Heritage Week 2023 at Kilkenny Library

Kilkenny County Council e ongoing success of the initiative has been built on free events being provided by a variety of providers locally by cultural organisations, community groups and individual. e Library’ Programme this year covers all three aspects of natural, cultural and built heritage. Main events include:

Library service is delighted to again participate in Heritage Week. Heritage Week showcases the diversity and depth of Ireland’s heritage assets in the built, natural and cultural heritage areas.

• Talk by historian Eoin Swithin Walsh looking back at the Decade of Centenaries period in Kilkenny in Loughboy Library

• Two guided walks highlighting Kilkenny’s Biodiversity originating in omastown and Loughboy Libraries. Participants will then record their ndings on the Library Citizen Science Kit.

• Recording Milk Churn Stands. ese were once a common feature of rural Ireland. Participants will learn how to record occurrences of these online.

• Kilkenny Recoloured’ Hand coloured postcards were very popular in the early 20th Century. A series of images from our postcard collection will be posted daily on the library social media channels during Heritage week.

• Our popular one-to-one Genealogy Masterclasses in Graiguenamanagh Library and the Local Studies’ Department continue this year, booking essential.

" e Library Service is as always delighted to host events in our libraries and virtually for Heritage Week and to highlight the breath and depth of Heritage in Kilkenny." says Executive Librarian, Declan Macauley, "Heritage Week is a great opportunity for the public to familiarise and participate in all aspects of Kilkenny’s rich heritage." He added.

You can access additional information as regards times of events, booking details and any additional events, where applicable etc. at www.kilkennylibrary.ie, or at https://www. heritageweek.ie/eventlistings welcome to select from this list or come up with their own ideas.

Funding for our lectures is supplied by Creative Ireland the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative.

Participants are being encouraged to highlight the signi cance of horticulture and pollinators in our lives and ecosystems. Whether capturing mesmerising shots of blooming owers, showcasing innovative sustainable gardening techniques, or emphasising the crucial role of pollinators in sustaining life, this is an opportunity for our young people to take the chance to inspire audiences with their unique perspectives. e #WeLoveHort video competition o ers fantastic rewards for outstanding entries. ere are vouchers and horticulture-themed prizes for rst and runner-up individual and team entries in primary and post-primary categories. e competition also o ers additional prizes such as a prize for excellence in enhanced accessibility for diverse audiences, a best overall prize for a video with a food theme, and two prizes for the entries showing outstanding originality and creativity.

To enter the competition and to see a list of video ideas, participants should visit www.setu.ie/HortVideoCompetition where they will nd detailed guidelines for video submissions and other essential information.

Video entries can be submitted by parents and guardians, or by a school-based coordinator. All video entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of horticulture students, gardening experts and environmental enthusiasts.

Power as Chief Executive

Following a Special Meeting of the Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Laurence Power as the new Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council. is decision comes after careful consideration and acceptance of the recommendation provided by the Public Appointments Service.

Mr. Power brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the realm of Local Government, having served as the Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council for the last ve years. Prior to his tenure in Leitrim, he made signi cant contributions while working with Waterford City and County Council, amassing an impressive 22 years of experience in the eld. e recruitment process to identify the most qualied candidate for the role of Chief Executive has been conducted over the past few months by the Public Appointments Service.

"We are delighted to welcome Mr. Laurence Power as our new Chief Executive," said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael Doyle, “his extensive knowledge and experience in Local Government make him eminently quali ed for this signi cant position. Mr. Power's appointment marks an exciting chapter in the Council's journey as we work towards building a better future for the people of Kilkenny."

"We extend our gratitude to the Public Appointments Service for their invaluable contribution in selecting a candidate for this important role," said Mr. Tim Butler, Director of Services. e Elected Members and Sta of Kilkenny County Council would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work, commitment and dedication of Mr. Sean McKeown, who has served as the Interim Chief Executive.