Kilkenny Observer 10th September 2021 by Kilkenny Observer

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The Kilkenny

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Friday 10 September 2021

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Education — The Learning Curve 13 Page Special inside  See page 27 – 39

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer Student hopes dashed THOUSANDS of our smartest pupils are facing huge disappointment in their hopes for college after a significant rise in the points requirement for most third level courses this year, with three quarters of Level 8 courses and almost two thirds of level 7/6 courses recording an increase.

Their hopes for their first college preference dashed will impact on their future careers, income in life and overall future happiness. However, there is good news for many third level hopefuls with 50% of Level 8 applicants receiving an offer of a place on the course that was their first choice.

This percentage is only slightly lower than that of last year and the year before. In 2020, 52% of applicants received a first preference offer, while in 2019 the proportion was 53%. Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has reopened applications to a number of undergraduate

courses to help students achieve their dreams. Other good news is that most college applicants will be offered their second or third course preference. The CAO issued more than 82,000 offers to more than 55,000 applicants (some will receive offers of both a Level 8 and a Level 7/6 place).

Almost 80% of Level 8 applicants have received an offer to study on one of their top three course preferences. More than 4,600 additional places were created this year in an attempt to absorb additional demand for places. There were 85,000 applications to the CAO this year

Average house prices in Kilkenny are significantly higher than the rest of the South East, new figures reveal. A four-bedroom house in Kilkenny city and county has risen to €283,750. A similar size house costs €243,334 in Waterford, €220,000 in Wexford, Full report, Page 6

Call to raise welfare pay The Government is being called upon to raise social welfare rates by €10 week by a justice advocacy organisation. The call comes from Social Justice Ireland. See Page 15

School kids hit, as we open up

Solid fuels facing ban next year

Bid to halt wind turbines fails

ALMOST 14,000 schoolchildren are currently out of class due to being a close contact of someone with Covid-19, the HSE has confirmed. However, HSE lead for testing and tracing Niamh O’Beirne said the positivity rate found so far from testing children, aged 14 and under, has dropped to 9%. She said an increase in testing and swabbing volumes had been expected as schools reopened and children began mingling again. “We have 700 primary schools and about 500 secondary schools that are coming into the testing

NEW standards for domestic solid fuels will be introduced across the State within a year, so that the most polluting solid fuels will no longer be available on the Irish market. The regulations, which are being finalised and will be in place before September next year, will in effect make the entire country a low-smoke zone. At present, it is not possible to buy smoky coal in 42 towns and cities across Ireland, including Kilkenny.

ATTEMPTS to have Kilkenny City’s rural hinterland declared off-limits to wind turbines have failed, despite the unanimous backing of local councillors. The councillors ran into legal and procedural blockages after a last-minute attempt to change the zoning of Castlewarren, Johnswell and surrounding areas to designate them unsuited to wind energy development. Their move came after they received almost 600 letters pleading for a change to the

EVERY FRIDAY

process now,” Ms O’ Beirne said. Meanwhile, the latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) shows a further reduction in the 14-day incidence of Covid-19. The HPSC report puts the average daily case numbers for the two weeks to September 1 at 1,670. Elsewhere, Kilkenny communities and local groups are being invited to apply for grants which can help them ‘Recover Better’ as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Paul Hopkins, Page 8 See also Page 10

Houses here dearest in SE

Music is the best medicine: Libyan-born singer Farah Elle has been living in Ireland since she was two when her doctor parents came to do postgraduate studies. Farah will play the Butler Gallery on Friday, September 17. “I can’t wait to get out in front of an audience, “ says the artist whose first album is out next May

Covid Update, Page 14

compared to 78,000 in 2020. The rise is due to demographics and also increased applications from abroad, possibly due to Brexit. Students have till 3pm Monday 13th to accept offers.

wind energy strategy section of the draft city and county development plan. The Save Our Hills campaigners say their countryside community will be spoiled for ever if turbines are installed – as is already the tentative plan of one major energy company – and that the character of medieval Kilkenny city will be affected. Most new turbines are 160 to 180 metres high, and the campaigners say they will be visible in the city’s background and dwarf their homes.

Energy would cost us €1.3bn Improving the energy efficiency of Kilkenny homes through retrofitting and installation heat pump systems could cost in excess of €1.3bn, according to a new report. See Page 22

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins............................ P8 Marianne Heron ....................P12 Covid Update..........................P14 John Ellis ................................P16 Health & Science ...................P18 Travel & Leisure ....................P19 Food & Drink..........................P42 TV & Streaming ....................P43 Picture Special ................P44 - 45 Sport..................................P49 - 58

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News

We’re back spending more than ever before! WE are back spending more now that in pre-pandemic times. Consumer spending was up 10% last month compared with the same month in 2019. There has been a mega rise in spending on airline tickets, according to the August Revolut expenditure report.

Spending was also higher across a range of categories including sportswear, clothing, groceries, fast food, hardware, gardening and home furnishing, according to data from Revolut’s 1.5 million Irish customers. The biggest rise was on airfares, which was up 65%

in August compared with the same month in pre-pandemic 2019. Combined with recent airline data, this suggests a spike in Irish consumers booking holidays now for the year ahead. Across digital goods categories, such as apps, the

increases in spending ranged between 125% and 439%. Revolut said the figures suggest that the hoped-for post-vaccination boom in Irish consumer spending is already well under way. The Central Bank has suggested that Irish consumers will spend about half of the

surplus €15bn saved during the pandemic. And retailers have been hoping they would start seeing the fruits of this spending surge as restrictions eased over the summer. There has also been a huge rise in spending on digital media, such as books, music,

movies and media, and on games. Traditional retailers are also benefiting from the unleashing of pent-up pandemic savings. Spending at garden centres was up 62pc compared with two years ago. There were also higher expenditure levels recorded at hardware stores, home-furnishing shops, and at florists. August also saw higher spending on clothing than August 2019. Sales of sportswear have exploded since Covid-19 arrived. Spending in that category is up 66% compared with two years ago. Supermarket spending has also soared since the pandemic struck. Spending on groceries was 32% higher than it was in August 2019. With very little change in the overall numbers of people spending in supermarkets, this shows that Irish people are now consistently spending more at the supermarket than they used to. However, the Revolut Report also shows that restaurants and cinemas have still not seen spending by Irish consumers recover to prepandemic levels: restaurants are still down by 25%, cinemas by 15% and tourist attractions/ museums by 27% compared to August 2019. However, these figures do not take account of the fall in tourist numbers. Covid Update, Page 14

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News

Big fall in beer sales as pubs were closed THE closure of hospitality businesses drastically hit Ireland’s beer sector in 2020, according to a new report released by Drinks Ireland|Beer, which shows that production dropped by 13.8% in 2020. The Irish Beer Market Report 2020 details how the value of beer

exports declined by 17% in 2020, from €305 million to €254 million. The marked drop in exports reflects a lower international demand for Irish beer, as most key markets endured lockdowns. The most significant fall was in exports to the United States, down by 45%.

Domestically, the closure of the hospitality sector resulted in a 17.3% fall in total beer sales in 2020 when compared to the previous year. The report outlines that while beer remains Ireland’s favourite drink, its market share fell from 44.6% in 2019 to 38.9% in 2020.

Typically, just over 60% of beer sales are in Ireland’s pubs, restaurants, and hotels. However, in 2020 just 29.7% of beer sales took place in the hospitality sector. The lockdown also impacted the type of beer consumers in Ireland chose in 2020. Usually, stout sales make up around 30% of all beer

Micheál has cup of coffee for hospices AN Taoiseach Micheál Martin pictured with Stephanie Graham and Joan Merrigan as they prepare for the 29th Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice. Together for Hospice, representing 26 hospices nationwide, is calling on the public to host a socially distanced or virtual coffee morning on Thursday, September 23 to help raise vital funds for their local hospice. Together for Hospice alongside its long-term partner Bewley’s want to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever and are asking the public to get creative with their coffee creations and host a coffee

morning social at a time that suits them to raise funds! The fundraising event has raised over €40 million since its inception in 1992 and it is hoped that this year’s events will raise much needed funds for hospices across Ireland. Every euro raised locally, stays locally. To register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 23 or on a date that suits you, go to www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 1890 998 995. Hosts are provided with a free Coffee Morning Pack containing Bewley’s coffee, posters, and invitations. Pic: Tom Honan

Drugs seized in post service MORE than 15kgs of drugs including herbal cannabis, khat, amphetamine and methamphetamine, some bound for Kilkenny, has been seized at the Dublin main postal sorting centre.The drugs were discovered as a result of routine operations, and with the as-

sistance of detector dog Bailey, by Revenue officers.The illegal drugs have a combined estimated value of almost €145,000 and were discovered in a number of parcels that originated in the US, Canada, UK, Spain, Switzerland, Kenya and the Netherlands.

€1.78m. boost for IT Carlow UP to €1.78m. has been allocated to IT Carlow. The funding has been announced for capital works and equipment at the institute as the new academic year begins. The money should allow for

any minor works or upgrades required to be carried out and also supports the existing scheme which sees laptops provided for disadvantaged students through a targeted lending scheme.

sales, but this fell to 25.3% in 2020. Ale’s beer market share dropped from 6.2% in 2019 to 4.1% in 2020, while lager increased its market share from 63.5% to 69.5%. This illustrates the type of beers consumers generally prefer to drink in the pub. The most dramatic movement was in ale and

stout sales. Normally about 80% of those variants are sold in the on-trade, but just 43% of stout and ales were sold in the hospitality sector last year. The report also shows that beer drinkers in Ireland continue to pay the second highest excise rate in the EU.

House here dearest in south east, study finds AVERAGE house prices in Kilkenny are significantly higher than the rest of the south east, new figures reveal. Latest statistics from the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) show the average cost of a four-bedroom house in Kilkenny city and county has risen to €283,750. A similar size house costs €243,334 in Waterford, €220,000 in Wexford, €215,000 in Carlow and just €192,500 in Tipperary. The average value of a three-bed semi is also highest in Kilkenny (€228,750) among our neighbouring counties. Waterford is again next highest in terms of value at €206,667, following by Wexford (€191,667), Carlow (€190,000) and Tipperary €170,000.

An average two-bedroom apartment in Kilkenny will now put you back €169,250. This is nearly €60,000 higher than an average two-bed apartment in Wexford (€113,334). In Waterford and Carlow a two-bedroom apartment is now valued at €110,000. An average two-bed in Tipperary will set you back just €80,000.

High-end broadband continues to roll out BROADBAND provider Imagine Network Services has announced it has switched on a further highcapacity broadband transmission hub in Co. Kilkenny. The Irish provider now provides immediate connectivity to over 40,800, homes and businesses in Kilkenny with 87% of this connectivity being within the NBP intervention area or those properties that are in urgent need of better broadband. Imagine’s latest news comes as the company continues to receive strong demand for its service with the Irish provider continuing to win fans amongst its

customers with over 60% of new subscribers calling to be connected being referred from existing users of its service. Sandra Dinan, who heads up the Connecting Communities Team commented: “The continued rapid expansion of our exclusive 5G Fixed Wireless Network along with our extensive coverage is a game changer, not only for the people of Kilkenny but for all of regional and rural Ireland. “We have huge plans for Kilkenny and we look forward to investing even more in future to provide the county with reliable broadband.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

College aside, there’s the University of Life SCHOOL days may well be the best days of your life as 61,000 students, Leaving Cert results to hand this week, are about to find out as they face the reality of repeats or jobhunting or, in the case of 60% of them, the mad scramble for a place in college or university where, now, required course points have risen dramatically, putting their first choice out of reach for most pupils. If that 60% thought the pressure for points humongous, they ain’t seen nothing yet. The financial burden, alone, on parents and students themselves – €19,000 to €36,000 over four years, and that’s if they’re living at home – is just one pressure point. The need to succeed another. The number of combined Leaving Cert students, the last two rears, taking on higher level subjects increased this year has jumped significantly. Pushing themselves to that

limit, however, comes with a cost, with one in every six, or 6,000, in third-level dropping out in the first year. Dropping out comes at a cost too. Aside from feelings of failure and regret, there is the finances. If a student opts to return to college, their grant entitlement is lost for the year they repeat. In addition, they may be liable for some or all of the tuition fees for that year, depending on the timing of their withdrawal. Construction, services and computer science have some of the highest dropout levels. In some courses, as high as 80%. Colleges, however, say the figures can be misleading. Not all students in third-level courses progress directly from year one to year two in the same course. Some may have changed courses, while others may have deferred or taken a year out. All of which begs the ques-

tion: are students who are not academically able, or just not ready, being propelled into higher education? With the aforementioned 60%, Ireland has one of the highest proportions of young people in Europe going on to higher education. In contrast, there has been a dramatic fall-off in the numbers taking up apprenticeships or training, a pattern which coincided with the economic downturn. Prof. John Hegarty of the Royal Irish Academy says the high student drop-out rates in some courses is because many students are not “suited” to college. Students totally unsuited to higher education are being “shoehorned” into universities by their parents, the “snob value” being higher than apprenticeships and training. Studies indicate that dropout rates are down to more complicated issues than just academic ability. Socio-eco-

nomic background, the type of course students are completing and the type of institute they are attending can all play a role in whether or not a student remains in higher education. However, Dr Jim Murray, director of academic affairs at the Technological Higher Education Association, rejects any suggestion that they are taking on too many students. He says the expansion in the numbers enrolled in institutes of technology has played an important role in greater numbers of disadvantaged students and students with lower levels of Leaving Cert. attainment accessing higher education. “I wouldn’t like to say to anyone that you shouldn’t go to higher education.” he says. Agreed. A university education may well be the best legacy a society can bestow on its young but are we allowing many of our young students

become victims of an illusion? Of a misplaced idealism of what really matters in life, that a degree guarantees you a job for ever, and loads of money? In short, plain sailing through life? In a changing world of living with viruses, out-sourcing, au

‘€19,000 to €36,000 needed over four years...

”

tomation, emerging markets and empty pension funds, nothing is guaranteed any more. Certainly not a job for life. University is not for everyone. As Mark Twain noted: “ I never let schooling interfere with my education.” I would suggest those unsure of what they’re about to contend with could do worse than take a year out to think things through. Dare I suggest they taking the time out, travelling, exploring the world, making new friends, getting a job at Happy Burger, adapting to grown- up responsibilities. A year at the university of life. Alternatively, their innate aptitude may lean towards an apprenticeship. A trade, of which there are growing shortages in this country, can, in the end, pay huge dividends. Remember the last time you paid a plumber? That is, when you could manage to find one...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News

Search is on for our Heritage Hero for 2021 THE search is on for Ireland’s ‘Heritage Hero’ for 2021. Every year, the Heritage Council seeks nominations for an individual or a group of people who have worked tirelessly to protect and promote heritage. People in Kilkenny are invited to nominate the person or group that they feel is most deserving of

the award by completing the Heritage Hero nomination form. Nominations close at noon on Monday, September 20. Speaking about the call for nominations, CEO of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: “Heritage Heroes come in different forms: last year, the council acknowledged Christy Cun-

niffe, who had recently retired as the archaeological field monument advisor for Co Galway. “Mr Cunniffe was recognised as a ‘Heritage Hero’ for his efforts throughout his 30 years of involvement in heritage, in engaging with local communities and heritage groups, and sharing his own knowledge and enthusiasm

with those around him,” she said. “Heritage Heroes are special people who have made a significant contribution to maintaining and promoting our heritage: it may be natural heritage, built heritage or our intangible heritage, which comprises everything from traditional skills to language and sport.”

The Heritage Hero Award is part of the National Heritage Awards, which takes place annually to celebrate the outstanding projects and events from National Heritage Week. National Heritage Week 2021 ran from August 14 – 22, and comprised a mix of online, in-person and community activities and projects. In total, over 1,000 proj-

WIT reopens 11 courses to help alleviate points fiasco THE Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has re-opened applications (through the CAO) to a number of undergraduate courses in a bid to help people achieve their dreams of a college experience and fresh start this September. Eleven courses at The Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year 2021 are available to apply for via the CAO’s ‘available places’ list, meaning these courses are now open for applications from people who have not already applied to the CAO, as well as existing CAO applicants. Dr Derek O’Byrne, Registrar and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at WIT, said the institute’s decision to add a wide range of courses to the available places scheme “reflects the institute’s commitment to providing the widest possible opportunities to school leavers during this difficult and unpredictable time and will allow many students to take stock of their career choices as we emerge from the pandemic”. He said: “We have already offered more places in 2021 than we did last year but the upheaval of the past 18 months, coupled with the return to campus life for third level students, means that many individuals and families will be reviewing what the best option is for their future. “We feel it important to provide an opportunity, where we can, to students who still have not got an offer they are happy with so this year we have added a number of CAO courses

to the available places list across levels 8, 7 and 6 and across a variety of disciplines to help anybody who wants to start college in Waterford this year to do so. “WIT’s available places offering is right across computing, engineering, arts, business, culinary, science and sport, opening the door for many to their desired futures.” The WIT courses on the CAO Available Places list are: • A new honours degree in Business Information Systems which will be a popular choice for the career focused – already there is a demand for graduates from the course. • A number of WIT’s common entry courses, which give students further time to choose their desired discipline. Choose from: Engineering, Arts and Applied Computing. • A selection of twoyear level 6 higher certificates which give people an opportunity to go straight into work after two years or if eligible to progress onto a level 8 degree: Culinary Arts, Legal Studies and Business. • Degrees closely tied to niche needs of the growing pharma and life sciences industry in the region: Science (level 7), Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science, and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. See www.wit.ie/availableplaces for full details.

ects and events took place around the country and there were 32 National Heritage Week projects and events shared by project organisers in Co. Kilkenny. At the National Heritage Awards, the Heritage Council will also recognise the most successful heritage project from Co. Kilkenny as part of the County Award category.

Outlook is optimistic for food and agri business

Saint Sister all set for a great ‘atmosfolk’... A SERIES of live music events at Kilkenny’s Set Theatre for the month of September sees female duo Saint Sister as part of the act. Saint Sister, pictured above, are an Irish traditional duo, whose music is sometimes described as ‘atmosfolk’. Built around mesmerising close-knit vocal harmonies, electro-acoustic harp and synthesisers, sonically they have been likened to Enya, Lisa Hannigan, Cocteau Twins. The duo’s gig is on Tuesday, September 14.

September 16 sees a performance from Kilkenny’s The Wha, composed of Finn Cusack, Sam Cullen, Marek The Lech and Abe G Harris. The Wha’s attachment to their hometown endures and is evident in their video for ‘Innocents’, filmed here. “Growing up in Kilkenny has its ups and downs,” the band are quoted as saying. The following night, Irish band Wild Youth merge elements of rock, R&B, and boyband harmonies to their exuberant brand of pop.

Their 2019 single ‘The Last Goodbye’ went down well chart-wise. During the early nineties, the biggest Irish band in the world was U2 but in Ireland it was The Stunning. In the seven years they were initially together, they toured relentlessly building up a following that would make them one of the most successful Irish bands ever. They will perform at The Set On Sunday the 19th * Tickets via ‘set.ie’ or by calling 056-7765133.

WITH a robust vaccine rollout and plans to remove the outstanding COVID restrictions afoot, ifac’s just published fourth Food and AgriBusiness Report shows that optimism levels among Irish Food & AgriBusinesses have seen a significant rebound, up from 55% in 2020 to a four-year high of 77% in 2021. Also, reassuringly, with the agri-food industry facing significant challenges related to climate change, 37% of SMEs are putting ESG factors high on their agendas. A total of 87% are taking positive climate change actions and all food and agribusiness SMEs are continuing to invest in climate change initiatives; sustainable packaging continues to be the top trend impacting Irish food businesses, as well as managing waste and by-products. On the other hand, the findings show that 71% of respondents reported an increase in costs this year, from transport and energy to raw materials and packaging; an issue – in some cases – that could contribute to food price inflation in the coming months. A total of 64% of businesses saying they have been negatively affected by Brexit; one in every two businesses cite transport disruption as a major impact of Brexit. Also, Covid-19 has made its mark with 55% of SMEs say the change in consumer habits is the biggest long-term effect of the global pandemic.

The Gloaming join September Sounds series KILKENNY’S September Sounds announces an exciting lineup of headline artists to perform over the weekend of September 24-26, with more to come! Coined as one of Ireland’s most celebrated and gifted musicians,violinist Patrick Rafter will headline Woodstock Gardens on Friday, September 24. He will be joined by his parents and guests on

the night, Paddy and Maura D Rafter. Also performing in the beautiful Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge is one of Europe’s best-known harpists Siobhán Armstrong accompanied by Ronan Browne. Siobhán Armstrong plays pre-1800 repertory on reconstructions of medieval to 18th century instruments performing and recording early

church, chamber-music and baroque opera with some of the most respected directors, ensembles, orchestras and opera companies in the field. The Gloaming’s, Iarla Ó Lionáird will be joined by guests Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Matthew Nolan & Ryan Molloy at Butler Gallery Courtyard in Kilkenny City. In addition, the stellar McCauley Brothers and friends will also play the

stunning Kilkenny City venue courtyard. ‘September Sounds’ takes place from 24th to 26th September in Woodstock Gardens, Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre and Butler Gallery. More acts to be announced. All concerts are free but ticketed. *See www.watergatetheatre. com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Opinion

We need to do exactly what it says on the tin AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

EVERY so often a new buzz word enters our vocabulary and one of the loudest buzzes now is sustainability. Quite right too, given the urgent need to address climate change and this year’s extreme weather with soaring temperatures, wild fires and floods, should be enough to convince us just how urgent that need is. But it’s a word that frequently gets used meaninglessly. Take someone talking about their company’s new sustainable policy or sustainability for their fashion brand where they don’t mention how their claim really does what it says on the tin. Is this just so much greenwash? Without an explanation there is no way of knowing if the production methods involved are really going to make a difference at all to the planet. In the case of fashion, I sometimes suspect that the garments in question are simply more expensive. Well at least the garments are likely to get replaced less often. We really should know by now that we are using up planet Earth’s scarce resources and that we can’t carry on this

unsustainable manner, so we all have to make changes. But the argument that carrying on producing and consuming so long as the products are mere described as sustainable doesn’t add up. We need to consume less and consume things that are genuinely more sustainable. Wikipedia defines sustainable as “living a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources, its practitioners often attempt to reduce their carbon footprint by altering their methods of transportation, energy, consumption or diet”. It is easy to think that the ball is in someone else’s court when it comes to making changes: the Government should take action or the farmers need to find some way to stop cows burping up the greenhouse gas methane when they chew the cud. But this is something that involves everyone, households are responsible for nearly a quarter (23.9%) of the greenhouse gases created by transport and energy use. That’s without taking all the things that we buy and consume into account. One study quoted in the Journal of Industrial Ecology estimated that households are responsible for 60% of greenhouse gas emissions that’s taking everything

— food, fashion, energy, fuel — into account. It can be daunting to know where to make a start too but even small changes can make a difference. One way is to adopt the circular economy, make, mend and reuse and I have started doing my bit here. I often wear OPs (Other People’s cast offs,) or PLs (Previously Loved Garments from charity shops.) Making my own clothes is an option too but have you noticed how few fabric shops there are around,

never mind haberdashers? I do wonder though, what happens to all those jobs in the fashion industry and retail sector if everyone adopts the circular economy? That is a conversation that we haven’t even begun. Currently I am consuming my home raised veg, grown peat free with garden compost and leaf mould gathered from the woods, (although I haven’t found a culinary use yet for courgettes which grow to marrow size.) Flowers come

from the garden rather than buying ones that have been flown from around the globe and come to Ireland via Dutch flower markets. Going to the butcher and the fishmonger involves less plastic and packaging than buying in supermarkets, but when are shops going to start using paper for wrapping? Those are small things, big ticket items lie ahead to be tackled like changing to an electric car,(more consumption) retro-fitting the house, maybe installing solar

panels and not using the car when going to town. But there are lots of questions to be asked. For instance, why don’t we have more electric recharging points for electric cars and hybrids, what really is the sustainable truth about electric car batteries which need to be changed after several years? Why aren’t there realistic park and ride provisions so cars can be left behind? And those sustainable claims really need to be, er, sustainable.

Kilkenny County Council tackles illegal dumping KILKENNY County Council is promoting the “Your Country - Your Waste” campaign throughout September, a campaign created to highlight the importance of eliminating illegal dumping activities across Ireland. Funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and part of the National Anti-Dumping Initiative, it acknowledges that the problems caused by illegal dumping is a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. The Environment Section tackles illegal dumping on a daily basis with members of the public reporting illegal dumping on the Litter Hotline 1800-200-156. Dump sites on public ground are then investigated and cleared away within a 21-day window. To date the Environment Section has handled a total of 889 environmental complaints in 2021, 66% attributed to litter and illegal dumping issues. Throughout the National Spring Clean, volunteers were assisted by the Council and approximately 50 tonnes of litter and waste which volunteers pulled out of ditches and quiet rural locations throughout the county was collected for disposal by Kilkenny County Council.

“Illegal dumping is a blight on our countryside but it’s not just a rural issue as we’ve witnessed an increase of illegal dumping incidences on the back lanes of Kilkenny City. The enforcement team has been working with the community to get to the bottom of the problem. An intensive information campaign informing the tenants of their waste management options available to them was completed and now the enforcement team is following up and requesting householders to return information on how they manage their household waste to ensure that everyone is disposing their household waste responsibly. Illegal dumping poses a public health hazard and can easily lead to environmental pollution. The Environment Section of the Council is determined to keep communities safe by ensuring waste is disposed appropriately” commented Ann Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer with the Environment Section. A multi-facetted approach must be taken to tackle the problem, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. The Environment Section received funding from the Anti-Dumping Initiative from the Department of Envi-

ronment, Climate and Communications this year to tackle illegal dumping hotspots, three litter black spots in rural Kilkenny were cleaned costing €32,000, two sites were of significant concern as they were located beside rivers. Two urban areas in Kilkenny City was cleaned at a cost of €11,500. Clearing away illegal dumping is unsustainable and the enforcement team is pursuing offenders through the courts. Following an inter-agency criminal investigation with An Garda Siochana and neighbouring local authorities, Kilkenny County Council successfully prosecuted a local company and a director of the company at Kilkenny District Court on 12th May 2021 under the Waste Management Act, fines totalling €8,000 were imposed and awarded the Council’s costs of over €27,000. Kilkenny County Council asks everyone to dispose of their waste via permitted recycling centres and only give your waste to authorised waste collectors who hold a valid waste collection permit issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office. If your waste is illegally dumped and traced back to you, it will come back to your door and you will face a fine or a day in court.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News

A LARGE, real-world test of face masks in Bangladesh shows that masks work to reduce community spread of Covid-19. It also shows that surgical masks are more effective than cloth face coverings. The study, which was published ahead of peer review, demonstrates the power of careful investigation and offers a host of lessons about mask wearing that will be important worldwide. One key finding of the study, for example, is that wearing a mask doesn’t lead people to abandon social distancing, something public health officials had feared might happen if masks gave people a false sense of security. “What we really were able to achieve is to demonstrate that masks are effective against Covid-19, even under a rigorous and systematic evaluation that was done in the throes of the pandemic,” said Ashley Styczynski, MD, who was an infectious disease fellow at Stanford University when she collaborated on the study with other colleagues at Stanford, Yale, and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), a large research and policy nonprofit organisation that currently

Masks DO work, study shows, so wear one! works in 22 countries. “And so, I think people who have been holding out on wearing masks because [they] felt like there wasn’t enough evidence for it, we’re hoping this will really help bridge that gap for them,” she said.

It included more than 600 unions — or local governmental districts in Bangladesh — and roughly 340,000 people. Half of the districts were given cloth or surgical face masks along with continual reminders to wear them properly; the

other half were tracked with no intervention. Blood tests of people who developed symptoms during the study verified their infections. Compared to villages that didn’t mask, those in which masks of any type were worn

Significant fall in numbers now contacting the virus THE latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows a further reduction in the 14-day incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland. Data compiled up to September 1 puts the 14-day incidence at 491 cases for every 100,000 people. Under its most recent optimistic projections, Nphet suggested that daily cases numbers could reach 3,000 a day, by the middle of this month. The latest HPSC report puts the average daily case numbers for the two weeks to 1 September at 1,670. Nphet also projected up to 700 hospitalisations and 130 patients in ICU by the middle of September. As of this morning, there were 394 with the virus in hospitals, an increase of 22 on the same time yesterday. Of these, 59 patients were in intensive care units. Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid said that 9,500 people were given vaccines at walk-in vaccination centres over last weekend. In a post on Twitter, he said that over 50% of those who

had about 9% fewer symptomatic cases of Covid-19. The finding was statistically significant and was unlikely to have occurred by chance alone. “Somebody could read this study and say, ‘OK, you reduced Covid-19 by 9%. Big

deal.’ And what I would respond to that would be that if anything, we think that that is a substantial underestimate,” Styczynski said. One reason they think they underestimated the effectiveness of masks is that they only tested people who were having symptoms, so people who had only very mild or asymptomatic infections were missed. Another reason is that among people who had symptoms, only one third agreed to undergo a blood test. The effect may have been bigger had participation been universal. Local transmission may have played a role, too. Rates of Covid-19 in Bangladesh were relatively low during the study. Most infections were caused by the B.1.1.7, or Alpha, variant. Since then, Delta has taken over. Delta is thought to be more transmissible, and some studies have suggested that people infected with Delta shed more viral particles. Masks may be more effective when more virus is circulating. The investigators also found important differences by age and by the type of mask. Villages in which surgical masks were worn had 11% fewer Covid-19 cases than villages in which masks were not worn. In villages in which cloth masks were worn, on the other hand, infections were reduced by only 5%.

Local groups urged to seek virus grants KILKENNY communities and local groups are being invited to apply for grants which can help them ‘Recover Better’ as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Community Foundation for Ireland has re-opened its Covid-19 Recovery Fund in response to research which shows that voluntary, community and charitable groups in Kilkenny and across the country are struggling to meet demand for lifeline supports and services. According to the Charities Regulator, 74% of charities reported a severe impact on their organisation’s income for 2020.

The Wheel, the national association of community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises, has published that 82% of charities are very concerned about whether they will have sufficient funds to provide their services in 2021. The Community Foundation, which is providing the support from private donations, says its aim is to ensure communities in Kilkenny recover better than the pre-pandemic status quo. To achieve this ambitious goal there are two areas which have been identified as needing immediate support. A total of €580,000 is being made available.

Pandemics not that unlikely, says science attended were in the 12 to 15 age group. More than 6.9 million vaccines have been administered so far and around 89% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with around 92% partially vaccinated.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the seventh millionth vaccine dose will be administered this week and the impact of Ireland’s vaccination programme continues to be seen across the population. He tweeted that the “downward trend in Covid-19 in-

fections is now also very evident in younger age groups”. Mr Donnelly said that people need to continue to be safe and added that “Covid-19 hasn’t gone away. The 14-day incidence rates for those aged between 35-44 is similar to that of those aged over 85”.

THE pandemic may be the deadliest viral outbreak the world has seen in more than a century but, statistically, such extreme events aren’t that rare, a new study shows. The study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences used a newly assembled record of novel disease outbreaks in the past 400 years to estimate the intensity of those events and the yearly probability of them recurring.

It found the probability of a pandemic with similar impact to Covid-19 is about 2% in any year, meaning that someone born in the year 2000 would have about a 38% chance of experiencing one by now. And that probability is growing. “The most important takeaway is that large pandemics are relatively likely,” says William Pan, associate professor of global environmental health at Duke University.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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News

McGuinness attacks as Coveney eats humble pie COALITION leaders of have been accused of “utterly breaching their promises” by Kilkenny TD John McGuinness in a scathing attack on the Government. And in another scathing critique of his own party leader, Deputy McGuinness accused Taoiseach Micheál Martin of displaying “the greatest example of poor leadership in

government” by consistently allowing himself to be used as a doormat”. Mr McGuinness made the comments in an interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday amid the deepening fallout over the botched appointment of former minister Katherine Zappone as a UN special envoy. “We have a Cabinet letting

things through on the nod who are not familiar with the detail. Some don’t care. They are happy to just sit there, nod their heads and keep their jobs,” the Kilkenny TD told the newspaper. “This Government graduated from the university of cronyism with high honours. The Government does not act as a government anymore, they are a

cabal who have utterly breached their promises to burn the quangos and exile the cronies.” Since Mr McGuinness’s remarks, Simon Coveney has apologised for his “sloppiness” and causing “a political embarrassment”, over the Katherine Zappone appointment. This followed the news that Ms

Zappone, the former children’s minister, thanked Mr Coveney in early March for offering her a UN role to represent Ireland, over four months before the Taoiseach was informed. Newly released documents reveal that Ms Zappone had a hand in drawing up the job specifications before the role was announced and had

contacted Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe ahead of her appointment. Appearing before the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said he was sorry “for creating the circumstances that require a second hearing in a week, on the same issue of the appointment of a special envoy.”

Up social welfare by €10 a week call THE Government is being called upon to raise social welfare rates by €10 week by a justice advocacy organisation The call comes from Social Justice Ireland, which is seeking commitment to standardise rates at 27.5% of average earnings over a two year period. The increase would mean the maximum personal rate available would change from €203 to €213 per week in this year’s upcoming budget. The maximum monthly personal rate would then be a total of €888 per month. A Department of Social Protection report released in August this year found that the total government expenditure on social welfare payments for 2020 was €30.6billion. This was a rise of 46% compared to 2019, which the report stated was “extraordinary”. Meanwhile, businesses in Kilkenny with reduced turnover as a result of public health restrictions have been encouraged to register for the new Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS) by Kilkenny/

Carlow Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan. Qualifying businesses will be able to apply to Revenue for a cash payment, representing an advance credit for trading expenses that are deductible for income and/or corporation tax purposes, Deputy Phelan said: “The BRSS is a general scheme and is open to any vulnerable but viable business businesses w≠hose turnover remains impacted as a result of public health restrictions, particularly in sectors that were significantly impacted throughout the pandemic, even during periods when restrictions were eased.” Businesses who previously availed of other schemes such and SBASC and the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme for example as well as CRSS will be eligible to apply provided they meet qualifying criteria. However, businesses eligible for the CRSS on 1 September 2021 will be paid the CRSS and will not be eligible for the BRSS. They may also be eligible for “restart weeks” under the CRSS.”

Sarah’s death prompts ‘breast aware’ call FOLLOWING the death Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding at the age of 39 from cancer, The Irish Cancer Society has emphasised once again the importance of women being ‘beret aware’. The pop singer revealed last August that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, which had spread to other parts of her body. The society says being ‘breast aware’ means knowing what is normal for you so that if any unusual change occurs, you will recognise it.

2,000 locals made a clean sweep of 2021! THE National Spring Clean is Ireland’s official anti-litter campaign and in the past 21 years, the initiative has been highlighting the collective responsibility we share in tackling and preventing our national litter problem. More than 2,000 Kilkenny volunteers have participated in organised clean-ups across 200 locations in the county. Furthermore, National Spring Clean has been a starting point for a large number of groups to organise re-

curring clean-up events throughout the rest of the year. National Spring Clean 2021’s initiative has been a great opportunity for volunteers to get out again and do their bit for their local environment, contribute to creating a more sustainable community, meet new like-minded people and make a difference. The National Spring Clean is also an opportunity to act local to tackle a global issue. As a matter of fact, over the last couple of

years, the National Spring Clean has also been trying to raise awareness about another crucial issue: the link between litter and climate change – the biggest environmental challenge of our time – and highlight how combined local actions can have a global effect. Our consumption patterns and how we dispose and treat our waste has a substantial impact on the levels of emissions of several greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.

The sooner you notice a change the better, because if cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts from time to time. This will help you to notice any change if it occurs. Changes in your breasts to be aware of • A change in size or shape – it may be that one breast has become larger • Changes in the nipple – in direction or shape, pulled in or flattened nipple

• Changes on or around the nipple – rash, flaky or crusted skin • Changes in the skin – dimpling, puckering or redness • ‘Orange peel’ appearance of the skin caused by unusually enlarged pores • Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone • A lump, any size, or thickening in your breast • Constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit Look for changes by using

a mirror so that you can see the breasts from different angles. An easy way of feeling your breast is with a soapy hand in the bath or shower. Some women prefer to feel for changes while lying down. It’s important to know what is normal for you. Your breasts will go through many normal changes during your life. For example, they are affected by changes in your hormones during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breast-feeding and menopause.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News Your Money

Protecting the boss is your business BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

LAST week we discussed personal protection and the need to protect ourselves and our loved ones against the financial problems that follow serious illness and death. This week we look at the situation as a business owner as there are additional concerns should we fall victim to serious illness or the future running of the business in the case of our death. In the event of the death of a business owner who would take over their share of the business? And where would the remaining shareholders get the funds needed to buy the shares back from their family and even more importantly has this plan even been formalised? What would happen to your business if a co-owner died prematurely? Would the remaining co-owners continue to maintain control of the business? Will they have the funds to buy back the share of the business from the de-

ceased member’s family and has this plan been formalised? Many business owners believe that it simply won’t happen to them. The chances

of a partner or director, in a small business dying or becoming seriously ill before retirement are a lot higher that you might think. Many problems can arise

for a business when a partner or key employee dies prematurely or becomes seriously ill. The lack of credit to small businesses could result in

some surviving business owners having insufficient funds to purchase a deceased owner’s share of the business or in some incidences getting into financial difficulty because of a key employee’s death. What if you have an investment property within the business? Ask yourself these questions. Does the property form part of your financial plans? Could the property be a burden to your family instead of the safety net it was meant to be? And if you died, would you leave it mortgage free? There are specific business protection plans available in the market They are for individuals who want to ensure that their business or investment property will provide their family with financial security in the event of death or serious illness rather that a burden. These plans are flexible and excellent value for money and can be used to provide funds needed to buy out a deceased partner’s share of the business or clear outstanding mortgages or debts. They provide for a deceased business owner’s family in the event of premature death,

ensuring a surviving business partner retains ownership and control of the business and avoid the need for personal loans to be taken out In the case of an investment property, contracts are available that can be used to pay off some or all the outstanding mortgage on the investment property thereby reducing the burden of monthly payments for dependants and providing an asset for dependants You can’t predict the future but you can plan for it. While we all hope and often believe it won’t happen to us, the reality is that people throughout Ireland are affected by unexpected illness and premature death every day. Each year, Financial Advisors sees the serious life changing and personal challenges that their customers must face, along with the real value of having a relevant protection plan in place. So its again imperative to talk to a professional financial adviser who can help you make the right decisions about the ways you could help protect your business and family. John@ellisfinancial.ie. 0868362633

Peer support through lived experience ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

IN this column, we have already looked at how recovering from a mental health crisis is only the first stage on the path to enjoying wellness. That isn’t to belittle the effort needed to take that first step towards getting better. The will and determination required are huge. Anybody who has achieved this should feel very proud of themselves. However, it is frequently a set up for failure to not continue the hard work done to ensure the path to a healthier life doesn’t suddenly veer off in an unwanted direction. A good comparison would be when somebody breaks their leg. The crisis is the excruciating pain and inability to move which accompany the fracture. We deal with this by going to the hospital where X-rays are taken and the limb is put in plaster. Over a period of weeks and months, the bone knits

back together. However, this is only part of the process. The patient will almost certainly have to engage in a programme of physiotherapy to regain full strength and movement. Without it, only a part of the process is completed, the leg won’t be fully functional and will be vulnerable to further injury. A mental health crisis is no different. At this stage, professional medical attention is needed. In milder circumstances, going to a GP is a good first step. If the situation is more serious, a person may need to go straight to hospital. A doctor will be able to prescribe medication to stabilise a patient’s condition and can also recommend a programme of treatment, therapy or counselling. Other therapeutic options such as CBT or hypnotherapy can be very effective but qualified expert attention in the form of a professional medical practitioner should always be the first port of call. Medication and therapy are only part of the process though. They can help a person to get to a point

where they can start putting building blocks in place to improve and stabilise their road to recovery. It’s very difficult to start on the path to wellness without them but they, on their own, can only do so much. Think of them like the plaster on a broken leg. Without it, the pain is intolerable and movement impossible, but it isn’t the full picture either. Peer support can be extremely valuable. This is when you work with somebody who is on their own recovery journey, only a little further ahead than you. This helps you to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel and gives you opportunity to learn from somebody who has been exactly where you are. Recovery colleges are a great place to find this support. Professional expertise and lived experience are brought together to deliver valuable skills in mental wellness. Both peer support and useful courses are offered and can be very beneficial for anybody seeking to progress on their journey of recovery to mental wellness.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Art, music and dance at the butler gallery WITH the gradual opening of the Arts, Kilkenny’s Butler Gallery are quick out of the traps to announce some of their forthcoming Programme. The Gallery and coffee shop is fast becoming the go to spot as

one of the cultural highlights in the city. THE STILL LIFE PAINTING OF BLAISE SMITH An exhibition of the still life Painting of Kilkenny based art-

ist Blaise Smith will be presented by the Gallery, and is something of a coup for the venue. The exhibition includes loans from collectors nationwide of works from 1998 to the present. Writing in the Irish Arts review,

Aidan Dunne said: “The genre of still life has inspired some of his most personal and speculative work, in which he tests the boundaries of his whole approach to picture-making. He sees his still life as much more abstract, in a sense, than the landscapes or the potraits. One of the fundamental artistic genres, the still life remains the staple of Smiths practice. The works on view are carefully structured and represent subject matters such as fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese and such vessels as vases and glasses. These paintings act as a trace of our everyday world with an often idiosyncratic beauty, which is why they reward a closer examination. Runs from September 18th to November 14th 2021.

Healthy skin from the inside out CLAIR WHITTY

ARE you looking to have healthy skin? Good levels of vitamins like A, B, C, D, E, and minerals like Zinc and Magnesium are important for healthy skin. Hormonal balance, and adequate levels of friendly gut bacteria can help too. A healthy diet and nutritional supplements aimed at supporting skin health may help you achieve your goal. There are many supplements on offer. Take a look at Cleanmarine For Women and Cleanmarine For Men they are both suitable from age 15, and would be an ideal starting point for anyone with acne, or if you just want to improve your skin. They contain Omega 3 from krill oil in phospholipid form which are easily absorbed and shown to be highly effective. They both contain vitamin B2 which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, and vitamin D too. While Cleanmarine For Men contains Zinc and Selenium. Diet wise, drink plenty of water, you could add sliced lemon for extra cleansing properties. Rooibos tea is a

natural source of antioxidants, and zinc which is traditionally used for skin problems. Dr Stuarts Skin Purify Tea contains a mix of cleansing herbs like burdock and nettle. Fruit is a great source of vitamin C, a building block of collagen, antioxidants, and fibre, all important for skin health. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of magnesium. Brightly coloured vegetables like peppers are a natural source of vitamin C. Vitamin D is found in oily fish. Omega oils can be

found in nuts, seeds and may support hormonal health and help reduce inflammation. Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin B, E, Zinc, fibre, protein, and omega oils. Almonds are a source of vitamin E, omega oils, and protein. Reduce or avoid sugar, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, wheat, and dairy products as they can aggravate inflamed skin. These are also common food allergens which may trigger problems. Look after your gut: This is important as friendly bacteria can make B vitamins which may support skin health, immunity, and your mood too. Antibiotics, stress, and poor diet can deplete these important bacteria. You may need to top up with a microbiotic like Udo’s Choice Super 8. Cleanmarine For Women, or For Men plus some small changes may help you to have healthy glowing skin. If you have any questions about anything at all, why not call in and see us at Market Cross Shopping Centre. Give us a call on 056 7764538 or pop us an email at info@naturalhealthstore. ie. We would be delighted to help with any question you may have. Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie

CULTURE NIGHT WILL FEATURE MUSIC AND DANCE Maracatu Il Brilhante is an ensemble of percussionist singers and performers from all corners of Ireland specialising in the beautiful songs of Maracatu Baque Virado from Brazil. Farah Elle is a singer-songwriter whose distinctive music reveals the beauty in ephemeral every day. Farah has eclectic influences, including North African echoes from her Libyan background. The South Sudanese Song and Dance Troupe will entertain guests with traditional Larakaraka music and dance of the Acholi people. September 17: No booking required. Free Tickets will be issued on a first come first served basis.

SEPTEMBER SOUNDS FEATURES LOCAL LIVE CONCERTS The Butler Gallery will present September Sounds, a music event aimed at supporting musicians, producers , promoters and venues in Kilkenny. Kilkenny County Council and The Watergate Theatre are facilitating the programme of outdoor live performances and the night at the Gallery will feature Traditional and folk musicians on the plaza area of the Gallery. Acts on the night will include Gary O’Neill, Ali Comerford, Kairen Caine, The Wandering Souls, and Elise Ramsbottom (September 26th : 7pm to 11p.m)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Science & Wellbeing

How a volcano gave us life’s gift of oxygen OXYGEN arrived in large quantities and for good on Earth about 2.4 billion years ago in what is called the Great Oxidation Event. According to a www.bigthink.com report, it is believed that this was the result of an explosion in living organisms capable of photosynthesizing carbon dioxide and water into sugar, with oxygen released as a side product. However, in 2007, researchers discovered evidence of a brief earlier period of oxygen, in shale from Mount McRae in Western Australia. This puff occurred 50 to 100 million years before oxygen’s

permanent arrival on Earth. It has been theorised that these whiffs were the result of a temporary reduction in physical and chemical processes. But Roger Buick, co-author of a new study, says this is wrong: “Our study suggests that for these transient whiffs of oxygen, the immediate trigger was an increase in oxygen production, rather than a decrease in oxygen consumption by rocks or other non-living processes. It’s important because the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere is fundamental — it’s the biggest driver for the evolution of large, complex life.”

So what produced the oxygen? The researchers say it was life itself, in the form of microbes feasting on phosphorus draining into waterways from volcanic ash and lava fields. “There are other nutrients that modulate biological activity on short timescales, but phosphorus is the one that is most important on long timescales,” says study lead author Jana Meixnerová. There is lots of phosphorus now — indeed, it is found in fertiliser — but in the Precambrian era, its only source would have been volcanic. According

Stop that now! Why you shouldn’t pick your nose FOR some people, children in particular, picking your nose is a perfectly normal, natural thing to do — but there are limits to just how far you should be getting up in there. In a new YouTube video, Justin Cottle, Lab Director at the Institute of Human Anatomy, offers a primer on the nasal cavity, and explains exactly why we get nosebleeds. “The nose is soft and flimsy, but still firm and rigid. That’s because it’s made of cartilage—specifcally, hyaline cartilage,” says Cottle. The main reason for the nose being made of cartilage and not bone is that this enables it to deform under pressure, re-

ducing the risk of injury given how much it protrudes from the face. He also explains that hyaline cartilage can be found all over the body, as it is good for reducing friction between joints. In the case of our noses, that friction reduction is useful considering the amount of air fIow. Cottle goes on to detail what is happening inside our nose when we get a nosebleed — also known as an epistaxis — and explains that there are two types: anterior, where the bleeding is occurring in the front portion of the nose (these account for around

90% of nosebleeds), and posterior, which is happening behind the nose, and which can lead to the swallowing of blood. And one easy way to get an anterior epistaxis? Picking your nose. “It actually makes sense to pick your nose,” he says, “to pick out those dried pieces of mucus containing dirt and all kinds of other stuff... But you want to be careful, because if you pick too aggressively, if you scratch too much, you can rupture those blood vessels, and then it starts to bleed.”

to the authors, therefore, when the period’s volcanoes erupted, they provided early life the phosphorus kick that it needed. It is a dramatic case of the geological directly influencing the biological. The authors of the study returned to the Mount McRae shale in search of mercury isotopes. When volcanoes erupt, they spew mercury high into the atmosphere, after which it eventually settles to the ground over the course of a year or two. “Sure enough,” says Buick, “in the rock below the transient spike in oxygen we found evi-

dence of mercury, both in its abundance and isotopes, that would most reasonably be explained by volcanic eruptions into the atmosphere.” “During weathering under the Archaean [the early-tomiddle period of the Precambrian era] atmosphere, the fresh basaltic rock would have slowly dissolved, releasing the essential macronutrient phosphorus into the rivers. “That would have fed microbes that were living in the shallow coastal zones and triggered increased biological productivity that would have created, as a byproduct, an

oxygen spike,” he says, The researchers have no way to know exactly where the implicated volcanoes erupted, but they note that there are ancient large lava fields of the appropriate geological age in India, Canada, and elsewhere. “What has started to become obvious in the past few decades is there actually are quite a number of connections between the solid, non-living Earth and the evolution of life,” says Meixnerová. “But what are the specific connections that facilitated the evolution of life on Earth as we know it?”

Concussion needs an extra 14 days THE largest study of concussion ever conducted redefines the timeline for recovery from the suggested normal recovery time of up to 14 days to up to 28 days. “Normal return-to-play time was previously set at 14 days–meaning 50% of people recovered in that time. “Our paper suggests that 28 days more fully encapsulates the recovery process. At that point, 85% of people have returned to play,” says Steve Broglio, director of the University of Michigan Concussion Centre. The study, which appears in the journal Sports Medicine, shows that though median recovery times were consistent with the previously suggested

14 days, it was not until one month post-injury that most athletes were cleared for unrestricted sport participation. Reframing the normal recovery time to 28 days helps eliminate unintentional social pressure from teammates, managers, or parents who hope to see their player back on the field. If a concussed athlete takes longer than 14 days or up to a month, that’s completely normal, he says. Concussion management recommendations are outlined every four years by the Concussion In Sport Group (CISG), an international body that reviews the medical literature and develops guidelines on clinical care.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Travel & Leisure

5 luxurious reasons to

visit the US

1. THERE ARE MORE THAN 21,000 SPAS ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN the US you can find luxury spas all over the country. According to research by Statista, in 2020 alone there were over 21,000 spas in operation across the United States. Therefore, wherever you choose to go, you’re not going to be too far from somewhere to enjoy some pampering. 2. GLAMOROUS BIG SCREEN CITIES

THERE’S New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, or even Miami which are not just spectacular places to look at. They’re also filled with the aforementioned spas, amazing restaurants, and opulent hotels and great department stores. While you’re in the big city, you’ll be able to enjoy luxury shopping at famous boutiques and department stores. You’ll also have your pick of the best entertainment, such as theatres and museums,

to get your cultural fix while you’re there. 3. IMPECCABLE CUISINE Cuisine in the US isn’t just hamburgers and hot dogs, although there are plenty of ways to enjoy premium, upgraded versions of these classic dishes. The country is home to around 200 Michelin star restaurants. That said, fine dining has never been more popular in the US, and, if you visit now, you’ll be in a perfect position to take advantage of

Having a whale of a time in Iceland’s Húsavík

ANYONE who has regularly watched humpback whales will tell you their behaviour is predictable. The town of Húsavík is set on northern

Iceland’s Skjálfandi Bay, whose relatively shallow waters mean the creatures tend not to stay submerged for more than 10 minutes at

a time, sometimes breaching as they frolic or communicate with other whales. For guides and guests alike, this is something of a dream.

that and the many new popup restaurants catering to it. That’s not all; the variety of cuisines available (not to mention fusion dishes) is almost unparalleled in the US and produced from market to table at the highest quality. 4. ENJOY LUXURY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IT’S not just the cities where you can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. The US is well-loved for its rural areas too and many places even far from urban landscape. Between May and September each year, it takes considerable misfortune to not catch a sighting of these abundant behemoths while out in the bay. This abundance would be extraordinary on its own, but humpbacks are just one of 24 species of cetacean to frequent these waters. Iceland is hugely popular with the Irish. Lucky visitors might also spot pods of orca, spectacular sperm whales and, arguably best of all, blue whales, the largest animals to have ever graced the Earth. Dolphins can also be spotted before even leaving the harbour. This world-class access to marine mammals has built Húsavík a stellar reputation as probably the finest whalewatching location in Europe. Gentle Giants is one of several long-established operators in town, and also offers birdwatching trips to the nearby island of Flatey. While the whales have

If you’re more into blending nature with luxury, states like New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona will be perfect for you. Exclusive ranches, and those spas, and secluded hotels all await you here, where you can relax, unwind and treat yourself to the finer things in life. 5. SERVICE UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE IT’S hard to compare the quality of service you get when you visit the US. From waiters to concierges, there’s been doing the heavy lifting for Húsavík’s marketing for more than 30 years, the 2020 release of the Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga boosted the town’s fortunes even further. Its track Husavik (My Hometown) — a strange ode to life here — was nominated for Best Original Song at the 93rd Academy Awards. Hats off to the entrepreneurial locals who have hastily opened Jaja Ding Dong, a cafe-bar named after another song from the film’s soundtrack, albeit one that didn’t receive any form of Oscar recognition. The fictionalised version of the town presented in the film may not be the scene that awaits visitors, but, as well as whale-watching opportunities, there are plenty of benefits to making the journey this far north. To flesh out your knowledge of cetaceans, visit the

no doubt that you’ll be well looked after when you visit. The attention to detail, friendly welcome, and unparalleled care that you’ll get from those serving you at your hotel or in restaurants are without compare. Don’t forget to tip generously, though. The five points listed above are just a few reasons why the US is the perfect destination for luxury travellers. However, you’ll find many other things ideal when you head to the US for a luxury experience. excellent Húsavík Whale Museum, based in an old slaughterhouse (although the focus today is very much on living creatures). Elsewhere, among the many pretty buildings in town, Húsavíkurkirkja — a wooden church built in 1907 — is perhaps the fairest, and is open to visitors during the summer months. The Museum of Exploration, dedicated to the history of human exploration, is also well worth a visit — especially as the area around Húsavík is thought to be one of the very first settled by Viking explorers. Food and drink options are somewhat limited, but the family-run Naustid restaurant has won plenty of admirers for its clever use of locally caught seafood. And perhaps surprisingly for a town of this size, there’s also a microbrewery, the betterthan-it-has-any-right-to-be Húsavík Öl.

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Community Group

Communist Romania and the meaning of the 23rd of August BY LIVIA POP

PART TWO IN last week’s instalment we gave you the overall picture of the events of August 23rd before independence. Some events were bigger than others. We resume our story recounting some of these events The biggest event obviously took place in the country’s capital, where Ceausescu himself and his wife and all the important people of the Romanian Communist Party watched and listened from the height of the official tribune to all the hymns praising their honour. Thousands of children worked in the hot summer sun, from morning to evening, for the show to go smoothly. For the huge effort, they received a packet of biscuits and a bottle of Pepsi-Cola, the ultimate reward for a child of those years. Pepsi-Cola was considered a luxury at that time and if you managed to

drink a few bottles for a whole year, you could consider yourself a happy person. A few children were chosen to give flowers to their beloved leaders. Their selection was made starting with checking the families for not having relatives that fled the country. Then everyone had to be beautiful and healthy, this was done after a medical consultation. They were taught how to hold flowers in their arms,

and how to present them to the mighty leader. They were thought each word they had to say. They had to thank from the bottom of their hearts for the happy childhood they had. And before they arrived in front of the Ceausescus, they were disinfected on their hands and face, plus they wore new and disinfected clothes. The irony of ironies, this day was work-free day by law, but mandatory for the parade, no

one was allowed to be absent, no excuse was accepted, and only those who worked night shifts got to stay at home. But the thought of all the participants was at the country fair after the parade. Only the afternoon of August 23 was the real holiday for the common people. It was one of the few days of the year when working people were not working. It also happened on New Year’s Eve and May 1 (when the In-

ternational Labor Day was celebrated). Being a communist country, Christmas did not exist in the Romanian calendar, it was not officially celebrated. Obviously, all the families celebrated it under the shelter of closed doors and heavy curtains, and if the window had no curtains people would put up blankets to hide the illegal Christmas tree. Once the parade was over, everyone headed to the parks and to the fields near the localities where the waiters from restaurants had barbeques and sold Romanian sausages by the portion. The beer, which had disappeared from stores two weeks before August 23, was miraculously reappearing

that day. People brought their baskets and blankets from home and socialized with each other. The same people who in the morning had listened to or sung from the top of their lips the official music that glorified the dictatorial couple and the party, now they danced and hummed the fashionable hits that resounded far into the distance. Around 8 pm, people left and returned to their daily worries: Where will we get meat? I have to get up at 5 to line up in the queue for milk and bread, and that was the reality everyday… And so for a long time August 23 was celebrated with great pomp from year to year, until democracy took the place of the communist regime. Today, those of us who have gone through this experience try to recall only the good moments of that period of sad memory. This article was possible thanks to Romanian Twilight Communities support. If you wish to contribute and to get involved contact us by email kclw.ro@twilight.ie

Community Group

Why I need a new home

MICHAEL IBRAHIM LAST WEEK’S South African Community Column told us of the heartwarming story of a young migrant coming to Ireland, meeting his wife in direct provision, and attending college to graduate with his degree. Some people ask why these migrants come to Ireland? , What are they fleeing ? This week we would like to give you a brief insight into what and why refugees are fleeing their homeland. We would all wish to stay close

to our home, and not travel 1000’s of miles to a new countr , culture and seek employment to have economic inclusion in your new home. Bloody ethnic violence has left tens of thousands of people dead and forced millions to flee their homes in South Sudan. More than one million people have crossed the border into northern Uganda, a region which itself is still recovering from years of violent conflict. Just a few years ago North Uganda, the region where nearly one million South Sudanese

refugees have fled, was itself a war zone. Large parts were controlled by the notorious Lords Resistance Army (LRA), led by the now-fugitive Joseph Kony. He was a member of the Acholi tribe, the third biggest of Uganda’s 60 tribes. The Acholi are also one of the main tribes in South Sudan, and their allegiance is to this ethnic group is stronger than the international borders established by colonial powers. Kony used a mixture of religious fundamentalism and dissatisfaction among the Acholi to build support

for the LRA, but then turned his terror on his own people, kidnapping boys as young as eight and brutalising them by forcing them to kill one another and members of their own families to prove their loyalty. Young girls were also kidnapped and forced to become ‘sex slaves’ to members of the LRA. The LRA was supported by the government of Sudan in retaliation for the Uganda government supporting the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army whose separatist war eventually led to independence for South Sudan in 2011. By 2005 much of the population of northern Uganda in the regions surrounding Kitgum and Gulu were displaced and aid-dependent, as they fled LRA and government violence. A government crackdown and alienation from the LRA by the Acholi who had suffered under them saw the ranks of LRA fracture and their leaders scattered. Some have been captured and tried, although Kony is still at large – with a $5 bounty on his head – and rumoured to be in either South Sudan or neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Memories of their own trauma just a few years ago plus tribal bonds have nur-

tured Ugandan goodwill towards the million people who have been given shelter in their midst. In South Sudan, following independence in 2011 relations between the country’s government allies quickly deteriorated into bloody civil war. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced. The economy has collapsed because of both the violence and crop failure due to climate change. According to the UN the “relentless conflict” in South Sudan has left more than six million people facing crisis levels of hunger. The organisation says the country is now facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

I believe we would all try, and do, whatever it would take to flee for our life and our family’s life. As the crisis worsens and climate change making certain areas of the globe uninhabitable we cannot close our doors to those who need our help and aid.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News

Better energy would cost us €1.3bn IMPROVING the energy efficiency of Co. Kilkenny homes through retrofitting and installation heat pump systems could cost in excess of €1.3bn. That’s according to a new report by Liquid Gas Ireland (LGI). The report sets how €1.1bn can be saved if the 22,685 homes in the county currently using high carbon fossil-based fuels such as oil, coal, and turf for home heating and as an en-

ergy source switch to a lower carbon alternative such as LPG or BioLPG instead of retrofitting for installation of heat pump systems. The savings were based on an average cost of €56,000 for a full scale retrofit including heat pump installation and an industry estimate of €5,000 for switching to a gas boiler with standard system upgrades. Commenting on the report, Chair of LGI Brian Derham

said: “If the Government is serious about achieving Ireland’s climate targets, it is critical that people living in both urban and rural communities are brought on the decarbonisation journey. “The Government’s revised Climate Action Plan must provide for the delivery of a ‘mixed technology’ approach to decarbonisation which works for rural Ireland, particularly for those living in or operating

off-grid rural homes and businesses. “At the core of the Climate Action Plan is a commitment to install 600,000 heat pumps and retrofit 500,000 homes for improved energy efficiency. However, we continue to express our concern that this ‘one size fits all’ approach’ to decarbonisation is putting significant pressure on those living in rural communities.,” he said. “It simply does not consider

the unique economic and infrastructural challenges these areas face in achieving a ‘just transition’, where over twothirds of homes currently rely on oil boilers for heating and fuel. Many of these homes are classified as hard-to-treat houses meaning the cost of a retrofit would be 80 per cent more expensive. This prohibitive expense is proved by the continued low uptake of retrofitting grants outside urban centres.”

The report, which was conducted using CSO census data names Kilkenny No.1 Urban, Pilltown, Castlecomer, Kilkenny Rural and Thomastown as the five electoral areas within Co. Kilkenny most reliant on high carbon fossil-based fuels for home heating and energy. Of the 10,851 dwellings in these areas, 43% (4,675) use oil, coal and turf while by contrast only 4% (479) have transitioned to heat pump technology.

Farmers ‘should’ protect against pay loss IFAC, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is advising Kilkenny farmers and farming families to consider and plan valuable protection so that their farm and family are cared for. When you’re running a busy farm it’s not always easy to see how a change might affect you or how you can protect yourself and your farm from a big financial hit, such as the loss of income through injury or illness. Ifac says don’t leave it to chance. Martin Glennon, Head of Financial Planning at ifac, said: “You should look at the worst-case scenario. Consider the impact on you, your family and/or business.” He said if we took the example of a serious illness, such as cancer or heart problems, one needed to answer the following questions: • What will be the financial impact to you if you suffer a serious illness? • What financial impact will it have on your family? • Will the business support you when you cannot work? • How long before the business feels the pressure? • Will you need to hire someone to replace you? And, can the business support this? • Will you need to use savings to replace your income? “On a scale of 1-10, if your answer to this is at a seven or higher, then you are likely to act and buy the insurance you feel you need. Anything less and you are less likely to act,” Mr Glennon said. If you need any further support, speak to your financial advisor or contact ifac’s team of specialist advisors who are available to help you plan for your future. Visit www.ifac. ie or call 01-4277400.

To the rescue: Irish Community Air Ambulance Pilot Tony McAleer with local school children

What if there was no Air Ambulance? THE Irish Community Air Ambulance has launched a fundraising campaign as part of International Air Ambulance Week and is asking: “What if there was no Air Ambulance?” The organisation, which is Ireland’s first and only charityfunded Air Ambulance, is being called to more missions than ever. The helicopter was launched 388 times during the first eight months of the year

with July 2021 one of its busiest months to date. Crews were tasked to 57 separate incidents in eight counties, during July, at a cost of almost €200,000. Each mission costs an average of €3,500, all of which has to be raised or donated. The Irish Community Air Ambulance has released a video highlighting the importance of the service and is ask-

ing members of the public to help it to save lives by visiting the website www.communityairambulance.ie and making a donation. It is also asking schools and businesses to get involved in International Air Ambulance Week by wearing Red or Yellow and making a donation this Friday, September 10, or any day during September. The Helicopter Emergency

Medical Service (HEMS) works in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and is ready to respond to serious incidents and medical emergencies from its base in Rathcoole in North Cork seven days a week. Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Irish Community Air Ambulance, said: “We bring hope when it’s needed most. Over the last two years we

have been tasked to more than 1,000 missions which proves that our organisation is a vital life-changing service. Our crews have brought the most seriously injured and sickest patients to the hospital that best suits their life-saving needs. The question is though, what would have happened if there was no Air Ambulance to respond to these emergencies?

Glanbia move a ‘huge vote of confidence’ in City GLANBIA Ireland becoming the new anchor tenant in the Abbey Quarter’s Brewhouse building is “a huge vote of confidence” in the development, according Deputy John Paul Phelan The Kilkenny/Carlow TD said the move “will unlock the future potential of Kilkenny city and breathe much needed life into the city centre”.

Glanbia Ireland (GI) has entered into legal negotiations with Kilkenny Abbey Quarter Development Partnership aimed at reaching agreement on a lease at the Abbey Quarter development in Kilkenny. It is intended that Glanbia Ireland will be the anchor tenant in the Brewhouse building at the heart of the Abbey Quarter from next year and that this will become

Glanbia Ireland’s new headquarters. Deputy Phelan said company’s global reputation would “act as a magnet to attract other tenants to the development”. The Kilkenny TD added: “Glanbia Ireland’s investment in the Abbey Quarter would play a massive role in realising the vision for this historic site as a hive of inno-

vation in the heart of Kilkenny city. Its presence would provide an enormous boost to economic activity and employment in the city centre, with potential for over 300 of the company’s employees to work at the site by the middle of next year. “Equally important, Glanbia Ireland once again demonstrating its bricks and mortar commitment to Kilkenny

– by establishing its headquarters at this historic site – would hugely enhance both our City’s and the Quarter’s attractiveness to other commercial investors.” Deputy Phelan also welcomed Glanbia Ireland’s plans to develop a collaborative office space that supports hybrid working arrangements in the sustainably-designed Brewhouse building.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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New poems I

N 2019, ‘The Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ published a book of poems with the wonderful title ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’. The ninety page publication features forty poems with contributions from members at the centre as well as work from Kilkenny’s wider writing community. In conjunction with The Involvement Centre, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper will reproduce these poems over the coming weeks. The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to promote this project and we hope you enjoy the poems. Week ten sees poems from Grace Power, Nuala Roche and Kathleen Phelan.

Kindred We are the ones who are drowning, the erratic mind is always flooding. So we wait, until the water turns to fog. We are the ones who feel the silence, when the isolation has engulfed us, the rattle of the last pill in the bottle. We are the ones on the fringes, where suicide whispers to us at night, luring us so softly with its song. We are the ones who are lost, our maps have always been blank, our compass has never stopped spinning. We are the ones who look to the stars, the beacons of the night sky, the only light in the darkness. We are kindred. Grace Power

Locks I have in my possession a Yale key, for a door I no longer recall, Would it open a bedsit in Rathmines, the one with the mulberry carpet where I never dared walk barefoot? the granny flat in Donnybrook with painted window-bars that triggered dreams of fires and oven explosions? the shabby Georgian on Bray seafront one whole floor to myself—en-suite— if you didn’t count stragglers coming and going at odd hours of the night. I carry the key for days on end, its teeth biting into my flesh, talisman, rosary, prayer bead conjuring feelings — regret for something unsaid? Nuala Roche

Perfect Grannies Through my iPad on Facebook I see them. The grannies, With their makeup, shellac and balayage. And the grandkids all civil and smiling, Like babushka dolls in a row. While mine are all screaming and crying, As to who began pulling whose hair. And the baby slapped over my shoulder Puking his Calpol and gagging. (So much for my new Penneys dress) The grannies on Facebook are A different breed Not like any others I know. Kathleen Phelan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Feature

20 Million meditating together for world peace! With the pressure of everyday life, whether it is finances, employment, or relationships, is it possible to gain peace?

Sri Preethaji and Sri Krishnaji

THE answer, according to the ‘Ekam World Peace Festival’ is a most definite yes. The festival is the World’s largest online meditation event from September 17th to September 19th, 2021 and is based in Ekam, India. World-renowned transformational leaders Sri Preethaji and Sri Krishnaji will live-stream daily, 55minute Peace wisdom and Meditations from Ekam during the Ekam World Peace Festival. KILKENNY WOMAN IS ADVOCATE FOR WORLD PEACE The Kilkenny Observer met up with Elaine Mc Guinness’ who has had a very strong experience in the Ekam World Peace Festival over the last three years. From Friary Street in Kilkenny, Elaine has been to Ekam in India on 5 different occasions since 2014 and has had powerful experiences that brought about full healing in her body and physical health. A nurse, originally from Kilkenny city, Elaine says that the ‘Ekam World Peace Festival 2021’ is a phenomenon that will bring peace to your life, your being and your consciousness in ways beyond your imagination. This will cause a shift in human consciousness and awaken humanity to peace.”

The festival goes live at 1.30pm for 55 minutes each day from 17th – 19th September. Elaine told this paper that in 2020, 10 million attended worldwide and she and many others found it to be an amazing transformational experience. Expert world speakers like Gregg Braden spoke live with Sri Krishnaji during this Peace Festival. “The learnings, processes and experiences are extraordinary. The meditations are simple to do and will create a peaceful environment in these times of chaos and a feeling of

responsibility for the world”, Elaine explained . Ms McGuinness also claims that you can also experience a shift in consciousness where there is no going back to the old way. ABOUT THE FESTIVAL. Ekam World Peace Festival 2021 is being attended by 20 million people online, which will create a further shift in humanity’s consciousness and awakening towards peace. Promoters would definitely encourage you to attend Ekam World Peace Festival, and according to Elaine,

“it can be a life changing experience”. You can see the Ekam World Peace Festival live on ‘pkconsciousness’ on YouTube at 1.30pm GMT from 17th – 19th September You can see the preparation broadcasts for Ekam World Peace Festival from 3rd – 16th September at 5.30pm GMT each day on ‘pkconsciousness’ on YouTube ‘I would also advocate for you to attend these preparation broadcasts, as it will

Inset: Elaine McGuinness has been to Ekam in India on 5 different occasions since 2014

Ekam world Peace village in India

shift your mindset”, said Elaine. From attending the previous 3 online Ekam World Oneness Peace Festivals, Elaine has no qualms about advocating this powerful Phenomenon, as she knows it can shift’ your mind-set, your being and your consciousness to greater heights than you have ever known before. We leave the final quote to Elaine, who says that “Ekam changed my life and brought about complete healing in my body.” This online meditation event is for 3 days, 55 mins each day. These meditations would focus everyday on one major issue the world is currently struggling with. Day 1 (17th September) Peace for healing economic unrest Day 2 (18th September) Peace for healing division. Day 3 (19th September) Peace for healing the planet. Elaine told The Kilkenny Observer “We will collectively meditate for peace in all these areas. The vision of Ekam World Peace Festival is to focus on impacting the individual’s consciousness to bring about World Peace. This is beyond religion. This is for

all humanity.” This free online 55-minute online event will be streamed globally at https://www.youtube.com/ pkconsciousness/live Elaine Mc Guinness is encouraging people to participate on all the 3 days. Here is the website link to know more about the Ekam World Peace Festival. https://ekam.org/ekamworld-peace-festival/ You can enrol now to participate in the Peace Festival. As Sri Krishnaji says, “Peace is a state of being. It’s a courageous sense of calm that prevails through any turmoil or storm. This state has the strength to repair any broken strands and embodies endurance. This peace is possible for all. We need this wisdom to practice right thinking and wholistic perception and a state of being to perform inclusive action.” Elaine will be doing an Ekam Peace Launch Event (30 minutes) online on Friday 10th September, 7.30pm on zoom. To join via zoom please use, Zoom ID: 5704962491 Passcode: “welcome” If you would like any further information on Elaine’s Ekam Peace Launch Event or Ekam World Peace Festival, you can contact Elaine at emcguinn9@gmail. com

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Culture Night Kilkenny 2021 invites us to come together again this September

www.culturenight.ie

Culture Night invites everyone, everywhere on one joyful night to discover and celebrate all that our culture is today. With a rich and diverse programme of thousands of events that span layers of arts and culture from architecture to comedy, circus to dance, film to literature, museums to music, heritage to sport and science to fashion, to name but a few….Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir 2021 will take place on Friday, 17th September. This national ‘moment’ connects everyone to cultural activities locally and nationally. Culture Night Kilkenny is brought to you by the Arts Council in partnership with Kilkenny County Council and cultural organisations throughout Kilkenny. It puts a spotlight on the quality and breadth of Kilkenny’s existing cultural offerings and institutions. Pay a visit to the Culture Night Hub with the National Design and Craft Council where workshops and creative activities for all ages are taking place, both online and in the stunning historical setting of the Castle

Yard, with live musical entertainment. Inspired by National Design & Craft Gallery exhibitions; ERA, the Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Jewellery and Goldsmithing graduate exhibition and Irish Craft Heroes, a major exhibition celebrating 50 years of Irish craft, our workshops and activities invite you to explore materials, try techniques and unleash your creativity. Bringing together local creative, community groups including Open Circle Community Arts, KCAT Arts Centre and Print Block collective with the National Design & Craft Gallery to give visitors a taste of printmaking, textiles, ceramics, painting and jewellery. TADA! Theatre presents What’s The Story at Thomastown Community Centre;

A fun writing workshop for all ages. Participants will be set a number of writing challenges by playwright and drama facilitator Gillian Grattan and come up with stories, characters and dialogue. Following these fast-paced writing exercises, participants will be asked to read their work out- but only if they want to. Celebrate World Music Evening at The Butler Gallery with ‘Maracatu Ilha Brilhante (MiB), an ensemble of percussionists singers and performers from all four corners of Ireland specialising in the beautiful songs and powerful rhythms of Maracatu Baque Virado from Pernambuco in Brazil’s North East. Farah Elle is a singersongwriter whose distinctive music reveals the beauty in the ephemeral everyday. Farah has eclectic influences, including North African echoes from her Libyan background. Her upcoming album FATIMA is due for release in 2021.The South Sudanese Song and Dance Troupe will entertain guests with traditional larakaraka music and dance of the Acholi people. Dance is a central part of Acholi cultural heritage and

the group will use Culture Night to introduce this distinctive art form to Irish audiences. Kilkenny castle will open its doors after hours where the period rooms will be open to the public free of charge from 6pm to 9pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the online event, The Countess of Ormond’s Galliard: Music, Kilkenny and the Sixteenth Century. Presented by Dr Siobhán Armstrong, Ireland’s foremost expert on sixteenth-century Irish music, this engaging, illustrated talk will enable you to explore the sound world of Kilkenny in the late 1500s, when the Tudors held sway over most of Ireland. Hear some of the oldest surviving traditional Irish music, and discover the rarely heard songs and dances that would have entertained Sir Thomas ‘Black Tom’ Butler, the 10th earl, and his cousin, the English queen, Elizabeth 1st. Kilkenny Arts Office presents another wonderful selection of poetry to listen to on the Freephone Poetry Phone. Simply dial 1800 272 994. This collection features the eleven poems selected for the 2021 Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet. The aim of this annual Broadsheet is to give local writers a platform

for their work. This year’s Broadsheet was edited by Jessica Traynor, poet, dramaturg, librettist and creative writing teacher.‘‘What I found in the poems submitted was intriguing; a deepening of attention, a journeying inwards to the world of family, domestic life and nature.’ - Jessica Traynor Follow the trail of Knitted Together 2, a project initiated in 2021 by Kilkenny County Council Arts Office, where communities and volunteers around the County were invited to knit or crochet squares resulting in 100s of volunteers knitting and crocheting at home during the Covid-19 restrictions. These squares were then sewn into beautiful blankets. An exhibition trail has been set up in the city centre, taking place in all of the charity shops involved, where the beautiful blankets will be on display. The skills and talents of our communities on show for all to see. These blankets will be for sale from September 18th in the charity shops helping to raise much needed funds for their wonderful causes. Clogh Writers present A Virtual Poetry Reading: A Rainbow of Memories. The Clogh Writers group will read from a collection of poems written by mem-

bers as part of a series of poetry workshops given by Carlow poet, Dr Derek Coyle (funded by Kilkenny CoCo Arts Office). The poems were inspired by themes such as: Culture, Objects, A Sense of Place, People and Memories. Derek Coyle will join the event to talk about his work and read a selection of his poems. The group will also be joined by local singer Kathleen Phelan. Stop by The Medieval Mile Museum where Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Craobh Osrai, will present a one hour entertainment show of Irish music, song, dance and storytelling, featuring members of our junior and senior entertainment groups. Ideal entertainment event for all the family. VIEW SOME CAT SCULPTURES ON CULTURE NIGHT: The Kilkenny Catwalk 2021 is a fantastic arts trail of 22 wonderful Kilkenny Cat sculptures which have been decorated by some of Ireland’s most talented artists, mainly local, for public display in and around Kilkenny City. The trail will go live on the 11th October 2021 and remain in place until Easter 2022. For Culture Night you get to preview a selection of the cats at MacDonagh Junction, Unit 28 (beside TK Maxx). The trail is designed to immerse people in Kilkenny’s rich heritage while at the same time supporting the Keep Well Campaign. At the conclusion of the project, all artwork will be auctioned to raise funds for the St Mary’s Almshouses refurbishment project. KCAT presents an evening exploring the works of Beckett through poetry, theatre and visual arts. Participants are invited to join us to explore and discuss the themes in Samuel Beckett’s work. A short introduction on the works of Beckett will be given by our theatre team along with a reading of poetry. KCAT Artists will then invite participants to make a visual response on paper using mixed media to explore what they have seen and heard. A solo exhibition of sculptural light installations by Helen Mac Mahon will go on display at 75 Lower Johns Street. Curated by Aoife Banks, as part of Kilkenny Arts Office’s Emerging Curator In Residence Programme 2021. Mac Mahon’s practice is concerned primarily with the phenomena of light, movement, perception and space. The work strives to observe and reveal the ecosystem that exists between the viewer and these intangible elements that exist in a perpetual state of transformation. This exhibition has been curated and designed to be viewed through the gallery windows and on instagram @ kilkennyartsoffice For further information on all the above events and booking enquires please visit the culture night website at www.culturenight.ie and select your location: Kilkenny where you will find all relevant information for each event. Also follow the Culture Night Kilkenny Facebook Page to join in on the conversation.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Education The learning curve

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Education – The learning curve

Music is in the air with Music Generation Kilkenny BY SINEAD BLANCHFIELD 7 September 2021, Kilkenny: The air is filled with anticipation in preparation for the new academic year at Music Generation Kilkenny HQ! Instruments are arriving daily ahead of the launch of our programmes at the end of September in our schools and music hubs - violins, ukuleles, guitars, drums, banjos, accordions, bodhráns, music technology and more. Young musicians who take part in our programmes can rent an instrument for a small fee, giving every young person in Kilkenny the opportunity to participate in meaningful music-making. Over 6,000 children and young people have participated in our music programmes so far this year across a diverse range of programmes in schools and in the community including workshops, camps and our weekly delivery of instrumental and vocal performance music education in our schools and after-school

music hubs. Speaking about the year so far Music Development Officer Sinéad Blanchfield said, “Creativity is so vital to the wellbeing of our children and young people. In a world where children’s social, creative and developmental needs were reduced significantly due to the pandemic, I am thrilled that despite the challenges, Music Generation Kilkenny managed to reach over 6,000 young people to date through innovative reimagining of our music programmes and our delivery”. 2, 439 primary school children participated across twenty-one schools as part of our ‘wellbeing Music programme’ which ran online over eight weeks after Easter. The programme was delivered by eight Musician Educators working in tandem, skill swopping, sharing pedagogical approaches and bringing fun music-making to children many of whom have not participated in any creative music programme for over a year due to the

pandemic. The programme was greatly received in the schools that took part. “Excellent tutors with fantastic delivery” St. Johns Junior School, Kilkenny Such an engaging and enjoyable way for children to learn about music. I would highly recommend the workshops”- St. Brigid’s NS, Kells Throughout the month of June primary school children across Kilkenny took part in our ‘schools out’ drumming workshops ‘Summer Drummers’. 2, 440 children participated in this programme delivered by drumming luminaries and Music Generation Kilkenny Musician Educators Jeremy Hickey, Mark Colbert and Tom Hickey. Our programmes throughout the year also include camps and workshops such as Rhythm Workshops, Drumming Workshops, Music Technology, Songwriting, Toddler workshops. Up to date information on our programmes can be found by liking our Facebook page where we post weekly

news and updates. Looking ahead to the Autumn and what’s in store for young musicians in Kilkenny. As children return to school having access to opportunities for creativity is vital for their wellbeing. Other current opportunities for musicians in the county include participation in the Kilkenny Creative Music Space, a hub for young people who want to learn an instrument or explore their singing skills in a group setting. The Creative Music Space opens on 30th of September. This is our after-school music hub run in partnership with Foróige at the DRUM, MacDonagh Shopping Centre. We run small group lessons in ukulele, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums and singing for thirty weeks from September to June. Parents pay for two terms of 15 weeks each with each session working out at only €8 and rental of instruments available for a small fee. There are limited spaces available.

Our Trad hub in Castlecomer will run every Monday after school in Castlecomer from the 27th of September. This is an opportunity for young traditional players of primary school age to get involved in fun weekly lessons and performance opportunities. This is a 30- week programme from September to June. In the future plans for Castlecomer include the creation of a Trad ensemble for all young trad musicians in the area. Next up is our Uilleann Pipe Hub which will be run this Autumn as a blended mix of online and in-person tuition. We are very proud of our twelve dedicated young Uilleann Pipers who performed in ‘Uilleann Pipe Dreams’ as part of this years’ St. Patricks Day virtual parade. Check out the Music Generation Kilkenny YouTube channel to hear their captivating performance. We are taking expressions of interest for our beginner, improver, intermediate and advanced Uilleann Pipe weekly

sessions with master pipers, Leonard Barry, Pádraig Butler and Michael Foley. Please get in touch for more information. Anyone interested or who wants to know more about our programmes can get in touch by email: musicgenerationkilkenny@kcetb.ie, by Facebook message: muiscgenerationkilkenny, or by phone: 087 1765493. There are limited spaces available. Music Generation Kilkenny is part of Ireland’s national music education programme, initiated by Music Network and co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships. The programme seeks to transform the lives of children and young people ages 0-18 by creating access to high quality, affordable music tuition in their localities. Locally, the programme is led by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board in partnership with Kilkenny County Council.

Learn French with the Alliance Française in Kilkenny DID you learn French in school? If you did there is a good chance you will have forgotten a lot of it. Like most things it is a question of “use it or lose it”. So, if you are planning to improve or even begin your French this Autumn then the place to learn is in the Alliance Française of Kilkenny. Our classes are offered online using Zoom to all abilities with both evening and daytime classes. These include Beginners (whose French ends at Bonjour!), Improvers (you need to use it or lose it), and for those who speak it well we offer a current affairs class (les Actualitiés) and a French Book Club Class for the

literary minded. We also offer classes for Leaving Cert students geared at the oral and aural exams and to Junior Cert students. And to give you a chance to practice this French we offer monthly cultural evenings (films, talks and gatherings) and a weekly Coin Francais on Thursday mornings in the outside terrace of the Club House Hotel from 11 to 1.00pm (no charge just buy a coffee) where you can use your French in an informal and sociable setting. But why should you learn French? There are career-based reasons, French speakers are in huge demand in the software support and sales area, to personal ones like family connections, holidays and culture. But there are health ones also, where recent scientific research has shown that

keeping the brain active by language processing (particularly bilingual or multilingual) can help in staving off the effects of mental deterioration and even Alzheimer’s. Bilingual adults and children show a superior ability to concentrate, solve problems and focus, better mental flexibility and multitasking skills and furthermore bilingualism seems to protect against dementia. So along with getting your body fit this Autumn you should also keep your brain fit and widen your social circle and improve your communication and connections. Learning French with the Alliance Française is the way to do it! Further details and class timetables from www. afkilkenny.org , info@ afkilkenny.org or call Therese at 087-2539734.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Education – The learning curve

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Education – The learning curve

Education, Excellence, Opportunity - Waterford College of Further Education opens the door to a world of opportunity ‘EDUCATION, Excellence, Opportunity’ is the motto of Waterford College of Further Education (WCFE) and it fully lives up to those three ideals, providing first class education, by excellent teachers, which opens the door to a world of opportunity for you. The college, located in the heart of Waterford city, offers the largest range of Further Education courses in the South East. It is listed as one of Ireland’s top 10 Further Education colleges and has an outstanding reputation for high quality courses that offer progression to both employment and third level study, in Ireland and internationally. “Our innovative approach to education offers our students an individualised experience, tailored support and industry level qualifications,” says WCFE Principal Noreen Reilly. “No other college in the South East provides the range of courses offered by WCFE. We offer a unique learning environment, cutting edge technology, industrylevel facilities and powerful progression opportunities.”

WCFE invites you to come and experience its impressive range of facilities. These include: • Engineering labs and an indoor sustainable construction site; • A tourism training lab; • A professional recording studio and digital radio studio; • Two professional hair salons and three professional beauty therapy salons; • A bespoke dance studio and a fully equipped gym; • Professional animal care and grooming parlours. • Complementary yoga classes for students of Alternative Therapies provided by SoundEscape Yoga with Michelle • Film equipment and lighting There is also a robotics and CAD room, a photography studio, an art studio, multiple blended learning stations in the library facility, and much, much more. WCFE’s courses are ideal for people who wish to return to education, or students who have completed their Leaving Certificate and want to explore career options before committing to a third level

programme. “Our blend of QQI accredited courses and apprenticeships are designed to maximise employment opportunities,” says Noreen. “We have linked schemes with some of the most prestigious third level institutions, both here and abroad. Our students are qualified and ready.” WCFE’s central location makes access easy. And it is very affordable. The college’s enrolment price point of around €500 compares very favourably to third level enrolment fees for first year. WCFE offers an individualised experience with small class sizes that guarantee maximum support. “We are a learner focused college and all our students are supported from the beginning to the end of their chosen course,” Noreen Reilly adds. If that is what you are looking for, you should check out the 40 course options at wcfe.ie For more information log on to http://www.http://wcfe. ie/ phone 051-874053, email: info@wcfe.ie or call into the college on Parnell Street, Waterford

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Education – The learning curve

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Education – The learning curve

Gainfort Academy The word “Gainfort” has become synonymous with flair and excellence in the hair and beauty industry for over 30 years now. Our State of the Art academies are located in Wexford and Waterford. Our teaching panel is made up of fully qualified tutors, experts in their particular fields. Every course is assigned a lead

tutor with specialist tutors assisting to ensure the very best learning experience. Despite the Global Pandemic, Gainfort Academy has been successful in continuing to support students by transitioning to online/blended learning. We are continuing to adapt to the new Government regulations. We

continue to deliver essential in-class learning in a safe way, while utilising the options of blended learning and online learning where appropriate. We have a strong ethos and belief in hands on learning and will continue to teach in this way as much as possible. Gainfort Academy has been

named in RSVP Magazine’s Elite selection of “Leading Beauty Schools in Ireland since 2014”. We are proud winners of The Wexford Business Awards Training Provider of the Year 2012, 2014, 2015 & 2016. In 2017, we were voted – by public vote – as finalists for the National Training Academy of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards. And in 2019 we were awarded “National Beauty Training Provider of the Year “at the Hi Style awards in Cork. Gainfort Academy is an ITEC,VTCT , CIBTAC & ABT accredited training centre. We offer certificates and diplomas in Hairdressing, Barbering, Beauty Treatments, Beauty Therapy, Professional Make Up, Holistic Massage, Nail Technology, Advanced Aesthetics and Teacher Training .We also offer a wide variety of Advanced workshops in both Beauty & Hairdressing Techniques & these are available both online & inhouse. We have an overall pass rate of 100% in our ITEC courses to date. Our past students have secured positions with Disney Cruises, Keville for Hair, Peter Mark, Aidan Fitzgerald, AC Pure, Cheveau Studio, Seafield Hotel Spa, Whites Hotel, Brandon House Hotel, to name but a

few, others have set up their own successful businesses. Monart Spa & Ashdown Park Spa recruit directly from our students annually & visit our centre to do so. Past student, Sarah Harris, won National Best Blonde Image at Crossans Be Fabulous Awards while training with us. Our recent beauty graduates have all secured jobs in the industry so the future for them certainly is bright.

We like to think of Gainfort Academy as our students “happy Place “ … If you would like to “be happy” with us & learn the latest techniques with the opportunity of a job at course end please contact us now to enrol! You can enrol on www.gainfortacademy. com or call 053 9123681 & we can chat to you about your options.

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Education – The learning curve

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Education – The learning curve

Carlow Institute – The smart education choice for school leavers and up-skiller

CARLOW Institute is one of the largest Further Education providers in the South-East. We provide full-time courses to over 800 students at Level 5 and 6, with certification from four different awarding bodies: QQI, City and Guilds, ITEC and CIDESCO. We provide over 50 courses across a wide variety of areas of study, grouped into five faculties: Business, Creative Arts, Humanities Social & Health, Sports & Service Industries,

Technology & Science. Our students come to us from a variety of starting points. Many come from post-primary school having completed either the Leaving Certificate or the Leaving Certificate Applied. Other students have achieved a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification elsewhere and are moving up to a Level 5 or a Level 6 programme. We have many mature students joining our courses be they upskilling

for work, retirees or changing career direction. We also have a great number of students from Youthreach programmes. We are delighted to see our graduates advance to an equally diverse range of next steps on their educational or career journeys. We have a large number of students who progress to Level 7 and Level 8 degree courses in Higher Education every year. Many more go directly into

employment using their indu str y standard certification which they gain with us while many more are employed as apprentices. The qualifications and certifications achieved lead many entrepreneurs to progress on

to start their own businesses. At Carlow Institute, we are renowned for our welcoming and supportive environment. From the induction programme to graduation, students benefit from the work of our dedicated, highly qualified and committed staff. With very strong industry links, we ensure that students not only study in our new state-of-the-art facilities opened in 2019, but also gain extensive experience and knowledge from the high quality of education which they receive. After a most challenging few years in education Carlow Institute are delighted to welcome the 2021/2022 group of over 800 learners to Carlow Institute. We are proud of our learners, our

teachers and our facilities and we welcome these students to share in the experience at Carlow Institute. For students who are thinking about the next step in their educational journey, Carlow Institute offers the very best choice of further education courses in the South-East. Its not all about Leaving cert to University or not at all. We are here to provide an alternative route to your career, with less stress and a far better chance of success. There are still places remaining on many courses with classes starting over the next few weeks. So whether you are looking at options as a school leaver, deferring a CAO offer so you can develop academic and personal skills, Upskilling for a change in employment or to start your own business, or you might be learning for your own personal fulfilment. Make the smart choice with a course at Carlow Institute. See the full range of courses and options open to you and apply now at Carlowinstitute. ie

The National Reptile Zoo “OUR mission here at the National Reptile Zoo has always been to inspire passion and increase understanding of some of the planet’s lesser known animals, and what better way to do that than by inviting you all in to meet them? Book one of our Educational Zoo to You sessions and meet our amazing animals and learn all about our reptile friends! We visit schools all across the country, bringing along a range of our reptilian friends that one of our Zoo Keeping team will tell kids of all ages about. Our educational sessions are tailored to suit all classes, from primary right up to Leaving Certificate – we cover reptile basics, habitat building and ecology, and cover a range of fun and educational topics! We’re taking bookings now for the coming

school year so give us a call or drop us an email and we can send you some brochures and more information, and also check availability for your school! If you fancy giving the kids a day out, you can always come see us and all the reptiles here at the Zoo – just ask about our School Tours or even our virtual Zoo Zoom sessions! Conservation

through Education has always been our motto, and we look forward to sharing that passion with everyone.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Education – The learning curve

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Education – The learning curve

Careers in multimedia

for media, filmmaking, photography or film editing.” “Throughout their modules on the course, learners will build a significant portfolio, and achieve a solid foundation in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects and InDesign”, explains Gareth. The feedback we get from our alumni students is excellent, one student in particular, forwarded this message to the staff upon completion of the course “Thank you all so much guys the best year I’ve ever had”.

Are you a creative living in the Kilkenny/ Carlow area. Are you thinking about a career in multimedia, photography or filmmaking, then you need look no further. Exciting Kilkenny based Multimedia Course commencing October 2021 now open for applications. Young Irish Filmmakers are now recruiting for their Visual Communications and Multimedia Production course. “This course is an excellent grounding in all things Multimedia and an excellent progression route to higher levels of educa-

tion”, says Gareth Hanlon the course Coordinator, “Last year 90% of our learners received their full level 5 QQI major award”. Subject choices range from Digital Media, Web Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia Production/Authoring and Work Experience. The course is very practical from day one, with the first video creations happening in

In addition, there is generally payment for attending the course. You will need to be signed on to Intreo, on Disability payment or be an early school leaver to qualify. There is also assistance with travel costs where appropriate.

the first week. Drama, comedy, music and documentary workshops are peppered throughout the programme. Learners can also expect a number of road trips to exhibitions, film festivals and college open days. With a highly student centred focus, the team at YIFM work with each learner to define their personal project, which will include video, audio,

text, imagery and design. Where possible other students help you with productions, photography and other creative services. You feed into their portfolios and they into yours. It’s like a creative family scenario, “we even have a wellbeing officer on the team” to ensure learners have their best experience. The Kilkenny City based course runs full time for 44 weeks and begins in Septem-

ber 2021. The course is a full time foundation in all things media. Every September, 20 creative people aged 16+, sign up for 44 weeks of video production, music production, podcasting, photography, graphic design, performance and video editing. Explaining the entry requirements, Gareth states, “It is usually Level 4 or equivalent to join us, however, the real requirement is a passion

The practical Digital literacy training will allow learners to develop a combination of valuable employable skills, helping them progress into further education or employment. Training concentrates on key three areas: digital literacy, soft skills and technical ability. We expect the course to fill up fast. To be called for an interview you must register your interest on fetchcourses.ie website. Visit yifm.com/digitalmedia or contact gareth@yifm. com directly for more information.

Community Group

Study Abroad with Erasmus+ The Twilight Community Group works with the Erasmus + programmes for short- and long-term exchange and study abroad programmes Studying abroad is a central part of Erasmus+ and has been shown to have a positive effect on later job prospects. It is also an opportunity to improve language skills, gain self-confidence and independence and immerse yourself in a new culture. Erasmus+ also offers the chance to combine studying abroad with a traineeship. Opportunities are available for students at Bachelor, Master or Doctoral levels. Erasmus+ helps organise student and doctoral candidate exchanges (within Erasmus+ Programme countries) and to and from Partner countries. Erasmus+ is open to many

individuals and organisations, although eligibility varies from one action to another and from one country to another. Individuals can take part in many of the opportunities funded by Erasmus+, although, most will have to do so through an organisation taking part in the programme. The eligibility of individuals and organisations depends on the country in which they are based. Eligible countries are divided into two groups, Programme countries and Partners countries. Although Programme countries are eligible for all actions of Erasmus+, Partner countries can only take part in some, and are subject to specific conditions. By studying abroad with Erasmus+, you can improve your communication, language and inter-cultural skills

and gain soft skills highly valued by future employers. You can also combine your period spent studying abroad with a traineeship to gain work experience - ever more important when starting out on the job market. Opportunities to study abroad are available to students at Bachelor and Master levels and Doctoral candidates. Master students taking a full degree abroad (up to two years) may be able to benefit from an EU-guaranteed Erasmus+ Master Loan. As with all the Twilight Community Groups programmes they are all open and inclusive in nature. Students with physical, mental or health-related conditions may apply for additional funding after they have been selected to study abroad.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Education – The learning curve

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Education – The learning curve

Kilkenny Taekwondo

ESTABLISHED in Kilkenny since 2003 Kilkenny Taekwondo Club is running classes every day of the week that suit all levels of fitness . With 32 years of Taekwondo teaching and 8th Dan Black Belt the head instructor Grand Master Guy Jones has plenty of experience in making the journey from a starter to a star as educational and as

rich as maintaining a balance between body and mind. It’s been a wonderful experience to see how this local school of Martial arts became the head office for 19 clubs across the Country and the head quarter for European Song Moo Kwan. Fully matted floors and fully kitted club is the permanent space provided for safe training .

Adults and children alike are reaping the benefits of this art which improves coordination, balance and overall physical ability added to the improvement in concentration , awareness , speed and sharpness of mind. The perfectly structured educational system that promotes values such as respect , discipline and self confi-

dence. On many levels this promotes the betterment of life and prepares for life challenges outside the frame of being a self defence or a martial art system. There is no age cap. Fitness will build up gradually and ability slowly improves bringing stunning and Lasting results.

GM Jones maintains that the ultimate goal is to lead a healthy life . Why not come down to visit ? Have a free class and explore it for yourself or your family ?

Plenty of space to park right opposite to the PlayStation in the Hebron estate. Every night of the week from 6 pm onward. This is an open invitation.

If interested please book a space on https://www.picktime.com/kilkennytaekwondo Or contact 087-8090088

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Education – The learning curve

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News Minister of State for Electoral Reform and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan , Planted the first tree at The Closh in Kilkenny on July 11th 2021. (PHOTO Pat Shortall)

A truce with nature as plans in motion to plant trees at closh FOLLOWING on from the Commemoration of Truce Day in The War of Independence, which was held at the Closh area in Kilkenny, on the

11th July 2021, ‘Keep Kilkenny Beautiful’, are now planning ahead. Bigger and better things are in store for the ‘Closh’ area, and

it is the hope of the KKB committee that on 1st November (National Tree Planting Day) the Tri Colour would be raised again.

A TRUCE WITH NATURE KKB Chairman Mr Pat Boyd, who was also nominated as ‘Kilkenny’s Biodiversity Champion” at the St Patricks Day

Festival 2021, said, “It is my fervent hope that on the 1st Nov we will plant the Trees to commemorate the signatories of the proclamation and our own fallen heroes, remembering the Truce while also proclaiming a ‘New Truce’, our ‘Truce with Nature’. The planting of the Trees on National Tree Day on the 1st November 21 at the ‘Closh’ will also serve to launch the new Kilkenny ‘Tree Cover Master Plan’ as part of treaty with nature. “We are in a climate and biodiversity crisis and planting trees is a great way to help reduce our carbon emissions. We need this Tree Cover Master Plan for Kilkenny City, in order that we have the right trees in the right place” Mr. Boyd said.

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE Landscape Architects Digby Brady have produced the concept proposal which has been put to the County Council for the creation of the proposed Garden of Remembrance and Reflection that would commemorate the War of Independence and in particular the role played by women. This Community Project is subject to the approval and on-going support of Kilkenny County Council. The detailed garden plan is being prepared and will then be submitted to the Plaques and Memorial Committee for approval. A spokesperson for KKB added, “We look forward to progressing this garden for the benefit, health and wellbeing of all the community”.

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Community Community Group

Work, rest, and play... the Twilight way ON Monday August 30th, a reception for the participants of the International Conference From Migration to Integration was held in the City Hall of Biha . The course is part of the Twilight Community Group’s Activities with their Partners across Europe This conference is also a training course for a certain number of youth workers from 8 countries coordinated for Lead organisation Twilight by the Association of Youth Movement together with EU partners, and countries are: Bosnia a n d Herzegovina, Serbia, Lithuania, Portugal, Malta, Italy, and Turkey. The participants of the conference were hosted by Mayor Edin Moranjki who explained the situation and all problems related to the migrant crisis in Biha . Through

present their organisation and show the main activities that take place. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY The Troop set of to visit Ostrožac castle with our tour guide Amir and learnt the history of the castle in this special location where east meets west. In the afternoon all continued to perfect the games that we will bring with us to migrant camps to play with children. the answers to questions, the entire history of the migrant crisis in our city has tried to present itself and all the problems that the city of Biha has faced and is facing today. Participants expressed their satisfaction after the session was completed, and thanked representatives of the City Administration for their hospitality and Edin Moranjki ’s advisor to the Mayor, he emphasized how important the dialogue between the city of Biha and all representatives of the European Union was in order to resolve the migrant crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over the last few days, all the

Partners have been busy doing the NGO Fair. This Fair is where each group has a chance to

Next week we will give a report on the rest of the ‘Migration to Integration Programme’ 2021.

Community Group always pursued. It must be remembered that increasing longevity is an indicator of social and economic progress. A great triumph of civilisation and, specifically, of science and public policy over many of the causes of premature death which truncated lives in earlier times. Therefore, we should recognize that this unique phenomenon of the great achievements of the 20th century. The context of above is now part of the Twilight Community Groups 4 goals of Positive Ageing

Seniors are not just our past but our future TIME TO CASH IN OUR CHIPS As we enter the 21st century, global ageing will put increased economic and social demands on all countries. At the same time, older people are precious, often an ignored resource that makes an important contribu-

tion to the fabric of society. Ireland will be a society for all ages that celebrates and prepares properly for individual and population ageing. It will enable and support all ages and older people to enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential. It will

promote and respect older people’s engagement in economic, social, cultural, community and family life, and foster better solidarity between generations. It will be a society in which the equality, independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment, and dignity of older people are

GOAL 1 Remove barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for the continued involvement of people as they age in all aspects of cultural, economic and social life in their communities according to their needs, preferences and capacities. The policy areas that are addressed under this Goal are: • Employment and retirement • Education and lifelong learning • Volunteering • Cultural and social participation • Transport GOAL 2 Support people as they age to maintain, improve, or manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The policy areas that are addressed in the Strategy under this Goal are: • Healthy Ageing • Health and personal social services • Carers GOAL 3 Enable people to age with confidence, security and dignity in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The policy areas that are addressed in the Strategy under this pillar are: • Financial security • Housing • The built environment • Safety and security • Elder abuse GOAL 4 Support and use research about people as they age to better inform policy responses to population ageing in Ireland Objective 4.1 Continue to employ an evidence-informed approach to decision-making at all levels of planning.

Objective 4.2 Promote the development of a comprehensive framework for gathering data in relation to all aspects of ageing and older people to underpin evidenceinformed policy making. The Twilight Community Group since 2015 have endeavoured and will continue to protect, assist seniors’ services. Society must recognise the past, present, and future contributions all seniors make to society. The current generation that we proudly sell to foreign investors as the ‘best educated graduates’ to attract their business to the emerald isle are only so because their parents’ worked night and day and sacrificed their own life to ensure their sons and daughters are the best educated graduates for all prospective foreign investors. So now we want to enable people to age with confidence, security and dignity in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Time to Cash in our Chips

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Dine Me Food & Drink

Come

With

Runner beans, chorizo & almonds Preparation and cooking time Prep:10 mins Cook:15 mins Easy Serves 4 Growing runner beans in the garden? Enjoy them at their very best in the late summer in this stunning light lunch or starter with chorizo, eggs and almonds. Ingredients • 320g runner beans, halved • 50ml olive oil • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar • 3 anchovies, finely chopped • ¼ large chorizo ring, sliced

• • • •

4 large eggs pinch of smoked paprika 30g flaked almonds, toasted ¼ bunch of parsley, finely chopped Method STEP 1 Cook the beans in a pan of boiling salted water for 3-4 mins or until tender. Drain and set aside. STEP 2

Whisk the olive oil, vinegar and anchovies together until smooth. Season with black pepper and toss with the warm beans.

for 6 mins 30 seconds. Drain, then rinse under cold running water to cool. Peel and halve.

STEP 3 Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat and fry the chorizo for 2-3 mins until golden brown. Cook the eggs in a pan of simmering water

STEP 4 Spoon the beans onto plates and top with the chorizo and eggs. Sprinkle with the paprika, almonds and parsley, then serve.

Just how healthy are baked beans? ARE baked beans good for you? Discover the benefits of eating pulses as part of a balanced diet, and how to choose the healthiest shop-bought varieties. Baked beans are usually made with white beans (haricot or cannellini) in a tomato sauce along with spices and seasoning such as paprika, onion powder, salt and sugar. Haricot and cannellini beans are a good source of protein and are high in fibre, as well as being low in fat and calories. They also contain minerals such as iron and zinc, and are a good source of B vitamins including folic acid. If you are buying canned baked beans, it’s worth keeping an eye on the salt and sugar content. On average, half a can of shopbought baked beans can contain

around 9g of sugar, which is 10% of the daily reference intake, and up to 1.2g of salt, which is 20% of the daily reference intake. An average serving of baked beans is around 200g – half a 400g tin of shop-bought beans.

However, according to the guidelines a portion of 80g of beans and pulses, approximately 3 heaped tablespoons, makes up one of your five-a-day. If you eat more than this amount it still only counts once towards

your five-a-day. This is because although beans are a good source of fibre, they contain a lower nutrient density compared with other fruit and vegetables. Baked beans can make up part of a balanced diet, but it’s best to eat them alongside foods such as vegetables, eggs and slow-release carbohydrates to ensure a good balance of nutrients with not too much salt or sugar. Where possible, choose the lower salt variety or make your own. Check the nutritional information on the label when buying shop-bought baked beans, and check for any additional ingredients as well as the salt and sugar content. You can buy varieties that are lower in sugar or salt, but these often use stevia or artificial sweeteners for flavour.

Raging bulls... wines of Spain

THE Torres family of Spain have a long history in wine production, a central thread of which is the Sangre de Toro, or Bull’s Blood, red wine. An ultra-reliable pizza and burger bashing red, it was first produced in 1954 and is just as popular today. An Australian wine called Running with Bulls appears to occupy similar ground but whether the Torres wine was a model for the Hill-Smith family’s Running with Bulls is an unknown but there are some real similarities in the tasting profile of the wines, yet some big difference too. Both are 2019 vintage in screwcapped bottles, both are pitched in the same price ballpark, and both are in major supermarket chains. The main difference is that while the Australian wine is made from Tempranillo, Torres sticks with Grenache and Carignan. The Australian wine also sees time in oak, unlike the Sangre de Toro. Torres, Sangre de Toro Original 2019 Catalunya, Spain, Dry Red, Screwcap, 13.5% The original and classic Spanish red, in production since the 1950s and still with a small plastic bull attached (though these days it’s an eco-friendly plastic). It’s a blend of mostly Grenache with Carignan. A little darker in colour than Running with Bulls, there’s a plum jam note on the nose, perhaps also a little darker in character, a little leather baked in there too. Equally sweet fruited on the palate, the style is remarkably similar really with copious ripe fruits, creamy background tannins and soft acidity for crowd-pleasing appeal. About a tenner at good wine outlets. Running With Bulls, Tempranillo 2019 South Australia, Australia, Dry Red, Screwcap, 14.0% Barrossa-grown Tempranillo is fermented with wild yeasts and aged in oak for this red wine from the Hill-Smith family, who own Yalumba and Jansz among other brands. Though it weighs in with 14% alcohol, the colour is medium to pale, suggesting a lighter touch on the winemaking, and the nose has cherry cola aromas, a touch of wild strawberry and spice. In the mouth the fruit is super sweet, a creamy fruit coulis style, with barely perceptible tannins and ripe, generous acidity barely ruffling the flow. About a euro or two more expensive and, again, available at good retailers.

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TV & Streaming

An anxious stalker role for Sydney ACTOR Sydney Sweeney has condemned the anxiety she says has been exacerbated by social media platforms such as Instagram. The US actor who rose to fame opposite Zendeya in the teen drama Euphoria before her role as college student Olivia in the Sky/HBO critically acclaimed drama The White Lotus, is now preparing to appear in erotic thriller The Voyeurs. The film stars Sweeney and Justice Smith as a young couple who move into a high-rise apartment, where they realise they have an unobstructed view of the couple in the flat across the street from them. Director Michael Mohan has called it a commentary on the culture of “stalking” social media has enabled. “It’s the most unhealthy part of my life,” Sweeney, 23, told the Press Association. “The fact that I am second guessing and having anxiety over posting a picture is sickening.” She said she believed this particular side of internet culture is a topic that has not been explored in film before. “I’ve never seen a movie, especially present day, explore the detrimental side of our society,” she said. “Because you’re constantly comparing yourself to their lives, what they’re wearing, where they are, what they look like, and I think that’s something that [my character] Pippa totally has a lot of problems with, and she’s comparing herself to across the window and the couple.” The Voyeurs will be released on Amazon Prime Video on September 10.

1. Kevin Can F Himself We have been big fans of Annie Murphy since Schitts Creek so it is great to see her in a new show (and another that has a sweary title), one that skewers the idea of sitcoms and the relationships found in them. Murphy is Allison, a wife at the end of her tether. What ensues is a brilliant black comedy that is one of the most original things we have watched in a long time. Watch on Amazon Prime now.

This remake/reboot of the successful horror franchise takes a couple of ‘wrong turns’ in its narrative but overall it’s a pretty enjoyable scare fest. There’s nothing we haven’t seen before — cults, hillbillies, skulls being crushed — but Wrong Turn, on Netflix, is weird enough to keep you entertained for a few hours.

With most of its dialogue written like it wants to be turned into a TikTok, Cinderella is clunky in places but it delivers exactly what it says it will: big tunes, great production values and a flip on the story that brings its misogynistic storyline (nearly) up to 2021 standards. On Amazon Prime.

Only Murders In The Building is riding the wave of ‘Knives Out’-style whodunnit mysteries but it has enough of its own identity to keep you watching. This is mostly because it is fantastic to see Martin Short and Steve Martin back on the (small) screen. This is a 10-part mystery that sees the pair team up with Selena Gomez to solve the death of a man in their apartment building. On Disney Plus.

One to watch out for on Netflix NETFLIX has released the teaser poster of the upcoming action film My Name that will premiere on October 15. Following his collaboration with Netflix for the much-acclaimed film Extra-

worthy of streaming right now

curricular, which dealt with the dark story about high school teenagers, director Kim Jin-min is returning for his second action noir film. The drama will see a woman named Jiwoo taking up a job as an undercover

cop to avenge the death of her father at the hands of a criminal underbelly. She becomes the mole in the police force under the alias name and goes to extreme lengths to reach her goal while stumbling upon un-

welcome truths. A highly-anticipated collaboration based on Kim Va-da’s screenplay, the film will star Han So-Hee, Park Hee- Soon, Kim Sang-ho, Ahn Bo-Hyun and Lee HakJu among others.

Letter To Los Angeles Directed by Robert Rodriguez, this concert film on Disney Plus sees the very talented Billie Eilish backed backed by the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra. It’s an intimate look at the singer who performs her latest album in sequential order.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Picture special Maddy Joy and her dog Aries

David Carter

Claire Finlay and Joanne Kinsella

A future Ballycallan and Kilkenny star

John Mcgrath and John Kenna

t u o b A Out &

WITH

y n n a D art Lah

Enjoying the hurling in Callan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Picture special Jason Morrisey

John Brophy and Colm Hegarty Enjoying the Oloughins v Ballycallan game in Callan Young members of Ballycallan gaa watching their senior team in action.

Davy Holohan and Donie Ryan

Discussing the hurling in Callan

David Deloughry

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Advertorial

Butlers Handcrafted Hurleys BUTLERS Handcrafted Hurleys have been making top quality hurleys since 2013 in our workshop outside the parish of Ballycallan Co. Kilkenny. We are located near Ballycloven Cross which is half way between Kilmanagh & Callan. This is an ideal location close to the Kilkenny & Tipperary border on the road from Cashel to Kilkenny. Our hurleys are renowned for their weight feel & balance to help players perform to their full potential on the pitch. Every customer is important to us whether it is someone who is coming in for their first hurley or a seasoned inter-county player. Since 2018 we also moved to an online platform. Our website www.kilkennyhurleys.ie has become essential in our line of work particularly in 2020 throughout Covid 19. It has allowed us to reach more potential customers both nationally & interna-

tionally. In the past year we have sent our hurleys to all 32 counties in Ireland & abroad to the UK, USA, Australia Canada, & Germany. We have recently teamed up with Ecoxpress Ireland. A new emission free courier company affiliated with An Post for our national deliveries & we use An Post for our international deliveries. We have also joined up with some other Irish business to offer a wider range of hurling products to our customers. One is example of this is our relationship with Reynolds Hurleys in Belfast with Barry & the team. The Reynolds Composite Hurley is a more durable hurley & a substitute for the Ash equivalent which we make. Many people now prefer using different products such as the Reynolds composite Hurley. In joining up with other businesses & stocking their products as well as our own it offers anyone who decides

to shop with us more options. At the moment we are currently in the process of finishing off our on-site shop. This we also double as a hurling museum with lots of hurling memorbellia such as old hurling programmes, books & signed jerseys for display from many current & former inter county hurlers & camogie players across the country. We would like to thank everyone so far who has donated items & helped on this project to this point. We would like to thank everyone locally & further afield who has supported us through the years. If you would like to place an order you can visit our website www.kilkennyhurleys.ie or contact us on 0857846739 Checkout our social media for regular updates Facebook https://www.facebook. com/ButlerHurleys/

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news SENIORS WIN OPENER The Clara senior hurlers opened their championship campaign with an accomplished win over Mullinavat on Saturday evening in Nowlan Park. They gave a very fluid display which must have pleased the new management. Most of the positional changes brought about by this management team worked a treat in this game, and Clara racked up an impressive score of 1-26 to Mullinavat’s 1-15. At the end of the first quarter Clara led 0-9 to 0-5 and seven different scorers had already found the target for the men in maroon. By half time the lead was up to 0-15 to 0-10 and nine Clara men had scored from play. Indeed Clara would finish the game with 1-22 from play which was a very good return for their efforts. That five point lead was maintained through the third quarter and when Clara began the last quarter with an unanswered 1-6 this game was over. The Clara goal arrived via substitute Conor Cody, who was put through one on one with the goalkeeper by a deft Chris Bolger hand pass. Mullinavat replied with a goal of their own through evergreen veteran Willie O Dwyer but it was too little too late for the Southerners. Clara had the luxury of enjoying the last quarter without over exerting themselves but they will know that Dicksboro will provide a much sterner examination of their new look team in the next round. Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Ryan, Jack Langton, Sean O Shea. John Murphy 0-3, Lester Ryan, Matt Kenny 0-1. Martin O Connell 0-3, David Langton 0-4. James Nolan 0-2, Conor O Shea 0-7, 0-4f, 0-1 x65, Paul Cody. Liam Ryan 0-3, Chris Bolger 0-2, Jim Kehoe 0-1. Subs used Conor Cody 1-0, Bill Carrigan, Dara Glynn, Gary Kehoe, Peter Nolan. U13s The Clara U13 side found a host Conahy Shamrocks too strong for them on Friday night in Jenkinstown. They are very young and featured a fair sprinkling of U11 players, which is not easy going up against a bigger, older outfit. 4-14 to 1-9 is how it finished. CLUB LOTTO There are no winners of this weeks Club Lotto (August 31st) Numbers Drawn were 3, 8, 18, 25 Bonus 4 Next Week’s Jackpot will be €6, 600 Promotors Draw: 1. Aoife Tallis c/o Niall Tallis 2. Mary c/o Padraig Leydon 3. James Gibbs c/o John Joe Cullen 4. Leo Monagle c/o Michael Monagle 5. Caroline Ryan c/o Esther Maher 6. Elizabeth Wall c/o John Joe Cullen 7. Pat Dalton c/o Moxie Doran 8. James O’Keefe c/o Online 9. Marie Byrne c/o Online 10. Niall McEvoy c/o Online Thank You for your continued support www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE Wed. Sept 8th: u15 A v Carrickshock at MW Hire Dunmore Park 6:30pm (Semi-Final) Thurs Sept 9th: U15Bs v Dicksboro at St. Johns Park 6pm (Rd 1) Fri Sept 10th: U13 A v Dicksboro at St. Johns Park 6pm (Semi-Final) Sat Sept 11: U13B v Mullinavat in Mullinavat at 11am (Qtr Final) Sat Sept 11th: Seniors v Mullinavat at John Locke’s park 2pm Sun Sept 12th: Intermediates v John Lockes at Tullaroan 5pm. Best of Luck to all our teams Last week there were wins for our Seniors against Graigue-Ballycallan, u15A’s over Young Ireland’s, U13B’s over Graiguenamanagh in their respective championships. Unfortunately our

minors went down to James Stephens in their championship qtr final after a good battle at St. Johns Park. The intermediate team fell short against Carrickshock on Sunday evening to end an entertaining week of hurling for our members. Thanks to all players and mentors for their continued commitment to the club and development of our games EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and 1 sheet €10. Double books and 2 sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support. Piltown tickets: Are available from the usual sellers or any committee member. Total prize fund of €115,000. First draw takes place on September 28. JUNIOR HURLING Championship is starting for juvenile hurling teams this week, all support welcome. Wednesday September 8: First round for U15s vs Mullinavat at 6.30pm in Urlingford Friday September 10: Quarter Final for U13s vs Tullaroan at 6pm in Urlingford; Saturday September 11: First Round for minors vs Rower Inistioge at 6pm in Inistioge. EMERALDS URLINGFORD & GRAINE LOTTO August 30 prize fund was: €4,400. Jackpot: €2,400. Numbers drawn: 2, 8, 22 and 28, bonus no 18. No winner and three match three winners: Mary Joyce, Anna Mockler Ryan, Michéal Joye. Promoters prize: Doyles. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Barry Joyce, JMR Coady, Mick Tobin, Sighle Hennessy. Next draw takes place on September 6 in the Clubrooms. Results next week. SYMPATHY Sympathy goes to the Long and Ryan families on the death of Kathleen Long (née Ryan), Togher Road, Urlingford, Kilkenny / Clonoulty, Tipperary which occurred on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Kathleen passed away peacefully in the exceptional care of the Quinn family and staff at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick in her 87th year. Predeceased by her parents Dick and Nancy and sister’s Mary and Delia. Deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband Mick, her loving son and daughter Michael and Mary, son-in-law John, daughter-in-law Frances, adoring grandson Jack, brothers Dick and John, sisters Nancy, Sheila and Betty, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK Works are commencing shortly for Urlingford on the Move’s new Community Walking Track in Emeralds GAA Clubgrounds, Urlingford, Co Kilkenny. The walk way consists of: Walking surface, lighting, fencing, wheelchair friendly and own access gate. Our vision is to provide a facility in Urlingford where everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed, to participate, to grow and be inspired to continue with a lifelong engagement in our community. Urlingford on the Move have been successful in raising funding from various sources but there is still a shortfall, therefore we need and value your support. You can support this wonderful amenity by donating €20 on their GoFundMe page https://gofund. me/84e0e081 for your chance to win one of three prizes.

1st: €2021; 2nd: €200; 3rd: €50 Donate €50 - three chances to win; donate €100 - seven chances to win a prize. Envelopes have also been distributed to households in the locality, please return these envelopes to the Post Office. For the next two weeks the Split the Pot is for the Walking Track so please support, thank you. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Courses Beginning Soon: QQI Level 4 LTI, Pathway to Employment course: We are enrolling for the QQI Level 4 LTI course which will be commencing soon. Please contact the centre on 056 8838466 for further information. Health Care QQI Level 5: We are also recruiting new learners for the Health care QQI Level 5 course commencing soon. The Mill Youth Club: Is now returning at the centre on Wednesday, September 8 from 5pm to 6.30pm for children 9-12 years. The Mill Allotments: The Allotments and Community Garden are open to the public from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday each week. Community Bank Savings: Are available at the Centre. Please contact the Centre for more information on opening an account. Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine on 056 8838466. Counselling Services: Teens from age 12 upwards, adult and family low cost counselling services are available, please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment on 056 8838466. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of teen addiction and general counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre. Contact Sue on 056 8838466 Services that the Mill FRC provides to the public are: Family Support; One to One Support; Drop in IT Support computers / laptops & mobile phones; Senior Alert; Community Savings; Room Rental; Social Welfare, HSE, Tax, Garda & Government Forms & advice on completing all forms; Internet Access, Printing & Photocopying, Emailing, Scanning, Typing Service, CV / Cover Letters; Homes for the Elderly. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT Draw takes place every Sunday evening in the Urlingford Arms Hotel. Last Sunday’s share of the pot was €506 and was won by Biddy Coady, well done Biddy! For the next two weeks, half the pot goes to Urlingford on the Moves Walking Track and the other half could be yours. So don’t miss out, get your envelopes in businesses in town or from any member of the Walking Track committee. 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. COLIN McGREE TOURNAMENT The Colin McGree Memorial Soccer Tournament was held at the Sportsfield at Woodview on Sunday last. This was the 24th year of the tournament in remembrance of Colin who was a talented young footballer. Over 50 boys and girls took part. Captains on the day were Cian Donnelly, Marty Campion Noah Scott, Jamie Walsh, Colin McGree, Jamie Denieffe, Evan Ryan and Michael

Bergin. After the opening games The Semi- finals saw Cian Donnelly’s side take on Marty Campion’s side and the second semi- final saw Noah Scott’s team face Evan Ryan’ team in exciting games. The Final saw Marty Campions v Noah Scot s and Martys side came out winners on a score of 5-4. Player of the Tournament was Katleyn Dermody and Player of the match went to Bill Looby The Cup was presented to the winning caption by Liam Mcgree and Liam thanked all the kids who took part and all the parents who attended. He also paid a Big Thanks to Colin’s friends Johnny Flynn and Darren Burke who organize the tournament ever year in his memory. BIRTHDAY Special birthday wishes are extended to local lady Bertilla Doheny of Woodview, Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday last weekend. Bertilla marked the occasion with her family and friends. CAMOGIE Congratulations to Kilkenny minor camogie team who defeated Cork in the All Ireland final on Sunday evening last. On the panel was local girl Claire Maher while Paula Murphy (nee Dowling) was a selector with the winning side. Best wishes are extended to local girl Sinead Farrell, Kilkenny Street who is on the Kilkenny Intermediate camogie team playing in the All Ireland on Sunday next at Croke Park. St.Lachtains U15 camogie girls were crowned John West Feile na Gael div 2 champions recently. The feile blitz was held on the previous weekend and they beat all three opponents to qualify for the final held in Clara. They met Danesfort who had topped their group and it was a hard fought victory. Danesfort were dangerous right up to the final whistle but the local girls worked hard to the very end to secure their victory. Well done to each and every player and their dedicated coaches. Team; K.O’Connor, K.Burke, E.Daly, E.O’Connor,E.Martin C.Hickey, B.Keoghan(Capt), ADermody, C.Hickey, T.Kenny Landers, M.Killeen, C.Dermody, A.Whitty, M.Bolger G.Cleere, Subs – M.Dermody, L.Ryan,E.Dalton, C.Nolan, R.Campion, A.McCarthy, A.Gibbons, S.Hickey, M.Phelan, S.Hickey and C.Fly nn Management – L.Cleere, M.Flynn, E.Hickey, M.Hickey, MMcCarthy and P.Murphy. BABY BOY Congratulations are extended to Adrian and Micheala Dawson of Woodview, Freshford on the birth of their baby boy last weekend. The couple already have two daughters. TIDY TOWNS Freshford tidy towns committee continue to do tremendous work around the village. With entry having gone in for the Supervalu Tidy Towns competition the committee meet each Wednesday evening at 7pm on the Green. They are always looking for helpers so if you have an hour to spare why not go along and help keep the village looking well. SOCCER With all quiet on the field of play, the season is hoped to resumed shortly and run fairly to schedule this year. As well as boys underage The Club are intended to enter girls soccer teams also in U9s and U11s . For U11 – born in 2011/2012 and for U9 those born 2013/20114. Anyone interested should get in touch with the Club on facebook page or freshfodtownfc@gmail.com Going forward the Club hope to have U9, U10, U11, U13, U15 and U17s with registration opening in the coming week or so, So keep an eye out on the Clubs facebook page for updates.

KILKENNY HERITAGE An exciting new project is underway at St. Lachtains Church, Freshford to enhance interpretation facilities, upgrade the solar heating system and survey the unique 11th century doorway. The select Vestry of St.Lachtains are delighted to have received funding from the community Monuments fund and welcomed the team to Freshford.

montage of photographs of the Church and Parish’s through the years. If you have any photographs that you think would be appropriate for such a display please call or get in touch with the Parish Office. The plan is to copy the photographs so be assured all original photographs will be returned to its owner.

LEAVING CERT Congratulations to all the local boys and girls attending various secondary schools who got their Leaving Cert results last week and many of them going on to Third Level College. They are wished all the very best in their next step in life.

U10 HURLING Well done to all our u10 playing in the Aylward cup Last Saturday in Ballyhale. They played some super hurling right to the very end, just narrowly losing out in the shield final .They can all be very proud of their performances.

GAA NEWS St.Lachtains Intermediate hurlers had their first league championship action last weekend as they travelled to Castlecomer to face Young Ireland’s of Gowran in the opening round of the intermediate league. A tight game throughout seen the local lads fight back in the end to earn a draw on a final score line of 1.17 each. Next up is Conahy Shamrocks who take on in Ballyragget at 2.00pm on Saturday next Team: D Brennan P. White C Bergin S Dawson B Quinn J Maher S. Rafter J Fitzpatrick J. Cleere A. Rafter D Maher N. McGree L. Hickey S. Donnelly P. Killeen. Subs P. Donnelly C Dawson C O’Leary MEMBERSHIP As the Club get closer to the start of the Club season there is still some outstanding membership. Membership must be paid to be in line for tickets to local club games.Piltown tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from any committee HERITAGE & DEVELOPMENT GROUP Freshford Heritage Group are delighted to announce that the path resurfacing in the Millennium Park has now been completed. Hopefully this work will prove to be a more pleasant walking experience for everyone who uses the park. The committee would like to acknowledge the grant received from Kilkenny County Council under the Community Enhancement Programme from the Department of Rural ad Community affairs. Also to the acorn Club for helping to fund the shortfall in funding required. They would also appeal to the public to manage any dog fouling in the park, especially on the paths and to use the facilities(scoop, brush & bin) located inside the entrance gate. PARISH NEWS In the next weeks there will be an increase in attendance at Masses up to 50per cent of the capacity. This increase will begin from Wednesday 8th Sept.., at 9 30 am mass in the Parish Church. While the obligation to attend Sunday mass is still suspended you are encouraged to return. At this time all safety measures will remain in place which includes wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitising and full sanitation of the Church after every celebration. The Parish the internet and phone lines are now back in action following the line upgrade and the office hours have returned to the normal schedule. 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. As part of the 1400 year celebrations plans are being put together for a

ANNUAL GAA GOLF CLASSIC The Annual GAA Golf Classic takes place on Saturday 11th September. For bookings or to Sponsor a €50 Tee box with your company name advertised please contact John Shiel 087 6486668, Derek Delaney 087 6343834, James Holden 085 1967675 U13 HURLING The Dunnamaggin U13 Hurlers opened their championship campaign off on Friday evening last with a win when they travelled to Mooncoin to take on Mooncoin. Both sides traded early points but points from NIcky Healy, Aaron McCormack from play and Brian Hickey from a free gave the Dunnamaggin lads early advantage at the first water break 0:4 to 0:1 The second quarter saw Stephen Walsh and Brian add to the scoreboard 0:6 to 0:1 lead at half time. After the restart two further frees from Brian pushed the lead out but Mooncoin despite the scoreboard were very much in this game and but for some wayward shooting could have been closer. Their work rate did pay dividends eventually when they hit 3 unanswered points. Some solid defending from the Dunnamaggin backs cut short any revival for Moonoin and with Brian putting over frees either side of the water break it looked like it was Dunnamaggins win. Darragh Lyons put over a long range effort to push the lead out further but credit to Mooncoin who continued to push forward and got their reward with a good goal just on full time. Dunnamaggin 0:11 Mooncoin 1:4 JUNIOR A COUNTY FINAL The Dunnamaggin Junior A’s contested the County final on Sunday 29th in Nowlan Park against Mooncoin. Dunnamaggin got off to a really good start with Adam Fitzparick opening the scoring which was followed up with two points from play from Denis Walsh. Mooncoin did respond with a score but Dunnamaggin added 3 additional points to their 2 as we headed to the water break 0:6 to 0:3. The second quarter was a really even affair with both sides trading points with Mooncoin edging it on the long range efforts but it being cancelled out by a good goal from Denis to send the sides in at half time with Dunnamaggin still in front by 3 points Dunnamaggin 1:10 to Mooncoin 0:10. Mooncoin really came back into this match in the third quarter with 3 quick points to draw them level, they were in a really good purple patch and added a further 4 unanswered points before the water break helped to halt their momentum. Dunnamaggin were not about to let this final get away from them without a fight and five points to Mooncoins 3 helped narrow the gap in the opening minutes of the restart. Denis Walsh was proving very accurate on the frees and closed the gap right down to one point. Dunnamaggin also had a good goal chance which was saved by the keeper and could have edged them in front but with the last stroke of play Mooncoin added another point to put 2 between the sides and give them

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Community & GAA Notes the win. Full Time Dunnamaggin 1:16 Mooncoin 0:21 DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Our next event a 5km Run (or Walk) takes place on Saturday September 25th in conjunction with Adele’s Gazelles. Registration is at 9.30am, some fun spot prizes and refreshments afterwards. More information next week or on our facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News. DUNAMAGGIN LOCAL LOTTO DRAW - for 30th August 2021 Winning Numbers : 2, 14, 35. No Winner. Winners for Draw for 5 x € 30 Katelyn Jackson ( Mags Cahill ),Sinead Roche ( Nellie Maher) Oliver Herity ( Mary Heffernan ),Adam & Liam Connery ( Jas. Kehoe), Ml O Keeffe ( Malachy Hogan ) Jackpot for Monday September 6th: €2,050. Draw takes place every Monday in St. Leonards Hall, Dunnamaggin at 9pm. All welcome. RAS NA mBAN is the Premier women’s cycling event in Ireland. It will run for five days from the 8th to the 12th September with six stages - a total of over 400km of racing action. This year the event will be headquartered in Kilkenny, with a new opening stage in Callan. This is the 35th year of women’s International stage racing in Ireland. The race is compliant with covid rules, and ensures that all competitors, officials and all interested parties have the safest and best possible experience at the event. All new opening stage, with a 13km circuit finish in Callan, which will offer spectators two chances to view the race from the cordoned off streets. The race circuit is Kilkenny City, Danesfort, Stoneyford, Knocktopher, Kilmoganny, Skaugh, Coolagh and Callan. All welcome to cheer on all the riders and give a big Kilkenny welcome to the brave participants. THE STORYTELLING SERIES The Storytelling Series - Free Communications Training for Community and Voluntary Groups The Storytelling Series is an exciting FREE training series which will enable us all to feel confident about communicating our value! Public awareness is vital to maximising the work we do, and this series is all about amplifying our impact. Whether you’re a large charity or a voluntary group with limited time and no budget, this training is open to you! Pitching to Press: How to Get your Story Out There with Claire Brennan (BBC, Irish Daily Mirror, Donegal Post) | Weds, 22 September, 11.00am 12.30pm Making Videos: Basics of Scripting & Filming with Jack Deacon (spunout. ie) | Weds, 29 September, 11.00am 12.30pm Making Videos: Basics of Film Editing with Tommy Flavin and Kevin O’Regan (The Reelists) | Thurs, 30 September, 11am – 12.30pm Easy Graphic Design with Canva with Ronny Hermosa (Canva, Fair Trade Connection) | Weds, 13 October, 10.30am - 12noon How to Be a Spokesperson for your Organisation with Eleanor Kelly (UCD Innovation Academy, Open Society Foundations) | Weds, 20 October, 11am – 12.30pm. All workshops are delivered online and are free of charge. Any queries, please email Claire McGowran: claire@ wheel.ie. RECOVERY COLLEGE SOUTHEAST Recovery College SouthEast is offering workshops to improve your mental health in September. All are free but you need to book. See their timetable at https://www. recoverycollegesoutheast.com/ workshops.html or call them on 086 1746330 PATTERN MAKERS Free Intercultural textile printing workshops for women in Callan,

Thomastown and Ferrybank Woman with children who work from home in Callan, Thomastown and Ferrybank are invited to take part in a series of free textile printing workshops. The workshops and creative activities will be led by artist Liz Nilsson and explore pattern making and our sense of place. Workhouse Union extend a special invitation to women from the Syrian Community in County Kilkenny. Places are limited. If you are interested in taking part please contact Hannah McCormick to book a place: hannah@workhouseunion. com or on 0874497868 REMOTE WORKING IN COUNTY KILKENNY – FREE SEMINAR The Local Enterprise Office of Kilkenny County Council are holding a free Lunchtime Information Seminar on Friday 10th September from 1pm to 2pm. Learn about the supports and opportunities available and also the experiences of people who are already working remotely. You can book online by visiting www.localenterprise.ie/ kilkenny. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteer Centre are looking for volunteers for the following roles: a Social Media Volunteer to help Alliance Francaise de Kilkenny promote their French classes and events throughout the year. Volunteer Youth Leaders with Ossory Youth throughout the county to support local community based youth clubs for young people aged 12-15 years. Youth Club volunteers will be working hand in hand with young people to make it possible for them to try new things, experience new opportunities and meet new people while socialising safely and having loads of fun. A Volunteer Studio Assistant and Technician for Twilight Group to help them with their newly established Community Based Studio to help with the promotion of all the groups work and Amber Womens Project are keen to get any individual or group involved in their One Million Stars Project. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your creativity while highlighting the groups work . To find out more or get involved see www.volunteerkilkenny.ie Phone : 0892584946 MOBILE LIBRARY The mobile library is returning, following an absence of eighteen months. It will visit Kilmanagh from 10.55-11.40 on September 8th, October 6th, November 3rd and December 1st. Membership is free. Just bring ID. The staff look forward to meeting all the locals. Enquiries to Library Reception 779 4160. THE LATE TOM POWER A gentle and unassuming member of our parish community in the person of Tom Power has entered eternal life. Tom spent his entire life, from childhood until the time of his death, at Pollough, Kilmanagh. A farmer by profession, he loved his farm and the various activities involved in bringing it to its full potential. Tom was a loyal and faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Peace choir in Kilmanagh. Whatever the celebration, he was always there. Tom suffered his own cross of loss and sadness on the death of his wife Noreen but, being a person of strong faith, he bore that cross with courage and resignation. Owing to the Covid restrictions the attendance at his obsequies was curtailed. Many people stood at various places on the roadside as the funeral cortege travelled to the church of Our Lady Queen of Peace. Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P., celebrated his requiem mass with members of the family participating. Frances Ryan sang appropriate hymns during the mass. Tom was laid to rest with his beloved Noreen in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Sympathy is expressed to his daughter Helen, son Michael, sister,

Kathleen, son in law Colum, daughter in law Patricia (Trish), grandchildren, nieces, cousins, other relatives and many friends. May his strengthened soul rest in the peace of the risen Lord. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Galatia Ryall and family on the death of her sister, Sr. Angela Kinane, Presentation Convent, Thurles. SPEEDBACK SIGNS CLLR Michael McCarthy is delighted to welcome the €15.000 announced under the Clar Scheme for Kilmanagh. This is for the provision of Feeder Speedback signs for the Village which hopefully will lead to increased safety for residents and road users. Great credit is due to the Area Engineer and the Community Section of Kilkenny Co Council. ROADWORKS CLLR Michael McCarthy is delighted to welcome the overlay of the road in Kilmanagh Village from the Post office to the top of the village. This will enhance the village and make the road surface better for road users. CLLR McCarthy wishes to thank the Area Engineer and his staff and asks for co-operation for the duration of these works as there will be a road closure and a slight detour. MOBILE LIBRARY The mobile library is returning, following an absence of eighteen months. It will visit Kilmanagh from 10.55-11.40 on Sept 8th, Oct 6th, Nov 3rd, and Dec 1st. Membership is free. Just bring ID. The staff look forward to meeting all the locals. Enquiries to Library Reception 779 4160. SOCCER NEWS Results: K & DL Division 2 – River Rangers 3, Castlewarren Celtic 1. Under 12 Schoolboys – River Rangers 2, Evergreen 4. Fixtures : Saturday, September 11 – Under 13 Schoolboys: Highview Athletic v River Rangers in Graiguenamanagh at 11.45 am. RAS NA MBAN Ras na mBan is the Premier women’s cycling event in Ireland. It will run for five days with a total of six stages to a total of over 400km of racing action. This year the event will be headquartered in Kilkenny, with a new opening stage in Callan. This is the 35th year of women’s International stage racing in Ireland. The race is compliant with covid rules, and ensures that all competitors, officials and all interested parties have the safest and best possible experience at the event. All new opening stage, with a 13km circuit finish in Callan, which will offer spectators two chances to view the race from the cordoned off streets. The race circuit is Kilkenny City, Danesfort, Stoneyford, Knocktopher, Kilmoganny, Skeaugh, Coolagh, Callan. All welcome to cheer on all the riders. 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. KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE The mobile library is returning, following an absence of eighteen months. It will visit Gowran from 11.3512.00 on September 10th, October 8th, November 5th, December 3rd AND Goresbridge from 11.20-12.00 on September 22nd, October 20th, November 17th and December 15th. Membership is free. Just bring ID. The staff look forward to meeting all the locals. Enquiries to Library Reception 7794160 GOWTAN PITCH and PUTT Gowran Scratch Cup took place on

Saturday, 4th September. Results as follows: Senior Winner Paul Tobin St Patrick’s 92 Runner Up Joe Ronan Mcdonagh 94 3rd Dean Grannell St Patrick’s 95 Inter Winner Darren Cleere Bagenalstown 98 Runner Up Sean McCormack Lakeside 99 B(18) 3rd David McGrath Bagenalstown 99 Junior Winner Mark Kirk Gowran 104 Runner Up Jamie Power Gowran 106 3rd Dylan Hanrahan Gowran 108 Ladies 0-9 Chrissie Byrne Ryston 102 Ladies 10+ Margaret Courtney Riverdale 121 Huge thanks to all who travelled from far and near to take part. Thanks to local sponsors for the day Farm & Industrial ,Gowran Pharmacy and Daly Farrell Chartered Accountants Thanks to those who were unable to play but supported us also Derek Courtney ,Paddy Robinson, Keith McDonald, Kevin Halligan, Lily Slattery ,Bernie Dunne, Ann Sweeney ,Christy Sweeney and Mary Sherry Finally, thanks to the Gowran ladies for the refreshments all day and to all who helped prepare the course over the last week to have it in top order for the day. GOWRAN AC Well done to Tom Corrigan and John Leamy who competed in the National Masters Track and Field. Both men trained hard for the 100m, 200m and 400m throughout the last two years. Tom Corrigan O40 men’s, 5th in the 200m, 6th in the 400m John Leamy O45 men’s 6th in the 100m, 4th in the 400m This year’s competition was very strong but both were delighted with their results and a PB for Tom in the 400m. GOWRAN PARISH Mass is being streamed every morning on Gowran Parish Facebook page, masses this week Gowran Sunday at 11.30.am, Monday at 9.30.am, Wednesday at 9.30am, Thursday at 9.30.am and Friday at 9.30.am. An evening of prayer will take place in St. Mary’s Abbey Church, Gowran on September 17th at 7.30pm. This will be led by Bishop Denis Nulty. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Volunteer opportunities available: Alliance Francaise de Kilkenny : are looking for a Social Media Volunteer to help the group promote their French classes and events throughout the year. Ossary Youth are looking for Volunteer Youth Leaders throughout the county to support local community based youth clubs for young people aged 12-15 years. Youth Club volunteers will be working hand in hand with young people to make it possible for them to try new things, experience new opportunities and meet new people while socialising safely and having loads of fun. Twilight Group are looking for a Volunteer Studio Assistant and Technician to help them with their newly established Community Based Studio to help with the promotion of all the groups work. Amber Womens Project are keen to get any individual or group involved in their One Million Stars Project. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your creativity while highlighting the groups work. To find out more or get involved see www.volunteerkilkenny.ie Phone : 0892584946 SPORTS ROUND-UP – MICHAEL O’LEARY Sarah makes camogie club history by co-captaining county to minor allIreland victory By virtue of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland Minor

Final victory against Cork last night, Sarah O’Donnell has made history by becoming the first Young Irelands Camogie Club Player to Captain a Kilkenny Team to an All-Ireland title. Sarah who was Co-Captain along with Dicksboro’s Niamh Phelan helped Kilkenny to a 2-12 to 0-12 win in the LIT Gaelic Grounds, Limerick in which Thomastown’s Sarah Barcoe was one of the goal scorers along with been named Player of the Match Afterwards. Huge Congratulations to Sarah & the rest of the Playing Squad & Management Team on a fantastic triumph. The Young Irelands Club will now be hoping for further All-Ireland glory next Sunday, as last years Kilkenny Minor Co-Captains Ciara O’Keeffe & Tiffany Fitzgerald line out in the Intermediate decider against Antrim, while Nessa Farrell is part of the management Team. Wishing Ciara, Tiffany, Nessa & all of the Players & Management Team the Very Best in their pursuit of bringing another All-Ireland to the Black & Amber. U-10’S Last Thursday evening 25 of the u10 girls headed to James Stephens on the Kells Road to face a 42 strong James Stephens panel for such a sporting evening. In what was probably the girls best performance to date, the girls did themselves proud scoring goals and points as a result of great teamwork all over the pitch. The girls showed how hard they have worked and improved as the coaching year nears its end. What impressed most was how the girls hurled with passion and pride with a never say die attitude! The girls were out in action again last night (Tuesday) away to Erins Own of Castlecomer. INTERMEDIATE DENIED BY LATE LACHTAINS GOAL A late St. Lachtains goal from Allie Rafter denied the Young Irelands Intermediates victory in a thrilling first round clash in Castlecomer last Saturday Afternoon. The match finished all square at 1-17 apiece, but the Gowran Men made the perfect start with a Ted Drea goal within seconds of the throw-in. They led 1-6 to 0-8 at half-time, & with Ted Drea & Sean Carey leading the way, they stretched the advantage further with 5 unanswered points before the end of the third quarter. However, the Freshford Men fought back to rally late & deny Young Irelands victory. U-15’S SUFFER LOSS DESPITE LATE RALLY IN THRILLER O’Loughlin Gaels 1-15 Young Irelands Gowran 2-10 An injury-time goal seemed to have rescued Young Irelands & brought the match to extra-time, but O’Loughlin Gaels grabbed two late points to deny the Gowran Boys as their Championship hopes ended following a thrilling contest at a packed St. Johns Park last Wednesday Evening. In a low scoring first-half, Scores were at a Premium during the opening quarter as O’Loughlins led 0-3 to 0-1. The game opened up afterwards & three pointed frees by Jim Conlon had drawn Young Irelands level by the 23th minute, but moments later an O’Loughlins goal regained the lead & they led 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval. O’Loughlins slowly started to gain supremacy throughout the third quarter, & they built up a 1-8 to 0-7 by the 41st minute. However, the Gowran Boys kept plugging away & with Matthew Murray, David Langton & Jake Kelly leading the way, they narrowed the gap to a solitary point with a brilliantly taken goal from Thomas Langton in the 42nd minute. The City Boys responded & over the next 15 minutes, they outscored Young Irelands 0-5 to 0-1 to build up a 5-point lead entering the last few minutes with victory appearing to be virtually

assured. 1-13 to 1-8 However, Young Irelands showed great fighting spirit throughout & points from a Conlon (free) & Billy O’Keeffe narrowed the gap to three points, & after Michael Keating agonizingly missed a goal chance when shooting wide into the side net, they made amends with the levelling goal from Jake Kelly . 1-13 to 2-10 It was O’Loughlins though that had the final say, as they conjured up two late points to grab victory that they just about deserved. Meanwhile last Thursday night, the Young Irelands U-15 B Team lost 2-8 to 2-5 against John Lockes of Callan. Young Irelands were short players who had played throughout the Summer in the League, because of involvement with the U-15 A Team on Wednesday Night that forbidded them from been involved. As a result, a number of the U-13 B Team were called up & they acquitted themselves well on the night. GOWRAN BOYS SURVIVE LATE DANESFORT ONSLAUGHT Young Irelands Gowran 2-8 Danesfort 2-7 It was close & Relief would most certainly be the most appropriate emotion after last Friday night’s nailbiting finish in the U-13 A1 Championship Quarter-Final clash against Danesfort in Gowran. Leading 2-8 to 0-6, the Gowran Boys were in total control & they appeared to on their way into the Semi-Final, but Danesfort were plucky & resilient throughout, & two goals in quick succession suddenly left Young Irelands sweating anxiously as they now led by just two points. Danesfort added a point from play, but to Young Irelands relief, they held out & now have a Semi-Final clash to look forward to against Rower-Inistioge this Friday Evening 10th September, where improvement will be required if they are to reach a County Final once again. Last night’s match was a repeat of the League Final in which the Gowran Boys won easily, but it was clearly evident from this evening contest that Danesfort were going to be a much tougher nut to crack & so it proved. Aidan Keating & Josef Walsh contributed 2-11 of the Sides Total in the League Final & more than aware of the threat that the duo possesses, the Danesfort defence did their utmost to limit the space & prevent them doing damage. Despite their defence been a lot more watertight that the Corrosponding League Final clash, Keating & Walsh combined for 2-5 of the Scoring Total, with both goals proving significantly decisive either side of Half-Time. A low scoring first-half saw the Gowran Boys lead 1-3 to 0-4 at the interval, with Josef Walsh quickly following up to slot home on the rebound after Aidan Keating’s initial shot was saved by the Danesfort Goalkeeper. Aidan made amends with a brilliantly well taken goal within a few minutes of the restart to open up a 5-point cushion (2-3 to 0-4), before pointing from play moments later. 2-4 to 0-4. Josef Walsh & David Brennan added further points as they maintained that 6-point advantage at the Water Break - 2-6 to 0-6 - & when both midfielders Kieran Carter & the tireless Joseph Langton pointed to stretch the lead further, they appeared to be home & hosed. However, Danesfort produced the fightback, but to no avail as Young Irelands held on. The Gowran Boys were best served by the excellent Conor Brennan who was consistently good at Full-Back, Goalkeeper Dylan Brennan who showed great bravery in a number of testing situations, while Jonathan Dunne, Joseph Langton, Aidan Keating & Josef Walsh led the way forward.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Kilkenny & District Soccer League

The Kilkenny & District League Season 2021/22

THE Kilkenny & District League Season 2021/22 is up and running, and after such a fragmented couple of seasons, all involved in soccer locally are hopeful of a full and proper campaign. Due to the new extended club hurling season, there are challenges ahead for a number of clubs who will be struggling numbers wise until sometime in October. These are well documented challenges and hopefully these clubs and the League Management Committee can come up with the required solutions and everything will run as smoothly as possible. Pride of place this weekend are the four Maher Shield Quarter Finals. Holders, Evergreen travel to Graiguenamanagh to play Highview Athletic. Although, this is an all Premier Division clash, Evergreen will be warm favourites and are expected to come through. Fellow City side Freebooters are also on the road. They travel to Durrow to play Second Division Lions who have welcomed former star player Aidan (Roxy) Keenan back into the fold. He will obviously make them a much stronger side, but Freebooters who this season are putting a big emphasis on youth should have too

much for the home side. The third member of the ‘Big Three’ Thomastown Utd travel to Clonard Park, Ballycallan to play Second Division River Rangers. The hosts made a winning start to their league campaign last weekend are a great example of a well run small country club. Thomastown’s pre season has not gone smoothly and will need to be on their toes as the Rangers will smell a shock. Thomastown should prevail, but maybe after a fright. The fourth game is undoubtedly the tie of the round. Premier Division Newpark play host to fellow City side, second division St.Canices. Eddie Clifford’s Waterbarracks men have made great strides in a very short space of time and have been very active in the recruitment department this summer, making a number of high profile signings. This will make them favourites for Division Two league honours, but also makes them very dangerous cup opposition for all higher ranked opposition. Newpark, under the astute guidance of John ‘ Budgie’ Poyntz are a battle hardened group with a great recent cup pedigree. They don’t know the meaning of lying down and this game promises to be a thriller. Throw in the fact that most of the players on both sides will know each other very, and this game becomes very unpredictable. We will give the Newpark men a narrow vote, but any outcome here is possible. The only league action this weekend takes place

in Division One. Evergreen C host Fort Rangers in what is both sides first league outing of the new season. Fort are another side to make a number of new acquisitions in the summer in the hope of regaining their Premier Division status. Evergreen C are a bit of an unknown quantity, so the result of this game will give us a good indication of the direction each sides’ season may take. Callan Utd play at home to Bunclody in the FAI Junior Cup. Callan are the

only K&DL side drawn to play at this stage and will be hopeful of a win which would set them up nicely for a match against Newpark in the next round!! School boys football is also back, also facing the same challenges regarding the elongated hurling season. We will be keeping a close eye on all things schoolboys over the coming months. It’s great to be back and we encourage people to get out and support their local soccer team.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

NAME: JIM NUGENT CLUB: FORT RANGERS F.C. POSITION: GOALKEEPER FAVOURITE LOCAL PLAYER (EXCLUDING YOUR OWN CLUB PAST 15 YEARS):DAVY MULCAHY FAVOURITE PREMIERSHIP TEAM: LIVERPOOL FAVOURITE GOALKEEPER: PETER SCHMEICHEL FAVOURITE STRIKER: LIONEL MESSI FAVOURITE WORLD PLAYER: LIONEL MESSI FAVOURITE WORLD MANAGER: JURGEN KLOPP FAVOURITE OTHER SPORT: HURLING FAVOURITE FILM: THE BOURNE IDENTITY FAVOURITE FOOD: STEAK AND CHIPS FAVOURITE DRINK: CARLING

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Camogie news

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

KILKENNY claimed the Tesco All-Ireland Minor title with a tremendous 6-point victory over holders’ Cork at LIT Gaelic Grounds last Sunday. As well as being crowned champions, the young cats also prevented the Leesiders from claiming three consecutive minor titles. From start to finish, Mike Wall’s young camog’s displayed great skill and all-round good hurling to dethrone Cork. Their speed of thought, movement and team play was too much for the holders to contend with over the course of the game. Cork to their credit started brightly with points from wing-forwards Orlaith Mullins and Aimee Morgan. Thomastown’s Sarah Barcoe then got her first score of the game, before Cork Midfielder and St Finbarrs clubwoman, Ciara Golden restored the rebel’s two-point lead. This appeared to spur Kilkenny on, and they soon found their groove with a fine point from Clara’s Emma Shortall. Soon after, some slack Cork defending saw the ball finds its way to Barcoe, who dispatched it beautifully to the net, to raise the first green flag of the day. From the next phase of play, Cork won a free which was duly converted by Aimee Morgan. Going into the first water-break, Kilkenny held the slightest of advantages, leading 1-2 to 0-4. When play resumed, the stripey-women assumed total control, and managed to keep the opposition scoreless until the short whistle as the defence, led superbly by joint-captain Niamh Phelan ensured no further flags were raised. At

KK team post victory

the other end, Kilkenny’s pace and forward play was causing lots of problems for the Cork rearguard. A lovely brace of points from Dicksboro’s Amy Clifford and another from Sarah Barcoe saw the black and amber reach half-time with a four-point lead, on a score line of 1-5 to 0-4. The second-half commenced, and the first score would come from James Stephen’s Emma Manogue, pushing the cats lead to five. However, Jerry Wallace’s half-time teamtalk must have instilled some much-needed belief in the rebels, as they went on to enjoy their most fruitful period of the game. Kilkenny’s defence were now under sustained pressure, and Cork managed to translate this on the scoreboard, with points from Rose Murphy and substitute Eimear O’Brien. These scores were built on with further flags raised by Kate Redmond and Orlaith Cahalane. Kilkenny’s lead was now only the minimum, Cork’s four unanswered points had caused doubt to creep into the young cat’s game. Kilkenny substitute Clare Doheny scored a nice point with her first action of the game to settle the nerves, but again Cork replied win kind with a point from Sarsfields Orlaith Mullins. As referee Ray Kelly blew for the second water-break, you could get a sense of relief from the Kilkenny faithful, while Cork was the opposite. They believed they had Mike Wall’s team on the back-foot and certainly didn’t welcome the short interval. The beauty of the waterbreaks is that a manager can restore calm, and get his point across in a controlled manner. Mike Wall certainly did that. His charged resumed battle on the front-foot. Great passages of play saw points registered from as Asha McHardy, Amy Clifford, Sarah Barcoe and

Sarah Barcoe stars in six-point win over rebels Emma Shortall – Kilkenny had rebuilt their lead, and they were not going to let it slip this time. Then in the 52nd minute, player of the match Sarah Barcoe found Emma Shorthall with a lovely pass, and the wingforward provided the finish that the move deserved. Eight up, the girls knew they just had to manage the closing minutes to take the crown. Like their senior counterparts, Cork never gives up. They did reduce the gasp to five, but fittingly, the brightest of black and amber stars, Sarah Barcoe notched her fourth point to see her team home with a 6-point winning margin, 2-12 to 0-12. Kilkenny, Minor champions for the first time since 2015. Scorers for Kilkenny: S Barco 1-4, E Shorthall 1-2, A Clifford 0-3 (0-2 f), E Manogue, C Doheny, A Mc Hardy 0-1 each. Cork: E O’Brien 0-3 (0-2 f) O Mullins, O Cahalane 0-2 each, A Morgan 0-2 (0-1 f), R Murphy, C Golden 0-1 each. KILKENNY: E O’Neill; L Nolan, N Phelan, R Whelan; A Kirwan, M Corcoran, S Jackson; E Manogue, A Doheny; G Glynn, A McHardy, E Shorthall; S Barcoe, S O’Donnell, A Clifford. Subs: C Doheny for A Dohney (40), R Brennan for S Jackson (inj 55). CORK: C Hurley; A Cashman, M Healy, C Lynch, E O’Driscoll, A Healy, O McAllen (c); M Murphy, C Golden; A Morgan, R Murphy, O Mullins L Hallihane, M Ring, O Cahalane. Subs: E O’Brien for L Hallihane (ht), K Redmond for C Golden (h-t), L McNulty for C Lynch (57), G Ryan for A Cashman (57), J Doyle for C Lynch (57). Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare).

Minor’s claim MAJOR honours!

An emotional Laoise Nolan with her mother Nance after the game

Captain Niamh Phelan stands strong

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Camogie news Mairéad Corcoran (KK) and Orlaith Cahalane

‘Look Who’s T alking’

Player Name: Sa rah Walsh Club: Thomastown Position: Forwar d Sporting highlig ht Feile Division 4 Fo so far: Champions 2009 otball . If you could only singer or band fo listen to 1 of your life, who r the rest would you choose? Khalid Pet hate: People walking slo wly.

KK manager Mike Wall

Best Holiday De st Lake Tahoe, Mald ination done & to do: ives. Sporting Idol & w Michael Jordan, lo hy: in himself when pl ve his mentality and the belief he always had aying. If you had to desc rib e yourself in Ambitious, Enth usiastic, Witty 3 words:

Party of 6

You are allowed to invite 6 famou the 6 chosen gues s people for dinn er.....name • Niall Horan: Ne ts & reasons for inviting! • Joe Brolly: Woueds no explaining. • Denzel Washingld hold a great debate. • Dermot Kenned ton: Absolute legend. • Serena William y: Could do a duet with Niall Ho ra • Joey Essex: Hi s: Could coach me to a Wimbled n, magic. on larious, would be the ultimate addi final. tion. Team mates! • Best trainer - Co let te Dormer • Worst trainer • Queen of style Eva Hynes • Best Taste in m- Sophie O’Dwyer • Worst taste in usic - Ciara Phelan • Most difficult music - Miriam Bambrick opponent - Meg Farrell

Final duty for Whistler Liz!

Windgap’s Sontae Jackson battles for the ball

Kilkenny co-captains Niamh Phelan and Sarah O’Donnell lift the cup

>> SHERRY SAYS........... FAIR play to this panel of players.....they believed in Mike Wall’s plan and it worked. Building a lead, seeing it all but wiped out, then having the composure to do it all again and hold firm – that is the sign of champions, and that’s what our minor camog’s are – All-Ireland Minor Champions. Cork caused our young cat’s problems, especially just after half-time. The manager said afterwards that the second water-break didn’t contain any huge speech – just the need to remain composed and let their hurling do the talking. In Sarah Barcoe Kilkenny have a real gem. Her tally of 1-4 doesn’t alone do her performance credit, her speed, movement and pure skill was an absolute joy to behold. The Thomastown shooter has a big, big future ahead of her. These camogs have helped ease the pain of our senior’s semi-final defeat to Cork. Now let’s hope our Intermediate ladies can be the next team to lift silverware.

It is a momentous occasion for the Kilkenny whistleblower Liz Dempsey, as with this appointment she will now complete the set of refereeing all Championship Final grades. Liz took charge of the All-Ireland Junior B Final in 2012, the Premier Junior Final in 2014, the Intermediate Final in 2017 and this year will take charge of the Senior Final, which see Galway take on Cork. The Thomastown referee has an incredible refereeing CV to date. To add to the appointments above, she has also taken charge of All-Ireland U16 and Minor (A & B) Championship Finals, along with an All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final and an All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Final. She has also refereed a National League Final and an Ashbourne Cup Final. Everyone at the Kilkenny Observer wishes Liz all the best for Sunday’s final.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Camogie news

Sport

Ciara Murphy goes in hard

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

JOHN Scott’s camog’s will take on Antrim in the ISPCC AllIreland intermediate camogie championship final at Croke Park this Sunday (2pm throwin). The game is part of a triple-header of camogie finals to be staged at headquarters. Both sides will take to the field, confident of victory, in what should be an evenly contested affair. When they met in the group stages of this year’s championship, the Ulsterwomen emerged victorious. The four-point win in Dunloy is unlikely to weigh heavily on Kilkenny minds as they make preparations for Sunday’s final. During a recent press call, Kilkenny captain Roisin Phelan referenced the defeat and spoke of how it has helped the panel re-focus and improve to reach this season’s decider. “I think we nearly learned more about ourselves from the Antrim loss, to be honest,” said the Conaghy Shamrocks defender. “We’ve improved massively since then, it was our very first group game, a couple of months ago now, so I think all the training we’ve put in since then has really stood to us so this time around we’re definitely more prepared to put up a better fight,” she added. Phelan’s Antrim counterpart, Lucia McNaughton who was also speaking at the event believes an All-Ireland final against the cats will be an entirely different game. “Yes, we got the victory when we played them at home earlier in the season, but this is a final, and I wouldn’t read too much into the previous result,” said the Loughgiel clubwoman. McNaughton’s family are steeped in hurling and camogie history, both at club and county level, and no doubt Lucia will be hoping to celebrate her birthday in style by leading the Saffrons to victory on Sunday. The team from the North will have the pain of last season’s final defeat to Down to draw on for motivation. Since assuming the reigns of the intermediate team, the management team of Paul McKillen, Jim McKernan and Elaine Dowds have Antrim on the right path, and they will provide stiff opposition of our ladies this weekend. Having seen off the challenge of Galway in the semi-final at Clones, John Scott’s management team will have earmarked some of the opposition for special attention. Roisin Phelan will need to ensure her defence contains the threat posed by Róisín McCormick and

Saffrons battle awaits Scott & Co. Jack McGrath Cup awaits the winners

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Camogie news Niamh Leahy

Hannah Scott

Danielle Quigley action

Áine McGill – two very gifted attackers. Mullinavat’s Leann Fennelly was outstanding last time out, and will once again need to lead by example from the number six position. Following the Saffrons win over Galway, joint-manager Paul McKillen was glowing in his appraisal of his sides victory. “That is the best performance we have produced this year. That Galway team came here today to get revenge on the defeat we gave them in the league quarter-final. They believed they could reach the final,” McKillen said. “But we were up for the game. I have never seen our team playing as well as they did today. And they have played well all year. They are a great bunch of girls and I don’t think they have got enough praise for what they have been doing.” “We are back in an AllIreland final and I think we have beaten one of the best teams in the competition and I don’t mean any disrespect to Kilkenny who are there in the final. Galway were well set-up, have good players and play a good brand of camogie.” In their semi-final win over the Royal County of Meath, no fewer than 6 stripeywomen received yellow cards in a defensive display that highlighted the teams desire to get over the line. Keeping the full complement of players on the field will be crucial against the glen’s women, so discipline will be key in this winner takes

all clash. If the Kilkenny defence can come out on top, the forwards possess the necessary firepower to really trouble the Antrim defence. Sophie O’Dwyer, who has excelled this season with a blistering scoring return, will be crucial in the cats bid for the title. The Saffrons will be aware of the danger that the James Stephens attacker poses to their aspirations. O’Dwyer will be ably supported in attack by Clara’s Ciara O’Keefe, Thomastown’s Eva Hynes and O’Loughlin Gaels Danielle Quigley. In the middle third, likely starting pair, Laura Hegarty and Ciara Phelan will be hoping to control this vital zone and limit the influence of Antrim skipper McNaughton. When James Stephens clubman was appointed manager, he immediately set his sights on getting this panel of players to Croke Park for an All-Ireland final. Having previously been a selector for a number of years, Scott’s understanding of the players is clear to see. This final has the potential to be a classic, but at the end of the day, it’s the result that matters, and John Scott will be hoping to inflict more final misery on Antrim and in doing so take the Jack McGrath Cup back to Kilkenny for the first time since 2016. This team has ability, they have passion, they have motivation. Let’s hope they have the luck on Sunday.

>> SHERRY SAYS... ANOTHER final for Kilkenny’s Gaels. Following on from our wonderful minor team’s victory in Limerick last week, John Scott’s team take on the challenge of Antrim. At this stage of last year’s competition, the Saffrons suffered a heavy final defeat to northern neighbours, Down. As a resident of Mourne, I know how that victory was received and what it meant to the clubs across the county. I would settle for the same outcome on Sunday – an Antrim defeat, but by God it will have to be earned. The task that lies ahead for captain Roisin Phelan and her fellow players is huge. Antrim did get one over Kilkenny earlier this year in Dunloy. But Croker is different. I’m hoping our camogs can use the wide-open spaces of headquarters to showcase their skill and ability. Croke Park is the perfect setting for scoring sensation Sophie O’Dwyer to shine. The crowds will be there, the TV cameras also. The stage is set. Jack McGrath – we’re coming for ye!

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St. Canice’s CU senior hurling

Sport

All images: Danny Lahart

St. Canice’s CU senior hurling round 1 O’Loughlin Gaels 1-18 Graigue Ballycallan 0-18 In a hard fought game in Callan on Saturday a goal seven minutes into the second half by Sammy Johnson proves to be the decisive score. From the start the teams went point to point with Mark Bergin for O’Loughins and Sean Ryan impressive from open play and placed balls. Both sets of backs dominated their opponents in the first half with Bob Murphy, Cillian Egan and Conor Flynn hurling well for Ballycallan while Paddy Deegan, Huw Lawlor and Anthony Forristal good for O’Loughins.

The half time break saw O’Loughins lead by a point and on the restart both teams traded points before Johnson struck for his goal seven minutes into the second half. Ballycallan kept plugging away and went into a 1 point lead but a tactical decision to move Paddy Deegan into the forward line payed off and also brought Eoin O’Shea more into the game. O’Shea got some crucial scores for O’Loughlin’s and they held out for a 3 point win. O’Loughlin’s had good performer’s in Deegan, Lawlor, O’Shea, Forristal, Heary and Mark Bergin while Ballycallan had good performers in Murphy, Egan, Flynn and Sean and Billy Ryan.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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St. Canice’s CU senior hurling

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O’Loughlin’s v Young Ireland’s u15

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

All images: Danny Lahart

Sport

O’Loughlin’s v Young Ireland’s u15 RESULT: Roinn A Championship Qtr Final. O’Loughlin Gaels 1-15 to 2-10 Young Ireland’s It took a massive effort by the Gaels in the final 10mins to maintain the advantage they’d held since early in the game. Greg Kelly got the Gaels off to a fine start with 3 converted frees before the visitors answered with a conversion of their own at the first water break. From there to the finish it was neck on neck as the homeside failed to press on more with their early advantage. It was one they wouldn’t

relinquish however until the 30th minute when Gowran stole through for a goal to even up the scores. The winners dug in for a final flourish that saw Joe Bolger throw over a point after some quick thinking put Joe in the best position to make the score. It was his second point of the game that nudged the winners ahead again. The resulting puckout was intercepted by Daniel McCormack and fed to Ruarc Sweeney whose run forward was halted illegally for a final free of the game, duly converted by the team’s talisman Greg Kelly to seal the win. It was a good effort all around the field that saw a team of lads work

well together to achieve their goal of a championship semi-final date in a week’s time v Carrickshock. Well done to all involved, lovely hurling Team: M Lambert, J Owens, J Johnson, L Hanrahan, L Quigley, J Tyrrell, C Murphy, C Holohan, G Gelly (1-11, 8f), J Bolger (0-2), J Holohan, T Crowley (0-1), R Sweeney (0-1), E O’Brien, D McCormack. C Byrne, D Powell. Sponsors: McCarthy’s Eurospar Newpark Shopping Center Eurospar Ireland

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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O’Loughlin’s v Young Ireland’s u15

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Sport

Golf NOTES

CALLAN GOLF LADIES Ann O’Shea the Seniors Lady Captain of Callan Golf Club was absolutely thrilled that her Prize to the Senior Ladies was such a huge success. Certainly the 40 plus ladies who took part really enjoyed the day and none more so than Miriam Fennelly who emerged the winner on a countback of six holes. The runner up was Anna Starr and Mary D.Grace took third place all on 30pts over 12 Holes. Following the game the ladies culinary skills were put to the test and this also proved to be a great success. The I.C.A. would be very proud of the beautiful award winning cakes, tarts and buns that the ladies produced. Results: Winner: Miriam Fennelly C/B 30pts

Runner Up: Anna Starr 30pts C/B 3rd. Mary D Grace 30pts 4th Carmel O’Sullivan 30pts 5th Mairead Blanchfield 29pts C/B 6th Jean Grace 29pts 7th Eileen Cuddihy 28 pts C/B 8th. Rose Brophy 28 pts 9th Mary Croke 28pts Past Seniors Capt. Mary Barry 27pts Committee Prize: Ena Kennedy 25 pts

away day will be held at Rathdowney Golf Club CALLAN GOLF MENS President Prize The Club Hosted Glen Wilsons Presidents Prize on Saturday 4th and Sunday the 5th of September. A great turnout by our members whom pitted their skills against the course in this Stableford Competition. The Course which played at close to its optimal length of the back pins tested event he longest of hitters, the greens proved a challenge for a large number of golfers, it is expected that the recent works will yield much improvements over the coming days and weeks. Despite the challenges the

President Prize Result Overall winner Anthony Wall (29) 46 pts

Senior Ladies Captains day Runner up Michael Lewis (18) 42 pts Overall 3rd Josh Doheny (13) 41 pts back 9 Gross Jeff Lynch (0) 37 pts Past President Mossie Skehan (25) 36 pts Best Senior Tony Dooley Best Junior Jack Sharp (3) 31 pts Front 9 Jim Kehoe 21 pts Back 9 Brian O’Donnell 24 pts

Fourball Better Ball August 31st 1st. Bernie Lyons/Betty McGrath 47pts 2nd Rita O’Neill/Ann Wemyss 46pts Nine Hole 1st Margaret T O’Shea 20pts 2nd Deirdre Holden 19pts On Monday September 13th Lady Captain Anna’s

scoring was good and a number of players managed to tame the course and their nerves to put in winning scores. Our President Glen Wilson extended a special thanks to all the good wishes and support he received in the recent days and a special note of thanks to our members for participating in this event. He had some concerns about the forecast for wet weather but thankfully the sun shun He congratulated the winners at a prize giving held at the Clubhouse on Sunday Evening.

Lady Presidents day

O Dwyer Men’s Open Singles Competition Wednesday Sept 1st results. Overall winner Cian Loy (24) 45 pts Division 1 Niall O’Sullivan (0) 38 pts Gross Brian Staunton (3) 37 pts (34 gross back nine) Division 2 Jimmy Walsh (20) 41 pts Best Visitor Ivan Brown (8) 38 pts

Men’s Singles Sunday 29th August Overall Richard Needham (16) 39 pts Division 1 Paul Cunningham (12) 37 pts Gross Patrick O’Hara (0) 35 pts Division 2 Patrick Parle Jnr (18) 37 pts Lotto Results Thursday 2nd September A Big Win for David Holden with the winning numbers of 23,19 and 2 proving successful to net him the tidy sum of €2,250 for his €2 investment. Match 2 winners of €30 Caroline Healy, Willi Hartley, Eugene Buckley, Michael O’ Mahony, Ann O’ Brien Your Continued Support of our lotto is much appreciated

The Star Hurley The first Star Hurley was crafted by Ramie Dowling in 1963. Ramie initially learned his craft with his father-in-law, renowned Kilkenny hurley-maker Tom Neary who first made hurls in 1908. Since 1963 many wellknown club and intercounty hurlers throughout Ireland and further

afield have used The Star Hurl. Following Ramie’s retirement his sons Brian continued

to make hurls in the well-known workshop in Patrick Street in Kilkenny City, initially with his brother Tom before Brian’s son Mark joined him in the business. Brian is wellknown for the attention to detail he puts into each hurl he makes. Ramie’s grandson’s David and Stephen have taken over the business since 2020 becoming the 3rd generation of Dowling’s to engage in the ancient craft of hurleymaking. David and Stephen began making hurls in 2002. Today each hurl is finished as Ramie would have in 1963 using hand planes and spokeshaves, some of which were used by Ramie himself.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

Motors Classifieds

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Classifieds Motors

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

Glass & Glazing Services Window + Door Repairs Units, Hinges, Locks Repaired or Replaced Mirrors Cut Toughened Glass/Security Glass All Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

News

Memoriams/Miracle Planning notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Stacey and Tim Davies, hereby apply for Full Planning Permission to erect a new single storey private house, to form a new entrance to the public road, to provide new treatment plant and percolation area together with all associated site works to our lands at Ballygowney, Gathabawn, Co Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Michael Condon MRIAI, Architect, MRC Design Ltd – 1 City Wall, James Street, Kilkenny Ph. 087 2032869

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael Maher intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a dormer type dwelling house, garage, new entrance, private bore well, septic tank and percolation area and all associated site development works at Raheen, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Chris Dunne intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain as follows: 1. extension to the rear of existing dwelling house, 2. two domestic storage sheds and all associated site works at Dunbell Big, Maddoxtown, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

The Kilkenny Observer are delighted to announce that we are now an approved newspaper to publish planning applications covering the entire county of Kilkenny.

– Approved by Kilkenny County Council – CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE IN THE KILKENNY OBSERVER IN MEMORIAM DEATH NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCES

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. J.M

The Miracle Prayer

(never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. D.D

OFFICE AT UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET (Straight across from the Friary Church) CALL TO US AT THE OFFICE AT ANY TIME Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm (We are open during lunchtime) Bring the picture and the verse, we can scan the picture and return it to you while you are at the office. EMAIL TO accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie Email the picture and the verse to us accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie and include your telephone number. We will call you to confirm and you can pay by card over the phone. BY PHONE 056 7771463 You can also place your notice by phone. We can take the verse from you over the phone and the picture can be sent by WhatsApp.

The Miracle Prayer

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.OS

PLEASE NOTE All pictures and verses will be held on file for future years

The Miracle Prayer

Deadline 5.00pm on Wednesdays for Friday’s newspaper

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 10 September 2021