around Thomastown from the August 5 to 14. This year’s festival will feature an array of both local creators and nationally recognised artists. Working in a variety of both traditional and non-traditional media this diverse list will present their work in various locations. This year’s festival

will celebrate our capacity to gather again through an inclusive, family friendly programme of exhibitions and installations. Some artists and groups exhibiting at this year’s festival include: Grennan Mill Craft School will host an exhibition of graduates and tutors from the past 40 years including Peter Donovan, Anne-Marie Reinhold, Orla Kaminska and many more. Natural Traces will be on display at Jerpoint Glass showing

the work of Stephen Vaughn & Jane Jermyn and the Watergarden will feature Nano Nature, the ceramics of Sonja Guenther. Grennan Mill will host The Secret Garden exhibition and both the Thomastown Community Centre and Thomastown Men’s Shed will host multiple artistic exhibitions. Performing as an everchanging living work of art, Thomastown Biodiversity Garden will be open to the public throughout the festival

and will also play host to an exhibition of sculpture by Brendan Dooley. The Thomastown Creative Arts Festival is producing a full colour brochure to advertise artists exhibiting in Thomastown. There is no fee for participating artists. Businesses adverts of 105x99mm are available for purchase. Email thomastowncreativeartsfestival@gmail. com for more details and to submit. Deadline is June 15.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

In the heart of the co withtheKilkenny Ob The annual Fr. McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ English Awards, were presented on Wednesday May 25th. This year’s presentation was made by Mayor Andrew McGuinness. The event was attended by an eclectic mix from around the globe – diverse cultures from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe all gathered together, each with their own story to tell. The Kilkenny Observer was happy to attend and capture the moment.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

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Feature

From Barrack Street in Kilkenny, James Frederick Plunkett saw action in some bitter battles

Sergeant Major James Frederick Plunkett , 2nd Royal Irish Battalion ( 1910

This week, The Kilkenny Observer looks at the life Of Lieutenant Colonel James Frederick Plunkett, born into a Kilkenny military family, and who was to see war at first hand in many parts of the world. This is part one of a two part series A soldier, man and boy James Plunkett was born into a military family in Kilkenny, Ireland, on 9th January 1878 (son of John Plunkett (soldier) & Amelia (nee Williams), Barrack St., Kilkenny. Aged just 13, he ran away from home and joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment as a band-boy. Army life clearly agreed with him, and he took advantage of its many sporting opportunities. As well as enjoying cricket and billiards, he became a skilled marksman and an accomplished footballer. By the outbreak of the First World War (1914-18), Plunkett had already served 23 years and risen to become a regimental sergeant major. He saw action on the Western Front throughout the conflict, taking part in some of its most bitter battles. He recorded his experiences in a rough diary, from which he later wrote up a fascinating memoir. This not only details his incredible story, but also provides valuable insights into the nature of trench warfare. Retreat from Mons Plunkett arrived in France with his battalion on 14 August 1914. As part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), the men immediately advanced into Belgium to meet the German invasion head-on. As they marched, the British were welcomed everywhere by the local people and Plunkett later described this opening phase as a ‘glorious picnic’. This mood was soon shattered by their first encounter with the enemy. The battalion played its full part in a famous action at Mons in which the BEF checked the German advance, though at a heavy cost of life. Following this baptism of fire, the battalion - along with the rest of the BEF - had to endure a demoralising retreat, punctuated by a series of

desperate rearguard actions. The defence of the village of Audencourt proved particularly harrowing, with Plunkett astonished that any of his comrades came out alive. Needless to say, the British suffered many casualties during this period. Among them was Plunkett’s own brother, who was wounded and taken prisoner. ‘However anybody in Audencourt that day escaped being killed or wounded remains a miracle to me. I have never witnessed to date anything like the shell, machine gun and rifle fire we were under there… It was a pitiful sight along the road from the village to about ½ mile to the rear, to see the wounded lying by the roadside, many torn by shell, with nothing but death or capture by the enemy awaiting them.’ James Plunkett on the fighting at Audencourt, 1914 Tragedy at Le Pilly The gruelling retreat came to an end on 6 September 1914 and Plunkett recorded the enthusiasm with which the men received their orders to advance. The Royal Irish Regiment now took part in the grand counterattack that unfolded, known as the Battle of the Marne. This culminated in a bloody check on the River Aisne and was, in turn, followed by a series of flanking battles and manoeuvres known to posterity as the ‘Race to the Sea’. At the Battle of La Bassee (1920 October), Plunkett’s battalion undertook a desperate attack on the village of Le Pilly. The men captured their objective at heavy cost, only to find themselves in an isolated and impossible position, facing a powerful German counterattack. Enfiladed and overrun, the unit was almost entirely wiped out. At this time, Plunkett oversaw the battalion’s horse-

Certificate attesting one of James Plunkett’s five mentions in despatches, 1918

drawn ammunition carts and so was fortunate not to be in the front line. Unable to get through to his comrades, he later recalled how the ‘the groans and moaning in the trenches of our wounded was terrible, it being impossible to get near them to render even first aid as the surrounding ground was swept by fire’. Plunkett found himself to be one of the most senior of the handful of survivors. Soon afterwards, the remnants of the battalion were pulled out of the line so that it could be reconstituted. ‘I cannot give an estimate of the casualties, amongst the rank and file, but should image that all, with the exception of the transport, were either killed or captured.’ Captain Michael Harrison, 2nd Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, recounting the action at Le Pilly, 1917

ern Front with his battalion in March 1915, serving in the Ypres sector until June. Here, the Germans pioneered a terrible new weapon - poison gas. Gas could inflict terrible injuries and sow terror in the ranks. A particularly nasty experience came in the early hours of 24 May at Bellewaarde Ridge, when the Germans unleashed a deluge lasting over five hours as the

prelude to a major attack. The gas engulfed the British line. Many men, including those of 2nd Royal Irish, were driven into headlong retreat. Plunkett himself was rendered unconscious, but was luckily found and revived by two officers. Realising that the retreat countermanded a recent order prohibiting withdrawals in the face of gas attacks, Plunkett

A double award for gallantry Plunkett undertook many heroic actions during this opening phase of the war. These included helping to rescue his wounded commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel St John Augustus Cox, during the retreat from Audencourt and clearing a dead horse from a pontoon bridge at Vailly, on the Aisne, while under heavy fire. He was honoured with the Distinguished Conduct Medal and became one the first recipients of the newly established Military Cross. Poison gas Plunkett returned to the West-

and a few others immediately attempted to rally the men, though with little success. While the attack was eventually halted, the Germans had inflicted severe losses upon the regiment. Casualties included its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Redmond Moriarty. The withdrawal was the subject of a regimental enquiry in which Plunkett was obliged to give evidence. Although he remained convinced that soldiers could withstand gas attacks, he was later to write of the persistent difficulties involved in maintaining discipline in the face of this cruel and insidious weapon. ‘My own experience through many gas attacks has proved to me, even when not wearing a mask, that the individual can, in most cases, overcome the effect without going back.’ Plunkett on poison gas. Next week Part two.

The British Expeditionary Force Landing in France August 1914

We wish to thank Justin Saddington, curator of The National army museum for his research on this wonderful story.

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Recruitment

Kilkenny’s Golden Age In that Golden Age of the Confederation VIPs were received in the City with great pomp and pageantry. Triumphal arches were built. Great processions under the arch became common, to celebrate Confederate victories on the battlefield or the arrival of important foreign dignitaries. These grandiose scenes recalled the glory days of ancient Rome. After Eoghan Rua O’ Neill’s victory at the Battle of Benburb in 1646, troops paraded through the streets bearing captured enemy standards. Marching alongside them were high-ranking clergy, merchants and other pillars of society… all holding lighted candles or torches. Bonfires and artillery barrages rounded off the festivities. But the most magnificent and high profile reception was reserved, in 1645, for the arrival in Kilkenny of the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Rinuccini. He was Archbishop of Fermo and Ambassador of the Papal States and about to become a powerful though ultimately unhelpful ally of the Confederation. In the short term, his presence in the City would achieve international respectability for the Confederacy. A group of prominent city folk, mainly scholars, met him three miles from Kilkenny. These notables read a specially composed

oration in his honour. He loved the eloquent verses that the poetically minded group recited. St. Patrick’s Church was fronted by a huge gathering of top-notch clerics…all anxious to greet one of God’s chosen representatives on earth; a man they hoped could help the Confederacy win its aim of a united Catholic Ireland. All the members of the Corporation turned out at St. Patrick’s gate to extend a formal welcome to the Archbishop. From here he was mounted on Kilkenny’s finest black stallion. His multicoloured pontifical cape and hat wooed the crowds of cheering onlookers. Along with his military escort, he proceeded on horseback towards St. Canice’s Cathedral. The entire route was lined by Confederate troops, standing to attention and bearing muskets. Trumpets blared and drums beat in triumph. Confederate banners fluttered across the length and breadth of the city. It was one of the proudest moments in the history of Kilkenny. When the Archbishop of Fermo reached Market Cross in the middle of the city he halted momentarily amidst a teeming crowd of well wishers to acknowledge their warm welcome and frenzied cheering. People surged forward from all direc-

tions in an effort to touch his cloak, believing it had divine or magical powers. Stewards called for silence and a young man, having ascended the steps of the Market Cross-, chanted a moving oration to the “Pope’s Man in Ireland”. At St. Canice’s, Dr. David Rothe, Bishop of Ossory, greeted Rinuccini. Clad in special vestments for the occasion, Dr. Rothe presented the Papal Nuncio with a vessel of holy water and incense. He guided his distinguished guest to the High Altar in the Cathedral from where further tributes were paid to the man from Rome. But Kilkenny’s Golden Age was not to last beyond the 1640s. With Civil War raging in England, the Confederates deemed King Charles I and his Royalist forces to be the lesser of two evils. The Twelfth Earl of Ormonde, James Butler, acting for the king, had already negotiated a one yeartruce between the Confederate army and the Crown. Archbishop Rinuccini perceived any compromise on the issue of supreme Catholic domination of Ireland as a betrayal of the Irish cause and an affront to God. He returned disillusioned to Rome. Continued next week...

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Cheesy bean burgers Prep: 15 mins Cook: 25 mins Plus chilling Serves: 2

This super-satisfying, vegetarian bean burger makes a cheap and easy after-work meal for all the family. Ingredients • 400g can butter beans , drained and rinsed • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 small onion , finely chopped • 1 garlic clove , crushed • 75g Wensleydale cheese (or vegetarian alternative), crumbled • 1 tbsp plain flour • 1 egg beaten • 50g fresh white breadcrumbs • 300g punnet cherry tomatoes • 100g bag rocket Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 5. Tip the butter beans into a bowl and mash with a fork to form a rough purée. Set aside. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a small frying pan and add the onion and garlic. Cook over a gentle heat for 3-4 mins, until softened. STEP 2 Stir the onion mixture into the

butter beans, along with the cheese, then season. Shape the mixture into 4 patties, cover and chill for 10 mins. STEP 3 Put the cherry tomatoes in a small roasting tin and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-15 mins,

until tender. STEP 4 Tip the flour, egg and breadcrumbs onto three separate plates. Roll each patty in the flour, dusting off any excess, carefully roll in the egg, then finally coat in the breadcrumbs.

STEP 5 Heat remaining oil in a nonstick frying pan and add burgers. Cook for 8-10 mins, turning occasionally until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and serve with the roasted tomatoes and rocket.

Easy vegetable curry Prep: 15 mins Cook: 45 mins Serves: 8 This simple vegetable curry is budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd, served with naan and rice. You can freeze batches for future midweek meals. Ingredients • 1 large potato, diced • 1 small butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and diced • 1 aubergine, diced • 6 tbsp tikka masala paste • 3 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 onions, sliced • 680g-700g jar tomato passata • 400g can coconut milk • 2 red peppers, sliced • 2 courgettes, diced • few coriander sprigs, to serve • rice or naan bread, to serve

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Toss the potato, squash and aubergine with 2 tbsp curry paste and 2 tbsp oil in a large roasting tin. Season, then roast for 30 mins. STEP 2 Meanwhile, make the sauce. Fry the onions in the remaining oil in a large pan until softened and golden – add a splash of water if they start to dry out. Stir in the remaining curry paste, cook for 3 mins, then add the passata, coconut milk and 100ml water. Simmer for a few mins. STEP 3 When the vegetables are roasted, tip them into the sauce with the peppers and courgettes. Simmer for 10-15 mins until tender. Scatter with coriander and serve

Top 5 health benefits of smoked salmon A 100g serving of smoked (cold) salmon contains: • • • • • • •

184 kcals / 769 kJ 22.8g protein 10.1g fat 0.5g carbohydrates 19mcg selenium 8.9mcg vitamin D 3.06mg salt

1. May support a healthy heart Oily fish like salmon are rich in a type of polyunsaturated fat called omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential because the body cannot produce them, so we must include them regularly in our diet. The most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, known as long chain, occur naturally in oily fish in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are thought to contribute to a healthy heart and help maintain skin, joints and hormonal balance. In addition to heart disease, scientists are now investigating the role that fish consumption may have in protecting us against some cancers and conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, macular degeneration and rheumatoid arthritis. 2. May support brain function We’ve long been told that fish is ‘brain food’, and there’s convincing evidence to support this. Studies suggest regular consumption reduces age-related brain loss and may improve memory – it’s the omega-3 fatty acids that are responsible for this. Studies investigating the role fatty varieties of fish play have seen benefits for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, depression and multiple sclerosis. 3. May be anti-inflammatory Oily fish plays an important role in dampening the effects of inflammation, which is key to helping manage a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cancer. Studies suggest that eating more oily fish like salmon could help lower levels of the markers that indicate inflammation. 4. May be protective The pink colour of salmon comes from its rich levels of a protective antioxidant called astaxanthin. This compound has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol and working in combination with the omega-3 fatty acids to protect the brain and nervous system. 5. May support healthy ageing Salmon is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining bone health, preventing muscle loss and helping the body heal and repair. Its rich astaxanthin content may help maintain skin elasticity, reduce the signs of ageing and protect the skin against UV damage.

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Advertisement TV & Streaming

to watch right now on Netflix

Four websites to stream free documentaries In the past, we’ve covered several places to watch documentaries for free, whether streaming them on websites or dedicated apps for non-fiction content. Well, that’s not the end of the list, though. These sites find documentaries by going to sources others don’t venture or redefine what a documentary is. Quite a few websites collect the best documentaries available for streaming online. But that doesn’t mean they list every single one. As the sites in this list prove, you can still find more (and perhaps better) documentaries through random Redditors and by finding YouTube videos that wouldn’t be called “documentaries” by conventional standards. 1. Documentary Tube (Web) Documentary Tube adds new videos worth watching every day.Largely, the collection comes from YouTube, Vimeo, and selfhosted videos on Documentary Tube. You’ll know which of the three it is by the thumbnail showing a little icon for one of these. Each

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Three new series streaming now First Kill, an eight-episode Netflix show, is built around a teenage vampire named Juliette who’s eager to make her first kill so she can take her place among a powerful vampire family. Netflix’s summary notes that Juliette sets her sights on Calliope, the new girl in town. “But much to Juliette’s surprise, Calliope is a vampire hunter from a family of celebrated slayers. Both find that the other won’t be so easy to kill and, unfortunately, way too easy to fall for.” Clear your schedules, Buffy fans.

Next up, the long-awaited Season 6 of Peaky Blinders. It’s been almost three years since the previous set of Peaky Blinders episodes, Season 5, hit Netflix. In this new season of the wildly popular series — which, by the way, can we all agree has one of the most fantastic opening theme tunes, courtesy of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds? — Tommy Shelby, who leads a mostly familyfilled band of gangsters in the Small Heath area of Birmingham, must pick up the pieces from his failed attempt at the end of Season 5 to assassinate

the fascist politician Oswald Mosley. Among other developments this season, Tommy will also set out for America. The Shelbys need to find new revenue streams once Prohibition ends. Sadly, missing from Season 6 for the first time will be actress Helen McCroy, who played Tommy’s stalwart and iconic aunt Polly Gray. McCroy passed away in 2021. Also, Season 6 will mark the end of the series — but not of the Peaky Blinders story, itself. Creator Steven Knight is

working on a feature-length movie. Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is a limited series about a secretive, polygamous sect of the Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. From Netflix’s synopsis: “In 2008, a dramatic raid at the Yearning for Zion Ranch in West Texas generated attention around the world, as law enforcement agents uncovered stunning evidence of sexual, physical and psychological abuse and took 400+ children into custody.”

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This 2016 indie gem might have flown under the radar, so if you’re looking for a modern romcom overflowing with charm, definitely give Tramps a watch. Callum Turner and Grace Van Patten star as Danny and Ellie, a sincere good kid and a streetwise girl who attempt to carry out a shady deal for a little cash. Tightly scripted and deftly avoiding hackneyed territory, Tramps will effortlessly win your heart.

Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020) is a unique comedy-horror in more ways than one. Set in the New York borough of the Bronx, it follows young Miguel Martinez, a bighearted kid helping to raise money for his struggling local bodega. But it’s not just new designer clothing stores threatening to move in: Creepy pale residents with a taste for blood are eating up people and their properties. A commentary on gentrification with goofy charm, twists and thrills, Vampires vs. the Bronx is a fresh, entertaining spin on the genre.

Also from 2020, His House is a horror flick that, yep, hits close to home. Revealing its supernatural evils through a harrowing human story, it follows Bol and Rial, a refugee couple from Sudan, who struggle to adapt to their new life in an English town. Don’t expect straightforward jump scares -- His House plays into the psychological specters of the past, adding even more corridors of torment. A heartrending, powerful piece.

This smart psychological horror from 2018 is partially drawn from co-writer Isa Mazzei’s experiences as a camgirl (or webcam model). Yet, Cam is no documentary, following Alice Ackerman, a young camgirl who one day discovers an exact replica of herself has taken over her show. This unique thriller flashing red with the threat of technology is an excellent feature to hit play on

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Feature

Out and About in the heart with the Kilkenny

Gathered at the IMC cinema at Barrack Street, are members of the Acquired Brain Injury Group and Young Irish Film Makers LTI students

Dean Burke on the Clapper

selection of photos taken at the recent showing of “Business Class”, a short film recently filmed and edited by the Young Irish Film Makers Local Training Initiative Multimedia course. The script was written entirely by the Acquired Brain Injury Group Kilkenny and facilitated by artist Gillian Grattan. The initiative was overseen and funded by the Kilkenny Carlow Educational Training Board. The Short Film Premiere was screened at IMC Cinema Kilkenny (Barrack Street) (Duration 30 min)

Pictured at the premiere of ‘Business Class’ Gillian Grattan (Arts facilitator) Gary McHugh (National Director YIFM) and Siobhán O’Brien ( Kilkenny Carlow ETB)

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Feature

of the community Observer The Gang

Dylan Doyle and Muirin Larkin

Orla Brennan

Muirinn Larkin and Dylan Doherty

Dylan Doherty as Brannigan

Everybody wins

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Community & GAA Notes

SCHOOL RAFFLE Clara school is running a raffle to fund a new SEN Unit and a new playing pitch for our children. First prize is Knockmahon Tessy (or €2000 cash equivalent), a pedigree Charolais heifer calf from the well known Knockmahon Herd bred by the late Christy Comerford. Tickets cost €20 each or 3 for €50!!. Tickets are available from the school, from Connolly’s Dunbell and online at https://www. idonate.ie/raffle/winknockmahontessy. Draw will take place on June 17th 2022 in Clara National School. ALL SUPPORT GREATLY APPRECIATED. BIG LOSS FOR JUNIORS Clara suffered a heavy defeat in Ballyraggett on Tuesday of last week in a Junior All County League clash. Only 15 players travelled for this one but Clara did well in the early stages and Brandon Ryan and Dara Glynn scored the first two points of the game. However Ballyraggett soon got into their stride and scored the next eight points before Joe Connolly stopped the rot with a pointed free. The hosts, managed by Clara man Gerry Byrne, continued playing well and Clara were grateful to hear the half time whistle. Facing into the second half with a 2-14 to 0-4 deficit, Clara could have been forgiven for giving up on the cause. But they were much more competitive and only lost the second half 1-10 to 1-8. All of their eight points came from the stick of Joe Connolly, while Ruairí Breen got the goal when he batted home a Dara Glynn effort. The final score was 3-24 to 1-12. Team - Jason Barcoe, Jack Carrigan, Tom Ryan, Evan Whearty. James Casey, Mick McDonald, Brian Nolan. Stephen Quinlan, Brandon Ryan 0-1. Thomas Armitage, Joe Connolly 0-10, 0-5f, Rory O Keeffe. Bill Cody, Dara Glynn 0-1, Ruairí Breen 1-0. CAMOGIE Clara seniors had a good 3-12 to 3-9 win over Tullaroan on Friday evening in Clara. Tullaroan started well and had 1-1 on the board after just four minutes. Two points by Orla Farrell and one each from Aisling Nolan and Siobhán Curtis levelled matters. Tullaroan scored the next three points but Clara replied with two from Aisling Nolan and Margaret O Connell. Another Tullaroan point was negated by a Siobhán Curtis effort before Siobhán goaled with the final score of the half to leave the Clara girls 1-7 to 1-5 ahead at the break. A Tullaroan goal at the start of the second half was immediately countered by a similar Siobhán Curtis strike. The game went point for point for the next 15 minutes before Clara hit a purple patch and scored an unanswered 1-3, with the goal coming from Margaret O Connell. This left Clara 3-11 to 2-7 ahead. Tullaroan to their credit scored the next 1-2 to cut the deficit to two points but Aisling Nolan closed out the scoring with a free to give Clara a much needed and deserved victory. Team - Aoife Glynn, Rachel Brickell, Laoise Nolan, Aoife Treacy. Margaret Kehoe, Aisling Nolan 0-6, 0-2f, 0-1x 45, Lucy Cody. Rebecca Nolan, Siobhán Curtis 2-3. Maria Shortall, Margaret O Connell 1-1, Niamh Ward. Aoife Ward, Siobhán Treacy, Orla Farrell 0-2. Sub Joanne Comerford. COUNTY Well done to Conor Phelan who was a selector on the Kilkenny senior team that enjoyed a mighty Leinster final win over Galway at Croke Park on Sunday. They are now straight through to an All Ireland semi final. Hard luck to Aisling Curtis and the Kilkenny Intermediate Camogie team who lost 0-13 to 1-5 away to Cork on Saturday.

EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and one sheet €10; Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. Monster Bingo: On Sunday, June 26 at 6pm.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO May 30th prize fund was: €8,200. Jackpot: €6,200. Numbers drawn: 6, 15, 25, 28, bonus no 3. No winner and one match 3 winner: Liam Coady. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Martin Shea, Ann Burke, Ann Ryan, Pat Walsh, Dermot Dunphy. Promoters prize: Thomas Kavanagh. Next draw takes place on Tuesday, June 7 in the Clubrooms. Results next week. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Save the date: Mill Family Fun Day July 10th in the Centre 1.30pm4.30pm in support of Counselling Services. LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www. millfrcurlingford.com BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5 September 2022: We are currently taking names for the Healthcare QQI Level 5 programme starting September 2022. Please contact us if you are interested in completing this course. Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine. Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family & Teens, aged 12 plus.General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety & Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance & Gambling Addictions. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment. Appeal for Clothes Donations. Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off. Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot was Tom Byrne who won €350. Congrats Tom! Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town, with proceeds this week going to Urlingford Town Team. Be in it to win it!! URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396. URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address. FEILE LACHTAIN 2022. Féile Lachtain continues next weekend with open air painting on the Green in Freshford. On Saturday June 11 participants will take part in a Cruinniú na nÓg event to mark the National Day of Free Activity for Children and Young People. A family friendly art workshop will take place from 4.00 to 6.00 p.m. under cover in the marquee on the Green in creating a celebratory painting of St. Lachtain. On Sunday June 12, the Plein Air event will continue at the marquee from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Materials will be provided. There is limited availability. Please contact Rachel Burke at 087 244 4069. Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 until 4.30. Kevin Buckley’s replica of the Shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm is currently on display in the museum courtesy of Freshford Community Club. Also on display is another replica of the shrine created by Pádraig Donnelly. There are gifts for every occasion on sale in the crafts shop. New additions here include souvenir Freshford greeting cards and carrier bags and clocks set in miniature hurleys and sliotars. While these sport the Black and Amber colours, they can be ordered in any county colours. Ned Kennedy’s book “Edmund Fitzpatrick Artist and Illustrator” is on sale at O’ Shea’s Shop and all Kilkenny bookshops. Cost €12. It can be ordered by post from O’Shea’s by adding post and packing. BRIDGET BUTLER RIP Local people were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Bridget Butler late of Clashacrow Freshford. Biddy as she was affectionately known was widely known and respected in the village. Although she had been unwell in recent times nevertheless her passing caused widespread shock and regret. She was predeceased by her sister Mary. She was an outgoing friendly and hard working and loved the chat. She loved the hurling and particularly when Kilkenny or Freshford were involved and loved to chat about it afterwards. Her remains were removed from Kennedy’s funeral home to St.Lachtains Church on Thursday evening last. Funeral mass took place on Friday followed by burial in St.Lachtains cemetery. She is mourned by her brothers Murt and Paddy, her brother in law, nephews and extended to family neighbours and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Congratulations to the boys and girls of second class received their first Holy Communion at Lachtains Church Freshford recently. The ceremony was performed by Monsignor K.Kennedy PP. He paid tribute to the parents and teachers for the way in which the children were prepared both physically and spiritually. The following children received the sacrament: N.Barnaville, K.Bergin, C.Buckley, T.Campion,J.Curley, R.Dalton S.Geraghty, C.Gleeson, Twins C&C Grant, R.Grant, J.Kevanagh, M.Lowry, J.Nolan, S.O’Neill, K.Phelan Foy, J.Phelan, Ml. Ryan, S.Webster, R.Hickey, L.Daly, ECrosby,C.Gibbons, Congratulations also to the boys and girls who received the

sacrament of Confirmation in the local church recently. DEATH The death took place last weekend of Mrs. Alice Gibbons late of Barna Freshford.The deceased was predeceased by her husband Eamon and both her and her family was widely known and respected in the locality. Funeral mass took place on Monday morning last in St.Lachtains Church Freshford followed by burial in St Lachtains Cemetery. She is mourned by her son Eamon, daughters Edwina and Alice, grandchildren, daughter in law, brothers, sisters in law nephews nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. AWARD Congratulations are extended to talented well-known local artist Patrick Rafter, who is an international award winning violinist and conductor. Patrick was honoured by Kilkenny County Council at a Civic ceremony recently. Patrick is son of Patrick and Maura Ratter and both he and all his family are extremely musically talented. SUMMER CAMP The annual summer camp will take place at the GAA Grounds from 25th to 29th July with organiser JJ Grace and his team of helpers. Bookings are now been taken for the camp which is the oldest camp in the village and has been going for the past number of years very successfully. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on086 8629666 SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to the Butler family Ballylarkin on the death last week of Tom Butler late of Ballymakeera County Cork and formerly of Ballylarkin, Freshford. Funeral mass took place on Friday last in St.Gobnaits Church with burial afterwards in St.Gonbnaith’s cemetery Ballyvourney. Sympathy is also extended to the Hickey family on the death of their aunt Mrs. Nancy Dunphy (nee O’Toole) in Dublin last week BAPTISM Baby Jessie Burke was baptised in St Lachtains Church on Sunday afternoon last. Congrats to the proud parents Gavin and Breda and big sister Amelia. SPLIT THE POT The weekly split the pot draw took place on Wednesday last week and the lucky winner was Alice Skehan Lisdowney, who won the sum of €130. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This months proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to Please support this fund raiser. GAA NEWS Congratulations to James Maher and Darren Brennan who were part of the successful Kilkenny Senior team who won the Leinster final on Saturday evening against Galway at Croke Park. St Lachtain’s GAA would like to wish all the best to everyone doing the leaving in the coming week. TRIP TO GALWAY A trip to Galway took place from the Day Care centre on Tuesday last to Salthill. Stopping off at Roscrea for tea and scones and then onto Galway City and Salthill. Dinner was served in O’Meara’s of Portumna on the way back. SOCCER All is quite on the filed of play for Freshford Town as the season has now finished for Juniors and schoolboys. The training sessions for U8s which are held each Saturday morning from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportsfield at Woodview will finish up this coming Saturday until September COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford /Three castles Community Alert group held their AGM recently. This was their first AGM since covid restrictions Anyone wishing to join the text alert scheme or have a personal alarm installed should contact any of the above Committee. It is 10 euro per phone number. New members are always very welcome. The group wish to thank everyone who has joined for their continued support. Please contact any of the committee members to discuss, John Bergin 0862592535, Jacinta Power 0877658672, Mick Cormack 0863535293 or Anna Morrissey 0858277965. PARISH NEWS Attendance at mass are now back to full capacity 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 Jennifer 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 MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra

you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@ macra.ie 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. Local Lotto Results for June 3rd Winning numbers. 2, 20, 30. No Winner. Winners of Draw 5 x € 30.Alice Moore ( Nellie Maher ),Margaret Breen ( Dan Breen ),Tom O Brien ( Malachy Hogan ),Kathryn Costello ( Larry Costello ), Aisling Connolly ( Niamh O Donovan ) Jackpot next week € 1,150 Venue : Delaney’s DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Dunnamaggin Development Group the next market in Madge’s Garden will take place on Sunday June 26th. This month’s theme is Midsummer Barn Dance. Watch this space and the Facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News for more details. CEMETERY MASSES Cemetery Masses will take place in Kilmoganny on Friday 8th July at 8.00 pm: Dunnamaggin on Friday 15th July at 8.00pm Kilree to be arranged Mass for Exam students in Kilmoganny on Saturday 11th June at 7.15 pm KILMOGANNY BRIDGE CLUB The bridge results for 1/06/2022: 1 Philip Brennan and Gerry FitzGerald. 2 Mary Delaney and Margaret Dunne. Bridge is every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghans Centre, Kilmoganny. All welcome. DUNNAMAGGIN LFC FÉILE PLATE CHAMPS The U15 girls had a super day out on Saturday June 4th in blustery conditions at the Division 2 Féile in Portlaoise GAA Club. They got off to a winning start in their first match against Naomh Eoin of Carlow on a 2:2 to 0:4 scoreline. Thomas Davis of Dublin and St. Joseph’s of Westmeath were the next back to back rounds for the girls and these two sides were strong and overcame Dunnamaggin.. The girls then had a well needed break and came out in flying form for their next round match against Valleymount of Wicklow. A win in this match would secure a place in the Plate Final and the girls were up for it. They worked hard and secured the victory. The Plate final saw the squad face Réalta na Mara of Westmeath and again the girls were firing on all cylinders. They supported each other and displayed some fantastic passages of play to win on a scoreline of 6:4 to 2:5. Well done to the girls for the tremendous effort, their parents for supporting them all day long and of course their mentors Eléna Byrne, Denis Lahart, Séan Ryan, Connor Bass and Noel Lahart. Thanks also to IDsports, Callan Co Op Treacy’s Carpets And Furniture and Marble City Paving for their sponsorship of the teams gear. Thanks also for the many kind donations from parents and the club members. The girls had a very special day. PNN KILKENNY PPN Kilkenny are hosting their 1st Plenary on Tuesday 21st of June at 7pm sharp in the Ormonde Hotel. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and reconnect after a turbulent few years for communities. We have a host of speakers on the nightSean McKeown, Acting CEO of Kilkenny Local Authority, Barry Symes from Community Finance Ireland and Nick Ryan from BHP Insurance. We will have food and refreshements on the night. Please note a maximum of 3 people per group so if you could register in advance on ppnkilkenny@kilkennycoco.ie. DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Droichead Family Resource Centre Callan are now enrolling for the Moving on Programme commencing in September 2022. Get Driver Theory, Driving Lessons and Test preparation while training in Employment Skills including Safepass, HACCP and First Aid. Training allowance paid subject to DSP entitlements. For more information contact Droichead Family Resource Centre on (056) 7755660. Fáilte Isteach, conversational English classes return to Droichead Family Resource Centre every Thursday from 9.30-11.30am & 6.308.30pm. For more information contact Carmel on (083) 2098069. Droichead Family Resource Centre are running a Heartsaver AED Course on the 10th of June from 9.30am-12.30pm. Participants will learn how to use an Automated External Defibrillator and CPR. The Heartsaver AED Course costs €10 per person and each participant will receive an Irish Heart Foundation Heartsaver AED certificate. To book a place or for more information please contact Carmel on (083) 2098069 or email familysupport@droicheadfrc.ie. Want to know what is happening at Droichead Family Resource Centre? Text “what’s on “to (085) 8564950 or (083) 2098069 to be added to our What’s on at Droichead FRC WhatsApp Group. You can also follow Droichead FRC on Facebook or Instagram or give us a call on (056) 7755660 to keep up to date with all the services,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes supports and community groups available at Droichead. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Barnstorm Theatre Company are looking for Front of House Volunteers to support them during their performances. This is a great opportunity to enjoy theatre and learn new skills. Mount Carmel Nursing Home are looking for Cycle Without Age Volunteers - Trishaw Pilot Do you enjoy cycling ? Would you like to support the centre to drive participants around the community? Don’t worry full training is given and the Bike is Electric !! Kilkenny Welcome Team is back for 2022. Volunteers will be in pairs along the medieval mile in Kilkenny City and will offer a friendly smile to visitors and answer any questions they may have . Inclusive Camp Volunteers KRSP would love to hear from Volunteers who are interested in helping out with their Inclusive Summer Camps again this summer . This is also open to young volunteers aged 15yr- 18yrs. Cois Nore Link Volunteers Cois Nore offer invaluable support to people and their families who have had a cancer diagnosis. The Link Volunteer is at the very centre of what is offered within Cois Nore and will provide support to our service users from their very first visit. Each service user will have a Link Volunteer who checks in with them on a regular basis, links them to information about their diagnosis and signposts to our professional services such as talk and touch therapies. For information on any of the roles please see our website www.volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 0892584946 TALK OPW Kilkenny Castle will mark this year’s Pride Month by hosting a talk by Brian Crowley, author and curator of the collections at Pearse Museum and Kilmainham Gaol, titled The Dublin Castle Scandals of 1884, on Saturday 18th June from 7.30 – 8.30pm in Kilkenny Castle and will talk about the bitter political war which raged between the Home Rule movement and the British administration in Ireland that led to the exposure of Dublin’s secret male homosexual community. Free event but registration is required. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/pride-festival-talk-the-dublin-castlescandals-of-1884-tickets-3280068 GOWRAN DEVELOPMENT Community Employment Scheme (CE) - The scheme currently has a number of positions vacant in the area. If interested, contact the CE office in Goresbridge, on; 059 9775675 or 086 8566242. Thanks to all participants who worked on the scheme in Gowran throughout the years maintaining public places and helping to keep Gowran litter free. St Mary’s Church Gowran - the church opened again last week for the Summer season following two years closure due to COVID. Entrance to the church is free. Guides will be only too delighted to guide you through the long history of this National Monument. Visitors can view the many monuments of national importance on display within the church. Tidy Town - is back. Due to COVID, Tidy Towns didn’t take place in 2020. The event was a virtual event last year. However, this year the judges will visit again. Gowran has entered the competition for almost 40 years. Thanks to all who plant and look after flowers, paint their premises and generally look after the area. THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. Tickets available online, www.gowranpark.ie FEILE FOOTBALLERS LAND SHIELD SPOILS Huge congratulations to the Feile Footballing Team who won the Division Two Shield Regional Final last Saturday Afternoon in Ferns Co. Wexford, as they defeated St. Pats of Waterford. They played three matches in the Group Stages, as they began the competition against St. Pats before playing Clonmore (Carlow) and Cushinstown (Wexford) following with the Shield Final afterwards. Well done to all the Players and Management Team involved and there was a very poignant moment afterwards as the No. 12 Jersey was held in honour of their great friend and teammate Harry Byrne. CAREY PLAYS PART IN PROVINCIAL TITAL VICTORY Michael Carey had another good solid game from Right-Half Back as Kilkenny retained their Leinster Senior title with a 0-22 to 0-17 win against Galway. The Young Irelands Clubman has been an ever present throughout the year in both League and Championship and is now firmly established as a Regular Member in the Starting line-up. He has been one of Kilkenny’s standout consistent performers and is an important member of Brian Cody’s set-up. GREYHOUND NIGHT A SUPER SUCCESS The Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club Dog Night in Kilkenny Greyhound Track was a superb success, with a terrific attendance on show on a beautiful Summer’s Evening. There was huge support on the evening with so many buying and selling tickets, along with the many sponsors and those who donated prizes on the night. It all contributed to a fantastic nights Entertainment. For Full information on all the Prize winners, Check out Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Pages on Facebook for further details. INTERMEDIATES PREVAIL FOLLOWING THRILLER There was another victory for the Intermediates following a 2-18 to 1-20 win away to Carrickshock in Hugginstown in their final group game in Division Three of the Senior League. That win confirmed their standing as Group winners on head-to-

head with both teams having finished level on 4 points. They will now look forward to a home Semi-Final against Danesfort on Friday Night week 17th June at 7.15pm. PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAMOGIE GIRLS STORM THEIR WAY TO FINAL The Gowran Primary Schools Camogie Team produced another superb and scintillating performance, as they strolled to a 8-3 to 2-1 win against Carrickshock Primary School to qualify for the Primary Schools Camogie Roinn B Final. The Gowran girls led from the outset and by the midway point of the first half, they were ahead 3-1 to 1-0, before adding another two goals in the Second Quarter to lead 5-1 to 2-0 at half-time. They took further control in the Second Half and three further goals saw them run out resounding winners. The Gowran girls have been in devastating goalscoring form throughout the competition with 18 goals in their last two matches played. The 8 goals scored against Carrickshock was in addition to the 10 goals scored against Thomastown in the Quarter-Final. Unquestionably, they will take an awful lot of beating in the upcoming Schools Final that might possibly be played in Nowlan Park. Unfortunately, there was no such joy for the Primary Schools U-13 Hurling Team who lost out 5-5 to 2-5 to Bunscoil McAuley Rice Callan in the Quarter-Final. FREZELEXPRESS REPEATS TRAMORE VICTORY FOR LOCAL TRAINER Following on from her victory in Tramore in early April, Frazel Express provided Gowran Trainer Jimmy Barcoe with a repeat success at the Waterford Track when landing the Visit Dunmore East Handicap Hurdle Leading approaching the final flight, the Yvonne Hennessy owned 4/1 shot in the hands of Kilmacow native Donagh Meyler stayed on strongly to run out a two-length winner from the Eoin Doyle trained Eric Carmen. DANNY DELIVERS ACROSS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Gowran Jockey Danny Mullins had success across the Bank Holiday Weekend with a double in Tramore on Saturday, while he was also among the winners in Kilbeggan on Sunday. In Tramore last Saturday, he was aboard Kingston Retreat to win the featured event, The Tramore Farmers Market Handicap Hurdle, before doubling up on Bitview Colin to win The Tramore AFC Handicap Steeplechase. Meanwhile, in Kilbeggan on Sunday he was victorious on 33/1 shot He Fitz In to win The Kilbeggan Races.com Novice Hurdle. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results May 26th. Nos 13 - 4 - 31 – 2. Jackpot €2000 1st Prize €50 Declan Gough c/o Declan Gough. 2nd Prize €25 4 Amigos c/o Gina Gaule 3rd Prize €25 Eddie O’Donoghue c/o online. 4th Prize €25 Ger Power c/o online Hurlers Co Op Ticket Lisa Hanrick . Promotors Prize Paddy Grace Next week Draw €2150 SUMMER CAMP 2022 Save the date for our hugely popular Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Multi Activity Summer Camp. Week 1 - July 18th - 22nd. Week 2 - August 15th - 19th. Booking System Now Open. KILKENNY REPRESENTATIVE CAMOGIE Kilkenny Intermediate defeated Kildare and the Senior team defeated Limerick on a Sunny Saturday in Nowlan Park. Congrats to our Senior players Aoife Prendergast ( captain) Ciara Phelan, Niamh Phelan and Asha McHardy and Jane Cass CLUB RESULTS The Senior Hurlers played out a draw 2-16 to 3-13 against Mullinavat on Friday in the St Canices Senior Hurling League. The U12s camogie hosted Faughs from Dublin on a glorious Saturday in Palmerstown. Great skill on show.The future is bright with these young girls. U20 CELEBRATIONS Thank you to everyone in the club who helped organised and came to celebrate the u20 All Ireland winners on Saturday evening in Palmerstown. A great night of celebrations was had by all. CLUB REGISTERATION Many thanks, to all those who have registered to date. The closing date for registration this year of March 31st has passed, all members must be registered now to take to the field. Registration is available through the membership option on ClubZap and a phased payment option is available. Any members who are having difficulty paying online can contact a member from the executive to arrange a cash payment facility. Many thanks. PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE REOPEN Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar has reopened. Thursdays from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward .Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night.All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table. We are offering a particular welcome to our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat.

loved the land, meeting old friends, and in particular Pottlerath where he was born and spent his childhood and youth. The attendance on both occasions of his obsequies certainly bore witness to the esteem everyone had for him. His requiem mass which took place in St. Patrick’s Church was celebrated by Fr. R. Whearty, P.P. and Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. Ballycallan. Many friends and residents lined part of the roadway as the funeral cortege passed on its way. A stop at his birthplace and Kilmanagh Creamery where John worked for some time, was a fitting tribute to him. His final resting place was St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Sincere sympathy is expressed to his wife Vera, sons Niall and Derek, daughters Lisa, Joanne and Cathy, sisters Philomena, Marie, Teresa and Brigid, grandchildren, sons in law David and Albert, brothers in law, nephews and nieces. Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam. TOM BYRNE Breda Byrne nee Murphy, Kilmacthomas and the Byrne Family Coolmasmear, Dungarvan would like to thank their many relatives that travelled to Tom’s funeral recently. Your loyalty and love over the years has always meant so much. CEMETERY MASS After a lapse of three years the annual cemetery mass was held on last Sunday evening May 29th in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. What a beautiful, moving occasion, brilliant sunshine, a profusion of flowers and a vast array of people with one intention in mind, prayer and supplication for loved ones who have passed to eternal life. Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. Ballycallan and Fr. Peter Muldowney, C.C., St Patricks celebrated the mass. After the homily the two Rev. Fathers blessed the graves while the rosary was recited. The interred of the five other cemeteries in our parish were also included. The choir sang appropriate hymns which certainly added to the solemnity of the mass. At the conclusion of the celebration Fr. Liam thanked all for their attendance, Sean O’Doherty for the amplification, to the choir for their beautiful singing, to Kilkenny County Council for the upkeep of the cemetery, to his co-celebrant Fr. Peter and to the various people who were part of the organising. In turn Fr. Liam and Fr. Peter were thanked for their prayerful celebration of mass. Thanks to God and Our Lady for giving us a beautiful evening. Undoubtedly all who participated in the celebration experienced a great sense of peace and love knowing that our loved ones benefited from our prayer. SILVER JUBILEE Congratulations to Fr. Liam Taylor on attaining twenty five years of priesthood. We wish him many more years of service in the Lords Vineyard and in our Parish. MOUNT CARMEL DRAW RESULTS FOR MAY €200 Claire Fogarty, Mullinahone; €100 Vincent Grace, Clonkil; €30 each went to Ignatius O’Neill, Westcourt; Molly Butler, Kilmanagh; Mary Ann Brennan, Gortnaglough; Cathriona Purcell c/o Sr. May; Ann Walsh, 9 Abhainn Ri; Pat Fitzpatrick c/o Lena; Keelan and Jared Lynch c/o Promoter; Cian Maher, Slade; Una Stapleton, Coolalong; Elizabeth Lanigan, Rossenany. Promoters’ prizes went to Ethel Norman, Margaret Ryan and Breda Butler. LEAVING CERT Best of luck and good wishes to all who will be sitting their Leaving Cert in the coming week. May all your hard work pay off. ATHLETICS Graigue Ballycallan Athletics Club was delighted to welcome Una Dillon to Kilmanagh on a Thursday evening recently to

partake in Una’s 5k a day in May in aid of Cois Nore and the Marie Keating Foundation. A huge crowd turned out to welcome Una, a testament to how popular Una is amongst so many families in Ballycallan, Kilmanagh & Killaloe. €830 was raised on the night and Una touched base with us to pass on her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported her on her journey. You can still support Una on https://www.idonate.ie/Unas5kaDayinMay. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment. TUBORG PREMIER LEAGUE What a fantastic night of darts in Andy’s Bar Ballyhale as round 4 of the Tuborg Premier League got under way. Some of the games were at the highest standard I have seen in a long time from the last 16 to the final. With 8 local players who made the last 16 the games they played were up their with the best of them, Kieran Furlong and Cian Cullen played brilliant darts to make the Q/ Final’s with a few of the other locals losing out by the skin of there teeth. On to the Q/ Final’s with Kieran Furlong playing David Murphy in what was a great game with the Wexford man narrowly defeating Kieran, the next Q/ Final was between PJ Byrne and Allen Bennet this was a game that could have gone either way with Allen Bennet playing brilliant darts all night, he had 2 legs of great darts one leg he finished in 14 darts and one in 13 darts he also took out a 116 finish, PJ on the other hand hit a 12 darter in his game against Micky O Keeffe with Micky also hitting a 12 darter and a 13 darter taking out 158 , PJ beat Allen 3 / 2 in another fantastic game. On to the 3rd Q/ Final and Cian Cullen played Mick Dwyer jnr , Cian threw great darts against Mick but in the end Mick came out on top hitting a TV leg in 11 darts and taking out 142. The last Q/ Final was probably the best game of all the Q/Final’s Michael Meaney came up against Shorty Walsh and it went all the way to the last leg Michael Meaney had a 13 darter and so had Shorty with Shorty taking out a a brilliant 134 with Michael sitting on 40 , in the end it was Michael who the spoils with a narrow 3 / 2 win. The first S/ Final saw David Murphy play PJ Byrne in another great game David was cruising at 2 nil up but PJ played brilliant darts hitting a 14 darter and taking out a 154 to bring it back to 2 all , but not to be undone David hit a 14 darter to win the game. The 2nd S/ Final brought Michael Meaney and Mick Dwyer together, another great game to watch with Michael Meaney winning the game by the narrowest of margins 3/2 with Mick Dwyer just missing out after throwing brilliant darts in the game. Down to the Final and David Murphy and Michael Meaney put on a show and a half, the 5 legs of darts were outstanding to see with 180’s hit by both players and finishing up there with the best, Michael Meaney won it and stopped David from winning it a second time, so far their has been 4 different players who won on the night. A mention to some of the players who played great darts on the night,Micky O Keeffe Tommy Dalton Tommy Cleere and Jimmy’s O Dwyer were all unlucky not to win their games and Polish player Arik Boczon who hit 14 darter and who took out a 126 on the bull, along with his compatriot Robbie Van Geisko who is coming on exceptionally well at the moment. So all is going great out in Andy’s Bar Ballyhale in the Tuborg Premier League anyone who wants to enter on a Friday night can do so by contacting me on 085 1596550

JOHN PHELAN The death of John Phelan, Ballinalina, Kells Road and formerly of Pottlerath, Kilmanagh has caused immense sorrow and shock, not alone to his family and our parish community, but to many throughout the county. A former employee of Avonmore Creameries, now Glanbia, John was popular both with management, staff and clients. In particular the farming community had a happy liaison with John who meticulously looked after their needs. He

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 June 2022

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Salthill defeat in the past, as Bob comes home

AIB Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Final Croke Park Saturday June 4th Galway 0-17 Kilkenny 0-22

The Bob O’Keefe Cup is back on Noreside for a third year in a row, after Kilkenny defeated Galway by 5 points to claim a 74th Leinster title in Croke Park. It certainly wasn’t a classic, but the result was always going to be more important than the performance, given how the Cats came out on the wrong end of the round robin clash in Salthill last month. This provincial final appeared to be a real arm wrestle, a test of strength and defensive solidity, as opposed to a free-flowing game of hurling, where classy forwards stole the show. Given the action that had preceded this provincial decider, it was always going to be a big ask to replicate the Antrim and Kerry game. Galway won the toss and opted to play against the wind in the opening period. Kilkenny would hit two wides from out the pitch, the second one from TJ Reid, which many would have put their house on the Shamrocks man nailing. The first score of the game would come from those in maroon, with Conor Whelan slotting a beautiful point over from near the sideline in the second minute. Brian Cody’s men soon levelled matters after TJ found Richie Leahy with a lovely pass and the Rower Inistioge man split the posts from a central position. Paddy Deegan then used the wind to his advantage as he struck a mighty score off his left side from distance to edge his team ahead. Mossy Keoghan was then fouled by Jack Grealish and TJ opened his account for the day. The Tribesmen then fashioned their first goal scoring chance of the game. Sarsfields Joseph Cooney somehow managed to break through the Cats defence, but in doing so he lost his Hurl and had to kick his effort, Glenmore’s Eoin Murphy batted Cooney’s effort away to keep his net intact. This miss was then punished by Kilkenny, as they worked the sliotar to Adrian Mullen, who rifled over a fine point. Shefflin’s men then worked another goal chance. On this occasion, Josephy Cooney moved the ball to Brian

Concannon, but the Kilmordaly man’s shot was dealt with brilliantly by Eoin Murphy. Both sides exchanged frees, with Adrian Mullen receiving a yellow card for a high tackle on his opponent. You could sense the physical edge, like two gladiators seeking to be the last man standing. The battle between Huw Lawlor and Conor Whelan was one of the most exciting on show, no quarter was being given by either party. Whelan then got the better of the O’Loughlin’s man in the next duel. The Talented Kinvara forward isolated the Cats full-back before twisting left, then right and then executing a lovely score. Ballyhale’s Adrian Mullen then got his second score of the game with a nice long-range effort to make it Kilkenny 0-6 to Galway’s 0-3 with about 12 minutes played. Billy Ryan then found some space, but the pass to him was over hit. The GraigueBallycallan man did Tommy Walsh was on top well to collect the sliotar in defence before taking a nice point. Referee James Owens then booked the Village’s Cian Kenny for a foul, Cooner Cooney scored from the free awarded. O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan then showed once again his ability to strike from distance as he judged the accompanying wind to perfection to land his second sighter of the day. St Thomas’s Conor Cooney then struck over an unbelievable sideline cut to reduce the Connacht side’s arrears to 3 points. Tom Monaghan who had caused the Kilkenny defence all sorts of problems when the sides last met, then stepped on the gas and punched a hole in the Cats rearguard, before been halted illegally. Conor sides wasted some half decent Cooney converted the placed scoring opportunities. Just ball. two points separated these Galway keeper Eanna rivals, and things began to get Murphy then managed to a little heated. scramble away Eoin Cody’s Joseph Cooney came in high flick-on, after a high ball into and caught Kilkenny captain the westerners defence had Richie Reid with a shoulder caused alarm. Play became to the chest, which flattened a little scrappy then, as both the Shamrocks man, but it

Cats pounce to claim Leinster!

was Cianan Fahy’s apparent stamp on Reid that enraged his teammates and those who had spotted it from the stands. Cooney got a yellow from referee Owens, but Fahy walked away clean as a whistle. When things calmed down a little and Richie

Reid was restored to full health, play resumed. TJ then hit a free which was drifting away as it reached the posts. The umpires were unsure, so they called for assistance from Hawk-Eye. Much to the delight of the travelling Galway support, the big screen informed

one and all that ‘Hawkeye data is unavailable’. Ironic cheers came from those in attendance from the west. To compound matters, the ‘stamper’ Fahy then got past Tommy Walsh and popped the ball over the bar, to leave just the narrowest of margins between the finalists.

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Hurling matters Photos by INPHO

TJ Reid 0-12 - a class act

Mikey Butler then battled hard to win a free, which TJ pointed. The O’Loughlin’s defender was temporarily replaced by Conor Delaney as he was attended to by the Kilkenny medical team. Eoin Cody who had looked lively throughout the first half went on a lovely run before

finding Mossy, who applied the finishing touch to a great move. TJ Reid and Conor Cooney swapped scores before Shefflin’s charges created another chance to raise a green flag. Conor Whelan on the angle, struck a fierce shot which Eoin Murphy did well

to batt away for a ‘65, which C. Cooney converted. That would be the final score of the opening period, as the sides headed to the changing rooms with the Cats leading by 2, Galway 0-9, Kilkenny 0-11. Most pleasing for Brian Cody will have been the fact that seven of his sides eleven 1st half points came from turnovers. There was definitely a harder edge to this Noreside XV. As the sides emerged from the Croker changing rooms, Brian Cody had chosen to replace Cian Kenny with Conor Browne. Like the first half, the second started swiftly. TJ hit a magnificent free into the wind and it just had enough legs to drop over the bar. Fintan Burke then found Conor Whelan who had an easy chance to add to his tally. The same player got the next point shortly after, having won another tussle with Huw Lawlor. Adrian Mullen, who has looked totally rejuvenated since dropping into a deeper lying midfield role, then fired over a cracking score, his third of the day. His Ballyhale buddy, TJ then sent over another incredible free, despite the best efforts of the wind to deny him. Galway hit back with a point from Fintan Burke, before Eoin Muphy was once again called into action. A free from Conor Cooney struck the post and was collected by Whelan. The Kinvara man struck his shot into the ground, and when the sliotar bounced up off the Croke Park turf, the Cats net minder batted it before for a ‘65, which Cooney pointed from. Kilkenny then sent on Walter from Richie Leahy, while Galway replaced Tom Monaghan with Jason Flynn. Mossy Keoghan was then fouled out under the Hogan Stand. TJ struck the free majestically between the Galway posts. Then on 51 minutes, the placed ball maestro fired another one over to restore the Cats 3-point lead. Conor Whelan then won the ball ahead of Lawlor and managed to feed the ball to the on-running Fahy, who shortened his stick and batted his shot over the bar. Along with his almost faultless free-taking, TJ had been taking some wonderful high catches too. His next one almost ended with a goal, as he released the supporting Keoghan, who saw his effort superbly blocked by Daithi Burke, before the rebound was fired into the side-netting. It looked like both Antrim and Kerry had used up all the green flags in the earlier game! The next passage of play saw a free awarded to Kilkenny, TJ – you guessed it, his 9th point of the day. Conor Cooney then made up for a bad miss when he pointed from the placed ball after Joseph Cooney was adjudged to have been fouled according to James Owens. Henry Shefflin was becoming increasingly animated on the sideline. He knew his

Provincial winners for a 74th time!

team were losing this physical battle. TJ then plucked another sliotar from the Dublin sky, and was fouled by Sarsfields Darren Morrissey. The Shamrocks man is reveling in Croker, he gives a fist pump to the stands. The Galway cornerback would regret that foul, TJ pointed the free. TJ added another couple of placed balls to push Kilkenny 5 points ahead, the second of which came after good work from the industrious Eoin Cody who won the ball out in front of his man, before being fouled. That’s now 0-12 for TJ. Galway’s Conor Cooney then fired over another free, to make it a four-point game as 4 minutes of additional time were signaled. The same player was then guilty of a bad miss from his next placed ball effort. The Tribesmen couldn’t afford such misses, certainly not on a day when TJ was giving a free-taking masterclass. Padraic Mannion then pointed from way out the park, given the score line and time remaining, I think the defender intentions were to drop the free in and around the house, in the hope that a goal might be nicked. The Cats led by 3, but this soon became five, as injury time scores from sub-Padraig Walsh and the impressive Adrian Mullen ensured there would be no late, late show this time from Henry’s men. Full-time at Croker, Galway 0-17, Kilkenny 0-22. Scorers for Galway: C. Cooney (0-7, 3 frees, 2 65s, 1 sideline); C. Whelan (0-4); C. Fahy (0-2); J. Cooney, F. Burke, P. Mannion (free) (0-1 each). GALWAY: Éanna Murphy; D. Morrissey, Daithí Burke (c), J. Grealish; P. Mannion, G. McInerney, F. Burke; T. Monaghan, J. Coen; C. Fahy, C. Cooney, J. Cooney; C. Mannion; C. Whelan, B. Concannon. Subs for Galway: J. Flynn for T. Monaghan (44); R. Glennon for C. Fahy (54); David Burke for J. Coen (61); G. Lee for B. Concannon (70+1). Scorers for Kilkenny: T.J. Reid (0-12, 11 frees, 1 65); A. Mullen (0-4); P. Deegan (0-2); R. Leahy, B. Ryan, M. Keoghan, P. Walsh (0-1 each). KILKENNY: Eoin Murphy; T.

Walsh, H. Lawlor; M. Butler; M. Carey, R. Reid, P. Deegan; C. Fogarty, C. Kenny; A. Mullen, B. Ryan, R. Leahy; T.J. Reid, M. Keoghan, E. Cody. Subs for Kilkenny: W. Walsh for B. Ryan (temp 28-30); C.

Delaney for M. Butler (temp 29-35+1); C. Browne for C. Kenny (h-t); W. Walsh for R. Leahy (45); P. Walsh for B. Ryan (54); J. Donnelly for M. Keoghan (60). Referee: James Owens (Wexford)

>> SHERRY SAYS... Bob O’Keefe, we’ve been expecting you. Bob has been a frequent and welcome visitor on Noreside. This is the 74th time that Bob has been welcomed to the Marble County, and the third year in succession that he will spend the winter here. After that sickening defeat in Salthill, one always felt that Brian Cody would want to engineer a different outcome should the sides meet again. And this he did. This Cats display was one of guts, attitude, resilience and courage. The panel believed in the plan and executed it perfectly. Will this game be remembered as a classic? No. But as I say, it was all about the result, and who would be crowned Leinster Champions on a breezy Saturday night in the Capital. The Cats had some great performances across the park. No.1, Eoin Murphy, reminding us all yet again of why he’s the best in the business. Galway’s inability to raise a green flag can be clearly laid at the Glenmore man’s door, or net, or goal line. TJ Reid – in many people’s eye’s MOTM, his free taking, his picking sliotar’s out of the Croke Park air and all-round display reminded all the doubters that class is permanent, form is temporary. Sticking with Ballyhale, both Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen had great games. While Mullen’s performance will have been documented by the scoring stats, Eoin’s work all over the Croke Park pitch, and his ability to take more than one man with him as he roamed, created space for others. Mikey Butler was actually named MOTM by the official broadcaster on the day, his all-action, battling, dynamic display was further proof if any was needed that Brian Cody has unearthed a real defensive gem in the O’Loughlin’s man. There’s no doubt that Conor Fogarty’s inclusion in the middle third added some much-needed physical presence to the Cats midfield and he certainly complimented and dove-tailed well with Adrian Mullen. Brian Cody’s men only conceded 6 points in the last 30 minutes of action, and only one of those came from play. Every single one of those in black & amber stood up and were not found wanting when the going got tough. Huw Lawlor’s battle with Conor Whelan was tremendous throughout. The O’Loughlin’s full-back, won’t face many more talented forwards than the Kinvara man. A word on referee James Owens. Like many officials, he probably doesn’t appear on too many people’s Christmas card lists. Richie Reid will have felt the high shoulder challenge to his chest from Joseph Cooney, but I wouldn’t imagine the captain will have been expecting Cianan Fahy to have put his boot where he did, when he was on the ground. Sometimes the ref need help, be it from his linesmen or 4th official. So, an All-Ireland semi-final now awaits the Cats later this summer. Brian Cody has delivered an 18th Leinster title of his long and successful reign. Welcome back Bob. Enjoy your stay.

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