Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in years which has prompted warnings to people on expensive vari ables to take their last opportu nity to get a cheaper xed rate.
Home-loan rates in this coun try are now the eighth lowest in the Eurozone, having been the highest just a few months ago. is is in contrast to the rest of the Eurozone where rates have risen dramatically in the past six months.
New gures from the Central
Bank of Ireland show that the average new mortgage rate in this country was 2.58% in September. is is down from 2.64% in August.
e 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
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 remem ber 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 Euro pean Central Bank is obviously welcome for home owners.”
Bank of Ireland and Perma
nent TSB have not yet passed on any of the two percentage points rate increase from the ECB to their non-tracker cus tomers. AIB has only increased its xed rates by 0.50 of a per centage point, into e ect for new applications in the middle of October.
Daragh Cassidy, head of Communications at bonkers. ie said: “While rates have be gun to shoot up elsewhere in Europe they’ve remained re markably steady here for now.
“However, rates in Ireland were comparatively high to be gin with. Especially variable.
“ e fall won’t really show up in the Central Bank data until next year. So when the mort gage gures for October are released next month, Ireland could nd itself having mort gage rates below the Eurozone average, which would be quite the turnaround.
“Unfortunately for homeown ers and prospective buyers this situation is unlikely to last.”
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.
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
He said the €170 million investment would transform South Kilkenny and Waterford and totally regenerate the wider Ferrybank, South Kilkenny and Waterford city area.
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 o shore wind targets.
As the homeless gure 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.
Former Ireland hockey play er Catriona Carey has nally 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.
Sources said members of a company, which specialises in baili and debt recovery services, were also in at tendance. e locks on the property were changed and access to utilities was cut o .
It is understood Ms Carey had already vacated the house within the past couple of weeks.
An Order for Possession was granted to Start Mort gages in May after the build up arrears of more than €359,000.
ere was a stay of execu tion 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 em broiled in controversy over an alleged mortgage scam where she allegedly took hundreds of thousands of euro from people in nancial di culty after promising to help them secure new deals
so as to keep their properties.
e balance outstanding on the property back in March was €876,000 including the €359,000 in arrears.
She has also incurred sig ni cant arrears on a property she owns on the Laois and Carlow border, while another house in Kilkenny was auc tioned o for €365,000.
Figures from the National Oversight and Audit Commis sion (NOAC) show that 4,448 local authority dwellings were unoccupied last December .
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, e Brighton Academy, is o ering a full three-year scholarship worth £27,750 (€32,000). Auditions will be held exclusively in Ireland for Irish performing arts students.
e Brighton Academy o ers 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. eir West End agent success rate is 100%.
A patron of e Brighton Academy is Ireland’s own West End star Killian Donnelly, famous for Les Miserables and e Phantom.
“We’re delighted to be working with Perform to o er this opportunity to the Irish market and we are excited to see the talent Ireland has to o er,” explains Stuart Dawes, Principal of e 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. is scholarship will cover any of their four performing arts courses and will start in September 2023.
Auditions will take place
on Saturday, November 26
to become successful performers.”
Perform is the largest performing arts festival in Ireland and has been running at the RDS for four years. ere 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.
is 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 e 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.
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*For more information regarding Perform and the auditions for e Brighton Academy scholarship go to www.performfestival.com.
e announced Temporary In ation Payment Scheme (TIPS) will not deter the closure of further nursing homes., according to Nurs ing Homes Ireland.
Given the extremity of the emergency presenting for nursing home care, NHI members held an Emer gency General Meeting in Kilkenny following the an
nouncement by the Depart ment of Health of a com pletely ill- t-for-purpose scheme to support nursing homes in managing energy costs.
So far this year, 16 nurs ing homes have closed their doors, with the regulator HIQA having cited closures as happening because re sourcing not being com
mensurate with the reality of resident care costs on a long-standing basis.
Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO told e Kilkenny Observer: “ e scheme announced by the department is completely re moved from the reality of the huge hike in costs that nurs ing 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 con sensus presenting regard ing the requirement for the unprecedented increase in costs to be addressed. We are bitterly disappointed
that months of engagement have manifested in the de velopment of a scheme that is completely removed from reality. e evidence base presented to the department has e ectively been dis missed,” he said “ e 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 rep resents €15 per resident per week over the limited period it will be in e ect. It is ap palling that the department and the Government just does not recognise the crisis that is presenting for nurs ing home care and broader older person, health and so cial care.”
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.
Budding animators and anyone who appreci ates the internationallyacclaimed work of the ve time Oscar nominated Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon studio will revel in an exhibition which includes a talk series and events with Cartoon Sa loon animators, editors and directors and more at Kilkenny’s Butler Gallery.
e iconic Kilkenny city centre gallery hosts the free exhibition of their new animated lm My Fa
ther’s Dragon, directed by Nora Twomey, from now until January 15. e lm is inspired by a beloved 1948 fantastical children’s novel by Ruth Stilies Gan net by about Elmer Eleva tor, a boy who runs away from home to rescue Boris, a captive baby dragon trapped on a wild island. e not-to-be-missed ex hibition 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 capti vate audiences of all ages.
My Father’s Dragon went on Irish cinema release on November 4 and on Net ix release on November 11. Cartoon Saloon Direc tor Nora Twomey said: “Our animators and art ists 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 exhibi tion with Cartoon Saloon and as with previous col laborations, Butler Gallery will deliver an extensive
programme of public en gagement 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 celebrat ing the lms art and artists.
• For latest updates on the exhibition, details about the talks, masterclasses and more visit butlergal lery.com or https://www. cartoonsaloon.ie/myfathers-dragon/
Workers are set to get the le gal right to request remote working before the end of the year.
A plan by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s Enterprise de partment to introduce a re vamped 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 min ister 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 exible work.
ese include the right to request remote working, compressed working hours, split shifts and exible start and nish times.
But an amendment to the bill is now expected that will allow all workers to request remote working.
It is also expected to stream line elements of the draft remote working legislation following extensive talks be tween government o cials, union and employer repre sentatives.
Measures being consid ered are a reduction in the 13 grounds employers would have to turn down applica tions for home working and changing the amount of ser vice a worker would need to have before they could make a request.
A Department of Enterprise spokesperson said the origi nal plan to have two separate bills is under review.
“ e Government is cur rently considering the inte gration of provisions of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill into the Work Life Balance and Miscella neous 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 exible work legislation.
Laura Bambrick, Irish Con gress of Trade Unions social policy o cer, said there has been lengthy consultation at the Labour Employer Eco nomic Forum on making the proposed statutory right to request remote working “ t for purpose”.
She said the recommenda tion to deliver it in the work life balance bill is welcome in principle by Ictu.
Stephen Buck and his part ner, 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 cre ative 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 exten sive selection of rare and second-hand books and of fers everything a bookworm needs. Browsing is welcome and Stephen and Marian are excellent for recommenda tions as they are both de voted
The competition is or ganised by The Gloss in partnership with Theshop keepers.com whose spokes person said: “This year, as we recognise the challenges for small businesses, we are partnering with Theshop keepers.com to find and celebrate unique, creative and inspiring independent shops. Extraordinary retail ers, from coffee and flower sellers to bookshops and markets.
“Stores that delight with discovery and inspire browsing. Shops that we vis it 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 shop keepers that keep our towns and villages vital. Whether in real life or online.”
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 desire able 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 contin ued, 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 actu ally 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, un married daughter from the house. The hussey. It was a different back then. Fami lies 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
inquiring was not in our thought process back then. We five and her used to meet every Sunday after noon, her only free time. We would walk the expand ing 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 ren dezvoused 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? Happi ness?
‘Look after your children, they are most precious’Extracted from the just published book A airs 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
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 Europe an 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 enter prises in the State which were recorded as ceasing trading that year. The rate of death enterprises repre sents the proportion of total
Kilkenny County Council is staging a unique conference event showcasing the past, present, future on how Kilkenny is positioned to drive design excellence. is prestigious event will celebrate Kilkenny's design legacy on Friday, November 18 at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle. is 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. e event will also see the launch a new publication, Designing for Ireland, commissioned by KIDCo and authored by Mark Duncan. is 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. e rst panel commemorating the history of design in Kilkenny and in Ireland, will include Mark Duncan; Mary Mullin and Dr Mary Ann Bolger. e 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 O ce Kilkenny, said: " e 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.
" is Design Kilkenny event will re ect the origins of design in Kilkenny and will discuss what lies ahead in this dynamic eld."
active enterprises which cease to operate in a calen dar year.
The figures exclude com panies that are involved in mergers, takeovers, breakups or restructuring. Ire land's rate of business clo sures was exactly half that of the country with the second lowest rate of enter prise deaths — Belgium at 3.2%.
More than one in every five enterprises in Lithu ania collapsed during 2020, and more than one in 10 went out of business in Bul garia, 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 warehous ing 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 indi cates a comparatively low level of new start-ups com pared to other EU countries and a reluctance to set up new businesses during the pandemic.
e recent ash ooding in Wexford and the extensive damage caused could cost "hundreds of thousands” of euro to repair.
Multiple roads were closed and homes and busi nesses were ooded after torrential rainfall in the Gorey area.
Director of Services at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, described the ooding as the latest in a series of "unusually serious weather events” in Wexford this year.
"On [thew recent] urs day night we had 16 roads
ooded. Five were com pletely 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 ood wa ters 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 unbe lievable,” he added.
" e 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 un usual event.”
One local farmer said it looked like a "tornado” had ripped through the county.
Speaking to South East Ra dio, Willie John Kehoe said there was signi cant de struction 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 de struction 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.”
e EasyGo, the largest pri vate car charging network in Ireland, has announced a multi-million Euro invest ment in new fast DC EV chargers in towns and villag es around Ireland, including Kilkenny.
e investment is part of a partnership with eir, Ire land’s leading telecommu nications company, where telephone kiosks are being removed and replaced with state-of-the-art Tritium elec tric vehicle chargers.
As part of this investment programme, EasyGo has committed to deploying 200
fast DC chargers around Ire land.
EasyGo has contracts to add Tritium chargers at 70 locations in counties Kilken ny, Tipperary, Waterford, O aly, 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 char gers, 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:“ is rollout is consistent with the national strategy outlined by Depart ment of Transport and ZEVI. ese chargers will make the transition to EVs in rural Ire land 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 part nered with Tritium, a global leader in DC fast chargers for electric vehicles and pro ducer of some of the most
advanced DC fast chargers in the world.
e news comes as a new report cites the lack of ad equate electric vehicle (EV) charge point infrastructure in rural Ireland raises seri ous doubts about the Gov ernment’s ability to deliver on the Climate Action Plan’s commitment to have almost one million EVs on Irish roads by 2030.
e report is based on re search published by the Northern and Western Re gional Assembly (NWRA), one of Ireland's three region al assemblies.
Events of the past weeks remind me of the story of the emperor who had no clothes. In Hans Chris tian Anderson’s tale, the emperor and his people are told by weavers that they would make him a wonder ful 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 re 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 re ect the Christian position”.
In the 26 counties today, a majority like to think that we live in a liberal, secular society. is 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 major ity 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 de ned 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, campaign ing 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. e xed attitude of the hierarchy is hardly a growth mindset. Who bene ts 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, teeter ing on the brink of climate catastrophe.
With open eyes there are questions we might ask. What part did the celibacy rule play in creating condi tions for child abuse and what su ering and di culty has it caused for members of the clergy? What lies behind
the anger of individuals like Father Sheehy over issues around sexuality; is projec tion involved where individ uals accuse others of doing the very things they are tempted to do themselves? What part does the Catholic Church play in sectarian ism, 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?
en there are questions of accountability in the light of nancial 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 prop erties, 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 pro ts 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 ad mirable work. e comfort brought by Father Joe Du y, following the disas ter 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 unberg (who started cam paigning for climate change at 15) to challenge us on the need for religious change.
November is Men’s Health Month, a great time to remind you to get your prostate checked. Make an appoint ment with your doctor today if you have not had a check-up recently. Prevention is better than cure.
Stop/start urination. Frequent trips to the toilet. An urgent need to pass urine, sometimes with a little leaking at the rst sign of wanting to go.
A healthy diet and lifestyle will help keep you and your prostate healthy. Avoid high saturated fats, sugar and caf feine. Reduce salt, white pro cessed breads, and pastries. Alcohol and smoking both contribute to in ammation and should be avoided.
A rst for CBS Primary School as they look forward to welcoming Junior Infant boys and girls, for the rst time to their school in Sep tember 2023.
Preparations are in full
swing for this exciting new venture.
e school is having an Open Evening on Wednes day, November 23rd at 7.30pm for parents. Accord ing to principal Niall Begin,
they look forward to meeting you on the night.
For more informa tion, please don’t hesi tate to contact them on 0567761739 or o ce@ cbsprimarykilkenny.ie
If you’re getting up several times to pee during the night it could be a sign that you have an enlarged prostate gland. is is normally treat able and a visit to your doctor will help put your mind at ease. Enlarged prostate a ects 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.
Alcohol interferes with the uptake of zinc which is an important nutrient for male hormone production. Zinc is found naturally in shell sh, pumpkin seeds, and eggs. Include in your diet plenty of vegetables, a wide variety of nuts and seeds, and who legrains.
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 pep per, 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. Clean marine for Men is perfect for general health as it contains Omega 3 to support cardio vascular and brain health, zinc for prostate health, im munity, 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.natur alhealthstore.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@naturalhealth store.ie
We agged 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 rst 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. en 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
John Ellis
to leave the Irish market completely until next year.
e bank has divided its customers accounts into di erent 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 rst, ie. accounts with fewer than ve 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.
ey are examining the pro le 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. e bank has said that more than 70% of customers noti-
ed earlier this year have either closed or signi cantly wound down the level of activity in their current account or left it inactive. is leads us to believe that close to a third of account holders have
yet to make any signi cant 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 signi cant issue being transferring direct debits and payments (29%). A further 10% reported di culties 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 di culties 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’. e 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@ellis nancial 086 8362622
Even the strongest relation ships will be marred by ar guments — but such is not how often a couple argues but how they argue.
e way that you either run from or confront and resolve misunderstandings can have a ripple e ect on your feel ings 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 ip side, is an indication that both people care enough.
1. Avoid ‘kitchen-sinking’ e argument you’re hav ing is about a particular of fence; 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 o ences, dredging up all sorts of old stu is not a fair or helpful tactic, says Tracy Ross, a psych holist who specialises in couples’ therapy. is 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 say ing that a partner “always” or “never” does the behav iour in question. is will just lead them to search for examples that prove you wrong, rather than to ex plore 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). e rst looks like “telling your partner all the things they do wrong and calling out their character
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 nd com passion, patience, or empa thy for what the rst person is experiencing,
For example, your partner might feel humiliated that they messed up a pre sentation at work, but you don’t have a job where you make presentations and you nd speaking in front of peo ple easy, so you might feel like you can’t empathise. But that’s because you’re focus ing 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, humili ation — and think of a time when you did have that feel ing. Recall the painful feel ing, 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.
aws,” says Ross. In this way, it’s a full attack on their character, as opposed to critique or feedback, which addresses a particular be haviour or situation.
And the second is basically pure meanness coming from an “I’m better than you” mindset: ings 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 pro ductive ghting tactic. Not only does this totally knock down your partner—which is antithetical to being in a relationship with them in the rst place—but also, it puts them in the unfair position of having to de fend their entire existence or character, which, again,
takes you further from reso lution.
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 ghting 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 o 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 ac tions 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 responsi ble for our own behaviours.
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. “ e goal of a ght
should be to feel heard and understood, not to be ‘right,’” says Ross. In fact, she suggests entering an argu ment with the intention of listening like you’re wrong, so together with your part ner. “ is 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.
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 situ ation and get stuck on oppo site sides of a chasm.
What usually happens is, one partner shares some
“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 at same idea extends to situations where your partner may be feeling an gry 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 mat ter so much as the feeling: partner’s response to it and validate the way that they’re feeling as a means to strengthen your relation ship,” 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.
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 bre. Sure, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting enough bre 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 bre 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 bre had a nearly 80% greater chance of living a long and healthy life. Folks who followed brerich diets were less likely than their counterparts to su er 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 bene ts, 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.
e average adult needs between 21 and 38 grams of bre each day, but most folks consume less than 15 grams of bre a day. As such, people of all ages could stand to signi cantly increase their uptake of bre.
Given the many nutritional bene ts of re — and our apparent chronic underconsumption of the nutrient —it’s worth highlighting the many bre-rich ingredients that you likely have sitting in your kitchen already.
e 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. e remaining quarter should be protein, at said, this is meant more as a directional suggestion than a hard-and-fast rule.
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.
ere 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, nger-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. ere 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.
e 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
e Hilton Hotel in NYC’s Times Square is reopening — just in time those planning the traditional Christmas shopping spree to the Big Apple.
e renowned Hilton has reopened for the rst time since 2020, bringing back a new hotel option to New York City in time for the holiday season and New Year’s Eve.
e Hilton New York Times Square is once again welcoming guests to its 478 rooms on 42nd Street, according to the hotel group.
e 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.
“ is is an incredibly vibrant time of year in New
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 nd 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
e festival of tomatoes, where 20 thousand people gather and throw tomatoes at each other. is 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
e 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 ll the streets, lighting thousands of candles and waiting for the parades of di erent church members and brotherhoods.
Carnival of Cadiz No one does Carnivals better than Spaniards. rough humour, sarcasm, mockery and irony, the Carnival of Cadiz “purges” the most pressing problems of Spain and the world. People with fancy costumes ll the streets with pained faces, singing and dancing.
e Wine Battle of Haro Spaniards love throwing
food at each other. e 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 ghting 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.
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.
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 nd 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 nd 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.
3.
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 con dence in the resurgence of this iconic neighbourhood,” Danny Hughes, the executive vice president and president, Americas, at Hilton, said in a statement.
e hotel, which rst closed in April 2020, is reopening under new ownership after being sold for about $85 million, according to e Wall Street Journal. e 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 tness centre with Peloton bikes and three dining concepts, including a
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 bu et. Later this year, the hotel plans to open the Pinnacle Bar, which will o er 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.
“Foul language can boost group bonding, raise pain tolerance and increase phys ical strength….. It also eases stress,” according to e Irish Times, on Monday October 31 last. Boy was I glad to read that. E n glad even! And why?
Because yours truly is prone to peppering his con versations 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 lan guage, 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 knowl edge) e girls, on the other hand, occasionally indulge in colourful language but I like to think that they do so with air 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 di erent context, however, it can be emphatic, engag ing, 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, what ever. And if you can’t do that well, keep your f***ing mouth shut.
e 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 govern ment, politicians, journalists and others all turned the country’s airwaves a deeper shade of blue”.
And those opening state ments came from a review
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 co ee and a fag followed by a brunch and lunch at a desk, is it any wonder generation Z su er 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. e public are asked to make a special e ort 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 neigh bours and ensure they have su cient supplies of food and any prescription drugs they may need, also to ensure that older people have su cient fuel supplies to maintain ad equate 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 uids, 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.
If you must use medical equip ment 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 as sistance 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 possibil ity that winter weather may disrupt homecare services. In icy weather, wear well- tted 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.
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 di cult for everyone to get about and conduct day to day activi ties. It is even more di cult 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 pub lished 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
of expletives recently regard ing Marc McSharry TD? Al though 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.
Some of My Best Friends Curse
Some of my best friends curse. anks 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. De nite. F*** you!
ere’s no ambiguity About that. at’s clear. at’s crystal. But then that’s cursing.
And, of course, I know at 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.
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 - ap pealing to all pockets and pallets.
We also o er a large Paint ing by Mark Francis and works by living artists such as Blaise Smith, David Gold berg amongst others, together with an in teresting collection of Rare Art Books, some Limited & Signed.
Fonsie Mealy’s presents an important Irish & Interna tional 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.
e Sale o ers for the rst time a collection of over 30 Paintings acquired by the late Irish Patron of the Arts and Scholar - the late An tAthair Eric McFhinn. ese paint ings, mainly by Sean Keating
and Maurice MacGonigal, document in a poignant
Seeing Christmas is fast approaching, we have Fine Wines and Whiskies on o er also.
‘I don’t like the adjective foul; indeed I prefer the F word...
Cu e, aided the Countess in getting her various projects o the ground.
BY JOHN FITZGERALDWhen we think of aristocracy in Ireland, images of oppres sion, exploitation, and aloof ness come to mind. e lords and ladies are thought of as having been born with silver spoons in their mouths. We have a concept of to s swann ing 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. is Jewish lady, born in 1858, was the daughter of a wealthy London banker and the widow of William Ulick O’ Connor Cu e, Fourth Earl of Desart.
e 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 fac tory, 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
In spite of having given so much to her adopted county, Lady Desart is seldom men tioned anymore. Many present day citizens of Kilkenny will never have heard of the Count ess and her heart of gold.
e library she started opened up the world of books and free education to anyone who cared to pass through its doors. e theatre drew crowds from far and wide, who en joyed quality drama at low cost.
Gazing through the windows of her house at Talbot’s Inch, the thought of cattle breeding popped into her head as she beheld the lush grazing lands of the district. She soon had a lucrative dairy farming enterprise up and running in the village. Not one to let the grass grow under her feet, she quickly became President of the Dairy Shorthorn Breeders Association.
Admiring the skill of Kilken ny’s hard-pressed woodwork ers, Lady Desart put up the
money to kickstart the Kilkenny Woodwork ers in 1905… thus giving employment to sixty craftsmen. ese men worked under the guidance of Otway Cu e and an English foreman. e Arts and Crafts movement that ourished in England at the time inspired the whole concept of the guild system observed by the Kilkenny woodworkers. Examples of their craftsman ship can be seen in some of the older city shop fronts, a tment in the lounge of the
Club House Hotel in Patrick’s Street, and
e Kilkenny Woollen Mill, another employment boost, was built across the river from Talbot’s Inch, at Greenvale. She had the two areas linked by her famed “artistic ying bridge”.
e village of Talbots Inch dates from 1904 and is largely the creation of Cu e and Lady Desart. Architecturally, it resembles the model craft villages of Southern England with their half-hipped gables, overhanging eaves, thatched roofs and decorative brick work.
e Countess and Otway
Cu e were in uenced by the philosophy of William Morris and the notion of developing villages dedicated to produc ing handcrafts. Following Cu e’s death, Lady Desart ef fectively 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. is enterprise thrived for a few years and made a tidy pro t. A cartoon of the time lam pooned the novel concept of growing this crop in the county by depicting two farmers ploughing a eld and holding umbrellas over them. One farmer complains to the other:
“‘Twas bad enough before the crows took to chewing tobacco!”
ough a tireless benefactor, the Countess was oddly con servative in her political views. She feared that health insur ance for workers might prove to be the thin end of a Socialist wedge. She disapproved of the Su ragette movement in Eng land 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 Su ragette 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. e 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 ood.
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 eeing 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 layo s, controversial product chang es, an expected shift in its ap proach to content moderation and a jump in hateful rhetoric.
ere may be no clear alter native to Twitter, a uniquely in uential platform that is fast-moving, text-heavy, con versational and news-orient ed. But Mastodon scratches a certain itch. e service has a similar look to Twitter, with a timeline of short updates sort ed chronologically rather than algorithmically. It lets users join a slew of di erent serv ers run by various groups and individuals, rather than one central platform controlled by a single company like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
Unlike larger social net works, Mastodon is both free to use and free of ads. It’s de veloped by a nonpro t 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 us ers each month, he said. Twit ter 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 big gest 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 lay out (particularly in its iOS app) will look and feel familiar to current Twitter users, though with some slightly di erent
verbiage; you can follow oth ers, create short posts (there’s a 500 character limit, and you can upload images and vid eos), favourite or repost other users’ posts, and so on.
ere are some key di er ences, particularly in how the network is set up. Because Mastodon users’ accounts are hosted on a slew of di erent servers, the costs of hosting users is spread among many di erent people and groups. But that also means users are
spread out all over the place, and people you know can be hard to nd — Rochko likened this setup to having di erent email providers, like Gmail and Hotmail.
is 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 Face book and Instagram.
On Mastodon, for instance, you have to join a speci c server to sign up, some of which are open to anyone, some of which require an in vitation (you can also run your own server). ere is a server operated by the nonpro t be hind Mastodon, Mastodon. social, but it’s not accepting more users; I’m currently us ing 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 bil lion acquisition of Twitter has received less attention: e acquisition’s relevance to America’s national security. Not only has Musk brought on a number of investors to help nance the deal, including en tities with links to China, Qa tar, and Saudi Arabia but one of his other companies, Tesla, is increasingly dependent on
the Chinese market and the goodwill of the Chinese gov ernment.
Due to the critical position of Twitter as a platform for political discourse in the US, the Committee on Foreign In vestment in the United States (CFIUS), a federal interagency committee tasked with re viewing the national security implications of foreign invest ment in domestic companies, should investigate the Twitter deal on the grounds of nation al security.
According to recent press reports, Biden administration o cials are indeed discuss ing whether the committee should investigate the deal, arguing that President Biden would have strong grounds for blocking Musk’s Twit ter 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 busi ness deal is technically com pleted, CFIUS has the author ity to retroactively investigate and undo it, which it has done in other instances in the past.
In 2020, for example, Presi dent Trump ordered the Chi nese company Beijing Shiji Information Technology Co. to divest from US cloud-based company StayNTouch Inc. fol lowing 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 o ces. It was initially estab lished in 1975 by President Gerald Ford for the simple purpose of monitoring and evaluating the impact of for eign investment in the US. e 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 Of ce of the US Trade Represen tative and the O ce of Sci ence & Technology Policy.
e 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 un able to work – and fuelling an intractable debate about Britain’s borders.
“ e system is broken,” Britain’s Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Parlia ment recently – an inargu able but jarring admission after 12 years of Conserva tive rule, which has seen an unending line of ministers promising and failing to clamp down on illegal migra tion.
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. e 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 mi grants 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 gov ernments.
“It’s shambolic and it’s cru el,” 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 Of ce, which views most im migrants with suspicion and treats them like potential criminals,” Ramanauskas said. “It’s a deeply unfair and unjust system.”
e Home O ce said in a statement: “ e number of people arriving in the UK who require accommodation has reached record levels and has put our asylum sys tem under incredible strain.”
Another striking glimpse into the lives of migrants within Britain’s processing facilities came ying over the fence from within the Man ston facility as our picture shows.
“We are in a di cult life now ... we ll like we’re in prison (sic),” read a letter, ap
parently written by a young girl and stu ed inside a bottle that was then thrown towards assembled journal ists.
“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.
e situation at the asy lum-processing centre is a “breach of humane condi tions,” Conservative Roger Gale told Sky News, as doz ens of charities wrote to the prime minister to raise con cerns over “overcrowding.”
e facility is currently holding around 4,000 people, among them women and children, despite being in tended to only hold 1,500, Gale said.
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 ful lling 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 e orts varied in cadence and rhythm between Ravel’s frenetic ‘Toccata’ - and the dreamy ‘Blue Danube.’ Just before drifting o 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 ne 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. ere 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 o ended. is 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.
e ‘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.
“ at 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 nd Nathanial amongst the crowds Up ere, 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? at’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 nished 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. at’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 a airs 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 re or a ood 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. ey’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
I – going thousands of miles away! What to do? What on earth to do?
So, we say our goodbye’sHanora didn’t want to take the money for the night, but we insisted - and headed o 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 o on holiday – killing time in some barracks – or o 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 e opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not re ect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of e Kilkenny Observer.
Sunday November 13th is going to be a very busy day for members of the Kilkenny Great War Memorial Com mittee.
It’s Remembrance Sunday and they have plans to hold two events.
At 12.30 pm at the memo rial in the Peace Park a short ceremony will take place to remember those who died from Kilkenny in the Great War.
e 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, pip ers 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.
e lecture will focus on the inscriptions on the Kilkenny headstones, their wording symbolism and stories. e 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 memori als in Kilkenny. If you are unable to attend you can still donate to the fund by direct debit to the memo rial 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 Veri cation Forms from the Imperial War Graves Commission, requesting that information relating to the headstone of their loved one.
ese headstones were be ing engraved and now there is an opportunity to add a personal inscription to the base of the headstone. e
lecture will analyse the over 130 personal inscriptions re 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.
ere 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.
is 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.
ere are currently 827 names recorded on the Kilkenny Great War memo rial and approximately 50% of them have no known grave and are recorded on memorials like e Menin Gate.
e remaining 50% have headstones and were buried in Imperial War Grave Com mission Cemeteries.
Of this 400+, approximate ly 250 families returned nal veri cation forms through out the 1920s and within this number 130 families returned personal Inscrip tions to be included on the base of the headstone.
e following are ex amples of Kilkenny soldiers and Nurses inscriptions, 7800 Private John Carolan Royal Irish Regiment, Died 02/08/1917, Buried in Aero plane Cemetery Belgium. Personal inscription reads,
5768 Private Henry Col clough Irish Guards died 14/09/1917 from Freshford, Buried in Bleuet Farm Cem etery Belgium . Personal Inscription reads. WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUER ORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US.
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 giv ing walking tours in Kilken ny city during heritage week as well as contributing to ‘decade of centenaries projects’.
Any families of those men and women from Kilkenny will nd both events poi gnant and respectful of the sacri ce and service of their loved ones.
Féile Lachtain 2022 has come to a close with a special Mass to be celebrated in both par ish churches in what may well be a world premiere. Sa cred music for the Mass will consist of the spiritual songs of Elvis Presley. ere is no record of a similar Mass tak ing place before now. e songs were being sung
by Alexander Rafter, ac companied on the organ by his mother Maura and well-known local musicians Garry Barnaville, Jerry Del aney and David O’Reilly. e musicians were joined by the combined choirs of Tulla and Freshford churches, who add greatly to the occasion. Anyone who heard Alex sing
Ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist profes sional services rm, is remind ing Kilkenny employers of the criteria for employment permits.
As many as two in every three business owners in the agri-food sector nd it di cult to hire em ployees according to ifac’s Food & Agribusiness Report 2022. Lack of available skills, low inter est in roles, high salary expecta tions and intense competition for candidates were the main barriers highlighted by employ ers when asked about their hir ing di culties.
While there are steps employ ers can take to improve their ability to recruit and retain sta — such as o ering good wages, exible working conditions or additional bene ts like accom modation — unfortunately, these measures may not be enough to attract candidates in the local market.
Clarissa O’Nuallain, HR Ser vices Manager at ifac. said: “An increasing number of em ployers in the Agri-Food Sector are utilising employment per mits to ease sta ng shortages.”
While the shortage of candi dates is a ecting businesses across the economy, it is particu larly acute in some sectors.
Employers in the meat indus try, along with dairy, horticulture and pig farmers, for example, are already looking beyond the EU to nd 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 agri business SMEs and they are all facing signi cant challenges. Recruiting di culties coupled with rising salary costs are now signi cant concerns for business owners; according to our recent report, 67% of business own ers have experienced di culty when recruiting.
“Also, for the fth consecutive year, the availability of skills is the main reason why business es are struggling to hire. is is likely leading to this increase in businesses seeking a solution through employment permits, which when managed correctly can bene t both employers and employees and ultimately the overall sector and consumers.
“Another bene cial 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 in tentionally created. When agri businesses 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 employ ees 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 prospec tive employee can commence employment.
e application fee depends on the type of permit sought.
at the recent Rafter Fam ily 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 El vis for the rst time 65 years ago in 1957 and ‘Crying In e Chapel’ which topped
the British charts in 1965. In 1972 Elvis won his second Grammy award for his nal gospel music album. Alex chose ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘He Is My Everything’ from that album. e nal hymn, ‘How Great ou Art’, was a high spot in Elvis’s live act and, sadly, it was the last number recorded for a TV
special on June 21, 1977, just two months before he died. is event brings to a close a special year in the history of the parish of Freshford. e Year of St Lachtain marked the 1400th anniversary of the death of Lachtain and cele brated more than 1,400 years of worship in the parish. e organisers would like
to thank all who helped to make it a success.
Féile Lachtain 2023 also promises much as the com mittee at Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre are quietly con dent of getting a one day loan of the Shrine of St Lachtain’s Arm from the National Mu seum. Watch this space!
e Food Safety Consultative Council (FSCC) of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has announced it will host an event on ursday, November 17 focusing on the evolution of online food delivery, the food safety con siderations for consumers, businesses and regulators and the challenges in keep ing pace with this rapidly in novating industry sector.
e open meeting from 2-4pm will examine a num ber of topics including how consumers must be able to trust in food safety and
hygiene practices, the im portance of operators and innovators adhering to food safety and food hygiene leg islation, and how regulators can best support the sale and supply of safe food online as consumers seek conve nience, choice and home delivery.
e event is an opportunity for consumers, industry and regulators to learn more about developments and trends in online sales, sup ply 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.
e meeting will be chaired by Suzanne Campbell, journalist, author and broad caster.
Speakers on the day will include:
• Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, Food Safety Au thority 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
• omas Winders, Senior Policy Advisor, Deliveroo
• Liang Feng, Commercial Operations Lead, Manna Drone Delivery
• Roman Grogan, Co-found er, DropChef e event is free to attend and open to all.
* More information, in cluding the full event pro gramme and details on how to register are available at www.fsai.ie.
Inspectors from the Depart ment of Agriculture inspectors are counting farmers’ bales and measuring their silage pits as part of checks for the Fodder Support Scheme.
Minister for Agriculture Char lie McConalogue announced the €100/ha scheme to boost fodder production on farms in
the midst of input price pres sures. Last week, the scheme was again opened to applica tions for the 2022 crop.
Over 71,000 applicants are due to receive an average pay ment of €735 under this year’s scheme at the end of Novem ber.
However, at least 5% of appli
cants will be subject to on-farm inspection.
Farmers, in applying for the scheme, agree to permit of cials or agents of the Depart ment to carry out on-farm in spections 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 de termines exceptional circum stances.
e inspection will involve, where necessary, measure ment and inspection of areas, including silage pits; inven
tory of the number of bales con served. e online application system for the 2023 Scheme is now open. Farmers wishing to apply for the Fodder Support Scheme can do so either them selves 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 Sup port Scheme. e maximum area eligible for payment under the scheme is 10ha, with a max imum payment of €1,000.
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. ‘Quak ing in his roots’, he devises a plan to warn off the unin vited guest. What follows is a series of fun, incident-packed
exchanges
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 Christ mas ad on screens from Thursday, 10th November at 5.43pm on Virgin Media One’s News at 5.30 and dur ing RTE’s Six One news.
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
will he be
Clay Rooms Kilkenny, a ce ramics studio in Colliers Lane in the city centre, strives to ex plore the endless possibilities of clay in a fun and friendly environment. Established by Liselott Olofsson, Niamh Syn nott 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 offer ing a range of courses to suit all levels.
At Clay Rooms Kilkenny, they want to share their pas sion 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 ce ramics 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 us ing 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 Decem ber, the first Christmas Market will be held at the studio with a wonderful selection of craft, prints, flowers and food avail able (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@clayroom skilkenny.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.
Santa Claus is com ing 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 Christ mas Lights!
Kilkenny Civil Defence will travel with them down the River Nore before they take o around the City for Santa’s City Cycle and the of cial 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 bling ing their bikes for Christmas and choosing the green transport option with a cycle around the town before nishing 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.
e journey will end with the o cial 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 turn ing on of the lights marks the
beginning of Yulefest, a celebration of Christ mas in Kilkenny. is ve-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 favou rites including the Yule fest Bandstand; Kilkenny Christmas Market; Medieval Mile Run; Yulefest Outdoor Movie night, plus some very special events soon to be an nounced!
Speaking about the festival
irleach 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.”
said about the festival: “Santa’s arrival is set to kick-o 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 de lighted to welcome visitors to Kilkenny for the festive season.”
More information can be found on www.yulefest kilkenny.ie and @Yulefest Kilkenny on social media.
In the majestic surrounds of the Connaught Park Hotel on the outskirts of the City of the Tribes last ursday 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- Sta and supporters- were unquestionably beyond control with pride and delight with the double header.
e Mac Carthy story e 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 speci cations 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.
e 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
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 rst 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 ursday evening.
It was no surprise that the very talented Pat Shortall would cruise home in his category for his programme ‘Sunday Serendipity.’ e 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 shu ing 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 ursday evening.
Collecting the rst Gold gong was the Radio adaptation of the Story of the Liam Mac Carthy Cup. e 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. e team of Barrie Henriques (Writer and Producer) Mick Cummins (sound engineer), Derek Dooley (Interviewer), Ger Cody (Liam Mac Carthy),
and Declan Gibbons (Station manager).
Speaking with e 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.
“ e station has evolved from a ‘pirate’ into a professional unit with the support of fulltime sta and an army of volunteers, which ensures that the people of Kilkenny receive a rst class service” Mr O’Connor told the Observer.
Mr. O’Connor took time out to show e Kilkenny Observer around the station and took special pride in showing o 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 sta at the station, noting that many people over the last forty years have contributed greatly to the success of the station.
Recently, e 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. e inclusion of a young writer, such as Keela, with aspirations in that eld, is something we are happy to promote. We have followed the struggles Keela’s ctional character Debbie has endured in the rst two articles- ‘ e thing about Debbie’ and ‘A match to remember’. is week, we present part three of ‘ ere is something about Debbie’ with ‘Bedside Confessions’.
wrapped in a blood soaked jumper. e 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.
that was developing during the chaos. It wasn’t perfect but she had gotten what she needed. e licence plate.
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 be side the snickering pair.
Behind the metallic doors, Debbie bore a jumble of wires in her arm while lying behind a imsy 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 nish 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 bet ter not to ask questions for now. e 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. “ ey 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 nd a fully bandaged Debbie and attacked her with loving hugs. Doctor Fahy stepped out, making the excuse of “ nding a new pen” but the ow 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 o ered 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 grin ning; “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 hap pened in that car but even more so because I hurt you all. I shouldn’t even be alive now.”
e weight of her words rocked their bare bones as silence lled the room. Deb bie felt the words she had hidden nally 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 ev erything. I wish I never start ed, because I can’t escape now.” e sob she had been choking back had nally been freed and she collapsed into Harriet’s arms, burying her head shamefully. e secret was out.
Everyone swapped worried glances, the tension begin ning to su ocate 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.
e hospital was simply unbearable. e journey over was laced with silent tears, while Debbie was still
“It absolutely reeks here,” whispered James. Beside him, Frances was inspect ing the forgotten Polaroid
Marky rolled his eyes before his gaze fell on Harriet. She paced the hall, her ponytail apping vigorously. Marky sprung up and grabbed her wrist, spinning her around to meet his eyes. “She’ll be
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Serves: 4
e potatoes in this recipe take on the spicy avours beautifully and make or our idea of the perfect veggie dinner.
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp sun ower 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
Method
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.
Cook: 5 mins Serves: 1
Plenty of fresh ingredients lift this simple mezcal cocktail to create a sweet, light and wonderfully balanced drink.
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
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 ll with ice.
STEP 2
Shake hard to create a nice foam head on the drink and ne strain into a martini glass or coupette. Garnish with a mint sprig inserted into a cherry tomato.
STEP 3
STEP 2
Stir in the curry paste or powder, pour
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.
Cook our smoky beans and sausage meatballs dish in one pan – it’s ideal tasty food. is recipe mostly uses cupboard ingredients.
• 6 pork sausages
• 2 tbsp sun ower oil
• 1 onion, nely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, nely chopped
• 2tbsp fajita spice mix (see tip, below)
• 1 tbsp vinegar (any you have)
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 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
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. Prep: 15 mins Cook: 40 mins Serves: 4
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 ameproof 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.
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.
• 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.
Although the United King dom mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth after her longstanding regime, the Queen still lives in the Net ix show, e 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 Net ix, 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 chang ing, but also the actors.
Olivia Colman replaced Claire Foy as a young Queen, who played Eliza beth’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 e fth season landed on Net ix 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 Hu mayun 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 e Crown, as demonstrated by Colman and Foy:
e 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 Gil lian Anderson deliver bril liant performances.
e Queen’s pointed re marks 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. e Queen’s art cura tor, Anthony Blunt, tries to convince her that Wilson is actually a Soviet spy before the truth about Blunt comes to light. In a very digni ed 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 any thing in the same way, called Cambridge Spies. ever again.”
A rare emotional mo ment for the Queen e Aberfan tragedy in Wales took place in 1966, killing 144 people, of whom 116 were children. Queen Elizabeth II notoriously de layed her visit to the Welsh town by eight days before going there, which still re mained one of her greatest regrets.
e 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 e ect it had on the Queen.
ecoronation of Queen Elizabeth
In season one, the showrun ners meticulously recreate the Queen’s coronation scene but not without intro ducing 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 ar gue 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 pal ace twice, actually managing to talk to her the second time. In this highly ction alised episode in season four which is loosely based on true events, Tom Brooke plays Michael Fagan, who breaks into Queen Eliza beth’s chambers to have an open conversation about the dwindling state of Britain under Margaret atcher’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”.
The No. 1 movie currently on Netflix is both a criti cal and audience hit. This is despite it being one of the most brutal and har rowing watches you will have in a long time.
All Quiet On The West ern Front is an anti-war movie. Based on the cel ebrated 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 Ger man 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 realis tic 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 brutal ity, and it’s hard not to be rattled by that.”
It is something of a hard watch, but also an essen tial one, given the current political climate.
is series (2022—), based on the Walter Tevis novel, fea tures a stunning cast: Chiwe tel Ejiofor plays an alien who lands on Earth in search of help from a brilliant scientist and Bill Nighy plays omas Jerome Newton, an alien who fell to Earth in the 1976 movie adaptation. e role was origi nally played by David Bowie and each episode in this se quel to the movie is named after one of Bowie’s songs.
2. War of the Worlds is 2019 adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel is a surprisingly e ective take on well-trodden territory -- hence running for three seasons so far. Set in a desolate, cold, post-apocalyp tic world, we follow the Gresh am 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 di cult when teenager Emily (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is blind. A slow-moving, yet compel ling take on survival drama with mysterious otherworldly forces at play.
Amazon rescued e Expanse (2015-2022) from the realm of canceled TV, bringing the series up to six seasons. ank goodness it did, be cause e Expanse is smart sci- 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.
Starring Chloe Grace Moretz, e Peripheral is a brand-new sci- series from the creators of Westworld. It’s a step up in terms of providing a more straightforward narrative that’s easier to follow. Fly nne Fisher (Moretz) and her brother Burton (Jack Reynor) become involved with a dan gerous new video game that leads them to Future London and a ght to save the world. An exciting, if a little generic, adventure.
e Black Mirror comparisons are inevitable with this Brit ish series about technology gone wrong. Set in a futuristic London, e 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 ewlis and Michelle Fairley. While it’s not as polished or deepcutting as Black Mirror, e Feed is still worth a look.
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 Kilken ny. Michelle Teehan and Katie Nolan took on Colin Fennelly and Joey Holden in a bake o 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 con rm that they’re better in the kitchen too after emerging victorious in the kitchen showdown of the year! Expert judges Bart Paw lukojc 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 Go FundMe page is live for another week - search for Bake O Fun draiser - Irish Heart Founda tion on gofundme.com.
Sophie O’Grady of Mountain
View Markets was delighted with the results of the event saying “What a laugh! Our won derful 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! ank 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 a ecting 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 di erence! 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. e Irish Heart Foundation means so much to us here at Mountain View, and once we got chat ting 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 ra e 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 com mentary and refereeing as he steered both sides to goals and a clean match without any kitchen nightmares. At kick o the girls were o to a steady start by weighing out their sugar and our 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. e girls moved on to a tactic of ll ings 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 e Great Kilkenny Bake O ! 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. e success of this community project coming to town mirrors the ethos of Savour Kilkenny, of celebrating and promoting all the wonder ful elements of Kilkenny - what an amazing City we live in!”
A ra e took place on the night with prizes generously donated by Mountain View Markets traders, you can check out the fantastic ra e prizes and local businesses on the Mountain View Farmers Market social channels @ mountainviewmarkets. Further information is avail able at www.savourkilkenny. com or on Facebook, Ins tagram and Twitter @Sa vourKilkenny. Savour Kilken ny Food Festival is kindly supported by local partners and sponsors.
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.
ough 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 e Oak Ward
in Waterford University Hospital.
In particular, Jimmy wished to acknowledge the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare team, whose nursing profes sionalism and extraordinary kindness provided invalu able support.
Jimmy produced a selec
tion of garden terrariums and ra ed them within the FRC; the proceeds will sup port e Carlow Kilkenny Homecare team.
Sta in the FRC and the various groups utilising the centre rallied to the cause.
e ‘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.
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.
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 Cli ord 0872330026.
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.
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
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 so 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’Kee e, 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’Kee e, 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 teamsthrow in is at 2:30pm . Hon the Loughs
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.
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.
Save the date: Knitting and Crochet Christmas Fair and Co ee 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 expres sion 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.
Counselling services: Our low cost counselling services, includes one-to-one, family and teens, aged 12+.
General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depres sion.
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 appoint ment.
Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be le into the Centre, please call before dropping o .
Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.
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, announce ments 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.
Two sisters from the locality head o 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 e orts will ensure the MSA trust is available to help and support other patients and families during di iculties 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
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 Ra er, 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 gradu ation 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 o to a successful start to their championship campaign recently as they beat Tullogher Rosbercon at Pairc Lachtain . It was a very close game through out. Having ended level a er 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 a er 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.
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 Clon tubrid 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.
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.
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.
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 Ra er 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.
Freshford day care centre continues each Wednesday in the GAA Centre at 2pm. New members are most welcome
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.
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.
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 O ice. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be le in or emailed to the Parish O ice by 11am on Thursdays. Parish o ice hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards
Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish O ice or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish o ice on 056 8832843 or by email – fresh fordd@ossory.ie.
St. Lachtain’s Camogie Club AGM fixed for Friday 11th November has been cancelled due to a bereavement.
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 co ee 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.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life di icult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confi dential 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 confiden tial support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomen srefuge.ie.
LOCAL
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.
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.
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 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, ra le and lots of
entertainment on the day. Places are limited and it is advised to book early, call Droichead on (056) 775560 EXT 1 to book.
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.
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 (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 informa tion 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 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-LxQYAL3aaKX
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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.
GOWRANChristmas order book is now open. Christmas Cakes, puddings, mince pies, chocolate puddings and many more delightful treats are available to order.
Molly’s Goodwill Thri shop at Dalton House is requesting good quality used clothes, bags, scarfs and other saleable items for Molly’s Goodwill Tri Shop. No bed clothes, underwear, cosmetics, books or toys please.The profits of this venture are to help Dalton House to o set the cost of continuing to operate in the present climate, any help and donations would be gratefully accepted. Items can be le 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 sta ed. Please consider helping.
The U13 Girls, Emily O’Kee e 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’Kee e, 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 (indi vidual, 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’Kee e*. 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’Kee e*. 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’Kee e 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 a ernoon in UPMC Nowlan Park a er defeating James Stephens. They followed in the footsteps of our u15 and u17
teams bringing the Silverware back to Palmerstown. Congratula tions 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.
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.
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 co ee also available so come along and enjoy.
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.
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. Hug ginstown: 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 O erings Envelopes 2022 are available at the Church Porch. Your contribution can be le into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly –Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).
A ordable 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
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
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
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’Kee e 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.
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 out ts will have done their homework on their opponents as they seek to prolong their club season for as long as possible.
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 nals, 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.
e 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 rst 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.
ere’s no doubt that Castletown-Geoghegan’s main scoring threat has come from inter-county hurling regular and star forward, Niall O’Brien. e talented hurler top-scored with 0-8 last time out, with seven of those points coming before the short whistle sounded.
is 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 ring 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 mid elder Mick Heeney, who
notched 0-3 from play in the opening half, while young rising star David O’Reilly nished 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 nal, only Shane Clavin failed to get on the scoreboard. e 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. eir 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
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 e 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 ne form against the Lake County champions.
e Ballyhale Bainisteoir has many tools at his disposal, and whichever XV get the nod on Sunday, Hoban will be con dent 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- nal clash against the winners of Saturday’s quarter-
& Shinrone (O aly) on November 27th in what will be a provincial semi- nal double-header at Croker.
Taking to the UPMC Nowlan Park a day earlier, will be Kilkenny Intermediate Champions, Danesfort. Having disposed of omastown in the county nal, 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.
Championship. e rst step on this path will be taken tomorrow when Danesfort take on Meath’s intermediate champions, Trim.
Having seen o rivals Ratoath in the Meath nal 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.
be underestimated. e 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 sni .
accomplished their main aim
Niall Bergin’s side have of getting back to the top table, but they possess enough quality to trouble sides across the province of Leinster during
Murray nished 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 con dence 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 nishing was a major factor in Trim’s victory, the defensive shift put in by their back six cannot
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 omastown, 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 (O aly) or Fr Daltons (Westmeath), again with home advantage.
So,
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
