Kilkenny Observer 11th October 2024

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 11th October 2024

The Highway Man How Kris and I made it through the night  Paul Hopkins page 8

Tel: 056 777 1463 E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie W: kilkennyobserver.ie

Castlecomer Credit Union The heart of Castlecomer community  See pages 28, 29, 30 and 31

2

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

EVERY FRIDAY

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM SALES E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie T: 087 382 0109 or 087 342 1958 EDITOR E: editor@kilkennyobserver.ie SPORTS E: sportseditor@kilkennyobserver.ie

3

kilkennyobserver.ie

10,000 COPIES PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED ACROSS CITY AND COUNTY EVERY WEEK

The Kilkenny

Observer

kilkennyobserver.ie

Kilkenny loses out on awards We are not among 191 short-listed for Excellence gong

Kilkenny has lost out as Chambers Ireland has revealed the shortlist for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2024. In its 21st year, the awards feature a total of 98 Local Authority projects shortlisted across 15 categories, reflecting the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local

Authority of the Year 2024.

Kilkenny, sadly, is not in the running.

The awards are held annually in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Speaking on the announcement of the shortlisted projects, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, said: “The Excellence in Local Government Awards

provide a wonderful opportunity to highlight some of the incredible work being done in local authorities all across the country, and I am very pleased that my department is supporting the event again this year.

“Local authority projects like the ones shortlisted contribute to life in our communities in a multitude of ways, and I am delighted to be a part of celebrating these achievements. I want

to congratulate every project that has been shortlisted, including the two from my own county of Mayo.”

Commenting on the announcement of the shortlist, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said, “The Awards showcase the inventiveness and innovation that Local Authorities are delivering, which so often goes unnoticed. I would like to con-

gratulate each of the shortlisted Local Authorities and acknowledge the excellent work being undertaken at local government level nationwide.”

TJ Hunter, Senior Director at Ørsted UK & Ireland, who are headline sponsors of the Awards, added, “The Chambers Ireland Local Government Awards celebrate the exceptional projects and teams within our Local Authorities na-

Free flu vaccines for under -17s

Calling out to all our young Healthy Heroes

The HSE has launched children’s free nasal spray flu vaccination programme for children aged 2-17 years.

Parents are encouraged to protect their children from flu with a free nasal spray flu vaccine.

The vaccine is available for free for all children aged 2-17 years from participating GP practices and pharmacies.

Some GP practices and pharmacies will also be offering the vaccine for free in some primary schools.

The flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu.

Please contact your school or pharmacy.

A final call goes out to Kilkenny primary schools to register for the 2024/2025 educational programme.

Now in its 11th year, created by teachers, behavioural and nutrition experts, Healthy Heroes is one of Ireland’s leading lunchtime classroom initiatives, reaching more than 300,000 children to date.

As part of this year’s programme, four participating schools will be awarded a bursary for outstanding contribution to the initiative.

The nutrition and education initiative demonstrates first-hand how fun and healthy eating habits are cultivated, while offering students the opportunity to build on a variety of skills.

Healthy Heroes empowers students to make responsible and healthy choices when it comes to food and snacks

Peak electricity demand new high

Pupils mobile: what planet are they calling?

The Government must reverse the “scandalous” €9m waste on mobile phone pouches and reallocate funds to mental health services and schools, according to Sinn Féin General Election candidate, Natasha.

Natasha Newsome Drennan, running for Carlow/Kilenny, has called on all TDs in Carlow/Kilkenny to support her

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

party’s call to overturn the Government’s decision to “waste: €9m on mobile phone pouches.

Ms Newsome Drennan said:“The Government wants the public to believe that the €9m allocated in Budget 2025 for mobile phone pouches is a good way to spend taxpayers’ money. They also want

tionwide. From community to infrastructure and everything in between, Local Authorities play a critical role in the way we live. We are proud to champion excellence and to formally recognise the finalists and winners to be announced this November.”

The winners will be announced on November 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Northwood, Dublin,

you to believe that this is the best intervention they can offer for our young people’s mental health.

“This is at a time of vastly increased Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) waiting lists, up 74% in just under five years for first-time appointments. Those waiting for over a year have increased

by 126% in the same time period,” she said.

“This is also at a time when child psychology appointments in primary care have increased by 90%. Mental Health only received an increase of €16 million in this year’s budget, of which less than €3 million was for CAMHS. What planet do they think they are

on?

“The Government has an opportunity here to hold its hands up and admit it got this wrong. That is why Sinn Féin has brought this motion, to put a stop to this recklessness in time. TDs will have the opportunity to reject this ludicrous allocation of funds,” she said

Peak electricity demand is forecast to hit a new high over the coming winter as data centre expansion continues and new homes are built.

Demand for power is expected to hit a peak of 5,834 megawatts (MW) at some stage from next month to March, beating last winter’s high of 5,577MW, which happened at teatime on January 18.

However, while generators will be pushed to supply all the power needed, the electricity system’s operators are confident there is little or no likelihood of outages.

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is.

And with no holds barred

A straight shooter.

Considerate and wise words

Great advice.

Your money in mind

Quirky take on bright side of life

4

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

News

Our Maria gets funding to add to her bow Kilkenny musician Maria Ryan is among those to receive funding through the Music Capital Scheme. €545,150 awarded to performing groups and musicians across the country through Music Capital Scheme Awards 1, 2 and 3.

The €545,150 in funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has been granted to 109 awardees which will potentially benefit over 7,960 musicians based throughout Ireland.

Established in 2008, the Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and managed

by Music Network. The scheme has enabled many thousands of musicians across Ireland to develop their musical potential and participate in the performance of live music, performing in genres including traditional Irish, classical, folk, jazz, electro-acoustic, rock and pop.

This year the scheme has been expanded and will support even more musicians through new award streams designed to address the unique challenges faced by professional classical

string players and venues presenting live music.

This includes the recently announced Music Network National Instrument Collection (Award 4), which is now accepting applications and will provide exceptional classical string players who are in the early stages of a professional performance career with access to highquality instruments for a defined period.

Music Network’s CEO Sharon Rollston said: “Since establishing The Music Capital Scheme together with The Arts Council 16 years ago, we have made 652 awards to individual musicians and organisations, providing access to musical instruments for over 59,000 people.

“Our mission is to make high quality live music accessible to communities throughout Ireland, and to support professional musicians to excel in the performance and creation of music. The number and range of instruments provided through the Music Capital Scheme year-onyear continue to make a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music making and live music performance across Ireland. “

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

5

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

6

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

News

Govt steps its back approval roles in RTÉ The Government will not play a role in approving the appointment of the next RTÉ chief.

Despite the scandals at the national broadcaster, Government backing for the hiring and firing of a new director general will be dropped.

The last two appointments

of RTÉ heads have been mired in controversies.

Former Montrose chief Dee Forbes was chosen from outside RTÉ by the board, ahead of inside candidates including current d ­irector general Kevin Bakhurst.

The board of RTÉ also tried to fire Ms Forbes over

the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal. She went out on leave just weeks b ­ efore her term in office ended.

Mr Bakhurst’s appointment process last year was stalled after a row on the board over An Post chief executive David ­McRedmond, a former head of TV3 (now Virgin Media),

being ruled out for the role.

Mr Bakhurst was u ­ ltimately appointed with the Government’s official “consent”, following a c­abinet decision, in line with the broadcasting laws.

Now the Government is planning to leave the appointment of the director

general entirely up to the board of RTÉ to decide.

The change follows EU media freedom laws to “guarantee the independence of public service media providers”.

The Government will approve a batch of changes to RTÉ’s governance follow-

ing the year of scandals at the national broadcaster.

The new laws will include RTÉ coming under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. This means the state finance watchdog will be able to routinely examine the broadcaster’s books.

Big farming agenda for the next EU think-in “The next European Commissioner for Agriculture must have agriculture and the needs of rural communities across Europe at the forefront of all his activities,” said Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher following a meeting with Commissioner-Designate, Christophe Hansen.

Mr Kelleher, who organised a meeting between the Commissioner-Designate and two other Fianna Fáil MEPs Barry Cowen and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú in the European Parliament said: “We impressed upon him the need to reset the relationship between farm families and the authori-

ties, and the need to work with farmers in delivering on his objectives.

Regarding, the Nitrates Derogation, and its importance to rural communities across the island, TEP said: “All three of us requested that the European Commission, when making proposals, look at the cumulative impact of their proposals on the farming community.

We cannot have impact assessments carried out in a silo – they need to be horizontal in nature if we are to see the true socio-economic impact.

“Commissioner-Designate Hansen also gave us a commitment to visit Ireland.”

KRSP launches free LGBTQ+ training for local sport clubs Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership (KRSP) is excited to announce the launch of a new LGBTQ+ Awareness Training programme for sports clubs across Kilkenny and Carlow.

This initiative is the result of an in-depth 2022 study that sought to understand how LGBTQ+ teens and young adults felt about inclusion in sports. The findings were significant, revealing that 80% of LGBTQ+ teens aged 13-18 in Kilkenny and Carlow had experienced or witnessed discrimination in sports settings.

In response, one of the key recommendations from this study was to offer LGBTQ+ awareness training for coaches and trainers.

KRSP reached out to local sports clubs earlier this year to gauge their awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The results were overwhelmingly clear: • 93% of clubs had never received any LGBTQ+ awareness training, • 71% expressed interest in receiving such training, • 79% requested a self-

guided, online training format for convenience and accessibility.

In response to these findings, KRSP has developed a unique, on-line e Training programme with Accelerator Sport / eCoach. This two-hour, self-guided LGBTQ+ awareness training programme is designed specifically for sports clubs and aims to equip clubs with the knowledge and tools to create more inclusive environments for everyone.

To ensure the programme meets the needs of local clubs, KRSP is now launching a pilot phase of the training and seeking sports clubs in Kilkenny and Carlow to participate. This is a free training opportunity, and we invite one representative from each club to take part in the pilot over the next two weeks.

Pilot phase ends on October 25.

Clubs can register at KRSP.ie to take part: https://www.krsp.ie/ lgbtq-toolkit/ Together, we can make a lasting impact on inclusion and diversity in local sports.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

7

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

8

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Kris and I both made it through that night It is ≠≠1995 and America’s Country Music Association (CMA) for the first time holds its AGM – shindig, more likely – outside the US, in Dublin.

The attraction is obvious.

Ireland has always been a big fan of Country music but the Garth Brooks phenomenon took it to a new level.

Garth – in the news now for the wrong reasons – played 11 nights at The Point in 1993.

I was there with my daughter, then just 13, in the good company of the late Albert and Kathleen Reynolds.

Dublin that five days in 1995 was awash with stetsons and cowboy boots and Country music in the background of almost every pub and eatery – twangy tunes about losing the farm, losing the pickup, losing the wife. Then Fine Gael Taoiseach John Bruton sported a stetson for the duration and held a welcoming party for CMA board members and a myriad

Country stars at City Hall.

It is night and I’m in the Phoenix Park residence of Jean Kennedy Smith, US Ambassador to Ireland. I’m in the company of the vivacious Ms Kennedy Smith and also some of Country music’s greatest luminaries – Deana Carter, George Ducas, Marty Stuart and others, and the legendary Kris Kristofferson.

My so-this-just-happened moment.

We chat over a glass or two of a Californian Mourvèdre.

Kristofferson is a country star who embodies the very best of that genre’s ties to a deeply honourable sense of American idealism, as it was then – or seen by the world as such.

He tells me he is proud of his nation’s complex heritage and history. He comes across as deeply caring. “I’m on the side of the outlaw and outsider,” he laughs, evoking a spirit of compassionate righteousness that’s evident in his

music full of mischief, love and hard-earned wisdom.

Kristofferson had that shaky voice and rudimentary guitar skills, but he wrote some extraordinarily truthful, moving songs. There is a perfect blend of simplicity and depth in such classics as Me And Bobby McGee, Sunday Morning Coming Down, Help Me Make It Through The Night and For The Good Times. Artists other than Kristofferson have sung them (from Janis Joplin to Elvis Presley and Gladys Knight) and will continue to. His are songs for all time, but Kristofferson’s voice and presence imbued them with their deepest sense of truth.

He brought conviction to his acting, whether as a ruggedly handsome leading man in his superstar days, or a stoic supporting character in later years.

What I learn that night is that Kristofferson is a scholar

of the English poet, artist and mystic William Blake, having studied the Romantic poets as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford. He quotes me Blake’s famous line “the road of excess leads to the palace of

“Twangy tunes about losing the farm, losing the pickup, losing the wife....

wisdom” while referring to his own wild behaviour in his drinking days.

“If the fool persists in his folly, he will become wise,” he tells me.

He recalls how, as a young man, he turned his back on his military career and took a job as a janitor in Nashville to be closer to Country music.

“That was around the same time I borrowed a helicopter to land on Johnny Cash’s lawn and try to sell him some songs. My mother wrote me a letter disowning me for embarrassing the family. Cash read it and joked, ‘Isn’t it nice to get a letter from home’.”

We digress. I look around the room. On the grand piano are framed photos of John F Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Rose. Family photos.

The ambassadorial residence could be any home, with its family photos. Jean Kennedy Smith played no small part in the coming together of

The Good Friday Agreement, under the tenure of Bill Clinton. She died in June, 2020 aged 92.

Kristofferson and I talk about his talking country blues To Beat The Devil which, I suggest, offers an eloquent protest against the defeatist notion that music cannot change anything. At the Olympia that week in 1995, the legendary singer introduced it by saying: “I ain’t saying I beat the devil, but I drank his beer for nothin’ and then I stole his song.”

An appropriate epitaph, I suggest. Music has always been an intricate part of my life. Perhaps, even changed me in some good ways.

(Me And Bobby McGee has always been my party piece.

Ask anyone. Even sang it on stage at Ashford Castle).

Kris Kristofferson helped me, many of us, back in the day, make it through the nights.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

9

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

Have your say on the future of outdoor recreation in County Kilkenny!

Photo by Maeve Kelly The County Kilkenny Outdoor Recreation Committee (CKORC) invites all residents and visitors to share their experiences and ideas for outdoor activities in the region.

A new questionnaire is being launched to gather public opinions, which will inform the development of a comprehensive County Kilkenny Outdoor Recreation Action Plan, shaping the future of outdoor recreation in the area.

Outdoor recreation in County Kilkenny offers a wide variety of activities in natural settings such as forests, rivers, hills, and parks. These include popular pastimes like walking, canoeing, rowing, stand-uppaddleboarding, mountain biking, orienteering, and wild swimming. Venues such as beaches, lakes, rivers, mountains, parks and forests offer locals and tourists countless ways to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the county. However, it’s important to note that more formal activities like golf, soccer/GAA, or motorsports (scrambler bikes, speedboats) are not part of this action plan, as the focus is on activities directly linked to the informal natural environment.

The insights gathered through the questionnaire will help CKORC develop a vision and action plan to improve and expand outdoor recreation options in County Kilkenny that are environmentally sustainable.

The plan aims to cater to the needs of both current users and future generations, of all abilities, and ensure that the region’s natural resources are managed responsibly and sustainably. The development of this plan will be based on three core areas: 1. **Where outdoor recreation takes place**: The action plan will assess the current locations and resources available for outdoor activities, including parks, rivers, forests, and other natural areas. It will also address the infrastructure and accessibility needed to enhance these spaces. A key consideration will be how to balance the preservation of natural environments with increased use for recreation.

2. **How people participate**: The CKORC is focused on increasing awareness and creating more opportunities for outdoor recreation. The action plan will look at how best to support the involvement of locals and visitors alike, ensuring that outdoor activities are accessible, enjoyable, and well-promoted

throughout the region.

3. **Managing outdoor spaces**: Proper management of outdoor recreation areas is essential for sustainability and longterm success. The action plan will incorporate the perspectives of landowners, activity providers, and participants, while also considering the role of outdoor recreation in tourism. The plan will also work to improve local expertise, and support the local economy through increased outdoor activity tourism. An outdoor recreation forum will also be developed to help realise the Action Plan.

This is a chance for you to help shape the future of outdoor recreation in County Kilkenny. Whether you’re an avid walker, a kayaker, or someone who simply enjoys spending time outdoors, your opinion matters. By participating in the questionnaire, you can directly influence the development of outdoor spaces and activities that make County Kilkenny a great place to live and visit.

Cllr. John Brennan

The closing date for taking part is Friday October 18th.

For more information and to participate in the survey, please visit www. kilkennyoutdoors.com

10

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

News

David wants to help parents deal with child anxiety

A new nationwide tour by Clinical Psychologist and Ireland’s most followed parenting expert David Coleman starting aims to reframe anxiety for children and teenagers as a normal part of their lives that can be regulated rather than something to be eliminated.

Dr Coleman, who specialises in working with children, teenagers and their families in this area, will visit venues around the country to offer concrete and practical tips to adults on how to help children deal with the stresses and pressures in their lives.

He will speak at the Kilkenny's Watergate on October 23 and Carlow's Visa. On November 7.

David Coleman performed a sell-out show in the Siamsa Tire Theatre in Kerry in September 2023, on this theme of helping children and teenagers to cope with anxiety. Incorporating an hour long presentation and a 30 minute audience Q&A, and receiving rave reviews from au-

dience members, decided to take the show on the road. Starting in Co Clare in October, David will also head to Donegal, Galway, Westmeath, Sligo, Limerick, Waterford, Cork, Louth, Kilkenny and Dublin before finishing up in Carlow in November.

Delivered with his usual blend of expert knowledge, common sense, sensitivity and humour, David hopes this new tour will help those living or working with children to understand ‘anxiety’ better, as a feeling rather than an illness or mental health issue.

"We all need to be able to get anxious to stay safe, but sometimes teenagers and children can get so anxious that it prevents them from doing regular things in their everyday life," he said.

From his many years of working both in the HSE and now in private practice, in addition to his successful TV shows, three parenting books and being the mostfollowed Irish parenting expert with over 130,000 followers on Instagram.

Women's ­Council on urgent action women trapped in sex-for-rent

The National Women's ­Council (NWC) has called on the Government and the Justice ­ Minister to prioritise legislation outlawing "sex for rent” exploitation in Ireland.

The organisation has called for the legislation as a "matter of urgency before a general election”.

The NWC is brief politicians at Leinster House, highlighting its findings that exploitation is widespread across the country.

The report, published in May, recommends that landlords engaging in this form of exploitation should be criminalised, including in cases when they propose such an arrangement and it is refused by the tenant.

NWC director Orla O'Connor said that women in precarious housing situations (and their children) were "being forced to choose between sexual exploitation and abuse and home-

lessness”.

"This dire situation is facing women across the country, rural and urban, yet despite repeated promises from gov­ ernment, there is still no legislation in place to tackle this abhorrent form of exploitation,” she said.

Ms O'Connor added the effect this had on women could not be overstated, making the place they should feel safest, their home, "a place of sexual exploitation”.

She said the Government had been aware of this issue for years and legislation to combat it had been due to be included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill.

Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan drafted legislation to tackle the practice in March 2022, but it was rejected after pre-legislative scrutiny.

Oireachtas Competition aims to encourage youth on democracy The Oireachtas Essay Competition aims to encourage young people across the island of Ireland to reflect on the importance of the democratic process and find their place within it.

This year’s Essay theme is: ‘Parliamentary Politics Liberates’ or ‘An tSaoirse agus an Pholaitíocht Pharlaiminteach’.

The theme draws its inspiration from the life and career of ‘The

Liberator’, Daniel O’Connell, the 250th anniversary of whose birth occurs in 2025.

The launch will be addressed

by Professor Patrick Geoghegan of the Department of History in TCD, author of a two-volume biography of O’Connell. Professor Geoghegan joins the team of Expert Judges who will have the final say on which essays secure prizes in the Competition.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

11

Advertisement

12

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Six things I am going to miss about France Being asked for directions while holidaying in La Belle France was a surprise. At first, I took it as a compliment, maybe I looked like a Frenchwoman, with that chic, je ne sais quoi air. But non, what made me look like a local was the fact that I was carrying a baguette, that emblem of life in France.

It set me thinking about some of the enviable things that I am going to miss back at home and wondering why we can’t import some of them. We have lots of great things going for us in Ireland but there are some things about French lifestyle that make it a pleasure. Some can’t easily be copied, like the price of French property for instance, around a third or even a quarter of the inflated cost of homes in Ireland or the State support for childcare but I am talking about everyday things.

Take bread for instance.

Why is their bread so deliciously different from the pallid stuff that we pass off as French bread? My favourite is not a baguette but a ‘tradition’, a chunky loaf with a wonderful caramelised brown crust made without preservatives from the four ingredients allowed

by French law – flour, water, salt and yeast. It’s the flour – French flour from French grain that gives the bread it’s distinctive crunch, creamy internal texture. It’s softer flour than ours and is numbered, Type 55 to 65 for baguettes, and the higher the number the more wholemeal content.

There simply isn’t an Irish equivalent for La Place, that square which is the centre of social life in villages and towns, often graced with a central fountain or statue and ideal for outdoor café seating and markets. We didn’t plan for them in the

past but given all those homes we are meant to be building, why not put some social soul, in the form of squares, in housing developments?

Given that Ireland is famous for its beef and dairy industry how come we don’t get to enjoy the melt-inthe-mouth veal available on French menus and in butchers? It’s complicated, apparently. Although the thousands of bull calves born here each year are useless for the dairy industry, they get exported mainly to the Netherlands and Belgium, the bulk of them to a supplier of calves for three-month-old white veal and six-month-old rose veal, while the market here hasn’t been developed.

Also, there is the issues of seasonality, calves are born during a peak six to eight weeks spring period in the dairy industry so there isn’t

Further funding announced by Cllr Joe Lyons Earlier this week, Cllr Joe Lyons welcomed the funding announcement for sports clubs across the country. Now under the Clàr programme Cllr Lyons welcomes further funding for two local clubs.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas. The programme is divided into three measures, which cover the different initiatives supported by the scheme, where the promotion is for investment in rural areas that are under populated.

Under Measure 1 of the 2024 initiative, grants from €5,000 to €50,000 are being provided to support the development of community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more, and it is under this measure that two Windgap clubs were successful in their bid for financial assistance.

Windgap

Hurling Club, who have recently launched impressive plans for a state of the art GAA sports complex, the sum of €38,307 will be put to good use. The Club plan works will include tarmac rendering to the driveway and parking area.

Another Windgap facility, Windgap Handball Club was also successful with €29,419 to alleviate the costs

of the external insulation of two outside walls at the alley. Windgap Hand ball Club is one of the Clubs in the County that are hosting the World Handball Games.

Cllr Joe Lyons said this funding coming through Minister Heather Humphrey's Office is so important in assisting rural Clubs to not only develop new projects, it also provides the finances required to maintain and further develop existing facilities. It is further proof of National Government assisting Local Councils to support all communities under their stewardship.

Measure 1 is administered by Local Authorities in consultation with local communities and applications are only accepted directly from Local Authorities.

Cllr Lyons also expressed his availability and willingness in assisting any entities to seek assistance or funding through any of the many grant schemes being operated by local or national Government agencies.

continuity of supply. Maybe there is an opportunity to create demand here and supply it, especially considering that herd numbers

“I was carrying a baguette, that emblem of life in France...

need to be reduced.

Still on food, never far from mind in France, Le Formule is a great practice in bistros and restaurants.

Basically, it’s the special of the day for a two or three course meal at a price designed to tempt customers.

One special I enjoyed at a canal-side bistro offered a main of delicious veal in a thyme scented sauce, with chips and salad followed by a choice of three deserts including crème caramel at €13.50. It’s the kind of deal that makes eating out an affordable pleasure and perhaps similar offerings (unlikely to be at similar prices alas) might lure more customers to our beleaguered restaurant trade where more than 200 restaurants have closed this year.

Weekly markets in France, held on a different day in each town, are popular social occasions,

with farm-to- fork produce at great prices and combining retail therapy with bargain fashions and useful household items. You never know what you might find, like the onesie nightwear with sequinned eyes to ward off the evil eye and probably the husband as well.

The local Traiteur is another thing that I’ll miss.

As the name suggests they offer treats with seriously good meat, pates, cheeses, ready-made dishes, salads.

Like Alladin’s Cave for foodies.

One thing I won’t miss are French closing times, where everyone, from lock keepers to the clerks in railway offices (how to buy a ticket?), close for a threehour lunch and shops close for unpredictable half and whole days.

But then the French have to have time to enjoy the above mentioned delights?

Reduce cholesterol naturally with Zerochol Cardio+ CLAIR WHITTY

High cholesterol levels are just one of the risk factors for strokes and heart attacks.

Thankfully, in many cases you can reduce cholesterol levels with dietary and lifestyle changes and the addition of one or two supplements. This approach has worked for me in the past, but I have to keep working at it because it is so easy to fall back into bad habits. And I have done that again, but the recent campaign run by the Irish Heart Foundation, Her Health Matters, was just the trigger for me to be start again.

So I am back on the Zerochol Cardio +. I had started this earlier in the year and for various reasons I didn’t continue with my cholesterol lowering plan. I have had fantastic feedback about it since I spoke to you last and am even more encouraged to try it properly this time.

So how does Zerochol® Cardio+ help? It’s a natural and powerful supplement with 1500mg of plant sterols,2.83mg of red yeast rice extract, 15mg of CoQ10, and vitamin B1.

It has been clinically proven to lower LDL cholesterol and maintain healthy heart function. The supplement's effectiveness is due to the combined action of plant sterols and monacolin K, both of which have EFSA-approved health claims for reducing LDL cholesterol. Zerochol® Cardio+ is an easy and convenient way to keep your cholesterol levels in check. You only need two tablets per day with your evening meal. It’s suitable from age 18-70 years. If you are on statin medications consider the original Zerochol Plant Sterols instead.

For overall heart health in addition to Zerochol you should look to increase your levels of Omega-3 as they have

been shown to reduce triglycerides. These are a major risk factor for heart disease. Omega 3 may help reduce cholesterol, and high blood pressure too.

Increase foods rich in omega 3 especially oily fish or take an Omega 3 supplement like Eskimo Omega 3 Fish Oil. Healthy foods include: oats, oat bran, porridge, good quality wholemeal brown bread, apples, chia seeds, flax seeds, lecithin, garlic, oily fish, nuts, cider vinegar, avocado, beetroot, hawthorn tea, and artichoke. Reduce alcohol, processed foods, saturated fat, sugar, and smoking.

These are just some of the tips and supplements to help you keep your cholesterol levels at a healthy heart number.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

13

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

“Repair to Care”, textile and clothing Repair Day a celebration of creativity and climate action Photograph by Ross Costigan Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come join us for a day full of creativity, learning, and positive change! Let’s make a difference, one stitch at a time!

Join Kilkenny Arts Office from 10am to 4pm on Saturday October 19th, International Repair Day, for a Repair to Care, textile and clothing mending and repair day in St Canice’s Community Hall. The event is free and dropin, so there is no need to book, just turn up and join in.

This fun and interactive event is all about inspiring positive changes that benefit both you and the planet. Let’s dive into the world of repair, reuse, and creativity, while learning how our everyday choices can help tackle climate change. Whether you're a seasoned sewer or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Throughout the day we will have live repair demonstrations in leatherwork, crochet and basic clothing alterations.

See how you can transform your wardrobe with crochet hacking, repurposing and other techniques. Bring your own clothes that need mending and join other like-minded

individuals to sit, sew and chat - you’ll be in good company! Meet past participants of our community textile workshops, who will share their experiences as nonprofessionals. They’ll showcase their achievements and prove that anyone can pick up these skills with a bit of practice.

For any embroiderers out there please join us to contribute your stitches to our large community sampler featuring beautiful motifs relating to textiles, mending, and the natural world. This collective artwork will be a testament to the power of community and collaboration.

For beginners there will be plenty of embroidery hoops for learning basic stitches and practice.

Presentations on the day will include Claire Downey from the Rediscovery Centre who will join us to give a talk on Making Fashion Circular, helping us to uncover what's in our fashion, where it comes from and where it goes. Also

giving us an opportunity to chat about the choices we can make to reduce consumption through prevention, reuse and repair. Local writer Alice Bennet will read to us a beautiful and thoughtprovoking article written by award-winning climate action writer, Lynn Buckle exploring the importance of climate action, community involvement and the connections between our behaviours and the natural word.

And last, but certainly not least, come and be inspired by our call to action banners which will form the back drop to the event. These empowering banners, created by artists Lisa Hodge and Carrie Lynam, have been designed and created using only recycled materials and convey positive messages for positive changes that we can all make.

We look forward to welcoming you on October 19th to this fun and free day of sewing and conversation. Take time out to learn new skills and an understanding of how each of us can have a positive impact on climate change.

This event is designed and organised by Kilkenny Arts Office and supported by Vincents Charity Shop, the Arts Council and Kilkenny County Council’s Environmental Awareness Department

€33 million investment to secure water supply for Kilkenny City - McGuinness A greener future: 10,000 trees to be planted at Troyswood Water Treatment Plant as part of sustainable project initiative Deputy John McGuinness has welcomed a substantial investment into the future of Kilkennys water supply

by Uisce Éireann.

The completion of a major €33 million investment in Kilkenny City securing the water supply for future generations and enabling growth and development in the area was officially marked

on Thursday.

Deputy John McGuinness said, "This is a positive investment in Kilkenny as the project has significantly increased the capacity of the existing Troyswood Water Treatment Plant, establishing it as the main water treatment facility for over 28,000 people across Kilkenny City, ensuring a more secure and reliable water supply for the region."

"I want to commend all involved, particularly those involved on the ground

during construction as this is an extensive expansion and upgrade of the existing plant, construction of a new raw water intake from the river Nore, pumping facilities as well as delivering an interconnecting 2.9km water main from Troyswood to the Radestown site," said Deputy McGuinness.

An event to mark completion of the works took place this week led by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minster of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform

and supported by Deputy John McGuinness, Mayor Andrew McGuinness, LeasChathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Peter Cleere, local councillors, and representatives from Uisce Éireann and Kilkenny County Council.

Speaking at the event Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director with Uisce Éireann said: "I’m delighted to be here to celebrate the completion of this critical project for the

people of Kilkenny City and surrounding areas. Delivery of this project was essential to reduce the risk of water quality issues and provide the necessary capacity to support growth and development in Kilkenny. Access to safe and secure water is not just a necessity; it is a foundation for health, prosperity, and a sustainable future.

The team behind this project took immense pride in their work, with key focus on ensuring the continued provision of safe, clean drinking water to local homes and businesses. As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver sustainable water supplies across Ireland, we have embedded principles of repurposing, reusing, and efficiency into the design of this major upgrade which is set in the picturesque valley of the river Nore.

Additionally, we are excited to announce the upcoming planting of 10,000 native trees at the Troyswood site.

Delivering an upgrade of this scale while remaining environmentally conscious, ensuring there is sufficient water supply for much-needed growth, have been our top priority".

Commenting on the importance of this investment to the people of Kilkenny, Malcolm Noonan TD, Minster of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform said: ‘It is encouraging to see

the benefits of our ongoing commitment to invest in critical water infrastructure now coming to fruition.

Secure, sustainable water supplies are essential for our growing populations and thriving businesses.

After many years on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, Kilkenny’s drinking water supply is now up to standard and fit for the future of our growing city and region. I want to acknowledge the collaboration and dedication the project required and congratulate everyone involved in reaching this important milestone.”

Mayor Andrew McGuinness said, "this is a great day for the future of Kilkennys water supply and future generations.

It is a massive investment and something we will all benefit greatly from. I was delighted to participate in marking the official completion as Mayor of Kilkenny.

The multimillion-euro upgrade also involved decommissioning of the Radestown Water Treatment Plant, along with upgrade works at Radestown Reservoirs. It facilitated removal of all those supplied by the Radestown Water Treatment Plant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of at-risk water supplies.

The works were delivered

by Glanua on behalf of Uisce Éireann and supported by Ryan Hanley.

14

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

News

SPECIAL REPORT

International healthcare professionals strengthen health and disability sector

Resilience Healthcare is proud to announce the successful integration of international healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds into Ireland’s health and disability sector. These dedicated individuals, originating from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and cultural diversity to their roles, significantly enriching the care provided to service users across the country.

These international team members have quickly become an integral part of the Resilience Healthcare family. Their journey to Ireland is a testament to their commitment to providing high quality care and support

for people with disabilities.

Emmanuel, who has been with Resilience Healthcare for nearly three years, highlights the supportive environment: “Working with Resilience Healthcare is great. The setup is good, and the engagement between staff and management is so cordial.

There’s a strong support system here.”

For many, like Cathy and Hillary from Zimbabwe, the transition to working in Ireland has been smooth and welcoming. Hillary said: “The welcome we received here with the staff was great, so it made it easy to settle. We are very happy. No problems so far!” Cathy added: “Resilience Healthcare is like my family here in Ireland. Even though

I came here not knowing anyone, the staff has been incredibly supportive.”

Resilience Healthcare has established a successful collaboration with MMA Recruitment, who are also part of the Broadlake family group, to address the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals in Ireland.

Through this partnership, international workers from various countries are being recruited to join the health and disability sector, bringing diverse experiences and expertise. MMA Recruitment plays a crucial role in facilitating the transition of these professionals to Ireland, providing support with accommodation, transport, and integration into the workplace.

These healthcare professionals bring a unique perspective and a deep passion for caregiving, which is making a significant difference in the lives of those they support. China, originally from Nigeria, has found great fulfilment in his role. “Care is a job I have great passion for. Back in Nigeria, I cared for my grandmother until she passed away. Here, I am doing what I love—working with people with disabilities and making a real positive impact.”

China’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Within just a year, he has become a Key Worker, building strong, trusting relationships with the service user he supports.

“It was tough at first, but now

I have developed a deep understanding of the behaviours and needs of the service user.

It’s a meaningful job, and I am so happy to be part of this team.”

Resilience Healthcare remains committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all staff. Many of our international team members, like China, are pursuing further qualifications such as the QQI Level 6 certificate, to continue enhancing their skills and knowledge in the field.

Michelle Long, Director of Services at Resilience Healthcare, emphasised the significance of the growing global work force.

“Our international team

members bring invaluable experiences and perspectives that enrich our Services and the lives of our Service Users. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and are committed to supporting their professional growth and integration into Irish society.”

Looking Ahead As Resilience Healthcare continues to expand, the contributions of international team members are expected to play a crucial role in the organisation’s growth. Their stories of dedication and passion for caregiving serve as an inspiration, and their positive impact on the lives of service users and the broader community is expected to continue well into the future.

€83 million paid in claims for private psychiatric care by Vhi Ireland’s leading health insurance provider, Vhi, has released new data which highlights the continued demand for private mental health services in Ireland, particularly among women and young people. Vhi claims figures, released to coincide with recent World Mental Health Day, show that 32% of admis-

sions to a private psychiatric hospital were for members under the age of 30.

The figures also show that there continues to be a disparity between the number of women accessing services compared to men, with over 63% of all mental health related claims in 2023 made by women.

Since 2019 claims for psychology and counselling services have increased significantly, testament to the growing range of therapies, treatments and services available to Vhi members.

Vhi policyholders can choose from a large network of mental health providers, Claims for private psychiatric

care continue to increase and Vhi have paid out just over €83million for care received in 2023, up from €74.5 million in 2022. Since 2019 there has been a 21% increase in the number of Vhi members who made claims for admission to private psychiatric hospital.

Vhi is committed to acces-

sibility of care for members through the elimination of travel and time constraint barriers. Remote care, which has been available to Vhi members since 2021, enables members to access psychiatric care from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Vhi members are increasingly making use of

this service and, in 2023, 24% of Vhi members who claimed for private psychiatric facilities (26% in the under 30 age group) availed of this service.

Vhi has also seen a significant rise in the number of members utilising online GP services, with a 53% increase in visits between 2021 and 2023.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

15

News

Buongiorno, Kilkenny!

Newly Opened Scalini Italian Restaurant On Kieran’s St, Serves Up Italian Perfection in Kilkenny’s Heart

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 90

'Are we being swept along?'

Scalini Italian Restaurant, the newest gem in Kilkenny, is already making waves in Kilkenny's culinary scene just two weeks after opening its doors.

This much-needed addition to the city's dining landscape offers an irresistible blend of exceptional Italian cuisine, great value, and a charming atmosphere that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy.

At the helm of Scalini are owners Fabio and Claire, whose passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality shines through every aspect of the restaurant. The kitchen is expertly managed by executive chef Antonio, bringing years of experience and genuine Italian culinary traditions to Kilkenny. Under his skilled guidance, the restaurant delivers an authentic taste of Italy with every dish.

Nestled in a beautifully refurbished space, Scalini boasts a warm, 1950s-inspired interior that seamlessly combines rustic charm with modern elegance. The large panelled glass facade invites passersby to peek into the vibrant world within, where wooden cladded and deep green painted walls and an open kitchen concept allows guests to witness culinary magic in action. From handcrafted pastas to original, handmade Italian pizzas, every dish at Scalini is a testament to authentic

Italian flavours, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients by Chef Antonio and his talented team. The diverse menu caters to all tastes, ensuring that everyone can indulge in a true taste of Italy.

Perfect for intimate dinners or small gatherings, Scalini's main terrace restaurant accommodates up to 24 guests, offering an ideal setting for celebratory meals or business lunches. As the weather warms, diners can also enjoy al fresco meals in the cosy outdoor seating area.

Complementing the exquisite food is a carefully curated selection of wines and signature cocktails, served with the warmth and hospitality that Italy is famous for. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a family feast, Scalini promises an unforgettable dining experience that combines the joy of good food, the pleasure of fine wine, and the comfort of a welcoming atmosphere. Don't miss out on Kilkenny's newest culinary destination. Scalini is now open for lunch and dinner, inviting food lovers to embark on a gastronomic journey through Italy, right in the heart of Kieran Street.

Buon appetito! For reservations or more information, visit www.scalini.ie to book a table online. Now taking group bookings for Christmas parties. For parties of 6 or more please call Fabio or Claire at 086 241 5856.

16

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

New CAT threshold rates as easy as A, B, C The Budget introduced changes to the Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) thresholds, marking the first major adjustments in five years. CAT is a tax on gifts and inheritances that many individuals will face on receipt, now exacerbated by the rising property values across Ireland.

Thresholds were increased across the three major groups used to determine the tax-free amount a beneficiary can receive and is determined on their relationship to the person providing the gift or inheritance: Group A: Includes children, stepchildren, adopted children, and certain foster children. The threshold has been increased from €335,000 to €400,000.

Group B: Includes siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and other lineal descendants. The threshold rises from €32,500 to €40,000.

Group C: Covers all other individuals, such as cousins, uncles, and aunts. The thresh-

old goes from €16,250 to €20,000.

Any inheritance or gift amount over these thresholds is taxed at a rate of 33%.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers [pictured acknowledged that: “These changes reflect the reality of increased property values, particularly in family estates, and are a move to alleviate some of the pressures faced by those inheriting property’” The changes have been widely welcomed. Kate Russell, a solicitor in the Property and Probate Department of Comyn Kelleher Tobin, said: “Estate planning is highly personal and often complex. With the new thresholds, it is more important than ever to seek professional advice to ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimising the tax burden for beneficiaries.”

Alison McHugh, EY Ireland’s Head of Private Client Services, echoed these sentiments. “The increase in the Group A threshold for family transfers to €400,000 will be especially welcomed. The changes to Group B and Group C thresholds are long overdue, and their increases provide much-needed relief,” she said.

In tandem with the increased thresholds, there are other exemptions that can further reduce or eliminate the tax burden. For instance, gifts or inheritances from spouses or civil partners still remain fully exempt from CAT. Additionally, under the Small Gifts Exemption, individuals can

receive up to €3,000 a year from any person without triggering tax liabilities.

The introduction of a sixyear “active farmer” test for those availing of agricultural relief also offers extra reductions on CAT for agricultural property, but the donor must now meet specific criteria to qualify.

Should you receive a gift or inheritance its important to know when the tax deadline for payment, as all gifts and inheritances with a valuation date in the 12-month period ending on August 31 must be paid and filed by October 31 of that year. That means that if you inherit between January and August, you must pay by October 31 of the same year.

But if you inherit between September and December, you will not have to pay the inheritance tax bill until October 31 in the following year.

If you receive a gift or inheritance, you are responsible for paying any Capital Ac-

quisitions Tax. If you are not resident in Ireland, you must get an agent who is resident in Ireland, such as a solicitor, to take responsibility for the payment of CAT. If you do not file a tax return and pay the tax by October 31 there is a late filing charge.

This is 5% if you delay two months or less and 10% after that with late-payment interest charges of 0.0219% a day will also apply – equivalent to 8% a year) Estate planning continues to be a complex and highly personal process, and beneficiaries and donors alike must stay informed about thresholds, exemptions, and relief policies to ensure they can effectively manage their tax liabilities. Professional advice is paramount to ensure that estate planning aligns with the new regulations while minimising financial burdens on families. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

17

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

Sewerage grant aid schemes & housing developments in North Kilkenny Local Fine Gael Cllr John Brennan has stated that grants in relation to Group Sewerage Schemes needs to be increased. At present the rule states that in order to qualify for the grant aid, a cluster of 25 houses are required in an area. Cllr Brennan stated that this rule means that people living in rural areas with a group of 8 to 10 houses will not qualify for the grant aid. In a lot of cases the private septic tanks are not working or fit for purpose and because they live in a housing estate with only 8 houses they cannot apply to avail of the grant under current rules. Cllr Brennan has made representations to the Government and has requested that the rules that apply to this scheme are changed as a matter of urgency. Cllr Brennan stated that if the Government are genuine about protecting our environment then the Government needs to take action and ensure that people living in rural towns and villages can apply to avail of this grant.

Cllr Brennan has also welcomed the new housing development for Castlecomer.

He stated that this development is a new and exciting phase of development for Castlecomer Town. The new Development is a mix of 21- 3 bedroom Duplex apartments, 3- two storey terraced houses and 6 - one bedroom apartments. It will also feature public open spaces as well as access points onto high street and the Ballinakill road for vehicles and access points on to Love Lane for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cllr Brennan stated that this is fantastic news for Castlecomer Town.

Cllr. John Brennan

Cllr. John Brennan

Public talk about the Puffins of the Skellig Michael Tuesday 15th of October, Club House Hotel Kilkenny at 8pm In the summer of 2000, Catherine Merrigan took a rough boat ride out to the rocky island of Skellig Michael off the coast of County Kerry to begin her new job as a guide.

Almost alone on the dark and mystical island that first night, she realised she had made a big mistake and decided she would leave the next morning. A massive storm blew up though and she couldn't leave for five days; whereupon, in fact, she stayed. Catherine has spent six months of every year since showing visitors this magical isle, and hanging out with her beloved puffins - 10,000 breeding pairs which she likes to say she counts every night, by name. Here is a one of a kind insight into life on this dramatically beautiful, monastic sanctuary, laden with a millennium and a half of some of Ireland's richest history, and in the company of a hundred thousand nesting birds. Told with love and passion, Catherine's anecdotes are interspersed with her photos of 'Charlie Chaplin' puffins, Skellig's dramatic staircases, and much more.

For more information contact Liam Heffernan 087 2120201

18

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

News Science & Wellbeing

How a banana a day can keep the doctor away 1. Rich in nutrients Bananas contain a fair amount of carbs, water, fibre, and antioxidants but little protein and no fat.

One medium banana contains: Calories: 112 Fat: 0 grams (g) Protein: 1 g Carbs: 29 g Fibre: 3 g Vitamin C: 12% of the Daily Value (DV) Riboflavin: 7% of the DV Folate: 6% of the DV Niacin: 5% of the DV Copper: 11% of the DV Potassium: 10% of the DV Magnesium: 8% of the DV 2. May improve blood sugar levels Bananas are rich in soluble fibre. During digestion, soluble fibre dissolves in liquid to form a gel. This may also contribute to a banana’s sponge-like texture.

Unripe (green) bananas also contain resistant starch, a type of fibre that your body does not digest.

Together, these two types of fibre may help moderate your blood sugar levels after meals and regulate your appetite by slowing the emptying of your stomach.

This means that despite their higher carb content, bananas may not cause major spikes in blood sugar levels in people who don’t have diabetes.

However, for those who have diabetes, eating a large portion in one sitting may cause blood sugar levels to rise too high, so it’s best to stick to one banana at a time.

3. May support digestive health Dietary fibre has been linked to many health benefits, including improved digestion.

Resistant starch, the type of fibre found in unripe banan-

as, is a prebiotic. Prebiotics escape digestion and end up in your large intestine, where they become food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut (probiotics).

What’s more, pectin — a fibre found in both ripe and unripe bananas — may help prevent constipation and soften stools.

Some test-tube studies even suggest that pectin may help protect against colon cancer, although further research in humans is needed to learn more about this possible benefit.

4. May aid weight loss No study has directly investigated the effects of bananas on weight loss. However, bananas have several attributes that could make them a weight-loss-friendly food.

Bananas have relatively few calories — just over 100 calories in an average banana — but are nutritious and filling.

They’re also packed with dietary fibre and resistant starch, which may help you feel full longer and therefore reduce the frequency and size of your meals.

If you’d like to include unripe bananas in your diet, try using them as you’d use plantains.

5. May support heart health Potassium is a mineral that’s vital for heart health and especially for blood pressure management. However, few people get enough potassium in their diet.

Bananas are a great source of potassium, with a medium banana providing 10% of the DV. A potassium-rich diet could help lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk of hypertension. A 2017 study in mice also suggests that potassium may lower the risk of heart disease by 27% .

PHOTO: Charles Deluvio / Unplash

Additionally, bananas contain 8% of the DV for magnesium, another important mineral for heart health.

Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and high levels of fats in the blood.

Therefore, it’s essential to get enough of this mineral from either your diet or supplements.

6. Full of antioxidants Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary antioxidants, and bananas are no exception.

They contain several types of potent antioxidants  , including flavonoids and amines.

These antioxidants are linked to many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and macular degeneration.

Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage to your cells caused by free radicals. If you do not consume enough antioxidants, free radicals can build up over time and cause harm if their levels become high enough in your body.

7. May help you feel fuller The soluble fibre in bananas may help keep you full by adding bulk to your digestive system and slowing digestion.

Additionally, bananas are relatively low in calories for their size.

Combined, the low calorie and high fibre content of bananas make them a more filling snack than some

other options, such as processed or sugary boxed snacks.

Protein is filling, but bananas are low in this macronutrient. For a hungerreducing snack, you can try eating a sliced banana with a protein-rich food such as Greek yogurt or blending a banana into a protein shake.

8. May improve insulin sensitivity when unripe Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor in several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

Studies suggest that regularly eating resistant starch may improve insulin sensitivity, making your body more responsive to the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin.

But more research is needed to investigate how the resistant starch in bananas might affect insulin sensitivity.

9. May improve kidney health Potassium is vital for healthy kidney function and blood pressure regulation.

As a great dietary source of potassium, bananas could be especially beneficial for keeping your kidneys healthy.

A 2019 study that included more than 5,000 people with early stage chronic kidney disease linked potassium with lower blood pressure and a slower progression of kidney disease.

However, some people who have late stage kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis need to restrict their potassium intake. If you fall into one of these categories, speak with a healthcare professional before increasing your potassium intake.

10. May support exercise recovery Bananas are sometimes referred to as the perfect food for athletes. This is largely due to their content of easily digested carbs along with potassium and magnesium, which act as electrolytes.

You lose electrolytes through your sweat during vigorous exercise. Resupplying your body with potassium and magnesium after sweating may reduce exerciserelated muscle cramps and soreness.

Specific research on the effects of bananas on exercise performance, cramping, and exercise recovery is lacking.

But bananas can provide excellent nutrition before, during, and after exercise.

11. Easy to add to your diet Bananas are not only healthy and tasty but also convenient.

They make a great addition to yogurt, cereal, or smoothies, and they work well as a topping for whole grain toast with peanut butter. You can even use them in place of sugar in your baking and cooking.

Bananas are also easy to transport and are usually well tolerated and easily digested. All you need to do is peel them and you’re good to go.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

19

kilkennyobserver.ie

Travel & Leisure 1. Dubrovnik, Croatia Not many people knew about Dubrovnik [pictured] before it was profiled in the Game of Thrones, but once the movie was released the town changed forever.

Visitors have clogged Old Town Dubrovnik, and cruise ships have become a usual sight, in what used to be quiet and charming, with unique architecture and plenty of history.

Unfortunately, Dubrovnik has become one of the most commercialised cities in Croatia, so if you’re hoping to enjoy an idyllic getaway in the Adriatic, away from tourist masses, you should research other locations.

Ulcinj and Herceg Novi in Montenegro are perfect alternatives to Dubrovnik, and you can get there by catching a bus from the city’s main bus station.

While the newfound popularity helped to generate revenue and provide jobs, it also generated a host of issues, from impact on infrastructure to rising prices and lower quality of life for locals.

Some note that the type of tourists who come to Dubrovnik these days aren’t necessarily those who want to learn the history and culture, but rather those who want to party.

Recently, however, the city officials announced plans to curb tourism and reclaim the city for locals many of which were driven away by skyrocketing prices and clogged streets of UNESCOlisted Old Town.

2. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland Located in the southern part of Iceland, Fjaðrárgljúfur is a spectacular, crescentshaped canyon featured in the first episode of Game of Thrones in the 8th Season, where Jon and Daenerys flew their dragons together.

Adding to the controversy, Justin Bieber filmed his

PHOTO: Dimitriy Pap / Unsplash

5 places most hit by overtourism music video in the area.

As a result, the littleknown geographic feature has become one of the most popular stops in Iceland, with many travelers coming here specifically to see the place where the famous movie was shot. Local authorities estimated that between 2015 and 2019, over 1 million tourists descended on the area, searching for the natural wonder.

To minimize the damage to the fragile environment, local environmentalists closed the canyon in 2019.

However, it hasn’t stopped some people from trying to see the place, even as fences have been put up in the area, as many have been sneaking in overnight, according to reports.

3. Santorini, Greece In recent years, Santorini has become inundated by cruise ships, which bring, the majority, of visitors to this popular Greek island.

Famous for its white architecture with blue domes in the island’s capital Fira, Santorini has been overrun with tourists for years, except previously, those who came here spent at least a few days in local hotels.

Now the trend has changed.

From May through September the narrow streets of Fira, home to some of the most beautiful views on the island, become congested with the endless foot traffic. What’s worse is that many tourists who come to Santorini on cruise ships, spend only a day here,

trying to cross several items off their bucket list before leaving.

Locals’ main gripe? Day trippers don’t generate a lot of revenue for the island.

Instead, they add to the overall congestion, which takes away from the entire atmosphere of this place.

Local vendors and businesses say that the number of day trippers has grown considerably, with fewer staying in Santorini, as more hotels sit empty now.

Luckily, Greece has roughly 6,000 islands and islets scattered around its mainland, so if you want to escape Santorini go to a less visited island.

For instance, Folegandros is Santorini’s small cousin, which boasts white-washed houses and blue-domed

churches without crazy crowds.

4. Prague, Czech Republic A newcomer on the list of places that have been loved to death by visitors, Prague has seen a steady increase in the number of tourists, which put it into the category of places where the number of tourists far outweighs the number of residents.

In 2023, 7.5 million tourists visited the city of 1.3 million residents, and many locals have complained about unruly tourists who come for pub crawls and bachelor parties, degrading the atmosphere for everyone else.

While Prague hasn’t yet reached the level of angry protests that Barcelona did, some locals voice discontent

over authorities’ inaction.

On top of that, Prague is also considerably more expensive than nearby capitals like Warsaw or Bratislava. If you are looking for a less visited destination, consider visiting Wroclaw, a hidden gem in southwestern Poland, which you can travel from Prague by train.

Prague is famous for its medieval history, but Wrocław offers a more offthe-beaten-path experience, which might be more appealing for those looking for less conventional and expensive destinations.

Wrocław is known for its vibrant and colourful buildings, charming Old Town, and beautiful Market Square.

5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Amsterdam ranks as one of the most visited cities in the world, on par with popular European capitals like Rome, Madrid, and Berlin.

Too bad Amsterdam locals think the current level is not sustainable, with many adding that tourism has hurt their neighbourhoods, as they have been inundated with visitors.

As in other popular destinations, Amsterdam locals struggle with housing affordability, because many properties are now rented out as Airbnb’s and short-term rentals because their owners chase tourism dollars.

Adding to the headache is the image of Amsterdam as the party destination, particularly because of legal drugs and the red light district.

The city is trying to shake off the old stereotype, and it has recently introduced a slew of rules, aimed at curbing the unruly visitors, some of which exhibit offensive behaviour. Still, Amsterdam needs to do some serious work, because projections show that the number of visitors is only expected to grow.

New National Park set to open in Dowth Hall, Meath The Government has secured the historic World Heritage lands of Dowth Hall and its surrounding 552-acre estate [pictured].

The new Boyne Valley Bru na Boinne National Park in Co Meath will become the seventh of its kind in Ireland, joining an exclusive club that includes only one other park in the east, the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

This significant acquisition accounts for about a third of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bru na Boinne. The financial details of the purchase remain undisclosed, although the property was on the market with a €10 million price tag.

With roots stretching back to prehistoric times, the area holds international acclaim

for its cultural significance.

Bru na Boinne earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993, celebrated alongside the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, expressed the importance of this event: “Rarely does the State get an opportunity to acquire lands of such significance. This landscape and property is of exceptional heritage importance. Here in this one place we have over 5,000 years of recorded history.

“In our care, it will significantly enhance our management of the Bru na Boinne World Heritage

landscape. We will conserve and protect Dowth’s heritage in line with our obligations to UNESCO and we will enhance responsible tourism, ensuring it becomes a standout destination,” he said.

“This purchase opens up possibilities for us to develop heritage partnerships, protect remarkable heritage and make it accessible. It is simply an outstanding opportunity for an outstanding place.”

Plans are on the drawing board as the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Office of Public Works (OPW), and the National Monuments Service gear up to protect, present, and manage a newly acquired park renowned for its

biodiversity.

The park teems with life, hosting 54 bird species, including five of high conservation concern. Eleven buttery varieties take flight here, alongside eight types of bat, and seven bee species.

Numerous mammals like foxes, badgers, hares, rabbits, shrews, and red deer also find safe haven within its bounds.

Currently, Ireland boasts several national parks, including Wicklow Mountains National Park in Wicklow, Killarney National Park in Kerry, Connemara National Park in Galway, Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park in Mayo, Barren National Park in Clare, and Glenveagh National Park in Donegal.

20

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Walk, don’t walk ... and the price of a pint The sum of €5.60. That’s the price of my pint in my local. My ‘poison’ is a pint of Rockshore lager. If I head out the door, walk twenty yards to my left that pint will cost me €6.10. Should I head up town, about half way up High Street, that pint will cost me €6.60. Should I motor on as far as The Parade that same pint will cost me the princely sum of €6.70. The same of €5.60 versus €6.70 is a bit of a difference – a difference that will lighten your pocket considerably should you be on the town with a few pals and imbibing in that neck of the woods.

Anyway, I mentioned the difference in the price of my pint to my drinking buddies (in my local, of course) who were not short of advice but lacking in sympathy regarding my ‘plight’, my ‘price plight’.

“Gerry,” came the first salvo, ‘Don’t be walking up town,

stay sitting on that stool and buy the missus a bit of jewellery with the money you save.”

Then, “Didn’t know you were short of a few bob, Gerry.

Should we have a whip round for you when wandering up town?” And finally: ‘I strongly recommend that you give up the drink, Ger.” To which I rapidly (for once) replied: “And deprive myself of your erudite, acerbic, caustic company?” They laughed (or was it a snigger?).

And it was while I was cogitating about the price of a pint and how it varies from pub to pub that I remembered a poster that hung in the Club House Hotel many, many years ago. The poster charted the price of a pint (Guinness) from 1900 up to 1995 and I wanted to get a copy of it.

I duly contacted Jim Brennan (the proprietor of the Club House, along with his son Ian) who knew exactly

what I was on about but didn’t have a copy. Jim, fair dues to him, contacted some friends, and sometime later I got a call saying there was a copy of said poster at reception in the Club House.

Here, dear readers, are the stats from that poster which puts the price of my pint of Rockshore Lager in perspective. And thanks again, Jim, I

owe you one. A pint, of course. Oh, Old Money, for those of us old enough to remember, was pounds, shillings and pence, pence being denoted by d. So, as best as I can translate, the price of a pint, 3d, in 1900 (all of 124 years ago) was the equivalent of 1p in our money. One penny for one pint! The good old days for sure.

The Price of a Pint 1900 – 1995 Old Money April 1900, 3d – Nov. 1914, 4d June 1916, 6d – Jan 1917, 7d April 1917, 8d – June 1917, 9d July 1918, 10d – Aug 1919, 9d Jan 1920, 12d -– April 1920, 10d May 1928, 10d – Nov 1939, 11d Oct 1947, 14d – Mar 1948, 11d Dec 1951, 12d – April 1952, 15d Nov 1955, 16d – May 1957, 17d April 1958, 18d – July 1960, 19d Jan 1962, 20d – April 1962, 22d Nov 1963, 23d – April 1964, 25d May 1965, 27d – Nov 1965, 26d Mar 1966, 29d – April 1967, 30d April 1968, 31d – Nov 1968, 35d May 1969, 37d – July 1969, 38d May 1970, 39d –

New Money 1971, 17p – 1972, 18p - 1973, 19p April 1974, 20p – Dec 1974, 23p April 1975, 26p – Dec 1975, 27p Jan 1976, 28p – Feb 1976, 33p Mar 1976, 38p – April 1977, 39p Oct 1977, 41p – July 1978, 43p Feb 1979, 47p – July 1979, 48p Feb 1980, 51p – March 1980, 53p Sep 1980, 59p – Jan 1981, 60p Feb 1981, 65p – July 1981, 75p July 1981, 77p – Nov 1981, 84p Feb 1982, 88p – Mar 1982, 92p May 1982, 95p – Sep 1982, 99p June 1989, ££1.40 – Dec 1989, £1.45 April 1990, £1.48 – Nov 1990, £1.53 Feb 1991 £1.52 – Jun 1991, £1.56 Feb 1992, £1.78 – Nov 1993, £1.83 Dec 1994, £1.88 – Nov 1995, £1.93

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

21

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

A brief history of Patterns

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Before I come to the great Pattern of Coolagh in County Kilkenny, here’s a brief history of Patterns I’ve put together. To understand the appeal of a lovely old tradition that has almost vanished from our modern world, it helps to be aware of the historical background to this peculiarly Irish day-out for the family.

Patterns have a chequered history. They pre-date Christianity, having their origins in Pagan festivals dedicated to gods of the Harvest. After St. Patrick allegedly banished the snakes from Ireland in the 6th century, he began to take a serious look at the customs that had made the Old Religion of the Irish so popular.

Having visited harvest festivals around the country and sipped a fair few goblets of wine with the chieftains and merrymakers, he allegedly ordered the new Christian clergy, who were getting used to their jobs in the priesthood, to do everything in their power to turn the fun and games around the campfires into something a bit holier and more prayerful, with less drunkenness, fewer eating binges, and, he emphasized, an end to “all this courting in the ditches, carousing in the dark, and singing songs that get the blood up.”

The Chieftains reluctantly agreed to change the format of their festivities, saying, in effect: “Okay Paddy, you win, we’ll say our prayers around the Holy wells instead, we’ll cut down on the booze and all the other joys of living-if that makes you happy- (you soand-so) and sure if you want to re-name our auld get-togethers, that’s fine, though we’d prefer to have kept our auld ways, thank you very much.”

“I’m glad we understand each other”, said Patrick, shaking the hand of a particularly big and powerful Chief somewhere in the midlands. For almost a thousand years after this, people gathered at wells associated with saintly feast-days to pray. They circled the wells, chanting with heads bowed and hands joined in pious con-

templation of the great Gospel Mysteries. But eventually, the old Irish ways began to make a comeback.

Men said to themselves: “Sure twill do no harm to take a few bottles of wine or ale along to the well and when we need a break from the prayers, we can have a drop.” Those favouring this relaxing of the “No-Alcohol at the Pattern” rule cited the turning of water into wine by God himself at a wedding party, and they won the argument.

The holy visitors to the wells were joined by throngs of less religiously inclined folk who sang, danced, and made merry for hours on end. Children were conceived at these early Patterns and the revelers consumed every known form of home brew.

The fun continued unabated until some spoilsport complained about “the poor standard of religious observance at Irish Patterns, where we can’t say our prayers with all the shouting and swearing at the wells.” In 1626, the Pope threatened to issue a Papal Bull denouncing the Patterns “if the reprobate elements were not reined in as a matter of urgency.”

The priests pleaded with their flocks to desist from unseemly behaviour at the Holy Wells, but their fervent ministrations and admonitions were ignored.

Heedless even of the very real prospect of a Papal Bull coming their way, the Irish defied Rome and continued to enjoy what in later years would come to be known as “The Craic.”

Loathe to get on the wrong side of their parishioners, the Irish clergy were content at first to advise from the pulpit about the “dangers to the soul” of overindulging in drink or “passions of the flesh” in the vicinity of holy wells. But by the mid 18th century many patterns had been cancelled owing to official censure from Rome, backed by local parish priests, many of who had to emerge from hiding (the English had put a price on their heads) to condemn the Patterns.

In 1761, the Bishop of Ossory, Dr. Burke, warned the people of his Diocese that they risked ending up in “The Devil’s back garden” unless they ceased their “desperate carry-on at the A typical Pattern Scene in Old Ireland

St Patrick on his way to Tara

blessed wells.” His Lordship lamented the fact that Patterns had changed from being religious events that gladdened “every saint in Heaven” to becoming occasions of grave sin.

“There was a time, and not so long ago”, he thundered, “When the brethren sought, and received, cures for headaches and sore eyes by drinking the water of a holy well on Pattern day. Now we have all manner of rascals swigging liqueur at the Pattern that gives them headaches and sore eyes!”

The congregation reacted coolly to his words, though it didn’t have much time to reflect on his well-crafted sermon as a lookout shouted that the Redcoats were approaching. The Bishop-fearing that the price on his head might tempt a greedy worshipper- sprang like lightning from behind his stone pulpit in the Kilkenny countryside, mounted his stallion, and headed for the hills of Tipperary.

But the priests of the Diocese passed on his advice. They redoubled their efforts to clamp

down on patterns. In between dodging the Redcoats, and finding ever more ingenious hiding places, they mounted a ferocious attack on the ancient custom.

Patterns almost died out completely as a result, though a few survived, including the one at Coolagh that we’ll come to next week…

The 19th century Gaelic Diarist, Humphrey O’ Sul-

livan, attended a Pattern at St. James’s well, near Callan and not far from Coolagh. He made straight for the whiskey tent, where he savoured a drop or two of the Rare Old Mountain Dew. In his diary entry for September 14th, 1828, he describes the revelry and carnival atmosphere: “…There were gooseberries and currants and cherries for the children,

ginger-bread for grown girls, strong beer and maddening whiskey for wranglers and busybodies; open doored booths filled with lovers, bag-pipes and fiddlers making music for young folks and pious pilgrims making their stations around the well…”

(To be continued) My book Callan in Pictures and Words is available from Amazon.

Revelers at the great Pattern of Coolagh

22

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

The Last Word Pat Coughlan

Southern man, you better keep your head...

It was 1974. I had moved to Dublin where I had a job and got my first flat. I was getting used to Dublin, and particularly its taste for music. Being from the country I regularly got asked “What do you get when you play a country and western song backwords”? The answer of course being “you get back your wife, your dog, you cat, your car etc”.

You get the picture.

It was around this time that I heard Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

A catchy song blending elements of rock, country and blues. It was when I read the lyrics that I started asking questions. Lines like “In Birmingham they love the Governor” and “Now Watergate doesn’t bother me” did not sit well with my newfound religion, leftwing politics. A whole verse dedicated to criticising one of my heroes, Neill Young [pic-

tured], was enough to get me on research bender.

Neil Young’s song Southern Man seemed to start the ball rolling. Released in 1972 it was a bold critique of racism and the old ways of the South. Then in ‘74, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama hit back, proud and defiant. These two anthems sparked a musical row that mirrored the cultural shifts of the early ‘70s, carving out their places in rock history and leaving a lasting mark on Southern identity.

When I first heard Neil Young’s Southern Man, it felt like a powerful wake up call. The song takes no prisoners as it criticises the American South’s painful history of slavery and ongoing social injustices.

With lines like “Southern man better keep your head” and references to “white mansions and little shacks”,

Young pulls no punches.

It stirred quite a reaction; some praised its courage while others, especially in the South, felt attacked.

It’s no wonder the song still sparks conversations about racial inequality and history.

When I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Sweet Home Alabama I thought they couldn’t have picked a better way to hit back at Young’s critique of the South. The song drips with Southern pride, mixing patriotism and good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. Those catchy lyrics – “Well, I hope Neil Young will remember, a Southern man don’t need him around anyhow” – hit the nail on the head. It wasn’t just a tune; it was a statement.

Southern rock fans ate it up, loving every bit of that rebellious spirit.

The spat between Southern Man and Sweet Home

Alabama really shook things up in the rock scene.

I reckon the lyrical joust added a layer of depth we hadn’t seen before, making both cult favourites. Many artists got caught up in the buzz, weighing in through their own music and live gigs. The media coverage was something else entirely, putting a spotlight on the tensions, and suddenly, the music was more than just tunes – it was a reflection on Southern identity. This back-and-forth gave rock its soul and spurred heaps of deep conversations.

I’ve often wondered myself if the whole thing between Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd was just a big media circus. I mean, think about all the interviews where they each had something to say—were they really that riled up, or was it just what the press wanted us to see?

Battle of the Bands 2024

Don Monte

Last Sunday saw the return of ‘Battle Of The Bands’ contest after over 15 years since it last took place in the old Zoo Club on Parliament Street.

The new venue is upstairs at Hacketts Bar, Irish Town, where youngsters filled the room to hear four local bands in the first heat of the competition. Each band played a half hour set to impress judges Mickey 'Boo' Keogh, Ben Keating and Andrew McGuinness. Next week will see another set of bands trash it out for a slot in the finals that will take place on October 20th.

Infrared

The bands that competed last Sunday were The Donnys, Don Monte, Infrared and Adam Nolan.

According to organiser Andrew McGuinness all bands were fantastic and showed great versatility.

"There was a great mix of music and all of the bands really had great stage presence. It was surreal to be back in the driving seat of this contest after so long but great to see that there is still an appetite for this type of music scene for our young people," said Andrew McGuinness.

Adam Nolan Jazz

The Donny’s

Following the Zoo Reunion held just before last Christmas, where Andrew put out a call to local venues to open up their doors and ‘give young musicians a chance’, Tommy Hackett volunteered his venue for the cause. The upstairs room will be a non-alcoholic venue for the events which will include two heats and a final, kicking off on Sunday with the first four bands.

“It will be hard to reproduce what we had all those years ago in the Zoo Club but I will certainly do my best to make it happen. It

was a period in Kilkenny that we all look back on fondly, I have fantastic memories of it and to this day I still get stopped by people who want to share a memory of that time. The important thing here is to provide young musicians with that stage so they can get up there in front of a crowd and show us all what they have been doing in their sheds, garages or bedrooms,” said Andrew.

The bands taking part in Heat 2 this coming Sunday are The Harveys, Oracle Villa and Seafall. Four bands will get through to the finals.

Points will be awarded for ‘musical ability’, ‘stage presence’, ‘crowd reaction’, ‘originality’, and ‘overall performance’.

Local sponsors include Crossroads Recording Studios, Broderick’s Music Warehouse and Essaness Music.

Doors will open on Sunday at 2pm. Entry is limited as this is likely to be a sell out so it will be based on first come first served. Entry is €10 and cash only will be accepted on the door for now but plans are in place to introduce a ticketed system in the future.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

23

kilkennyobserver.ie

Art Since the first Kilkenny Observer hit the shops of Kilkenny city and county, we have strived, insofar as possible, to cover as much of Kilkenny life as possible. One such area has been our work with the arts community and we have been delighted to allocate many column inches to theatre, music and art.

Over the last couple of issues of this paper we were delighted to profile local artists such as Jeanie McDonald, Eoghan O’Driscoll, and Tia Vellani as well as highlighting artists in the Kilkenny Arts Festival.

And this week, we focus our attention on Kilkenny man Ben Lanigan, originally from Kilkenny, now studying art in Belfast.

We first highlighted Ben and his art back in 2018 when he was displaying his work on the Mayor’s walk in Kilkenny during the Arts Festival. In that issue, we described Mr Lanigan’s work as ‘unique and thought provoking,’ advising our readers that ‘there was a lot more to come from this talented artist.’ Well lo and behold our words came through. It was while flicking through the current issue of ‘The Irish Arts Review’ that we noted a page dedicated to Ben. No mean feat, and that’s for certain.

Originally from Kilkenny, Ben moved to Belfast in July 2020 to study fine art at Ulster University.

Both sides of Ben’s family are naturally creative with his grandfather Jack Lanigan known for his amateur dramatics with groups such as the Don Bosco players and the New Theatre group. Jack was also a painter in his spare time and a keen set designer.

On Ben’s maternal side of the family his grandfather Jim Cody was well known in the music circle, being one half of the ‘Wetlands Orchestra’.

The following is the text as per The Arts review…

DEGREE SHOW EXHIBITION Benjamin arrived to study at Belfast School of Art in 2020, and has just completed his Degree Show exhibition for which he received a 1st Class Honours.

His degree show paintings were an interrogation of space and perception, through which he explored imaginary worlds and the concept of liminality – spaces of ambiguity and disorientation. These liminal spaces represent very specific personal experiences and places . His artist’s statement declared: “Painting has been a way for me to navigate issues such as mental health, identity and relationships with other people in my life.”

Underpinning Ben’s painting practice is a quote by David Hockney’s sister Margaret, who once said: “Space is God.” Ben has placed this observation at the heart of his practice, commenting: “I want to convey space as if it is a higher deity, as if I am in search of understanding it. The reading I have done around Hockney clarified a lot for me, particularly when he

Kilkenny man Ben Lanigan features in arts review

Ben Lanigan photographed at his exhibition in Belfast

Ben Lanigan photographed during the Kilkenny Arts Festival 2018

Floor 8 & Central, acrylic on canvas, 117x57cm (sold)

Waiting, acrylic on canvas, 120x100cm

Wellwood Hills, acrylic on canvas, 90x42cm, (sold)

stated in 2009: ‘When you are looking at one blade of grass, you’re looking…then you see the other blades of grass, seeing more.”

Ben paints things in terms of positive and negative space, which he intends the viewer to stitch together in what he calls an ‘inner and outer’ analysis of his paintings. As well as the work of Hockney, he has studied closely the colour theories of Joseph Albers, of whom he says: “Albers experimented with defining space in a painting through illusionistic use of colour. As painters, we can endeavour to see more

with our imagination as much as our eyes. ‘Outer seeing’ involves looking at things

Sally’s Rose, acrylic on canvas, 80x80cm, (sold)

as they are, whereas ‘inner seeing’ requires imagination to supplement the outer seen world.”

Ben has made an exciting start to his painting career, and we wish him continued success in his artistic journey.

The Kilkenny Observer would like to thank Dougal McKenzie and The Irish Arts Review for permission to use the text and photos.

Dougal McKenzie is a lecturer in Fine Art, Painting, and Freelands Foundation Studio Fellowship coordinator, Belfast School of Art.

24

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Local Enterprise Offices Carlow & Kilkenny invite you Join us at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel in Carlow to hear from fellow female entrepreneurs. This event will embrace a range of themes and challenges faced by women in business and will showcase women supporting women in business.

Attending National Women's Enterprise Day is a unique opportunity for women to connect, learn, and grow. It's a chance to hear inspiring stories from successful female entrepreneurs, gain insights into overcoming business challenges, and network with like-minded women. This day is dedicated to empowering women, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where women can thrive in the business world. Don't miss this chance to be part of a community that celebrates and supports female entrepreneurship.

Date: Thursday, Oct 17th 2024 Venue: Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow

Time: Registration from 11.00am Event will commence at 11.15am Agenda: 11.00am: Event Registration 11.15am: MC Shonagh Lyons 11.20am: Welcome to Carlow 11.30am: Shonagh Lyons fireside chat with Irene Frisby, NWED Ambassador 11.50am: Key Note Address Sinead O’Brien

12.30pm: Lunch 1.20pm: Women Supporting Women Panel • Network Ireland President, Linda Codoul • Rosemary Ward, Propelor BIC • Sinead O'Brien • Kate Gaynor 2.00pm: Closing Words & Comments by Melissa Doyle, Carlow LEO Meet the Speakers MC Shonagh Lyons Shonagh hails from Wexford and prides herself on being

a yellow belly but unfortunately only knows the chorus of ‘Dancing at the Crossroads’!

She began her media career in 2007 when she landed the job of presenter on RTÉ's Saturday morning kids TV show Sattitude. She spent over two years presenting the live Saturday morning show where her job involved being gunged and gunging guests!

She went on to work as a Presenter and Researcher on various programmes for RTÉ 2 including The Buzz, Kazoo, People in Need, The Mountain and Watch Your Language. You might have also caught her on TV3's The All Ireland School’s Talent Show. Shonagh started in Beat in 2016 and since then has worked on many shows, promotions and documentaries- one of which won Bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards in 2019. Last August she joined her pal and South East radio royalty as ‘Beat Breakfast with Niall and Sho’ was launched.

Key Note Speaker – Sinead O’Brien Meet Limerick Entrepreneur Sinead O Brien, best known as Sinead’s Curvy Style. As a professional Singer & Influencer, with a total following of over 150k on

socials, Sinead took on the world of business with her Shapewear brand VACIOUS in 2021. Hitting the industry with a bang, VACIOUS has grown exponentially over the past 2 years, with an original line of Shapewear & Swimwear pieces loved by many. All crafted with unique compression formulas, aimed to help women feel more confident in their curves. On top of being one of Ireland’s top creators, Sinead started VACIOUS on her own & has mastered the art of brand building through her unique take on the fashion industry. Sinead is also one of Ireland's top influencers, who has shared her love for fashion and zest for life with her following since 2013.

Mama to Jacob, fiancé to long term partner Simon, Sinead's followers enjoy tuning in on the daily to follow her wedding plans whilst juggling being a mom and building a global brand.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

25

kilkennyobserver.ie

to celebrate National Women's Enterprise Day 2024 NWED 2024 Ambassador – Irene Frisby Irene Frisby is Managing Director of FQS, and an active QP and RP on many Irish MIAs (Manufacturers and Importers Authorisations) and WDAs (Wholesale distribution Authorisations) for both local and global companies.

Irene is a Certified Aviation Security Instructor (CIN 146) and conducts training and consultation in this area on a regular basis. Irene is actively involved on client projects on a day-to-day basis and leads a team of respected pharmaceutical and aviation security experts. With offices based in Ireland and the UK, FQS supports several leading national and international global pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, distribution companies and marketing authorisation holders. The team is

comprised of highly qualified and experienced professionals who have worked with some of the world’s leading companies.

They also collaborate closely with a dedicated team of contractor/associates.

With a strong client focus, they are here to ensure your compliance, and training needs are met with unwavering support and a friendly approach.

Meet the Panel Kate Gaynor Kate Gaynor is the Managing Director and Owner of Advanced Coatings, a specialised paint company in Carlow. It is the umbrella organisation for her two other brands, The Paint Hub and Alchemist. With a family legacy spanning three generations in the paint industry, Kate has accumulated 24 years of

experience. Notably, she was the first female in the UK to attain a Level 2 Paint Inspector qualification.

Established by her parents in 1995, Advanced Coatings has thrived under Kate's leadership since she assumed control in 2011. Her strategic initiatives within the first 18 months resulted in more than doubling the company's revenue and nearly tripling its profitability. Additionally, she initiated the expansion into decorative paints by creating The Paint Hub and cultivating an engaged social media community with over 47,000 followers. Her latest endeavour, Alchemist, represents a premium paint brand explicitly tailored for Irish homes, emphasising quality and sustainability.

Kate's dedication extends far beyond her business pursuits. She supports two local women's GAA teams and holds an MBA from SETU. Her commitment to sustainability is a business

strategy and a personal value that she embodies in her eco-friendly business practices. This commitment has solidified her position as a leading industry figure renowned for innovation and community engagement.

Rosemary Ward Rosemary Ward is Deputy CEO at Propelor (the new name for South East BIC) where she works with innovative entrepreneurs with high potential and global ambition throughout their start-up journey. She has successfully engaged with clients to access funding through business angels, venture capital and private investors as well as financial institutions and government agencies, particularly working on Enterprise Ireland’s PSSF and HPSU funding instruments. With

five years’ experience as Trade Marketing Manager with Waterford Crystal, Rosemary has more than ten years sales and marketing experience in multinational and national technology, consumer goods and retail companies. She has a B. Comm (International | Spanish) from UCD and recently completed her certification from the Digital Marketing Institute in Digital Marketing Strategy & Planning.

Linda Codoul A Business Support Specialist, Linda spent 10 years working in the banking sector before leaving in 2022 for an administration role with US healthcare company Abbott. She has a Master's in Management, a degree in Finance, and qualifications in Project Management.

She joined Network Ireland

in 2017 and was Kilkenny Branch President in 2021. ‘A Step Ahead’ is Linda’s theme for 2024 and she believes that being a member of Network Ireland will help give anyone a boost in their career. The theme for the year is ‘A Step Ahead’ - since becoming a member of this wonderful organisation she has had opportunities to do new things, been pushed outside of her comfort zone, and has grown in confidence.

Over the years, she built up a large, trusted network of people with whom she can bounce ideas around, discuss situations with, and has confidence in the advice provided. Having a support network outside of her employment and family offers a fresh perspective without bias. She firmly believes that she would not be the person she is today and that her career would not be where it is if she was not a member of Network Ireland.

26

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Gowran Little Theatre Kevina Hayes and Ann Murray play two of The Mundy sisters

Lughnasa set for Gowran stage Gowran Little Theatre is buzzing with excitement as they prepare to bring Brian Friel’s celebrated play, Dancing at Lughnasa, to the stage at Gowran Parish Hall from October 18th to 21st, 2024.

Under the skilled direction of Declan Taylor, who has over three decades of experience in theatre, the production promises to captivate audiences. “It’s an honour to direct what I believe to be one of the greatest Irish plays,” he says. “Dancing at Lughnasa offers everything a theatre-goer could hope for—drama, entertainment, and above all, five powerful female characters who yearn for love and a brighter future for themselves and each other.”

Set during the harvest season of 1936 in the rural town of Ballybeg, Donegal, Dancing at Lughnasa tells the poignant story of the five Mundy sisters as they struggle to make ends meet. The family’s household is also home to their brother Jack, a missionary priest recently returned from Africa after 25 years, and Michael, the young son of the youngest sister. Through Friel’s masterful storytelling, the play explores not only the inner lives of the sisters and their challenging circumstances, but also the broader

Well known Kilkenny actors Orna Ward and Alan Grant in rehearsals for Dancing at Lughnasa

Anne Murray, Gráinne Burke and Derek Lawler

cultural landscape—Christian and pagan—that surrounds them.

The production features a talented cast, including Peter Madden, Anne Murray, Nicola Morrissey, Kevina Hayes, Gráinne Burke, Orna Ward, Alan Grant, and Derek Lawler, making it a must-see event.

Tickets for Gowran Little Theatre’s Dancing at Lughnasa are available online at www.gowranlittletheatre. com or can be purchased in person at Glasraí & Goodies Shop on Main Street, Gowran. Be sure to get yours and experience this magical production firsthand!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

27

Advertisement

28

kilkennyobserver.ie

Castlecomer Credit Union, where modern banking meets community "The credit union was founded in 1967 by a group of local people who wanted to build something for the community," Chief Executive Gerry Reynolds tells us.

Located in the picturesque town in north Kilkenny, from a small savings and loan cooperative, Castlecomer Credit Union has grown into a modern financial institution with over €60 million in assets.

“Throughout the 60s and 70s, they slowly built it up, and we've grown steadily since."

What started as a community initiative to help local families access financial support for day to day needs has transformed into a full-service contemporary banking service,

offering everything from current accounts and digital payments to insurance solutions and school scholarships.

Known locally for its exceptional customer service, Castlecomer Credit Union has evolved alongside the community to offer every modern banking convenience for its members.

Leading the way with full-service Current Accounts Castlecomer Credit Union was one of the first branches to introduce the feature-rich current account.

Pioneering solutions that give members access to financial services, including the globally accepted MasterCard, contactless payments,

Gerry Reynolds, CEO Castlecomer Credit Union

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

The newly refurbished offices of Castlecomer Credit Union

Outside of the recently refurbished Castlecomer Credit Union

29

kilkennyobserver.ie

and seamless integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay. The current account is available to all members and offers flexibility, transparency, and a personalised approach that larger banks struggle to match.

With the current account, Castlecomer Credit Union aims to provide a full range of banking services while maintaining its long-standing commitment to community-centred, personal service. It's modern banking on the doorstep.

Reynolds explains, "The key features of our current account are quite straightforward. First, it's incredibly easy to sign up. Members receive a globally accepted MasterCard, which

can be used in-store, online, at ATMs, and for cashback. You can also make contactless payments, and it's fully compatible with all modern payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Google Wallet, and Fit Pay with 24/7 support for lost or stolen cards."

Members can now enjoy the convenience of contactless and mobile payments, overdraft facilities, and 24/7 online banking, all with a fixed transparent fee structure of €15 per quarter. Unlike many traditional banks, the Credit Union prides itself on the ease and speed of setting up an account, often completing the process within a couple of days.

According to Reynolds, "People

"At Castlecomer Credit Union, we have local people managing local finances.

This helps us understand our members and serve them better."

Castlecomer Credit Union shortlisted for two All-Ireland Credit Union awards Castlecomer Credit Union has been named a finalist in two prestigious categories at the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards 2024. The awards ceremony will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, 19th October, to coincide with National Credit Union Day. Castlecomer Credit Union is now in the running for both the Member Services Award and the Distinguished Leader of the Year Award.

The All-Ireland Credit Union Awards celebrate the dedication of staff, volunteers, and directors who contribute to making credit unions Ireland's most trusted financial institutions. These awards recognise outstanding achievements and showcase the best of the credit union community across the country.

Castlecomer Credit Union is calling on its members to cast their votes. "It's particularly meaningful because it's our members who vote. It’s based on a percentage of the total membership—so it truly reflects the level of service we provide to our community, which is our top priority," said Gerry Reynolds, CEO of Castlecomer Credit Union.

Regarding his nomination for the leadership award, Reynolds added, "It’s an honour to be recognised alongside other leaders in the sector. Win or lose, it’s still great to be nominated, and who knows—we might just get lucky!"

Members are encouraged to support their local Castlecomer Credit Union by voting online. To vote, go to www.cuawards.ie and choose Castlecomer Credit Union.

can sign up in two ways. Simply walk into our branch. If you come in to open a current account, we can set it up right there and then. There's no appointment system. Compare that to walking into any bank at the moment— they'll likely book you an appointment for two or even three weeks later. But with us, you can open the account on the spot.

The other option is to go online and sign up for a current account once you're a member, which takes about four or five minutes. We receive the online application daily and usually get back to the person the next day to confirm everything is in order. If we need fresh ID or address proof, we let them know immediately, and once that's sorted, the turnaround for the card and account is typically four days.”

Community at the heart of Castlecomer Credit Union Reynolds, originally from the west of Ireland oversees the credit union, he noticed the deep sense of community in the town. He explains, "Castlecomer is unique in that most people here are from the area. It's a tight-knit, community-based town. Our staff know the members personally, which means when someone comes in, we don't need to look at a file to know who they are."

As one of just two independent credit unions in Co. Kilkenny the organisation maintains its independence to keep in touch locally, allowing board

members to know and understand the community. "Independence means we control our own destiny...it lets us stay connected to our members in a way big banks can't," says Reynolds.

Castlecomer Credit Union is a democratic financial cooperative owned and controlled by its members.

As a not-for-profit organisation, it operates only to benefit its members.

"At Castlecomer Credit Union, we have local people managing local finances. This helps us understand our members and serve them better. If you walk in here with a question, we'll find your answer without you needing to wait on hold. I always say we can do something in 45 seconds that could take you 45 minutes in a bank! That's what makes us different—our ability to address things quickly and personally."

This Credit Union belongs to the community, and we're here for the community, their children and their children's children. We've embraced change with the view to thriving in the future.

When I joined in 2014, our assets were €36 million; it was a savings and loans operation. Since then, we've transformed. Now, we offer full banking services, everything that you'd expect to find in any high-street bank."

Just as the forebears in 1967 wanted to leave a positive and lasting legacy for the people of Castlecomer, the credit union's leadership and team take pride in ensuring that it remains a vital part of the community for generations to come.

30

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Castlecomer Credit Union

Castlecomer Credit Union expands service with new insurance products Members can now access a range of insurance options

Castlecomer Credit Union has launched a new suite of insurance products, now available to its members in Castlecomer and the common bond area. This expansion is part of a wider initiative to offer more comprehensive financial services to its members, making it easier to access car, home and travel insurance tailored to their needs.

Castlecomer Credit Union has collaborated with Marsh, the Irish League of Credit Unions, and a carefully selected panel of Irish insurers to provide CoverU, an insurance package

that includes competitive options for auto, home, and travel insurance.

A recent survey found that 60% of credit union members are looking for financial solutions that extend beyond traditional savings and loans. There are currently no insurance brokers in the community. By integrating insurance services into its offerings, Castlecomer Credit Union aims to provide members with accessible and reliable options that meet a variety of insurance needs.

Gerry Reynolds, Manager of Castlecomer Credit Union explains “We are delighted to launch a new insurance

product, CoverU. It was introduced because members here in Castlecomer and across the country have been asking for more financial services from their credit union.

We’re making it easy for our members.

They don’t have to go through the hassle of comparing insurers themselves—our insurance partners do all the legwork on their behalf.

If members are shopping for car, home, or travel insurance they can call to us. We facilitate the member’s insurance needs; the purchase process is conveniently managed online and

very straightforward.”

The new CoverU insurance is expected to enhance member experience and deliver value through personalised insurance and advice.

Castlecomer Credit Union offers members exclusive rates on a range of flexible cover and optional extras so that members can tailor the cover to fit their needs. The Credit Union has simplified the insurance process for members by handling the price comparison and working with insurers to find the best fit.

“Many people buying insurance opt

Investing in community and future Generations

Muckalee Community Shop

Newtown National School

Castlecomer Credit Union is passionate about giving back to the local community. Last year, the Credit Union proudly contributed €27,000 to various local initiatives, supporting projects such as Muckalee Community Shop and Newtown National School, which are the backbone of the town and its common bond.

Supporting young people is a key priority for the organisation.

In addition to providing jerseys for the Erin’s Own Camogie Féile champions, the Credit Union offers scholarships to local students.

Beyond immediate contributions, it is committed to investing in the future through its scholarship programme, further demonstrating dedication to both present and future generations within the community.

“After all, Castlecomer Credit

Union belongs to the members.

When you bank with us, you own a piece of it,” said CEO, Gerry Reynolds. “The Castlecomer community is incredibly supportive, and in turn, it’s our duty and pleasure to support local initiatives and do our part in keeping the area a vibrant, thriving community.”

For more information, visit www.castlecomercu.ie

for the cheapest, but there are other things to consider, like the excess amount. The CoverU team will flag any part of the product they think may not suit your situation. We help members navigate all those choices.”

Castlecomer Credit Union is committed to offering valuable, member-focused services that promote financial well-being within the community. For more information on the new insurance services, speak with a representative or visit the Castlecomer Credit Union website at www.castlecomercu.ie.

Erin's Own Camogie Girls

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

31

Castlecomer Credit Union

32

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Global Report

Lebanon: A chronology of key events

PART ONE ------------1516-1918: Lebanon part of the Ottoman Empire.

1920 September: The League of Nations grants the mandate for Lebanon and Syria to France, which creates the State of Greater Lebanon.

1926 May: Lebanese Representative Council approves a constitution and the unified Lebanese Republic under the French mandate is declared.

1943 March: The foundations of the state are set out in an unwritten National Covenant which uses the 1932 census to distribute seats in parliament on a ratio of sixto-five in favour of Christians.

This is later extended to other public offices. The president is to be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies a Shia Muslim.

1944: France agrees to transfer power to the Lebanese government on January 1.

1958: Faced with increasing opposition which develops into a civil war, President Camille Chamoune asks the US to send troops to preserve Lebanon’s independence.

1967 June: Lebanon plays no active role in the Arab-Israeli war but is to be affected by its aftermath when Palestinians use Lebanon as a base for attacks on Israel.

1975 April: Phalangist gunmen ambush a bus in the Ayn-al-Rummanah district of Beirut, killing 27 of its mainly Palestinian passengers.

1976 June: Syrian troops enter Lebanon to restore peace but also to curb the Palestinians, thousands of whom are killed in a siege of the Tel al-Zaatar camp by Syrian-allied Christian militias in Beirut.

1978: In reprisal for a Palestinian attack, Israel launches a major invasion of southern Lebanon. It withdraws from all but a narrow border strip, which it hands over not to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) but to its proxy South Lebanon Army mainly Christian militia.

1982 June: Following the attempted assassination of the Israeli ambassador to Britain by a Palestinian splinter group, Israel launches a full-scale invasion of Lebanon.

58 French troops. US troops withdraw in 1984.

1982 September: Pro-Israeli president-elect Bachir Gemayel is assassinated. Israel occupies West Beirut, where the Phalangist militia kills thousands of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila camps. Bachir’s elder brother Amine is elected president. Mainly US, French and Italian peacekeeping force arrives in Beirut.

1988: Outgoing President Amine Gemayel appoints an interim military government under Maronite Commanderin-Chief Michel Aoun in East Beirut when presidential elections fail to produce a successor. Prime Minister Selim elHoss forms a mainly Muslim rival administration in West Beirut.

1983: Suicide attack on US embassy kills 63 people in April, and another in October on the headquarters of the peacekeepers kills 241 US and

1989: Parliament meets in Taif, Saudi Arabia, to endorse a Charter of National Reconciliation transferring much of the authority of the president to the cabinet and boosting the number of Muslim MPs. Civil war ends

1985: Most Israeli troops withdraw apart from the SLA ‘security zone’ in the south.

1990 October: The Syrian air force attacks the Presidential Palace at Baabda and Aoun flees. This formally ends the civil war.

1991: The National Assembly orders the dissolution of all militias, except for the powerful Shia group Hezbollah. The South Lebanon Army (SLA) refuses to disband. The Lebanese army defeats the PLO and takes over the southern port of Sidon.

1992: After elections in August and September, the first since 1972, wealthy businessman Rafik Hariri becomes prime minister.

1996 April: ‘Operation Grapes of Wrath’, in which the Israelis bomb Hezbollah bases in southern Lebanon, southern Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. UN base at Qana is hit, killing more than 100 displaced civilians. Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group, with members from US, France, Israel, Lebanon and Syria, set up to monitor truce.

2000 May: After the collapse of the SLA and the rapid advance of Hezbollah forces, Israel withdraws its troops from southern Lebanon more than six weeks ahead of its July deadline.

2004: UN Security Council resolution aimed at Syria demands that foreign troops leave Lebanon. Syria dismisses the move. Parliament extends President Emile Lahoud’s term by three years.

Weeks of political deadlock end with the unexpected departure of Rafik Hariri – who had at first opposed the extension – as prime minister.

2005 February: Rafik Hariri is killed by a car bomb in Beirut. The attack sparks anti-Syrian rallies and the resignation of Prime Minister Omar Karami’s cabinet. Calls for Syria to withdraw its troops intensify until its forces leave in April.

Assassinations of anti-Syrian figures become a feature of political life.

2005 June: Anti-Syrian alliance led by Saad Hariri wins control of parliament at elec-

tions. Hariri ally Fouad Siniora becomes Prime Minister.

2005 September: Four proSyrian generals are charged over the assassination of Rafik Hariri.

2006 July-August: Israel attacks after Hezbollah kidnaps two Israeli soldiers. Civilian casualties are high and the damage to civilian infrastructure wide- ranging in 34-day war.

2006 November: Ministers from Hezbollah and the Amal movement resign shortly before the cabinet approves UN plans for a tribunal to try suspects in the killing of the former prime minister Hariri.

May-September: 2007 Siege of the Palestinian refugee camp Nahr al-Bared following clashes between Islamist militants and the military. More than 300 people die and 40,000 residents flee before the army gains control of the camp.

2007 May: UN Security Council votes to set up a tribunal to try suspects in the assassination of ex-premier Hariri.

2008 May: Parliament elects army chief Michel Suleiman as president, ending sixmonth-long political deadlock. Gen Suleiman re-reappoints Fouad Siniora as Prime Minister of National Unity Government.

Concludes next week

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

33

Advertisement

34

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Celebrate Christmas in style at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel

As the holiday season approaches, Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is ready to make your 2024 Christmas celebrations unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a festive get-together with family, friends, or colleagues, the hotel offers a range of magical Christmas parties designed to create lasting memories.

Located in the heart of Kilkenny, the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel creates a warm and inviting festive atmosphere illuminated with twinkling lights and adorned with beautiful seasonal décor.

Coupled with gourmet dining and lively entertainment, it is the perfect scene for festive celebrations.

A Christmas Party for Every Occasion At Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, there’s a space for every celebration. Whether you’re hosting an intimate lunch or a grand dinner, the hotel offers flexible private dining suites to accommodate your needs.

For something more relaxed, consider booking the stylish Hoban Bar & Brasserie for a night of drinks and finger food.

Their dedicated Events Team is on hand to tailor your party to perfection, offering bespoke menu suggestions and hospitality options to ensure your gathering is as memorable as the season itself.

The Ultimate Christmas Party Experience – Just €65 per Person Looking for a night of festive fun, dancing, and unforgettable entertainment? Kilkenny Ormonde’s Christmas Party Nights are legendary for good reason! Priced at €65 per person, these events promise

non-stop fun, great food, and lively music.

On arrival, kick off the evening with a festive cocktail at the chic HOBAN Bar & Castle Lounge. With your party host on hand to lead lip sync battles and party games, the fun begins even before dinner.

The highlight of the night is a 4-course festive feast, served in the stunning Kings Ballroom, decked out in full Christmas décor. Following dinner, the night continues with live music from the popular house band, The Ambassadors, followed by a DJ playing hits until the early hours. For those who want to keep the party going, the residents' bar remains open until 3 AM. Christmas Party Nights Dates: • Saturday, 30th November • Friday, 6th December

• Saturday, 7th December • Friday, 13th December (Sold Out) • Saturday, 14th December (Sold Out) • Friday, 20th December Extend the Festivities with an Overnight Stay After a night of dancing and merriment, why not stay over?

The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel offers discounted rates for party-goers. Rates start from €104 per person sharing for a twin room on Fridays and €130 per person on Saturdays, with options for singles and triples also available. Early booking is advised, with 50% of the payment due within two weeks of booking, and full payment required one month in advance.

Festive Dining and Winter Breaks If a Christmas party isn't enough, Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel also offers a range of festive dining experiences throughout December.

Whether it’s a cosy lunch or an elegant dinner, you’ll find the perfect menu to suit your holiday celebrations.

For those looking to escape during the festive season, the hotel has a selection of winter breakaways and New Year’s stayand-dine offers, ensuring you can continue the celebrations well into 2024.

Don’t miss out on making this festive season magical. For bookings and inquiries, contact the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel’s events team at 056 7750200 or via email at events@kilkennyormonde. com.

Let the festivities begin!

T&Cs: To secure your booking, 50% of the cost of party night tickets and any guest rooms must be made in a single payment within 2 weeks of making your booking. Full payment is then required 1 month in advance of the party date. Party night tickets are transferrable but are non-refundable.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

35

36

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Identify Dates: Choose a date that suits and your staff. Setting it after work deadlines can allow workers to focus on finishing their work and projects without distraction.

How to Christmas parties & prepare a keeping everyone happy corporate

Are you looking for something to start your festive night out? Or have you a mixed group and you find it hard to satisfy everyone’s tastes?

Organising the office Christmas party can be a difficult task, especially if you have a vary broad range of staff, or family/ friend group, with different ages, abilities, ideas and tastes. Based on our own experiences here in Kbowl, where we have staff that are too young for the pub scene, and some of us that feel too old for the pub scene, some live father away so are driving and also the staff that want to ‘mark’ the occasion so as not to seem unsociable but it actually just not their thing, we came up with the best solution that suits most people.

For those party

animals who want to start their nights celebrations with some fun with everyone before heading into town to sing and dance the night away and also for people who still wish to celebrate but maybe aren’t into the full-on Christmas night out for whatever reason, everyone gets to participate in the annual office party or friend group night out in Kbowl.

In lively surroundings, as always, with festive hot food & nibbles, mulled wine, great music and more, you can even bring your favourite tipple along if you want but there will be plenty of soft drinks for those who are driving. We have 4 dedicated party nights, Nov 30 and Dec 7th, 14th or 21st and the

fun starts at 8pm. Rumour has it the big man himself will pay a visit for some fun pictures to take back for the staff room notice board or family fridge and we have a €200 Flynns hotel voucher for the person who wears the craziest Christmas jumper. Dress up or dress down, it’s your choice and for those who arrive in party heels, we have some flat shoes for you. So whether you have 6 (or less) or 60, start your party night with a few strikes and make it a night that has everyone satisfied and laughing going out the door. We have limited availability and booking is essential.

You can contact on 056 7788200 or events@ kbowlkk.ie to get more information and book.

Christmas party

Written by Michael Doyle Corporate Christmas parties are a wonderful time to celebrate the end of the year and thank the staff for all their hard work.

However, part of a functional and successful corporate Christmas party is having a complete and in-depth plan behind it.

Planning a corporate Christmas party can be a huge time-consuming task, as there are so many factors to consider. However, taking the time to plan out your corporate Christmas party can put you in good stead, as it can save you a lot of money, issues, and reduce the risk of any potential disputes or incidents. So, here is a list of things for you to consider when planning your own corporate Christmas party.

Budget: The key pillar of organising a functional and successful corporate Christmas party is to set a budget and trying to keep within it. It’s important to set a budget to an event like a Christmas party so you don’t end up with significant losses that could harm the running of your business. You need to plan for the cost of what you’ll need and ensure you can afford and obtain the things that you require.

Invitations: You could send out invitations to your staff, detailing the event, time, location, and so on. This shows your intention that you want those people to attend, signifies the importance of the event, and allows others the chance to plan around the Christmas party in an effort to attend your Christmas party.

Organise Entertainment: Choose a varied source of entertainment suitable to the audience. You could book a band or a DJ to play at your party. Other options include a magician or a dance act, to name but a few.

Decide on Your Venue: When choosing your venue, consider the location, facilities, capacity, and your budget. You can ask colleagues for their preferences and consult with the venue manager to help you plan and implementation your party within the venue.

Establish Clear Policies and Guidelines: One of the most, if not the most important part of organising a corporate Christmas party is enforcing the policies and guidelines of the business. Corporate Christmas parties are a work-related event, so ensure employees are aware of your organisation’s code of conduct to stamp out bad behaviour.

Overall, planning a corporate Christmas party can be a lot of hard work, but the rewards of planning, researching, and spending wisely can allow you and your staff to have a wellrun, economic, and enjoyable corporate Christmas party,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

37

38

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Celebrate the season: Scalini Kilkenny now taking Christmas party bookings With the holiday season fast approaching, Scalini Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere, is excited to announce the extension of their winter hours to accommodate midweek Christmas party bookings! Opening from Tuesday - Sunday 1pm to 9pm, Scalini offers the perfect setting for colleagues, friends, and families to celebrate together in style.

Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Scalini provides a delightful blend of traditional Italian dishes and modern culinary flair.

Guests can enjoy a menu featuring handcrafted pasta, delectable seafood, and mouth-watering desserts, all prepared with the finest locally-sourced ingredients and premium imported ingredients from Italy.

Scalini is available for private Christmas parties, accommodating groups of various sizes up to 30 for a full restaurant buy out, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, with group set menus available.

Whether you’re planning a corporate dinner, Christmas party, a family gathering,

or a night out with friends, Scalini ensures a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Reservations for Christmas parties and group bookings are now open, and early booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred date. Scalini’s dedicated team is ready to assist in planning the perfect

event, ensuring every detail is taken care of.

Book your festive feast now and let Scalini make your Christmas party a delightful culinary experience! For more information please visit our website at www. scalini.ie or contact us directly on WhatsApp business on 086 2415856.

event, it is best advised to dress professionally, and tailor your look to the dress code of your place of business, while incorporating some festive differences if you wish e.g. wearing a Christmas jumper or accessories if applicable.

Maintain your Etiquette: It’s important to maintain your usual working demeanour while at your Christmas Party.

While it is different from a usual working day, it is still a work-related event, so your manners and behaviours should still be the same.

Advice on attending a corporate Christmas party Written by Michael Doyle For some, Christmas is a wonderful time, with its festive parties and events providing a positive outlook to the end of the year. For staff, employers, and employees who work a combination of hours in their varied jobs, one work-related

event of importance within a job is the office Christmas party. However, it’s worth noting that a young or adult but inexperienced employee may not be specifically aware of a corporate Christmas party and its significance. At first thought, they might be fearful or cautious of attending such

uncharted territory. On the other side, workers who are early or late middle aged may be out of practice with the conventions of attending a corporate Christmas Party. So, whether this is your first ever corporate Christmas party, or first in a long time, here are some tips to help you and

others enjoy the party safely and long into the night.

Go to the Party: Whatever doubts you may have; it’s best advised to attend the party.

Not turning up to celebrate with your team could look bad for you, especially when your bosses have gone to all

the effort of organising it. You might feel the FOMO and regret it if you decide not to go.

On the other hand, going to the party can allow you to socialise with others, and increase trust and friendliness for everyone.

Deciding What to Wear: As this is still a work-related

Watch the Drink: Ensure you drink within your limits and know you can take a non-alcoholic drink between rounds or not drink at all if you don’t want to.

Talk to Others: Don’t be afraid to make conversation with work staff or bosses, especially ones that you’re unfamiliar with. By talking to others, you can get to know each other and build on relationships.

Have Fun: The important thing to remember is to have fun and be yourself. You work there, and you are a part of the working group, so there’s no need to feel left out.

In short, by adopting these tips to your party, you can make a positive name for yourself, enjoy the party and get through the night without any difficulties.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

39

40

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Pauline O’Connell

Palimpsest (2024) per cent for Art Commission, Mayfair Library, Kilkenny Palimpsest wall install

Plaque book

PALIMPSEST (2024) by artist Pauline O’Connell is an artistic and cultural project that creatively intertwines history, music, literature, sculpture and social engagement.

The project draws on the history of the Mayfair Ballroom from 1943 to 1973, a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural changes following World War II and Ireland's entry into the European Union.

By revisiting the Mayfair Ballroom's legacy and its broader cultural context, the project has many layers of meaning that not only preserves and honours the past but also encourages the audience to reflect on cultural identity and the role of history in shaping contemporary society.

The concept of PALIMPSEST was directly influenced by the popular music of the era as reflective of the time. It comprises a permanent indoor wall sculpture consisting of thirty-two life-size bronze books. Each book features a song title referencing the most popular musical number 1 hit of that year (1943-1973). These are arranged (haphazardly) on seven beech wood shelves, each inscribed with selected quotes gathered from those who danced at the Mayfair Ballroom. Interspersed throughout the sculptural installation are previously

banned books from the same era, such as Edna O’Brien’s The Country Girls, J.P. Donleavy’s The Ginger Man, and John McGahern’s The Dark. These books, strategically placed in the ‘gaps,’ highlight the tension between the era's outward cultural aspirations and the inward censorship prevalent in Irish society. As part of the project the artist has invited three guest respondents to host free public workshops and talks: historian Dr Aoife Bhreatnach, historian and film director Michael Twomey, and cultural geographer Dr Gerry Kearns.

Pauline O’Connell Pauline O'Connell is an Irish artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans theory, film, photography, sculpture, text and sound. She studied sculpture and photography at IADT (1993) and holds a first-class Master’s Degree from Limerick School of Art in Social Practice (2012).

She is currently finishing her practice-led PhD at The University of Amsterdam.

Throughout her thirty-year career, she has engaged with micro-histories and personal narratives, often presenting her projects within the communities from which they emerge. Her award winning work aims to create spaces where new subjectivities can surface, bridging the gap between art and lived experience.

Artist Pauline O’Connell

These projects have been exhibited and commissioned both nationally and internationally, in London, Paris, Vienna, throughout the USA, and in Ireland in galleries, fields, crossroads and community halls.

WHERE: Under The Per Cent For Art Scheme for The Mayfair City Library, Kilkenny, ‘Palimpsest’ (a cultural project that creatively intertwines history, music, literature, sculpture and social engagement)

by Kilkenny-based visual artist Pauline O Connell was commissioned in 2024 to commemorate the former history of the Mayfair Ballroom 1943-1973, and its rejuvenation as a modern library.

WHAT: The installation consists of thirty-two bronze books, each featuring a song title referencing the most popular musical number 1 hit of that year. These books are placed on wooden

shelves inscribed with personal quotes from people who danced there during that period, providing insight into the social history of the era. Additionally, books that were previously banned from that time are interspersed throughout the installation.

WHO: Pauline O'Connell is an Irish multidisciplinary artist whose 30-year career utilises an expanded sculptural practice that focuses on themes of memory, history, and community and incorporates personal narratives and micro-histories to create spaces that bridge art and lived experience.

Reflecting on the work, she says: "Palimpsest sheds light on the cultural tensions that have shaped our shared history and provides a platform for ongoing dialogue and meaningful community engagement.

The goal was to acknowledge and transcend the complex legacies of the past, creating

a space where history and memory can be revisited and transformed. This sculptural installation not only reflects the layers of our collective heritage but also integrates it into a vision for the present and future. This vision aims to unite and strengthen the entire community across gender, sexual orientation, race and class."

As part of this project, the artist has invited cultural experts to respond by hosting workshops and talks in the library that aim to foster new dialogues and connections on various topics Blacklists and Whitelists: censoring reading in Ireland – a workshop by Dr Aoife Bhreatnach historian, writer and podcaster on Saturday, October 19th 2024 from 2 pm-4 pm. Booking is required as the workshop numbers are limited.

Dance Halls and the Soft Revolution – a talk by Michael Twomey writer,

filmmaker and historian on Saturday, November 9th 2024 from 2 pm-4 pm. No booking is required.

Borrowing from the Past: Censorship and Sociability in the Public Spaces of Kilkenny - a talk by Dr Gerry Kearns Professor of Human Geography at NUI Maynooth on Saturday, December 14th 2024 from 2 pm-4 pm. No booking is required.

“This installation is a tribute to all the joy and togetherness that the ballroom brought to our community. It's a way to connect the past with the present as the building starts its new chapter as a public library,” comments County Librarian, Josephine Coyne.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience O'Connell's artwork firsthand and explore the new library facilities, which include state-of-the-art resources, comfortable reading areas, and dedicated spaces for community events.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

41

kilkennyobserver.ie

Poetry

White Twine and Old Suitcases

The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and Recovery College South East have produced a wonderful anthology of poetry and prose. ‘White Twine and old suitcases’ comprises of 128 pages and 60 authors and is complemented by some wonderful photos and artwork by TASK camera club. It is printed by Modern Printers. It is definitely recommended reading for all lovers of poetry. The Kilkenny Observer is happy to run the poems each week to promote creative writing and to highlight these wonderful centres. Available in all Kilkenny book shops. €10

Sounds from the Woods

This chaos is addictive, I see how you fall.

A heart that is broken, barely beating at all.

I tell you maybe, When I know that it’s never.

You have a young heart, looking for forever.

The pain that I caused you, mirrored in my own.

Heartbreak made easier, when not faced alone.

I am sorry my darling, I had already been tethered.

And I was the one who believed in forever.

Thick, dark and weird sounds.

You held all the secrets.

You gave them to me.

Wild birds you sheltered.

They decorated skies up above me.

Red Squirrels gliding from tree to tree.

The river, with its flooded waters, That you let me fish in.

The rabbits that I hunted with our dogs.

The red fox that stole my mother’s ducks.

The badger snorting in my pathway.

The pungent scent in the air when he passed.

The chestnuts on your biggest trees, That we played games with at our school.

Your Sally bushes, we cut and angled.

Made bow and arrows and played games of cowboys and Indians.

Your water lilies, blanketing the duck pond, Your wild blossoms standing over its deep secrets.

Sighting of your moor hen, nesting in the centre of the reeds.

Seven fluffy chicks adding new life to the still pond, Nettles and bramble bushes, that kept us out of your deepest heart, You let me in to see all, season by season.

You protected your creatures, while I grew up to understand.

Grace Power

Judy Rhatigan

Tethered

Instructions to the Self Use blind contours to capture the self, stand before a mirror religiously, for thirty days, or a moon cycle whichever reveals more, whichever appeals more, close your eyes, open your eyes, set the sketch pad into the elbow, take the 2HB and look at the self. Look!

See the contours of your face, the brows, the hairline, ears, nose, so on and so on notice the mathematical, primarily the angles from crease to brow to lip to lash, to freckle the events leading up to your death etched on your skin.

Nuala Roche

42

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Sweet potato and spinach bake Prep:15 mins Cook: 1 hr Serves: 4

If you’re after some substantial comfort food on a budget then this vegetarian bake is just the thing.

Add lamb chops for the meat eaters.

Ingredients • 300ml single cream (or double cream for a really creamy texture) • 1 garlic clove, peeled • 2 sprigs thyme or rosemary • 250g bag frozen spinach • freshly grated nutmeg • butter, for greasing • 850g sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3mm thick) • 25g grated hard cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan or veggie alternative • Make it non-veggie • 2 lamb chops • few sprigs thyme or rosemary • 1 tsp olive oil per portion STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the cream, garlic and herb

sprigs into a small saucepan and slowly bring to just below boiling.

Turn off the heat, season and leave to infuse.

STEP 2 Put the spinach into a colander, pour over a kettle of boiling water and leave to drain for a few mins.

Then squeeze out as much water as possible. Season with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg.

STEP 3 Grease an ovenproof dish generously with butter and spread half the sweet potato slices across the bottom. Top with a layer of

spinach, then the remaining potato.

Pour over the cream mixture, through a sieve to remove the garlic and herbs, then sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 45-55 mins until golden and tender.

STEP 4 Meanwhile, if you’re serving the

chops, heat a griddle or frying pan and finely chop the leaves from the herb sprig. Rub over the chops with the oil and some seasoning, then griddle or fry for 3-4 mins on each side or until cooked to your liking.

Leave bake, and chops if serving, to rest for 5 mins, then serve with a big green salad.

Spanish omelette Prep: 10 mins Cook: 30 mins Serves: 3-4 Fluffy vegetarian tortilla is a great meal to make with older children - this one’s filled with peppers and potatoes.

Ingredients • 500g waxy potato, such as Charlotte • knob of butter • 2 small onions, finely sliced • 1 red pepper, finely chopped • 8-9 eggs • 1 x 25g pack chives STEP 1 Finely slice the onions and chop the red pepper, removing the seeds. Cut the potatoes into roughly ½ cm slices.

STEP 2 Heat a knob of butter in a medium (about 24cm) frying pan over a

low heat, add the onions and cook gently for 10 – 15 until starting to go brown, add the peppers and cook for a further 5 mins.

STEP 3 Put the potatoes in a steamer over boiling water for 10 - 12 mins to soften. If you don’t have a steamer, put in a saucepan, cover with boiling water and simmer gently for around 8 - 10 mins until just cooked through and drain well.

STEP 4 Break the eggs into a jug and beat with a fork, season with a generous grind of pepper and a pinch of salt. Use scissors to snip the chives into small pieces and stir in.

STEP 5 Heat the grill. Add a little more butter to the frying pan and add the potatoes. Pour over the egg

mixture. Cook for 15 mins until almost set and golden brown underneath - you can use a fish

slice to lift the omelette up and check. Put the frying pan under the grill. Make sure the handle is

outside the oven as it will become very hot and can burn. Cook for a further minute or two and serve.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

43

kilkennyobserver.ie

5 Sucession: a new twist in a riveting plot Every few years, a television show seemingly captures the attention of all of America’s fans of prestige television.

Shows like The Sopranos and Sex and the City kicked off the golden era of prestige television back at the turn of the 21st century. And, other huge hits like Lost, Breaking Bad and Mad Men followed.

Game of Thrones marked the peak of prestige television’s cultural impact, with shows like Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul, Girls, and The Crown catching fire at the end of the 2010’s.

But, right now, the undisputed top prestige television show is HBO’s Succession.

Succession is based loosely on the Murdoch Family, the family that owns media giant News Corporation,

home of Fox News, among other massive properties. It deals with the interfamily politics of family patriarch and founder of behemoth Waystar Royco, Logan Roy, and his children, Connor, Kendall, Siobhan, and Roman. As the title suggests, after Logan suffers a stroke in the pilot episode, the siblings — mainly Kendall, Siobhan, and Roman — jockey for the position of the future head of the company, usually foiled by shrewd actions by Logan Roy. The third season ended with the best cliffhanger of all, as for the first time those three siblings teamed up against their father to control Roystar WayCo, only for Logan to once again pull the rug out from under them by renegotiating the terms

of his divorce settlement with his ex-wife and those children’s mothers to keep control of the company, and estrange Kendall, Siobhan and Roman.

The fourth and final season kicked off a few weeks ago, with the back-and-forth posturing between the two sides continuing. Logan was trying to sell off a significant part of the company, while the siblings looked to buy, and closed the purchase, of rival media brand, Pierce.

At the end of last week’s episode, Roman, the youngest sibling and the one who has shown the most loyalty to Logan out of the three meaningful siblings, was seen considering rejoining his father’s side.

But, then, one of the great twists in television

history happened. While the siblings waited for the beginning of Connor’s wedding to his much younger, incredibly vapid, fiancée Willa, news that Logan had collapsed on a plane heading for Sweden to sell part of the company reached the siblings. Logan eventually died, cause unknown at this time, setting off the most emotional episode of the series yet, and one that is receiving critical acclaim everywhere.

This episode is going to go down in history as one of the best episodes in modern TV history, the kind that defines what the series has always been about while capturing the raw humanity of the deeply flawed, broken people that are the Roy Family.

New take on the Mendez murders case, 30 years on It’s been more than 30 years since the murder trials of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, and the story continues to turn heads and take over headlines.

During the first of their two trials for murdering their parents, the case was public fodder and was among a series of sensationalised, criminal trials broadcast live around the world.

But that was in 1994. Why, after so many years, is this case back in the public consciousness?

Thank social media, Netflix, Kim Kardashian — and Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who has announced that his office is reexamining evidence.

In August 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were watching television in the living room of their Beverly Hills

home when their two sons walked in and shot them to death. At the time of the murder the two men were 18 and 21.

It took two trials to convict the brothers of their parents’ murders.

Two juries deadlocked in 1994 after Lyle and Erik Menendez testified that they shot their parents in self-defence. The brothers said they had feared their parents were going to kill them to prevent stories emerging about their alleged abuse of their sons.

They allege, and continue to say, that Jose Menendez subjected the boys to physical and sexual abuse for years while their mother, who was portrayed as an unstable alcoholic who also abused them, did nothing to stop it.

The prosecutors claimed the men planned the murder

ultimately with the goal to claim their parents’ multimillion-dollar estate.

In the second trial, Judge Stanley Weisberg limited testimony related to their claims of sexual abuse. In 1996, that jury found them guilty on first-degree murder following a five-day deliberation and a 20-week long trial.

Why are prosecutors taking another look at the case now?

Gascón, the DA, announced that his office is reviewing new evidence in the case of now 53-year-old Erik and 56-year-old Lyle Menendez.

The brothers asked the court to vacate their conviction, which resulted in a life prison sentence without the possibility of parole, in a petition filed back in May, citing new evidence.

Gascón notes there is no question that the brothers

killed their parents — a fact the two have admitted. But, he said, his office has a “moral and ethical obligation” to review the evidence. That evidence includes a photocopy of a letter from one of the brothers to another family member mentioning him being a victim of molestation.

Another is testimony from one of the members of the hit Latin band Menudo who said Jose Menendez molested him in his early teens while he was an executive at RCA Records. None of this information has been confirmed, Gascón said.

This new generation of attention on the case contributed to a new, controversial Netflix series from Ryan Murphy called Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which revisits the trials. Now, streaming on Netflix.

Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

you can stream fight now 1.Your Honour

Bryan Cranston will always be best remembered for playing Walter White on Breaking Bad, but the actor’s work on Your Honour (2020-2023) is nothing to sneeze at. He plays a judge who discovers that his son has been implicated in a hit-andrun accident, and does whatever he can to save him. series of moral and ethical quandaries as Cranston’s judge finds himself wandering further and further from the rules and laws that once governed his life.

On Netlix.

2. Carol & The End Of The World

A brilliant, small-scale animated miniseries, Carol & the End of the World tells the story of one woman trying to figure out how to live her final days after it’s discovered that another planet is hurtling toward Earth. Ordinary life is beautiful in its own quiet way, and this series gets at that profound idea in a way that winds up feeling genuinely emotional.

On Netflix.

3.Top Boy

A brilliant, long-running British drama series (2011-2023) set in the London projects, Top Boy is about two young men living in these projects and doing their best to survive, one way or another. Although the series features some violence and is in large part about the drug trade, Top Boy is also a searing examination of how a country’s social fabric could leave young people with only bad options to choose from. On Netflix.

4. Mank

A black-and-white David Fincher tale from 2020 about the unsung screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz who helped Orson Welles write Citizen Kane. Step back into Old Hollywood, with beautiful cinematography and take in the behind-the-scenes of how studio systems functioned in a different time. Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried are among the exceptional cast of this biographical drama filled with the lightness and darkness of its hero’s life. On Netflix.

5. The Trial Of The Chicago 7

An Aaron Sorkin drama based on a true story, The Trial Of The Chicago 7 lives up to its pedigree, following the real-life trial of a group of anti-Vietnam War protestors charged with conspiracy to incite riots. With a stellar ensemble cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, The Trial Of The Chicago 7 (2020) is both topical and full of compelling theatrical energy. On Netflix.

44

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews CLARA

CLUB LOTTO Lotto results for 1st October 2024. Numbers drawn , 2, 20, 25.

No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Ed Mulrooney, Adam Barden, Eve Brennan, Niamh Langton, Mary Meany.

CAMOGIE The Clara senior camogie team bowed out of the championship at the quarter final stage on Sunday morning in Castlecomer when a huge effort left them just short of James Stephens at the final whistle. The Village began the stronger and raced into a four point lead playing with the aid of a fresh breeze. A Keara Ryan free got Clara off the mark and a Gráinne Glynn point from play halved the deficit. Further Village pressure led to three more pointed frees but Clara finished the half strongly with two Mary O Connell frees and a Lucy Boyd point from play to leave it 0-7 to 0-5 at the break.

Clara began the second half with the aid of the breeze but were rocked in the first minute by a Hannah Larkin goal. Two frees then left seven points between the sides. It left Clara with a mountain to climb but the climbing began in earnest.

Mary O Connell pointed a free and was then pulled down for a penalty. Her initial attempt was blocked but Mary eventually got possession of the rebound and made no mistake this time. The net shook. Two more Mary O Connell points (one from a free) sandwiched around a Keara Ryan point had the sides level and one felt that if they took the lead the victory would be theirs. But it was the Village that went ahead again with a Sophie O Dwyer free. Gráinne Glynn tied the game up again and at this stage it really was a case of next score wins.

The chance fell to the Village in the form of another free and Sophie O Dwyer obliged again.

It was a cruel way for Clara to exit the competition but they can be extremely proud of their efforts. They just left them-

Village Green Team

selves with a little too much to do and they sorely missed the services of injured county Intermediate player Rachel Whelan. A strong Village back line proved very difficult to crack and was the ultimate reason for their victory. Michelle Teehan in particular was majestic all through.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Lucy Cody, Katie Ryan, Aine McDonald.

Tamsin English, Laoise Nolan, Grace Barcoe. Rebecca Nolan, Aisling Curtis. Mary O Connell 1-5, 0-4f, Gráinne Glynn 0-2, Lucy Boyd 0-1. Keara Ryan 0-2, 0-1f, Niamh Byrne, Emma Shortall. Subs used Margaret O Connell.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS

SENIOR HURLERS CHAMPIONSHIP WIN O’Loughlin Gaels secured a win over Dicksboro in the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior hurling championship quarter final on Sunday last in UPMC Nowlan Park. The circumstances in which they did so will be remembered for a long time as they overcame the disadvantage of playing with thirteen men for much of the second half, scoring a goal and a point in the closing minutes to win by three points.

O’Loughlins now play Bennettsbridge in the county semi-final on Sunday next in Nowlan Park.

CAMOGIE WIN The O’Loughlin Gaels intermediate camogie team had an excellent one point win over Conahy in their championship quarter-final played in Jenkinstown on Sunday last.

Beginning strongly O’Loughlin’s had the first two scores of the game from a Laura Murphy pointed free and a point from play from Laura Greene. The sides then exchanged two points each with both of O’Loughlins scores coming from Laura Murphy. Conahy levelled the game with two points of their own to leave the score four points each after twenty minutes play.

Two further pointed frees from Laura Murphy to a single point

Kilkenny Under 12 and 13 Handball Team which contested the Leinster Final against Wexford recently reply from Conahy left O’Loughlin’s leading by 0-6 to 0-5 at the interval. On the resumption of play Conahy enjoyed the better of things scoring three points and then a goal. A goal from a penalty scored by Laura Murphy sparked O’Loughlin’s into life and further points from two Laura Murphy frees and a point from play from Eva Collins put their side ahead 1-9 to 1-8. Conahy responded with a goal to lead again before Laura Murphy put another free over the bar and then came the decisive score when Ruth Crowley hit a goal to put O’Loughlin’s two points ahead. Conahy tried hard to cancel out the lead but could only manage one more point and O’Loughlin’s held out for a 2-10 to 2-9 win and a place in the semi-final of the championship. Well done to all.

O’Loughlin’s will play Mullinavat in the semi-final on the weekend of 12th/13th October.

Team and scorers : Kate Furlong, Ailbhe Galwey, Neasa Galwey, Jen Holohan, Ríona Crowley, Danielle Quigley, Abigail Egan, Laura Greene (0-1), Laura Murphy (1-8, 1-0 penalty, 0-7 frees), Iveta Vasiliauskaite, Emma Poyntz, Kate Lawless, Jen O’Keeffe, Ruth Crowley (1-0) Ena Lawlor. Subs: Hannah Quinn, Eva Collins (0-1), Aoife Shealy, Siófra O’Leary.

HANDBALL NEWS A Kilkenny GAA Handball under 12/13 team travelled to St Josephs in Wexford last weekend to take on the home team in the Leinster Final. After the first four games the sides could not be separated. Wexford eventually got over the line in a tight finish. O’Loughlin’s had 5 representatives on the team.

Lory Hogan, Stephen McCormack, Leon Delaney, Robbie Geoghegan and Ollie Morrissey. All the players acquitted themselves brilliantly. The other members of the Kilkenny team were Cathal Phelan from Kells, Ciaran Treacy from Talbots Inch (who couldn’t make it on the day) and Cathal Barron from Windgap.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated October 1st. Numbers Drawn were 12, 18, 23, 24 and Bonus Number was 15. Play now at www oloughlingaels.com/lotto.

Thank you for your continued support Promotors Draw. 1. Dinny and Mags c/o JJ Cullen. 2. Damien Sweeney c/o M Hanlon. 3. Dan O’Driscoll. 4. Caitríona Murphy c/o P Cleere. 5. Majella Sherwood c/o N Loy. 6. Patricia Nolan c/o E Maher. 7. Luke Greene c/o P Greene. 8. Tom Dillon c/o Online. 9. James Kavanagh c/o Online. 10. Niamh McCormack c/o Online ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL CAFÉ St. Mary’s Cathedral Café is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, offering a welcoming space for the community and visitors alike. Whether you’re in Kilkenny for a stroll or a visit, we invite you to stop by and enjoy a relaxing time at our café. All profits from the café support the vital work of Teac Tom, providing suicide prevention and mental health services. Your visit not only nourishes the soul but also helps make a difference in the lives of those in need. www. facebook.com/stmaryscathedralcafe” NOTES If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie FRESHFORD

Village Red Team

KATHLEEN QUEALLY RIP The death occurred last weekend of Mrs. Kathleen Queally late of Clintstown Road, Freshford. The deceased who was in her 80s had been unwell recently but nevertheless her passing caused widespread sorrow and regret. She was predeceased by her husband Paddy and was a member of the Cahill family of Moate. Funeral Mass took place in

St. Lachtains Church followed by burial in St. Lachtains cemetery. She is mourned by her daughters Catherine and Marion, sisters, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom sympathy is extended.

GAA St, Lachtains U16 hurlers defeated Galmoy/Windgap in the Roinn C championship semi final in Palmerstown on Saturday morning last. Galmoy/Windgap played with the breeze in the first half and lead by 7 points at the break. However, the local boys found an extra gear after half time and went on to win the game by 5 points on a final scoteline of, St Lachtains 2-20 Galmoy/Windgap 4-09.

In the Junior hurling Quarter Final on Sunday last St Lachtains Juniors had a hard fought victory over Galmoy, played in Johnstown. Freshfords ability to score goals at vital stages of the game saw them over the line again in this match. James Mahers contribution of 4-3 was the difference between the teams. James Maher and Darren Brennan shone for St. Lachtains and they came out winners on a score of St. Lachtains 4-14 Gilroy 1-19.They now go on to meet James Stephens in the County semi final on Saturday next.

Team: D Brennan, S Dawson, C Bergin, S Rafter, P Donnelly, B Kennedy, C Hickey, M Donnelly, B Quinn, A Rafter, C O’Leary, P Killen, L Hickey, J Maher, S Donnelly. Subs: C Dawson, D Maher, J Fitzpatrick. St Lachtains 4-14 Galmoy 1-19.

U16s and U14 County finals are also coming up (check social network for up to date fixtures.)

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Leahy and Fogarty family, Lisdowney on the death last weekend of Liz Leahy (nee Fogarty), Knockmannon, Lisdowney. Funeral mass took place in Lisdowney church on Monday morning last followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Sympathy is also extended to the family of Eddie Meany formerly of Jenkintown who died recently in UK. Funeral mass took place in Jenkinstown Church recently followed by Burial in St. Lachtains cemetery.

BINGO The weekly bingo sessions continue each Friday evening in Freshford Community Hall at 8pm with some good prize money and a raffle each week. All proceeds go to the Irish Wheelchair association. The Committee thank all the people who have turned up each week so far and ask you to please support this weekly fundraiser and tell your friends and spread the word.

LOOP CAFÉ Why not go along and improve your computer skills at the Loop café? Kilkenny Adult Learning services ate offering everyone in the area FREE classes in basic and intermediate computer courses. Classes start at 9.30am in the Green Room at the Loop Café on Tuesdays. Everything you need including laptops are provided. So why not go along and improve your knowledge and skills? For more information please contact 056 7763149 or email info@KilkennyAdultLearning.ie With summer holidays behind us and community activities starting up again, the Loop Community Café is looking for new pairs of hands to help out. Chopping veg, washing plates, cleaning counters, making coffee – you name it, we need it! If you can take part any time from Monday to Saturday, even for an hour or two, please stop by or call the café at 056 8832650 or email info@KilkennyAdultLearning.ie SOCCER The soccer season has now resumed. The Junior side have no games yet but underage teams have been in action for past number of weeks. The U14 boys had a good win over Bridge Utd on Saturday coming out winners on a 4-3 scoreline with all goals coming from the boot of Max O’Neill.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

45

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes The club are presently looking for players to sign up for the U12 girls as they are short players at the minute. So go along and put down your name if you are interested in playing as if they don’t have sufficient numbers they will not able to put in a team.

The soccer academy for young boys 5/6 upwards continues each Saturday at 9.30am and will continue each week.

The Club is presently looking for volunteers across all levels and if you can help or give a bit of your time they would be most grateful. You can contact any member of the Committee or just turn up at the training sessions Freshford town soccer club were one of the clubs who received Sports Capital funding recently in the region of €150,000 a welcome boost for the club for their regeneration project.

IONAD LACHTAIN St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre. Is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm. .

SPLIT THE POT Last week’s winner of split the pot was Enda Walsh Woodview who won €376. This month’s split the pot proceeds is in aid of Freshford Playground and please support this project which is a great addition to the village. Entry cost just €2 and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs.

Freshford Playground received an LCDC grant recently for new outdoor recycled inclusive furniture that arrived at the Community Playground recently and they thank Kilkenny County Council.

KNIT AND KNATTER Every Wednesday morning in the Loop Cafe there is a knit and knatter session from 10am two 11am.The fee is €6 per person which includes tea/coffee and a sweet treat. No experience is necessary and guidance is given. New members are always welcome so why not go along and gain a new skill and more importantly have gun.

TRAD MUSIC Lisdowney Traditional music group resumed recently and continues each week in the Community Hall, Lisdowney and continues each Thursday. Children from six upward are all welcome.

FOROIGE Foroige Youth Club has restarted in Freshford and will be held each Monday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Community Hall. They are looking for adult volunteers for a Youth Club. For more info contact Aidan n 086 0674485 or Aidan. gleeson@foroige.ie PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. and 11am Maas in St.Lachtains Church on Sundays.

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

Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed.

For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

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

SENIOR HURLING RELEGATION FINAL With the club’s highly valued record 69 year senior status at stake in Saturday afternoon’s pulsating relegation final in Thomastown a youthful James Stephens team gave their all before losing out at 3-17 to 3-12 to an equally determined Glenmore side on the day. Playing with wind advantage Glenmore got off to a blazing start chalking up 1-02 in the first five minutes before Cian Kenny opened the scoring for The Village. Impressive team leader Cian Kenny landed two more points before the red card dismissal of the in-form Ross Whelan in the18 minutes which rather than deflate, seemed to recharge the youthful James Stephens lads. Minutes later amid the high tempo exchanges Luke Scanlon slipped through the Glenmore defence for a well taken three pointer after which Gavin Costigan was forced into a point blank save to keep James Stephens in contention. In the 23rd minute Aussie returnee Tadhg O’Dwyer finished another James Stephens attack with a clinical finish to the net for a timely boost for the city side. All the while, Glenmore through their sharpshooter Alan Murphy and his lively attacking teammates were piling

up the Glenmore score sheet with some impressive long range point shooting. Again, in the 24th minute goalkeeper Gavin Costigan came to the rescue with another close-in save before Eoin Guilfoyle finished to the net in the 32nd minute following an impressive four man passing movement to give James Stephens an unexpected 3-05 to 1-09 halftime lead.

Credit for this position must go to a tight marking defence of Luke Murphy, Diarmuid Cody, Ben Lawlor, Sean Bergin, Niall Mullins, Noah Manogue and Shane Donohoe before he retired injured and replaced by Eoin Deely.

Now with a strong wind advantage James Stephens supporters expected their favourites to forge ahead continuing their positive first half showing but it was not to be. Within 8 minutes of the restart Glenmore had levelled the game at 3-05 to 1-11 while James Stephens spurned a number of scoring opportunities which would prove costly as the game progressed. An Ed McDermott point in the 9th minute was the first of only seven points registered by James Stephens in a disappointing 2nd half performance. A breakaway goal for the men in green and gold in the 12th minute restored their lead once more at 3-07 to 2-12. With 20 minutes on the clock the teams were deadlocked again at 3-10 to 2-13 thanks to two fine efforts from Ed Lauhoff and Cian Kenny. Unfortunately, with the Village men’s energy levels wilting due to the heavy work rate, Glenmore took full advantage of the extra man tapping over three unanswered points and when they scrambled the sliothar over the line in the 25th minute following a goalmouth shemozzle the writing was on the wall for James Stephens. No doubt the loss of senior status was a blow to the club, the playing panel, the management team who did so well introducing five under-age players to senior championship hurling due to injuries and travel issues but when the dust settles supporters will realise that a new era has dawned for the club with many talented young players coming through the ranks.

MINOR HURLING COUNTY FINAL Our minor hurlers take on Dicksboro on Saturday. next 12th.

October in the Roinn A minor county final at 1pm in Nowlan Park. Please come along and support the lads, who are defending the title they won last year.

SENIOR CAMOGIE On Sunday morning in sun drenched Canon Kearn’s Park the club’s senior camogie team scrambled over the line in the championship quarter-final fixture with a hard won single score 1-11 to 1-10 victory over an experienced Clara side.

Starting in positive mode the Village girls raced into a 0-4 to 0-00 lead before Clara got into their stride with a point in the 12th minute. In a hotly contested championship fixture with no quarter given by either side stalemate prevailed until Sophie O’Dwyer pointed three frees between the 17th and 23rd minutes to extend the James Stephens lead at 0-07 to 0-03. The Clara girls again responded hitting three points of their own to leave the scoreboard read 0-07 to 0-05 at the break. With every ball vigorously contested by both sides it demanded huge performances from county stars Niamh Deely, Michelle Teehan and Hannah Scott with strong support from Niamh Leahy, Emma and Aoife Gaffney to minimise the scoring potential of the lively Clara attack. Midfielders Emily Smith and Anna Doheny also played leading roles in an energy sapping fixture. In the first minute of the 2nd half full forward Hannah Larkin won possession from a long-range strike from Sophie O’Dwyer and rattled the net to increase James Stephens lead at 1-07 to 0-05.

Over the next three minutes thanks to the hard graft of her fellow forwards, Sophie O’Dwyer converted two more single scores before the Clara girls struck back with a goal from a controversial penalty award in the 9th minute. From there Clara dominated proceedings keeping The Village girls scoreless for the next 20 minutes while drawing fouls from the pressured James Stephens defence to level the game at 1-09 each in the 24th minute. Over the nail-biting closing minutes the teams were level again at 1-10 each at the 27th minute before Sophie O’Dwyer -- 0-09 in total --- sent over the winning score from a free in the 29th minute. A deserved victory in the end but a much more consistent performance will be needed if the Village girls are to cause an upset in the county semi-final against county title favourites Dicksboro next week.

U-14 ROINN-A HURLING SHIELD FINAL On Friday evening last in MW Dunmore Park the U-14 hurlers faced a determined and well balanced Graigue Ballycallan team in the Kilkenny U-14 shield final. The signs were ominous from the start as the stronger Ballycallan lads raced into a 1-03 to 0-01 lead inside the first quarter. With the lighter Village forwards unable to find a way through the watertight Ballycallan defence the onus was on the James Stephens back division to withstand a constant stream of attacks. Despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Niall Cody, and robust defending from Henry Phelan, Jack Leahy, Jack Ryan and help from midfielder Paddy McGuire, the ‘Graigue lads went into the break with a comfortable 3-07 to 0-01 lead. The second half saw a marginal improvement for James Stephens with the pressing forward of Henry Phelan (0-02) to midfield giving support to hard grafting James Lyons, James Parsons and centre forward Brion Walsh who registered 0-06 in total over the hour but it was not enough to prevent the skillful Graigue Ballycallan team coasting to a deserved victory. Credit must be given to the young Village lads who fought bravely against the odds and the mounting arrears right to the final whistle, true character.

U-12 CAMOGIE On Saturday last in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain the U-12 camogie squad rounded off their season with well contested tournament final victories. The James Stephens Green team produced an excellent display of determination and playing skills to account for a spirited Dicksboro team in their final on

Saturday. Meanwhile the Red team came up against a strong Ballyhale team who tested their abilities and team-work before taking the honours in a competitive end of season tournament final. The committee would like to convey the club’s appreciation to the team mentors and the family support received throughout a long season of training and coaching the next generation of camogie stars.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 4, 11, 18, 26. There was no winner.

The €40 consolation winners were Ann Tierney, Liam Tyrrell, Ann Larkin, Jim Mulhall and Laura Grogan.

GOWRAN

GOWRAN AC STOOK 10 Ar Ais Arís 2024. 10mile €30, 10K €25, 5k €20 (chipped and family entry) Stook 10 Mile is back again in 2024 and promises to be another great day of road racing. Incorporating the county 10 mile championships too, Stook 10 Mile is a tough but enjoyable challenge for all with the infamous COW BELL, a highly sought after reward. Back again this year is the competitive 10k race and chipped 5k race. The family fun run is also available to all looking for a great day out with Stook 10 medals ready at the finish. With refreshments, craic and friendly chats amongst the race goers, it promises to be another great day in Dungarvan. Entries now open on event master: https:// eventmaster.ie/event/ppdBuvyTyo GOWRAN LITTLE THEATRE Gowran Little Theatre presents Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel.

Directed by Declan Taylor, this is indeed going to be a special production, book tickets online now at www.gowranlittletheatre.com MOLLY’S TEA ROOM Christmas order book has now opened. Christmas cakes, plum puddings, mince pies, and chocolate biscuit puddings available to order. Also a wide range of cakes, cheesecakes and tray bakes.

INTERMEDIATES QUALIFY FOR COUNTY FINAL The Young Irelands Intermediates qualified for the County Final following a nail biting 0-20 to 0-18 win against Danesfort in UPMC Nowlan Park last Saturday.

In a free flowing wide open first-half, Danesfort led 0-14 to 0-11 at half-time, but a strong defensive second half performance from Young Irelands saw them only concede four points as Sean Carey and Ted Drea led the way upfront.

They will now play Lisdowney in the final on Sunday October 20th, 28 years to the day after they won their first Senior title in 1996.

SENIOR TEAM QUALIFY FOR SEMI-FINAL Congratulations to the Young Irelands Senior Camogie Team who qualified for the County Semi-Final, following a 2-8 to 0-10 win against St. Brigids in a hard fought encounter in Thomastown on Sunday Morning.

In a game that was rescheduled as a result of an orange weather warning the previous Sunday morning, St. Brigids led 0-8 to 0-4 at half-time having led 0-4 to 0-2 at the midway point of the first half.

However, they dug deep and a strong second-half performance particularly from the defensive unit saw them only concede two points, and that laid the platform for victory.

Two goals in the third quarter turned the game around, and they led 2-6 to 0-10 at the three quarter stage. They added two further points in the final quarter to close out the game as they ran out four point winners. Young Irelands will now play League Champions Piltown in The Semi-Final.

U14 CAMOGIE FINAL The Young Irelands U14 Camogie Team lost by a solitary point (1-1 to 0-3) to Barrow Rangers in the County Final in Clara last Saturday Morning. Barrow Rangers led 1-1 to 0-2 at half-time. It was a refixed game that was called off the previous Sunday as a result of an orange weather warning.

DAVID CARTER Gowran man David Carter is taking on a mammoth task in the first week of November (Monday 4th - Saturday November 9th), when he is going to run six Ultra Marathons across six Counties in six days in an attempt to raise vital funds for three local and national organisations.

David is going to run 50KM every day across routes in Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare, Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary in memory of his late Dad Charlie Carter (Senior) who passed away in early 2010.

The final day of running takes place on Saturday November 9th which would have been the day of Charlie’s 75th birthday, and most appropriately David will finish his 300KM of running in Gowran where he hurled with Young Irelands.

David is aiming to raise vital funds for 3 organisations: The Dillon Quirke Foundation, The Alzhiemer Society of Ireland and Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs, and the official fundraising launch took place last Saturday in Gowran National School.

He was joined at the launch by legendary Kilkenny Hurler Henry Shefflin, current Kilkenny Hurling Coach Conor Phelan, top National Hunt jockey Danny Mullins, and Parlaympian Mary Fitzgerald alongside Dan Quirke from The Dillon Quirke Foundation, and also representatives from The Alzhiemer Society of Ireland and Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs.

The Dillon Quirke Foundation provided essential cardiac screening for 45 young boys and girls from the Young Irelands GAA Club, and The Edward Hayden show on KCLR was broadcast live from Gowran last Saturday Morning.

You can help raise funds by going on to www.ultra300challenge.com and sponsor him through iDonate. For further information, you can contact David on 083 0251726 or email

davidcarter@ultra300challenge.com MONDAY NIGHT COACHING The Final Monday Night Coaching session of 2024 for U-6s to U-10s took place in Young Irelands Grounds last Monday night week. Twenty four Monday Night sessions took place since it began last April, and a huge well done to Coaches who willing gave the time, effort and commitment of turning up every Monday to arrange training, games and blitzes and tournaments throughout the last six months that made it most enjoyable.

ALLSTARS Also on last Monday night week, The final session and presentation for this year’s All-Star team took place to conclude a year to remember for such a wonderful group.

The idea and initative came about earlier in the year from the Young Irelands Healthy Club Committee, and The Allstars was launched on Easter Monday with fun and activities that included an Easter Egg Hunt. Among the many highlights they had during the year were performing at half-time during the Kilkenny and Wexford Leinster Hurling Championship game, while they will never will forget their trip to Croke Park in August.

A huge well done to The All-Stars and Healthy Club Committee and everyone who helped out throughout the year.

GOWRAN PARK The return of the jumps took place in Gowran Park last Friday and Saturday to form a two-day meeting, and there was local success.

On Friday, The Jimmy Barcoe trained Hollow Spark won Division 1 of The Golf at Gowran Park Handicap Hurdle leading home a 1-2-3 for local trainers, with the Dick Donohue trained Ballycommon Chapel in 2nd and The Tom Mullins trained Dream Escape in 3rd with Danny Mullins on board.

Danny won The 2nd Division of The Golf at Gowran Park Handicap Hurdle riding 10/1 shot Good Bye Milan. The Pat Walsh Mares Hurdle was won very impressively by Lots of Joy for the all conquering duo of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend, while The Mucklemeg Mares Bumper was won by 25/1 shot Aruntothequeen trained by Jessica Harrington.

Danny was also among the winners on Saturday, as he was aboard The 2/1 favorite Midnight Our Fred for a resounding 14 length victory in The Hospitality at Gowran Park Handicap Steeplechase. The feature race on Saturday was The Grade 2 PWC Gowran Park Champion Steeplechase, and it was won by the Gavin Cromwell trained Visionarian ridden by Sean Flanagan.

COUNTRY CUP FOOTBALL Gowran National School advanced to the Quarter-Final of The Country Cup following a 3-7 to 3-2 win against near neighbours Graigue/Skeough in Gowran.

U-16 HURLING Young Irelands Juvenile season ended when the U16s lost 5-12 to 3-8 against O’Loughlin Gaels in The Roinn D Shield Final.

U-21 HURLING The draws for The U-21 Hurling Championship were made in UPMC Nowlan Park last week, and Young Irelands have been drawn away to James Stephens in The Roinn A Quarter-Final on The October Bank Holiday weekend.

U-10 HURLING The U10 Young Irelands Hurling Blitz took place in Castle Ellis last Saturday. The host team were joined in the 4 Team 11-aside by Clara, Tullaroan and Avondale.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH

GRAIG NOTES Should you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements or promote any events, you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.

LOTTO.GAA AND SOCCER The numbers drawn on 30th September 2024 were 3, 7 , 26, 29, there was no winner. The following won €30 each, Cory and Owen, John and Peter, Micheal Doyle, Ann O’Brien, Jeremy Barron. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW The winners of the draw held on 3rd October 2024 were First Priz€440, Mia Farrell. Second Prize € 50 Ricky Carroll, 3rd Prize €25 “The Two Half Ones “. Money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all year round. Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is held on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also includs many from the surrounding district. The next Session is on Friday October 11th at 8.pm.

MASS TIMES FOR DUISKE ABBEY GRAIGUENAMANAGH Monday to Friday 10.00 AM, Saturday 7.30 PM, and Sunday 1100 AM. CLINIC Cllr Peter “Chap” Cleere will have his clinic on Monday Evenings from 7pm at his office in Main Street Graiguenamanagh.

TINNAHINCH CEMETERY MASS The Mass that was arranged for last Sunday had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions and Mass was Celebrated by Fr Mark Townsend pp. in Duiske Abbey at 2 30pm.

BENNETTSBRIDGE

CHURCH NEWS Masses during the week; Tuesday evening 7.30pm, Wednesday and Friday morning, 10.30am. Saturday( Tullaherin) 8pm. Sunday(Bennettsbridge) 10.30am.

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

46

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Community & GAA Notes OCTOBER STATIONS October Stations are now due and can be handed in during the next week. This collection, together with the other five collections for priests determine the priest’s income for the year. Your support is very much appreciated.

CARD GAME 17th September. First Prize Pat Hanlon/Mary Whelan (11 games). Second Prize John Drennan/Declan Twomey and Pat Savage/Marie Reid (10 games). Table Prize Neddie Walsh/ Gerry Kelly 24th September. First Prize Robbie Carroll/Tom Drennan (12 games).Second Prize Michael Kenneally/Mike Fitzpatrick (11 games). Table Prize Lar Gibbons/Neddie Walsh 1st October. First Prize Toddy Skehan/Jack Bolger (12 games).

Second Prize Lar Gibbons/Mickie Fitzpatrick (11 games).

Table Prize John Shortall/Charlie Hill LOTTO No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 7, 15, 20, 25. Consolation Prizes Paddy Gubbins, Ballyreddin, Ned Barron, Closgregg, T.T, Anne Ryan, Woodlawn, Rosie, ℅ Fr Duggan, Shangarry Syndicate.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Mary Denieffe, Kilbline on the death of her mother Margaret O’Neill recently.

PARTY FOR ZAHRA The achievements of World Irish Dancing Champion, Zahra Khodabacksh were acknowledged last week when her dancing teachers, family members and friends gathered for a World Class Party in the River Court Hotel. A great night was had by all, a fitting tribute to this talented dancer from Bennettsbridge.

BORD NA NOG U14s SHIELD FINAL Despite their best efforts, the Bennettsbridge U14s lost out to a strong Tullaroan team in the Shields semi-final. The boys battled hard but just couldn’t get the scores. Well done to the team and management for their efforts. Final score Tullaroan 3-20 - Bennettsbridge 0-10.

STREET LEAGUE 2024 Superstars from Camogie and Bennettsbridge Bordnanog took part in the annual street league on Monday. Always a great evening for our underage groups. Many thanks to all the

organizers and coaches who did a great job and made it such a success. A big thank you to the parents for the sandwiches and treats! A huge thanks also to David, Kevin and Liam Blanchfield along with representatives from Camogie and Bord na Nog who took the time to present all the players with new sliotars.

U9s Well done to the U9s who took part in the annual memorial U9 Thomas O’Shea Blitz in Dunnamaggin.

Many thanks to Dunnamaggin GAA for hosting. All teams put in a mighty effort with great skill on show. Many thanks for the invite and we hope to return next year.

U 12s The U12s took part in a Blitz in St Martins GAA Wexford. Bennettsbridge played 5 matches, Oylegate, Ballyboden, Oulart, St Martins and Young Irelands, winning 4 of their matches.

Thanks to St Martin’s who hosted, and appreciation to our own coaches who organised the day and transport.

CAMOGIE Congratulations to Bennettsbridge representatives, Erin and Holly, who were part of the Loreto 7s who came out on top over a gallant Presentation team. The Leinster 7s Camogie Champions will now take part in the All -Ireland 7s in two week’s time.

HANDBALL Kilfane Handball Club are calling for volunteers to help out in the forthcoming World 4 - Wall Handball Championships. The World 4-Wall Championships takes place in Leinster venues from October 26th to November 3rd.

A large number of volunteers will be needed throughout the duration of events. We have a massive entry number of 1675, with over 1900 games scheduled over 9 days.

If you are available or attending the event, please complete the expression of interest form with multiple roles available.

Please see the provisional schedule for the duration of the event to help assist * Schedule Here: https://www.gaahandball.ie/.../world4-wall-championships... * Volunteer Here: https://forms.office.com/e/DhwdU2fD0J EAST END SOCCER Busy times on the field for young East End Players.

East End Girls U15s Well done to our U15 girls winning their match last weekend East End 2 : Evergreen 1 East End Boys U11s U11s Boys winners vs Newpark. Brilliant soccer boys!! Special congrats to Sam on his hat trick.

East End Girls U11s U11 girls played two Lions teams recently, some great soccer on display.Keep up the good work!

GAA Senior Hurling We wish all the very best of luck to our senior hurlers and management team in Nowlan Park next Sunday in the county senior semi final. The draw pitted us against O’ Loughlin’s in a repeat of last year’s semi. All support greatly appreciated as the team bids to make the county final for the first time since 2018.

Juvenile Hurling

Bennettsbridge U9s played in the Thomas O’Shea Dunnamaggin Blitz

Loreto 7s Qualified for All-Ireland 7s

East End Girls U11s were in action last week

Bennettsbridge Street League

East End U 11s winners over Newpark

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

47

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

East End U15 Girls beat Evergreen 2-1 Our minors finished their season with a defeat against Tullaroan in the shield semi final. Our under 12 team hosted Mullinavat in the floodlight league and were unfortunate to lose by a single point after a tight game. It looks like we have qualified for the shield final in this league with the fixture still to be confirmed.

Lucky Dip Raffle The senior players are running a fundraiser at the moment.

Tickets cost 1 cent to 20 euro in a lucky dip, for example a ticket pulled could cost you one cent or up to 20 euro maximum. Prize money is 1000 euro first prize, 500 euro second prize, 300 euro third and 200 euro fourth prize. Please contact Michael Shiel on 0868856810 or David Blanchfield on 0860529386 if you would like to take part.

Split the Pot The next draw takes place this Friday evening at 6 pm in the clubhouse. Thanks again for the continued support.

O’Neill’s Club Shop A new range has been added to the Bennettsbridge online shop on the O’Neil’s website. Simply enter Bennettsbridge into the search box to access the full range of adult and kids club gear.

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN

Tom Healy

ACTIVE RETIREMENT An Active Retirement group has been set up for Paulstown and Goresbridge. It costs €1 to join and €2 per meeting you attend. A cup of tea/coffee and treats at every meet up, a walking morning, a cards morning and plenty more planned for all who attend.

Everyone is welcome.

BADMINTON Badminton takes place every Monday 8-10pm in the Com-

munity Hall in Paulstown.

BARROW RANGERS Congratulations to the Under-14s Camogie who won the county final last weekend. There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. Rangers won 5-15 against Rower-Inistioge in the Under-16s Roinn B semi-final.

This week the prize fund is €6,300 with no jackpot winner for the week ending 1st October. The next draw is on Tuesday 15th October. Tickets may be purchased locally or at lottoraiser.ie BRIDGE UNITED Bridge won 2-1 against Southend. Bridge scores by Eddie English, Tom Huff in Division 3. In the Premier Division, Bridge drew with 1-1 with Freebooters. Bridge score by Nicholas Llanos. In the FAI Youths Cup Bridge lost 0-3 to North End. A Halloween soccer camp for boys and girls aged 4-13 will take place from 10-1pm on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October. Contact Conor English 085 132 1589.

There was no winner of last week’s lotto. Numbers drawn were 11 12 13 24.

Lucky 3 €35 each: Marilyn Keyes Teresa Barcoe, Jake Barcoe. Promoters Prize: Mahers Garage. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets cost €2 and can be purchased locally or on online.

CARLOW-KILKENNY CARE TEAM A charity run in aid of Carlow-Kilkenny Care Team takes place 10-12pm Sunday 13th October in Paulstown GAA grounds. All vehicles welcome. Entry: €25.

CHURCH SERVICES Morning Prayer at 11.30am this Sunday in Sylvae Grange church, Goresbridge (COI).

ROSARY Join one million children around the world praying the

Dicksboro U16B Team who won the Duggan Steel Roinn D Co Final rosary every Friday in October. Starts at 3.15pm this Friday in Paulstown church. Contact Niamh 087 9596273.

MASS TIMES Weekend masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday and in Paulstown at 11.30am on Sunday. Weekday mass is held at 10am in Paulstown on Friday and on Tuesday. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.

DRAMA FESTIVAL For your diary – 24th, 25th and 26th October in Ionad Dara, Goresbridge.

FORÓIGE YOUTH CLUB (PAULSTOWN) New members always welcome (aged 12-17) as well as volunteers. Contact Aidan Gleeson tel. 086 067 4485. Weekly gatherings resume on Friday 11th October at 8pm. Contact Trish 086 3347 426 MEN’S SHED – GORESBRIDGE Would you be interested and available to help set up a ‘Men’s Shed’ in Goresbridge? Alternatively, would you know someone who might be interested or available? If so, phone Tom Healy at 087 9181436. Subject to numbers and interest we are planning on holding an information evening in October with a speaker from one of the men’s sheds in County Kilkenny. The catchment area could include Goresbridge, Paulstown and Gowran.

NATURE’S WAY (BORRIS AND GORESBRIDGE AREAS) A pre-school and after-school service operates from 8.30am to 6pm daily at Scoil Bhríde in Goresbridge from this week onwards. Information: Ann O’Kelly (085 752 9485) or Michelle Cummins (089 947 3317).

PIONEERS 80 years of the Pioneers will be celebrated, this year, in Goresbridge. Further information is available from Eileen.

SISTER ACT MUSICAL For your diary – 23th, 24th and 25th October in the Presentation De La Salle in Bagenalstown.

SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online.

Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie TAR ISTEACH SHOP We are looking for mugs, dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, water glasses, pictures, vases, winter dresses, knits, if you are doing a clear out, we are also back taking ladies clothes, if you are planning a new wardrobe and want to get rid of winter clothes. We’ll take handbags, belts, scarves.

YOGA Yoga in Paulstown Community Hall has started each Monday from 7-8pm. Contact Caroline 087 9371939.

ZUMBA FITNESS Zumba Fitness takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30pm until the end of October. €10 pay as you go. Dance your cares away, it’s fitness, it’s fun and all are welcome!

DICKSBORO

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 3rd October 2024. Nos: 10 18 19 22. Jackpot,not won. Draw Prizes – €50: Enda Morrissey c/o Online. €25 each Shannon Quinn c/o Billy Walsh €25 each Ann Seeeney c/o Online. €25 each Joe O’Dwyer c/o Jim Murphy. Hurlers Co Op Bernie Lawlor c/o Paddy Maher. Promotors prize T and J Knox JUVENILE COUNTY FINALS Congratulations to our u16B Team who won the Duggan Steel Roinn D County Final last Sunday morning after a great second half display. They beat Cloneen 3-11 to 1-12.

Well done to all involved.

Out on the Kells Road last Sunday our u14 Girls B Team took on James Stephens in the u14 Roinn E Co Final. The girl’s worked hard and their efforts paid off when they were crowned Co Champions on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-4.

ADULT CAMOGIE

u14 Girls B Team who are County Champions Well done to both our Adult Camogie Teams who won their games over the weekend. First up, our Seniors who beat Tullaroan in the Quarter Final they will now play James Stephens in County Semi Final on the weekend of 19th/20th October.

Our Junior Team overcame Carrickshock after a great game of Camogie in Hugginstown Sunday afternoon. Well done to all involved.

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP Hard luck to our Senior Hurlers who bowed out of the Championship after a titanic battle with our neighbours O’Loughlins. We wish O’Loughlin Gaels the best of luck going forward in the Championship.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened 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 to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

JOHNSTOWN

ST.KIERAN’S HALL 500 CLUB The results of the October draw were as follows, 1. Imelda Curran (Evelyn Sweeney), 2. Paddy Walsh (Kevin Murphy), 3. Rachel Tobin (Evelyn Sweeney), 4. John Carey (Evelyn Sweeney), 5 Mervyn Queally (Marguerite Dermody). The next draw is on the first Wednesday in November and tickets are on sale in all the shops or from committee members. I’ll be buying mine from Evelyn.

BINGO Games of bingo continues each Wednesday night in St. Kieran’s Hall. Also the “Split the Pot” draw takes place. The proceeds of “Split The Pot” this month are for the local Heritage Group.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Fr. Tom McGree and his extended family who has been bereaved by the death of his brother

Sean, Cahir and late of Lisdowney.

ST. ANNE’S CAMOGIE CLUB....

Congraulations to the U12 girls on their County Final win against a very strong Emeralds team. It was a hard fought battle to the finish but St. Anne’s showed incredible grit and determination.

RETIREMENT MASS To celebrate the retirement of school principal John Curran a retirement mass will be held on Friday October 11th at 7.30pm followed by refreshment in the Hall.

NO BRIDGE TOO FAR FOR DANIEL Crosspatrick Bridge club members had a very pleasant surprise at their bridge night recently with a visit from Daniel O’Donnell. Daniel was visiting in Rathdowney.and being a keen bridge player in his native Donegal he was delighted to play with the Crosspatrick members and have some photographs taken with them later.

CHURCH CONCERT A concert will be presented by Emeralds H.C. in the Church of the Assumption, Urlingford on Friday Oct. 18th at 7.30pm.

Adults € 20, children U16 € 5. There will also be a Monster Raffle on the night and all proceeds will go to the development of the new training facility.

SPA UNITED AFC Weekend results. Junior league Division 2 Spa 3 (JJ McLoughlin by 2 ,Sean Power) River Rangers 3, Youths league Division 1A Spa 3 Clover 2, U15 boys National Cup St. Kevin’s TMB 0 Spa 3, U13 boys National Cup Spa 3 North End Utd 2 AET, U15 girls league Division 1 Deen Celtic 1 Spa 1, U13 girls league Division 1 Freebooters 0 Spa 3, U13 boys league Division 1 A Spa 0 Freebooters 1. Also in action were the U9s who travelled to Freebooters, the U11 girls played Evergreen and the U11 boys played Callan away.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO...

The winning numbers for the lotto draw were 11,15,21,29.

Three match threes Richard Beehan, Ava McCarthy and Jennifer Dermody.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

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

48

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Community & GAA Notes ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a onebedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I. Free L.T.I. Course, which includes Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Driving Theory/Driving lessons and much more.

Course starts end of October, please contact us for further information.

COIS NORE Outreach Advice Clinic, at the Mill every Friday Morning from 10am to 12pm COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost counselling services, includes One-to-One, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

SENIOR ALERT If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

DEFIBRILLATOR There is a defibrillator located in the Mill FRC if and when it may be required.

For further information please contact us on 056-8838466 EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO September 30th numbers drawn: 3, 9, 10, 11, bonus no 24.

Match 3 winners: Statia Broderick, Aidan Curran, Aoife. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Shem Murphy, Arvydas Zebrauskas, Onanong O’Reilly, Ann Healy, Kila Mercado. Promoters prize: Butlers.

SET DANCING Set Dancing is held in Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm.

Music by Danny Webster. Sets called by Paddy Norton. New members welcome, young and old.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT The October 6th winner of Split the Pot is Saoirse and Darragh who received €706. Congrats on behalf of Clomantagh Squash Club. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town or Revolut 086 8221832. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Next week’s draw is for Clomantagh Squash Club GRAINE CARDS Progressive 25 card games are held in Graine Hall every Wednesday night at 8.30pm sharp. All are welcome.

COIS NORE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE Has the Outreach Service available to the community of Urlingford and the surrounding areas every Friday morning.

Call in for a chat, support, and registration to The Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. The Cois Nore Outreach service will be held at the Mill Family resource Centre from 10am to 12pm. Contact 087-4833941.

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

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

GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE

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

CHURCH GROUNDS A great clean-up of the church grounds in Gortnahoe took place last Saturday and much appreciation to the group that did the work. The church grounds and the prayer garden are looking very well at the moment but we would request that any papers or litter are put into the bins.

ANAM CARA TIPPERARY There is a parent evening for bereaved parents being held in the Horse and Jockey Hotel on Wednesday 16th October at 7.15pm. We also offer an online meeting. For more information please contact us on info@anamcara.ie or 0852888888.

SACRAMENTAL DATES The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February 2025 at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May 2025 at 11am.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00 pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Liam Teehan, Grange who won €179 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of October Split the Pot will be in support of the Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

AIMS SUPPORT WORKER MFRC Childcare is recruiting an AIM Support Worker for our preschool service based in the Millenium Family Resource Centre Glengoole, Thurles. This is a part time temporary contract for 15 hours per week Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm up until 27th June 2025. Qualifications required: Minimum Level 5 childcare. Closing date for applications

this Friday 11th October at 12 noon. Interviews will take place on Friday 18th October VEHICLE RUN Lauren Ryan and Hannah Hearn are both students of Presentation Ballingarry secondary school. In April 2025 they will be travelling with the Hope foundation to Kolkatta India. Both have to fundraise €2000 each for the Hope foundation. As part of their fundraising activity they are holding a vehicle run in Gortnahoe Village this Sunday the 13th of October. Registration will take place at 12pm that day in Gortnahoe Hall. Raffle tickets will also be sold on the day for fantastic prizes. After the run there will be tea, coffee and refreshments served in the Community Hall. For further information please contact Denise Burke at 0864136177.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated as the Hope foundation works with children and families in poor environments. This is a wonderful initiative by both girls and deserves to be supported on the day.

KILMANAGH

OUTDOOR RECREATION IN KILKENNY We need your input! We’re part of developing the next County Kilkenny Outdoor Recreation Strategy, and it is important that it reflects the needs of our entire community.

To get there, the working group has launched a survey and a series of public consultation meetings, and we’d love for everyone to get involved. The new strategy is key to ensuring the future of our outdoor spaces is accessible, enjoyable, and meets the needs of everyone in the county. It’s a great opportunity to share your thoughts and help shape how we all experience Kilkenny’s outdoors. Here’s what you can do: Fill out the survey and let us know what you think! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJJ37GT. Attend one of the consultation meetings.

Together, we can create something amazing for everyone!

Let’s make Kilkenny even better for outdoor recreation.

GBC MINOR HURLING GBC minors beat Ballyragget 2-15 to 1-15 in an exciting QF in the Roinn B championship played in Ballyragget recently.

It was a tight match throughout with GBC outscoring their opponents in the last 10 minutes. It was a team performance helped by strong performances by Sean McGrath, Aidan Comerford, Oran Hoyne, Frank McCluskey, Tony Butler and Eoghan Cahill.

LOCAL LINK Transport For Ireland operates weekly door-to-door bus services. There are 2 routes operating in this area. Route 470 Tuesday serving Callan and Ballingarry to Kilkenny, local pick-up is at 10.30am (approx), leaves Kilkenny to return at 1.30pm.

Route 489 Saturday serving Slieveardagh to Kilkenny, local pick-up is at 10.30am (approx) leaves Kilkenny to return at 3pm.

To avail of this service, you must register as a passenger beforehand on 0818 42 41 41. Have your EirCode to hand, so they can pinpoint your home. You must also reserve your seat on the bus, by phoning 0818 42 41 41 a few days before your desired trip. Standard fares, free Travel Pass Holder.

Free children under 5 years. Adult Single/Return : €2/€4.

Young Adult/Child (5-18yrs) Single/Return : €1/€2. Cash is accepted on all TFI Local Link services. Free Travel Pass is also accepted and you must carry it with you at all times, when travelling.

SINGING CIRCLE School House Singing Circle made a welcome return recently, in Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh. A great night was had by everyone and all are looking forward to the next session, on October 26th.

SOCCER FIXTURES Saturday, October 12th - U17 Schoolboys, River Rangers v Deen Celtic SOCCER RESULTS Saturday 5th October - U13 League Div 2A - Bridge Utd City 1 River Rangers 3 Sunday 6th October - Junior Div 2 Emerald Tiles League Spa Utd 3 River Rangers 3 DANCING WITH DECLAN Social Dancing lessons in Ballycallan Hall on Monday nights. Total Beginners : 7 - 8pm Others : 8 - 9.30 pm. For Details contact Declan on 085 708 9128.

BODY CONDITIONING Body conditioning classes, set to music, continues on Wednesday evenings, 7-8pm in Ballycallan Hall. Details, 087 916 1996.

SET DANCING Set Dancing classes have returned to Ballycallan Hall on Fridays from 6.30pm. Details : Mary Dunphy 086 401 0914 LORETO SECONDARY SCHOOL First Year Enrolment, Autumn 2025. Closing day for applications for 1st Year is 22nd October, 2024. Applications via school website at www.loretokk.ie.

FLOWER ARRANGING Flower arranging course with Eva Holmes on Thursday, 17th October in Ballycallan Hall, for four consecutive Thursdays, 6.30 to 9.30. Cost €20 per person. Contact Siobhán on 087 288 7292.

CHANGE OF DATE Due to a clash with the Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes, the First Holy Communion, 2025 will now take place on Saturday, June 7th at 11am in Kilmanagh.

ANAM CARA Anam Cara supporting bereaved parents, will hold its monthly Parent Support Evening on Wednesday 16th October at 7:15pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles.

We also offer an online support group meeting. To find out more call 01 404 5378 or email info@anamcara.ie.

FRESHFORD BRIDGE CLUB Freshford Bridge Club has resumed at Tulla Hall, Threecastles on Monday nights at 7.30 p.m. New members welcome.

Bridge classes will be organised if there is enough interest, please contact Mary on 087-2369535 if interested.

IRISH DANCING CLASSES McAliskey School of Irish Dancing are currently holding Irish Dancing Classes in Naomh Aodhan Community Centre on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 starting in September.

Open to children aged 3 years and above. Contact Seána on 083 8638436 to enrol.

NAOMH AODHAN COMMUNITY CENTRE The Naomh Aodhán Community Centre in Kilmanagh is available to hire for meetings, social occasions, etc. Contact Naomh Aodhán on 083 3413 024 for details of availability.

BALLYCALLAN COMMUNITY HALL Ballycallan Community Hall is available for hire and events.

Contact Jimmy Lynch, or any of the committee members for details.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail. com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

CONAHY

HURLING The minor hurlers suffered the heart break of an extra-time defeat by a single point at the hands of Carrickshock in the Roinn D county semi-final in Danesfort on Saturday last.

The sides were level at 0-5 apiece at half-time, and were still level at 0-10 each at full-time. A goal in the second half of extra time from Jake Dooley gave Conahy the lead, but the Carrickshock men fought back with two late points to win by 0-15 to 1-11. The Conahy men deserve huge credit for their progress throughout the championship this year, and also to their management team of Ciaran Muldowney, Sean Brennan, Eoin Carroll, Ciaran Rice and Ger Byrne.

TEAM: Tommy Mulhall, Tadhg Hennessy, Conor Hennessy, Ben Duggan, Rory Rhatigan, Jack Rhatigan, Patrick Kennedy, Darragh Horgan, Andrew O’Connor, Evan Staunton, John Kennedy, Eoin Dunne, Finn Sherman, Daniel Mooney, Jake Dooley. Subs.: Billy Rowe, Rory Sherman.

Attention now turns to the under-16 hurlers who face Tullaroan in the Roinn C semi-final on Saturday next at 10.30 in Freshford. Best of luck to all involved.

CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls bowed out of the Intermediate championship with a dramatic single point loss to O’Loughlin Gaels in Jenkinstown on Sunday last. Conahy were looking to try to hold on to victory, thanks to two goals from Danielle Morrissey (one from a penalty), but a late O’Loughlin’s goal snatched a 2-10 to 2-8 lead with minutes remaining. Conahy did manage to score a point from Katie Brennan before the finish, but O’Loughlin’s were able to hold on to win by 2-10 to 2-9.

TEAM: Niamh Delaney, Caoimhe Hennessy, Sofia Kerr, Aislin Comerford, Aisling Maher, Roisín Phelan, Amy Morrissey, Danielle Morrissey, Katie Brennan, Emma Mulhall, Ellen Gunner, Katie Brennan, Hollie Brennan, Grace Mulhall, Aisling Downey. Sub.: Evelyn Phelan.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 2, 10 and 24. There was no winner of the €1,000 jackpot, so the consolation prize winners were Stephen Bollard, Stephanie Butler, Eamon and Ann Delaney, Jim Purcell and Emma and Eoin Cahill. The promoter prize winners were Nora Delaney, Helen Cahill and Anne Downey. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

CONAHY HALL Conahy Community Hall Management Committee was recently awarded €3,000 by Kilkenny County Council under the 2024 Local Enhancement Programme. The programme supports community-based organisations with capital costs. The funding has been used for internal and external painting work. Conahy Hall is a great local amenity and is available for local groups and events. Please contact Geraldine on 086-8322951 for further information or to make a booking.

CONAHY BOOK CLUB The Conahy Book Club is flying along in recent times.

Books read this year include Lessons in Chemistry, Year of the Locust, A Thread of Violence, The Lost Dressmaker of Paris, Hannah Coulter, to name but a few. The Club don’t just read books, they listen to audiobooks too. So if you like to read or listen to books, why not join them for their Christmas night (they know it’s early) on Friday, November 22nd at 7.00 p.m. at The Orchard, Kilkenny, they would love to see you. The next book is “All the Colours of the Dark” by Chris Whittaker. If you would like to join the book club app, please text Marion O’Dornan on 087-1649567.

COIS NORE CANCER SUPPORT Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Kilkenny have an Outreach Service for the community of Ballyragget and the surrounding areas every Monday morning. Call in for a chat, support, and registration to The Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny. The Cois Nore Outreach service will be held in the morning from 10 am to 12 pm at Dr Hogan’s Rooms, The Square in Ballyragget. Please do not hesitate to drop or, for an appointment contact 087-4833941. Cois Nore Outreach is also available in Castlecomer on Monday mornings at The Old Courthouse, Kilkenny Street, Castle-

comer from 10 am to 12pm.

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET AND STONEYFORD

MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish: 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 Vigil Saturday 12th. at 6.30p.m.

Friday 11th. Feast of St. Canice and St. John XX111 (Pope) PRAY FOR Tom Cassin, Ballyhale, late of Ballygerdra.

Anniversary Masses, Kit Doran, Stoneyford: Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 12th. October at 6.30p.m.

Tom and Cathy Noonan, Aghaviller, Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 12th. October at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (28th. Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers, Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Catherina Roche: Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Deirdre Rohan, Sunday 10.00a.m. Mary Foran. Eucharistic Ministers, Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Mary O’Grady, Hugginstown, Saturday 8.00p.m. Teresa Broderick, Sunday 10.00a.m. Ann Power “FIRST SATURDAYS CONFERENCE”: There will be a special First Saturdays Conference on Saturday, October 12th. From 10.00a.m. to 4.00p.m. in the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown. St. Lucia of Fatima explained the importance of this devotion by saying that whether there is peace or war in the world depends on the practise of this devotion. We sure live in very turbulent and troubled times. There will be Mass and four speakers: Dr. Katrina Layden, Fr. Jaimie Twohig, Christine O’Hara and Fr. Marius O’Reilly. We will also pray the Rosary and do the 15 minute Meditation together. Bring your own lunch or eat in the hotel carvery. For more details see firstsaturdays.ie OCTOBER STATIONS The October Station Envelopes 2024 are available at the Church Porch. Your contributions are for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese. Your envelopes can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly - Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D).

TAIZÉ PRAYER SERVICE On October 11th. A Taizé Prayer Service will be held in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7.00p.m. In communion with the ecumenical prayer in Rome, we are gathering around the Taizé Cross to pray in communion with Rome and others gathering around the world. Come join us for a short time in prayer, silence and chant.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025 will take place from Monday 19th. to Saturday 24th. May 2025.

Further information later.

MISSION SUNDAY 2024 Mission Sunday will be celebrated this year on Sunday 20th.

October. The Holy Father has chosen the theme “Go and Invite everyone to the Banquet”. Mission, he says, is a tireless going out to all men and women in order to invite them to encounter God. An extra Mission Collection will be held at all Masses on that weekend.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 30th. September 2024. Numbers: 23; 15; 13; 28. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners, Mai Brennan, Keatingstown. Jim Brennan, Lawcus. John Fitzgerald, Hugginstown. “L.P.J.” c/o James Irish.Paula Kenneally, Kingsmountain 3 x €15.00 (Sellers) Teresa Fitzgerald,Kathleen Fennelly, Mary Carroll.

OLDER PEOPLES INFORMATION SERVICE; Kilkenny Older Peoples Council has arranged a series of information presentations to be professionally provided, for people aged 55 and over, in the Mayfair Library, Parliament Street, Kilkenny. The Presentation given by H.S.E on “Age Friendly Healthy Homes Services” on Friday 18th. October.

Time 11.00a.m. to 1.00p.m.

There will be plenty of time for questions and answers and a cup of tea. Booking is not required. When there, why not avail of an opportunity to see the new modern Library facilities that Kilkenny has to offer? All are welcome.

TAIZÉ YOUTH PROGRAMME 2025 A youth trip to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth will take place from Sunday 29th. June to Sunday 6th. July 2025. A week in the Taizé Community is an opportunity for reflection and contemplation and a little step back from daily life. But bringing people together is also the essence of Taize and it is a week of meeting young people from different countries and cultures where new friendships are made.

Tens of thousands of young people from around the world, including 25 from Kilkenny, will made the trip to Taizé next year. The programme, which runs from November 2024 to July 2025 is open to Transition year, 5th. year and Leaving Cert students. Closing date for applications is Friday 25th.

October ‘24 For additional information, including cost and application forms, contact Patrick Bookle, Ossory Youth at 056 776 1200 or at 087 212 9006 or pbookle@ossoryyouth.com

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

49

kilkennyobserver.ie

News Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Sean Maguire In August, Sean Maguire returned to Cork City having previously had a successful spell on Leeside. The Castlecomer native made an instant impact with six goals in six appearances, as Cork City won promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division having won the First Division title.

Sean played a key role in Cork City's success under John Caulfield in 2016 and 2017 as he scored the winning goal against Dundalk in the FAI Cup Final in 2016, while he played a leading role in helping them win the Premier Division in 2017 before departing for Preston North End. He was a very talented player at Schoolboys having played with Deen Celtic, Ormonde Villa and Evergreen, while the undoubted highlight was on Easter Sunday 2011 when he scored a

BY PAUL BOLGER Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny WWW.NANOPHYSIO.IE

We hear a lot about posture, particularly when it comes to back pain. But what if I told you that posture is not all that important? What if I told you that, in fact, focusing on posture has caused MORE, not less, back problems?

Would you believe me. Well, let me explain...

The Posture Myth Posture has, for thousands of years, been seen as a way that us humans can differentiate ourselves from other animals. An upright and imposing posture has been seen as a sign of high status and virtue.

The idea that a ‘good’ posture is important for back pain is a relatively new phenomenon. It has been a mainstay of many doctors’ and physiotherapists’ treatments for those in pain for several decades. But back pain rates have not been declining in that time – in fact they are as high as they have ever been. Our focus on posture is not helping this.

Research has not shown any strong link between posture and back or neck pain. We cannot predict who is going to develop pain by looking at posture – whether that be standing, sitting or lifting posture.

hat-trick while helping the Kilkenny Youths win the All-Ireland Inter-League Final 4-2 against Cork on home territory in The Prince Grounds, Castlecomer.

As a 17-year old, Sean signed for Waterford United where he spent 18 months at The RSC scoring 14 goals in 32 appearances, as he was leading goalscorer in the 2012 League of Ireland First Division Season.

He made the move Cross Channel to West Ham United in January 2013, but unfortunately it didn't work out for him in London and he returned to Ireland permanently in the Summer of 2015.

Sean spent a short period in Dundalk before making the move to Cork City ahead of the start of the 2016 season, and his first competitive game for Cork City was against Dundalk in The

As mentioned, Sean scored the winning goal against Dundalk in The FAI Cup Final in 2016 to crown off a memorable season and the manner of the goal was extra special as it came in the last minute of extratime.

He spent the first half of the 2017 season in Turners Cross before departing for Preston North End, but he played a key role for Cork City during that first half of the season as they went on to win the League of Ireland Premier Division for only the third time having been runnersup to Dundalk in each of the previous three seasons.

Despite only playing half the season with Cork City in 2017, Sean was top scorer in the Premier Division with 20 goals and just before he departed to return Cross Channel, he scored a hat-trick against Levadia Talinn in the second leg of their first qualifying round of

Presidents Cup Final.

Cork City won 2-0 with Sean among the goalscorers along with fellow Kilkenny man Gavan Holohan, and that was a sign of what was to come for the Castlecomer man.

He scored twice on his League debut for The Leesiders in their 2-0 win against Bohemians, and he would go on to become the Premier Division's top goalscorer with 18 goals, as they would finish 7 points behind Dundalk who were managed by former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

Stop thinking about posture Focusing on posture can cause more trouble than it is worth

When Posture Harms Focusing too intently on posture can cause trouble.

It is well established that kinesiophobia, i.e. a fear of movement, is associated with persistent pain problems. If a person believes that posture

is key to their back health, they may become overly conscious of their postures throughout the day. They constantly “correct” their posture and avoid certain positions – like slumped, slouched positions. Some people avoid bending,

preferring to squat down to pick up even light objects from the floor.

Yes, for some injuries and pains, avoiding certain positions may be a good idea for a short period of time. But it is healthy to allow yourself to ease back into normal

movements – including bending, twisting, slouching and lifting. After all, this is what our amazing backs are made to do!

What is actually important?

So, is posture irrelevant? Not

the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League at Turners Cross to become Cork City's leading goalscorer in European competition.

Sean joined Preston in time for the start of the 2017-2018 season, and he spent six years at Deepdale Stadium where he made 159 appearances.

Also in 2017, Sean made his Republic of Ireland International Senior debut when coming on as a substitute in The 2018 World Cup qualifier clash against Moldova, and he made a further 10 appearances for The National Team with his only goal coming in an International friendly against New Zealand in November 2019.

He had spells at both Coventry City and Carlise before returning to Cork City in August and having played his part in helping the Rebel Army return to top flight football, he will hope to play another part in their attempt to try and compete for major honours as they successful on his previous visit to the Banks of The Lee. completely. Our posture tells the world a bit about our mood, openness and energy levels at any given moment.

It may be useful for some people to work on postural changes to help them deal with certain physical issues.

But there are many, many things that come well ahead of posture on the list of things that impact back health General activity and fitness, quality of sleep, levels of stress, quality of relationships, job satisfaction, levels of depression and anxiety, self-efficacy (i.e. confidence in own ability to achieve something), body weight and diet, fear of movement, smoking, tendency to catastrophise – these are some of the things that I would rank as more important for long term back health and pain management.

So, for somebody seeking to improve their back health, read through the list above again. Is there anything here that you could start to work on? Just pick one and start there. You might be surprised, making one healthy change in your life can be the spark that ignites further healthy habits.

As always, if you are seeking help for your own individual situation, it is best to bring up what you have learned here with a registered healthcare professional.

50

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters - St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Relegation Final

Sport

Village slip from top table as Glenmore secure senior status Soul searching in store for James Stephens as relegation confirmed

Alan Murphy helped Glenmore send The Village down

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Glenmore 3-17 James Stephens 3-12 Venue: Thomastown, Referee: Owen Beehan Glenmore condemned The Village to relegation and intermediate hurling with a stunning 5-point victory at a windswept Thomastown last Saturday. It will be the first time in almost 70 years that James Stephens won’t be at the top table in Kilkenny club hurling. Even missing the influential Eoin Murphy, Glenmore finished the game strongly against Brian Cody’s 14 men to ensure they maintained their senior status for another season.

First half goals from Luke Scanlon, Tadgh O’Dwyer and Eoin Guilfoyle saw The Village head to the changing rooms, two points to the good with the aid of the wind advantage to come in the second half, however some wayward shooting allowed Glenmore back into the game and they made their numerical advantage count in the final quarter with big performances and scores from Ian Byrne, Ger Aylward and one of this season’s stars, Billy Reid as Maurice Aylward’s outfit dug out the victory.

The Pairc Na Ratha side had Alan Murphy in fine form and the most forward thinking of Clan Murphy top

scored for his team in Thomastown, as he just about edged his scoring battle with The Village’s Cian Kenny.

Glenmore’s majors came from Charlie Phelan, Ger Aylward and sub Ethan Phelan, whose late goal sealed the precious win.

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Quarter-Finals

Mullinavat 2-21 Erin’s Own 0-19

Things just keep getting better and better for Mullinavat.

They survived a determined challenge from Erin’s Own to secure a semi-final berth, where they will go up against AllIreland Intermediate champions, Thomastown this weekend.

The old saying ‘goals win games’ was never truer than in this clash at UPMC Nowlan Park and it would be corner forward, Brian Phelan’s double major tally that would see The Vegas boys finish eight points

clear of a gallant ‘Comer side.

Raising a green flag in either half was crucial in Colm O’Byrne’s side’s victory, as were the contributions from the pacey Oisin Knox, Adam Mansfield and wing forward Conor Walsh.

The Vat had built up a five-point lead at the short whistle and looked firmly in control, but a fast start to the second period saw Erin’s Own reel in the South Kilkenny side, thanks to the accuracy of the lively Jack Buggy who struck over a trio of scores to help reduce the deficit. Phelan’s second major midway through the half quelled the Castlecomer sides impetus, and they drove that advantage on to secure another victory in a remarkable season for The Vegas Boys!

O’Loughlin Gaels 2-17 Dicksboro 0-20 This was possibly the test that the current Tom Walsh holders needed Declan Buggy and Tom Aylward tussle for possession

Fionan Mackessy has added much to OLG

ahead of the last four, but by God, O’Loughlin’s didn’t make it easy for themselves. When you lose two key players to red cards early in the second half, it’s never going to be anything other than an uphill battle, and that’s exactly how it unfolded in the last of the quarter final ties.

The first half, things looked rosy for the county champions. An early major from the bustling Luke Hogan gave Brian Hogan’s men the ideal start to a tricky tie against their neighbours after the Kilkenny panelist won his battle with ‘Boro full-back, Padraic Moylan before rifling past netminder Holohan. The Palmerstown outfit didn’t panic and remained very much in the contest as they went in 2-points down at the break.

Dicksboro began the second half with plenty of intent, which perhaps riled Mikey Butler who received his marching orders following a high challenge on former Dublin star, Shane Stapleton. Worse was to follow, when captain Mark Bergin and Ollie Walsh clashed off-the-ball and the former followed Butler for an early bath. This double boost

allowed Michael Walsh’s team to use their extra bodies to great effect, with young Harry Shine thriving in the open spaces of UPMC Nowlan Park. But this O’Loughlin’s side are made of strong stuff and once they settled themselves, they began to show their quality. ‘Boro’s 3-point advantage in the closing 10 minutes was wiped out, after superb scores from Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy and goal scorer Luke Hogan.

With the game deadlocked, Cillian Buckley sent over a booming score from his own half as the Dicksboro faithful dared to believe, but Hogan’s heroes wouldn’t go away.

OLG went in search of an equaliser and the ever-running Conor Heary gave the pass to Fionan Mackessy who didn’t take the point that was on and instead summonsed up all his Poc Fada strength and arrowed his shot to the ‘Boro net. The Kerry star rounded off the scoring with a placed ball as the beaten All-Ireland finalists survived the sternest of tests to set up a semi-final encounter with Bennettsbridge.

Another test for the Kilkenny champions.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

51

kilkennyobserver.ie

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Semi Finals Preview - Hurling matters

Final calling!

Peter Mc Donald will hope to lead Thomastown to this years final Luke Hogan stumbels as he gets away from Kevin Moore

Double header to decide finalists

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

O’Loughlin Gaels vs Bennettsbridge (1:45pm) Thomastown vs Mullinavat (3:45pm) Sunday, UPMC Nowlan Park Only four teams now remain in the hunt for this year’s Tom Walsh Cup. There has been some great hurling played to date, and both semi-final encounters promise much as all sides know the prize for gaining victory this weekend.

First up is the clash between O’Loughlin Gaels and Bennettsbridge. The current title holders were pushed all the way by a young and hungry Dicksboro side last time out, and despite playing the guts of 20 minutes with 13 men, The Loughs showed tremendous fighting spirit, in the right sense, to overpower the Palmerstown outfit, despite being numerically disadvantaged.

The potential battle between Huw Lawlor and Liam Blanchfield could

be pivotal. If the bustling ‘Bridge man is fit enough to start the last four contest, one of the country’s finest full backs will know he’s been in a game.

The second of Clan Blanchfield, Kevin has a big role to play in the engine room, where Jack Nolan and Jamie Ryan have been operating for O’Loughlin’s. Last, but by no means least, David has been anchoring The ‘Bridge defence with great success from the centre back position.

Aerially, very strong, the County man will normally be found on the scoresheet as well and the dynamic towering Blanchfield will drive is team on to the very end.

Placed ball accuracy for both sides will be key, and in Nicky Cleere, Tim Dooley’s side have a reliable man undertaking this duty, while the aforementioned David Blanchfield will perhaps hit the longer-range ones when they present themselves.

Mark Bergin’s availability, at the time of writing is still unknown, following his dismissal against the ‘Boro, so the newest addition to the holder’s team,

Fionan Mackessy may find himself on dead ball duty for his side on Sunday.

The Kerry man’s transition to his new club has been seamless, and the current Poc Fada champion has been hugely influential in the St Johns Park’s drive to defend their club crown on Noreside.

Wing back’s, Jordan Molloy and David Fogarty are a match for anyone, and their pivot in the centre, Paddy Deegan will ensure there is no slacking in the rearguard.

While some regard Fogarty as the ‘classier’ hurler, every team needs a Jordan Molloy. His attitude, intensity and controlled aggression make him a vital cog in Brian Hogan’s team.

Luke Hogan is a constant presence in the forward line, while the nippy Owen Wall and Sean Bolger will provide serious work rate across the pitch.

Jason Cleere and Sean Morrissey

will look to cause trouble for the Loughs defence and both know that young Jack Campion is bursting to get onto the pitch and deliver for the ‘Bridge. Conor Walsh is one of the players that has caught the eye and has benefited greatly from having David Blanchfield beside him. This clash could get tasty and those in attendance will be hoping for a classic.

The second of Sunday’s Double header throws up the pairing of Thomastown and Mullinavat. These two sides recently contested the Shield Final, with the Vegas Boys coming out on top that day by 6 points. Having joined the top table this season, Noel Doherty’s charges have settled in nicely and have taken all in their stride. They ended a run of three defeats on the trot, by claiming the scalp of Shamrocks Ballyhale in their last eight clash.

The form of Donnelly’s Robbie and John has been key to Thomastown’s run in this season’s championship.

The former was very much on song in the win over Tullaroan, top scoring as they put The Sash to the sword, after

extra time. Captain Peter Mc Donald, Zach Bay Hammond and Luke Connellan provide a serious level of dynamism across the pitch and will be determined to make a second consecutive county final, all be it, this one is at the highest level.

What can you say about Mullinavat?

They keep on delivering and turning in performances that surprise many.

They have some serious hurlers, a good mix of youth and experience and don’t fear any opponent. At the back, Padraig Dempsey commands things in the ‘6’ role and has two very capable ‘wing men’ in Ian Duggan and George O’Connor, but its ahead of them that the ‘Vat’s real strength lies.

Adam Mansfield is a powerful exciting midfielder, who looks to trouble the scoreboard, as does his partner in crime, Joe Gahan while the usual inside forward line of Oisin Knox, Ger Malone and Brian Phelan possess a real scoring threat.

Despite lifting the Shield, most people will fancy Thomastown to make this year’s senior final, but write off Mullinavat at your peril.

52

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Danny Leahy, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission for refurbishment, alterations & upgrading of existing terrace house, to include conversion of & extension to existing attic space, making it habitable accommodation, demolition of existing single-storey rear extension & existing shed to the rear of house and erection of new garden shed and all associated site works at 11 Clonmel Road, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

Signed: Robert M. Cummins - Cummins + Voortman Ltd (Architects www.cvltd.ie) The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee 20 euros, within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Seamus Tynan, intend to apply to above authority for permission for the following at Granges Road, Kilkenny. (a) Erection of Dwelling House (b) New entrance from Public Road for Dwelling House at (a) above (c) New Driveway from entrance at (b) above for proposed Dwelling House (d) Associated Works 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 t the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20), within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:- Seamus Tynan

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Maeve and Conor Carey for full planning permission to construct a granny flat extension to the side and rear of dwelling, alteration works to existing entrance and driveway and all other associated site works at College Gardens, Kilkenny R95 H6XY The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Larry Comerford wish to apply for planning permission to construct a new hard surfaced yard, new entrance and associated site works for the purpose of storing, shredding and baling and processing end of life tyres and facilitate the installation of relevant plant/machinery , and pending grant of planning permission , I intend applying for a waste permit for the purpose of collection,storage , shredding, baling and processing of the above mentioned end of life tyres at Ballyring Gathabawn Co. Kilkenny.

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

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ted Scriven intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing detached shed/ garage and kitchen extension to existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at Clonmel Road, Callan, Co. Kilkenny R95 F5W6.

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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

53

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.P.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.P.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. J.M.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.P.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.L.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.P.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. S.M.

54

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

Classifieds Motors

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

087 2587745

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024

kilkennyobserver.ie

55

Classifieds Motors

56

Advertisement

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th October 2024