TV & Streaming

e conman gripping Net ix audiences

THE hit Net ix documentary ‘ e Tinder Swindler’ has shown how conman Simon Leviev lives a life of luxury ripping o his lonesome, crazy-in-love ladies. e 31- year-old was born Shimon Hayut but changed his name to Simon Leviev and styled himself e 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’. e 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. e man has a penchant for all things luxurious from private jets, luxury cars, and even yachts! His blind-inlove, a uent 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 e Sun newspaper. e 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 rst date, she felt pressured under crippling debt that Leviev had spent on hotels, ne dining, and rst-class travel. e fraudster carefully selects his targets. One victim fell for his charm shortly after a split from her ancé. e 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. is 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.

riller 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.

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 ll, 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 ve things to know about Reacher, according to Alan Ritchson...

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. at gave me the chance while lming 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 su ering 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. at’s just one of the qualities he has that resonates 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?’ is 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

“ ere was one ght 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 re escape and we shot in a way that there’s no way to rig it. “ at ght 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 ghts 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 re 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.”

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 O icial 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 le into the Centre, please call before dropping o . 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 o er, 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 O icers 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 o 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 so 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 O icer – 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 o icers 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, Treasurer- B.Kavanagh , Ass.Treasurer- JP Kavanagh,PRO – B.Quinn/S.Donnelly, Co Board Rep. – P.White, Irish O icer – 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 O ice. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be le in or emailed to the Parish O ice by 11am on Thursdays. MASS CARDS Special printed parish cards are available at the

Parish O ice or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish o ice on 056 8832843 or by email – 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 o er 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 di icult 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 a erwards 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 co ee 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 o 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 o ers 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 o the festival season next month is the return of St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny to the streets from March 15 to 20, 2022. A er 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 O ice 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 sta 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 ‘o -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 Denie e 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,Ti any and Ste i 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. Ti any made her Senior Inter County debut as she started at Full-Back, with Ste i starting at WingForward, while Ciara O’Kee e 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’Kee e, 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 o 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 A ernoon (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 o 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 a ernoon. 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 o ering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a di icult 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 co ee 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