Kilkenny Observer 11 September 2026

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 11th September 2026

Remembering 9/11 Gerry Moran on the 25th anniversary 

Page 20

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

Furniture & Design The big birthday sale Unbeatable Prices  See Page 5

2

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

EVERY FRIDAY

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM SALES E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie T: 087 341 3909 or 087 382 0109 EDITOR E: editor@kilkennyobserver.ie SPORTS E: sportseditor@kilkennyobserver.ie FEATURES E: featureseditor@kilkennyobserver.ie

3

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny

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

Observer An unhealthy development kilkennyobserver.ie

Is unchanged means test shutting out medical card holders?

Medical card numbers have fallen for the third year in a row, prompting fresh questions over whether an income test that has remained unchanged for more than two decades is shutting out people increasingly unable to afford the rising cost of healthcare.

Last year a total of 1.55 mil-

lion people held a medical card, around 28.4% of the population.

This compared with 1.56 million in 2024 and 1.61 million in 2023, when 30% of the population were covered.

Most medical cards are issued after a means test and some are discretionary. But eligibility income thresholds

for the majority of age groups up to the age of 69 years have not changed for over 20 years.

Those aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means-tested medical card thresholds which are based on their household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge.

Some other expenses are also taken into account.

A report from the Citizens Information Board on queries relating to health and social care from people over 66 years in 2023 and 2024 said medical cards were the main issue of concern.

It pointed out that in 2020 the weekly gross income

thresholds for those aged 70 and over increased from €500 to €550 a week for a single person and from €900 to €1,050 for a couple.

“In contrast, the thresholds for those aged 66 to 69 years have not changed in nominal terms since 2005, despite cumulative price inflation of 26% and wage inflation of

Outbreak of bluetongue confirmed

No blanket child benefit despite growing poverty The Government has ruled out an increase in Children’s Allowance in Budget 2027 despite a sharp rise in the number of children living in poverty and strong growth in average incomes.

The overall number of children living below the poverty line has risen to 200,000, an increase of 30,000, according to the ESRI. The ESRI said the Government was very far from meeting its target for reducing child poverty to 3% by 2030 and called for a second tier of Child Benefit for poorer families.

Once housing costs were added into the mix, the increase in the number of children living in poverty was even higher, with an additional 40,000 recorded in this category in 2024 when compared with the previous year. That is a rise of almost 23%.

PICTURE POSED

Glebe House gets planning go-ahead One of Ireland’s most successful horse trainers has been granted retention permission for extensive unauthorised development at his yard, dating back more than 20 years, clearing the way for the sale of the estate.

Jim Bolger applied to Kilkenny County Council for permission to retain a number of facilities including stables, gallops and horse

walkers at his racing yard at Glebe House in Coolcullen, Co Kilkenny, which were built without planning permission.

The horse trainer will pay a €72,000 development contribution to the council as part of the conditions.

Bolger has confirmed that his multi-million-euro Glebe House and adjoining racing yard have a sale agreed.

He said the property would

45% since then.”

It cited “the case of a 76-year-old refused a medical card as they were €40 over the threshold. They raised concerns about affording treatment for a health issue that required surgery, at a time when the cost of living was putting pressure on their fixed income”.

remain a racing yard, which was the outcome he had hoped for. While he couldn’t disclose the identity of the purchaser at this time, he confirmed that the property would remain in “Irish hands”, albeit younger hands.

Bolger applied to the council for retention permission for extensive equine facilities at the yard in March of this year. The property was then

placed on the market about a month later, at the end of April.

The retention application sought retention permission for 77 stables across the Round Yard, French Yard, Brow Yard and Little Brow Yard, together with a number of horse walkers, a treadmill room, two gallops (one sand and one woodchip), a lunging ring, a veterinary exami-

nation room, barns, stores, tack rooms, an office, laundry facilities, a pumphouse and associated wastewater and dung-storage infrastructure.

In the planner’s report attached to the application, it is stated that “retention permission is sought to regularise the development on site which was carried out without the benefit of planning permission”.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed that an unvaccinated 16-month-old heifer has tested positive for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) on postmortem examination. The herd is in Co. Wexford and no clinical signs were detected prior to the death of the animal.

This is the first case of BTV-3 detected in Ireland where infection occurred in 2026.

This indicates the importance of submitting unexplained mortalities to the Department’s Regional Veterinary Laboratories.

The department would like to remind farmers who have not vaccinated that they should talk to their private veterinary practitioner in deciding whether vaccination is appropriate for their herd. It is still worth considering vaccination against BTV-3 at this stage. Vaccination remains the most effective measure against the disease.

BTV-3 is currently circulating extensively in Great Britain.

Parents and bad children

Legal moves afoot to hold parents responsible for breaches of the law by minors are likely to be included in the next Youth Justice Strategy, Junior Justice Minister Catherine Ardagh has told her party.

She has also said there needs to be greater capacity at Oberstown Children Detention Campus in north Dublin, where staffing levels have been the subject of a recent industrial dispute.

Full report Page 6.

>>> IF THERE’S SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE FEATURED ON THESE PAGES, CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE <<<

4

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

News

New drama on the murder of Mr Moonlight RTÉ has revealed a new drama series based on the disappearance and murder of Bobby Ryan.

The Murder of Mr Moonlight, commissioned by RTÉ alongside the BBC, Screen Ireland and distributors Banijay Rights, is based on the book of the same title by Irish Independent special correspondent Catherine Fegan. The best-selling book was published in 2019.

Truck driver Bobby Ryan disappeared in June 2011 and his body was discovered nearly two years later, in April 2013, hidden inside a slurry tank.

He was known locally as ‘Mr Moonlight’ for his work as a part-time DJ and entertainer, performing in pubs, clubs and venues around Tipperary under the stage name.

Patrick Quirke, who was the brother-in-law of Mr Ryan’s girlfriend Mary Lowry, was convicted of murder in May 2019, at the end of what was the longest-running murder trial in the history of the State.

The story has been adapted for the screen by writer Malcolm Campbell, whose credits include the films What Richard Did and 500 Miles.

“I was drawn to this story because of the people caught

New beginnings: Mary Lowry says she’s found love again after tragic murder of former lover Bobby Ryan

up in it, the human factor, the cost of it all,” Mr Campbell said.

“At its heart are real people whose lives were profoundly affected by these events.

“Our responsibility has been to approach the process with care, sensitivity and

rigorous research, while exploring the relationships and circumstances that made this case so compelling.”

The cast of the five-part series includes Brendan Coyle as Bobby Ryan, Owen McDonnell as Patrick Quirke and Sinéad Keenan as Mary

Lowry.

Other names on the bill include Hazel Doupe as Bobby’s daughter Michelle, Carolyn Bracken as Patrick’s wife Imelda and Ian Lloyd Anderson.

Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, of producers Conker

Pictures, said the story was “one of the most significant crime stories in recent Irish history”.

“Our ambition has always been to move beyond the headlines and explore the human story behind the case,” they said.

“At the heart of the story is Bobby Ryan, whose life was tragically cut short. However, even after his death, his story was overshadowed by the media’s fascination with Pat Quirke and his former lover Mary Lowry.

“This drama intends to give a voice back to Bobby and his family. ” RTÉ head of drama David Crean said Mr Campbell had “written a compelling story about the tragedy of Bobby Ryan”.

“This moving human story is brought to life with the help of an amazing cast, and directed with real sensitivity

by Dathaí Keane and Rachel Carey.”

Kate McColgan, the head of television at Screen Ireland, said: “The Murder of Mr Moonlight approaches deeply complex real-life events with huge care and sensitivity, all led by an incredibly strong Irish cast and creative team.

“Screen Ireland is proud to back screen storytelling like this and we hope audiences at home and internationally will find the story as compelling and powerful as we have.”

Details for the broadcast of the series on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player would be announced “in due course”, the broadcaster said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

5

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

6

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

News

It’s Kilkenny streaming live on RTÉ on Culture Night!

RTÉ will again celebrate Culture Night on Friday, September 18 with a rich schedule of live programmes from Kilkenny, Killarney and Cork across its television, radio and online services from 6.00pm – 11.00pm.

Live performances from some of Ireland’s best musicians, performers, poets, actors, writers and creatives will present audiences with

a vibrant showcase of Irish music, literature, heritage, creativity and community participation which will once again put the spotlight on the richness and diversity of cultural talent in Ireland.

In summary RTÉ One and RTÉ Player (8.00pm – 9.00pm): RTÉ Culture Night Live, presented by Carla O’Brien and

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin (live from St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, Kilkenny) and Katja Mia (live from Killarney).

RTÉ Radio 1 (7.00pm – 8.00pm): An RTÉ Arena Culture Night Special celebrates the stories and music which root us to this land and all those generations who came before and all those who are yet to be. Then

The John Creedon Show and Late Date will provide the perfect soundtrack for your Culture Night, including dipping into the archives over the last 20 years of live Culture Night performances featured on RTÉ Radio 1.

The programme features a diverse line-up showcasing contemporary Irish talent: • Jamie Duffy, the internationally successful musician

and composer whose debut single Solas became one of the most-streamed Irish debut releases in recent years.

• Clada, a five-piece traditional music group from Galway known for their high-energy live performances.

• Jessica Doolan, a 2FM Rising Artist, performing her new single Smell The Roses

with an ensemble of cello, violin and piano.

• Mick Flannery joined

by Susan O’Neill, performing material from his new album The House Must Win with a full band.

• Niamh O’Sullivan, the Cork mezzo-soprano and former BBC New Generation Artist, performing with concert pianist Gary Beecher.

Parents may be held to account for kids’ crimes Legal moves afoot to hold parents responsible for breaches of the law by minors are likely to be included in the next Youth Justice Strategy, Junior Justice Minister Catherine Ardagh has told her party.

She has also said there needs to be greater capacity at Oberstown Children Detention Campus in north Dublin, where staffing levels have been the subject of a recent industrial dispute.

Ms Ardagh invited Fianna Fáil TDs and senators to a meeting next week to seek their input on the next Youth Diversion Programme, which will be rolled out next year.

It follows the M9 crash in which five teenage boys were killed after driving the wrong way on the motorway in Co Kildare and hitting an oncoming car, badly injuring three sisters and a seven-year-old boy.

In a letter sent to members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party at the weekend, Ms Ardagh said “every possible resource and opportunity be utilised to address the challenges that exist”.

“Tragic events in recent weeks have highlighted the importance of timely and appropriate state interventions for a small cohort of our young people,” she said.

“With this in mind, I am writing to you, as a colleague within the parliamentary party, to seek your views and feedback in relation to how we might improve and enhance youth diversion programmes and interventions.”

Inviting them to a meeting with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan on September 16, she said: “It’s clear that we need to do more in this area and, with Jim’s support, I am determined to work on tackling the serious challenges

that exist in relation to youth justice.”

Prevention and diversion will form a significant part of the strategy, she said, and the work of the Youth Diversion Projects will be crucial to achieving that.

“Parental responsibility must undoubtedly be part of any strategy dealing with this challenge, as will ensuring that sufficient capacity exists within the Children Detention Campus at Oberstown,” she added.

The latest poll by Ireland Thinks for the Sunday Independent showed the vast majority of people believe the Government should strengthen existing laws to penalise parents of children brought before the courts charged with serious offences.

Legislation exists to impose fines on parents for their children’s criminality under Section 98 of the Children Act 2001.

It states that if a judge is satisfied of the guilt of a child charged with an offence, they may give an order that the parent or guardian pay compensation. However, it is rarely implemented.

The poll showed 80pc of people believe this law should be strengthened. Nine per cent disagreed, while 11pc were not sure.

Asked which measures would be most effective in tackling youth crime, 79pc said tougher penalties in court, 67pc supported greater powers for gardaí and 55pc supported mandatory counselling for parents and guardians of teenage offenders.

The M9 crash and subsequent debate about youth justice have highlighted the strain on Oberstown, which is the country’s only detention centre for child offenders.

A grief like no other ...

An online event is set to shine a light on sibling bereavement and help parents in Kilkenny support surviving children who have lost a brother or sister.

Bereavement support group Anam Cara said their first bereavement information evening dedicated to supporting surviving siblings will offer parents some gentle guidance, understanding and reassurance as they try to support their children while navigating their own grief.

Supporting Surviving Siblings will be held online on Tuesday, September 15 at

7pm and is open to all bereaved parents, regardless of the age of their child.

And the organisation hopes it will be the first in a series of events focused on sibling bereavement.

Anam Cara CEO, Michelle Reynolds, said the event recognises the enormously difficult position parents can find themselves in as they carry their own profound grief while also trying to hold, understand and support their other children through the loss of their sibling.

“When a child dies, the impact is felt across the

whole family, yet the grief of brothers and sisters can often be less visible or understood,” Ms Reynolds said.

“We want bereaved siblings to know that their loss matters, and that they too deserve to feel seen, understood and supported.

“This online event will bring together specialists in sibling loss, bereavement services and lived experience.

“It will offer parents gentle, practical and evidence-informed guidance to help them better understand and support their

other children, while beginning an important new area of support for Anam Cara families.”

Anna May, founder of the UK’s Student Grief Network and Michelle Hartnett, a senior play therapist who works with LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, will talk to parents about their own work supporting families and young people through loss.

• Register at the link: https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/of6tRhtRju5bzN9fQuIVQ#/ registration

Ireland’s seven most searched slang words 1. 67 (39 400 searches) There is no literal meaning to six seven. Its absurdity is the point, making it a prime example of “brainrot” internet humour where the randomness itself becomes funny. It originates from the song “Doot Doot (6 7)”

by Skrilla. LaMelo Ball, a basketball player, created a trending video about being 6 feet 7 inches tall using the song. Kids and teens scream and chant it, often paired with exaggerated hand gestures.

2. Maxxing (16 100 searches) - to maximise and optimise.

Go all in on improving a specific part of your life. Doing something to an extreme and obsessive degree. This slang word has become a flexible suffix you can add to any noun. Common examples are: looks maxxing, fibermaxxing, friction maxxing, cortisol maxxing, chud maxxing, nonna maxxing, mogging maxxing, jestermaxxing, melt maxxing, sleep maxxing, token maxxing.

3. Mogging, mogged, mog (14 800 searches) - outclassing someone else by appearing more attractive, skilful or successful.

4. Gooning (14 200 searches) - primarily used in certain online communities to describe a prolonged session of self-stimulation. The term has evolved to casually refer to becoming overly obsessed about something. Essentially losing oneself in enthusiasm for an activity or interest.

5. Rizz (12 500 searches) - style, charm or attractive-

ness. The ability to attract a romantic partner and make others like you.

6. Huzz (12 300 searches) refers to an attractive girl or a group of girls. A replacement for “boo” and “pookie”.

Somebody you want to impress. This slang had a more derogatory meaning “h--s”, but that has changed.

7. Unc (10 200 searches) - short for uncle. Used humorously to indicate old age (unc status). Anyone perceived as old, out of touch or past their prime.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

7

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

8

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

Bessborough plans are a shame on all our houses We are 12 years on since the discovery in 2014 by historian Catherine Corless of a suspected mass grave on the grounds of a Mother & Baby home in Tuam, Co Galway but are not any closer to atoning as a society for the treatment meted out to thousands of young mothers and their babies.

Mystery still surrounds where the 900 children who died at Bessborough in Co. Cork are buried and reports persist that people must know more about the dark goingson, both there and in Tuam.

Earlier this year, developer Estuary View Enterprises was granted planning permission to build apartments at the Bessborough site. However, the Bessborough Mother & Baby Home Support Group appealed with An Coimisiún Pleanála. Last week, the commission upheld permission, with just one apartment block being removed from the plans after the appeals body said it

would “adversely affect the historic lands”.

Bessborough campaigners have been vehemently opposed to the development on what they describe as “a site of conscience”. Spokesperson Carmel Cantwell said she was shocked at the decision to build where her mother “last cradled her baby”. Her brother, William Walsh, was six weeks old when he died of renal abscess septicaemia. Cantwell says the nuns at the home failed to get him appropriate medical help.

The Irish Council of Civil Liberties has expressed concern about the development. It said the grounds had not been fully exhumed and the location of children who died there was still unknown.

An Coimisúin Pleanála said there was no evidence of unrecorded burials in the area where the development was being proposed.

Moral responsibility is a great buzzword these days,

meaning, I guess, we should know right from wrong and act accordingly, but 12 years on we are no nearer finding out what was going on with the morality of the people who were responsible for the lives of children committed to their care at Tuam, Bessborough and elsewhere than we were when the commission began its gruesome work in 2015.

We hit a wall of silence.

The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary “simply do not know” where the hundreds of children who died in Bessborough, or in hospital after transfer from that home, are buried. The order’s affidavit on burials, according to the commissions of inquiry, is in many respects “speculative, inaccurate and misleading”.

The commission knows of a nun who was at Bessborough for most of the half-century between 1948 and 1998.

Could she help? No, she had no memories or knowledge

of child deaths, and certainly not of the children who died there between 1950 and 1960.

Another nun remembers only one death during her time there. Just one.

That many hundreds of children were literally sold to America, in the hope of better lives, is dismissed by the com-

“People must know more about the dark goings-on..

mission. I find this strange, given such cases reported by the media and given what we know now about the preoccupation of the religious orders with human trafficking and wealth.

The walls of silence persist.

We are not any closer to the roots of an abhorrence that is an indictment of both our country, its State and its people, and the Catholic Church.

Meantime, we may well, thank God, have grown up about single mothers and all those dreadful, bigoted, uncharitable associations of that era but, as I write, nearly 5,320 children are homeless, 10% of all our children are below the poverty line, many young pupils get their schooling in the 1,600 unsuitable prefab buildings throughout the country and the cost of childcare continues to escalate.

I don’t see any joined-up thinking in the Government and other State agencies when

it comes to the housing crisis, the health crisis, the day-in, day-out debilitating poverty of so many.

I don’t see any moral responsibility.

Thankfully, women today are no longer defined by having or not having a child. Glass ceilings aside, women have come into their own and are defined by many things other than motherhood; by confidence, by individuality, by career, by social standing, by just being.

Women now have choice. In the Ireland of old, with church rule and no contraception, women had no choice; were, in effect, automated baby machines. Or otherwise barren, and meaningless.

Women now have choice.

They can have motherhood and they can have a career.

Or choose one or the other.

That said, there’s a whole other day’s debate on the issues of childcare in Ireland for women who choose both motherhood and career.

Social Democrats Senator slams public transport fare hikes as tone deaf in light of cost-of-living crisis Senator Patricia Stephenson has slammed the recent announcement from the National Transport Authority (NTA) that bus and rail fares are set to increase as “tone deaf” in light of the cost-of-living crisis and inconsistent with our climate objectives.

Responding to the recently announced changes, Social Democrats Senator Stephenson said: “It is utterly ridiculous to raise public transport fares at a time when people are already struggling to cope with rising cost of living including, extortionate rents, mortgage payments and sky-high electricity bills.

“This decision from government is tone deaf and demonstrates just how out of touch they are with the lives of ordinary people.

“At a time when we should be incentivising people to use public transport to reduce our emissions and meet our legally binding climate targets by 2030, it is an

absolutely baffling move to introduce fare increases.

“No new bus routes were provided by the NTA last year. Local communities are already being asked to make do with less with the reduction of key services, including the recent cancellation of Bus Éireann route 4 from Waterford to Dublin Airport.

“It is simply not right to ask people in rural communities to pay more while already facing a reduction in services. Those living in rural Ireland already must often resort to using costly private bus companies due to poor transport links. A single journey from Kilkenny to Dublin with JJ Kavanagh private bus for instance, will set you back nearly €18.

“This is yet another let down for local people who rely on affordable, accessible public transport links every day to get to work, school, college, hospital appointments and childcare. The government should stop paying lip service to climate action and prioritise affordable public transport, treating it as the vital public good that it is.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

9

kilkennyobserver.ie

Advertisement

10

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

News

Seniors missing out on fuel aid Tens of thousands of older people are missing out on State financial support that would help them pay high energy bills.

More than 100,000 households with people over the age of 70 who are entitled to the Household Benefits Package may be failing to get it.

The scheme sees those who

qualify receiving €580 a year from the Government to help with the cost of energy bills and to pay for a TV licence.

People over the age of 70 qualify without needing a means test. One payment is made per household. In some cases, under-70s can qualify if they meet certain conditions.

A Department of Social Pro-

tection analysis has revealed that as many as 116,000 households with at least one person over 70 are not receiving the payment.

The findings come at a time when cost-of-living pressures are uppermost in most households. Ireland has the most expensive electricity in Europe, with fears of further rises in the price of electric-

ity, gas and home-heating oil due to the continuing conflict in the Gulf.

The Department of Social Protection said it plans to undertake a new awareness campaign to get more people to claim the benefit.

Around 560,000 households are receiving the benefit, including around 389,000 households with at least one

person aged 70 or over.

But the department admitted its analysis "indicates that potentially 116,000 households with at least one person aged 70 or over may be eligible to receive HBP [the Household Benefits Package]”.

However, it said its own figures may be an overestimate.

"In many instances, it is likely that another individual in the household, other than the person aged 70 or over, qualifies for and is already receiving the HBP,” a spokesperson said.

It stressed the analysis it conducted was an experimental exercise and it does not normally produce statistics on unclaimed benefits.

€200,000 fund to boost rural tourism Airbnb are encouraging Kilkenny organisations to apply for the second year of Ireland’s Rural Tourism Fund, doubling its support to locally led projects and organisations that help visitors discover rural Ireland and strengthen rural communities, to €200,000. The fund is open to community groups, rural tourism organisations, small businesses and local enterprises across the Republic of Ireland, with the application portal closing on September 16.

Applications are open across three categories, Outdoor & Activity, Heritage & Arts and Hospitality & Food. To support the fund, Airbnb has partnered with category experts, Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism, Historic Houses of Ireland and Vintners' Federation of Ireland.

Rural tourism plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s heritage, supporting local jobs and sharing the benefits of tourism beyond major cities. Airbnb continues to champion rural tourism, with 71% of bookings in Ireland taking place in predominantly rural areas*.

By helping visitors discover unique, off-the-beaten-track places and experiences, the fund aims to boost small communities, support cultural landmarks and ensure regional economies continue to thrive. A visitor might come for a bike tour, stay for lunch at a local café and then discover a nearby heritage attraction or weekend festival.

Together, these experiences encourage visitors to stay longer, explore further and spread the benefits of tourism across rural communities throughout the year.

New Ambassador for our Girl Guides Irish Girl Guides (IGG) was delighted to welcome members and volunteers to its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, September 5 at the National Training Centre in Dublin.

A particular highlight of the day was the introduction of Caroline Reidy as Irish Girl Guides’ new Honorary Ambassador.

The AGM was an opportunity to reflect on the work and achievements of Irish Girl Guides in the past year, with members hearing about the projects completed during 2026, the budget and resources invested and plans for the year ahead.

Caroline Reidy is an HR and Employment Law Specialist, a former member of the Low

Pay Commission and a former Adjudicator in the Workplace Relations Commission.

She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and is passionate about helping people recognise and maximise their skills and potential. Caroline also mentors female entrepreneurs and is a strong advocate for supporting women to develop their confidence, skills and careers.

With her extensive experience in leadership, people development and supporting women to reach their potential, Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role with Irish Girl Guides.

As Honorary Ambassador, Caroline will help raise the profile of Irish Girl Guides.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

11

Advertisement

12

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

We aren’t ready for a Nexit border poll You know that feeling when you could have been more tactful about a sensitive subject and think afterwards; “Woops, maybe I shouldn’t have put it like that!”. I wonder if British PM Andy Burnham felt that way after his blunt response about a border poll being,“Off the table”. He might have been better to say something like: “A bit too early for that.”

As it was, he hit a raw nerve with those who thought he was disrespecting the terms of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA). It wasn’t what he meant really. But to misquote a well-known supermarket slogan, ‘It’s complicated’.

Take the fact that nearly half of those in the North now hold an Irish passport. This isn’t necessarily out a desire for Nexit (Northern Ireland Exit) but because a majority in the North were against Brexit and don’t want the

inconvenience that a British passport can cause.

If a border poll were to be held now (the decision is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Secretary when he/she feels that a majority – 50% plus 1 – would be in favour of a united Ireland), it would be likely to fail. Despite the fact that the Catholics are now the majority of the population, it doesn’t mean that all of them are nationalists – some may be attached to things like the National Health Service or the British subvention to the North. If a poll were to fail, there would have to be at least a seven year wait before another could be held under the terms of the GFA. Burnham said that his focus was on more pressing issues like the North’s Budget, on having functional Government at Stormont and on bringing people together. The Northern Ireland Assembly

still can’t agree on passing the final stages of the 2026-27 Budget, with disastrous effects for the North’s cashstrapped public services. The members of the Assembly (which has been suspended six times, sometimes for years at a time, since 1999) can’t agree on anything much. They have passed just 12 pieces of legislation in the last two years compared with the Oireachtas, which has passed 104 acts.

As Ann Watt, Director of the Public Pivotal Policy Forum think tank, said of the Assembly: “Instead of division and distrust, they need to find a path towards unity and shared responsibility for improving services for the public.”

If the decision makers in the North can’t agree among themselves, how are they going to agree with us in the South over a united Ireland when no one even knows

Perimenopause – understanding the changes and supporting your body Perimenopause is something every woman will go CLAIR through, but for WHITTY many of us it can come as a surprise. It usually starts in our 40s, although it can begin earlier, and it's the time when our hormones start to fluctuate before menopause. These hormonal changes can affect us in many different ways, and no two women experience it the same. In fact, one day in the shop a woman said to me, “I don’t know what they are all going on about,” referring to a woman who had been talking about the menopause, needless to say that she got looks from several customers who heard. Like I said, no two women will have the same experience, and some are lucky to have no symptoms at all.

Some of the most common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain and a drop in libido.

Looking after yourself with a balanced diet, regular movement, good sleep and stress management can make a real difference. Topping up with nutritional support to help fill the gaps can help your journey too.

One of my favourite brands is the NHP range, developed by nutritional therapist Dr Marilyn Glenville. It’s been specifically formulated to support women through the different stages of life using evidence-informed nutrition. She formulated these products using carefully selected nutrients and botanicals to help women through the different stages of life.

Take a look at NHP MenoHerbal Support this contains herbs traditionally used to help

what form that might take?

Would it be united in name only: a federal solution where the North continued to be run from Stormont or would there be a single government for us all, perhaps rotating between Belfast and Dublin?

We may be emotionally

“At least a seven year wait before another poll..

ready to put Tommy Makem’s ‘Four Green Fields’ back together again but – no matter how many advantages there are to unity in theory – we are nowhere near ready in practical terms. A huge amount of work needs to be done before that can happen.

Once prosperous, the poor old North, wrecked by the Troubles, has been left behind economically with lower incomes, lower educational standards and shorter life spans, never mind entirely different health, education and policing systems.

So what is being done by the main political parties here doing to prepare for unity?

The Shared Island Initiative launched by FF’s Micheal Martin, amounting to €3.5 billion under the National Development Plan, has already made major investments in cross-border initiatives covering areas in infra-

structure, like the now hourly train to Belfast. The commitment also combines research and civic dialogue.

Sinn Fein’s Bill to allow planning for constitutional change was defeated and their demands for a Citizens Assembly and a special reunification act have not been met while Fine Gael’s Uniting People Before Territory promises a Unified Island blueprint for this November in time for the party’s ard feis.

‘It’s the economy stupid!’, a slogan from Bill Clinton’s 1992 election campaign, is key to making progress. Since Brexit, cross-border trade has doubled to €11bn and if services are included that rises to €17bn. Cultural exchanges can work well, like the success of the August Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast, which drew 1.6 million.

Wonder how an Orange band on O’Connell Street would go down?

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 185

"What is the harvest this year?"

women experiencing hot flushes and night sweats, while also supporting overall wellbeing during perimenopause.

NHP MenoSupport Multi is a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral formula designed specifically for women in perimenopause and menopause. It provides key nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, to support energy, mood, bone health and the nervous system.

For women struggling with a loss of libido, NHP Libido Support contains a blend of botanicals traditionally used to support sexual desire, vitality and confidence, helping you feel more like yourself again.

Every one of you is different so what will help you on your journey will be unique. You don’t simply have to put up with. In fact, you can ask Dr Marilyn Glenville about it yourself as she will be giving a talk about Balancing Hormones Naturally on 7th October in Hotel Kilkenny.

Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 | Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

13

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

Communities an integral part of Public Art in Kilkenny, Arts Officer says

Draft County Kilkenny Road Traffic Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026

Public Consultation for Proposed Speed Limits in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Kilkenny County Council in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 9 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (No. 44 of 2004), as amended, and in the interest of public safety hereby gives notice of its intention to make Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws in respect of certain roads within the administrative area of County Kilkenny.

In the previous public consultation for the draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws for County Kilkenny, an error resulted in the map for the proposed speed limits in Thomastown being omitted. This has resulted in Kilkenny County Council running a public consultation for the proposed speed limits for Thomastown only. The draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws maps and associated documents for Thomastown will be available for inspection at Kilkenny County Council Offices during public opening hours from Friday 11th September 2026 to Wednesday 14th October 2026 inclusive at the following locations:

Thomastown Hall for the premiere

1. County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, R95 A39T 2. Municipal District of Castlecomer Area Office, Kilkenny Street, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny R95 KW93 3. Municipal District of Callan Thomastown - Callan Area Office, Clonmel Road, Callan, Co. Kilkenny R95 RK06 4. Municipal District of Callan Thomastown - Thomastown Area Office, Ladyswell, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny R95 TX68 5. Municipal District of Piltown Area Office, Ferrybank Shopping Centre.

Ferrybank, Waterford X91 DE42 A copy of the Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws and associated documents for Thomastown is also available to view online at https://consult.kilkenny.ie/en Mary Butler, Arts Officer, Kilkenny County Council

Audience reaction to and community participation in two of the four major projects supported under Kilkenny County Council’s Public Arts Programme has been nothing short of phenomenal to date, the funders say.

The short, cinematic dancer film, Fearghus Ó Conchúir’s All to Play For, which features two camogie and two hurling All Ireland winners premiered to a public audience during Kilkenny Arts Festival.

And Asylum Productions’ Alice, the contemporary reimagining of the story of Dame Alice Kyteler and the Kilkenny Witch Trials of 1324, in five chapters in five different locations across the city was one of the highlights for many of the entire Festival.

Mary Butler, Arts Officer with Kilkenny County Council, said it’s an exciting time for the Arts in Kilkenny and looks forward to what 2027 will bring for the city and county under the Kilkenny County Council programme for 2024 – 2027 which is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

“Our approach to Public Arts in this programme is very much about community engagement. We really want to public front and centre. Communities are an integral part of the development of each project. They’re not just audience members at the end of it.

“This is a really lovely way too for the general public to understand the processes around Art

in general and it’s not really about that final product. The richness, the magic and the connections happen during that process.

“It was incredible to have about 150 members of the community involved in The Alice Project, an amazing theatre project with Asylum Productions. All to Play for engaged with a very different community and was a lovely way to connect dance and the GAA and Camogie and the physicality of sport and dance, culminating in a gorgeous ten-minute film.”

2027 will see the launch of the final two projects under the Public Arts Programme Kilkenny. Work now continues into next year on Córa, by Michael Gallen, a multi-disciplinary project blending choral music, documentary, poetry, design, and animation to craft an evocative film about the heritage of Irish healing practices. It was inspired by Michael’s Opera, The Curing Line.

Pauline O’ Connell’s project From Hide to Heel also comes to Kilkenny in 2027. It explores and celebrates the intertwined leather and shoemaking traditions in Kilkenny. It tells the story of Padmore and Barnes, the landmark boot factory on the edge of Kilkenny city which provided a much-needed income for many families.

“It’s a really important time to tell those stories now. Because after this generation, those stories are gone,” Mary Butler concluded.

Making a Submission or Observation Written submissions or observations regarding the Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws for Thomastown may be made in one of three ways: 1. Online via the Council’s Public Consultation Portal at https://consult.kilkenny.ie/en 2. Via Email with “Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026” in the subject line to speedlimits2026@kilkennycoco.ie 3. In writing (marked “Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026”) to the undersigned Submissions or observations must be made in writing no later than 4.00pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note that all submissions will be made available for public viewing on Kilkenny County Council’s consultation website during the consultation period.

Kilkenny County Council will treat all personal data provided as confidential.

We will retain your data for no longer than is necessary for the purpose of this plan and in accordance with Kilkenny County Council’s Retention Policy and the relevant Data Protection legislation.

Mary J. Mulholland, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, R95 A39T

14

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

News Business groups have warned that labour costs would be ‘entirely unsustainable’ if the hourly rate goes up in the Budget by a recommended 79c an hour.

Ireland has increased its minimum wage year after year for the last decade, despite such business groups having warned that the move could lead to job losses.

The Small Firms Association (SFA) and the SME have consistently argued that the policy adds to increased labour costs, that small companies operating on narrow margins can’t afford the wage hikes and could be either forced to cut staff or close altogether.

However, studies show that has not actually happened.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has also come to a similar conclusion. Their last study found no evidence that recent minimum wage increases made it more likely for minimum wage employees to lose their jobs.

There’s a certain logic to the argument from employers’ groups that making staff more expensive to hire will mean businesses will want to hire fewer staff.

However, the likely reason why it hasn’t caused noticeable job losses is alluded to in a study from the UK. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is the country’s leading independent economics research institute. It has also found that minimum wage increases have caused no statistically significant job losses. “Beyond some (unknown) point, a sufficiently high minimum wage must reduce employment,” it noted.

If Ireland’s minimum wage was increased to €50 an hour, the system of work would be turned upside-down overnight. It is likely that Ireland’s minimum wage has not yet reached that ‘unknown point’ – a level high enough where employers would be strongly incentivised to start

Does increasing the minimum wage cost job losses? laying off workers.

The most recent ESRI study examined the period from 2016 to 2025, during which time the Irish minimum wage increased from €8.65 an hour to €13.50 – an increase of just over 50%.

It specifically looked at potential job losses. The study found that between 2016 and 2020, minimum wage workers were slightly more likely to lose their jobs.

However, it cautioned that the result was “based on a relatively small sample size”.

For 2021 to 2025, “there was no statistically significant impact”.

The study looked specifically at possible job losses.

But there are a few different ways that employers can deal

with a minimum wage increase. They can also reduce staff hours, pull back on hiring, raise prices and take a hit on profits.

There has been plenty of research done on the first possible outcome. Many studies find that raising the minimum wage does have an impact on hours worked, but it tends to be small.

Again, this is an area that the ESRI closely follows, with plenty of research carried out. Staff on the minimum wage saw their hours worked reduced by about one hour a week following the 2020 pay increase.

However, these workers tended to see a rise in their earnings overall, due to the better pay per hour.

What’s more, the think-tank also found last year that Irish employers were still actively hiring at minimum wage levels, even after the wage rise. This points away from suggestions of a collapse in demand for low-paid labour.

With regard to the other scenarios, the ESRI acknowledged that these areas “remain relatively underresearched, primarily due to data constraints”.

The ESRI research tends to largely line up with studies from the UK, such as the one from the IFS. In addition, the State’s Low Pay Commission has reviewed decades of evidence and has come to broadly similar conclusions. That there is little or no overall

impact on employment from moderate minimum wage increases. However, there may be a reduction in hours worked with some employers, particularly in sectors such as retail and hospitality.

Its findings have led to it consistently recommending relatively significant increases, such as a rise of near 10% in both 2023 and 2024.

A study from Resolution Foundation, a UK think tank, suggested that lowest earners are about £6,000 (€7,000) a year better off due to the minimum wage, calling it the UK’s most successful policy in a generation.

However, findings have been more mixed in the US. Some studies have echoed their Irish and UK coun-

terparts, finding little or no impact on employment.

However, a review of several US studies carried out to better inform UK policy found: “The best evidence suggests that the employment effects are small, up to around 59% of the median wage”.

It added that in areas where wages start out from a low base, the effect on employment can still be small “up to 81% of the median wage”.

The findings of many of these studies are why many countries are now looking to benchmark their minimum wage against median earnings.

This includes Ireland, which has set a target of a National Living Wage set at 60% of hourly median wages by January 2029. Currently, Ireland’s minimum wage is still below that 60% threshold.

So it is perhaps unsurprising that the impact on employment has been essentially non-existent.

It’s worth noting that the UK has actually reached the 60% ratio following its latest round of minimum wage increases and may even have gone slightly above that level – we still need to wait for the earnings data.

However, the IFS has recently cautioned again about a fall in vacancies in hospitality and retail. This may be due to recent increases in employment costs, which may have led to some companies cutting back on hiring.

However, taken together, this all suggests that raising the minimum wage has very little impact on employment up to about 60%.

After that, there are some suggestions that negative impacts could kick in, but this still needs to be studied more and closely monitored.

What this all suggests for Ireland is that it’s unlikely that the country will face any major employment hit from increasing the minimum wage in the next few years.

How our growing obesity is doing us a fat lot of bad Ireland has the fourth-highest rate of obesity in the EU, with more than one in five adults considered excessively overweight, according to new figures published by the European Commission.

The latest comparative data for the 27 EU member states shows 22.1% of adults in the Republic last year were classified as obese – which indicates they had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

In 2017, when Ireland was ranked in 16th place, the obesity rate among Irish adults was 15.2%.

It had risen to 19.8% by 2022, which saw Ireland with the seventh-highest obesity rate in the EU. Only people from Malta (26.6%), Latvia (24.6%) and Finland (23.2%) had higher

rates of obesity than in Ireland last year.

The Irish obesity rate is also considerably above the EU average of 16.3% in 2025, while the lowest rates were found in Italy (7%),

Greece (12.8%) and Romania (12.9%).

BMI is calculated by dividing one’s weight in kilograms by height in metres squared.

A BMI of 25 to 30 is considered pre-obese or over-

weight, while any BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.

The figures also highlight how men are more likely to be obese than women in the EU, with the obesity rate for adult males at 17.4% and 15.3% for women.

However, there was a higher proportion of obese women than men in several countries, including the three Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – as well as Portugal and France.

Almost a quarter of all Irish men (24.7%) were categorised as obese, compared with 19.3% of Irish women in 2025.

The figures show that almost six in 10 Irish adults (58.2%) were either obese or overweight in 2025.

The obesity rate is one of the indicators used to monitor the EU’s sustainable development goals in relation to good health and well-being and improved nutrition.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said a new Obesity Policy and Action Plan is in development and is expected to be completed and published this week.

Ms Carroll MacNeill said her department was “exploring all avenues and options to improve the health and well-being of those who live with obesity”.

The minister confirmed the options would include measures in relation to the marketing of high fat, salt and sugar foods and sugar-sweet-

ened beverages to children.

Separate figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) earlier this year showed obesity is not spread evenly across age groups.

The CSO figures, which were based on the Irish Health Survey 2025, found obesity rates peaked among 55 to 64-year-olds, with 30% of adults in that age group being classified as obese compared with just 9.7% of 15-24-year-olds.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that the number of people who were overweight or obese had reached epidemic proportions in Ireland and other European countries, affecting almost six out of every 10 adults as well as one in three.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

15

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

Young creators wanted: Nationwide competition challenges teenagers to upcycle and reimagine fashion Teenagers across Ireland are being invited to upcycle unwanted clothes and fabrics into creative and new fashion designs. Relove Fashion is about much more than creating an eye-catching outfit. It celebrates creativity, repair and reuse.

The Relove Fashion competition challenges young people to create a wearable outfit without buying anything new. Previous entries have used their grandad's old shirts and mam's vintage bridesmaid dresses, their ripped jeans, torn bedsheets, moth-eaten hats and even old trampoline nets. Young people across Ireland can give everyday items a stylish second life through upcycling.

During this competition participants develop practical skills in reuse, repair, sewing, design and creative problem-solving, while exploring how fashion can be more sustainable. Along the way, they help tackle Ireland’s overconsumption of fast fashion and the amount of waste this creates, and discover how reusing and repairing clothes can make a real difference to the planet!

At the launch of the Relove Fashion competition Lorraine Keane, Fashion Relief founder and media presenter, said: “Every year I’m completely blown away by the creativity of the young people taking part in this competition. They’re seeing potential where others might not see it, and trans-

Elżbieta Klonowska, Overall winner of Relove Fashion 2025-26 at the launch of Relove Fashion 2026-27

forming it into something so stylish and unique. And what makes Relove Fashion so special is that it’s not just about sewing and sustainability, it’s also about growing your confidence and creativity, and finding your

people!”

Hugh Coughlan, Regional Waste Co-Ordinator “The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices with funding from the Department of Climate, Energy

and the Environment are delighted to support Relove Fashion in its 8th year. The impact and engagement the competition continues to generate across schools, youth groups and communities nationwide has been

fantastic to witness. The aims and objectives of the competition very much align with National & Local Government Policy ” Arran Murphy, Rediscover Fashion Programme Manager at the Rediscovery Centre, added: “Relove Fashion is so much more than a competition. It has grown into an exciting, inclusive platform for the next generation of young designers, creators and thinkers to engage with the issues of fast fashion and find alternative routes, exploring creative reuse, repair and repurposing skills, to pave the way to a more sustainable fashion future.”

The competition is open to young people aged 12-19 in schools, youth groups and individuals. Teachers and youth group leaders will also receive free lesson plans, activities and resources to help develop creative and practical skills.

Young people, teachers, and youth group leaders are invited to register their interest now. Those who register their interest before 30th September have the chance of winning a sewing machine. All who enter can receive a free bag of unwanted textiles from participating charity shops in collaboration with Charity Retail Ireland to upcycle.

Register your interest now on relovefashion.ie! Schools and groups have the chance to win a free sewing machine if they register their interest before 30th September.

16

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

What happens when there is no child to inherit ...

Inheritance tax is already part of the debate ahead of Budget 2027, which is now only weeks away. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been discussing Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) at parliamentary party meetings, with pressure building for changes to how homes, farms and savings are taxed when they are passed on.

Income tax cuts remain the coalition’s main priority, but the question of what happens when there is no child to inherit is harder to ignore.

The issue is especially problematic for people without children. Under current CAT rules, a child can inherit up to €400,000 from a parent before tax is due. The threshold is much lower for other relatives: €40,000 for Group B beneficiaries, including siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, and €20,000 for Group C beneficiaries.

These gaps have prompted calls for change. Fine Gael TD Brian Brennan told the Dáil that about one million

people in Ireland do not have children. His point was that someone who has spent a lifetime building a home or savings should not face a far higher tax bill simply because they leave those assets to a niece, nephew or another close relative rather than a

child.

Micheál Martin has acknowledged the issue. He has said he is conscious of people without children who have worked all their lives and want to leave an inheritance to nieces, nephews or other family members. He has also

pointed to the potential cost to the Exchequer of changing the rules.

The Tax Strategy Group has already set out options. Its 2025 papers noted that people who are not blood relations can have “equally close and meaningful relationships similar to familial relationships”. One idea was “chosen relationship” legislation, allowing a person without children to nominate one or two heirs and treat them, for CAT purposes, like a child.

Both coalition parties promised change in their election manifestos. Fianna Fáil said it would review the thresholds that apply when the deceased has no children and adjust Groups A, B and C to reflect property prices. Fine Gael put figures on paper: Group A to €500,000, Group B to €75,000 and Group C to €50,000. A Fine Gael source says the Tánaiste has raised the issue at weekly parliamentary party meetings and regards the present thresholds as unfair.

A senior Fianna Fáil figure insists the parties are not at odds: “We are all examining it to see what is possible.”

While the political debate continues, households across the country still have to live with the rules as they stand. A will is the starting point, not an afterthought. Agricultural relief, business relief and the dwelling-house exemption can all affect the tax position, but only if certain conditions are met.

The €3,000 Small Gift Exemption can also be used during a person’s lifetime.

Gifts of up to €3,000 from each disponer in each calendar year are exempt from CAT and are not taken into account when calculating the relevant threshold.

A qualifying Section 72 life insurance policy can be used to provide funds to meet a CAT liability, potentially helping to avoid the need to sell a home or farm to pay the tax. Favourite Nephew or Niece Relief can, in certain circumstances,

allow a qualifying relative who has worked in a business to avail of the Group A threshold for qualifying business assets.

But ultimately, it is a question of fairness. Should a house, a farm or a small business be able to pass to the people who actually looked after the owner without those beneficiaries facing a significantly higher tax bill simply because they are not a child?

There is a reasonable argument that children should not be the only relationships recognised in the tax code. And if thresholds continue to fall behind property values, more families may face tax bills that were never anticipated when those assets were being built up.

Budget 2027 will show whether the Government intends to act on the concerns raised in the Dáil. Until then, the current CAT rules remain in place. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Official opening of Bigwood Playground, Mullinavat hotel and providing advice to the committee.

Speaking at the official opening, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Malone praised the determination and vision of the local community: "This project is an outstanding achievement.

Here we have a small community with a vision, a plan, and the determination to see it through. This playground is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. It is now a space that can be enjoyed by everyone in the parish and neighbouring parishes for many years to come."

Cllr. Ger Frisby, Chairperson of the Piltown Municipal District, also congratulated the committee on their achievement: "It is a huge achievement for a small parish to create an amenity space that is truly intergenerational. This

Kilkenny County Council is delighted to celebrate the official opening of the new Bigwood Playground in Mullinavat, a significant community achievement that will serve the community for many years to come.

The new playground was officially opened on Friday 28th August 2026 by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council,

Cllr. Joe Malone, alongside Cllr. Ger Frisby, Chairperson of the Piltown Municipal District, and local pupil William Edward Byrne from St. Colmcille’s National School, Bigwood who joined in marking this special occasion.

The project represents years of dedication and commitment by the Bigwood Playground Committee, who

worked tirelessly to bring their vision of a community playground to fruition. The committee was granted a site for the development by the Diocese of Ossory. Following this, the committee successfully secured planning permission and carried out extensive community consultation, identifying the needs and priorities of families in

the area.

Working in partnership with the Community Department of Kilkenny County Council, the committee successfully granted funding to support the purchase of playground equipment and site development works. The Parks Department assisted the group in identifying suitable biodiversity areas, installing a bug

playground provides a place for neighbours to meet, for families to connect, and for children to play safely in a welcoming environment."

Louise Aylward, Chairperson Bigwood Playground Committee, acknowledged the support received from local families, community volunteers, local businesses, funding partners and Kilkenny County Council, all of whom played an important role in delivering the project. The committee also made a significant contribution to the development, raising and donating €12,000 towards the overall project costs.

Kilkenny County Council congratulates the Bigwood Playground Committee and the wider Bigwood community on the successful delivery of this fantastic amenity, which will serve as a valuable recreational and social space for generations to come.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

17

Advertisement

18

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

The Shared Studio

Tony and Jane and ‘The Shared Studio’ Studio’

Photos credit: Ros Kavanagh, courtesy Butler Gallery Butler Gallery, in association with Kilkenny Arts Festival, was delighted to present a building- wide exhibition honouring the work of the late Tony O’Malley (19132003) and Jane O’Malley (1944-2023). This expansive exhibition marks the receipt of the bequest of both artists’ estates by Jane O’Malley to Butler Gallery where the artists had a long association.

The Shared Studio is an exhibition that provides an insight into the lives of Tony and Jane, and the studio life they shared in different locations for many decades: St Ives in Cornwall where they first met, to travels to the Bahamas and Lanzarote, and primarily their beloved home studio in County Kilkenny which functioned as a space of mutual encouragement, emotional support, and creative exchange.

Mediuns The exhibition highlights work of different mediums and thematic approaches made over many decades.

Studio materials are reconstructed for display: worktables of both artists untouched since their deaths, a loom with a halffinished tapestry by Jane.

Memento boxes incorporate selected sections of the artists personally self-curated shelves and an interactive virtual tour of their studio was launched, showing all corners of the spaces where

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

19

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Shared Studio

their mutual work was realised.

Tony O’Malley holds an important and distinguished position in the history of twentieth century Irish art.

A highly respected and beloved artist, his works are held in all major Irish museums and included in the most significant public and private collections of Irish art. Jane O’Malley showed widely in the UK and Ireland with many solo exhibitions at Taylor Galleries Dublin, the gallery that represented both artists during their lifetime. Her works are held in private collections in Ireland, America and Europe and feature in many public collections.

This exhibition traces Tony and Jane’s journey across time and place and offers a rich overview of both their individual artistic practice and their creative partnership revealing the profound influence their loving companionship had on their working lives together.

Major support provided

by Brian Baum in loving memory of Úna Wilson.

Learning & Public Engagement Events A panel discussion with Catherine Marshall, Sarah Stoten, Jonathan O'Grady and Anna O'Sullivan was recorded as part of the exhibition 'Tony & Jane O’Malley: The Shared Studio' (08.08.26-26.10.26) at Butler Gallery, in association with Kilkenny Arts Festival 2026, on Tuesday 11th

August at the Parade Tower of Kilkenny Castle.

Panel: Catherine Marshall, art historian, writer, curator, founding Head of Collections at the Irish Museum of Modern Art; curator of Na Cailleacha Art Collective.

Sarah Stoten, former Director of The Stour Gallery, Warwickshire, UK. Jonathan O'Grady, MPhil History of Art and Architecture, Trinity College. Anna O’Sullivan, Director, Chief Curator, Butler While some of the programme has already been held, there are some fantastic dates remaining.

Thursday 24th September

6.00pm - 7.00pm - O'Malley Talk Series with with Annie Collins and Johnny O’Grady - Memories Through Landscape and Dwelling.

Saturday 26th September 10:30 - 4:30pm - Tapestry Weaving with Terry Dunne.

Sunday 11th October 11:00 - 1:00pm - Children's Weaving Workshop with Sandra McAllister.

Friday 25th September 16th October 10.30am - 2.30pm - Creative Spaces | The Shared Studio 4 Week Course.

Full details of booking can be found at The Butler Gallery or by visiting the venue.

20

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Remembering 9/11 – some facts and figures Most of us remember exactly where we were on 9/11 when the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York occurred, killing 2,752 people, including 343 New York firemen. Here are some facts and figures regarding that historic event: Some 17,400 people were inside the Twin Towers when the first plane hit. Roughly 16,000 to 23,000 people were safely evacuated from the Towers and ground zero area.

Twenty people were pulled from the rubble alive, including two policemen, John McLoughlin and William Jimeno who were the subject of Oliver Stone’s 2006 film ‘World Trade Centre’, starring Nicholas Cage. ****** More than 80 nationalities suffered at least one loss from the day’s horrific events. Estimates suggest that up to 1,000 of the nearly 3,000 victims

sylvania when they stormed the cockpit preventing it from crashing into the presumed target: the White House.

of the 9/11 attacks had close Irish-American connections including many members of the New York Police Department and Fire Department.

Three year old Dana Whittington was one of the youngest to die in the 9/11 attacks.

She, along with her parents and older sister, had been on Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon.125 people inside were killed plus 59 passengers and crew on American Airlines flight 77. Forty passengers died on United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Penn-

****** Rick Rescorla, an Englishman, predicted the 9/11 attacks.

Head of security for Morgan Stanley in Tower Two, he knew an air strike was imminent after the basement bombing of The World Trade Centre in 1993. He was so well prepared that he helped save 2,700 of Morgan Stanley employees but lost his own life in doing so. ****** The fires of 9/11 raged for 99 days. They started at 8.46am.

September 11 as the first plane hit the North Tower and weren’t finally extinguished until December. 19 ****** A third skyscraper collapsed.

World Trade Centre Building

Number 7, a 47 storey building and one of the largest in downtown Manhattan fell during the attacks but went largely unnoticed in the media because it hadn’t been hit by a plane. ****** An estimated 200 people fell or jumped from the upper floors of the World Trade Centre to escape intense heat, smoke and flames. ****** A coded ‘love post’ was sent on an internet chat room by one of the 9/11 conspirators, Abdul Rahman, to his ‘girlfriend’ (fellow conspirator Ramzi Binalshibh) prior to the attacks. The message allegedly read: ‘The first semester commences in three weeks, two high schools (the Twin Towers) and two universities (the Pentagon and White House). This semester will surely be hot.”

****** Global financial services Cantor Fitzgerald was the business most affected by the 9/11 attacks; of its 960 strong workforce it lost 658, two thirds. After the tragedy, CEO Howard Lutnick rang a colleague: “We could shut the firm and attend our friends’ funerals, or we can work harder than ever to help their families.” Ten years later, Cantor Fitzgerald handed out more than $180 million to the families of the deceased. ****** The steel from the World Trade Centre was sold on.

The bulk of the 185,101 tons of steel left at Ground Zero was shipped to China and India, the rest was used for memorial material across all 50 states. ****** Osama Bin Laden was identi-

fied as the man behind the destruction of the World Trade Centre and the attack on the Pentagon. The US responded by declaring war on international terrorism and against the Taliban regime who sheltered him. Born in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the son of a construction billionaire, Bin Laden was educated at the King Abdul Aziz University and used his wealth to support various Islamic movements.

He founded Al-Qaeda in 1988. On May 2, 2011 he was tracked down in Abbottabad, a city in Pakistan, where he was shot and killed by a team of Navy Seals supported by CIA operatives. He was 54 years of age. ****** A total of 2977 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks excluding the 19 hijackers.

About 1,100 victims have yet to be identified.

The Natural Health Store Wexford & Kilkenny in association with Natural Health Practice How To Balance Your Hormones & Clear you Brain Fog Naturally Hosted by Dr. Marilyn Glenville PhD

they good or bad for you?

• How chemicals in toiletries, cosmetJoin Dr. Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s ics, and the environment affect your leading nutritionist specialishormones. Discover exactly what to ing in women’s health, for this look for and what to avoid. transformational in-person event • How beneficial gut bacteria balthat will change the way you think ance your hormones about your hormones and your • Why your hormone health is linked health.

Dr. Marilyn Glenville to two often-overlooked organs PhD Find out how to get rid of PMS, • Five simple tests to uncover the root balancing hormones to help with endocause of hormonal imbalances metriosis, fertility, fibroids, PCOS, menopause, …and much more perimenopause and menstrual problems and reducing your risk of breast cancer and clear Take this opportunity to learn directly from your brain fog.

Dr. Marilyn Glenville, get your questions Is soya safe to eat - especially if you have an answered, and leave empowered with practical oestrogen-sensitive condition like fibroids or tools for lasting change. endometriosis - cutting through the myths and There will also be time for questions during explaining how phytoestrogens work? the talk and an opportunity for one-to-one Discover what chemicals in your toiletries, time with Dr. Glenville during the break and at cosmetics and environment may be affecting the end of the event. your hormones?

Reserve your seat today and take the first step Find out what vitamins, minerals and herbs toward balanced hormones, renewed energy, you should be taking to balance hormones and improved mood, and better long-term health. how to know which ones are a waste of money.

Date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 What You’ll Discover: • The key dietary steps to balance hormones at every stage - from PMS and PCOS to menopause and fertility • The four factors that control your hormones (and how to reset them) • The truth about soya and phytoestrogens - are

Venue: • Hotel Kilkenny Wednesday 7th Oct • Whites Hotel Wexford Thursday 8th Oct Time: 6:30 PM Ticket prices: €15 Tickets from Kilkenny & Wexford Stores or give us a call. Tickets are also available on the door.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

21

kilkennyobserver.ie

News

St Michael the Archangel

International speaker for St Mary’s Cathedral

Fr Peter Prusakiewicz is a well-travelled international speaker

A very respected speaker is to travel to St Mary’s Cathedral to speak on the Majestic power of St Michael the Archangel. The much anticipated event will take place from 6pm to 9pm on September 18th.

Fr Peter Prusakiewicz (who currently resides in the General House of the Con-

gregation of St Michael the Archangel located in Marki, Poland) is a well-travelled international speaker for over twenty years and has spoken at many conferences, retreats and parish missions all over the world.

Father Peter served as chaplain to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Warsaw where Saint Faustina started her religious life. For over twenty years with great missionary zeal, he has travelled to 36 countries proclaiming and explaining The Divine Mercy devotion. His main charism and expertise is on St Michael the Archangel and the Holy Angels which has led to him becoming a sought after inspirational speaker on these topics and the Divine Mercy.

He is a truly gifted Retreat Master and preacher who can plumb the depths of St. Faustina’s Diary with such clarity and power.

His humility, his depth, his profound understanding of

St. Faustina’s spirituality and his ability to transmit Our Lord’s message of Mercy through her is inspired. He is a pre-eminent expert on the Archangels and the nine choirs of Angels teaching about their charisms as workers in God’s heavenly court.

The days programme will run from 6 to 9pm on Friday September 18 at St Mary’s Cathedral and will consist of confession, mass and talks.

There will also be Eucharistic healing service and Benediction and Veneration of the first class relic of St Faustina and Annointing with Blessed oil of St Michael.

Anyone who wishes further information can contact Patrick ( 086 8522624)or Miriam ( 086 1705363) There will be an opportunity to purchase some religious items before and after the event which include, St Faustina rosary beads, scapulars of St Michael, and St Michaels oil.

22

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Opinion

Choices Shape Your Future

By Judith Ashton

Our countryside deserves better than our rubbish Last week, I went for a walk in the countryside and because I always see other people’s rubbish scattered along the way, I took a plastic glove and a large black sack.

There were plastic bottles and sweet wrappers tucked beneath hedges, takeaway containers abandoned beside a gate, cans, crisp and cigarette packets thrown in ditches, plus two dirty nappies on the roadside.

What kind of person thinks it’s okay to dump their rubbish like this?

Perhaps the most disturbing thing about littering is that it says something about how little some people value themselves, as well as the world around them. I can only imagine that these litter bugs are people who don’t know how to care for themselves… many are smokers, some drink fizzy cans, others eat processed food and sweets and have zero respect for others.

We often speak about

respecting ourselves, respecting other people and respecting our environment, yet these three things are closely connected. A person who treats the countryside as a giant bin is demonstrating a profound lack of respect, not only for nature but for the community and for those who will eventually have to clean up after them. All the litter I saw was simply chucked out or dumped by a thoughtless individual who could just as easily have put it in a bin; a tiny act of responsibility, requiring very little effort.

Perhaps responsibility is at the heart of the matter.

Responsible people do not leave rubbish. Irresponsible, immature, disrespectful people do.

“Leave no trace” is a motto of many music festivals, (I can’t imagine the mess after Electric Picnic!) and nature lovers. Our precious countryside isn’t a rubbish dump. It’s alive. Hedgerows

provide shelter for birds and small mammals. Streams and rivers support insects, fish and other wildlife. Fields feed animals and people.

Trees clean the air, store carbon and provide homes for countless creatures. Even the apparently insignificant grassy patch beside a country road is part of a much larger ecosystem.

Discarded plastic bottles or an empty can may seem harmless and inconsequential. However, rubbish rarely remains where it is dumped. Rain carries waste into drains and waterways. Wind blows plastics into fields and hedges. Animals can become trapped in discarded packaging or mistake some rubbish for food.

Plastic breaks down into microparticles, remains in the environment for years, eventually entering our soil, water and possibly our bodies.

Sadly, we live in a world

where something’s bought, eaten and then chucked away. But there is no magic place called “away”. When something’s thrown out of a car window or dropped, it simply goes somewhere else. Someone, somewhere, deals with it. Possibly, a council worker, a volunteer, a neighbour or the farmer who discovers a fly-tip on

“Respect the countryside and leave only footprints behind..

their land. Sometimes it is an animal that pays the price.

How ironic! People drive around in expensive cars, expensive clothes, take expensive holidays etc while apparently thinking nothing of their surroundings. Yet Nature is the greatest treasure we have; priceless and breathtakingly beautiful; the stage upon which we all exist.

We are temporary visitors here, with a responsibility to leave these places at least as beautiful as we find them.

We teach children to look after the environment and yet many adults seem not to care.

Respect for the planet can begin with something as simple as picking up our own rubbish. Better still, if we see a piece of litter that someone else has left behind and it is safe to do so, we can pick that up too. One bottle, one can, one wrapper at a time.

Our countryside is not somebody else’s responsibility. It belongs to

all of us, and ultimately to those who come after us.

Perhaps the next time you stand beneath a great old tree, walk beside a river or look across an incredible view, you might pause and remember that we are mere guests in a remarkable living, breathing world. The least we can do as guests is not leave our rubbish all over the place.

Many people walk in the countryside to relax, and it’s in nature that we are reminded that our world is indeed a beautiful place, it’s the only true home we all have and we need to respect it.

Respect for the earth begins with respect for the place we stand. And sometimes, the smallest act of decency is simply this: take every bit of your rubbish home with you.

Listen: Arlo Guthrie’s famous song about littering: “Alice’s Restaurant” www.judithashton.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

23

Advertisement

24

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Savour Kilkenny Photos: Vicky Comerford Savour Kilkenny Food Festival was officially launched on Friday evening during a milestone gathering at Butler Gallery. Bringing together food producers, local businesses, special guests, and festival supporters, the celebration marked two decades of showcasing the very best of Kilkenny’s vibrant culinary scene on an international stage.

MC’d by Chef Edward Hayden, the launch event featured key addresses reflecting on the festival’s remarkable journey since its inception. Speakers included Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Cathaoirleach Joe Malone, and Festival Director Marian Flannery, all of whom highlighted the festival's evolution into one of Ireland’s premier food festivals.

The evening concluded with an address from Ger Mullally, who announced that he will be stepping down as Chairperson following the conclusion of the 2026 festival, capping off 18 years of dedicated leadership to Savour Kilkenny.

A central highlight of the launch was the formal recognition and presentation honoring Savour Kilkenny’s founding 2006 committee. The trailblazing group comprising Paddy Friel (RIP), Olivia Goodwillie, Noel McCarron, Rhoda Nolan, Mark Gaffney, Eugene McSweeney, Anne Neary, and Kayrin Connery, was celebrated for its original vision of bringing Kinsale’s famed food culture model to Kilkenny.

"Reaching 20 years is a huge testament to our founding committee, our dedicated board and team, and the extraordinary food producers of Kilkenny," said Marian Flannery, Festival Director. "This year’s line-up is our most exciting yet. With the additional support of Fáilte Ireland’s Strategic Festival Fund, we have been able to bring further animation to the concepts of harvest and samhain across Kilkenny, and we are thrilled to welcome everyone to celebrate this monumental anniversary

Anne Neary and Edward Hayden

Tim Butler, Cathriona Butler, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Counsellor Joe Malone, Edward Hayden, Counsellor Maria Dollard, Aileen McGrath & Sean O’ hArgain

20 Years of Savouring Kilkenny

Leanne Kane & Ava Hackett & Rosie the Dog! Connolly's Redmills

The Felix Family

Joe Malone, Marian Flannery & Andrew McGuiness

with us in Ireland’s Medieval Capital."

Taking place from October 22nd to October 26th, 2026, the 20th anniversary festival will feature over 90 events across Kilkenny City and County.

High-

Aisling McDonald & Tara Byrne (Digital Media Hub)

lights include the iconic Festival Quarter hosting live cookery demonstrations, the Savour Market and Artisan Food Pavilion,

the Craft Brewers and Distillers Marquee, and dynamic family entertainment throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets for all ticketed events including exclusive dining experiences, drinks tastings, expert talks, interactive workshops, and culinary tours are now officially on sale. Organisers advise booking early, as several high-profile dining and workshop events are already selling fast.

For full programme details and ticket purchases, visit www.savourkilkenny.com.

Mark Gaffney, Anne Neary, Eugene McSweeney, Olivia Goodwillie, Noel McCarron, Kayrin Connery,

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

25

Advertisement

26

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

News

ICMSA want more energy from Dept of Agriculture on Bluetongue Vaccination and stress need to get away from ‘Multiples of 50’ in dosages ICMSA Livestock chairperson Michael O Connell has expressed disappointment at the detection of the latest case of Bluetongue over the weekend while commending the fact that the infection was ‘picked up’.

Mr O Connell has repeatedly stressed the importance of farmers being vigilant over the next few weeks for clinical signs of BTV as the temperatures remain ambient for midge replication. Noting that we are in an extremely challenging year in terms of both cashflow and weather, the Livestock Chairperson said that the case for vaccination is even more compelling and he urged herdowners who have not yet had their herds vaccinated to contact their vet and seek their advice on best practice at this sate in the year.

“We think that farmers should be insisting that all fallen animals are also tested for BTV”, he continued.

The ICMSA Chairperson said it was “inevitable” that we have seen our first BTV 3 positive case since this Spring as the virus has

become rife in the UK. The number of positive cases has increased substantially in the UK and it is believed that vaccination uptake has not been as successful in the Uk as in Ireland.

“The somewhat passive narrative around spread of the virus in the UK and the ‘hit-and-miss’ application of vaccine has really came back to bite as the unseen consequences such as

embryonic loss have begun to hit home financially for UK farmers”, noted Mr O’Connell.

Although the uptake of usage of BTV 3 vaccination has been quite positive,

Mr O Connell urged the Department to look further into the dosage size of vaccine as the ‘one size fits all’ approach was not suitable and hampering effective vaccination.

“If we continue to only have access to 50 shot packs, we are going to see an awful lot of wastage as not every herd has 50 or 100 animals or exact multiples of 50. It’s inevitable that smaller breeding herds are not going to use the vaccine despite funding available in the 2026 Beef Welfare Scheme and the 2026 Sheep Welfare Scheme. The idea of farmers sharing vaccines is ultimately not a recommended scenario either due to handling constraints or cross contamination if cases of BTV occurs on farm. The viability of the vaccine overall should be a separate question from how the vaccine should be handled and distributed in a way that minimises cross-contamination and herd security”, he said.

Mr O’Connell said that ICMSA have previously engaged with manufacturers of BTV 3 vaccine

regarding the dosage sizes, the onset of immunity and the procedure following the first year’s vaccination programme.

“It was pointed out to us that the vaccine was produced as part of an emergency response to the initial outbreak of BTV in the Netherlands where they believed a 50-vaccine pack was adequate to represent the size of herds in the Netherlands. ICMSA is calling on the Department to engage with the BTV vaccine manufacturers regarding production of smaller pack sizes. This will give all farmers ample opportunity to access vaccine without wasting money on vaccine that is not used. We need DAFM to get after this much more as, frankly, their efforts to get farmers to vaccinate last Spring left a lot to desire and were halfhearted. We understand it is not possible to fence out or keep out midges but implementing other biosecurity measures is paramount and it is up to DAFM to encourage vaccination, not just ICMSA”, concluded Mr O’Connell.

Voice Notes brings a unique approach to developing theatre on Culture Night A simple prompt has led to a very different way Susie of developing a piece of theatre, with Gillian Lamb,who Grattan and Susie Lamb bringing Voice Notes has worked to Kilkenny this Culture Night. The writers extensively thought it would be interesting to try writing across a play through voice notes. The project began theatre with prompts asking the public for a relationship and a scenario, with the prompts chosen from a hat! These became the starting point for a series of voice notes exchanged between Gillian and Susie. All of the voice notes they recorded became the script. This will be presented as a reading at The Book & Coffee Shop on William Street on Culture NIght, Friday, September 18th, from 9pm to 10pm.

Gillian Grattan is a playwright, filmmaker and drama facilitator and is the Artistic Director of TADA Theatre and Film School. She has an MA in Stage and Screen Writing from UCD and works across theatre, film, radio and community arts.

Susie Lamb is an actor, writer and performance from Kilkenny County Council Arts educator who has worked Office and the Night Time Economy extensively across theatre, Fund, with support from The Book film, television, radio & Coffee Shop and the Watergate and voice-over. She is Theatre. Voice Notes will be prealso fluent in Irish and sented as part of Culture Night 2026 has worked in Irishon Friday, September 18, from 9pm language animation. to 10pm at The Book & Coffee Shop, Voice Notes is William Street, Kilkenny. supported by Culture Bookings via WhatsApp Night on 086 263 4556 or email fundtheatretada@gmail.

Gillian Grattan, playwright, filmmaker and drama facilitator ing com.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

27

Advertisement

28

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Opinion

The “Busiest Street in Town” Part three

Convent of Mercy group 1945

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

Continuing the story of Callan in Seamus O’ Brien’s youth, when Upper Bridge Street was the busiest street in town…

Fennelly’s house in Upper Bridge Street was at number thirteen…two doors from Seamus’s home at number eleven.

It was a spacious two-storied building with an archway and a large farmyard that seemed to be always humming with activity. People called day and night to the yard to collect their buckets of milk. The house encompassed a bar and grocery.

Dick Fennelly ran this part of the business, as well as the hardware and undertaking, while his brother Billy, ably assisted by the dedicated Bat Roche (originally from Cork) ran the farming side of things with great efficiency.

From morning to evening,

Lower Bridge Street in 1900s

hens and a cock darted about in the yard, and townspeople came and went with their buckets of milk, supplied by Fennelly’s substantial and much-envied dairy herd. Pigs were also kept in the farmyard off the street, creating a daily concert of squealing and clucking that for years remained an essential part of the Bridge Street symphony of life.

The coffins were stored in premises on the opposite side of the street, which doubled as a light hardware store that catered for all phases of life’s journey, with coffins, cradles and cots being in constant demand to meet the eternal cycle of births, deaths, and happy marriages in the area.

The Fennellys were a hardworking and ambitious family, owning the historic Moat, fields near the Fair Green, and having land in Tullamaine. In later years, Dick’s wife Margaret took over the business after Dick died.

Next to Fennelly’s, beside the bridge, stood Adelphia House. Seamus couldn’t quite remember when it had been

a hotel, but his father assured him it had once been one of the finest hotels in Ireland, and that it opened in 1884, continuing to thrive into the early years of the twentieth century.

William Keogh, father of Kevin the renowned baker, acquired the building in the late 1920s and in 1928 Jimmy Somers bought it from him, opening his acclaimed pub and grocery.

Jimmy hailed from Killenaule and owned the stately corn mill at Mallardstown, located close to where the noted local historian and farmer’s rights campaigner, Philip Lynch, now resides.

Jimmy was a top-notch community activist. He was instrumental in getting the Callan Ploughing Association up and running, aided by his wife Peig and Jack Dunne of Maxtown.

The dispensary provided an excellent medical service to the people of the district, offering the services of a doctor and midwife. Seamus remembered a Mrs. O’ Dwyer as being the local midlife in his teens. She

lived in a room above the dispensary. A Nurse Flynn who married a Henzy Gavin later replaced her.

Doctor Frank Walsh held a regular clinic at the dispensary.

In later years, Jimmy Somers bought the dispensary building next door after the doctor’s surgery opened in Newmarket Lane.

Next to the “coffin shop” beside the river stood the impressive building that housed Maher’s grocery.

James Maher was a respected local historian, author of such publications as Romantic Slievenamon and Chief of the Commeraghs.

When he and his family moved to Mullinhaone in 1927, Tom and John Garry from Athlone took over and added a bar to the grocery.

(The business thrived for fifteen years until the next owner, Larry Carroll, acquired

it. It was he who had the name Avonree House emblazoned on the gable of the building.

Tom White was the next owner to move in. The business then passed to Pat and Margaret Lennon and later still to Harry and Olva Dowdall.)

Michael Bradley, who lived at number nineteen, was an outstanding carpenter and builder. Among the construction projects to his credit were the Parochial Hall and the Curate’s house.

His wife Mary was a dressmaker, and she often asked young Seamus O’ Brien to try on various garments she had fashioned and gave him an English three-penny bit for each fitting.

He refused her offer only once…when she wanted him to try on a lovely new First Communion girls’ dress for size! It was the builder’s son, also Michael Bradley, who in later years opened a chemist’s

Outside Kerwicks in Green Street 1960s

shop.

If you needed any essential or fashionable garment, suit, or a nifty new hat, you dropped in to view the merchandise at number twelve, a drapery and millenary shop run by Tom and Ellen Kerwick.

Tom was the town’s master tailor, who employed Jim Maher and Tommy Brennan as tailors on the premises. They were always busy, forever sewing and stitching and cutting to serve the clothing needs of the community.

Tom and Ellen also owned the boot and shoe shop at number ten so there was no danger of going without footwear unless you were very poor.

Seamus remembered Mrs. Kerwick’s sister, Miss Lanigan, as a kind-hearted woman who lived elsewhere in the town.

The boot and shoe shop thrived throughout the 1920s and 30s but came to an abrupt and untimely end in 1939 when fire engulfed the premises. There was no fire brigade in Callan, and the local guards, using hoses stored in the Town Hall, tried desperately but in vain to quench it.

Seamus was emerging from the old cinema at Prologue after watching a Western when he and other film buffs beheld the raging inferno and smoke billowing into the night sky over Callan. Luckily, nobody was injured.

Also looking after footwear requirements was Pat O’ Reilly, originally from Thomastown, who married Kitty Burke of Attatinoe.

Dick Pape ran a hairdressing salon for a brief period in a house later occupied by Mrs. Isabella Madigan. Later, he converted a building that once housed Montgomery’s chemist shop for use as a hairdresser’s. Decades later, Olva and Gina Keating also ran a hairdressing salon on the premises.

To be continued…

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

29

Advertisement

30

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

On Saturday, the 5th of September, the Tullaroan Camogie Club proudly h

T

his special event was held in memory of Trish Maher, and it brought together clubs, families, and supporters for what turned out to be a fantastic day of sport, friendship, and community spirit.

The competition attracted eight teams, who all lined out full of energy and determination at the Tullaroan GAA grounds. Representing their clubs with pride were: • Tullaroan • Myshall • Urlingford • Danesfort • Dicksboro • Castlecomer • St Martins • Thomastown Every match was hotly contested, with the young players displaying not only their growing skills but also great teamwork, heart, and spirit. The standard of camogie on show was a real credit to the clubs, mentors, and families behind these girls. From the very first throw-in to the final whistle of the last match, each team gave it everything they had, battling right to the bitter end.

Huge congratulations to Thomastown, who claimed victory in the Shield Final. The girls produced some excellent camogie throughout the tournament and saved their best for the final, showing great skill, teamwork, determination and fighting spirit to secure a well-deserved win.

Congratulations also go to St Martins, winners of the Cup Final. In a closely contested match,

the girls showed great determination and skill to secure victory. It was an exciting game of camogie, with the result uncertain until the final whistle.

Kate Kelly of Danesfort was named Player of the Tournament, sponsored by John O'Flynn, after an outstanding series of performances throughout the competition this year.

The atmosphere was wonderful as families, friends and supporters gathered for a memorable day of sport and community, helped by lovely weather. It was a fitting tribute to Trish Maher and would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the many volunteers, sponsors and supporters involved.

The Maher family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their kindness, generosity and support. Special thanks to Tullaroan Camogie and Hurling Club for the use of the pitches and to referees Ciara Murphy, Vivien Holmes, Richie Holland, Emma Walsh, Miriam Walsh and Brendan Cahill.

Thanks also to Richie and Trish Cleere for marking the pitches and everyone who helped with setting up, cleaning, scorekeeping, parking, umpiring and making tea.

Sincere thanks to sponsors Richard and Maura Walsh, Emma and Billy Murphy of Murphy Guttering, the Delaney family of Seanies Bar, and John and Joan Connolly of Connollys Bar. Finally, thank you to the eight teams and mentors who took part and provided a fantastic display of camogie throughout the tournament.

A fantastic day was had by all – and the memory of it will live on until we gather again next year.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

31

hosted the Trish Maher Memorial Tournament for Under-13 camogie teams

32

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS: NEWS, LAUNCHES OR EVENTS ACROSS HOMES & GARDENS? CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Homes & Gardens

Wood, laminate or tile?

HOME Choosing a new floor is a balance between looks, budget and how much wear the room has to handle. If you like the appearance of timber, the options are real wood, laminate and wood-effect tiles.

Real wood has the advantage of being the genuine article. It brings natural variation, warmth and texture that manufactured finishes try to copy. It can last for many years if looked after properly.

The trade-off is maintenance.

Timber can scratch, stain and

react to moisture and humidity, so it may eventually need sanding or refinishing.

Laminate is the most affordable route to a wood-look floor and is straightforward to install. Modern products can look convincing, but they’re not all suited to wet or busy areas. Water getting into joints can cause swelling, and once the surface is badly damaged it can’t usually be refinished like solid timber.

Wood-effect porcelain tiles offer an alternative. Advances in printing mean they can reproduce wood grain, knots

ArtPhoto_studio

Refresh kitchen cabinets for less HOME HACK tonodiaz

and colour variation really well. Their main advantage is practicality: they are hardwearing, low maintenance and resistant to water, making them useful in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and other busy spaces.

However, tiling normally requires more preparation and professional installation, and a tiled floor can feel harder and colder underfoot than timber or laminate. Rugs can soften the effect, while porcelain also works well with underfloor heating because it conducts heat efficiently.

In a living room or bedroom, where moisture is less of a concern, any of the three can work. Kitchens, bathrooms and entrance halls need more thought because of spills, steam, wet shoes and heavier traffic.

You should also consider cost beyond the price per square metre. Laminate tends to have the lowest upfront cost, real wood the highest with wood-effect tiles sitting somewhere in between.

Factor in installation, maintenance and how long you expect the floor to stay in place.

If your old kitchen cabinets are still solid and working well, think twice before replacing them. A fresh finish and new handles can make a big difference.

Start by checking that doors hang properly and hinges are secure. Remove the doors, drawers and handles, labelling everything as you go so it is easy to put back.

Wash off kitchen grease thoroughly before painting. Once dry, lightly sand or degloss the surfaces, following your chosen primer’s instructions. Pay particular attention to edges and moulded details.

Apply a bonding primer, followed by a hardwearing cabinet paint in thin coats. Allow each coat to dry fully before turning doors over or rehanging them.

If you are changing handles, measure the distance between the existing screw holes before buying replacements. Fill unwanted holes before painting and use a template when drilling new ones.

While the cabinets are empty, it is also a good time to adjust hinges and add drawer organisers or shelf liners.

Divide now, replant for spring GARDEN NOTE Ted Balmer

Before you cut the hedge GARDEN September is a good time to tidy hedges before winter, once the nesting season has passed and summer growth slows.

The Royal Horticultural Society recommends giving evergreen hedges a final trim in September, particularly types such as leylandii. The aim is not a hard cut, but a light shaping to remove this year’s untidy growth and leave the hedge in good condition for winter.

Before starting, identify the hedge. Beech and hornbeam are normally trimmed in late summer, while yew can be cut in summer and autumn.

Flowering hedges need more care, as pruning at the wrong time can remove next year’s flowers.

For a formal hedge, use string as a guide if a straight finish matters. Keep the base slightly wider than the top.

ArtPhoto_studio

This allows light to reach the lower branches and also makes the hedge less vulnerable to damage from heavy snow or wind.

Avoid cutting back into old brown wood on most conifers, as many will not regrow from bare stems. Large-

leaved evergreens such as laurel are often better tackled with secateurs or loppers, which avoid leaving rows of cut and damaged leaves.

Wildlife still needs consideration. The National Parks and Wildlife Service notes that Section 40 of the Wildlife Act

generally restricts hedge cutting from March 1 to August 31. Active bird nests remain protected at any time of year, so check before cutting.

Clear away trimmings afterwards and remove dead, diseased or damaged branches as you work.

September is a useful time to divide some established perennials, particularly those that flower earlier in the year.

Over time, plants such as hostas, daylilies and some irises can form large clumps, develop bare centres or produce fewer flowers. Dividing them helps control their size and gives younger sections room to grow.

Lift the whole plant carefully with a spade or garden fork and shake away loose soil. Split the clump into smaller sections, making sure each piece has healthy roots and several growing points. Discard old or woody material from the centre.

Replant the strongest sections quickly, at the same depth they were growing before, firm the soil around them and water well.

Bord Bia advises that spring-flowering perennials are generally better divided in autumn, while plants flowering after midsummer are usually divided in spring.

The job also provides extra plants for filling gaps elsewhere in the garden or passing on to friends.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

33

Advertisement

34

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

St. John’s Parish pilgrimage

St. John’s Parish pilgrimage to Knock – a day of faith and fellowship An enthusiastic group of parishioners from St. John’s Parish, Kilkenny, travelled to the Marian Shrine in Knock, Co. Mayo on Friday, 21st August for the annual parish pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, led by Monsignor Dan Carroll, left St. John’s Church at 7.00am with 120 parishioners travelling. Despite the early start, there was a great sense of anticipation and quiet prayer as the coaches made their way west. On arrival, many parishioners took time for private prayer at the Apparition Chapel, where Our Lady appeared to fifteen people on that wet August evening in 1879. Concelebrated Mass was held at 3.00pm in the Basilica, where chief celebrant, Army Chaplain Fr. Paul Murphy, spoke about love and forgiveness and the enduring relevance of Knock in these uncertain times.

Concluding his personal testimony with an appeal for hope and trust in the Lord, he said: “I won’t let hate have the final word and define my life.” After Mass, pilgrims had time for light refreshments and a visit to the excellent Knock Museum, which tells the story of the Apparition and of life in the west of Ireland at that time.

Others used the time for Confession, to light candles for loved ones, or simply to walk the peaceful grounds.

Highlight A special highlight was the ‘Anointing of the Sick’ at 2.30pm, which brought great comfort to many of the older members of the group. The day concluded with the Rosary procession and Benediction before the journey home, with a stop in the Grand Hotel, Moate for an evening meal. The group arrived back in Kilkenny at 10pm, tired but uplifted. Speaking to the Observer, Fr. Dan Carroll said the day had been a great success: “There is something special about Knock. You go with your own worries and intentions and you come back lighter. Knock reminds us that Our Lady comes quietly. She does not come with fanfare, but with reassurance. In times of hardship then, as now, she offers us hope and the reminder that we are not alone.”

St. John’s Parish offers sincere thanks to Fr. Carroll and to Áine Butler, who organised the pilgrimage, and to Eamon Maher Coaches for a safe and memorable journey.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

35

St. John’s Parish pilgrimage

36

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS: NEWS, LAUNCHES OR EVENTS ACROSS FOOD & DRINK? CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Food & Drink

Apple and Blackberry Crumble RECIPE

Kilkenny’s heritage apples FOOD

To mark National Blackberry Day tomorrow (Saturday), this blackberry and apple crumble makes the most of one of early autumn’s best-loved fruits. Tart cooking apples and juicy blackberries are topped with a crisp, buttery crumble for a simple pudding that’s best served warm with custard, cream or vanilla ice cream.

Serves: 6 Ingredients For the filling: • 500g cooking apples • 250g blackberries • 60g light brown sugar • 1 tbsp lemon juice • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tbsp plain flour For the crumble: • 150g plain flour • 100g cold butter, cubed • 75g light brown sugar • 50g rolled oats • Pinch of salt Method Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6.

Peel, core and roughly chop the apples. Place them in a saucepan with the brown sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook gently for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.

Remove from the heat and carefully stir through the blackberries. Sprinkle over the tablespoon of flour and mix gently. This will help thicken the fruit juices as the crumble cooks.

Transfer the fruit to a medium-sized ovenproof dish and spread it out evenly.

To make the topping, put the flour and cold butter into a bowl.

Rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in the brown sugar, oats and a pinch of salt.

Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit. Don’t press it down - keeping the topping loose helps it become crisp and golden.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown and the blackberry and apple juices are bubbling around the edges.

Leave to stand for five minutes before serving.

For a little extra crunch, add a handful of chopped hazelnuts or flaked almonds to the crumble mixture before baking. It’s best served warm, with plenty of custard or lightly whipped cream.

September and early autumn are peak apple-harvesting time in Ireland, and Kilkenny has a sizeable share of the country’s surviving heritage varieties.

The Irish Seed Savers Association catalogue records Ballyvaughan Seedling, Bloody Butcher, Clearheart, Farrell, Gibbon’s Russet, Honey Ball, Horse’s Head, Piltown Early Red, Pêche Melba, Red Brandy, Richardson, Sam Young and Valentine among the heritage apples grown in Kilkenny.

Gibbon’s Russet was popular in Kilkenny from the early 1800s. Irish Seed Savers de-

scribes it as a juicy, crunchy eating apple and a reliable cropper, picked in mid-September.

Bloody Butcher is another September apple. Large, red and yellow and suitable for both eating and cooking, it’s described as a heavy cropper with good disease resistance and was associated with Kilkenny, Meath and Offaly in the early 20th century.

Clearheart is traditional to Kilkenny and takes its name from the large empty space at the centre of the fruit. It’s sweet and juicy, picked in September and can store until November.

Piltown Early Red has an

Karlyukav

even more specific local link.

Traditionally grown around Piltown, it’s a firm, crunchy cooking apple ideal for baking.

It’s an earlier variety, generally picked in August, and doesn’t store well. Horse’s Head is a cooking apple, generally picked from August into September.

Honey Ball is a September eating apple associated with Kilkenny and was among the old Irish varieties rediscovered during the Irish Seed Savers search for surviving trees in the 1990s. Red Brandy also has a Piltown connection: the variety had been recorded there by apple researcher Dr

Keith Lamb and was later relocated through the Seed Savers project.

The harvesting season continues through September for many of the county’s other varieties. Pêche Melba is listed as a mid-season eating apple, while Red Brandy and Richardson are later September eaters. Richardson is also known as Histon Favourite.

Sam Young, or Irish Russet, is an early September eater associated with Kilkenny, Offaly and Cavan. Ballyvaughan Seedling is dual-purpose, while Valentine is listed for both cooking and cider and is also picked in September.

Blackberries: more than a hedgerow treat FOOD Blackberries are more likely to end up in a crumble, jam or smoothie these days, but for generations the bramble was valued for far more than its fruit.

The leaves, young shoots and roots were once gathered and used in traditional household remedies. Blackberry leaf was recorded for medicinal use as far back as the first century, and later herbalists also wrote about the plant.

Much of its old reputation came from tannins, naturally astringent compounds found in the leaves and roots. These were traditionally used in teas and decoctions for stomach upsets and diarrhoea, while blackberry leaf preparations also appeared in remedies for sore throats, mouth ulcers and inflamed gums.

Blackberry vinegar was another old favourite, diluted with water as a cooling drink

Stockking

during feverish illnesses.

Leaves were also used in poultices and washes for irritated skin, bites and minor sores.

Not every historical claim stands up to scrutiny, of course, and these traditional uses should not be treated as a substitute for modern medical advice. What they do show is how important the bramble once was in everyday life, particularly in rural areas where it grew freely along lanes, hedges and field edges.

The fruit itself still earns its place in a healthy diet. Blackberries are a source of fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese, as well as anthocyanins, the natural pigments responsible for their deep purple colour.

So while the blackberry may no longer be regarded as the hedgerow medicine cabinet it once was, it remains one of late summer’s most useful and versatile fruits.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

37

kilkennyobserver.ie

GOT AN EVENT, SHOW OR FESTIVAL TO HIGHLIGHT? LET US KNOW CONTACT: FEATURESEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

What’s On

Your picks for this week TOP SHOWS, BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES AND MORE - OUR QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S WORTH YOUR TIME THIS WEEK What to Watch: Vertigo returns in Fall 2: Deadpoint, the nerveshredding sequel to 2022 survival thriller Fall. Harriet Slater and Arsema Thomas star as climbers tackling Thailand’s perilous Mount Kwan, only to become trapped thousands of feet above the ground when disaster strikes.

With unstable planks, brutal weather and dwindling supplies, every move becomes a fight to survive. Expect white-knuckle suspense, dizzying heights and plenty of edge-of-your-seat thrills on the big screen again.

Mark Kermode at Billy Byrne’s MARK KERMODE PRESENTS THE GANG OF THREE | BILLY BYRNE’S | SAT 12 | 9PM MUSIC Film critic, broadcaster and lifelong musician Mark Kermode swaps cinema screens for the stage when he brings The Gang of Three to Billy Byrne’s in Kilkenny on Saturday, September 12.

Best known to many for his passionate takes on film, Kermode has also spent much of his life playing music. The Gang of Three sees him on bass alongside guitarist Simon Booth and drummer Stephen Hiscock, paying tribute to

influential English post-punk band Gang of Four.

The focus of the show is Gang of Four’s landmark 1979 debut album Entertainment!, which The Gang of Three perform in its entirety, from beginning to end. Kermode has described the idea behind the project in characteristically straightforward terms: the point is to play the whole record exactly as it appears on the album.

Formed in Leeds in the late 1970s, Gang of Four brought together the energy of punk

with funk, dub and politically charged lyrics. Their groundbreaking debut album, Entertainment! (1979), is widely hailed as one of the most influential records of the post-punk era. It was ranked No.5 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest punk albums of all time and No.273 on their 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. With its mix of jagged guitar lines, driving rhythms, and lyrics that took aim at consumerism, war, and inequality, Entertainment! remains a landmark in political music.

For the Gang of Three performance, you can expect a stripped-back three-piece performance built around sharp guitar lines, powerful rhythms and the raw energy of the original record.

It also offers a chance to see another side of Kermode.

While his career as a critic, author and broadcaster has made him a familiar voice to cinema audiences, music has remained a constant alongside it, including his work with bands such as The Dodge Brothers as well as The Gang of Three.

Practical Magic returns to the big screen CINEMA Nearly three decades after Practical Magic first cast its spell on audiences, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are returning as sisters Sally and Gillian Owens for a longawaited sequel.

Practical Magic 2 brings viewers back into the world of the Owens family, where magic, romance and an inherited curse have always gone hand in hand. This time, the sisters must confront a dark threat that could unravel their family once and for all.

The film is based on Alice Hoffman’s novel The Book of Magic, which continues the story of the generations of Owens women.

Bullock and Kidman are joined by several familiar

faces, with Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing returning as Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny.

New additions include Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod.

The sequel is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Susanne Bier, with Bullock and Kidman also among the producers. The famous Owens house has been recreated for the new film, while promotional footage has already teased the return of some much-loved elements from the original, including the sisters’ memorable midnight margaritas.

Released in 1998, the original Practical Magic followed Sally and Gillian as they navigated love, family and a centuries-old curse placed on

the Owens women. Its blend of romantic comedy, witchcraft and darker supernatural drama has since earned the

film a devoted following.

Practical Magic 2 will be in selected cinemas from today, Friday, September 11.

What to read: In Setting the Land Free, Eoghan Daltun turns his attention to the urgent work of restoring Ireland’s damaged landscapes. Drawing on experience, ecology and a deep love of the natural world, he explores what can happen when land is given room to recover. Cleareyed and hopeful, this is a timely book about rewilding, biodiversity and the choices that could help shape a healthier future for Ireland’s countryside and its wildlife.

What to stream: Maria Sten steps into the lead as Frances Neagley in this Reacher spinoff. Now a private investigator in Chicago, Neagley sets out to uncover the truth after a close friend dies in suspicious circumstances. Drawing on her military past and everything she learned alongside Jack Reacher, she follows a dangerous trail towards a wider threat. Alan Ritchson guest stars. All eight episodes stream on Prime Video from September 16 worldwide.

What to listen to: Louisville songwriter Ryan Davis brings the Roadhouse Band to Set Theatre following the acclaimed 2025 album New Threats From the Soul. Blending alt-country, indie rock and sprawling storytelling, Davis pairs wry, sharply observed lyrics with warm, loose-limbed arrangements that can turn strange or tender.

Expect songs drawn from New Threats From the Soul alongside earlier favourites when Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band play Set Theatre on Thursday, September 17.

What to play: Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave brings the tactical RPG series to Nintendo Switch 2 with four heroes, intertwined stories and a battle to change the future. Set around the Heroic Games in the Dagdan Empire, players switch between different storylines, recruit allies and fight turn-based battles where positioning, weapons and special Blaze Arts matter. New mouse controls also offer another way to command units. Released September 17, exclusively on Switch 2.

38

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Community & GAA Notes

KilkennyGAA clubs and Communitynews

The victorious Clara LGFA panel with some of their management team

CLARA CLUB LOTTO The lotto results for 1st Sept 2026 are, the numbers drawn were 1, 5 and 29. There was no jackpot winner. The €30 Lucky Dip winners were John Drennan, Pat O Loughlin, Kathryn Kennedy, Adam Barden and Maurice Nolan. Thank you to all for your support. Be in to Win! LGFA Clara claimed their first adult silverware of the year with a resounding 6-17 to 0-7 win over Muckalee 2 in the Junior football county final in Dunmore last week. This was all too easy for the Clara girls who could also afford the luxury of kicking 14 wides into the bargain.

At the start of the game there was little evidence that this would be a runaway victory. Muckalee began like a train and had two points on the board after two minutes, both from play. They looked full of running but once Mary O Connell got Clara off the mark the floodgates opened at the other end of the field. Clara scored 3-5 before Muckalee scored again and led 3-6 to 0-3 at the break.

After Niamh Ward extended Clara’s lead at the beginning of the new half Muckalee had their best spell of the match. They scored three points in a row from play and got on top in most sectors of the field. They were camped in the Clara half for a few minutes but once Lucy Coomey goaled eight minutes into the half the air seemed to be sucked out of Muckalee again. Clara kicked 3-8 before a reply and Niamh Ward closed out proceedings with two points, the last from a free. Remarkably it was the only free that was scored by either side in the whole game. There was 6-23 scored from play in a great advertisement for Kilkenny football.

Clara had heroes all over the field, but their overall movement and work rate was relentless.

The fitness levels were admirable and if they could improve on their shooting, they could be a match for anyone. They will now have a shot at the Intermediate championship. Well, done to the mentors Diarmuid Walsh, Alan Coleman, Anne Queally, Caitriona Corr, John Leamy, Catherine Trevor-Kruger.

Team - Jane Flynn, Sarah-Jane Codd, Mia Murphy, Katie Ryan. Aisling Nolan, Ailbhe Galwey, Ónagh Fitzgerald. Niamh Ward 0-5, 0-1f, Caragh Brennan 1-0. Gráinne Glynn 0-1, Claire Nolan 1-1, Lucy Cooney 1-0. Annie Dunne 1-1, Mary O Connell 2-7, Maria Shortall. Subs used Aobha O Gorman, Róisín Kealy, Keara Ryan 0-2, Caoimhe Bennett, Robyn Clifford. Also, Katie Scriven, Ceola Leamy, Kate Murphy McDermott, Moya Kelly, Kyla Byrne, Laoise Nolan, Kathy Phelan, Daisy Coomey, Doireann Corr, Katie O Connell, Anna Walpole, Anna Kelsey,

Danica Trevor-Kruger, Millie Molloy, Sarah Dunne inj., Brianna Connolly inj.

The same squad went to Callan to take on the locals in the Intermediate semifinal. They had defeated the same opposition in the junior semifinal a couple of weeks previously, but it had been a very tight affair. This one didn’t follow that pattern as Clara jumped out to a fast start and were never threatened thereafter. Even though most of the Clara team had played a camogie match that morning they looked to be the fresher of the two teams. Mary O Connell had the ball in the Callan net a minute in and Claire Nolan added a point shortly after. Callan countered with a point, but Clara added 2-6 before the break to put this game to bed.

Clara made a couple of substitutions at halftime and replaced 3 more of their better players during the second half but never looked in any danger of being beaten. Even a sin binning of centre back Ailbhe Galwey failed to disrupt their rhythm and the gap stayed as it was at halftime. 4-10 to 1-5 was how it ended. Clara now march forward to meet Thomastown in the final.

Clara scorers Mary O Connell 2-2, Aisling Nolan 1-0, Lucy Cooney 1-0, Niamh Ward 0-2, Gráinne Glynn, Maria Shortall, Claire Nolan, Keara Ryan, Annie Dunne all 0-1.

U16 HURLING Clara had their second win of the campaign when

easily accounting for Kilmacow in Clara. This was a remarkable game because Clara trailed by 7 points after just 12 minutes and looked to be in all kinds of bother. But the fight was back in this group, and they knuckled down to dig themselves out of the predicament. From 3-2 to 0-4 down they scored the next 1-6 to lead 1-10 to 3-2 at the break.

After Aaron Carrigan had converted a free and Jack Byrne had landed a 65 at the start of the second half Jack struck for a great goal and Kilmacow visibly wilted. They only hit 1-4 in that second half and 1-2 of that was from frees. Clara hit a whopping 3-13 with 3-9 of that coming from play. It was very noticeable that they had worked very hard on getting the ball to the man in the best position and some of the passing was a joy to behold. The scores came freely and when referee John Kennedy blew the final whistle it was 4-23 to 4-6 in favour of the home team.

Team - Ciarán Gibbons, Liam O Callaghan, Liam Treacy, Ollie Butler. Matthew Cooke 0-1, Sam Corr, Gearóid Meany. Jack Byrne 1-5, 0-2f, 0-1 x 65, Micheál Meany 1-4. Robert Coogan, Dara Leamy 0-2, Rory Treacy 0-2. James McDonald, Aaron Carrigan 2-8, 1-4f, Ger Cody 0-1. Subs used Raphael Scanlon, Michael O Keeffe, Eddie Phelan.

SENIOR HURLING Clara landed themselves in the dreaded relegation semi final on Saturday by virtue of a 1-19 to 0-17 loss to Mullinavat in Dunnamaggin. It was a tough

loss to swallow as they had appeared to be much the better team in the first half. Although backed by a strong breeze the Clara men were well on top and held their opponents to eight points, six of these from frees. However, the same scenario prevailed in the second half with Clara only registering one point from play in the entire half.

The 0-13 to 0-8 lead at halftime could and should have been much greater. Rory Glynn scored a clearcut point just before the break (the ball was two feet inside the post) that was initially flagged but then inexplicably disallowed as being wide.

The same player had the ball in the net after 21 minutes, but it was called back for a penalty, which was saved. The old failing of wides came back to haunt again as well. Clara had 10 in the first half and 16 in total, many of the poor variety.

Referee Paul Cahill didn’t play the advantage all day and Chris Bolger also goaled in the second half, only to be blown back for an earlier foul on Ciaran Prendergast.

Having said all that Clara’s inability to win puck out ball in the second half was the biggest factor in this loss. Mullinavat ruled the skies from the fortieth minute until the end and were full value for their win. Clara had maintained their five point advantage up to that point but from there to the end Mullinavat outscored them 1-8 to 0-1, the lone Clara point coming from a late Joe Power free.

It was left to Joe Connolly to do the bulk of the

Making a clearance

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

39

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

O’Loughlin Gaels, winners of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Kilkenny Junior E Hurling Championship 2026

scoring. Seventeen points won’t be enough to win most games and the concession of eleven points from frees is something else that needs to be eradicated. They now face Erin’s Own, Castlecomer in the first round / relegation semifinal.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Shane Staunton, Matt Kenny, Harry Boyle. Martin O Connell, Davy Barcoe 0-1, Conor Cody 0-1. Luke Lawlor, Jack Langton. Paul Cody 0-2, Chris Bolger 0-1, Joe Connolly 0-11, 0-8f.

Dara Glynn, Rory Glynn, Lester Ryan. Subs used Joe Power 0-1f, Philip Carrigan, Conor Hoyne, Ciaran Prendergast. (A further report of this match can be found in the sports section of this newspaper) SENIOR CAMOGIE The senior camogie team lifted the gloom in the club with a very comprehensive championship win over Windgap. Windgap had won their first two games whereas Clara had lost their first two fixtures and, like the men, were going to be in relegation bother with another defeat. But they seized control here from the outset and the result was never really in doubt.

The game was played in a very strong cross field wind so 2-15 was a very impressive score to finish with. The 14 wides that Clara also hit were more an indication of their superiority than an indictment of their accuracy. The first half finished 1-9 to 0-2, with Siobhan Curtis grabbing the goal followed by an Emma Shortall point just before halftime, leaving Windgap with a fair mountain to climb. All six Clara forwards had scored from play by the interval.

The second half continued in the same vein with Windgap competing hard in some positions but being well dominated in others. It didn’t help their cause that they were short a few good players, with Clara having everyone except Aisling Curtis.

Unfortunately, Lucy Cody’s season came to an end with the dreaded cruciate ligament injury last week. Like the first half Clara struck for a late Emma Shortall goal and two Keara Ryan points to put a gloss on the finishing score line. 2-15 to 0-5 was how it ended. Clara now have a two week break before their opening knockout championship game and will enter that with a bit more pep in their step.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Ónagh Fitzgerald, Rachel Whelan, Katie Ryan. Gráinne Glynn, Aisling Nolan, Claire Nolan. Rebecca Nolan, Laoise Nolan. Niamh Ward 0-1, Keara Ryan 0-5, 0-1f, Mary O Connell 0-6, 0-3f. Siobhán Curtis 1-0, Lucy Boyd 0-1, Emma Shortall 1-2. Subs used Margaret O Connell, Caragh Brennan, Róisín Kealy, Siobhan Treacy, Margaret Kehoe.

championship when it defeated Glenmore by 1-19 to 1-12 in the final played in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday. The Senior hurling team qualified for the St. Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Shield final and a place in the championship quarter-final when they concluded their league games with a win over Tullaroan by 3-20 to 2-20 on Saturday last. The Junior hurlers also qualified for the quarter-finals in the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior Hurling Championship Section B when they defeated Young Irelands of Gowran in their championship preliminary round fixture. It was a good weekend on the Camogie front also as the club’s senior camogie team’s draw with St. Martin’s, 1-8 to 0-11, ensures that senior status is retained for another year. Well, done to everyone involved, players, management and back room teams on a good weekend for the club.

GAELIC GAMES FOR ALL The O’Loughlin Gaels Gaelic Games for All group finished up recently after three fantastic months.

The group, now in its second year, continues to grow from strength to strength, with over 30 children from clubs and parishes across Kilkenny City and County taking part.

Inclusive groups like this are so important, ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy Gaelic games, make friends, build confidence and feel part of a team and community.

A huge thank you to the volunteer coaches for their commitment, and to Nathan Culleton, Kilkenny GAA, and Seamus Nugent, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, for their continued support. Here’s to another great year of Gaelic Games for All. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated September 1st. The numbers drawn were 4, 11, 16 and 20. The bonus number was 18.

Play Now at www.olouglingaels.com/olg/ Winners of the Promotors Draw were, 1. Bridie and Jim Tynan c/o H Mahon. 2. Eimear McCarthy c/o D O’Driscoll. 3. Geraldine Cooke c/o D O’Driscoll. 4.

Tom Leahy c/o JJ Cullen 5. Donal Croghan c/o N Loy. 6. Chris Brennan c/o M Doran. 7. Roisín Burke c/o E Burke. 8. Sheila Foley c/o Online. 9. Tracey Brannigan c/o Online. 10. Eimear Skehan c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support.

SPONSORSHIP FOR FINAL The O’Loughlin Gaels Junior E team received sponsorship from two local businesses recently for their county final against Glenmore in UPMC Nowlan Park. Local publican Jim Burke of JB Burke’s in John Street presented the players with kit bags while Life Newpark Pharmacy located in Newpark Shopping centre, represented by Paige Cole, presented the players with fashionable polo tops.

Many thanks to both companies and all of spon-

ST. JOHN’S PARISH CULTURAL EVENING ALL WELCOME! St. John’s parish is home to people from many different countries, and this Tuesday, 15th September we want to celebrate that richness together.

We’re holding a Cultural Evening, an informal gathering where people of different nationalities living in our area are warmly invited to come along, meet one another, and share a little of where they’re from.

We’d love to have tables or booths representing different countries and cultures, a chance to display flags, photos, traditional dress, crafts, or even a taste of home-cooked food. Whether you’d like to host a table, help on the night, or simply come along and enjoy meeting your neighbours, everyone is welcome. We will meet at the St. John’s Parish Centre (R95 P448) at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 15th September.

This is a chance for St. John’s Parish to be what it’s meant to be: a place where every nationality among us feels at home. If you’d like to take part or find out more, please contact the Parish Office on 056 7721072 or stjohns@ossory.

FRESHFORD

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND ON THE PLAYING FIELDS Last weekend proved a busy and successful one for O’Loughlin Gaels. The Junior E team won the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Kilkenny Junior Hurling

sors for their generosity and support. O’Loughlin Gaels encourage all our members to reciprocate this support whenever possible.

Pictured at the presentation by JB Burke’s of kit bags to the O’Loughlin Gaels Junior E team

TOWER RUN Congratulations to Gretta Costigan (nee Dawson) from Ballyfoyle and formerly of Johnstown Road, Freshford who won the first ever Tower Challenge held in Cork recently. With over 100 participants taking part Gretta claimed first place after doing the 17storeys in record time. Gretta and her husband spent many years in Dubai where she took part in various similar challenges before returning to Ireland.

DEATH The death took place last weekend of Sheila Minogue late of Barna, Woodsgift. Although she had been unwell for some time nevertheless her passing caused widespread shock and sadness.

Both her and her family were widely known and respected in the area. Funeral mass took place in Graine church followed by burial in Clomantagh Cemetery. Beloved wife of John and much loved mother of Paul, Angela(pre-deceased), Sandra, Sinéad, Niall and Seán. Predeceased by her brothers Willie, Michael and John and sister Mary. Sadly, missed by her sister Margaret, sister-in-law Eileen, daughters-in-law Caroline and Sacha, sons-in-law Des and Alan, grandchildren Cara, Sarah, Ella, Cian, Conor, Aobha, Colm, Daire, Mark, Laura, Bronagh and Eliza, nieces, nephews, extended family, kind neighbours and a wide circle of friends especially her dear friend Mary Tobin.

ON HOLIDAY On holiday at present in Freshford from Norway

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

40

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Community & GAA Notes are Bjorg Roska Dunne and her daughter Andrea.

Bjorg and her family are regular visitors to Freshford NEW HOUSES The scheme of new houses at Buncrussia street which will be known by An Tobair are now completed and have been reserved or allocated. Meanwhile another scheme of houses have just begun construction further up the road at Tobernapeasta beside the Oasis Creche which is all welcome news for the village.

GAA St Lachtains U14 hurlers defeated Clara in the Roinn B League/Championship last week in Pairc Lachtain on a scoreline of 7-20 to 4-16.

The U16 boys lost out to O’Loughlin Gaels by just one point in their fourth round clash in theRoinn A league/Championship in St John’s park on final score of 4-14 to 4-13.

The Intermediate hurlers lost their final game of this year’s League/Championship againstDunamaggin in Callan. They now face St Martin’s in the 1st round of the Championship/Relegation semifinal this coming weekend.

Please check social media page for fixtures.

LOTTO There was no jackpot winner in the weekly lotto last week. The lucky dip winners were Marian McArdle (€50) Mary White and Caoimh Nolan (€25 each).

Tickets are €2 and can be purchased online on Clubzap or you can get your paper ticket from the ticket sellers and the club thank all for their continued support.

FOROIGE Freshford foroige youth club are looking for adult volunteers for September. There will be weekly fun meeting for all 12-17 year olds and new members are very welcome.For more information please contact Aidan Gleason on 0860674485 or aidan. gleeson@foroige.ie or Barry Flynn on 087458115.

SOCCER NEWS Freshford Town had two underage teams in action at the weekend with the soccer season having kicked off The u14 boys were beaten by Highview at home on a 3-2 scoreline with the Freshford goals coming from Callum Gleeson and Tom Dalton.

The u 12 boys were defeated by Evergreen in a game that finishes Evergreen 4-Freshford Town 3.

Robbie Geraghty scored twice for Freshford side and Fionn O’Flaherty got the third one.

The club have also entered a junior team for this season and Registration is now beingtaken and you can contact committee re same or go online.

The junior side have a new manager, Micheal Brophy and he and his management team are wished all the best for the forthcoming season. Training started on Friday evening last and new members are very welcome and anyone interested in signing up can come along to the field on Friday evening or contact the club secretary or the manager.

The astro turf pitch is now open for bookings through sportskey online portal or Contact committee member or social media page for more details BRIDGE Summer bridge continues each Monday evening in Threecastles hall (R95WK45) at 7.30pm All are welcome PARISH NEWS Masses each Tuesday and Friday morning in St Lachtain’s church at 9.30am (unless otherwise stated) Mass on Sunday morning at 11am. Mass in Tulla Church every third Saturday evening.

WEBCAM The mass webcam has been installed by Church Media Ireland. All masses in at Lachtain’s church will be livestreamed through the webcam at Https//church media.ie/st-lachtains-churchfrffreshford.

OUTREACH CENTRE Cois Nore Outreach Centre visits Ballyragget every Wednesday. It’s located at Dr. Hogan’s rooms, The Square from 11am to 1pm. All those seeking cancer support are very welcome. For appointment phone 0874833941.

RADIO If you wish to listen to live broadcast of mass on Tuesdays, Fridays or Sundays from Freshford Church you can tune in to 105fm on your radio.

NEWSLETTER The parish newsletter is available every week and it is also on the website. Any anniversaries or parish office business or community notices for the parish newsletter can be done by phoning the office during horse of 9.30am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling to

the office during those hours.

MASS CARDS Mass Cards and Mass Bouquets are available in the Parish office and also from Annette at Tulla.

VISITS Fr. Mark is happy to visit the sick and if you would like to receive a visit from Fr. Mark, you can contact him by phone or through the parish office.

LOOP CAFE The Loop Community Café is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm and is a welcoming hub in the village. They’re always happy to see more people on both sides of the counter, so why not drop in to support your local café, meet a friend, enjoy a chat, and savour some delicious homemade food? Along with great refreshments, The Loop hosts a variety of community activities that bring neighbours together. The café is also seeking volunteers to help keep these services thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 056-883-2650 and ask for Rhiannon.

MABS The Money Advice and Budgeting service is a free confidential and independent money Management and Advice service. MABS assist people in dealing with their existing debt problems who have difficulty paying a mortgage or those facing legal action because of debt. They also provide information and access to Insolvency services including free Debt Relief Advice under the Personal insolvency options. For more info or for an appointment contact MABS on 0818072610.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB INTERMEDIATE HURLING LEAGUE The Intermediate hurlers completed their league programme with an “all too easy” 4-27 to 0-12 victory over Barrow Rangers on a well-presented St. John’s Park playing surface. A wobbly start saw them shoot four wides before Ed Mc Dermott pointed in the 3rd minute. A neat pick up on the run by Tadhg O’Dwyer in the 13th minute to rattle the net opened the door for the free scoring Village forwards to race into a 1-10 to 0-03 lead after 20 minutes. Digging deep, the resilient Paulstown players hit a purple patch scoring 5 points over the closing 10 minutes of the half to James Stephens two points in reply from Conor Heffernan (21min) and Stephen Manogue (23min) reducing the James Stephens lead at 1-12 to 0-08 at half time.

Unable to build on that momentum, that’s as good as it got for Barrow Rangers as the free flowing James Stephens forward line amassed a total of 3-15 over the closing 30 minutes to complete an unbeaten run through the league programme and an easy passage to the 2026 league final. Next weekend’s county league final against Dunamaggin is sure to provide a severe test for the Village players in the lead up to the 2026 championship campaign in the weeks ahead.

JUNIOR “B” FINAL A highly controversial decision by referee Brandon Power before the resumption of play for the 2nd half in the Junior B League final had a major bearing on the final result as Lisdowney claimed the title on a score of 2-18 to 1-19. Seemingly having decided that the James Stephens players exceeded the allotted half time rest period the referee threw in the sliothar before the Village players resumed their positions on the field allowing Lisdowney to register an uncontested 1-01, turning a 0-10 to 0-08 deficit into a 1-09 to 0-10 lead. In an otherwise high quality, fast moving and physical encounter James Stephens fought back and in the 8th minute when Conor McEvoy delivered a crisp pass to Bill McDermott to finish to the net the Village briefly recovered the lead at 1-13 to 1-11.

From the 14th to the 22nd minutes Lisdowney hit a rich patch hitting the James Stephens defence for 1-05 to 3 points from Fionn Cody (14min) and Conor Heffernan (12 and 19mins). Despite tiring limbs, the Village players kept up a continuous assault on the Lisdowney backs breaking through for points by Conor Heffernan (22min), Conor McEvoy (25min) and substitute Ross Whelan (29min) but Lisdowney countered with two late scores to edge out a 2-18 to 1-19 controversial victory. After such a determined effort to recover the four lost points, losing the title in such questionable circumstances was a bitter blow to the James Stephens players and supporters but it was not the fault of the quality Lisdowney line up.

U-16 “A” LEAGUE A battling performance to the final whistle earned the club’s U-16 “A” hurlers a share of the spoils at 3-18 each in a hotly contested 4th round league fixture against Ballyhale Shamrocks on their home

ground. From the start the James Stephens forward division worked hard forcing fouls which the in-form Michael Dorney converted from all angles.

The Shamrocks attack was performing equally effectively and broke through for an early goal but, the sides were on level terms at 0-7 to 1-04 after 16 minutes. In the competitive fixture the teams went score for score until Shamrock edged ahead in the 29th minute at 1-10 to 0-12 but James Lyons stepped up with a neat point to level the game at the half time whistle.

A lightning start to the 2nd half saw Michael Dorney reach for a long delivery and crash the sliothar to the net in the 1st minute followed 45 seconds later by a spectacular one arm swing of the hurley to the net by Brion Walsh to push the visitors into a 2-13 to 1-10 lead. The response from Ballyhale was swift forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Michael Phelan in the 3rd minute. Continuing on the offensive, Shamrocks narrowed the gap with three points before their leading scorer Sean Rooney drilled a 20-meter free to the net to level the game once again at 2-14 each in the 14th minute. With fortunes swaying from side to side wing forward Harry Dempsey latched on to a breaking ball to finish to the net in the 20th minute but the determined Shamrocks lads added three points in quick succession to stay in touch at 3-15 to 2-17.

Continuing their offensive the home club broke through for another three-pointer in the 24th minute to retake the lead at 3-17 to 3-16. In the 26th minute they stretched their lead with a single score before a late resurgence by the Village saw pin- point accurate Michael Dorney, (1-10 in total) convert a free in the 29th minute. In a frantic effort to save the game and, after a succession of attacks and repulses by the Shamrocks defenders, centre forward Brion Walsh clinched the levelling score at 3-18 each in the 31st minute for a deserved share of the league points. Over the hour Henry Phelan was rock solid at centre back with strong support from Aidan Malone and Paddy McGuire in front of the inside trio of Jack Ryan, Conor O’Hara and Jack Leahy against a dangerous Ballyhale attacking force. The Village line up was Mikey Phelan, Jack Ryan, Conor O’Hara, Jack Leahy, Aidan Malone, Henry Phelan, Paddy McGuire, Joe Hanrahan, Syd Harkin, James Lyons, Brion Walsh, Jeffrey Cleere, Harry Dempsey, Mikey Dorney, Jim Clune and substitutes Codie Owens and Max Kealy.

U-16 “B” LEAGUE The U-16 “B” hurlers followed up with an emphatic 4-11 to 2-10 victory over Young Irelands in their 4th. round fixture on a wet Thursday evening in Gowran. Benefiting from a strong start they built a solid score of 2-06 to 1-04 to take into the half time break. Both goals came courtesy of clinical finishes by James Parsons. In the 2nd half, despite the earnest efforts of the Gowran lads, two further goals from Paddy Larkin and Max Kealy put the game beyond the reach of their opponents.

Throughout the fixture standout performances were delivered by Jack White, Jack Hennessy, James Daly and team captain Shay Blanchfield.

SOCIAL CAMOGIE On Saturday next 12th September the club’s Social Camogie group will host a National Social Camogie Blitz in Larchfield and Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain. The Camogie association has invited teams from all over the country and already 23 teams have registered to take part. The James Stephens group has committed to entering three teams in the tournament, evidence of the growing interest in social camogie within the club and parish which is only in its second year. Much credit for this development must go to clubman Diarmuid Berry who has been training and coaching the enthusiastic group in the finer arts of the game over the last year. The tournament will commence at 10.30am with the blitz final scheduled for a 3.30pm throw-in. After the final, spokesperson Norah Duffy advises that the visiting teams and their supporters will retire to the club’s Larchfield headquarters for an evening of music, refreshments and general craic to end a perfect day of competition and social camaraderie.

CRANNCHUR (LOTTO) Na huimhreacha son seachtain seo caite: 8, 12, 22, 25. Ni raibh aon buaiteoir (No winner). Na mion duaisneanna €40: Dora, Der Duff, Patrick Hennessy, Paschal Bergin agus Eamon Tyrrell. Mar is gnath go raibh maith agaibh go leir as bhur dtachtaoicht (as always, our thanks for your continuing support).

BENNETTSBRIDGE FIELD DAY THIS SUNDAY All roads lead to Bennettsbridge this Sunday for

the Annual Field Day. Another great day is envisaged with hurling and camogie games, wheel of fortune, bric-a-brac, raffle, foam party, BBQ, cake sale and much more on the day. Donations for the wheel of fortune, bottle stand, raffle etc is greatly appreciated. All unwanted toys and gifts gratefully accepted. Drop off dates are as Friday 11th of September from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday the 12th from 10 to 12pm.

DRAMA COMES TO THE BRIDGE The TADA! Theatre and Film School is coming to Bennettsbridge this September with after-school drama classes every Tuesday at Bennettsbridge Community Hall. Classes start on Tuesday, September 15th and will run for a 6-week trial term.

Juniors. 1.30–2.30pm. Seniors 2.30–3.30pm This will be a fun, creative six-week term of drama, games, improvisation, storytelling and performance, designed to build confidence and spark imagination. Classes will be led by playwright and filmmaker Gillian Grattan. Gillian is fully insured and Garda vetted. €60 for six weeks with a €5 discount for each additional sibling. Interested?

Email theatretada@gmail.com for the registration form. If you have any questions, just give Gillian a shout on 086 263 4556.

Gillian is the driving force behind the “soon to be unveiled” Bennettsbridge Film. together with a local group meetings have been going on during the summer, and the film promises to be a great success, COMMUNITY PICNIC The organisers of the recent Community Picnic have thanked everyone who took part on Sunday week last. There was a great turn out and everyone enjoyed the get together. Thanks to Kate and Danny Martin for the beautiful traditional Irish Music. Drone footage by Aaron King will appear in the final scene of the Bennettsbridge Film. (Coming to a cinema near you this November) PJ Cullen Centra provided delicious Ice creams and big, big thanks to James Crotty Pharmacy who sponsored all the activities for the children, including face painting, balloon art and bubbles!

KATIE TAYLOR A packed community hall turned out for the East End/ Camogie Club Katie Taylor watch party on Saturday night. Katie didn’t disappoint going the full 10 rounds and defeating her opponent, Flora Pili. There was a great atmosphere in the hall with the kids (and some parents) singing ole and Katie/ Katie. This surely was a night to remember, and the kids will never forget where they were when Katie Taylor fought in Croke Park.

Many thanks to our sponsors Dave from Bridge Side Butchers and Shane from Bridge Boarding Kennels.

East End now moves on to planning the re-opening of the Pre-Loved Boutique on the 3rd and 4th of October. This year the occasion wear shop will extend to include Gents and Children’s wear. Keep an eye on the socials for details.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Nolan family on the death of Jack Nolan, Maiden Hill, Kells Road, Kilkenny.

Jack, in his 93rd year, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital. Beloved husband of Teresa (née Molloy) and much-loved father of Liam, Lorna and Jacqui.

Jack will be dearly missed by his loving family, daughter-in-law Rachael, sons-in-law David and Ivor, grandchildren Mark, Kate, Claire, James, Cathal, Darragh and Shay, nephews and nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Jack lay in repose at Johnston’s Funeral Home on Sunday from 5pm to 7pm with Prayers at 6.30pm.

Removal from his home on Monday morning for Requiem Mass in St. Patrick’s Church. Funeral afterwards to Foulks town Cemetery.

The family had many friends in Bennettsbridge as they lived for some years on the Station Road, prior to moving to Kilkenny.

LOTTO There was no winner of the Jackpot. The numbers drawn were 14, 23, 27, 28. Consolation Prizes, Darragh Wafer, BB, Sangari Syndicate, Christy Forde, Gowran Road, Sadhbh O’Mahony, BB, Kathleen Leadbetter, Repoint.

GAA Senior Hurling League: Our senior hurlers finished off the league campaign with a good home win against Thomastown. We now play Danesfort in the first round of the championship the weekend after next.

Underage Games: Bennettsbridge minors defeated Clara last Sunday at home.

Our under 16 defeated Barrow Rangers and will play Carrick shock away next Saturday at 11 am.

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 September 2026

41

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes The under 14 team lost out to Graigue Ballycallan away last week and played Mullinavat last Monday evening.

Well, done to our under 8s who played in the Mullinavat tournament and to our under 10s who played in the Ballyhale tournament recently.

MICKEY KELLY TOURNEY The hugely popular annual Mickey Kelly tournament for U 10s takes place next Saturday morning in the GAA grounds. Good luck to all participating teams.

SIGNAGE CAMPAIGN The Bennettsbridge GAA Pitch signage campaign is still underway. Thanks to all the business owners who have invested so far. If interested, please contact Alan Flynn or Alan Morrissey.

SPLIT THE POT Well, done to Ann Dobbyn, Marion Place, who won €75, Carmel Egan, €30 and Bonnetti Bourke, €20.

Thanks again for the support.

Join us at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge, starting Monday, 14th September at 7:00 pm. Learn and enjoy a variety of dance styles, including Jive, Line Dancing, and all forms of Social Dancing.

Class Fees: Adults: €10 per class. Secondary School Students: €5 per class. Primary School Students: Free. Adults aged 80 and over: Free For more information, contact Declan on 085 708 9128. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ re a beginner or an experienced dancer.

TAR ISTEACH Bric a Brac including household items, unwanted gifts, unwanted toiletry sets, delph, dishes, cutlery are all welcome at the Tar Isteach shop in Goresbridge. Items should be in a saleable condition. Quality handbags are welcome. Customers are welcome too.

SPLIT THE POT Support Goresbridge Rural Development by taking part in Split the Pot. Entries are available in Maher’s and online. Simply scan the QR code or visit lottoraiser.ie.

The winners of the draw on Sunday, 6th September were 1st Prize (€100): Jimmy Byrne. 2nd Prize (€20): Kathleen Brennan. 3rd Prize (€20): Deirdre Murphy YOGA CLASSES Commence at 10am on Tuesday 15 September.

Contact Caroline 087 9371 939

BALLYRAGGET ST. PATRICK’S GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB, BALLYRAGGET A very special occasion is in store for St. Patrick’s GAA and Camogie Club, Ballyragget, on Sunday, September 13th, when the official opening of the club’s new playing field, named in honour of the late Declan Delaney, takes place.

The official opening will be performed by GAA President Jarlath Burns, making what promises to be a memorable day even more significant for the Ballyragget club and the wider local community.

The field was generously donated to St. Patrick’s

by Maura Delaney, and its addition to the club’s facilities represents an important milestone in the development of the organisation. It is a fitting tribute to Declan Delaney and ensures that his name will remain closely associated with the club and with future generations of players.

Proceedings will get underway from approximately 11.30am around the club grounds, with teams and players representing different generations of St. Patrick’s taking part in the activities. The programme will provide an opportunity to celebrate both the proud history of the club and its bright future, with former players and members joining the current generation on what will be an occasion of great community importance. The arrival of GAA President Jarlath Burns is scheduled for 12 noon, when he will officially open Declan Delaney’s Field.

The club is encouraging as many people as possible to attend and share in the celebrations.

Members, former members, players, supporters, families and friends, along with people from the wider Ballyragget and surrounding communities, are all warmly invited.

For St. Patrick’s, the occasion is about much more than the opening of another playing field. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of the Delaney family, remember Declan, celebrate the club’s history and look forward to the future. With representatives from generations of the club coming together, Sunday, September 13th promises to be a memorable day in the history of St. Patrick’s GAA and Camogie Club.

Sunday, September 13th | From 11.30am. St. Patrick’s GAA & Camogie Club, Ballyragget Everyone is very welcome.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH CANOE CLUB Big News for Graiguenamanagh Canoe Club!

We’re incredibly proud to announce that Graiguenamanagh Canoe Club has become the first canoe club in Ireland to receive funding under the Erasmus Sport Mobility programme. This exciting project will see six of our volunteers travel to Kotka, Finland, where they’ll spend several days with our partner club, Kohina Kayak Club, learning, sharing ideas and building friendships through the power of paddlesport.

During the visit we’ll explore: Inclusive coaching.

Volunteer development. Supporting paddlers of all abilities. Safety and rescue practices. Club governance and sustainability. International cooperation through sport But this isn’t just about travelling. Everything we learn will come back to Graiguenamanagh. Our volunteers will share their experiences with members through coaching, presentations, mentoring and improvements to how our club operates, helping make GCC even stronger for everyone.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming our Finnish friends to Ireland for the return visit and continuing what we hope will become a long-

KILMANAGH

Driving on for Graig

lasting friendship between our two clubs.

A huge thank you to Erasmus, Léargas, KRSP, Kohina Kayak Club, and all the volunteers who made this opportunity possible.

LOCALOTTO The numbers drawn were 14,22,30,3. There was no outright winner. Consolation prizes of €30 went to the lucky Liam Doyle. Anne Marie Byrne, Catherine Doyle. Barbara Earl, Tom Foley.

TOWN OF BOOKS Well, done once again to the Town of Books organising committe for a brilliant job. It was another sensational weekend on the banks of the River Barrow. Great to see so many visitors in the town for the weekend, it is undoubtedly one of the Premier weekends in the country and long may it continue.

WOMENS SHED On Wednesday last we enjoyed our Barrow River cruise on the Barrow princess. We did a return trip from New Ross to Waterford, with lunch and shopping in Waterford. We had great weather bar a shower just after lunch.

The views were stunning, the commentary informative, and the staff were all lovely. We had a great time, thank you to Michelle for arranging a deal for us, and the staff of The Barrow Princess River Cruise too. Thank you for a memorable day out.

AUTUMN LEAF COMPOSTING Kilkenny County Council is seeking expression of interests from resident associations across Kilkenny that would like to participate in this year’s autumn leaf composting project. We are seeking 8 resident estates to take part. It involves a one hour training session online and a 2 hour practical workshop over the weekend of the 26th/27th of September to create leaf cages for your estate that will turn autumn leaves into compost. To lodge your interest, email: environment@kilkennycoco. ie with your name, a contact number, estate name and its location.

GAA The club junior team travelled to Thomastown for their last league game to play Piltown with the winners guaranteed a quarter final place in the Championship.

Piltown started the better but we managed to get ourselves back into the game and a 25th minute goal from Michael Bolger ensured us a four point lead going in at halftime.

Piltown we’re aided by a strong breeze in the second half and picked of some nice long range scores. The sides were level when a Piltown green flag put them into the driving seat with 6 minutes to go. Piltown tacked on two more points before the final whistle, as they ran out winners by 5 points. We can have no complaints as our opposion were the better team and we’re deserving winners on the day. We now tog out in

the first-round next weekend. (A full report of this match can be read in the Sports Section of this newspaper).

GORESBRIDGE PAULSTOWN BARROW RANGERS Congratulations to the girls Under-10s Camogie team in the Mullinavat blitz last weekend. There was no overall winner of the lotto draw of 1st September. The Match 3 winner was John Kearney (€250).

BRIDGE UNITED Congratulations to the winners in last week’s lotto (€20 each): Willie Hennessy, Sean Barcoe, Nicola Skelton, Colin Dempsey, Margaret Barcoe and Margaret O’Neill.

Congratulations to Club player, Daire Dwyer, who starts a new chapter in Newcastle in the coming weeks.

We are scouting for players for the Men’s B team if you’ve got it contact Paul 086 3615073 CHILDRENS’ FOREST SCHOOL Will be held on Tuesdays, 4.30-6.30pm for 11-15 years old with experiences of Bushcraft, Knots, Fire lighting, Cooking, Foraging, Nature, Art and Games at Shankill Castle, Paulstown. Information: Eithne 089 602 6945.

CHURCH SERVICES AND PARISH EVENTS Mass Times: Goresbridge: Saturday 7.30pm; Sunday at 10.00am. Paulstown: Sunday at 11.30am.

Weekday Masses: Goresbridge: Wednesday at 10.00am. Paulstown: Thursday, and Friday at 10.00am Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady’s Grotto, Lower Grange, Goresbridge on Friday 11th September at 7.30p.m. All Welcome.

TALKING THE TALK “Cúpla Focal” is a welcoming Irish language conversation circle held every Friday at the Goodly Barrow Cafe. The gathering provides a relaxed and friendly environment where people can practice speaking Irish, improve their confidence, and meet others with a shared interest in the language and culture.

Open to everyone from complete beginners to fluent speakers, the group focuses on informal conversation, encouragement, and learning through everyday chat. Whether you want to revive your school Irish, sharpen your fluency, or simply enjoy a social evening with fellow Giliberti, Cúpla Focal offers an enjoyable and supportive space to use the language in a natural way.

DANCE CLASSES AT IONAD DARA, GORESBRIDGE. Tom Healy

800th ANNIVERSARY The 800th Anniversary of the passing of St Francis “The Transitus” at the Capuchin Friary Kilkenny is a very significant occasion for the whole Franciscan Family worldwide and indeed locally.

It is so timely in the church following the legacy of Pope Francis and also now with Pope Leo. The Capuchin Friars are hosting a Triduum October 1st 2nd and 3rd at the 10.30 Mass.

The Preacher is Fr Joe Bulman OP. Bishop Ger Nash will celebrate the 12noon Mass on Sunday October 4th which is the Feast of St Francis. All are welcome.

COMMUNITY CENTRE Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh is available to hire for meetings, social occasions, etc. To check for time and date availability contact booking officer Tom at 086 315 1573.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ The Café in Ballingarry Community Centre is open each Thursday, Friday and Saturday for breakfast and lunch, 10am - 2pm. Takeaway service is also available, contact 052 915 4284.

ACTIVE LADIES CLUB Naomh Aodhan Active Ladies will recommence meetings on Monday 14th September from 7pm – 9pm. New members are always welcome. Contact 086 373 99 83 for further details.

IRISH DANCING McAliskey School of Irish Dance will hold classes for children aged 4 and upwards on Tuesdays and Fridays in Naomh Aodhan Community Hall, Kilmanagh. Contact 083 863 8436 for further 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.

MULLINAVAT HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING A Coffee Morning in aid of the Hospice Movement will be held in the Community Centre, Mullinavat from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday, 3rd October. All support would be gratefully appreciated.

All money raised locally stays locally.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society will host a talk by Liz Gillis on the ‘1926 Census – A treasure trove for local historians’ at 8.00pm on Thursday, 24th September in the Parish Hall. Admission €5 for non- members.

All welcome.

MULLINAVAT LOTTO The winning numbers on Monday, 31 st August were 6, 14, 16 and 26. There were three Match 3 winners.

FARM PLASTIC COLLECTION DAY IFFPG will hold a once-off collection day in the Showgrounds, Piltown from 8.00am to 4.00pm on Monday, 21 st September.

SENIOR HURLING Mullinavat 1-19; Clara 0-17. Mullinavat will play senior hurling in Kilkenny for another year, follow-

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

42

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Community & GAA Notes

All in the mix

ing a hard force five-point victory over Clara in this final group match at well-appointed Thomastown.

(A full report on this match can be found in the Sports Section of this newspaper) KILMACOW KILMACOW HERITAGE The Graveyard Working Group will undertake maintenance work at Ullid Graveyard from 2.00pm on Saturday, 12th September. All offer of help will be welcomed, and actual help would be great!

HOME ENERGY EVENT Learn to make your home warmer and more energy efficient at a Home Energy Event in Kilmacow Community Centre from 5.00pm to 9.0opm on Wednesday, 16th September. All welcome.

MARIAN HALL The Marian Hall hosts Line Dancing from 7.00pm to 8.30pm each Tuesday. Please contact Suzanne at 087 630 0336 for details.

HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING Kilmacow Hospice Support Group will host a Coffee Morning in Kilmacow Community Centre (Barrow Room) from 10.00am to 12 noon on Thursday, 24th September. It is being held in conjunction with the National Coffee Morning in aid of the Hospice Movement. All welcome.

KILMACOW LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto were 4,8, 22, and 28. There were three Match 3 winners.

FERRYBANK SLIEVERUE ROUNDABOUT Road Resurfacing works have commenced at the N29 Slieverue Roundabout and Belview Road. A traffic management scheme, including a STOP/ GO system, will be operation and motorists are advised that delays may be expected. Works are anticipated to continue until Friday, 2nd October.

DANCE CLASSES Slieverue Parish Hall will host after school dance classes for ages 6 to 12 years from Monday,14th September. Please contact Jack on 089 427 2077 for details.

FERRYBANK LIBRARY Junior Infants starting this September can sign up for their free library card at Ferrybank Library and take home a free My Little Library Bag. FERRYBANK POST OFFICE The post office is hosting a cup of tea and a chat for anyone on their own who would like to call in for a chat and company. The initiative has been well received and supported in Ferrybank.

JOHNSTOWN COLOUR AND STYLE WORKSHOP A special Colour and Style, Sustainable Style Workshop with Johanna Costigan will take place in Urlingford Library on Thursday, September 24th, from 11am to 1pm.

The workshop promises to be an enjoyable and informative morning, offering participants an opportunity to explore personal style while also looking at more sustainable approaches to clothing and fashion. It is a chance to pick up useful ideas and inspiration in a relaxed local setting. Places are limited and booking is essential. To reserve a place, contact Urlingford Library on 056 7794182.

THE MILL CENTRE Free Part-Time Courses Available. A range of free part-time courses will be available from September, providing an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to develop new skills, gain qualifications or improve their employment prospects.

Courses available include SNA QQI Level 5 and 6, Childcare and Computing QQI Level 4, Early Learning and Care Certificate and Advanced Certificate QQI Level 5, as well as LTI QQI Level 4. There are also opportunities to study Office Administration and Payroll QQI Level 5 and Basic Computers.

These courses offer flexible learning opportunities for those looking to return to education or enhance their existing skills. For further information and enrolment details, contact 056 8838466.

GRAINE HALL A progressive 25 card game will take place every Wednesday evening in Graine Hall, commencing at 8pm. All card players, both regulars and newcomers, are warmly invited to come along and enjoy an evening of friendly competition and good company. New players are especially welcome to join.

WALKING TRACK NOW OPEN The walking track at the sportsfield on the Rathdowney Road is now open for walkers and runners to enjoy. The facility provides a great opportunity for people of all ages to get some fresh air and exercise in a safe and welcoming environment.

Users are asked to walk or run to the left-hand side of the track and follow the arrows around the route. Please note that dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the track. The track closes at 9.30pm, with the lights switched off at 9.45pm. All users are asked to leave promptly at closing time.

ST ANNE’S CAMOGIE CLUB GOLF CLASSIC St. Anne’s Camogie Club will host its annual Golf Classic at Rathdowney Golf Club on Saturday, September 12th. The event promises to be an enjoyable day for golfers while also providing valuable support for the continued development of the club and its teams.

Teams of four are invited to take part, with the entry fee set at €140 per team. Whether you are a regular golfer or simply enjoy getting out on the course with friends, this is a great opportunity to support St. Anne’s Camogie Club while enjoying a day of golf and good company. For further information or to book a team, contact Anna on 087 3916720.

AGM Town Team and Spa Development Association warmly invite people to attend their AGM on Monday Sept. 14th at 8pm in St. Kieran’s Community Hall. At the meeting updates will be shared on current community projects and questions, feedback and concerns welcomed. The agenda includes Community project updates, Lotto and finances, Tidy Towns and KCC Town and village renewal Programme. All are welcome.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO This week’s winning numbers were 22,24,25,30.

There was no jackpot winner. Two people did match 3, Tony Quinlan and Stapleton Family.

THE MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE The Mill Family Resource Centre continues to play an important role in the local community, providing a wide range of supports, services and activi-

ties for individuals and families of all ages. The Centre offers a friendly and welcoming environment where people can come together, learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and enjoy opportunities for social connection. One of the latest opportunities available is the Local Training Initiative (L.T.I.) Programme, which will be starting shortly.

The free course includes Driving Theory and Driving Lessons, giving participants the chance to gain useful practical skills that can help with employment, confidence and greater independence.

Courses available include SNA QQI Level 5 and 6, Childcare and Computing QQI Level 4, Early Learning and Care Certificate and Advanced Certificate QQI Level 5, as well as LTI QQI Level 4. There are also opportunities to study Office Administration and Payroll QQI Level 5 and Basic Computers.

Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to call into The Mill Family Resource Centre or contact the Centre directly for further information about the course and details on how to apply.

The popular Youth Club has also returned and takes place every Wednesday evening from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The club is open to young people aged between 10 and 12 years and provides a great opportunity to meet friends and enjoy some fun activities.

There are also some great bargains available on the Centre’s clothes rail, so why not call in and have a look?

For further information on any of the above, contact The Mill Family Resource Centre on 056 8838466.

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

PASTORAL MINISTRY Would you like to serve as a Pastoral Minister within your parish and Parish Combination group?

A programme in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership will begin in October and lead to a two-year course of study in Mary Immaculate College, Thurles. See poster on notice board at main doors of both Churches. Brochures available from Fr. Walton. Information from Katherine Dullaghan, Development Office on 086 1033761.

PILATES WITH RUTH Pilate classes continue in Glengoole Hall every Monday at 6.30pm. €10 pay as you go. To book, message 0872049418, Instagram @pilates_ruth.

Bring mat and water.

GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo will continue this Saturday evening at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time.

Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to Nonie Egan who won €150 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill’s Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange, Gortnahoe Hall and any member of the committee, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. Split the Pot for September is in aid of Ballysloe Sensory Garden. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

MILLENNIUM MEN ON THE MOVE CLASSES Starting this Monday 14th September for 10 weeks 12:30–1:30pm in the Millennium Family Resource Centre Glengoole, E41DW22. Total Cost €20. Come along for some light exercise’s followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For further information contact Alice Teehan 083-1014313.

TIPPERARY DRAW Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA Club would like to thank everyone who joined up to take part in this year’s GAA Clubs Superdraw, we really appreciate your support and wish you all the best of luck in the monthly draws. If you forgot to re-join this year, you can still sign up via the club on online. https://member.clubspot.app/club/tipperary-gaa/ fundraisers SYMPATHY Sympathy to the Kavanagh family on the death of James (Jim) Kavanagh, England formerly of Kilcooley and Grange Barna whose Remembrance Mass will take place this Saturday 12th September at 11am in Graine Church followed by burial of his ashes in the adjoining cemetery.

MARIE O’KEEFFE RIP The death has occurred of Marie O’Keeffe (nee O’Brien) of The Mill, Ballynonty, Thurles, (formerly of the Cragg, Newport), August 29th. Marie passed peacefully, surrounded by her family and in the wonderful care of Lisa Zimmermann and all the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary, sisters Margaret (Lim) and Helen (Mooney). Forever missed by her loving family; heartbroken husband Barth, sons Flavian and Fiach, daughter Avalon and their partners Lisa, Emma and Andrea. Cherished sister of Michael and Arthur, brothers-in-law Eddie, Jimmy, Patsy and Connie, sisters-in-law Maura, Mary and Lily. Sadly, missed by her adoring grandchildren Seosaimh, Patrick, Hannah, Sophie, Ciarán, Allegra, Daisy, Fionn, Molly and Biddy, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Marie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and work colleague and the heart of her family. She lived a long and wonderful life, surrounded by those she loved and who loved her dearly. Her kindness, love and devotion to her family will live on in the many lives she touched and in the family she so lovingly created. She will be forever missed. Marie reposed at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule. She arrived at St’s. Patrick and Oliver Church, Glengoole for Funeral Mass followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

CONAHY HURLING The junior hurlers scored a deserved win over Emeralds in their final group game of the JJ Kavanagh Junior League in Canon Kearns Park on Sunday last. The sides were level at half-time with Conahy scoring 1-7 to Emeralds’ 0-10, the Conahy goal coming from Mark Gunner. Emeralds did take the lead during the early stages of the second half, but Conahy finished strongly with some good scores to win out by 1-20 to 0-18. Following the group games, the locals will now face Fenians in the opening round of the championship next Sunday afternoon at 2.30 p.m. in Cloneen. Best of luck to all involved.

TEAM: Padraic Delaney, Padraig Gunner, Philip Cass, Liam Cass, Ciaran Rice, Darragh Hennessy, John Kennedy, Jack Murphy, Edmond Delaney, Rob Ring, Harry O’Mahony, Thomas Rice, Bill Murphy, Karl Downey, Mark Gunner. Subs.: Sean Brennan, Conor Duggan, Billy Mulhall, Ben Duggan, Conor Hennessy.

The minor hurlers lost out to a strong Lisdowney side in their most recent game in the Kilkenny Vehicle Centre Roinn B League in Lisdowney. Lisdowney were the better team from the early stages, and although Conahy fought back well in the second half to reduce the deficit, Lisdowney finished strongly to win out by 5-15 to 2-14. Conahy are back in action tomorrow night (Thursday) when they play host to Graignamanagh in Jenkinstown at 6.30 p.m.

TEAM: Neil Webster, Rory Dunne, Tadgh Hennessy, James Byrne, Finn Sherman, Jack Rhatigan, Bobby Dooley, Darragh Horgan, Billy Rowe, Rory Rhatigan, Patrick Kennedy, Jack Buggy. M.J. Buggy, Joe Boland, Brian Phelan, Mounir Zouaoui, Sam Connellan, Camryn Kenehan, Brian Tierney, Padraic Quinn, Mikey Hurley, Jack Gamble, Ben Byrne.

The under-16 hurlers scored a good win over Tullaroan in their previous game in the Duggan Steel Roinn C League/Championship in Jenkinstown.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

43

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes Email: rsoc1973@gmail.com. Liam Cassin (Hugginstown). Telephone 087 231 2354: Email: liamcassin@ossory.ie. Liam Barron (Mullinavat). Telephone 087 272 2824: Email: mullinavat@ossory.ie.

Peter Hoyne (Newmarket - Retired). Telephone 056 776 8678 or 086 373 8492 MASS TIMES Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30a.m. Vigil - Saturday at 8.00p.m. Sunday at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford, Vigil Saturday at 6.30p.m.

Margaret Duggan, Ballinteskin: Mass in Hugginstown Church on Saturday 12th. September at 8.00p.m.

ROTA (TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) Readers:Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Rita O’Farrell. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Tommy Murphy. Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers: Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m.

Barbara Smolen. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m.

Marion Barron; Sunday 10.00a.m. Lillian Carr HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HUGGINSTOWN House No. 5 is now vacant. Any elderly person who is interested in applying please contact the Secretary, Lily Burke, Croan, Dunamaggan, Co. Kilkenny.

Tel. 056 776 8008 for an Application Form.

BISHOP OF OSSORY The Episcopal Installation of Ger Nash as Bishop of Ossory will be on Sunday 13th. September in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny at 3.00p.m. Prayer for Bishop Ger: Eternal God, Shepherd and Guide, may Bishop Ger, who will serve our Diocese, be a shepherd after your own heart, who will walk in your ways and with loving care watch over your people. May he be a leader of vision and a teacher of your truth. So may your name be glorified and your Church built up, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT WEEKEND Marriage Encounter Ireland invites married couples to a residential weekend from 2nd. to 4th.

October at the ‘Focolare Centre, Curryhills, Prosperous, Co. Kildare. Step away from daily distractions to deepen your communication, renew your love and rediscover the joy of your marriage. Visit www.marriageencounter.ie for details.

“ACCORD” Accord CLG is seeking an Executive Director who will be the chief executive officer of Accord CLG and be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across the organisation.

The deadline for applications is 12.00 Noon on Monday, 28th. September 2026.

For more information, visit www.forvismazars. com/ie/en/executiverecruitment “ANAM CARA” “Anam Cara” is very pleased to announce our first Bereavement Information Evening especially dediThe exchanges were even in the opening half but Conahy were by far the stronger team in the second half and ran out comfortable winners by 2-26 to 3-8.

TEAM: Padraig Murphy, Jim Synott, James Byrne, Mikey Hurley, Diarmuid Quinn, Evan Buggy, Mounir Zouaoui, Bobby Dooley, Will Clarke, Sam Connellan, M.J. Buggy, Jack Buggy, Ben Byrne, Jack Gamble, Richie Rowe, Ethan McEvoy, Cian Rhatigan, Aaryn Kenehan, Noah Meany, Daragh McGee, Brandon Maher, Ciaran Quinn.

CAMOGIE The intermediate camogie girls were defeated by Barrow Rangers on Sunday morning last in their third round game in the Abbott Intermediate League Championship in Jenkinstown. Conahy battled into a strong wind in the opening half as the visitors led by 1-6 to 0-4 at the break. However, they could not turn the tide in the second half, despite reducing the deficit to three points at one stage. In the end, Barrow Rangers were deserving winners by 3-12 to 1-8. Conahy will now look towards the knockout stages of the championship in the coming weeks.

TEAM: Siofraidh Kennedy, Amy Lawless, Gráinne Comerford, Hollie Brennan, Aisling Maher, Amy Morrissey, Sofia Kerr, Emma Mulhall, Caoimhe Hennessy, Naomi Kerr, Ellen Gunner, Aisling Downey, Katie Brennan, Amy Brennan, Sarah Dooley.

The junior camogie girls enjoyed a good win over Emeralds in the Junior D Championship in Jenkinstown on Friday night last. Conahy were strong all through and won out by 3-16 to 1-6.

TEAM: Sarah Molloy, Caoimhe Mulhall, Amy Morrissey, Emily Lawless, Emily Murphy, Eva Kennedy,

cated to supporting surviving siblings this autumn.

As part of our commitment to supporting everyone following the death of a child, we are exploring opportunities to further support the entire family. This event is the first, hopefully of many, of that commitment. This event is open to all parents whose child or children have died, regardless of the age of their child, circumstances of their death, or time since bereavement. We are also opening this Bereavement Information Evening to bereaved adult siblings over 18. For further information: Isabella (Elsie) Wiessner, Tel. 01 404 5378 Email: i.wiessner@anamcara.ie. Web. www. anamcara.ie STUDY THEOLOGY ONLINE The Priory Institute provides online Theology courses to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home.

Register now to begin on 19th. September. Find out more on our website, prioryinstitute.com STONEYFORD TEXT ALERT A.G.M. On Wednesday 30th. September, Stoneyford Text Alert will hold their A.G.M. at 7.30p.m. in the Community Centre. We hope to have a member of An Garda Siochana in attendance to speak to us about personal safety and safety and security around the home. Everyone is invited to attend.

LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 30th. August 2026. The numbers drawn were 10; 12; 18; 25. there was no Winner of First 3 Numbers Drawn. There was No Jackpot Winner. 5 x €30.00. Winners: Odhran Carroll, Harristown; Mary Irish, Ballyfoyle; Pat O’Neill, Stonecarthy; Carmel Toner, Canada; Jimmy Sheehan, Stonecarthy. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): Padraig Crowley; Pat Dwyer; James Irish.

GAA Carrickshock 0-26; Young Irelands, Gowran 1-14 (17).

Carrickshock deservedly came out on top in this round five Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League clash against Young Irelands at Thomastown on Saturday afternoon last. From the opening exchanges, the ‘Shocks looked the more assured side and, although Young Irelands produced a much improved performance after the interval, the Gowran outfit were never able to bridge the gap created during a dominant first half by their opponents. ( A full report on this match can be read in the Sports Section of this newspaper)

Siofraidh Kennedy, Sarah Murphy, Aisling Downey, Mary Lou Rowe, Naomi Kerr, Hannah Styles, Molly O’Dornan, Robyn Morrissey, Clodagh Lawless.

Both the minor and under-14 camogie girls will be in action this coming weekend. The under-14 girls will play host to Piltown in the St. Canice’s CU Roinn D quarter-final on Saturday at 11.00 a.m. in Jenkinstown. The minor girls will travel away to Kilmacow on Sunday morning for the St. Canice’s CU Roinn D shield final at 11.00 a.m.

GAA CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Lotto draw were 11, 32 and 41. There was no winner of the €6,500 jackpot so the consolation prize winners of €30 each were Áine Boland, Áine Prendergast, Kay Mooney, Declan Downey and Margaret Nolan. The promoter prize winners were Julie Jackman, Teresa Dollard and Larry Bergin. Many thanks to everyone who continues to support the GAA Club Lotto.

TRIBUTE BAND NIGHT ” Back for Good”, the ultimate Westlife and Take That tribute band, will play in the Jenkinstown Venue on Saturday, September 19th. Doors open at 8.30 p.m. with the show starting at 9.30 p.m.

Tickets cost €15 and are available via ClubZap or at the door on the night. Be sure to come along and enjoy what should be a great night.

NEWMARKET HUGGINSTOWN STONEYFORD ALL SAINTS PASTORAL AREA Parishes - Aghaviller; Ballyhale; Mullinavat. Priests in the Pastoral Area: Sean O’Connor (Ballyhale) Parish Priest of the three Parishes in the Pastoral Area). Telephone 056 776 6696 or 086 389 5911:

Moving with the play

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

44

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

Piltown edge thrilling Graiguenamanagh contest

Well contested aerial duel

Taking possession under pressure

Photo Credit: Mary O'Donnell

By Jim Whelan Thomastown provided the setting for an absorbing fifth and final-round clash in the 2026 JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling League when Graiguenamanagh and Piltown went head-to-head in a game where there was plenty at stake. With both sides having enjoyed impressive league campaigns, the equation was a simple one. A victory for either team would guarantee a place in the quarter-finals of the championship, adding an extra edge to what was already expected to be a highly competitive encounter.

Both teams had lost just one game in their league campaign, with John Lockes of Callan having proved their only stumbling block.

There was, therefore, very little to separate the sides going into this final round fixture, and so it proved for long periods.

Graiguenamanagh settled quickest, with Mossy Ryan opening the scoring inside the first minute with a welltaken point. Piltown, however, soon found their rhythm and responded with three unanswered scores. Ronan Ryan, who was to have a major influence on proceedings, showed his accuracy from placed balls with two points, while Andrew Ryan also got his name on the scoresheet as the Piltown men moved three

points clear.

Graiguenamanagh refused to allow their opponents to dictate the contest and gradually worked their way back into contention. Sean O'Grady and Steven Kinsella found the target to bring the Barrowsiders level, and the game was now beginning to take on the feel of the tight battle that many had anticipated.

The first major turning point arrived in the 11th minute when Piltown full-forward Billy O'Callaghan showed just why he is regarded as such a dangerous inside forward. The Piltown at-

tack worked the ball into a threatening position and O'Callaghan made no mistake, unleashing a powerful shot which flew into the back of the Graiguenamanagh net. It was a major score and restored a three-point advantage for the far-south Kilkenny side.

Both teams possessed excellent dead-ball specialists and there was little between Ronan Ryan and Steven Kinsella in that department. The pair exchanged points as the first half developed, with neither side willing to surrender an inch.

Graiguenamanagh then produced one of their best passages of attacking hurling. Some excellent interplay involving their forwards created an opening and the ball eventually found its way to Michael Bolger. The Graig

Taking control

Breaking the tackle

attacker kept his composure and duly obliged, raising the green flag to put Graiguenamanagh a point ahead. That score lifted the Barrowsiders and they began to enjoy their best spell of the opening half.

Steven Kinsella and Pierce Blanchfield added further points as Graiguenamanagh began to establish control, although Piltown remained dangerous and Ronan Ryan replied with another score to keep his side in touch. The momentum had clearly swung towards Graiguenamanagh and, from the 17th minute onwards, they outscored Piltown by 1-6 to 0-2.

The result was a four-point lead for Graiguenamanagh at the interval, with the scoreboard reading Graiguenamanagh 1-11, Piltown 1-7.

Piltown now faced a difficult second half, particularly with Graiguenamanagh looking increasingly confident, but they were handed an early setback when Michael Bolger opened the scoring after the resumption to stretch the Graig advantage to five points.

With county player Ivan Bolger moving to the edge

of the square to help nullify the threat posed by the dangerous O'Callaghan, Graiguenamanagh appeared to be in a very strong position.

Piltown, however, had other ideas. The far-south side upped the tempo considerably and, with the aid of a strong breeze, began to eat into the Graiguenamanagh advantage.

They showed admirable determination and refused to let the five-point deficit become an insurmountable obstacle.

Ronan Ryan continued to lead the charge, while Niall O'Brien and Aron Kinsella also found the target as Piltown clawed their way back into contention.

Graiguenamanagh needed a score to halt the momentum and Steven Kinsella duly delivered with a point from play.

It proved only a temporary reprieve. Ronan Ryan was now becoming increasingly influential and three unanswered points from the Piltown marksman brought the sides level at 1-15 apiece with just eight minutes remaining.

The momentum was now firmly with Piltown and Graiguenamanagh were forced onto the defensive.

The decisive moment came in the 55th minute. Man of

the match Ronan Ryan was involved once again and Piltown worked the ball superbly into a scoring position. Ryan finished the move in style, finding the Graiguenamanagh net with a well-worked goal that put Piltown firmly in command.

Graiguenamanagh threw everything they had at the Piltown defence during the closing minutes. Their forwards battled desperately to find a way through and reduce the deficit, but Piltown's defence stood firm. When the final whistle sounded, Piltown had secured a deserved five-point victory on a scoreline of Piltown 2-18, Graiguenamanagh 1-16.

It was a result built on character and persistence. Having fallen five points behind early in the second half, Piltown never allowed the game to slip away and gradually turned the contest in their favour.

They can now look forward to a place in the Junior League final, while Graiguenamanagh must regroup quickly with championship action already looming.

The Barrowsiders will face Galmoy in the first round of the championship on Sunday next at Palmerstown, with throw-in at 12 noon.

Piltown had several outstanding performers, but none more influential than Ronan Ryan. His accuracy from placed balls and contribution from play, coupled with his decisive late goal, made him the standout performer on the field. He received excellent support from Aron Kinsella and the powerful Billy O'Callaghan, whose first-half goal had initially put Piltown in a strong position.

For Graiguenamanagh, Ivan Bolger was prominent, while Steven Kinsella worked tirelessly throughout and Cian O'Shea also gave a strong account of himself.

Ultimately, though, Piltown's second-half resilience proved decisive. In a game where the prize was a place in the knockout stages, they showed the greater composure when it mattered most and ensured that their impressive league campaign continues into the business end of the season.

TEAMS Graiguenamanagh: Colin Bolger, Joe Dowling, James Meaney, Sean Walsh. Jack Browne, Ivan Bolger, Richard Foley, Cain O‘Shea, Mossy Ryan. Pierce Blanchfield, Jack Ryan, Steven Kinsella. Sean O Grady. Ted Dunne, Michael Bolger. Subs, Conor Houlihan, Terry Dreelan, Jack Dunne, Seamie Kavanagh Piltown: James Norris. Nial O Brien, Darragh Walsh. Joe Cooney. Aran Kinsella, Henri Culleton, Robbie Tobin. Shane O’Dwyer, Andrew Tobin.

Ronan Ryan. Kevin Walsh.

D.J Knox. Cian Kinsella, Billy O’Callaghan, Martin Power.

Subs. Eoin Reid The Thomastown club are to be congratulated for the way they presented their playing field for Sunday’s game.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

45

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

Windgaps Jack Doyle evades Slieverue's Pat Kennnedy

Windgap finish league campaign in style Jimmy Walsh.

Photographs by Catherine Power.

The fifth and final round of the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Premier Junior Hurling League saw Windgap finish their league campaign on a winning note when they proved too strong for Slieverue at Mooncoin on Sunday.

The game had been scheduled for Mullinavat but was relocated at relatively short notice to Mooncoin, adding another twist to what was already an unusual afternoon.

Slieverue, with their firstround championship meeting with neighbours Kilmacow already on the horizon, were forced into five changes to their starting line-up.

Windgap, meanwhile, went into the game with the prospect of facing sister club Galmoy in the opening round of the championship, although the eventual championship draw would throw up a different opponent following the weekend's results.

There was never likely to be a huge attendance for this particular fixture, and that proved to be the case. The game clashed with Windgap Senior Camogie's championship meeting with Clara, which had a throw-in two hours earlier in Clara, some

40 kilometres away and approximately 45 minutes' travelling time from Mooncoin. Understandably, many Windgap supporters were elsewhere.

Mooncoin itself, however, was a hive of activity. The Polish community were marking the 20-year “China” anniversary of their chaplaincy in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, with Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan celebrating Mass in the Church of the Assumption filled to capacity, located conveniently beside the playing grounds.

On the field, conditions were excellent for hurling,

Slieverues Jack Frisby attempting to hook Windgaps Adam O'Shea.

although Windgap had to face into a strong breeze towards the Carrigeen end during the opening half. Slieverue suffered an early setback when Seán Freyne was forced to leave the field in only the second minute following what appeared to be a serious turning injury. Everyone connected with the club will wish Seán a speedy recovery.

Windgap took advantage of the early uncertainty, with Billy Power, Adam O'Shea and James Power all finding the target to give them an early 0-3 to 0-0 advantage.

Adrian Rockett eventually got Slieverue off the mark,

leaving Windgap three points clear after ten minutes. The sides then exchanged scores before Slieverue suffered another blow when Eoin Kenny picked up a heavy and restricting knock as two players challenged for possession. Despite the setbacks, Slieverue battled gamely and, with Jack Frisby moving back to centre-back, they worked hard to remain competitive.

Windgap gradually began to make the pressure tell, however, and by the 28th minute they had moved 0-9 to 0-4 ahead. The winners were finding the target more regularly, while Slieverue were left to

Windgaps James Power handpasses the ball away under the watchful eyes of Slieverue's Callum Moore and Windgaps Séan Purcell and Peter Landy

rue a number of missed opportunities, registering four wides to Windgap's one.

The decisive moment of the opening half arrived when a Billy Power effort for a point came back off the post.

Windgap reacted quickest, and Power showed excellent awareness to set up Jack Doyle, who made no mistake in finishing to the net. It was a valuable score and gave Windgap the breathing space they needed. Two further unanswered points followed, with Kieran Connolly joining Adrian Rockett on the Slieverue scoresheet, but Windgap went into the interval firmly in control on 1-11 to 0-4.

Slieverue needed a strong start to the second half if they were to make a contest of it, but instead it was Windgap who came flying out of the traps. With the benefit of the strong breeze now behind them, Windgap rattled over four points in the opening two minutes to stretch their advantage to 1-15 to 0-4. The sides then exchanged four points as Slieverue attempted to stem the tide, but Windgap were now in complete control and playing with increasing confidence.

The second Windgap goal arrived in the 43rd minute when Jack Doyle got on the end of a puck-out and

finished to the net. That score effectively ended any lingering hopes Slieverue had of mounting a comeback, leaving Windgap 2-16 to 0-6 in front.

To their credit, Slieverue continued to battle and Evan Cullen added a point to reward their efforts. Windgap, however, had plenty in reserve and manager and selectors were able to use the opportunity to run the bench and give valuable game time to their replacements.

Windgap continued to add to their tally as the closing stages unfolded and eventually ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 2-25 to 0-7.

The result, combined with the other final-round results, confirmed that Windgap would meet Cloneen in the opening round of the championship.

For Windgap, it was an ideal way to finish the league campaign, while their attention can now turn fully towards the knockout championship and the challenges that lie ahead.

For Slieverue manager Niall Walsh, however, it was another frustrating afternoon in what has been a difficult period. With championship action imminent, player safety was understandably a major consideration, particularly given the injuries sustained during Sunday's game.

There was, nevertheless, one particularly welcome sight around the Mooncoin grounds. Among those in attendance was Slieverue and Kilkenny GAA stalwart Jim Walsh, now 91 years of age, who was accompanied by a large contingent of the club's juvenile players.

On an afternoon when results and championship permutations dominated the conversation, the presence of one of Slieverue's great servants, surrounded by the next generation of the club, provided a timely reminder that, beyond the scores and results, it is the people and the community that remain at the heart of GAA life.

TEAMS Bearna na Gaoithe; Eoin O’Shea, Peter Landy, Willie Phelan, Sean Foley, Pat Grace, Séan Purcell 0-2, Darragh O’Shea, Killian Enright 0-3, Pat Power, Billy Power 0-6, 0-4 frees, James Power 0-5, Jack Doyle 2-2, Zak Kennedy 0-1, Adam O’Shea 0-1, Padraic Foley 0-2, Subs; Sean Barron 0-2, Jim Power Jnr, James Purcell, Ronan O’Brien, Cian O’Rourke.

Sliabh Rua: Shane Wall, Séan Freyne, Ian Ahearn, Olly Mullally, William Halpin, Callum Moore, Kieran Connolly 0-1, Evan Cullen 0-1, Pat Kennedy, Adrian Rockett 0-5, 0-4 frees, Martin Dowling, Jack Frisby, Fionn Howard, Eoin Kenny, Jack Knox Subs; Craig McGovern, Callum Cleary, David Irish, Niall Cullen, William Haberlin, Reece Murphy, Ben Alcock, Ruben Costolloe, Conor Wall, Cillian Power and Craig Phelan.

46

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

JJ Kavanagh Junior F County Final 2026 Lisdowney 1-18; Mullinavat 1-15.

John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park Lisdowney ended their 2026 campaign in the best possible fashion when they recorded a hard-earned three-point victory over Mullinavat in the final of the Junior F Championship at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday evening last.

It was a significant success for the North Kilkenny club, who had been waiting since their Junior D triumph in 2023 to taste county final success at these grades. For a rural parish, the achievement of bringing another county title home will be warmly welcomed, particularly given the commitment and effort that goes into maintaining teams at adult level.

For Mullinavat, however, there was the familiar disappointment of another Junior F county final defeat. The Southerners now have the unwanted distinction of having lost five

successive county finals at this grade. Their sequence began with defeat to Conahy Shamrocks in 2022, followed by losses to Windgap in 2023, Young Irelands in 2024 and Tullogher-Rosbercon in 2025.

Lisdowney have now been added to that unhappy list.

And there was a further talking point before the evening was over, with another scoreboard malfunction causing considerable confusion around Nowlan Park. With the game entering its closing ten minutes, a three-point addition to Mullinavat’s total, following advice given to the referee, changed the scoreboard from what had been displayed as 1-17 to 1-12 to 1-17 to 1-15.

Suddenly, nobody seemed entirely certain what the actual score was. Players, management and spectators alike were left trying to work out the implications of the alteration, while the scoreboard continued to tell a different story from what many had understood to be the position.

Thankfully, the issue did not ultimately decide the destina-

About to receive a pass

PJ Kenny chairman of Kilkenny County board presents the Junior F trophy to Lisdowney captain Brian Campion with junior board chairperson Pat Cooney in attendance

tion of the silverware. The referee’s match report remains the official record of the final score, and that recorded Lisdowney as 1-18 to 1-15 winners.

Whatever about the scoreboard, there was little doubt that Lisdowney were the better team over the course of the contest and fully deserved their victory.

They made the brighter opening, with Eoin Delahunty and excellent free-taker Peter O’Sullivan putting them two points ahead. Stephen Law opened the Mullinavat account from a free after three minutes and the early exchanges were evenly contested. O’Sullivan added another free before Jack Power replied for Mullinavat. Ray Fitzpatrick and Stephen Law then traded points, leaving just a point between the teams after 11 minutes, with Lisdowney leading 0-4 to 0-3.

Paddy Bowden extended the Lisdowney advantage, but Mullinavat hit back in spectacular fashion in the 12th minute when Stephen Law found the net with a well-taken goal.

The Vegas men were now in front, but Lisdowney refused to panic. O’Sullivan was proving particularly effective from dead balls and responded with

two points, the first a magnificent effort from around 100 metres and the second from a free. Billy Delahunty and Jack Power kept Mullinavat in front with points by the 22nd minute, but Lisdowney were building momentum.

Billy Grogan and Stephen Law exchanged scores before Lisdowney struck for the game's second goal. Paddy Bowden was the man to apply the finishing touch in the 26th minute, putting Lisdowney ahead by 1-8 to 1-6. Jack Power replied with an excellent point for Mullinavat, but the closing stages of the half belonged firmly to Lisdowney.

Ray Fitzpatrick added a point before Peter O’Sullivan demonstrated his remarkable accuracy by converting three further frees. At half-time, Lisdowney were in a strong position, leading 1-12 to 1-7.

The North Kilkenny side continued where they left off after the restart, with O’Sullivan converting another free before Fitzpatrick added a point from play. Mullinavat, though, were not finished and produced a determined response. Between the 44th and 46th minutes, Cormac McEvoy, Jack Power and Stephen Law from a free all found the target. That burst reduced the deficit to four points and gave the Mullinavat supporters renewed hope.

Lisdowney responded immediately, stretching their advantage back to seven points through scores from Robert McEvoy, Jamie Bergin and another O’Sullivan free. Then came the scoreboard confusion. Mullinavat continued to fight and Stephen Law added three points, two from frees and one from play. With the disputed scoreboard adjustment taken into account, the gap suddenly appeared to have narrowed to just two points.

Lisdowney

Mullinavat

The uncertainty was palpable. Both teams were understandably unsure how best to approach the closing stages as players and supporters tried to establish the correct scoreline. Amid all the confusion, Lisdowney kept their composure. Eddie Hickey eventually added the final score of the evening for the winners, and when the final whistle sounded the referee’s official tally showed Lisdowney victorious by 1-18 to 1-15.

For Lisdowney, it was a memorable county final victory and another welcome addition to the club’s roll of honour.

For Mullinavat, there was once again only disappointment to show for their efforts. There is a particularly poignant aspect to their run of five successive final defeats, with several of their players having now experienced every one of those losses.

They will undoubtedly wonder what might have been, but credit must also go to a group that has continued to come back and compete at the highest level of the grade despite repeated disappointment.

left to right, Mullinavat captain Declan Duggan, lines persons Brandon Power and John Joe Buggy, match referee Gay Rafter and Lisdowney captain Brian Campion.

On this occasion, however, the honours belonged to Lisdowney, whose greater consistency and composure over the hour earned them a deserved county title.

SCORERS LISDOWNEY: Peter O’Sullivan (0-9, O-7 frees), Paddy Bowden (1-1), Ray Fitzpatrick (0-3), Eoin Delahunty, Billy Grogan, Robert McEvoy, Jamie Bergin, Eddie Hickey (0-1) MULLINAVAT: Stephen Law (1-7, 0-5 frees) Jack Power (0-4), Billy Delahunty, Cormac McEvoy (0-1 each), AN Other (0-2).

TEAMS LISDOWNEY: Niall Grogan, Jimmy Lennon, Brian Campion (Captain), Paddy Kennedy, Peter O’Sullivan, Eddie Connery, Anthony O’Hara, Conor O’Gorman, Charlie Kennedy, Jamie Bergin, Ray Fitzpatrick, Billy Grogan, James Leahy, Eoin Delahunty, Paddy Bowden Substitutes: Eddie Hickey for James Leahy, for Conor O’Gorman, Sean Stapleton for Billy Grogan, Jimmy Delaney for Peter O’Sullivan, Padraig Bergin for Eoin Delahunty.

MULLINAVAT: Declan Duggan (Captain), Jamie Walshe, James Dalton, Jamie Dempsey, Louis Madigan, Daniel Walsh, Killian Dungan, Luke Byrne Doyle, John Reade, Jack Whelton, Pat Mulhearn, Billy Delahunty, Jack Power, Cormac McEvoy, Stephen Law Substitutes: Michael Johnston for Daniel Walsh, Jamie Dungan for Billy Delahunty, Darragh Tynan for Cormac McEvoy, Billy Delahunty for Pat Mulhearne.

Referee: Gay Rafter (Threecastles).

The Presentation crowd

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

47

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport

All action game

Trophy presentation to O'Loughlin Gaels Joint captains Jack Kearns and Kevin Rowe

by Pat Cooney (Junior Board Chairperson)

O’Loughlin Gaels crowned JJ Kavanagh Junior E Champions JJ Kavanagh County Junior E Hurling Final 2026 O’Loughlin Gaels 1-19; Glenmore 1-12.

John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park O’Loughlin Gaels are the new JJ Kavanagh Junior E champions following a deserved victory over a spirited Glenmore side in an entertaining and competitive final at UPMC Nowlan Park. This was very much a game of two halves, with Glenmore enjoying plenty of success during the opening 30 minutes before O’Loughlin Gaels produced a vastly improved second-half performance to take control of the contest.

The first half was a hugely competitive affair, with the sides level on no fewer than six occasions. Glenmore made good use of the conditions and the stiff breeze, while O’Loughlin Gaels had to work hard to find space and establish any real authority.

After the interval, however, it was a different O’Loughlin Gaels side that emerged. The city outfit moved the ball with greater speed, their hurling became more assured, and they made excellent use of the wide expanses of Kilkenny GAA headquarters.

Whatever Andy Cantwell,

along with selectors Gary Bryan, Mick Galway and Sean Cleere, said to their charges during the half-time interval certainly had the desired effect. O’Loughlin Gaels upped the tempo considerably and gradually pulled away from their Southern opponents.

Glenmore made the brighter start, with Rory Atkins opening the scoring. O’Loughlin Gaels responded with points from James Houlahan and Sean Cahalane, before Atkins levelled matters from a free.

The exchanges continued to be evenly balanced. The evergreen Alan Geogheghan put O’Loughlin Gaels back in front, while Jack Walsh followed with another point to leave the city side 0-4 to 0-2 ahead.

Glenmore were beginning to get to grips with the challenge, however, and the stiff breeze was proving useful to their cause. They hit three unanswered points, two from the influential Atkins and the other from James Reid from a free, as the Glens regained the initiative. O’Loughlin Gaels responded in style.

Robbie O’Driscoll levelled the contest before Jack Walsh put them back in front with two fine points. The first was particularly impressive, a superb score struck from the touchline on the new stand

side of the ground.

Glenmore refused to let their heads drop and Emmett Vereker reduced the margin to a single point. Robbie O’Driscoll then converted a free for O’Loughlin Gaels as both sides continued to trade scores.

The Southern side enjoyed their best spell of the opening half between the 18th and 24th minutes. Glenmore hit an unanswered 1-2 during that period, with Emmett Vereker and Rory Atkins finding the target before Atkins grabbed the game's first goal.

O'Loughlin Gaels

The Glenmore goal came after Atkins collected possession close to the O’Loughlin Gaels goal before keeping his composure and finishing neatly to the net.

Suddenly, Glenmore were in the ascendancy and had opened up a five-point advantage, leading 1-8 to 0-8.

O’Loughlin Gaels, though, finished the half strongly.

They showed considerable composure to work their way back into contention, with Harry Nowlan and Sean Cahalane pointing before Robbie O’Driscoll converted Glenmore Team

another free.

Those three scores brought the sides level once again, leaving the city side trailing no longer as the half-time whistle sounded. Halftime: O’Loughlin Gaels 0-11, Glenmore 1-8.

The second half belonged largely to O’Loughlin Gaels. Within eight minutes of the restart, they had moved four points clear. Harry Nowlan was central to the revival, contributing two points, while Robbie O’Driscoll and Sean Cahalane also found the target.

Glenmore did their best to stay in touch and points from James Reid and James Aylward, the latter from a free, halved the deficit to leave the score at 1-10 to 0-15. At that stage, however, O’Loughlin Gaels were beginning to find their rhythm. Their movement was much sharper, and they were using the available space at Nowlan Park to particularly good effect.

The final quarter proved decisive. O’Loughlin Gaels outscored Glenmore by 1-4 to 0-2 and gradually turned a closely fought final into a convincing victory. James Houlahan and Harry Nowlan added points for the Gaels, with Glenmore responding through James Aylward. Two further Jack Walsh points increased the city side's advantage, although Aylward kept Glenmore ticking over with another well-struck free.

With the score standing at 0-19 to 1-11, Glenmore needed something special to get back into the contest. Instead, O’Loughlin Gaels delivered the decisive blow. On the 60th minute, James Houlahan found the net with a matchclinching goal that effectively settled the destination of the JJ Kavanagh Junior E title.

From there, O’Loughlin Gaels were able to see out the remaining minutes and celebrate a deserved championship success. It was a victory built on a strong collective effort, but there were several individual performances of note. James Houlahan was hugely influential, while forwards Jack Walsh and Harry Nowlan were particularly impressive. Both contributed important scores and were heavily involved in the Gaels' attacking play, causing the Glenmore defence plenty of problems throughout. Robbie O’Driscoll also played his part, particularly from placed balls, while the improvement

shown by the city side after the interval was a credit to their management team.

Glenmore can be proud of their contribution to an entertaining final. They competed strongly during the opening half and, for long periods, looked capable of causing an upset. Luke Vereker, Rory Atkins and James Reid were among their better performers, with Atkins particularly prominent in attack and responsible for much of Glenmore's first-half threat.

Ultimately, however, O’Loughlin Gaels produced the stronger second-half performance. Their sharper hurling, better use of possession and ability to exploit the space at Nowlan Park proved decisive. For Andy Cantwell, Gary Bryan, Mick Galway, Sean Cleere and their players, it was a thoroughly deserved afternoon of celebration as O’Loughlin Gaels added the JJ Kavanagh Junior E title to their list of achievements.

SCORERS O’LOUGHLIN GAELS: Jack Walsh (0-5), James Houlahan (1-2), Harry Nolan (0-4), Robbie O’Driscoll (0-4, frees), Sean Cahalane (0-3), Alan Geogheghan (0-1) GLENMORE: Rory Atkins (1-4), James Aylward (0-4, 0-3 frees), James Reid (0-2, 0-1 frees), Emmett Vereker, Luke Vereker (0-1 each).

TEAMS O’LOUGHLIN GAELS Michael Lambert, Peter McNamara, Micheal Twomey, Jack Kearns (JC), Diarmuid Considine, Mark Croghan, Josh Owens, John Comerford, James Holohan, Cathal O'Leary Harry Nolan, Robbie O'Driscoll, Jack Walsh, Alan Geoghegan, Sean Cahalane.

Substitutes: Eddie Kearns for Josh Owens, Kevin Rowe (JC) for Cathal O’Leary, Podge Nolan for Robbie O’Driscoll, Odhran Lawlor for Jack Walsh.

GLENMORE Mark Phelan, Sean Phelan, Ben Maher (Captain), Ruaidhri Heffernan, Luke Vereker, Brian O'Donoghue, Jack Cody, James Hendrick, Michael Phelan, James Aylward (VC), James Reid, Patrick O'Connor, Rory Atkins, Emmett Vereker, Tommy Maher. Substitutes: Christopher Hennessy for Tommy Maher, Mark Cody for James Hennessy, Rowan Halligan for Ben Maher, Aaron Talbot for Rory Atkins.

Referee: Gay Rafter (Threecastles).

48

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Sport Putting him under pressure

Every ball contested

Carrickshock maintain control against Young Irelands

Aerial Tussle

Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League Carrickshock 0-26; Young Irelands, Gowran 1-14 (17).

John Power at Thomastown GAA Grounds Carrickshock deservedly came out on top in this round five Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League clash against Young Irelands at Thomastown on Saturday afternoon last. From the opening exchanges, the ‘Shocks looked the more assured side and, although Young Irelands produced a much improved performance after the interval, the Gowran outfit were never able to bridge the gap created during a dominant first half by their opponents.

Carrickshock controlled proceedings for long periods and displayed a high level of work rate throughout the field. Their ability to win possession in the middle third and turn defence into attack was particularly impressive, while their hooking and blocking was a feature of their performance.

There was plenty of evidence too that this is a Carrickshock side developing

nicely. They possess a useful blend of youth and experience, with several players who were part of last year’s successful Minor B Championship campaign now making their mark at intermediate level. The outstanding performer on the day was Conor Farrell, who finished with a remarkable personal tally of 0-15. His accuracy from placed balls was exceptional, while he also contributed from play and was a constant threat whenever Carrickshock moved forward.

Young Irelands opened the scoring with a point from Seamus Farrell, but that was to be the only occasion on which they held the lead.

Carrickshock immediately settled into their rhythm, with Conor Farrell converting three frees before adding a point from play. Those early scores gave the ‘Shocks a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage by the fifth minute and provided an early indication of what was to follow.

Killian Carey responded with a Young Irelands free, but Carrickshock continued to find openings and points from Brian Donovan and Adam Franks stretched their advantage. Ted Drea got Young Irelands back on the scoreboard in the tenth

minute, but the following four scores all went the way of Carrickshock. Conor Farrell converted three frees, while Jake O’Dwyer also raised a white flag as the Thomastown scoreboard began to show a sizeable difference between the sides.

Young Irelands were finding it difficult to gain any sustained possession in the attacking third, while Carrickshock were proving extremely difficult to break down. The Carrickshock defenders were quick to close down space and were not afraid to put their bodies on the line, producing a number of welltimed hooks and blocks. The winners continued to add to their tally before the break and went into the interval holding a commanding 0-15 to 0-7 lead.

Young Irelands needed a strong opening to the second half and, to their credit, they did improve considerably. Paddy Farrell opened their second-half account before Mikey Rohan replied for Carrickshock. Kealan Barcoe then pointed for Young Irelands, but once again Conor Farrell was on target from a free at the other end. A further Killian Carey free reduced the deficit, but Carrickshock were able to respond with an Eoghan O’Neill point, leaving the score 0-18 to 0-10 in favour of the ‘Shocks after 38 minutes.

Young Irelands refused to throw in the towel and points from Seamus Farrell and Thomas Langton briefly reduced the gap to six points.

There was now a greater sense of urgency about the Gowran side, who were moving the ball with more purpose and putting greater pressure on the Carrickshock defence. However, the Carrickshock rearguard stood firm when tested. Young Irelands struggled to hold

Getting away from his man

possession for long enough in the forward area and too many promising attacks broke down before they could develop into genuine scoring opportunities.

Carrickshock continued to work tirelessly and were able to keep their opponents at arm’s length. Their discipline and organisation were evident as the game entered its closing stages.

Young Irelands eventually got the goal they badly needed in the 55th minute when Aidan Keating found the net, reducing the deficit to 1-14 to 0-23 and giving the Gowran side renewed hope.

For a brief period, the possibility of a dramatic finish appeared to be on the cards.

Carrickshock, however,

Lining up for a score

showed good composure and refused to panic. They continued to play the game on their terms and finished strongly. Conor Farrell added two more points to bring his personal tally to an impressive 0-15, while Eanna Martin produced one of the scores of the afternoon with a spectacular effort from around 100 metres. That score effectively ended any remaining hopes Young Irelands had of staging a late comeback and Carrickshock saw out the contest comfortably.

Along with the outstanding Conor Farrell, Mikey Rohan, Matthew Murphy and Adam Franks were among those to catch the eye for Carrickshock. There were strong contributions right across

the field, with their collective work rate and defensive effort ultimately proving decisive.

For Young Irelands, there will be a recognition that a much better second-half display was not enough to compensate for a difficult opening 30 minutes. They have not yet reproduced the form that saw them impress so much 12 months ago and will know that a significant improvement will be required when the knockout stages of the championship arrive.

Carrickshock, meanwhile, can take plenty of encouragement from a convincing performance. They showed determination, discipline and no shortage of hurling ability, while the emergence of several of last year’s successful minor players provides further grounds for optimism. With Conor Farrell in such fine scoring form and a strong work ethic evident throughout the team, the ‘Shocks will be hoping this round five victory can provide further momentum as the intermediate campaign moves towards the business end of the season.

SCORERS CARRICKSHOCK: Conor Farrell (0-15, 0-12 frees), Brian Donovan (0-2), Jake O’Dwyer (0-2), Eoghan O’Neill (0-2), Adam Franks, Eoin Crowley, Mikey Rohan, Jamie Power, Eanna Martin (0-1 each) YOUNG IRELANDS: Killian Carey (0-4 frees), Auden Keating (1-0), Seamus Farrell (0-3), Ted Drea, Paddy Langton, Jim Colman, Mick Walsh, Pat Farrell, Kerman Barcoe, Thomas Langton (0-1 each) TEAMS CARRICKSHOCK Jamie Power, Eddie Dunphy, Padraig Lennon, John Cahill, Sean Moore, Mikey Rohan, Matthew Murphy, Mikey Murphy, Jake O'Dwyer, Conor Farrell, Barry Lennon, Brian Donavan, Eoghan O’Neill, Adam Franks, Eoin Crowley.

Substitutes, John Power for Eoin Crowley, Michael Rice for Barry Lennon, Eanna Martin for John Cahill, Edward Dwyer for Adam Franks.

YOUNG IRELANDS Sean Kehoe, Sam Brennan, Geoff Brennan, Bobbie Brennan, Mick Walsh, Mikey Carey, Paddy Langton, Tommy Phelan, Jim Conlon, Padraic O’Neill, Seamus Farrell, Thomas Langton, Dylan Carey, Ted Drea, Killian Carey. Substitutes, Tommy Phelan for Kealan Barcoe.

Referee: Jack Miller (Piltown).

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

49

kilkennyobserver.ie

Sport St Canices Credit Union SHL Group A Round Five

Challenging under the high ball

Mullinavat dig deep to secure another year in senior ranks

Mullinavat 0-19; Clara 0-17 John Power at Thomastown GAA Grounds Mullinavat will play senior hurling in Kilkenny for another year following a hard-fought five-point victory over Clara in their final group game at the excellent Thomastown venue on Saturday evening last. In a contest which ebbed and flowed for long periods, it was Mullinavat’s vastly improved second-half performance which ultimately decided the outcome. Five points adrift at the interval, the southern side produced a determined and impressive response after the restart, outscoring Clara by 1-11 to 0-4 in the second half.

With the aid of a strong breeze, Mullinavat began to dominate proceedings after the break and, as their confidence grew, Clara found themselves under increasing pressure. The northern side battled bravely to the finish and threw everything into their late search for a goal, but a resolute Mullinavat defence refused to yield. At the centre of the Mullinavat revival was the outstanding Oisin Knox.

The Vegas man finished with an exceptional tally of 0-14, proving almost unerring from placed balls while also contributing three excellent scores from play. His accuracy and composure under pressure provided Mullinavat with a constant source of scores when they needed them most.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested. Knox opened the scoring with a free before David Barcoe levelled matters for Clara.

Another Knox placed ball was answered by Chris Bolger, while Joe Connolly and Knox exchanged scores to leave the sides level at 0-3 apiece after seven minutes. Clara then edged ahead for the first time when Paul Cody struck a fine long-range point, the wind carrying the ball towards the target. Knox responded from a free before Clara moved two points clear with scores from Conor Cody and Joe Connolly.

Knox reduced the deficit from another placed ball in the 14th minute, and Mullinavat then began to find their range from play. Michael Malone and Padraic Gahan both pointed in quick succession to bring the sides level at 0-7 apiece. The closing ten minutes of the opening half

Fighting for possession

Joe Connolly scores one of his 0-11 for his side Clara.

No Getting away from his man

belonged largely to Clara.

Dara Glynn, despite being one of the smaller players on the field, was proving a constant handful for the much bigger Mullinavat defence and his clever movement caused problems throughout the opening period.

Glynn was instrumental in Clara winning a penalty in the 21st minute. Matt Kenny stepped up to take responsibility, but Mullinavat goalkeeper Sean Fitzpatrick produced an excellent save, getting down smartly to deny the Clara forward. Joe Connolly pointed from the resulting clearance to put Clara back in front, 0-8 to 0-7.

The northern side continued to make the most of their opportunities. Connolly was particularly accurate from placed balls, adding four further frees before half-time, while Paul Cody also got his name on the scoresheet.

Mullinavat, meanwhile, were

restricted to a single response from the ever-reliable Knox.

At the break, Clara had established a useful five-point advantage. Half-time: Clara 0-13, Mullinavat 0-8.

Whatever was said in the Mullinavat dressing room at half-time certainly had the desired effect. Without making any personnel changes, the Vegas men emerged for the second half looking like a completely different side. Two quick points from Ian Duggan were followed by another Knox free and suddenly the gap had been reduced to just three points, 0-10 to 0-13.

Clara steadied themselves and a Connolly free restored some breathing space, but Knox immediately answered with an excellent score from play. Two further Connolly points, including one from play, restored Clara’s fivepoint advantage by the 40th minute. At that stage, it looked as though the northern side

might hold on, but Mullinavat were about to produce their most impressive spell of the evening.

Knox struck two superb points from play in quick succession before adding another from a free. Mullinavat were now firmly in control and Clara were being forced deeper and deeper towards their own goal.

Then, in the 46th minute, came the decisive moment of the contest. Substitute Joe Gahan made a powerful burst through from the wing before showing excellent awareness to pick out Ger Malone. The pass found Malone in a good position and he made no mistake, finishing to the Clara net from close range.

The goal completely changed the complexion of the game. Mullinavat had gone from five points behind to firmly in the driving seat, and their confidence was now obvious. Further pointed frees were converted by Knox, while Tom Aylward added an excellent long-range score.

Knox continued to torment the Clara defence and added another couple of points as Mullinavat opened up a commanding lead.

With the scoreboard reading 1-17 to 0-16 in favour of Mullinavat, Clara knew they needed a goal if they were to rescue the contest. To their credit, they did not give up.

The Clara players pushed forward in search of the breakthrough, but the Mullinavat defence remained disciplined and determined. Every attack was met with a committed challenge, and the Vegas men were not going to surrender the advantage they had worked so hard to establish.

Joe Power converted a late free for Clara, while Mullinavat substitute John Walsh added another point to ensure there would be no late drama.

When the final whistle sounded, there was considerable relief among the Mullinavat players and supporters. They had produced a second-half performance of real character to overturn a five-point half-time deficit and, in the process, secured their senior status for 2027.

The victory also sees Mullinavat advance to meet Tullaroan in Round One of the knockout championships, giving them another opportunity to make an impression in the latter stages of the competition.

For Clara, meanwhile, the road ahead is considerably more difficult. Their firstround knockout encounter with Erins Own will double up as a relegation semi-final, meaning there is everything to play for. Despite this setback, Clara have shown enough during their five league games to suggest that they will be

Mullinavat player Oisin Knox who scored 0-14 takes one of his points

a difficult proposition for anybody. They have battled hard in every outing, and that fighting spirit was evident again on Saturday evening.

Paul Cody, Joe Connolly and Rory Glynn were among their leading performers, while Dara Glynn’s lively first-half display caused Mullinavat plenty of problems.

For Mullinavat, however, the evening belonged to Oisin Knox. His remarkable 0-14 haul, combined with a tireless work-rate, made him the outstanding player on the field. Michael Malone, Padraic Gahan, Padraig Dempsey and Ian Duggan also deserve considerable credit for their contributions, particularly during the decisive closing stages. Mullinavat were five points behind at half-time and staring at a difficult final period of the championship.

But they responded in exactly the manner required of a team determined to retain its senior status. Their second-half display was full of energy, accuracy and resolve, and ultimately it earned them a deserved five-point victory, and another year among Kilkenny’s senior hurling elite.

SCORERS MULLINAVAT : Oisin Knox (0-14, 0-11 frees), Ger Malone (1-0), Michael Malone, Padraig Gahan, Ian Duggan, Tom Aylward (free, John Walsh (0-1 each).

CLARA: Joe Connolly (0-11, 0-7 frees), Paul Cody (0-2), David Barcoe, Chris Bolger, Conor Cody, Joe Power (free), (0-1 each) TEAMS MULLINAVAT : Sean Fitzpatrick, Bill Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis, George O’Connor, Padraig Dempsey, Padraic Gahan, Michael Malone, Ian Duggan, Conor Walsh, Oisin Knox, Ger Malone, Conor Power, Brian Phelan, Liam Fennelly. Substitutes: Joe Gahan for George O’Connor, Adam Mansfield for Conor Power, John Walsh for Liam Fennelly, Conor Duggan for Brian Phelan.

CLARA: Kevin Nolan, Luke Lawlor, Matt Kenny, Joe Connolly, Harry Boyle, Shane Staunton, David Barcoe, Martin O'Connell, Jack Langton, Dara Glynn, Paul Cody, Conor Cody, Lester Ryan, Rory Glynn, Chris Bolger. Substitutes: Philip Carrigan for Joe Connolly, Ciaran Prendergast for Lester Ryan, Conor Hoyne for Harry Boyle.

Referee: Paul Cahill (Dunnamaggin).

50

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters - Review

Sport In search of

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League Super Saturday on Noreside saw no shortage of entertainment as the final round of games in the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League were played out at six venues across the County.

Our league final will see the meeting of Shamrocks Ballyhale and Thomastown, despite both teams slipping up in round five.

The Shield decider pits O’Loughlin Gaels against Graigue Ballycallan, the former getting the better of Tullaroan, the latter going down by a point to Glenmore as the group stages completed last weekend.

While there may be no silverware on offer, the prize for escaping the drop is probably greater and that will be the aim for the quartet of Danesfort, Bennettsbridge, Erins Own and Clara.

The ‘Bridge knew what lay ahead for them going into their fifth outing, and perhaps they played with a little more freedom when taking on neighbors Thomastown.

A Liam Blanchfield goal was the difference at the long whistle as Brian Lannon’s charges recorded their only win in Group A. James Hughes was accurate as ever, notching eight points, while Sean Morrissey had an impressive afternoon rifling over 0-5. Fourteen of the ‘Town’s twenty-point total came from Clan Donnelly. The Hoops will now face the stripes of Danesfort in a relegation semifinal Ronan Corcoran and Paddy Deegan clash

silverware and survival!

League finalists confirmed as dreaded drop looms for Noreside quartet

Zac Bay Hammond gets his clearance away as hes challenged by James Hughes

despite last season’s intermediate champions getting the better of Shamrocks Ballyhale in Gowran.

It was a much-changed reigning county champions side that took

to the field, No TJ, Brian Cody, Joey Holden, Ronan Corcoran or Richie Reid, and the ‘Fort took full advantage by notching their second win in Group B. The young trio of

Ruarc Sweeney gets past Killian Ryan

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

51

kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters - Review Luke Connellan driving forward as he collides with Dara Glynn

Ben Whitty, Anthony Ireland-Wall and Fionn Mahony contributed twelve points, while Robbie Wash hit 0-4. Veteran netminder Paddy Hogan struck over two points, while Cathal’s O’Neill and Kearney shared four. Mark Aylward’s side good performances from Captain for the Fionn Mahony gets away from Killian Ryan

day, Eoin Cody (0-6), the inform Niall Shortall (0-5) while Darragh Corcoran top scored in a half-back line that registered six points at the home of Young Irelands.

Muckalee was the venue for Dicksboro’s 15-point victory over frequent relegation strugglers, Erin’s Own. The Palmerstown side had far too much firepower for

their opponents, Shane Stapleton top scoring for the ‘Boro with an impressive 2-9, while Harry Shine notched 1-1. Cillian Hackett enjoyed his visit to the home of St. Martin’s, registering 0-5 in his sides comfortable win. Eamon Jackman’s team will now meet Glenmore in a championship 1st round clash. The defeated side will now take on Clara as they hope to secure another season of survival and will need Conor McMahon (1-3), Shane Feehan, Michael Brennan (0-3) and the Buggy’s to raise their levels once again.

Talking of Clara, the maroonclad side came up five points short in their defeat to Mullinavat in Dunnamaggin. Joe Connolly started the game and notched 0-11 while Paul Cody hit a couple of nice scores and they will hope that Conor O’Shea, captain Chris Bolger and Lester Ryan can did deep for them when they take on the ‘Comer men, but they cannot afford an 18-minute scoring drought, like they did during the second period. The ‘Vat did a good job steering themselves away from the danger zone, thanks to a 13-point haul from the lively Oisin Knox. The Vegas Boys major came from sub Joe Gahan in the 46th minute and to be honest, they always looked comfortable. Next up for Mullinavat is a knockout clash with Tullaroan.

Piltown hosted the meeting of Graigue Ballycallan and Glenmore, and had the Tom Ryall Park men won this one, they would have found themselves in a league final, given Thomastown’s surprise defeat to the ‘Bridge.

Clearly the men from Pairc na Ratha hadn’t read the script as they prevailed by the bare minimum to set up a meeting with Dicksboro. Captain Ian Byrne led the way notching 0-5, while Jack Dollard was flying on the flank, hitting a couple of very tidy scores. The light blues again had Aaron McEvoy leading the way in the scoring takes with nine points, while their major was scored by sub Shane Butler in the 45th minute. GBC now takes on O’Loughlin Gaels in the shield final, which should be a very entertaining affair.

One of the most entertaining games of round 5 was the meeting of Tullaroan and O’Loughlin Gaels at Kells Road. Late drama unfolded when the St Johns Park side, a point ahead going into additional time struck the decisive blow, a 9th goal this campaign for rising star Ruarc Sweeney, who hit 2-1 in the victory. The pacy

Cian Byrne and experienced Conor Heary shared 6 points between them, while Fionan Mackessy registered 1-2 as Brian Hogan’s men set up a shield final encounter with GBC. It was good to see Owen Wall back hurling, while there were rests for Mikey Butler and Greg Kelly, ahead of more important tests. For the Sash, Mossy hit 1-1, Gearoid Dunne 0-5, John Walton 0-3 and the reliable Dylan Simpson top scored with 0-8. The challenge of Mullinavat now awaits Tullaroan.

>> SHERRY SAYS..

Five rounds of really great hurling done and dusted. Twelve senior clubs that now have a much clearer picture of the business end of the season on Noreside. The League final will see Shamrocks Ballyhale take on Thomastown; the two group winners will size each other up, knowing that championship silverware is their real desire. Mark Aylward’s side had been motoring nicely; unbeaten ahead of their final group game, but they opted for change, and Danesfort took full advantage of that, although results elsewhere meant the ‘Fort were set for relegation semifinal action. Thomastown last the derby bragging rights as Bennettsbridge picked up the rarest of wins in this season’s campaign, but the hooped side were primed for a relegation battle ahead of the conclusion of the round robins.

The Shield Final will see O’Loughlin’s tackle Graigue Ballycallan; this could be a cracker as the Tom Ryall Park side have been hurling well this summer.

Brian Hogan’s side are ticking along, quietly, hoping and praying to get some more bodies back on the field in what has been an injury plagued season for the 2023 County champions. Two men that would light up this fixture will be watching from elsewhere in the world, Huw Lawlor and Billy Ryan, a loss to club and County.

Keeping your seat at the top table in Kilkenny is the bare minimum for all teams. The quartet of Erin’s Own, Clara, Bennettsbridge and Danesfort know that there is little margin for error starting next weekend.

Last season’s intermediate champions Danesfort’s battle with the ‘Bridge could be very tasty, as the Blanchfield’s look to steer their side away from the drop. Paul Murphy and Paddy Hogan are two seasoned veterans who will want their side to get another crack at the ‘big guns’ next season. More about all those games next week. This weekend, it’s all about Intermediate and Junior action. James Stephens will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face Dunnamaggin in the league final in UPMC Nowlan Park tomorrow at 4pm, the second game of a double headed which is preceded by the shield final between Rower Inistioge and Lisdowney. Hoping to remain in the second tier are St Lachtain’s who take on St Martin’s, and Young Irelands who meet Blacks & Whites. Meanwhile, first round action in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Championship sees Tullogher-Rosbercon tackle Carrickshock, while Mooncoin takes on Barrow Rangers. Plenty of hurling for everyone this weekend.

52

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Significant Further Information / Revised Plans Planning Ref: 2660327 Development Description: Planning permission for (a) Demolition of an existing single storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling; (b) Construction of a single story extension to the rear of the existing dwelling; (c) Changes to the internal layout and elevations of the existing dwelling; (d) all associated site works and services; and Retention Permission for (a) existing private garage, store & carport building; (b) existing private domestic office building; (c) existing agricultural shed; (d) existing agricultural shed / stables.

Location: Bawnlusk, Kells Road, Kilkenny.

R95 W6E4.

Take notice that Tim and Caroline Ferris have lodged significant further information / revised plans in respect of planning application 2660327. Significant Further Information/Revised Plans has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is/are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

We, Eileen Walsh and Patrick Kirwan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning permission for a two-storey style dwelling, vehicular entrance, borewell, detached garage, foul treatment tank & percolation area and all associated site works at Carrigeen, Knocktopher, 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 9.00 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Nextgen Design & Build Ltd. www.ngdb.ie

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Lisa Prendergast, intend to apply for planning permission for the construction of a new part single-storey, part two-storey dormer dwelling house, a new vehicular entrance, provision of a new sewage treatment plant and percolation area and all associated site development works on a site situate at Stangs, 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.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933.

Web: www.gmarch.net.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Roisin and Gary Neville for the following works: - Retention planning permission of existing storage and stables building - Full Planning permission to demolish existing structures to rear of dwelling and construct an extension to rear of dwelling and to upgrade wastewater system to current EPA Guidelines.

- The site is subject to A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) and A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared and will be submitted to the Planning Authority with the application. All works at Ballintee, Dunnamaggin, Co. Kilkenny R95 A2R7 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.

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

TO PUBLISH A PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street | Telephone: 056 777 1463 / 086 239 5370 | Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

53

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.C.

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.R.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.DM.

St. Anthony Prayer

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen M.R.

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.R.

54 62

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

Classifieds

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026

kilkennyobserver.ie

55 63

Classifieds

56

Advertisement

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11th September 2026