Kilkenny Observer 11th November 2022

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Friday 11 November 2022

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Mortgage rate new low Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in years which has prompted warnings to people on expensive variables to take their last opportunity to get a cheaper fixed rate.

Home-loan rates in this country are now the eighth lowest in the Eurozone, having been the highest just a few months ago.

This is in contrast to the rest of the Eurozone where rates have risen dramatically in the past six months.

New figures from the Central

Bank of Ireland show that the average new mortgage rate in this country was 2.58% in September. This is down from 2.64% in August.

The Eurozone average is 2.40%, its highest level since at least August 2017, and over double the rate this time last year. Ireland was also the only country to see its average rate fall in September compared to the previous month.

Head of communications at Bonkers.ie Daragh Cassidy

nent TSB have not yet passed on any of the two percentage points rate increase from the ECB to their non-tracker customers. AIB has only increased its fixed rates by 0.50 of a percentage point, into effect for new applications in the middle of October.

Daragh Cassidy, head of Communications at bonkers. ie said: “While rates have begun to shoot up elsewhere in Europe they’ve remained remarkably steady here for now.

told the Irish Independent: “While rates have begun to shoot up elsewhere in Europe they’ve remained remarkably steady here for now.

“However, we need to remember that rates in Ireland were comparatively high to begin with. Especially variable rates.

Still, the slowness of the main lenders in passing on recent rate increases from the European Central Bank is obviously welcome for home owners.”

Bank of Ireland and Perma-

“However, rates in Ireland were comparatively high to begin with. Especially variable.

“The fall won’t really show up in the Central Bank data until next year. So when the mortgage figures for October are released next month, Ireland could find itself having mortgage rates below the Eurozone average, which would be quite the turnaround.

“Unfortunately for homeowners and prospective buyers this situation is unlikely to last.”

Sisters’ grad act History was made at our new South East Technical University (SETU) in Waterford when more than 2,300 students graduated and the university held its first conferring ceremonies.

Pictured with her sister Roisin is Aoife Temple from Slieverue, Co Kilkenny who was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology.

Picture: Patrick Browne More photos, Page 14

Carey finally loses Kilkenny home Former Ireland hockey player Catriona Carey has finally lost her family home after defaulting on her mortgage payments for nearly 10 years, the Irish Independent can reveal.

Start Mortgages Designated Activity Company have taken possession of the property in Weir View Hill, Co Kilkenny.

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Sources said members of a company, which specialises in bailiff and debt recovery services, were also in attendance. The locks on the property were changed and access to utilities was cut off.

It is understood Ms Carey had already vacated the house within the past couple of weeks.

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An Order for Possession was granted to Start Mortgages in May after the build up arrears of more than €359,000.

There was a stay of execution of three months, which gave the former Kilkenny player until August to leave the house.

She had been given the op-

tion to temporarily stay in the house if she agreed to a sale by private treaty.

Ms Carey has been embroiled in controversy over an alleged mortgage scam where she allegedly took hundreds of thousands of euro from people in financial difficulty after promising to help them secure new deals

so as to keep their properties.

The balance outstanding on the property back in March was €876,000 including the €359,000 in arrears.

She has also incurred significant arrears on a property she owns on the Laois and Carlow border, while another house in Kilkenny was auctioned off for €365,000.

North Quay given the final green light Kilkenny residents living close to Waterford City can look forward to less congestion, more shopping and leisure options and better road and rail networks following Cabinet approval for the North Quays project in Waterford city, according to Carlow-Kilkenny Fine Gael TD and Ferrybank resident, John Paul Phelan.

He said the €170 million investment would transform South Kilkenny and Waterford and totally regenerate the wider Ferrybank, South Kilkenny and Waterford city area.

Time is ‘running out’ on climate Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that time is running out to take action on climate change and that the delivery of pledges needs to be accelerated.

Speaking after arriving at the COP27 Climate Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt Mr Martin said that for Ireland, this would mean the delivery of offshore wind targets.

Scandal of our vacant houses As the homeless figure reaches 11,000 +, a new report by the local authority watchdog shows that more than 3% of all homes owned by city and county councils around Ireland were vacant at the end of last year.

Figures from the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) show that 4,448 local authority dwellings were unoccupied last December .

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins..........................................P8 Marianne Heron................................ P12 John Ellis................................................ P16 Health & Science............................... P18 Travel & Leisure.................................. P19 Gerry Moran........................................ P20 Ger Cody........................................P24-25 Food & Drink....................................... P40 TV & Streaming.................................. P41 Sport ................................................P50-51

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

News Are you a dancer, a musical theatre enthusiast, or an actor? Have you ever thought about making a career out of performing? An internationally recognised performing arts college in the UK, The Brighton Academy, is offering a full three-year scholarship worth £27,750 (€32,000).

Auditions will be held exclusively in Ireland for Irish performing arts students.

The Brighton Academy offers degree, foundation and postgraduate courses in performing arts and musical theatre. In addition to training and talent, the courses will prepare students for the inevitable challenges they will face as they break into the industry, both physically and mentally. Their West End agent success rate is 100%.

A patron of The Brighton Academy is Ireland’s own West End star Killian Donnelly, famous for Les Miserables and The Phantom.

“We’re delighted to be working with Perform to offer this opportunity to the Irish market and we are excited to see the talent Ireland has to offer,” explains Stuart Dawes, Principal of The Brighton Academy.

In partnership with the Perform Festival, the college will award the three-year scholarship to one young Irish performer at the RDS Dublin at the end of November. This scholarship will cover any of their four performing arts courses and will start in September 2023.

Auditions will take place

Performer scholarship up for grabs: €32,000!

on Saturday, November 26 at the Perform Festival and pre-registration through the performfestival.com website

is required.

“Having the chance to award scholarships and bursaries to aspiring per-

formers is one of Perform’s driving ambitions”, says Alva O’Loughlin Kennedy, Perform’s Creative Director. “We

are delighted to be working with The Brighton Academy, which has trained many Irish students who have gone on

to become successful performers.”

Perform is the largest performing arts festival in Ireland and has been running at the RDS for four years. There will be over 3,200 performers taking to the main stage from more than 100 stage and dance schools from all over Ireland showcasing the very best talent in musical theatre, singing, and dance.

Additionally, there will be performing arts workshops with international superstars including Adam Garcia (Coyote Ugly and Wicked), Layton Williams (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Bad Education), Sophie Isaacs (Six, Heathers) and many more. Moreover, the show features a competition, meet and greets, and international exhibitors.

This year’s Perform is open to the public on November 26 and 27, including a schools’ day and a Teacher’s Performing Arts Summit on Friday, November 25. For more information regarding Perform and the auditions for The Brighton Academy scholarship go to www.performfestival.com.

Tickets: €20 Single Day Ticket, €37.50 Two Day Festival Pass. Additional fees for workshops. Group discounts available. *For more information regarding Perform and the auditions for The Brighton Academy scholarship go to www.performfestival.com.

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News

Care homes face closure The announced Temporary Inflation Payment Scheme (TIPS) will not deter the closure of further nursing homes., according to Nursing Homes Ireland.

Given the extremity of the emergency presenting for nursing home care, NHI members held an Emergency General Meeting in Kilkenny following the an-

nouncement by the Department of Health of a completely ill-fit-for-purpose scheme to support nursing homes in managing energy costs.

So far this year, 16 nursing homes have closed their doors, with the regulator HIQA having cited closures as happening because resourcing not being com-

mensurate with the reality of resident care costs on a long-standing basis.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO told The Kilkenny Observer: “The scheme announced by the department is completely removed from the reality of the huge hike in costs that nursing home resident care has incurred this past year. It is a wholly inadequate scheme.

Given nursing home care is ultimately funded by the State through the Fair Deal scheme, we’ve engaged with the Department of Health since the beginning of the year, with cross-table consensus presenting regarding the requirement for the unprecedented increase in costs to be addressed. We are bitterly disappointed

that months of engagement have manifested in the development of a scheme that is completely removed from reality. The evidence base presented to the department has effectively been dismissed,” he said “The reality is the increased cost per resident, per week, over the course of a year has been independently as-

sessed as being on average €194 and the scheme represents €15 per resident per week over the limited period it will be in effect. It is appalling that the department and the Government just does not recognise the crisis that is presenting for nursing home care and broader older person, health and social care.”

Our local bookshop makes the top award shortlist

There be dragons ... and Cartoon Saloon Budding animators and anyone who appreciates the internationallyacclaimed work of the five time Oscar nominated Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon studio will revel in an exhibition which includes a talk series and events with Cartoon Saloon animators, editors and directors and more at Kilkenny’s Butler Gallery.

The iconic Kilkenny city centre gallery hosts the free exhibition of their new animated film My Fa-

ther’s Dragon, directed by Nora Twomey, from now until January 15. The film is inspired by a beloved 1948 fantastical children’s novel by Ruth Stilies Gannet by about Elmer Elevator, a boy who runs away from home to rescue Boris, a captive baby dragon trapped on a wild island.

The not-to-be-missed exhibition is curated by Anna O’Sullivan, Butler Gallery Director, and designed by award winning exhibition designer, Steven McNama-

ra of Roji. Together, they’ve developed a truly amazing, immersive, sensory and child-centred exhibition experience that will captivate audiences of all ages.

My Father’s Dragon went on Irish cinema release on November 4 and on Netflix release on November 11.

Cartoon Saloon Director Nora Twomey said: “Our animators and artists at Cartoon Saloon have worked together to craft My Father’s Dragon, inspired by Gannett’s

amazing book and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Butler Gallery for this Exhibition.

It is amazing to see how the gallery’s team have created an immersive experience for all ages. “ I can’t wait for visitors to partake in the world of My Father’s Dragon at Butler Gallery.”

It’s their fourth exhibition with Cartoon Saloon and as with previous collaborations, Butler Gallery will deliver an extensive

programme of public engagement for children and adults that will include themes such as children’s resilience and problem solving, addressing mental health issues while coping with a crisis, and celebrating the films art and artists.

• For latest updates on the exhibition, details about the talks, masterclasses and more visit butlergallery.com or https://www. cartoonsaloon.ie/myfathers-dragon/

Coming: your legal right to remote working Workers are set to get the legal right to request remote working before the end of the year.

A plan by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s Enterprise department to introduce a revamped bill on the right to request remote working is likely to be scrapped.

It had been under review and was expected to come into force next year.

Instead, the new workers’ right will be delivered in minister Roderic O’Gorman’s

Work Life Balance Bill by the end of the year, subject to cabinet approval.

Mr O’Gorman’s bill allows for parents of children under 12 and carers to apply for all forms of flexible work.

These include the right to request remote working, compressed working hours, split shifts and flexible start and finish times.

But an amendment to the bill is now expected that will allow all workers to request remote working.

It is also expected to streamline elements of the draft remote working legislation following extensive talks between government officials, union and employer representatives.

Measures being considered are a reduction in the 13 grounds employers would have to turn down applications for home working and changing the amount of service a worker would need to have before they could make a request.

A Department of Enterprise spokesperson said the original plan to have two separate bills is under review.

“The Government is currently considering the integration of provisions of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill into the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill,” the spokesperson said.

Marie Sherlock, Labour employment spokesperson, welcomed the move, but said there had been “huge Oir-

eachtas time-wasting” on its right to request flexible work legislation.

Laura Bambrick, Irish Congress of Trade Unions social policy officer, said there has been lengthy consultation at the Labour Employer Economic Forum on making the proposed statutory right to request remote working “fit for purpose”.

She said the recommendation to deliver it in the work life balance bill is welcome in principle by Ictu.

Another independent Kilkenny retailer has made the shortlist for The Gloss Best Shops in Ireland. The Book and Coffee Shop in William Street in Kilkenny City has been featured on the initial list of potential candidates that might win the coveted title.

Stephen Buck and his partner, Marian O’Neil realised their dream when they opened their own bookshop in 2019. Their shop has been a warm welcome for booklaunches, has hosted plays and recitals, and held creative writing classes and also exhibitions. It’s a compact, multi-functional space that can be used for meetings and boasts the perfect cup of locally roasted coffee and delicious cakes.

The shop has an extensive selection of rare and second-hand books and offers everything a bookworm needs. Browsing is welcome and Stephen and Marian are excellent for recommendations as they are both devoted The competition is organised by The Gloss in partnership with Theshopkeepers.com whose spokesperson said: “This year, as we recognise the challenges for small businesses, we are partnering with Theshopkeepers.com to find and celebrate unique, creative and inspiring independent shops. Extraordinary retailers, from coffee and flower sellers to bookshops and markets.

“Stores that delight with discovery and inspire browsing. Shops that we visit when we travel around the country or local ones that we love to return to again and again.

“We believe it is important to continue to support our communities of local, small and independent shopkeepers that keep our towns and villages vital. Whether in real life or online.”

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Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

‘Look after your children, they are most precious’ My father’s sister Maeve was a mere slip of a young woman when she took the boat to an England where ‘no Irish need apply’ and eventually found a job in the British civil service and a flat in Chiswick. She came home every Christmas to my grandmother’s house and my family would visit on Stephen’s Day. I liked her. Maeve spoke in a clipped accent and always gave us expensive presents.

She never married, had no friends in London that she spoke of, and across the water was known as Mary, the name on her birth cert and also my grandmother’s name.

Every Christmas driving home my father would say to my mother: “Poor Maeve, my heart goes out to her, going to London on her own all those years ago.”

When she retired Maeve came home for good, and bought a pokey council

house in a not very desireable area. Now 65, she seemed hardened and embittered by life. She only spoke when necessary.

By then I was married with young children and every other Christmas I would invite Maeve to come stay with us. Her tradition of giving lavish gifts continued, though to look at her you would think she hadn’t a penny to her name. She took no pride in herself, was dowdy and unfashionable.

She seldom interacted with my children, but I do remember her more than once saying to me: “Look after your children, Paul.

They are the most precious thing you can have.” Her tone struck me as odd.

My grandmother was many years dead and when her youngest daughter Toni died at only 54, eventually her home was sold but one day before that there was a knock on the door.

A balding, middle-aged man with an English accent stood there and said: “Forgive my intrusion, but does Mary Hopkins live here?”“I’m sorry,” said a family member, “but Mary Hopkins died some years ago.”

The day we buried Maeve, in her 80s, my brother said to me: “I often wonder if that man that day was actually looking for Maeve. She was after all known over there as Mary.”

“That’s interesting,” I mused, “who do you think he was?”

My brother said matterof-factly: “Well our mother always maintained that Maeve had gone to London to have a baby and give it up for adoption. A family secret, you might say.

Maybe that was her son that day looking for her but of course he asked for Mary and we confused it with our grandmother.”

I can see my grandmother banishing her pregnant, unmarried daughter from the house. The hussey. It was a different back then. Families failed their daughters.

Society failed them.

When I was 16, there was the Gang of Five, four boys and ‘Burns’ who looked like a young Audrey Hepburn.

One day Burns said she

wanted us to meet a girl she had just met. (I cannot recall the circumstance of their meeting) Anna was tall and svelte, and as pretty as a picture; shy and unassuming. She was 16 and had been ‘raised’ in the Sacred Heart Home. We never asked her the ‘why or wherefore’ of her circumstance. Such Extracted from the just published book Affairs of the Heart (And Other Writings) by Paul Hopkins (MonumentMedia, €14.99) Described as a collection of stories to warm the emotions and light the soul... the very essence of what it means to be human Available at select bookstores and at www. monument mediapress.com

inquiring was not in our thought process back then.

We five and her used to meet every Sunday afternoon, her only free time.

We would walk the expanding suburban landscape of north Dublin, laugh and flirt and talk of Steinbeck and Yeats and Dylan and Phil Lynott.

Anna always had to be back at the orphanage by six to “help the nuns with the babies and sort out the washing of the nappies”. I remember when this shy but lovely girl told us this that I noticed how raw her hands were.

One Sunday she failed to show. Perhaps, she’s busy we thought. We rendezvoused for two more Sundays and then, typical teenagers, gave up on her.

To this day, I wonder often what became of her, what kind of life did Anna have.

Did she find love? Happiness?

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Covid closed 4,510 companies A new report suggests that businesses in Ireland were less likely to fold than in all other EU countries during the first year of the Covid19 pandemic.

However, the new figures published by the European Commission also show Irish entrepreneurs were more reluctant than most European peers to set up a new business during 2020.

The preliminary figures show the rate of enterprises that floundered was just 1.6% of all businesses in 2020 — the latest year for which comparative data is available.

It relates to 4,510 enterprises in the State which were recorded as ceasing trading that year. The rate of death enterprises represents the proportion of total

active enterprises which cease to operate in a calendar year.

The figures exclude companies that are involved in mergers, takeovers, breakups or restructuring. Ireland's rate of business closures was exactly half that of the country with the second lowest rate of enterprise deaths — Belgium at 3.2%.

More than one in every five enterprises in Lithuania collapsed during 2020, and more than one in 10 went out of business in Bulgaria, Portugal, Denmark and Latvia.

The low rate of business failure in the immediate wake of Covid was in large measure a result of wage supports, tax warehousing and other government-

funded schemes as well as payment breaks from banks and other lenders. Gradual withdrawal of that aid is predicted to trigger a wave of insolvencies, although it has yet to happen.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said the pandemic disrupted the business environment "tremendously” including the temporary shutdown

of some business sectors which made many reluctant to start new businesses as the existing ones struggled to keep afloat.

However, the birthrate for new enterprises here indicates a comparatively low level of new start-ups compared to other EU countries and a reluctance to set up new businesses during the pandemic.

Think-in to look at how Kilkenny is placed to drive design excellence Kilkenny County Council is staging a unique conference event showcasing the past, present, future on how Kilkenny is positioned to drive design excellence.

This prestigious event will celebrate Kilkenny's design legacy on Friday, November 18 at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle. This event is one of many events taking place nationwide during Design Week 2022.

Building on the legacy of design in Kilkenny, this conference will celebrate the strong history of design in Kilkenny and cast an eye on how this rich legacy could contribute to the future of design in Kilkenny.

The event will also see the launch a new publication, Designing for Ireland, commissioned by KIDCo and authored by Mark Duncan. This book examines the political context of the Kilkenny Design Workshops and design in Ireland.

Event MC, Richard Curran will chair two panels on the

morning. The first panel commemorating the history of design in Kilkenny and in Ireland, will include Mark Duncan; Mary Mullin and Dr Mary Ann Bolger.

The second panel will examine, the future of design and will include industry experts Aoife Murphy of Tirlan; Carol Gibbons, Enterprise Ireland; Tom Watts, DCCI; Dr. Fiona Chambers, and Elisa Luoto representing Young Finnish Design.

Aileen McGrath, Acting Head of Enterprise for Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, said: "The future of design is very important to Kilkenny.

We want to encourage the development and viability of all business through the promotion of design, innovation, and design led thinking.

"This Design Kilkenny event will reflect the origins of design in Kilkenny and will discuss what lies ahead in this dynamic field."

Flood damage to cost 'hundreds of thousands' of euro in repair work The recent flash flooding in Wexford and the extensive damage caused could cost "hundreds of thousands” of euro to repair.

Multiple roads were closed and homes and businesses were flooded after torrential rainfall in the Gorey area.

Director of Services at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, described the flooding as the latest in a series of "unusually serious weather events” in Wexford this year.

"On [thew recent] Thursday night we had 16 roads

flooded. Five were completely blocked, including the motorway between junctions 23 and 22, and three regional roads were impassable,” said Mr Hore.

All roads were reopened by the next afternoon.

Mr Hore said flood waters entered four business premises and two houses, and he expected the overall cost of the damage to "run into the tens of thousands, maybe the hundreds of thousands”.

"So, it has been a really serious event, and to have a motorway closed for up to

four hours is almost unbelievable,” he added.

"The intensity of the rain rose from about three o'clock to four o'clock and it was at about 20 millimetres an hour for a number of hours. Given that anything above eight millimetres an hour is considered very heavy rain, this was an unusual event.”

One local farmer said it looked like a "tornado” had ripped through the county.

Speaking to South East Radio, Willie John Kehoe said there was significant destruction in the Foulksmills

and Clongeen areas.

"It looks like a tornado came through,” said Mr Kehoe.

"It has levelled the whole farmyard, a big old house here, and I believe down the road there's a good few houses damaged. It's in a line of about 100 metres wide and it's just pure destruction the whole way along.

"Everything in the old part of the yard was levelled, the garden walls were levelled, big tress that have stood for hundreds of years, they're just completely not there.”

We're getting plugged in for our EVs The EasyGo, the largest private car charging network in Ireland, has announced a multi-million Euro investment in new fast DC EV chargers in towns and villages around Ireland, including Kilkenny.

The investment is part of a partnership with eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, where telephone kiosks are being removed and replaced with state-of-the-art Tritium electric vehicle chargers.

As part of this investment programme, EasyGo has committed to deploying 200

fast DC chargers around Ireland.

EasyGo has contracts to add Tritium chargers at 70 locations in counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Offaly, Mayo, Cavan, and Monaghan, which will be rolled out over the next six months.

EasyGo is actively engaged with other local authorities to identify 130 additional locations across Ireland for new fast DC Tritium chargers, and this programme will be delivered at zero cost to county councils.

Commenting on this proj-

ect, Chris Kelly, founder and technical director of EasyGo, said:“This rollout is consistent with the national strategy outlined by Department of Transport and ZEVI. These chargers will make the transition to EVs in rural Ireland much easier and will be located in convenient town centre locations across the country.”

To support with the EV technology requirements for the rollout, EasyGo has partnered with Tritium, a global leader in DC fast chargers for electric vehicles and producer of some of the most

advanced DC fast chargers in the world.

The news comes as a new report cites the lack of adequate electric vehicle (EV) charge point infrastructure in rural Ireland raises serious doubts about the Government’s ability to deliver on the Climate Action Plan’s commitment to have almost one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030.

The report is based on research published by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA), one of Ireland's three regional assemblies.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Turning a blind eye to the naked truth Events of the past weeks remind me of the story of the emperor who had no clothes. In Hans Christian Anderson’s tale, the emperor and his people are told by weavers that they would make him a wonderful suit of clothes. Anyone who could not see these wondrous garments said the weavers must be unable to do so because they were stupid. Everyone goes along with the delusion and the emperor parades through the streets naked.

It’s a parable where what is being said is completely at variance with reality: a kind of parallel universe where people turn a blind eye to the contradictions that exist side by side.

What was really startling to my mind about the uproar that followed Father Sean

Sheehy’s fire and brimstone sermon in Listowel was not what the 80-years-old stand-in priest said – using language which might well be judged as hate speech – but the response to the tirade by the Bishop of Kerry. Bishop Ray Browne apologised appropriately for the hurt caused by the tirade but went on to say that “the views expressed do not reflect the Christian position”.

In the 26 counties today, a majority like to think that we live in a liberal, secular society. This is a country where contraception is available free to women between the ages of 17 and 25, where gay marriage, abortion and divorce are legal rights passed by majority referenda and where an active thought police are on

the alert to call out political incorrectness.

But the fact remains that all the sins enumerated

by Father Sheehy are part of the Catholic Church’s doctrine on everything from sex before marriage to contraception, from priestly celibacy to labelling gays as ‘objectively disordered’: rules dating from days long before witch trials ended.

In the last census 78% of the population defined as Catholic, a majority of whom probably don’t adhere to the church’s teaching in their private lives. Rather than live with the contradiction between their faith and its doctrines.

Some leave the institutional church, others, campaigning on the synodal pathway, send a report to the Vatican calling for radical change

on issues such as married priests and the ordination of women, but a majority turn a blind eye.

Open that eye though and naked truth shakes complacency. The fixed attitude of the hierarchy is hardly a growth mindset.

Who benefits from their stance? Hardly the church itself which in sharp decline, where only nine men entered seminary for the priesthood last year. Hardly an over populated world of nearly eight billion, teetering on the brink of climate catastrophe.

With open eyes there are questions we might ask.

What part did the celibacy rule play in creating conditions for child abuse and what suffering and difficulty has it caused for members of the clergy? What lies behind

the anger of individuals like Father Sheehy over issues around sexuality; is projection involved where individuals accuse others of doing the very things they are tempted to do themselves?

What part does the Catholic Church play in sectarianism, say, in the North where there are only a tiny number of non-denominational schools of the kind that would help to heal divisions between orange and green?

Then there are questions of accountability in the light of financial facts to consider. Like the fact that the Irish tax payer is being asked to pay the lion’s share of compensation to the victims of child abuse while the church, which sits of wealth worth in excess of €12 billion and 10,700 properties, pays a fraction. Or

the fact that the Magdalene laundries amassed millions from the labours of women under their roofs and the Mother & Baby homes also amassed millions in today’s terms from profits from illegal drug trials carried out on babies which could be used in compensation.

Faith can be a wonderful force for good just as there are many clergy who do admirable work. The comfort brought by Father Joe Duffy, following the disaster in Creeslough, Donegal comes to mind. It matters to be open to that good.

In the story of Anderson’s emperor it took a child to point out the naked truth.

Perhaps we need a Greta Thunberg (who started campaigning for climate change at 15) to challenge us on the need for religious change.

Looking after your prostate CLAIR WHITTY

Welcoming boys and girls to CBS Primary School A first for CBS Primary School as they look forward to welcoming Junior Infant boys and girls, for the first time to their school in September 2023.

Preparations are in full

swing for this exciting new venture.

The school is having an Open Evening on Wednesday, November 23rd at 7.30pm for parents. According to principal Niall Begin,

they look forward to meeting you on the night.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact them on 0567761739 or office@ cbsprimarykilkenny.ie

November is Men’s Health Month, a great time to remind you to get your prostate checked. Make an appointment with your doctor today if you have not had a check-up recently. Prevention is better than cure.

If you’re getting up several times to pee during the night it could be a sign that you have an enlarged prostate gland. This is normally treatable and a visit to your doctor will help put your mind at ease. Enlarged prostate affects 50% of men over 50.

Signs of enlarged prostate can include: A weak stream of urine. Straining to pass urine or urination takes a long time.

Stop/start urination. Frequent trips to the toilet. An urgent need to pass urine, sometimes with a little leaking at the first sign of wanting to go.

A healthy diet and lifestyle will help keep you and your prostate healthy. Avoid high saturated fats, sugar and caffeine. Reduce salt, white processed breads, and pastries.

Alcohol and smoking both contribute to inflammation and should be avoided.

Alcohol interferes with the uptake of zinc which is an important nutrient for male hormone production. Zinc is found naturally in shellfish, pumpkin seeds, and eggs.

Include in your diet plenty of vegetables, a wide variety of nuts and seeds, and wholegrains.

New Nordic ProstaVital is a supplement you might like to look at. It’s a special formu-

lation to help men’s health that includes many of the nutrients required to support a healthy prostate: pumpkin extract is a source of zinc to maintain normal prostate function. It also contains pine bark, pomelo, turmeric, galangal, long and black pepper, lavender, and lots more to support prostate health. You take two tablets per day.

Cleanmarine for Men is a supplement for men to consider if you have a healthy prostate and want to support fertility, testosterone, and your long-term health. Cleanmarine for Men is perfect for general health as it contains Omega 3 to support cardiovascular and brain health, zinc for prostate health, immunity, and healthy skin, and B vitamins for energy.

If you have any questions, we are happy to have a chat with you about the various supplements to support a healthy prostate, healthy testosterone levels, energy, and ways to reduce stress and anxiety.

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

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

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Graduates

Shoulder to shoulder: Ciara Askins from Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny, Shane Tobin, Newcastle, Co. Tipperary and Nadine Mabbott, Kilkenny city who were conferred a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early childhood studies Picture: Patrick Browne

Girls graduation: Katie Purcell, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Katie Davis Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny, Ceara Scully, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Phoebe Kehoe, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Sheila Dawson from Cappamore, Co. Limerick. Grace Lee, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary who were conferred a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Care Practice Picture: Patrick Browne

OUR FIRST GRADUATES The two Katies: Katie Purcell, Callan, Co. Kilkenny and Katie Davis Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny, who were conferred a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Care Practice Picture: Patrick Browne

Proud family: Rachel Rafter from Listerlin, Co. Kilkenny, conferred with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Professional Social Care Practice, with sister Louise, parents Jim and Lynne and sister Lizzy Photo: Mary Browne

Hats off! Aoife Moore, Skeoughvosteen, Co. Kilkenny, Tomas Johns Ballyknock, Co. Kilkenny and Caitlin Moore, Callan, Co. Kilkenny who were conferred a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Recreation & Sport Management Picture: Patrick Browne

Success noted: Amanda Byrne, Kilmore, Co Wexford, Dervla Bergin, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny and Jessica Caulfield, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford who were conferred a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies Picture: Patrick Browne

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Don’t bank on that switch being easy We flagged in an earlier piece that D-day was coming for those who have to move from Ulster Bank but we make mention of it again because, according to Ulster Banks CEO Jane Howard, the bank intends to move forward with plans to freeze the accounts of a first wave of customers who have yet to move to a new bank as of from Friday, November 11.

Once an account is frozen direct debits and standing orders will stop going out and customers will lose immediate access to their funds. Then 30 days later the account will be closed permanently.

If you remember in April/ May this year account holders were informed that they had six months to shut their account and switch to a new bank, the credit union or An Post.

Ulster Bank is not expected

to leave the Irish market completely until next year.

The bank has divided its customers accounts into different groups and put them on rolling schedules for closure as part of its exit strategy. When TDs contacted the bank on behalf of worried customers they were informed the least active accounts would be targeted first, ie. accounts with fewer than five transactions a month, then the busier accounts would begin to close.

According to sources the bank is “taking a tentative approach to the freezing of accounts” and is pulling out all the stops to help people whose main account is with Ulster Bank by giving them extra supports.to complete the switch.

They are examining the profile of account holders and assessing the potential impact of cutting access to

their accounts especially those accounts that receive pension and social welfare payments allowing them more time to move.

The bank has said that more than 70% of customers noti-

fied earlier this year have either closed or significantly wound down the level of activity in their current account or left it inactive. This leads us to believe that close to a third of account holders have

yet to make any significant moves to leave the bank while not all those who’ve begun to move have completed the process.

According to Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf, some people’s experiences of trying to switch “leaves something to be desired”, and he has mentioned issues such as the bank’s delays in answering phones.

Research has also showed that 60% of Ulster Bank consumers reported challenges with switching, with the most significant issue being transferring direct debits and payments (29%). A further 10% reported difficulties in accessing in-person support, according to research by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

Speaking to reporters recently, Governor Makhlouf said that more needed to be

done to help people switch banks, and that it was within the Central Bank’s power to take action to delay the withdrawals if required.

When questioned on measures to delay the withdrawal of the two banks from the Irish market, due to difficulties in making the switch to new providers, he said: “We can take that sort of action.

But let me just say that the answer to this is not for us to just say ‘OK, there’s just going to be loads more time’. The answer to this is to actually get everybody to be working towards the transition but, certainly ,at the end of the day, account holders are not going to be left stranded.

“It’s quite clear that more people need to get on and switch, so I think more needs to be done by everybody. “ john@ellisfinancial 086 8362622

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

News & Wellbeing Science Even the strongest relationships will be marred by arguments — but such is not how often a couple argues but how they argue.

The way that you either run from or confront and resolve misunderstandings can have a ripple effect on your feelings for each other and the relationship.

When we avoid saying what we feel, we end up resentful and angry.

Keeping everything in or denying your feelings also sends the signal to a partner that you don’t trust them or your relationship enough to be open and vulnerable, which puts the relationship on shaky ground. Arguing, on the flip side, is an indication that both people care enough.

1. Avoid ‘kitchen-sinking’ The argument you’re having is about a particular offence; it is not about every issue to ever arise in your partnership. And even if you can draw connections between the current topic at hand and previous offences, dredging up all sorts of old stuff is not a fair or helpful tactic, says Tracy Ross, a psych holist who specialises in couples’ therapy. This will just put your partner instantly on the defensive, looking for ways to demonstrate that they did or didn’t actually do this or that anyway.

It’s essential to avoid saying that a partner “always” or “never” does the behaviour in question. This will just lead them to search for examples that prove you wrong, rather than to explore the nature of their behaviour and how it’s making you feel.

2. Steer clear of criticism and contempt Critical and contemptuous language are both strong predictors of divorce (and the two tend to go hand-inhand). The first looks like “telling your partner all the things they do wrong and calling out their character

When couples argue 5 key points

flaws,” says Ross. In this way, it’s a full attack on their character, as opposed to critique or feedback, which addresses a particular behaviour or situation.

And the second is basically pure meanness coming from an “I’m better than you” mindset: Things like name-calling, insults, and labeling (eg. “You’re rude,” or “You’re depressed”) fall into this category.

Going for any of these low blows is certainly not a productive fighting tactic. Not only does this totally knock down your partner—which is antithetical to being in a relationship with them in the first place—but also, it puts them in the unfair position of having to defend their entire existence or character, which, again,

takes you further from resolution.

3. Speak from personal experience and own your actions In reality, you only can speak to how you acted and how you feel in any scenario, and as soon as you start speaking on behalf of your partner’s actions or feelings, you’ll stray into unfair territory.

“One of the keys to fighting fairly is to stay in your own lane,” says Ross. “Discuss why you feel angry or upset or any other type of distress without telling your partner who they are, what they are, or why they did or said what they did.”

In fact, ‘you’ statements, in general (eg. “You did this,” or “You did that”), are best to avoid saying during an argu-

ment because they tend to come off accusatory, even if you’re just trying to state the facts of the case. And they’re particularly unhelpful when they’re used in a “scorekeeping capacity”.

And be sure to avoid falling into the trap of attributing your own behaviours or actions to your partner’s, as in, “If you hadn’t done this, I wouldn’t have done that.”

Your behaviour is not their fault, as we are all responsible for our own behaviours.

should be to feel heard and understood, not to be ‘right,’” says Ross. In fact, she suggests entering an argument with the intention of listening like you’re wrong, so together with your partner. “This solution should not be one you’ve already that you’re actually fully open-minded to developing a resolution to the problem conceived of because it needs to come from both of you,” she says.

4. Be curious and open-minded about your partner It might seem obvious, but if you go into an argument with your mind already made up, you’re leaving no room for resolution with a partner. “The goal of a fight

5. Validate the feeling, even if you disagree with where it came from It’s very easy to disagree with how someone else feels in response to a particular situation and get stuck on opposite sides of a chasm.

What usually happens is, one partner shares some-

thing that upsets them, but it’s not something that would have upset the other partner, so it’s hard for the second person to find compassion, patience, or empathy for what the first person is experiencing, For example, your partner might feel humiliated that they messed up a presentation at work, but you don’t have a job where you make presentations and you find speaking in front of people easy, so you might feel like you can’t empathise. But that’s because you’re focusing on the situation and not the feeling.

Instead of just trying to put yourself in their situational shoes (which will lead you to the same dead end of, “But I wouldn’t have felt that way”), focus on the feeling itself — in this case, humiliation — and think of a time when you did have that feeling. Recall the painful feeling, not a similar event, and then you can ask yourself, ‘When have I felt something like what they’re empathise and support your partner through a tough experience.

“Even if you don’t agree or see the situation the same way, you can hear your partner’s response to it and validate the way that they’re feeling,” says Ross That same idea extends to situations where your partner may be feeling angry or upset in response to something you did, but if the roles were reversed, you wouldn’t .

“Even if you don’t agree or see the situation the same way, you can hear your be feeling the same way. Again, the situation doesn’t matter so much as the feeling: partner’s response to it and validate the way that they’re feeling as a means to strengthen your relationship,” says Ross.

By contrast, just digging in and justifying your actions— for example, by saying, “I wouldn’t have been upset by this, so you shouldn’t be either” — will only take you down a rabbit hole.

How fibre intake is so important for us all A healthy diet is important at all stages of life, there are some nutrients that play a greater role as we get older.

Protein is a prime example.

Another such nutrient is fibre. Sure, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting enough fibre whether you’re 17 or 71, but you may be surprised to learn how your body —and in particular, your digestive system— evolves in ways that make getting an adequate fibre intake ever more critical.

A 2016 benchmark population-based study examined a cohort of more than 1,600 adults over the age of 49, and found that those who con-

sumed the most fibre had a nearly 80% greater chance of living a long and healthy life.

Folks who followed fibrerich diets were less likely than their counterparts to suffer from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, and functional disability. Why is that the case?

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate in plant foods that resists digestion. It’s found in fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and can help to form the soft, bulky type of stool that moves through your digestive system smoothly and passes easily.

Fibre has plenty of other science-backed benefits, like helping to feed your gut microbes, so you maintain a diverse and healthy microbiome. Your body’s microbiome is closely linked to your immune system and mood- regulating functions, which means that the health of your microbiome plays a substantial role in your overall wellbeing.

The average adult needs between 21 and 38 grams of fibre each day, but most folks consume less than 15 grams of fibre a day. As such, people of all ages could stand to significantly increase their uptake of fibre.

Given the many nutritional benefits of fire — and our apparent chronic underconsumption of the nutrient —it’s worth highlighting the many fibre-rich ingredients that you likely have sitting in your kitchen already.

The goal is to eat a variety of whole, plant foods every day. An ideal eating pattern is to include half a plate of veggies or fruits — or a mix of the two — at meals, and then a quarter of the plate as a starchy veggie or whole grain. The remaining quarter should be protein, That said, this is meant more as a directional suggestion than a hard-and-fast rule.

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Travel & Leisure Home to about 47 million residents, Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe and the second largest in the European Union.

With numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 8,000 kilometres of beaches that are sunny most of the year, Spain is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the EU. And not only because of the heritage sites and beaches! Home to about 47 million residents, Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe and the second largest in the European Union.

There are endless reasons why Spain should be your next European destination. With its mesmerising nature, mixed gothic and moor buildings and Roman ruins, crazy festivals, vibrant nightlife, finger-licking food, and super friendly people, Spain will make every visitor fall in love with it.

In case you are wondering whether Spain should be your next destination or not, we have made a short list for you, of the main reasons why Spain must be the next country you step in.

1. There Is a Lot to See Spain is one of the most instagramable countries in the world, with a mixture of everything you would ever want to see.

The architecture in Spain is wonderful, with the breathtaking temple of Sagrada Família in Barcelona [pictured], the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao that looks as if it has been built by superhumans, the masterpiece called Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga in Asturias, the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, the old town of Ronda, and many many more.

Spanish nature is unlike anything you have ever seen in Europe. Among others, you can travel to the Gaztelugatxe islet on the coast of Biscay, which is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge and has a small church at its top.

You can see the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park, which has 15 small lakes, the

The Hilton Hotel in NYC’s Times Square is reopening — just in time those planning the traditional Christmas shopping spree to the Big Apple.

The renowned Hilton has reopened for the first time since 2020, bringing back a new hotel option to New York City in time for the holiday season and New Year’s Eve. The Hilton New York Times Square is once again welcoming guests to its 478 rooms on 42nd Street, according to the hotel group.

The hotel sits tall at 44 stories with views of the skyline and the Hudson River as well as select rooms that look out onto the traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop.

“This is an incredibly vibrant time of year in New

Food is a very important part of every trip, and to enjoy your trip, you must taste the most famous dishes of every country you are in.

Spain is known for being home to the oldest restaurant in the world, which is still open today. Moreover, restaurants in Spain often top the list of “World’s 50 Best Restaurants”, while many world-famous chefs are Spanish.

Some of the foods you must try in Spain are the tapas, the Paella dish, Calamari in freshly-squeezed lemon, Spanish Tortilla de Patatas, Spicy Chorizo, and churros con chocolate which is basically fried sugary sticks with hot chocolate.

Why Spain is always worth a visit

As Catedrais beach with its natural arches and caves that can be seen only in low tide, or the historic gold-mining site of Las Médulas.

In Spain, you will be able to find two extremes. Wild noisynight life in the bigger cities, and quiet, peaceful life in the Spanish villages, either by the mountains or close to the sea.

Moreover, you can always check museums of history, art, sports, etc., theatres that give a variety of performances, and you can as well go see bulldodging.

2. Festivals All Year Round No matter at what time of the year you are in Spain, you can always get to attend at

least one festival. Spaniards love celebrating, partying, dancing, and even wearing costumes. As a tourist, you can easily attend any of the festivals, and become part of an unforgettable experience.

Some of the most famous festivals that take place in Spain are: La Tomatina The festival of tomatoes, where 20 thousand people gather and throw tomatoes at each other. This original and fun tradition dates back to 70 years ago, and many tourists save the date just so they can be part of it.

Semana Santa The Holy Week takes place during Easter in Spain. It lasts

for a full week and consists of religious celebrations, which are worth seeing no matter what religion you have. Men and women fill the streets, lighting thousands of candles and waiting for the parades of different church members and brotherhoods.

Carnival of Cadiz No one does Carnivals better than Spaniards. Through humour, sarcasm, mockery and irony, the Carnival of Cadiz “purges” the most pressing problems of Spain and the world. People with fancy costumes fill the streets with pained faces, singing and dancing.

The Wine Battle of Haro Spaniards love throwing

Hilton Hotel reopens in Times Square

food at each other. The Wine Battle of Haro is literally people pouring wine at each other’s bodies. People in white clothing join the battle, only to leave it looking all red.

Boloencierro in Mataelpino You may have been planning to do some bull fighting in Spain, but that is not possible.

Instead, you can join the Boloencierro in Mataelpino in Madrid where hundreds of people run while a 160 kg gigantic ball rolls chasing them.

3. Superb Food That You Can Only Taste in Spain Travelling without tasting the food of the country you are visiting, is not even travelling.

York, and the reopening of Hilton New York Times Square demonstrates our confidence in the resurgence of this iconic neighbourhood,” Danny Hughes, the executive vice president and president, Americas, at Hilton, said in a statement.

The hotel, which first closed in April 2020, is reopening under new ownership after being sold for about $85 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. The reopening comes as 44 hotels in New York City were forced to permanently close during the pandemic, the most of any US city, the paper reported.

Now, the modern hotel features a fitness centre with Peloton bikes and three dining concepts, including a

4. Friendly People All travel bloggers who have visited Spain, point out at least once in their blogs that people in Spain are super friendly.

Unlike people in other Western Europe countries who can be a bit colder, people in Spain are very welcoming and friendly with tourists.

If you feel like asking something, you can just stop someone in the street and ask them. In bigger cities, most people know English, so it will be very easy for you to communicate. However, in smaller places you will have it harder to find English speakers, but you will still manage to get answers to your questions by doing some gestures and mumbling at least two or three words in Spanish.

5. Die Hard Football Fans Home to two of the top football teams in Europe, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Spain gathers thousands of football fans every year. In particular, if you find yourself in Spain while a Champions League or Copa Del Rey match is about to happen, you will see crowds of football fans singing and shouting or even celebrating after a match.

You may as well join them, if you have even at least a bit of sympathy for their team. It could become an unforgettable memory, who knows.

daily breakfast buffet. Later this year, the hotel plans to open the Pinnacle Bar, which will offer late-night snacks overlooking Times Square.

However, the Hilton is not the only hotel to plan a Times Square comeback. Last year, Margaritaville Resort Times Square opened on West 40th Street with 234 guest rooms, fuve restaurants and bars, and an outdoor heated pool.

And earlier this year, the Hard Rock Hotel opened on 48th Street with more than 400 rooms and suites along with music-themed amenities like a Crosley Record Player, curated playlists, or a Fender guitar upon request.

So, there’s a c spice of where to stay for that pre-Christmas shopping trip toe New York City.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

My word! A good word for bad language!

“Foul language can boost group bonding, raise pain tolerance and increase physical strength….. It also eases stress,” according to The Irish Times, on Monday October 31 last. Boy was I glad to read that. Effin glad even! And why?

Because yours truly is prone to peppering his conversations with the F word and a few other choice words if the truth be known. So, there you have it – Gerry Moran indulges in foul language, although I prefer to call it colourful language. I don’t like the adjective foul; indeed I prefer the F word to it any day, or night, of the week.

No wonder then that my pain tolerance is high and my stress levels are low.

Huh! Tell that to my wife whose stress levels soar when I swear or curse, if you prefer. She literally peppers

when I pepper my sentences with swear words. A case of horses for courses, I guess, or should that be curses for courses!

Now as an aside – I have four children, two boys and two girls; the boys, unlike their father, never use the F word, never swear or curse (to the best of my knowledge) The girls, on the other hand, occasionally indulge in colourful language but I like to think that they do so with flair and panache (and what’s this they say: women for words, men for maths or something like that).

You see cursing (and let’s call it that for argument sake) is all about context. Use an expletive in a wrong scenario and it can, like a grenade, explode in your face. Used in a different context, however, it can be emphatic, engaging, humorous even. It’s also about how you curse! I mean

there’s bad, bad language if you know what I mean (which, I’ll admit, can be vulgar and brutal especially when it’s garrulous and loud) and then there’s colourful language ie. cursing with style.

And like style in any walk of life – you’ve either got it or you haven’t. If you haven’t got it then avoid expletives, curses, swear words, whatever. And if you can’t do that well, keep your f***ing mouth shut.

The above, opening quote, by the way, came from the Business Features page of the Irish Times and was penned

by Pilita Clark who went on to state that “in the last torrid days of Liz Truss’s government, politicians, journalists and others all turned the country’s airwaves a deeper shade of blue”.

And those opening statements came from a review

Time to get winter ready When the clock ‘falls’ back and the evenings are dark by the time we sit down for our evening meal, that in my day was called ‘Tea Time’ but now it is called ‘Dinner time’ which was my midday meal! as for Breakfast?

I am not going there with coffee and a fag followed by a brunch and lunch at a desk, is it any wonder generation Z suffer from eating and bowel disorders.

Well now is the time to get everything in place for the winter months ahead.

Everyone, especially older or more vulnerable people, should remember to take extra care during a cold spell.

Elderly people should not venture outdoors in severe weather if possible. The public are asked to make a special effort to keep in contact with their neighbours and relatives, particularly those living alone.

Keep warm, eat well, and avoid unnecessary travel and we must never forget to call on elderly relatives and neighbours and ensure they have sufficient supplies of food and any prescription drugs they may need, also to ensure that older people have sufficient fuel supplies to maintain adequate heating in their homes.

Advice on medication

As you get older you may need to change the dose of your medicines – check with your doctor. Some medicines or combinations of medicines may make you feel faint or light-headed which could lead to a fall. Consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall. Eat regular hot meals and drink plenty of fluids, this will keep you warm and will give you energy to keep active.

If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you visit your doctor for a check-up.

Medical equipment If you must use medical equipment or a powered mobility device every day, please make sure that you always have access to a power supply.

Ensure that you are on the vulnerable customer registers for the energy companies and Irish Water. If you have an assistance dog, be sure to keep

them warm as well. Be sure to always have a blanket for the animal to rest on. Keep the animal indoors as much as possible.

People with disabilities should plan for the possibility that winter weather may disrupt homecare services. In icy weather, wear well-fitted shoes with non-slip soles if you have to go out but try to limit walking outside during the cold weather. If you use a mobility device make sure it can grip an icy surface and if you have a ramp make sure it is well gritted in icy weather.

Stay in contact If you have a mobile phone that you can use, make sure it has a charge and bring it with you when you are going out.

You should consider wearing a personal alarm so that family or neighbours are alerted if you fall. If you have a fall, even a minor one, make sure you can visit your doctor for a check-up.

In winter it can be difficult for everyone to get about and conduct day to day activities. It is even more difficult for older people and other vulnerable people. So please remember how important it is to look out for our seniors both relatives and friends, for one day, you will be that senior who will need a helping hand

of over 100 academic papers on swearing that were published in the middle of the British Government’s ‘blue period’ to borrow a phrase (and with apologies to Picasso). Oh, and closer to home wasn’t there a torrent

‘I don’t like the adjective foul; indeed I prefer the F word..

of expletives recently regarding Marc McSharry TD? Although that was more about bullying than bonding.

And maybe now is not a bad time to introduce a wee book that I keep on the top shelf of my study. It’s called Low Speak, A Dictionary of Criminal and Sexual Slang which I purchased for the low, low price of 50p in a second-hand bookshop many years ago. There are some interesting words between the covers of this slim volume, words like Jessie and Jimscreech and if you really want to know what they mean, best ask a Jilter or better still a John Law. In the meantime here’s a ‘poem’ I penned many moons ago on the topic of cursing and swearing which, when I read it, raises my pain tolerance and eases my stress! We hope.

SomeofMyBestFriendsCurse Some of my best friends curse.

Thanks be to Jaysus.

Because I like cursing.

Or swearing or whatever it is.

I am, I have to admit, Fond of the F word It’s so…so short.

Sharp. Definite.

F*** you!

There’s no ambiguity About that. That’s clear.

That’s crystal.

But then that’s cursing.

And, of course, I know That thou shalt not Take the Lord thy God’s Name in vain. And I agree Except when it comes to cursing Or swearing or whatever It’s: never in vain And I don’t think about it As being God’s name.

Arrah Jaysus Sure ye all know What I mean.

Recently Discovered Works by Sean Keating to be offered to the market for the first time at Fonsie Mealy’s

Fonsie Mealy’s presents an important Irish & International Art Sale on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022, at the Chatsworth Auction Rooms, Castlecomer, Co.Kilkenny commencing at 12.30pm.

With over 400 lots, viewing will be available Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday morning previous to the sale.

The Sale offers for the first time a collection of over 30 Paintings acquired by the late Irish Patron of the Arts and Scholar - the late An tAthair Eric McFhinn. These paintings, mainly by Sean Keating

and Maurice MacGonigal, document in a poignant

fashion, the hard times in Ireland in the 1940’s and 50’s Amongst the lots are Limited & Signed Edition Prints, Drawings, Sketches, Watercolours, Oil Paintings, Sculptures, & a selection of Fine Wines & Whiskies - appealing to all pockets and pallets.

We also offer a large Painting by Mark Francis and works by living artists such as Blaise Smith, David Goldberg amongst others, together with an interesting collection of Rare Art Books, some Limited & Signed.

Seeing Christmas is fast approaching, we have Fine Wines and Whiskies on offer also.

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Opinion

Lady Desart...the aristocrat with a heart of gold

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

When we think of aristocracy in Ireland, images of oppression, exploitation, and aloofness come to mind. The lords and ladies are thought of as having been born with silver spoons in their mouths. We have a concept of toffs swanning around in their big house and not caring a whit for the plight of the “common” man or woman.

But there were honourable exceptions to this norm among the upper class elite. Ellen, Countess of Desart was one of them. This Jewish lady, born in 1858, was the daughter of a wealthy London banker and the widow of William Ulick O’ Connor Cuffe, Fourth Earl of Desart.

The Countess was a great benefactor to Kilkenny. She gave it a library, a theatre, a ballroom, a handball alley, a model village (Talbot’s Inch), a suspension bridge across the River Nore, a woodwork factory, a cricket team, a tobacco growing enterprise, a woollen mill and a hospital…among other useful and much needed facilities.

Her brother-in-law, Otway

Cuffe, aided the Countess in getting her various projects off the ground.

In spite of having given so much to her adopted county, Lady Desart is seldom mentioned anymore. Many present day citizens of Kilkenny will never have heard of the Countess and her heart of gold.

The library she started opened up the world of books and free education to anyone who cared to pass through its doors. The theatre drew crowds from far and With her beloved Talbot’s Inch cricket team wide, who enjoyed quality Club House Hotel in Patrick’s money drama at low Street, and on the carved panto kickcost. els of the entrance to Aut Even start the Gazing hospital.

Kilkenny through the The Kilkenny Woollen Mill, Woodworkwindows of another employment boost, ers in 1905… her house at was built across the river from thus giving Talbot’s Inch, the Talbot’s Inch, at Greenvale. employment to thought of cattle Ellen, Countess She had the two areas linked sixty craftsmen. breeding popped of Desart by her famed “artistic flying These men worked into her head as she bridge”. under the guidance of beheld the lush grazing The village of Talbots Inch Otway Cuffe and an English lands of the district. She soon dates from 1904 and is largely foreman. The Arts and Crafts had a lucrative dairy farming the creation of Cuffe and movement that flourished in enterprise up and running in Lady Desart. Architecturally, England at the time inspired the village. Not one to let the it resembles the model craft the whole concept of the grass grow under her feet, she villages of Southern England guild system observed by the quickly became President of with their half-hipped gables, Kilkenny woodworkers. the Dairy Shorthorn Breeders overhanging eaves, thatched Examples of their craftsmanAssociation. roofs and decorative brickship can be seen in some of Admiring the skill of Kilkenwork. the older city shop fronts, a ny’s hard-pressed woodworkThe Countess and Otway fitment in the lounge of the ers, Lady Desart put up the

Cuffe were influenced by the philosophy of William Morris and the notion of developing villages dedicated to producing handcrafts. Following Cuffe’s death, Lady Desart effectively ran the village, adding new facilities to it, including the famous handball alley and a tennis court.

An experimental tobacco farm at Talbot’s Inch was another of her initiatives. This enterprise thrived for a few years and made a tidy profit.

A cartoon of the time lampooned the novel concept of growing this crop in the county by depicting two farmers ploughing a field and holding umbrellas over them. One farmer complains to the other:

“‘Twas bad enough before the crows took to chewing tobacco!”

Though a tireless benefactor, the Countess was oddly conservative in her political views.

She feared that health insurance for workers might prove to be the thin end of a Socialist wedge. She disapproved of the Suffragette movement in England that fought for the right of women to vote.

She believed that granting this right to women would lead to the downfall of Western civilisation. She described the Suffragette campaigners as “militants and hooligans who will drag social life back to the crude roughness of the Dark Ages.”

Lady Desart died in 1933, leaving behind a rich legacy of achievement. Not much remains of the original Model Village of Talbots Inch…but it has retained a little of its scenic and architectural attractions and is deemed to be a vital part of Kilkenny’s heritage.

Even less survives of the kind Lady Desart’s involvement in the social and industrial life of Kilkenny. The old theatre on Patrick’s Street is long gone, like the tobacco growing and the woollen mill.

And her suspension bridge linking the mill with the village was swept away by the 1947 flood.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Global Report In the two weeks since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the number of people signing up for a small social network called Mastodon has surged.

You may not have heard of Mastodon, which has been around since 2016, but now it’s growing rapidly. Some are fleeing Twitter for it or at least seeking out a second place to post their thoughts online as the much more well-known social network faces layoffs, controversial product changes, an expected shift in its approach to content moderation and a jump in hateful rhetoric.

There may be no clear alternative to Twitter, a uniquely influential platform that is fast-moving, text-heavy, conversational and news-oriented. But Mastodon scratches a certain itch. The service has a similar look to Twitter, with a timeline of short updates sorted chronologically rather than algorithmically. It lets users join a slew of different servers run by various groups and individuals, rather than one central platform controlled by a single company like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Unlike larger social networks, Mastodon is both free to use and free of ads. It’s developed by a nonprofit run

by Mastodon creator Eugen Rochko, and is supported via crowdfunding.

Rochko said in an interview that Mastodon gained 230,000 users since October 27, when Musk took control of Twitter.

It now has 655,000 active users each month, he said. Twitter reported in July that it had nearly 238 million daily active monetisable users.

“It is not as large as Twitter, obviously, but it is the biggest that this network has ever been,” said Rochko, who originally created Mastodon as more of a project than a consumer product (and, yes, its name was inspired by the heavy metal band Mastodon).

Mastodon’s features and layout (particularly in its iOS app) will look and feel familiar to current Twitter users, though with some slightly different

Leaving Twitter in droves... and a question of security verbiage; you can follow others, create short posts (there’s a 500 character limit, and you can upload images and videos), favourite or repost other users’ posts, and so on.

There are some key differences, particularly in how the network is set up. Because Mastodon users’ accounts are hosted on a slew of different servers, the costs of hosting users is spread among many different people and groups.

But that also means users are

spread out all over the place, and people you know can be hard to find — Rochko likened this setup to having different email providers, like Gmail and Hotmail.

This means the entirety of the network isn’t under any one person or company’s control, but it also introduces some new complications for those of us used to Twitter — a product that has also been criticised over the years for being less intuitive than more

popular services like Facebook and Instagram.

On Mastodon, for instance, you have to join a specific server to sign up, some of which are open to anyone, some of which require an invitation (you can also run your own server). There is a server operated by the nonprofit behind Mastodon, Mastodon. social, but it’s not accepting more users; I’m currently using one called Mstdn.social, which is also where I can sign

in to access Mastodon on the web.

Meanwhile, one important aspect of Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter has received less attention: The acquisition’s relevance to America’s national security.

Not only has Musk brought on a number of investors to help finance the deal, including entities with links to China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia but one of his other companies, Tesla, is increasingly dependent on

the Chinese market and the goodwill of the Chinese government.

Due to the critical position of Twitter as a platform for political discourse in the US, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a federal interagency committee tasked with reviewing the national security implications of foreign investment in domestic companies, should investigate the Twitter deal on the grounds of national security.

According to recent press reports, Biden administration officials are indeed discussing whether the committee should investigate the deal, arguing that President Biden would have strong grounds for blocking Musk’s Twitter acquisition or at the very least compelling the minority foreign investors to sell their equity to parties that would not pose a national security threat.

Importantly, while the business deal is technically completed, CFIUS has the authority to retroactively investigate and undo it, which it has done in other instances in the past.

In 2020, for example, President Trump ordered the Chinese company Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. to divest from US cloud-based company StayNTouch Inc. following a CFIUS review over one year after the former had acquired the latter.

CFIUS, is a committee in the executive branch of the US government composed of the heads of multiple high-level and national security-related offices. It was initially established in 1975 by President Gerald Ford for the simple purpose of monitoring and evaluating the impact of foreign investment in the US. The committee is chaired by the Department of the Treasury and includes the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Commerce, Defence, State, and Energy, as well as the Office of the US Trade Representative and the Office of Science & Technology Policy.

Why Britain’s asylum system is broken The number of asylum claims processed in the UK has collapsed in recent years, leaving people in limbo for months and years – trapped in processing facilities or temporary hotels and unable to work – and fuelling an intractable debate about Britain’s borders.

“The system is broken,” Britain’s Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Parliament recently – an inarguable but jarring admission after 12 years of Conservative rule, which has seen an unending line of ministers promising and failing to clamp down on illegal migration.

A large part of the blame lies with a sharp increase in small boat crossings across the English Channel, organ-

ised by people smugglers on mainland Europe. The beleaguered Home Secretary described the crossings in highly charged terms as an “invasion” of Britain’s south coast. “Let’s stop pretending that they are all refugees in distress,” she said.

But the chaos facing migrants and asylum-seekers in the UK is also the result of a decade of political choices, with funding and action failing to match the heavyhanded rhetoric espoused by successive Conservative governments.

“It’s shambolic and it’s cruel,” said Ben Ramanauskas, a research economist at Oxford University and an adviser to Liz Truss while the previous prime minister was secretary of state for international trade.

“Part of that is due to the culture set by the Home Office, which views most immigrants with suspicion and treats them like potential criminals,” Ramanauskas said. “It’s a deeply unfair and unjust system.”

The Home Office said in a statement: “The number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum system under incredible strain.”

Another striking glimpse into the lives of migrants within Britain’s processing facilities came flying over the fence from within the Manston facility as our picture shows.

“We are in a difficult life now ... we fill like we’re in prison (sic),” read a letter, ap-

parently written by a young girl and stuffed inside a bottle that was then thrown towards assembled journalists.

“Some of us very sick ... there’s some women’s that are pregnant they don’t do anything for them (sic) ... We really need your help. Please help us,” the letter reads.

The situation at the asylum-processing centre is a “breach of humane conditions,” Conservative Roger Gale told Sky News, as dozens of charities wrote to the prime minister to raise concerns over “overcrowding.”

The facility is currently holding around 4,000 people, among them women and children, despite being intended to only hold 1,500, Gale said.

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The Tale….

BY NED EGAN

It was 1940, wartime, and I, J Conway was on a special mission to the USA. Based in England, I and my new wife Marie took the opportunity to visit our old haunts in Kilkenny Town, on our way to Waterford, then to Cobh.

So, we headed down to Waterford, and booked into a small hotel on the Quay.

Honeymoon nights were still upon us, and, listening to the midnight River Suir slapping around the bridge in gusty September storms of rain, we were fulfilling our Biblical obligations by getting down to that natural friendly business that is traditional with all newly married couples. We had, after all, been enjoined by the Big Man in the sky to ‘go forth and multiply.’ In this cultural and religious obligatory task, we soldiered on manfully – and womanfully…

We were, of course, conscious of the daintilyprowling activities of the virtuous-seeming old hotel manageress, but didn’t pay too much attention to her quiet footfalls. Although the marriage bed was of the

well-strung instrumental genre – and therefore wont to play sweet music as an accompaniment to whatever joyous love-song was currently being performed by moonstruck man and magical macushla. Which efforts varied in cadence and rhythm between Ravel’s frenetic ‘Toccata’ - and the dreamy ‘Blue Danube.’ Just before drifting off to wellearned sleep, trembling on the peaceful velvety air, came a sweet rendition – in a small faded contralto – of “She’s only a Bird in a Gilded Cage” – right outside our door! We smiled as Morpheus swept us away to his world of dreams…

At the breakfast, our dear ancient hostess was gracious and kind, and enquired sweetly - if ‘we’d slept well’ – with an innocent smile that disarmed that stealthy old question! She then surprised us by disclosing her own tale of old romance.

“A, sure my own luck ran out before I could know the delights of marriage and love,” she said, wistfully. “I had a fellow, Nathanial Storm, a fine young man, who went to Australia to make his fortune. I got four letters, then silence. His talk was mainly about missing Ireland, and me. His sister called to me a few months after the last

letter, in 1901. We were all close – his whole family really wanted me to join them. There was something intellectual and aristocratic about the Storm clan – there were ‘big people’ in their lineage, way back. She, Violet, told me Nathanial had gone into the West Australian Bush looking for gold, and never came back.

I didn’t know what she meant - didn’t know that gold grew on the bushes down that way.

He, or even bits of him - were never to be found, anyway...

“I hope you didn’t mind me singing that little song outside your door – you probably thought ‘crazy old woman!’”

We assured her, and it was true - that we were delighted - not at all offended. This pleased her. “I do it sometimes” she went on “to bring young couples luck – especially those who appear nice and really in love with each other.

The ‘Bird in the Gilded Cage’ wasn’t meant for you, Marie – that was me – all these years waiting, hoping Nathanial would come back, squashing any feelings I might have had for other men, keeping myself pure for him.

“That was the way we were, the way life was, in those days.

I couldn’t betray him. Even if I’d been told that some wanderer came on his sad lonely bones, I’d not have

wed another. We’ll meet in Paradise, Nathanial and me.

Maybe God can arrange some tiny corner in a Garden of Eden for us to honeymoon in!

I know that’s sacrilege, but I’m sure the ‘Great Man’ would forgive an ancient woman these strange old thoughts… I doubt I could find Nathanial amongst the crowds Up There, though.

“I pray every day that we’ll meet again. I hope you don’t mind me talking like this. To tell the truth, I seldom mention Nathanial. Everyone thinks I’m just an old maid, but; strange as it may seem, I’ve had a deeper love than most, in that my man has never disappointed me, nor I him.”

It was a great little story; I told her I was a writer, and would like to publish her tale of faithful love, and cruel loss.

At this she gave a little cry of astonishment: “A writer? That’s amazing! I don’t know what to say!” I hastily assured her I wasn’t anywhere near the high league inhabited by Tolstoy or Sir Walter Scott – but merely a paid scribbler for an English paper. “Never mind that” she said, in a rush – “Nathanial left me a bundle of diaries and notes that came down through his antecedents, and finished up with him. He said in his very last letter that if anything happened to him – I

was to ‘get some writer to put the whole lot together into a story. That’s what amazed me, Jonathon. Apparently there was a beautiful and very clever girl, way back a century ago, who came into Nathanial’s ancestry in some unusual and spectacular way. I don’t know if it turned into an ‘event’ or what, but it was a strange and odd episode – without being harmful or dangerous to anyone.

“Violet knew bits about it – and said ‘go ahead with whatever Nat wished – old affairs mean nothing these days – and if it is what he wanted – that’s good enough for all of us.’

“So there you are, Jonathon. I know you’re away tomorrow to America – you’ll catch the boat – but it looks like I’ve missed another, in this life. If you ever come back, the bundle is in the bank safety deposit box. I wouldn’t want a fire or a flood to destroy it. But it doesn’t leave the County, ever. So, if you return, the two of you call in, and I’ll place the whole lot in your hands. If I’m not around by then, I’ll leave them to you in my will. They’ll be in the bank just below, on the next corner.”

Well, I was dumbstruck.

Here was a chance for me to write and publish a story of huge interest – and here was

Opinion News

I – going thousands of miles away! What to do? What on earth to do?

So, we say our goodbye’s Hanora didn’t want to take the money for the night, but we insisted - and headed off to Cork, and Cobh, to catch this old rust bucket.

“We’re going to sea in a sieve, a sieve!” we sang, reclining in our Spartan cabin – with reasonably high hopes of making it to New York – enemy explosive ordnance permitting.

Heaven - or Hell - were the alternatives. Wallowing along at about eighteen knots – the subs, incidentally, could do twenty – we watched the great rollers of the Atlantic cruise by in stately shapely, mountains - and hoped that each and every Fritzie Germanicus was off on holiday – killing time in some barracks – or off killing somebody else. It was that time of the year, when the moon was as big as a house, and the reclusive fellow who dwelt there had a face as yellow as a giant primrose.

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Feature

All images: A montage of photos shows The Re-enactment group photographed at the unveiling of the WW1 monument at The Peace Park in Kilkenny

Sunday November 13th is going to be a very busy day for members of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee.

It’s Remembrance Sunday and they have plans to hold two events.

At 12.30 pm at the memorial in the Peace Park a short ceremony will take place to remember those who died from Kilkenny in the Great War. The ceremony will begin by the blowing of a whistle from the War, followed by hymns, poetry, calling the names of those who died in November and an individual story, wreath laying, pipers lament, Last Post and Reveille , with the National Anthem concluding the ceremony.

Later on in the evening at 7pm in the Home Rule Club a fundraising lecture by Larry Scallan will take place.

The lecture will focus on the inscriptions on the Kilkenny headstones, their wording symbolism and stories. The admission is 5 euros and it is to raise funds to engrave some new names of Kilkenny Men and Women who served in both World Wars on the memorials in Kilkenny. If you are unable to attend you can still donate to the fund by direct debit to the memorial account using the IBAN IE29BOF190606422546979 and BIC BOFIIE2D to help us raise the full amount.

Around this time 100 years ago families all over Ireland received Final Verification Forms from the Imperial War Graves Commission, requesting that information relating to the headstone of their loved one.

These headstones were being engraved and now there is an opportunity to add a personal inscription to the base of the headstone. The

Two special even Remembrance S lecture will analyse the over 130 personal inscriptions rere turned by families who have loved ones remembered on the Kilkenny Great War Memorial.

It has to be considered that there were rules governing the personal inscription.

There could be no more than 66 characters and each space between words counted as a character.

Also, there was a cost of 3 1/2d per character to be paid.

This cost probably prevented some relatives from submitting a personal inscription or reduced their capability to inscribe a headstone where they were probably going to see in person.

There are currently 827 names recorded on the Kilkenny Great War memorial and approximately 50% of them have no known grave and are recorded on memorials like The Menin Gate.

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Feature

The remaining 50% have headstones and were buried in Imperial War Grave ComCom mission Cemeteries. approximateOf this 400+, approximate ly 250 families returned final verification forms throughthrough out the 1920s and within this number 130 families returned personal InscripInscrip tions to be included on the base of the headstone. exThe following are ex amples of Kilkenny soldiers and Nurses inscriptions, 7800 Private John Carolan Royal Irish Regiment, Died 02/08/1917, Buried in AeroAero plane Cemetery Belgium.

Personal inscription reads,

HERE LIES A BRAVE IRISH SOLDIER MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE 5768 Private Henry Colclough Irish Guards died 14/09/1917 from Freshford, Buried in Bleuet Farm Cemetery Belgium . Personal Inscription reads. WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US. SPEAKER ON THE NIGHT Speaking on the night will be Commandant (retired) Larry Scallan who has spent 33 years in the Defence Forces and was stationed in James Stephens Barracks for most of that time.

Larry has been bringing groups of people to France & Flanders since 2011 and he has a keen interest in our local military history and heritage.

He has been involved giving walking tours in Kilkenny city during heritage week as well as contributing to ‘decade of centenaries projects’.

Any families of those men and women from Kilkenny will find both events poignant and respectful of the sacrifice and service of their loved ones.

Speaking on the night will be Commandant (retired) Larry Scallan who has spent 33 years in the Defence Forces and has been stationed in James Stephens Barracks for most of that time

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

News

Elvis there in spirit at Freshford world premier Féile Lachtain 2022 has come to a close with a special Mass to be celebrated in both parish churches in what may well be a world premiere. Sacred music for the Mass will consist of the spiritual songs of Elvis Presley. There is no record of a similar Mass taking place before now.

The songs were being sung

by Alexander Rafter, accompanied on the organ by his mother Maura and well-known local musicians Garry Barnaville, Jerry Delaney and David O’Reilly. The musicians were joined by the combined choirs of Tulla and Freshford churches, who add greatly to the occasion.

Anyone who heard Alex sing

at the recent Rafter Family Concert in Freshford will know that they are in for a treat.

Some of the hymns sung include well-loved numbers like ‘It Is No Secret What God Can Do’ recorded by Elvis for the first time 65 years ago in 1957 and ‘Crying In The Chapel’ which topped

the British charts in 1965. In 1972 Elvis won his second Grammy award for his final gospel music album. Alex chose ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘He Is My Everything’ from that album. The final hymn, ‘How Great Thou Art’, was a high spot in Elvis’s live act and, sadly, it was the last number recorded for a TV

Farm labour shortage still impacting our agri-food Ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, is reminding Kilkenny employers of the criteria for employment permits.

As many as two in every three business owners in the agri-food sector find it difficult to hire employees according to ifac’s Food & Agribusiness Report 2022.

Lack of available skills, low interest in roles, high salary expectations and intense competition for candidates were the main barriers highlighted by employers when asked about their hiring difficulties.

While there are steps employers can take to improve their ability to recruit and retain staff — such as offering good wages, flexible working conditions or additional benefits like accommodation — unfortunately, these measures may not be enough to attract candidates in the local market.

Clarissa O’Nuallain, HR Services Manager at ifac. said: “An increasing number of employers in the Agri-Food Sector are utilising employment permits to ease staffing shortages.”

While the shortage of candidates is affecting businesses across the economy, it is particularly acute in some sectors.

Employers in the meat industry, along with dairy, horticulture and pig farmers, for example, are already looking beyond the EU to find suitable candidates for vacant roles.

David Leydon, Head of Food and Agribusiness at ifac. said: “As we all know, this is a tough

time for Irish food and agribusiness SMEs and they are all facing significant challenges.

Recruiting difficulties coupled with rising salary costs are now significant concerns for business owners; according to our recent report, 67% of business owners have experienced difficulty when recruiting.

“Also, for the fifth consecutive year, the availability of skills is the main reason why businesses are struggling to hire. This is likely leading to this increase in businesses seeking a solution through employment permits, which when managed correctly can benefit both employers and employees and ultimately the overall sector and consumers.

“Another beneficial and longer-term focus is employer branding; this ultimately means developing the right culture in your business. It will not happen by osmosis and must be very intentionally created. When agribusinesses are looking for talent this culture piece will be vital over the long-term and will help great businesses to stand out,” he said.

If you intend to hire employees from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), UK or Switzerland, it is important to be aware that they require an employment permit to work in Ireland.

An employment permit must be granted before the prospective employee can commence employment.

The application fee depends on the type of permit sought.

special on June 21, 1977, just two months before he died.

This event brings to a close a special year in the history of the parish of Freshford. The Year of St Lachtain marked the 1400th anniversary of the death of Lachtain and celebrated more than 1,400 years of worship in the parish.

The organisers would like

to thank all who helped to make it a success.

Féile Lachtain 2023 also promises much as the committee at Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre are quietly confident of getting a one day loan of the Shrine of St Lachtain’s Arm from the National Museum. Watch this space!

Webinar... click and eat!

The Food Safety Consultative Council (FSCC) of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has announced it will host an event on Thursday, November 17 focusing on the evolution of online food delivery, the food safety considerations for consumers, businesses and regulators and the challenges in keeping pace with this rapidly innovating industry sector.

The open meeting from 2-4pm will examine a number of topics including how consumers must be able to trust in food safety and

hygiene practices, the importance of operators and innovators adhering to food safety and food hygiene legislation, and how regulators can best support the sale and supply of safe food online as consumers seek convenience, choice and home delivery.

The event is an opportunity for consumers, industry and regulators to learn more about developments and trends in online sales, supply and distribution of food.

Consumer issues and, the response of industry and reg-

ulators will also be discussed as speakers will detail the food safety considerations for selling online.

The meeting will be chaired

by Suzanne Campbell, journalist, author and broadcaster.

Speakers on the day will include: • Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, Food Safety Authority of Ireland • Ray Bowe, Chair, Food Safety Consultative Council & Head of Food Safety & Quality at Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland

• Sinéad Murphy, Senior Technical Executive, Food Safety Authority of Ireland • Thomas Winders, Senior Policy Advisor, Deliveroo • Liang Feng, Commercial Operations Lead, Manna Drone Delivery • Roman Grogan, Co-founder, DropChef The event is free to attend and open to all. * More information, including the full event programme and details on how to register are available at www.fsai.ie.

Counting bales for farm fodder aid scheme Inspectors from the Department of Agriculture inspectors are counting farmers’ bales and measuring their silage pits as part of checks for the Fodder Support Scheme.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue announced the €100/ha scheme to boost fodder production on farms in

the midst of input price pressures. Last week, the scheme was again opened to applications for the 2022 crop.

Over 71,000 applicants are due to receive an average payment of €735 under this year’s scheme at the end of November.

However, at least 5% of appli-

cants will be subject to on-farm inspection.

Farmers, in applying for the scheme, agree to permit officials or agents of the Department to carry out on-farm inspections without prior notice and without prejudice to public liability.

If an on-farm inspection can-

not be carried out through the fault or action of the farmer, the application shall be rejected, unless the Department determines exceptional circumstances.

The inspection will involve, where necessary, measurement and inspection of areas, including silage pits; inven-

tory of the number of bales conserved. The online application system for the 2023 Scheme is now open. Farmers wishing to apply for the Fodder Support Scheme can do so either themselves or through their advisor up to midnight on December 5 by logging on to the Exceptional Aid System on agfood.ie.

All applications must be made online.

Only farmers who have been accepted into the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme are eligible to apply for the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme. The maximum area eligible for payment under the scheme is 10ha, with a maximum payment of €1,000.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Kevin the Carrot is back – but will he be Home Alone this Christmas?

ALDI’s festive Christmas ad will make its Irish TV premiere on Thursday the 10th of November The nation’s favourite Carrot returns to fend for himself as he is left behind by his family Kevin the Carrot will make his highly anticipated return to Irish television screens on Thursday, 10th November.

This year’s ad opens with Katie, Baby, Jasper and Chantenay hurrying through a busy airport as they race to

catch a flight to Paris. Once they are sitting happily on the plane, Katie notices that someone is missing, it’s… ’KEVIN!’ Separated from his family, the scene cuts to Kevin, who is all alone at home. He is

watching the big game on TV, when he hears heavy footsteps of an unknown intruder on the roof. ‘Quaking in his roots’, he devises a plan to warn off the uninvited guest. What follows is a series of fun, incident-packed

exchanges between Kevin and the intruder - culminating in a finale where the identity of the intruder is finally revealed.

Rita Kirwan, Marketing Director, ALDI Ireland said: “It’s always the most wonder-

ful time of the year when Kevin the Carrot returns to our screens! Everyone at ALDI Ireland is thrilled to share this year’s eagerly anticipated Christmas advert. This year’s ad pays homage to a beloved Christmas family classic that is sure to entertain film fans - and we reckon it’s our best yet! Over the last seven years, Kevin has become part and parcel of the fes-

tive season here in Ireland, and we’re confident that his performance this year will have Irish viewers shouting, ‘KEVIN!’” Irish viewers can catch their first glimpse of ALDI’s Christmas ad on screens from Thursday, 10th November at 5.43pm on Virgin Media One’s News at 5.30 and during RTE’s Six One news.

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CLAY ROOMS explore your creativity!

Clay Rooms Kilkenny, a ceramics studio in Colliers Lane in the city centre, strives to explore the endless possibilities of clay in a fun and friendly environment. Established by Liselott Olofsson, Niamh Synnott and Aisling McElwain, it opened its doors in January this year. They endeavour to create a community of makers from curious beginners, to trained practitioners, by offering a range of courses to suit all levels.

At Clay Rooms Kilkenny, they want to share their passion by introducing people to throwing and hand-building with lots of hands-on practical experiences in a sociable, relaxed and fun environment.

Course participants will also develop other skills such as slip-decorating, carving and glazing their own work.

With over 40 years of ceramics experience between them, the tutors offer expert technical support in teaching and learning. The courses on offer on the potter’s wheel include 6-week morning and evening classes, 3-hour taster classes and day-long weekend courses, among others. Also on offer are a large variety of hand-building courses

ranging from birdhouses to teapots and also 6-week morning or evening classes.

Hand-building is a slower and more meditative process using hands, fingers and simple tools to make pinch, coil, and slab-built sculptural forms.

This festive season, they have a number of Christmas courses including making a Tea-Light Lantern, an Angel and also Christmas Bells. On the 10th and 11th of December, the first Christmas Market will be held at the studio with a wonderful selection of craft, prints, flowers and food available (10am – 6pm Saturday and 10am – 5pm Sunday).

Gift Vouchers for classes at Clay Rooms Kilkenny can also be bought at the Christmas Market or online at www. clayroomskilkenny.ie Corporate and private events are welcomed and bookings can be made by email to hello@clayroomskilkenny.ie. If you would like to be a part of the Kilkenny Clay Community you can find them at www.clayroomskilkenny.ie Courses are now online for January 2023. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @clayroomskilkenny.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

s u a l C Santa Comes to Kilkenny!

Santa Claus is coming Kilkenny City on November 26th to launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2022! After enjoying their trip so much last year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to Kilkenny to turn on the City’s Christmas Lights!

Kilkenny Civil Defence will travel with them down the River Nore before they take off around the City for Santa’s City Cycle and the official turning on of the lights on the Parade.

Santa’s journey will begin on the river at Greensbridge at 2.30pm, viewers can line the banks and bridges to welcome him as he

travels down the river heading for Canal Square. Put on your best Christmas jumper and give Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers a warm Kilkenny welcome.

Once settled at Canal Square, Santa will lead Santa’s City Cycle from 3pm.

Children are invited to join Santa on his cycle, by blinging their bikes for Christmas and choosing the green transport option with a cycle around the town before finishing at the Castle Park.

Yulefest is partnering with Cycle Kilkenny to help Santa on his journey through Kilkenny, pedal power will

transport Santa on his elfpowered cycling invention through the City centre.

Artist and inventor Paddy Bloomer has designed the eco-elf mobile from recycled materials and six elves at a time will pedal-power this through the marble city streets.

The journey will end with the official turning on of the Christmas lights at the Yulefest Bandstand on the Parade. On the day there will be live music, the Kilkenny Christmas Market on the Parade and lots of family entertainment.

Santa’s arrival and the turning on of the lights marks the

beginning of Yulefest, a celebration of Christmas in Kilkenny. This five-week festival welcomes visitors to Kilkenny with a festive programme of Christmas events, family fun, and markets where visitors can pick up the perfect gift for their loved ones. 2022 sees the return of festival favourites including the Yulefest Bandstand; Kilkenny Christmas Market; Medieval Mile Run; Yulefest Outdoor Movie night, plus some very special events soon to be announced!

Speaking about the festival

Kilkenny County Council Cathaoirleach Pat Fitzpatrick said: “Santa himself told me how much he enjoyed last year’s Santa’s City Cycle so we’re delighted to have him, Mrs. Claus and all the elves back for 2022. I encourage all children to get involved in the cycle and for everyone to come out for a fun day of family entertainment and festive cheer as we launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2022.”

Tim Butler, Kilkenny County Council Director of Services said about the festival: “Santa’s arrival is set to kick-off another great festival here in Kilkenny. Christmas in Kilkenny is a magical time of the year, and with this year’s Christmas Market growing in size plus all the festive events and the fantastic shopping and food available in Kilkenny, we’re delighted to welcome visitors to Kilkenny for the festive season.”

More information can be found on www.yulefestkilkenny.ie and @YulefestKilkenny on social media.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Feature

Another golden night for Community Radio Kilkenny City GOLD FOR RADIO...Pat Shortall producer and presenter of Sunday Serendipity on CRKC, and station manager Declan Gibbons, hold the Craol gold award.

The two men are pictured with ‘some’ of the Sunday Serendipity’ contributors. (Photo Pat Shortall.)

In the majestic surrounds of the Connaught Park Hotel on the outskirts of the City of the Tribes last Thursday evening, Kilkenny’s only Community Radio really hit the jackpot when the Community Radio National Awards for a wide range of broadcasting excellence were being handed out to the winning Community Broadcasters.

Sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, in conjunction with CRAOL –the Community Radio Forum of Ireland, CRKC were awarded two Golden Awards.

Collecting one National Gold Award was a tremendous achievement for the Kilkenny Community Radio, but when Pat Shortall was announced as the second Kilkenny Gold Award, the Kilkenny contingent- Staff and supporters- were unquestionably beyond control with pride and delight with the double header.

The Mac Carthy story The Liam Mac Carthy story won Gold in the Commissioned Programme category.

Written by Barrie Henriques for his own Radio Station the production was recorded to the highest specifications by station sound engineer Mick Cummins. It was produced and Directed by Declan Gibbons.

Playing the part of the Liam Mac Carthy Cup was Lake productions member Ger Cody, with Derek Dooley taking on the role of the interviewer.

The drama tells the story of the Cup, famed in song and story, from its inception at the silver mines of the Andes Mountains to the podium in Croke Park on All Ireland Final day.

It was such an entertaining dramatization that the many thousand listeners to the only Community Radio in Kilkenny

Barry Henriques who scripted ‘The Liam Mac Carthy story’, receives top prize for his Docu-drama, from ‘Craol’ chairperson Claire Hall in Galway

Attending the Craol awards night at The Connaught Hotel in Galway were Derek Dooley (Lake Productions), Pat Shortall (Sunday Serendipity,) Barry Henriques (author of ‘The Liam MacCarthy Story’) and Ger Cody Lake Productions

The ‘Docu-drama’ on The Liam Mac Carthy cup was compiled and produced by Community Radio Kilkenny city in conjunction with Lake Productions. From left: Pat Treacy (sports department CRKC), Declan Gibbons, Community radio manager, Mick Cummins, sound engineer, Barry Henriques, author, Ger Cody and Derek Dooley both from Lake Productions who performed the show.

(Photo: Pat Shortall)

that tuned in over the four success nights it was aired that the Board of the Radio felt that it was a good idea to submit for some Award.

After all, its Kilkenny attachments were very akin to the Kilkenny Radio ethos -by the people, for the people, and having been made by James Mary Kelly in his workshop in the Castle Yard, it started life very much as a Kilkenny Community project.

And never forgetting that the first time it was presented, it was given to a Kilkenny captain – Liam Fennelly- who is the only man ever to be presented with the old and new Liam Mac Carthy cups.

It was Kilkenny all the way in Galway on Thursday evening.

Sunday serendipity It was no surprise that the very talented Pat Shortall would cruise home in his category for his programme ‘Sunday Serendipity.’ The variety of entertainment in this Sunday morning 3-hour show knows no bounds. It covers so many elements of customer satisfaction; it is a unique idea that Pat has adapted, to the demands and subsequent interest of

so many people. It is serious, comedic, quirky, informative, musically adaptable, entertaining in spades, and encapsulates all that is so good about the Kilkenny

Community. In all honesty, it is quite amazing that a manPat Shortall- who has such a wide-ranging list of interests, managed to grab such a huge audience at a time on a Sunday morning where most of us are shuffling ourselves out of our slippers. As the likeable, popular Pat stood on the podium, the Kilkenny attendees were unapologetic for the sound of joy that came form the body of the hall. It was Kilkenny all the way in Galway on Thursday evening.

Collecting the first Gold gong was the Radio adaptation of the Story of the Liam Mac Carthy Cup. The MC for the night and the team responsible for the production of the Drama was roundly applauded by the capacity crowd as they received their Award. The team of Barrie Henriques (Writer and Producer) Mick Cummins (sound engineer), Derek Dooley (Interviewer), Ger Cody (Liam Mac Carthy),

Father and son team: James Kelly of JMK studio and his son Niall who were interviewed as part of The Liam Mac Carthy story. (jbs photos)

Pat Shortall, producer and presenter of Sunday Serendipity on CRKC is presented with the gold award by Claire Hall of CRAOL at the Connaught hotel in Galway

Manager of CRKC Declan Gibbons who was M.C. at the Craol awards in Galway

and Declan Gibbons (Station manager).

Manager Gibbons thrilled with awards Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer newspaper, Station manager Declan Gibbons said he was delighted that two programmes received gold. “Competition and the quality of programmes around the country is of a very high standard, which makes the double-gold win extra special” said Mr Gibbons.

Chairman of Community radio Kilkenny City, Maurice O’Connor, who travelled to the awards night, said it was a great boost for the morale of the station to be awarded two gold awards.

“The station has evolved from a ‘pirate’ into a professional unit with the support of fulltime staff and an army of volunteers, which ensures that the people of Kilkenny receive a first class service” Mr O’Connor told the Observer.

Mr. O’Connor took time out to show The Kilkenny Observer around the station and took special pride in showing off the new state of the art studios which just recently opened.

While praising the two winners, Maurice paid special mention to all programme makers, presenters and administration staff at the station, noting that many people over the last forty years have contributed greatly to the success of the station.

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Feature

Bedside Confessions Recently, The Kilkenny Observer welcomed Kilkenny student Keela Ayres as she presented a short story for our readers. As a newspaper, we attempt to cover as much news as possible on various topics. The inclusion of a young writer, such as Keela, with aspirations in that field, is something we are happy to promote. We have followed the struggles Keela’s fictional character Debbie has endured in the first two articles- ‘The thing about Debbie’ and ‘A match to remember’.

This week, we present part three of ‘There is something about Debbie’ with ‘Bedside Confessions’.

The Kilkenny Observer –supporting new writing in Kilkenny

BY: KEELA AYRES

The hospital was simply unbearable. The journey over was laced with silent tears, while Debbie was still

wrapped in a blood soaked jumper. The rest of the group then immediately set up camp outside Debbie’s room, hanging on to the hope of her survival for what felt like an eternity.

“It absolutely reeks here,” whispered James. Beside him, Frances was inspecting the forgotten Polaroid

that was developing during the chaos. It wasn’t perfect but she had gotten what she needed. The licence plate.

Marky rolled his eyes before his gaze fell on Harriet. She paced the hall, her ponytail flapping vigorously. Marky sprung up and grabbed her wrist, spinning her around to meet his eyes. “She’ll be

grand, I promise.” Harriet nodded, slowing to a halt.

James and Frances shared a smirk as if to say ‘Well that caught her attention’. Marky felt their gaze burning into his back, heat rising in his face before gently dropping Harriet’s arm. “Oh shut up,” he muttered, sinking in beside the snickering pair.

Behind the metallic doors, Debbie bore a jumble of wires in her arm while lying behind a flimsy blanket.

“You’re extremely lucky.

With the amount of blood you lost, your arm would’ve gone with it!” announced Doctor Fahy from behind her clipboard. She reached for the pen lodged in her twists to finish her report. Debbie felt her stomach curl into a knot. It was her own fault for not being careful. But terror still had its cold grip on her. Doctor Fahy sneaked a daring glance from behind her papers. She knew better not to ask questions for now. The poor girl had barely smiled. She decided to change that. “Your friends are still waiting outside. Fair play to them, it’s been three hours now at least.” Debbie perked up, slowly trying to conceal her excitement but Doctor Fahy’s grin proved her otherwise. “They were adamant to stay. I heard they came in the ambulance too.

You’re blessed to have them.”

Debbie had grown her own grin to match the doctor’s. “I am,” she whispered. Which was why she was so scared to lose them.

Doctor Fahy poked her head around the door. “You can see her.” Without a hint of hesitation, everyone burst through the door to find a fully bandaged Debbie and attacked her with loving hugs. Doctor Fahy stepped out, making the excuse of “finding a new pen” but the flow of chatter took over.

Harriet held her tightly as Marky laid a protective hand over Debbie’s head. “I’m sorry about your jumper, I’ll get you a new one,” Debbie offered but Marky shook his head.

“No need. I can always get a new jumper but we can’t get a new you.” Frances held onto Debbie’s hand grinning; “Don’t want to either!”

James attempted a smile but it was an obvious struggle.

Debbie took his hand and gave it a friendly squeeze before clearing her throat.

“I want to warn you all now that I’m in serious trouble. I was stupid for what happened in that car but even more so because I hurt you all. I shouldn’t even be alive now.”

The weight of her words rocked their bare bones as silence filled the room. Debbie felt the words she had hidden finally sprawl out in a messy scramble, months of it building up without anyone to tell. “I haven’t told anyone because to be frankly honest, I didn’t know how to. I’m so sorry that I wasn’t honest with you. I was really with my boss in the car today. I’ve been working as one of his dealers for a while now but when I wanted out he didn’t take no for an answer. He knows where I live, where I go to school, he knows everything. I wish I never started, because I can’t escape now.” The sob she had been choking back had finally been freed and she collapsed into Harriet’s arms, burying her head shamefully. The secret was out.

Everyone swapped worried glances, the tension beginning to suffocate the room.

It was far bigger than they realised. Her life had already been threatened by that man. And he’ll do it again.

But this time, they have a chance to stop it.

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Dine Me

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Food & Drink

Come

With

Spicy root and lentil casserole Prep: 10 mins Cook: 35 mins Serves: 4

Ingredients • 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil • 1 onion, chopped • 2 garlic clove, crushed • 700g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks • 4 carrot, thickly sliced • 2 parsnip, thickly sliced • 2 tbsp curry paste or powder • 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock • 100g red lentils • a small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped • low-fat yogurt and naan bread, to serve

One-pan smoky beans & sausage meatballs Prep: 15 mins Cook: 40 mins Serves: 4 Cook our smoky beans and sausage meatballs dish in one pan – it’s ideal tasty food. This recipe mostly uses cupboard ingredients.

Ingredients • 6 pork sausages • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2tbsp fajita spice mix (see tip, below) • 1 tbsp vinegar (any you have) • 400g chopped tomatoes

Plenty of fresh ingredients lift this simple mezcal cocktail to create a sweet, light and wonderfully balanced drink.

Method STEP 1 Put the strawberries, tomatoes, agave and lime juice in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle together. Add the mezcal, tequila and pineapple juice and fill with ice.

STEP 2 Shake hard to create a nice foam head on the drink and fine strain into a martini glass or coupette. Garnish with a mint sprig inserted into a cherry tomato.

Method

STEP 2 Stir in the curry paste or powder, pour

Cook: 5 mins Serves: 1

Ingredients • 2 strawberries • 2 cherry tomatoes, plus 1 extra, to garnish • 10ml agave syrup • 20ml fresh lime juice • 30ml espadin mezcal • 20ml blanco tequila • 20ml pineapple juice • ice • fresh mint sprig, to garnish

The potatoes in this recipe take on the spicy flavours beautifully and make flor our idea of the perfect veggie dinner.

STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion and garlic over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Tip in the potatoes, carrots and parsnips, turn up the heat and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables are golden.

Jessica rabbit cocktail

in the stock and then bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat, add the lentils, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

STEP 3 Stir in most of the coriander, season and heat for a minute or so.Top with yogurt and the rest of the coriander. Serve with naan bread.

• 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans, drained (or any other canned beans you have) • handful of coriander or parsley, roughly chopped (optional) crusty bread or jacket potatoes, to serve (optional) Method STEP 1 Squeeze the sausagemeat from one of the sausages, then roll into four balls. Repeat with the rest of the sausages. Heat half the oil in a flameproof casserole, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over a medium heat and fry the sausage balls for about 8 mins, stirring occasionally until browned all over.

STEP 2 Scatter in the onion, drizzle in the remaining oil and cook for 5 mins until the onions are golden. Add the garlic and cook for 2 mins more. Scatter in 1 tbsp sugar and the fajita spice mix, cooking for a minute or two until the mixture has thickened. Splash in the vinegar, tip in the tomatoes and a can of water, then add the beans. Season, stir, bring to a simmer and bubble gently for 15-20 mins until the sauce is thick and rich.

Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.

Gluhwein Prep: 5 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 8-10 Fill your kitchen with the delicious scent of red wine, brandy, orange and spices in gluhwein.

It’s the perfect grown-up drink to help you warm up on wintery days and nights.

Ingredients • 1 orange, halved and sliced • 1 bottle red wine • 200g caster sugar • 5 cloves • 1 cinnamon stick • 2 star anise • 3 slices fresh ginger (peeled) • 150ml brandy, rum, amaretto or schnapps Method STEP 1 Put the orange slices, wine, sugar, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and ginger in a large pan.

Warm gently for 10-15 mins, being careful not to let the mixture boil. Add the alcohol, pour into glasses and serve warm.

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5 Best moments from The Crown as new season lands Although the United Kingdom mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth after her longstanding regime, the Queen still lives in the Netflix show, The Crown, the latest season of which has just landed on the streaming service.

Created by Peter Morgan, this show is one of the most polarising ones on Netflix, inviting debates, discussion and dissent from the Royal family itself. As it covers the various decades of the Queen’s reign, not only does the landscape keep changing, but also the actors.

Olivia Colman replaced Claire Foy as a young Queen, who played Elizabeth’s middle-aged version.

Colman, in turn, has been replaced by Imelda Staunton to play the current version of the Queen. sixth season will focus on the darkest years of the Queen’s regime and will The fifth season landed on Netflix on November 9.

Starring Imelda Staunton as the Queen, Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, Dominic West as Charles, Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, and Humayun Saeed as Dr Hasnat Khan, among others, the new season has been highly

anticipated among fans.

Meanwhile, here are some of the best moments from the Queen on The Crown, as demonstrated by Colman and Foy: The Queen’s victory over the Iron Lady Queen Elizabeth was known for maintaining an a neutral political status. However, this episode strengthens the idea that the Queen was not on good terms with the controversial British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990.

Both Olivia Colman and Gillian Anderson deliver brilliant performances.

The Queen’s pointed remarks at Anthony Blunt In season three, as the Royal family mourns the death of Winston Churchill, the Labour Party candidate Harold Wilson takes over the title. The Queen’s art curator, Anthony Blunt, tries to convince her that Wilson is actually a Soviet spy before the truth about Blunt comes to light. In a very dignified yet pointed speech, the Queen makes Blunt aware of her knowledge regarding the situation.

Colman’s chemistry with Samuel West as Blunt is brilliant. She is graceful and poised as she outs the man

and says, “Well, I think I speak for everyone here when I say none of us will be able to trust or look at anything in the same way, called Cambridge Spies. ever again.”

A rare emotional moment for the Queen The Aberfan tragedy in Wales took place in 1966, killing 144 people, of whom 116 were children. Queen Elizabeth II notoriously delayed her visit to the Welsh town by eight days before going there, which still remained one of her greatest regrets.

The Crown episode shows Olivia Colman representing a rare emotional moment as the Queen as she exposes how she maintains a hard exterior. Delicate and heartbreaking, the episode records a harrowing tragedy and the effect it had on the Queen.

Thecoronation of Queen Elizabeth In season one, the showrunners meticulously recreate the Queen’s coronation scene but not without introducing the dramatic tension that continues across the seasons. As Elizabeth gears up to ascend the throne, she constantly battles with

her sense of self, family and duty. Tension is on high as Phillip and Elizabeth argue over the process of the coronation before recreating the historic moment on-screen.

Both Claire Foy and Matt Smith are phenomenal in the episode. It shows her transitioning into a bigger and more powerful role that has high stakes.

Michael Fagan and the palace break-in In 1982, Michael Fagan broke into the Queen’s palace twice, actually managing to talk to her the second time. In this highly fictionalised episode in season four which is loosely based on true events, Tom Brooke plays Michael Fagan, who breaks into Queen Elizabeth’s chambers to have an open conversation about the dwindling state of Britain under Margaret Thatcher’s regime.

Still, one of the best episodes in the show, which focuses on the current socioeconomic condition with unemployment on the rise, it gives the rare perspective of a working-class man and shows the queen’s empathy as she ends with a promising “I shall bear in mind what you said”.

All Quiet is quite a hard watch The No. 1 movie currently on Netflix is both a critical and audience hit. This is despite it being one of the most brutal and harrowing watches you will have in a long time.

All Quiet On The Western Front is an anti-war movie. Based on the celebrated novel of the same name, by Erich Maria Remarque, the book has been adapted a number

of times. First in 1930, where it won an Academy Award and again in 1979.

The book itself is one of the best war novels of all time. The plot is centred on Paul Bäumer, a German soldier who joins his friends in World War 1.

While positioned on the Western Front he is soon traumatised by the trench warfare he witnesses.

Directed by Edward

Berger, who also brought us Deutschland 83 and Patrick Melrose, All Quiet On The Western Front is a frighteningly realistic look at the events of World War 1 through the eyes of a young German soldier.

It is a film that feels both aesthetically dazzling and full of necessary truths: an antiwar drama that transcends the bombast

of propaganda mostly just because it’s so artfully and indelibly made.

The New York Times also reckons that All Quiet On The Western Front “aims to pummel you with ceaseless brutality, and it’s hard not to be rattled by that.”

It is something of a hard watch, but also an essential one, given the current political climate.

Advertisement TV & Streaming

good sci-fi to watch now on Amazon Prime 1. The Man Who Fell to Earth

This series (2022—), based on the Walter Tevis novel, features a stunning cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor plays an alien who lands on Earth in search of help from a brilliant scientist and Bill Nighy plays Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who fell to Earth in the 1976 movie adaptation. The role was originally played by David Bowie and each episode in this sequel to the movie is named after one of Bowie’s songs.

2. War of the Worlds

This 2019 adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel is a surprisingly effective take on well-trodden territory -- hence running for three seasons so far. Set in a desolate, cold, post-apocalyptic world, we follow the Gresham family as they’re swept up in a mysterious, cataclysmic event. You experience the shocking upheaval of life as they know it, made even more difficult when teenager Emily (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is blind.

A slow-moving, yet compelling take on survival drama with mysterious otherworldly forces at play.

3. The Expanse

Amazon rescued The Expanse (2015-2022) from the realm of canceled TV, bringing the series up to six seasons.

Thank goodness it did, because The Expanse is smart sci-fi with realistic characters, high production values and a dash of detective noir. In a future where humanity has colonised the Solar System, a conspiracy threatens to start a cold war between the largest powers.

4. The Peripheral

Starring Chloe Grace Moretz, The Peripheral is a brand-new sci-fi series from the creators of Westworld. It’s a step up in terms of providing a more straightforward narrative that’s easier to follow. Flynne Fisher (Moretz) and her brother Burton (Jack Reynor) become involved with a dangerous new video game that leads them to Future London and a fight to save the world.

An exciting, if a little generic, adventure.

5. The Feed

The Black Mirror comparisons are inevitable with this British series about technology gone wrong. Set in a futuristic London, The Feed centres on an implant that lets people livestream their lives without needing to press a button on a phone. No, absolutely nothing goes wrong. An impressive cast includes David Thewlis and Michelle Fairley. While it’s not as polished or deepcutting as Black Mirror, The Feed is still worth a look.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

Charity

GAA stars raise cash for charity Kilkenny’s best camogie players and hurlers raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation in First-Ever Great Kilkenny Bake Off!

On Bank Holiday Sunday two rising stars in Kilkenny camogie went head to head with former captains of the Kilkenny senior hurling team in a fantastic evening hosted by Mountain View Markets at Savour Kilkenny. Michelle Teehan and Katie Nolan took on Colin Fennelly and Joey Holden in a bake off to raise some ‘dough’ for the Irish Heart Foundation, the national heart and stroke charity.

It’s been established that the

ladies are better on the pitch and now we can confirm that they’re better in the kitchen too after emerging victorious in the kitchen showdown of the year! Expert judges Bart Pawlukojc of Arán Bakery & Bistro, Brian Walsh of Cookie Co-op, and John Kelly of the Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate tallied the scores and awarded the cup to the camogie girls in a hard-fought battle.

GAA lovers turned out in force for this clash of the titans in the Savour kitchen and the sold-out event was a hit with spectators who generously donated to help support such a worthy cause. If you didn’t make it to the event, there’s still time to donate as the GoFundMe page is live for another week - search for Bake Off Fundraiser - Irish Heart Foundation on gofundme.com.

Sophie O’Grady of Mountain

View Markets was delighted with the results of the event saying “What a laugh! Our wonderful MC Edward Hayden, our budding bakers Michelle Teehan, Katie Nolan, Colin Fennelly and Joey Holden and our brutal judges had us in stitches all evening long! Thank you so much to everyone who came along and especially to those who donated on the night. We understand that the rising cost of living is affecting each and everyone of us but for you to still put your hand in your pocket and make a donation no matter how big or small it really makes a huge difference! It was so lovely to be able to have such a great laugh while fundraising for a cause so dear to all of our hearts. The Irish Heart Foundation means so much to us here at Mountain View, and once we got chatting to our lovely customers about it, it turns out it means so much to all of you too! I want to give a huge shoutout to all the fantastic local businesses from Mountain View Markets who donated such gorgeous prizes to our charity raffle on the night.”

In this ‘technical challenge’ contestants were given a range of ingredients and a vague recipe, and had to choose what ingredients and how much to use. Supporters were kept entertained by MC Edward

Hayden and his hilarious commentary and refereeing as he steered both sides to goals and a clean match without any kitchen nightmares. At kick off the girls were off to a steady start by weighing out their sugar and flour leaving the hurlers scrambling to catch up.

Edward encouraged them to give it ‘a good aul shake’ and to not over-egg it but to be gentle and bake with love however the Ballyhale lads soon caught up and gave it a good mix before receiving stern warnings by the ref to not lick the whisk. The girls moved on to a tactic of fillings while the lads followed suit with a nice chip....chocolate chip.

Savour Kilkenny Festival Director Marian Flannery commented “It was fantastic to see such a great turn out for The Great Kilkenny Bake Off! I’d like to thank Mountain View Markets, the hurlers and

camogie stars who took part, the fabulous Edward Hayden and everyone who got involved in this super event for a great charity. The success of this community project coming to town mirrors the ethos of Savour Kilkenny, of celebrating and promoting all the wonderful elements of Kilkenny - what an amazing City we live in!”

A raffle took place on the night with prizes generously donated by Mountain View Markets traders, you can check out the fantastic raffle prizes and local businesses on the Mountain View Farmers Market social channels @ mountainviewmarkets.

Further information is available at www.savourkilkenny. com or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @SavourKilkenny. Savour Kilkenny Food Festival is kindly supported by local partners and sponsors.

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News

­

Thanking the homecare team And remembering Anne Majella

Life can produce seminal moments, that remain forever etched in our hearts and minds.

Jimmy O’Shea , a tutor at Newpark Family Resource Centre, experienced one such moment in October 2021 when his sister Anne Majella informed him she

had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, having been in remission for seventeen years.

Anyone that experienced a similar revelation will know the awful despair that follows.

Sadly, Anne Majella passed away on February 23 rd.

­

2022.

Though not unexpected, Jimmy was devastated.

Honouring his sister’s memory, he decided to do something practical to aid the fantastic work carried out by her consultants, doctors and nurses both in Kilkenny and The Oak Ward

in Waterford University Hospital.

In particular, Jimmy wished to acknowledge the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare team, whose nursing professionalism and extraordinary kindness provided invaluable support.

Jimmy produced a selec-

tion of garden terrariums and raffled them within the FRC; the proceeds will support The Carlow Kilkenny Homecare team.

Staff in the FRC and the various groups utilising the centre rallied to the cause.

The ‘Buds and Buddies’ befriending group and the

‘Nifty 50’s’ were to the fore.

Jimmy was thrilled with the enthusiasm and support he received for his endeavours, and the €400 raised was presented to Leslie Moynan from the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare team at a special ceremony in the FRC.

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News Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO Lotto Results; Numbers drawn - 2, 6, 17. No jackpot winner. Next week’s jackpot €6,200.

Winners of €30 -Dara Cooke. Dan McDonald. Mary O Sullivan. Jim Murphy Rathgarvan Richard and Patricia Nolan. Thanks for supporting the local lotto.

GAA AGM Clara GAA Club’s AGM will be held on Friday 25th Nov at 19.30 in the Club House. Notice, Nomination forms and Motion forms are now on the Club’s website. If you have any queries please contact Caroline Clifford 0872330026.

BORD NA nÓg Our GAA Bord na nÓg AGM will be held on Sunday 27th November at 12pm in the Club House. Notice, Nomination forms and Motion forms are now on the Club’s website (no password required), if you have any queries please contact Theresa Aylward 086 0743442.

U16s Roinn C County Champions - O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie

LOTTO There was no winners of this week’s club lotto (Nov 1). Numbers Drawn 3, 15, 18, 28 Bonus 16. Next week’s prize will be €13,600 (Nov 8). Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw. 1. Paddy Hayes c/o Paddy Greene. 2. Helen Rowe c/o Mickey Rowe 3. Esther Maher. 4. Stephen Sheehan c/o Anne Cullen. 5. Martina Tyrrell c/o Noel Tyrrell 6. Maureen Daly c/o John Joe Cullen. 7. Pat Cody c/o Mary Cody.

8. Trish Lee c/o Online 9. Ben Leydon c/o online. 10. Derek Tobin c/o online Thank you for your continued support COUNTY CHAMPIONS Well done to our u16s O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club Team who beat Ballyhale Shamrocks with a last gasp point to become Kilkenny Camogie County Champions for 2022.Hard earned.but certainly earned. Well done to both teams who put on a good match in soft conditions in front a big crowd at St. John’s Park.

Thanks to our sponsors MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre .

Lovely Hurling. Hon the Loughs !!

O’Loughlin Gaels 1-5 to 0-7 Ballyhale Shamrocks Team:R Nelson, E Dillon, S O’Keeffe, R Phelan, A Butler, S O’Leary, H Quinn, I Vasiliauskaite, E Lawlor (1-2), A O’Grady (Capt), R Crowley, A Dillon, A Shealy (0-3), A Lawless, O Donnelly, H Kinchella., E Brannigan, M Lawless, E Brett, A Crudge, A Hogan, A Quinn, E Whelan, J Nelson, A Kelly.

Manager: Amy Bryan. Selectors: Brendan O’Leary, Ciara Murphy, Andy O’Keeffe, Eoin Lawlor SUPPORT OUR U21S. Our u21s will head to Mooncoin on Sunday to face Mooncoin in the Roinn A u21 Championship. Please support our club teams throw in is at 2:30pm . Hon the Loughs

EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 4pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 3pm. Single books and one sheet €10; Double books and two sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5. Please support.

U21’s HURLING Well done to the Emeralds U21 team who beat the Fenians on Saturday 3-23 to 1-11 in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons U21 E Hurling Championship Semi Final. Well done lads and best of luck in the final next weekend against Blacks and Whites.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO November 1st prize fund was: €10,200. Jackpot: €8,200. Numbers drawn: 4, 8, 19, 29, bonus no 2. No winner and two match 3 winners: Philip O’Dwyer and Imelda O’Flynn. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Joseph Coady, Nellie Lacey, MC MC Tobin, Nora Neary, BMG Troy.Promoters prize: Centra.. Next draw takes place on Monday, in the Clubrooms. Results next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Save the date: Knitting and Crochet Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning on Friday, December 2 in the Centre, from 11am–1pm.

Hope to see you there.

LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www.millfrcurlingford.com Defibrillator: Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

Youth Club: Please note that the Mill Youth Club has reached capacity and cannot currently accept any new members.

Captain Ava O’Grady accepts the cup from Theresa Aylward, Kilkenny Camogie Chairperson, on behalf of O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie

O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie players celebrate their Co. Final win Counselling services: Our low cost counselling services, includes one-to-one, family and teens, aged 12+.

General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.

Other Counselling Services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions.

Play therapy is now also available.

Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.

SET DANCING In Urlingford Community Centre, every Tuesday at 8.30pm.

Dancing to live music with Danny Webster. Sets called by Paddy Martin. Come along for a great night of dancing!

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot is Cian Hickey who won €546.

Congrats Cian!

Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Urlingford Christmas Lights, thanks to everyone for their support.

SUPERVISED STUDY In Graine Hall starting Saturday November 12th from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Cost: €5 half day, €8 full day. For enquiries, please contact Siobhan 087 2601490.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

KB’S EVEREST BASE CAMP Two sisters from the locality head off on this week to Everest Base Camp to walk in memory of their mother Mrs. Kitty Bowden late of Knockmannon who passed away recently. Marie and Julie Anne Bowden leave on Wednesday and have set up a Just giving page for the Multiple system Atrophy Trust (MSA) which is a rare condition of unknown cause with no cure or treatment. Their mother was diagnosed with this in 2003 and the family with the help of a special group of carers, cared for their mother at home for 19 years up to the time of her death. Their target is€20,000 and they are hoping that the fundraising efforts will ensure the MSA trust is available to help and support other patients and families during difficulties and eventually create a future free of MSA. You can donate to this fundraiser through Just giving page which is simple fast and totally secure. Once you donate your money is sent directly to the charity saving time and cutting costs. The family thank all for the ongoing support and for their generous donations to date. For more info or to donate go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/multiple-system-astrophybowden-ebc-trek FEILE LACHTAIN 2022 The final celebration of Féile Lachtain 2022 takes place this weekend when a special Mass will be celebrated to close the festival. Sacred music at Mass will consist of the spiritual songs of Elvis Presley sung by Alexander Rafter, accompanied by his mother Maura on the organ and local musicians Garry Barnaville, Jerry Delaney and David O’Reilly with the combined choirs of Tulla and Freshford churches. Mass will be at 7.30 pm on Saturday in Tulla and at 11.00 am on Sunday in Freshford.

GRADUATION Congratulations to local young people who graduated from

Third Level College recently. Leo Costigan Cooleshalll graduated from UCL in electronic engineering, Chris McGrath Inch graduation from WIT in Business Studies while the Colclough sisters Siobhan and Roisin who graduated in Phychiaric Nursing and Architecture. Well done to all.

GAA NEWS UNDER 21 HURLING St Lachtains U21 Hurlers got off to a successful start to their championship campaign recently as they beat Tullogher Rosbercon at Pairc Lachtain . It was a very close game throughout. Having ended level after regular time, extra time was next where it ended level also bringing the game to penalties with the local lads coming out on the right side on a 3-2 scoreline.

Next up is Mullinavat on Saturday next with throw in at 1.00pm in Freshford WORLD CUP World Cup game predictor. Think your a football genius. With the World Cup around the corner why not test your knowledge in attempts to predict every group stage game in our World Cup forecast Competition. 10 Euro per entry with great money prizes to be won -Entries in before 20th November. Contact any St Lachtain’s adult player for a game sheet and more information.

Updates on leaderboard will be given after each round of group games All details on St Lachtain’s Facebook page ENGAGEMENT Special Congratulations to two local people Edmund Brennan, Kilkenny Steeet and Laura Dawson of Bridge Street who announced their engagement recently.

DEATH The death took place last week of Imelda Healy late of Beachlawns, Johnswell Road Kilkenny and formerly of Clone Ballyragget. The deceased was a member of a well-known family in the locality. She was predeceased by her parents John and Anna and her sister in law Noreen. She was a teacher by profession and taught in Freshford Community School when it was open and later in Ballyfin College and more recently in Mounrath Community School. Funeral mass took place in Clontubrid Church on Sunday last followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. She is mourned by her sister Angela, brothers James and Liam, brother in law, sisters in law ,aunts, nephews, nieces and extended family and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to Deirdre Dunne Gathabawn and Brenda Vierhout Tullaroan on the recent death of their mother Ms.Bernie Little late of Shandon Park Kilkenny. Burial took place in St.Kieran’s Cemetery following funeral mass in St.John’s Church.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side played River Rangers last weekend coming out 2-1 winners with goals from Jordan Burke and Aaron Fogarty. The U 17 game was postponed Well done to the U11 boys who played away to Bridge Utd scoring four fine goals on the day.Meanwhile the U12 went down to Stonyford recently on a 3-0 score line while the U14s had a good win ore Dean Celtic finished 4-2 winners with goals from Jack Marnell (2) Charlie Kavanagh and Cian Dalton.

COURSING Freshford and District Coursing Club held their 101st 2 Day Coursing Meeting at Clone on Thursday and Friday last. Since their last meeting, the Club lost 4 Stalwart Members, Jack Delaney, Vice President Tim Fogarty, Former Secretary Tom Beckett and President Paddy Dowling. On behalf of the Club, Chairman Ned Lennon presented a plaque to The Beckett Family in honour of Tom’s noteworthy service in Freshford Coursing.

The plaque was erected in the stand which is now called the Tom Beckett Stand. The first final of the day, the Local Stake was contested by greyhounds Rattoo Snowdrop owned and trained

by Maurice Rafter and greyhound Fire a Light, owned by The Norton Brothers, Tullaroan and trained by Jimmy Norton. Rattoo Snowdrop finished strong to win the Kennedy Cup presented by Podge Kennedy.

The 2nd Final was in the Derby Trial Stake, saw Finalists Calipso Jim in the red collar and Good Drama in the white collar, this was a close encounter with red collar Calipso Jim winning the Mick Bergin Memorial Cup presented by Micháel Bergin. Runner Up was owned and trained by John Kennedy Jnr, Gortnahoe while winning greyhound came from Kerry to take centre stage, owned and trained by Paddy Fitzgerald and Dan O’ Connor, another Cup bound for Kerry!

The 3rd Final in the Reserve Oaks Trial Stake saw Claradeen owned and trained by Loughnanes of Roscrea up against local greyhound Lethal Tango owned and trained by Mark Kavanagh.

Claradeen held on to win the Din & Ned Lennon Memorial Cup presented by Ned Lennon.

The 4th final in the Sean Flynn All Aged Bitch Stake was contested by Arena Rose and Savage Love. A close and fast final saw Arena Rose in the red collar win the Wall Cup presented

by Tommy Flynn. Winning owners and trainers Oisin O’Grady

and Naomhan Farrell of Edenderry. Runner Up Savage Love trained and owned by the aforementioned John Kennedy Jnr, Gortnahoe.

In the last final of the day, the Handsome Billa All Aged Dog Stake was contested by Stick On and Busy Man, a close encounter saw Busy Man in the white collar earn his 2nd All Age Cup this season owned by Seamus Neary, Troyswood and trained by Tom Lennon, Threecastles. Stick on owned by Patrick McCarthy.

The Purdon Cup was presented by Ned Lennon to Seamus Neary. This wrapped up another coursing in Freshford and great thanks and appreciation to Members and Sponsors for their contribution to the Club. Thanks to Paddy and Brid Dunphy for use of their yards and land and the Bergin Family for the Coursing Field.

DAYCARE CENTRE Freshford day care centre continues each Wednesday in the GAA Centre at 2pm. New members are most welcome SPLIT THE POT This weekly lucky winner of Split the pot draw last week was Tony Murphy Woodview and he won himself €85. The draw takes place each Friday. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. Boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanagh’s Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. The committee thank all for their continued support and ask people to continue to support this fund raising draw.

PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm.

Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie.

CAMOGIE AGM St. Lachtain’s Camogie Club AGM fixed for Friday 11th November has been cancelled due to a bereavement.

LOOP CAFÉ The committee of the Loop Café held a very successful Music night on Friday night last in Kavanaghs Bar with Ray Nolan providing the entertainment and singing all his Uncle Joe’s hits.

The group also held a coffee morning recently and they thank all those who supported both events or donated . Big Work is ongoing at the Community Cafe at Buncrussia Street and it is almost ready to be open. Huge credit is due to the volunteers who have worked so hard to get all the work done.

HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

LOCAL LOTTO Results. Winning Numbers for October 31st: 19 , 26 , 35. No Winner. Draw for 5 x € 30. Jim Dog ( Pat Comerford ), Anne Kirwan ( Kathleen Kirwan ), C G & K Long ( Larry Costello ), Patricia Wilkins ( Mary Heffernan ), Marty Bambrick ( Jimmy Kehoe ).

Jackpot next week € 3,400 November 7th Venue Dunphy.s Kilmoganny at 9pm. All welcome.

KILMOGANNY BRIDGE CLUB Kilmoganny Bridge Club results for 2/11/2022: 1 Elizabeth Lanigan and Grace Landy, 2 Mary Comerford and Rita Houlihan 3 Josie O’Gorman and Philip Brennan. Bridge is on every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny.

All welcome.

DINNER DANCE TICKETS Tickets for the Dunnamaggin GAA Dinner Dance (Sat 26th Nov) can now be purchased from Jim Hickey (087)9667739, Philip Tallon (087)2831590, James Rossiter (087)2755091 and Ciaran Moore (086)8395693. On the night the 25th Anniversary of Senior Hurling Victory 1997 will be celebrated with special guest Marty Morrissey. Cost €45. Please purchase your tickets early to assist the organisers.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DUNNAMAGGIN COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS Nominations for the Community Spirit Award closed on Monday October 31st and the winner will be announced at a special ceremony in November. December 3rd will see our first Christmas Lights event in Madge’s Garden at 7pm followed by our fourth Christmas Fair on December 4th where Santa will make his usual visit for the kids and adults alike. Thank you to everyone who volunteers at our events, who helps with the flowers in the village, who supports the work being done in the village and community.

DROICHEAD FRC Droichead FRC are delighted to announce the return of our annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party on the 7 th December 2022. This year’s party will be held at Edmund Rice Centre, Westcourt. There will be a two course dinner, raffle and lots of

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News Community & GAA Notes entertainment on the day. Places are limited and it is advised to book early, call Droichead on (056) 775560 EXT 1 to book.

KINDLING Callan Men’s Shed have kindling for sale, one bag €2 or three bags for €5. They will be at Bank of Ireland every Saturday from 11am-2pm. Please support Callan Men’s Shed.

PILATES Inclusive Pilates with Shane Whelan, a 6 week programme to improve core strength, flexibility and mobility begins in Droichead FRC on Tuesday 8 th November from 11.30am-1pm.

The programme costs €20 and for more info or to book a place contact Carmel (083) 2098069 or familysupport@droicheadfrc.ie .

PERSONAL ONGOING DEVELOPMENT Personal Ongoing Development (POD) programme Kilkenny LEADER Partnership are running a training programme called Personal Ongoing Development (POD) course aimed at people to support their personal development starting on November 8th 2022, 2 mornings per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm each day) over 4 weeks. All participants will attend all 8 sessions. Would you like to press the post-Covid reset button to reconnect with your interests and community activities? Do you need help to build your confidence so that you can get back to work or join a training course or a hobby group? Are you unsure about which direction to take in life right now? Do you feel uncomfortable in social situations? Do you need information on where to get support/ information about employment, training, health and wellbeing services? Do you need one to one support to assist you in planning for the future? Would you like to add some structure/routine to your life?

If you have answered yes to more than one question, please get in contact with KLP – They are there to help! The POD programme is delivered weekly by a qualified facilitator who is equipped to help and support you. The training location in Kilkenny city will be provided once participant is registered.

This course is funded by SICAP and The Rural Development Programme at Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.To register and if you have any questions please contact Sarah on 0860843446 or email sarah.bowden@cklp.ie FREE WORKSHOPS FREE training workshops for community groups Kilkenny PPN are undertaking a series of workshops throughout the month of November.

Writing Funding Applications (On-site) Wed 16th Nov 7-9pm.

What makes a good grant application? Articulating the need for funding. Attendees will have an opportunity to see a sample grant application and to submit questions during the Workshop.

Trainer: Evelyn Fitzpatrick. Location: St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall, The Butts, Kilkenny. R95 X72P. Developing a Business Plan (Online) Tues 22nd Nov 7-9pm.

Key components of a business plan. Using business models to underpin plans for new initiatives. Tailoring business plans to meet specific stakeholder needs. Trainer: Donal McKenna.

Register in advance for this online meeting: https://us02web. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ocumhrT4rG9VrB-LxQYAL3aaKXIHkoiG5 Anyone who has an interest in one or all of these workshops should register with Bortha or Mags via email: ppnkilkenny@ kilkennycoco.ie or call 087 1731634.

GOWRAN MOLLY’S TEA ROOM Christmas order book is now open. Christmas Cakes, puddings, mince pies, chocolate puddings and many more delightful treats are available to order.

Molly’s Goodwill Thrift shop at Dalton House is requesting good quality used clothes, bags, scarfs and other saleable items for Molly’s Goodwill Trift Shop. No bed clothes, underwear, cosmetics, books or toys please.The profits of this venture are to help Dalton House to offset the cost of continuing to operate in the present climate, any help and donations would be gratefully accepted. Items can be left into Dalton House or to Nellie Brett Main St. Receipts will be given. Molly’s Goodwill Shop is open in November on Saturday only, as it will be voluntary staffed. Please consider helping.

The U13 Girls, Emily O’Keeffe finished this two lap 2500m in 15th position with 64 Heidi Ryan, 66 Kate Mulrooney, 96 Anna Kelsey, 98 Lucy Cunningham, 101 Daisy Coomey. The club team were unlucky when one of their strongest runners Orlaith Carroll had to pull out due to illness. Emily scored for the county team which came 2nd.

U13 Boys, top performance for Aaron Carrigan again the week up in age and finishing in 10th position. The boys secured the bronze club team with Aaron, 22 MJ Carroll, 29 Evan Ryan and 32 Darragh Carroll. Also running well with 40 Michael O’Keeffe, 47 David Timmins, 48 David Carroll, and 60 Harry Barcoe. Aaron won a silver medal as part of the very strong county team.

U15 girls, our sole athlete Kate Hayden had a great run coming 38th and part of the scoring 6th on the county team which came 2nd.

U15 boys, another great run for Conor Carroll finished 12th and this time out of age. Conor was 14th with 500m to go but with sheer determination, he tracked down the other two athletes and finished strongly to hold on to his 12th position for an individual medal. The club team with Conor was 5th which is a two-place improvement from last year with 31 James Kelsey, 39 Joe Hayes, 54 Tomas Carroll and 78 Joseph Langton.

Well done to all that participated. We will post qualifiers (individual, Club and County) to the All-Irelands in Cork on the 4th of December shortly.

Full Gowran Results U11 Girls -1500m. 6th Club Team. 4th County Team 22 Orla O’Keeffe*. 23 Mia Kennedy*.30 Abigail Hunt*.74 May Timmins.76 Roisin Moseley Pearl Treacy (Spiked) U11 Boys -1500m. 6th Club Team. 1st County Team 1 Daniel Greene*. 40 Bobby Coomey. 41 Sean Farrell. 79 Sean Carroll. 84 Tommy Carrigan 95 Ross Hutton. 109 Ted Kelsey U13 Girls -2500m. 2nd County Team. 9th Club Team 15 Emily O’Keeffe*. 64 Heidi Ryan. 66 Kate Mulrooney. 96 Anna Kelsey. 98 Lucy Cunningham. 101 Daisy Coomey. Orlaith Carroll (Pulled out due to illness) U13 Boys -2500m. 3rd Club Team. 2nd County Team 10 Aaron Carrigan*. 22 MJ Carroll. 29 Evan Ryan. 32 Darragh Carroll. 40 Michael O’Keeffe 47 David Timmins. 48 David Carroll. 60 Harry Barcoe U15 Girls -3500m. 2nd County Team 38 Kate Hayden* U15 Boys -3500m. 5th Club Team. 5th County Team 12 Conor Carroll*. 31 James Kelsey*. 39 Joe Hayes *. 54 Tomas Carroll . 78 Joseph Langton *scoring for the county team

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 3rd November. Nos: 1 14 31 32. Jackpot: €5450 Not Won. Draw Prizes €50: Michael Hayes c/o online. €25 each John and Tommy c/o Tommy Hackett €25 each Rita Long c/o Rita Long. €25 each Noel Tyrrell c/o Joe Phelan Hurlers Co Op Draw Mary Kelly c/o P and J Cody. Promotors prize Paddy Maher New weeks draw €5600. Thank you for your continued support U19A COUNTY FINAL Our Dicksboro u19 hurlers were crowned County Champs on Sunday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park after defeating James Stephens. They followed in the footsteps of our u15 and u17

Kilkenny GAA and Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club in association with Gowran Park will host a race day on Saturday November 26th. The first race is due off at 12 midday and free shuttle buses will run from Kilkenny Castle from 11am. Tickets can be purchased online at GowranPark.ie GOWRAN DEVELOPMENT SPOOKTACULAR Do you have any photos from Spooktacular? If so please share them. If you enjoyed the event please show your support with a small donation now https://gofund.me/2d72db8f GOWRAN AC Another great day out for Gowran Juveniles, at the Athletics Leinster Juvenile Uneven Ages Cross Country in Mountainview Golf Club, Ballyhale, Kilkenny. The weather was lovely and the tough hilly course was in great condition.

Highlights of the day for Gowran juveniles included: INDIVIDUAL MEDALS U11 Boys, GOLD for Daniel Greene U13 Boys, Aaron Carrigan 10th U15 Boys, Conor Carroll 12th CLUB TEAM BRONZE club team with Aaron Carrigan, MJ Carroll, Evan Ryan and Darragh Carroll.

The day started with the U11 girls, our Gowran girls did very well with 114 in the race. Orla O’Keeffe kept up well throughout and finished 22nd with fast-finishing Mia Kennedy (23) on her heels and Abigail Hunt seconds later in 30th. The three girls were on the county team which came 4th. The team came 6th with 74 May Timmins, 76 Roisin Moseley Hard luck to Pearl Treacy who had to pull out as she got spiked in the race.

The U11 boy’s race was led and won by Daniel Greene. This is Daniel’s first cross-country season and he aced it! The county won gold too. The Gowran boys all did well in a big field of 135 with Bobby Coomey and Sean Farrell finishing 40th and 41st, 79 Sean Carroll, 84 Tommy Carrigan, 95 Ross Hutton and 109 Ted Kelsey.

Sean Maher Dicksboro u19 Captain

Dicksboro U19 Team

teams bringing the Silverware back to Palmerstown. Congratulations to the lads and their management team on a fine win.

MINOR CAMOGIE Well done to our Minor Camogie team who had a very good win over Tullaroan/St Annes in Palmerstown Sunday Morning.

Next up is the County Semi Final and they will play Conahy Shamrocks Sunday morning at 11am in Jenkinstown all support appreciated for these young ladies. Best of luck girls.

MID TERM UNDERAGE TRAINING A huge thanks to Philly Campion GPO who trained our underage boys and girls in Palmerstown over the Halloween Break. A very enjoyable experience, for all the kids who took part in these training sessions.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is open every Thursday from 8.30pm.

Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table.We would be delighted to see you out at the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m.

Vigil - Saturday 12th. at 8.00p.m.; Sunday 13th. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford: Wednesday 16th. at 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 12th. at 6.30p.m.; Friday 11th. Feast of St. Martin of Tours PRAY FOR Anniversary:John Sheridan, Kells November: In Stoneyford Church at 6.30p.m.and in Hugginstown Church at 8.00p.m. We will remember all who have lost a family member during the past twelve months. Families will be invited to bring a candle to the altar in remembrance of their loved ones during Mass.

IN LOVING MEMORY John Phelan, Stonecarthy (December ‘21). Val Lee, Stoneyford

(January ‘22). Nellie Dunphy, Kyleva (February ‘22). Alice Murphy, Lismatigue (February ‘22). Ollie Ryan, Lawcus (March ‘22).

Gerard McBride, Sheepstown (April ‘22). Andy Webster, Croan (May ’22) Paudie Walsh, Templeorum (May ‘22). Helen Murphy/ Foran, Monroe (June ’22). Adam Czekala, Castlemorris (August ‘22) Patrick McBride, Sheepstown (August ’22) Joseph Murphy, Lawcus (August ’22). John Carroll, Kingsmountain (September ’22). Gerard Cantwell, Carrigetna (September ’22). St John Donovan, Lawcus Fields (October ’22) If you had a family member who died outside the parish and would like them included in this Remembrance Mass, please let us know during the week. All are invited to write down the names of their own departed ones and place them at the altar for the month of November. They will be remembered at all Masses in the parish during November.

ANNIVERSARY MASS In Hugginstown Church on Saturday 12th. November at 8.00p.m.

- Kathleen Tennyson ROTA Rota for next week-end: 12th. and 13th. November (Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Shelia Lennon. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Valerie Farrell; Sunday 10.00a.m.

Mary Foran.

Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Natalia Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cuddihy.

Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power.

NOVEMBER OFFERINGS November Offerings Envelopes 2022 are available at the Church Porch. Your contribution can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly –Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

ALHOMECARE Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call Eileen or Tom today on 087 991 6791 or 087 744 0729.

Our website is www.alhomecare.ie PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDS Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will make a much welcome return having been suspended during the pandemic. The dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage are Tuesday 23rd. May to Sunday 28th. May 2023. Further information available later.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 31st. October 2022. Numbers: 32; 23; 17; 07.

No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn: No Jackpot Winner: 5 x €30.00 Winners: Caitriona Cassin, Ballygerdra; James Irish, Hugginstown; Betty Butler, Boolyglass; Stephen Cassin, Ballygerdra; Marie Grace, Lismatigue.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Tommy Murphy; Teresa Fitzgerald; Jimmy Sheehan..

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

SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Kathleen Sherry, Telephone: 087 100 0232 or email: dlp@ossory.ie. Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Teresa Broderick and Carmel O’Toole

Dicksboro Halloween Camp

We welcome all GAA Club and Community notes for publication in The Kilkenny Observer email to sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

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Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Having secured their respective county titles, Shamrocks Ballyhale and Danesfort take to the hallowed UPMC Nowlan Park turf this weekend as both sides kickstart their bid for provincial glory.

In many ways teams are stepping into the unknown, but you can rest assured these two Kilkenny outfits will have done their homework on their opponents as they seek to prolong their club season for as long as possible.

Shamrocks Ballyhale vs CastletownGeoghegan For Shamrocks Ballyhale, the pain of their last season’s AllIreland defeat to Ballygunner is still there, and you got the sense through the county championship, that this panel would love the opportunity to right the wrongs of that bitter day at Croker when Harry Ruddle struck late to deny James O’Connor’s men a third national title on the bounce.

Now under the guidance of Mullinavat man Pat Hoban, Shamrocks have been progressing nicely and will hope to continue their quest when they face Westmeath champions Castletown-Geoghegan on Sunday (throw-in 1:30pm).

So, who are Ballyhale’s opponents this weekend?

Castletown-Geoghegan are 14-times champions in the Lake County. Having lost 3 consecutive finals, the boys in black and amber defeated Clonkill by 5-points in the Slevins Coaches Senior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Final at TEG Cusack Park, early last month.

The sight of the Kilkenny County champions battling against a rival provincial side in black & amber will be a little strange, to say the least.

Last month’s win for CastletownGeoghegan was their first title win since 2017, and as we said earlier, this side has been banging on the door since their last win, and this year they were full value for their win over club kingpins Clonkill.

Managed by former Westmeath inter-county star, Alan Mangan, the Lake County side have a nice blend of youth and experience throughout their side and it will be fascinating to see how they fare against their more illustrious opponents when they make the journey to UPMC Nowlan Park.

There’s no doubt that Castletown-Geoghegan’s main scoring threat has come from inter-county hurling regular and star forward, Niall O’Brien. The talented hurler top-scored with 0-8 last time out, with seven of those points coming before the short whistle sounded.

Provincial matters take centrestage

Adrian Mullen will look to keep his fine form going

Shamrocks, Danesfort & Blacks and Whites take to Leinster as action resumes This left those in stripes 6 points to the good at the interval, and Mangan’s charges never appeared in any real danger of relinquishing this lead. As well as being accurate from the placed ball, O’Brien is capable of firing over from open play whatever the angle. Indeed, in his sides victory, he struck a mighty point from tight to the right sideline, one that TJ Reid would be proud of!

Alongside Niall O’Brien, Castletown-Geoghegan had eyecatching scoring displays from midfielder Mick Heeney, who

notched 0-3 from play in the opening half, while young rising star David O’Reilly finished the day with 0-4 as he caused the Clonkill defence lots of problems from his No-14 berth as he went on to collect the man-of-thematch award. Of the starting front six in the county final, only Shane Clavin failed to get on the scoreboard. The Westmeath side also had impact from the bench, with two of those sprung getting in on the scoring act.

Hurling at this time of the year can be tricky, and the fact that

Alan Mangan’s men registered 0-22 shows that Shamrocks Ballyhale would be unwise to take Sunday’s opponents lightly, not that they will, that’s for sure.

One of the biggest tests for Castletown-Geoghegan will be how they deal with the attacking threat of Shamrocks. Their defence marshalled by full-back, Johnny Bermingham at full-back and Liam Varley at ‘6’ will need all their wits about them when dealing with TJ, Colin Fennelly and Co. Goalkeeper Ciaran Glennon will be hoping that he

has a quiet afternoon, but you get the sense that the Ballyhale attacking unit might have other ideas, and the netminder be busy.

Pat Hoban will have been preparing his

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Hurling matters side for this challenge since they lifted their 5th county title on the bounce having put James Stephen’s to the sword last time out.

One of the features of that game was the performance of Joe Cuddihy. Joe had been one of the stand-out performers during last season’s bid for glory and his return to the Shamrocks colours is a real boost for the Kilkenny side. Joe hit 1-2 in the win over The Village and was a constant threat throughout proceedings and combined well with his fellow forwards as they won county title number 20. Recently announced All-Stars, TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen will look to continue their fine form against the Lake County champions.

The Ballyhale Bainisteoir has many tools at his disposal, and whichever XV get the nod on Sunday, Hoban will be confident that his troops will have more than enough about them to get over the line against Castletown-Geoghegan. Should the favourites prevail and emerge victorious against the Westmeath champions, that will set up a Leinster semi-final clash against the winners of Saturday’s quarterfinal clash between Naas (Kildare) & Shinrone (Offaly) on November 27th in what will be a provincial semi-final double-header at Croker.

Danesfort vs Trim Taking to the UPMC Nowlan Park a day earlier, will be Kilkenny Intermediate Champions, Danesfort. Having disposed of Thomastown in the county final, and securing a return to senior hurling for next season, some will see this as ‘bonus territory’, but I’d imagine these people won’t be within the Danesfort camp.

Niall Bergin’s side have accomplished their main aim of getting back to the top table, but they possess enough quality to trouble sides across the province of Leinster during the AIB Club Richie Hogan’s presence will be crucial

T J will be hoping to get back to Croker

Championship. The first step on this path will be taken tomorrow when Danesfort take on Meath’s intermediate champions, Trim.

Having seen off rivals Ratoath in the Meath final by 3 points, Trim will be hoping to claim a famous scalp with an away-day victory against the ‘Fort at UPMC Nowlan Park. Jimmy Canty’s team will arrive in the Marble City in decent form, and in young wing-forward James Murray, have an exceptional young hurler who would grace many more illustrious hurling clubs across the island.

Murray finished his day’s work with 0-10 in the victory of Ratoath, six of these scores coming in a vibrant opening half. Within Murray’s tally were two incredible sideline cuts, this young hurler has a confidence that belies his years. Rightly awarded the player of the match award, Danesfort captain Des Dunne will need to keep an eye on this rising star.

While Murray’s finishing was a major factor in Trim’s victory, the defensive shift put in by their back six cannot

be underestimated. The Trim rearguard is expertly marshalled by centre-back James Toher. In the victory over Ratoath, Toher had Dimmy Higgins and Conor Quigley on either side of him and they never gave their opponents a sniff.

Trim are a dangerous opponent and Niall Bergin will have drilled that into his Danesfort side. You get the sense that Trim’s tally of 1-13 may not be enough to get the better of the ’Fort. While the 1-36 registered in the extra-time win over Thomastown, may not be repeated tomorrow, the likes of Richie Hogan, Jack Bruton, young Ben Whitty and Robbie Walsh will fancy their chances of unlocking a tightly run Trim defence.

Experienced campaigners, Richie and Paddy Hogan, Robbie Walsh and Paul Murphy will look to spearhead Danesfort’s provincial bid tomorrow, knowing that their sides blend of youth and experience should see the men in stripes progress to a possible meeting with Tullamore (Offaly) or Fr Daltons (Westmeath), again with home advantage.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Jack Bruton will look to shine again

So, we have got the county titles in the cabinet, a little bit of celebrating has no doubt been done across the counties, but attention now turns to provincial matters and the AIB Leinster Club Hurling Championship.

Junior champions, Blacks & Whites are in action in TEG Cusack Park tomorrow, where they will battle against Ringtown of Westmeath. This will be a stern test for the Kilkenny side, but they will hope to come out on the right side of the result.

Danesfort will look to dim the rising flames of Meath intermediate champions Trim at UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow – I’m really looking forward to seeing Des Dunne captaining the ‘Fortin what should be a decent battle. Should Niall Bergin’s side rack up half their county final total, that may well be enough. The stage is set for the likes of Whitty & Bruton to shine.

Shamrocks Ballyhale will look to guard against complacency when they look to put on their Sunday best against Westmeath champions Castletown-Geoghegan. Keep Lake County star Niall O’Brien in check and this will go some way to securing a CONTINUED >>> semi-final berth in Croker later this month.

Let’s hope the pitches hold-up well and allow our hurlers to display their talents as Leinster and beyond look-on.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Darren and Carrie Stuart for permission consequent on the grant of outline planning permission Ref: 21/557 for a dwelling, entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Baunfree, Carrick-on-suir, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL:

We, Tim and Aimee McSherry intend to submit Significant Further Information to Kilkenny County Council subsequent to Planning Application Ref Number 22/14, for revised plans and all associated site development works at Damerstown East, Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 2 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, Niamh O’ Brien intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing agricultural entrance on my lands in conjunction with Planning Application 22/505 and all associated site development works at Gowran Road, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 777 1563/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 November 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

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.

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. H.H.

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.D.

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

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.

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.

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.S.

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.H.

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 11 November 2022