Kilkenny Observer 11 July 2025

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House prices still rising

Property costs in Kilkenny have gone up by €3,750

Property prices in Kilkenny have risen by €3,750 during the quarter, according to the latest MyHome Property Price Report.

The report for Q2 2025, in association with Bank of Ireland, shows that the median asking price for a property in the county is now €250,000. This means prices have stayed flat com-

pared with this time last year.

Asking prices for a 3-bed semi-detached house in the county stayed steady over the quarter at €225,000. This means that prices in the segment have fallen by €10,000 compared to this time last year.

Meanwhile, the asking price for a 4-bed semidetached house in Kilkenny

also stayed steady over the quarter at €310,000. This price is down by €5,000 compared to this time last year.

There were 229 properties for sale in Kilkenny at the end of Q2 2025 – an increase of 7% over the quarter. The average time for a property to go sale agreed in the county after being placed up for sale

now stands at nearly five months.

The author of the report, Conall MacCoille, Chief Economist at Bank of Ireland, said: “Uncertainty following President Trump’s announcement of ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs hasn’t been sufficient to dent Ireland’s housing market. The aver-

age mortgage approval in May was up 6.7% on the year, while the typical residential transaction is being settled 7.5% above the original asking price.

“One in six properties is sold by 20% or more over asking price, indicating that competition for homes remains fierce,” he said.

One In Four, which deals with the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, has welcomed the Government’s move to formally approve a Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Child Sexual abuse in schools across Ireland from 1927 to 2013.

Deirdre Kenny, CEO of One In Four, said: “The scale of this Commission of Investigation reflects the thousands of lives affected and the deep impact on families and communities for generations. We recognise the complexity of the commission’s work and what it represents for survivors and for Irish society.”

Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin [picture inset], Galway hurler Joe Canning and Dublin footballer Stephen Cluxton were ranked among the most iconic GAA players with Mayo Ladies footballer Cora Staunton and Kilkenny Camogie player Katie Power [pictured] also featuring.

Over half (56%) of GAA fans claim that the excitement of being at the game and cheering on their side coupled with standing for the national anthem before throw-in are among their golden moments in the championship season. A further three quarters of fans (75%) say they feel a huge sense of pride and hope when they see their county team in action.

The findings are revealed in new research from Solgar.

Famine Walk next week

Full story Page 6

EU says Govts ‘have neglected the SE’

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

having the lowest regional economic growth since 2013 MEP Funchion said: “The current and previous Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments have failed to provide for the South East.

“The latest European Commission communication on the Irish economy shows that

John Ellis, Page 16

Abuse inquiry is welcomed

Katie and Henry top GAA icons

Sinn Féin Ireland South MEP Kathleen Funchion has pointed out the failure of successive governments to foster growth in the South East.

The recent publication of the European Commission 2025 Country Report for Ireland on the Irish economy shows the South East Region

“Another factor at play is loosening of the Central Bank mortgage lending rules. The average first-time-buyer borrowed 3.4 times their income in 2024, up from a 3.2 in 2022. This change has pushed up house prices by €15,000 to €20,000.”

quite clearly, Funchion said.

“By comparison to other regions the South East has seen the smallest year on year growth, of about 3% compared to the average of roughly 6.5%. This shows that the government is capable of creating the conditions for growth, they have just decid-

ed not to invest in the South East as one of these regions.”

She said it was long past the time for the Government to prioritise investment in regions that were increasingly at risk of falling behind.

While the Commission highlighted the solid growth and resilience of the Irish

economy, noting that public finances are in a strong headline position. In terms of current barriers to private and public investment, the report highlights infrastructure deficits, labour and skill shortages, and high costs of doing business as the main challenges.

The annual Famine Walk from the Workhouse in Callan to the Pauper Graveyard in Cherryfield takes place on Friday, July 18.

It starts from the Workhouse at 7.00 pm. Everybody is welcome.

There will be a short ceremony in Cherryfield.

Biofuels ‘from fraud supply’ The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has issued a stark warning following the release of the official 2024 biofuels data from the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA).

Biofuel imports linked to high fraud risk and unverifiable supply chains now dominate Ireland’s renewable fuel supply, displacing Irish-made fuels

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

News

Katelyn had the drive for top art win Domestic abuse law

Kilkenny student Katelyn O’Reilly, from Mother of Fair Love Special School, is one of the 12 Irish winners of Toyota Ireland’s annual Dream Car Art Contest. Katelyn was recognised for her outstanding entry named Katelyn Car in the Honorary Mentions category [pictured].

Toyota Ireland visited the school, coinciding with its annual art exhibition, to present Katelyn with her prize and certificate of achievement in front of her friends and family.

Mother of Fair Love is a special school for students with mild general learning disabilities, based in Kilkenny City and have served Co. Kilkenny since 1966. The school provides a tailored, individualised curriculum which supports the abilities of their students.

This year’s contest, which invited children aged 15 and under to share their visions for the cars of the future, saw hundreds of inspiring entries.

A popular theme among the submissions was space travel, showcasing the boundless imagination of Ireland’s young artists.

This year, nine winners were chosen across three age categories, with an additional three entries selected for the Honorary Mentions category.

Ireland is the only country with this special category, which recognises and celebrates the

achievements and resilience of children with additional needs.

Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs at Toyota Ireland, said: “When we heard Katelyn couldn’t travel to our Dublin ceremony, we were delighted to bring the celebration to Mother of Fair Love Special School in Kilkenny to roll out the Toyota red carpet and celebrate Katelyn’s entry.

“Toyota’s commitment to inclusivity is rooted in our brand promise to Build For A Better World and the belief that diverse perspectives and strengths lead to better societies for everyone.”

Mary Cody, Principal of Mother of Fair Love Special School, Kilkenny, said: “We were absolutely thrilled for Katelyn to be recognised by the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest as we have for many years, highlighted the significant and enabling role of art in education in general but in particular, in the education of our students with additional needs.

“It is fantastic to combine the Toyota presentation with our annual Art Exhibition, which showcases the abilities of our students, but also highlights what special schools strive for, for their students – Inclusion.” * Visit Toyota.ie to see more on the 18th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.

‘must get tougher’

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South Kathleen Funchion has urged the Government to allocate greater resources to domestic and gender-based violence services, following a parliamentary response revealing a further increase in domestic abuse calls to An Garda Síochána in the Kilkenny/Carlow/Waaterford area last year.

In 2024, there were 65,224 calls made to the Gardaí across the State, a 9% rise from the previous year.

Waterford/Kilkenny/Carlow had the most calls recorded in Ireland South (3,862), an increase of 13.8% from 2023.

MEP Funchion said: “We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this issue. More and more individuals, women in particular, now have to choose between homelessness and a place that is no longer safe.

“Women’s Aid say that at least one in four women in Ireland are subjected to some form of abuse from a current or former partner,” she said.

“This is not just a private matter but a public issue that requires a multifaceted approach to reduce its prevalence.”

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News

It’s those Golden Moments for the GAA fans Over half (56%) of GAA fans claim that the excitement of being at the game and cheering on their side coupled with standing for the national anthem before throw-in are among their golden moments in the championship season.

A further three quarters of fans (75%) say they feel a huge sense of pride and hope when

they see their county team in action.

The findings are revealed in new research from Solgar, official vitamin partner of the GAA/GPA and partner of the GAA Museum to mark the launch of its Golden Moments campaign which celebrates the passion, excitement, joy and uniqueness of Gaelic Games

and what it means for both fans and players alike..

Three in every 10 (32%) describing putting on the county colours as a match day golden moment, while a fifth (21%) enjoyed the ritual of finding their seat in the stand and settling in before throw-in. That sense of excitement and being part of the match day crowd

was strong among three in 10 (29%) of 18–24-year-olds but interestingly rose, even higher (50%) among those aged 44-54.

Over a quarter of the same cohort also claimed Jones Road on All-Ireland finals day as their match day golden moment.

The survey also showed the lengths GAA fans will go to

in support of their team, with over one in every ten (13%) decorating or painting the house in the county colours while one fifth combined, have either travelled across continents (13%) or cancelled their holiday plans (12%) to see their county in action. Interestingly, over one in every ten (11%) of 18–24-year-olds got a tattoo to

celebrate their team’s performance in the championship.

Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin, Galway hurler Joe Canning and Dublin footballer Stephen Cluxton were ranked among the most iconic GAA players with Mayo Ladies footballer Cora Staunton and Kilkenny Camogie player Katie Power also featuring.

Avoidable deaths due to cancer test delays Cancer test delays are causing avoidable deaths. That is the stark warning from the Irish Cancer Society today as it highlights new data showing delays in cancer tests and treatment across Ireland. The society is calling for increased investment in Budget 2026 in cancer staff, buildings and equipment to ensure target waiting times are met.

The new comprehensive data highlights shocking variation across the country in terms of accessing life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment on time.

It also spotlights deeply concerning delays for patients who have been referred for urgent breast and prostate tests.

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said: “Early treatment dramatically reduces your risk of dying from cancer. A person’s chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at Stage 1 than at Stage 4. That’s why the National Cancer Strategy set target waiting times for cancer tests and treatment.

Today’s figures highlight alarming failures to meet those targets in many cancer centres, due to shortages of staff, physical space, and equipment. They also reveal a shocking postcode lottery in Irish cancer care, with where you live determining how quickly you can access lifesaving tests and treatment.

“Research published in the British Medical Journal has found that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10%. So, there is no question that these delays are causing avoidable deaths.

“Ireland already has the

third highest rate of cancer mortality in Western Europe.

With the number of people getting cancer set to double by 2045, things will only get worse if Government doesn’t significantly increase investment in cancer staff, equipment, and buildings in Budget 2026,” she said.

The Society’s pre-Budget submission is backed by the Irish Society of Radiation Oncology, the Irish Society of Medical Oncology, the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy, and the Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology.

Some of the key gaps in staffing and infrastructure highlighted by the society include: • A shortage of various cancer care professionals, including GPs, nurses, radiologists, consultants, and radiation therapists.

• Failure to provide sufficient staffing for cancer services to avoid disruption for patients when staff are absent due to illness or family leave.

• Radiotherapy equipment with a useful life of 10 years that is now 17 years old and subject to significantly more downtime for maintenance and repairs as a result.

• No PET scanners in the public cancer centres in Galway, Waterford, or Limerick.

The Irish Cancer Society’s pre-Budget submission is calling on the Government to address these deficits by prioritising cancer infrastructure in the new National Development Plan and providing at least €20 million in new recurrent development funding for the National Cancer Strategy in Budget 2026.

German travel agents tee off ...

Eight travel agents from Derpart – one of Germany’s largest travel agency networks – and a popular German golf influencer called Hubertus Rahde (aka @readmygolf ) have been visiting Ireland, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The travel agents all specialise in selling golf holidays, so the aim of the visit is to familiarise them with some of our great golf courses, as well as our superb tourism offering,

so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic than ever about Ireland, when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here. Influencer Hubertus Rahde is sharing details of the visit with his 23,000 followers on Instagram.

The group had the opportunity to test their skills at Mount Juliet. Their itinerary also included Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval

Mile Museum, as well as Malzards Pub & Hurling Experience in Stoneyford.

Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Germany, said: “There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer firsthand, so we were delighted to invite these travel agents to Ireland, to experience some of our top courses for themselves. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents

will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2025 and beyond.” * Picture shows German travel agents at Malzards Pub & Hurling Experience in Stoneyford, with Adrian Cashin (front, left) and Garry Canavan (back, left), both Malzards Pub & Hurling Experience; and Mary Lyons, Tourism Ireland (back, fifth left).

A Borderless Romance in North Tipperary Live Art Ireland, in partnership with p(art)y Here and Now, has announced Convergence : A Borderless Romance 2025, a groundbreaking three-day festival taking place from August 8-10 in North Tipperary.

At its heart, Convergence embodies the concept of “A Borderless Romance” – a passionate love affair between artistic disciplines, cultures, and creative voices that transcends geographical, stylistic, and conceptual boundaries. This romance speaks to the intimate con-

nections formed when artists from different backgrounds come together to create something entirely new.

The festival’s philosophy embraces the idea that art, like love, knows no borders.

It celebrates the magnetic pull between diverse creative practices, the seductive dialogue between sound and movement, between tradition and innovation, between the local and the global. This borderless romance manifests in collaborative works that emerge

from the intersections of different artistic languages, creating hybrid forms that could only exist in such an open, boundary-dissolving environment.

Convergence invites artists and audiences to step beyond their comfort zones, to engage with unfamiliar forms of expression, and to allow themselves to be changed by the encounter.

The event aims to celebrate and promote diverse artistic talents from around the world, serving as a vital platform for artists to showcase

their innovative works and foster meaningful crosscultural exchange.

Curated by Deej Fabyc and Rachel MacManus, the festival’s curatorial vision represents artistic excellence from various corners of the globe, creating a truly borderless creative experience.

–*You can read more about Live Art Ireland and Convergence Festival here: https://www.live-art.ie/ about/ https://www.live-art.ie/ convergence/

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Celebrating the success of Wild Kilkenny: Discover, Learn, Protect, Record Biodiversity Training Course Course Participants with Mary and Pat Durkin representatives of Kilkenny’s BirdWatch Ireland Branch at Bishop Meadows Grassland Ecology Fieldtrip

Photography Credit: Vicky’s Photography Kilkenny County Council is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Wild Kilkenny: Discover, Learn, Protect, Record, a biodiversity training course in collaboration with the Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB).

Over the past five weeks,

participants have engaged in a comprehensive program designed to enhance their understanding of biodiversity and empower them as citizen scientists.

The course started during National Biodiversity Week and wrapped up with a celebration brunch last week after their final fieldtrip studying water quality of the River Dinin at the Castlecomer

Discovery Park. The course included a series of evening lectures that explored a wide range of topics, including the influence of geology on local landscapes, habitat classification, mapping and ecological connectivity and examining the extent of the biodiversity crisis and exploring current challenges and potential solutions.

Field sessions incorporated

a special evolutionary workshop in association with the National Reptile Zoo, a workshop on photography, a woodland field trip to Jenkinstown Wood and botanical surveys of the Bishop Meadows in Kilkenny City.

The class attended the recent Wild Bee Festival in Abbeyleix and attended a number of talks on topics such as grassland meadow management

organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre and Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

“We are incredibly proud of the participants and their dedication to learning about biodiversity,” said Siobhán O’Brien, Community Education Facilitator. “Their enthusiasm and commitment have been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing them apply their new skills in their communities.”

Bernadette Moloney, Biodiversity Officer with Kilkenny County Council, added, “The success of this course demonstrates the community’s strong interest in biodiversity. We are excited to see the positive impact these new citizen scientists will have on local conservation efforts.

It was brilliant to be able to connect with local experts who provided their knowledge in their areas of speciality.

Tasneem Khan from the SEA School Studio and Labs, James Hennessy from the National

Reptile Zoo, Geologist Niall McManus, Ecologist Dr Fiona MacGowan, Mags Morrissey and Ann Phelan of LAWPRO and Education Specialist Una Halpin all contributed to make the course a success”.

Participants have expressed their appreciation for the course, highlighting the engaging lectures, hands-on fieldwork and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Given the success of this inaugural course, KCETB and Kilkenny County Council with the assistance of Kilkenny’s Biodiversity Working Group will consider how to make the course an annual training offering.

This year’s course was supported by the KCETB under their community training division with additional funding assistance from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Biodiversity Action Fund and support was also provided by The Heritage Council.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Debate on assisted dying still very much alive Terminally ill people in England and Wales are to be given the right to an assisted death in a recent historic societal shift that will transform end-of-life care. MPs narrowly voted in favour of a private member’s Bill introduced by Labour’s Kim Leadbeater, which could become law within four years.

Her Bill, which passed by 314 to 291 votes, was lauded by campaigners as “a day for the history books, where facts have prevailed over fear”.

Being just across the water from us, the move renews the emotive debate here on euthanasia. So where exactly does Ireland stand on the issue?

The debate is ongoing with a Joint Committee on Assisted Dying, having completed work conducted over some years, published its report in October, 2024. The report is a 96-page script with 38 recommendations. The Dail voted to ‘note’ the report which con-

cluded that the Government should consider legislation to allow for assisted dying.

However, this vote (to ‘note’) does not change the law and any legislation would need to be passed by the Oireachtas and duly signed by the President.

Among the committee’s recommendations were those of “restricted access” to assisted dying, and safeguards against any coercion or suicide ideation.

Among those with concerns is Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae who says: “What is being suggested in this report is that in certain limited, certain circumstances, that you could assist somebody into the journey of death and that there would not be any legal penalty for it.

“It is a very serious move.”

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has expressed grave reservations about how such legislation could be worded to avoid any ambiguity or misunder-

standing or misinterpretation.

People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny says assisted dying should be a fundamental human right. “I boil it down to this: if somebody is in a position where theyʼre terminally ill and they do not want to go through a certain period of that illness, whether itʼs weeks, days, or even hours, they should have a fundamental human right to say ‘I want to end my life on my terms’ when theyʼre coming to the end of their life.

“But not everybody will choose that situation.”

Kenny notes that in other countries, such as New Zealand and Australia, there are “safeguards; thereʼs oversight; thereʼs a legal framework of how somebody makes that request”.

Archbishop Of Armagh Eamon Martin says: “We are removing the idea that all life is precious and that has implications for vulnerable people at all stages in their lives.

“If assisted dying then begins to be extended to people with mental health issues, people who are disabled, [like] where in some countries itʼs no longer even necessary for a person to be ill in order to look for assisted suicide or assisted dying.”

Many in favour of euthana-

“Getting rid of your aged granny ‘cos you want her house on that hill...

sia repeatedly say that religion should “stay out” of the debate.

It’s all a very emotive and divisive issue.

The emotional debate in London’s Parliament was dominated by pleas from opponents of the Bill for stricter safeguards against coercion by abusers, concern from disabled people and warnings about the fundamental change in the power of the State when granted new rights over life and death.

There are those blinkered by the idea that favouring assisted dying is about toppling old people over the hill, getting rid of your aged granny ‘cos you want her house on that hill.

That is not what it is about. It is about the right of someone who is terminally ill and facing excruciating and unimaginable pain and “being of sound mind” to decide his or her time of going. Ethically, we should have the right to

control our own body and the State should not have laws that prevent those who wish to choose when and how they die from doing so.

My late father-in-law lived with Alzheimer’s disease the latter years of his life. He was gone from us long before he gave up the ghost. There were times when I visited him in hospital, alone, those times I wanted to place a pillow over the face of this man, now unknowing, catatonic. And let him slip away. Quietly, and with his dignity just about in tact.

Earlier this year, The Netherlands made several changes to its euthanasia laws, primarily focusing on access for terminally ill children who are “suffering unbearably” and also clarifying the position on people with advanced dementia.

One wonders who makes that decision on their behalf.

What now for “one’s own volition”?

Sinn Féin pushes to cut student fees

BY NATASHA NEWSOME DRENNAN TD

Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan has strongly criticised the government's proposal to increase college fees by €1,000, calling it a "betrayal" that students and their families will not forget. She argued that the decision to raise fees during a cost-of-living crisis demonstrates how out of touch the government is with the real struggles facing young people and working families.

Deputy Newsome Drennan made her remarks in advance of a Sinn Féin Dáil motion this week, which seeks to reduce third-level education fees immediately, with the longerterm goal of abolishing them entirely. The motion is part of Sinn Féin’s broader vision for a fairer, more accessible education system.

The move will coincide with a major protest outside Leinster House, where students, parents, and opposition parties are

expected to gather in joint opposition to the fee hike.

Sinn Féin says the protest reflects the growing frustration among young people who feel abandoned by a government that continues to impose financial barriers to education.

Newsome Drennan emphasized that education should be a right, not a privilege, and that increasing fees will only deepen inequality. She urged all TDs to support the motion and stand up for students across the country.

Teachta Newsome Drennan said: “There is a cost-of-living crisis raging and instead of helping students and parents the government is adding fuel to the fire.

“Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless, sent real fear through households last Sunday when he said fees would go up by €1,000 because there was no cost-of-living package in this year’s budget.

“This was the last thing students and their parents needed or expected to hear.

“Promises had been made,

not only in the election campaign, but in black and white in the programme for government.

“Students and parents across have made decisions based on the commitment that fees would not go up.

“This is a sucker punch to families that have simply not planned or budgeted for an extra €1,000 for every student.

“This will impact over 90,000 students across the state, and for many will mean the difference between going to college or not. ‘’I heard from so many students over the past week, who are extremely worried about this hike in fee’s, including so many student Nurses studying in South East Technological University Waterford who explained they can’t just take up a part time job as their course requires clinical placement.

“We have the financial resources, and it makes economic sense to invest in your people.

“The government needs to turn around and go in the opposite direction on college fees. They should be reducing fees like they promised.”

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Historian Helena and Our Lady of Thomastown Helena B Scott is a published writer and historian, and public history & cultural heritage MA candidate at the University of Limerick.

Her last published work was on Ireland's most haunted house: Loftus Hall (Loftus The Hall of Dreams).

She is now researching a communitybased project for

her MA dissertation on the legacy of the Knights Templar in Ireland, exploring some of their overlooked aspects but also making use of digital tools to show-

case her research and to help these sites attract local interest as well as help locals connect with them.

Helena is reaching out to our readers for public engagement, in particular the people of

Thomastown.

Her MA dissertation requires public engagement for her dissertation, which also includes some archaeological discoveries notified to Monuments Service The sites Helena is featuring in her dissertation are Kilbarry Templar Preceptory and Cemetery in Wa-

terford City and Our Lady of Thomastown, the medieval Spanish madonna whose unique story Helena's has traced.

Helena will be releasing her research publicly at the end of August/September.

She will also be publishing a book solely on Our Lady of Thomastown.

*To see Helena's website research call here https:// www.helenabs cott.com/ maresearch.

And also as recently shared by iCAN visit https ://www.ouririshheritage.org/content/ archive/topics/s eekingparticipants-for-templarresearch-study

Ursula von der Leyen’s position 'is untenable' Sinn Féin MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Lynn Boylan will be voting to censure Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament, as they say it has become increasingly clear that Ursula von der Leyen, and her commission "cannot be trusted to act in the best interest of people across Europe".

MEP Funchion said: “In July 2024 we voted against Ursula von Der Leyen becoming President of the EU Commission. I didn’t have confidence in her then, and I certainly do not have confidence in her now.

“Her failure to act in the face of the genocide unfolding in Palestine is indefensible. While Gaza burns, she continues to take phone calls from Benjamin Netanyahu. This is just one example of her disturbing alignment with those enabling mass human rights violations,"she said.

“The European Union is Israel’s largest trading partner.

The EU-Israel trade agreement should have been suspended long ago, yet von der Leyen has remained silent.

She doesn’t speak for the millions of Europeans who recognise what’s happening in Gaza is genocide. She is complicit in violations of human rights and international law.

"The issue raised in the censure motion around the Pfizergate scandal is a prime example of the lack of transparency of this Commission.

The former Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly previously criticised the lack of transparency in the Commission and the role of Ursula von der Leyen in creating a culture where power is highly centralised and the

Commission's work is done in an opaque manner," Funchion said.

“I will be voting no confidence in her this week. A vote for von Der Leyen is a vote to continue giving political cover to war crimes.”

MEP Boylan said: “Both Kathleen Funchion MEP and I will be voting to censure Ursula von der Leyen. The recent ‘Pfizergate’ scandal is the latest in a litany of actions by Von der Leyen and her commission, and shows that they cannot be trusted to act in the interest of workers and families across Europe.

“They have given political cover to Israel’s genocide at every step, actively violating international law by doing so. They have refused to pass sanctions or suspend trade with Israel, despite clear legal grounds to do so," she said.

Rather than protecting our environment, they were pursuing a reckless deregulation agenda and rotten trade deals that would hurt the climate, and small local businesses at the expense of big corporations.

“Her commission has also put a focus on militarising the EU, breaking many of their own rules in the process, even offering up development funding to bankroll arms companies.

“I will gladly vote to censure Ursula von der leyen and her Commission which has done so much damage to the reputation of the EU, at the behest of serving big businesses and the rogue state of Israel, rather than ordinary families and communities who are left to bare the consequences of this commissions actions," Boylan said.

And baby came too...

Last weekend Wicklow’s Russborough House was transformed into Ireland’s largest summer family festival as Kaleidoscope presented by Glenveagh celebrated its fifth birthday with the highest number of attendees to date.

Thousands of festivalgoers of all ages from across Ireland descended into Blessington for the three day family festival, with campers and day trippers treated to over 40 hours of live music performances from global

stars and homegrown talent, hands-on family activities and shows and much more across 15 festival areas and stages.

Weekend headliners including the legendary Scottish band Texas, Birmingham rock band Ocean Colour Scene and homegrown favourites The Coronas drew packed crowds to the main stage each evening, while Allie Sherlock, The Riptide Movement, Hermitage Green, and The Jerry Fish Electric

Sideshow added to the star power throughout the three day festival. In true birthday spirit, Jerry Fish led the crowd in a full festival singalong of “Happy Birthday” to mark the milestone moment on Sunday afternoon.

In its fifth year, the family music festival fully embraced its house party theme, as music lovers of all ages danced through the decades to disco anthems, throwback hits, supersized trad sessions and stunning tribute performances.

The Zozimus music stage became the festival’s dancefloor all weekend long, with sequinned crowds singing at the top of their lungs to ABBAesque, grooving to the Daft Punk Tribute, and head-banging with The Year Grunge Broke. DJ Kelly-Anne Byrne and Love Sensation lit up the evening with disco-charged sets, while These Charming Men and The Irish House Party brought classic indie rock and trad energy into the mix.

Concern over 17% rise in injury awards Allianz Ireland has expressed serious concerns about proposals to increase personal injury awards by almost 17%, as outlined in a memo set to go before Cabinet. The insurer warns that such a move risks reversing the affordability gains achieved through the introduction of the Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines in 2021.

Recent figures from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) show that the median award value in H2 2024 was €13,000

— a 29% reduction compared with 2020. While this still represents a 12% increase on 2023, the long-term trend had been towards moderation.

Allianz believes the proposed changes will increase the average award value further, putting upward pressure on motor and liability insurance costs for Irish consumers and businesses.

Soft tissue injuries — commonly referred to as whiplash — remain a significant cost driver. In H1 2024, neck and

back injuries accounted for 46% of all IRB awards, with 88% deemed minor in severity. By comparison, England and Wales has implemented a fixed tariff system for whiplash and soft tissue injuries, with average payouts substantially lower. For example: • A whiplash injury of up to 6 months receives between £275 - £565 in England and Wales versus €500–€3,000 in Ireland • A 12–24 month whiplash injury receives between £2,335 - £4,830 England and Wales

compared to €6,000–€12,000 in Ireland • The proportion of claimants with a recovery within 6 months in England and Wales is 63.4%* versus only 21.6%** in Ireland further contributing to the significant difference in average award levels.

Allianz Ireland is calling for urgent consideration of a fixed tariff approach for soft tissue injuries and a refreshed benchmarking exercise to compare Ireland’s award levels with those in the UK and EU.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Beating the sky-high cost of social homes Last month the plug was pulled on Government contracts for building social homes due to value for money concerns. And the price involved? One million euro a unit – they couldn’t be serious! But they were: plans for 500 social homes in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Sligo were paused due to the cost and plans for a total of 3,000 social homes which were to be delivered under a public/private partnership (PPP) scheme.

That six figure sum sent me off in a fantasy about escaping the second dearest country in Europe and buying a picture postcard home in an attractive part of France – say Brittany or the Dordogne for under €200,000 – before asking what was involved in that jawdropping figure.

It’s not only the cost of building a unit but for items like finance and management

spread over a period of time.

“It’s a bit like buying a house on a credit card,” explains Orla Hegarty, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, UCD. ”These types of contracts were a mechanism to keep the spending off the government balance sheet as they don’t count as capital spending.

“The cost is not in bricks and mortar, but rather in the investor carrying risk of management, maintenance, high finance costs and profit. This is very poor value for money and unnecessary.

“In the UK the government has been buying back (called PFI in UK) these types of contracts because of high costs and other failures.”

The model has also been criticised by the European Court of Auditors for “widespread shortcomings and limited benefits”.

Aside from the impact of

using a PPP scheme for delivery, the cost of building homes is still significantly higher here than just across the border in the North or the rest of the UK. The cost of a three-bed semi-detached home is 29% higher in Dublin than in Birmingham, a joint survey by the ESRI and Shared Island Unit found.

Factors involved in the difference in price include higher building standards here, larger units and higher wages.

The survey also found that planning delays could add an extra €20,000 to costs.

How was it then, that when Ireland was still relatively poor council or social houses were built in their thousands?

For instance, between 1932 and 1948 Housing Architect for Dublin City Herbert Simms oversaw the building of apartments and cottage estates amounting to 17,000 social housing units. The difference then – apart from

lower costs – was that social housing was the responsibility of local councils and the work was carried out by builders.

Now the picture has changed and between 70% and 80% of social housing is provided by the private sector where developers are con-

“€600,000 to buy a new threebedroom home...

tracted by the State or units are acquired from them while local authorities or housing bodies provide just 20% of such housing.

A million euro does seem inordinately expensive and is double the cost of social housing provided through PPP in 2020. The Department of Housing are now working with local authorities and others to look at an alternative to the PPP model for delivery of the 500 social homes. They are also reviewing future social housing projects to consider the best options for procurement and delivery.

Clearly using the public private partnership model doesn’t offer value for money, nor does delivery via developers – if that could be avoided. Consider it costs over €600,000 to buy a new three-bedroom home in Dublin from a developer. The point about developers is

Ageing gracefully

that they make their money on land they have acquired speculatively. Go the old fashion route that we would employ if building a home privately using an architect and builder and the cost could be a third or half that of a developer home depending on location.

“The best value for money is just to contract builders to build, as happens in schools, roads, hospitals and other government building projects,” says Orla Hegarty.

Maybe it’s time for a back to the future approach and to take a leaf from Herbert Simms’ book, and to build more of the local authority Affordable Purchase Homes in addition to the 3,100 approved to date.

It’s time to find more ways to remove that gap between building costs and affordability which is driving young people who want homes out of the country. would be B vitamins, Omega Oils, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3, K2. This combination may help maintain healthy bone health, cognitive function, cardiovascular health and digestion. A healthy diet and lifestyle alongside some supplements may also help to reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

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These small changes could make a difference, here’s hoping that we all age naturally and gracefully!

them what do they put this down to. A common answer is Cod Liver Oil, three straight CLAIR meals a day, good sleep and WHITTY to take it easy. Some just shrug their shoulders and smile. Include foods that conHealthy ageing is something tain magnesium in your diet, that I often get asked about. this is an important mineral Most of us, including myself, to aid relaxation, support think about how our skin muscle health and may also and hair looks. Aching joints, slow chronic inflammation. tiredness, changes in gut Overall, the common theme health, or sluggish memory is a healthy diet, good qualare also reminders to us that ity sleep, relaxation, getting we are ageing. So, is there some fresh air and gentle anything that we can do movement. to slow the ageing process We know that there may or at least have a healthier not be all the nutrients in our journey. food like there used to be.

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News

Kilkenny County Council launches third round of the Night Time Economy Diversification funding scheme After two successful funding calls, Kilkenny County Council is once again seeking proposals from local businesses, community groups, event organisers, collaborators, and individuals to develop projects that continue to support the growth and diversity of the night time economy in Kilkenny City. The first two rounds of the scheme in 2024 were very successful with over 40 businesses and organisations funded to host more than 150 events.

Call 3 will support events that take place in Kilkenny City between Sundays and Thursdays after 6pm during September, October & November.

Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr John Coonan, remarked, “We are over 20 months into the night time economy pilot and some of the initiatives like Café Lates and Six After 6 along with this funding scheme are incentivising businesses and organisations to enhance their offering to tourists and residents alike.

It is very important that we continue to support and grow our nighttime economy and ensure that we encourage

more people to visit our city after 6pm.”

Night Time Economy Advisor for Kilkenny City, Conor Sweeney said that Call 3 is about bringing new ideas forward that can become a feature of Kilkenny’s nightlife in the future; “The previous two funding calls and the success of the events we supported demonstrated the demand that is out there from people to try something new and different when presented with the opportunity. This funding call encourages applicants to think outside the box and if their event captures the imagination of the public, it has the potential to be sustainable in the longer term.”

Note: A minimum of two events must take place

between the 7th of September and 23rd of November. If you have been a successful recipient of funding under Call 1 or Call 2, your proposal for Call 3 must be new and distinct from previous application(s). A minimum grant of €500 and a maximum grant of €2,000 will be available to successful applicants.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 8th August. All events supported under the Night Time Economy Diversification fund will be listed on The Kilkenny App. Further details can be found at https://www. localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny/ Enterprise-Development/ Night-Time-Economy/

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

News Nearly half of all families in Ireland are being forced to go without or cut down on basic essentials, according to a new report by children’s charity Barnardos The Cost-of-Living Report for 2025 found nearly one in five families cut back on or went without heating (18%) and electricity (17%) over the last six months.

One-third of parents (32%) went into arrears on energy bills due to insufficient income.

More than a quarter (28%) of those surveyed felt at some point they did not have enough food to feed their children.

And four out of 10 parents said they skipped meals or reduced their portions to make sure their children had enough to eat.

One-fifth of people with children said they had to cut back or go without food.

More than half (52%) said they cut back or went without a social activity.

Just over four in 10 people said they cut down on or went without clothing.

The survey of 1,000 adults with children under the age of 18, was carried out by Amárach Research on behalf of Bernardo’s.

One parent told the survey they had to turn the heating down in their house to reduce the bill, forcing their children to sleep with extra blankets and wear extra layers around the house.

“There’s not much left for any pleasures in life. It’s grim and not getting any better,” one parent said.

Another parent told the survey: “My children are now aware of our financial difficulties and it is impacting their mental health.

“We’ve had to downsize cars, insurance, get rid of medical insurance, visit food banks and stop afterschool activities.”

Barnardos Chief Executive Suzanne Connolly said: “The statistics in this report show that parents and children across the country are still going without or having to cut

‘There’s not much left for any pleasures in life ...’

Nearly half of all families forced to go without or cut down on the basic essentials back on basic essentials, reflecting the experience across our services.

“Parents on the lowest incomes are really struggling, as well as those just outside the threshold for welfare supports.

“They are continuing to try everything to give their children the necessities for a decent quality childhood, but

unfortunately at times failing.”

The vast majority of parents (78%) said cost-of-living problems negatively affected their children.

Barnardos has made three recommendations, including raising the qualified child allowance, renamed the child support payment, in line with inflation.

This would see the payment

rise by €6 a week for children under 12, and by €15 a week for children aged 12 and over, in the next Budget.

It also recommended increasing the income disregard for one-parent f­ amily payments, allowing people to retain more income and protect children who are at a higher risk of going without essentials. The first €165 of

weekly earnings are currently disregarded in the means test for one-parent family payments.

Barnardos also called for financially vulnerable families using prepaid meters to be placed on the lowest tariffs, and for the fuel allowance to be extended to families getting the working family payment.

“At an absolute minimum

every child in Ireland should live in homes with adequate heating and electricity, sufficient nutritious food and appropriate clothing, as well as opportunity to engage in sporting and cultural activities,” Ms Connolly said.

“Parents should not be at risk of constant financial distress in order to provide their children with these essentials.”

Health cover set for further rises ... and benefit cuts The cost of health insurance is about to take another hike in annual premiums and with benefit reductions.

Irish Life Health is increasing the cost of 10 plans. It is the fourth time the insurer has announced price rises in the last year.

Laya Healthcare is ending its free cover offer for the second and subsequent child under 18, from this month.

VHI Healthcare is also increasing the cost of one of its corporate plans from this month.

Dermot Goode of TotalHealthCover.ie said: “There seems to be no respite from the price rises. They are relentless.

“Consumers need to brace

themselves for ongoing, incremental increases from all health insurers.”

But he added insurers are conscious that affordability is becoming a major issue so are increasingly launching

new, more affordable plans to stop customers switching to rivals.

The latest moves come after it was revealed that health insurers are now persistently engaged in slashing

the benefits at the same time as they push through huge premium hikes.

All four health insurers are said to now be engaged in this move.

There has been a string of

­ remium hikes from VHI p Healthcare, Laya Health, Irish Life Health and Level Health in the past few months.

Last month the regulator, the Health Insurance Authority (HIA), said the premium hikes in the last year meant the average cost of a plan is now close to €2,000.

This is an increase of almost €200 compared with the average price for last year, the HIA said.

Health insurers say there has been a surge in claims, especially in private hospitals, forcing them to increase costs and restrict benefits.

VHI Healthcare has increased the cost of one of its PMI (private medical insur-

ance) 0110 corporate plans from July 1.

The plan will increase from €2,109 to €2,270 an adult, a rise of €161 or 7.6%.

Irish Life Health said the price ­rises on 10 of its plans will result in an average increase of 1pc on the gross adult premium.

The price changes apply for new customers from July 1, and to existing customers whose policy renews on or after that date.

Laya Healthcare said it regularly reviews its products and prices for its 710,000plus members.

It has just introduced two new plans, AccessHealth and AccessCare, which it said would be among the best-value on the market.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

How housing plan delay causes concern Ireland’s housing market is under strain with property prices rising 7% in the three months to June 2025 driven by a continual shortage of homes. According to MyHome.ie the average asking price reached €395,000 nationally with Dublin sellers seeking €495,000 and regional prices hitting €340,000.

The report, authored by Bank of Ireland chief economist Conall Mac Coille, describes a “very tight” market where demand far outstrips supply pushing buyers to pay 7.5% above asking prices on average.

The supply crisis is bleak.

MyHome.ie reported just 12,563 properties listed for sale at the end of June, a marginal 1% increase from 2024.

Mac Coille estimates that Ireland needs 50,000 to 60,000 new homes annually to address the shortage, but current construction falls short of this mark. Declining private investment particu-

larly in Dublin’s apartment sector worsens the issue.

High building costs and stringent design standards make apartment development less workable with developers citing Europe’s highest construction costs as a barrier.

Despite the supply crisis

sales are rising. The Property Price Register shows 22,000 homes sold this year, up 2%, at an average price of €445,000. However, this demand fuels competition and with recent easing of bank lending rules has added €15,000 to €20,000 to prices

further pricing out first-time buyers. Rents averaging €1,670 monthly rose 5.2% in the year to May compounding affordability woes.

Meanwhile Daft.ie reported a 12.3% price hike and Sherry FitzGerald noted a 43,000home drop in rental stock

over five years, underscoring the crisis’s depth.

Public frustration is mounting. Last week the Community Action Tenants’ Union led a large protest in Dublin, “decrying homeownership as completely inaccessible.”

Demonstrators backed by over 80 organisations urged Government action.

The Government is responding with new measures.

Minister for Housing James Browne plans to relax apartment design standards reducing minimum floor areas and easing requirements for features like balconies. These changes, expected to be approved this week aim to cut construction costs by €50,000 to €100,000 per unit making apartments more affordable.

Browne, emphasising private sector involvement, told RTÉ recently that Ireland has been “way too cautious” about attracting investment.

A new housing plan replacing the earlier Housing for All

strategy is scheduled for the autumn, delayed by the need to align with the National Development Plan’s funding review.

However, opposition voices like Sinn Féin’s Eoin Ó Broin criticize the apartment rule changes as “utter madness,” arguing they will inflate land values without addressing viability. The delay in the housing plan’s release, potentially until September, has also drawn concern echoing past government delays criticised by the opposition.

Ireland’s housing crisis demands urgent action.

While new policies aim to boost supply, balancing affordability, construction costs and private investment is still a challenge. Without swift effective measures the dream of homeownership will slip further from the reach of many. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

News Science & Wellbeing An international team of researchers may have just cracked the code for what makes someone “cool.”

And no matter where you live, the personality traits that make someone “cool” appear to be consistent across countries, according to the study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology.

The researchers found that, compared with people considered to be “good” or “favourable,” those considered “cool” are perceived to be more extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open and autonomous.

“The most surprising thing was seeing that the same attributes emerge in every country,” said Todd Pezzuti, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile who was a co-lead researcher on the study.

“Regardless of whether it’s China or Korea or Chile or the US, people like people who are pushing boundaries and sparking change,” he said.

“So I would say that coolness really represents something more fundamental than the actual label of coolness.”

The researchers – from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, the University of Arizona and the University of Georgia – conducted experiments from 2018 to 2022 with nearly 6,000 people across a dozen countries: Australia, Chile, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and the US. The participants were asked to think of a person in their lives whom they perceive to be “cool,” “uncool,” “good” or “not good.” They were then asked to rate that person’s personality using two scales: the Big Five Personality scale, a widely used scientific model that helps describe personality traits, and the Portrait Values Questionnaire, intended to measure an individual’s basic values.

The study participants con-

What it takes to be cool these days

sistently associated being calm, conscientious, universalistic, agreeable, warm, secure, traditional and conforming with being a good person, more than with being

a cool person. Being capable was considered to be both “cool” and “good” but not distinctly either.

But the formula for being “cool” was having the six

character traits – more extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open and autonomous – no matter the person’s age, gender or education level.

Pezzuti doesn’t think these “cool” traits are something that can be taught. “We’re born with those attributes,” he said. “Five of those attributes are personality traits,

and personality traits tend to be fairly stable.”

The research showed that cool people and good people are not the same. However, there may be some overlapping traits, said co-lead researcher Caleb Warren, an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Arizona.

“To be seen as cool, someone usually needs to be somewhat likeable or admirable, which makes them similar to good people,” Warren said in a news release.

“However, cool people often have other traits that aren’t necessarily considered ‘good’ in a moral sense, like being hedonistic and powerful.”

A limitation of the research was that only people who understood what “cool” means were included in the study.

Pezzuti said it would be interesting – but difficult – to determine whether the findings would be similar among more traditional cultures or remote groups of people who may be less familiar with the term.

“The new paper is one of the few empirical studies that examines what exactly makes people “cool,” said Jonah Berger, an Associate professor of Marketing at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

“While people have long wondered (and theorised) about what makes people cool, there hasn’t been a lot of actual empirical research on the topic, so it’s great to see work exploring this space,” said Berger, who was not involved in the new paper.

“While coolness might seem like something you are born with, there are certainly steps people can take to try and move in that direction,” he said.

“Given how many people want to be cool, and how much money is spent with that goal in mind, it certainly seems worth studying.”

The health dangers of processed meat Processed meat has already been linked to dementia, diabetes, and cancer, but how much of it counts as a ‘safe’ level of consumption?

According to new research, there’s no such thing.

US researchers reviewed more than 70 previous studies (involving several million participants in total), analysing the relationships between ultraprocessed food and three health issues: type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and colorectal cancer.

Associations for processed meat, sugarsweetened beverages, and trans fatty acids were looked into, and it was the

processed meat that came out with the worst results – even if the amount eaten is only small.

“The monotonic increases in health risk with increased consumption of processed meat suggest that there is not a ‘safe’

amount of processed meat consumption with respect to diabetes or colorectal cancer risk,” the team from the University of Washington in Seattle writes in their published paper.

It’s important to put the research into context. The

associations found are relatively weak, they don’t prove direct cause and effect, and the analysed studies relied on self-reported dietary habits (which may not be completely accurate).

However, the study has several strengths too – it uses a Burden of Proof method, which is more conservative when assessing impacts on health. The results tend to be minimum values, which means they likely underestimate the true health risk.

The researchers charted processed meat consumption against health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.

What’s particularly no-

table here is that minimal increases in consumption still raised risk levels.

“Habitual consumption of even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fatty acids is linked to increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer,” University of Washington nutrition biologist Demewoz Haile told CNN. For example, the equivalent of one hot dog a day was associated with at least an 11% greater risk of type 2 diabetes, and at least a 7% greater risk of colorectal cancer, compared to eating no processed meat at all.

For beverages, an extra

can of sugar-sweetened lemonade a day was linked to a 8% greater risk of type 2 diabetes, and a greater risk of ischemic heart disease, compared to not drinking anything sugary.

For trans fatty acids, a small daily amount was associated with a 3% increase in risk of ischemic heart disease, compared with zero consumption.

“This information provides critical data for public health specialists and policymakers responsible for dietary guidelines.

“The information also offers potential initiatives that aim to reduce the consumption of these processed foods,” write the researchers.

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Travel & Leisure Westport Estate, a premier destination for outdoor adventure, wellness, and heritage in Ireland, is inviting visitors to enjoy a summer full of experiences.

From high-energy exploration to peaceful moments of relaxation.

Whether you’re reuniting with friends for a longoverdue girls’ weekend, making memories on a playful family escape, slipping away for a romantic couple’s retreat, or simply taking time for yourself, Westport Estate offers a place to slow down and reconnect. It’s where you can breathe deeply, move at your own pace, and rediscover the joy of being together.

Set across 430 acres of woodlands, heritage gardens, scenic trails, and historic grounds, Westport Estate blends natural beauty with joyful adventure and space to unwind – whether you’re here for the day or staying for a while.

For those looking to linger a little longer, the Estate offers glamping in stylish, fully furnished bell tents an ideal base for families, friends, or couples.

Traditional camping and caravan options are also available, inviting you to immerse yourself in nature – without sacrificing comfort.

This summer brings two exciting experiences to Westport Estate: a new Outdoor Wellness Experience and an expanded Discovery Zone at Westport Adventure.

Launching later this month, the new Outdoor Wellness Experience is nestled in a tranquil corner of the estate, inviting you to relax, reset, and reconnect with nature. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and stillness, the space features an eight-seater Finnishstyle wood-fired sauna, a six-seater outdoor hot tub, two invigorating ice baths with a chiller and filtration system, and a pair of refreshing bucket showers suspended from the surrounding trees. Whether you’re winding down after a day of adventure or seeking a moment of calm, it’s a sanctuary for both body and mind.

Nearby, the reimagined

Westport Estate

A summer of wellness and play

Discovery Zone as part of Westport Adventure, suitable for children aged one to four, brings sensory and physical play together in a safe and inspiring outdoor setting. It’s a space designed to delight younger explorers while giving parents a rare and welcomed moment to take a breath.

From adrenaline-filled fun at Westport Adventure, to guided tours of Westport House, peaceful forest walks, glamping under the stars, and casual bites at Grace’s Pizzeria, Bar & Bistro, the Estate is a place where memories are made all

summer long.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Westport Town and set on the shores of Clew Bay, with Croagh Patrick and the Wild Atlantic Way close by, Westport Estate is perfectly placed for those looking to experience the very best of Mayo.

Looking ahead, Westport Estate will welcome The Grace, an elevated new hotel experience set to open in Spring 2026. Thoughtfully designed to embody timeless elegance and effortless luxury, The Grace will redefine the art of escape in the West of Ireland. Nestled

within the historic estate and surrounded by natural beauty, this exclusive retreat will offer an unparalleled stay experience – where sophistication, serenity, and a deep sense of place come together seamlessly.

• For booking details and opening hours, please visit social channels - @westportestate @ westportadventure • The price for the experience is €20 a person an hour. A private experience, which can accommodate up to eight people, is €90 an hour.

The Gateway to the West Just minutes from Westport Town and nestled along the shores of Clew Bay, Westport Estate is the perfect base for exploring the very best of Co. Mayo.

From here, you can easily access the iconic Croagh Patrick and the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way. The renowned Great Western Greenway, a scenic, off-road cycling and walking trail winds its way from Westport to Achill Island, offering a unique way to experience Ireland’s Atlantic coast.

Along the route, discover Keem Bay, voted one of the world’s top beaches, and Clare Island, once home to the legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley. Whether you’re after coastal adventures, invigorating hikes, or peaceful island retreats, Westport Estate places it all right on your doorstep.

Rioja, Spain crowned Top Wine Tasting Destination Rioja, Spain has just been crowned the Top Wine Tasting Destination in Europe for 2025, and it’s not hard to see why.

The team at Quotezone put together their Vineyard Mini-Break Index by diving into the details that matter most for wine tourists, including winery tour costs, hotel prices, local weather, and international wine awards.

The result? Rioja poured

its way right to the top of the list.

Known as the largest wine region in Spain, Rioja boasts over 600 wineries and more than 65,000 hectares of vineyards. But beyond its sheer size, the region stands out for being surprisingly affordable.

The average winery tour will only set you back about €20 , and you can snag a very good bottle of wine for €25, making it a wine lover’s

paradise that doesn’t break the bank.

Most famous for its flavourful red wines made primarily from Tempranillo grapes, Rioja also showcases blends featuring Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano.

Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just in it for the cheese boards and beautiful views, you’re almost guaranteed to find a winery you’ll fall in love

with in one of Rioja’s 144 charming towns.

The Top 10 wine regions in Europe 1. Rioja, Spain 2. Piedmont, Italy 3. Tuscany, Italy 4. Bordeaux, France 5. Douro Valley, Portugal 6. Rhone Valley, France 7. Champagne, France 8. Burgundy, France 9. Tokaj, Hungary 10. Mosel, Germany

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Beer, bees & the joys of barbecuing!

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a barbecue, nothing quite like the whiff of charcoal wafting on the balmy summer air. And that’s it as far as I’m concerned. What do I mean – that’s it? I mean I like the smell of a barbecue. End of story.

Don’t ask me, or expect me, to actually barbecue. Don’t care if the sun is splitting the stones. I still won’t barbecue. I am not a barbecue man. Period. Okay, if the wife wants to barbecue so be it. I will gladly assist – I will carry chicken wings, burgers, sausages, steaks, whatever, from the fridge to the barbecue. I will even go so far as to light the damn coals. And, if needs be, I will supervise the barbecuing – while sipping a chilled beer, of course, and perusing the newspaper.

Other than that I will have no act or part in the process.

I will, of course, partake of

the edibles; I would not be so churlish as to let my good wife eat the food that she’s barbecued – on her own! My other issue with barbecuing is the fact that there are only two of us in the house. Our four children are scattered around the globe – Wales, Vietnam, Lisbon, Berlin (and probably barbecuing). Point is you

need people for a barbecue – a family, a group, a crowd even. Barbecuing for two is a waste of time. You really need company, big people, small people, as in kids, and maybe a family dog sniffing around and making a nuisance of itself. In short – barbecue equals party.

I have, of course, tried my

hand at barbecuing in the past, but the past is another country and one I have no intention of revisiting. What I will revisit, however, is what I said about barbecue back in the day, namely that the man who invented barbecues should be barbecued. Why? Because it’s the most frustrating method of cooking food that exists. It takes 10 minutes to fry a few burgers on your pan. It takes one solid hour to cook them on your barbecue.

Barbecues are bad news.

You need to be of a certain disposition to host a barbecue. Furthermore, you mustn’t be hungry. Being hungry at a barbecue is torture. Fresh air whets the appetite like nothing else I know. Except maybe a few cans of chilled beer. At barbecues you’ve got both: fresh air, chilled beer and coals that take a half-hour, or more, to warm up. During which time

your hunger is building up, and up, until you’re tempted to chew a raw sausage to ease the hunger pangs.

Now patience, as we all know, is a virtue but at barbecues it is an absolute necessity. You must be patient with meat that cooks perfectly to the north but remains red and raw to the south. You must be patient with victuals that slip through the grid and burn into a cinder before your eyes.

Your very hungry eyes.

Hunger aside something else that suffers at barbecues is sobriety. It’s a Catch 22 situation really. You’re starving but there’s nothing ready to eat, so you “quench” your hunger with a few beers.

And now you, the cook, the chef, the maitre d, is nicely sozzled while the food sizzles.

Furthermore, the guests are getting anxious. Actually it’s not so much anxiety as starvation. Some of them, you

notice, are salivating profusely, while others are gnawing the legs of the table.

Ah but finally we are ready to eat. Almost. The victuals are cooked but the salad has still to be served, the coleslaw rationed, the potatoes portioned and the wine opened.

By which time the guests are floothered, the kids agitated while every bee within a five mile radius has zoomed in for the kill. But here’s what makes barbecues such wonderful fun – we’re so hungry and inebriated we devour everything, and I mean everything (including the bees) with relish.

And to strains of: “Lovely”, “Very tasty” and “What is it?”

What is it? Food glorious food, that’s what it is. Barbecued food. Burned food. But who cares. We’re starving, we’re sozzled. We’re barbecuing for Godsake.

So, hey, let’s crack open another can of beer.

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News

Best animation for Kilkenny artist Aoife Rhatigan

Aoife Rhatigan holding her ‘Best 2D animation award’. Also in the picture are proud grandparents Judy and Jimmy Rhatigan

Aoife Rhatigan is a 22 year old artist and illustrator from Kilkenny. She has loved drawing since she was a child, inspired by her dads own pen-

chant for drawing, along with her grandmother, Judy Rhatigan, who has been painting for years. Judy will be known to many for her publication of

The Raggedy Bush Poems and her novel Beyond the Briary Wood. It would appear that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as granddaughter

Aoife is immersed in the world of the arts.

Aoife recently graduated with a BA in Animation & Motion Design at Limerick School

of Art and Design where her thesis film ‘Stepping on My Own Foot’ won the award for Best 2D Animation, presented

by Lighthouse Studios, which many will recognise as a local animation studio in St. Kieran's College. Aoife visited the offices recently where she met the head creative of Lighthouse, Gilly Fogg, where she did a tour of the studio and discussed her film.

‘Stepping on My Own Foot’ is a two minute long animation which features a dual screen. The film is meant to act as a mirror for the viewer, as they can hopefully project their own thoughts, experiences and dreams onto the ‘being’ character. The story follows a series of memories from someone’s life, with a combination of universal themes and absurdist influences, creating a dreamlike quality. As we follow these memories we also see the being climbing a seemingly never ending staircase, each vignette on the right impact-

ing his ascent in different ways. The stairs are a symbol for daily life, and how our individual and collective experiences can impact each step on our journey.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Opinion

Mind and body in harmony

By Paul Bolger

Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny | www.nanophysio.ie Sensitised They become used to this.

The body begins to adapt to this new way of life while up in space. Then, when back on Earth and asked to once again take the body’s weight, the once-normal squashing, compressing, stretching of the tissues in the feet is interpreted as something new, something potentially harmful and damaging.

The experience of pain with walking is a normal and expected part of returning to Earth for astronauts.

But does this mean that a trip to space results in lifelong foot pain? Not at all. It’s normal for this foot pain to linger around for days or weeks – or even longer in some cases. The feet gradually become desensitised and, over time, the astronaut returns to their normal activities without issues.

Recovering from pain A gradual return to normal movement and activity helps in recovery from pain

Astronauts have a lot to teach us about recovering from pain. After months in zerogravity in the international space station, aches and pains are a guarantee for most astronauts when they step

back onto terra firma. Foot pain is a particular problem upon returning to Earth. Why is this the case? Any ideas?

Months in zero-gravity takes all strain off the feet.

The tissues of the foot - the

skin, joints, muscles, nerves, fatty pads – haven’t been compressed, squeezed, stretched like they are used to here on Earth. They’ve been offloaded, rested extensively for weeks and months.

Lessons in Recovery from Pain Recovery from persistent pain can take a similar route.

Like how the astronauts’ feet become used to zero-gravity, a painful body part gets used

to being protected, moving less and taking less weight.

Often the body finds clever ways off offloading the sore spot – compensating by altering movement. When this happens over weeks, months, or sometimes years, the body part can become sensitised – just like the astronaut’s feet.

A Little Pain is Ok To recover, then, we can learn from the astronaut returning to Earth and learning to walk again. Initially, some pain is expected with returning to normal movement and activity. With time and practice you should expect to move more and be more active without an increase in pain.

Gradual, Consistent Increase An astronaut would never go for a 10km walk the day after returning from space – if the agony from their feet didn’t stop them, an injury might. Returning to normal movement and activity after long-term pain takes time.

It’s important to start slow and increase gradually.

Consistency is key. It’s ok to take a small step back occasionally if needed.

Develop Resilience Gradually exploring movement and taking weight through the body part will not only help to desensitise the area, but it also develops strength and capacity of the body’s tissues (the muscles, bones, joints, etc) so that they can tolerate more and become more resilience to injury.

Prevention is Better than Cure Ideally, we could all get ahead of the problem by keeping fit and strong enough to live the type of lives that we want to. If pain or injury does get in your way, gradually returning to normal movement and activities when you feel ready is a great way to reduce your risk of developing longer term problems. If you need help with this, working with an injury expert like a physiotherapist who empowers you to take charge of your own body is a great place to start.

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Kilkenny County Council Library Service launches ‘Skills for Life’ programme Kilkenny County Council Library Service was delighted to launch Skills for Life, a new national library initiative, at Loughboy Library on Tuesday July 1st. This innovative programme marks a renewed commitment to fostering life-long learning, personal development, and community engagement through Ireland’s library network.

With a focus on six key areas—digital literacy, financial literacy, media literacy, business and employment skills, health awareness, and sustainable lifestyles and environmental awareness— this initiative aims to equip adults and young adults with the essential skills needed to navigate modern life.

The programme is supported by funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development, enabling Kilkenny County Council Library Service to expand its educational offerings and develop programming tailored to community needs.

“Libraries have always supported life-long learning, and our libraries are trusted sources of information and places of learning”, says Skills for Life Co-ordinator Karyn Deegan.

“This new initiative acknowledges the work already being done in our branches whilst

Government TD's empty promises must end

BY NATASHA NEWSOME DRENNAN TD

Kilkenny County Council Library Service launches Skills for Life, a new national library initiative at Loughboy Library.

providing us with funding to offer additional programming to support a very dynamic offering in our libraries. It will also allow us to focus our efforts on new areas of need such as financial literacy and media literacy.”

Kilkenny County Council Library Service looks forward to collaborating with local agencies and organisations who work in adult education, media, finance, business and employment , health and well-being and sustainability to enhance the delivery of our

new Skills for Life programme.

Skills for Life will be rolled out across library branches countywide, offering free events, workshops, and resources designed to empower individuals and promote a culture of continuous learning and wellbeing.

For details of upcoming events, check out our website www.kilkennylibrary.ie or contact our Skills for Life CoOrdinator, Karyn Deegan at Castlecomer Library on 056 4440561.

Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan has voiced her concern after confirmation from the Minister for Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland that no funding has been committed to the N25 Waterford to Glenmore Road project. The project has now been placed on indefinite hold, as it did not receive a grant allocation from the Department of Transport. Deputy Drennan criticized the lack of support, highlighting the project's importance for regional connectivity and safety. She called for urgent reconsideration, stressing that the delay negatively impacts local communities, road users, and economic development across Waterford and the wider southeast region.

Deputy Newsome Drennan said: ‘’The N25 road is one of the

deadliest roads in the State.

We are seeing consistent traffic accidents along the road; tragically, there have been several fatal crashes. ‘’This is devastating local families and the community. ‘’I have raised the issue in the Dáil, only to see it dismissed with vague replies. ‘’Following the public meeting in South Kilkenny, where Fianna Fáil TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere said that Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien 'intends to fund the project next year to complete the route selection on this road', I felt there was a need to get a written commitment from the Minister. ‘’The Minister outlined to me that he is responsible for overall project funding, but the planning, design, and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities. ‘’In follow-up correspondence, Transport Infrastructure Ireland stated the N25 Waterford to Glenmore Road project has been put on indefinite

hold as the Scheme did not receive a grant allocation. It was also shocking to see that over €600,000 in funding allocated for the road was not used, and no funding has been allocated since 2022 – despite the high number of crashes along this road. ‘’We are seeing a growing trend from Government Backbenchers, telling communities that they have gotten an assurance or commitment from a Minister that funding will be put in place. ‘’But these assurances are nowhere to be seen when put directly to the Minister.

We’ve seen this trend growing from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael locally, and nationally, with reducing student fees being one of the latest empty promises. ‘’These empty promises are an insult to the public. They chip away at people's faith in politics. We need to see our public representatives be honest with the local community about funding for projects. We need to see an end to the empty promises.’’

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Opinion Artists impression of the Callan Moat in the 13th century

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Callan's Moat Field Heritage Trail is a major attraction, a jewel of the South East. And the field once encompassed a magical castle on a hill!

Norman invaders built Callan Motte, known locally as the “Moat”, in about 1217. It was a wooden castle situated on top of an artificially created mound of earth. It had a wooden palisade and tower.

Historical documents refer to it having wooden chambers, a state of the art kitchen (for those days) and a hall covered with wooden shingles.

The Moat field is located in the centre of Callan, west of Upper Bridge Street. The castle served the Normans well as a military post due to its strategic location on the North Bank of the King's River.

In its heyday, the Castle on the Hill was home to royalty… powerful lords of the manor, their families, slaves, and knights-at-arms. It retained its lofty status until its abandonment as a lordly residence in the 14th century.

Townspeople looked with awe to the Moat Castle. It was a symbol of power and authority, and reminded them who was in charge.

Any breaches of the law were dealt with ferociously by the conquerors, who also, to their credit encouraged free enterprise and helped to transform Callan into a thriving market town.

On a lighter note, tradition has it that three professional jesters were employed to keep the lords and ladies in the castle amused. Each jester entertained with his repertoire of gags, with one big one, the Joke of the Day. The jester who told the least funny joke was tossed off the hillside to tumble down into the briars and nettles beneath. Competition to find comedy material was fierce among the jesters and many a joke ended in tears.

Today, the castle is long gone but the hill upon which it proudly stood remains. It is a recognized national monument and a much-loved local

Callan's Field of Dreams... landmark.

For centuries after the departure of its lordly residents from the hilltop, the Moat field functioned as just another stretch of land, with cattle and sheep grazing it. A little of its former glory returned when the field hosted the great carnivals of 1959, ’62, and ’63.

Carnival organizers decided the Moat hilltop would be ideal for a large marquee to Veronica Butler descending the famed 39 steps from the Moat

host ballroom and jitterbug dancing. The field containing the relic of Norman Conquest hosted sporting activities and a funfair.

Each night, hundreds of dancers ascended the thirtynine steps of a makeshift stairway to the summit and entered the huge marquee.

They bought their tickets from a woman perched on a stool in a mobile wooden booth that stood close to the bottom step.

There was no alcohol on sale at the Moat. You had to “tank up” in the pubs before heading for the dance. There was, however, a shebeen on Moat Lane, reserved for a select few, mainly the carnival organizers and their friends inside the marquee. The best bands in Ireland played and sang the latest musical hits.

The couples danced their way starry-eyed around the wooden platform. Love was in the air.

Feast for the eyes Anyone walking or driving through Callan during a Moat carnival was treated to an unforgettable sight: From the Big Bridge, you could see the sparking fairy lights, spread like a carpet across the tops of the Seven Sisters, as the Scotch Pine trees on the Moat

hill were called. The kaleidoscopic effect was magical.

As with every function of this kind, there was always a handful of troublemakers and a few highly inebriated dancers who drew the wrath of couples who were still sober or perhaps more conservative in their attitudes.

At the first sign of trouble, stewards would elbow through the throng of dancers, grab

The historic Callan Moat

the offenders, and throw them out of the marquee. They’d be seen rolling down the hill after midnight, through bushes and briars, after being ejected, like the ill-fated jesters of old.

But the rough justice meted out to the “rowdies”, as they were called, failed to dampen the spirits of those men and women of all ages who jived, waltzed, shuffled, or quickstepped in Callan’s hill-top

Ballroom of Romance, among them the renowned dancing boxer Jimmy Walsh of Mill Street.

The daylight activities also drew crowds. The whole Moat field morphed into an amusement arcade and outdoor sporting arena. It resembled a little village, with its smattering of tents, stalls, jugglers, and three-card tricksters.

To be continued...

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Picture special

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final Very Relaxed at the Game In Croke Park

Aideen Foskin Ciara Foskin With Ciara Up For The Game A Happy Family Enjoying The Game

From Graiguenamanagh Up For The Game Ryan James And Daniel

Peter Breen And Colette Murphy At Croke Park For The Semi Final

Neal Blaney With Harry and Cormac up for the game

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Picture special The Treacy Family From Gowran Up for the Game

Niamh Kelly Darragh Aylward Ellen Aylward Robert Aylward and Orlagh Aylward Up For The Game

Outside Croke Park waiting For the Game Was Triona Drennan and Fiona Delaney

Ted Walsh with Betty and Aoife all from Danesfort At The Semi Final

All Fitzgeralds Up For The Game

Kate Mc Guinness and Cliona Murphy All ready For The game in Croke Park

The Lawlor Family from Clara up for the Game

All Dressed up in kilkenny Colours at the Game was Lizzy Connors

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News

Big Mama's Door: Kilkenny's Ryan's Bar set for R&B extravaganza this Friday!

The highly anticipated return of Big Mama's Door to Irish shores is officially underway, but for Kilkenny, all eyes are on this Friday, July 11th, when the dynamic London-based band will ignite the stage at Ryan's Bar on Friary Street.

This is not just another gig; it's set to be the place to be in Kilkenny, as the powerhouse quintet, fronted by captivating Laois native Fiona McElroy, brings their electrifying brand of authentic rhythm and blues directly to the heart of the Marble City.

Following last year's triumphant reintroduction after a remarkable fifteen-year absence, Big Mama's Door is proving that some music, and some venues, are simply meant to be together. While their four-day tour kicks off on Thursday, July 10th, in Athy, and continues to Cork and Carlow, it's their Kilkenny stop at Ryan's Bar that holds a special buzz. Their debut there last year left an indelible mark, solidifying their reputation for delivering an exceptional and unforgettable live show that resonated deeply with local audiences.

Big Mama's Door is

Big Mama

more than just a band; it's a meticulously crafted experience. Fiona McElroy, hailed as "authentic and charismatic" and likened to "Etta James with a pinch of Patsy Cline," commands the stage with a voice that effortlessly navigates the smoky depths of blues and the soaring heights of soul. She's backed by an exceptional ensemble: guitarist Andy Knight, bassist Franca Shaw, saxophonist Martin Dewhirst, pianist Stephen Walsh, and drummer Brad Shaw.

Together, they create a sound deeply rooted in the iconic traditions of Chess, Blue Note, and Atlantic Records, yet infused with a vibrant,

contemporary energy. Their live performances are truly magnetic, drawing audiences into a world where sultry ballads meet high-energy grooves.

Fiona's journey, from being inspired by Billie Holiday as a teenager to forming the band in London's legendary Ain't Nothing But the Blues bar, underscores her profound dedication. Despite her return to Ballylinan in 2016, her commitment to Big Mama's Door remains unwavering, with regular commutes to London for gigs at renowned venues like Ronnie Scott's.

This tour is a vibrant continuation of their successful reintroduction to Ireland, and for Kilkenny, Friday, July 11th at Ryan's Bar is the definitive date. For those seeking an evening infused with authentic R&B, jazz, and soul, Big Mama's Door promises a captivating journey through the heart of classic American music, delivered with an undeniable Irish warmth. Make sure you're there to witness this exceptional band as they bring their distinctive brand of "sexy 50’s RnB" to Kilkenny!

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 126

"I'm a regular visitor and depend on you"

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River Nore Music Academy

On Sunday, July 6th, the beautiful garden of Rothe House in Kilkenny came alive with music, joy, and a sense of deep cultural connection. The occasion was the International Music Gathering: Nurturing Croatian Music in Ireland and Beyond - a heartfelt concert organised by the River Nore Music Academy under the dedicated leadership of its founder, Lilian Giber Opacak.

Though River Nore Music Academy is a young school - just three years in existence - it has already left a remarkable mark on the cultural life of Kilkenny and beyond. Its mission is not just to teach music, but to build bridges between cultures, generations, and hearts.

Among its many successful initiatives is the Intercultural Day, a growing tradition that has seen participation from Kilkenny’s own councillors, the Mayor, the Ambassador of Hungary, and representatives from the Croatian Embassy. This year, it was both a great joy and an honour to welcome the Croatian Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Davor Vidis, who graciously addressed the audience - many of whom had travelled all the way from Croatia, out of long-standing friendship with Lilian.

The concert itself was the culmination of a dream Lilian has nurtured for years - to create a fusion of Irish and Croatian music and offer audiences a taste of both nations' rich musical traditions. From classical to traditional, from jazz to opera, Croatian artists brought their hearts to Kilkenny, while Irish students and teachers

A heartfelt harmony between nations:

Attaché from the Croatian Embassy - Nani Klepo with Ambassador of Croatia, Davor Vidiš

the international music gathering in Kilkenny

Predrag Stojic, tenor opera singer from Croatia, Kathleen Funchion TD, Lilian Giber Opacak and Ambassador of Croatia, Davor Vidiš

from the River Nore Music Academy shared their own gifts through Irish classical and traditional music.

This special project was made possible with the support of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad,

who recognised its cultural importance. The events took place from July 4th to 7th, with the Gala Concert at Rothe House as the shining finale. The evening was made even more special by the presence of local TD Kathleen

Funchion, proud parents, dedicated teachers, and enthusiastic guests from all over Europe.

Thanks to the passion of Croatian artists, the talent of River Nore Music Academy’s students and teachers, and the

support of the community, the concert was a true celebration of unity, beauty, and friendship.

The audience was visibly moved, the atmosphere electric, and with tickets sold out well in advance, it

was clear this event had struck a very special chord.

In a time when the world sometimes feels divided, moments like these remind us of the power of music to bring people together - across borders, across languages, and deep into the human heart.

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River Nore Music Academy

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Bokslag exhibition Photos: Ross Kavanagh, courtesy Butler Gallery Butler Gallery is very pleased to present a solo exhibition by the Kilkenny-based Dutch-born artist Paul Bokslag. Painting, works on paper, mural and papercut art are included in this exhibition of abstract linear compositions.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, geometric structures and abstract visual vocabularies have been timeless methods of conveying meaning and gaining visual literacy. From prehistoric times, triangles, squares, and circles have been elemental and universal principles in all visual arts, forming the foundation of a shared visual language indicative of our enduring commonality.

Speaking about his work Mr Bokslag said “My practice focuses on our perception of space and how we can change it using accessible tools and materials: a few buckets of paint, a ball of sisal twine, paper sheets or rolls of tape.”

Bokslag’s multi-coloured mural Parallels, created in situ during the week of the installation, unfolds across the 95 sq. metre gallery wall. It is a powerful celebration of line and colour. The horizontal and vertical lines and repeated layered shapes twist and turn, conveying dynamic movement and a sense of energy and vibrancy throughout the gallery space.

Using scalpel on white paper, Bokslag expertly employs great skill in realising his exquisitely layered papercut works. He delivers the monumental in Balance, 2025, in the form of a large-scale suspended paper installation, and the intimate in framed works that invite us to examine the fragility and elegance of this particular art-making process.

Paul Bokslag is passionate about participative and inclusive arts practice, and was a founding member of the inclusive KCAT Arts Centre in Callan in 1999.

Through Line invites us to go on a personal journey with the artist to experience his own practice celebrating line in a multiplicity of elegant ways of seeing.

About the artist Paul Bokslag is a visual artist, facilitator and graphic designer from the Netherlands and is based in Callan, Co Kilkenny. His arts practice encompasses gallery exhibitions, public murals, installations and collaborative projects.

He has exhibited widely in Ireland and the Netherlands including Temple Bar, Dublin, The Visual, Carlow, Facebook offices, Ballsbridge, National Design and Craft Gallery, and County hall, Kilkenny. Bokslag worked for many years with KCAT Arts Centre and is an associate artist with Helium Arts. He regularly works with the Workhouse Union, Callan.

Paul has been the recipient of many artist residences and awards . His work features in several Collections including the OPW State Art Collection and many private collections in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland Australia, UK and the USA. The exhibition –Through Line- runs until July 20th

Butler Gallery is venue for Bokslag solo exhibition

Paul Bokslag, ‘Balance’, 2025, Through Line, papercut Installation

Paul Bokslag, ‘The Skelligs II’, 2025,Through Line, installation view

Paul Bokslag, ‘Causeway I-VIII’, 2022, Through Line, installation view

Paul Bokslag, ‘The Fields I-VIII’, 2021,Through Line, installation view

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Arrive in style for Ladies Day 2025 Gowran Park are delighted to announce our MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day will be returning on Saturday July 26th, with a new car partner, Bolands Carlow helping you arrive in style. This year’s guest judge will again be local TV Fashion Stylist Marietta Doran who we are delighted to welcome back to her local racecourse.

Talking about her excitement ahead of the event Marietta said, “I am absolutely delighted to be a judge at the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day at Gowran Park on July 26th and I am really excited to see you all there, last year it was great to see so many familiar faces and the style was just amazing !! I am sure 2025 will be

no different and I will face a real challenge selecting the Lady who stands out from the crowd”.

This year’s top prize will be 2 Nights B&B with an evening meal in the fabulous Lyrath estate hotel, a €1000 Gift Card to spend in MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre and a courtesy car for the weekend supplied

by Bolands Carlow. Detail

Menswear are title sponsors for this years Best Dressed Man who will be selected

by TCR Europe driver Max Hart adding another exciting aspect to the day.

Alan Browne of Bolands Carlow explained “We are delighted to be part of this year’s Ladies Day at Gowran Park partnering with three established brands all noted for excellence. As the leading

car dealership in Carlow we at Bolands understand the importance of excellence & style and this event is a lovely fit to launch our 252 range” Eddie Scally of Gowran Park commented “Our summer Ladies Day Event is now a must for all style followers in our region and we are delighted that Marietta has agreed to judge again this year, Our Corporate Hospi-

tality is already fully sold out, and our popular BBQ & Bubbles Package priced at €30 which includes, admission, reserved seating, Burger & glass of Prosecco, or a Cocktail has limited availability to book please call 056 7726225.

We are going all out with our entertainment with Live DJ in the style Marquee, Live music on the Prosecco Lawn & Live band in our Thyestes Bar. Speaking about the partnership, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lyrath Estate, Caitriona O’Mahoney shared ‘We are delighted to partner with MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre to host the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day this July. It is always a fantastic day, and we hope this year brings even more style and creativity to the races. We look forward to seeing the participants on the day and all the glamour they will bring.’

Rebecca Doyle from MacDonagh Junction added “We are thrilled to announce that we will be joint sponsors for Ladies Day with Lyrath Estate at Gowran Park for the ninth year in a row. Ladies Day is known for its style and fashion, making it an ideal match for the Centre and our 30 top brand retailers. Each year, the fashion standard keeps getting higher, and we can't wait to see the glamorous looks that this year's participants will showcase.

Stylish hairpiece, ribbon, or hat defines elegance Ladies Day at Gowran Park is more than just a day at the races—it’s a vibrant celebration of fashion, individuality, and timeless elegance.

The event provides the perfect platform for showcasing personal style, and among the most defining features of a standout ensemble is the perfect finishing touch: a stylish hairpiece, a graceful ribbon, or an eye-catching hat. These accessories are far more than simple additions; they are powerful statements that elevate any outfit, adding charm, flair, and sophistication.

A carefully chosen headpiece does more than tie a look together—it tells a story. Whether it’s a dramatic fascinator adorned with feathers, a delicate vintage ribbon that hints at classic glamour, or a bold wide-brimmed hat that demands attention, these elements reflect both creativity and confidence.

On a day when fashion takes center stage, these touches can transform even the simplest of dresses into a head-turning ensemble, allowing your personality and style to shine through.

Historically, hats and hair accessories have been synonymous with racing fashion, recalling the elegance of Royal Ascot or the refined

style of the French Riviera. At Gowran Park, where Irish tradition blends seamlessly with contemporary flair, a statement headpiece pays homage to racing heritage while embracing current trends. It’s not just about looking the part—it’s about feeling fabulous. And with Ladies Day competitions often featuring categories like “Best Hat” or “Most Stylish Accessory,” your choice might even land you a coveted prize.

More than just fashion, these accessories carry a sense of empowerment.

They command attention, reflect meticulous detail, and speak volumes about your confidence and individuality. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking into Gowran Park, knowing you’ve curated every element of your look down to the last feather or satin bow.

So don’t hold back—embrace the drama, celebrate the flair, and make your mark. A hairpiece, ribbon, or hat isn’t just an accessory on Ladies Day—it’s your signature.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Gowran Park: Men’s fashion takes stage Ladies Day at Gowran Park is one of the most anticipated events in Ireland’s racing and social calendar. While the spotlight often shines on the style and glamour of the women, men's fashion is playing an increasingly important role. It’s no longer just about showing up – it’s about standing out. Dressing well on Ladies Day isn’t just a courtesy to the occasion; it’s a reflection of personal pride, sophistication, and attention to detail. This is where Detail Menswear in Kilkenny becomes an essential stop for any gent looking to leave a lasting impression.

Gowran Park’s Ladies Day is not just about the horses – it’s a day where style competes with sport. Men who take the time to dress thoughtfully add to the overall spectacle, complementing the elegance of their female counterparts and contributing to the event's refined atmosphere.

Stylish and practical footwear for Races

Attending a horse racing event is the perfect chance to showcase your style, but choosing the right footwear is essential. Races often involve standing for hours, walking on uneven ground, and moving through crowded areas. The best shoes combine elegance, comfort, and practicality to keep you looking sharp and feeling great all day.

For Women: Heels are a popular choice for women, especially at formal events like Royal Ascot or in exclusive enclosures. However, stiletto heels can be problematic on grassy or gravel surfaces, sinking into the ground and quickly becoming uncomfortable.

A better option would be block heels, wedges, or kitten heels, which provide more stability while maintaining a polished look. Stylish flats or dressy loafers are also popular choices, especially for those prioritizing comfort without sacrificing style.

If you decide to wear stilettos, heel protectors can help prevent sinking into grass. These small, clear attachments add stability and protect your shoes. It’s also wise to carry a pair of foldable flats in your bag so you can switch later in the day.

While sandals are acceptable in warm weather, avoid overly casual styles—flip-flops or plastic footwear are generally not suitable for race day.

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For Men: Men usually wear smart leather shoes such as brogues, loafers, or oxfords. These classic styles pair well with suits or blazers and meet the dress code for most racecourses. Brown or tan shoes complement navy or grey suits, while black shoes remain a timeless, formal choice.

Comfort is just as important for men. Make sure your shoes are well broken-in and provide good support. Adding cushioned insoles can enhance comfort without changing your look. Avoid sneakers or casual footwear unless the event specifically allows them—many venues enforce dress codes and may deny entry for inappropriate footwear.

Dress Code & Weather: Always check the official dress code and weather forecast before race day. If rain is expected, consider leather shoes with rubber soles or smart waterproof boots. In more relaxed settings, clean ankle boots or stylish trainers might be allowed— but only if permitted by the event guidelines.

Ultimately, the right footwear for horse racing should reflect your personal style while being suitable for the venue and conditions. Choose shoes that offer both comfort and elegance so you can enjoy the day without worrying about sore feet or slipping in the mud.

A sharp suit, perfectly tailored and styled with confidence, can be just as eye-catching as any fascinator or dress.

Detail Menswear, located in the heart of Kilkenny, is a trusted name for those who take pride in their appearance. With decades of experience in formal and occasion wear, the store offers a carefully curated collection of suits, jackets, trousers, shirts, and accessories that are ideal for events like Ladies Day. Whether you prefer a classic navy threepiece or

want to push the boundaries with modern textures and patterns, Detail has the expertise to guide you.

What sets Detail Menswear apart is its emphasis on fit and individuality.

Their knowledgeable staff provide a personal shopping experience, ensuring that each customer finds an outfit that flatters their frame and suits their personal style. A tailored blazer, crisp shirt, and a well-matched tie or pocket square can elevate an outfit from average to awardworthy. They also stock standout accessories – from bold lapel pins to statement shoes – perfect for adding flair without overstepping the line into flamboyance.

In recent years, more attention has been given to the Best Dressed Male competitions at racing events, and Detail Menswear has proudly dressed many past winners and finalists. Their track record proves that dressing well for Ladies Day isn’t just about looking good – it can also lead to recognition and prizes.

In short, attending Gowran Park’s Ladies Day is an opportunity – not just to enjoy world-class racing, but to showcase your style. With the right outfit from Detail Menswear in Kilkenny, men can walk confidently alongside their well-dressed counterparts, making a statement that is timeless, refined, and unforgettable.

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Mazda CX-80: a sophisticated step into seven-seat luxury

Mazda’s new CX-80 marks a significant step forward for the brand, bringing a fresh sense of confidence and refinement to the competitive world of large family SUVs. As the largest Mazda yet offered

in Europe, the CX-80 is more than just a stretched CX-60. It is a carefully considered flagship designed to offer comfort, practicality and a premium feel that rivals the best in its class.

At nearly five metres in length, the CX-80 commands presence without being overbearing. Its sleek proportions and clean lines give it a mature, elegant appearance that sets it apart from many of

its bulkier competitors. The design remains unmistakably Mazda, with its signature grille and minimalist aesthetic contributing to a sense of understated luxury.

Inside, the CX-80 contin-

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

ues to impress. The cabin is beautifully appointed, blending Japanese craftsmanship with modern functionality.

Soft-touch materials, maple wood trim and finely stitched leather create an environment that feels calm, cohesive and genuinely high-end. Mazda’s commitment to driverfocused design is also evident.

The cockpit feels snug and well thought out, with controls placed intuitively and a clear sense of purpose throughout.

The CX-80 is available with two powertrains. The first is a 2.5 litre plug-in hybrid that combines petrol and electric power to deliver 327 horsepower, while also offering up to 60 kilometres of electriconly driving. For those with longer commutes or towing needs, Mazda offers a 3.3 litre straight-six diesel with mild-hybrid assistance. It produces 254 horsepower and impressive torque, making it a refined and efficient option for long-haul driving.

On the road, the CX-80 handles with surprising agility for a vehicle of its size. The steering is precise and well-weighted, and the ride remains composed across a variety of road surfaces.

While the longer wheelbase can sometimes make it feel less nimble on tight bends or bumpy rural roads, it delivers a sense of solidity and comfort

that will appeal to families and long-distance drivers alike.

Space is, of course, one of the CX-80’s main selling points.

With three rows of seating and the option of either a six-seat layout with captain’s chairs or a traditional seven-seat arrangement, it caters well to growing families. The third row is best suited to children or occasional adult use, but access is easy and visibility is good throughout. Boot space is generous too, expanding significantly when the rear rows are folded down.

Standard equipment levels are high, with all models featuring LED lighting, a 12.3 inch infotainment display, Amazon Alexa voice control and a full suite of driver assistance technologies. Safety has clearly been a priority, with the Mazda CX-80 named Best in Class Large SUV by Euro NCAP for 2024!

Pricing starts at just over €62,000 for the plug-in hybrid model, making it competitive with similarly sized rivals.

For buyers who value quality, comfort and a touch of quiet luxury, the CX-80 offers a compelling alternative to the more established premium names.

Mazda has always been a brand that values balance.

With the CX-80, it has managed to combine practicality with elegance, innovation with tradition, and performance with poise. It is a confident, capable and genuinely desirable new addition to the Irish market.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

€115.00

Scarlett & Jo Tilly Angel Sleeve Sweetheart Curve + Dress in Wine and Cream

€79.99

Emporium watercolour V Neck Maxi Dress Watercolour

€69.99

€108.00

Scarlett & Jo Victoria Angel Sleeve Mesh Midi Curve + Dress Green Ikat

€59.99

The Trend Room Elle Dress in Sunset Print

The Trend Room Maxi Dress in Mirage Print

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€65.00

Rowen Avenue Puff Sleeve Knee Length Dress Red

€60.00

Pala D’oro Long Sleeve Connie Midi Dress Blue

€38.50

Pala D’oro Floral Print Midi Dress Cherry Red

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Ladies Day Glow: Tan & Shellac €50 Looking to treat yourself? At The Orchard Salon and Day Spa, we believe every woman deserves a little luxury – and our Ladies Day Special Offer is the perfect excuse to take a break and pamper yourself.

We’re offering a Spray Tan and Shellac combo for just €50 – the perfect pairing to help you feel radiant, confident, and ready for whatever the week throws your way. Whether you’ve got a special occasion coming up, or simply want to look and feel your best, this is the ideal time to indulge.

Our professional spray tan service gives you a flawless, natural-looking glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure.

Whether you prefer a sun-kissed bronze or a deeper, more dramatic tan, our expert therapists will customise the colour to suit your skin tone and desired look. The results are streak-free, long-lasting, and beautifully even.

Finish off your pamper session with a Shellac manicure or pedicure – the ultimate in chip-free, high-gloss nail perfection. Shellac combines the ease of polish with the durability of gel, giving you stunning nails that last up to two weeks without smudging, chipping, or fading.

Choose from a wide selection of gorgeous colours, from classic nudes to vibrant summer shades.

Our serene and welcoming spa environment is the perfect place to unwind. From the moment you arrive, our friendly and professional team is here to ensure you feel relaxed, pampered, and completely taken care of.

Spaces are limited for this exclusive Ladies Day Special, so early booking is highly recommended. Whether you're treating yourself or coming with a friend, you’re guaranteed a feel-good experience that leaves you glowing – inside and out.

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Stylish hairdos shine at Ladies Day Ladies Day at Gowran Park is the ultimate occasion to showcase not only your race day outfit but also your flawless hair. With City Hair Kilkenny ready to help you achieve the perfect style, you can pair your ensemble with a hairstyle that’s both elegant and durable enough to last all day long. Whether you prefer sleek sophistication or playful glamour, your hair should enhance your look—especially when you’re

complementing a stylish hat or delicate fascinator.

Gowran Park’s fashion guidelines encourage a smart casual look with a refined twist for Ladies Day. Many attendees go all out, competing in best dressed contests, so your hairstyle needs to strike a balance between polished elegance and long-lasting hold. That’s where City Hair Kilkenny’s expert stylists come in, ensuring your hair is race-ready

and picture perfect.

Timeless updos like neat chignons or low buns are a classic choice.

These styles keep your hair tidy and secure, making them ideal for structured headpieces. Slicked-back buns also have the added benefit of highlighting statement earrings and cheekbones, perfectly matching the tailored, sophisticated vibe of race day fashion.

If you’re after a softer, romantic look, consider loose waves inspired

by Galway’s race day style. These soft, flowing waves create a breezy and feminine aesthetic. With a medium-hold spray from City Hair Kilkenny, your waves will look effortlessly chic throughout the day, whether you choose to go hat-free or let a delicate fascinator peek through your hair.

For something intricate and regal, braided crowns are a beautiful option. Wrapping braids around the crown adds both control and flair.

You can personalize this look with subtle pins or floral accents, creating a unique hairstyle that stays perfectly in place no matter how lively the day gets.

Sleek ponytails offer a modern, minimalist statement. Smooth your hair down with shine spray and elevate the look with a bold hairpiece or a stylish ribbon for extra flair.

Pro tip: book your appointment at City Hair Kilkenny well ahead of race day. Arriving with your hair professionally styled means you can relax and enjoy all the fun—from

the live DJ and prosecco lawn to the live band on Sunday, July 26, 2025, the highlight of this year’s MacDonagh & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day at Gowran Park.

Choose a hairstyle that feels true

to you, stays flawless from the early races to the final, and pairs beautifully with your chosen headwear.

With confidence and a perfect hair day, you’ll truly shine at Gowran Park!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Celebration

Fionn Fitzpatrick, Garry McHugh and Amy Dunne

Fabian Erlinghauser, John Morton and John Doran

Michael Kelly, Steve Murphy (Fr McGrath Centre) and Brendan Corcoran

Paul Phelan (Fr McGrath Centre) FAS Supervisors Angela McDonald, Margaret Bernie and Marguerite O'Brien

Kelly’s heroes return to c

BY GER CODY

Photos: jbsphotoskilkenny Last week, at the St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall on the Butts Green, Mike Kelly celebrated a special birthday.

It was organised by a group of young men and women from the Arts sector who wanted to thank Mike for all he had done for them, both on and off stage. It would probably be wrong to mention his age.

Suffice to say, that in twenty years time he will receive a special letter from Uachtarán na hÉireann.

There was a sharp intake of breath for Mike as he entered the room to be greeted by over 60 theatre and film practitioners applauding their former director. When the one time ‘head honcho’ at Dreamstuff theatre phones and invites you for a coffee, you know there is something in the offing. And so it was. Back in the 90’s, when I worked at the Watergate theatre, I met with Mike, to discuss the possibility of his group ‘Dreamstuff’ doing a play at the Parliament Street venue. Dreamstuff was made up of mostly teenagers interested in performing.

The opening of the Watergate interested Kelly, who was artistic director of the group of wannabee performers, producers and writers. Mike's

Sheila Donnelly and Willie Tiernan

Mayor John Coonan helps Mike Kelly with the ceremonial cake cutting at St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall

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Celebration

Br Iggy, Derek Dooley (Lake Productions) and Alan Slattery (Cartoon Saloon)

Julian Heltzel, Emma Rooney, Michael Lennon, and Michael McGrath

Butts Young Leaders - Chair Joseph Donovan, Paddy Long (Fr. McGrath Centre Youth Worker) Camila Gorman Hernandez, Lillian Long (former Chair), Daragh Maher (PR Officer)

elebrate Mike’s birthday proposal, if memory serves me right, was that his band of merry men and women would produce some Shakespeare at the recently opened municipal theatre. What could go wrong?

Shakespeare, young people, and a week of the theatrical calendar filled. Good deal all round. It was a couple of weeks later, as rehearsals got underway, that Mike explained that it was Shakespeare with a twist, and that a certain license would be taken with the Bard of Avon’s script.

Although I cannot remember the exact changes, it was akin to Romeo arriving on stage on a Honda 50 with Juliet on a balcony in tattered jeans, Led Zeppelin t-shirt and using a mobile phone. Crazy, right? But it worked. And from that year on, the Dreamstuff family were a welcome fixture at the venue.

Mike not only sowed the theatre and film seed amongst these youngsters but also allowed them (within reason) to take charge and be responsible for their actions.

The neighbourhood hall was bedecked with bunting, balloons and lovely treats for eating. Jenny and her crew should take a well deserved bow. As the well wishers from Dreamstuff and Young Irish Film Makers (YIFM) arrived, one was reminded of the amazing talent that came out of both stables. From Donegal, Cork, Dublin and many other far flung places, they arrived. Such was their love for the octogenarian.

And those who could not attend sent good wishes thanking Mike for giving them a place to attend as youngsters and for bestowing on them a love for the arts.

It was quite emotional, and at times one could almost hear the theme music from Little House on the Prairie wafting around the building.

One man explained that as a youngster, sport held no place for him, either to attend or participate in. “I found my niche with Mike and the team at Film Makers and will be forever grateful for that,” he said. As he spoke those words 60 plus heads nodded in agreement.

Steve Murphy, a long time friend of Mike, spoke of his dedication and commitment to whatever job he did. Mr Murphy also congratulated Garry McHugh, Alan Slattery, Shane Hatton, and Jenny and her team from Saint Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall for their help in organising the event.

Mayor John Coonan spoke of Mr Kelly’s legacy to theatre and film work in particular and the arts in general. Mike thanked all for their good wishes and reminisced on wonderful days with both YIFM and Dreamstuff. He remembered in particular those who were instrumental in the day to day running of the companies including Angela Walsh, long time YIFM manager, Kate St John, costume designer, and Tom Wall, caretaker, who held the place together, and was a real caretaker to the young people.

Good ethos Kelly reminds me of the old African custom where the good of the individual is all important.

When someone does something harmful and wrong they take that person to the centre of the village and the whole tribe comes and surrounds him. For two days they tell the person all the good things he did. The tribe believes that every person comes into the world as a good being. Each person wishes for security, love, peace and happiness. But sometimes, in the search for those things people make mistakes. The community perceives those mistakes

Lake Productions director Mary Cradock and Vincent O’Shea

as a cry for help. So they come together to straighten him out, to reconnect him with his true nature, to remind him of who he really is, until he fully remembers the truth from which he had temporarily disconnected.

I am of the belief that this is the ethos at the heart of all that Mike undertakes, especially when working with young people. And it paid off. Today, many of those teenagers who sat in the Watergate green room, doing homework, eating Pringles and studying scripts, and generally creating ‘constructive havoc’, are now at the forefront of stage and film work nationally and internationally.

Since he directed his first play for youngsters in the Friary Hall in 1965, Mike simply hasn’t stopped. He can look back on some great achievements on the theatrical front which includes setting up both Dreamstuff theatre and YIFM. Indeed it was from the helping hand given by Mike that Cartoon Saloon was born. Not too shabby for your CV. Of course Mike was well recognised as an actor himself, in the days when venues included Stallards, The Presentation Hall, The Friary Hall, St Kieran’s College and the CYMS. He performed in numerous shows with various companies including such shows as My Three Angels, Da, A Man for all Seasons, She Stoops to Conquer and Billy Liar. In recent years, Mike has worked with Lake Productions on Trad and War of the Worlds.

He continues to work with young people and is very active with the Fr McGrath Centre in his beloved Butts. Will he ever call time on his community involvement? Perhaps the answer is in Act 111, Scene 111, line 87 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Garry McHugh (Young Irish Film Makers) Mike Kelly, Mayor John Coonan and Steve Murphy

Eddie Murphy, Laurent Murray, Kasia Kaminska and John Doran

Happy Birthday Mike.

James Marnell and Richie Cody

Kevin Mooney, Odhran Mooney, Hannah McCormick and Dana Mooney

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

quite dry), remove from the heat and leave to cool a little.

Step 4 Melt the butter in a separate saucepan over a medium heat. When sizzling, stir in the flour to make a sandy paste. Whisk in the milk, a splash at a time, until completely incorporated. When the sauce is smooth and the consistency of custard, season well, grate in a good amount of nutmeg and stir in half the parmesan. Remove from the heat and set aside.

With

Sausage and winter greens cannelloni

Step 5 Drop the lasagne sheets into a large pan of boiling salted water one at a time to prevent them sticking together, then cook for 5-6 mins, stirring until soft enough to roll up but not fully cooked through. Drain and plunge into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 1 hr and 45 mins Serves: 4-6

Stretch a pack of sausages and feed the whole family with this cannelloni. The meaty ragu sauce is bulked out with nutrient-dense winter greens Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 red onions halved and sliced • 6 pork sausages • 3 garlic cloves crushed • small bunch of thyme leaves picked • pinch of chilli flakes • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 400g can plum tomatoes • 200g cavolo neroor other winter greens • 75g butter • 75g plain flour • 850ml milk • nutmeg for grating • 50g parmesan grated • 12 lasagne sheets • green saladto serve Step 1 Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole over a medium heat and cook the onions for 8-10

mins until softened and starting to caramelise. Meanwhile, squeeze the sausagemeat from the skins.

Step 2 Push the onions to one side of the casserole, then add the sausagemeat to the other. Squash it into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally for 10-12 mins until cooked and starting to brown in places. Mix the onions back in, then

Homemade muesli with oats, dates and berries Prep: 5 mins Cook: 2 mins Serves: 4

blueberries • generous sprinkling of ground cinnamon (optional)

Packed with oats, pecans, seeds, dates, puffed wheat and berries, this delicious breakfast muesli will help you to start your day the right way.

Method Step 1 Tip the oats into a frying pan and heat gently, stirring frequently until they are just starting to toast. Add the pecans and seeds to warm briefly, then tip into a large bowl and toss so they cool quickly.

Ingredients • 100g traditional oats • 12 pecan nutsbroken into pieces • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds • 6 pitted medjool dates snipped into pieces • 25g high-fibre puffed wheat • 4 x pots bio yogurt • 300g mixed berriessuch as raspberries, strawberries and

Step 2 Add the dates and puffed wheat, mix well until thoroughly combined, then serve topped with the yogurt and fruit, and a sprinkling of cinnamon, if you like.

add the garlic, thyme, chilli flakes and tomato purée. Cook for another 1-2 mins. Tip in the plum tomatoes, crushing them with the back of the spoon. Season and bubble for 15-20 mins until the tomatoes have broken down and reduced to a thick ragu.

Step 3 Put the kettle on to boil. If using cavolo nero, remove and discard the tough stalks and roughly chop the

leaves. For softer veg like spinach or chard, you can leave the stalks on. Put in a colander set over the sink and pour over a kettle of justboiled water, then rinse the leaves under cold running water until cool enough to handle. Squeeze out as much water as you can, transfer to a board and finely chop. Stir the greens into the sausage ragu, cook for 1-2 mins until any excess liquid has evaporated (the mixture should be

Step 6 If the béchamel sauce has thickened as it’s cooled down, stir in a splash more milk. Spoon a third of the sauce over the base of a baking dish roughly 25 x 35cm. Lift a sheet of lasagne out of the bowl of cold water and lay on a board with one of the short ends facing you. Spoon a generous tbsp of the sausage ragu over one end, then roll it up to enclose the filling, making a short cannelloni – there will be a little overlapping pasta. Place it in the baking dish, then continue with the remaining ragu and lasagne sheets, arranging them in the baking dish in two rows of six cannelloni.

Spoon any remaining ragu over the top, then pour over the béchamel sauce to cover all the cannelloni rolls. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan. Will keep covered and chilled for up to two days or frozen for up to two months. Leave to cool completely first. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight before cooking. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6, then bake the cannelloni for 40 mins until bubbling at the edges and golden brown on top.

Grind over some black pepper, if you like, and serve with a crisp green salad.

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5 score. Critics and audiences praise the undeniable chemistry between Garfield and Pugh [pictured], suggesting the film is a profoundly moving experience, perfect for those seeking a cathartic cry.

The Guardian gave the film four stars and described the movie as follows: “It’s a tale of attractive, sweary Londoners flirting and falling in love but here they’re also grappling with some knottier, less cosy issues. It’s no spoiler, given both the trailer and the film’s timejumping structure flitting back and forth, that it’s also about late-stage cancer, a development that has become something of a red flag given the rote nature of many disease-of-the-week dramas.

“But Irish stage and screen director John Crowley, who found his biggest success with 2015’s Brooklyn, has found a way to breathe life into a film about death, not aiming for wheel reinvention exactly but confidently relying on the power of big, honest emotions and two A-game stars who can easily sell them.”

Empire also gave the film four stars, offering particular praise for the film’s two leads “All of this is elevated several levels by two of the best actors working today.

Garfield — here reuniting with Crowley, his director on Boy A —is brilliant as the exceedingly average Tobias, equally adept at showcasing lighthearted humour and devastating, soul-crushing pain.

to watch in the next week 1. Ballard

Maggie Q steps into the ‘Bosch’ universe int his spinoff as Detective Renée Ballard, leading the LAPD’s scrappy cold case unit with grit and empathy.

When a string of long-forgotten murders — including a John Doe tied to a serial killer — points to a deeper conspiracy inside the department, Ballard digs in.

She has help from none other than Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver), who brings his own history to the case.

Fans of Michael Connelly’s books will find plenty to savour in this dark LA crime drama, streaming on Amazon Prime.

Known tearjerker lands on Netflix Known tearjerker We Live In Time, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, has finally arrived on Netflix. Previously released in cinemas last January, the film is already making waves and was also reviewed incredibly well.

We Live In Time chronicles the decade-long love story of Almut, a chef and former figure skater, and Tobias, a recently divorced sales representative. Their unconventional romance begins with a car accident and unfolds through various points in time, exploring the challenges and cherished moments of their journey.

The film garnered strong critical acclaim, boasting a 79% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 222 reviews, with an 83% user

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2. It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

“But this is Pugh’s show, and she’s riveting and quietly moving as her Almut strives for career glory even while coming to terms with her mortality. Together, Pugh and Garfield are a force.“ The UK Telegraph, however, were not quite as hot on the film, only offering it one star out of five, adding, “by jumbling the running order of Almut and Tobias’s relationship, Nick Payne’s screenplay deprives the audience of the simple, mushy pleasures of its conventionally sentimental arc.”

Overall, the general consensus is that this is another must-watch coming to Netflix, especially for anyone who wants a dreary evening spent nestled in a tub of ice cream while languishing in their feels.

The Gang is back for more hijinks and questionable choices in season 17.

Things kick off with the second part of the Abbott Elementary crossover, which sees Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Dee, and Frank volunteering (read: ruining) at the school.

They’re also joining the corporate rat race, shamelessly chasing money and power with absolutely zero dignity. Two decades in, the Paddy’s Pub misfits are even more absurd and ridiculous than ever. And that’s very comforting. On YouTube.

3. Too Much

This isn’t your picture-perfect Notting Hill fantasy; it’s the version with bad decisions, hangovers, and a meet-cute in a grimy pub bathroom.

Created by Lena Dunham and Luis Felber, and streaming on Netflix, this romantic comedy knows that the course of true love never runs smooth.

Hacks standout Megan Stalter plays Jessica, a burned-out New Yorker who runs to London to brood like a Brontë sister after blowing up her life. There she meets Felix (Will Sharpe), a scruffy musician who’s a blaring red flag factory yet completely irresistible.

4. Dexter: Resurrection

Game Night a must-see dark comedy Prime Video just added a ridiculously fun dark comedy movie — and it’s full of unexpected twists.

Game Night, in a few simple words is a dark comedy that takes some pretty wild turns, while keeping the experience genuinely fun. Jason Bateman effortlessly floats through the genre as if second nature, alongside the ever-charming Rachel McAdams, who brings plenty of laughs.

The movie follows Max and Annie [pictured], a competitive couple who regularly host game nights with their close group of friends. One evening, they invite Max’s wealthy and charming brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler), to join them.

Brooks proposes a new game — a murder mystery party where someone will

be “kidnapped,” and the group has to solve the case.

What begins as an entertaining challenge quickly turns real when Brooks actually disappears, and

the group realises they’re caught up in a genuinely dangerous situation.

As Max, Annie and their friends scramble to uncover what’s really going on, they

face a series of unexpected twists, false leads, and escalating chaos. Each clue brings new surprises, and the stakes rise as they try to save Brooks and themselves.

This dark comedy features some seriously cool cinematography. Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein clearly knew what they were doing.

Given the movie’s title, they wanted to literally incorporate elements of games into the visuals.

Near the beginning, there’s a street scene that uses an effect to make the characters’ world look like a game board or miniature set. As the camera zooms in, the street “comes to life,” transitioning from the toylike perspective into full, real-scale live action.

Go watch...

Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) just can’t stay dead — even when his own son shoots him. In the second sequel series after New Blood, our favourite blood-spatter expert wakes from a coma to find Harrison gone without a trace.

He heads to New York City to find his son and make amends, but Miami Metro’s Angel Batista (David Zayas) is hard on his tail with questions he really doesn’t want to answer. Hall is joined by a stacked cast, including Uma Thurman and Peter Dinklage, for another foray into darkness. The past won’t stay buried and there will be blood. Streaming on Paramount Plus.

5. The Institute

Stephen King’s “The Institute” is no bedtime story. It’s a horror show where kids are snatched from their beds and locked in a facility where psychic powers mean torture in the name of science.

When teenage genius Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman) is kidnapped, he wakes up in a nightmare perpetrated by the chilling Ms. Sigsby (Mary Louise Parker), the Institute’s cruel tormentor. Meanwhile, in town, ex-cop Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes) is trying to mind his own business … until he’s pushed to look into the shadowy facility. Think Stranger Things but even more terrifying. On YouTube.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Kitchen Session

Kitchen Session returns to the Mayfair Library

On July 25, the Kilkenny for whatever reason Mayfair library will might prefer not open its doors to attend night to The Kitchen time perforSession. The mances.” event is for And so, anyone the idea of who likes a daytime to sing perfora song, mance recite a was born. poem, Jim and Between 1883 and 1929, Andrew dance a Liz apCarnegie funded over 3,000 libraries jig or play proached across the globe, including 1,689 a tune.

Mayfair in the United States alone, and The library executive of course one on John’s informed librarian Nuala Quay Kilkenny The Kilkenny Roche who welObserver that the comed the idea, invitation is open to and the first Kitchen all. So, if you have a ukulele, Session took place in May tin whistle or saxophone you of this year. “It is so imporare invited to bring it along. tant that the library is seen If however, you just want as very much a community to come along to listen and venue where all are welcome enjoy the session then that is and the inclusion of groups fine also. like The Kitchen Session is For a number of years, The part and parcel of what we Kitchen Session has been are about,” explained Nuala. providing music and song One cannot but take time in and around Kilkenny to tip the cap to Mr Andrew city and county and using Carnegie who, you could various venues to host the say, started the ball rolling. events. The Observer spoke Carnegie was a Scottishto Liz Kett, one of the foundAmerican industrialist and ers of the session group, who philanthropist, who led the informed us that from the expansion of the American outset, the idea was to have steel industry a bit of fun through music in the late and song. “There are no airs 19th century Members of the public and graces, just music, song, and became who attended the Kitchen poetry and an odd recitation one of the session at the library thrown in for good measure,” richest Ameriexplained Liz. Liz went on to cans in hisexplain that the sessions are tory. Between all done in a very relaxed at1883 and 1929, mosphere where enjoyment Carnegie fundof music and the spoken ed over 3,000 word are all important. libraries across While great credit must go the globe, to the group of storytellers including 1,689 and musicians for presentin the United ing the event, praise also States alone. His must go to Kilkenny library goal was simple for hosting the event. Liz but powerful: Kett takes up the story. “Jim make books— Byrne and myself were chatand therefore, ting about our weekly music self-improvesessions and we wondered ment—accessible if a daytime performance to everyone. His might suit certain people in legacy lives on in our community. We realised public libraries that some people, who love that continue to serve milIreland, donating £170,000 music, might not like the lions. Andrew significantly between 1897 and 1913. One idea of attending such shows contributed to the establishsuch library was the library in a ‘pub setting’, or indeed, ment of public libraries in on John’s Quay in Kilkenny.

Musicians and Mayfair library staff picture at the May sessions

Music poetry and song at the Mayfair library.

Let us return for a moment to November 4 1910 when the Carnegie free library was officially opened by Lady

Ellen Desart. Lady Desart’s words on that day are worth recalling. “May its wisdom reach forth, spreading its

power from our very heartland to the distant shores of our seas. It is my ardent desire that this establishment never merely becomes to be regarded as a comfortable abode for idle leisure.

Let us all unite to ensure that our library becomes not just a building of books, but a mighty engine for the uplifting and enlightenment of this beloved country.” She concluded her speech with “ I appeal to the people of Kilkenny: may you recognise the potential of this building and its treasury of knowledge.”

In April 2024, the library moved from ‘the Quay’ to Parliament Street where it is now known as The Mayfair library. And what a fantastic building and service it is.

Hardly a week goes by, when there is something new happening, for young and old alike. One imagines that both Andrew and Ellen would approve.

The Kitchen Session takes place at The Mayfair Library on July 25th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

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Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA DAZZLING COMEBACK The Clara Juniors made a remarkable comeback at home to O’Loughlins in the first round of the Junior hurling league. Trailing by 8 at the interval, the deficit grew to 11 ten minutes into the second half, but Clara scored 1-12 in the remaining twenty minutes while holding their opponents to a single goal. There wasn’t even a breeze to explain the change in fortunes, but taking off a couple of O Loughlins players was to prove very significant.

O’Loughlins looked the far sharper team in the first half, after which they led 2-9 to 0-7. Five of the Clara points had come from the stick of James Bergin (3f), and Conor Cody and Davy Barcoe had notched the other two. Clara introduced Tom Ryan at halftime and moved Davy Barcoe and Rory O Keeffe to midfield. The changes didn’t work out immediately and two points from Luke Lawlor and Sean Carrigan were cancelled out by two similar Lox scores. Then former Clara School pupil Ruairc Sweeney struck a goal for the city side and the lead was out to eleven points. Even though James Bergin struck four pointed frees in a row O’Loughlins flicked home another goal to stall the mini comeback. It was then that the new look Clara midfield began to assert themselves.

Tom Ryan excelled in the role of free man and Luke Lawlor thundered into the game. Joe Power, James Bergin (2) and Conor Hoyne (2) reduced the deficit to five. Cian Kelly made a terrific save to deny Ruairc Sweeney and then a brilliant Clara move saw Joe Power feed Davy Barcoe with a perfect bounced pass and Davy hit the back of the onion bag. Joe Connolly then cut the margin to the minimum from distance and a beleaguered O’Loughlins defence conceded two frees that James Bergin converted to give Clara what looked like a very unlikely victory only 15 minutes previously. Both sides missed chances before the final whistle and O’Loughlins must have made the short journey home wondering how the hell they went home empty handed. They shot 16 wides to the home side’s 11 over the course of the game but when the real pressure came on it was Clara that produced the goods.

Team - Cian Kelly, Paddy Bolger , Zach Lawlor, Hugh Kelly. Conor Cody 0-1, Luke Lawlor 0-1, Rory O Keeffe. James Bergin 0-13, 0-9f, 0-1 x 65, Conor Hoyne 0-2. Jake Maher, David Barcoe 1-1, Joe Connolly 0-1. Sean Carrigan 0-1, Peter Nolan, Joe Power 0-1. Subs used Tom Ryan, Killian Phelan, Killian Fitzgerald.

CROKE PARK Hard luck to Mary O Connell of Clara who was on the losing Kilkenny camogie team v. Tipperary in Sundays All Ireland quarter final.

Well done to Laura Fitzgerald of Clara NS. who lined out at halftime of Sunday’s Kilkenny v Tipperary All Ireland semifinal in Croke Park in front of over 60 thousand people. Also hard luck to Shane Staunton and John Murphy on the loss of that semifinal.

CEMETERY MASS Clara cemetery mass Sunday 13th July at 4.00pm.

Also please support the collection for restoration and maintenance of the cemetery.

PILTOWN DRAW Clara had two winners in the third Piltown draw held on Tuesday 1st July. Joanne O Connell won €200 and senior club hurler Paddy Bolger picked up €100. Well done to both.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn for the Lotto on the 1st July were 7, 28 and 29. €30 Lucky Dip to Nellie Hoyne, Anne Quealy, Caitriona Corr, Ann Mullen and Stephen Campion. Thank you for your continued support.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS THANKS While we are all disappointed with the results of last Sunday’s games we can only say thank you

O’ Loughlin Gaels Gaelic Games for all group which had a fantastic day out in Croke Park last week.

St Johns U12 Soccer Team

to the players for their efforts throughout the year. The club is proud of the O’Loughlin Gaels players Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy, Luke Hogan, Fionán Mackessey and Owen Wall and Kilkenny senior camogie players Laura Greene, Laura Murphy and Danielle Quigley. Well done all. Better days will come.

Well done also to all those who travelled to Croke Park last weekend. Five busloads of supporters left St John’s Park on Sunday last to support our heroes. Well done to organiser in chief Stephen Mc Cormack.

GAELIC GAMES FOR ALL The O’ Loughlin Gaels Gaelic Games for all group had a fantastic day out in Croke Park. There was a big turnout of children, mentors and parents from the club at today’s memorable event. A big thank you to Nathen Culleton from Kilkenny GAA for organising this fantastic day out and also for his support in setting up the group. See you all at training next Monday at 6pm. New members always welcome.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club

lotto dated July 1st. The numbers drawn were 2, 19, 26, 27, and the bonus number was 16. Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com Promotors Draw 1 Geoff Doyle. 2. Matt Canavan c/o M Nolan. 3. Sarah McGirl c/o G Buckley. 4.

Noel and Martina C/o N Tyrrel. 5. Miriam Butler c/o Ml Nolan. 6. Emma Deegan c/o Ml OHalloran.

7. Theresa Walshe Ml Doran. 8. Helen Morrissey c/o Online. 9. Lisa Buckley c/o Online. 10. Grainne Lambert c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

HANDBALL SUCCESS Well done to O’Loughlin’s Johnny Delaney who won the County 60x30 Under 12 Handball title in Kilfane defeating Michael Ryan Talbots Inch in the quarter-final, TJ Hurley from Kilfane in the semifinal and Conor Mc Cormack of Kells in the final.

Well done to Leon Delaney also who competing a year up on his age at Under 14 60x 30 reached the final before losing out in a close final to Ciarán Tracey of Talbot’s Inch.

COMMUNITY GAMES SOCCER SUCCESS Huge congrats to the St John’s U12 boys outdoor soccer team who had a great win against Burrin

area Carlow to win the Leinster Community Games quarter finals. They now progress to the Leinster finals weekend in Longford on 12th July to represent Kilkenny. Best of luck to all. Huge thanks to their sponsors Kilford Arms Hotel and their coaches Danny Quinn and Don Campion.

BOOKINGS FOR OCCASIONS O’Loughlin Gaels Club boasts the best club facilities for its members in the city. With plenty of free parking, kitchen, bar and lounge facilities available it can cater for all your party needs. Contact 086-8919312 to book your special occasion-christening, communion, confirmation, birthdays and anniversaries, special wedding guest gatherings or any group occasion you require. The large Hall is available for larger community events and the space outside is safe and secure for all.

NOTES If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to communications.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie FRESHFORD

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Community & GAA Notes JOHN CONNERY RIP Freshford community were shocked and saddened last weekend to hear of the sudden passing of local man John Connery late of Kilkenny Road, Freshford. John who was a retired school teacher was a member of a well-known and respected family from the village. He was a very quiet and good living gentleman and loved the gaeilge. He was a keen photographer also over the years. Funeral mass took place on Saturday afternoon last followed by burial in St.Lachtains cemetery Freshford. He is mourned by his brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

FOROIGE Foroige youth club enjoyed an end of season trip last weekend to Emerald Park. It was a great first year for the Club and it will resume in October.

Special thanks to all the members, parents and volunteers and to Aidan Gleeson.

WED Congratulations and best wishes are extended to local girl Michelle Bowden and Mark Unwin who were married at Rothe House, Kilkenny on Wednesday last with reception afterwards in Hotel Kilkenny. The happy couple are wished all the best and many years of happiness in their newly married life.

CHAMPS AT ADAMSTOWN Well done to local lad Gyll Condon who had another great day on Saturday last at the Adamstown show when he got second in the senior ram class, first and second in the hogget class, second and third in the ewe lamb class.

His hogget then went on to be tapped reserve Charollais Champion.

GAA NEWS Championship season kicks off on Saturday next when St. Lachtains Junior B hurling side take on the Fenians at 2pm.

CAMOGIE Local girl Maria Brennan, Bohergloss was part of the Kilkenny Senior camogie team which were beaten by Tipp in Croke Park on Sunday last.

Marie is daughter of Tony and Eileen Brennan and sister of local hurling star Darren and plays her club camogie with Gaultiers in Waterford.

NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSING As part of the ongoing safety programme in Freshford village a new motorised pedestrian crossing is being installed on the Ballyragget Road across from Delaneys. Work has already started and will be ongoing for the next number of weeks. “the importance of signalized crossings has become essential with the advent and wholesale transition to electric vehicles which can be difficult to hear and this is a welcome safety feature for both the young and not so young” noted” local Michael Cllr. McCarthy GRAVE MATTERS Freshford Graveyard is to have a welcome safety first facility and work has already commenced on the long awaited car park according to local Cllr.

Michael McCarthy. “Fencing has been erected and ground works will follow “says Cllr McCarthy and he expressed a special word of thanks to Donal O’Sullivan for his co-operation in the matter.

IONAD LACHTAIN St Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.00pm.

LOOP WALK The Loop Walk in Freshford was awarded €10K under the Walks Development fund Scheme recently. Cllr Michael McCarthy said that this is a great boost locally and will further enhance the project BRIDGE Freshford Bridge club will host Open Summer Bridge in Threecastles Hall each Monday at 7.30pm all bridge players welcome.

TIDY TOWNS Freshford Tidy Town submitted their 2025 competition application which was quite an undertaking and well done to the volunteers.

The Committee are busy at the minute cleaning up and painting the seats on the green and they would ask all local residents and visitors to the village to support their application by doing your part where you live or visit. They would welcome all painting, cleaning, litter picks, planting of

pollinators and all activities that enhance our beautiful village.

Tidy town’s volunteers meet each Wednesday evening in the village so please come along for a chat and to lend a hand to your community if you can spare an hour.

CAMP Freshfords longest running camp will take place again this year from 28th July to 1st August at GAA Grounds. The camp was founded by local man JJ Grace and has been running for over 20 years full of activity and fun. Places will be limited. For booking or for more information please contact JJ on 086 8629666. Please note that the 18th July is the last day for bookings.

CLEAN UP With the help of a small grant and within the guidance of the Heritage Council, a clean up of the old graveyard in Threecastles has been organised. The clean up will take place from 10-11am on Saturdays. If you are interested in helping out please come along and bring your gloves, secateurs, pruners, rake etc.

SPLIT THE POT The winner of Split the Pot last week was Mary Bergin who won herself €114. The proceeds for the month of June are going to Freshford Tidy towns and you are asked to please support them during that time. The draw will take place every Saturday. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available at Loop café and in all local shops and pubs. Revolut is also available on 08330411011 remember to your name and address.

NUENNA GROUP The County Bs 2025 was a great experience for members of the Nuenna Athletics Group recently and well done to all who attended with some excellent performances. Well done to Michael Bergin coming third in the Abbeyleix house 10K and also Aine and Monica on a great race. Local boy Joey Nolan was in Tullamore recently for the National high jump competition. Membership to Nuenna AC club for the year is €60.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café in the village is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. They are always looking for people on both sides of the counter, so why not support your own local café.

You could meet a friend for a chat and cuppa or some lovely homemade food. The Loop also hosts a variety of community activities. The Loop is looking for volunteers as well as customers.

Use your skills and develop new ones. Find the Loop on Facebook to keep up with events, or stop by any time. If you’d like to volunteer, please call the café at 056.883.2650 and speak with Rhiannon.

Siobhain O Donnell from Threecastles as the lucky winner of the beautiful painting which was kindly donated by local artist Michael Cantwell.

PARISH NEWS Mass in Tulla church is held on Saturday evening at 7.30pm and 11am Mass in St.Lachtains Church on Sundays. There will be no weekday masses for the summer months and it will return in September.

Following the death of Monsignor Kieron Kennedy PP Fr. Liam Taylor PP Ballycallan has taken on administrative and pastoral duties in Freshford for the moment. Freshford will be clustered with Tullaroan, Ballycallan and Fr.Liam is co ordinator of the cluster until August. You can contact Fr.Liam on 086 8180954. With the recent clerical changes in the diocese Fr Mark Condon has been appointed PP for Freshford Tullaroan and Ballycallan. Fr.Mark served in Danesfort for the past number of years and will take on full pastoral duties in late August.

The parish newsletter is available on their website every week. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to the office during those hours Choir The parish choir are taking a well-deserved break for the summer months and will resume in September.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB

ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINAL It was heartache again for club star Cian Kenny, who put in a top- class display as Kilkenny were thwarted by the Premier County on a scoreline of 4-20 to 0-30 in an action-packed All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park on Sunday afternoon.

The disappointment will be sorely felt by the classy midfielder who shot over two points, one an outstanding long-range strike from inside his own half which helped to inspire his team mates at a vital stage in the hard-fought contest.

KILKENNY CAMOGIE It was disappointment on the double for Kilkenny supporters as the Kilkenny senior camogie team was edged out 1-22 to 0-19, after extra time, by neighbours Tipperary in the earlier pulsating AllIreland camogie quarter final. Club stars Niamh Deely and Michelle Teehan put in excellent performances in defence throughout the game which ended on level terms at the end of normal time. The game changing incident revolved around a controversial Kilkenny goal which the referee cancelled instead awarding a penalty to Kilkenny which the Tipperary goalkeeper saved to give a huge lift to the Premier girls.

HURLER’S CO-OP DRAW The second and third draws in the 2025 Hurlers Co-Op Draw took place in Piltown. Unfortunately, the club had no winners in the second draw with only two prize winners in the third draw. The McGuinness family won €150 and, Sean Doyle claimed the 29th prize to the value of €100. The fourth draw, with a top prize of a holiday package worth €6,000, takes place on Tuesday evening, 15th July.

U-14 HURLING LEAGUES The impressive work of the U-14 mentors continues to show positive results. The U-14 “A” team, with a great all-round performance, registered a 4-21 to 4-12 away victory over Graigue-Ballycallan to keep them in contention for the knock-out stages of the 2025 league. The win was achieved courtesy of goals from Paddy Larkin, J.J. Fogarty and Jeffrey Cleere with strong performances from Henry Phelan and Codie Owens in defence.

On Saturday morning the club’s “B” hurlers with goals from Ashton Maher, Donal Power and Conor Knox powered ahead to close out with a 4-06 to 1-05 victory over John Lockes in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan. Overall, the players gave a solid display of teamwork and combination play driven by Jack Hennessy and Oisin Sheeran to keep the team at the top of the league table.

HANDBALL Congratulations to the club’s U-12 hurler, Sean O’Keeffe, who won the Kilkenny U-13 (60x30) handball title, when beating the Clogh handball player Dara Roche 15 -9, 15 -8 in the final at the weekend. Sean joins the growing band of James Stephens hurlers who have excelled in the handball courts such as Noah Manogue, Andrew Brennan and Golden masters champion Joe Hennessy who have won Kilkenny, Leinster and All-Ireland handball titles in recent times. Well done Sean.

DIARY DATE Members, family members and supporters should note that the annual Family BBQ evening, with music, sports and craic is scheduled for Saturday evening 6th September starting at 5pm in Larchfield MINOR HURLING LEAGUE The minor hurlers continued their impressive run of positive results with an emphatic away win 4-22 to 1-15 over Mooncoin. This result consolidates their place at the top of the league table having played five rounds of the ten match programme. The next fixture will be against Ballyhale Shamrocks on Wednesday 16th July in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophan LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 3, 8, 14, 30. There was no winner. The €40 consolation winners were Sarah Doyle, Dolores Walsh, Seamus Kennedy, Paul Doyle and Lila Thomas GOWRAN GOWRAN PARK LADIES DAY Racing takes place on Saturday, July 26th. There are Prizes for best dressed. There is a limited number of packages available, call 056 7726225

for tickets or gowranpark.ie GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Timesheet are now open for Gowran Scratch Cup which takes place on Saturday, 19th July https:// www.irishpitchandputt.ie/handicap-system/ competitions/strokeplay/10638/timesheet/ 36 holes three sessions. Thanks to sponsors for their support, Gowran Pharmacy, Fivestar Cleaning, Farm and Industrial, Daly Farrell Chartered Accountants and Ballylinch Stud.

GOWRAN AC Huge congratulations to Alexandria Donnellan Gowran AC who represented Ireland at the AA Games in Coventry. Alex who had the honour of being selected as captain for the Irish team, was part of a strong team of 18 Para Athletes who competed over the weekend in various track and field events. Alex along with her teammates have worked tirelessly in preparation for the games, gaining lots of experience and building confidence in their own abilities. Having medalled at the Leinster’s just a few weeks previous, Alex excelled in all her events this weekend and came home with 3 gold medals, for the Shot put, Javelin and Discus, and a new Personal Best in the Discus too.

ST MARY’S CHURCH GOWRAN St. Mary’s Church Gowran will open the second Thursday of every month up until 28th August 2025. This church was built in the late thirteenth century as a collegiate church and was served by a college - clerics who lived in a community but did not submit to the rule of a monastery.

The church was patronised by the Butler family and many early family members are commemorated here with elaborate medieval tombs. The impressive ruins were decorated by the Gowran Master whose stone carvings are immortalised in the poetry of Nobel Laureate Séamus Heaney.

The once medieval church was later partly reconstructed in the early 19th century and functioned as a Church of Ireland church until the 1970’s when it was gifted to the State as a National Monument. Today the restored part of the church preserves a collection of monuments dating from the 5th to the 20th centuries. Don’t miss your chance to explore this incrediable thirteenth century church!

BENNETTSBRIDGE CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Mary Blanchfield who has been appointed to the prestigious position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Design Craft Council of Ireland. Mary has held the position of interim CEO at DCCI since September 2024.

She will move into the permanent position with immediate effect. Mary is looking forward to deepening the strong connections she has developed with the DCCI community and stakeholders over the last 25 years, and together growing the strength and impact of the sector.

Mary has been involved in Bennettsbridge GAA Club for many years, serving in many roles. She is mother of hurlers, Liam, David and Kevin Blanchfield who are involved at club and intercounty level. She is wished continued success in her new role.

MEMORIAL FEIS The annual Clodagh and Tony Cullen Memorial Feis was held in the Community Hall last Thursday. Organised by Stella Carroll and her team it was a great occasion. Anne Marie Cullen presented the trophies. Winner of the Clodagh cup was Sophie Dowling and Aveline Gaffney. The Tony Cullen Cup was won by Lauren Prendergast.

Other prizewinners were, Aidan and Hannah Tyrell, Dylan Roberts, Liam and Evelyn Alcorn, Aisling Moran, Isobel Kavanagh, Isla Massey, Ben Burke, Luca Murphy, Ida and Romy, Faye Prendergast, Edie McLaughlin, Isla Lanagan, Sophie Dobbyn, Emily Hayes, Jayne Maher, Ada Melody, Zosia Morris, Evie Deegan, Sarah Delaney, Ava Nolan, Ella and Amelia Meany, Cathal Wemyss, Anya O’Neill, Noah Dowling, Marie and Edward Millea, Leah Smith, Aine Denieffe, and Megan Harrington.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Brownrigg family on the death of, Teresa (Tess) Brownrigg (née Nolan), (Newtown, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny and

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Community & GAA Notes

Mary Blanchfield, who has been appointed CEO of the Design Craft Council of Ireland

formerly of Rahengraney Bridge, Clonegal, Co. Wexford). Tess died on her 87th birthday, in the excellent care of all the staff, in the Suir Ward St. Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny. She was pre-deceased by her loving parents, Patrick and Elizabeth, brothers Jim, Jack, Andy, Dan and sisters Kathy, Molly Bridie and son-in-law Brian. She is survived by her husband Attie and daughters, Marie, Deborah, Audrey and Athena, sons-in-law Liam, Mike and Edward. She is also mourned by her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family, good neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Reposal was at Shasby’s Funeral Home Kilkenny with rosary and vigil prayers. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church, Tullaherin, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

CHURCH NEWS Weekly Masses, Wednesday morning 10.30am.

Friday morning 10.30am Cemetery Masses, the dates for the annual cemetery masses have been announced. Tullaherin Saturday, 2nd August 8pm. Bennettsbridge Sunday, 3rd August 10.30am. Thomastown St Mary’s Cemetery Friday, 1st August 7.30pm CARDS Results 17th June. Declan Twomey/Brigid Cottrell, Michael Kenneally/Michael Fitzpatrick.( 11 games ). Table Prize John O’Brien/Patsy Gibbons.

24th June Jack Bolger/Tom Drennan, Vinnie Horgan/Andy Barcoe ( 10 games ). Table Prize Pauline Keating/Martin Clarke. 1st July. Richie Murphy/Richie Proctor/Mary Whelan/Pat Hanlon( 10 games ). Table Prize Eugene and Brendan Malone LOTTO The lotto draw held on the 30th June. There was no winner of Jackpot. The numbers drawn were, 10, 13, 20, 24. Consolation Prizes went to Tom Leacy, BB, Anne Beck Kilfane, Leanne Simpson, Tullaroan, Christy Forde, Bohergaddy, Christy Dunne, Ballyreddin GAA County Hurling and Football; Hard luck to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny Senior hurling team who lost out narrowly to Tipperary by 2 pts in the All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final last Sunday at Croke Park. It was a pulsating end to a tight contest but the goals that Kilkenny conceded were the difference, a tough way to go out but that is sport. We wish David and the Kilkenny hurling senior panel all the best as they return to their clubs and prepare for the upcoming league/ championships.

We wish manager Christy Walsh and club players James Carroll and Jamie Harkin the best of luck with the Kilkenny Junior football team who play London in the All-Ireland Junior football championship in Abbottstown on Friday night and if they get over London they will play in the All-Ireland

Junior Football final in Croke Park on Sunday in the curtain raiser before the All-Ireland Senior football semi-final.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN Bennettsbridge GAA club Pitch signage campaign is going very well. There are still places available and many thanks to all the business owners who have supported so far. If interested please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

CLUB GAMES A busy week on the club scene so please see the Kilkenny Gaa website for upcoming Bennettsbridge fixture details or changes.

PILTOWN DRAW 2025 Congratulations to Michael Dobbyn who won €1k in the draws held last week. Best of luck to all in the last two draws that take place on Tuesday 15th and Tuesday 29th July. Hopefully we will have more winners.

SUMMER CAMP 2025 This year’s summer camp will take place between August 5th and 8th in the GAA grounds. To register for this fun filled activity camp please contact Cormac Wafer or Enda Morrissey.

NEW AWAY JERSEY AND BASEBALL HAT Our new away jersey is now for sale online on the club’s O’Neill shop. A baseball hat has also now been added to the range. Go to the website and simply enter Bennettsbridge in the search box to see the New Jersey and all other Bridge gear for sale.

SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place Friday 11th July at 6pm in the clubhouse. If you are not in you cannot win.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 3rd July 2025.

The numbers drawn were: 10 19 24 26 There was no Winner. Draw Prizes – €50 Gabrielle Power c/o online. €25 each Paddy Phelan c/o Joe Phelan. €25 each Eddie Corr c/o Jim Murphy. €25 each Brendan Kennedy c/o Online. Hurlers Co Op Anne Kerwick c/o Online.Promotors prize T and J Knox.We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up & play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so SUMMER CAMP 2025 This is the last call for Bookings for our brillant Summer Camp which will run over two weeks.

Monday 14th July - July 18th and Monday 11th Aug - Aug 15th. See ClubZapp for more details.

And to secure your place.

KILKENNY GAA AND KILKENNY CAMOGIE Hard luck to all our Club Players who represented Kilkenny GAA and Kilkenny Camogie on Sunday in Croke Park. We are all very proud of them and we look forward to seeing them back in their club jerseys in Palmerstown for Club Championship games.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN ACTIVE RETIREMENT The Active Retirement Group meets on Thursday 17th July at 11am in the Paulstown Community Hall. Activities include gardening, painting and yoga. All are welcome. Annual membership cost €25.

ART WORKSHOP (PAULSTOWN) Weekend drawing and painting studio practice led by Elizabeth Cope at Shankill Castle on 26th and 27th July. Each day will be of intense work, inspired by woodland landscape and garden produce. Participants may bring their own materials to develop a sustained work and supporting drawings from life. Bookings and enquiries: phoebecope@gmail.com BARROW RANGERS There was no winner of last week’s lotto.

BRIDGE UNITED There was no winner in last week’s lotto draw of 1st July. Match 3 numbers (€100) to Niall Byrne and Promotors Prize to John Quinn. Tickets cost €2 and can be bought locally or click on the Tom Healy

Clubforce link.

A new Under-23s team is being established.

Further information on playing from James on 087 797 1276.

CHURCH SERVICES Weekend masses are on Saturday in Goresbridge at 7.30pm and on Sunday at 10am in Goresbridge and at 11.30am in Paulstown. Weekday masses at 10am on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and at 10am on Wednesday in Goresbridge. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place each Tuesday from the end of mass in Paulstown to 5.45pm. Cemetery masses will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 18 July at Queen of Peace cemetery in Goresbridge and at 7.30pm at Goresbridge church graveyard at 7.30pm on Saturday 26 July.

Church of Ireland services Sunday, 13 July at Grange Sylvae, Goresbridge (11.30am).

TALKING THE TALK Cupla focal (Irish language conversation circle) continues each Friday at 11am in the Goodly Barrow.

MEN’S SHED Next meeting is at 11am on Tuesday 15th July beside Paulstown Community Centre. Cup of tea, chat, woodwork and upcoming visits to other sheds. We welcome new members or just the occasional visit to drop in and chat. New skills welcome too!

SHANKILL CASTLE Shankill Castle is open to the public each weekend from 11.00am - 5pm).

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie. The results of draw of 29th June: 1.

Veronica Murphy (€100), 2. Anne McDonald (€20), 3. Brian Kelly (€20).

DONATIONS Tar Isteach is looking for good quality bric a brac, household items, it comes in and goes out twice as fast - also good quality men’s clothes, handbags etc. we have enough toys and books for the moment!

TIDY THURSDAYS (GORESBRIDGE) Help needed even if you just want to help in your own estate. Each Thursday we meet at 7pm in the locality. See relevant facebook pages for detail of location. There is a lot of weeding, strimming and painting to be done.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC CONCERT Mick McAuley and John Doyle will perform in Ionad Dara in Goresbridge on Friday 5th September at 8.30pm. Tickets are available through the normal channels including eventbrite.

BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL CABARET A cabaret for the Ballyragget/Ballyouskill Lourdes Fund in the Wheel Inn Ballyouskill Sunday 13th of July 2025. It promises to be, a vibrant fundraiser showcasing local talent, celebrating community spirit, and supporting a heartfelt pilgrimage of faith, healing, and rural Irish generosity.

LAOIS ROSE LOCAL LADY A cabaret will be held to support Katelyn Cummins in her quest to be the Rose of Tralee on July 19th in the Wheel Inn music by Aisling Rafftery with a monster raffle proceeds will be divided between the Jack and Jill Foundation and the Laois Rose COIS NORE Cois Nore Outreach service will be visiting Ballyragget every Monday morning from 10am to 12 noon at Dr Hogan’s Rooms, the Square, Ballyragget. Please call in to Aileen for a chat, cup of tea and support, or for registration to the free and confidential services available in the Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Walkin Street in Kilkenny. All enquiries welcome.

KILMANAGH SCRAP METAL Míle buíochas to all who helped to make the Scrap Metal Collection 2025 another successful venture. A special word of thanks to the Harris Family for the generous use of their facilities once more. As ever, all proceeds raised go towards the upkeep of Naomh Aodhán Community Centre,

Kilmanagh.

1848 FAMINE WALK The 19th Annual Walk from The Commons village to the nearby OPW National Monument “Famine Warhouse” takes place this year on Saturday, July 26th at 3pm. Walk Leader and Speaker will be local Senator, Imelda Goldsboro. Organised by the Ballingarry 1848 Committee, there will be history, music and refreshments. All are welcome.

LOTTO Results for 30th June. Numbers drawn were 2; 20; 26; 27. There was no winner. Lucky Dip winners were Bill Ryan, Shane and Jer Murphy, David Harrison. Seller’s prizes went to Michele Comerford and Willie O’Connor. Next week’s jackpot will be €17,600.

LOCAL PATTERNS The Pattern of the Old Cemetery in Kilmanagh will take place on Thursday, 31st July. Killaloe Pattern will take place on 9th August. Tullaroan Cemetery mass will take place on Friday 15th August and St. Michael’s Pattern will take place on Sunday 28th September.

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 .

KILMACOW FR. BRIAN FLYNN WALK A memorial tribute to the late Fr. Brian Flynn was erected last week at the Sports Complex in Kilmacow. Fr. Flynn was a special man and will be fondly remembered by the people of Kilmacow. He was always helpful and supportive of the Sports Complex Committee, especially in getting ownership of the lands at the Sports Complex transferred to the Committee to hold on behalf of the people of Kilmacow. An event will be organised in the coming weeks to have a small get-together to acknowledge his work and to have the stone dedicated to his memory and blessed.

TABLE QUIZ Kilmacow Parish Old Graveyards Restoration Committee will host a table quiz in the Fox’s Den at 8.00pm on Monday, 14th July. Cost per table of four is €20. All support will be gratefully appreciated.

CLEAN-UP AT THE SPORTS COMPLEX There was a great turn out and great work was completed at the annual clean-up at the Sports Complex last Saturday, 5th July. A special word of thanks to Ray, Alex and Joe for their efforts. This work ensures the facilities and amenities there are maintained to the highest standards and the grounds are always well presented. A great day’s work.

TWINNING A group from Saint-Thurien will visit Kilmacow from Saturday, 19th July. This year’s visit is special as it will mark the 30th anniversary of the twinning of Kilmacow and Saint-Thurien in SantThurien in 1995.

COUNCIL WORKS An Emergency Road Closure is expected to continue this week to facilitate works to the parapet wall on a bridge on the local road L3408 at Strangsmills. A traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the works.

Road surfacing works are scheduled from Narabane to Lacey’s Cross from next Monday, 14th July. A traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the works.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 15, 19, 20 and 26. There were five Lucky Dips at €40 each.

MAINTENANCE OF OLD GRAVEYARD The working group for local graveyards will continue its work for this year at the Lower Street, Kilmacow from 2.00pm on Saturday, 12th July. All offers of assistance appreciated.

ROSEDALE GARDEN PARTY The annual Rosedale Garden Party will be held from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on Saturday, 12th July.

Attractions include refreshments, games, facepainting, vintage cars and music. All welcome.

This event is being held with the support of the

We Wewelcome welcomeall allGAA GAAClub Cluband andCommunity Communitynotes notesfor forpublication publicationin inThe TheKilkenny KilkennyObserver Observeremail emailto tosales@kilkennyobserver.ie sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Community & GAA Notes

Strimming at the Sports Complex

Community Events Grant Scheme from Kilkenny County Council.

GO FUND ME Kilmacow Sports Complex Committee has opened a Go Fund Me page for 2025 to help with the upkeep and maintenance of the facilities, amenities and grounds at the Sports Complex.

All support welcome.

ROSEDALE CLASSIC The annual Rosedale Classic will be held on Friday, 22nd August at Waterford Golf Course.

The cost per table of four is €120. Please contact

Martin Bolger or Éamon Rice for details and tee times.

MULLINAVAT FRAOCHÁN SUNDAY Members of South Kilkenny Historical Society will join locals and others on Sunday next, 13th July for the annual climb of Tory Hill for Fraochán Sunday. This ancient tradition pre-dates Christianity and is associated with the ancient festival of Lughnasa. Due to the limited availability of park-

ing and to assist those not familiar with the area, a meeting point has been arranged for 1.30pm at Mullinavat Church Car Park where it is suggested that people would car pool if possible.

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK Heritage Week will run from the 16th to 24th August. It offers a great opportunity to celebrate and share Kilkenny’s rich heritage. This year’s theme is Exploring Our Foundations will enable a range of local heritage, including natural, built and cultural elements to be showcased. The registration portal is now open on the Heritage Week website.

Groups must register by Wednesday, 30th July to be included in the Kilkenny Guide.

COUNCIL WORKS A section of the LS3416 at Catsrock is scheduled for restoration improvement works from Monday, 14th July. A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the works.

Drainage works on the LP1042 at Clonassy and on the LP3429 at Ballynooney West have been completed MILL ROAD FOOTPATH The consultants for the scheme are finalizing the design and are waiting for the Archaeological Impact Assessment Report and Section 50 Approval from the Office of Public Work before the application for planning under Part VIII can be submitted.

CLOVER CENTRE Three surveys were recently completed, including ecological and topological surveys of the grounds and an asbestos survey of the old building. A review of the contributions made at the public meeting on 1st May and subsequent submissions is ongoing. A preliminary conceptual drawing based on the possibilities is being prepared. There have been some consultations on possible uses. It is intended to hold another consultation on the review before progressing to the formal planning process.

JOHNSTOWN

Memorial Tribute to Fr. Brian Flynn

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK The annual pilgrimage to Knock from the parish will take place on Thursday August 7th leaving Johnstown at 8am. Cost of the coach € 25 per person and needs to be paid by Saturday July 26th. The pilgrimage depends on sufficient numbers travelling so please give your names immediately to Marie Wilson (0868585158) or to

Sharkeys shop in Johnstown. In order to facilitate pilgrims, the bus will stop at the Grand Hotel, Moate for breakfast where tea/coffee and scone will be available for € 5.25. Cooked breakfast is also available and may be ordered from the bus.

On the return journey the bus will stop at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon where you can avail of a two course meal with tea/coffee for € 30 per head.

CEMETERY MASSES Cemetery Masses will take place in the following Cemeterys at the following times Kildrenagh Wednesday. July 9th, Clomantagh Thursday July 10th and Grangefertagh Thursday July 17th. All masses 7.30pm.

COMMUNITY HALL 500 CLUB DRAW The results of the first draw 1. Niamh Dermody (Marguerite Dermody), 2. Kathy McCabe (Mary McCabe), 3. Anne Power (Morrisseys), 4 John Mackey (Peter Norton), 5 Eamon Holohan (Peter Norton). Next draw first Wednesday in August before Bingo. Tickets € 10 per month available from the local shop or any committee member URLINGFORD LIBRARY This is an opportunity to learn how to use a smart phone, learn how to use your phone to its full potential Thursday July 17th 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.30pm and also on Friday July 18th from 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.30pm. Book a place at 0567794182.

OFF TO CARDIFF Good luck to Sarah Fogarty daughter of Margaret and Gerry, Galmoy as she travels to Cardiff with the U20 woman’s rugby team for the six nations festival. Sarah joins the squad as an athletic Therapist supporting a team of around 50 players and coaches. Wishing Sarah and the entire Irish squad every success in the tournament.

THE MILL A family fun day will take place on August 17th from 1.30 pm to 4.30pm in aid of counselling and play therapy services.

URLINGFORD COMMUNITY CONNECT DAY On Sunday July 13th from 1pm to 4 pm at St Kieran’s Homes (E41 DD73), lawn Boules demonstration, childrens’ activities, BBQ and refreshments, garden, meet and greet with local groups.

Everyone welcome.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO The winning numbers of the draw were 12,21,23,27. There was no jackpot winner but there was four match threes winners Martina

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Community & GAA Notes including a special €500 game. A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the special bingo last weekend. Your continued support is always appreciated by the Committee.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 434910 SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Pat Hogan, Ballysloe who won €217 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for July is in aid of the Tidy Towns. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

COME AND SEE DAY Vocation and Discernment Day for over 18’s in Knock House Hotel, (F12R6Y5) on Saturday. July 13th , 11am - 4.30pm. Cost €20 pp. Contact Carol King at 01-5053118 or email carol.king@vocations.ie for information. Bookings only through Vocations.ie MICHAEL MCGARRY RIP The death has occured of Michael McGarry, Thurles and formerly Ballynonty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. 27th June. Predeceased by his brother Johnny, nephew Shane, grandparents, and uncles and aunts. Michael will be sadly missed by his loving daughters Katie and Caoimhe and their mother Emma, his parents Pat and Teresa, his sister Elaine, his brothers Patrick and Martin and all his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Michael reposed at O’Connell’s Funeral Home Killenaule last Tuesday evening followed by removal to St. Patrick and Oliver Church Glengoole for Funeral Mass at 11.30 am. Burial took place in the adjoining Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.

CONAHY

Holohan, Niall Carroll, Joe Reid and Bobby Tobin Phelan.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE - URLINGFORD SAVE THE DATE A Family Fun Day will be held on 17th August from 1.30pm – 4.30pm in aid of our Counselling and Play Therapy Services. Your support would be most welcome.

The fun day at Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford, will be a joyful day for all ages. Families can enjoy games, music, face painting, and delicious treats in a welcoming atmosphere. The event can bring the community together, creating laughter, memories, and connections. It will be a true reflection of the community spirit—supportive, inclusive, and full of heart.

SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE. Senior Alert Alarms. Clothes Donations. Youth Club. Counselling and Play Therapy. Allotments.

Cois Nore Advice Clinic. For more information, contact us on 056-8838466.

LTI COURSE Applications are now being taken for the LTI course for 2025/26, anyone interested in applying call or drop in to the Centre.

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

ANNUAL CYCLE

Ballysloe annual Louise Guilfoyle 6km, 8km or 10km cycle takes place on the 19th July. Registration 1pm followed by music and dance, celebrating 10 years of Ballysloe Tidy Towns.

THE ROSARY The Rosary will be recited at Our Lady’s Grotto, Glengoole on weekday evenings at 6pm, Saturday before 6pm Mass and Sunday 12 noon.

CEMETERY MASSES The following dates have been set for the annual cemetery masses in the parish. All mass times will be at 7.30pm. Thursday 31st July, Fennor cemetery and Tuesday 12th August, Boulick cemetery.

19TH ANNUAL FAMINE 1848 WALK The 19th Annual Famine 1848 walk will be led by Senator Imelda Goldsboro on Saturday 26th July at 3pm starting at the National Flag monument in The Commons and proceeding to the Famine Warhouse 1848. Music and refreshments, all are welcome.

CLERGY COLLECTION A sincere thanks to everyone who supported the second collection for the support of the clergy of the Archdiocese (active and retired) which was taken up last weekend (white envelope in box of envelopes). A sincere thanks to everyone who supports the weekly envelope collection for the upkeep of both church’s in the parish. Your generosity is appreciated. Cheque payments to Gortnahoe Parish Account.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer

HURLING The junior B hurlers will travel to Palmerstown to face Dicksboro on Saturday afternoon next at 2.00 p.m. in the opening round of the JJ Kavanagh Junior B championship. Best of luck to all involved.

Having also returned to action on Monday last, the under-16 hurlers will play host to Bennettsbridge in Jenkinstown on next Monday night at 7.00 p.m. the Duggan Steel Roinn B League.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 33, 34 and 40. There was no winner of the jackpot so the consolation prize winners were Catherine Meany, Caroline Buggy, Billy Irwin, Anne Downey and Mary Cass. The promoter prize winners were Seamus Óg Brennan, Toddy Lacey and Julie Jackman. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

COIS NORE OUTREACH SUPPORT Cois Nore Outreach cancer support service will be visiting Ballyragget every Monday morning from 10am to 12 noon at the Dr Hogan’s Rooms, the Square in Ballyragget and in Castlecomer on Wednesday mornings from 10am to 12 noon at the Old Court house, Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer. Please call in to Aileen for a chat, cup of tea and support, or for registration to the free and confidential services available in the Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Walkin Street in Kilkenny. All enquiries are welcome.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD PRIESTS IN THE PARISH: Liam Cassin (Parish Priest) Telephone: 056 776 8693 or Mobile 087 231 2354 Peter Hoyne (Retired) Telephone: 056 776 8678 or Mobile 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES IN AGHAVILLER PARISH Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m.; Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday 12th. at 6.30p.m. Friday 11th. Feast of St. Benedict: PRAY FOR Marian Brennan, Lawcus: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 12th. July at 6.30p.m.

Ellen Doyle, Hugginstown: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 13th. July at 10.00a.m.

ROTA (FIFTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR) Reader; Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Raggett. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell: Sunday 10.00a.m. Deirdre O’Shea. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00pm.

Mary Cahill; Sunday 10.00am. Ruth Crowley SAFEGUARDING IN THE DIOCESE OF OSSORY: Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

JUNE COLLECTION Many thanks for your very generous contribution during the past few weeks.

STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT AGM On Wednesday the 3rd. of September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their AGM at 7.30p.m. in the Community Centre and everyone is invited to attend. Existing committee members are stepping down and a new committee will be elected on the night.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 30th. June 2025 Numbers: 32; 24; 22; 13. There was no Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. There was no Jackpot Winner. €30.00. Winners: Emmet Dunphy, “On-Line”: Aislinn Power, Kingsmountain. Pat Cleary, Hugginstown, Aoife O’Shea, Mullinbeg, Eileen Lalor, c/o Teresa Fitzgerald. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers), Teresa Fitzgerald, Pat Power, Pauline Doyle.

DATE TO REMEMBER IN THE PARISH FOR 2025 Mass will be celebrated in Sheepstown Cemetery on Friday 18th. July at 7.30p.m. Mass will be celebrated in Stonecarthy Cemetery on Friday 1st.

August at 7.30p.m.

THOMASTOWN LIBRARY OPENING TIMES Tuesdays: 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m. Wednesdays: 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m.: 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m.: 5.30.m. to 8.00p.m.

Thursdays: 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m. Fridays: 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m. Saturdays: 10.00a.m. to 1.30p.m. (closed on Saturday of Bank Holiday weekends) CREATIVE WRITING GROUP The Thomastown Library Creative Writing Group takes place on the 2nd. and 4th. Thursday of each month and starts at 11.00a.m. These are Guided Creative Writing Sessions - All you need is some paper, a pen and your imagination, and new members are always welcome!

WEEKLY CRAFT AND STORYTIME Our weekly Craft and Storytime; hosted by Library Staff each Saturday at 11.30 a.m. will continue throughout the summer months. There is no booking required.

SMARTPHONE CLASSES Community Education Kilkenny will be hosting Smartphone Classes in Thomastown Library on Thursday 10th. and Friday 11th. of July from 2.00p.m. to 4.30p.m. Participants can attend both sessions. Places are limited and booking is essential.

SNAP-ON BRACELET MAKING We will be hosting a Snap-on Bracelet Making Workshop at Thomastown Library on Wednesday 16th. July from 6.30 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. The workshop is suitable for ages 5+ and booking is essential.

COIS NORE INFORMATION TABLE ‘Cois Nore’ will be at Thomastown Library with an information table on Thursday July 17th. from 12.00p.m. to 1.00p.m. to chat about the services they provide to people with cancer and their families who are living in the county of Kilkenny and the surrounding area. No booking required All are welcome to pop in.

SUMMER STARS READING ADVENTURE The National Summer Stars Reading Challenge continues, and it is a great incentive for the younger library members to keep up their reading over the summer months! Pop into the team at Thomastown Library to find out more, and to get signed up.

For more information on any of the above, or to book a place on one of the classes or workshops, please contact Thomastown Library – thomastown@kilkennylibrary.ie.

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Camogie - Review

Sport Glen Dimplex Senior All Ireland Championship Quarter Final Kilkenny 0-19 Tipperary 1-22 Aoife Lanigan, PRO A Disappointing end to the Glen Dimplex Senior All Ireland Camogie Championship for Kilkenny as they fell short to their neighbours, Tipperary in the Quarter Final in Croke Park last Sunday.

Six points was the winning margin for Tipperary but the Cats didn’t deserve to be beaten by that much or to be beaten at all.

With a goal being scored at the start of extra time but for the Referee to disallow the goal and call it back for a Penalty which was saved. A VERY BIG GAME CHANGER. Kilkenny made three changes to the starting 15 from the team named, with Danielle Quigley, Maria Brennan & Kelly Ann Doyle starting. Maria played as a sweeper to nullify the Tipperary free scoring attack with Laura Murphy moving to Centre Forward.

Mary Burke opened the scoring with a point from play for Tipperary in the 3rd minute.

Katie Power equalised for Kilkenny with a great point & Laura Greene added another point for the Cats after bursting clear from Midfield. Then Tipperary hit two points through Roisin Howard and Caoimhe Maher.

Laura Murphy hit over her first point for Kilkenny and the Cats were on a roll. Kilkenny Captain Katie Power fielded the sliotar, even though she was closely marked and scored a beauty of a point, Aoife Prendergast scored another point for Kilkenny after Maria Brennan

Steffi consoles Aoife at the end of the game

All pics courtesy of Inpho

Stripeywomen’s hopes go whistlin’ in the wind

Ref’s call in extra-time swings game as Tipp win

Aoife strikes her penalty

hit a diagonal shot upfield from the defence to Aoife.

Grace O’Brien slotted over a free for Tipperary. Laura Murphy added two points for the Cats. Tipperary then hit the next three points through Casey Hennessy, Grace O’Brien (f) & Caoimhe McCarthy to equalise the match Aoife Prendergast and

Caoimhe McCarthy swapped points. Heading towards the half time whistle, Laura Murphy & Katie Power scored a point each to leave Kilkenny ahead 0-10 to 0-8 at the interval On the resumption of play, Grace O’Brien tacked on a point from placed ball for the Premier County.

Katie Power added another point for Kilkenny before O’Brien slotted over from a placed ball for Tipperary.

Prendergast & Hennessy traded points. In the 43rd minute, Katie Power played the sliotar over the Tipperary defences heads to

Caoimhe Keher Murtagh, who ran towards the goal. As she was about to pull the trigger, Mairead Eviston got in with block and averted the goal threat, Aoife Prendergast reacted to the loose sliotar and slotted it over the bar. Grace O’Brien slotted over two pointed frees for Tipperary to level the match, 0-13 each.

Laura Greene scored her second point, after the sliotar came out from a ruck and she reacted quickest to it, to put Kilkenny a point ahead.

Tipperary then hit the next three points through Jean Kelly (2) &

Caoimhe McCarthy to go two points ahead.

Heading towards full time, Kilkenny didn’t panic and substitute Sarah Barcoe left the minimum between the sides before Laura Murphy brilliantly knocked over the equaliser.

Extra time followed which Kilkenny took early control with a trio of Aoife Prendergast frees while Grace O’Brien registered a point in response. The Cats looked to have the game in their control through Keher Murtagh but her goal was cruelly denied and that incident left

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Camogie - Review Tiffanie Fitzgerald & Clodagh McIntyre

Caoimhe Keher Murtagh gets away from Sarah Corcoran

Niamh Deely battles with Caoimhe McCarthy

Tipperary – Grace O’Brien 0-9 (8f), Casey Hennessy, Caoimhe McCarthy, Jelly Kelly 0-3 each, Clodagh McIntyre 1-0, Mary Burke, Roisin Howard, Caoimhe Maher, Eimear Heffernan 0-1 each Teams: Kilkenny: Aoife Norris, Michelle Teehan, Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Danielle Quigley, Niamh Deely, Maria Brennan, Caoimhe Dowling, Aobha O’Gorman, Laura Greene, Mary O’Connell, Laura Murphy, Steffi Fitzgerald, Aoife

a mark on the team.

Tipperary would go onto get 1-5 without reply in the remaining minutes as McIntyre blasted a goal and further points by Eimear Heffernan & O’Brien that broke Kilkenny hearts.

Scorers – Kilkenny – Aoife Prendergast 0-7 (4f), Laura Murphy 0-5, Katie Power 0-4, Laura Greene 0-2, Sarah Barcoe 0-1

Left: Captain Katie was in top form bove: Laura Murphy rising to beat Caoimhe McCarthy Right: Tommy will be disappointed by penalty call

Prendergast, Katie Power (Capt), Kelly Ann Doyle Subs – Caoimhe Keher Murtagh for Mary O’Connell, Katie Nolan for Maria Brennan, Sarah Barcoe for Aobha O’Gorman, Sophie O’Dwyer for Katie Power, Sophie Holden for Kelly Ann Doyle, Ali Kennedy, Miriam Bambrick, Ava Brett, Asha McHardy, Carlise Comerford, Mairead Kennedy, Niamh Crowley, Sinead O’Keeffe, Claire Doheny Tipperary: Laura Leehane, Niamh Costigan, Karin Blair, Eimear Loughman, Caoimhe McCarthy, Mairead Eviston, Sarah Corcoran, Karen Kennedy, Caoimhe Maher, Rosin Howard, Mary Burke, Eimear Heffernan, Clodagh McIntyre, Casey Hennessy, Grace O’Brien Subs – Julieann Bourke for Niamh Costigan, Jean Kelly for Mary Burke, Lucy Purcell for Clodagh McIntyre, Niamh Cunneen for Roisin Howard, Ellen Cunneen for Casey Hennessy, Clodagh McIntyre for Lucy Purcell, Roisin Howard for Eimear Heffernan, Molly O’Dwyer, Amy Quinlisk, Aoife McGrath, Emma Casey, Niamh Treacy, Sarah Madden, Anna Gavin, Caithlyn Treacy, Ciara Brennan, Sophie Pembroke Referee – Ray Kelly (Kildare)

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

All-Ireland SHC Semi Final Tipperary 4-20 Kilkenny 0-30 Croke Park Referee: James Owens (Wexford) Where to start? In a game that ebbed and flowed between two great hurling counties, it was Tipperary that emerged victorious in Croke Park after 74 minutes of pulsating action in the Capital.

Liam Cahill’s outfit will now face-off against Munster rivals Cork next weekend in a first ever All-Ireland final between the two sides. The Premier County struck four majors across the game to secure the win and despite going into the final as underdogs, there appears to be serious belief and resilience in this Tipp side.

Having been level on no fewer than eight occasions, it was a bullet of a shot from substitute, Oisin O’Donoghue when it seemed like the young Cashel King Cormacs player had been held up by a few Kilkenny players that proved the decisive score at the Jones’ Road venue. From the Cats restart, Tipp secured possession and veteran Noel McGrath struck an effort from out on the right, which the umpire signaled wide, but the scoreboard recorded it as a point, meaning the gap looked like 4 points as the game entered additional time.

O’Loughlin’s Jordan Molloy fired over his 4th point of the afternoon with about 3 minutes remaining and Kilkenny then tried to carve out a goal opportunity, believing they needed a major of their own to force extra time, but captain John Donnelly was denied by a stunning goal line save by Clonoulty Rossmore’s Robert Doyle who had taken up a great position behind his keeper, Rhys Shelly.

Derek Lyng’s charges failed to utilise their numerical advantage when Tipp’s Darragh McCarthy was dismissed, the young Toomevara player receiving a second yellow from referee Owens for a lose hurl that caught Kilkenny netminder Eoin Murphy on the hand. A relieved McCarthy will be available to face the Rebels in what will be a second consecutive all-Munster affair in the decider.

Kilkenny came out of the blocks quickly, and it their talisman, TJ Reid that opened the scoring in the first minute from about 45 metres out having taken a nice a pass from Jordan Molloy. Tipp’s Darragh McCarthy was booked on 3 minutes for a swipe on Paddy Deegan’s hand, a punishment which would have further consequences later in the game. Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan then doubled his sides lead on 6 minutes, striking over a lovely effort off his left side. The bright start by the Noresiders was built on by a well taken Mossy Keoghan

Tipp topple Cats in Croker!

Kilkenny fall to 14-man Premier County in semi battle effort, following good work by Adrian Mullen. All looked good for the men in black and amber, but they were about to be rocked with what would be the first of four goals for the Premier County. Nenagh Eire Óg’s Jake Morris jinked his way into the danger zone before his attempted strike was blocked by Messrs. Butler and Carey, but the ball broke to John McGrath in space and the Loughmore Castleiney man rifled the sliotar high across Eoin Murphy to the Cats net.

The best way to respond to conceding is to notch a score of your own, but Kilkenny went four better than that, registering the games next five scores. The impressive Jordan Molloy struck over the first of his 4-point haul from under the Hogan Stand before some great pressure from TJ saw him claim possession before splitting the opposition posts.

Some great team play resulted in a second of the game for Mossy, with Paddy Deegan, John Donnelly and Eoin Cody all involved as the Tullaroan man finished the move.

Some strong running from Adrian Mullen allowed the Shamrocks man to lay off a pass to the ever-moving Molloy who fired over. Billy Ryan

then notched his second of the semifinal, after Huw Lawlor rose high to claim a fantastic catch at the other end.

Tipperary found themselves five points down but didn’t panic. Conor Stakelum, who had started the game ahead of Peter McGarry fired over two of his 3-point salvo from the engine room, either side of a score from Cats captain John Donnelly. TJ added another to his tally from the placed ball before a brace of scores from the men in blue and gold, Cashel King Cormacs Eoghan Connolly and the fleet footed Jake Morris reducing the Tipp deficit to three points with almost twenty minutes played at Croker. Kilkenny’s main threat from open play was once again Mossy Keoghan and the Sash star restored his teams 4-point lead, but this cushion was about to evaporate over the next few minutes.

A long delivery from the Premier side appeared to catch the Cats rearguard out and the quick thinking Darragh McCarthy raced in on goal and despite the best efforts of Huw Lawlor, the rising star fired beyond Eoin Murphy, who did get quite a

bit on it, but couldn’t prevent the goal. Cahill’s men built on their second major with points from Jake Morris and John McGrath, the former’s effort was goal bound, only for a crucial intervention by the Cats keeper. Somehow, Tipp now held the lead, and this was about to receive a significant boost in the form of a third major. Darragh McCarthy caused more panic in the Noresiders defence and played in the supporting Jason Forde who

Eoin Cody bearing down on Goal

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Hurling matters - Review

John Donnelly makes a Diving Challenge

first placed ball effort, having taken over free-taking duties. TJ continued his accuracy by tagging on point number eleven just ahead of a second free from Silvermines Forde.

Some great pressure and battling from TJ gave Mossy the opportunity to notch another point but then came what should have been a real turning point for Kilkenny. As the Cats tried to work the ball out of defence, Darragh McCarthy’s hurl struck Eoin Murphy on the hand.

James Owens issued a second yellow, then a red card to the Toomevara player. Some said harsh, I say silly, the young lad will learn. Tipp hit the next score, Jake Morris firing over in the ‘D’ but Mossy tagged on another score to give his side the lead and they went one better when Cian Kenny rifled over another longdistance effort as it appeared the numerical advantage was paying dividends for the Cats. Liam Cahill then sprung another of Tipp’s victorious U20 side into action, Oisin O’Donoghue replacing the tiring Conor Stakelum. Silvermines Jason Forde then notched a trio of scores to edge his side into the lead with 3 minutes of normal time remaining. A sixth point of the game followed for Mossy Keoghan to deadlock matters for the 8th time, but the decisive score of the afternoon was about to be registered.

As Tipperary attacked, Alan Tynan’s pass looked as if it was going to be cut out by the stretching Mikey Carey. As the ball dropped, the Young Ireland’s man tried to claim it but appeared to have the arm of Noel McGrath round his neck. The veteran Loughmore Castleiney man managed to flick the sliotar towards Jake Morris who couldn’t collect it, but the ball spilled to Oisin O’Donoghue. The young Cashel King Cormacs man powered forward, and as referee Owens signaled an advantage for a foul, O’Donoghue somehow managed to strike a fierce shot that nestled in the Kilkenny net. As the game entered additional time, Lyng’s charges knew they needed scores. Jordan Molly pointed, John Donnelly was denied a certain major. Then the long whistle sounded. Tipperary victorious. Final score, Tipperary 4-20, Kilkenny 0-30.

from the restart and his goal-bound effort was deflected behind for a ‘65.

TJ converted the placed ball to leave just two between the sides, but again Tipp hit back, another point for the hard-working Conor Stakelum. TJ won and popped over a free before a real flourish from the opposition

Scorers for Kilkenny: T.J. Reid (011, 8 frees, 1 65); M. Keoghan (0-6); J. Molloy (0-4); B. Ryan, E. Cody, A. Mullen, C. Kenny (0-2 each); J Donnelly (0-1).

Scorers for Tipperary: J. Forde (1-5, 0-4 frees); J. McGrath, D. McCarthy (0-2 frees) (1-2 each); J. Morris (0-4); C. Stakelum, E. Connolly (0-3 each); O. O’Donoghue (1-0); S. O’Farrell, (0-1).

KILKENNY: E. Murphy; M. Butler, H. Lawlor, S. Murphy; M. Carey, R. Reid, P. Deegan; C. Kenny, J. Molloy; J. Donnelly (c), E. Cody, B. Ryan; A. Mullen, T.J. Reid, M. Keoghan.

Subs for Kilkenny: D. Blanchfield for S. Murphy (h-t); S. Donnelly for A. Mullen (66); K. Doyle for C. Kenny (70).

TIPPERARY: R. Shelly; R. Doyle, R. Maher (c), E. Connolly; C. Morgan, B. O’Mara, M. Breen; W. Connors, C. Stakelum; J. Morris, A. Ormond, S. O’Farrell; D. McCarthy, J. McGrath, J. Forde.

Subs for Tipperary: A. Tynan for A. Ormond (temp 29-31); N. McGrath for J. McGrath (50); A. Tynan for S. O’Farrell (53); D. Stakelum for W. Connors (57); O. O’Donoghue for C. Stakelum (63); S. Kenneally for A. Ormond (70+1).

Sent off: D. McCarthy (59, second yellow).

Referee: J. Owens (Wexford).

TJ Reid Bearing Down On Goal Chased by Ronan Maher

Cian Kenny finds it difficult to get away from the pack

improvised brilliantly to flick the ball over the advancing Kilkenny keeper to the net. Derek Lyng’s side now found themselves four points down.

TJ tried to settle the Kilkenny nerves with a placed ball effort, but Eoghan Connolly fired over after a rare Adrian Mullen error. The returning Eoin Cody who had been on the fringes of the game then pointed from about 50 metres out and the Shamrocks player got on the ball

just before the short whistle adding points from John McGrath, Jake Morris and a third from Eoghan Connolly. The final score of a topsy turvy first half came from another TJ placed ball after Billy Ryan was fouled leaving the Premier County four ahead at the interval.

Having conceded 3-11 from play in the opening period, Derek Lyng made one change at the break, with David Blanchfield replacing Shane Murphy in defence. Like the first half, Kilkenny started quickly, a pair of TJ placed balls halving the deficit, but Tipp replied with their first placed ball of the day, courtesy of Darragh McCarthy. Eoin Cody and Jordan Morris struck over tidy scores just ahead of a nice point from Sam O’Farrell. John Donnelly then set up Adrian Mullen for his first point of the game and the Shamrocks man notched another score on the back of a second free from McCarthy. Cian Kenny then fired over a booming effort from his own half before TJ levelled matters with another free with 49 gone. A tenth point of the second semi followed for the veteran Shamrocks man saw the Cats retake the lead, before Jason Forde converted his

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is sought by Talbotsinch Limited for the construction of a two-storey coffee kiosk complete with signage, site entrance, driveway and car-parking area and ancillary site works at Phoenix Business Park, Talbotsinch, Freshford Road, Kilkenny, for a period of ten years.

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 Authority during the hours of 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00p.m. Monday to Friday (Bank Holidays and Public Holidays excepted).

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the 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.

We, John and Patricia Ryan, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for a new domestic wastewater treatment system and polishing filter at Derreen, Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny R95 V3P0.

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.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Paddy and Caoimhe Prendergast, intend to apply for Planning Permission for development at Bishopslough Newtown, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny. The development will consist of amendments to the previously granted planning permission Ref. 23/52, including a new house type & design, relocation of the proposed garage and all associated site and ancillary works. This application proposes no amendment to the site entrance & associated sightlines, proposed private well or the treatment system & percolation area as granted under Ref. 23/52.

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, William John Murphy, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for a new domestic wastewater treatment system and polishing filter at Powerswood, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny R95 TN26.

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.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Philip Purcell, hereby intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for a new domestic wastewater treatment system and polishing filter at Cooleeshal, Ballykeefe, Co. Kilkenny R95 E4H1.

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.

Signed: Brendan Moore Architects, 38 St. Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, 087 4120718.

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

LINDA READE BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Birthday Remembrance of Linda Reade whose birthday occurs on 12th July.

This year you would have been 42 If you had been left to us Instead you are up in heaven A place we cannot see And even though we cannot kiss your face You have inside these hearts of ours A very special place We know that you were special And God he knew it too So he chose you for an angel And broke our hearts in two So find the softest pillow Lord To lay her head upon Place a kiss upon her cheek And tell her who its from Happy Birthday in heaven Loved and missed so much Mam, Dad, Michelle, Brian, nieces and nephews

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.R.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.B.

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. K.P.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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

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

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

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

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.G.

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.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th July 2025

Classifieds Motors

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

087 2587745

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