Kilkenny Observer 11th February 2022

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Friday 11 February 2022

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Champions a ‘Cut’ above the rest!

10 pages of sport inside See page 54 – 63

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

New variant outbreak A SUBVARIANT that scientists believe is even more contagious than the most common form of Omicron is spreading rapidly in parts of Europe and Asia and is now dominant in Denmark, where nearly all restrictions had been lifted.

Scientists are not expecting the subvariant, known as BA.2. to do any significant more damage than the version of Omicron that remains dominant.

The subvariant has been

documented in at least 57 countries.

“This may mean higher peak infections in places that have yet to peak, and a slowdown in the downward trends in places that have already experienced peak Omicron,” Thomas Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College London, said.

Meanwhile, masks could be just ‘recommended’ for wear in shops and on public transport at the end of this month, the Taoiseach has indicated.

The use of face coverings would thus be a matter of personal choice, rather than a requirement, as it is at present.

Protection from Covid-19 vaccines begins to wane in adolescents some five to six months after their second vaccine dose, a new report on efficacy warns.

It comes as authorities here have yet to decide whether to offer a booster shot to 12 to 15-year-olds.

A national Covid-19 biobank

is being set up in Ireland that researchers say will help doctors identify the treatment best suited to each person ill with the virus and put Ireland in a better place to respond to future variants.

The National Irish Covid-19 Biobank (NICB) is being established at St Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) in Dublin with €2m from the Health Research Board and will be rolled out around the country.

Finally, scientists and politicians “probably killed hundreds of thousands of people” by damaging the reputation of the AstraZeneca vaccine, according to an Oxford scientist who worked on the jab.

Prof. John Bell said: “They have damaged the reputation of the vaccine in a way that echoes around the rest of the world.”

Covid Update, Page 14 The New Normal, Page 15

Time passes but, no matter what takes place in the interim, there are some things we can never assign to oblivion, memories we can never erase. A piece of our hearts never disquieted. A story for Valentine’s Day...

Paul Hopkins, Page 8

INSIDE

Attacked teen takes self-defence course Mhuire in Johnstown — was out in the town when the assault took place at around lunchtime on Monday, January 31.

Gardai carried out doorto-door enquiries where the attack took place.

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Covid throws up a new creepy crawly

Out of Africa...

Up to 9,000 people are now waiting for psychology treatment, according to the most up-to-date figures.

Up to 8,000 of those awaiting treatment are children, with more than 3,500 children waiting over a year for an appointment.

[Picture posed] Full story, Page 15

EVERY FRIDAY

Waterford City and County Council has applied for permission to extend the runway at Waterford Airport from 1,433 metres to 2,287 metres.

The airport has not had a commercial flight service for over five years. The project is expected to cost about €12m.

Flatworms, a subset of creepy creatures that feed on soil dwellers and gobble up biodiversity are a threat to the world’s soil.

Now, scientists have identified two new species, one inch long of the alienappearing animals V and named one after Covid-19.

It’s called Humbertium Covidum.

Suffer ... the little children

THE Kilkenny teenage girl who who was attacked by a man with a knife recently completed a self-defence course. the Irish Sun can reveal.

The 17-year-old — who is in sixth-year at Colaiste

Airport wants a longer runway

The assailant — who is believed to be in his 40s with dark hair, blue eyes and wearing dark clothes — put a sharp implement to the girl’s neck.

The teenager screamed and tried to defend herself

before the man slashed her across the leg.

Officers were also carrying out a forensic search of the remote area and are considering an attempted abduction as one line of motive.

Colaiste Mhuire principal Martin Gleeson told the Irish Sun that the victim was taking her mock exams for her Leaving Cert.

The Garda investigation into the attack is ongoing, with various leads.

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News

Schools to change travel habits for good!

FOURTEEN schools in Kilkenny have started February with a plan to change their travel habits for good. An initiative of the Green Schools Programme, the Big Travel Challenge 2022 asks school communities to focus on a mode of active travel like walking, cycling or scooting, and try to get as many people using that mode as possible over 10 school days.

The 14 Kilkenny schools are working on the Travel theme of the Green Schools Programme with the challenge being promoted to schools previously awarded for the theme, a figure of 2,269 nationally.

Green Schools is Ireland’s leading environmental management and education programme for schools. Promoting long-term, whole school action for the environment Green Schools is a student-led programme with involvement from the wider community.

The programme is operated and co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. The Green-Schools Travel theme, which promotes the #BigTravelChallenge, is funded by the Department of Transport and supported by the National Transport This year’s challenge is celebrating seven years of successfully encouraging more students to enjoy the benefits

of getting to school on foot, on wheels or by public transport.

Walking, cycling and scooting to school can be an opportunity to increase physical activity in the darker winter months, when time spent outdoors is reduced.

In 2020 St Colmcille’s Senior National School, Kells, Co. Meath were named ‘Ireland’s Travel School of the Year’ following their efforts to increase the numbers of staff and students walking to school.

The overall winning school in 2022 will receive a cash prize of €1,000 to be used for their Green-Schools Travel programme, with four runners up each receiving prize of €500.

In 2022 Green Schools are looking for all schools big and small, rural and urban, primary, secondary and education centres that will take on the challenge of achieving a measurable increase in a sustainable mode of travel.

Schools are asked to promote one mode and to record their results to form an application to win the Big Travel Challenge.

Find out more at www.greenschoolsireland.org and check out your local school’s progress on social media by searching #BigTravelChallenge.

Also, https://greenschoolsireland.org/the-big-travelchallenge-2022/

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Habitats of the Nore catchment

T

he 140km long river Nore passes many habitats on its journey from the Devils Bit in Tipperary, through Laois and Kilkenny before it joins the Barrow and then enters the sea at Waterford Harbour. These habitats vary from upland grassland, forestry, improved grassland, raised bog and woodland. One of the aims of the biodiversity walks is to create awareness of the variety of habitats and associated species through the catchment. Abbeyleix Bog is situated on the southern periphery of Abbeyleix town in Co. Laois, Ireland and encompasses an area of almost 500 acres of diverse habitats including degraded (but recovering) raised bog, lagg, cutaway, wet carr woodland and meadows.

The Abbeyleix Bog Project (ABP) was set up to conserve and protect the bog which was once threatened with harvesting for peat moss. The Abbeyleix Bog Project is an open-access amenity developed by volunteers to benefit all. Nore River Catchment Trust in Partnership with Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Laois Partnership is delighted to host the 1st biodiversity walk and talk lead by Eanna Ni Lamhna here on Saturday 12th at 10am. This promises to be a really enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning. The Saturday afternoon talk with Eanna in Kilkenny is fully booked now but there’s no need to be disappointed as the following Saturday, 19th February, Dr Amanda Greer will lead a walk along the banks of the river south of Thomastown. The habitats here include improved grassland and deciduous woodland and will support an array of different species but none the less spectacular. Amanda has a wealth of knowledge of both

our native and invasive species and will share this as you wander along the trail. Meet at the GAA Grounds, Thomastown at 10am Walks and talks will take place in other locations too; Mountrath, Durrow, Freshford, Bennettsbridge, Castlecomer and Callan. To register please go to www.norevision.ie International Wetlands Day International Wetland Day was celebrated worldwide on 2nd February. Lots of events both inperson and online were held across the country. We are fortunate in Kilkenny to have well know wetland sites including Newpark marsh in the city and Hugginstown Fen in the south of the county. Wetlands are one of the most diverse habitats and therefore very important in terms of biodiversity. They are also essential in helping to buffer against some of the impacts of climate change.

A survey of the wetlands of county Kilkenny is currently underway. It was commissioned by the Heritage Office and aims to build on the information gathered in 2020 with funding from Kilkenny County Council and The Heritage Council.

Amenity Training The amenity training programme got off to a good start with the first session running online last week. A number of recreational groups and individuals joined Irish Leisure Consultants to look at new opportunities for amenities and recreation along the river. The sessions will continue over the next few months with workshops and visits to other recreational facilities in the country.

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Green light for home upgrades KILKENNY Greens have welcomed the new Home Energy Upgrade Scheme launched by Minister Eamon Ryan, in what is the biggest home insulation and retrofit scheme ever offered in the State.

The scheme will include a new suite of measures that

will make it easier for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, from individual measures such as attic insulation to a full retrofit.

For private homes, new grants will cover close to half the cost (45-51%) of a deep retrofit that will improve the

energy efficiency to a high B2 rating. That means grants of more than €25,000 may be offered to individual householders to help pay for deep retrofits of their homes.

Cllr Maria Dollard said: “This scheme seeks to remedy what has always been one of the greatest barriers

to retrofitting our existing building stock – the high upfront cost of construction. If you want to make your home warmer then there is something here for most people.

“It is going to ensure that the people of Kilkenny have warmer homes and will spend less on their heating

bills in the long-term,” she said.

In addition to the provision for deep retrofitting, there will also be 80% grants available to households who opt for more minor works, such as insulating attics or cavity walls, reducing the overall cost of such works and mak-

ing them accessible to more people across the country.

The Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is a significant step towards meeting the Programme for Government commitment to retrofit 500,000 homes to B2 standard and to install 400,000 heat pumps by 2030.

Local initiative on breast cancer awareness

Breast awareness: at the launch in UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, were: Aisling Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Breast Cancer Ireland, Gwen Daniels, General Manager UPMC Whitfield and Anne Mynes, Breast Cancer Ireland Community Outreach Coordinator Picture Andres Poveda

KILKENNY’S UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre has announced a partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland to promote breast health awareness across the country. The effort will support the appointment of an Education and Outreach Co-ordinator who will deliver breast health awareness seminars nationwide to community groups, health care centres, companies and sporting groups beginning in Kilkenny.

The launch is timely in the wake of the recent release of Breast Cancer

Ireland (BCI) research indicating worryingly low levels across all age groups of self-checking behaviours and knowledge of the eight signs and symptoms of breast cancer — proving the sheer scale of the challenges at play, when it comes to driving awareness and education. Key findings show: * 75% of women still do not know how to properly check their breasts * 33% say they don’t know all of the signs and symptoms they are looking for * 46% of women say they simply don’t make time to

check their breasts regularly With these findings in mind, the aim of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Centresupported programme is to encourage and educate women (and men) of all ages about good breast health so that cancer can be detected early and patient outcomes improved.

The educational presentations will be delivered to groups across Kilkenny by Anne Mynes, using a medical mannequin to educate participants on how to perform a self-breast examination. She will also

encourage attendees to download Breast Cancer Ireland’s free Breast Aware App. David Beirne, managing director, UPMC in Ireland, said: “UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre is one of the largest integrated networks of cancer experts in the world. In Ireland, we are a cancer care partner to the HSE, various hospital groups, and the oncology service for the South East. This programme will help hundreds of thousands of people in our communities to live healthier lives.”

€1.5m fund for local authorities The 2022 Local Biodiversity Action Fund has opened to applications from local authorities. The fund increased to €1.5m in 2022 and supports locally-led projects that align with actions under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

First launched in 2018, the re-named Local Biodiversity Action Fund offers funding to assist local authorities in the implementation of actions in the National Biodi-

versity Action Plan. Local authorities play a vital role in addressing the biodiversity emergency.

This funding stream enables them to develop projects that address biodiversity loss in their localities by helping to create new habitats, restoring existing ones and by tackling invasive alien species.

Funding to this scheme has increased by 200% since 2019. The funding will be

made available, in line with a grant application and award process, to local authorities’ biodiversity officers in the counties that have them, and heritage officers, subject to certain criteria*.

The scheme, operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has proven hugely popular, with all 31 local authorities

seeking funding in 2021.

A wide variety of projects were financed, ranging from the surveying of breeding birds and the creation of pollinator-friendly initiatives, to projects raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity to our well-being. *For further information, queries can be sent to biodiversitypolicy@housing. gov.ie

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Valentine: An African love story revisited ...

Back in the late 1970s I found myself in Africa, in what was then Rhodesia, in the middle of a bush war waged to overthrow the ruling white minority of Premier Ian Smith who had unilaterally broken away from British rule a decade or so earlier.

I was young, perhaps naïve, but desperate and determined to make a living by sending stories back to the Irish Press and Radio Eireann on the war being fronted by Robert Mugabe, until recently long-time president of the now Zimbabwe.

When young you think yourself invincible, shielded against destructibility by virtue of your youth. The world was my oyster back then and I, like many in the theatre of this low-waged war, was living on the edge, abetted by the adrenalin rush of a bloody conflict

against the backdrop of a continent where every mountain seemed reachable if I just kept climbing. A terrible beauty of sorts.

The first time I saw her, at a party thrown by one of the foreign press, I got caught in the light in her eyes, lost to the sweet smile that gave way to generous lips. She was a Lancashire girl, and as sexy as hell; I the mad Irish man abroad, but we fell in love, in what for me was my first grown-up affair.

I don’t know exactly now – for time meddles with the mind – how long we shared a rented property on the edge of Salisbury, as Mugabe’s guerrillas daily grew nearer the capital, now Harare.

She was everything I thought possible in a woman – beautiful, kind, generous, intelligent, fun. We shared the same birth sign. At night

we would lie in each other’s arms and plan a future when “all this was over”. We talked of a little homestead in a rural setting where she could indulge her love of horses – she excelled in competitive show-jumping – and of children – “lots” – of little red wellies outside the back door, and all the other pillow-talk, future planning, one associates with young love.

She fed me and nurtured me, and taught me to drive in her beat-up, old Austin Mini. I talked to her of music and poetry and how one day I would write the great novel.

I asked her to marry me, and there was talk of going overland to Australia. She hesitated, we rowed, then made up and were still in love and eventually, Mugabe’s tanks marching down First Avenue, we left that small

corner of the dark continent, she for Liverpool’s Wirral, I for Dublin, albeit, we agreed, temporarily.

Time, as mentioned, meddles with the mind and my memory is fractured. But we never did meet again. I met and married the mother of my three children, settled back in Ireland, and life moved on, the years passing, time growing shorter. Never met again until now.

A while back I found her on Facebook. I messaged her, she messaged back. And then we began a series of emails back and forth, filling in the last 40 years. She married, there are no children, and she and her husband have a small homestead with horses in the Vale of Clwyd, North Wales. I visited her a number of times before Covid-19.

My last week there had been a joyous visit, but bit-

ter-sweet, full of what-ifs and roads not taken. While her husband, who has made me most welcome, was at work, we went for coffee, for lunch, for walks with her dogs. We reminisced, looked at old photos of us in Africa she still had in an old tea-box,

‘A piece of our hearts never disquieted...

”

the photos somewhat faded with time; we laughed, and, yes, I guess we cried a little, two middle-age hapless, as in ill-fated, humans trying to recapture something lost in the annals of time.

I knew she was scared. She was short and snappy with me, as we drove the other morning to the clinic along the coast. There had been a lump on her breast, then a biopsy, and that day she had been called in for the result.

Give me a hug, I said. The news was good I’m glad you were her for me today, she said, that sweet smile giving way to those generous lips.

Time passes but, no matter what takes place in the interim, there are some things we can never assign to oblivion, memories we can never erase. A piece of our hearts never disquieted.

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News

We’re all off to Lanzarote again, says Ryanair!

LANZAROTE is the top destination for Irish holiday makers for summer 2022, according to Ryanair.

The airline has revealed its top holiday destinations for summer. They are: 1. Lanzarote: always a popular choice, Lanzarote continues to welcome flocks of Irish holiday-

makers year after year. Enjoy its golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, authentic Spanish tapas while taking in its unique volcanic landscape.

2. Tenerife: the largest of the Canary Islands famed for its diversity of landscape and great weather all year round. The island has many natural wonders

New carbon limits move is backed by Government CARBON budgets to limit greenhouse gas emissions, despite scientists warning they are not strict enough, have been back by the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action by majority vote.

The committee has also accepted that the budgets can only cut emissions by an average of 5.7% a year - less than the 7pc a year committed to in the Programme for Government.

However, they will, if followed, achieve a halving of emissions by 2030 which is the legal requirement under the Climate Act. In a report to Government, the all-party committee said: “While opinions differed in a number of areas, such as whether the proposed carbon budgets go far enough, the committee agreed that immediate action and implementation of policy is the most important outcome.”

Eleven members voted for the budgets while three, TDs Bríd Smith and Jennifer Whitmore and Senator Alice Mary Higgins, voted against.

The carbon budgets were proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) and set a limit on national emissions that require annual average cuts of 4.8pc from 2021-2025 and 8.3pc from 2026-2030.

During hearings last month,

the committee heard from the CCAC, climate scientists, senior officials and representatives of business, trade unions, farmers, environmental groups and social justice organisations.

The scientists argued strenuously that the budgets were not strict enough while other witnesses expressed concern that the radical measures needed to comply with them would hurt many ordinary people.

The committee added: “While ambition can always be greater, the carbon budgets as proposed are a challenging but feasible pathway to achieving the reduction in emissions required.”

Their report contains 36 recommendations which urge greater engagement with the public and sectors affected by cuts, and efforts to bring actions forward rather than backload the 2026-2030 period with tougher cuts.

Ms Higgins said she was keen to have the budgets implemented quickly but added: “We also have a duty to get them right.”

“The draft carbon budgets as currently proposed are not ambitious enough for the climate crisis we face and the report as published fails to appropriately reflect much of the powerful testimony we heard from independent scientific experts.”

Golfgate fall-out ‘was frightening’ A LOCAL councillor says the level of calls and abuse he received over Golfgate was “frightening”.

All charges in the trial were dismissed last week when the judge agreed that Independent TD Noel Grealish, former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy and two hoteliers had fully complied with Covid regulations.

Kilkenny Councillor Martin Brett attended the Oireachtas Golf Society celebratory

dinner as an invited guest in August 2020.

He told KCLR he really would not like to experience again the reaction that it drew.

Phil Hogan had to step down as EU Trade Commissioner when further breaches of Covid guidelines emerged in the wake of the event.

Councillor Brett said Mr Hogan should still be in the European Union job and it was Ireland’s loss that he is not.

and traditional towns full of culture to explore this summer.

3. Fuerteventura: a famous holiday destination boasting white sandy beaches interrupted by cliffs and sheltered coves.

A popular spot for adventurefilled tourists to enjoy water sports from surfing, windsurfing and water skiing.

4. Gran Canaria: a hiker’s paradise. This diverse, mountainous island is known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Culture vultures are equally catered for in the ancient capital of Las Palmas, with its historic architecture and enviable shopping and foodie options.

5. Santorini: arguably the

most beautiful of all the Greek islands, Santorini’s stunning caldera poses as the ultimate centrepiece, offering the most amazing views of rugged landscapes and the whitewashed cubiform houses overlooking the sea and beaches consisting of black, red and white lava pebbles.

Climate awareness: St Mary’s Holy Faith TY students, left to right: Cliodhna Murphy, Amy Ward and Mia Jervis at the launch of EirGrid’s partnership with Young Social Innovators.

Picture by Shane O’Neill, Coalesce

Kilkenny students invited to enter for new Climate Action award SECONDARY schools in Kilkenny are invited to take innovative action in response to the climate emergency through a new Climate Action and Energy Award, in association with Young Social Innovators and EirGrid.

EirGrid, the national electricity grid operator has launched a partnership with non-profit organisation, Young Social Innovators (YSI).

The collaboration will see EirGrid become the new

Climate Action and Energy partner with YSI for a three-year period.

Young Social Innovators empowers and supports young people to develop and implement innovative ideas to bring about positive social change for the benefit of people, communities and the environment. In the past 20 years, some 145,000 teenagers have taken part in YSI’s social innovation programmes in post primary schools nationally.

EirGrid will become YSI’s Challenge Partner under its Environment Pillar.

Along with this, a ‘Climate Action and Energy’ award will be created for current participants in the Young Social Innovators of the Year Ireland Awards 2022.

Speaking about the partnership, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, Sinead Dooley said, “EirGrid is transforming the power system for future generations, and with that in mind we believe it is

incredibly important to listen to and involve young people who are the driving force behind climate action efforts.”

Rachel Collier, Co-founder and CEO, Young Social Innovators, said: “How we can live and consume more sustainably is a key question and one that young people can contribute to.”

Schools can register their interest in getting involved now by emailing educate@ youngsocialinnovators.ie.

Action demanded on stalled motorway COUNCILLORS and Oireachtas members from the South East have met to discuss the N25 Glenmore to Waterford and N24 Waterford to Cahir Road Projects and the total lack of funding allocated for 2022. All members agreed to seek an urgent meeting with Minister. Eamon Ryan.

They are hoping Minister

Ryan will meet to discuss the issue further as funding has to be allocated to both projects over the next couple of weeks if they are to be updated this year.

The issue is a major concern for the South East regarding, business, safety and uncertainty as the survey area for the N24 route takes in 6 to 8km

and the preferred route for the N25 takes in 600 metres.

It has prompted anger and disappointment from local representatives in South Kilkenny.

At the meeting it was decided that more pressure needs be put on the Dáil deputies in the region to get these vital road projects back on the agenda.

To that end a meeting has been organised for 10am on Monday with TDs. Fine Gael Councillor Pat Dunphy said it was up to Dáil deputies to demand action on this.

“They’re the only people we think that can deliver and get this back on track again, and to meet Minister Ryan,” he said.

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Opinion

Why we can’t afford to continue ageist thinking AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

I wonder what President Michael D (80) would have thought about the idea of drawing a pension and stopping work at age 66. Or for that matter what would Judi Dench (87) David Attenborough (95) or Joanna Lumley (75) care to have been pensioned off at 66 from stage and screen. Each of them makes a wonderful contribution and I imagine that being able to do so enhances their zest for life.

Last week an Oireachtas committee announced that they were halting the proposed rise in pension age to 67 rather than raising it incrementally to 67 by 2031 and 68 by 2039 as proposed by the Pensions Commission.

(Could this have anything to do with political expediency – Sinn Fein are proposing returning pensionable age to 65?)

Like all the recent deliberations around pension age and retirement this step ignores the realities of older people’s lives, is ageist and ducks the challenge of the growing cost of financing pensions as Ireland’s population ages.

Look around at people in their 60s and 70s and it is obvious that people differ widely in the way that they age. Aside from the fact that generally we stay younger longer and have added an extra 20 to 30 years to our life expectancy in the last century, some people at 66, which can be seen as the official start of ‘old age’, aren’t old at all; others sadly don’t fare so well

and look and feel older.

“Age isn’t a number,” as Professor Rose Anne Kenny Head of medical Gerontology TCD says in her new book, ‘Age Proof’, which looks the breadth of biological ageing and how much it differs from chronological ageing.

“As early as 38 there can be an almost 22 years variation in biological ageing due to the factors which affect our epi-

genetic clocks,” she says and that those who age earlier also continue to age faster than those with a younger biological age.

Pensionable age generally influences the time when people retire. Also, the way earnings can penalise pension entitlements can also dissuade people from working.

But what do people in their 60s actually want? Where

some in unrewarding jobs or who are feeling their age may have had enough and can’t wait to retire, others want to continue working or want to work part-time.

Two thirds of European citizens would prefer to combine a part-time job and a partial pension rather than to retire fully. In America where mandatory retirement was dropped in 1986 nearly half

of those in a recent survey wanted to continue working part-time beyond their mid 6os. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) found that that 25% of those in the study had no plans to retire. Wouldn’t a far more flexible approach, which allows individuals choice rather than one based on candles on a birthday cake, make sense?

Another factor which isn’t considered is the negative impact that effectively telling people they are past it has on health and ageing. If people are considered to be old they may believe that they are old.

Research shows that negative attitudes towards ageing in older people are associated with a decline in walking speed and memory and poor performance in brain tests.

At present there are 4.5 people at work to one retired person; by 2050 that ratio will have declined to two workers to one retired person.

This demographic shift will impact the affordability of pensions. As Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys pointed out, the Commission on Pensions “unambiguously established that the current State pension system is not sustainable into the future and that change is needed”.

We can’t afford to continue with ageist thinking.

Revive Active to boost your energy and get back on track CLAIR WHITTY

LACKING in energy is a common complaint and something we get asked about at the shop. Many people are feeling tired after a stressful couple of years and would love to get back on track. Extreme tiredness wears you down both physically and mentally. I have a funny feeling that with the recent changes to Covid restrictions both our moods and energy levels will rise. In the meantime, let’s see what we can do to help.

When I am asked about supplements for energy, I usually ask a couple of questions before choosing one. I would ask if you eat a varied diet, if you exercise, and sleep well.

I would usually ask what medication you are on and if you have had blood tests recently in particular thyroid and iron levels.

Or if you have been ill or have had surgery. Then based on this information I would look at the supplement options for

you and I would base my choice on your needs.

Some of my go-to supplements for improving energy include: Biostrath which is one of our longstanding favourite tonics, as well as Floradix Liquid Iron, and Magnesium, B vitamins, Terra Nova Life Drink.

Based on customer testimonials and feedback, we have added Revive Active to the list of highly recommended supplements to boost energy. It’s popular because it works. It’s a powder you simply add to water, which means it’s easy to digest and absorb. And

customers are seeing a real difference in their energy levels.

Revive Active is an Irish brand it contains 26 active ingredients uniquely formulated to help you get the most out of your body. Here are some of the main ones: Thiamine for heart health. Vitamin B12 to support energy levels by reducing tiredness and fatigue. With 500mg of Vitamin C to help boost your immune system all year round. I love the fact that it also contains 150mg of CoQ10, as well as D Ribose, and Arginine.

The combination of active ingredients makes Revive Active an ideal supplement to support energy levels, immunity, thyroid function and nervous system, and to protect heart health too.

Call in to see us and take a look at Revive Active and see if this the one to get you back on track again.

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

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Saying it differently will help mental health ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

IT’S February, it’s cold, Christmas is over, lights in people’s windows which brightened darker nights are gone, bank balances have probably taken a hit too. Let’s face it, feeling miserable in the first few months of the year is neither unjustified nor uncommon. That said, plenty of people use this part of the calendar to sweep away cobwebs, make a new start and begin building a brighter and more enjoyable life for the 12 months ahead and beyond. All of which suggests that the difference between new year blues and positivity is perhaps a question of perspective.

Maybe what you truly need is a project to get your teeth into which will carry the additional benefit of improving your mental wellbeing.

This article’s headline is deliberately vague. That’s because the suggestion it is going to make is one which many people meet with

instant resistance. A reaction born perhaps out of negative experience in school which prohibits lots of folk from embarking on what, outside the four walls of the classroom, can be an exciting and rewarding journey. One that need not be nearly as difficult as most imagine.

Learning a new language sounds daunting. Imagine however that instead of being pushed into constantly meeting test-focused targets, you can take things at your own pace. Rather than having to study from texts chosen by somebody else, you can select your own materials. Perhaps most importantly think about the freedom of opting for the lingua which stimulates you as opposed to one preordained by somebody else.

Picking up a new tongue can, and should, be both fun and rewarding on several levels, including for your mental health.

One thing that gets a lot of us through January, and February if the truth be told, is looking forward to our annual holidays. How much better would your vacation be if you were able to share a few

words with the locals? Just mull over what that would do for your confidence! You don’t even need to be able to hold a conversation, a couple of simple sentences could make a world of difference!

Another advantage to learning a language is that it increases your brain power.

Language learning improves your memory and can help offset dementia in later life.

Studies have demonstrated that being bilingual can help delay Alzheimer’s by up to four years. As for depression, speaking a different tongue can help protect against isolation, widen your social circle and fill your time with a productive, goal-orientated practice. It also helps develop better cognitive abilities.

Whilst CBT and learning a new lingua are very different, both strengthen similar parts of your brain meaning many of the benefits of one help the other.

Language learning is hugely rewarding but it isn’t easy, though it can definitely be made more so. With that in mind, next week’s article will look at how to do just that. And how you can have fun at the same time too!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Covid Update

A GREAT mystery of the Covid-19 pandemic baffling scientist and the medical world is why some people catch Covid and others don’t, even when they’re equally exposed to the virus.

There are few of us who don’t know entire families who caught Covid and had to isolate but there are also many stories of couples, families and colleagues where some people caught the virus — but not everyone.

Danny Altmann, Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London, told CNBC that studies indicate the likelihood of becoming infected within a household once one case is positive is “not as high as you’d imagine.”

Last month, new research was published by Imperial College London suggesting that people with higher levels of T cells (a type of cell in the immune system) from common cold coronaviruses were less likely to become infected with the virus that causes Covid-19.

Dr Rhia Kundu, first author of the study from Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute, said that “being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus doesn’t always result in infection, and we’ve been keen to understand why.”

“We found that high levels of pre-existing T cells, created by the body when infected with other human coronaviruses like the common cold, can protect against Covid-19 infection,” she said.

However Dr Kundu also cautioned that, “while this is an important discovery, it is only one form of protection, and I would stress that no one should rely on this alone. Instead, the best way to protect yourself against Covid-19 is to be fully vaccinated, including getting your booster dose.”

Lawrence Young, a Professor of Molecular Oncology at Warwick University, told CNBC: “there’s much interest in these cases of so-called ‘never Covid’ – individuals who have clearly been exposed to close contacts in their household

Why some people get Covid when others don’t More research is now looking to the reasons why some people never get the coronavirus who are infected, but who themselves are resistant to infection.”

He said early data suggested these individuals have naturally acquired immunity from previous infections with common cold coronaviruses.

Around 20% of common cold infections are due to common cold coronaviruses, he said, “but why some individuals maintain levels of crossreactive immunity remains unknown”.

As well as a degree of immunity provided by prior exposure to coronaviruses — a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases or infection — one’s vaccination status is also likely to be a factor as to whether some people are more susceptible to Covid.

Covid vaccination is now widespread in most Western countries, albeit with variations among populaces in terms of which coronavirus vaccine was administered, and when.

Booster shots are also being deployed widely, and younger children are being vaccinated in many countries, as governments race to protect as many people as possible from the more transmissible, but less clinically severe, omicron variant.

Covid vaccines have been proven to reduce severe infections, hospitalisations and deaths, and remain largely effective against known variants of the virus.

However, they are not 100% effective in preventing infection and the immunity

they provide wanes over time, and has been somewhat compromised by the omicron variant.

Andrew Freedman, an academic in infectious diseases at Cardiff University Medical School, told CNBC that why some people get Covid and others don’t “is a well recognised phenomenon and presumably relates to immunity from vaccination, previous infection or both.

“We know that many people have still caught (mostly mild) omicron infection despite being full vaccinated, including [having had] a booster. However, vaccination does still reduce the chance of catching omicron and responses do vary from person to person.

So some people catch it and others don’t despite very

significant exposure,” he said.

Further studies into so-called never Covid individuals will help in developing a better understanding of the immune response to SARSCoV-2, Young insisted, and “what facets of the crossreactive response are most important, and how this information can be harnessed to generate universal variantproof vaccines”.

Another question that has arisen during the pandemic is why two people with Covid may respond so differently to the infection; one could have heavy symptoms, for instance, and the other could be asymptomatic.

The answer might lie in our genes.

“It’s a really important question,” Imperial College’s

Altmann told CNBC on Wednesday last.

He said that he and his colleagues have conducted research, to be published soon, into immunogenetics (essentially, the relationship between genetics and the immune system) and Covid-19 infection.

They have found that variations between people’s immune systems “makes a difference, at least to whether or not you get symptomatic disease”.

The research is focused on different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and is looking at how these can affect one’s response to Covid, with some HLA types more or less likely to experience a symptomatic, or asymptomatic, infection, he said.

Study looks at why some vaccines are better PEOPLE who have had the Moderna vaccine have a lower risk of breakthrough infections and hospitalisation than people who received the Pfizer jab More research is needed to understand the reasons behind this difference in risk, according to the latest research.

Covid-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing serious illness and death, but they cannot eliminate the risk com-

pletely. This means that vaccine breakthrough infections — which occur when someone who is fully vaccinated becomes infected — are to be expected.

However, according to a recent study the risk for breakthrough infections varied depending on what shot you received.

The study found that recipients of the Moderna vaccine had a lower risk of breakthrough infections and hospitalisations

than the recipients of the Pfzer vaccine.

The researchers analysed the electronic health records of more than 637,000 fully vaccinated patients and studied breakthrough infections that occurred between July and November 2021, the period when Delta was the predominant variant circulating.

By November 2021, the monthly rate of breakthrough

infections among recipients of the Pfyzer vaccine reached 2.8 cases per 1,000 persons, compared to 1.6 cases for Moderna.

The study, however, did examine why there was a difference in risk between the two vaccines.

The vaccines are not exactly the same, so it makes sense that their risk of breakthrough infections wouldn’t be the same either.

Experts can only speculate

why people who received the Pfyzer vaccine appear to have a higher risk.

For instance, the Moderna vaccine has 100 micrograms of mRNA, while the Pfizer vaccine contains 30 micrograms, which may play a role. While the former is administered 28 days apart, the latter only requires an interval of 21 days. The dosing interval may be crucial since a 2021 study published in the

journal Cell found that antibody levels were much higher when the interval of the Pfizer vaccine was extended to six to 14 weeks.

Vaccine protection wanes over time, so those who got vaccinated earlier may be more vulnerable over time. But that’s likely not the case in this study.

Overall, the risk of Covid infections remains much higher for unvaccinated people than vaccinated individuals.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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News

We can do no more, says UHW ONE of the country’s worst-hit hospitals for waiting lists has told the HSE it has no more room or staff to allow for any further patient procedures.

University Hospital Waterford (UHW), which has an outpatient waiting list of 40,402 and another 4,378 patients needing overnight or day treatment, delivered the warning in a document to the HSE last month, according to a report in the Irish Independent.

THE NEW NORMAL It follows an analysis in that paper showing where a patient lives can determine how soon they are seen or treated with variations across hospitals for the same condition.

The hospital told the HSE it

had “no available infrastructure to support any additional staff or services, offices, outpatient rooms, diagnostic slots, theatre slots, day ward, inpatient and no available staffing to support any additional clini-

cal staff or new services”. These would include junior doctors, nurses and others.

It submitted a plan for €35m to provide for 24 consultants ‘packages’ — where consultants are supported by a team — in areas with the highest lists including orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat care and ophthalmology.

Local Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane said the struggle experienced by the hospital

facing a mountain of waiting lists, but with poor levels of staff across all grades, was highlighted to local representatives at a recent meeting.

The hospital is to open additional outpatient suites in April which would allow it make inroads, but it needs additional resources.

Deputy Cullinane the hospital was “understaffed and under-resourced”. to see its overall volume

in outpatient waiting lists reduced.

There is no available capacity in the private sector in the south east beyond what the hospital is already using.

A multi-annual waiting list plan is to be launched in the coming weeks to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets but this will take years.

Another €250m was allocated for 2022 to tackle hospital and community waiting lists.

Graduates on welfare doubled last year

Covid-19 scientist ‘abused’ online

GRADUATE unemployment doubled in the year after Covid struck.

The impact of the pandemic on the immediate job prospects of the class of 2020 is highlighted in a Higher Education Authority (HEA) study.

At the height of the spring 2021 lockdown, and nine months after leaving college, 8% of graduates had no job, up from 4pc two years previously.

Three in four (76%) were in employment, down from 80% two years previously, while an increase in those opting for further study (14%) accounted for most of the rest.

Among undergraduate honours degree graduates alone — the biggest single cohort surveyed — 70% were working (down from 75%), unemployment was 7% (up from 4%) and 21% were in further study, (up from 19%).

In line with general trends, the higher the level of qualification, the better the chance of walking into a job soon after graduation.

Among taught masters graduates, 84% were working, although that was also down, and it was 94% for PhD graduates.

Those eyeing careers in service sectors such as hospitality and tourism bore the brunt of the downturn, with 12% without work, up from 5.4% in March 2019.

On the other hand, education graduates, overall, experienced a slight upturn to 93%, while almost 87% of health/ welfare honours degree undergraduates, such as doctors and nurses, were working, up from almost 83%.

Employment was lowest among arts and humanities graduates, overall, at 53%. In any year, many of these go on to further study.

Graduates in the transport and storage sectors reaped the benefits of the heavy reliance on online transactions, with the highest average earnings of €42,015.

Tech graduates fared best with the highest proportion on salaries of over €40,000.

A SCIENTIST recruited by the Government to spread Covid19 messaging on TikTok and Instagram has spoken of the level of misinformation and abuse he encountered online.

The SciComm Collective, launched in the first half of last year, was intended to get the Government’s Covid-19 messaging out to young people through platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. It was also a key part of an attempt to dispel myths and misinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines.

Andrew McGovern, a 27-yearold PhD researcher at the University of Limerick, started out with a podcast in February 2021, before getting a surprise email from the Department of Health.

“I was a little bit like, ‘Excuse me. Is this a scam?’ It was very out of the blue.

“At the time I was teaching in UL. And I had done a few little videos about Covid.”

Now Mr McGovern is a regular presence on the smartphone screens of his 20,000 followers — posting frequent updates and explainers from his own personal TikTok account, as well as appearing on Department of Health platforms.

“They never told us explicitly, ‘you need to make a video about this or you need to make a video about that’,” he told the Irish Independent.

The reluctance of Irish health officials to give vocal backing to antigen testing was a case in point, he said.

The description of antigen testing as “snake oil” by National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) member Prof.

Philip Nolan, Mr McGovern said, “shouldn’t have been said”.

He thinks the Government was right to realise that public messaging delivered by scientists on social media would cut through to young people.

He belived giving information this way better than any briefing from chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan. Many young people don’t access newspapers.

Up to 8,000 children waiting for psychological assessment UP TO 9,000 people are currently waiting for psychology treatment, according to the most up-to-date figures.

Up to 8,000 of those awaiting treatment are children, with more than 3,500 children waiting over a year for an appointment.

These figures, released in October following a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin’s Mark Ward, may fail to show the full scale of the problem. Only five of Ireland’s nine Community Health Organisation (CHO)

areas were able to provide up-to-date figures.

In Carlow/Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, there are more than 300 children between five and 17 waiting more a year for an appointment.

Mr Ward said there was a “persistent crisis in the provision of mental health services across the country”.

“This is unacceptable,” he said. “These lengthy waits are not only completely unacceptable from a medical point of view, they are

causing enormous stress and anxiety to the children and families stuck on endless lists.”

According to the Psychological Society of Ireland’s (PSI) Pre-Budget 2022 submission, the figures relating to waitlists are higher - with more than 10,000 people on a primary care waiting list to see a psychologist.

The PSI said the appointment of 276 additional psychologists, at a cost of €16m, would clear the backlog. It

said this investment would provide for more than 11,000 additional appointments, helping 5,200 children and 5,200 adults.

“Many o children attending psychology services will have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” the submission said.

“Many may not have any access to psychological support, particularly outside Dublin. Lack of urgently needed psychological support can impact significantly on physical health.”

Transport, health charges to be examined THE soaring cost of transport and health charges are among the daily costs in focus as the Government prepares to “look at everything” in its package of inflation-relief measures, to be announced soon.

It wants to focus on ‘daily

charges’ — and their reduction or suspension for a time — with the intention that there would be an instant offset for citizens on costs and prices rising elsewhere.

Transport and health are key areas for attention, but Government sources have

been silent on what daily charges could see reductions.

Any charges linked to motoring will be most welcome because of an anxiety to help the ‘squeezed middle’, particularly those commuting to work by car. But most of the charges associated with com-

muting to work, such as tolls and parking fees, are privately administered.

Also wanted are ideas to incentivise public transport.

Sources refused to speculate on fare reductions at peak times or concepts such as ‘free Fridays’.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Your Money

Fuel uncertainty: home-owners in the cold

BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

MORE than 55% of Irish people have not heated their homes at some point in the last year due to concerns about the cost, according to a recent Amarach poll on behalf of the Edmund Burke Institute.

The main finding of the report makes for disturbing reading.

In the last year nearly 1 in 2 (47%) adults did not use one or more electrical appliances at home due to concerns about the cost of electricity. An even higher proportion (56%) did not heat their house in full or part in the last year because they were worried about the cost of heating.

That figure rose to 63% among women, and 58% among those in lower socioeconomic groupings. The 35-44 demographic was the most likely of any age to say they had chosen not to heat their home due to cost con-

cerns (58%), with the 55+ demographic being the least likely to say they had chosen not to heat their home due to cost concerns (55%) The poll revealed a widespread feeling that the Government’s policies are going to increase the number of people who cannot afford to heat their homes (87%) with fewer than one in 10 (9%) are of the opinion that the Government has a realistic plan in place to hit its 2030 climate goals. Approximately one in 4 (24%) answered, don’t know/unsure; and with these removed it reveals a staggering 95% of the population see Government underperformance as a major problem.

A total of 79% believe the Government is not doing enough to ensure a steady supply of affordable energy.

Again, stripping out those who were unsure, that figure rises to roughly 95% of the population. With 85% saying they did not believe the Government is doing enough to protect the most vulnerable from increases in the price of electricity and heating.

Again, taking out those who are unsure it rises to 95%.

According to Gary Kavanagh, Director of the Edmund Burke Institute this Government, though focused on implementing policies like grants, to incentivise people to live in a more environmentally sustainable fashion, does not appear to fully understands the impact these policies are having and will continue to have on peoples’ quality of life especially those with lower earning power.

This poll looked at the actions people are taking rather With the latest CPI report showing housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels to have risen by 10.8%.

It seems to show that policies that increase the cost of energy, or restrict its supply, have wide-ranging impacts on the population in a way that few other policies can.

Especially if we take in electricity use by data centres which matches that of all rural homes in Ireland.

Central Statistics Office (CSO) records show that data centres proliferated so much from 2015-2020 that their electricity usage rose by 144% accounting for 11%

of the country’s total electricity consumption in 2020.

Mr Kavanagh believes the poll shows the Government is failing “to ensure that its policies allow for and support a supply of affordable and sustainable energy”. If this continues living standards will decline, and policies aiming to increase sustainability will lose support amongst the general public.

In summary the poll shows that all age groups have been impacted by increases in the cost of heating and electricity leading to an extreme lack of faith in the ability of the government to handle this issue, and the vast majority of people believe the Government is making the problem worse.

According to Mr Kavanagh, the Government needs to demonstrate that they understand the issues at hand and that their policy choices are designed to improve people’s lives, not make them worse off. * Full repor,t see - https:// edmundburkeinstitute.ie/ John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Good health can be a complex issue but SOMEGA makes it easy with new B-Complex THE emergence from the cold winter months is the perfect time to focus on a healthier and more vibrant spring. Gone will be the long dark days and in their place will be the opportunity to enjoy brighter mornings and evenings. Now is the time for a restock of our nutritional and health needs to ensure we are at our best to face the days ahead when our bodies naturally expect and require more life and activity.

Speaking about our nutritional needs at this time of the year, Dr. Paula Gaynor, nutritionist, food scientist and co-founder of Ireland’s purest health supplement brand SOMEGA says that healthy eating will always be number one. “I’m so often asked about health supplements for different ages and stages of the year but I always begin by asking what their diet might be lacking first. For example, are you eating enough fresh fruit and veg, are you getting the right nutrients from your diet and spending time planning and cooking wholesome meals? If the groundwork isn’t right then that needs to be addressed.

Supplements are just that, they are supplementary to a good

lifestyle which also includes getting enough exercise and sleep.”

Dr. Paula says “Taking high quality supplements do play a key role in keeping your health on track, in particular the B-Vitamins and Vitamin C. There are eight B-Vitamins,

making up what is referred to as B-Complex. The B-Vitamins are often called the “energy vitamins” as they help convert the food you eat into the energy your body needs. Both the B-Vitamins and Vitamin C cannot be stored in your body, making it important to have

a continuous daily supply for optimal health.”

SOMEGA has just launched their new product, Liposomal Vitamin B-Complex + C which is a synergistic blend of Vitamin B-Complex with Vitamin C designed to support energy levels and reduce tiredness

and fatigue. B-Complex + C also contributes to mental health and performance, including supporting memory, concentration and learning and helping combat stress. It also helps support your immune and nervous systems, provides support for healthy skin

and hair, and helps regulate hormonal activity, making it an extremely important supplement to have in your health toolkit Like all products in the SOMEGA range, the new B-Complex + C is an expertly formulated liquid supplement that is as pure and natural as possible with no unnecessary ingredients. In contrast to other Vitamin B-Complex supplements, it is made using cutting-edge liposomal technology to ensure maximum nutrient absorption and optimum health benefits. It has a natural berry flavour and can be enjoyed straight from the spoon or added to cold drinks.

Dr. Paula says that Vitamin B-Complex +C is especially important for those who suffer from fatigue, feelings of stress or those in need of a general health boost. It is also beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require extra energy, vegans, menopausal and peri-menopausal women and people over 50 whose ability to absorb B- Vitamins is reduced.

You can find SOMEGA supplements in all good local health stores, pharmacies and online at gosomega.com

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Science & Wellbeing BODY FAT gets a bad press.

One can scarcely travel anywhere on the Internet without coming across some sort of article telling you how to blast, burn, or banish it.

Body fat, or adipose tissue, fills a lot of integral roles: storing energy, generating heat, and regulating immune responses, among other functions. However, when fat cells become overloaded with excess nutrients, they become too big and don’t receive enough oxygen, causing them to die.

This triggers a cascade of negative effects that leads to hypertension, high blood sugar, and other metabolic conditions.

While commonly seen as an unsightly impediment, body fat, or adipose tissue, is actually integral to the proper functioning of the human body. Fat cells, called adipocytes, safely store excess nutrients as lipids, preventing these chemicals from aggregating in other tissues and clogging up the works, so to speak. For thousands of years, these lipid stores have served humanity as an on-demand energy source, built up in times of plenty and broken down for energy in times of scarcity. But passive energy storage isn’t all that body fat is good for.

“Adipose tissue regulates many aspects of whole-body physiology, including food intake, maintenance of energy levels, insulin sensitivity, body temperature, and immune responses,” a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California-Los Angeles write in a new review paper published to the journal Cell.

These researchers, led by Claudio J. Villanueva at UCLA and Patrick Seale at Penn, argue that too much body fat isn’t actually what makes obese individuals unhealthy.

The problem is that their fat tissue stops functioning normally.

The problem isn’t body fat itself Body fat is an essential orA BLOOD test that can detect the early stages of the most common form of lung cancer is well on its way to being developed, according to scientists in China.

In a new study, they’ve shown evidence that the test was over 90% accurate in identifying these tumours in samples taken from real life patients.

More research, including clinical trials, will be needed before this test will be able to reach the public.

The early detection of cancer is often crucial to ensuring patients their best chances of survival. While there are many screening tools available for many cancers, including blood tests, lung cancer patients aren’t always so fortunate. Currently, the only form of screening thought to have any value for lung cancer are yearly low-dose CT scans, but these are recommended solely for former or

ops within stores of white fat.

In fact, white fat cells actually convert to beige cells when environmental temperatures drop and revert back when temperatures rise.

This ability highlights one of the hallmarks of body fat: like brain tissue, adipose tissue is incredibly “plastic” — that

is, it changes and adapts depending upon the body’s needs. Unfortunately, as Villanueva, Seale, and their colleagues point out, this plasticity can take a big hit in individuals with obesity.

Citing a plethora of prior research, they suggest that some adipocytes can grow too large to receive enough oxygen from the available blood supply causing these cells to die. This, in turn, leads to a cascade of detrimental effects: Dead fat cells cannot divide and create more cells, making it harder to store excess nutrients from food intake. Necrotizing adipocytes spill their own stored lipids, causing bodily havoc.

Inflammatory cytokines are excreted. “Consequently, adipose tissue becomes insulin resistant, inflamed, and fibrotic, further compromising its function. All of these processes are continuous and mutually reinforcing, making it difficult to disentangle cause and effect,” the authors write.

This problem isn’t necessarily unique to individuals with obesity — even adipocytes in normal weight individuals can sometimes malfunction in this manner. But obese individuals do have more, often larger, fat cells, and thus more opportunities for their fat’s function to falter.

Estimates from the United States suggest that 23.5% of normal-weight adults are metabolically unhealthy while 31.7% of obese are metabolically healthy.

Metabolically unhealthy individuals often have high blood sugar, hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol, putting them at increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and a range of other diseases. The researchers suggest that drugs targeted to improve blood flow to fat cells could help resolve these issues.

“Many questions and opportunities for future discovery remain, which will yield new insights into adiposetissue biology and hopefully lead to improved therapies for human disease.”

current smokers over the age of 50 who have a long history of smoking.

They’re also relatively costly and can have a high rate of false positives, which can lead to unnecessary invasive surgeries. Though lung cancer incidence and death rates have dropped over time, it remains one of the most common cancers worldwide.

Creating a noninvasive test that can detect early lung cancer and be widely usable for screening high-risk groups is “urgently needed to improve the survival of lung cancer,” said study author Yuxin Yin, a researcher at the Peking University People’s Hospital. And he believes his team’s work can one day fit that bill.

The test is called the Lung Cancer Artificial Intelligence Detector, or LCAID. In their new paper, published in the journal Science Translational

Medicine, the team used the test on blood samples from more than 1,000 patients.

Most of these samples came from patients who were already being screened for lung cancer through yearly CT scans, but some also came from patients who were undergoing thoracic (chest) surgery.

Overall, the test was found to have a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 92% for detecting lung cancer, relative to standard diagnosis, with most cases being stage 1. A highly sensitive test provides relatively few false negatives, while a highly specific test has fewer false positives. And though smoking is a major risk factor for this form of lung cancer, it can affect nonsmokers as well, so the test could be useful for those who don’t smoke but may have a family history of lung cancer or other risk factors.

Why body fat is not all bad for you gan, and a remarkable one at that.

Consider its unparalleled ability to expand and contract — no other organ can increase and decrease in size as body fat does. That’s because adipocytes can massively balloon as they suck up lipids like microscopic sponges,

then deflate as they release them.

At the same time, fat tissue secretes hormones called adipokines that regulate metabolism, affect satiety, and play a role in inflammation.

There are actually three types of body fat: white, brown, and beige. While

white fat — the most common — is specialised solely for storage and hormonal function, beige and brown produce heat to keep us warm.

Brown fat is stored in deposits whose locations are specified prior to birth (often around the collarbone and spine), while beige fat devel-

Simple blood test may detect early lung cancer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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Travel & Leisure

Nine places to visit in south of France 1. MOUNTPELLIER Tourists looking for style should head to Montpellier. From pristine beaches to private homes, this beautiful town in the South of France has it all.

Art enthusiasts should visit the Musee Fabre, an excellent museum that displays old master paintings, current art, and installation elements. The Montpellier Parc Zoologique, France’s second-biggest zoo, is also located in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, Montpellier exudes a trendy and youthful vitality because of the university student population.

2.ARLES Arles is a beautiful French town that is a Unesco World Heritage Site due to its richness of Romanesque style architecture. Since Julius Caesar established it, it has been an important cultural center and trade harbour.

Every shift of a tourist’s gaze is always a picture-perfect scene.

It thus illustrates why Vincent van Gogh lived here for several years. As a result, this city with such a rich and influential tradition is a fantastic destination to explore.

3. SAINTTROPEZ Saint-Tropez is a small fishing resort famed for its picturesque town and stunning beaches.

This enticing seaside resort persuades travellers with its attractive port and quaint medieval town center. Tourists may also trek the Sentier du Littoral, a beachfront route with breathtaking countryside views. In addition to its vintage appeal and beautiful landscape, Saint-Tropez has a multitude of recreational and cultural sites. Furthermore, visitors should spend time around the Place des Lices to absorb the atmosphere of Saint- Tropez.

4. CARCASSONNE Carcassonne offers visitors the sensation that they have

stepped into a scene from a fairy tale. Enormous walls encircle this magnificently maintained walled medieval town. Viollet-Le-Duc renovated sections of the medieval walls and turreted towers in the 19th century, giving it a Disneylandlike feel. While visiting this place, visitors may picture what lifestyle was like in a typical Middle Ages village by wandering Carcassonne’s tiny passageways and cobblestone streets. Carcassonne is a town in the South of France that tourists would love to visit.

5. GASCONY The old feudal legacy of the Gascony Region in Southwest France contributes to its peculiar character. Farmlands cover the rolling terrain in a multicoloured patchwork, while hilltops are studded with majestic fortresses, walled medieval cities, and tranquil rural villages. La Bastide in the land of the Gascony enables visitors to enjoy the leisure and

Should you keep your hotel keycard?

IS it okay to keep your hotel keycard after you check out?

For a souvenir of your stay, particularly if, pandemic permitting, you do a lot of travel.

Among travel experts, it

appears that there’s no right or wrong answer. In fact, nobody could point to a specific policy saying you are required to return your used keycards, though some mentioned that they’ve

seen receptacles specifically designed to return the keys, oftentimes with a sign claiming they’re recycled.

First, the majority of people who keep hotel keycards on purpose tend to do so

healing of a peaceful getaway.

This beautiful hotel has exquisite yet straightforward guest rooms, a good restaurant, a sauna, a swimming pool, a courtyard, and bikes to explore a nearby picturesque path.

6. AVIGNON Did you know Avignon was home to the Papacy for almost seven decades? It’s crazy to think that if things had gone just a little bit differently people from around the world would be flocking to Avignon and not the Vatican.

Avignon is a town immersed in ancient religious history and boasts the gorgeous architecture that one would expect from such a location.

Avignon is most renowned for the Palais des Papes, Europe’s most enormous Medieval palace. The palace also hosts art galleries, conferences, and celebrations. Outside, hilltop meadows, ponds, and groomed terraces are welcome.

The Musée Angladon, which

because they save them as mementos from really great trips and use them to track their travels. “I write down where I stayed, the date and the reason and bring them out to think of memories,” one person said.

A major trend for people who keep the keys is that it simply happens by mistake.

“I just forget I have it,” many people say. That’s easy to understand, as so many hotels now offer digital checkout, allowing for guests to be on their way without ever thinking about the key in their wallet.

Another reason people keep room keys is because they believe that the cards have personal information stored on them that could be misused in the wrong hands.

Generally speaking, hotel keycards contain very little information and essentially nothing about your personal identity or payment details.

The data stored is pretty

houses the only Van Gogh artwork in Provence, is well worth visiting.

7. NICE Most people who think of the South of France think about Nice. It is a magnificent city with long esplanades and large parks. It is also the fifthlargest city in France; therefore, visitors will not be weary for a single moment in this city.

Tourists should visit Nice for something like the beach, the magnificent medieval town center, and some reasonably delectable French cuisine.

Essentially, if travellers seek a calm and sufficiently lavish trip in the South of France, they should go to Nice.

8. ROCAMADOUR Rocamadour, a cliff-top town in southern France, is wellknown for the Cite Religieuse, a renowned religious site. The village is situated above the Dordogne River and offers breathtaking natural views.

much limited to the room number, a timeframe for which the key should unlock that door and maybe a guest number that helps track your stay in the hotel’s computer system, according to an investigation by USA Today newspaper.

With that in mind, it’s important to keep track of your hotel keycard — especially when the card could still unlock your door — but nobody can steal your identity or credit card number if you do lose it.

On the other side of the debate, people have some strong reasons for giving them back, starting with the most environmentally friendly reason: recycling.

“If they can keep using them for the next guests, I’d leave it rather than it being useless,” one person said.

And that’s true. Many hotels do recycle keycards, as they can often be reprogrammed over and over again. “Reduce.

Among the religious structures is the Chapelle Notre Dame, which features a remarkable Black Madonna monument.

The neighbouring Gouffre de Padirac, a magnificent tunnel that tourists can tour on foot and by boat, is especially popular with visitors. It is, in fact, France’s most famous underground tourism destination.

9. VERDON GORGES Verdon Gorges is one of the most tourist hotspots in the South of France. The Verdon Gorge is a massive calcareous rocky canyon that surprises people worldwide. This cliff is located in the center of a natural reserve with vegetation and animals. Boating, skydiving, canoeing, bike riding, and horse riding are just a few of the sports accessible in the Verdon Gorge area.

Furthermore, this spectacular 700-meter-deep river canyon provides a wide array of leisure activities.

Reuse. Recycle,” was a common response.

But a trend was that a lot of people who return their keys for recycling seem to be unsure if that’s actually the case. A lot of these comments started with “I think” or “I assume,” which leads me to believe that hotels could probably get even more keys back to be reused if they were more upfront about what happens with them after the fact.

Many hotels have return boxes, but maybe it’s time to make those more visible and include more information about how keys are recycled and what happens to the data stored on a key after it’s returned.

Maybe hotels could even reward people who return keys with a small points bonus or farewell amenity.

Or, to truly simplify the situation, guests could just leave the key on the nightstand.

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Feature

The takeover of Kilkenny Military Barracks 1922 PART TWO

The Irish flag flying proudly at James Stephens Barracks Kilkenny

Under the command of Brigadier General George O’Connor, troops take control of Kilkenny Barracks PHOTOS OF COMMEMORATION BY PAT SHORTALL THERE are two main sources which narrate the events of the February 7th in Kilkenny City.

James Comerford’s book ‘My Kilkenny IRA Days,’ gives a complete chapter to the takeover.

This is a highly important account as he was a member of the marching body of troops who entered the Barracks through the Ballybought Street gate under the command of Brigadier General George O’Dwyer.

The local newspaper also gave an account of the takeover of the Barracks.

The British Army commenced their withdrawal from Kilkenny Barracks in early February with the evacuation of members of the 11th and 145th Batteries Royal Field Artillery numbering 216 officers and men as well as six eighteen-pounder artillery guns and six Howitzers.

This movement of troops was probably to the Curragh Camp.

On Tuesday February 7th, 1922 the Barracks was taken over by Captain Fulham, a representative of the Irish Government.

At 2pm a body of 42 armed personnel, including members from the Kilkenny Flying Columns and officers

Tom Treacy

drawn from the nine battalions of the Kilkenny Brigade, assembled at St. James’ Park, where some rehearsals were conducted and photographed by Mr. Moran, a photographer from the local newspaper.

The marching body proceeded via Vicar Street to the Market Yard which was the assembly point for the parade. The troops were commanded by Brigadier George O’Dwyer whom James Comerford describes as ‘six feet two inches wearing a full uniform of green gabardine and a Sam Browne belt from which hung a holster holding his .45 colt revolver. St Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band provided the musical

Peter De Loughry

honours on the day playing many famous Irish Airs’.

The exact names of the armed soldiers who participated are not recorded; we know who the members of the Active Service Units (ASU, Flying Columns) were in 1922.

They are listed here to honour their memory. No 1 North Kilkenny ASU: John Walsh, Column Commander, George O’Dwyer, Kieran Tobin, John Keane, James Delaney, Edward Holland, Michael Carroll, Patrick Quinn, Christopher Doyle, Robert Doyle, James Doyle, Michael Hanrahan, James Purcell, John Wall, Thomas Burke, Martin Bates, 7th Battalion ASU James Leahy Column

James Comerford

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Feature Re-enactment groups join together at Kilkenny military barracks to mark the takeover from British forces one hundred years ago

Military band making its way to Kilkenny barracks to mark the centenary of the take over

Commander, Edward Aylward, Edward Hally, James Kelly, Patrick Downey, Patrick Ryan, Michael Maher, Edward Byrne, Nicholas Byrne, Thomas Tallis, Michael Delaney, Edward Butler Edward Walsh, James Daly, Thomas Maher, Patrick Power, James Robinson, Patrick Hogan, Patrick Luttrell, James McKenna, Edward Cuddihy, Michael Gibbs, Edward O’Neill, Patrick Kearney, Patrick Torphy, Edward Dwyer, Sean Hales. Other armed soldiers identified from the photograph taken on the day are Martin Kealy and James Comerford.

The following description is taken from James Comerford’s book, My Kilkenny IRA Days.

‘The Parade led off shortly after 2 o’clock passing the historic inscription on the Market Pier marking the Confederation Hall.

They were loudly cheered

by Smithwicks’ workers standing in Parliament Street. Irish Republican flags flew from Peter de Loughry’s shop. Passing the Butterslip the printers of the often-suppressed

Kilkenny People gave vent to their patriotic fervour.

At the Tholsel two of Kilkenny’s greatest patriots – Peter de Loughry and Tom Treacy – led a cheering party. High Street, from end to end, had exuberant crowds. From upstairs in Miss Farrell’s shop at 13 High Street, where the Brigade had its Headquarters, came a particularly warm greeting.

At the end of Friary Street brown-robed Friars showed their support. The day was crisp and dry – ideal for such a parade.

Next stop was at the gates of Kilkenny Castle where word was awaited from the Military Barracks as to its readiness for takeover.

Appropriately they now stood on “The Parade”.

CROWDS GATHERED TO CHEER The word of readiness arrived, and the troops advanced through the Parade and down Rose Inn Street. People stood packed three deep on either side of the narrow street. Clapping and ringing cheers greeted the liberators. The women and men of Coon and Muckalee

St Brigid’s Pipe Band from The Curragh Camp who participated at the Commemoration

Captain David Murphy , Officer Commanding B Company 3rd Infantry Battalion leading his Company through the gates of James Stephens Barracks

picked this vantage point to cheer their heroes. The music being played in John Street included The Boys of Wexford, God Save Ireland and Who Fears to Speak of Easter Week.

At Wilsdon’s corner, now Lalor’s, the Dunbell, Clara and Paulstown people gave vent to their patriotic feelings. Many Cumann na mBan ladies were there, including Helen Murphy and Angela Mulrooney.

MARK TIME Approaching the Military Barracks the march slowed as departing British vehicles came through the gate turning up Ballybough Street.

They were reluctant to test the mood of Irish supporters on John Street as they headed for the Curragh. This interruption caused Brigadier O’Dwyer to give the order “mark time”.

The troops arrived in the Barracks and an exchange of guard – Irish from British – took place with the normal courtesies. The very symbolic lowering of the British flag and raising of Irish was next.

Two Devonshire soldiers lowered the British flag

and then with a small tug lowered the flagpole.

It had partly been sawn through. British military tradition ensures that no one flies their flag on a British pole.

The Kilkenny men were equal to the situation and flew the Irish flag from a young tree supplied and positioned by Ned Mulrooney. Willie Cody conducted the band in the playing of the Soldier’s Song – not yet the official anthem of the new state.

Symbolically our bratach náisiúnta was raised on the tree of liberty’.

Barrack routine was established very quickly, men from the first battalion were rostered to take over the Barrack duties and the guard room was duly taken over and the Barracks installation was manned.

Commandant Brennan took over as Duty Officer.

The take-over of Crown Barracks would continue in Kilkenny, with the RIC Barracks in John Street and Parliament Street occurring in the coming weeks.

Our decade of centenaries continues, and we now enter the last two years where the focus changes from fighting a foreign enemy to one where we engage in nation building in a contested polarised bitter civil war.

However, the country we live in today is a testament to our ancestors. Their legacy to us is espoused every time one looks at our national flag, or attends any occasion which triggers a memory of an event which occurred one hundred years ago.

The Kilkenny Observer wish to thank the following for their contribution to both articles on the Takeover of the Military Barracks series: Larry Scallan, Commandant at James Stephens Barracks, (retired); Kilkenny Saturday Walkers Group; Rothe House; Kilkenny Re-enactment Group; Pat Shortall.

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Rules for workers outside EU IFAC, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm is urging Kilkenny employers in the agri-food sector to be aware of the correct process for hiring workers from outside the EU. Mary McDonagh, Head of HR and Payroll with ifac said: “Current skills shortages in the agri-food sector are now forcing employers to look further afield when hiring. It’s important to be aware that

when recruiting employees from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), UK or Switzerland, they must have permission to work in Ireland.

“All non-EEA workers coming to work in Ireland for more than 90 days must have a Contract of Employment. In addition, unless they are exempt, or are recruited under the Atypical Working Scheme which allows non-EEA nationals to do certain short-term contract work, they must hold

a valid Work Permit.”

Work Permits are issued by the Employment Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment. There are nine different rules: 1. Critical Skills Employment Permit. A Critical Skills list, updated periodically, is available on the Department’s website. At the time of writing, the list includes various skills involved in the

manufacture and development of food and beverages 2. Dependant/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit 3. Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit 4. General Employment Permit (At the time of writing, certain agricultural and related trades, food preparation and hospitality trades are on the Department’s list of ineligible occupations for employment permits) 5. Contract for Services Em-

ployment Permit 6. Reactivation Employment Permit 7. Internship Employment Permit 8. Sport and Cultural Employment Permit 9. Exchange Agreement Employment Permit.

Labour Market Needs Test At least 28 days before your prospective employee applies for a Work Permit, you (the employer) will need to carry

out a labour market needs test. The only exceptions to this rule are for:

• Occupations on the critical skills occupation list • Roles with a minimum annual remuneration of €64,000 • Roles created in response to Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland recommendations or where the position is for a carer of a person with exceptional medical needs.

Burning of green waste banned from 2023

Lessons to be learnt over dog sheep kill

THE burning of green waste on farms may not be permitted after January 1, 2023, the Department of Environment has said.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has secured an exemption to allow farmers to burn bushes, hedge cuttings and treetops in 2022 — in line with regulations — but it has now emerged that this fifth derogation may be the final one provided to the sector.

There had been a backlash from farmer representatives who recently learned that an exemption had not been granted by the Department of the Environment for 2022.

Although farm leaders welcomed the subsequent reprieve, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment said the provision was temporary.

“Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, the burning of household, garden, commercial or industrial waste is not permitted,” the spokesperson said.

“Previously, an exemption under the legislation had been provided for the burning of green waste generated by agricultural purposes.

Pollution “The burning of green waste is a matter of concern and leads to localised air pollution.

“More broadly, health problems associated with air pollution are widely acknowledged.

“The sunset clause in the regulations, whereby the granting of exemptions would come to a definite end at a specified time, has been extended on four different occasions in the past.

“It was not envisaged that the exemption would continue indefinitely. The most recent exemption, under the legislation, expired on January 1, 2022.

“Regulations to extend the exemption until January 1, 2023, will be published in the coming days.

“Discussions between officials from the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture will commence to examine alternative options to the practice of burning of this waste.”

IFA National Sheep Chairman Leeson Neale has said there are a number of key messages from the recent case in Gort District Court taken by a farmer who had his sheep savagely attacked by dogs.

He said the substantive message was the deficiency in the current legislative system for the enforcement of responsible dog ownership and dog control.

“The level of sanctions that can be applied do not reflect the savagery and trauma these uncontrolled dogs are causing.

The absence of a centralised database to identify ownership and those responsible for the dogs, and the lack of enforcement of microchipping, are all contributing to this persistent and escalating problem,” he said.

Mr Neale said a farmer who has had his flock savaged and his income decimated should not have to resort to the court system and risk the associated costs because of the failure of the authorities to have appropriate enforcement and sanctions in place for dog owners.

He said the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue gave a commitment at the recent IFA AGM to put in place better legislation. This needs to happen as a matter of urgency.

All dog owners should take heed that they are fully liable for all damage and suffering caused to farmers and their sheep by their dogs.

“The irresponsible behaviour of some dog owners continues to lead to devastating consequences on farms and must stop,” he said.

He said this is a critical time of year on sheep farms as lambing got underway. Dog attacks were causing unimaginable suffering for sheep and lambs and huge economic losses for farmers.

He said dogs should not be allowed in or near farmland and he urged all dog owners to behave in a responsible way and adhere to this.

‘A glorious, vivid play full of verbal swagger...’

BRUISER Theatre Company is proud to present a live theatre tour of their critically-acclaimed production of Mojo Mickybo by Belfast playwright Owen McCafferty.

It will be playing at The Watergate Theatre, on Wednesday, March 16, as part of their Irish tour.

Mojo Mickybo shows the friendship between two boys growing up in Belfast – a friendship that at first is immune to the sectarian vio-

lence taking place around them, but which nonetheless is ultimately destroyed by it.

“Belfast. The summer of 1970. The heat’s meltin’ the tarmac on the street, the buses are burning bright and punters are drinking petrol outta milk bottles”.

Mojo and his mate Mickybo are two nine-year-old boys from opposing sides of the sectarian divide.

They are ‘thick as two small thieves’, playing headers, be-

ing mouthy, building huts, spitting from cinema balconies and re-enacting their favourite movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They are young cowboys in the making, with the violence of The Troubles only obliquely impacting on them – until finally their friendship is destroyed in a way that they only later come to understand.

This is pure, undiluted storytelling in Bruiser’s trademark dynamic physical

style. Fast-paced, darkly funny and action-packed. The show is brought to life by two of our finest local actors, Michael Condron and Terence Keeley, who seamlessly slip in and out of multiple roles and imaginary worlds.

Artistic Director, Lisa May said: “It is nostalgic yet damning, hilarious yet heartbreaking; Mojo Mickybo is sadly all too relevant for today’s audience, not just in Northern Ireland but around the world.”

ICS Mortgages funds €530 million in 2021 ICS Mortgages, the Irishowned non-bank mortgage specialist, today reports that it provided over €530 million in new mortgages in 2021, representing year-on-year total growth of 143%. ICS Mortgages estimates that its share of the Irish mortgage market increased to 5.05% at the end of 2021.

According to Chief Executive Fergal McGrath, ICS Mortgages increased its total loan book by over 25% to more than €1billion during 2021, representing a significant performance underpinned by the lender’s innovative mortgage products for both owner occupier and buy to let markets.

“As a majority-Irish owned non-bank lender in the mortgage market, we are purely focused on providing mortgages and on delivering real value to our customers via market-leading competitive rates and product innovation.

“We are pleased that Irish consumers have responded to our offerings in such grow-

ing numbers,” he said.

“As a specialist mortgageonly lender we are continuing on our growth journey and having now exceeded our initial goal of 5% share of the mortgage market, our goal has been revised upwards to supply over 10% of Irish mortgages within the next three years.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Picture special Lauren and Collette Scallan

A member of the battle of Ashbourne Commemorative Society Corporal Kevin Power

Maura McCormack representing Cumann na mban

t u o b A nny Out &

WITH

Da t Lahar

Private medic Sean Doyle

Mags Boland Murphy, Freya Murphy and Captain Dave Murphy

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Picture special

Private Shane Feehan and Private Cealabh Phelan

Jamie Burke Kelly, Robby Atkins English, Louis Art Redmond

The Kwiecien family

Lieutenant Paul Murphy with Ashling and Kenny Heffnernan

Corporals Tony Hackett and Bob Cantwell from the Irish United Nations Veteran Association

Members of the battle of Ashbourne Commemorative society

Donal Crofhan woth Johnny and Mary Lacey

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Feature

School is springing forward post Covid ON a bright morning on the 1st February, the children in Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Clontubrid, happily sat down to make St. Brigid’s crosses.

This tradition, which has been enjoyed by many school children for generations, not only celebrates the life of one of our dear Patron Saints, it also signifies the start of spring, new life and new beginnings.

After two of the most challenging years that schools and society have faced in recent history, the beginning of Spring 2022 brings with it new hope of better and safer days to come.

Like all schools, Scoil Naomh Fiachra is now looking forward to brighter days ahead and a full return to its busy schedule of curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Scoil Naomh Fiachra is indeed an active centre of learning that sits in the heart of the local community in Clontubrid in North Kilkenny.

Principal, Peter Madden outlined, ‘the school’s vision is

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Feature News

that we will create a happy, caring, respectful, inclusive, collaborative and safe learning environment and said that it is wonderful to work with students, parents, staff and management in a school where kindness, community, innovation and excellence in learning are valued each and every day.’

All members of the school community are proud of its variety of active learning experiences. It is Scoil Naomh Fiachra’s ambition that all students will be able to play a musical instrument by the time they transition to second level.

Over the past two years, the school has worked in partnership with Music Generation Kilkenny.

Under this programme, students from 2nd to 6th Class receive violin tuition from Carl Rochford each week.

Tin-whistle lessons have also formed part of the school’s annual music instruction for many years and it is envisaged that they will recommence very soon.

Last year, the school was proud to be awarded an Active Flag.

With a modern Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), Ball-Wall, AllWeather Pitch and P.E. equipment and resources that are consistently upgraded and replenished, thanks in many parts to the school’s excellent Parents’ Association, you are left in no doubt that sport, fun and active learning are central to the school’s everyday business.

Having long been associated with innovation in ICT, science and maths, the school continues to invest and develop its resources and learning programmes in these key areas of 21st Century learning skills.

All students in the school have access to an individual laptop and/ or tablet with the senior students having the option to use their devices to complete homework, research and project-work at home.

It is well known, that students learn best when they are motivated through being active agents in their own learning. The school’s annual engagement with the ESB Science Blast provides wonderful opportunities for the children to design, create and carry out their own scientific investigations.

The school’s Green School Committee is currently designing a new school garden which will promote biodiversity in the local environment.

Scoil Naomh Fiachra sits in the heart of the quiet, still, peaceful and beautifully scenic area of Clontubrid in North Kilkenny.

However, this small school barely sits still for a second.

Inclusion, variety, activity, wonder and innovation are key to its work and learning each and every day.

You can keep up with all of the work and fun in Scoil Naomh Fiachra by visiting their website at www.clontubrid.ie or their Facebook Page. Phone the school office on 056-8832417 for any further enquiries.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Feature

Lieutenant Paul Murphy, Paul Shiels, Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Michelle Colclough, Katherine Peacock, Civil Defence Officer, Gerry Brophy and Garda Kevin Joyce Photos by Pat Shortall

Mayor Andrew McGuinness and John McGuinness T.D

Larry Murphy and Sr Kathleen Meagher

Knowledge and confidence to benefit the community Mayor Andrew Mc Guinness gave an impressive demonstration on the proper care and maintenance of defibrillators to a distinguished gathering at the site of the Noel Walsh defibrillator on O’ Loughlin Road.

HONOURING the memory of Noel Walsh, the First Citizen thought it appropriate to use the GAA acronym ACT. A =Accessible and Available 24/7.

C= Charged battery.

T= Training In use of AED’s and in CPR.

The gathering was arranged to promote the interagency training initiative to be delivered by Civil Defence, Red Cross and the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps which will take place in the Ormonde Hotel on Saturday March 12th from 9am – 1pm. Announcing

details of the Certified Community First Responders course, Katherine Peacock, Chair of the Emergency Services Group, introduced her colleague Michelle Colclough, Civil Defence and Gerry Brophy Red Cross and Paul Shiels, Order of Malta

Frank Cody, Shirley Bergin, Mick Dooley, Margaret Lanigan, Kathleen Meaghar & Larry Murphy

Ambulance Corps.

Katherine welcomed Lieutenant Paul Murphy, James Stephens Barracks, Garda Kevin Joyce Community Policing, Shirley Bergin Community Engagement Office, and members of Eastern Environs Defibrillator

group.

Ms Peacock gave details of the training that would include Adult & Child CPR using defibrillator, Basic life support for heart attack victim, Cardiac arrest & Choking and Recognising signs of a stroke.

Encouraging involvement

Katherine stated that participants would gain the knowledge and confidence to benefit the community and that would help to save lives.

Numbers are limited so email: kilkennycivildefence@gmail. com before 21st Feb. to secure a place.

Kathleen Meagher, Shirley Bergin, Katherine Peacock, Michelle Colclough & Margaret Lanigan

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Gowran Park racing history

GOWRAN Park racecourse first opened its gates to the racing public on the 16th of June 1914. The race programme consisted of flat races and steeplechases under the Irish National Hunt rules of racing.

The prize money at the time was £130.

The stewards at that particular meeting included Lord Annaly, Capt. Dermot McCalmont (who’s grandson Harry carries

on the McCalmont tradition as a Director on Gowran Parks present day Board) and Isaac Bell the renowned Huntsman of the Kilkenny Hunt.

The present race company was formed in 1948 and its first Managing Director was Jack Duggan of the famous Monster House mens’ clothing store in Kilkenny. Jack Duggan was Chairman over many firsts at Gowran Park including the

first on course commentary in 1952 and the first Tote Jackpot in 1966. The first televised race was also from Gowran Park.

The new grandstand and its facilities were officially opened on April 9th 2003. The new complex, completed at a cost of €3.5 million is the culmination of an extensive development programme supported by Horse Racing Ireland, which commenced with the upgrad-

ing of the stable yard and parade ring areas.

In 2006, Gowran Park staged its first ever Group 3 flat race. The elevation of the Denny Cordell Lavarack and Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes to Group 3 status highlights Gowran Park’s commitment to delivering high quality flat racing.

Along with The Goffs Thyestes Chase valued at €100,000

other notable National Hunt dates include Red Mills Day on February 16th and the October Festival.

In 2006 Gowran Park was also re-classified as Grade 1 course for National Hunt Meetings for prize money purposes. This reflects the fact that Gowran Park stages top class National Hunt racing, predominantly during the winter months.

Greek legend now top Irish Racing fixture RACEHORSE Thyestes, named after a figure from Greek mythology, was bred by Ballynahinch Stud owner, Major Dermot McCalmont and trained by Atty Persse at Stockbridge.

Thyestes was rated third best two-year-old of 1930 as a result of winning his only two races, the National Breeders Produce Stakes over five furlongs at Sandown and Rous Memorial Stakes over six furlongs at Goodwood.

Thyestes never ran again due to injury and was retired to stud in Yorkshire.

Major Dermot McCalmont presented the Thyestes trophy to Kilkenny Show for a five-year-old most likely to make a hunter.

A horse owned by John McEnery, Rosenarra Stud, Kells, and ridden by his son, Martin McEnery, won the trophy.

The McEnery family kindly presented the trophy to Gowran Park for the first running of the Thyestes Chase in 1954.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Red Mills day at Gowran Park

WITHOUT question one of the longest running, if not the longest, unbroken sponsorship in Irish Racing is Connolly’s RED MILLS DAY at Gowran Park which takes place for the 42nd consecutive year on Saturday February 19th, 2022. Regarded as a top-class Cheltenham Trials Day RED MILLS DAY is also a fantastic stand-alone

fixture in its own right with top class Graded action in both Hurdle & Chase codes.

Its positioning in the calendar just over three weeks before racings Olympics at Cheltenham allows Trainers to have one last prep run before heading across the seas in search of international glory. Previous winners of the Hurdle and

Chase read like a who’s who of jumps racing but two names that stand out for me are Hardy Eustace & Danoli.

In 2005 Hardy Eustace won the RED MILLS Trial Hurdle at Gowran Park and followed it up at Cheltenham winning the Champion Hurdle under a brilliant Conor O Dwyer ride beating Harchibald & Brave Inca in

one of the best finishes ever in a Champion Hurdle and a famous 1-2-3 for Ireland.

Danolis win in 1996 ahead of a 4th place finish in the Cham-

pion Hurdle at Cheltenham is remembered so fondly for different reasons. Danoli, locally trained by the late Tom Foley RIP & local jockey Tommy Treacy was regarded as the “Peoples Horse” and when he ran for the 1st time in Gowran Park, his home track, the fans turned out in their Thousands to cheer on their champion. His 8-length victory

over Tiananmen Square was exactly what the crowd had come to see, and his intrusive price of 2/5 didn’t stop him being celebrated by the crowd like they had won on a 20/1 shot.

Excitement around the 2022 renewal is already building and with RED MILLS announcing that they will sponsor the gate it is guaranteed to be a full house. After last weekends Dublin Racing Festival two notable horses that didn’t make an appearance are the W P Mullins trained Appreciate IT & Al Boum Photo. Both are at the top end of the market for the Champion Hurdle & Gold Cup respectively and the RED MILLS Hurdle & Chase whether either or both make an appearance remains to be seen but regardless it will no doubt be another top class renewal.

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Rachel Blackmore onboard Honeysuckle comes home to win on 16/03/2021

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Rachel Blackmore – winning jockey

Rachel Blackmore winner of the Red Mills Chase in consecutive years on Monalee in 2019 and Chris’s Dream 2020, both trained by Henry de Bromhead.

Rachel also made history aboard Minella Times in Aintree 2021, the first female jockey to win the Grand National.

Kilkenny Modern Printers WE are a proud family business with three generations working in Modern Printers today with 20 permanent employees.

We have been in operation for 60 years providing print, signage and design services in Kilkenny and the South East.

We are conveniently based on the ring road across from Woodies.

A personal service is part of our core business ethos and we pride ourselves on developing strong relationships with all our customers, which is demonstrated through the high level of repeat business

we receive.

We provide printing and design services across a vast range of products to include, Newspapers, Reports & Yearbooks, Brochures/Magazines, Books, Office Stationery, Invitations, Calendars, Memorial Cards, Pullup Banners, Exhibition Signage, Folders, Banners and Point of Sale Displays to name a few.

All design, print production and finishing is completed inhouse. We are the only printing the South-East with this capability.

We have a full-time design team of three experienced

inhouse designers available to assist with all design requirements. We are highly experienced working with a wide variety of clients from corporate, public sector and individuals. Our team is well-versed in designing to a supplied brief and are experienced in bringing a design idea through to completion within required deadlines.

No job is too big or small from large scale reports to wedding invitations we can assist. Contact us today for a no obligation quotation or discussion on sales@modernprinters.ie (056)7721739.

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IT can be a difficult task picking a winner at the races. Often race goers will resort to making a selection based simply on the name of a horse or the colour of a jockey’s silks. However, there are many more credible strategies available, to help punters, like the ones listed below from Horse Racing Ireland.

The Paddock You can learn a lot about a horse’s wellbeing based on seeing them in the flesh. At the racecourse a runner’s physical wellbeing, fitness and temperament can be assessed by watching them parading in the paddock before a race. If a horse is sweating or appears agitated, this is generally a bad sign.

A horse who handles the preliminaries well, in a calm and composed manner, will give itself a better chance of performing to the best of its ability and a punter who is wise to that will have a greater chance of picking a winner.

Racecard Form The form numbers on a racecard represent the finishing position of a horse in its most recent races. Numbers alone can be misleading, though, as a horse could have a ‘3’ in its form, but that third-placed finish could have come in a three-runner race. It is important to consider the context of the form.

Racecard Features Letters on the racecard are another important feature to

How to pick a winner A horse that’s calm in the Paddock gives itself a better chance of performing to the best of its ability

understand when looking at a horse’s profile. The letters ‘C’ and ‘D’ represent course and distance respectively, which help identify horses who have won at that course before or over that distance. ‘CD’ joined together denotes a horse who

has won over both the course and distance of the race under consideration.

Other letters on racecard form signify non-completions of horses in races. ‘F’ and ‘U’ represent a horse who has fallen and a rider who has

been unseated respectively. ‘S’ means a horse has slipped up and ‘P’ means a horse has been pulled up by its rider.

All numbers and letters on a horse’s recent form figures are worthy of consideration when trying to pick a winner.

The Betting Each horse in a race has a price that determines its theoretical chance of winning, but these prices (odds) can fluctuate. The price of a horse can either shorten or lengthen (drift) in the betting

and these movements are based on the weight of money placed by the betting public.

A shortening price suggests the support for a horse is increasing, whereas a drifting price suggests support for a horse is weakening.

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Fox London

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR RED MILLS DAY We couldn’t be more excited to come together in person this year to celebrate our Red Mills Day, 19th February 2022! Returning to Gowran Park has never been so exciting, and to celebrate this muchanticipated return, we’ve made sure that everyone can have their own slice of the action. This year, you can get tickets to our Race Day free of charge by heading to gowranpark.ie . We can’t wait to welcome back old friends and make some new ones.

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Mackenzie & George

W

hat would a race day be without some head-turning fashion, and some truly astonishing prizes? This year, we’re celebrating the race fans who can join us in person as well as those who will be taking part in our festivities virtually with both an inperson and a virtual best-dressed competition, with the lucky winners being decided on by Special Guest Deric Hartigan, with a little help from MC on the day Marietta Doran. With prizes of this calibre, its best to be firmly in the running!

We’ve received some incredible sponsorship for our best-dressed categories including fabulous prizes from our friends at Mount Juliet, Dubarry, Fairfax & Favor, Welligogs, Schoffel, and many, many more. We simply can’t wait to reward the best of the best in the fashion stakes this Red Mills Day. Joining us on the day? We can’t wait to see you put your best foot forward. That’s why our in-person Best Dressed competition will be taking place on Red Mills Day. Open to all, it’s our invitation to look and feel your very best, and celebrate a great day out. With that in mind, we have a fabulous list of prizes to be won on the day!

Dubarry Dubarry

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Winner: Overnight Bed and breakfast in the Manor House at the fabulous Mount Juliet Estate, with dinner in the Michelin starred Lady Helen restaurant, champagne on arrival and a horse-riding excursion, with thanks to Mount Juliet.

1st runner up: A pair of leather Galway Boots, with thanks to Dubarry.

2nd runner up: Dinner for 2 at the Lord Bagenal Hotel in County Carlow.

CAN’T MAKE IT ON THE DAY? Entries for the virtual competition are open now and running until February the 18th. Enter online at redmillsstore.ie, upload your entry, and make sure your friends and family like and share your entry to ensure your entry will make it to the finalists! Our virtual categories and prizes are as follows:

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Best Dressed Lady Winner: a Windsor leather handbag with thanks to Fairfax & Favor.

1st runner up: A Jacket or Coat of your choice from the Welligogs range at Red Mills Store.

2nd runner up: A product of your choice from Mackenzie & George available at Red Mills Store.

Best Dressed Gent: Kindly sponsored by Schoffel.

Best Dressed Couple: Sparkling Afternoon Tea at for two at Lyrath Estate valued at €100.

COMPETITION TIME

WITH

The Kilkenny

Observer

BACK ON TRACK Red Mills race day FEBRUARY 19TH 2022

WIN a €300 voucher for

Best Dressed Kid: A Smyths Toys voucher worth €100.

Dapper Dog: A Go Native Hamper worth €150.

All finalists from our virtual and inperson competition will be brought before our judge, the man of many talents: weatherman, TV broadcaster, and content creator, Deric Hartigan who will be assisted on the day by Marietta Doran, our wonderful MC and all-round fashion force of nature.

On the day, you’ll be welcome to come and explore our Red Mills Store pop-up shop, where you can find your favourite luxury brands, and pick up a treat – no need to hold your horses. Fashion shows and demonstrations will be running throughout the day, to give you a little inspiration or add a few items to your wish list!

Fairfax & Favor

Red Mills Race Day is a day that racegoers have been longing for since the last outing in 2020. A great chance to meet up with friends again to enjoy all that this day at Gowran Park has to offer with competitive racing featuring the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase and the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle and lots of live entertainment to enjoy throughout the racecourse.

The Red Mills Store Country Style Event will take centre stage in the Red Mills Style quarter with fashion shows presented by MC Marietta Doran.

The Kilkenny Observer are holding a competition to mark this great occasion.

The prize is a €300 voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill, Kilkenny.

Just complete the entry form below with your details and answer to the competition question to be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize. You will have the opportunity to shop at Connolly’s Red Mills Store who feature brands such as Welligogs, Fairfax & Favor and Fox London.

✁ COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Good luck everybody.

Name ...............................................................................................................................................................

Address..........................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................................

County ............................................................................................................................................................

Mobile...............................................................................................................................................................

Email ..................................................................................................................................................................

Question: What year did Connolly’s Red Mills open their store in Cillín Hill Answer ............................................................................................................................................................

HOW TO ENTER COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM ABOVE YOU CAN DELIVER THE COMPLETED ENTRY FORM BY POSTING OR DROPPING IN TO, THE KILKENNY OBSERVER, UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY

Schoffel Cowes

Competition Rules 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer The prize will be a €300.00 Voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 17th 2022 at 5.00pm The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Friday, February 18th 2022 After being notified the winner will be announced in our edition of February 25th The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed. .

All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.

The winner will be advised by phone / e-mail .

After being notified, the name of the winner will be posted in the next edition of the Kilkenny Observer.

Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.

The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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A local look at Red Mills day with Michael O’Leary

CONNOLLY’S Red Mills Day along with Thyestes Day is the most prestigious event on the Racing Calendar in Gowran Park and following the wonderful success of Thyestes Day on Thursday 27th January (approx 11,000 spectators), another bumper crowd is certain to be in attendance on Saturday week, 19th February.

Connolly’s have generously sponsored the day (free admission) and all original tickets that went on sale online were sold out with further tickets having gone on sale on Wednesday 9th February.

It’s a very popular event that attracts plenty of interest locally and beyond and the day itself is well supported by local Trainers and Jockeys including leading National Hunt Trainer Willie Mullins.

Willie is having another exceptional season as evident by his exploits last weekend at the Dublin Racing Festival, as he

trained seven winners over the two days with six of those victories Grade 1 Triumphs.

He has a teriffic record in the featured Red Mills Races having won the Red Mills Hurdle six times and the Red Mills Chase on four occassions.

Among those victories were the brilliant Un De Sceaux in the 2014 Red Mills Hurdle, who was twice Cheltenham Festival winner and ten Times a Grade 1 winner.

Willie’s son Patrick will almostly certainly be in action in the concluding Mares Bumper and he would dearly love to win the Race in honour of his great friend Ronan Lawlor who was tragically killed in an accident in the stables of Trainer Pat Fahy back in 2010.

Gowran Native Danny Mullins has been enjoying a whirlwind spell since winning The Thyestes Chase aboard Total Recall in 2020 and he has gone onto greater heights since,

winning nine Grade 1’s including last years World Hurdle on Flooring Porter while also enjoying a memorable King George Triumph aboard Tornado Flyer on St. Stephen’s Day. Danny’s dad Tony enjoyed tremendous success with Princess Zoe in 2020 including winning the Group 1 Prix Du Cadran and the filly is scheduled to go to Saudi Arabia and run in the forthcoming €2.5 million Red Sea Turf Handicap.

Tony trained Barrow Drive to win the 2004 Red Mills Chase, while Danny’s mum Mags Mullins will be hoping to be represented in the Mares Bumper.

Dylan Cleere is a young up and coming Gowran Jockey based with the Emmet Mullins Stable and having gain his very first victory when partnering Shiroccoville to victory at the Killarney Festival last August, he will be hopeful of gaining further wins for a progressive stable.

Another Gowran Native enjoying success in recent months has been Jimmy Barcoe as his Mare Influential Lady won twice in Gowran Park and also winning in Thurles, while Jiving Jerry owned by Yvonne Hennessy and Kingston Retreat (40/1) also won for the stable in Galway and Downpatrick respectively.

No doubt he will be hoping to target Red Mills Day in an attempt to gain further glory.

Looking back on the 40 plus years of Red Mills Day, the two featured races have produced an illustrious roll of honour with many well known horses who have won plenty of major races.

The Red Mills Hurdle has been won by the iconic Danoli(1996) who won at the Cheltenham Festival in 1994 and twice won the Aintree Hurdle Winner in 1994 and 1995, while also memorably won The

Hennessy Gold Cup in Leopardstown back in 1997.

Other well known winners of the race include Twice Champion Hurdle Runner-Up Theatreworld(1997 and 1998), Twice Champion Hurdle Winner Hardy Eustace(2005), Three Times Grade 1 winning Hurdle and Champion RunnerUp Macs Joy(2006), Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill(2007), World Hurdle winner Solwhit (2009) and the afore mentioned 10 times Grade 1 winner Un De Sceaux (2014).

Meanwhile, The Red Mills Chase has been won by Thyestes Chase winners like Nuaffe (1997) along with Bob Treacy who won both The Thyestes Chase and The Red Mills Chase in 1999 and 2001.

Other winners of the race include Galway Plate winner Moscow Express (2002) when ridden by Ruby Walsh, while Grade 1 winners Rathgar Beau,

trained by Graignamanagh native Dusty Sheehy and Forget The Past were successful in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Twice Cheltenham Festival winner Champagne Fever won the race in 2015, while one of the most thrilling finishes came about in 2018 when 2017 Irish Grand National winner Our Duke prevailed narrowly from another Twice Cheltenham Festival winner Presenting Percy who also won The Galmoy Hurdle in Gowran Park on Thyestes Day in 2018 and 2019.

Rachael Blackmore won the race twice aboard the Henry De Bromhead trained duo of Monalee in 2019 and Chris Dream in 2020, as she rode a treble at the 2019 meeting.

She will be hoping to have a lead fancy in this years renewal.

It promises to be another enjoyable Red Mills Day on the 19th of February with plenty to look forward to in what is a great family day out.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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Connolly’s RED MILLS – a local business with a worldwide reach

Nestled in the scenic Goresbridge countryside, Connolly’s RED MILLS has been the home of the Connolly family business since 1908.

TODAY, they are one of the most trusted global names in high performance animal feed, pet food and agri products, but their origins were as humble as a fresh-baked loaf In 1800s Bagenalstown, County Carlow, the Connollys were hit head on by the repeal of Corn Laws. Against the backdrop of the Great Famine, a tonne of grain dropped to 1/20th of its previous value. Like thousands of others, the Connollys fled Ireland for America.

Twenty years later in 1866, Michael Connolly, who was now 36, returned to inherit the family’s bakery business.

By now, the flourmill industry had consolidated to the ports of Dublin, Cork, Waterford and Limerick, and rural mills were all but closed.

But Michael saw potential in a mill on the river Barrow.

In 1908 he bought that mill in Goresbridge, restarting it as William Connolly & Sons Ltd – named after his youngest son, William.

That is the foundation of the ethos of Connolly’s RED MILLS. Every generation works as hard as they can, not for themselves, but to provide a better business for the next generation.

Brandmakers When William took over, there were four other mills in the area, all producing similar products for the local farming community. To make Connolly’s stand out, he painted the roof red – unwittingly creating a brand icon, now known across the globe as RED MILLS.

William steered the company through two world wars, the Depression, and foot and mouth disease in 1941, handing over to his son Liam at the birth of the technology boom, which he embraced.

The genesis of a modern, hightech mill came about in the 1950’s, when it was connected to the national electricity grid for the first time. By 1954, the third generation of the Connolly family was at the helm – in the form of Liam Connolly.

Liam was the driving force behind Connolly’s RED MILLS for the next half century, and set down the blueprint of innovation, new product technology, sales and marketing which were to take the company global.

Innovators In 1963, local racehorse trainer Paddy Mullins came to the Connollys for advice on a horse that wouldn’t eat up. They didn’t make horse feed, but Liam decided to work on it.

He made a formula to encompass all the nutritional requirements of the horse, then cooked it to make it more appetising and digestible.

He came up with a feed that Mullins heralded as the turning point in the horse’s development and he went on to win the 1966 Powers Gold Cup and the 1967 Irish Grand National.

That horse was Vulpine and his idiosyncrasies launched a new arm of the Connolly family business that has grown to feed 93 winners of group and grade 1 in 14 countries.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Betting guide for beginners Having a bet is part and parcel of a day at the races. It’s great fun and who knows, you might back a winner.

Here’s a guide from Horse Racing Ireland to all you need to know: Types of bets There are any number of bets which a racegoer can have, but the most popular are win and each-way bets. If you back a horse to win, it must win for you to collect. A €5 win bet on a 5/1 will return €30, winnings of €25 and your stake (€5) back.

An each-way bet is two bets in one. Firstly, you are backing a horse to win, and secondly, you are backing it to be placed. Having €5 each-way on a horse will cost €10, €5 to cover the win portion of the bet and €5 for the place part of the bet. If your horse doesn’t win, but finishes in the placings, there will be no return for your win bet and you lose this part of your stake.

Betting odds explained There are two ways betting

areas.

Unlike racecourse bookmakers who offer odds for betting on each horse in a race, the Tote offers pool betting. This means it pools together the money it receives from bets on a given race and shares this out among winning customers. Look out for Tote bets such as the Placepot, Pick 6 and Jackpot which are bets that are run over a number of races and can result in large pay-outs.

odds are displayed. Most bookmakers use the traditional fractional system but they may use a decimal system.

Fractional odds are displayed in a very familiar format, for example 2/1, 9/4, 4/1.

In spoken form, this is “two to one”, “nine to four” and “four to one”. If your selection wins at 2/1, for every €1 you stake, you will win €2, plus your stake back. On occasion, your winning selection might be 1/2, meaning it is odds-on.

In this instance, for every €2 you bet, you will win €1, plus your stake back. In theory, the shorter the odds, the better chance a horse has of winning.

Betting with the Tote Tote betting is available at all racecourses and through the Tote Ireland call-centre at Ballymany, Newbridge, County Kildare or on thetote.com.

You can bet with the Tote at the numerous branded selling points throughout the racecourse or with Tote representatives carrying hand-held devices, such as in hospitality

Shop around and make sure you secure the best odds on your horse

Betting with racecourse bookmakers Racecourse bookmakers are an integral part of a day at the races. They are easily identifiable and certainly add to the atmosphere at the racecourse.

The majority of racecourse bookmakers ply their trade in the betting ring, but they can also be found in corporate hospitality areas of the racecourse.

Racecourse bookmakers advertise the odds they will offer you on each horse on their display boards. Shop around and make sure you secure the best odds on your horse.

While bookmakers may adjust these prices as money is wagered ahead of the race, you will receive the odds advertised for your horse at the time you place your bet - this is known as a fixed-odds bet.

Your potential winnings will be displayed on your printed ticket the bookmaker gives you when you place a bet. This ticket is also your receipt, keep it safe.

Fit for the saddle:

The role of gym work for jockeys This article is with thanks to setantacollege.com, the Online Sports College and written by Wayne Middleton.

One would be forgiven for thinking, that the jockeys just spend their days riding horses and losing weight.

However, the trust in physical preparation and sports science amongst licensed jockeys is changing and all for the better.

In my role as official S&C Coach with the Jockey Pathway, I see these jockeys 4-5 days per week. I am part of a team of professionals including a Registered Dietician, an IIS accredited Sports and Exercise

Psychologist and a Chartered Physiotherapist. We provide these services to all licensed jockeys. There is a fantastic joined-up approach and I am regularly in touch with the other members of the team.

Jockeys have always had one common goal and that is making weight. For most flat jockeys they would probably want to weigh in at somewhere between 50-58kg and National Hunt (jumps) jockeys between 60-65kg.

Historically jockeys would avoid the gym for fear of gaining weight. Today many jockeys will visit the gym 4-5 days per week. They are also improving their relationship with food and Gillian O Loughlin our Dietician is

doing tremendous work with all the jockeys.

The main goals of the Pathway are to: • Improve Strength • Improve ROM • Decrease risk of injury • Increase aerobic /anaerobic fitness • Create a positive environment The last goal is not always the easiest considering there is no history of training in the gym within the sport. After clearing up the myth of ‘lifting weights will make you bigger’ we have managed to encourage the jockeys to work hard at improving the above.

Typical Day of a Jockey On a typical day, a jockey will be up at 6-7am. They will then go to work and ride out anywhere from 5-10 ‘lots’. Lots are the groups of horse that are going to the gallops to ‘work’ or exercise. The majority of these lots are running at race pace (50-70kmph) while on the gallop. This process can last anywhere from 10-15 minutes. After lunch, some will come straight to the gym while others will wait until the evening.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Crispy grilled feta with saucy butter beans Prep:2 mins Cook:18 mins Serves: 4

Stuck in a food rut? Grab a can of butter beans, some feta and passata to make this super-speedy and super-tasty supper. Full of goodness, it’s healthy too.

STEP 2 Heat the grill to high. Scatter the feta over the sauce, so it’s still exposed, drizzle with

Our best ever mocktail recipes for every occasion and season, including non-alcoholic punch, mulled drinks, spritzers, cordials, lemonades and coolers

Virgin piña colada For an alcohol-free party option, try our spiced piña colada mocktail (or virgin piña colada), with mock rum syrup, pineapple juice and coconut milk.

Ingredients • 150ml pineapple juice • 50ml coconut milk • 25ml lime juice • ice • cherry, to garnish For the mock rum syrup • 100g dark brown muscovado sugar • 1 pineapple , a few strips of skin, plus leaves to garnish • 5 black peppercorns • 5 cloves • 1 cinnamon stick Method STEP 1 To make a mock rum syrup, put the dark brown muscovado sugar and 200ml water in a saucepan, stir well and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add a few strips of skin from the pineapple, add the black peppercorns, cloves and a cinnamon stick, then bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and leave to infuse until cold. Strain into a jug and set aside in the fridge until needed. Will keep for up to three days.

Ingredients • 500ml passata • 2 x 400g cans butter beans , drained and rinsed • 2 garlic cloves , crushed • 1 tsp dried oregano , plus a pinch • 200g spinach • 2 roasted red peppers , sliced • 1⁄2 lemon , zested and juiced • 100g block of feta , cut into chunks • 1⁄2 tsp olive oil • 4 small pittas Method STEP 1 Put a large ovenproof frying pan over a medium-high heat, and tip in the passata, butter beans, garlic, oregano, spinach and peppers. Stir together and cook for 6-8 mins until the sauce is bubbling and the spinach has wilted. Season, then add the lemon juice.

Mocktail recipes

STEP 2 Pour the pineapple juice into a tall glass, and add the coconut milk and lime juice. Stir gently. Fill up the glass with a handful ice then slowly add 25ml of the syrup so it sinks to the bottom. Garnish with pineapple leaves and a tinned cherry.

Negroni mocktail Make an alcohol-free version of the classic negroni cocktail, with grape juice and a syrup made from grapefruit, coriander and cardamon pods.

the olive oil and sprinkle over the lemon zest plus a pinch of oregano, then grind over some black pepper. Grill for 5-8 mins until the feta is golden and crisp at the edges.

STEP 3 Meanwhile, toast the pittas under the grill or in the toaster, then serve with the beans and feta.

Chocolate hazelnut ice cream cheesecake Prep:1 5 mins plus overnight freezing, no cook Serves: 12

about breaking up the cornflakes.

Press the mix into the base of a 23cm springform tin.

No one will guess that this easy, rich and creamy no-cook, makeahead cheesecake uses only 4 ingredients - ideal for a dinner party.

STEP 2 In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the remaining chocolate hazelnut spread.

Smooth onto the cornflake base, wrap tightly in cling film and freeze overnight.

Ingredients • 200g honey nut cornflakes • 2 x 400g jars chocolate hazelnut spread • 2 x 180g tubs full-fat cream cheese • 1 tbsp roasted and chopped hazelnuts Method STEP 1 Put the cornflakes and half a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread in a bowl and beat to combine – don’t worry

STEP 3 Remove from the freezer 30 mins before serving, or until you can cut it easily with a sharp knife. Serve in slices with hazelnuts sprinkled over. Will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Make the most of those gooseberries you’ve been growing and turn them into gooseberry gin. Drink neat, with tonic, or mix with sparkling water and mint.

Ingredients For the syrup base • ½ grapefruit (approx 125g) • 1 slice orange • 125g caster sugar • 3 cardamom pods , lightly crushed • pinch coriander seeds • few drops red food colouring For the cocktail • ice • 25ml white grape juice • 1 slice orange (optional) Method STEP 1 Chop the grapefruit into small chunks and put them into a saucepan along with the orange slice, sugar, 125ml water, the cardamom pods and coriander seeds. Heat the mixture until simmering and cook for around 5 mins, crushing the fruit pieces with the back of a wooden spoon as it starts to soften to release the juices. Once the fruit has softened and the white pith has faded, take it off the heat and leave to cool. If you like you can add a splash of red food colouring to the syrup at this point.

STEP 2 Once the syrup mixture has cooled, strain it and discard the spices and fruit pieces. Fill a tumbler with ice and pour in 25ml of the syrup, the grape juice and 25ml cold water. Stir gently until the outside of the tumbler feels cold, then garnish with a slice of orange, if you like

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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Advertisement TV & Streaming

The conman gripping Netflix audiences

5

things to know about Amazon Prime’s Reacher

REACHER is out now on Amazon Prime Video (S1, Eps8)and is a show based on the incredibly successful Lee Child novels.

Alan Ritchson is Jack Reacher, a role that Tom Cruise played when the character was adapted for two movies. Big shoes to fill, then, but given Ritchson is much closer in size to how the character is written in the books (he’s 6ft 2in, compared to a 6ft 5in Reacher) he already has the fans on his side.

Here are five things to know about Reacher, according to Alan Ritchson...

THE hit Netflix documentary ‘The Tinder Swindler’ has shown how conman Simon Leviev lives a life of luxury ripping off his lonesome, crazy-in-love ladies. The 31- year-old was born Shimon Hayut but changed his name to Simon Leviev and styled himself The Prince of Diamond. No, the man is no prince; in fact, he is quite the antagonist who poses as the son of Russian-Israeli gem tycoon Lev Leviev.

Interestingly, Lev Leviev is an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, and investor, who has earned the title ‘King of Diamonds’. The clever swindler posing as his son dubbed him ‘prince’ of diamonds! His action plan always involves swooning ladies with grand romantic gestures like dates in chauffeur-driven cars and trips on private jets. Of course, none

of the money is his, but his other romantic interest, aka victims.

In his unabashed social media posts, the bogus diamond trader is forever seen posing in head-to-toe designer clothes.

The man has a penchant for all things luxurious from private jets, luxury cars, and even yachts! His blind-inlove, affluent lovers became the scammer’s princesses with shining bank accounts and sent him their savings or took out huge credit card loans. His modus operandi was feigning he was in grave danger, or enemies had frozen his bank accounts.

Seen clad in designer wear and perched comfortably in a private jet, Simon Leviev is said to have tricked nearly $10 million from a long line of women.

One would imagine a man

of such crimes troubled, but this smoothie has spirit.

Not only has he been posting since out from his jail sentence in Israel, but the man has also already found a new girlfriend. Israeli model called Polina is dating the criminal despite being wanted across Europe for a string of frauds, according to The Sun newspaper.

The man posted this photograph on his Instagram account and captioned it, ‘always thinking and planning’. Clearly, he has a lot of women, lies, and even cops to manage! One victim, Cecilie Fjellhøy, said she ended up in a psychiatric ward after he conned her out of nearly $252,000 in a matter of weeks. She said she thought about crashing her car into a lorry, saying: “I felt like my life was over, and I didn’t want to go on.”

Cecilie confessed in the documentary that barely three months after their first date, she felt pressured under crippling debt that Leviev had spent on hotels, fine dining, and first-class travel.

The fraudster carefully selects his targets. One victim fell for his charm shortly after a split from her fiancé.

The women discovered Simon’s true colours in different ways. One found out when she was contacted by journalists investigating him.

Another found through a newspaper report that her boyfriend of 14 months was scamming women all over Europe.

This man is a shining example of the adage; all that glitters is not gold! It serves him right. Interpol is ready to arrest him if he ever steps foot outside his home country.

Thriller Chloe is simply terrifying IT’S not something many of us would like to linger on for too long, purely because the truth would terrify us, but ever wondered how easy it would be for someone to gain access to your life?

In Chloe, BBC One and Amazon Prime Video’s sixpart psychological thriller series, the perpetrator is Becky Green.

Becky is a woman living in a small flat in Bristol,

caring for her mother who has dementia. In bed, while outside having a cigarette and then during breakfast she obsessively scrolls through the pictureperfectly curated Instagram account of the titular woman, Chloe Fairbourne (pictured). What initially seems like an unhealthy online habit is quickly revealed to be something much darker.

One day, stalking Chloe’s

Instagram, Becky sees wave after wave of brokenhearted tributes and she comes to the realisation that Chloe has died. And now it isn’t aimless fun; she is using her quick thinking and deviousness as part of a crystal-clear agenda and it’s to infiltrate Chloe’s life to find out what happened.

Yes, it’s shudder-inducing – even more so when you realise the ease with which she is able to do so.

1. Ritchson didn’t just learn his lines for Reacher but the entire script “To get myself into the scenes and make sure that I understood, not just where Reacher was, but to be able to be one step ahead of everybody, I would memorise the entire script.

“To do that I would record everybody’s lines and I would listen to them continuously every time I was in the car on the way home, if I was in the gym... I was always listening to other people’s lines. That gave me the chance while filming to stop thinking about anything except for what was happening and just listen and be present.”

2. Ritchson is a big fan of Reacher’s bluntness “Reacher is blunt and his direct quality is one of my favourite things about him. Too many of us sugarcoat everything to the point of sometimes suffering at the hands of somebody else when we want to say what needs to be said and walk away with regret of not saying it.

“I don’t think Reacher has ever been convicted of that, which makes for great TV and it makes for a fun read. We love him for it, that he says what we want to say. That’s just one of the qualities he has that reso-

nates with all of us on a deeper level.”

3. Reacher is a show that blends genres.

“I think it’s really easy for a distributor to go, ‘give me the bottom line, what is it that we’re making here? Is it a horror? Is it a comedy? Is it a drama?’ Genre blending is frowned upon. It’s hard to sell something to go, ‘it was mysterious, but it was also funny. So I don’t know, is it a comedy? Like who are we selling this to?’ This is the conversation that goes on behind the scenes. And it’s unfortunate because that’s not what life looks like.” “ It’s full of action, it’s savage, it’s heartwarming, romantic... it’s just all of it rolled into one.”

4. Ritchson wanted to do some of his own stunts “There was one fight where I was arguing with everybody that I needed to do the stunt. I didn’t want to cheat and have them shoot my stunt double’s back or whatever. I wanted to jump a fire escape and we shot in a way that there’s no way to rig it.

“That fight stands out in my mind as one that I’m very proud of. And I think it’s it also just happens to be one of the coolest fights of the season, so I can’t wait for people to see it.”

5. Ritchson doesn’t want to be compared to Cruise “What seems unfair is that I would be mentioned in the same sentence as Mr Cruise.

His legacy looms so much larger than mine that I’m the small one when we are mentioned in the same sentence.

“I grew up watching everything he’s ever done and wanted to be like him and just wished for the same fire and passion that he brings to his characters in my own career. He’s a legend.” so I don’t think I can ever compare to him.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

KILKENNY WIN Despite shooting twenty wides Kilkenny overcame Antrim in Nowlan Park on Sunday in the opening round of this year’s National Hurling League. Chris Bolger saw some action and Matt Kenny was also a named substitute. Conor Phelan also represented Clara as a selector with the team. Well done lads.

REGISTRATION GAA Membership 2022 is now open and due.

Thanks to those who have completed already.

Please log in to Foireann at www.Foireann.ie to confirm your details and pay by credit/debit card.

Membership rates are the same as last year and can be viewed on the website www.clara.kilkenny. gaa.ie Please note all players and coaches must have membership paid before taking part in Club/ County training sessions/games.If experiencing problems please contact Club Registrar, Peter Coogan at registrar.clara@gmail.com.

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s club lotto (Feb 1st). Numbers Drawn were 9, 17, 24, 25 and Bonus 18. Next Week’s Jackpot will be €11,000 (Feb 8th).

Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Kay O’Halloran c/o Michael O’Halloran. 2. The Sunday Six 3. Benny c/o Mary Cody. 4. Claire Mahony. 5. Sally Cleere c/o Kevin Cleere 6. Dermot Cullen c/o Anne Cullen. 7. Catherine Murphy c/o Mick Nolan 8. Julie Kavanagh c/o Online. 9. Helen Nelson c/o Online. 10. Eugene Foley c/o Online Thank you for your continued support.

KILKENNY TEAMS With the Intercounty Season truly up and running from this weekend it was great to have such representation from St. Johns Park across all Kilkenny teams. Riona Crowley finished the weekend’s participation with the Kilkenny Minor Camogie team. Earlier at Nowlan Park, Huw Lawlor (0-1), Mikey Butler, Paddy Deegan (0-1) and Conor Heary togged out for the county’s senior hurlers win against Antrim. On Saturday, Laura Murphy was part of the Camogie Senior Team’s win over Limerick, (scoring a fine point for good measure), while Danielle Quigley helped the Camogie Intermediates to a good win over Tipperary. The weekend all began with two of our u16 girls, Aoife Shealy and Ava O’Grady togging out against Limerick in their respective games. AND - all teams won! Well done all, Lovely Hurling SCOR NA NOG 2022 If you’re U17, can sing, can dance or can tell a story, then why not represent O’Loughlin Gaels at this year’s Official Kilkenny GAA Scór na nÓg.

Contact Brian at 087 9984853 for all the info. Be on the O’Loughlin’s Team MEMBERSHIP Membership Renewal for O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie is now live and online at www.oloughlingaels.com/membership Log in for all the details and options to pay.

Installments are also available. Players need to be registered prior to any return to training which is all happening very soon. So do it now. Hon the Loughs

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

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO January 28th prize fund was: €6,400. Jackpot: €4,400.

Numbers drawn: 13, 20, 23, 27, bonus number 7. No winner and one match three winner: B. Ahern. Promoters prize: Ely’s.Five lucky dips of €20 each: Bridget Barnaville, Ann Burke, John Minogue, Katie Joyce, Pauline Nolan. Next draw

takes place on Monday, February 7th in the Clubrooms. Results next week.

URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK Please feel free to use the walking track. We are just waiting on signs for completion but the track is now open for use.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4: LTI is recruiting for the new programme 2022. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact the Centre for an expression of interest form BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5: Healthcare QQI Level 5 course places available for new programme starting September 2022. If interested in completing this course you can contact the Centre.

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

Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family and Teens, aged 12 plus. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addiction.Please contact Sue in the Centre for more information or to make an appointment.Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of the Centre’s counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

Art Classes: Free Art Classes beginning soon, please contact the Centre if interested in taking part. Contact number for the Centre is 056 8838466.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT There was a double draw for Split the Pot this week.Winners are:First Draw - Josie Byrne who won €371.Second Draw - Dermot Dunphy who won €567. Well done Josie and Dermot!

Tickets €2 on sale in aid of Urlingord National School Parents’ Association for next week’s draw.

GALMOY GAA AUCTION There will be a Monster Auction of top quality firewood in Galmoy Village at 11am on Sunday February 13. Also on offer, will be bales of hay, silage, and straw fertiliser vouchers, as well as many very attractive vouchers. Great bargains. All welcome.

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

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

EAMON KELLY RIP The people of Freshford were saddened to hear of the death of Eamon Kelly last weekend. He was predeceased a few years ago by his wife Sally. In his 80s Eamon had been unwell in recent times but nevertheless his death caused widespread regret and sorrow. A native of Castlecomer, Eamon lived in Freshford for many decades where the family ran a grocery and drapery business for years before retiring back to his hometown. He was a keen GAA follower and an ardent member of St.Lachtains GAA Club for many years serving on Committees and as various Officers over the years. He was currently joint Vice President of the Club. The family were widely known and respected in the village and surrounding areas.

Funeral mass took place in Castlecomer Church on Tuesday morning followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. He is mourned by his sons Walter and Thomas, daughters Mary and Catherine, grandchildren, son in law, daughter in law, brother, sisters, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

SQUASH Congratulations to Noel Walsh, Sart Freshford who captained his team to victory in the Munster Div 3 League last weekend in a nail biting 3-2 win.

Noel and his team were representing Thurles Squash Club against Highfield Squash Club of Cork. Well done to Noel and his team on their win.

CAMOGIE Freshford club was well represented in all games last weekend. On the Kilkenny senior camogie panel in their win over Limerick at Callan was Lydia Fitzpatrick. Kilkenny Intermediates took on Tipperary in Pairc Lachtain on Saturday and on the panel were local girls Sinead Farrell, Emma Bergin and Chloe Dooley. Colaiste Mhuire of Johnstown became the Leinster Junior Champions last week and on the winning panel were local girls Anna Cleere who captained the side, Emma Daly, C.Hickey, M.Killeen, A. Murphy, A.Whitty, K and E O’Connor, Saoirse Hickey ,T.Kenny Landers, G.Cleere, Sarah. Hickey KCLR WINNER Congratulations to local man Paul Phelan of Woodview Freshford who was finalists in the KCLR Get away competition last week. Paul got through all the rounds and was one of five finalists.

Although he didn’t win the four runners up all got valuable prizes and Paul’s prize was a voucher for Ballykealy House.

SEAMUS IS CHAIRMAN Freshford man Seamus Cahill has become the new chairman of of Louth Camogie County Board.

Seamus is oldest son of Ann Cahill and the Late John Joe Cahill from Church Street Freshford and has been involved in hurling since childhood and has been a significant influence on Louth hurling and camogie in the past two decades. In addition to being one of the founders of Blackrock hurling and camogie club Seamus is an accomplished coach with involvement with a number of club and county teams including the current U16 camogie and nursery and previously was involved with Louth’s U14 side. He is wished all the very best in his new post.

TAKE AWAY AWARDS Congratulations and best wishes go out to local takeaway Brennans Sisters in the village who are finalists in the Yes Chef Takeaway awards. The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner to be held at Raddison Blu Hotel Athlone on 21st February. They are wished all the very best in the final.

BIRTHDAY BOY Special birthday wishes go out to local man Nicky Grace, Buncrussia Street Freshford who celebrated a very special birthday last weekend. Nicky reached the big 60 and marked the occasion with a party joined by family and friends in Kavanaghs bar on Saturday night last.

PLAYGROUND The Freshford Playground Committee got some good news recently with the announcement that Planning Permission has been granted for the long awaited village playground. This will be a great addition to Freshford and great credit goes to the Committee and their hard work in this project.

SOCCER Freshford Town Junior side had a big win over Bridge Utd on Sunday last coming out decisive winners on a scoreline of 7-1. The goals came from Jack Cleared (2) Ml Kenny(2) and N.Kenny, S.Donnelly and P.Mullen.

In the schoolboys section, the U15 boys were beaten by Dean Celtic on a 4-1 scoreline with Cian Donnelly getting the Freshford goal.

The training sessions for U8s started back recently and will continue each Saturday morning from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportfield at Woodview.

All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up.

CLOTHES COLLECTION Freshford Town Soccer Club are organising a Clothes collection. Bags can be dropped off at the Clubrooms on this Wednesday 9th Feb from 7-9pm, on Saturday 12th Feburary from 10.30am to 1.30pm and Wednesday 16th Feburary from 7 -9pm. You can donate all clean unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys. If you cannot make any of these times you can contact any of the Committee members.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Mullally family

of Ballyring, Gathabawn on the recent death of Angela Mullally. Funeral mass took place in St.Brigids Church Lisdowney followed by burial in Clontubrid Cemetery.

Also sympathy is extended to the Downey family Lisdowney on the death last week of Carmel Downey.Funeral mass took place in St Brigids Church Lisdowney followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun.

To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie

GAA NEWS Two of St.Lachtains hurlers were part of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling side which defeated Antrim on Sunday last in their league game.

James Maher started at wing back while Darren Brennan was between the posts and both played well. Darren made a match winning save in the final minutes of the game.

AGM St Lachtains Gaa club held their AGM on Friday evening last at the Clubrooms with a good attendance. The following officers were elected :President; Fr. Pat Comerford Vice Presidents; J.Dermody, P Butler Clashacrow, Tom Hayes and Paddy Butler Cooleshall. Chairman; John Fitzpatrick, Vice Chairman – K.Dalton, Secretary – S.Killelen, Ass.Secretary – P.Donnelly, TreasurerB.Kavanagh , Ass.Treasurer- JP Kavanagh,PRO – B.Quinn/S.Donnelly, Co Board Rep. – P.White, Irish Officer – L Kennedy Player Rep- P Campion/P Killeen CLUB SHOP The Clubs shop is open and the 2022 range is soon to be uploaded onto the O’Neills club shop.

Details can be found on St.Lachtains Social media pages or by O’Neills sportswear and searching for St.Lachtains GAA. PARISH NEWS Attendance at indoor settings are now back to full capacity and attendance at Mass is almost back to normal. Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm. Some Safety measures remain in place which includes wearing of masks, sanitising and you have the option to be seated without any seating restrictions in the top section of the church or with seating restrictions.

This year is the 1400 year celebration of St.Lachtain and there are lots of events being planned in our church and village and there will be more info closer to the time..

The restoration of the Stations of the Cross in the Church continues with ten now completed and just four more to go. In order to continue the work you are invited to sponsor one of the stations maybe with your family or a group of your friends.

The sponsors will be included in a special roll of honour displayed in the church as a lasting legacy. For further information re same you are asked to please contact Monsignor Kennedy NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office.

Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays.

MASS CARDS Special printed parish cards are available at the

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Community & GAA Notes Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 AUCTION Galmoy GAA will hold a Monster Auction of top quality firewood in Galmoy village on Sunday next 13th February at 11am. Also on offer will be bales of hay, silage and straw fertiliser vouchers as well as many other very attractive vouchers. All welcome. Great bargains.

COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Community alert group remind you again that the annual text alert scheme membership is now due. It cost just 10euro per phone number and you can pay membership to any committee member. If unsure or for more information please call Jacinta on 0877658671 or Anna on 0858277965. New members are always very welcome and the group wish to thank you all for your continued support.

With winter here and the dark evenings and nights you are reminded to take care of yourself and take care of your elderly neighbours and friends PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be held from 9th to 13th May 2022. Staying at the 4 star Hotel Astrid the trip costs €645 pps, single room supplement payable. Accompanied by spiritual director.

Includes return direct flights from Dublin to Tarbes, coach transfers breakfast lunch and dinner each day, full religious programme, services of a Marian pilgrimage guide, mass daily and spiritual activities, all taxes and travel insurance. For more details contact C.Flynn on 089 4638769.

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

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

LOCAL LOTTO Local Lotto Results for 31st January 2022. Winning Numbers : 7,31,32 No Winner Winners of Draw for 5 x €30. Ailish Fitzpatrick ( Petes ),Sinead Moore (Nellie Maher ),Edel and Tebi ( Mags Cahill ),Anne Kirwan ( Kathleen Kirwan ),Diarmuid Burke ( Jim Dalton ) Jackpot Next Week (February 7th) € 5,350 Venue Townsend’s at 9pm All welcome SOCIAL DANCING Yvonne O’Neill’s social dancing classes take place in Callan Hall every Friday from 8pm to 9.30pm. €10 each week. All welcome. For more information call Yvonne on 087 2448535 DUNNA DASH Dunna Dash is BACK. Sunday March 6th. Registration at St Leonards NS at 11am. Adults €10, Children €5, Families €20. Prizes for first male, female and juvenile. This year will see the return of the “Kiddies 1km Dash” for school children from 3rd class down and will start at 11.45am. All children will receive a medal for this event. The main Dunna Dash will start at 12 noon. Refreshments afterwards in the school.

DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Dunnamaggin Development Group are delighted to see the return of our Fortnightly Community Gatherings in The Old School. The first one will take place next Sunday February 13th from 11.30am to 1pm. The intergenerational gatherings consist of tea and coffee and a chat with friends and neighbours for the adults and a children’s corner with juice and crayons and colouring books. Looking forward to seeing you

all next Sunday. The monthly markets will return to Madges Garden in April and continue until December. Our AGM will take place on Sunday March 13th as part of that week’s Community Gathering. The Vision for Dunnamaggin is being completed and will be launched soon.

DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FOOTHBALL CLUB LIDL STAMP REWARDS FOR LGFA CLUBS are back!!! Please support Dunnamaggin LGFC when shopping in Lidl.

MINOR CAMOGIE Congratulations to Emily Carroll, Ciara Whelan Foxe and Emma O’Reilly our Dunnamaggin players selected on the Kilkenny 2022 Minor Panel.

The Tesco Minor A championship got off to a good start on Sunday in Thomastown with Kilkenny defeating Waterford 0-13 to 0-5. Windgap club was represented with Nathania Jackson and Ali Kennedy on the panel. Round 2 takes place next Sunday against Clare in Co Clare venue TBC. St. Brigid’s College Callan Junior Camogie team played their All Ireland Semi Final on Saturday in John Locke Park defeating Coláiste Íosagáin from Dublin. The girls wait to hear who they will be up against in the final. Windgap club was represented on the panel with Aisling O Shea, Ciara O Shea, Caoimhe Power, Cathy Power, Eleanor Hayes, Jenny Saunders, Lauren Enright and Ria McCormack (injured) IRELAND’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL Become one of Ireland’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advocates. Are you a change maker in your community? Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills? Do you want to join Ireland’s network of Active Citizens and create long lasting change within your community whilst also contributing to achieving the Global Goals?

The SDG Advocate Training offers 26 active citizens in the Adult and Community Education sector, an opportunity to become one of Ireland’s SDG Advocates. This training course will allow the advocates to deepen their understanding of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, represent the project and lead transformative change in Ireland. Closing date for applications: February 25th 2022 https://www.developmentperspectives.ie/ advocate.html. For queries contact Programme Coordinator: Margaret Downey at mog@developmentperspectives.ie SAINT PATRICK’S FESTIVAL KILKENNY Return of the St Patrick’s Festival in Kilkenny!

Kicking off the festival season next month is the return of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny to the streets from March 15 to 20, 2022. After a successful virtual festival last year the festival will be taking to the streets with a 6-day programme of events. The theme of this year’s Parade is ‘Run with the Wolves’ based around the famous Kilkenny Animation Studio Cartoon Saloon’s latest Oscar nominated movie, Wolfwalkers. Events will include: The St. Patrick’s Day Parade; performances by American Marching Bands; Street entertainment including acrobats, children’s shows and stilt walkers; Carnival Rides; Rogu Fire Show; Fireworks Display; Street Food vendors; Drum workshops; Live Music and more! For more information visit stpatricksfestivalkilkenny.com POETRY Call for Submissions, Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet Issue 22 and Poetry Workshop. Kilkenny County Council Arts Office is delighted to announce their annual call out for submissions for the twenty second issue of the very popular KILKENNY POETRY BROADSHEET. The aim of the publication is to give Kilkenny writers, born or based in Kilkenny City and County, a platform for their work. Following publication, the Broadsheet is available free throughout the city and county via the library branches and other venues. Closing date for receipt of submissions is no later than 4pm on Friday 1st April 2022.

KILKENNY DECADE OF CENTENARIES SCHEME 2022 The Kilkenny Decade of Centenaries Grant Scheme 2022 inow open and applications are invited from heritage societies, local historians, communities and artists who wish to commemorate events which happened in Co. Kilkenny in 1922. Closing date for receipt of applications is

5pm Friday 18th February. Application forms and grant criteria available at https://kilkennyheritage. ie/2022/01/kilkenny-county-council-decade-ofcentenaries-grant-scheme-2022/

GOWRAN BINGO Bingo back in Gowran Parish Hall on Thursday’s at 8.30pm.

GOWRAN PARK Connolly’s Red Mills are sponsoring Red Mills Day on Saturday, 19th March with free gate tickets.

Ticket registration is now live at gowranpark.ie/ racing a maximum of four free tickets per person.

In addition, RED MILLS will also sponsor the stable staff canteen and the owners and trainers hospitality for those with runners on the day.

This year RED MILLS will celebrate 42 years of sponsorship at Gowran Park, where Joe Connolly has been Chairperson for 25 years.

GOWRAN AND DUNGARVAN COMMUNITY ALERTS The annual subscriptions for the Gowan and Dungarvan Community Alerts are due by end of February. €10 per mobile number. How to Join/ Pay: If you were a subscriber in 2021 you can pay online at www.communityalerts.ie. If you’d prefer to pay ‘off-line’ or if you are new to this group and want to join just take a dedicated envelope from Pat Hennessey’s Garage or Billy Carroll’s Pharmacy, complete it and drop it back to either locations. Feel free to take an extra envelope for a neighbour you feel might like to join the community alerts group.

GOWRAN AC At the All-Ireland indoor combined events on Saturday last, Tómas Carroll came 3rd in the boys U14 Pentathlon in a strong field to win a bronze medal. The Pentathlon is five events combined which challenges the athlete in a range of skills.

The boys U14 events are 800M, 60M Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump and Shot Put. Tómas was not alone from Gowran AC as he was joined by Kate Hayden in the girls U14 competing in this event for the first time, James Kelsey in boys U15, and Noah Denieffe in boys U15. Well done to all.

THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com FITZGERALD SISTERS FEATURE IN LEAGUE OPENER VICTORY The Fitzgerald Sisters,Tiffany and Steffi both started for Kilkenny Seniors as they defeated Limerick 1-18 to 1-10 in their League opener in John Locke Park, Callan on Saturday.

Tiffany made her Senior Inter County debut as she started at Full-Back, with Steffi starting at WingForward, while Ciara O’Keeffe who featured for the Kilkenny Intermediates last year was listed among the subs.

GOWRAN GIRLS PLAY PART IN LORETO LEINSTER GLORY Congrats to Marie O’Keeffe, Julie Lennon and Aisling Fitzpatrick who were part of the Loreto Junior camogie panel that won the ‘A’ Leinster final against Presentation Kilkenny.

Marie started at Centre-Back, while Julie was at Corner-Forward as they came out on top in a thrilling hard-fought battle against their City Neighbours.

Well done to the girls, players and management and very best wishes as they now go in pursuit of All-Ireland glory.

CLOTHES COLLECTION Young Irelands Camogie Club will have a clothes collection on Monday 28th February between 6-8pm at the GAA Pitch.

The following items will be gratefully accepted: Mens and Womens Clean Clothing, Childrens Clean Clothing, Paired Shoes, Handbags and Belts, Curtains, Bed Linen, No Duvets, Pillows or Cushions.

CAREY STARTS IN LEAGUE OPENER WIN Mikey Carey started Midfield for Kilkenny, as they

held off a spirited revival from Antrim to run out 2-15 to 3-9 winners following a nervy finish.

Kilkenny will now play neighbours Tipperary in Round 2 of the League next Sunday Afternoon (3.45pm throw-in).

Read Sports Section of the Kilkenny Observer for Full Report on last Sundays Match.

DUBLIN RACING FESTIVAL Danny Mullins got the Dublin Racing Festival off to a flying start when partnering Minella Cocooner at 11/1 to make virtually all of the running, as he landed the opening race of the two-day festival, The Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy Solicitors Novice Hurdle in Leopardstown last saturday afternoon.

It was another big race triumph for the Gowran Rider who has had a whirlwind run of big race victories over the past two years, they have included The 2020 Thyestes Chase aboard Total Recall, last year’s World Hurdle on Flooring Porter while also enjoying a memorable King George Triumph aboard Tornado Flyer on St. Stephens Day. Danny’s victory last Saturday was the start of another memorable weekend for his Uncle Willie who had 7 winners across the two days, 6 of them Grade 1s.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club Lotto Results Feburary 4th.

Nos: 6,19,22,26Jackpot: €7,600 – not won Draw Prizes ,€50: Marie Trait c/o Jim Murphy. €25 each Damian Hardiman c/o Online €25 each Saoirse Leahy c/o Dohertys Bar > €25 each Deirdre Beirne c/o Tom Beirne Co op draw ticket Paddy Bowden c/o Online.

Promotors prize Paddy Maher Next week’s draw Euro 7,750 8th of Feburary 2022 PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE REOPENS Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward ,Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night.

All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners cards table .We are offering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of nonalcoholic beers, barista coffee and all the usuals.

We look forward to seeing you all CLUB REGISTER 2022 We are delighted to announce that Registration for Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club for 2022 is now open. There are a number of ways for existing and new members to register with the club ;Click on the link below ( For existing members enter your e mail address to retrieve all details from last year’s registration process ).Go to the membership page on Clubs App and sign up. https://dicksborogaa. com/membership_signup CALLAN LADIES GOLF NOTES The golfing year has begun with great enthusiasm among the Ladies at Callan G.C. and the numbers taking part in the weekly competitions is testament to that. With the weather conducive and the course is in top condition for the time of year the scoring is improving week on week.

Popular pairing of Lady President Ann O’Shea and Lady Captain Anne Croke are at the helm this year.

With Claire Hendriques as Lady Vice Captain and a good hard working committee things are looking well for the coming year.

GET INTO GOLF For ladies who may be thinking about taking up golf but are not sure how to go about it ! The Get into Golf two year programme runs in conjunction with Golf Ireland. This programme has proved to be very successful over the past number of years.

It will be advertised and begin within the next couple of weeks at Callan Golf Club.

RESULTS Jan 18th 12 Hole 1st Josie O’Gorman 23 pts. c/b 2nd Bernie Lyons 23pts.3rd Rita O’Neill 22pts c/b Jan 25th 12Hole 1st Joan Phelan 28pts. 2nd Mary Manning 22pts c/b.3rd Ann Wemyss 22pts.

Senior Ladies 9 Hole Jan 27th.1st Mary Grace, 2nd Patsy Murphy 3rd Shiela Kirby.4th Bd Holohan, 5th Marian Butler Feb 3rd 1st Mary Grace 19pts 2nd P Murphy 18pts 3rd S. Kirby 17 pts

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Mooncoin prevail by the minimum on historic day

AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Championship Final Ballygiblin (Cork) 1-18 Mooncoin 0-22 Croke Park, Saturday February 5th 2022

SATURDAY February 5th 2022. The day Mooncoin were crowned AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Champions.

Willie Coogan’s men did enough to get over the line against Munster’s finest, Ballygiblin of Cork, in blustery conditions at headquarters last Saturday. Despite hitting many uncharacteristic wides, it would be a stunning long-range sideline cut from one of this season’s standout performers, Martin O’Neill in additional time that proved the difference between the finalists at the long whistle.

Mairtin Gannon, who had been an injury doubt, lined out in the engine room, alongside Seanie, while Paul Henebery started at No.6, while Martin O’Neill donned the number 5 jersey.

The game started at a frantic pace, with Ballygiblin drawing first blood thanks to a nice point from midfielder Darragh Flynn, after Cormac Daly had been dispossessed.

Mooncoin drew level seconds later, thanks to a well struck point from distance by John Fitz.

The men from South Kilkenny then hit a couple of bad wides, before John Fitz put them ahead on 4 minutes, following nice link-up play from Ciaran Quilty and Pa Walsh.

Moments later, Ryan Donegan picked up the ball out on the left before striking over a lovely point to level things up. Both Donegan and his midfield partner, Darragh Flynn were breaking forward lots during the opening exchanges, as they looked to put the Leinster Champions on the back foot early on.

Mooncoin were then awarded a free on halfway, which O’Neill stroked over with great confidence and ease. The next score came from a Pa Walsh free, after John Fitz was fouled after making good progress towards the opponent’s goal. From the restart, Pa picked up the breaking ball and rifled over a stunning score from half-way, to put his side 3-points ahead.

It was noticeable that Pa was playing from a much deeper position than his No.14 jersey suggested, and as usual he was getting through mountains of work and getting on lots of loose ball. Ciaran Quilty then took a nice pass before finding Kevin Crowley in space, and the wingforward slotted over a fine score to further extend Mooncoin’s lead.

The Cork Champions were then awarded a soft free by Galway whistler Brian Keon, and their dead ball specialist, Joseph O’Sullivan duly obliged by pointing and opening his account. O’Sullivan then doubled his tally from midfield via a second placed ball, again harshly awarded against Willie Coogan’s men. Ballygiblin then got their 3rd score on the bounce when wing-forward Michael Walsh fired over a fine point from out the field, to leave just one between the sides after 12 minutes as the Cork team’s supporters found their voices.

Pa Walsh then steadied things a little when he struck over a free from about ‘35 out. The next passage of play saw Adam Croke take possession out on the right and fire over a

Champions a ‘Cut’ above the rest! cracking score from the Cusack stand side of Croker. Aussie Rules star Mark Keane then won the ball well before passing to his midfielder, Darragh Flynn, who popped over an easy point from the ‘D’ to reduce the gap to 2 points.

Mooncoin were continuing to miss scoring opportunities and this allowed Ballygiblin to stay in touch, when they should have been perhaps at least 5 points in arrears. Then came a great chance for a major. Adam Croke took possession out on the right, cut inside

his marker and headed for goal. The cornerforward pulled the trigger, but a tremendous save from opposition netminder Noonan, foiled the Kilkenny side’s goal bid. More Mooncoin misses followed, including an easy free from Pa. Sean O’Sullivan then picked up the breaking ball and split the posts from distance, to leave just the minimum between the finalists.

Ballygiblin kept pumping long balls into the Mooncoin defence, but they along with keeper

Eoin Purcell were sweeping up well at the back.

The game had gotten a little scrappy, especially in the middle third, where the Rebel County side were on top.

The game was tied on 28 minutes when a long pass to centre-forward and former Tipperary U21 All-Ireland winning captain Colin English, saw the No.11 race away from Cormac Daly to pop the ball over the bar. Mooncoin responded immediately, John Fitz found the hard-working Martin O’Neill who split the posts from

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Hurling matters Mooncoin celebrate with the cup! PIC Maurice Walsh

to deflect the goal-bound effort behind for a ‘65. The accurate Joseph O’Sullivan sent the ball between the posts for the last score of the opening period, to somehow leave the Cork side with a one-point lead at the short whistle.

Willie Coogan while calm, will probably have wondered how his charges hadn’t exited to the changing rooms with a commanding lead, given the number of chances they had created in the first half. Mooncoin had registered 8 wides in contrast to their opponents 3.His opposite number, Ronan Dwayne will no doubt have been quietly content to see his side lead at the break.

With their manager’s words ringing in their ears, Mooncoin began the second period brightly, hitting the first three scores of the half. First up was Ciaran Quilty who popped a nice point over, after Pa Walsh had intercepted a Ballygiblin sideline cut. Walsh then took a fine score from distance when he picked up the breaking ball from the restart. The Cork champions tried to respond. Colin English took a pass and was headed for goal as he outpaced his marker. Out of nowhere came Mark Kearns, who somehow managed to prevent the strike on goal with a wonderful piece of defending.

Mooncoin were certainly playing with a little more rhythm. Their support play was more evident as was their use of the ball.

The Gannon’s then combined to set up an opportunity for Killian Hogan, and the No.15 expertly pointed a lovely score after 35 minutes.

Ballygiblin then re-took the lead. Centre-back Mark Keane pumped a long searching ball into the Mooncoin defensive third, and somehow Dean Barry ran onto it and fired a low shot past Eoin Purcell to raise the green flag. 37 minutes gone. Game on.

The Leinster Champions response was emphatic. Killian Hogan took the ball and sent over a lovely point to make matters level again.

Hogan was much more involved in the third quarter. His movement was causing problems and his work-rate was being rewarded with scores and possessions. Hogan was then upended by his marker and Pa Walsh fired over the placed ball to restore his side’s lead with 40 minutes on the clock.

Mooncoin then introduced Sean O’Dwyer for Kevin Crowley as they sought to suffocate the Ballygiblin engine room. After some loose play by both sides, danger man Hogan then took the sliotar and rifled over his best effort to date from ‘65 out.

Martin O’Neill was then blown up for a foul and shown a yellow card, harshly in my opinion. Joseph O’Sullivan duly pointed from the placed ball. Further scrappy play, saw Darragh Flynn take possession and raise a white flag to deadlock matters again.

Ballygiblin keeper Noonan, still on a high after his 1st half save, then played his side into trouble when he tried to emerge and break up the pitch. Mooncoin hunted him down and won the ball back which then allowed John Fitz to strike over a nice point. The same player almost goaled shortly after, only to be denied by some last gasp defending, as the Cork men put the ball out CONTINUED....

distance to edge his side ahead. Ballygiblin levelled matters straight away. Full-forward Sean O’Sullivan struck over a fine score from out on the right, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

The same player nearly struck for another Ballygiblin goal moments later when he cut in from the right and bared down on the advancing Eoin Purcell before striking the ball. Much to the relief of Mooncoin, Aidan Doyle was in the right place at the right time

Sideline ‘king’ Martin O’Neill celebrates with Manager Willie Coogan - PIC Maurice Walsh

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Hurling matters

Sport Action Man! Pa Walsh top scored and was everywhere

Kevin Crowley battling hard

Mairtin Gannon gets away from his man

... CONTINUED

for a ‘65. Martin O’Neill confidently struck it between the posts with 47 minutes gone.

Seanie Gannon then produced some fine work before laying the ball off to Ciaran Quilty who said ‘thank you very much’ and took a fine point. Substitute Sean O’Dwyer was then shown a yellow for yet another soft foul, this time on Joseph O’Sullivan. Joseph got back to his feet and slotted over the resulting free.

The next score was a Mooncoin one. John Fitz controlled the ball beautifully, before popping over a fine point on 50 minutes.

Galway whistler Keon then handed out another

booking to the Kilkenny side, this time Pa Walsh got his name taken, again harshly.

Joseph O’Sullivan rifled over the placed ball from about ‘60 out. Full-back Cormac Daly was next for a chat with the man in black, his details taken for a pull on the helmet of the now attacking based Mark Keane. Joseph O’Sullivan did what was asked and reduced the Cork sides deficit to just one point. Paul Henebery then received a yellow following a desperate lunge in a bid to halt a Ballygiblin attack with just 4 minutes of normal time remaining.

The battle was well and truly on, and the man you want in such a battle is Pa Walsh.

Despite being surrounded by 3 or 4 defenders,

the bustling No.14 held tight to the sliotar and battled hard to win the free, which he struck over himself. The Cork Champions were pumping the ball into their full-forward line where they knew Mark Keane, would like Pa Walsh, battle hard. The Collingwood star drew the foul from Cormac Daly, who was having a right tussle with Keane. The free was dispatched by Joseph O’Sullivan.

As things really heated up, up stepped young Adam Croke with an outrageous piece of skill and finish from what seemed an impossible angle near the corner under the Hogan Stand.

Mooncoin 2 ahead as the match entered stoppage time. Croke then added his name

to the list of Noresiders in the ref’s notebook, again, rather harshly. Joseph O’Sullivan then added to his growing tally of frees, to reduce the gap to just one point as the frantic finish reached its climax.

Some strong running and battling by Mairtin Gannon earned his side a sideline cut on half way. Most sides may have played it short, or just try to waste a bit of time but not the talented Martin O’Neill. The No.5 stepped up and struck a sublime sideline ball straight between the Ballygiblin posts, like a dagger through the heart. Darragh Flynn did manage to pick off a point in response, but time was not to be the Cork side’s friend as referee Brian

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Hurling matters Reach out!!

Adam Croke

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Keon sounded the long whistle. Mooncoin had reached the promised land. All-Ireland Club Champions? YES SUIR! Scorers for Ballygiblin: Joseph O’Sullivan 0-9 (0-8f, 0-1 65), Darragh Flynn 0-4, Dean Barry 1-0, Seán O’Sullivan, Ryan Donegan 0-1, Michael Walsh 0-1, Colin English 0-1.

Ballygiblin: Christopher Noonan; Brian O’Gorman, Fionn Herlihy, James Mullins; Barry Coffey, Mark Keane, Michael Lewis; Ryan Donegan, Darragh Flynn; Michael Walsh, Colin English, Joseph O’Sullivan; Dean Barry, Seán O’Sullivan, Kieran Duggan.

Subs: Dillon Sheahan for Duggan (47), Aidan

Donegan for Barry (57) Scorers for Mooncoin: Patrick Walsh 0-7 (03f), John Fitzgerald 0-4, Martin O’Neill 0-4 (0-1f, 0-1 65, 0-1 s/l), Killian Hogan 0-3, Adam Croke 0-2, Kevin Crowley 0-1, Ciarán Quilty 0-1.

Mooncoin: Eoin Purcell; Aidan Doyle, Cormac Daly, Mark Kearns; Martin O’Neill, Paul Henebery, Jim Delahunty; Máirtín Gannon, Seán Gannon; Ciarán Quilty, John Fitzgerald, Kevin Crowley; Adam Croke, Patrick Walsh, Killian Hogan.

Sub: Seán O’Dwyer for Crowley (40).

Referee: Brian Keon (Galway)

Then here’s to the Suir with its valley so fair As of times we wandered in the cool morning air Where the roses are blooming and lilies entwine On the banks of the Suir that flows down by Mooncoin.

A cracking final. Both sides giving it everything. No quarter given. Mooncoin deservedly crowned All-Ireland Junior Club Champions.

How fitting that the winning margin was the same with which the South Kilkenny side had lost out on against Mayfield of Cork just 5 years ago in the Junior decider.

Yes, they hit many wides and didn’t raise a green flag, but by God did Willie Coogan’s side battle. Pa Walsh was the TG4 MOTM. Pa finished the day with 0-7 to his name, including 3 from play, but it was his non-stop battling and selfless work rate that made such a difference in Croke Park. Show Pa a wall and he will run through it.

Willie Coogan had heroes all over the park. Adam Croke with 2 stunning points, the second of which was my point of the day (from play). The angle, the skill, the finish at such a young age, on the biggest stage possible. John Fitz, banishing those painful memories from 2017 and hitting 0-4 in the process. Killian Hogan’s strike were all tremendous.

Martin O’Neill. Incredible performance from the former underage Kilkenny player.

Like Fitz, he finished with 0-4, but his final score from the sideline deep into stoppage time was a thing of beauty. Mr. Brian Cody, take note.

The defence coped well with the Ballygiblin attacking threat. Aidan Doyle certainly prevented one goal, while Mark Kearns block on English was also crucial. Eoin Purcell’s restarts were both quick and accurate.

The ‘G Force’ Mairtin & Seanie Gannon in the middle third, stood up and battled immensely hard across the 60-odd minutes and showed their counterparts a clean pair of heels on a number of occasions.

This panel of players deserve the ultimate reward gained in Croker. Injured Captain Niall Madden was sent to collect the cup and give the winners speech. The bond between these men is clear for all to see.

From everyone at the Kilkenny Observer, Congratulations Mooncoin. Enjoy the weeks ahead.

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Hurling matters

Sport

Darragh Corcoran

Eoin Cody

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB All-Ireland Club Senior Hurling Championship Final Ballygunner (Waterford) vs Shamrocks Ballyhale Saturday, February 12th, 3pm, Croke Park

TOMORROW at headquarters sees the top two hurling clubs on the Island of Ireland take to the turf of Croke Park.

In one corner, Shamrocks Ballyhale, Kilkenny and Leinster Champions. In the other, Ballygunner, Waterford and Munster Champions. This promises to be an epic battle.

Shamrocks have previous form in this competition. James O’Connor’s side are bidding to become the first hurling club to win 3 All-Ireland club titles on the bounce. What an amazing achievement that would be.

The Challengers...

Standing in the way of even more greatness for the Kilkenny side, are Ballygunner. Serial winners within Waterford, Darragh O’Sullivan’s team are seeking to shake-off the ‘bridesmaids’ tag, as they have been knocking on the door for a number of years, without making the decider. Having won the last EIGHT county titles, they hope to translate home domination onto the national stage tomorrow.

Should the unspeakable happen, and the Gunners upset Ballyhale, they will become the first Deise club to lift the Tommy Moore Cup. Forty-three games unbeaten in Waterford, Ballygunner are no mugs and will leave it all out on the Croker pitch against their near-neighbours tomorrow.

There is less than 25 miles separating these two wonderful clubs, and there are many ties between the two clubs.

Shamrocks talisman, TJ Reid is a distant cousin of the Mahoney brothers, so you can bet there will be an extra edge to their contests, in a bid for the family bragging rights.

An All-Ireland final appearance is the natural progression for Ballygunner, on the back of their county stranglehold.

Yes, this is their first appearance in the club decider, but they will come into the final in rude health and full of confidence following their provincial and national campaigns to date.

They cantered to their eighth straight county title with a 20-point win over Roanmore last October, with Dessie Hutchinson scoring 1-9 from play. Hutchinson only returned to club hurling 3 years ago, having played a little bit of soccer with Brighton across the water and now has three county titles to his name.

When they entered the provincial series, they dispatched Clare opposition for the fourth consecutive campaign, running out comprehensive 17-point winners over Ballyvea, who desperately missed their star, Tony Kelly. The Gunners had impressive performances from Pauric Mahony 0-8, Billy O’Keeffe 2-1, Mikey Mahony 1-2 and Conor Sheahan 0-3 as they advanced to a Munster semi-final with LoughmoreCastleiney on a wild afternoon in Dungarvan.

The Tipperary champions went down by 5-points to the Gunners and had the McGrath brothers red-carded during a tempestuous encounter. Goals in either half from Mikey & Kevin Mahoney proved crucial, while Dessie Hutchinson was in blistering form and notched 5 points from play.

Shane O’Sullivan & former inter-county keeper were particularly impressive for the winners on the day.

The Munster final would see Ballygunner take on Limerick’s Killmallock in Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh. They showed no mercy to the Treaty County side as they ran out 14-point winners, to claim their third Munster title. Once again, Dessie Hutchinson was in scintillating form, hitting 1-5, but it was his exceptional movement and accuracy that stood out in this crushing defeat of Killmallock. Livewire Billy O’Keefe hit 1-3 in an impressive attacking display from the Waterford side that saw all six starting forwards get on the score board. In goals, Stephen O’Keefe was again in

Double Trouble - Eoin Cody & Adrian Mullen will be hoping to celebrate on Saturday night!

Croker-bound Shamrocks seek title hat-trick Shamrocks Ballyhale set for Ballygunner shoot-out

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Hurling matters imperious form, pulling off some fine saves throughout the contest.

Derry and Ulster kingpins Slaughtneil were next up for Darragh O’Sullivan’s charges in the All-Ireland semi-final. Parnell Park hosted the encounter as both sides battled for a crack at Ballyhale.

The Ulster side were hoping for another shot at the Kilkenny side, following their defeat at the same stage of the competition just a couple of seasons ago. A sluggish start to each half would prove costly for Michael McShane’s side, as they were 5-points down after just three minutes of action, while they conceded 1-1 when play resumed in the second half.

TJ Reid in Ballygunner would win out by 5-points action and hit 15 wides, but they had to battle across the 60-odd minutes to quell the storm that the Derry side brought across the game.

Indeed, the Gunners were 8-points up as the game reached the final quarter, but McShane’s side dug in and hit four scores on the bounce to worry the Munster champions and force them to find another gear. Dessie Hutchinson 0-4, along with Billy O’Keefe who hit 2-3 were menacing throughout, and were ably supported by Kevin Mahony 0-4, and Peter Hogan 0-3, as the Deise side advanced to a first All-Ireland club final.

All pix: Danny Lahart

The Deise Threat...

Ballygunner possesses a genuine scoring threat to our County and Leinster Champions tomorrow. Their ‘normal’ front six would trouble most club defenders.

As mentioned, Dessie Hutchinson has been in inspired form since his return from the ‘foreign’ game three years ago. Hutchinson has proved to be extremely accurate and razor-sharp this season, while his movement has troubled all opponents this far. Billy O’Keefe, their 2-goal semi-final hero is another that will take some watching in Croker tomorrow. Throw in a triple threat of Mahony’s and this side are primed to do some damage to any scoring board.

Conor Sheahan at midfield will test the Shamrocks engine room with his forward bursts, and can raise a flag or two.

At the back, it all starts with former Waterford keeper, Stephen O’Keefe. His shot stopping has been right up there with the best, while his restarts have given his side a crucial platform to build wave upon wave of attack.

Captain, Barry Coughlan will command the square and will no doubt relish his battle with his opposite captain, Colin Fennelly. Shane O’Sullivan’s ability to deliver quality ball from No.6 will need to be restricted, as he is a main source of his sides attacking play.

ek Bainisteoir James O’Connor will be planning to halt Ballygunner

Back-to-back All-Ireland Champions for a reason....

Enough about the Gunners. Those of you not familiar with the Deise side have now been informed.

Shamrocks Ballyhale have been building foundations gradually throughout this season. Winning 4-ina-row county titles with a four-point win over O’Loughlin Gaels, sent James O’Connor’s men on their provincial journey. A hard-fought 6-point win over Carlow’s finest, Mount Leinster Rangers was their first assignment in Leinster. Along with TJ, Eoin Cody, Adrian Mullen, Joe Cuddihy and Brian Cody were all contributors to their side’s progression in Netwatch Cullen Park.

The first major scare for the defending All-Ireland champions came in the provincial semi-final against Offaly champs, St Rynaghs in Tullamore. By God did Tipp legend Ken Hogan’s team put the Shamrocks player and supports through the mill that day! With Ballyhale down to 14 men, St Rynaghs were 3 points up as the match entered stoppage time. Richie Reid hit a ‘65 into the mixer and Young Hurler of the Year, Eoin Cody reacted quickest as the sliotar bobbled about and struck it to the net.

This hammer blow seemed to completely knock the wind out of the Faithful County team’s sails. Indeed, they would only register 2 scores from placed balls during extra time. Shamrocks, showed their experience and ran out 9-point winners in the end.

The Leinster Final was staged at headquarters and saw the Noresiders take on ‘Picky’ Maher’s Clough/ Ballacolla. Coming into the game, there was lots of talk about the Laois side’s scoring threat, led by that

man Maher, who had hit 5-72 in his club’s run to the provincial decider. On the big stage, Maher would only register 3 scores from the placed ball, as ace manmarker Darren Mullen did a superb job on nullifying the dangerman’s threat.

Six of the best would see James O’Connor’s charges home by 27–odd points at Croker and in doing so, claim their 3rd straight provincial title and just two more steps from another All-Ireland title.

Semple Stadium was the venue as Leinster and Connacht champions collided. St Thomas of Galway provided the next test of Ballyhale’s credentials. If the St Rynaghs game had tested the nerves of the Kilkenny side and their travelling and watching faithful, we were to be taken to the edge once more in Thurles.

The sides deadlocked, as we entered 3 minutes of additional time. Placed ball specialist Cooney slotted over 2 soft frees to seemingly see his side home and gain revenge for their 2019 defeat to the same opposition.

Two points down in the final minute of stoppage time, a goal was needed to save the day. A long searching ball in and around ‘the house’ broke to TJ Reid who was wrestled to the ground.

A quick check with referee told TJ that only 30 seconds remained. Roughly 22 metres out, on the angle to the right of the St Thomas’ goal, TJ struck a fierce shot that rocketed to the back of the net past a plethora of bodies.

Game over. Shamrocks Ballyhale through to the AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship Final.

Reasons to be cheerful....

This Ballyhale side have shown an unbelievable resilience, especially this season, when pushed to the limits. All title winning teams need that special quality, and this Colin Fennelly led side clearly have the ability to hit that extra gear when called upon. After TJ’s miracle touch the last day, he suggested that his side have been using up their ‘nine lives’ with increasing regularity.

Some say you can only go to the well so many times, before it runs dry. Waterford native and Shamrocks manager James O’Connor, will no doubt hope that there isn’t the need to rescue tomorrow’s result in stoppage time.

TJ Reid, who has been playing with a groin injury since the county final, will hopefully have been wrapped in cotton wool since the St Thomas victory. Like many games nowadays, accuracy from the placed ball is key to establishing victory and we’ll need TJ to be on top of his game.

The work-rate of Adrian Mullen, along with his skipper will set the tone for the Shamrocks attack, while Eoin Cody and Joe Cuddihy will look to provide that little bit of sparkle in troubling the Ballygunner defence. The form of Eoin Cody will be particularly pleasing not only to see club, but his county Manager, who will be keen to integrate him into the black and amber set-up as the Allianz League progresses.

The Carlow IT student has also shown great confidence when taking over the free-taking duties when TJ hasn’t been on the field. Let’s hope both are on the pitch at the long whistle tomorrow. Similar to the Gunners Dessie Hutchinson, Eoin’s pace, movement and skill has troubled all opposition defenders at both club and county level. The stage is surely set for the 2-time Young Hurler of the Year to light up Croker against their near neighbours.

Joe Cuddihy has returned from suspension, and has looked lively. He too will welcome the opportunity to ply his wears in the open spaces of Croke Park and keep the score board ticking over. Brian Cody too has been operating more at ‘11’ in recent games and is capable of scoring from distance. Should the space not open up in front of him.

Going back to Adrian Mullen. The talented wingforward has been improving with each game and when the going gets tough against the Gunners tomorrow, Mullen won’t be afraid to roll up his sleeves and mix it when required.

With a little luck, Ronan Corcoran will be fit to take a starting berth in the decider. His all-round ability was sorely missed in the semi-final win over the Connacht champions. The Shamrocks faithful will hope that the spine behind the midfield continues to dominate. Dean Mason has been playing well, along with Joey Holden at ‘3’ and Richie Reid at ‘6’. Along with a Mullen or two, Darragh Corcoran and Evan Shefflin, the Ballyhale defence will hope to snuff out the undoubted Ballygunner attacking threat.

Both sides have the ability to freshen things up the respective benches, and this could have a bearing on tomorrow’s outcome. Winter hurling is difficult, both the finalists have shown that they have earned the right to battle it out for the title on the carpet at Croker.

Shamrocks Ballyhale expect and will leave no stone unturned in their quest for a third consecutive All-Ireland Club title. Let’s hope they join Mooncoin in lifting the ultimate accolade in club hurling at headquarters tomorrow. Believe in Ballyhale.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022

Hurling matters

Sport

All pix: Danny Lahart

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz National Hurling league Division 1B Kilkenny 2-15 Antrim 3-9 UPMC Nowlan Park

FOR the second year running, Darren Gleeson’s Antrim hurlers battled right to the end against Kilkenny in their own back yard, as Mossy Keoghan’s two-goal salvo proved crucial in helping the cats get over the line in the league opener.

Like last season, the Saffrons also hit 3 majors as they sought to claim a famous scalp. Sean Elliott, Neil McManus and Conor Johnston all raised green flags as the Ulster side went on the offensive at UPMC Nowlan Park.

The Noresiders can also thank St. Lachtains keeper, Darren Brennan for his wonderful save in stoppage time to deny Donal Nugent, which would have seen the spoils shared at Kilkenny HQ. Antrim started very brightly and had 1-1 on the board thanks to a point from midfielder Keelan Molloy and a major from Sean Elliott, as the home crowd were silenced.

A flurry of yellow cards were issued in the first 5 minutes, with Conor Delaney and John Donnelly having their name taken by referee Patrick Murphy. Conahy Shamrocks James Bergin opened the home sides account on 4 minutes and added another a few minutes later, but Kilkenny’s radar was badly off on a blustery day, that saw them hit 6 wides on the bounce and finish the half with ten misses.

Indeed, the home side didn’t score between the 8th and 18th minute. Mossy Keoghan would break that run with a nice point. Antrim tagged on further scores from Ciaran Clarke, Eoghan Campbell and Neil McManus.

Cody’s men got a foothold in the game thanks to scores from Paddy Deegan, Tom Phelan, and a free from Bergin, but the Glens men still led by a couple of points as the game entered stoppage time at the end of the first period.

However, Kilkenny would take the lead, thanks to Mossy’s quick reactions when Tom Phelan’s effort was blocked, he managed to squeeze the ball home for a goal.

There was still time for Ciaran Clarke to slot over a placed ball for the visitors, which saw both sides head to the changing rooms all square, 1-6 apiece. Darren Gleeson will no doubt have been disappointed not to have a lead of some sort, as his side had a strong wind to their backs in the opening period.

Brian Cody must have reminded his players that wearing the black and amber comes with certain responsibilities.

His side emerged from the interval a slightly different animal.

Kilkenny went straight at it from the restart. Cody’s charges would hit 1-5 without reply as they blitzed Antrim in a blistering start to the second half. Points for Thomastown’s John Donnelly, Tullaroan’s Padraig Walsh, who was captaining his side, and O’Loughlin’s Huw Lawlor were punctuated by a wonderfully worked team goal.

Billy Ryan and debutant Tom Phelan conspired to set up a second goal chance for Mossy, and the Sash clubman made no mistake. The score line looked a little healthier for the home side, 2-11 to Antrim’s 1-6.

Under Tipp native Gleeson, this Antrim team are a little like that under the legendary Jim Nelson. They never give up. And this was to be the case on a blustery Saturday in February in UPMC Nowlan Park. The Ulster side replied with some lovely scores from Dan McKernan, the impressive Seaan Elliott, before Naomh Eoin sharp shooter Conor Johnston fired an unstoppable shot past Darren Brennan, to leave just 3 points between the sides, 2-11 to 2-8 in favour of the cats.

Half-time substitute, Walter Walsh then pointed for the Noresiders , to make it a two-score game, before Mossy Keoghan rifled over another nice point. Ruairi Og’s Neil McManus then fired over a point. Antrim then had a harsh call made, when the referee showed Naomh Eanna cornerback, Niall O’Connor a red card. Surely that would stifle this Antrim Challenge? Not a chance. It appeared their numerical disadvantage spurred them on, and the travelling support got very excited when with 32 minutes on the clock, Cushendall’s Neil McManus fired home from a tight angle

Saffrons make Cats sweat Cody’s men win by 3 in blustery battle Brian Cody - Penny for his thoughts

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Hurling matters

Mikey Butler on the front foot

to the left of the goal, to reduce the gap to just 2 points.

Minutes later, Darren Brennan showed his worth when he somehow managed to save Donal Nugent’s goal bound effort.

The rather nervous home crowd were calmed a little when a stoppage time point from John Donnelly put the cats 3 in front, just ahead of the long whistle. An opening round win for Kilkenny, but by God Antrim made them work hard for it. Final score, Kilkenny 2-15, Antrim 3-9.

J Maskey; J McNaughton, K Molloy (0-1); N McKenna, C Clarke (0-3, 0-3 frees), C Cunning; S Elliott (1-2), N McManus (1-1, 0-1 free), C Johnston (1-0).

Subs: D McKernan (0-1) for McNaughton (50 mins), E O’Neill for Clarke (50 mins), S Walsh for Burke (56 mins), R McCambridge for Molloy (66 mins), D Nugent for McKenna (66 mins).

Referee: Patrick Murphy (Carlow)

Kilkenny: D Brennan; M Butler, C Delaney, T Walsh; J Maher, H Lawlor (0-1), D Blanchfield; M Carey, P Deegan (0-1); J Donnelly (0-4, 0-3 frees), P Walsh (0-2), T Phelan (0-1); B Ryan, M Keoghan (2-2), J Bergin (0-3, 0-2 frees).

Subs: C Wallace for Delaney (23 mins), C Heary for Maher (half-time), W Walsh (0-1) for Bergin (half-time), C Bolger for Ryan (53 mins).

Antrim: R Elliott; N O’Connor, G Walsh, S Rooney; P Burke, E Campbell (0-1),

Huw Lawlor clears his lines

Captain Padraig Walsh gets his shot away Just Hurling in the rain!

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Another year, another Antrim visit to UPMC Nowlan Park, another tight game, another Kilkenny victory.

While conditions were far from ideal, both sides endeavor could not be questioned. We had everything, sunshine, rain, wind, yes lots of wind!

Darren Gleeson’s side gave a really good account of themselves. Yes, they went home empty-handed, but hopefully this display will give them great encouragement ahead of the remaining Allianz League fixtures.

Kilkenny’s savage start to the second half is probably what swung the game in the end, but by God not before it swung several ways over the 70-odd minutes.

Talking of Darrens, Kilkenny’s netminder on the day St Lachtains Darren Brennan had a big hand or two in his side emerging victorious. His late, late save from Antrim’s Donal Nugent was magnificent.

Best for the home side on a horrible blustery afternoon, was Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan. He gave a superb display at No.14.

Next up for Mr. Cody is the small matter of a ‘trip to Tipp’ on Valentine’s Day eve, don’t think there will be much love lost there!

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Camogie Round-up

Sport

Off to a flyer

Aoife Doyle

Littlewoods Ireland Division 1 National League Kilkenny 1-18 (21) Limerick 1-10 (13)

BY MARTIN QUILTY Brian Dowling’s chargers got off to the perfect start when they defeated visitors Limerick in the first round of the national league on Saturday last in Antarctic conditions at John Locke Park in Callan.

Kilkenny started the league with a a newbie and a couple of familiar faces back in the fold. Brian Dowling put faith in young Tiffany Fitzgerald and had Sarah ‘Spud’ Crowley and Julieann Malone back in the fold also. Limerick put it up to Kilkenny when they last played in the quarter final of the league last year and the players certainly weren’t taking Limerick for granted.

The home side struck first with two minutes on the clock with a Katie Nolan free after she was fouled bearing down on goal. The visitors started brightly and with two scores on the bounce saw them lead 0-2 to 0-1 with six minutes gone. Kilkenny then shifted up a gear and in a 10 minute spell dominated Limerick and scored 1-5 without reply. Points from Niamh Deely, Miriam Walsh (2) Aoife Doyle and Mary O’Connell, with Katie Nolan getting in for the decisive goal on thirteen minutes.

Steffi Fitzgerald got a ball out on the stand side of JLP and sent in a shot at goal, the ball was dropping short but Katie was at the edge of the square waiting and with a deft touch with her hurl put the ball past Claire Keating in the Limerick goal. It had the skill of Carey and Reid and a goal that had everyone talking at half time. Kilkenny were now 1-6 to 0-2 ahead and Limerick were in trouble, they couldn’t get to grips with Kilkenny’s passing game.

It was like the Limerck hurlers had come to play Camogie. The movement the speed of the pass and the accuracy was a joy to behold. Rebecca Delee and Caoimhe Costello got a couple of points for limerick just before the break but three further points from the stick of Katie Nolan saw Kilkenny go in at the interval with a healthy 1-9 to 0-4 lead.

John Lillis would have hoped for a bright start for his Treaty women in the second half but it was the reigning league champions who started the half where they finished the first. Miriam Walsh and Katie Nolan extened the hosts lead 1-44 to 0-4 with 34mins on the clock.

Caoimhe Costello who tried her hardest for the visitors got two quick frees to narrow the lead. It was nip and tuck up until the 47th minute, at this stage the home side had a comfortable 1-14 to 0-8 lead. Limerick got a great score themselves, a long ball in on top of Grace Walsh saw the Tullaroan player let the high ball slip out of her hand and Rebecca Delee was there to pounce on the mistake before dispatching the ball passed

Steffi Fitzgerald

Off to a winning start - Manager Brian Dowling

St Martins Sharp shooter Katie Nolan

the rushing Aoife Norris.

It was a goal that Limerick deserved. They had never dropped the heads despite Kilkenny’s big lead, they kept faith and it had paid off. That goal had made Kilkenny up their game for the closing 12mins as they scored four points to Limericks one. By the time Ray Kelly had blown his final whistle Kilkenny had won the game by eight points, 1-18 to 1-10.

Kilkenny will have been happy with their first outing. You could see the work that had been done in training, the support play was excellent, the first touch while not

immaculate was impressive, the strength of the players and the way the players moved the ball with pave and purpose was different to what we saw in last years league.

Brian Dowling will be very happy especially with his new players and in the knowledge that he still had some to return to the panel later in the league also. It was a case of dusting off the cobwebs from the All-Ireland semi final defeat in 2021 and look forward to 2022. Things don’t get any easier though as they now have two away games to Clare up next on 26th February and then Cork away in March.

Scorers: Kilkenny:- Kilkenny: Katie Nolan 1-8 (0-5f ), Miriam Walsh 0-4, Niamh Deely 0-1, Aoife Doyle, Mary O’Connell, Laura Murphy, Katie Power, Kellyann Doyle 0-1 each Limerick:- Caoimhe Costello 0-6 (0-3f ), Rebecca Delee 1-2, Caoimhe Lyons, Sarah O’Brien 0-1 each Teams: Kilkenny: Aoife Norris; Michelle Teehan, Tiffany Fitzgerald, Grace Walsh; Kellyann Doyle, Claire Phelan, Sarah Crowley; Laura Murphy, Julieanne Malone; Niamh Deely, Katie Nolan, Steffi

Fitzgerald; Mary O’Connell, Miriam Walsh, Aoife Doyle Subs: Katie Power for M.O’Connell, Aoife Prendergast for L.Murphy, Ciara O’Keefee for J.Malone, Laura Norris for A.Doyle, Lydia Fitzpatrick for S.Crowley Limerick: Claire Keating; Emma Kennedy, Marian Quaid, Sinead Barry; Muireann Creamer, Sophie O’Callaghan, Neamh Curtin; Orlaith Kelleher, Caoimhe Costello; Ailbhe Larkin, Rebecca Delee, Aishling Scanlon, Sarah O’Brien, Laura Fennelly, Caoimhe Lyons.

Subs: Stephaine for S.O’Brien Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare)

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Basketball

Sport

The last dance?

Not a chance!

Masters Sides will keep on dunking

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AFTER nearly two years in the planning, Basketball Ireland have finally been able to roll out a new sports initiative - The Masters National Cup competition in Basketball.

With 43 teams from all around Ireland at Over 40’s (men & women) and Over 50’s (men) willing to participate, it is certainly going to get a lot of players engaged in the game.

Most are currently playing

in their regional leagues already, so to be involved at this national level is a big step up.

Mike Murray, the administrator for Masters basketball in Basketball Ireland, is delighted to see the competition come to fruition following the impact of Covid-19, “It’s great to eventually get the Masters Cup up and running after several delays due to Covid.

This event is a highly anticipated addition to the basketball calendar and it creates the opportunity for former players, most of whom are actively involved in various areas of the game,

to compete at a national level”.

The Kilkenny Masters Over 40’s team have a home tie in the first

round this Saturday evening (12th) in O’Loughlins Gym at 7.30pm.

The opposing team are The Vikings from Dublin, a formidable outfit made up of ex Internationals and Super League players.

The Paris Texas sponsored Kilkenny team have quality personnel in

their ranks too, with newly appointed head coach Damien Brett putting the players through their paces in recent weeks, and battling it out for their starting positions.

It promises to be a very exciting game and we encourage you to go along and show your support for the men in Black & Amber!

There will be post-match

drinks and entertainment in Paris Texas bar, all are welcome.

The annual Kilkenny Masters Basketball Tournament takes place on the weekend 4th-6th March, with 29 teams taking part.

Check out www. kilkennymasters.ie and Facebook for more details and fixtures.

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Motors Classifieds

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Classifieds Motors

BABYSITTER AVAILABLE Retired School Teacher 087 3820109

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News

Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL APPLICATION TO KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL FOR A WASTE FACILITY PERMIT Notice is hereby given in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007 that Liam Dalton, Blackdog Recycling of Grange Lower, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny intends to apply for a Waste Management Facility Permit at Grange Lower, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

The application for a waste facility permit will be made to Kilkenny County Council within 10 working days of the date of this notice. The Classes of Activity at the site, as specified in the 3rd and 4th Schedule of the Waste Management Act, 1996, are as follows; R 4 Recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds R 11 Use of waste obtained from any of the operations numbered R 1 to R 10 R 12 Exchange of waste for submission to any of the operations numbered R 1 to R 11 (if there is no other R code appropriate, this can include preliminary operations prior to recovery including pre-processing such as, amongst others, dismantling, sorting, crushing, compacting, pelletizing, drying, shredding, conditioning, repackaging, separating, blending or mixing prior to submission to any of the operations numbered R1 to R11) R 13 Storage of waste pending any of the operations numbered R 1 to R 12 (excluding temporary storage (being preliminary storage according to the definition of “collection” in section 5(1)), pending collection, on the site where the waste is produced).

This activity is limited to the preparing for reuse of WEEE and does not cover the treatment of WEEE. This Principal Activity is R 11 Use of waste obtained from any of the operations numbered R 1 to R 10 and is limited to the preparing for reuse of WEEE and does not cover the treatment of WEEE. The Classes of Activity at the site, as specified in the Third or Fourth Schedule of the Waste Management Act, 1996, are as follows; 3rd Schedule Part 1: Class 1 - The reception and temporary storage, pending collection, other than by a local authority, where not otherwise regulated by a waste licence or certificate of registration, or exempted in accordance with the provisions of article 39 of the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 of—(1) household hazardous waste (other than WEEE and mercury containing waste or used batteries and accumulators) at a civic amenity facility, recycling centre or central collection point where annual intake shall not exceed (i) in the case of liquid waste, 100,000 litres, (ii) in the case of non-liquid waste, 100 tonnes….(2) WEEE at any premises for the purpose of onward transport and submission to recovery at an authorised facility.

3rd Schedule Part 1: Class 3 - The reception, treatment and recovery of WEEE (including removal of all fluids and dismantling or disassembly or removal of WEEE substances, preparations and components prior to treatment) in accordance with the provisions of articles 20 and 21 of the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations (S.I. No. 340 of 2005). Annual intake shall not exceed 10,000 tonnes per annum.

3rd Schedule Part 1: Class 4. The reception, storage and recovery of scrap metal, including scrap metal arising from end-of-life vehicles, waste vehicles (other than end-of-life vehicles) and WEEE where scrap metal from – (1) end-of-life vehicles shall be subject to appropriate treatment and recovery in accordance with the provisions of articles 14 and 15 of the Waste Management(End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 282 of 2006) prior to acceptance at the scrap metal facility, and as appropriate, ..(2) waste vehicles (other than end-of-life vehicles) shall be subject to appropriate treatment and recovery having regard to the provisions of articles 14 and 15 of the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 282 of 2006) prior to acceptance at the scrap metal facility, and as appropriate, ..(3) WEEE shall be subject to appropriate treatment and recovery in accordance with the provisions of articles 20, 21 and 22 of the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 340 of 2005) prior to acceptance at the scrap metal facility.

This Principal Activity is 3rd Schedule Part 1: Class 3 - The reception, treatment and recovery of WEEE (including removal of all fluids and dismantling or disassembly or removal of WEEE substances, preparations and components prior to treatment) in accordance with the provisions of articles 20 and 21 of the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations (S.I. No. 340 of 2005). Annual intake shall not exceed 10,000 tonnes per annum.

A copy of the application for the waste permit will as soon as is practicable after receipt by the Local Authority, be available for inspection or purchase at the principal office of Kilkenny County Council at John St. Lower, Kilkenny.

Liam Dalton

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by James Connolly for: A. the retention of as-built toilet block extension and proposed change of elevational treatment of as-built toilet block extension to ground floor apartment, B. the retention of as-built basement conversion to apartment, C. the retention of as-built courtyard apartment and proposed modifications to internal layout and change of elevational treatment of as-built courtyard apartment, and D. to carry out all associated site development works at No.4, Wellington Square, Kilkenny, which is a Protected Structure (NIAH reference number 12000103, Record of Protected Structures reference number B206) and is also within the Kilkenny City Centre Architectural Conservation Area.

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, Bernard Renehan intend to apply for outline planning permission to build a 3 bedroom bungalow on my lands at Newtown, Bonnettstown, 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: Bernard Renehan

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND FIRST ANNIVERSARY

ANNE O’NEILL (NEE HAWE) 1ST ANNIVERSARY

Seamus Young(Seamie) Irish Film Walsh Maryville, Castlecomer, Makers on the set of Co. Kilkenny

In loving memory of Film our loving mother, Young Irish grandmother andset wonderful sister Makers on the of Anne O’Neill who died on 16th February the National Youth 2021 Film school 2019 R.I.P

the National Youth

Film school 2019 On this, the first anniversary of Seamus’s death, his wife Chrissie, son Joe, daughters Miriam, Paula, Christine, Majella, Noelle and extended family would like to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and kindness shown to us on our great loss. We greatly appreciate the Mass cards, sympathy cards, flowers, phone calls, letters, text messages, condolences on rip.ie, programmes on KCLR radio, and articles in the newspapers and on social media which all have meant so much to us.

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.

I think of you in silence I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Thank you to Monsignor Ryan and Fr. Doyle for such a lovely mass and to Sarah Brennan and Jimmy Byrne for the beautiful music.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part God has you in his keeping I have you in my heart.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Prasad, Dr. Helen Delaney and to Dr. Michael Conway for their exceptional care and unwavering support. Special thanks to the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, the Public Health Nurses Margaret and Hilary and the Homecare Team. Thank you to Edel and staff at Quirkes Pharmacy and also to Paddy Coady and team for their professionalism and kindness.

Loved and missed by your loving children Ann, Paddy, Brendan, Susan, Andrew, Elizabeth, Gareth, David and Thomas, her grandchildren, sister Frances, brother-in-law Jim, all her brothers and sisters, extended family and friends

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. C.F

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.K

To our amazing friends, neighbours and all the local communities, we thank you so much for the compassion and support that you have shown us.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude.

Seamus’s first anniversary mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 12th February at 7pm in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Castlecomer.

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. D.B

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. B.OR

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